2016-11-03

I feel like once I reached 30, there are so many things I wish people would have been a tad bit more blunt with me about in my 20’s.  Like my overly bleached hair or when my friends gave me an intervention about keeping my belly button ring a few years too long past college.  I am not a makeup blogger but I do love products as you know.  My bathroom is a testament to that, total product junkie. So here are a few pieces of advice that I am not living by and are making a big difference in my daily routine.  Without further ado…..

10 Things to Stop Doing With Your Makeup Routine Right Now



Applying Concealer Wrong



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I used to always put my concealer on the “wrong” way until I discovered what contouring was all about. I’ve never completely mastered the full face HAC (especially on the nose….straight witchcraft) but it was a total eye-opening moment after I watched this video from Cara.  Applying your concealer in a triangle like this brightens the entire face while spreading out the heavier product.  Paired with the rest of your makeup it will make the application of concealer look more natural and highlighted.

Using Your Fingers to Put Makeup on

Think of everything you do with your hands on a daily basis, then imagine them swiping across your eyeshadow palette and onto your face.  You are introducing all that is living on your hands into your makeup and onto your face.  Plus, the oils from your face get into your products creating a build-up layer on top.  You know what I’m talking about right?  Then you almost have to scrape off the top layer to get to the goods underneath it.  Stop using your fingers which leads me to my next point.

Not Using Appropriate Brushes



There is a brush for all things when it comes to makeup application for a reason.  A concealer brush is very different than an eyeshadow brush.  They really are not interchangeable.  Get an angle brush for your darker colors for contouring.  A fluffy brush to set and a good blush brush.  My favorite brush set is the airbrush brushes from Sephora.  They are worth the splurge and have lasted me years.  I also have this ELF brush for contouring and it’s under $3 and does the job.  Make sure you keep your brushes clean, I personally use this because it came in some kit I bought and it works well.

Completely Lining Your Lower Lash With Black

This picture seriously makes me cringe.  What was I thinking?  Black eyeliner should not be used to line from inner corner to outer corner on the lower lash line, stop.  It makes your eyes look closed in, smaller, and it’s such a harsh look.  If you can’t part with it completely, then line halfway and smudge so at least it’s a little softer.

See so much better and believable!

Putting Foundation on the Back of Your Hand

*Raises my hand*.  I used to do this every single day.  Like clockwork right?  Take out foundation, squirt on the back of my left hand and dip my foundation brush onto my hand.  You are wasting product and introducing all the junk that is on your skin onto your face and brushes.  Plus, how many times do you wipe it off on the towels in your bathroom?  I know you do.  Lindsay introduced me to this genius hack and I feel like a painter with my palette every morning.  I also like that I can mix lotions or other products in with it.  Where has this been right?  Here is another great option that is budget friendly and Amazon.

Not Priming or Setting Your Makeup

You live in the south and want to get your makeup to last the whole day in a 90-degree humidity swamp?   You learn how to prime and set.  Plus, primer allows a barrier between your skin and makeup.  I personally like this one from Smashbox because it takes the redness out of my cheeks prior.  I then buff a setting powder over to set it and eliminate shine (with this brush).  To lock it all in and prevent the dreaded transfer of makeup onto clothing, spray this on top.  It really works.

Sleeping With it On

There is no excuse to sleep with your makeup on anymore.  I know sometimes I get so tired the thought of splashing water on my face is exhausting.  Well, luckily I found this makeup eraser, have you finally gotten one yet?  It is the best thing ever.  It will take off red lipstick and waterproof makeup with just water.  A lot of you asked how often I wash it and the answer is about once a week.  I use the corners first and then work my way in.  Wash and it’s back to new ready to rock again.

Using Old Makeup

If you can’t even read the brand on the side of the mascara or eyeliner stick…..it is time to get rid of it.  Think of all the germs/bacteria/nastiness that is sitting on your product and then spreading it onto your eyes and onto your face.  Anything that touches your eyes should not be older than 3 months.  I usually buy mascaras in mini versions so that I never use it longer than a month or two (that was pre-lash extensions) but it was a great rule of thumb to live by.

Not Changing up Your Look

Don’t be afraid to try that bold lip!

I am guilty of this.  There are definite staples of everyone’s makeup look but don’t be afraid to try a bolder lip or darker tones during the changes of the season.  Try switching up your trusty black liner with a deep purple or navy.  Add a subtle shimmer or micro glitter shadow for the holidays.  Makeup should be fun, expressive, and something that you should be experimenting with.  Think about how you feel when you get a new lipstick or eyeshadow.  It is a total mood changer.

Not Buying That One Splurge

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Everyone should have that one product that makes you feel like a million bucks when you wear it.  Splurge on that one mascara that makes your lashes look like falsies and you feel incredibly sassy when you put it on.  Buy that highlighter that brightens up your face and gives you the glow.  My biggest splurges are my NARS bronzer and lipsticks.  Say yes to that one product that is a cult classic for a reason.  You will feel special and put together every time you swipe it on.  Plus, they are usually in the prettiest packaging right?  They just instantly put you in a better mood.

10 Things to Stop Doing With Your Makeup Right Now
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There you go, some of my recommendations of things you should stop doing with your makeup right now.  I should tell you that during the week, my makeup consists of swiping on foundation and sweeping whatever leftover bronzer is left in my brush over my face when I’m running out the door.  However, I am a firm believer in the powers of how makeup can make you feel.  Isn’t there no better feeling than freshly washed hair and a skillfully applied face of makeup?  Get out of the way, we have our A game on today!  What things did you stop doing with your makeup that you used to do?  Do you use brushes for your makeup or swipe on with your finger pads?  What is your number one favorite makeup product do you own?  I’d love to hear what you can’t live without!

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