We’ve all been there: meticulously applying makeup, only to make a frustrating mistake that seems to ruin everything. But don’t despair! Instead of starting over, try these quick fixes for five of the most common makeup mishaps.
**1. Too Much Foundation:**
If you’ve applied too much foundation, don’t panic. Lightly dampen a clean makeup sponge with water (ensuring it’s almost dry and free of makeup residue). Gently dab the sponge over your face in downward motions to absorb the excess product. Pay special attention to the under-eye area, where foundation and concealer can often accumulate. Use your fingertips to lightly blend the product for a natural finish.
**2. Eyeshadow Overload:**
If your eyeshadow looks too dark or intense, grab a clean blending brush. For the upper eyelid, blend the eyeshadow outwards towards the edges to soften the color. If the color remains too dark, apply a small amount of matte cream eyeshadow or translucent powder with a brush and blend again. For the lower lash line, use a fine, clean brush or a Q-tip to gently diffuse the color. If blending causes the eyeshadow to extend beyond the desired area, clean up the edges with a slightly damp sponge and reapply a touch of foundation, patting lightly to blend.
**3. Blush Blunder:**
Applying too much blush can be easily corrected. Use a clean, fluffy powder brush to gently sweep across your cheeks. The brush will pick up some of the excess blush. If you still need to tone it down, apply translucent or clear powder over the blush with the same brush. This will help to blend the blush and soften the color.
**4. Overdone Eyebrows:**
Heavy, overly filled-in eyebrows can look unnatural. To soften the look, simply brush through your eyebrows with a clean Q-tip, moving against the direction of hair growth. This will remove excess product and create a more natural appearance.
**5. Mascara Smudges:**
Mascara smudges are a common frustration. The key is to let the mascara dry completely before attempting to remove it. Once dry, use a clean Q-tip to gently lift the smudge away. No need to remove all of your eye makeup! To prevent smudges, try applying mascara to your lower lashes first, followed by your upper lashes.