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Lip liner has had a bad rap for decades—ever since women thought it was a good idea to pair brown lip liner with nude lipstick. But the pencil does have an important place in our makeup routine if used correctly. It adds color, works as a primer and creates precise lines. Here are the top mistakes to avoid for perfect lipstick every single time.



1. Going Too Dark
The number one mistake we learned from the early 90s is never apply a darker pencil around your lipstick. Not only does it look tacky, but it also makes your lips looks smaller. If you can’t find a close match or a clear pencil, go with a pencil one to two shades lighter. This makes the center of the lips look plumper.

2. Leaving Smudges
A lip liner’s most important function is to create perfectly straight lines. Leave even one smudge and the lip looks sloppy. Fix any mistakes with a brushed dabbed in concealer. Trace the brush along the edge of the lips to cover any missteps.

3. Harsh Lines
Just as you don’t want smudges, you also don’t want harsh lines. The liner should be subtle and blend in with the lipstick. Two simple tricks: dab a Q-tip along the edges to soften the look and never sharpen the pencil to a super fine tip.

4. Moving Outside the Line
This may seem like the perfect way to fake bigger lips, but it only makes the lines more noticeable. Stick to drawing directly on the line.

5. Drawing Straight Lines
Straight lines tend to be harsh. Instead draw on an angle. This will also fill more of the lip and act as a better primer.




Contributed by Shannon Farrell for Dailymakeover. Image courtesy Beauty High.

Eyeshadow seems like the most straightforward makeup product — just swipe on the lids and you’re done. However, with different pigments and bold colors, we all make mistakes every now and again. Here is a compiled list of the most common pitfalls, and of course, how to avoid them.

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1. Matching Your Eyeshadow to Your Eye Color
The common rule of thumb is that eye colors look best with eyeshadow shades on the opposite side of the color wheel. For example, green eyes look gorgeous with burgundy shadow, since red and green are complementary colors. If you do want to a try a shade that’s similar to your eye color, choose a muted one that won’t overshadow the iris.

2. Forgetting to Blend
Blending different colors — one or two on the lid and another on the brow bone — creates a gorgeous finish. But if there is a harsh line between each color, it looks sloppy and undone. Make sure to blend each shade into the next with a shadow brush.

3. Using Applicators that Come with the Shadow
Most eyeshadows come with handy mini applicators, making it easy to apply on the go. However, for a truly blended finish, you should use a makeup brush. A sponge tip applicator provides a lot of pigment at once while a brush allows you to gradually add product and blend as you go.

4. Applying Too Much Below the Eye
Be careful to dab shadow only on the lower lash line and not any farther down. Any additional product drags down the look and makes the eye appear tired.

5. Applying Eyeshadow After Concealer
Always apply your eyeshadow before your under eye concealer. If not, the shadow will fall all over the eye area and undo all your hard work. When dabbing concealer on the under eyes, place it just below the lower lash line.

6. Using Shimmery Shadows on Aging Lids
Because of their light-reflecting properties, frosty shadows draw attention to wrinkles and crepey lids. Leave the sparkly shades to twenty somethings and choose more flattering matte or satin finish products instead.

7. Skipping Liner and Mascara
Eyeshadow doesn't do it all; the eye also needs some contrast. Dark mascara and eyeliner frame the shape (creating an outline) while the shadow brightens and opens up the eye.





Contributed by Shannon Farrell for DailyMakeover