5 Reasons Your Makeup Sucks

I will be completely honest and transparent with you. My makeup used to suck. Like, what was I thinking used to suck. Who let me out the house like this used to suck. How was I smiling so boldly in a picture like this used to suck. Just wanted to be honest for a minute and let you know hey sis, I’ve been there. We all have. But, we don’t have to stay there.

I have a lot of friends and clients come up to me and tell me how much they love my makeup, and if only theirs could look like mine. Their assumption is that mine only looks like this because I practice makeup artistry as a trade. Nope, that’s not it, because I know a number of women who achieve the same look, they’ve just figured some things out.

I was trying to help some of my friends kinda get the cheat code to better makeup, and I kept coming to the same things as to why their makeup may not be turning out that great. And I will let you know now, it has nothing to do with strictly buying high end products.

So if you’re trying to assess where you are going wrong with your makeup application, here are 5 reasons your makeup probably sucks:

Products

One of the first complaints I hear about makeup is how its not working, and I will immediately ask if they are using things like a primer, or what powder do they set with. Ninety-five percent of the time I get a blank stare, or “Oh, I don’t do that”. Well honey the makeup isn’t the problem, your lack or misuse of products is. Making sure you have the right products is paramount. By missing a few products, or not using a product how it is intended to be used, your end result could be less than favorable.

Tools

Dirty tools, lack of tools, cheap crappy tools. You name it, but tools can really make a difference in not only the application of products, but the final result. Whenever I have a 1:1 consultation with a client or friend about their makeup, the first thing they ask me about is what products to use, while my question is “can I see the tools you’re using?” Nine times out of ten I see tools that aren’t clean, damaged, too stiff and not soft, or not there at all. Get a great set of basic brushes, and despite what you may think it won’t break the bank. Some great brands are Sonia Kashuk as well as Real Techniques , Morphe or Crown Brush. Learn more about brushes here.

Blending

There are so many times I look a someone’s makeup and all I can say to myself is, if they spent just a LITTLE bit more time blending, the end result could have been that much better. Take your time, exercise some patience, and blend until it feels like your hand is going to come off. As I always say, you want to see the EFFECT of the makeup, not the makeup itself.

Color Choice

There is nothing more jarring than seeing a woman who’s face does not match her body. Unless you’re wearing a turtleneck, it all needs to flow together. Find your right foundation shade. Your correct highlighting shade. Your correct contouring shade. It really is trial and error, as all foundation formulas are different, and some oxidize more than others. Really test a product out, wear it an entire day. Find your color, and remember your color is going to change throughout the year. The same foundation you wear in December more than likely is not going to be the one you wear in July.

Skill

Let’s face it sis. Makeup just might not be your ministry, and that’s ok! If you’re feeling completely lost on what to do and how to do it, take a class. And if all else fails, just hire a professional. Know your lane, and be comfortable in that. Everything isn’t for everyone.