With years under my belt as a professional makeup artist and beauty blogger, I’ve heard every question imaginable. The world of cosmetics and skincare can certainly seem vast and confusing to navigate. My aim is to simplify things for you by answering the most frequent makeup questions I receive. Consider this your crash course, unveiling all those makeup mysteries!
Why does my foundation look orange?
This common makeup mistake stems from undertone issues. Most complexions contain dominant pink or yellow hues. When the tones of your foundation conflict with your natural skin pigmentation, an orangey tinge can emerge.
For example, very yellow-toned skin paired with a pink-hued foundation results in a peach or orange appearance. The reverse is also true – neutral or pink skin combined with a golden foundation shade oxidizes into orange. It’s all about the color theory at play.
Oxidation can also occasionally cause a color-changing foundation throughout the day. Using a primer creates a barrier between facial oils and makeup, preventing it from darkening over time. (Related: Finding the One: How to Find the Right Foundation)
Why doesn’t my makeup last?
Moisture lies at the heart of makeup longevity issues. When skin is dry and dehydrated, it tries to draw moisture from any source – including your flawless face! Well-hydrated skin has no need to take moisture elsewhere. (See: Face It: The Moisturizer Round-Up)
On the flip side, oily and combination skin types have a different dilemma. Facial oils naturally break down makeup over time, causing it to fade and crease. That’s why oil-based makeup removers melt everything right off. But skipping moisturizer can actually increase oil production and decrease wear time. A lightweight gel formula hydrates without adding shine. Mattifying primers also help guard against greasiness, further locking in your look.
Why doesn’t my blush last?
A proper makeup order determines how long your blush lasts. Applying blush directly after foundation means facial oils can swiftly penetrate, causing fading. But first, setting the foundation with translucent powder builds a barrier, protecting the cheek color underneath.
Plus, blush glides on more evenly atop a velvety base. The powder foundation blends beautifully while preventing skipping or dragging on bare skin. Now just smile and let that natural glow last all day!
Why does my eyeliner smudge?
Pencil, cream, and gel formulas often slip and smear due to interactions with emollient eye products. Any creamy concealers or rich eye creams allow eyeliner to travel, especially to the sensitive undereye area.
The simple fix? Immediately set concealer with powder to limit liner friction, and allow eye cream to fully absorb before makeup application. Another smudge-proofing trick involves layering matching eyeshadow atop liner. This sets the pigment in place, preventing dreaded midday raccoon eyes. (Related: Best liquid eyeliner)
Why do I get breakouts on the sides of my face?
For side sleepers, when’s the last time you laundered your pillowcase? Dead skin and oils accumulate nightly, clogging pores and causing blemishes along the cheeks and jawline. Stash extra pillowcases to swap out weekly for a quick refresh.
Phone hygiene also plays a role. Alcohol wipes your screen at least once a week to remove bacteria accumulation from constant contact with facial skin. A quick swipe keeps breakouts at bay!
Why bother removing makeup at night?
Sleeping in cosmetics overnight enlarges pores, inhibiting the skin’s natural repair and restoration processes. For optimal renewal, provide your complexion with a clean canvas on which to work its overnight magic.
Why is it so crucial? Between 11 p.m. and midnight, skin cell division and turnover peak. Still sporting yesterday’s foundation means fresh cells can’t generate, allowing damage to accumulate over time. So take two minutes to wash makeup away – your skin will thank you in the mornings!
How do I find the perfect foundation shade?
For flawless foundation shade selection, visit Sephora and test options directly on your skin. While the ColorIQ device provides accurate initial matches, always swatch along the jaw to see tones in natural light. Deep complexions should swipe from cheek centers towards the jaw as well.
Focus on identifying undertones first, then find corresponding shades. Yellow, pink, or neutral – keep within the same undertone family for ideal blending. In-store testers take the guesswork out of choosing the right foundation hues. Let the pros help color match your unique skin!
Why do someone lipsticks make my teeth look yellow?
Warmer-toned lipsticks with yellow bases cast that same pigment onto teeth. Cool blue-based shades produce the opposite effect, making teeth appear brighter. Choosing lip colors with pink or berry hues helps teeth seem whiter! (See: How to Rock Red Lipstick)
Why does my makeup look different once I step outside?
Blame it on bad lighting! Tiny bathrooms with warm overhead lighting often skew makeup applications. Skin appears more golden indoors than it does outdoors in natural, cooler light. The simple fix? Position yourself near a window to apply makeup or use a lighted mirror that mimics professional lighting. This prevents shade mismatches between indoor and outdoor environments.
Why is my face lighter than my body?
A complexion color mismatch is common and expected with a solid skincare regimen. Exfoliating and using retinol or AHA/BHA products accelerates facial skin cell turnover. Freshly generated skin appears lighter than neglected neck and chest areas.
Additionally, your face shields the neck from sun exposure. For a seamless blend, match face and chest foundation shades first. Then sweep makeup down the neck to bridge any transition lines between lighter and darker skin areas. A little bronzer on the neck and chest adds further cohesion.
Why do I have dark circles all the time?
Genetics, allergies, and insufficient sleep create the perfect dark circle storm. Combat it with allergy meds if needed, aiming for at least 7 hours of shut-eye nightly. But the real weapon against tired eyes is a color corrector applied before concealer.
If circles appear red or purple-tinged, reach for a yellow-based corrector to neutralize them. Bluish or brownish shadows require peach or apricot hues instead. Corrector makeup allows you to use less concealer for a wide-awake, flawless under-eye zone. (See: 20 Hacks For Fixing Your Under Eye Circles)
Why do I need more than one eyeshadow brush?
Attempting to apply all shades with a single brush muddies your eye look. Colors blend together into an undefined mess when one brush does it all.
Instead, use smaller, firmer brushes for precision application. Dot intense pigments exactly where desired – inner corners, brow bones, lashlines. Larger, fluffier brushes diffuse and blend across the lid and crease.
Dedicate specific brushes to certain eye zones and colors. This keeps your eye makeup palette clean, intentional, and ultra-flattering. It’s worth investing in a brush set to take your eye look to the next level. (Related: How To Use Makeup Brushes Hacks)
How often to wash makeup brushes?
For ideal hygiene, deep-clean brushes should be used weekly. But biweekly scrubdowns work too. The key is regularly eliminating makeup buildup, oils, and bacteria.
Between washes, spray brushes with a sanitizing brush cleaner. Color switch sponges also quickly remove pigment between uses on different areas.
Consistently caring for your makeup brushes ensures flawless application and healthy skin. Proper brush hygiene pays off with better blendability and bounce, too!
How do I choose a red lipstick?
When selecting the perfect signature crimson lip, focus on your skin’s undertones first. Those with warm or olive complexions shine in orange-leaning reds. Coral and watermelon hues compliment this skin tone beautifully.
Meanwhile, neutral or cool pink skin needs blue-based reds. These deeper berry and fuchsia shades allow cooler complexions to shine. Let your natural undertone guide you to flattering, show-stopping red lipstick shades.
Why doesn’t my lipstick last?
The secret to longevity lies in lip liner. Matte, dry lip liners provide the perfect anchor for slip-sliding lipsticks. Just outline your lips first, then completely fill in with liner before applying color.
This creates an essential barrier between the wet inner lip and your creamy lip pigment. Liner clings to skin tenaciously while allowing color to grip. The result? Flawless definition that lasts for hours without feathering or transferring
Liner clings to skin tenaciously while allowing color to grip onto it. When the lipstick eventually fades, liner provides the perfect backup base to reapply color.
Unless you’re wearing very matte liquid lipstick, occasional touch-ups are expected after eating and drinking. Don’t expect emollient lipstick textures to last forever! (See: The Secret to Long-Lasting Lipstick)
With some helpful explanations for common makeup questions, you now have a better grasp on how to achieve stunning looks that last.
From selecting flattering colors to optimal brush care to makeup removal essentials, proper techniques make all the difference.
Armed with this new knowledge, you can troubleshoot beauty problems and take your makeup skills to bold new heights.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
