Spring is a time of awakening... rebirth... and BANISHING THOSE BAD BEAUTY HABITS! Make this the month you stop the (MARCH) madness and start avoiding these classic blunders. Read on for our list of the 5 biggest makeup mistakes a girl can make, and our expert advice and product recommendations for changing those habits for good. Get a jump on gorgeous this spring... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!
BEAUTY BLUNDER #1 : Applying your makeup with dirty brushes...
Photo Courtesy of Japonesque.com
WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD": Using dirty brushes to apply makeup means you're transferring bacteria, dirt and pore-clogging oils onto your skin every time you use them! This can cause acne, dullness and premature aging of the skin. It's also bad for your brushes!
QUICK FIX: Use a gentle hair shampoo to lather up brushes once a week. Be sure to massage bristles from base to tip, and rinse thoroughly. Reshape brushes and allow to dry flat on a clean paper towel. Don't you just feel better?
EXPERT PICK: Try Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Shampoo for a refreshing scent and luxe lather that conditions as it cleanses.
BEAUTY BLUNDER #2: Poorly-blended foundation...
Photo Courtesy of Isabellagucci.com
WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD": Poorly-blended foundation sets the stage for poorly-applied makeup! Just as an artist begins with a perfectly primed canvas, applying your foundation like a pro will ensure an even, smooth surface on which to perform your magic.
QUICK FIX: For expertly-blended foundation with no streaks, caking or mask-like lines at the jaw, ear and forehead, choose a natural-looking, semi-sheer foundation with a brush applicator. The lightweight formula and brush application allow for perfectly-natural, perfectly-YOU coverage, with no tell-tale lines or streaking. Tap a damp sponge over foundation after application to blend and remove any excess product. Step back and take a look in the mirror... OMG! It's Complexion Perfection!!!
EXPERT PICK : Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation has a built-in brush and delivers light-diffusing, skin-perfecting coverage for perfectly natural-looking skin!
BEAUTY BLUNDER #3: Skipping the eyelash curler...
Photo Courtesy of Health-beauty-tips.org
WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD": Uncurled lashes appear shorter and make your eyes look smaller and less awake. Curled lashes look longer and fuller, and give eyes a well-rested, alert appearance. Because curled lashes allow more light into the eye area, eyes appear brighter and sparklier! What girl can say no to that?!?!
QUICK FIX: Use a high-quality, stainless steel eyelash curler with a no-stick silicone pad to curl lashes at the base, mid-way point, and tips for eye-opening lashes that look ultra-long and flirty! Be sure to follow with mascara for maximum impact.
EXPERT PICK: Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curler creates dramatic, uniform curl with no sticking, clumping or pinching.
BEAUTY BLUNDER #4: Too-Nude Lips...
Photo Courtesy of Prettyobsessed.com
WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD": While rich, warm nudes can lend subtle sophistication to an otherwise edgy, smoky eye; too-nude, too-light lips can sap skin of vital color and make the complexion look sallow and ashy.
QUICK FIX: Banish lackluster lips and embrace this season's hottest trend! A shade which flatters many women AND is appropriate for all ages, coral is THE color for lips this spring. A moisturizing, color-rich lipstick formula ensures high-impact, lip-loving pigments that last and last. Be sure to choose a shade appropriate for your skin tone. Fairer-skinned gals should stick with pinkish hues while those with deeper skin tones can experiment with bolder, warmer shades.
EXPERT PICK: For a stay-true, stay-put lip color in a universally-flattering shade of this season's hottest hue, try Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Mandarino Coral.
BEAUTY BLUNDER #5: Heading to bed without washing your face...
Photo Courtesy of Collegecures.com
WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD": Leaving makeup, dirt and oil on your face while you sleep clogs pores and creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can exacerbate acne conditions, cause eye infections, and leave skin looking dull. What's more, by not cleansing skin properly before bed, you allow the free radicals from the day to sit on skin overnight, potentially contributing to cell damage and premature aging.
QUICK FIX: First remove eye makeup and lip products using a makeup remover designed especially for those delicate areas. Now, using circular motions, massage a gentle cleansing gel onto wet skin for 30-60 seconds to remove makeup and impurities without drying your complexion. Be sure to rinse cleanser off thoroughly with water and pat dry.
EXPERT PICK(S): Beat hard-to-remove eye and lip colors with Arabella Stuart Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips. Follow with Princess Livia Gentle Cleansing Gel with Bee Pollen to unclog pores, and remove excess oil and impurities.
