There's nothing more frustrating than spending time on your makeup only to realize you've made a mistake. Whether it's a smudge, an uneven line, or just general messiness, it can ruin your whole look.

Fortunately, there are ways to fix common makeup mistakes so that you can salvage your look and feel confident again.

Here are seven common makeup mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Smudged Eyeliner

If you've ever had your perfectly winged eyeliner turn into a smudged mess, you know how frustrating it can be. The good news is, that there are a few things you can do to fix it.

If the smudge is small, you can use a cotton swab or q-tip dipped in makeup remover to gently clean up the area. If the smudge is bigger or more widespread, you may need to redo your whole liner.

To prevent smudging in the future, make sure to use an eyeshadow primer before applying liner and avoid rubbing your eyes during the day.

2. Cakey Foundation 

If your foundation looks cakey or heavy, it's probably because you're using too much. The key to a natural and flawless makeup look is to use a small amount of foundation and build up coverage as needed.

Start by applying a small amount of foundation with a damp makeup sponge or brush. Then, use a Beauty blender or another damp sponge to blend the foundation into your skin. If you need more coverage, apply another thin layer of foundation.

3. Clumped Mascara

Mascara clumps are one of the most common makeup mistakes. They can be caused by everything from an old mascara formula to using too much product at once.

To fix clumped mascara, start by using an eyelash comb to separate your lashes. If that doesn't work, you can try adding a few drops of saline solution or eye drops to the mascara tube. Shake it up and apply as usual.

4. Messy Eyebrows

There's nothing worse than spending time on your eyebrows only to realize they look messy and unkempt.

To fix this common makeup mistake, start by combing your eyebrows with a clean spoolie brush. This will help to neaten them up and get rid of any stray hairs. Then, use a brow pencil or pomade to fill in any sparse areas and create a more defined shape. Use a light hand so that you don't overdo it.

5. Dry Lips

Dry, flaky lips are not only uncomfortable, but they can also ruin your lipstick or gloss. To fix this common makeup mistake, start by exfoliating your lips with a sugar scrub. This will help to get rid of any dead skin cells.

Then, apply a lip balm or Vaseline to hydrate and protect your lips. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off and applying your lipstick or gloss as usual.

6. Oily Eyelids

Oily eyelids are one of the most common causes of creased eyeshadow. To fix this problem, start by applying an eyeshadow primer to your lids. This will help to create a barrier between your skin and the eyeshadow, preventing the oils from seeping through.

Then, use a translucent powder to set the primer and absorb any excess oil. Apply your eyeshadow as usual and you should find that it stays in place all day.

7. Streaky Self-Tanner

Self-tanner can be a great way to get a summer glow without having to spend time in the sun. However, it's not always easy to apply evenly. If you end up with streaks or patches, there are a few things you can do to fix them.

For light streaks, you can try using a cotton ball soaked in makeup remover to lightly rub the area. This should help to lighten the streak. For darker streaks, you may need to reapply self-tanner to the area and blend it out until it's even with the rest of your skin.

To prevent streaked self-tanner in the future, make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying and use a tanning mitt or glove to apply the product evenly.

 

These are just a few of the most common makeup mistakes and how to fix them. By following these tips, you can avoid common beauty blunders and achieve a flawless makeup look every time!