Self care looks different for every mom, and for some, putting on make up and feeling pretty can cause a mood shift for the better. However, not every mom ends up looking the way they have in mind when their make up is done because of some common makeup mistakes that end up dragging features down, settling into fine lines, or making us look a bit tired.
If your finished makeup seems a bit off and you want to rediscover how to make it better, i’ll first share common mistakes you might be making, and then what you need instead so you always look pretty and flawless, even when you have only 5 to 15 minutes.
10 Makeup Mistakes and how to fix them
1. Skipping Primer
A good skincare base is going to make the biggest difference to your makeup. So if you’re skipping out on a hydrating primer and sun protection, no matter what makeup product you use, there’s a big chance that your foundation with settle into texture, pores, or creases especially if your skin’s dry or uneven.
The fix: I’ve found that focusing on a hydrating primer, like the Laura Geller New York Spackle Primer, as a base makeup is key. It hydrates without making your face look greasy and blurs fine lines.
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2. Heavy Full-Coverage Foundation All Over
While many people share full coverage foundation as a must-have for any make-up routine, these types of foundation can actually work against you as thick foundation can cling to dry patches, settle into fine lines, and make your skin look lifeless.
The Fix: Use lightweight, buildable formulas instead. Apply it just where you need coverage (like around the nose, chin, or under eyes), builsd it up if needed and blend in with a damp sponge. This is the perfect way to get the right coverage that never looks heavy for a fresh skin that always looks younger.
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3. Not Setting Areas Prone to Creasing
While powdering your whole face can age you, not setting areas that naturally crease can make your makeup break down fast. This can lead to patchiness, smudging, and exaggerated lines particularly under your eyes or around your smile lines
The fix: Lightly powder only the areas that get shiny like your T-zone. When looking for powders, go for a finely milled or radiant-finish powder instead of a heavy matte one.
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4. Skipping Blush
Blush is often the first thing people skip when they’re in a hurry. However doing so can actually make your face appear flat and lifeless. As we get older, our natural flush fades, so replacing it with the right blush is key.
The fix: Always have a product for your cheeks. It can be a cream blush that melts into your skin and gives a healthy glow, a balm or powder blush. Peach, rose, or berry tones add warmth and instantly lift your whole face and make you look more awake. In most cases, these products can also be applied on your eyelids and lips so they are particularly useful.
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5. Neglecting Your Brows or Overdrawing Them
Brows frame your face. When they’re too thin, overly arched, or heavily drawn in with a dark pencil, they can make your entire look feel outdated. Sparse or harsh brows also make you look more tired.
The fix: Embrace a fuller, more natural brow. Use a brow pencil or powder that matches your hair color and apply using light, hair-like strokes. A tinted brow gel can add volume and hold everything in place without making it look too “done.”
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6. Ignoring Your Lips
When the rest of your face is done but your lips are dry, faded, or undefined, it throws off your whole look. As we age, lips can lose natural color and fullness, and skipping them entirely can make the face look washed out or tired. Another common mistake? Wearing drying matte lipsticks without prepping first.
The fix: Give your lips some love. Start with a hydrating balm or lip mask to smooth things out. Then use a creamy lip liner (close to your natural lip tone) to softly define the shape and prevent feathering. Finish with a satin lipstick or tinted balm that adds a touch of glow.
Product recommendations
7. Using the Wrong Under-Eye Concealer
If your concealer always seems to look dry, patchy, or like it’s making your under-eyes look worse not better, you’re probably using the wrong formula or shade. Many people reach for thick, full-coverage concealers in a super light shade thinking it will brighten the area, but it often does the opposite. It can settle into fine lines, create a gray cast, or make puffiness more noticeable.
The fix: Choose a creamy, hydrating concealer that offers medium coverage and blends seamlessly. Instead of going several shades lighter, try a peach-toned or neutral shade that corrects darkness without exaggerating texture. A good concealer should brighten without creasing and feel like second skin.
Product recommendations
Final Thoughts on common makeup mistakes
A lot of these makeup habits come from a time when matte finishes and heavy coverage were in. But as our skin changes, so should our routines. You don’t have to toss out your whole makeup bag—just a few small tweaks can help you look fresher, more vibrant, and more confident in your skin.
Want to try a 5-minute makeup routine that looks polished but feels effortless? Check out this post next.
