1. Using the upward circular motion: This so called “gravity defying motion” is not only theoretically impossible in combatting the laws of physics, but is also causing more harm and damage to the skin since its allowing product to slither into pores along with dirt and bacteria. It might cause pimples and wrinkles if it’s continuously done. Therefore, when applying makeup products like foundation to the face, it’s always best to pat, brush in a sweeping motion or stipple. Never rub!

2. Applying blush all over cheeks: Blush should be applied just on the apples of the cheeks, under the cheek bone, or along your natural contour…nowhere else. Period.

3. Wearing too much foundation for extra coverage: Packing on product isn’t going to be rid of those unwanted blemishes. And applying your foundation as if you have something to hide won’t help. Take the more sophisticated approach, and apply it in layers. Build coverage and blend. Please don’t pack on foundation then cross your fingers hoping no one notices it. They will.

4. Applying concealer first: You applied concealer first because you couldn’t wait to cover up that microscopic 0.2 mm diameter pimple that has you walking around in shame. Relax, breathe, and repeat after me, “you can’t apply blush without a good foundation, you can’t apply concealer either.” Foundation is always the primary step in makeup application for the face. As a makeup artist I’ve realized there is little to no use for concealer, since the right foundation and application technique covers up and tones the entire face.

5. Applying concealer around brows for extreme definition: We see your brows! You’ve defined them with pencil already! You’ve exhausted all brow products, and Steve from the barbershop hooked you up good, Kimmy from Shekinah Glory Salon gave you the holiest tweeze, and Malika from South Street Brow Bar waxed your brows with class…so all that’s left for you to do is fill in the gaps, and enhance those baby girl brows. No need to add extreme definition by highlighting your brows with thick three shades lighter concealer…we see them!

6. Applying too much eyeliner: Okay, everybody just calm down, since the gothic 90s punk rock era some of us just can’t get enough of that dark black smokey eye. But did you know you can apply that look without dawning on massive amounts of eyeliner to the very sensitive skin around the eyes? Eyeliner, especially pencil liner should be placed only on the water line, to reduce pulling and tugging of skin on the eyelids. Take it easy on your eyes. Damaging skin to achieve a beauty look is a baffling oxymoron.

7. Only using one shade of eyeshadow: Whether the look is ombré, neutral, or smokey, one colour or shade won’t suffice. To completely be transformed and achieve a natural three dimensional appearance, different tones must be used when applying your eye makeup.

8. Red lipstick without lip liner: Lipstick bleeds. The bolder the lip color the brighter the smudge. When lip color seems to be running along the lip line, it’s because that individual decided to skip a step. It’s not called mouth stick; keep your lip colour intact by applying lip liner.

9. Using the wrong foundation shade: It looks good in the mirror, or because you want to believe it looks good. But applying the wrong foundation shade won’t make your skin magically adjust to the foundation. Makeup should fit you, not vice versa. Please use your jawline and swipe several foundations along it, to find your correct shade.

10. Not setting your mascara: Your mascara is applied too wet then you run out in a hurry because you can’t be late for the Beres Hammond concert, and bam! Your mascara smudges and runs onto the under eye, you panic then attempt to wipe it away with tissue, now you have dark circles…and Beres calls you on stage to serenade you, then you’re on Twitter, Facebook and Snapchat, frustrated with your mascara. It’s not the mascara’s fault.If you took an extra minute to set your mascara with powder, there would’ve been no artificial dark bags under your eyes. Use a translucent powder with miniature fan brush or blending brush and pat gently. Apply another coat to mask and voila! Perfect lashes.

11. Not blending your contour: I don’t wanna go there, but it’s imperative that we understand and never underestimate the power of contour. Makeup can make someone look as beautiful as it can make them look ugly. Take control of your makeup and blend, blend, blend. It’s your face, your makeup, and with motivation, determination, and the right blending technique you can overcome any obstacle. Grab a hold of your brushes and sponges, and work that contour in its rightful place. Seeing isn’t believing with makeup, believing is seeing. Leave the skeptics guessing.