When you are learning about makeup and how to apply it to yourself, you inevitably end up mimicking other people’s styles and techniques. However, once you get the basics down and begin to experiment with the “rules” in order to come up with your own style, there are some things you end up dropping. That’s what I wanted to talk with you about today. I have realized that these techniques don’t suit my personal style, don’t suit my skin type or face shape, or take more time than I’m willing to spend doing my makeup.
1. Using 3 or More Eyeshadows In Every Look
The only exception to this one is when I am testing a new eyeshadow product. It is important to know how shadows layer, blend and build when I’m reviewing a product for this blog but not as much for personal use. I have found that eyeshadow is most flattering on me when I only use 1 or 2 shades. I feel like I look my best in one-and-done eyeshadow looks, but occasionally I’ll use a blending shade to blend out the edges. My rationale for this is my slightly hooded eyelids. Taking one color from the lash line and blending it out makes it appear as though I have more lid space than I actually do. It makes my eyes look brighter and that’s ultimately what I’m going for. If I’m not careful, deepening the outer-v can start to make my hood look heavier than it is. And on a day-to-day basis, I don’t want to have to be careful, I prefer to get my eyes done quickly and get going. I even started limiting how many dark eyeshadow shades I purchase because they just don’t get enough use from me.
2. Wearing Eyeliner
This mostly has to do with the application, I just can’t be bothered to take the time to do eyeliner 😂. My eyelids have a natural puffiness to them right at the base of my lashes, so it makes lining incredibly difficult. There are some products I’ve been able to work with like the MAC Technakohl Liner, Stila Smudge Stick, and the L’oreal Laquer Liner, but it still doesn’t feel worth the time to me. I find that wearing mascara gives me enough lash line definition to be happy and it’s easier for me to work with.
3. Applying Undereye Concealer After Foundation
A lot of people I see do their makeup on YouTube applying foundation first and then under-eye concealer. I’m the opposite and now exclusively apply my under-eye concealer first. I always get a better blend and if the concealer is slightly too light, adding the foundation second keeps me from looking like I have raccoon eyes.
4. Using A Beauty Blender
I love the finish of using a beauty blender, but I feel like it dries my face out. As someone with dry skin, I can not afford to do anything drying if I can help it. I also prefer the experience of using brushes over sponges.
5. Setting My Entire Face With Powder
If I am wearing a matte foundation I skip powder altogether, but there are some foundations that need setting because they feel tacky on my skin. But instead of setting my entire face I just set the areas where I’m going to apply bronzer and blush. This keeps my driest areas from looking too dry and textured.
There is nothing groundbreaking or special about not doing these techniques, I just thought I’d share in case you needed a push to stop doing something that may be annoying you.
Are there any techniques that you’re using because you’re “supposed to” and not because you like them? Let’s talk about it in the comments section below.
If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like down below. If you’d like to check out more of my content, here are some places to start.
- Brands A-Z: Check out this index if you want to know what products I have posted about in the past.
- MAC Cosmetics: I likely have some swatches you’ve been searching for if you love Mac as much as I do.
- The Wanderlust List: Join me as I search for alternatives to new releases.
Disclaimer: This site receives a minimal commission from participating in the WordAds program and using affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy, click here.
Nikki From HR 
Love the tips. I don’t know how you knew but you touched on some of the questions I had.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful. Just let me know if you have other questions.
LikeLike
3, 4, and 5 are the same with me as well. I gave up on the sponge a long time ago, but I still make myself use it sometimes if I’m reviewing a cream product because I know so many people will want to use a sponge with them. But even then I’m unwilling to force myself to make that a mandatory thing. lol. I definitely do concealer first because I realized some foundations can mess with the longevity of my concealer (if they break down at different rates) so applying the concealer first shows me where I can go around it with foundation after. And also because I’m more likely to skip foundation if I’m running out of time whereas concealer is a must for me, but I will only save time if I did concealer first before foundation. And then also, I use less foundation since the key areas are already concealed.
Interestingly enough, the only reasons 1 and 2 are different for me is because of my eye shape. I spent so long wondering why I can’t ever do one-and-done type looks because it’s so pretty on others but I just can’t bring myself to stop at 1. I only recently realized it’s because one eyeshadow without anything deepening the outer corner shows how rounded my eyes are. I prefer to cut into some of that roundness with a sharp edge, so using multiple shadows helps me create the eye shape I like. It’s the same reason I use eyeliner, though I have experimented a little more with using a shadow darker than the color on the lid and crease (and not necessarily a dark shadow) as a liner to add a little more definition in comparison but still have the open-eye effect.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You bring up such great points! I do notice that in the past when I’ve tested concealers they tend to perform better over Estée Lauder double wear than they do on their own. And the eye shape differences needing to be accounted for is good to remember as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person