It has happened to me more times than I can remember so I’m sure that it has happened to you too. Makeup slips and bad makeup can catch us totally by surprise. More often than not it is when we are pressed for time and don’t have the option of starting over. You know the feeling, you’re partway through a stunning makeup look, only for your hand to slip and your winged eyeliner to end up gliding across your cheek instead of your lid.
If you’ve fallen victim to a makeup mishap like this, I feel for you. Just know that you are not alone. Before you reach for a makeup remover to wipe your face clean and start from scratch, I’ve some good news to share: Makeup mistakes don’t mean you have to start over.
In fact, with the right tips, tricks, and products, you can move along with your makeup routine as though nothing happened. Do you want to learn more about how to rescue your makeup look? Read on to find out how to fix bad makeup without going back to square one.
How To Fix Clumpy Mascara
There have been times when I’ve been using an older tube or have been stuck with a clumping formula. I’m sure it’s safe to say most of us would rather steer clear of clumpy mascara.
Of course, while your ultimate goal may be a clump-free fringe, some things are easier said than done. So, how do you go about fixing clumpy mascara without redoing perfectly applied eye makeup? Two simple steps — that’s how.
Step #1. Grab a spoolie like this one (available on Amazon). You’ll need a new, clean spoolie to banish clumps once and for all. Wet it ever so slightly with a bit of water, or if you’re using a waterproof mascara, a small amount of makeup remover will do the trick.
Step #2. Comb and de-clump. Starting at the base of your fringe, gently comb the spoolie through your lashes, wiggling as you go to catch any clumps as you brush through your lashes from base to tip. It’s like clumps never happened.
How To Fix Smudged Mascara
Another common mascara mishap is smudging product on your lids. I’m sure that’s probably not the eyeshadow look you were going for. Luckily, a bit of mascara gone astray doesn’t mean your expert blending needs to be redone.
Step #1. Grab a cotton swab. Dip a cotton swab in a bit of micellar water. I only use the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types (available on Amazon).
Step #2. Remove any smudged mascara. Carefully trace the cotton swab over any trace of smudged mascara on your lid, taking your time as to not remove eyeshadow where it isn’t necessary.
Step #3. Fix your eyeshadow. Using a small eyeshadow brush, carefully pack on color if needed to fill in any gaps you may have created.
How To Fix Overdrawn Eyeliner
It’s no secret that winged eyeliner can be tricky. If you’re a winged eyeliner newbie, you’ve probably done your fair share of overdrawing eyeliner, only to refuse to leave the house with such disastrous wings. Here’s what to do.
Step #1. Use micellar water. Dip a cotton swab in micellar water and carefully trace over the problematic eyeliner to remove it.
Step #2. Dab it dry. Gently press a tissue or blotting paper on the spot you just removed liner from to ensure there’s no oily residue left behind.
Step #3. Fix your wing. I suggest using the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Flash Cat Eye Waterproof Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner (available on Amazon) this time around. With its removable wing stencil, you can create precise, even wings every time.
How To Fix Cakey Foundation
This has happened to all of us at some stage of our lives, we over-apply foundation and it ends up looking uneven and cakey. This is especially true when we are new to the world of makeup or are trying a completely new look for the first time. If you’re guilty of over-applying foundation and aren’t sure what to do to fix it, I have you covered with these two tips.
Step #1. Dampen a makeup blender. You know what to do — put the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Blend Artist Foundation Blender (available on Amazon) under the faucet, then squeeze out any excess water, so it’s only damp.
Step #2. Stipple and blend. Bounce the damp makeup blender over your face to blend out any cakey areas of foundation. Take your time doing so until you achieve a seamless finish.
Bonus tip: Next time, consider using a lightweight foundation. Lightweight formulas can help prevent a cakey appearance from happening to start with.
How To Fix Under-Eye Concealer Creases
Has it ever happened to you when you are about midway through the day and notice your concealer has creased underneath your eyes? The worst time this happened to me was on a day-long picnic date in dappled shade at a wine estate that had a cool jazz band playing. We’d been snuggled up on our picnic blanket for a while and when I went to the restroom I got a shock when I noticed my under-eye concealer had creased. It wasn’t the look I was going for.
I rescued my date using these two steps, so try them next time your under-eye concealer creases.
Step #1. Smooth out your concealer. Use your pointer finger to smooth under-eye concealer creases.
Step #2. Apply a powder. Using a makeup blender, pack a translucent setting powder under your eyes to set your concealer and prevent future creases from forming.
How To Fix Overdone Blush Or Bronzer
If you have packed too much color onto your cheeks, I’ve got a trick to help with that too.
Option #1. Use a loose powder. Take a bit of loose powder, like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Tinted Loose Setting Powder (available on Amazon), on a fluffy brush and sweep it over your complexion to tone down overdone blush or bronzer.
Option #2. Use leftover foundation. If you have a bit of foundation left on your makeup blender, bounce it on top of your blush or bronzer to help it appear subtler.
How To Fix Drawn-On Brows
If you get a little too excited when boosting your brow look you can end up with rocking super unnatural-looking brows. You’ve come to the right place for a 1-step solution.
Step #1. Grab a spoolie. Brush your spoolie through your brows to blend the product and create a softer, more even brow look. If you’ve really caked on brow product, consider using a damp spoolie to remove excess brow pencil or gel.
Why not expand your knowledge even further by reading another makeup/beauty article here on Pink Femme? You can find them either via the menu at the top of the page or by clicking this link that will take you to the list of all the beauty articles.
When it comes to my choices for makeup and beauty products, I only use L’Oréal Paris (Available on Amazon). I have really sensitive skin and never once have I had any negative reaction to any L’Oréal product.
Keep up to date with all my latest femme news with the fabulous Pink Femme Newsletter. Each Monday you’ll receive an email from me that will include a chapter from the novel that I am currently writing. I will also alert you to interesting information from articles that have not yet been published on Pink Femme. The Pink Femme Newsletter is the only place to see chapters from the novels before they are published. Sign up today: PINK FEMME NEWSLETTER.