We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of getting ready for a night out and realize you don’t have your makeup bag. So you start rummaging through your dresser for anything that can pass as eyeliner, lipstick, or foundation. And before you know it, you’re using techniques from middle school that doesn’t work anymore. So here are nine outdated makeup techniques to avoid.
Outdated makeup techniques you should stop doing
- Over-plucking your eyebrows
If you’re still plucking your eyebrows into oblivion, it’s time to stop. Not only is this technique outdated, but it can also cause serious damage to your brows. On the other hand, if you’ve over-plucked in the past and now have sparse brows, don’t despair – plenty of ways to fill them in and achieve a natural look.
- Cakey foundation
Caking on foundation is a surefire way to look dated. Instead, opt for a lighter coverage foundation or BB cream. Then, apply it with a beauty blender or sponge for a natural finish.
- Powder eyeliner
Powder eyeliner was once popular, but now it just looks dry and harsh. If you want to line your eyes, use a pencil or gel liner instead.
- Frosted lips
Frosted lips were all the rage in the 90s, but now they look dated and tacky. Opt for a sheer lip gloss instead if you want a glossy finish.
- Overdone blush
Blush is meant to add a natural flush of color to your cheeks, not make you look like you’re wearing a clown mask. Use a light hand when applying blush, and choose a shade that compliments your skin tone.
- Spidery lashes
Long, spidery lashes may have been popular in the past, but they’re definitely out of style now. Opt for falsies or a lengthening mascara if you want to achieve a long, lash look.
- Dark, smoky eyes
Dark, smoky eyes may be sexy, but they’re also incredibly difficult to pull off. If you’re not a makeup artist, it’s best to steer clear of this technique. If you’re set on doing a smoky eye, go for a lighter shade and use a primer to help the shadow stay in place.
- Overdone bronzer
Bronzer is meant to give your skin a natural-looking glow, not make you look like you’ve been vacationing in the Caribbean for the past month. Use a light hand when applying bronzer, and choose a shade close to your natural skin tone.
- Orange self-tanner
There’s nothing worse than an orange self-tanner job gone wrong. Opt for a gradual self-tanning lotion or spray if you want a natural-looking tan.
Outdated makeup trends that make you look older
- Overdone foundation
Foundation is meant to even out your skin tone and give you a little bit of coverage. But when applied too thickly, it can cake up your fine lines and wrinkles, making them more noticeable. So instead, use a light hand when applying foundation, or opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for a more natural look.
- Heavy eyeliner
Eyeliner can be great for adding definition to your eyes. But when applied too heavily, it can make your eyes look smaller and your lashes thinner. Instead, try using a lighter hand with your eyeliner or opting for a softer shade like brown instead of black.
- Bright lips
Bright lips can be a great way to add fun and personality to your look. But if you’re using a too bright or bold color, it can make you look older. Instead, try using a softer, more natural lip color.
- Too much blush
Blush is a great way to add a touch of color to your cheeks. But when applied too heavily, it can make you look like you’re wearing a mask. Instead, use a light hand when applying blush, and choose a shade close to your natural skin tone.
- Too much makeup
Makeup is meant to enhance your features, not cover them up. But if you’re wearing too much makeup, it can make you look older. Instead, try using less makeup or choosing more natural-looking products.
