10 Makeup Felonies You May Be Guilty Of

It's always puzzled me that, despite the fact that they have stylists and hair and makeup people, celebs can sometimes look downright scary (see photo evidence here). I'm not talking about snafus like when Nicole Kidman and Uma Thurman were snapped with way too much powder on their faces. I'm referring to makeup felonies so egregious that you almost think they must be kidding. (And, don't even get me started on the really bad celebrity plastic surgeries.)

It's not just because they're wearing, say, the worst eyeshadows or used the most terrible mascara, it's because they've made some fundamental makeup application errors.

If you want to avoid the same pitfalls, take a minute to ensure you're not committing any of these cosmetic crimes. Makeup artist to the (well made up) stars, Fiona Stiles, helps us navigate the oft tricky waters …

Makeup Felony #1 -- Overplucked Eyebrows

Problem: Too thin, unflattering brows.

Solution: You need to let your eyebrows grow back in -- all of them. "This is one of the most difficult beauty dilemmas to address because it is so tempting to clean up all of the new hairs growing in," says Stiles. "But you have to let them all grow in to really see which brow shape will best compliment your face."

To quell the urge to pluck, try masking new growth by filling brows in with cake or liquid eyeliner (try Laura Mercier Eye Liner, $20), which allows you to control the density of pigment and even paint on faux hairs if you need to. "For best results, use a very fine, thin, long brush (like Shu Uemura Natural Brush 2R, $14)," says Stiles.

If you are blonde or brunette, use a light/dark brown color. If you have dark brown or black hair, use a black cake liner, keeping it very diluted and building as you go.

Makeup Felony #2 -- Too Dark Lip Color

Problem: Dark lip shades (such as colors in brown, black, purple or maroon -- think goth) can look aging.

Solution: Avoid lining lips with dark lip liner at all costs, especially if you're not planning to fill them in. If dark lips are a look you're deeply attached to, try a different version of it. Shift to a dark lip gloss if you must, or a sheer version of what you're used to. Try Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $14, which is a sheer but deep berry color. Another option is to try a sheer lip pencil if you want your look to last, since glosses and sheer lipsticks tend to wear off more quickly. (See the best lipliners.) Reapplying more often is a minimal trade-off for a more youthful and modern look.

Makeup Felony #3 - Not Blending Well Enough

Problem: You may not be able to see that your foundation ends in a line at your jaw, but everyone else can. Blending is the key to a flawless face. If your blush sits unblended on your cheeks or the little eye shadow you do wear is just plopped on your lid, it's going to look like you're wearing more makeup than you really are.

Solution: Only wear foundation where you need it and only blend past your jaw line if your face doesn't match your neck. Other than that, the key is to get the right tools. (See the makeup tools you really need.) "A few good brushes will make the difference between makeup and blended makeup," says Stiles. (Try the MAC 190 Foundation Brush, $32, and Sonia Kashuk Tools Powder Brush, $19.99.)

Makeup Felony #4 -- Mismatched Foundation

Problem: Even if you've found the perfect color for your skin, the foundation you buy in August will not work for you in February.

Solution: Every woman should have at least two different colors, but three is better. That way you always have colors to mix to get the right color for your skin year-round. Focus on finding a good formula that works with your skin tone and doesn't turn orange (from oxidation) as it interacts with the oils in your skin. (Keep in mind that your face should look like it matches your body. Sheer formulas are better if your face is paler than your chest. Tinted moisturizers are terrific if you don't need much coverage.) The same holds true for concealers. (Tip: Use under-eye concealers that have a subtle light reflective quality and use matte concealers to hide spots.) See the best concealers. Also, using a truly translucent powder (try Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Loose Powder, $13.95) when you set your foundation (and for touch-ups during the day) will help combat a shift in color.

We haven't even reached the tip of the "terrible makeup flaws" iceberg, so make sure to keep reading by clicking here.

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