The Worst Beauty Blunders of 2010
Check out these A-list babes. Their photos prove that no one - not even someone in the hands of a pro - is immune to beauty slipups. That's why our simple goof-proofing tips are so valuable. Follow them and you'll always be picture-perfect.
By Jessica White
Lipstick-Tinted Teeth
Bold crimson lip color has an all-eyes-on-you effect - the reason it's so popular on the red carpet. Trouble is, its rich pigment seems to have a magnetic pull toward teeth. What's the deal? "Red shades can be packed with three times more pigment than paler shades," explains alan Farer, vice president of color research and development at Coty. "The stark contrast of red on white is simply more noticeable than pink or nude on white."
Solution: Try this trick from celeb makeup artist Brett Freedman: apply lipstick, and blot. Next, rub a cotton swab across your teeth to remove any trace of pigment. Then dip the opposite end of the swab into petroleum jelly, and rub it over your front teeth. The barrier prevents color from sticking to your porous pearly whites - plus, it makes your grin extraglossy.
In this photo: Ziyi Zhang
Related: Look Sexy This Holiday Season
A Mismatched Face and Body
Even if you're religious about self-tanning from head to toe, your face will inevitably look paler, as it's washed and exfoliated more frequently than your body is, and that accelerates the fading process.
Solution: Avoid discoloration by using bronzer. "Those with pink undertones prevent orange-looking skin," says makeup artist Rick DiCecca. We like Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzing Blush, $32. Apply it to your forehead, nose, and cheekbones and from your jawline to your neck. "Blending these key areas makes everything match," says DiCecca.
In this photo: Camilla Belle
Related: How To Score Glowy Skin Even In The Winter
Makeup That Makes Your Eyes Look Smaller
A smoky eye is one of the sexiest night-out looks, but going too dark or being heavy-handed can create the illusion of less white space in your eyes, which slims them, says Maral Balian, makeup artist for Warren-Tricomi Salon in NYC.
Solution: Black isn't the only way to sport a smoky set. "Gray, especially if it sparkles, has a just-as-sexy effect without narrowing the eye area," says Balian. First, line your upper and lower lash lines with black liner, but keep the line thin - no thicker than a piece of angel-hair pasta. Now swipe gray shadow onto your lids and, using a thin eyeliner brush, apply it over the liner as well to brighten it. Smudge the color to diffuse any harsh edges. Finally, place a white, shimmery shadow in the inner corners and directly above your irises to make eyes pop.
In this photo: Jennifer Lopez
Related: How To Look Hot When The Weather Sucks
Way-Shiny Skin
Celebs have sweltering lights to contend with. In real life, high restaurant temps or a sweaty night of dancing can leave you looking like a hot mess.
Solution: Head off slippery skin by adding these steps to your get-ready routine: Apply face primer to absorb slickness, then even out your complexion with an oil-free base, says celeb makeup artist Monika Blunder. Set everything with translucent powder. Rather than using powder to touch up later (layers of it can look cakey), use blotting paper - ingredients like rice nix oil sans residue. Press a sheet against skin so you don't rub off your makeup.
In this photo: Jessica Simpson
Related: A Cold-Weather Skin Fix
Rings Around the Eyes
What's worse than sleep-deprived raccoon eyes? Reverse raccoon eyes, or those surrounded with concealer that is too light or chalky. Not cute.
Solution: Be sure your concealer is no more than one shade lighter than your foundation or skin tone, suggests celeb makeup artist Molly Stern. Also, check the ingredients list to make sure the formula doesn't contain zinc, which can create a white residue that's supervisible in pictures taken with a flash. We like CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Concealer, $12. Once you've chosen a winner, follow Stern's foolproof color-matching method: Apply concealer to well-moisturized skin (doing so prevents cakiness). Press it on with one finger, which warms and melts the formula, then top it with a thin layer of foundation so it matches the rest of your skin. Set everything in place with translucent powder.
In this photo: AnnaLynne McCord
Related: 7 Secret Beauty Weapons
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