Make up blunders that should remain in 2016

You have probably spent some time experimenting with makeup, or even an hour at a time watching YouTube videos on proper make up application. Nevertheless, you are bound to see makeup goofs every time you are out and about. Here are 10 that have no business seeing the light in 2017.

1. Being heavy handed with your foundation

Foundation is meant to even out your skin tone, and makeup artists recommend going easy on it as excessive use creates a cakey look to your face.

Fix: "Use it sparingly on your face, and only over the uneven toned areas. Then only use concealer over any blemishes," Shiro Waiganjo, a Nairobi based makeup artist says. "I find that liquid foundation tends to cake less on the face than powder foundation. Powder foundation does sometimes settle into any lines or wrinkles on the face giving you a less than polished look."

Bonus tip: A makeup brush is the best tool for applying your foundation. Using your fingers or a sponge does not work as well. A sponge also seeps up the foundation resulting into wastage.

2. Using the wrong foundation shade

Forget what you were told about swiping foundation on the back of your hand to find your correct shade. That will more often than not give you a too light or too dark shade.

Fix: Dab some foundation on your décolletage to find a shade that blends with your facial complexion as the two skin shades are similar. The jawline is also a good place to match shades.

3. None or too much powder

If you want your foundation to last longer and avoid the bathroom breaks to ' fix' your face, always use a powder to set your makeup.

Fix: Use powder sparingly as you do not want to be left with an ashy look or have that 'cakey' effect. "Always pick translucent powder for a glowy effect" says Shiro

4. Using a black brow pencil

Using a black pencil gives a harsh definition to your brows. Your eyebrows look obviously drawn which is not the look you aim for with makeup.

Fix: "Use a brown pencil to delicately define your eyebrows and get that sophisticated polished look. Also remember to use a darker concealer to highlight the brows. If you use the wrong shade, you will form a white cast around your brows giving you a halo look," says Shiro Wanyoike, a Nairobi make-up artist

5. Not waiting for your lash glue to dry

Granted, you have minimal time in the morning but that's no excuse to go out and walk about with spidey lashes.

Fix: When you apply glue on the fake lashes, wait for it to dry, about a minute really. Failure to let it dry means that in the course of the day, you may have sections sliding off your lash line.

Tip: "To prevent excessive application of glue, use a bobby pin tip to apply the glue to false lashes," says Shiro.

6. Failing the blush game.

Many women tend to go wrong in mostly two ways when it comes to blush. Firstly and most commonly, they choose the wrong shade.

Fix: The blush shade should complement your lip color. As a guide, berries, browns and bronzes work well on black skin.

Secondly, they create a clown like appearance by drawing two circular impressions on the apple of their cheeks.

Fix: "Don't just concentrate on the apple of your cheek. Brush it up along the cheekbone. This ultimately slims down your face," quips Shiro.

7. Applying gloss all over your lips.

Yes, I see you wondering what could possibly be wrong with that. Well, nothing at all, if the look you are going for is out of a 80s pinup.

Fix: Instead of rolling the tube over the entire lip, dab a little gloss at the center of your lips for maximum shine and definition

8. Using Matte lipsticks on dry lips

Most of the matte lipsticks in the market do have a drying effect on your lips, and if your lips were dry to begin with, your lips are bound to look a mess a few hours after application. And there is nothing as tacky as colored cracking lips.

Fix: As you shower, exfoliate your lips with a gentle scrub to get rid of the dead skin. Always remember to moisturize your lips just as you moisturize your face before beginning your make up routine.

9. Neglecting your makeup brushes

Not cleaning your brushes regularly could be the reason you are experiencing clogged pores and breakouts.

Fix: Make it a weekly habit to wash your brushes in warm water and some shampoo to clean out any accumulated dirt and microbes.

10. Uneven blending

Improper or hurried blending of foundation may leave you with a ring around your jawline. Sometimes this can also be brought on by use of the wrong foundation shade.

Fix: Blend, blend and blend. Always past your jawline and even down to your neck.