Let’s get one thing straight:
There’s no right way to do makeup — but there are a few ways to make your life harder than it needs to be.
If you're a teen just getting into makeup (or you've been in your beauty era for a while now), it's easy to fall into bad habits. Trends move fast. TikTok is wild. And most tutorials? Made by 30-year-olds with perfect skin and ring lights.
So this is for you — the teen trying to figure it out, one drugstore haul at a time.
Here are 8 makeup mistakes to quit now so your future self isn’t cringing at old selfies later.
1. Caking On Foundation Like It’s Paint
You're not building a wall. You’re putting on makeup.
And your skin is probably already great — so don’t smother it under three layers of full-coverage foundation meant for HD filming.
Try this instead:
Use a light skin tint or a dab of concealer only where you need it (like under the eyes, around the nose, or on breakouts). Your skin will still look like skin — just a little fresher.
Real talk: Overdoing base makeup at 15 will just make you look older — and not in a “mature” way.
2. Overdrawing Your Brows Into Another Zip Code
Brows are important. But turning them into Sharpie blocks? Not the move.
Those thick, ultra-sculpted Insta-brows are done. Like, 2016 called — they want their eyebrow routine back.
Do this instead:
Use a brow pencil or pen with a light hand, and follow your natural shape. Fluff them up with gel. Keep them soft. Keep them human.
3. Using Way Too Much Highlighter (aka The Tin Man Effect)
A little glow = cute.
A blinding silver stripe on your cheekbone in math class? Not so much.
Tip: Dab a small amount of liquid or cream highlighter on the high points of your face — cheekbones, nose, maybe brow bone.
Don’t draw attention to texture. Blend, don’t swipe.
If you can see your highlighter from across the room… tone it down, babe.
4. Ignoring Skincare Completely
Makeup is fun. But if your skin’s not happy underneath, it’s gonna show.
Wearing layers of product without any skincare? You’re setting yourself up for breakouts and dullness.
Keep it simple:
Cleanser
Moisturizer
SPF (seriously, wear sunscreen daily — you’ll thank yourself at 30)
Maybe a gentle acne treatment if needed
Makeup sits way better on hydrated, protected skin.
5. Sleeping in Your Makeup (You Know You’ve Done It)
We’ve all crashed with mascara still on. But if it becomes a habit? Your pores, lashes, and skin will rebel.
Sleeping in makeup clogs pores, causes breakouts, and irritates your eyes.
Just take 2 minutes and wash your face. Makeup wipes don’t count — use a gentle cleanser or micellar water.
6. Following Every TikTok Trend Without Question
One week it’s “cold girl” blush. Next week it’s underpainting. Then it’s latte makeup.
It’s fun to experiment — but don’t lose your vibe chasing every trend.
Not everything looks good on everyone. That’s okay.
Instead: Find what makes you feel confident. Learn the basics. Build from there.
7. Using Super Dark Lip Liner Without Blending
The '90s lip liner look is making a comeback — but blended.
Just lining your lips in dark brown and leaving the middle bare? That’s not edgy — it’s just unfinished.
What to do:
Use a liner close to your natural lip tone, blend it in, and top with gloss or balm. Keep it soft and juicy, not harsh.
8. Thinking More Makeup = Better Makeup
The biggest trap: thinking that more product = more polished.
Truth? Less often looks fresher, cooler, and more modern.
You don’t need full contour, baking, lashes, glitter, and liner every day. Especially not to math class.
Confidence shows more than coverage. Makeup should boost what’s already there — not hide it.
Final Word
Makeup in your teen years should be fun, creative, and zero pressure.
Try stuff. Mess up. Find your style. But don’t fall for every trick on the internet or overcomplicate something that should feel like you.
You don’t need to look like a TikTok filter to look amazing.
Just figure out what makes you feel good — and build from there.
No rules. No pressure. Just vibes.
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