7 Makeup Mistakes You’re Making

With makeup getting smarter by the day, it’s no surprise that the tips and tricks for the best ways to apply it are, too. We asked Chicago makeup artist Krystyn Johnson what mistakes she sees women making and exactly how to remedy them. Whether it involves bronzer, brows, or brushes, no need to worry—we’ve got your back.

Mistake: Using a Warm-Toned Bronzer to Contour
When it comes to bronzer, you may think it’s all about the golden glow—but that warm glow actually looks unnatural. Shadows, even those on the face, are naturally cool in tone, says Johnson. She says that for contouring, it’s key to use a matte bronzer in a cool undertone for believable definition. Johnson likes the Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer ($28, Sephora).

Mistake: Applying Foundation with a Flat Brush
Just image search the words “foundation brush,” and you’ll see that people have no clue what it is. Typically, the brushes marketed for foundation are flat—but Johnson says that using a flat brush causes streaks in your foundation. Instead, use a large duo fibre brush, such as M.A.C. 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush ($42, maccosmetics.com). Use it to gently tap your foundation into the skin in circular motions for a flawless, airbrushed finish.

Mistake: Blending Your Shadow with the Same Brush
It’s common knowledge that blend-blend-blending is the key to a flawless smoky eye, but if you’re blending with a dirty brush, you’re not going to like the end result. The purpose of blending is to achieve a gradient effect with soft, sexy edges—but using a brush with residual shadow on it will only add more color in places you don’t want it. Johnson recommends using a clean, fluffy brush and blending in a windshield wiping motion. With the same brush, swirl in small motions until all harsh edges are gone.

MORE: How to Get Rihanna's Smoky Eye

Mistake: Matching Eyebrows to Your Hair Color
Johnson says this is a surefire way to look like a mannequin. Naturally, eyebrows are a completely different shade than your hair (they're generally one or two shades lighter or darker). Follow this rule of thumb when picking out your brow pencil: If you have light hair, choose a color one or two shades darker; and if you have dark hair, choose a color one or two shades lighter.

MORE: 6 Brow Mistakes You're Probably Making

Mistake: Applying Mascara in One Upward Stroke
When it comes to lashes, a little bit of added effort goes a long way—literally. Johnson says one of the biggest mistakes clients make is applying a coat of mascara in one upward stroke, which doesn't maximize the lengthening and volumizing capabilities of the product. Instead, she recommends applying two to three coats, wiggling the wand back and forth from the base of the lashes to the tips as you go.

Mistake: Piling on Powder to Set Makeup
Not only does this make your skin look dry, unnatural, and cakey, but it also clogs your pores, says Johnson. While this is a traditional way to make makeup last, there is another, better way: setting spray. Johnson swears bySkindinavia Oil Control Makeup Finishing Spray ($29,skindinavia.com), which controls shine by absorbing excess oil and keeps your makeup in place all day.

Mistake: Using White Liner to Make Eyes Look Bigger
A few years back, white liner was big in the beauty community because it supposedly made eyes look larger by extending the whites of your eyes. Johnson warns that the starkness of the white now looks dated and unnatural. Brands from Make Up For Ever to Rimmel are formulating light, peachy pencils that look much more natural and make your eyes look just as wide awake. Sub in your white liner for one in this color, like Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Inner Rim Liner ($19, Sephora).

8 Habits that Cause Belly Fat and Solutions

1. Consuming too many low fat foods

Many dieters know that one of the best secrets to losing weight it to eat small meals very often. This stokes the fire of your metabolism. Eat more avocados, seeds, and olive oil, which are all rich in those monounsaturated fats. These are good fats that can help to slim your waist. Low fat foods often contain lots of extra sugar and salt in order to make up for what they lack in flavor. Read more

The solution: Eat often and check the fat content of the food you are eating. Avoid those overly processed low fat foods.

2. Lack of sleep

Your body increases its stress hormone, cortisol, when you don’t get enough sleep. Cortisol will cause you to crave sugar, which means you will end up eating too many empty calories. Getting enough sleep helps to control belly fat and increase your leptin level, which helps to control your appetite.

The solution: Keep those cortisol levels in check by getting at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every single night.

3. Lack of protein

If you want to balance your blood sugar levels and reduce your insulin levels while increasing the body’s metabolism, then eat more protein. It’s protein that helps to control your appetite inducing hormones so you don’t overeat. Protein also makes you feel full for longer periods of time, so you shouldn’t reach for snacks as often. Protein is what will slim you down naturally.

The solution: Eat about 20 to 25 grams of protein every meal. Men, if you are working out intensely, then consume about 10 more grams of protein to keep those muscles in shape.

4. Drinking sodas

Tons of research shows that people who drink even just one can of soda per day gain weight five times faster than those who drink only one can per week. Even drinking diet soda won’t get you off the hook as these things contain tons of artificial sweeteners that trigger sugar and food cravings and you will end up eating more or eating more junk.

The solution: Try drinking a smoothie or a glass of fresh juice if water doesn’t satisfy your taste buds. This will help keep that jelly belly at bay.

5. Eating from big plates

It’s been shown in several studies that eating off smaller plates help people to eat less. Large plates allow you to pile on the food and no one likes to waste food, so chances are really good you are going to eat it all.

The solution: Either don’t go back for seconds and be aware of portion sizes, or use smaller plates.

6. Eating late

When we sleep, our bodies tend to shut down many of our biological systems for rest. Our digestive system is one of these. When you eat late, your body won’t burn all those calories you just consumed. Also, lying down with food in your stomach can lead to indigestion and acid reflux disease.

The solution: Stop eating at least 3 hours before bedtime. If you wake up in the night hungry, try eating a small piece of fruit instead of sugar or salty snacks like potato chips.

7. Emotional eating

Some people tend to vent their anger, sadness, or frustration through eating. Eating ice cream mindlessly in front of the TV when your love life goes awry is sure to bring you only one thing: Santa Belly. Although it might make you feel better for a short while, in time you will come to hate and regret all that food you ate out of frustration, anger, pain, or boredom.

The solution: Next time you find yourself wanting to plop down in front of the fridge with that Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey, call a friend, go for a walk, or just do something, anything, instead of mindless eating.

8. Fried foods

Yes, they taste great, no they are not good for those looking to lessen belly fat. Fast food, especially, is just dripping in GMO grease and has almost no nutritional content or fiber. Fried foods are loaded with trans-fats which clog up your arteries, as well as pile on pounds in the belly area.

The solution: If you must hit up fast food joints, opt for salads and drink water with a lemon twist. A better solution would be to pack your own lunch full of healthy goodness.