A wobbly line, clumpy mascara or too much blush: makeup mistakes happen! Here’s how to fix six common mishaps without having to start all over.

Uneven eyeliner

Tools: cotton swab, micellar water

How to: Moisten a cotton swab with micellar water and use it
to clean up an uneven cat eye or eyeliner that’s too thick. The precise tip of the swab will give you more control, so you only remove what’s necessary. If needed, touch up any foundation or eyeshadow removed in the process.

Next time: Sit down during application, resting your elbow on a counter or table to provide more stability. Then, use smaller strokes to build up the liner to your liking.

Mascara smudges

Tools: cotton swab or eyebrow brush

How to: First, wait for the mascara to dry to avoid further smudging. Gently rub the stain with a dry cotton swab. A spoolie brush can also do the trick, helping the mess to flake right off.

Next time: Remove excess product on the mascara wand before application and look down (rather than straight ahead) into the mirror to keep eyelids taut and make it easier to see your lashes.

Clumpy mascara

Tools: metal eyelash comb

How to: If you’ve applied mascara and now your eye-lashes are stuck together or dotted with clumps, don’t reach for the makeup remover just yet! Before your mascara dries, use a handy eyelash comb to separate lashes and remove clumps at the same time.

Next time: Wiggle your wand from side to side during application to help separate lashes, and make sure to replace mascara every three months.

Uneven lipstick

Tools: cotton swab, micellar water

How to: Use a cotton swab to gently wipe away any lipstick that’s outside the lines. For a darker or thicker lipstick, first wet the cotton swab with micellar water. Reapply any foundation you may have rubbed off, and to really seal the deal, apply
concealer on the outside of the lip line to keep smudges at bay.

Next time: As with eyeliner, resting your elbow on a flat surface and applying lipstick in small strokes provides more control during application.

Wrong lipstick colour

Tools: cotton swabs, tissue, micellar water

How to: If your lipstick colour just isn’t working, blot your lips with a tissue to remove as much product as possible. Take off the remaining colour carefully with
a micellar water-dampened cotton swab, wiping toward the mouth to keep the rest of your makeup intact.

Next time: Test out your lipstick before wearing it to get a sense of the shade, texture and hold. If you’re in a pinch, swatching the lipstick on the back of your hand can also help you see its true colour.

Too much blush

Tools: makeup sponge or foundation brush

How to: Lightly tap the blush with the makeup sponge or brush used to apply your
foundation, which will reduce the intensity of the colour.

Next time: Apply blush a very small amount at a time. It’s always easier to add more than to take it away!

Pro tip

“Make sure to use micellar water instead of an oil-based makeup remover, which can leave a greasy film on the skin and prevent makeup from sticking after the correction.”

– Jean-François Casselman-Dupont, professional makeup artist

Our product picks

 

Photography, © Bruno Petrozza

QUO BEAUTY Blending Sponge, $9, shoppersdrugmart.ca

 

Photography, © Bruno Petrozza

SEPHORA COLLECTION Organic Cotton Swabs, $4, sephora.ca.

 

Photography, © Bruno Petrozza

MILK MAKEUP Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover + Cleansing Water, $42, sephora.ca.

 

Photography, © Bruno Petrozza

 

E.L.F. COSMETICS Eyebrow Duo Brush, $5, elfcosmetics.com.