10 makeup rules for your daily routine that you shouldn't break this year

When it comes to our beauty routines, rebellious behaviour is encouraged. We’re constantly told to ‘break the rules’ with new makeup trends like wearing a bold lip with a bold eye, rocking that bright blue eyeshadow, or skipping foundation in favour of a BB, CC or DD cream.
2018 is set to be another year of ‘sticking it to the man’ and fighting outdated beauty rules. But before you get overzealous in breaking all the rules you once followed so religiously, there are a few that should definitely stick around.
Here are the 10 new year makeup rules you shouldn’t break.
1. Avoid bad lighting
Remember that time you left the house thinking you looked super cute, only to realise later that you have a serious case of cake face? Bad lighting is the culprit for many makeup sins. Always check your makeup in natural or warm white lighting before you leave the house.
2. Tone it down
Unless it’s Halloween and you’re going as Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl, a heavy smoky is very difficult to pull off in broad daylight. If you want to look glam and not ghoul, try a softer smoky eye using neutral or bronze shades.
3. Don’t mask, enhance
Makeup is supposed to enhance your natural features, not completely mask them. Wear makeup as often as you like, but use it to bring out your unique beauty. There’s only one of you in the whole world, own it.
4. Set your under-eye concealer
Dark circles are no fun, but under-eye creases from your concealer are just as bad. Always set your concealer with a translucent powder applied with a damp makeup sponge. This stops your concealer from creasing and will keep your dark circles hidden all day.
5. Curl your lashes
We all want long, luscious lashes. And if you’re not using an eyelash curler then you are seriously missing out. Curling your lashes instantly makes them appear longer, thicker and fuller, and that’s before you apply mascara!
6. Find your signature look
Do you always do a winged eyeliner? Have a preference for a nude, matte lip? It’s fun to try new things, but having a signature makeup look is like finding that perfect little black dress. You can put it on at a moment’s notice and know that you look amazing.
7. Pare back the powder
Finishing off your makeup with a light dusting of powder is a good idea. Being too heavy-handed with your powder application is not. Applying too much powder will have your complexion looking dry and dull. Instead, use blotting papers throughout the day to avoid adding more layers of product.
8. Don’t sleep in your makeup
You’ve heard it a million times before, but really, don’t sleep in your makeup. Avoid breakouts, irritation and premature ageing by leaving makeup remover wipes on your bedside table before you leave the house. That way, you don’t even have to get out of bed to do it.
9. Get your foundation professionally matched
Don’t underestimate the power of a perfectly matched foundation shade. If you’ve been using the same foundation shade for years, it’s worth going to a makeup counter and making sure it’s still the right shade for you.
10. Never skip a primer
There are a lot of you who still think primers are a scam. I’m here to challenge that. Primers allow your makeup to last longer, look smoother and minimise the appearance of pores and wrinkles. Once you find the right primer, you’ll never look back.
What makeup rules do you always follow? Are you going to try any new rules this year?
207 Member Comments
I always use an eyelash curler makes a massive difference.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Setting concealer is very important!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Apparently you can curl your eyelashes using a teaspoon!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I never use eyelash curlers as my eyelashes are long, thick and full and eyelash curlers kind of scare meM
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Love these tips. I need to get myself an eyelash curler. I'm always worried I will hurt myself with it though, haha.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I've stopped skipping the primer which I feel definitely makes a difference. I'm also making a much better effort to wash my makeup off before bed, no exceptions.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I’m using primer more than I used to but not every day (or every second day). I ask myself do I want an extra minute on BH in the morning or do I apply Primer.? Silly question.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I ALWAYS wash off my make-up before bed, no matter how tired (or tipsy!) I am.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Especially because I have awful dark circles!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I found this really helpful!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Love the don't mask point but not ready to curl my lashes yet - just looks quite scary :P
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
- Take care of your skin. Helps to start with a good base.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
- is a rule I always follow thru on , no matter how tired I am
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Anyone else skip the pimer?
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I never used to notice a difference when I curled my lashes until I used the Shu Uemura eyelash curler!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Seriously number 8!!! No matter how tired I am from a night out I always force myself to keep my eyes open for another 10 mins to clean my face! Skincare is so important!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I honestly wish I'd known all of this like 15 years ago when I was an awkward mess of a teenager LOL
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
For those of us who are freaked out by eyelash curlers, here are some alternatives:
Use a hot toothbrush, warm hands or the curved edge of a warm spoon!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Tips four, eight and nine.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Removing your make up properly is the one essential step in your skincare routine if you long to achieve the clear and radiant skin of your dreams.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
Always prime, and always use micellar water prior to cleansing.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 1
I still haven't found a primer I 100% love but I don't use foundation much either.
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Okay but every time I've gotten professionally matched they've been way off because it's not natural lighting that they're matching you with haha so I always say I'll go do other errands first before making a colour decision so that I can see if it actually matches me properly
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
Agree with some, disagree with some. Know what works for you!!
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0
I love the GIFS you guys use when you do articles, makes me laugh! Funny tips because they are all relevant/know someone who doesn’t abide
- Log in or register to commentReply to comment
- Likes 0