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2018 is set to be another year of ‘sticking it to the man’ and fighting outdated beauty rules.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?