Upgrade Your Beauty Routine Now
Makeup has changed more in the last few years than ever before, and the methods that once created a flawless look can now make your routine seem outdated. Some techniques have simply aged out, replaced by approaches that work better with modern lighting, products, and textures. This list explores both sides of the beauty shift—what to leave behind and what to embrace next. Let’s begin with the outdated makeup techniques you need to stop doing first.
1. Overly Heavy Contouring
A staple of the “iPhone face” era and made famous by Kim Kardashian, heavy contouring is being left behind. The sharp, dramatic lines that defined faces now look too harsh, so people are making way for a softer and more natural look.
2. Concealer As Full-Face Foundation
In makeup, using concealer instead of foundation is a clear mistake. Its thick formula and heavy pigment make it hard to blend across large areas, which leaves skin uneven. The result often looks cakey and emphasizes dry patches or texture.
3. Overdrawn Instagram Brows
Overdrawn Instagram brows with sharp arches and bold outlines ruled 2015 and 2016. Yet, while stunning in photos, they often looked too harsh in person. The heavy, structured style has since been replaced by more natural brow shapes.
4. Baking For 10+ Minutes
The trend of “baking” makeup—leaving powder on for over ten minutes—can make skin look dry and creased. Popular among drag artists and beauty influencers, the long set time now feels dated and can make makeup appear thick.
5. Cut Crease With Glitter Everywhere
A dramatic cut crease with glitter used to be a top makeup trend, but it no longer shines the same way. Under natural light, it often looks harsh and unflattering, turning what was once glam into something overly bold and dated.
6. Extreme Matte Lips
When Kylie Jenner popularized matte lips, everyone followed. But those dry, heavy formulas often cracked and aged the lips. The overly matte finish now feels outdated, as it tends to highlight texture and dryness instead of enhancing it.
7. Ignoring Blush Placement For Face Shape
Blush does more than add color—it shapes the face. Placing it incorrectly can throw off the balance. The habit of applying it only to the apples of the cheeks has faded, as it can make faces appear rounder and less defined.
8. Frosty White Inner Corner Highlight
Frosty white inner corner highlights were the go-to for brightening eyes. Now, that icy shade feels harsh and dated. It often exaggerates texture or dryness around the eyes, taking away from a softer, more flattering look.
9. Using One Shade Of Foundation Year-Round
Using one foundation shade all year sounds simple, but causes mismatched tones. Skin changes with sun exposure and weather, which shifts its undertone slightly. When the face and neck don’t align, the difference becomes noticeable and makes the makeup appear off.
10. Too Much Highlighter On Cheekbones And Nose
In the late 2010s, the “blinding” highlighter trend ruled makeup routines. However, too much shimmer often made skin look greasy instead of glowing. The intense shine drew attention to pores and texture to leave faces looking uneven rather than radiant.
Now that you know which makeup habits to leave behind, let’s look at the techniques that have taken their place—and how they can instantly refresh and modernize your routine.
1. Skin Prep Before Makeup
Cleansing the skin before makeup removes oils, dirt, and leftover products, creating a smooth base for foundation. Then, apply moisturizer to keep your makeup even and long-lasting. Don’t skip primer—it helps blur pores and fine lines for a flawless, lightweight finish.
2. Lifted Blush Technique
Revamp your makeup routine with the Lifted Blush Technique. Apply blush higher on your cheekbones and blend it toward the temples to create a lifted effect. This method avoids color too close to the nose, which can pull your features downward.
3. Light, Layered Foundation Application
To achieve a flawless foundation look, start from the center of your face and blend outward. Applying foundation in thin layers prevents a heavy or cakey look. Layering also gives customizable coverage while saving both product and time in your routine.
4. Soft Sculpting (Natural Contour)
The art of soft sculpting uses gentle contour shades to enhance natural bone structure. This approach focuses on subtle shadows and natural definition instead of harsh lines. It’s ideal for everyday wear and works beautifully in any type of lighting.
5. Feathered Brows
For a modern, effortless look inspired by runways, feathered brows are key. Brushing brow hairs upward with a spoolie and setting them creates a fuller, textured finish. Adding a clear or tinted gel boosts shape and eliminates the need for pencils.
6. Tightlining The Upper Waterline
Tightlining the upper waterline is a subtle technique that defines eyes and makes lashes look fuller. It involves applying eyeliner along the inner rim to enhance eye shape. To prevent smudging, use a waterproof pencil for long-lasting definition.
Tightlining and Waterline Technique by TheMakeupChair
7. Using Color Correctors Before Concealer
Using color correctors before concealer helps neutralize discoloration. Peach or orange tones brighten dark circles, while green reduces redness. Applying correctors carefully with a brush or fingertip means you’ll need less concealer, which will result in a smoother, more even-looking coverage overall.
Here's Why Your CONCEALER LOOKS ASHY Even After Color Correcting! by Smitha Deepak
8. Gradient Or Ombré Lip Technique
The gradient or ombré lip technique, popular in K-beauty, blends multiple shades for a soft fade. This method adds depth and dimension while making lips appear fuller. For a seamless finish, use a lip brush to blend the colors smoothly.
HOW TO :OMBRE LIP TUTORIAL by GlamByMeliTv
9. Strategic Powder Placement
Strategic powder placement enhances makeup’s longevity. Applying powder only to oily areas, such as the T-zone, helps control shine and maintain freshness. Using a small fluffy brush prevents buildup, keeping your skin looking smooth and naturally airbrushed.
10. Setting Makeup With A Dewy Spray
Setting makeup with a dewy spray helps it stay in place while keeping your skin fresh and hydrated. The hydrating ingredients, like glycerin, prevent dryness and dullness. Additionally, it’s the perfect finishing touch for achieving a soft, glowing, long-lasting wear.
