Makeup Mistakes You’re Making Because of Illusionary Lighting and Little-Known Tips

How to choose a makeup mirror with suitable lighting for you:

The standard light will give you the most authentic view when going out

Lighting can directly affect your makeup. Using too bright or wrong angle lighting can change the way you apply makeup, easily leading to excessive foundation or contouring, and then becoming “overdone” when you step out into natural light.

Wherever possible, it is best to place your makeup table near a window. Even if the makeup mirror has its own lighting, natural light from outside will give you a more realistic view of your makeup when you go out.

If there is no natural light source, makeup artists recommend using LED lights because their light closely imitates natural light.

Does the place you go to have white (cool) or yellow (warm) light?

In general, warm light (yellow light bulbs) is not ideal for makeup because it can create strange illusions that make your makeup too heavy or too faded. However, if you know in advance that you will spend a lot of time in places that are mainly lit with warm lights, then equipping yourself with a makeup mirror that can adjust the brightness of the lights to be warmer or cooler will help you have a perfect look no matter what kind of light you use in the places you go.

Avoid these types of lighting when applying makeup

Fluorescent light

As a general rule, avoid fluorescent lights for makeup. Just like in a fitting room, fluorescent lighting is not your best friend. Because it will make you put on more makeup than necessary to compensate for the “imperfections” that are not actually there. Common makeup mistakes like excessive foundation, setting powder, and blush…

Yellow light

Yellow light is great for shaving, but for makeup it is counterproductive. It creates illusions of imperfections – specifically dark circles and spots – leading to excessive use of concealer and setting powder.

Pink light

While fluorescent and yellow light can accentuate flaws, a soft pink light can make you think you need less makeup. Although we are not saying you need to wear heavy makeup, you definitely don’t want to leave the house with unfinished makeup. Using pink lights for Instagram selfies may be perfect, but using cool white light while applying makeup is the practical advice for you.

Direct overhead lighting

Unless you want to magnify every line, wrinkle, or imperfection, avoid doing makeup under direct overhead lighting. Top-down lighting creates strange shadows that can make you apply too much makeup unnecessarily.

Makeup tips suitable for specific spaces, times, and weather

Harsh midday light

This will be the time of day when any mistakes you make are most likely to stand out. The more products you apply, the more potential for textural issues. Therefore, you should go for a lightweight application, such as BB cream, CC cream, or even tinted moisturizer instead of full-coverage foundation. In addition, skipping highlighter and avoiding bronzers altogether would be more suitable.

Gentle evening light

If there was ever a perfect light for any type of makeup, it would be evening light, such as street lights and exterior lighting. Specifically, these lights will look absolutely great with bold makeup. And don’t forget to use a light-reflecting concealer under your eyes and create a gentle contour.

Cloudy days

Cloudy days are quite pleasant because they produce soft, diffused light, which will greatly enhance your appearance with a subtle contour and highlight. Also, choose a light or dewy foundation and avoid translucent powder. Of course, cloudy days are perfect for impressive lashes.

Fluorescent light

For fluorescent lighting, you should avoid matte or translucent finish and instead choose products with a dewy and luminous finish to bring life to your skin. Additionally, focus on prominent makeup elements like blush and bronzer to add color.

Evening light

From 3 pm until dusk is considered the “golden hour”, because during this time it is forgiving to most makeup techniques. So, you don’t have to apply multiple layers to your face at this time.

Low interior lighting

Often found in some restaurants or nighttime venues like bars and clubs. These spaces are perfect if you want to do dramatic makeup. Especially, highlighter will go well with dim lighting as it helps to accentuate the key areas of your face.