6 Eye Makeup Hacks to Fix Rookie Mistakes

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When I mess up my eye look after investing so much time into my makeup, it can literally ruin my day! Especially if I feel like it’s beyond repair and I have to basically start from scratch. Luckily, in an attempt to avoid having to wipe away my mistake and re-do my whole eye, I’ve discovered handy makeup hacks to fix common rookie mistakes.

Whether you’re a beginner, or a seasoned pro who has “off days” sometimes, these eye makeup hacks can save your look from disaster.

Watch the video above to see the makeup hacks in action!

1. Use a lighter or skin-toned shade to help blend and soften up shadow.

If you’ve accidentally applied eyeshadow with a heavy hand, don’t keep blending with the same color. You’ll only spread the color and end up with a dark mess. Grab a lighter shade, or one that matches your skin tone, and use that to blend. It will help soften up the color and diffuse the edge.

2. Use a makeup wipe to define and clean up over-blended corners.

If you’ve brought an outer corner color out a little too far beyond the lines, turn it into a defined shape with a makeup wipe. Wrap the wipe around your index finger and swipe it upward in the direction of your eye, starting at your lower lash line’s outer corner.

3. Make metallic shades pop using a dense eyeshadow brush.

Metallic shades can be tricky to apply if you don’t use the right tool. If you want it to look as intense as it does in the palette, use a dense (firm & less flexible) shadow brush and use patting motions to tap it onto the lid. I like using the Sigma E20 brush for this. You can also use your fingers for metallic shades. which work just as well though you lose a bit of precision.

4. Use a thin eyeliner brush to help create winged liner with an eye pencil.

Some of my favorite eyeliner formulas come in pencil or twist up form— but they’re really hard to use for a winged liner look! In order to use a pencil for a defined cat eye, apply the liner directly to your upper lash line and drag a thin eyeliner brush (like this one from e.l.f.) over top to smooth it out. Then, pick up some product from the pencil to the brush and use the brush to create the wing.

5. Even out winged liner with full coverage concealer.

Some days, you just can’t get your wings even. Instead of adding more product and ending up with raccoon eyes, grab your favorite full coverage concealer! Use a small concealer brush and swipe the product under the uneven wing to re-shape and define it.

6. Detangle clumped lashes with a lash comb or clean disposable mascara brush.

Even my favorite mascaras can become clumpy if I get too generous with them. Don’t keep using the same mascara wand to try to detangle clumped lashes— that will only add more product and make the problem worse. Instead, grab a lash comb like this one from Tweezerman or disposable mascara wands to help separate the lashes and remove excess product.