BAD MAKEUP ARTIST FAILS: 48 EXAMPLES OF MISHAPS

From the soot-rimmed eyes of ancient Egyptians to the lead paint used by the Elizabethans, the pursuit of beauty through cosmetics has a long history. However, this experimentation doesn’t always yield favorable results. The subreddit ‘Bad MakeUp Artists’ serves as an excellent showcase for these mishaps.

Since its inception in 2017, this online community has grown to 568K members who actively share images of both everyday individuals and celebrities sporting glaringly obvious fake lashes, overly sculpted brows, and mismatched foundation shades.

Keep scrolling to explore the collection, and be sure to check out our conversation with British beauty content creator Jane Cunningham, interspersed among the photos.

Oh Dear

Makeup expert Jane Cunningham, known on Instagram as @britbeautyblog, emphasizes that mastering the basics of makeup isn’t as difficult as it seems. “Makeup textures and formulas have come a long way so they’re easier than ever to use,” she shared with Bored Panda. “There’s a big difference between being decent at makeup and excellent at makeup, but most of us can scrape by with adaptable products such as lip and cheek crayons.”

She also notes the rising popularity of sheer looks and a “less is more” philosophy, which is perfect for beginners. “A good example would be that if you’re not confident applying foundation, try a tinted moisturizer instead — there’s less pigment and far more leeway for good blending and a glowy finish.”

Tiktok Ad For Eyebrow Stencil

That Shade Would Even Be Too Dark For Me And I’m Not Even White

Her Chest!!!

Cunningham asserts that the key distinction between experts and amateurs lies in the process. “Pros are taught in a very particular and meticulous way that gives them a foundation of knowledge on which to expand. Once you understand skin tones, textures, and effects, you can experiment with layering and enhancing,” she elaborated.

She provides an example: “A good example might be that it takes most of us a couple of moments to apply eyeshadow or lipstick, but a pro can be there for a long time working with the colors to get them absolutely perfect.”

Caption Said: A Soft Smokey Look

Didn’t Even Recognize Ariana In Her Newest Look. Am I The Only One Who Feels Like She’s Gone From Blackfishing To Asianfishing?

This Has Been All Over My Social Media Feeds Lately. The Artist Has A Booking Site And Charges $85

All Of The Makeup Artist’s Looks Are Like This! Their Clients Look Scary

“A happy amateur enjoys applying the product, enjoys the finished result but isn’t looking at their work with an MUA eye, so mostly won’t see that the results aren’t technically perfect. Which is fine!” Cunningham explained.

She also highlighted the importance of versatility: “A huge difference between amateur and pro is that MUAs can create perfect makeup on anyone; amateurs can often only create looks on themselves.”

Found On An Fb Ad

Her Eyes Look Tired From All The Heavy Lifting

This Shade Match Hurts

They Did Her Sooo Dirty

When it comes to mistakes, Jane Cunningham shares a perspective akin to that of the late Bob Ross. “It’s still quite easy to go wrong with foundation tones, but it’s hard to say what’s a mistake and what’s a happy accident,” she noted.

Cunningham emphasized the evolving nature of makeup styles: “Makeup looks have never been so unregimented. Personally, I don’t love huge lashes or a lot of highlighter, but that’s only my preference. If it’s making you happy, it’s not wrong!”

Even The Client Doesn’t Look Happy With This ‘Glam’

UK Mua Combining Block Brows And Feathered Brows

Those Eyelashes Are Not Even Close To Being In The Right Place

I Really Despise These Type Of Lips

“The only ‘wrongs’ I think can be ignoring hygiene around application, or as a pro, not following your client’s wishes and going with what you think is best,” Cunningham stated.

She added, “I’ve seen a couple of practice bridal looks recently that really didn’t hit the brief, and I’ve ended up doing the makeup myself on the day for one of them.”

Watching Hoarders And Noticed The Color Match Of The Doctor’s Foundation Was Off

The Entire Mua’s Page Was Full Of This Style Of Makeup I Can’t Wait For This To Not Be Trendy Anymore

Local B R I T I S H Artist. That Hairline And The Same Shade Of Brown For Every. Single. Client

It Gets Worse, But The Mua Does Admit To Being Inspired By Drag Makeup

If you’re just starting out, it can be beneficial to focus on certain skills that will significantly enhance your look.

Cunningham emphasizes the importance of blending: “If all your layers (primer, base, blush, bronzer, highlighter) are seamlessly blended, then it just looks effortless. If you can pick up anything from online tutorials, focus on blending,” she advised. “After that, it’s easier not to go wrong.”

She also mentions liquid liner: “Oh, and liquid liner! [Although] I’ve never mastered it and fully believe that some people are never meant to make it happen (i.e. me!),” the beauty content creator confessed.

From A Mua On Insta I’m No Expert But What Do We Think ?

So. Much. Foundation

She Looks So Sad

Her Skin Is So Beautiful

Ultimately, improving your makeup skills involves understanding yourself, and ideally, it should be a pleasurable experience rather than a chore.

“Just enjoy your beauty products, don’t rush to be an expert, take your time, and practice until you like what you’ve achieved,” Cunningham advised.

If you’re thoughtful about your application, chances are you won’t find yourself featured on this or any similar subreddit!

Criminal Minds “Tan”

Ummm I’m Sure That Shade Matches Someone But It Sure Isn’t Her

Her Skin Color Completely Changed

The Mua Charges £60 For A Shade Match Like That

Umm This Appeared On My Instagram

 I Am Genuinely Appalled

Clockwork Orange Full Glam

From Normal To Drag

Ugh… She Had A Team Of Reputable Muas, Posted On Ig By A Famous Magazine. Those People Are Payed Thousands For This!

It Just Feels Crusty To Me

Every Part Of Her Face Is A Different Shade Of Orange

A Mua With Almost 1m Followers

This Mua’s Work Has Been Posted On Here A Couple Times, This Is How She Does Makeup On Herself…. She’s A White Woman

A Self Proclaimed Mua

Talk About Suffocating Those Poor Pores… My Skin Is Screaming

Oh, Oh No

This Was Posted By A Big Makeup Brand. Why Is Her Forehead Tan And The Rest Of Her Face Pale?

Well

Straight Into The Hairline

This Makeup Company On Instagram. Why?

They Charge $350 Wtf

The Tone Match Here Is Awful

“Cool New Way To Do Blush”

She Used 6 Pumps Of Foundation To Create This Look

SOFT SUMMER: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Soft Summer is a distinctive seasonal blend that combines the cool undertones of summer with the soft, muted grace of autumn. As part of the 12-season color analysis system, it helps individuals discover the shades that truly enhance their natural beauty.

Do your features exhibit a gentle, understated coolness where no single trait stands out, yet everything works harmoniously? Are you drawn to soft, subtle colors that seem to elevate your look effortlessly? Perhaps the serene beauty of a misty morning over calm waters speaks to your soul?

If you’re nodding along, you might be a Soft Summer! This is your ultimate guide to understanding Soft Summer in the 12-season color system. From physical characteristics and ideal makeup to color palettes and wardrobe essentials, we’ve got everything you need to build your perfect Soft Summer wardrobe and create a personalized palette that suits you.

FEATURES OF SOFT SUMMER

DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS

Soft Summer is defined by three key traits: a cool hue, medium value, and muted chroma. Let’s break down each of these characteristics:

  • Cool Hue: Soft Summer’s undertone is always cool, meaning it has a blue base. However, overtones of beige or yellow can sometimes give a warmer or olive appearance, which may cause confusion when distinguishing Soft Summer from Soft Autumn.
  • Medium Value: Soft Summers generally fall in the middle of the value spectrum, from light to medium-dark. Some individuals may even have such dark features that they resemble Deep Winter. These darker Soft Summers should stick to the deeper, richer muted shades within the palette to stay aligned with their season.
  • Muted Chroma: The defining trait of Soft Summer is its muted chroma, which refers to the lack of intense, bright colors. Everything about Soft Summer is softened, with low contrast between features like skin, eyes, and hair. Bright or saturated hues should be avoided, as they overwhelm the subtle beauty of this season.

Soft Summer holds a unique place in the color spectrum with its cool blue undertones, often tempered by beige or yellow overtones, creating a neutral yet nuanced appearance.

Unlike other summer seasons, what truly sets Soft Summer apart is its muted chroma. This refers to the soft, low-saturation quality that characterizes the skin, eyes, and hair. The overall look is less about contrast and more about a harmonious, grayed softness.

In terms of value (lightness or darkness), Soft Summer offers one of the widest ranges within the Summer family. While some may lean towards lighter tones, most Soft Summers fall in the medium-dark range, making it the darkest of all summer seasons.

SOFT SUMMER FEATURES

  • Skin Tone: Soft Summer skin can vary from creamy beige or ivory to dark beige. For people of color, dark beige is common, and light-skinned Black women often fit within this season as well.
  • Eye Color: While soft blue, gray, or green eyes are frequently associated with Soft Summer, eye color can also include muted brown shades. The defining feature is the subdued quality, often showing patterns like crypts or autumnal flecks, giving the eyes depth without sharp contrast.
  • Hair Color: Hair tends to range from medium to dark brown, though lighter hair or even gray is also common. Soft Summer hair generally lacks warm highlights, often displaying an ashy, gray tone. Although hair color is less critical in determining one’s seasonal palette, it complements the overall soft, cool aesthetic of this season.

HARMONIOUS BALANCE

Soft Summer features are characterized by an overall harmony created by their muted chroma and the gentle, seamless contrast between skin, eyes, and hair. This balanced combination gives Soft Summers a soft, understated beauty that truly shines when they wear the right colors. Although their features may appear subtle or neutral at first glance, they become strikingly captivating when accentuated by the muted, cool tones that complement their natural palette.

MAKEUP FOR THE SOFT SUMMER WOMAN

To truly enhance Soft Summer features, your makeup should align with the season’s cool and muted color palette. The aim is not just to enhance beauty, but to create a seamless harmony with your natural tones. Soft, cool shades like dusty pinks, mauves, muted lavenders, and cool browns will complement your complexion and bring out your understated elegance without overpowering your features.

To enhance your Soft Summer look, choose light neutrals like icy pink, blush, and dusky blue for an effortless, everyday vibe. For more dramatic occasions, opt for rich shades such as charcoal or navy. If you want to add an unexpected pop of color, soft plum or warm teal are perfect accent hues.

When it comes to cheeks, neutral cool shades are your best friends. Look for soft hues like sand, soft pink, or rose to create a creamy, glowing complexion that aligns with the Soft Summer aesthetic.

For lips, nude tones work beautifully, along with blush pink and mauve. If you want to go bold, choose cooler shades like rose, berry, or plum.

Avoid warm tones that clash with your natural coloring, such as fiery reds, oranges, and yellows for your eyes, or bronze shades for the cheeks. Steer clear of overly dark lip colors, which can create a harsh contrast and disrupt your natural softness.

INSPIRATION: THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF SOFT SUMMER

Soft Summer is more than just a seasonal color type; it embodies an aesthetic deeply connected to the natural world. Its palette draws inspiration from the calming hues of misty mornings, serene oceans, and soft sunsets, showcasing the beauty created by the greatest Creator (Genesis 1:31).

Picture a foggy dawn over still waters—the cool grays and muted blues reflect Soft Summer’s essence. This color range includes gentle tones of gray, blue, purple, pink, and understated red.

Ocean Views: Soft Summer echoes the soft beauty of an island volcano veiled in pink and purple fog, blending seamlessly with the tranquil sea.

Mountain Scapes: A pink sunset fading into lavender mist over subdued green mountains captures the cool, muted vibe of this season.

Wintry Waters: A wintry lake scene, showcasing various muted blues, further illustrates Soft Summer’s peaceful, soft color profile.

Soft Summer’s palette is a reflection of the earth’s natural harmony, blending delicate, muted beauty with the tranquility of nature.

SOFT SUMMER COLOR PALETTE

When building a color palette for Soft Summer, start with versatile neutrals before exploring a range of colors.

Charcoal and denim are softer alternatives to harsh black, while a muted soft white works better than bright white. Add foundational shades like sage, blush, and dove gray to your wardrobe for a balanced look.

For reds, choose cool shades like ruby or soft red, and skip orange since it’s too warm. Stick to cooler yellows, such as corn or chiffon. Greens should have a touch of blue and stay in the medium range. Soft Summers can enjoy a variety of blues, from purple-blues to green-blues. Finish off with purples that have cool undertones.

Although every color may have a version that works for Soft Summer, some are harder to match. Cool pinks can sometimes look more like purples, many reds may appear too warm, and yellows without a green tint are often too warm. Blues and purples leaning more toward blue rather than red will flatter Soft Summers best.

It’s important to avoid certain colors, like stark black and white, which create harsh contrast. Bright, saturated shades can overwhelm Soft Summer’s natural softness. Medium pastel colors like rouge and steel blue are ideal choices.

Lastly, be cautious with colors from other seasonal palettes. Bright Spring, Bright Winter, and Warm Spring shades are often too vivid, warm, or high-contrast for Soft Summer, making them less harmonious with your natural tones. Stick to muted, cool shades for a balanced and flattering look.

CHOOSING PRINTS FOR SOFT SUMMER

Choosing the right prints is key to enhancing your Soft Summer look. To make sure your prints work with your color palette and personal style, consider the following:

  • Color Consistency: Ensure that at least 90% of the colors in your print come from the Soft Summer palette. This keeps your look cohesive and harmonious.
  • Scale: Opt for small to medium-sized prints. Large prints can feel overwhelming and take away from the soft, balanced nature of Soft Summer.
  • Contrast Level: Stick with low-contrast prints. Soft Summer looks best in muted, blended patterns that reflect its subtle and gentle charm.

Following these guidelines will help you choose prints that enhance your wardrobe and boost your confidence.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR SOFT AND COOL COLORING

No matter your style, there are a few key items every woman should have in her wardrobe.

Start with neutral basics, as they are the foundation of any outfit. Sticking to similar neutral shades creates a cohesive and polished look. Layering different tones of the same color adds depth and a luxurious feel.

If you prefer a more colorful style, neutrals are still essential, but you can bring in personality with vibrant accessories. Adding fun pieces in shades of pink, green, purple, or blue can give your outfits an exciting pop of color while still looking put together.

CONCLUSION

The Soft Summer color palette offers a refreshing and timeless aesthetic that suits a wide range of individuals. Its soft, muted tones create a harmonious and sophisticated look. By understanding your undertones and incorporating these colors into your wardrobe, you can enhance your natural beauty and radiate confidence. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different shades and textures to create your unique style. With a little creativity and confidence, you can effortlessly rock the Soft Summer look and feel your best.