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
