When applying makeup, the end goal is to look your best. This includes many things; sticking to products that work well with your skin tone, using products that don’t irritate your skin, and many more. In her article, ‘The Do’s and Don’ts of Everyday Makeup’, Aubrey Almanza says, "Everyday makeup is all about sticking to the "less is more” motto. You want to know how to strike the perfect balance between looking put-together and not having spent hours in front of the mirror experimenting.”

In this article, a few makeup artists offer tips on how to achieve the perfect look, which includes the dos and don’ts of everyday makeup.

"What I like most about makeup is the way you can see yourself in a new way. I believe that as humans, we are more than just our flaws. I am more than the dark circles under my eyes and the pimple that decided to pop up over my cheeks,” says Ivan Mugemanyi, a makeup artist. He adds that with makeup, you have the opportunity to see yourself beyond those small details. That’s because we are who we, and sometimes, we tend to focus on too much.

"Makeup can be bad when you develop bad makeup habits, and that can result in harming your skin. But when you have a good skincare routine that favours your skin, you don’t get to see the bad side of makeup,” says 22-year-old Sandra Kamaliza, a student at the University of Rwanda who’s been a makeup artist for almost two years.

The dos and don’ts of everyday makeup

Dos: 

• Apply makeup on a clean face

• Buy products that match your skin tone and type

• Always choose the best quality of makeup

• Always wash off your makeup at the end of the day

• Always clean materials you use while applying makeup (sponges and brushes)

• Know products your skin is allergic to.

Don’ts: 

• Don’t copy someone else’s look on your face. Find a look that works out for you.

• Don’t apply more than two layers of makeup.

• Don’t feel like you have to wear make-up all the time. 

• Stay away from toxic cosmetics.

• Don’t wear makeup every day to avoid losing your natural glow

• Do not follow all makeup trends that come, but check if they suit your skin first

Mugemanyi says, "Makeup can be bad when it becomes an addiction, something that you can’t do without. We are not our imperfections, but I also believe it’s important to see and acknowledge that those imperfections are there and are a part of who we are.” 

He adds that people now live in the age of social media filters and ‘Kardashian culture’, so everyone feels the need to look perfect all the time, to the point of looking different. "It’s essential to not lose yourself because you want to look good.”