Top 5 Mistakes New Makeup Artists Make (And How to Avoid Them)

So you’ve got a passion for makeup, you’ve practiced on yourself and your friends, and now you’re thinking about going pro—or maybe you already started. First of all, welcome to the world of beauty! It’s exciting, creative, and yes… a little intimidating at first.

But here’s the thing: almost every new makeup artist makes the same handful of mistakes.

The good news? They’re totally avoidable.

Let’s break down the top 5 mistakes new MUA’s (Makeup Artists) make—and how YOU can skip them.

1. Not Prepping the Skin Properly

The mistake: Jumping straight into foundation without cleansing, moisturizing, or priming.

Why it matters: Makeup can only look as good as the canvas underneath. Dry patches? Oily zones? Foundation will cling, slide, or separate.

How to avoid it:

Always start with clean skin.

Use skincare suited to your client’s skin type (not your own!).

Don’t skip primer—especially on long-wear or bridal looks.

Pro tip: Carry mini skincare options in your kit—hydrating, mattifying, and soothing.

2. Using the Same Technique on Every Face

The mistake: Applying makeup the way you wear it, on everyone.

Why it matters: Different face shapes, skin textures, and eye types need different approaches.

How to avoid it:

Learn how to adjust contouring, lash placement, and eye shadow blending based on individual features.

Practice on diverse face shapes and skin tones (seriously, it’ll make you 10x better).

Ask questions! Clients love when you tailor the look to them.

3. Not Cleaning Your Brushes Between Clients

The mistake: Reusing brushes or tools without proper sanitation.

Why it matters: Besides being gross, it’s a huge hygiene red flag and can lead to breakouts or infections.

How to avoid it:

Use a brush cleaner between clients.

Deep-clean tools regularly with gentle soap and disinfectant.

Stock multiples of key brushes so you always have a clean set.

Pro tip: Invest in disposable applicators for mascara, lip gloss, and more.

4. Overdoing the Look

The mistake: Going full-glam on every client, even when they asked for “natural.”

Why it matters: Clients often want to look like the best version of themselves, not like someone else.

How to avoid it:

Ask for reference photos.

Repeat their words back: “So when you say ‘natural,’ do you mean skin-focused, no lashes, soft brows?”

Practice soft-glam, no-makeup-makeup, and subtle bridal looks.

5. Ignoring Lighting and Photography

The mistake: Not checking the makeup under different lighting—especially if it’s for photos or video.

Why it matters: Harsh lines, unblended contour, or wrong undertones might not show in natural light but pop under flash.

How to avoid it:

Always check your work under ring light + natural light + phone flash.

Learn what products reflect light (hello, SPF ghost face).

Take before-and-after photos to improve your skills and portfolio.

Final Thoughts

Starting out as a makeup artist is a mix of art, hustle, and learning on the fly. Don’t get discouraged by mistakes—just learn smarter and keep practicing.

Remember: great MUAs don’t just know how to blend—they know how to listen, adapt, and improve.