First, we go through the struggle of choosing the right shades and palettes for your skin tone out of millions of beauty products available. Second, we pick the art of learning to apply these products in the right amount so that it doesn’t look too much. It even takes people several years to ace blending and perfecting a desired look. So, it can be a bit tricky to notice the makeup mistakes in all this effort and non-stop learning. But some of these makeup mistakes can lead to skin problems.

Makeup mistakes that can wreak havoc on your skin!

Dermatologist Dr (Major) Gurveen Waraich recently took to her Instagram account to share some of the common makeup mistakes that can lead to skin problems.

Check out the reel right here:

Stop making these 5 makeup mistakes

1. You don’t prep your skin

Whether you’re running late or just forgot to apply moisturizer, applying makeup on dry skin is the worst thing you can do to your skin. In the caption of the Insta post, Dr Waraich mentions that not only does applying makeup on dry skin make your makeup look cakey, but it can also lead to skin irritation. So, use a primer first, followed by a hydrating serum and moisturizer if you have dry skin.

Also Read: A top dermatologist recommends 7 must-do things before you put on makeup

2. Using a dry makeup sponge

Anyone who follows makeup knows that you should avoid using a dry makeup sponge. It may not be the best thing for your skin. The dermatologist shares that applying makeup with a wet sponge can be beneficial for your skin. It absorbs less product, and so there is a lesser chance of bacterial infections. She also advises cleaning your sponge after every use and replacing it every three months.

3. Using soap to set your brows

Have you seen the makeup hack where people very conveniently tame their brows with soap? It is one trend that you should not follow, advises Dr Waraich. She warns that leaving soap in your eyebrows can damage the skin and even lead to temporary hair loss. So, it is better to avoid it by applying an eyebrow gel instead of using hacks like these.

4. Using lipstick as a cheek tint

Who doesn’t love a product that can serve multiple purposes? Well, lipstick isn’t one! A lot of influencers may use lipstick as a cheek tint in the name of makeup hacks, but not everything they do is good. In fact, the dermatologist points out that lipsticks are a “blend of various metals” which can be harmful to people with sensitive skin. It can even lead to skin problems like skin discolouration and eczema, which is why you should avoid this hack at all costs.

5. Avoid using makeup wipes

Yes, the makeup wipes we so love to use to remove makeup might ruin your skin. According to the dermatologist, they are a big NO! She writes, “Not only are they bad for your skin but a big hazard to the environment as well. They dry out the skin, do not clean the makeup properly, and can also lead to irritation or acne on skin.” It is advisable to use oil or water-based makeup removers to remove your makeup to avoid skin problems.

If you care about your skin too much, don’t let these makeup “hacks” or mistakes ruin it for you. In case you have been noticing any changes in your skin, it is best to talk to your doctor to avoid complications.