Lost in a mad rush to discover and absorb everything there is to know about makeup application and beauty products in general, many a well-meaning cosmetics newbie will unintentionally overlook the importance of practice paired with proper technique, resulting in the formation of bad habits and ineffective methods that are likely to stick around for a lifetime.

While some alternative application methods and flawed techniques may produce passable results and go unnoticed, others are sure to cause ugly and embarrassing consequences you’d probably rather avoid. In the interest of establishing a solid foundation upon which to build your makeup expertise, here are a couple of things to bear in mind as you press enthusiastically onward.

First off, always be sure that the color of your foundation makeup is as close to the color of your skin as you can possibly get it. When applied, the difference between the two should be almost imperceptible. Properly matching your foundation shade with your skin tone is key because this step is meant to prepare a smooth, even canvas upon which to strategically place pigments and other frills. Base makeup that’s too light or too dark will create the illusion that you’re wearing a kind of strange, humanoid mask of nonspecific origin. (When in doubt, ask a saleslady at the makeup counter for help with finding your shade.)

Second, don’t forget to thoroughly cleanse your face of makeup and dirt particles every evening before bed. Your skin needs time to relax and breathe and rejuvenate itself, free from the tiresome clutches of cosmetics formulas and beauty serums. Not only will sleeping in makeup prevent your skin from enjoying a much-needed period of rest, but it could actually lead to severe breakouts. There is also some risk of mascara chunks and glitter pieces coming loose during the night, then finding their way into your delicate eyeball areas, which could end in a plethora of painful scratches.

Steer clear of these common pitfalls on the path to makeup mastery, my friend, and you’ll be incredibly glad you did. Good luck! May you learn swiftly and learn well. Stay focused, practice application diligently – even when the going gets a little rough or seems more than a little tedious – and don’t give up before honing your skills to a point of sweet, lovely perfection. You can do it if you set your mind to it (no, seriously); you’re a sharp, competent makeup aficionado waiting to happen. Woohoo!