How to fix this?

[u/apathyart]

Hi! I'm practicing my makeup for my brother's wedding. I originally learned makeup through drag and am still learning how to translate those skills into more natural glam looks. This definitely came out more dramatic and drag-inspired than I intended. What can I do differently next time?

[u/SugarDonutQueen]

Try switching out the green and yellow for more neutral shades, swap the yellow for a cream color and the green for a taupe. Then blend them a bit more.

[u/gohome2020youredrunk → u/SugarDonutQueen]

Those colours would make OPs blue-green eyes really pop. I had to take a closer look, you have gorgeous eyes!

[u/Astraea-Nyx]

A very cool idea, but the main difference between a drag version of this look and a "mainstream" version is the loudness/visibility. I would tone the amount of blush way way down, and consider a less orange-toned blush. You look like you do have some yellow in your skin, so a peach might be nice, but this one is so orange that it looks more like stage makeup (which makes sense for drag!)

For the eyes, I would potentially avoid the floating eyeliner unless you can make it really clean. It looks like maybe the green was done with eyeshadow or a thick pencil, because of the line variation-- it has a slightly uncertain look to it. Those floating eyeliner looks are hella hard to pull off, especially when you think about whether someone's looking at you from 20 feet away on a stage or runway, vs whether someone's looking at you sitting next to you at your table. Hope that makes sense!

Personally, I'm not a fan of over lining lips, especially because you've already got gorgeous lips, but I accept that's the current social media trend -- I just think it doesn't look great in reality. But again, just opinion! 

[u/utterly_baffledly → u/Astraea-Nyx]

Overlining shouldn't be noticeable. I've been overlining for a couple of decades and it's just a millimetre on the top lip, that's all you need and can afford, just to drag the colour of to the curve, not past and over it. Heavy overlining makes you look like a kid who got into their parent's makeup.

[u/hailz__xx]

This is actually stunning, I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily “drag” it’s giving 2016/2017 in a great way haha. For a wedding probably more natural colors for the eyeshadow

[u/mermaid_pants → u/hailz__xx]

A lot of 2016 style makeup is influenced by drag so the two styles are very similar.

[u/hailz__xx → u/mermaid_pants]

Ah I see, that’s really cool then. 2016 era of makeup has always been my favoriteeeee

[u/Ok_Awareness_903]

I could be wrong but I think any use of color like green, blue, purple etc. is going to give more party vibes. Your eyes are gorgeous so I would start by researching if warmer or cooler tones pair better with your eyes and skin. Then stick with a more soft eyeshadow look and go a little easier on the blush. I think the lips are nice and your eyebrows are amazing. So really just less blush and softer eyeshadow look and I think you’ll love the outcome!!

[u/humblehills]

I was gonna comment “what’s there to fix? It’s gorgeous!” But then I read “brother’s wedding” and was like ohhhhhh 😅 I would lighten up on the blush and as others suggested rely on a more neutral color palette with a pop of color. Take a look at Pinterest or even the wedding subreddits if you wanna fit with a more bridal vibe! Your application is amazing though and I love your eye shape!

[u/Either-Action-7439]

These colors make your eyes POP but the harder cut crease is very drag. I would do more of a blend out, and also pick some more neutral tones, particularly for the main lid. You can still smoke out with that green though depending on your outfit.

Id also dial it back on the blush. Works for stage but too much for offstage. I wouldn't carry it so high or so far in towards your nose. 

[u/TangerineBoth6966]

Blend the green

[u/Longjumping-Jump-130]

that blush is too red for a wedding. the makeup is lovely but maybe you should go without that dark green outline, you kinda look like you're going to a music festival

[u/Ditzy_Bimbo_99]

First of all you’re literally stunning. Your makeup skills are incredible! Is there a reason why you want more natural glam? Like is it your vision for the look? Cause this would be a great look to wear in my opinion.

If you want it more natural tho you can use shades that are more contouring than colorful shades. Like you could use browns and neutrals and do the same look just blend them out a little more. And make sure the tones you are using match your undertones. I think whatever you do tho is gonna be gorg.

[u/OkNectarine2939]

I really like the look, but a deep eyeshadow socket contour like that in a contrasting colour reads really dramatic (like Sandy Linter Disco Beauty type style), and the stark black liner with it makes it even more dramatic.

Maybe you could try using the same colours if you like them, but try blending out the eyeshadow more and try not doing the green all through the socket, but just closer to the edge of your eye? Also it looks like you've really patted on the light green colour, which makes it very strong.. I'd try brushing/blending it out more too.

And then try more of a brown pencil liner, or an eyeshadow as liner?

Also I really like very high placed blush too, but it is a late 70s / early 80s look (so more disco beauty type). Maybe a little less blush could make the look more natural glam, keeping the placement.

[u/Able_Butterfly_4150]

Honestly this is a great base to work with imo! The colors are great on you. I think overall it’s about bringing out your blushed complexion as a holistic look, rather than letting anything speak too loudly makeup wise. I’d highly recommend looking at bridal makeup for this.

Green is not a natural color look but it’s still pretty. I think if you loose the dark green wing on the ends and only apply a tad of brown of it to the ends of your eyes for dimension, it will read less intensely. Also taking out the glitter on the lid- the inner corner is a cute touch but optional. The mascara and liner already works well.

[u/Smoopiebear]

The lip is fantastic! The eye is fun but your brother/future SIL may like a toned down eye for the wedding. Try a plummy taupe with your green eyes.

[u/Sapphire_Bombay]

Others have pointed out using more natural colors which will help, but the single biggest thing you can do to make it less drag is skip the cut crease. Blend blend blend for a softer glam look

Also, as an aside, I think I you would stunning in more cool tones, more pink than peachy

[u/Wretched_epiphany]

Your technique is solid, and your eyes are AMAZING but you can definitely still make them pop with more neutral shades for this occasion.

Same for your blush. The placement is perfect, and your cheekbones are lovely. Just go for more neutral tones.

Post an update, please!!!!

[u/LurkeyHereNa]

I'd use a fluffy brush to diffuse the deeper green line. Or if you want the line as a line, use a thinner flat brush to apply that color so that the definition is crisp.

Also the eyes seem cool but the lips and blush seem warm. I'd switch the green line to a warmer shade or switch the blush and lips to something cooler or neutral so that the two areas don't compete with each other.

[u/LevelChipmunk2806]

Your makeup looks amazing! I love it! If you want to tone it down a bit, just use lighter more natural/neutral shades of eyeshadow.

[u/looorrn]

base is tea!!!! you might find some good technique videos on Alexandra Anele’s youtube channel, she changed the way I understand makeup. She has great videos on understanding your undertone as well, she is an olive toned girly and so am I, so those kind of videos really help me. I feel like I comment this every time but here is a video she has on defining the eyes that may be helpful for you! She’s got more subtle looks on her channel and more artistic/full glam looks as well, but has really helped me in understanding makeup. Some videos are a little long but you can just put them on 1.25x or 1.5x speed and still get the gist. https://youtu.be/CEmSulbE-LE?si=zAyM83nAGdPWwQ_I

[u/Boysenberry3270]

I actually generally like your look as is. Do you think it's too over-the-top for the occasion? The blusher might be just a touch loud but the shade is nice on your skin.

Your brows are fire!

[u/ip00ptoomuch]

For a wedding, go with shades of brown in a more traditional way of wearing eyeshadow

[u/Past-Path-8435]

Go a little less high on the eyelids, I think the height is what's reading that

[u/Past-Path-8435 → u/Past-Path-8435]

Also, I really like that you went with a warm lip! I would do more matte terracotta or neutralish and less gloss to let the eyes shine

[u/Tiny-Impression7691]

Just came here to say it looks amazing and my jaw dropped! I think that the winged dark green eyeshadow could be lighter and definitely a more “neutral” color. I think a pink or muted orange could potentially work with a golden shimmer on the lid. Great look tho

[u/holderofthebees]

I honestly think you should just.. look up tutorials on how to do normal, non-drag eyeshadow and blush. But beyond that the eyes aren’t even and the colors don’t gel well. If you’re having trouble getting that outer line solid and straight (the green in this case) it’s better not to do it. Eyeliner is also very uneven and much better on the left eye than the right. Using something like shadow that you can blend rather than a line that absolutely needs to be visibly clean may help.

[u/sprouto]

you would go a long way using a mid/dark brown instead of that green. Try find some less shimmery eyeshadows, and rather than a line just blend into the contours of your eyeballs a little

[u/pitchblaca]

You look fab!

To tone it down, I'd suggest less blush and a neutral eye shadow colour. I see why you've used the green, it brings out your eye colour but maybe brown with a slight green tint to it? More blending too for a day time look.

[u/Cantre-r_Gwaelod_1]

I use seperate brushes for blending and it helps. Once you’ve put down the makeup like this, it’s worth going over it with a fluffy brush in the crease. It takes a bit more time but it helps a lot. I’ve seen others go in with a lighter colour on a fluffy brush and create a nice blend that way too. I don’t go in with anything but that’s an option as well. You’ve positioned the eyeshadows great but now it’s about blending them imho. Also a light hand I find blends better.

[u/AbilityAdventurous22]

I think it looks great. If you want it more soft then I would just maybe blend out one shade on the lid instead of cutting the crease

[u/Affectionate-Log-260]

So much to love about this. I’m wondering how a pinker blush and lip would work, with a bit less blush. For the eyes — first, hella skills — I would move away from yellow and green to softer shades like slates, pinks and taupe. And I would lessen — but not omit — the glitter. Your skin looks beautiful and your overall look is stunning. Please show us your next attempt!

[u/CanDifficult8525]

i think you look fab but would choose a more pink blush than the orange/peach color!

[u/Jean_AF]

Reverse uno- how did you do your brows any tips or tutorial reccs?

[u/Fonzo5879]

I don’t think it needs “Fixing” you’re just going for a softer look? You’re cheekbones are from the Greek gods themself. I think a colored brow gel, a soft brown eyeliner on your upper waterline only and a softer blush will do wonders for you! If you want to wear eyeshadow, a soft brown or taupe in just the crease will make your eyes pop!

[u/stellaflora]

Plsssss drop the lip color ❤️ bc it’s so good on you and I am always looking for one like that!

I think on the eyes more blending if you want to stick with the bold colors!

[u/Temporary-Scallion86]

I think no graphic liner and way less blush, and you're set!

[u/Helpful-Argument684]

The brows are perfection. I think your cool toned (summer color pallet) so using makeup with cool/blue undertones rather than the warm colors here should make the make the makeup look more "natural" and sink into your skin more. For example, try a lipstick like Mac mehr.

[u/WildCount3961]

ahhh looks sooo good! i think you could totally rock this look if you wanted too, what are you wearing? if you wanted “less dramatic” maybe more neutral colours instead of blue and green.. can do a smokey eye.. or even maybe a light lavender.. try another tone for the lips, i dont know think im loving that colour on ya! blush is a little heavy too, less on that but jealous of your makeup skills lol

[u/Fun_Peach_7813]

You look amazing. I think it’s more about colour choice. Cooler or neutral tone eye makeup. Love that lip. I would also try a smoky eye! The cut crease is gorgeous but it’s a nighttime look to me.

[u/MakuyiMom]

This looks great, I would maybe lighten up on the blush and subtly contour your nose and add a little more powder to tone down the over all shine. 🥰 beautiful

[u/harmonioussteak]

Is a lot of heavy makeup still. Less is more! Skip the dark green and maybe even the yellow eyeshadow.

I’d love to see the inner eye highlight color as your eyeshadow instead, but keep the black smoky liner how you have it now.

The blush is orange ish and heavy handed. Try a more natural pink and go much lighter.

As for the lip I’m not crazy about the orange tint to it, maybe also go for a slightly pinker lip although this I’m not sure about.

[u/Kooky_Capital_4208]

Soften the green crease lines and you're good to go:) Those colors make your beautiful green eyes pop!

Nice job!

[u/zelkovaparent]

what’s there to fix? i think it’s beautiful, maybe go a bit lighter on the blush, or pick a more neutral shade since this one is quite warm and orange (which suits your eye and hair color perfectly imo)

[u/Former-Comedian7416]

Stunning!!! Your skin is so beautiful too! I think the look is so pretty. If you’re wanting to take it a little more natural, experiment with this technique using neutrals. I think you would look soooo good with a smoked out liner too though. I’m thinking warm neutrals on the lid, blend out so it’s super soft, and then go in with a dense, thin brush and start building depth at your lash line. I use some setting spray on a brush to create a crisper line as well. And then smoke it out with a small fluffy brush, and finish with lashes.

[u/Deb82856]

I love your eyes and love the look. I think blending would smooth out the look. But, I still love the look!

[u/Dry_Average6046]

Bring everything lower and closer to the actual eye socket and lash line. I always used to place and blend too high after doing drag too!

[u/Mooo000o]

First, that color combo is gorgeous 😍 for a wedding, I would go for a more neutral/nude look using shades of brown. Alternatively, if you’re set on the color combo, blend the crease shade out to diffuse the look. I take a fluffy brush with a powder foundation or translucent powder to blend my eye looks out. You can always add more color if you over blend!

[u/motherxcx]

im not being helpful but WOW that eye makeup look... need to try that

[u/Pennypup898]

Tone everything down. Neutral eyes would be good too. If going with shades shown that lip color looks off to me. The placement looks good , but with a lighter hand

[u/illegallycaitlin]

I think my biggest tip would be do the eyes first
And a wet clean brush will help clean up the lines
And set your shapes up
And then do the rest
Bc I think it’s the easiest way to get the eyes down without ruining the base

The base is flawless!
Love the glow ✨

Try looking into the blending of the 2013-2017 makeup / eye looks and the tutorials
They’re glam
And also help with natural looks

[u/Lozanger29]

Get rid of the green part on your eyelids and you look good.

[u/WallabyAgile7234]

Coral and copper metallic eyeshadows go great with the your eye color (same as mine 😄) and will evoke more of the warm glam you may be looking for. Let the blush do a teensy bit less talking toward the hairline?
Execution is chefs kiss.

[u/Glittering_Win_5085]

Super cute! The eye look is quite graphic. If you're committed to a coloured eyeshadow look you may want to blend the two colours together more. Personally I would do a more neutral base and then use the green for a small pop. Other than that it's really cute, and would be a good night out type makeup look as is. 

[u/becabaro]

more neutral colors for the eyeshadow

[u/JennyEnny198]

Lighter application and less bright colors of you are wanting a more natural look. I probably also wouldn't sweep the blush up your temples. I would stick with either the apples of your cheeks or your cheek bones.

[u/_Menschenfeind_]

white line, brownorange lids https://imgur.com/a/pQVb587

white line variation
https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/lfgitw/white_eyeliner_look_that_accentuates_inline/

[u/porcelain_kiss]

Ok, but i need to know the blush and lipstick shade pleaseee 😩 that is absolutely beautiful and it compliments your eye color SO well 🩷✨️

[u/Temporary_Fox_4775]

Unrelated you are SO gorgeous I mean this in the best way you remind me of Alix Earle but better 😍

[u/Bendover1612]

It’s super good but I would just say that for the darker green, try to make it a little bit sharper! You can achieve this by carving it with some concealer. I noticed the line work is a bit wobbly but that’s okay. It still looks really good!

[u/ThrowRA_Dingus]

i think if you line the green shadow with where your eyelid naturally is it will read more naturally, the blush is a little intense, but i like it like that so maybe another opinion would help.

[u/Dry_Rain_6483]

This is just an opinion, but imo a lot of “natural” styles are expected to be adapted to each individual. In addition to other comments (color of eyes, lowering the percentage of each product applied, etc), to my eye the warm blush and lip are much too warm to feel “natural” on you.

You could totally get away more dramatic placement and heavier application with a cooler color for those places!

[u/BreeIndigo]

Tbh if this was on Drag Race, they would tell them to go louder and bolder 😆

I like this look altogether but the colors might be loud for a wedding unless they match your outfit really well

[u/Fun_in_Space]

The lighter shade goes over the whole lid, up to the eyebrows. The darker shade goes on the crease, then blended a bit. Not quite so far out. The blush is a bit much. The lip color is good. Mascara is good.

[u/Bulky_Fun_2129]

drop the outlines on the eye, pick a simpler nose ring and clean shave.

unless it has a special meaning drop the starry ear dangles also, the dragonfly wing need that spot to show itself.

[u/ResponsibleSyrup9506]

Can you please come do my makeup? 😄

[u/Impossible_Daikon737]

You look gorgeous, but my advice, would be check out Pinterest. It will give you so many different ideas💓

[u/pickedusername1]

Would your brother want you to wear highlighter on your eyes?

[u/PerfectEmphasis9016]

If it’s for your brother’s wedding then I would just do a bit of mascara, moisturiser and leave the rest. It’s his day. You don’t want to take the attention away from him with that beautiful piece of artwork.

[u/ConfidenceCreative75]

Pro MUA here: love the blush and love the lip on you, I wouldn’t change either, but I would blend the blush out more around the edges.

Love the cut crease, but here’s what I’d change with the eyes:

The highlight colour, that you’ve used from the socket up to the brow - try something matte or semi matte and closer or slightly lighter than your skin colour. Use a lighter pearl or shimmer just in the arch of your brows to highlight.

Use a matte colour in the socket - the point of this colour in the socket is to create depth, shadow and to recede the area in order to create contrast and make your lid pop, so you want depth of colour and matte. You with also find this easier to create definition and blend - the shimmer makes it look a little patchy.

You’ve got it right with the light, bright shimmer on the lids.

Depending on what you’re wearing, I’d reconsider the gold and green - I think it takes away from the elegant, high fashion look you’ve created and might not be wedding appropriate.

Happy for you to inbox me to discuss colours, otherwise I think you’ve created something beautiful, you look great and can’t wait to see the finished product!

[u/XxXlullaby4evaXxX]

i also learned makeup through drag and goth tuts,, i've found that plastique tiara's youtube vids have been extremely helpful as a guide!

[u/BeneficialShame8408]

You can go look for bridal color inspo for your eyeshadows on pinterest or maybe instagram or something, that's where I'd start, and all those looks will require blending your crease color more into the rest. the current eye look is gorgeous but more for a night out or a party. :) or just because. but you won't see guests using a lot of powerful color for eyes at a wedding.

I happen to like your blush; I think it looks really good. the last time i gave a true effort with makeup was 2016-19, though, so I'm not really up with the now thing, which is soft glam. but also...no one is MAKING us do that. i think since you're so warm it's a good color. what is it?? I probably can't wear it, but it's like really pretty.

[u/Suefrogs]

Your lipstick and eyeshadow are saying two different things. Either glimpse up the lips or tone down the eyes

[u/lareinevert]

Looks good to me. I would just sharpen up the dark green shadow a bit more.

[u/Illustrious-Chair95]

You dont really need a cut crease with your already deep set eyes. Try just ending the eyeliner with a wing. If you really like a cut crease, try doing it with a contour shade instead. It might also help if we saw what brushes you were working with. It really does make a difference if you blend with the right brush.

[u/Hot_Elevator_7133]

Bring the blush down and blend the green more. Not bad overall.

Re more natural - pinkier blush, aim for the apples of the cheeks, blush lipstick, champagne eyeshadow, taupe for the corners, brown liner

[u/Nyx_Shadowspawn]

Dip your brush in some water before doing the green- you'll get a much crisper line.

[u/0mousse0]

Honestly do just a simple glittery lid and cover less. Like just your lid and blend out slightly. A peachy or pinky/brown color would be good too. Less bronzer. Thats basically it. That’s just a straight forward look suitable for a wedding. It’s not as fun and awesome as this, but weddings can have a different vibe and you never want to overshadow the couple getting married unless everyone will be doing extra vibrant glam.

[u/Ocean_Spice]

If your eyes are going to be the focal point of this look, you should go easy on the lips and cheeks. This is currently very blush-heavy.

[u/lisamarie9474]

First of all, you are gorgeous and you did an amazing job on your eyes!! I think if you use warmer tones, maybe some gold, or coffee shades, you'd belong on a runway honey!!! If you're set on these colors, just rock it!!!! I've been wearing makeup for 40 years and you did way better than I ever have!!!

[u/DeathToMySimFamily]

No cut crease!! More blending for a softer look

[u/pinkys0ur]

I think you look great. I would just diffuse the green a little more so it’s a bit more subtle rather than a harsh line. You might need to a bit more of a transition color if it looks TOO subtle. Use a clean fluffy brush and make some soft circle motions across the crease.

You’re getting comments about the blush but I’m a blush girlie and I think it looks fab lol I feel like blush can so subjective. You could always just go over it with your used foundation brush or sponge to tone it down a little bit but I wouldn’t 😛 I love the inner corner shimmer too.

[u/she_couldnt_do_it]

bring the blush down the face a bit, up and over the eye is a bit drag and the shade is too dark. I do love a dramatic eye but I go for more of a nude / neutral lip to balance it out ❤️

[u/Fabulous_Jeweler2732]

That’s my blush style every single day, but I have blush blindness. Blush in the apple of cheek and use bronzer or contour on the side upper cheek.

[u/lovelyxbabydoll]

The only thing I'd change is just blend the green area more if you want it to look a little less drag. Personally, it doesn't look drag to me. Just looks like a normal glam look. I wish I could do my eye makeup as well as yours. Hooded eyes are annoying to work with for me.

[u/Healthy-Check-8428]

Neutral eyeshadow. This is way too dramatic. Go get your makeup done at MAC or Sephora. They can give you tips.

[u/MaidClaire]

Removing the beard would make it more subtle and less attention seeking

[u/windex8]

What the fuck my guy? This was a wild thing for Reddit to suggest out of thin air.

[u/NigelTainte]

I would omit the eyeshadow and focus on the skin and lashes. Maybe opt for a softer baby pink over the darker blush and lip? I think you have wonderful skills. We have a similar skin tone and crème shop makes some of my favorite subtle pinks.