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Whether it's a botched eyeliner job or a foundation shade that doesn't quite match our skin tone, many of us have had our fair share of beauty mishaps. And sometimes they're not so easy to avoid. However, the subreddit r/BadMUAs takes a lighthearted approach to showcasing some of the most cringe-worthy makeup fails on the internet.

It's important to note that the purpose of this community is not to ridicule or shame those featured but rather to highlight the importance of proper makeup application. The subreddit serves as a reminder to do your research and seek out reputable professionals who can expand upon your natural beauty, not harm it. So let's remember to approach the topic with respect.

#1

Popped Up On My Fb Feed Today... "Bridal Makeup"

Popped Up On My Fb Feed Today... "Bridal Makeup"

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Weasel Wise
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How is that "fashion" standards deem leg hair and armpit hair icky in women but hair growing out of your eyelids? Yes, please! To the point where women will glue shít to their eyelids to have an extra hairy look?! I find it odd. 🤔

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    For our earlier piece on the subreddit, Pinsandpearls, one of the moderators of Bad MakeUp Artists, said 'bad makeup' probably means different things to different people, which is why the subreddit has such a wide variety of posts.

    "Typically, we're looking at makeup that isn't applied skillfully — lack of blending where appropriate, terrible foundation color match, messy lines," Pinsandpearls explained to Bored Panda. "I don't think it includes things that are maybe 'different' than you would normally see, as long as the actual application is good (editorial makeup, for example). We still allow some of those posts because it usually has a good discussion and taste is subjective, but I think there's a difference between 'different' and 'bad.' Bad is pretty obvious when you see it."

    #3

    Made A Pretty Girl Look Cheap And Shiny

    Made A Pretty Girl Look Cheap And Shiny

    Known-Explorer2610 Report

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    #5

    They Did Her So Dirty! (Advertising On A Brand, With A Mua Tagged)

    They Did Her So Dirty! (Advertising On A Brand, With A Mua Tagged)

    chica1994 Report

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    Manomnomnom
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The longer you look at this, the worse it gets... it looks like she's wearing some weird plastic mask because of the foundation being like that

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    "If you take a look, you can probably see a lot of makeup artists and normal people are mismatching their foundations to their skin's undertone," another moderator of the subreddit, badMUAscout, added.

    "If you're slightly off, it's probably ok. Our skin isn't one flat color and it can vary in shades throughout the day. It doesn't help that foundations oxidize and can go from perfect to pumpkin shades. While sometimes it isn't an issue, when you are paying a trained artist hundreds of pounds or dollars to do makeup, you shouldn't end up with a different undertone or a shade five times darker than your skin."

    Contouring also gets featured on the subreddit quite often. "Contour is meant to mimic the 'shadows' you naturally have but very very slightly enhanced. We consider it to be bad when it looks like a dark stripe down the side of the face which doesn't match the natural shadows," badMUAscout explained.

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    #6

    True Crime Shows Always Have Makeup That Looks Like It's Done By Morticians

    True Crime Shows Always Have Makeup That Looks Like It's Done By Morticians

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    #7

    Been In Tears Over This For Like 20 Minutes

    Been In Tears Over This For Like 20 Minutes

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    #8

    Finally Found One In The Wild. Her Face Says It All Lol

    Finally Found One In The Wild. Her Face Says It All Lol

    jennapops Report

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    #9

    MUA’s Work On Instagram, Found In The Wild

    MUA’s Work On Instagram, Found In The Wild

    KatieVBa Report

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    jaysko
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I wear any, it's very minimal makeup, so I don't exactly know what I'm talking about...but I do know of the term "blending" yikes

    Lucyyy
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the eyelashes are so bad not even the eyeliner wants to be near them 😍

    Valentia Verena
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like a bodybuilding competition. However you’re not supposed to get your fave spray tanned, which is what this woman seems to have done.

    Na Schi
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She has some resemblance to Caroline (Caro) Robens. A Germany bodybilder and expat who lives with her husband on Mallorca. Well... the hairline might not fit 🤔

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    Another moderator who helps run Bad MakeUp ArtistsRedHeadedSnatch, believes that some people do submit photos to the subreddit as a joke or because they might not really like a particular celebrity or look. However, RedHeadedSnatch reminded us that makeup is subjective, and there is no formula that determines whether or not an application is bad.

    #11

    This One Was Posted By A Local Mua. Yes, It Is The Finished Look. Check The Number Of Likes…

    This One Was Posted By A Local Mua. Yes, It Is The Finished Look. Check The Number Of Likes…

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    "The only problem I have is when individuals who promote themselves as professionals but do not understand color theory, face shapes, eye shape, or use proper sanitation," RedHeadedSnatch said.

    "Sanitation is a huge issue because it can lead to acne, eye infections like pink eye, staph infections, and in some cases, actual bugs living in brushes. On a less severe note, it can also make the application of makeup look cakey, distort the foundation's color, concealer, and eye shadow, and cause damage to brushes."

    #14

    The Foundation 😩

    The Foundation 😩

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    #16

    This MUA Does Incredible Eye Work, But Everything Else Is Just A No For Me Tbh

    This MUA Does Incredible Eye Work, But Everything Else Is Just A No For Me Tbh

    Kitwanorreen Report

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    #17

    Spotted In The Wild

    Spotted In The Wild

    tiddymeat6969 Report

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    Lauren S
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m concerned she has a kid at her house who got into the markers while she napped.

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    RedHeadedSnatch looks at the submitted photos from a professional makeup artist's point of view. They have their makeup license from the state of Florida and have had over 100 hours of theory and hands-on training, with written and practical application tests, so they know what they're talking about. And that is a big positive that comes from Bad MakeUp Artists. Sure, we can all laugh at the photos, but if you browse through the comments, you can find valuable information even within the jokes.

    #18

    Posted By A “Permanent Makeup Artist”

    Posted By A “Permanent Makeup Artist”

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    #19

    Real Housewives Of Potomac Season 4 Mua Is Not It

    Real Housewives Of Potomac Season 4 Mua Is Not It

    miss_chanandlerbongg Report

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    Vicki Doggurl
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holy c**p!!! She stood out in the rain without water proof makeup. Freaky looking. Or is it just me? Edit: upon closer inspection the photo has vertical lines that made her face look streaked.

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    #21

    Why Do Makeup Companies Even Bother With Shade Ranges At This Point. Everyone’s Yellow!

    Why Do Makeup Companies Even Bother With Shade Ranges At This Point. Everyone’s Yellow!

    samk355 Report

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    Moo
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I got my makeup professionally done for my high school senior photos, apparently my skin tone is really not common in foundations, like it's cool to the point sometimes I probably look dead, Snow White looks tan next to me kind of thing. She searched high and low to find a good match, and I actually was very satisfied with the results :)

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    Also, the subreddit forces the industry to be more transparent. "I feel as though the market is oversaturated with people claiming the MUA status without having proper training, and that causes people to lose faith in the makeup artist industry as a whole," RedHeadedSnatch said.

    Let's hope Bad MakeUp Artists makes them accountable.

    #22

    They Didn't Even Try To Color Match Her

    They Didn't Even Try To Color Match Her

    bxxxbydoll Report

    #23

    I Can’t , I Just Can’t , It’s 2023 But Some Haven’t Grown Out Of The Instagram Brows And The Extremely Long Lashes ? 😩

    I Can’t , I Just Can’t , It’s 2023 But Some Haven’t Grown Out Of The Instagram Brows And The Extremely Long Lashes ? 😩

    serotoninpleaseee Report

    #24

    Good Ole Sally Beauty Ad…

    Good Ole Sally Beauty Ad…

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    #28

    Found On Bookface. That Colour Match Though

    Found On Bookface. That Colour Match Though

    Technicolourhero Report

    #29

    Posted Along With A Message To ‘Book Soon To Avoid Disappointment!’ 😬

    Posted Along With A Message To ‘Book Soon To Avoid Disappointment!’ 😬

    megann1011 Report

    #30

    Super Cakey Bride

    Super Cakey Bride

    classicspoonbill Report

    #31

    Caption Said She’s “Lucky She Found The Best Local Makeup Artist To Do Her Makeup” At The Last Minute

    Caption Said She’s “Lucky She Found The Best Local Makeup Artist To Do Her Makeup” At The Last Minute

    CoordinatorFightClub Report

    #33

    Yikes...an Ulta Ad

    Yikes...an Ulta Ad

    Watthefuq882 Report

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    Lauren S
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean skin does have texture. But the amount of makeup is not helping. But I think that color shirt is pretty on her.

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    #34

    Her Lips

    Her Lips

    Born_End_584 Report

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    Nimitz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The makeup, the cross, the shirt... A red flag holding red flags that have their own battery operated flashing red flags.

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    #35

    A Local Mua "Legend"

    A Local Mua "Legend"

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    #36

    This Was On A Mascara Promo. I Am Speechless About The Bottom Photo

    This Was On A Mascara Promo. I Am Speechless About The Bottom Photo

    eirinlinn Report

    #37

    This Advertisement For A Lip Tint Going A Little Overkill

    This Advertisement For A Lip Tint Going A Little Overkill

    xenleah Report

    #38

    At This Point I’m Convinced They’re Baiting For Comments… Those Brows…

    At This Point I’m Convinced They’re Baiting For Comments… Those Brows…

    aliveintheam Report

    #39

    This Makeup Course Ad Isn’t Very Appealing…

    This Makeup Course Ad Isn’t Very Appealing…

    kettuva Report

    #41

    Poor Girl Has Perfect Skin To Begin With

    Poor Girl Has Perfect Skin To Begin With

    MrMush48 Report

    #42

    Auch

    Auch

    jayxyee Report

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    Weasel Wise
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lamination and faces do not go in the same sentence safely. Also, has this person ever seen eyebrows on a human?

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    #43

    Whoever Did This Did Her Dirty! The Lashes Aren't Even On Properly

    Whoever Did This Did Her Dirty! The Lashes Aren't Even On Properly

    reddit.com Report

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    #44

    Catfishee Who 'Does Makeup' For A Living, Big Yikes On Those Brows 😬

    Catfishee Who 'Does Makeup' For A Living, Big Yikes On Those Brows 😬

    gizmo_getthedildos Report

    #45

    And Yes, She’s Bri-Ish!

    And Yes, She’s Bri-Ish!

    cuziluvmakeup Report

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    Kevin Sutton
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nobody admits to being British you crusty horses appendage. So nobody is saying they're 'br'ish'. I'm English, my stepfather is Scottish, my father is Irish. Some unfortunate souls may be Welsh. British? No.

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    #46

    Since When Is This Girl This Brown? Her Hand Certainly Isn’t 🤦🏻‍♀️

    Since When Is This Girl This Brown? Her Hand Certainly Isn’t 🤦🏻‍♀️

    marysaka Report

    #49

    Keep Getting This Makeup Artist Advertising On Instagram

    Keep Getting This Makeup Artist Advertising On Instagram

    Conscious-Split4637 Report

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    Nina
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She did a good job foundation-wise and highlighting, compared to some other posts I'd even say topnotch

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    #51

    This Foundation Match

    This Foundation Match

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    Alyssa Brown
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its a shame because the makeup is gorgeous besides not matching her natural skin tone

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    #52

    This Makeup Artist Did The Bride So Dirty 😭😭😭

    This Makeup Artist Did The Bride So Dirty 😭😭😭

    buttercupcentral Report

    #53

    By A Person I Know Genuinely Trying To Start A Business

    By A Person I Know Genuinely Trying To Start A Business

    BobbyPotter Report

    #54

    Found This Gem On Glow Up / S2

    Found This Gem On Glow Up / S2

    cuziluvmakeup Report

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    Jaaawn
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen videos of this guy, he's got real delusions of grandeur.

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    #55

    It’s Really The Overlined Lips, She Has Naturally Beautiful Thick Lips. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    It’s Really The Overlined Lips, She Has Naturally Beautiful Thick Lips. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    Designer-Peace2904 Report

    #56

    Some Expencive Mua Has Made A Bad Mistake🙄

    Some Expencive Mua Has Made A Bad Mistake🙄

    MistressInari Report

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    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Has gorgeous bone structure and the MUA could have done wonders with it

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    #58

    This Photo Is On An Actress's Imdb Page

    This Photo Is On An Actress's Imdb Page

    CakeForBreakfast08 Report

    #59

    The Makeup Is Literal Art, The Lips Though :/

    The Makeup Is Literal Art, The Lips Though :/

    BrownEyedBliss Report

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    Pheebs
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am so ready for both those lip and brow trends to die. The lips look like a blob fish, out of the water.

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    #60

    When The Movie’s Mua Budget Can Only Get You A Mortician

    When The Movie’s Mua Budget Can Only Get You A Mortician

    Dani_California Report

    #61

    Makeup Artist Who Does A Lot Of Weddings. I Can See She Is Talented But Something Is So Off About The Foundation?

    Makeup Artist Who Does A Lot Of Weddings. I Can See She Is Talented But Something Is So Off About The Foundation?

    lexaBRUH Report

    #62

    I Have No Words

    I Have No Words

    throwawaybin9991 Report

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    Alyssa Brown
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know if this is a fair comparison as it's clearly part way into application

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    #65

    They Did This To Her On Her Wedding Day???

    They Did This To Her On Her Wedding Day???

    Uglydumpsterfire Report

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    #66

    Self Proclaimed Make Up Artist Went A Little Heavy On The Contour For Her Nephews 1st Birthday

    Self Proclaimed Make Up Artist Went A Little Heavy On The Contour For Her Nephews 1st Birthday

    jessicat2222 Report

    #67

    At First I Was Like, Okay It’s The Color Of The Shirt Bouncing Off His Face? But… I’m Not Sure It Works Like That

    At First I Was Like, Okay It’s The Color Of The Shirt Bouncing Off His Face? But… I’m Not Sure It Works Like That

    final_grl Report

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    Ken Beattie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonder if this is actually the video compression messing with the colours.

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    #68

    What In The Lipliner Is This?

    What In The Lipliner Is This?

    hipporox Report

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    Maggie
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She forgot to wipe her lips after that sneaky choc ice cream.

    #69

    How My Friend's Wedding Makeup Artist Did Me... Sweet Jesus

    How My Friend's Wedding Makeup Artist Did Me... Sweet Jesus

    SchwiftyEmmmmy Report

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    Regina Kurfürst
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tf happened there between her eyebrows? Ignored the "keep your fingers off your clients face" rule and smudged the brows?

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    #70

    Your Average UK Mua Of Course

    Your Average UK Mua Of Course

    rh3ny Report

    #71

    I Know She Cried When She Got In The Car

    I Know She Cried When She Got In The Car

    demonic_princess554 Report

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    #73

    My Junior Prom Makeup Done At Ulta (C.2017)

    My Junior Prom Makeup Done At Ulta (C.2017)

    emperxr Report

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    BigSteveT
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Might not be perfect, but I give it a 9.5 since she's not green...

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    #75

    On The Packaging Of Ardell Lashes Lol

    On The Packaging Of Ardell Lashes Lol

    methicasdreamz Report

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    ️ ️lefty libra️
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    am i stupid because i dont see anything wrong-? EDIT: wait are they different lashes?