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From the soot-rimmed eyes of the ancient Egyptians to the lead paint worn by the Elizabethans, people have long been experimenting with cosmetics. Sometimes, however, with disappointing results. And the subreddit 'Bad MakeUp Artists' is probably the best place to explore these failures.

Created in 2017, this online community currently has 568K members constantly sharing pictures of both everyday people and celebrities, appearing in front of others with far-too-obvious fake lashes, overly defined brows, and ridiculous foundation color tones.

We've already covered the subreddit before here and here, but it has had so many new additions since our last publication that we thought there's plenty of content for an update. Continue scrolling to check it out, and don't miss out on the chat we had with British beauty content creator Jane Cunningham, spread out in between the pictures.

#2

Steve Carrell And Will Ferrell Presenting The Award For Best Makeup At The Oscars

Steve Carrell And Will Ferrell Presenting The Award For Best Makeup At The Oscars

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Luckily for all of us, makeup guru Jane Cunningham, who can also be found on Instagram @britbeautyblog, thinks that it's not that hard to get the basics.

"Makeup textures and formulas have come a long way so they're easier than ever to use," she told Bored Panda. "There's a big difference between being decent at makeup and excellent at makeup but most of us can scrape by with adaptable products such as lip and cheek crayons."

"There's a very useful trend for sheer looks and a 'less is more' approach and that's an ideal entry-level for experimenting and learning. A good example would be that if you're not confident applying foundation try a tinted moisturizer instead — there's less pigment and far more leeway for good blending and a glowy finish."

#4

That Shade Would Even Be Too Dark For Me And I'm Not Even White

That Shade Would Even Be Too Dark For Me And I'm Not Even White

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Cunningham believes that it's mainly the process that separates the experts from the amateurs.

"Pros are taught in a very particular and meticulous way that gives them a foundation of knowledge on which to expand. Once you understand skin tones, textures, and effects, you can experiment with layering and enhancing," she explained.

"A good example might be that it takes most of us a couple of moments to apply eyeshadow or lipstick but a pro can be there for a long time working with the colors to get them absolutely perfect."

#6

Caption Said: A Soft Smokey Look

Caption Said: A Soft Smokey Look

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#7

Didn't Even Recognize Ariana In Her Newest Look. Am I The Only One Who Feels Like She's Gone From Blackfishing To Asianfishing?

Didn't Even Recognize Ariana In Her Newest Look. Am I The Only One Who Feels Like She's Gone From Blackfishing To Asianfishing?

UnusualCockroach69 Report

#8

This Has Been All Over My Social Media Feeds Lately. The Artist Has A Booking Site And Charges $85

This Has Been All Over My Social Media Feeds Lately. The Artist Has A Booking Site And Charges $85

Fancy_Dare4930 Report

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

Oh my goddess. This is the worst one yet. Why is this not no 1?

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

This is what happens when Ariel from The Little Mermaid does drag

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

Now repeat after me "I will never, ever employ a colour-blind make-up artist again".

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

I just don’t get the over lined lips craze! Period! Never mind the rest!

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

Ummm, you may need to rethink every single “like”. You seem to have stumbled into a scary neighborhood 🙀

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Violet
Community Member
11 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

do you think she might want a blender...? or perhaps not?

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

Uuuuhhhhmmm that's a huge NOPE. I would pay her $85 to stay the hell away from me.We are certainly using the word artist way to liberally nowadays. I don't know who told her she looked good but they both need their eyes and heads examined.

ltweezie avatar
Louise Stange-Wahl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes me want to throw up my lunch after seeing this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGPYBb2DRsg

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

Isn't she the one who does the makeup for Ru Paul's drag race? 🤣

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

Penny-wise the clowns offspring... " Do you want a balloon?" 🎈

rachaelgibbens avatar
rachael gibbens
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg my was the make up old or she thought she had to layer it like a cake??

gabbym avatar
Gabby M
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The glittery blue eyeliner is cool. Everything else...hmm.

eiryn_1 avatar
Eiryn Elliott
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, it's a poorly done drag queen face. On stage with crazy lights, it's all good!

ljamie04 avatar
Hollysmom
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anyone who lets someone do this to them should be paid more than $85.00

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333
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like her eyebrows fell off her forehead and landed on her cheeks

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

OMG! If people are willing to pay $85 for that, they deserve it. There is no cure for stupid...

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

A friendly drag queen would probably do this is you asked them nicely.

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

Using caterpillars as eyelashes is a pretty novel idea. Those are caterpillars, aren't they?

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

I have some drag-queens that would be happy to pay $85 for that...

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#9

All Of The Makeup Artist’s Looks Are Like This! Their Clients Look Scary

All Of The Makeup Artist’s Looks Are Like This! Their Clients Look Scary

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"A happy amateur enjoys applying the product, enjoys the finished result but isn't looking at their work with an MUA eye so mostly won't see that the results aren't technically perfect. Which is fine!" Cunningham said.

Another factor is versatility. "A huge difference between amateur and pro is that MUAs can create perfect makeup on anyone; amateurs can often only create looks on themselves."

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#10

Found On An Fb Ad

Found On An Fb Ad

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#11

Her Eyes Look Tired From All The Heavy Lifting

Her Eyes Look Tired From All The Heavy Lifting

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#13

They Did Her Sooo Dirty

They Did Her Sooo Dirty

AMDM0 Report

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

Some makeup artists use a powder that appears white in photos, under the flash light of some cameras, but the makeup looks fine/normal in real life. It appears that this is one of those cases.

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Talking about mistakes, Jane Cunningham likes to look at them from a similar perspective as the late Bob Ross.

"It's still quite easy to go wrong with foundation tones, but it's hard to say what's a mistake and what's a happy accident," she pointed out.

"Makeup looks have never been so unregimented. Personally, I don't love huge lashes or a lot of highlighter but that's only my preference," Cunningham said. "If it's making you happy, it's not wrong!"

#14

Even The Client Doesn’t Look Happy With This ‘Glam’

Even The Client Doesn’t Look Happy With This ‘Glam’

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#15

UK Mua Combining Block Brows And Feathered Brows

UK Mua Combining Block Brows And Feathered Brows

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#16

Those Eyelashes Are Not Even Close To Being In The Right Place

Those Eyelashes Are Not Even Close To Being In The Right Place

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

The eyes are obviously bad, but I can't help but feel sorry for the woman in this picture getting the negative attention. Not fair for her to be the subject of this , especially on her wedding day. How doesn't the "artist" not even know that this is a bad look?!

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#17

I Really Despise These Type Of Lips

I Really Despise These Type Of Lips

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

She has the Bat symbol on her face. Holy collagen Batman! The Mua is terrorizing Gotham City again!

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"The only 'wrongs' I think can be ignoring hygiene around application, or as a pro, not following your client's wishes and going with what you think is best," Cunningham said.

"I've seen a couple of practice bridal looks recently that really didn't hit the brief and I've ended up doing the makeup myself on the day for one of them."

#18

Watching Hoarders And Noticed The Color Match Of The Doctor’s Foundation Was Off

Watching Hoarders And Noticed The Color Match Of The Doctor’s Foundation Was Off

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#19

The Entire Mua’s Page Was Full Of This Style Of Makeup I Can’t Wait For This To Not Be Trendy Anymore

The Entire Mua’s Page Was Full Of This Style Of Makeup I Can’t Wait For This To Not Be Trendy Anymore

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

The white turtleneck will be stained beyond repair with foundation

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#20

Local B R I T I S H Artist. That Hairline And The Same Shade Of Brown For Every. Single. Client

Local B R I T I S H Artist. That Hairline And The Same Shade Of Brown For Every. Single. Client

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

I have an aunt we used to call "the orange aunt" (behind her back!) back in the 90s. Seems like the trend never disappeared ...

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#21

It Gets Worse, But The Mua Does Admit To Being Inspired By Drag Makeup

It Gets Worse, But The Mua Does Admit To Being Inspired By Drag Makeup

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However, if you're a beginner, you might want to learn some skills before others as they can make a bigger difference in enhancing your look.

For that, Cunningham suggests blending. "If all your layers (primer, base, blush, bronzer, highlighter) are seamlessly blended then it just looks effortless. If you can pick up anything from online tutorials, focus on blending," she said. "After that, it's easier not to go wrong."

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"Oh, and liquid liner! [Although] I've never mastered it and fully believe that some people are never meant to make it happen (i.e. me!)," the beauty content creator added.

#22

From A Mua On Insta I’m No Expert But What Do We Think ?

From A Mua On Insta I’m No Expert But What Do We Think ?

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#25

Her Skin Is So Beautiful

Her Skin Is So Beautiful

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

Why do people insist on removing every single bit of skin texture they have through filters and airbrushing?

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At the end of the day, getting better at makeup is about studying yourself, which, ideally, shouldn't become a chore.

"Just enjoy your beauty products, don't rush to be an expert, take your time, and practice until you like what you've achieved," Cunningham said.

If you're mindful about what you put on, chances are, you won't end up on this or any similar subreddit!

#26

Criminal Minds “Tan”

Criminal Minds “Tan”

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

I've heard the guy's mean in actual life, so maybe MUAs wanted to pay him back lol

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#27

Ummm I'm Sure That Shade Matches Someone But It Sure Isn't Her

Ummm I'm Sure That Shade Matches Someone But It Sure Isn't Her

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

The look in her eyes says that she knows that this is already a train wreck.

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#28

Her Skin Color Completely Changed

Her Skin Color Completely Changed

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TheAquarius1978
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, She went front slightly unactractive to Chinese Bronze statue in One picture...

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#29

The Mua Charges £60 For A Shade Match Like That

The Mua Charges £60 For A Shade Match Like That

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

Looks like she is halfway through a face painting session. What animal you reckon she asked for? A lion?

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#30

Umm This Appeared On My Instagram

Umm This Appeared On My Instagram

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#31

I Am Genuinely Appalled

I Am Genuinely Appalled

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

Imagine waking up and seeing all that on the pillow case next to you…

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#32

Clockwork Orange Full Glam

Clockwork Orange Full Glam

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Sebby's Mama
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone please explain what the heck is happening in this pic.I am dumbfounded and disturbed.

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#33

From Normal To Drag

From Normal To Drag

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

geez the title makes it sound like drag is bad 🤨 also no self respecting drag queen would go out look like that

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#34

Ugh… She Had A Team Of Reputable Muas, Posted On Ig By A Famous Magazine. Those People Are Payed Thousands For This!

Ugh… She Had A Team Of Reputable Muas, Posted On Ig By A Famous Magazine. Those People Are Payed Thousands For This!

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#36

Every Part Of Her Face Is A Different Shade Of Orange

Every Part Of Her Face Is A Different Shade Of Orange

BigWordsAreScary Report

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

i mean its not that bad i like the preciseness and the colour its just wrong on this lady

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#37

A Mua With Almost 1m Followers

A Mua With Almost 1m Followers

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#38

This Mua’s Work Has Been Posted On Here A Couple Times, This Is How She Does Makeup On Herself…. She’s A White Woman

This Mua’s Work Has Been Posted On Here A Couple Times, This Is How She Does Makeup On Herself…. She’s A White Woman

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

So she is a white woman, trying to look like a black woman that is trying to look white?

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#39

A Self Proclaimed Mua

A Self Proclaimed Mua

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

“I’m just gonna pop this head in the neck hole right here, give it a little turn like so, add a dash of lip liner and a smidge of shadow and…VOILA”!! BEAUTY💄👁

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#40

Talk About Suffocating Those Poor Pores... My Skin Is Screaming

Talk About Suffocating Those Poor Pores... My Skin Is Screaming

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

“I am fluent in over six million forms of communication”

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#41

Oh, Oh No

Oh, Oh No

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#42

This Was Posted By A Big Makeup Brand. Why Is Her Forehead Tan And The Rest Of Her Face Pale?

This Was Posted By A Big Makeup Brand. Why Is Her Forehead Tan And The Rest Of Her Face Pale?

Mildlybrilliant Report

#44

Straight Into The Hairline

Straight Into The Hairline

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#45

This Makeup Company On Instagram. Why?

This Makeup Company On Instagram. Why?

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#46

They Charge $350 Wtf

They Charge $350 Wtf

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#48

"Cool New Way To Do Blush"

"Cool New Way To Do Blush"

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#49

She Used 6 Pumps Of Foundation To Create This Look

She Used 6 Pumps Of Foundation To Create This Look

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Note: this post originally had 124 images. It’s been shortened to the top 49 images based on user votes.