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There's a subreddit called Bad MakeUp Artists, and the photos people post in there have an "Instagram vs. Reality" vibe to them. In the sense that it's hard to imagine a person applying that much foundation or eye shadow, thinking 'Yeah, this is going to look great!' and another one glancing at the mirror and saying 'I can't wait to go out like this.' Maybe if it was for some kind of skit but that's about it. However, here they are, attending weddings and filming YouTube videos with enough layers on their face to withstand even Siberian winters. I really hope some of these looks were meant as jokes. Or at least that they were cleaned off right away.

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."

#2

She’s Like A Full 8 Shades Darker Than Her Arm

She’s Like A Full 8 Shades Darker Than Her Arm

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"Another thing I mentioned was the color choice. 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," badMUAscout highlighted. "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."

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Contouring is another poor color choice often featured on the subreddit. "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.

#4

A Lot To Unpack Here

A Lot To Unpack Here

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Another moderator who helps run Bad MakeUp Artists, RedHeadedSnatch, 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 that makeup is subjective, and there is no formula that determines whether or not an application is bad. "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."

#5

The Difference In Skin Tone

The Difference In Skin Tone

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martti avatar
ML
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Left is pretty. Right picture, omg what have you done to yourself?

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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.

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. At least a a little bit.

#6

As A Mum Id Be Raging Trying To Remove The Foundation From Her School Shirt!

As A Mum Id Be Raging Trying To Remove The Foundation From Her School Shirt!

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martti avatar
ML
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is she stoned? Or is this another beauty standard to have dead eyes and a fish mouth?

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#7

Felt Like You’d All Appreciate A Little Satire

Felt Like You’d All Appreciate A Little Satire

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#8

Buzzfeed's Geisha Makeup vs. Actual Geisha Makeup

Buzzfeed's Geisha Makeup vs. Actual Geisha Makeup

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#9

James, You Can’t Be Serious With That Foundation Colour?

James, You Can’t Be Serious With That Foundation Colour?

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EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is the equivalent of only wearing a suit jacket, or a nice top, for zoom meetings. Then just having pj or tracksuit bottoms on underneath!

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#10

Yikes. You Would Think Muas For Their Show Would Do Better

Yikes. You Would Think Muas For Their Show Would Do Better

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로희
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand why the K women don't hire make up artists that can plaster their face with products that match with their actual skin color.

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#12

She Went To The Worst Reviewed Mua In Her City

She Went To The Worst Reviewed Mua In Her City

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#13

Spotted On Svu This Morning, This Poor Woman's Color Match Is Especially Heinous

Spotted On Svu This Morning, This Poor Woman's Color Match Is Especially Heinous

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#14

If You All Thought The Last One Was Bad Have A Look At This One

If You All Thought The Last One Was Bad Have A Look At This One

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#15

I Genuinely Think This Is The Worst Thing I’ve Seen On My Explore Page

I Genuinely Think This Is The Worst Thing I’ve Seen On My Explore Page

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#16

I’m A Dude And Don’t Know Anything About Makeup But I’m Assuming Your Face Isn’t Meant To Look Like You Have A Goggle’s Tan

I’m A Dude And Don’t Know Anything About Makeup But I’m Assuming Your Face Isn’t Meant To Look Like You Have A Goggle’s Tan

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#17

Foundation Match Isn’t Even Close, So Muddy Too

Foundation Match Isn’t Even Close, So Muddy Too

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Philly Bob Squires
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Foundation? There's enough to lay bricks with. I'm sure she's beautiful without it but it looks like she put her stuff on with a trowel.

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#18

She Did Her So Dirty ...

She Did Her So Dirty ...

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#19

Beef That Been Left Out For Too Long Lips

Beef That Been Left Out For Too Long Lips

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#20

It Gets Worse The More You Look At It

It Gets Worse The More You Look At It

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#21

Just No!!!

Just No!!!

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Desiree Cretan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who are they hiring to do their makeup? Are they going to a mortuary to get it done? Only dead people get makeup like this and even they look natural.

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#22

Horrific Colour Match

Horrific Colour Match

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know how old this pic is.. but it's only been fairly recent that foundation is made in more darker shades. The lighter shades were always in abundance, but for dark skin there used to be only a few options.

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#23

Such Distinct Lines Around The Eyes. Shouldn't There Be Some Blending, Or Something?

Such Distinct Lines Around The Eyes. Shouldn't There Be Some Blending, Or Something?

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Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll be so, so, so happy when I’ll no longer have to shield my eyes from that ghastly/creepy a**s on the 🍊🍄💩’s face

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#24

I Feel Violated. Posted In One Of Makeup Groups

I Feel Violated. Posted In One Of Makeup Groups

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Soodney
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She looks like the N*zis from Raiders of the lost ark, you know, when their faces melted

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#25

I Smell Like Beef

I Smell Like Beef

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#27

Remember: Even Celebs Ain't Save From Bad Muas

Remember: Even Celebs Ain't Save From Bad Muas

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#28

I Found These Gems Randomly On Ig, And You Guessed It, They’re British. Shade Difference, The Brows, I Could Go On

I Found These Gems Randomly On Ig, And You Guessed It, They’re British. Shade Difference, The Brows, I Could Go On

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Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The one on the left looks like someone you'd want to talk to. The one on the right, run a mile from. Shallow, aren't I?

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#29

Wedding Glam Apparently

Wedding Glam Apparently

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EA
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perfect if you’re in the bride of Frankenstein’s monster’s wedding party

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#30

Found This Today And.. I’ve Never Seen A Foundation Match This Bad

Found This Today And.. I’ve Never Seen A Foundation Match This Bad

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's wrong? The foundation clearly matches her hair.

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Janine B.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Didn't even notice her make up, I was too distracted from the lovely Mister. ^^

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Catherine Brady
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it has a green tint. Maybe the next athlete will be the Green Hulk.

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Damon Tripodi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's mostly a photographing in fluorescent lighting problem

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CD Mills
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could the lighting wherever she is be making the foundation look even more 'off'?

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Scratch
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To whom is that colour intended? Marge Simpson? I don't even understand why that colour exists.

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Mary Rose Kent
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She obviously has jaundice and a raging fever that’s making her sweat.

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Austin Evans
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

renee young and daniel bryan. It justs represents how much wwe is fake

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#31

Found On Instagram - Blushed To The Gods

Found On Instagram - Blushed To The Gods

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#32

Keep In Mind He Was On A Show For Makeup Artists

Keep In Mind He Was On A Show For Makeup Artists

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#34

It's Actually Just Me... The Goal Was A Purple/Yellow Look. I Tried A Disney Villain And I'm Just Ashamed

It's Actually Just Me... The Goal Was A Purple/Yellow Look. I Tried A Disney Villain And I'm Just Ashamed

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#35

The Brows And The Shade Of The Foundation Is Awful And It Looks Like A Mess. She Looks Like She Was Slapped With Mud And Her Makeup Was Done By Krusty The Clown

The Brows And The Shade Of The Foundation Is Awful And It Looks Like A Mess. She Looks Like She Was Slapped With Mud And Her Makeup Was Done By Krusty The Clown

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#37

The Foundation Match... Look At Her Hair Line!!!! The Brows Are Literal Caterpillars!

The Foundation Match... Look At Her Hair Line!!!! The Brows Are Literal Caterpillars!

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#38

There's A Lot To Unpack Here

There's A Lot To Unpack Here

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#39

Why This Though

Why This Though

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ERIKA H.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makeup is actually really well done. The foundation matches her neck - i assume she spray tans

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#40

Whoever Did Her Makeup For The Show Should Be Sued

Whoever Did Her Makeup For The Show Should Be Sued

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Note: this post originally had 117 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

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