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Anyone who’s ever experimented with their looks knows that mistakes can occur no matter what. That's why we usually turn to beauty salons where professionals do their magic. Whether we hope for a gorgeous hair color or a fabulous new cut, we can already imagine us confidently emerging from the salon and going out to conquer the world. But just as our previous features about makeup fails and tragic hair accidents proved, that’s not always the case.

Chances are, many of us have felt the horror of sitting in front of a mirror while watching our stylist completely disregard our wishes. And sometimes, the results of these beauty procedures are light years away from our expectations, leaving us utterly unsatisfied with our new look. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. But if not, this new list compiled by Bored Panda will at least cause a genuine chuckle.

We have scoured the internet for some of the most bizarre, cringe-worthy, and downright tragic hair and makeup moments people have shared online. So sit back, relax, and get ready for some beauty disasters of epic proportions. Enjoy scrolling through this list, upvote the pics that surprised you most, and be sure to tell us what you think of them in the comments.

#1

What My Sister Asked For vs. What The Salon Did vs. What My Mom Did After The Salon Disaster

What My Sister Asked For vs. What The Salon Did vs. What My Mom Did After The Salon Disaster

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#3

This Is What Happened To My Client When She Went Into A Different Local Nail Salon Without Doing Her Research

This Is What Happened To My Client When She Went Into A Different Local Nail Salon Without Doing Her Research

I couldn't believe my eyes so I had to get a picture. She paid £35 for these.

Angela Blemmings Report

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

OMG this is hilarious. Kinda got a spaceship vibe happening. I'm here for it

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Picture this: you do your research, choose a salon, and book a hair or makeup appointment only to swivel around in the chair and become overwhelmed with uncertainty. At first, you blame the lighting and believe it will look way better once you step outside. But deep inside, you know that something’s not right, and can’t help but feel disappointed (or even seriously appalled) by the result.

Sounds familiar? Well, no one is immune to experiencing these blunders. Whether it’s a tragic hairstyle, a color refresh gone wrong, or a makeup look that makes you look like you're from another planet, we don’t expect beauty and hair experts to make such mistakes. Yet, here we are.

#4

Yes, Done At A Real Salon. And Yes, She Did Cry When She Saw It

Yes, Done At A Real Salon. And Yes, She Did Cry When She Saw It

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#5

$60 "Professional" Halloween Makeup. I Asked For The Photo On The Left, With Just A Little Fake Blood. On The Right Is What The Makeup Artist Gave Me

$60 "Professional" Halloween Makeup. I Asked For The Photo On The Left, With Just A Little Fake Blood. On The Right Is What The Makeup Artist Gave Me

enukez Report

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#6

Are These Too Thick? I Can’t Tell If I’m Just Not Used To Them Or If This Is A Normal Application. I’m Not Thrilled With Them

Are These Too Thick? I Can’t Tell If I’m Just Not Used To Them Or If This Is A Normal Application. I’m Not Thrilled With Them

ememidk Report

When we give our faith, hair, and face to a stranger — and spend good money to do so — the last thing we want is to step out of there crying and wishing to go back in time to erase it all. Just think about the moment when you finally get to glance at the mirror hoping to see your fabulous self but instead, you’re met with someone who feels utterly unlike you. When it comes to makeup, you immediately notice the mistakes — too much foundation here, too little color there, and what is up with all this unnecessary contouring? Makeup that isn’t applied skillfully can immediately ruin our day and put a damper on our confidence. But luckily for us, there are experts who share advice on how to quickly patch up these mistakes.

#7

The Hairdresser Had “No Idea” How This Happened

The Hairdresser Had “No Idea” How This Happened

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

Edward Scissor Hands. Eta: I believe he actually gave better haircuts, if I'm remembering correctly.

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#8

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

LemonberryTea Report

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

I really hope you got a refund. I asked for the same colour as you did, and the dude got it right with no issues. It was expensive, but worth it. But wow, major fail. I hope your hair wasn't damaged.

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#9

What Was The Makeup Artist Thinking With This Shade Match?

What Was The Makeup Artist Thinking With This Shade Match?

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Makeup artist Daniel Martin, whose clients range from Meghan Markle to Jessica Alba, told Vogue that first and foremost, people are entitled to politely request a redo if they’re unsatisfied with the results. "As artists, we have to remember that we’re providing a service and we can’t take things too personally," he said. After all, makeup is subjective, so they should listen to your wishes.

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If you’re one of those people who freeze in uncomfortable situations or avoid them at all costs, think about bringing an image of your desired look as a reference. Moreover, be crystal clear with the artist about your dislikes before they begin. "Hate the way you look with mascara on your bottom lashes? Cringe at the idea of contouring? Tell the artist directly, and your honesty will only aid in the execution."

#10

What I Asked For vs. What I Got. $400 And I Feel Like An Idiot

What I Asked For vs. What I Got. $400 And I Feel Like An Idiot

Vegemiteonpikelets Report

#11

Expectations vs. Reality: Curly Hair

Expectations vs. Reality: Curly Hair

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

This happened to me in 6th grade. Never permed it again. Wanted a spiral and ended up looking like annie.

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#12

What My Hair Looked Like - What I Asked For - And How It Turned Out

What My Hair Looked Like - What I Asked For - And How It Turned Out

carli_snyder Report

However, sometimes we need to take matters into our own hands. "At the end of the day, it’s only makeup and it can be fixed," Martin said and offered some sound advice to prepare you for any possible damage control in the future. First, "If you’re left with too much coverage on the skin and the finish on your face is too powdery, misting will break up the finish a bit. If you don’t have a misting spray, a wet paper towel pressed onto the skin will do the trick as well."

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Then, if your artist somehow managed to make you look like a mannequin, Martin suggested, "If the foundation is looking too opaque and flat, I add a bit of radiance to the complexion by using a dry facial oil that won’t break up the powder that’s already on top of the skin. A facial oil used with a foundation brush will add the skinlike texture you want without the feeling of added weight."

#13

What I Asked For And What I Got

What I Asked For And What I Got

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

Not the only one that I saw end up like that. My sister asked for a haircut like the one on the left and she ended up looking like the lady on the right. I think that less experienced hair stylists don't know that they shouldn't overcut too much when the hair is wet, because once dry it gains more volume and becomes shorter. She never asked for a shorter haircut after this travesty!

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#14

Went To My Hairdresser With This Pic Today

Went To My Hairdresser With This Pic Today

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#15

Wanted A Simple Manicure For My Wedding In March. Right Is What I Got. I Was Upset But Also Couldn’t Stop Laughing

Wanted A Simple Manicure For My Wedding In March. Right Is What I Got. I Was Upset But Also Couldn’t Stop Laughing

Heisen123 Report

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

Okay, the right side is a disaster but I don"t like the inconsistency of the design on the left side either.

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When it comes to eyebrows, one of the most common fears we have is to emerge from the chair and see that they’re way too dark for our liking. "If the brow is overly done, split tissue paper to a single sheet, place it over your brow, and buff on setting powder on top of it. This will soften the depth of the brow tone," Martin suggested. "If your edges are too 'fleek,' use a Q-tip dipped in cleansing water to soften them."

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#17

First Pic Is What I Asked For, Other Pics Are What I Ended Up With

First Pic Is What I Asked For, Other Pics Are What I Ended Up With

Nariadnaia Report

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

I tell ya what I want, what I really really want...... its not to look like second coming spice, fix this mess.

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

Any colorist worth their salt would at least get you close to what you wanted—-depending on how the color “grabbed” on your hair, which could lead to slightly different intensity, but still the same effect. This almost looks like an amateur attempt done at home. When it comes to hair color, especially, do NOT try to get it done cheap. You will regret it.

yd avatar
Y D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes hello, I'd really like to look as if I took a header into a bain-marie full of condiments. Gimme some ketchup red, mustard yellow and super gross white somewhere betwixt mayo and HP sauce.

karilynn avatar
Kari Lynn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG, go somewhere else and get "diffuse copper highlights". That should fix it. I feel you pain.

maddie-castillo2008 avatar
Bill cipher
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my friend has purposefully dyed their hair like that to honor rengoku from demon slayer said their getting it completely done this summer scared to see her next school year

yellowdeer129 avatar
Lori
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love the first picture. The results she got, look like tiger stripes!

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

I think it looks kinda cool but yeah some of these people need to study more or something. Cause you should get what you pay for

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

If you are saying a mean comment about the spice Girls you are a bad b word

annsandbags avatar
Ann Olsen
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another hairdresser who can’t do something fails to admit it – all it needed was finer sections🙄

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

The top left photo though that is a really nice hair color. I see why someone would want it. But what you ended up with is definitely a 1990s spice Girls hair color as someone posted in the comments before

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

Not a licensed stylist! Wait are they? Oops, time to go before the licensing board for a review and back to color school!! Andddddd…. REFUND TIME!!

sharistory4 avatar
Shari Story
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bless your heart. That's awful! I hope you never go back to that place again.

kimbo650 avatar
SF Angel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh Baby. I hope you had a nice service for the hair that was formerly known as Yours

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

Had something similar 2 decades ago except I looked more like Bozo the Clown AND paid $350 for s**t color and hair and scalp damage that took months to fix!

kaitlinrussell avatar
Dezi227
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Slapped some Fruit by the Foot in there and called it a day.

hkh11984_1 avatar
Holly Hobby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would t have left that store without a refund OR they fix it and make it look good

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

Omg this reminds me of what my dad's wife asks for. She said she likes thick steaks so she can see what she paid for.

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

I mean. If it was done in the late 90's it'd be nice. I had many of clients ask for something like this. Not in this century though.

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

I would have talked to the manager I wouldn't walk out like that!!

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

Poor woman! There's genuine fear in her eyes. I do suspect that she's tried to do this herself with box dye. I can't imagine a professional is responsible for that.

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

This shading technique was very popular in the late '90's and looked very subtle. Did they just stop training people to do coloring since then?

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

Not a hairstylist by any stretch, but I feel like proper sectioning is part if the 101 course. This is just what I learned from Brad Mondo.

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#18

She Went To The Worst-Reviewed Makeup Artist In Her City

She Went To The Worst-Reviewed Makeup Artist In Her City

mangobutter6179 Report

While makeup disasters can swiftly be fixed with our own efforts, that’s not always the case with our hair. Of course, ending up with a hairdo you're unhappy with is far from an irreversible catastrophe. But if there’s a choice, we would all prefer to walk around with a haircut we’re actually satisfied with. To know how to do that, we previously reached out to Rob Jon, founder of The Brentwood Hairdresser, the most sustainable salon in Essex, UK. He explained to us in an interview the main reasons why tragic accidents occur and shared some advice on how to avoid receiving regrettable hairdos.

#19

My Sister's Friend Got Her Nails Done By A “Professional” Nail Artist

My Sister's Friend Got Her Nails Done By A “Professional” Nail Artist

penguinzliz Report

#20

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

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

Fancy_Dare4930 Report

#21

Needed A Pick Me Up, But I Feel Like I Got Screwed Over At The Nail Salon. These Look Whack, Right?

Needed A Pick Me Up, But I Feel Like I Got Screwed Over At The Nail Salon. These Look Whack, Right?

lazy_villager Report

"Haircut ideas are always based around what is fashionable," he told Bored Panda. "But what is fashionable doesn’t always suit your hair type, face shape, or lifestyle." Rob explained that bad decisions are often made when people try to keep up with the latest trends rather than opting for looks that actually suit them.

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One of the best ways to be sure about your options is to listen to what your stylist has to say, Rob said. "We are professionals and will always act in the clients' best interest to make you look and feel as good as possible," he noted. Still, it’s best to appear in the salon already prepared. Rob suggested using Instagram or Pinterest or some kind of visual aid to try to steer your stylist in the right direction. Then, you can have a conversation with your stylist who "will come up with the perfect compromise to make your hair look on point."

#22

When You Accidentally Go To The Worst Stylist In Your Country

When You Accidentally Go To The Worst Stylist In Your Country

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#23

Asked For Caramel Balayage, Came Out Looking Like A Tiger

Asked For Caramel Balayage, Came Out Looking Like A Tiger

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

Been there, done that. Highly recommend BLUE shampoo to tone down the orange.

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#24

My Sister’s Nails For A Wedding

My Sister’s Nails For A Wedding

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itisdarkestbeforedawn78 avatar
Beck
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why does it look like she stuck her bird finger up a bird butt??? It is brown?

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But despite the best intentions and efforts from both sides, mistakes happen. "Tragic haircuts are often based on a lack of communication between stylist and customer," Rob said. So a good way to ensure you emerge from the hairdresser’s chair with desired results is to talk with your stylist before and during the process. 

Setting unrealistic expectations is one more reason why regrettable haircuts occur, Rob added. Or they encounter inexperienced stylists who are "unable to manage clients' expectations and deliver something that is much more suitable to their lifestyle and the style that they are after."

"To avoid a bad haircut, my advice would be to use visual aids in the salon using pictures to describe not only what you like but what you don’t like," The Brentwood Hairdresser mentioned. "Also, be willing to accept the stylists' advice as they are simply trying to manage your hair in the best way possible."

#26

What I Wanted vs. What I Got

What I Wanted vs. What I Got

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

To be fair, the left pictured person has multitudes more hair or extensions with tenfold then volume of the right pictured person.

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#27

My Little Sister Got Her Makeup Done For My 30th Birthday Party. She’s Really Good At Doing Her Own Makeup. However, She Wanted To Treat Herself And Went To The Salon

My Little Sister Got Her Makeup Done For My 30th Birthday Party. She’s Really Good At Doing Her Own Makeup. However, She Wanted To Treat Herself And Went To The Salon

Secure_Dragonfruit69 Report

#28

The Usual Hairdresser Disaster. My Usual Curl Pattern vs. After Styling By The Hairdresser After A Cut

The Usual Hairdresser Disaster. My Usual Curl Pattern vs. After Styling By The Hairdresser After A Cut

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

Styling? I wouldn't dignify what was done to you with that term. I hope it's fixable

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#29

All I Wanted Was Bangs That Look Like Dakota Johnson’s. I Showed Her Multiple Pictures And This Was What I Got

All I Wanted Was Bangs That Look Like Dakota Johnson’s. I Showed Her Multiple Pictures And This Was What I Got

It’s been over a year and they look fine now, but wow, I was suffering for a few months there.

bobolatebipboopie Report

#30

The Haircut She Wanted vs. What She Got

The Haircut She Wanted vs. What She Got

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#31

My Best Friend Got This Done At Ulta Today

My Best Friend Got This Done At Ulta Today

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#32

I Guess I Got What I Paid For With This Free Look. Asked Makeup Artist For Homecoming Makeup

I Guess I Got What I Paid For With This Free Look. Asked Makeup Artist For Homecoming Makeup

TheHuntress1031 Report

#33

A Sephora Employees Rendition Of A “No Makeup Makeup” Look. At Least Is Was Free

A Sephora Employees Rendition Of A “No Makeup Makeup” Look. At Least Is Was Free

FakeBeccaJean Report

#34

My Awful Eyebrows. Bad Microblading, Cheap Ink, Wrong Aftercare Directions. Now Look At Them

My Awful Eyebrows. Bad Microblading, Cheap Ink, Wrong Aftercare Directions. Now Look At Them

Katya2089 Report

#36

What I Asked For vs. What I Got - $450 AUD And 4.5hrs Later. I'm Going To Bed

What I Asked For vs. What I Got - $450 AUD And 4.5hrs Later. I'm Going To Bed

Fightswithcrows Report

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

Hair not lightened enough, toner mixed with too low of developer and processed too long. With 4.5 hours, they could have gotten her hair lifted high enough to do a purple wash then toned it to the specific color. This is laziness and ineptitude on the part of the colorist.

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#38

Expectation vs. Reality ($200 Later). Hairdresser Tried Telling Me It Was The Same Thing. Nope. Nope. No

Expectation vs. Reality ($200 Later). Hairdresser Tried Telling Me It Was The Same Thing. Nope. Nope. No

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#39

Hairdresser Did Me Dirty

Hairdresser Did Me Dirty

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

someone had absolutely ZERO experience with decolorization, and proceeded anyway. Shameful

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#40

Asked For Soft Pink And Got Purple. How To Correct It? 2nd Pic Is What I Wanted

Asked For Soft Pink And Got Purple. How To Correct It? 2nd Pic Is What I Wanted

arigemsco Report

Note: this post originally had 94 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.