Have you ever faced the dilemma that many of us makeup enthusiasts and professionals face? You know, when you get caught up in the details of your makeup?
Well, you are in the right place, friend. Read on as I’ll share some practical techniques and tips to help you shift your focus to the bigger picture, ensuring your workflow remains smooth and stress-free. So, if you’re eager to overcome those pesky perfectionist tendencies and boost your makeup efficiency, let’s go!
how to stop getting caught up in the details of your makeup?

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In This Episode We Cover:
- The importance of prioritizing tasks and setting time limits.
- Being able to periodically step back to evaluate your work from a distance.
- How staying organized and thinking ahead during your application process can be beyond beneficial.
Episode 88: Show notes

I know, particularly in my early years in makeup, I had a struggle that I suspect is a common struggle among makeup artists. And that is obsessing over tiny details that disrupt the bigger picture of your work.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a burgeoning enthusiast, learning to overcome this fixation can elevate your makeup game and save valuable time.
How to Stop Getting Caught Up in the Details of Your Makeup
Why Obsessing Over Details Can Be Counterproductive
Have you ever noticed that when you are working, and something doesn’t come easily, or a specific detail or tiny aspect of the makeup just has you stumped and yet somehow, you fixate over it, and can’t move on?
Getting hung up on minor imperfections can absolutely stifle your creativity and increase stress levels.
When a detail isn’t perfect, it’s tempting to spend five to ten minutes trying to fix it.
This not only disrupts the creative flow but also leads to lost time and heightened stress as you try to catch up.
Whether it’s dealing with fallout from a smoky eye or a rolled edge on a prosthetic that essentially no one will see, the urge to fixate on these issues can be overwhelming.
She points out how such fixations can affect productivity and overall project flow.
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Techniques to Focus on the Bigger Picture
Understanding and prioritizing the bigger picture within your makeup application can allow for a more efficient and creative process.
And here are some techniques that will help to get you there if this is happening to you:
1. Prioritization
Identify which details are crucial to your look and which can be set aside if needed. Use prioritization to focus on what truly matters, rather than getting stuck on minor imperfections.
2. Set Time Limits
Implement time management techniques by setting time limits for each task. This helps prevent overworking in specific areas and ensures a steady workflow.
3. Step Back and Evaluate
Take periodic breaks to step back and evaluate your work as a whole. By doing so, you gain a broader perspective, which can help identify whether a minor detail really needs attention or if it’s something that can be overlooked.
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Efficient Tools and Techniques
1. Digital and Manual Tools
Using external guides and tools (like this one) can provide you with useful techniques for time-management and efficiency. They can also help you overcome tendencies of perfectionism.
By keeping track of your process – much like Dick Smith did (see if you can spot the technique I have been borrowing from Dick Smith for decades now in my guide) you can become more naturally adept at maintaining a steady workflow.
2. Cordless ELECRTICAL tools
In recent years of my work, I’ve found that having a cordless hair dryer can be invaluable – for its mobility and convenience. And guess what else – no cords!!!
This tool can help expedite processes, such as drying and powdering during stretch and stipple makeups.
3. Pre-set Product Order
Arrange your products in the order they will be used. This practice can help you stay organized and maintain a smooth workflow. If you’re assisting someone, ensure that as soon as one product is used, it’s moved to the back and the next product is ready.
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Thriving in a Creative Workflow
Staying ahead of the game keeps the creative energy alive and prevents breakdowns in the system. By thinking ahead and maintaining momentum, not only does the process become more enjoyable, but it also enables you to deliver high-quality results without unnecessary stress.
Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect
In summary, focusing on the bigger picture and avoiding getting bogged down by minor details can dramatically improve your makeup artistry. Emphasize the larger forms first before moving on to finer details, and practice this mindset regularly. The more you practice, the more naturally it will come to you.
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