Do You Make These 5 Common Beauty Mistakes?
Yesterday I talked about some of the most common style mistakes, so to continue on the subject, today I thought I’d mention some beauty mistakes that are just as prolific.
From doing your makeup the same way you did in high school to just not taking care of your skin as well as you should, there are a few common beauty mistakes most women make at some point. Do you make any of the top 5 mistakes? Find out below.
1. Not washing your makeup brushes.
The scenario: You put your makeup on with brushes every day, but rarely get around to washing them. You figure cleaning them off once in a while is enough. After all, who wants to wait for a makeup brush to dry when you need to get ready? You figure it’s just one of those things you’d do if you had lots of free time.
Why it’s a mistake: I’ll admit it: I’m guilty of neglecting to wash my makeup brushes occasionally, but have recently gotten a lot better about it.
Here’s the deal: You need to clean your makeup brushes at least once a week with a gentle cleanser – especially if you use them all over your face. Bacteria can grow on makeup brushes, which then gets spread around your face and causes breakouts. Dirty makeup applicators are a HUGE cause of acne. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin just cleaning my makeup brushes more often. Here’s a tip for letting your makeup brushes dry: wrap them in a towel and lay them flat. This will absorb excess oil and won’t damage the fibers.
2. Going to sleep without washing off your makeup.
The scenario: We’ve all been there: after a late night out you come home and can’t wait to crawl into bed. You’re so tired that making the trek all the way to the bathroom seems like a monumental task. So you forgo washing your face and sleep with all your makeup still on.
Why it’s a mistake: One word: acne. Another word: wrinkles. One more: (okay, it’s a phrase) possible eye problems. I’m sure you already know, but you should never go to sleep with your makeup still on. Not only does it create a breeding ground for acne bacteria (just what we all need, right?), but it also prevents oxygen from reaching your skin, which can age your face and dry skin out. Eye makeup is especially important to remove before bed – leaving it on can cause a whole slew of optical problems. No fun!
There’s really no excuse not to remove your makeup before bed, no matter how tired you are. If you can’t force yourself to make it to the sink when you’re THAT tired, just keep some baby wipes or makeup remover wipes in your bedroom. A quick swipe and you’re all set. Minimal effort and you’ll be saving your skin.
3. Forgoing sunblock unless you’re going to the beach.
The scenario: You know you’re supposed to wear sunblock every day, but who has time for that? After all, it’s not like you sunburn really easily unless you bake out in the sun for hours. Who has time for ANOTHER step in your makeup routine? Not you.
Why it’s a mistake: This one is easy to make because who wants to bother slathering on sunblock EVERY time you go out in the sun? Unfortunately skin damage happens every time you go out in the sun, even if you don’t notice its effects immediately. Sun damage means wrinkles, premature skin aging, sagging, a leathery appearance, and of course increased risk of skin cancer.
The only solution for this one is to start wearing SPF 15 (at LEAST – and SPF 30 would really be better) every single time you go outdoors. Even when it’s cloudy out. Even when you’ll only be outside for an hour. Even when you don’t feel like it. Add sunscreen to your daily routine – your face will thank you in the long run.
4. Doing your makeup the same way you did in high school.
The scenario: You know how you like to do your makeup: one way and one way only. All throughout high school you stuck to one look. You have your routine down, you always buy the same products, and experimentation is a word reserved for someone else.
Why it’s a mistake: Think about it: the clothes you wear change as you get older and your sense of style evolves. Why shouldn’t your makeup evolve as well?
Perhaps thick black liner and tons of bronzer worked for you in high school, but it might not be the best look for you now. Trying a bold purple smokey eye for a night out or a bright red lip with neutral eyes might do wonders for your face, but you’ll never know if you don’t try! Have fun with makeup and don’t be afraid to ditch your current routine and overhaul things to gain a new perspective. Who knows? You might just find a new makeup look you like even better.
5. Using makeup as a crutch.
The scenario: Everyone has done this at some point: you get so attached to a certain product that you NEVER go without it. In fact, it often takes over your entire look. For me, in the past this was definitely eyeliner. I would wear it every day, rain or shine, without fail. Looking back on myself now, I can’t believe how overpowering it was! Sometimes a certain product can really take over without you noticing.
Why it’s a mistake: This is the beauty version of using color as a crutch, which I talked about in yesterday’s fashion mistakes article. By becoming dependent on one type of makeup, you’re limiting your look, as well as possibly going overboard and making yourself look bad.
Makeup needs to be adaptable for different situations. It should also be creative – they don’t call them “makeup artists” for nothing. When you rely on one product – eyeliner for example, you limit the possibilities. Maybe a softer, unlined smokey eye would look great on you, but you’ll never test it out if you’re obsessed with eyeliner. Also, if you’re really attached to a certain product, it’s likely that you’re overdoing it. I recommend cutting back on how much of that product you use gradually. Once you have some perspective, you’ll probably realize you were using it way too much.
Your Thoughts?
So what do you think of these beauty mistakes? Have you made any of them yourself? Share your tips for combatting beauty mistakes, as well as your favorite beauty-gone-wrong stories in the comments section! Can’t wait to see what you guys think.
Posted on on July 23, 2009 / Filed Under: Beauty & Hair / Tags: Aging, Beauty, Color, Cosmetics, Health, Hygiene, Makeup, Style, Tips
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Lulu
Insightful post, Zephyr! Being new to makeup brushes (my fingers and applicators that came with the product were enough for me in the past, but I’m getting more serious with my makeup now), what kind of cleaning ritual would you suggest? Are we talking warm water only, or should I be adding some mild soap as well? A quick swirl in the water, or a more vigorous scrub? Thanks!
johnieemma
This is great…..I always lecture my friends about not washing their makeup off and not wearing SPF. I so afraid of wrinkles!
But honestly, having a really good motivation like that helps.
Great post!
Ritika
This is a really great post. It reminds me that I have to clean my makeup brush! ^_^
I have a question about sunscreen. If you’re out and about in a day, how often do you reapply sunscreen? Do you just apply it to all your exposed skin?
I have an spf-infused moisturizer, but since I wear a little makeup, I’m not sure if I have to reapply it in the day. Isn’t that messy?
Thanks!
becca
thanks for the reminder about washing your makeup brushes! i always put it off way too long. my question is a lot like ritika’s. i apply my moisturizer (that has SPF in it) every morning right before i apply my makeup. is that not enough? and would that clog my pores, with the moisturizer and makeup combined? just wondering. by the way, i really love your website. you are doing a fantastic job! very creative and professional.
becca.
AJ
Hold on just a second!
If you wrap your makeup brushes in a towel and don’t let them breathe while they’re drying, they’ll grow mould––Ick!
Instead, after washing your brushes by holding them straight up and down, rubbing the bristles in a circular motion in a palmful of of baby shampoo, and rinsing them until all the (warm) water runs clear, lay them with the bristles hanging over the edge of the sink. This will allow them to complete aerate and dry properly, without losing any shape by smushing them against the bathroom counter.
Love from your friendly, neighborhood germophobe (also I learned this from an aesthetician friend who works at Sephora)
michelle
love these articles because theyre soo true and helpful. keep them coming.
elle
Wow. The #5 suggestion is completely and utterly.. me! I can’t go without eyeliner.. I feel like I look really young without it. :( I don’t know .. after 10+ years of wearing it I can’t seem to let it go….
Leia
I definitely need to start cleaning my make-up brushes more more often!
Luinae
Lulu- Johnson’s baby shampoo woks really well because it’s so gentle. I just use really gentle hand soap and that seems to work.
I’m actually pretty good with my beauty routine, much better than I am with fashion and I would NEVER go to sleep without washing my face. Eww! Sometimes I let wasing my makeup brushs slip for about 2 weeks, but I am usually pretty good about it.
Little Red
I’m definitely guilty of wearing eyeliner every single day. No one ever sees me without it really. I’m definitely trying to break away from it. I always think I look weird without it because I’m so used to seeing myself with it on!
Anna
I have literally NEVER washed my make up brushes. I should probably go do that now!
I am really good about applying sunblock daily though – my moisturizer has SPF in it and if I’m going out for a walk or something else where I’ll be outdoors, I put 50 on my shoulders/arms/legs etc. I’ll never get a tan but I won’t get wrinkles either :)
Aury@ An Ordinary Girl's World
My biggest beauty mistake is soo the one on sunblock. I hardly ever wear it mostly because I’m dark-skinned and never get sun-burnt anyway. But I do realise I should wear it anyway because of all the other reasons so I’ll go buy some today!
Ista
My biggest problem is sunblock and washing my brushes! I think today I will wash them out. And I really need to do better about sunblock.
myvogue
Oh I agree with you on everything….I am so guilty about the going to bed without removing the make up part :((
georgienyc
what about those cleansing cloths? sometimes i used to use them instead of the hassle of washing my face in the bathroom (late nights)… imagine they’re not that great of an idea to use on a reg basis?
Hannah
i guess i should be wearing sunscreen all the time. i think i have a hard time wearing it because it’s always so expensive and i don’t think it’s really doing anything for me anyway. but after this, it’s changed my mind. thanks! good post!
Aury@ An Ordinary Girl's World
My beauty mistake is that i don’t wear sunscreen, mostly because i’m dark-skinned and wont get sunburnt anyway. But now i see that there are soo many other reasons to wear it. I’ll try to start…wish me luck
katjee
definitely doing mistake #5.
w/o eyeliner, i feel like im naked! i feel like, people are staring and judging my barely-there lashes. i tried once goin out w/o eyeliner on and people thought i looked sick/tired. so now i dont leave the house without it.
i have it in cream base, liquid and khol. im the eyeliner goddess!
also on not washing make-up off. i do atleast 4 times a week. its a lazy habit and i shud be ashamed. =’(
better get my act together!! =)
Lena Michelle
wow i feel like im doing all of these…
thanks for the wake-up call! haha =)
definately have to start cleaning my brushes and wearing some different eye make-up! ;)
Deloreen Pond
Great Post!
I admit the first 3 I definitely have to work on. Especially number 3. I am Black/Hispanic, however I can’t stress enough how important it is that women of color wear sunblock ALL THE TIME too. I burn just like a person of lighter color would…and no one wants to get sunburns, skin damage or even skin cancer.
Jessica from Broke for a Month
Ughhh I plea the fifth for sure on this one! I’m guilty of numbers 2 and 3, and I guess 4, but I just graduated from high school so I don’t think that counts:) Plus, I’ve experimented HEAVILY with make up through out high school, landing me with over $3000 in make up and a few gigs including local fashion shows. After the excessive amounts of styles I’ve tried (including my signature cheetah print eyeshadow-the best I’ve seen to date!) I’ve just found what works best for me-mascara ONLY. So I’ll politely excuse myself from that one, thank you:)
Rebecca
I’m guilty of #2 & #3. I’ve been wearing more sunblock lately and my moisureizer has a built in SPF 15 in it, but I should be wearing it more often. I look younger than I am, and I want to keep it that way. I’m bad about wearing makeup and leaving it on, it does cause acne and just isn’t good for the skin.
Caroline
In my opinion, the best tip for making sure you wear sunblock every day is to use SPRAY SUNBLOCK.
The stuff takes about 30 seconds to apply and you can hit all the spots that you usually miss. Win-win :)
To beauty!
-Caroline
Mandy
I have to admit, i am somewhat obsessed with eyeliner myself. I feel like it just makes me look better and when i don’t wear it i just feel ugly. I think i need to experiment with different ways to make up my eyes without the black liner, thanks for the eye opener (lol).
valerie
ive washed my brushes… once or twice! BAD BAD so ya i cant wait to see my skin improve a little once i get the good habit…
as for sun screen.. i was guilty of not wearing it for years until they released the bareminerals spf 30 mineral sunscreen! $28, you MUST try it!! i think the no. 1 reason people dont put sunscreen on, especially on the face is because of the nasty texture. ladies we do not have an excuse any longer! lol
Reneé
Well Im very carefull not to sleep without washing my make up but because of I hate sunblocks I dont usually wear them. I know, I have to get used to it, I heard that if you dont protect your skin from sun it can form spots on your face and its definetly an ugly thing..
You find the common mistakes of all we girls make and you find great solutions, Zephyr thank u !!