With a new season on the horizon, it’s normal to have an “out with the old and in with the new” mentality. Think: clearing out clothes we no longer wear to make room for new seasonal pieces; swapping your iced coffee for hot; and flipping your cotton sheets for cozy flannel.
Yet, despite all of these seasonal changes, we still stick to the same beauty routines. But just like your old clothes, your bad beauty habits need to be tossed, too. From plucking ingrown hairs to using old makeup, these are the 10 beauty habits you need to drop immediately.
Bad Habit#1: Biting Your Cuticles
We’re all guilty of picking and biting our cuticles when we’re bored or anxious, but this is a nasty habit that can actually lead to infection. Your cuticles actually protect the base of your nail from infection, so by picking them, you actually increase the risk of getting one. Instead, wash your hands frequently and refrain from picking your cuticles to steer clear of nasty infections.
Bad Habit #2: Plucking Ingrown Hairs
When you see an ingrown hair, it’s natural to want to remove it immediately with tweezers. But digging into the skin to grab that hair can lead to scarring (and again, even an infection). The next time you find an ingrown, ditch the tweezers and gently exfoliate the skin instead.
Bad Habit #3: Using Old Makeup
We’re all guilty of keeping an old lipstick or eyeshadow, in the hopes of wearing it again some day. But makeup that’s past its prime becomes a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, which can lead to skin infections, irritations, breakouts, and even (gasp!) pink eye. So do yourself a favour and ditch old products. Hot tip: three months is the usual shelf-life of most mascaras; liquid and cream makeup products should be tossed after 12 to 18 months; and powders will last you for about two years.
Bad Habit #4: Skipping Sunscreen
Ever since we were little, we’ve known the importance of wearing sunscreen. Yet, so many of us go without it on a regular basis. Over time, too much exposure to the sun puts you at risk for wrinkles, age spots, dry skin, and most importantly, skin cancer. So remember, even if only your neck is exposed, apply SPF and cover up, all year-long (even in the winter!).
Bad Habit #5: Playing With Your Hair
The moment you find yourself bored, it’s easy to turn to your split ends for entertainment. Unfortunately, picking and playing with your locks can lead to oily and damaged hair, which isn’t a good look for anyone. And pulling and twirling your hair over time may even lead to hair loss, so be sure to keep your hands occupied with something else (even it’s a nervous habit, get yourself a fidget spinner!).
Bad Habit #6: Going to Sleep With Makeup On
Passing out after a night out might seem tempting in the moment, but it can lead to clogged pores and unnecessary breakouts (not to mention soiled pillowcases). If you’re really in a rush, keep a pack of makeup wipes near your bed so you can quickly clean your face before you pass out.
Bad Habit #7: Forgetting to Put Moisturizer On Before Foundation
Applying moisturizer before makeup is one of the most critical steps in your beauty routine. Skipping out on moisturizer will leave your skin feeling dry and uneven, causing the makeup to appear uneven. By prepping your skin with a moisturizer, you create a clean canvas for your foundation. Plus, you skin always looks better when it’s hydrated.
Bad Habit #8: Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes
Much like bedding, makeup brushes tend to get overlooked when it comes to frequent cleaning. But keep in mind that dirty makeup brushes can lead to a build up of bacteria that won’t do your skin any favours. Aim to clean your brushes at least once a week to avoid any nasty breakouts.
Bad Habit #9: Pumping Mascara to Get More On the Brush
When it feels like you’re running low on mascara, your first reaction may be to pump the mascara wand in the tube, hoping that it’ll come out with more mascara on it. But this causes air to get into the tube, which makes the mascara to dry out quicker. Rather than pumping the wand, apply a few coats of mascara instead of one so you get enough product on your lashes.
Bad Habit #10: Picking Your Skin
At the sign of a monster whitehead, it’s tempting to pop that blemish to try to get rid of it, stat. But if you’re not careful, squeezing that sucker might leave you with red, inflamed and even scarred skin. So, when a nasty zit appears, wash your face and zap the spot with a treatment with salicylic acid to help dry it out. Try: Clinique Acne Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel.
