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Bad Makeup Habits that You Need to Stop Having

You’re getting ready for your day. You look in the bathroom mirror at tired eyes and blemishes near your nose. As you apply your cosmetics, your face transforms into a bright-eyed, flawless masterpiece.

Using makeup is a fun way to express yourself. When used correctly, it helps enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. When misused, it can do the opposite.

We will be going over some bad makeup habits that may be causing skin damage and why you need to get rid of them today.

Here are some makeup habits you need to stop having

Makeup laid out on display

Pumping mascara wand

Chances are, you or someone you know puts on mascara by pumping the wand back and forth in the tube. It makes sense to think you’re getting an even coat to apply to your lashes. But this is one of the worst makeup habits for applying mascara.

The problem with pumping the wand in and out is that you’re also pumping in air.  Pumping air into the tube limits the lifespan of your product by making it dry out faster. It can also cause flakiness and clumping, leading to uneven lashes.  

Instead of pumping the wand, the best way to use mascara is by gently circling the wand inside the tube.

Sleeping with makeup on

Makeup covers the skin to make it look beautiful and smooth. But sleeping with makeup on can suffocate your skin, causing clogged pores by trapping dirt and oils into your skin. This can lead to dry, dull-looking skin.

Skipping moisturizer

Moisturizer is one of the most essential products for your skin. It keeps your skin young and fresh and aids in a flawless makeup application. If you don’t have time to apply makeup, make sure you still moisturize.

What happens when you skip this step? If it’s not often, it’s fine. But over time, it can lead to dryness, wrinkling, and premature aging.

When you apply foundation and other products, your skin can become flakey, causing the makeup to be less effective. If you want a flawless complexion, you can’t skip moisturizer.

Makeup brushes

Not cleaning your brushes

Makeup brushes are great at giving a clean and blended makeup application. But people forget that they need to be cleanedWhen you don’t clean your brushes, they can breed bacteria, causing issues like dry skin and itchiness.

Brushes should be cleaned at least once a week to avoid the buildup of debris and oils.

Wearing too much makeup

Wearing cosmetics is a great way to feel beautiful, but it’s best done in moderation. It can be easy to put too much on your face or to apply it too often.  

Your face needs to breathe and needs at least one day a week without makeup. Caking on too much foundation or never letting your skin breathe can lead to skin damage.

This includes clogged pores, dry and dull-looking skin. When you notice new blemishes, you’re probably tempted to cover them up with foundation. The best thing you can do is let it breathe for a while and make sure your makeup habits aren’t causing them.

Wearing makeup isn’t a bad thing. But one just needs to make sure that it is not becoming a habit of hiding the real skin underneath. 

- Aakanksha Singh



Using expired product

Have you ever looked through your makeup bag and noticed a cosmetic that’s a few years old? You might not have used it as much as you thought you would and may be surprised to see it still looks ok.

You may be tempted to use it and get your money’s worth. This isn’t a good idea because using makeup products beyond a certain amount of time isn’t always safe.  


Old products can breed bacteria, causing acne and clogged pores if used on your skin.  And if it’s been long enough, it may even be dry and flakey or dull in color. It’s best to simply start over with fresh product.



One bad habit often spoils a dozen good ones. 

- Napoleon Hill


What will these bad makeup habits do?

Bad beauty habits may seem like no big deal. So you don’t clean your brushes every week, and you sleep with makeup on sometimes. Not a problem, right?

The truth is, these makeup habits can lead to serious skin damage. Forgetting once in a while is fine, but more than a few times a week can lead to the problems below.

Clogged pores

Have you ever had a rough week and then noticed new blemishes on your skin? This is likely the result of clogged pores.

Pores are tiny openings where microscopic particles can pass through, allowing products like makeup and lotion to settle in your skin.  

Because your skin has pores, it needs to be able to breathe. When bad beauty habits occur, it can suffocate them, causing them to clog up. This will often lead to oily skin, acne, and wrinkles.

Wrinkles and premature aging

When you think of wrinkles and premature aging, it’s easy to assume that as long as you don’t smoke or stay too long in the sun, you’ll be fine.

Unfortunately, bad makeup habits can also cause these issues. Sleeping with your makeup on can cause stress to your skin and particles to get trapped in your pores. 

Permanent skin damage

Some bad beauty habits can cause permanent skin damage. The good news is that a lot of skin damage can be reversed with the development of good habits. But take care, not all makeup tips are created equally. Make sure to thoroughly research and understand any new practice before adding it to your daily makeup routine. 

Shorter lifespan of cosmetics

It’s no secret that cosmetics are expensive. Looking your best isn’t cheap, so you don’t want your products going bad before you’ve had a chance to use them. 

In order to prevent product from drying up or becoming clumpy, it’s important to treat your cosmetics carefully and use them correctly.

Micellar water and cotton pads

Here are some makeup tips to help form good habits

Micellar water 

Micellar water is a type of facial cleanser made with water and micelles. Micelles are cleansing molecules that can lift impurities, makeup, and dirt off your face.  

What makes this product unique is it doesn’t take moisture out of your face, the way a lot of facial cleansers do. It’s also suitable for any skin type, even sensitive skin.  

To use Micellar Water, simply apply some with a cotton pad, wiping your face like you would with a towelette. The best part? You don’t need to rinse it off.

If you find yourself sleeping with your makeup on because you’re too tired to take it off, this product is a great beauty habit to form. Just apply it and fall asleep.

You can even use it to clean your makeup brushes. Just put some in a container and twirl your brushes around to remove any makeup and debris. Then, allow it to air dry.

 

A change in bad habits leads to a change in life. - Jenny Craig

Keep moisturizer and wipes by your bed

Some days you are too exhausted to do a deep clean on your face. We get it, many of us lead demanding lives with long days. But bad beauty habits open doors to negative side effects. If you don’t have the energy to do a full facial cleanse, at least take your makeup off.

Do you have a nightstand? If so, keep some moisturizer, and makeup removal wipes there. It’ll only take a minute to wipe the makeup off your face and apply a layer of moisturizer before falling asleep. Your skin will thank you.   

Rotate cosmetics often

It’s not enough to take your makeup off each night so your skin can breathe. It’s important to make sure the products you use are still functional. Expired products can not only cause skin damage by exposing it to bacteria, but it can also look flakey and dull. It’s not worth it.

Look up the lifespan of the makeup and skincare products you have to get an idea of what is still good to use. Some products have a two-year shelf life. Others, such as some eye cosmetics, need to be rotated every three months. Make sure you replace your products as needed, and if you find yourself not using it up in time, consider buying a smaller amount.

Do you often forget when you bought your products? Next time, get some stickers and label them with the date you purchased the product and how long they’ll be good for.  

Model wiping off makeup

 

Makeup plays an important role in helping women feel beautiful. Good makeup habits help ensure clear, smooth, and beautiful skin for a long time.  

 

What bad makeup habits do you need to change?  


Share this article, and let us know which one you’re going to change first.

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Lily Collins’ Beauty Routine Uncovered
May 14, 2021
Lily Collins’ Beauty Routine Uncovered

If you haven’t yet caught a glimpse of Netflix’s hit show, Emily In Paris, where have you been?! We are obsessed with the French-girl beauty that storms our screens as Emily (British-American actress Lily Collins) settles into Parisian living.  Actress Lily Collins steals the show with her low-key, simple yet chic beauty and fashion looks. There isn’t a scene where we’re not taking notes. Think fresh, clear skin, bold brows, voluminous lashes, and understated lips.  Less is definitely more In France, and we’re loving it!  But there’s one thing we want to know more about, and that’s Lily’s real-life beauty routine.  How does she keep her skin looking so immaculate? What are her makeup must-haves? And how does she keep her beautiful brows in check? Don’t worry, we’re bringing you Lily Collins’ beauty routine in full detail here, no filter.  This is what Lily Collins’ everyday beauty routine looks like.  Morning skincare What does Lily’s AM skincare routine look like? Well, you’ll be surprised how low-key it is. She begins with a splash of cold water on her face to wake herself up.  To kick-start her skincare routine, she uses a facial wash, toner gel, and moisturizing cream.  Next up? Lily always applies a layer of sunscreen (her go-to is Kiehl’s), whether it’s summer or winter. We recommend at least an SPF 20 if possible. Look for a light-weight, non-greasy sunscreen that feels like a second skin.  Lily has spoken out about embracing her natural, ivory skin, so you won’t find any tanning products in her house!  She also loves rubbing some mint or spearmint oil on her temples and the back of her neck to wake herself up and feel invigorated inside and out. One of her favorites is Peppermint Halo by Saje, which comes in a handy roller ball. And, did you know Lily is obsessed with hand cream? Yes! You’ll find her re-applying it throughout the day to keep her skin feeling soft and silky, just the way her Grandma used to do.  Her favorite scent? Rose wins out every time—Crabtree & Evelyn have a rosewater one she is crushing on.  The perfect base Lily Collins is famous for channeling that French-girl beauty by keeping her makeup minimal and natural all the time, apart from on special occasions.  When she’s at home, she wears very little; her motto being “the less there is on you, the less there is to go wrong!” But what about when she is wearing makeup? Lily loves to go for a foundation that is light enough to allow her natural freckles to shine through but just enough to give a nice base.  She steers clear of heavy, coated products to avoid her pores getting clogged.  For days when she wants something a little different, she mixes a small drop of light foundation with her favorite serum, then dabs it into her forehead, chin, and cheeks. To blend, she uses a sponge, then tops with a powder to set it, and a bit of blush for contouring.  It’s all about the brows The next step on Lily Collins’ beauty routine is tending to her bold and beautiful brows. The question on all of our minds while watching Emily In Paris has been, what’s the secret to her brow game?  Tell us all Lily! When asked what her favorite part of her beauty regimen is, she aptly said “It’s all about the brows.” She swipes a highlighter over her eyelid and under the brow to make her brows pop even more. She brushes her eyebrows up and over to slightly tame them.  And that is IT. Seriously. On the odd occasion when they need a little more taming, she uses some mascara to lend a helping hand. To draw extra attention to her eyes, she applies a few flicks of liquid liner at the outer edges. She then adds a coat of volumizing mascara to bring fullness and life to her lush lashes. Nothing says French beauty quite like fluttery lashes does. If there’s one thing every French woman includes in her beauty routine, it’s a swoosh of black mascara.   Lush lips When it comes to her lips, Lily begins by gently exfoliating them with a delicious, tropical coconut scrub. Once her lips are prepped, she coats them with lip balm–and you’ll find her reapplying it throughout the day to keep those lips looking lush. For an everyday look, Lily tops her lip salve with a swipe of nude lipstick and her favorite gloss.  But what about those red-carpet occasions? Lily has perfected the shades that compliment her pale skin and dark hair and opts for softened red lipstick shades and deep plums.  If you’re looking for some lipstick inspo, check out our long-lasting matte lipstick, which is available in four fabulous color combos. There’s guaranteed to be a shade that was made for you.  Fabulous fragrance When it comes to fragrance, there are a few favorites that Lily loves.  Rose makes the cut once again, then bergamot and oud. She’s usually drawn to deeper scents rather than feminine ones.  But if she had to pick a scent of choice?  La Vie Est Belle. That means “life is beautiful” in French. The scent swoops her back to her Paris-days and has her longing to be reunited with the most romantic city in the world. We can’t wait for that either, Lily! Messy hair, don’t care French women are loved (and envied) worldwide for perfecting that I-just-woke-up-like-this hair. It’s chic, but it’s not perfect. Think wind-swept runway romance.  How do they do it?!  Well, Lily seems to have perfected that Paris-hair, and guess what her secret is? She lets her hair do whatever it wants. Really. Her hair goes through a lot as an actress, constantly being colored and curled while on set. So when she’s off-duty, she keeps things super simple.  She loves Kérastase for repairing her hair, and often goes for a volumizing hair gel when she desires some extra volume.  She’s also a big fan of dry shampoo (could this woman be any cooler?). Oribe hair sprays are her favorite when she hasn’t washed her hair in a few days and needs a quick pick-me-up.  Evening rituals Lily’s evening beauty routine echoes her morning ritual. She’ll shower, get cozy on the sofa, and remove all her makeup using face wipes. Later, she rinses her face with the same gel she used in the morning and applies some face cream. When her skin feels extra dry, she opts for a quick face mask and rubs natural coconut oil into her body. Then it’s off to bed for some much-needed beauty sleep.

Why You Should Always Wet Your Makeup Sponge
May 06, 2021
Why You Should Always Wet Your Makeup Sponge

When the Beauty Blender was first released, it shook the makeup world from top to bottom. Before it came around, we were using flat brushes and dry, triangle-shaped sponges. These tools worked, but applying foundation would take ages.  Nowadays, these egg-shaped makeup blenders are the ideal tool for applying a natural-looking layer of foundation or blending out concealer. Reusable makeup sponges give the skin a natural finish, and they’re oh so simple to use.  There are a few key tricks to making a Beauty Blender work, which we’ll explain in this post. The most important amongst them? You have to use your makeup sponge wet. Keep reading to learn why!  Why should you wet makeup sponges?    Using a wet makeup sponge makes a major difference, so here are the reasons why we recommend it so strongly.  Less product waste First of all, using a damp makeup sponge can save you a lot of time and money in the long term, because it wastes less product. When your sponge is dry, it absorbs a ton of foundation right into its center. If you’ve ever found yourself dispensing more and more foundation, but getting no coverage, that’s the reason why.  On the other hand, when the sponge is damp, the water takes up all of the space in the sponge, and there’s no room for the foundation to soak in. Instead, it stays on the surface, so you can stipple it over your skin with no product waste.  Flawless finish  The second reason to use a damp makeup sponge is that it makes your foundation or concealer look so much better. Some of the water in the sponge infuses with the foundation, which gives the skin a more luminous and healthy finish. Because the sponge is expanded, it also leaves less of an imprint on the skin, which leads to a much smoother and more blended finish.  How to use a wet makeup sponge  Whether you’re using a wet makeup sponge to apply or blend your foundation, here’s the most fool-proof way to prep and then use it.    First, run the tap and place your reusable makeup sponge under the stream.  Let the sponge get saturated with water, and then squeeze it a few times. As the sponge takes in the water, it’ll expand to twice or triple its original size.  Turn off the tap, and squeeze the sponge to remove excess water. It should be damp rather than soaking wet.  Then, you can use the sponge to either apply or blend your foundation. Applying your foundation directly with the sponge will give a more sheer application.  If you like full coverage, apply your foundation with a brush or fingers, and then use the sponge to blend it out.  Whether you’re blending or applying, the main trick is to bounce the sponge over your skin. The bouncing motion helps the foundation glide over pores and it blurs away any brush streaks.  Use the tip of the sponge for blending out or applying concealer under the eyes or along the side of the nose. Stick to the same bouncing motions as you apply it to those smaller areas.  Once your foundation is perfected, you can finish off the rest of your makeup!  More tips for using a makeup blender  Using a Beauty Blender the classic way is great, but we have a few more hacks that will allow you to get the most out of your reusable makeup sponge!  If you don’t like getting your hands dirty, you can use your Beauty Blender to apply moisturizer and primer before you do your makeup.  If your skin is especially dehydrated, you can saturate your Beauty Blender with a moisturizing toner, which will hydrate the skin even more dramatically.  For days when you really need your makeup to last, saturate your reusable makeup sponge with a setting spray, instead. It’ll help lock your foundation in place as you apply it.  If your skin is oily or you’d like to waterproof your makeup, you can use a damp makeup blender to press translucent powder into your skin to set your base. While this technique can make dry skin look drier, it works well for those with oily skin, helping to make your foundation incredibly budge-proof.  If you make any mistakes winging out your eyeliner or you want your eye makeup to have a sharper line, put a bit of foundation along the side of the pointy end of your sponge. Then use it to clean up the lines along the outer corner of the eye.  A Beauty Blender is perfect for applying and blending out cream blush, highlighter, or contour! Use the pointy end to add those contour lines, or blend out your blush with the rounded end for a very natural flush of color.   Don’t forget to wash it  Finally, once you finish your makeup, always remember to wash your sponge with soap and water! Otherwise, Beauty Blenders can harbor bacteria if they’re left dirty or damp.  To clean your sponge, hold it under the running tap, and then add some soap. Squeeze it a few times so it foams up well, and finally, rinse it clean. Squeeze it to get as much of the water out, and then place it somewhere clean and safe to air dry. This will keep your reusable makeup sponge in top shape for up to 6 months.  Flawless foundation every time Considering how simple of a trick it is, using a wet makeup sponge has an amazing impact! There is no better way to guarantee a seamless and natural-looking foundation application. Give this trick a try to stop wasting foundation and to perfect your base. 

How to Have the Perfect Bath
April 25, 2021
How to Have the Perfect Bath

The best way to show yourself love is to take time out of your day and do something that is wholly and completely for you. A bath certainly counts! It feels divine as it relaxes the muscles and helps you unwind. It’s also a wonderful chance to pamper yourself with skin treatments, bath salts, and scented oils.  We’ve put together this guide to help you learn how to take a luxurious bath like no other. We’ll help you set up a relaxing bath routine, with tips on how to run the perfect bath temperature and advice as to what kind of accessories you’ll need to have a great time.  Even if you don’t have a bath, give this a read, ‘cause we cap things off with some relaxing shower tips. Dive in!  Set the scene Ambiance is everything, darling. Turn your bathroom into an environment where you can unwind. Instead of harsh electric light, opt for some scented candles, and queue up the dreamiest playlist. Any music or soundscape that helps you relax will do; you can try tree.fm’s forest soundscapes, some guided meditation, or even a spa playlist on Spotify. Perfect the temperature The question of how to run the perfect bath temperature is a tough one. On the one hand, you want the water to stay hot for as long as possible, but on the other hand, you still want it to be pleasant right from the start.  Filling up the bathtub can take a while, so turn on the tap early. Twist the tap to a position where it’s just a little hotter than you would normally shower or bathe in, but not cranked all the way up.  There is some debate as to what the ideal bath temperature is, but most of us don’t keep thermometers on hand to check the precise temperature, anyway. You’ll know you’ve landed on the correct temperature when you can dip your foot in the water and leave it in for 5 seconds without any issues.  Waterproof your entertainment A book or a TV-show can be pleasant bathtub companions, but bringing paper or tech devices into the water with you requires some planning. You can choose a cheap paperback, so it won’t be a great loss if it falls in, or simply waterproof your devices.  For the best luxury bubble baths, consider buying a waterproof case or even a waterproof device.  Consider a beverage  The next little treat for your relaxing bath routine is a beverage. Wine is the classic choice for a luxury bath, but don’t feel constrained. Tea, hot chocolate, and even juice are equally suitable companions.  If you do opt for an alcoholic beverage, make sure to also have some water on hand. It’s easy to get dehydrated or overheated in the bath, and alcohol will compound that, so staying hydrated is essential.  Start with a pre-bath rinse Before getting into the bath, rinse yourself off, especially if you’ve had a long and grueling day. If you have both a shower and a bath, you can do this while the bath is filling up! Otherwise, you can do this before starting to fill up the tub. Keep the water lukewarm, and soap yourself up quickly—there’s no need to go overboard.  A bath pillow is essential  Unfortunately, even the most luxurious bathtubs are designed out of rock-hard porcelain, so resting your head on the lip of the tub isn’t the most comfortable. You can fold-up a small towel to cushion your head as you lie back, but if you really want to take your bathing experience to the next level, purchase a dedicated waterproof bath pillow.  Consider your bath additives There are a few lovely options for additives that you can add to your bathtub. Luxury bubble baths can be a lot of fun, but the detergent-laden blends aren’t great for the skin, so here’s what we recommend.  Natural bath bombs are amazing because they fizz, sparkle, and smell gorgeous. It’s even better if you learn how to make your own! Epsom salts can be a simple, affordable addition that’ll help your muscles unwind.  To nourish your skin, pour in some bath oil or even just a spoonful of coconut oil. Just remember that oil will make the bathtub a little slippery when it’s time to get out.  Finally, a few drops of your favorite essential oil will turn the entire bath into an excellent aromatherapy experience. Be sure to always be mindful of what oils you allow to come in contact with your skin and always test on a small area of your body before putting anything in the tub.  Enjoy a skin treatment  How can you take a luxurious bath without adding in some face treatments? We don’t think it’s possible. Steamy bath time is ideal for face treatments! You’ll have time to lie back while the added steam helps nourishing ingredients penetrate into the skin. Try a purifying clay mask, apply a Korean sheet mask, or go with your favorite facial skincare treatment! Guarantee a cozy finish  Eventually, even if you’ve run the perfect bath temperature or put on your favorite soundtrack, you’ll still need to get out of the bathtub. Don’t let the luxurious experience end in disappointment with a scratchy, threadbare towel. Instead, prepare your fluffiest towel or bathrobe well in advance, so you can feel pampered right up until the end.  What if you don’t have a bathtub? Unfortunately, not every home is fitted with a bathtub, especially if you live in a big city apartment. We’ve gathered some tips so you can have a relaxing shower, instead.  While it might be hard to enjoy candles through the shower curtain, you can still dim the lights for a calming environment.  Waterproof Bluetooth speakers will allow you to enjoy some music despite the noise of the showerhead.  It’s harder to relax when you’re standing upright, so consider placing a plastic stool in your shower, so you can sit back under the warm spray.  While bath oils or salts won’t work in the shower, you can pamper your skin with an exfoliating salt and oil scrub.  Placing a bath bomb by the shower drain will create just as dramatic an aromatherapy experience as it does in the bath. As the warm water melts it away, it will release the fragrance, enveloping you in relaxation.  And off to bed  After a relaxing shower or a luxury bubble bath, you’ll be ready for bed! The bath routine is designed to promote calmness and relaxation. It’s ideal to save the pampering for the end of the day when you need to unwind. By the time your bath is over, you’ll want nothing more than to sleep deeply and soundly. Bonne nuit!