The Ultimate Beauty Sins

If you aren’t taking your makeup off before bed, you’re breaking the cardinal rule of cosmetics. Washing your face before bed not only takes off all of the day’s bacteria, but also gives your skin a clean surface to regenerate and heal if need be. If you really can't take your makeup off, quickly run a makeup wipe over your face. Just be sure to reserve those wipes for days that are few and far between, and not every night.

Stop washing your hair on a daily basis. Shampoos and conditioners, no matter how fancy or expensive, strip your tresses of natural oils and using them daily can cause brittle strands, breakage, and even dandruff. Wash your hair every other day or even every three days--if your hair needs a pick-me-up, try using a dry shampoo to eliminate shine.

While it can be difficult to remember the shelf life of your makeup, it's actually incredibly important. Some expired makeup doesn’t look or smell bad, but using it can cause serious breakouts and even some nasty skin infections. You’d be surprised to know that your mascara should be thrown out around three months after purchase, liquid foundations at twelve months, and lipsticks after about two years. If you can’t remember when you bought the product, chances are it’s probably time to toss it. Here are some more tips on makeup expiry dates.

The cost of salon colour includes a hairdresser analyzing your tresses to make a judgment call on which shades to use to achieve your desired colour. Unfortunately, boxed dyes are one-shade-fits-all meaning that you get what you get. If your at-home colour goes all wrong, you could risk drying out your hair and having to spend your savings on paying a salon to fix your mistakes. Worth it? We think not.

The internet is riddled with controversy on this topic--some stress that anti-aging serums can cause skin to lose elasticity sooner, while others say "the younger, the better." We agree with the former, and so does Claire Coleman from Daily Mail UK. Dermatologist Nick Lowe states that the compounds in anti-aging products break down the top layer of the skin to increase the rate at which the skin renews itself. This means that using these products in our mid- to late- twenties corrupts the skin's natural water-retaining protective which can do more harm than good. Yikes! For more information on what products to use and when to use them, check out our skin care timeline. 

Remember the myth about hot and cold water opening and closing pores? Apparently it has no scientific backing and what’s more, pores don’t open or close...at all! Stick to lukewarm water--washing your face with scorching hot water can not only burn the skin, but even water that is too warm can irritate it and cause dilating vessels or broken capillaries. 

Makeup brushes aren’t cheap--some brands range from twenty dollars, while others are closer to one hundred. These brushes are an investment, and need to be taken care of in order for them to do their job properly. That being said, makeup brushes also need to be cleaned regularly because they gather large amounts of bacteria from the bottom of your makeup case and even from being dusted over your skin. If left unwashed, the bacteria in these brushes can lead to pesky breakouts and even other skin irritations. 

Whether you’re rubbing your eyes because you’re tired or scrubbing them to get your waterproof mascara off, you need to stop immediately! Because the skin around our eyes is super thin, constant rubbing breaks down its elasticity which can (and will!) ultimately lead to wrinkles. Next time you catch yourself rubbing your eyes, just think of all the wrinkles you're giving yourself and you're bound to stop.

We’re always seeing ads for new shampoos and conditioners that leave less residue behind. For people with sensitive skin, it is incredibly important they wash their hair before they wash their face in the shower. Doing your routine the other way around can cause breakouts along your hairline because of the residue left over from your hair products. 

In addition to looking shiny, too much moisturizer can have negative effects on your complexion. Moisturizers are supposed to do just that, moisturize, but according to Glo using too much of it means it will stay on the skin’s surface and clog your pores. This can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, and breakouts--none of which you want.

While many people brush their teeth in the morning, many are not doing the same before they go to bed at night. During the day, food particles can get stuck in the nooks of your teeth and leaving them overnight can cause some serious mouth drama. According to List 25, because our mouths are one of the main entry points into our body, when it becomes infested with bacteria it will inevitably effect other parts of the body as well. Mouth infections can lead to stroke, heart disease, and even trench mouth, an extreme form of gingivitis which can spread to your lips, cheeks, and jaw bones. Get brushing!

While many people pull their hair back to sleep on their clip-ins, we wouldn't suggest it. Wearing the extensions all day already puts a strain on your strands, and giving them a break while you sleep can be the difference between a healthy head of hair and serious hair loss.

Do not, we repeat, do not pop your pimples! Once you push or press on that pimple, you are opening the door to more dirt and debris from your fingers to enter the pimple and the surrounding area. If you end up tearing the skin, you’ll be left with a gaping wound on your face that will eventually turn into a scar--a reminder of the damage you’ve done. If you simply can‘t leave it alone, try some of these magical blemish cures that are sure to do the trick.