We all want to look our best every day, but sometimes we take on bad habits that keep us from it. We know we should avoid smoking, staying in the sun too long, and eating junk food, but that isn’t enough. Here are 10 great beauty habits you should work into your daily life.
1. Keep Makeup Light
Unless you’re going to the Academy Awards, there’s no reason to cake on the makeup, especially during the day. Not only does heavy makeup look unnatural, it’s bad for your skin. If you’re constantly clogging your pores with thick foundation and concealer, your skin will look tired and greasy. Clogged pores look dull and cause breakouts. Putting too much eye makeup on can cause wrinkles because you’re constantly pulling on the delicate skin around your eyes. Reduce the amount of makeup you apply every day, and consider taking 1 or 2 days off from makeup each week to give your skin a break.
2. Pat On Concealer
Concealer is heavy makeup that won’t look right if too much is smeared on. Pat it lightly into your skin, and always use your pinky finger when applying concealer around your eyes. This way you will get maximum coverage with the least amount of product.
More: 7 Tips for Making Your Makeup Last All Day
3. Never Overdo Lips and Eyes at the Same Time
Sometimes you might want to make a statement. A smokey eye or new bright eye shadow colors can look great if it’s done right. Bright red lipstick or bright pink color can be equally attractive, but if you do both at the same time, your entire look will be off balance. Stick with one or the other.
More: 7 Date Night Makeup Mistakes to Avoid
4. Clarify Hair Once and a While
You could be having a week full of great hair days only to end with a day of limp, scraggly hair. The perfect shampoo and conditioner just don’t seem to work anymore. Clarifying your hair once and a while with a difference clarifying shampoo might be exactly what you need. Hair products have built up on your hair weighing it down. However, don’t use a clarifying shampoo more than twice a month because it can strip your hair of its natural oils.
More: 8 Tips for Caring for Over-Processed Hair
5. Switch Products Every so Often
Sometimes you don’t need to clarify your hair. Switching hair products give a similar result without the drying effects. Have 2 or three different shampoos and conditioners on hand to keep your hair looking fresh. Do the same with other products such as skin care products or makeup. Sometimes your body just needs a change to start looking its best again.
More: 9 Must-Have Items for Your Makeup Bag
6. Wash Off all Makeup Every Night
At night after a long day, it can be tempting to just fall asleep without washing the layer of makeup on your face. Don’t do this. Leaving the makeup on will not only stain your pillow case, it will suffocate your skin as well. It could cause acne and other inflammation. Clean your face every night with a good makeup remover or wash your face with a cleansing oil. Makeup removing clothes also work well and are easy to use.
More: 10 Advices on How to Have Perfect Skin without Makeup
7. Test Out Makeup Before Buying
If you buy a makeup product that doesn’t work for you, it would be wasteful to throw it out or stick it in the back of your drawer and never use it. Even if you decide to wear it anyway, you won’t look as great as you could. Whenever possible, test out makeup at the store before you buy it. If you can’t test it in the store, find a friend, maybe the one who recommended it to you, who already has the makeup and try it out. Test out foundation and concealer on the back of your hand. You can see how it matches your skin and test coverage and durability.
More: 7 Best Ways to Keep Your Makeup Fresh Longer
8. Wear Sunscreen
Age spots can be covered up with makeup, but wrinkles are hard to mask. Both signs of visible aging can be prevented or at least postponed by wearing sunscreen. If you don’t like wearing sunscreen, look for makeup with sunscreen in it or always wear a large brimmed hat when you go outdoors. Sunglasses are also important to protect your eyes from UV rays.
More: 7 Simple Tips to Combat Wrinkles
9. Use Scrubs and Clay Masks
Dull skin is most often caused by dirt and dead skin cells sitting on top of your skin. Use a scrub at least twice a month to gently scrub off the gunk that a regular cleaner can’t clear off. Use a clay mask once or twice a month to shrink your pores and draw out toxins. Bentonite clay is great for facial masks.
More: 7 Incredible Homemade Face Masks You May Want to Try Tonight
10. Follow a Healthy Diet
The most important beauty habit you can develop to keep your hair, skin, nails, and face looking their best is to follow a healthy diet. Drink 64 ounces of water a day, get plenty of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and proteins, and keep the junk out of your diet whenever possible. A healthy diet starts from the inside.
More: 10 Foods to Eat Every Day for Perfect Skin
Instead of focusing on your bad habits, develop new, healthy habits. Looking beautiful everyday takes work, but it can be achieved with great results without taking on much more work.
