I consider myself fairly in tune with the latest beauty and cosmetic trends. I know what colors are “in” this season and which products will give my hair some extra “oomph.” But perhaps my biggest beauty downfall is that I’m less inclined to research the latest application techniques.
Don’t get me wrong: nI’ve learned the proper way to contour and I’ve mastered the art of blending eyeshadow. But there are definitely a few seemingly obvious practices that I was doing wrong. And after talking to some of my friends, it’s clear I’m not the only one.
1. Moisturizers
Just like any daily facial product, moisturizers shouldn’t be used in excess. And thanks to an observant friend, it was recently brought to my attention that I was using way to much. Bustle beauty writer Amy Sciarretto said that over-saturation is a common mistake. “Too much moisturizer will just end up clogging your pores and leave you feeling greasy,” she explained.“A quarter-sized dollop, as opposed to an apple-sized glob, is a safe bet, and you can alter how much you use depending on your level of dryness.”
Consistency is also key when cleansing and moisturizing your face. Once you find one that you feel works with your skin, you have to be diligent about applying it daily—in small doses of course. Your skin won’t have time to adjust if you’re constantly changing the product.
2. Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascara was not designed as an everyday product. If it’s a rainy day, you’re at the beach, or you plan on seeing a tear-jerker of a movie, then waterproof mascara is great. But on other days, it’s better to just use regular mascara.
As author Penelope Pardee explained in an article for Adam and Eve, “Waterproof mascara has lower levels of moisture, which is the reason it sticks to your lashes so well.” She continued to note that “the down side being [is that] it can actually suck moisture from your lashes, causing them to fall out early.”
She also wrote that many women will rub at their eye until the product is gone, because it’s difficult to remove. But the vigorous scrubbing can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes, break smaller blood vessels, and weaken the lashes’ roots, causing them to fall out even faster.
3. Eyeliner
There are a lot of things that people get wrong about eyeliner. The most prevalent blunder is usually where they apply it.
It’s become an increasingly common practice to put eyeliner on the inner lid since the rise in popularity of the smokey eye. There’s nothing wrong with applying eyeliner on your inner lid every once and a while, but you shouldn’t do it all the time. According to an article from Fashionista, repeated use can increase the chance of the product bleeding into your eye. This can then make your eye susceptible to excessive irritation, infection, allergic reactions, or styes.
To achieve the same dramatic look on a daily basis, apply the liner to your lash line instead.
Beauty trends may change, but these tips can certainly help you better your routine no matter what’s in style.
Kenzie Bryer is a freelance writer from Knoxville, Tenn. She specializes in topics related to health, beauty, and fashion.
