We all hear and read countless things about what can make us look younger: drinking lots of water, eating fruits and vegetables and exercising — not to mention all the creams, lotions and serums touted as the next big thing in youthful-looking skin. Some of our beauty regimens, however, actually make us look older. We know that’s the last thing you want, so we looked into some of the biggest beauty no-nos to help ensure you steer clear of anything that could sap your youthful glow.
Tanning
Unless you’re getting your gorgeous glow from a bottle, tanning is the biggest beauty blunder we can think of. Not only does it have the potential to cause skin cancer, but it also causes wrinkles and other visible damage to the sensitive skin on your face.
Lack of moisturizing
Think about how tired and lacklustre you feel when you don’t drink enough water. Now apply that feeling to your skin. Without adequate moisture, your skin will become pale and sallow. Take the time to add this important step to your skincare routine and moisturize in the morning and at night. Choose something light in the spring and summer, and a heavier product during harsh winter months when dry air sucks even more moisture from your skin.
Sleeping with your makeup on
We’ve all done it, but don’t make a habit of going to bed with a full face of makeup on. This can put you on the fast track to clogged pores and skin irritation, which leads to breakouts and lackluster skin — all of which can make you look older than you are. Use makeup remover wipes for nights when you’re too tired to turn on the tap.
Heat damage
Constantly styling your hair with heat (flatiron, curling iron, blowdryer) can leave locks parched and broken. Dry, damaged hair has a tendency to look frizzy and unruly, rather than sleek and smooth. Try to avoid blow drying every day and instead let your hair air dry when you’re not going anywhere. Use a hair mask or deep conditioner to repair some of the damage and get regular trims to get rid of split ends.
Never washing your makeup brushes
Over time, your makeup brushes can become contaminated (think dead skin cells, oil and bacteria) — so every time you apply blush or powder, you also apply bacteria. This can cause breakouts, allergic reactions and other skin irritations. Don’t put your skin at risk with less-than-clean beauty tools. Wash your brushes with warm water and soap (or makeup brush cleaner) and let then dry fully before using. Your skin will thank you.
Overplucked or drawn-on eyebrows
Too-thin brows can age you and take away from your natural beauty. And don’t even think about drawing them on. This look flatters no one and will make you look older because it’s so severe. Rather than plucking to your heart’s content and then overcompensating with makeup, get your brows professionally shaped so you have a guide for next time.
Beauty how-to
How to shape your eyebrows
Unibrow, fuzzy caterpillar brows, bushy brows — we know these are fashion don’ts. But do you know how to shape your eyebrows properly? Professional makeup artist Vinnetta Scrivo shows how it’s done.
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