Not changing your razor
In the last five months, how many times have you bought a new razor? If you can’t remember, that’s okay, there’s no judgment here! The frequency of changing one’s razor depends on the person, as some people have coarser hair than others. However, it is recommended that one replace their razor every five to ten shaves.
Not washing your makeup brushes
It can definitely be hard to keep your makeup brushes clean when you’re always on the go, especially if you only have one set and have to use them every day. Unfortunately, makeup brushes are a breeding ground for bacteria, and unclean brushes can cause acne breakouts.
Not exfoliating old fake tan
Exfoliating after using a fake tan product will help remove dead skin cells and reveal your natural glow. When you are afraid of scrubbing off your fake tan, you might just apply more and more layers of it. What happens next is a familiar story: clogged pores, blackheads and other skin problems.
Sharing makeup with friends
You probably know it’s not sanitary to use your friend’s mascara wand or lipstick after her, but did you know the same goes for all other makeup, including makeup brushes and other applicators? Makeup should be treated like a razor or toothbrush and not shared with anyone else.
Never replacing old makeup
Yes, you might be able to squeeze a few more uses out of your favorite mascara. Deep down though, you probably know that it’s just not worth it. Adding oil or hot water might stretch the product, but it can potentially harm the formula and introduce bacteria into the tube. Just buy another one!
Stealing samples
It can be hugely tempting to use makeup testers at department stores, but they are not single-use swatches. Anyone who touches the applicator before you can leave behind bacteria or pass on skin complaints, so it’s safer to avoid testers and instead buy a travel size of any product you’d like to try.
Reusing makeup wipes
Using makeup wipes to rid yourself of your day’s face only makes for bigger problems down the line. While they are convenient and easy, wipes aren’t very kind to your skin. Not only that, but people often keep using the same wipe until it’s too dirty to use anymore, and this can actually introduce more dirt and bacteria to your skin than it gets rid of!
Not drying out your beauty blender
Makeup artists often advise their clients to use a little water on their beauty sponge when blending. However, they caution against leaving the blending sponge wet between uses because this can lead to bacteria growth and skin irritation. When you’re finished with your makeup sponge, place it near a heater or leave it on a dry surface. Don’t put it back in your makeup bag until it’s completely dry!
Sleeping with makeup on
Everyone knows that sleeping with makeup can wreak havoc on your skin, but often after a night out or a busy day at work, it’s just too tempting to crawl straight into bed. However, sleeping with makeup on can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and other problems. To avoid this, keep makeup removers by your bedside table!
Not cleaning your earring backs
You may not realize it, but earrings can quickly grow crusty with dirt and grime if you don’t clean them regularly. The backs of earrings are especially susceptible to this problem. To be safe, next time you take your earrings off give them a quick wipe with makeup remover to keep them shiny and free of germs.
Picking your nail polish
Unconsciously picking at fingernail polish until it chips off is a bad habit, but it’s also very satisfying! Not only that but, while it’s hard to catch yourself in the act, it’s so obvious when you see someone else doing it! Try to beat the urge to pick at it when your polish starts to chip, and just remove the polish with nail polish remover.
Examining your pore strips
Pore strips offer a quick and easy way to clean out dirt and other gunk that gets lodged in your pores. While it’s not exactly pleasant to rip off the strip, it’s worth it for the clear skin you get afterwards. The gross-out factor comes into play when you realize how satisfying it is to examine the used pore strips.
Leaving old hair on your hairbrush
When was the last time you cleaned out your hairbrush? It’s probably been a while, but you should do it more often – especially if you have thick hair! Your hairbrush can be a virtual petri dish for stray dead hairs, as well as things like dead skin, food crumbs, lint, dust, dirt and other gross stuff not worth thinking about.
Correcting eyeliner with spit
To get rid of smudged mascara or eyeliner, many people just dab a little saliva on the area and blot it with a tissue. Everyone seems to know this hack, probably because spit is so close at hand and less laborious than getting out makeup remover. In reality, though, it’s not a very hygienic option!
Using dry shampoo instead of washing your hair
Dry shampoo is used to freshen up your hair between wash days. However, while it was created to allow you to go longer between real shampooing, it is not a substitute for washing your hair. Overusing dry shampoo can damage your hair and lead to scalp irritation or too much oil production.
Applying makeup with your fingers
Using fingers as applicators is one of the most common mistakes women make when doing their makeup. It’s not only unsanitary to use your fingers, but it can also be bad for your skin. That’s why there are special brushes and sponges designed to apply makeup, which also helps you get a more smooth finish!
Biting your nails
Biting your nails is a habit that many people have, not just women. However, while it might seem initially harmless, it is actually very unhealthy. Not only do bacteria and dirt accumulate under your nails throughout the day, but you can also damage the skin around your nails permanently by nibbling.
Using makeup wipes as a cleanser
Makeup wipes were created to serve several purposes: to remove makeup on the go, to clean up imperfections as you apply and even to refresh your face during the day. One thing they can’t do though is the deep clean of a real cleanser. If you use makeup wipes often, make sure you wash your face afterwards too.
Forgetting to floss
Be honest: how often do you floss? If the answer is not often, it might be a good idea to make a regular habit of it. Flossing can help keep your gums healthy, rid your teeth of stray food and prevent cavities, by getting into hard-to-reach places that a toothbrush cannot.
Sharing your hair tools with friends
Sharing your hairbrush is not a good idea, because there are some things on other people’s scalps that can irritate your own. For example, if someone uses your hairbrush and deposits dandruff on it, you could get skin irritation the next time you use it. That’s why it’s always recommended to stick to your own brush.
Not washing your towel
Have you ever walked out of the shower, feeling clean and refreshed after using your favorite scented body wash, only to be greeted by an unpleasant odour when you towel off? You’re probably holding the culprit: a musty old towel. It’s important to clean your towels regularly, as well as change them out every week or two.
Painting over chipped nails
You know the old adage “the more the merrier?” Well, it doesn’t apply when it comes to nail polish. Applying a fresh coat of paint over chipped nails won’t make them look any better, it will only give you a lumpy finish and make your nails brittle.
Leaving the lid off your products
If you leave your makeup exposed to dirt and bacteria, you could end up with a rash, an infection or even breakouts! Clean your beauty products with a disinfectant wipe regularly to prevent them from becoming contaminated, and be sure to throw away any items you’ve left open for too long.
Applying too much mascara
Makeup lovers are always looking for new ways to enhance their beauty routine. However, many of these methods can be questionable. One way to get thicker, fuller lashes is to layer mascara until you have clumpy spider lashes, but this can weaken your lash strength over time. Model Adriana Lima has admitted to applying lots of layers of black mascara and then watching it come off in the shower.
Never cleaning your makeup bag
You know what the biggest problem is with a makeup bag? You don’t see all the gunk that is collecting inside it. Eyeshadow palettes, loose pigments, cream blushes and every other type of makeup item can crack, get clogged or wet, and break into pieces unseen in your makeup bag.
Putting excess product back in the container
You might think you’re being clever by scraping excess concealer back into the container, but this can actually contaminate your product and cause it to go bad faster. Researchers at Queen Mary University of London found that 25-30% of people they tested had faecal matter on their hands, which could easily transfer onto your products. Gross!
Applying new makeup without washing off the previous layer
Another gross makeup-related habit is to apply new makeup on top of the layer you applied the previous day. This might seem like a great lazy day hack to get ready to face the world quickly, but it can actually lead to an uneven finish that cracks or creases almost immediately. Not only that, but it can send your skin’s oil production into overdrive.
Not cleansing regularly
Your face is a sponge for dead skin cells, oil, sweat and dirt, and dirty skin can lead to inflammation and breakouts, so it’s important to wash your face regularly with a gentle cleanser. When you are using lots of cosmetic products, the body produces more oil and sweat that needs to be washed away.
Exfoliating too often
Over-exfoliation or using harsh scrubs and other products that remove the top layer of skin cells can lead to problems like transepidermal water loss, which makes your skin dry and vulnerable. This in turn can cause inflammation over time and lead to acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and eczema.
Popping your own pimples
It’s not uncommon to see people squeezing pimples or attempting to extract blackheads on their own, but this can lead to complications. If you are not careful with extractions, you can cause scarring and skin damage. Also, spreading bacteria beneath the skin can lead to breakouts, which will slow your progress in clearing up your skin.
Using dirty makeup sponges
Sponges are an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can transfer onto your skin during makeup application and cause breakouts. Cleaning your makeup sponges regularly can help prevent this from happening. When your sponge starts turning grey or brown, it is time to replace it with a new one.
Keeping your cotton pads out in the open
Don’t let your cotton pads sit on the bathroom counter where they can pick up bacteria from your toilet and then apply it to your face. While catching an infection this way is unlikely, it’s still not sanitary. Be sure to close the lid when you flush your toilet, and store cotton pads in a drawer or cabinet.
Not sharpening your makeup pencils
If you wear makeup, you should clean and maintain your products regularly. The eyes and lips are mucous membranes, so they’re more likely to collect hidden germs which can permeate deep into your skin. Sharpen your pencils to remove the contaminated outer layers and get rid of any bacteria.
Leaving your makeup in your bathroom
You don’t want to subject your cosmetics to extra germs, especially if you have allergies or sensitive skin. No matter how careful you are, without taking proper precautions, your makeup products are still likely to become contaminated if left in the bathroom. Try storing them in a cabinet or on your bedroom vanity instead.
Using perfume instead of showering
Everyone’s been there: you’re in a rush and don’t have time to jump in the shower before work. However, before you spray yourself with perfume or cologne, pause a moment to consider that for many people that might just make things worse. There’s a reason why people usually don’t wear strong fragrances on crowded subway cars. Even if you think you smell nice, others might not agree.
Scrubbing your eye makeup
Eye makeup can be hard to remove, especially long-wearing eyeshadows and waterproof mascara. You don’t have to rub your eyes raw trying to get it off though! When you remove your eye makeup, use an oil-based cleanser rather than soap or water. This will prevent damage to the delicate skin around your eyes and allow the product to slide off easily.
Curling your lashes after applying mascara
Curling your lashes after applying mascara will not only pull out your lashes, but it also could cause them to break. Mascara makes your lashes sticky, so when the curler comes down on them, it could break them off. Curl your lashes first and then apply the mascara afterwards.
Not storing your brushes correctly
If you have a brush collection, keep them in a separate case from your makeup. Also, if you travel with makeup often, consider buying a hard case for your brushes. Brushes are delicate, and even the best quality brushes can be damaged by putting them in your purse or makeup bag.
Sleeping on a dirty pillowcase
Did you know that your breakouts could be caused by your pillowcase? Sweat and sebum from your body transfer onto your pillowcase during the night, along with excess dirt and oil from your skin. Dermatologists recommend that you change your pillowcase every few days to avoid skin irritation.
Exercising in makeup
Your body cools itself by sweating, but if you wear makeup and then hit the gym, you can easily block your pores. Sweat can cause your skin’s natural oils to mix with the products on your skin, leading to breakouts and irritation. So take off your makeup before working out!
