We’ve all got bad habits. No matter how hard we may try to conceal them, they’re there. For example, I hoard water glasses in my bedroom, always leave at least a third of coffee behind in the mug, and hum incessantly (which drives Isaac crazy. Not in the good way.) But hey, our quirks make us interesting, right? However, not all bad habits are created equally. Today I’m talking about 4 bad beauty habits I wish I’d have kicked a hell of a lot sooner.
Bad Habit #1 – Physical exfoliating … hard
Physical exfoliation definitely has its place and function, and you’re probably very familiar with the concept. You get your fancy scrubs touting ingredients like apricot or walnut that will slough off all the dead skin lingering on your face. And that’s true.
Physical exfoliates give you immediate results, and I used to be a slave to them when I felt anything on y skin. Because my skin did feel soft and smooth after using them. But the reality is physical exfoliates often are made with rather large and abrasive agents that can cause micro-tears in your skin.
The abrasive nature of physical exfoliating scrubs after many years can lead to skin damage. Now I prefer to take the chemical exfoliating route. It takes a little more patience and willingness, but the effects on my skin in the long term will be better.
Of course there are plenty of physical exfoliating scrubs that are safe for the skin and won’t cause damage. I just wish I’d have paid more attention when I was younger and wasn’t so rough with my skin.
Bad Habit #2 – Only wearing SPF in makeup
You all know I’m a HUGE advocate for wearing the appropriate amount of SPF, every day … even in the winter. But can you believe I wasn’t always like that?
I knew you should be wearing SPF, but only a few years ago (maybe 5 years ago) I’d only rely on the SPF in makeup. What? I know!
Having sunscreen in your beauty products is a great bonus, but you really should be wearing a separate SPF. Most dermatologists recommend using about 1/3-1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen for your whole face. Chances are you aren’t using that much foundation or primer or concealer. Meaning…you aren’t getting enough sun protection.
Now I apply a separate SPF as the last step of my skincare routine. I love this full-spectrum cream from Coola. It wears well under makeup and isn’t greasy.
Bad Habit #3 – Not listening to my skin
Can you tell when your skin needs an extra dose of hydration? When you’ve been wearing too much makeup? When you need to switch up your habits? You skin is most likely telling you all of this. And for the longest time, I wasn’t listening.
I mistook blemishes for oily skin and texture for breakouts.
I thought I knew what my skin wanted — cleansed and moisturized. But it turns out, my skin is a little more high maintenance than that.
Once I started paying attention to my skin a little closer, I was able to start giving it exactly what it needed. When my pores were congested, I laid off the makeup for a few days. When I was waking up with tight skin, I needed a heavier PM moisturizer. And when I woke up with shiny, morning skin, a little toner did wonders.
Most importantly, when I realize I’m breaking out in the same places repeatedly, it’s time to change habits. I was recently breaking out along my cheekbone and couldn’t figure it out for the life of me. It’s the side of my face I hold my phone to. Guys, clean your phones. Often.
Bad Habit #4 – Using dirty brushes
Ah, a beauty lover’s dreaded chore. If you’re like me, you have multiples of your favorite and most used brushes. While that’s convenient when you’re applying makeup, it just sucks when it comes to cleaning them.
But we must. Up until a few years ago, I washed my brushes maybe once every 2 months? Maybe? Now? Every single week.
Dirty brushes can clog your pores, cause breakouts, and spread bacteria from your face to your brushes to your makeup back to your face. And…bugs. Yeah, your dirty brushes and sponges can attract literal bugs. And that’s just gross.
I can’t imagine how many breakouts I could have avoided in college if I’d have just washed my makeup brushes.
Shop this post:
Do you have any bad beauty habits?
I only endorse products I genuinely love. If you end up buying something through my links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more here.
Let's Chat!