You like looking pretty. We get it. But all this primping, preening and grooming may not be giving you the results you want. Who doesn’t like to try new hairstyles and makeup skin care routines but—and it’s a big but—there are times when you’re too tired (or hungover) to go through the whole CTM routine. It’s time, ladies, to trim the fluff and get back to beauty basics that’ll have you looking stunning minus all those superfluous steps. Believe us, we’ve checked with beauty experts to bring you these gems.
1
Throw away your nail buffer
Buffing your nails is actually a total waste of time. According to Dipika Vyas, manicurist at the Nail Spa, buffing your nails is not necessary when you’re simply applying nail polish. She says nail polish goes on, and stays longer on regular nails rather than buffed ones. Besides, constant buffing causes nails to thin out and cause cracks. So, the next time you want to change your polish simply push your cuticles but skip the buffing.
Get your mani on point with Basicare Compact Manicure Kit.
2
To tone or not to tone
The CTM routine is as old as the hills, but maybe it’s time to change things up. We spoke to dermatologist Dr. Abhijeet Desai, and he said toners are not really worth the hype. “It made sense to use one when facial cleansers were not pH balanced and left an acidic residue on your skin. But ever since cleansers have been reformulated, toners are pretty much useless.” Unless of course you are using a toner with an active ingredient like Witch Hazel or Salicylic Acid. In fact, he says alcohol-based toners can end up doing more harm by excessively drying out skin.
Get your best-balanced skin with L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Clean Anti Breakout Facial Cleanser or The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash.
3
Warm showers do more harm than good
Nothing is more comforting than a steaming shower at the end of a long day to melt away those kinks and knots. BUT all that hot water isn’t doing your skin any good. Dr Desai explains, “The heat from the shower softens the oil layer on skin. Add soap or shower gel into the mix, and the skin's oil barrier is stripped off, making it prone to dryness, flaking and itching.” Instead he suggests a cold shower if you can stand it, to rev up your circulation, or a lukewarm one at best. Plus, always use a moisturizing shower gel to hydrate skin.
Keep your skin happy with The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Shower Gel or Nivea Creme Soft Shower Cream.
4
Stop cleaning under your nails!
Unless you work in a coal mine. Picking under your nails, especially if you have short nails, is not just a waste of time but the best way to irritate the delicate skin underneath and even cause nail bed infections. Instead shampooing your hair automatically gets rid of dirt under nails. To get to the really hard-to-reach stuff, gently scratch your nails against a bar of soap, and then wash your hands. The dirt will dissolve along with the soap.
For squeaky clean hands and nails try BodyHerbals Hand Scrub - 1 Minute Manicure.
5
Lining your eyes before curling lashes
It’s almost instinctive to first apply liner and then curl lashes. You can do both, just not in that order. Celeb makeup maven Elton Fernandez says curling lashes after applying liner is just a waste of time. “You’ll end up taking off most of your liner when you release the curler,” he says. Time to switch things up we say!
Get your glam eyes on with Colorbar Showstopper Eyelash Curler and Nykaa 24Hrs Vinyl Luxe Eyeliner.
6
Styling your hair every day
Nothing’s sexier than tousled, beachy waves but all that heat treatment isn’t the best thing for your hair. “All that primping, styling, curling and straightening is damaging to strands. Period.” Instead he suggests that if your hair was styled the day before, simply refresh with dry shampoo or restyle into a topknot or braid. Air drying is also a good option. “Embrace the natural texture and style of your hair,” he commands.
Restore and revive your hair (and save time) with Batiste Dry Shampoo Instant Hair Refresh Sassy or Wella Professionals EIMI Dry Me Dry Shampoo.
7
Overdoing the moisturizing
Dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles are ugh, we get it. But moisturizing your face into oblivion isn’t the solution. In fact, you can save mucho moolah, time and your face if you stop overdoing the creams and serums. Dermatologist Dr. Jaishree Sharad says people with oily skin can get breakouts and premature aging if they over-moisturize. She says, “Just use enough to cover your skin. Your face should feel healthy and clean, not overburdened with product. In fact, over-doing the creams will slow down your skin’s natural oil production, making it drier than usual.”
Keep your glow (and skin) intact with light as air moisturizers like The Face Shop Chia Seed No Shine Hydrating Water Comboor L'Oreal Paris Hydrafresh All Day Hydration Supreme Emulsion.
8
Exfoliating like it's going out of style
We all love soft and smooth arms and legs. And yes, the virtues of using a loofah to boost circulation are legendary. But there is something to be said about the dangers of over exfoliating your face and body every day. “Once or twice a week is quite enough to slough off dull, surface cells,” says Dr. Desai. Over-exfoliation can cause your skin to get irritated and inflamed.
Stay soft and smooth with Roots Milk Bath Sponge or Panache Bath Sponge Energize instead.
9
Cutting your cuticles
You know better than to trim your cuticles but those hang nails can be sooo irritating. Actually the cuticle is there for a reason; it protects your nail from infection. Cutting cuticles wrong or too much can open the door to bacterial infection and damage the nail bed. Just use an orange stick to push back cuticles instead.
Keep your cuticles healthy, happy and neat with QVS 2 Unbelievable Mini Nail Shiners With Cuticle Stick.
Comment below if you’re guilty of these beauty excesses.
