Firestyle Magazine Issue 6 - Winter 2016 | Page 45

by Helen Taylor It’s the start of another new year, which means that there has never been a better time to leave your bad beauty habits in past. If you’re guilty of any of our top 5, then you’ll need to act fast to break them for 2017. Bad Beauty Habit #1 The Solution Never - no matter how tired you are - go to bed with any trace of make-up still on your face. Make cleansing your face a priority. Dedicate 15 minutes in the evening to your skin: cleanse, tone, moisturise and apply your face and eye creams. Sleeping with your make-up on Mascara that hasn’t been removed will quickly dry-out your eyelashes, making them brittle and weak. Last night’s foundation will clog your pores, leaving you prone to nasty break-outs. Bad Beauty Habit #2 Using heat stylers on your hair everyday If you straighten, curl or blow dry your hair every day you will be causing damage to your tresses that could result in split ends, dried-out lengths and dull-looking locks. Establish a cleansing routine Always keep a pack of cleansing wipes next to your bed, so that if you return home after a big night out you can still attempt to remove some of your make-up. The Solution Try something new Try a new style - maybe sweep your hair up, or use hair accessories to attain a different look. Find products that cater to your needs; if you want straight lengths then use a straightening shampoo and conditioner. You don’t have to say goodbye to your much-loved heat styler altogether, instead use it more sparingly and ensure that you spritz your hair with a heat protecting product first. Bad Beauty Habit #3 The Solution Using make-up that is past its best Some plead ignorance, others say they can’t let go, but whatever excuse you’ve got for not throwing that ancient mascara away won’t cut it when you hear the truth about out-of-date make-up. Although your cosmetics look innocent enough, after being opened they offer a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. And over time, you can end up suffering from some seriously nasty eye infections, skin irritations and blemishes. Regularly clear-out your make-up bag Mascaras, liquid eyeliners and lip glosses should be thrown away every 3 or 4 months. Foundation is ok for around 12 months, as are lipsticks and eyeshadows. Bad Beauty Habit #4 The Solution You’ve been applying your make-up the same way for as long as you can remember. You haven’t updated the colour of your cosmetics for many years and you’ll only ever buy certain products. The easiest way to break this bad beauty habit is to seek some professional help. Visit any one of the top beauty counters in your favourite department store and ask for a make-over. Most consultants will be more than happy to help you find a new-look and often this service is free. Getting stuck in a make-up rut It sounds like you’re stuck in a make-up rut. Get a professional opinion Bad Beauty Habit #5 Overlooking your eyebrows Full, thick eyebrows are a massive trend at the moment, but that doesn’t mean that you can forget about your brows completely. The Solution Pay a visit the salon You can’t beat professionally sculpted brows. Whether you choose to have them Eyebrows serve as a frame for your eyes and by creating the right shape you can waxed, tweezed or plucked, instantly lift your face, draw attention to your eyes and look altogether more beautiful. your beautician will assess your needs and leave them So, if you’re guilty of over-plucking or over-growing your brows, it’s time for a change. looking perfect. 45