Beauty Faux Pas You're Probably Committing (& How to Quit)

First of all, don’t stress. I, for one, leave the house without sunblock on more often than not. I know it’s horrible for my skin, and yet, that extra step of putting it on and letting it dry before I move on with my makeup routine just completely escapes me. We are all guilty of committing at least one of these criminal beauty acts at some point or another. From plain bad habits to questionable color choices, count up how many of these no-nos you’re committing—are you in the clear or is it finally time for you to nip these bad beauty choices in the bud?

Check out all the beauty faux pas you’re probably committing (and how to fix them, instantly!) in the slideshow.

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Beauty Crimes You're Probably Committing

Using Grimy Brushes

Recently, a close friend shamefully admitted to me that she never washes her makeup brushes. I wish there had been a camera around to take a picture of my expression, which has probably never been so horrified. Using dirty brushes is just bad news for your skin, ladies. Product builds up over time, bacteria develops, and you end up with a face full of breakouts. The good news is that it’s easy and quick to wash your brushes. Fill a small bowl with warm water, add a drop or two of Johnson’s Baby Shampoo ($4.99), and run your brush through the suds. Feel free to work up a little lather, too. Lay them out on a towel to dry. Voila—clean.
Wearing Makeup to Bed

You’ve had a long day spent chasing after the kids, doing everything for everyone, and generally being Superwoman to the world. You’re amazing. But if your evening plan involves collapsing into bed with the same face full of makeup you’ve sported all day, your skin will be anything but super. Don’t give in to temptation. A swipe of Yes to Coconuts Cleansing Wipes ($5.99) will make quick work of makeup, dirt, and debris while leaving skin fresh and soft. It’s so indulgent, you’ll want to make time for it.
Heavily Penciled Brows

Harshly etched eyebrows rarely look natural. Unless you're specifically going for a Roaring Twenties look at a costume party, stick with a natural brow enhanced with a powder formula, such as Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo ($23). The compact has two shades designed to work in harmony to create the right shade for you. The result is softer and more natural.
Greasy Roots

Bad hair days are such beasts. You really have no choice to but to deal with them, whether that means throwing your hair up in an unkempt ponytail or wearing a hat. If excess oil at the roots is causing trouble, soak it up quickly with Not Your Mother’s Girl Powder Volumizing Hair Powder ($4.74). Sprinkled at the roots, it quickly absorbs grease and adds volume where limp locks need it most. And can you believe the price?
Dark Lip Liner

Despite recent fashion trends suggesting otherwise, the nineties are well and truly over. While I’m willing to welcome back some of the decade’s looks with enthusiasm, I have got to turn my nose at dark lip liner paired with light lipstick. This is a remnant from my high school days that inexplicably has worked its way back into the beauty fold recently—and all I can do is ask why?! If you’re wearing liner at all, let it be one that complements your lipstick or gloss. (I’m a big fan of MAC Rosy Rim Lip Pencil, $16.50, to wear with my favorite soft pinks.)
Forgetting the Feet

Don’t even pretend your feet don't pretty much only exist during spring and summer. The rest of the year? Well, they’re encased in thick socks and boots, so who cares, right? Um, no. Taking care of your feet year round resolves a great majority of common foot issues, such as dryness and roughness. And it really couldn’t be simpler to make this a regular part of your routine. Before going to bed, slather on a mildly exfoliating foot cream, like Kerasal Exfoliating Moisturizer Foot Therapy ($10.99). Slip on a pair of thick socks and allow the product to penetrate your skin. With regular use, feet are softer, smoother, and much less prone to dryness.
Clumpy Lashes

Don’t get me wrong—accidental clumpy eyelashes are a forgivable offense. You were in a hurry and did your best. But those spidery lashes that seem to frame your eyes every single time are easily fixed. My number one tip? Run a tissue lightly over your mascara wand to remove the excess product, which is often what accounts for that messy look. Do you waste some product? Yeah. But do you save face…er, eye? Yes. Lately I’ve been loving the heck out of Benefit Cosmetics They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara ($24), which gives me that falsies look without the falsies (and no clumps!).
Forgetting Sunblock

I saved the most important for last. Even though the dangers of harmful UV rays are widely known, that still doesn’t stop some people from heading lazily out the door without so much as a drop of sunscreen on their bodies. Guess what? You need far more than a drop—think at least a shot glass full of SPF to protect your skin from damage, ranging from premature wrinkles to skin cancer. I love the convenience of the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face + Body Stick Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 ($10.99). Just glide it on and go. (Seriously, anyone can do it!)