The journey to find your perfect beauty product lineup can be a long and windy road. It’s no wonder that when you find a product you just love, it can be tempting to apply that baby every single day! But some products are not meant to be on the ‘A Team’ for everyday use. Before you bench your best beauty go-tos, we caught up with the experts in the makeup, skin, and hair realms to see just what types of products we should avoid overusing—and how often it’s okay to throw them back in the mix.
DRY SHAMPOO
No time for a shower? Trying to make that fab hair day last? Dry shampoo can be your mane’s best pal. However, this miracle hair-saver in a spray bottle can also damage your locks with overuse.
“I am a huge fan of dry shampoo; it is definitely my go-to styling product. That being said, using a lot of dry shampoo day after day can dry your hair out and leave it feeling brittle and crispy. A build up of too much use can cause breakage and damage over time,” says Leanne Citrone, co-owner and stylist at the Andy Lecompte Salon in Beverly Hills. “Make sure you wash your hair and condition with something great.”
When a busy morning has you racing out the door, grab your trusty dry shampoo and spray away. But don’t get in the habit of relying on it every single day. You shouldn’t use it more than two days in a row.
DEEP CONDITIONER
Giving your dry scalp and roots a moisture-rich deep condition is a must for keeping your hair looking and feeling healthy, especially in the drier winter months. But stick to the package recommendations of once (maybe twice) per week. Beyond that and you’re treading into overuse territory that could make your hair drier.
“Over-use of deep protein-rich conditioning treatments can be detrimental,” says Citrone. “Protein-rich treatments can throw off the pH balance of the hair and cause the opposite effect, making your hair break off. If you feel like you need more love for your hair, then incorporate coconut oil as a weekly maintenance.”
MEDICATED LIP BALM
We’ve all been that person digging through their bag searching for that trusty medicated lip balm. The refreshing and cooling finish is chapped lips’ lifesaver. But it’s a no-go for regular application. Annie Chiu, M.D., a dermatologist at The Derm Institute, recommends steering clear of using medicated lip balm on the reg, because you’ll end up making your chapped lip situation even worse.
“Overuse can cause your lips to rely on the medication to stay moisturized,” she says. “Use them until you are no longer chapped, and then switch to a regular lip balm.”
MAKEUP PRIMER
Primer is a fantastic base for a smooth, even foundation, allowing for your look to last longer and look flawless. However, your skin isn’t a big fan of its ingredients.
“Don’t use a primer ever single day,” Chiu says. “The silicone in these could clog pores with oils and sweat and cause breakouts. Save them for special occasions, and be sure to wash well when removing.”
Big date night? Prime away! Just give your pores a break during the work week, and save that knockout look for a special occasion.
WATERPROOF MASCARA
Your lashes’ best friend, mascara, is a morning routine must for a long and full look. Thankfully, Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg isn’t advocating we ditch the mascara, but just watch out for the waterproof versions.
“It tends to dry out your lashes and should be used sparingly,” she says. “Put a coat of regular mascara on your lashes first and then use the waterproof to seal it in.”
SELF TANNER
Self tanner is a fantastic way to nix the UV Rays and still look sun-kissed for summertime, but it can be a pain to apply and cause more problems than it is worth. Greenberg says to not overdo it.
“Many times this can lead to orange, streaky skin,” she says. “It doesn’t look good or natural. Most people don’t take the time to apply it correctly, so the problem just keeps layering on itself until you look like Magda from Something About Mary.” It’s best to use for specific special occasions (especially considering that the active ingredient in most self tanners, DHA, is linked to potential DNA damage).
If you’re committed to applying self tanner, read the directions carefully. And if you mess up, here are some pro tips to help fix your self tanning mistakes.
