Article by BR Fiona
Do you use hair oil, Moisturiser or even bobby pins? Then there is a chance you are using them wrong. It's ok if you are, because we can almost guarantee that we're all doing at least one of these things wrong! So here are the top 5 beauty products and how we are using them wrong!
Bobby Pins
They float around in your hand bag, in the bottom of drawers and are possibly one of the most underrated products in the beauty toolbox but bobby pins can save a bad hair day and keep those fly away bits under control, but are you using them wrong?
Yes there's not much to it, slide pin into hair, done but it's not quite that easy. Did you know that wiggly, wavy side is meant to go in face down? Until recently we didn't either but it makes sense when you think about it, the wavy part is meant to grip the hair DOH! So if you've been doing it the wrong way, flip the pin and you'll notice a WORLD of difference, we did!
Oh and for a handy hint for those big, fancy up dos that require A LOT of hold try spraying your pins with hairspray to make them stickier and grippy!
Foundation
Now most of us know that applying a moisturiser before we put on our foundation is a good thing! It helps keep skin hydrated, can help keep shine at bay, and provide a good base for our foundation but do you actually wait for your moisturiser to dry?
If you apply your foundation before your moisturiser has a chance to soak into the skin then you can thin out your foundation and blotchiness and uneven coverage can occur. Next time wait at least 60 seconds, or blot your skin after you've applied your moisturiser and before you apply your foundation.
Hair Oil
Now that we've had the battle of the hair oils it might be a good idea to assess just how you apply it. It's great that you've decided to use oil and give your hair some added moisture and shine but are you actually doing it more damage by using oil? If you're applying it to wet hair and then heat styling right away then there's a chance you are.
Think about the fry pan, unless it's non-stick, you use oil to help conduct heat to cook your food and to stop it sticking to the pan…..oh wait did we just say use oil to help CONDUCT heat? That can't be good. In fact it's not; it can make your hair even drier but don't go throwing away your hair oil!
Instead of frying your hair simply apply hair oil to partly wet hair, let it air dry and once it's dry THEN use a heat styling tool……but only if needed.
Hair Dryer
While it might seem like a simple enough process, have wet hair - dry it! There is a cacophony of things that can go wrong!
First of all just because you're holding the dryer close to your hair doesn't mean it's going to dry any quicker, in fact the only thing you're going to be doing is scorching your hair and creating more frizz! Try holding the heat about 3 centimetres away from your hair and it will dry JUST as quick but without so much heat damage.
The other thing you may be doing wrong with your hair dryer is flipping your head over to dry your hair. Yes, it adds more volume at the roots, YES, it is sometimes just easier and quicker but according to Nina Aprile, a stylist at a top New York blow-dry bar it's just going to suck the moisture out of your hair.
Sunscreen
It has to be the NUMBER ONE beauty product, not only does this product help reduce the effects of the sun it can also save your life but are you applying it wrong? It's not merely a case of apply sunscreen and venture out into the world. Most people don't apply enough sunscreen, to know if you're doing it right it should create a 'film' on the skin when applied.
Once you've applied your sunscreen let it settle and soak into your skin for around 20 minutes before you go out into the sun, optimising its protective abilities. Make sure you reapply after 2 hours as well, it's not a just 'spray and walk away' product!
Lastly, apply your sunscreen last. Many foundations and moisturisers are water-based and this can break down the sunscreen, so if you make sure you apply it last then it'll last a lot longer.
Loved reading these. I will definitely be using Bobbi pins the right way tomorrow.