Per Cosmopolitan Magazine, there are some really big no-nos when it comes to beauty. Before you feel condemned, I will bare my soul and let you know that I’ve been guilty of some of these sins.

There, I feel so much better, having confessed. And now, we shall discuss the 8 big big beauty sins.

• Nibbling on your cuticles. Torn cuticles can lead to hangnails and infections. Keep the skin around our nails moisturized. If well hydrated, you will have fewer snags and be less tempted to pick. If you have issues putting your fingers in your mouth, try a bitter-tasting nail polish.
• Changing your hair color too frequently. Occasionally is okay but dyeing your hair too often weakens it and can lead to an identity crisis. Sure, some of the celebs can get away with it, but often times they are doing it for movie roles or to get attention on the red carpet. And…they have the bucks to repair or hide the damage. Try instead, playing with lipstick and shadow colors. If you have to change hair color- here are some tips.

Bleaching your hair is the most damaging and drying. Only do this once every six weeks. If you want to be lighter; bleach once per month, going one level blonder each time until you reach the desired hue.

Go darker for less damage. This is not as stressful to the hair since you are not stripping away the natural pigment.

Prior to coloring use a deep conditioner. This will help keep your hair strong.

• Going to bed without washing your face. Here I shine as this is something I have never done! When you to to bed with mascara and eye-makeup on you can wake up with unattractive dark circles from makeup residue and perhaps even an infection. Even if you didn’t wear makeup during the day you still need to wash your face as your skin accumulates oil and dirt which can lead to blemishes. For a lazy fix, keep a pack of pre-moistened face wipes next to your bed. That way, no matter how tired you are you can wipe your makeup away in seconds.
• Fake-baking in a tanning bed. Let me be first to say I used to do this every summer. However, I was “delivered” several years ago after learning that UVA rays are called aging rays for a reason-they penetrate your connective tissue, causing premature sagging and the proliferation of wrinkle causing free radicals. And they have been linked to skin cancer and can suppress your immune system. Enough already!

Today we can use moisturizers with color in them as well as the self tanners. If you really need to be dark, keep adding to the color daily until you reach your desired level of bronze.

• Subjecting your hair to heat constantly. Blow dryers, curling irons and flat irons will dry out your hair leaving it dull, frizzy and weak. If you must blow dry, use a medium heat and keep the nozzle a few inches away from your hair. When flat ironing, quickly slide the iron down a section of hair in one smooth motion. Any pauses along the way will create dents and require more ironing. When washing your hair, use a moisturizing shampoo to restore and keep your hair supple.
• Over-bleaching your teeth. There is something to be said for looking natural and bright white teeth do not look natural. The rule of thumb is that your teeth should not be brighter than the whites of your eyes. Constantly applying hydrogen peroxide can leave them ultra-sensitive and prone to chipping.

If you go to a professional, you can expect your teeth to whiten up about 8 to 9 shades. If you are doing the in-home whitening, you will see about a 4 shade improvement. Always follow the directions on the box and consult a dentist with questions.

• Using makeup testers. While your chances of contracting herpes or pinkeye from the bacteria and germs from the testers at makeup counters are slim, it could happen. And, it’s not okay to share lipstick or eye shadow with tons of strangers.

Make sure the makeup counter you visit practices safe sampling. At Fantasia we use disposable applicators, sponges, cotton swabs, tissues, mascara wands and our makeup brushes are cleaned and disinfected. A reputable counter should have well-trained sales associates. Wash your hands when done shopping.

• And finally, and I know you never do this- popping pimples is bad. When you do this you can extend it’s staying power since the dirt from your fingers can force bacteria into the pores and cause infection. Instead of popping, apply benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid a couple times per day. To reduce redness, put some redness reducing eye-drops on a cotton swab, place on the pimple, them follow up with concealer.

If you have been quilty of any of these beauty sins, repent and change your ways. And remember, none of us are perfect!