Beauty contradictions that don't make sense

Irony; it’s a funny thing, isn’t it? Alanis Morissette summed it up perfectly back in the 90s with her roll-down-the-car-windows-and-pump-it song, ‘Ironic’ - “it’s like 10,000 spoons when all you need is a knife" - and we can’t help but sing it whenever we come across another life-puzzling contradiction.
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But beauty doesn’t have to be bewildering. It’s meant to be fun! So here, we clear up the beauty dos, don’ts and myths that might be baffling you…
Starting an anti-ageing regimen too early can backfire
This is the subject of much debate in the skin care world. Some experts swear by starting an anti-ageing program in your 20s, while others argue that overusing products containing retinol and alpha hydroxy acids thin skin over time, making you more susceptible to UVA rays, inflammation and discolouration. The solution? Compromise. You know your own skin best. If you’re quite young, stick to trusty moisturisers and sunscreens, and introduce specific anti-ageing products when you feel the need.
The best hair colour is the one you were born with
Sure, it might not be as fun as your new purple bob or tumbling tangerine tresses, but in most cases, you’re born with a certain hair colour for a reason (although we’d argue that hair chameleon Nicole Richie is an exception to the rule). In fact, many hairdressers recommend staying within two shades either side of your natural hue. You might not quite remember what that colour is (shock, horror) - but is there anything wrong with going back to your roots? Pardon the pun.
Applying lip balm too often has the reverse effect
Step away from the paw paw, people - it turns out the formulation of some lip balms perpetuate the need for crazy-obsessive application. Keep an eye out for ingredients like salicylic acid - they exfoliate dead cells from the surface of lips, but also tend to cause irritation, dryness and flaking if overused, so, the more you use it, the more you'll need it. Yep, it’s a vicious cycle. Get your mitts on a balm that’s paraben- and sulfate-free, like the Kora Organics Vitamin Enhanced Lip Balm, and feel the difference.
Cut your hair to make it grow
Going backwards to go forward? It sounds odd, but the truth is, the longer you put off getting the snip, the further the split ends and damage travel up the hair follicle - meaning you’ll end up needing to get more lopped off in the long run. So if you want long, luscious locks, commit to regular trims. (And ps. You can start your hair repair routine here.)
Squeezing pimples is bad, very bad
We know, we know. It doesn’t sound ideal to allow a pus-filled pimple to sit on your face until it disappears (where does it go if you don’t squeeze it? Back into your skin? *shudders*) and we are just as guilty of a pick-fest. But it’s been proven: the more you squeeze, the worse it will get. Promise. Obsessive popping can lead to scarring and breakouts - which is much, much worse than one measly little blemish, right?
bh tip: Let’s be honest - we know there are going to be times when you just can’t help yourself. So, here are some tips on how to squeeze a pimple the right way. Ahhh.. satisfaction.
‘No make-up’ make-up
#iwokeuplikethis = lies.
Despite what their Instagram caption says, they did not just jump out of bed with flawless, radiant-looking skin. They called on a few clever make-up products to make them look that natural. Applying make-up in such a way that it looks like you’re not wearing any sounds confusing, but it just requires a little practice. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to fake it, baby.
Fight oil with oil
It may seem counterintuitive to apply more oil to skin that’s already plagued by shine, but it just so happens that using oil to treat an oily complexion has some real merit. Here’s the 411 on using oil-based facial products: our skin produces oil to protect, moisturise and clean, so without this natural sebum, our skin would not survive. So it makes sense that when we use harsh cleansers on our skin, it has to compensate by going into overdrive to produce more oil to make up for its losses. Bad, very bad. Hence why it’s so great for oily skin types to use gentle yet effective oils.
What other beauty contradictions can you think of?
203 Member Comments
Some things I have heard of years ago with regards to some of these beauty dilemma's. I have been dying my hair for years, I used to change colour, now I try and eliminate grey by dying hair to my natural brown colour.
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I was a pimple popper and my skin turned out fine. My friend, who did not pop per pimples, has really cratered skin, so it must depend on a lot of factors.
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I agree with sticking to your natural hair colour. That's what I've discovered is best for me after trying both lighter and darker shades.
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It’s never ever ever EVER too early to start an anti ageing regimen.....
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Actually a lot of great tips here, thanks
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The GIFs are funny.
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I'm pretty good with most of these. I did fall for the whole retinol thing a couple of years ago, but will keep off it until I'm in my 30's now I think.
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I held off from picking a pimple way back in October, and I still have a mark from it. Not fair.
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Maybe the best hair colour is the one I was born with …. but the trouble is I just can't remember what it was.
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I'm just waiting for my hair to turn nice even grey to wear it with pride
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Oh, wish some of these stop....trimming to have hair longer....no. Only way my hair finally reached my mid buttocks was leaving it alone! And when I started trimming, now is so short (belly button height...), boring
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I find that some lip balms are really drying and others are moisturing so that one is def true.
If the anti aging one was true I have ruined my skin :)
I have been using anti aging products on and off since I was a kid as I have always used whatever product was on hand and my mum has always had anti-aging products.
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The best hair colour is the one you were born with - it is handly not going into salons but I have copper balayage with dark ash brown roots (my natural hair colour) and by far the best decision I have made for my hair colour!
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I could never seem to achieve the no makeup, makeup look. I always look like I have on makeup.
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I apply lip balm at night because I'm a mouth open sleeper and during the day when I feel my lips are dry.
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love these types of articals!
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I love reading these sort of articles as they explain the myths then give great explanations as well.
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I'm guilty of a few things here... Good article, I will do better! Pimples, hair, lip balm.. all shall be well again!
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Stick clear of lash extensions as they will ultimately weaken your natural lashes.
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Ooh... should I be laying off the tretinoin?
I’m in my late thirties...
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The hair colour advice is something I’ve generally heeded from a young age.
My hair is bright purple now and I’ll ultimately dye it silver, lilac and black.
No regrets so far...
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I love lip balm but now I only apply it at night. I'm using one with lavender oil at the moment and it actually tastes surprisingly good. Maybe if I inhaled the aroma it would help me to go to sleep
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starting an anti ageing routine should depend on your lifestyle.
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Fight oil with oil. Preach. It has helped me so much. I now always have an oil in my regime, and I am loving my normal and balanced skin.
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