17 Beauty Products Millennials Should Replace or Remove
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When it comes to trends, millennials have always been on point; whether it’s avocado toast, binge worthy Netflix series or a bold beauty statement. The years go by and more knowledge about what’s in our ingredients and how sustainable we’re living becomes known, and it’s evident that some beauty staples of the 2000s and 2010s are way overdue for a shake up.
Let’s not point fingers at our younger selves, though. In the day, we didn’t have all the information we have today, or clean beauty options. The good news is, it doesn’t require you to swap your signature look and/or break the bank. Take a closer look at some beauty products you should leave in the past — and why.
Matte Lipsticks That Feel Like Sandpaper
Do you remember when those ultra matte lipsticks made our lips look so snatched but felt like we’d spent an hour licking the Sahara? Time to bid them farewell. Nowadays, hydrating matte options offer you the same velvety finish with zero need for a gallon of water after. Find formulas with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil or shea butter—it’s a game changer.
Overly Stripping Face Washes
While a facial cleanser that leaves your skin squeaky clean sounds effective, many of them actually remove natural oils, leaving your face tight and irritated. Replace them with gentle, pH balanced cleansers that cleans without drying too much. A harsh cleanser can actually cause your skin to make even more oil, making breakouts worse. Translation: When it comes to cleansing, less is more.
Chunky Glitter Eyeshadows
Glitter shadows—the love of every early millennial’s makeup routine. Ah. They were fun, but they often irritated your eyes and left tiny flecks in your tear ducts for days. These days all the rage are cream or liquid shimmer shadows. They offer a grown-up sparkle without the mess and are kinder to your eyelids.
The Thick Pencil Eyeliners That Tug At Your Skin
Who remembers smudging a chunky pencil liner and ending up with two raccoons eyes? We never realised those liners were rougher on our delicate lids! Since then, gel and felt tip liners have taken the crown for their ease of use, precision of application and longevity. They’re the ideal companion for a sharp wing or a safe everyday look.
Talc-Based Setting Powders
Talc based powder was so common in the makeup bags of many women but I hope the concerns about talc contamination have meant a shift towards safer alternatives. Go for translucent powders made from rice or silica—they set your makeup beautifully without the hazards to your health.
Alcohol-Based Toners
We were told that if the toner burned, it meant it was working (and we used a great deal of these toners in those days). Spoiler: it wasn’t. They tend to dry out and irritate. Today’s toners contain skin soothing ingredients like rosewater or green tea extract to refresh your skin, minus the sting.
Single Use Plastic Makeup Wipes
Convenient, yes. Eco-friendly? Not so much. Disposable wipes end up in landfills that can take hundreds of years to break down. Reusable makeup pads paired with micellar water are much kinder on the environment, and your wallet.
Pore-Clogging Foundations
I know cakey foundations might have worked under nightclub lighting but they are not doing your skin any favors in broad daylight. Breathable foundations that are non comedogenic offers coverage while your skin breathes. Many now check off two boxes in one: They include SPF.
Hairsprays That Make Your Hair Stiff
That one and only rock hard helmet type of hair we had on prom night? It’s not a look anymore. Today’s hairsprays are about flexibility, hold with a little movement. This upgrade is thanks to advancements in styling science.
Heavy Lip Glosses That Glued Your Hair to Your Mouth
A gust of wind and your shiny lips became a hair magnet, you have probably been there. New-age glosses are non sticky and lightweight, yet offer high shine. Now your hair and lips can live in peace.
Chemical-Laden Nail Polishes
According to Harvard Health, many old school polishes included harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and toluene. Luckily, “5-free” and “10-free” polishes have currently taken over the market. What we love about these safer options is that they are free from toxic ingredients and still have the vibrant colors we know and love.
Expired Sunscreens
If your sunscreen smells like a gym sock or it’s separated into weird layers, then it’s gotta go. Your skin can’t be protected by expired SPF: it won’t be able to block those harmful rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that regular sunscreen use can cut the risk of melanoma by as much as 50%. It’s reason enough to check those expiration dates.
Powder Blushes That Are Cakey
Blush used to be powder blush, and it was a go to for rosy cheeks, but it can sit heavy on the skin and that is something that we definitely do not want to happen as we age. Now, we have cream blushes—they’re the MVPs—all blending seamlessly for a natural lit from within glow.
Facial Scrubs Harsh With Microbeads
A skincare favorite of yesteryear were the scrubs with the tiny plastic beads, until they were phased out due to environmental impact and skin damage potential. Glycolic or lactic acid (or other chemical exfoliants) can work just as well, if not better, at gently removing dead skin cell layers.
Old Mascara Tubes
You’ve probably stretched mascara beyond its three month shelf life, but it’s not worth it. Bacteria that can cause eye infections can grow on old mascara. Plus, fresh mascara is just better—you won’t get the dreaded clumps.
Dry Shampoo in Aerosol Cans
Benzene, a chemical suspected of being harmful to health, has recently been detected in aerosol dry shampoos. Rising stars include powder based or waterless foam alternatives that give you the same hair refreshing power without the potential risks.
Perfumes With an Overpowerful Scent Are Outdated
Maybe signature scents from the early 2000s aren’t what they used to be. You’ll want to keep fragrances light and fresh versus heavy, cloying scents that feel age old and old fashioned. A right scent can do wonders to your mood and make a perfect yet subtle statement.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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