My Top 15 Fashion & Beauty Faux Pas! Are You Guilty?

Dear Readers,

After a bit of a break from blogging, I thought I would get back on it with something quite fun and relevant. I put together my top 15 fashion & beauty faux pas. I think we have all committed one of the following "crimes" at some point in our lives. However, the main issue is to recognise that these "crimes" are ILLEGAL and should NEVER be repeated again! Unless of course it's for some fancy dress parade.

Please note that this list is not in any particular order.

1. FAKE TAN 
It's a great way to achieve that golden glow without the risks associated with too much sun exposure. However, it is not cool to see orange hands or patches across the body. A simple way to avoid this is to use a mirror, gloves, exfoliate and most importantly spread it evenly. Not exactly rocket science is it?!

2. VPL (Visible Panty Line)
On no occasion is it permitted to expose any VPL. If you're guilty of this, then your underwear is far too tight. Choose underwear that suits the shape of your bottom to avoid any "spillage". Likewise, a bra that's too small will distort your shape with cleavage overspill and pads of back fat.

3. EYEBROWS 
There are two things to mention here; overplucking and heavily penciled thick eyebrows (often referred to in the UK as the "Scouse Brow"). Once again, this is not a good look. Overplucking your eyebrows gives you that constant surprised look whereas the "Scouse Brow" resembles two leeches stuck to your face. Eyebrows are meant to frame the face so go easy on the plucking and the eye pencil.

4. LIPSTICK ON TEETH  
If you're going to wear lipstick, always carry a mirror and check periodically. There is nothing worse that talking to someone and later realising that you had four red front teeth on display. Highly embarrassing.

5. TOO MUCH BLUSHER
Blush is used to add some colour and natural glow to your cheeks. It should be subtle. The over use of blush should be reserved for the stage.

6. NOT DRESSING FOR YOUR SIZE
Just because the outfit looks great on the mannequin does not necessarily mean it will work for you. Understand your shape first and dress accordingly.

7. BAD HAIR EXTENSIONS
"Makeup?...Check!....Outfit?....Check!....Hair?....FAIL!". Hair extensions are great but some of us are clearly unaware that the extensions have a "shelf life". If your hair extensions are literally hanging on for dear life, thinning, tangled, looks like straw, the bonding glue is visible, patchy or even greasy looking, then it is time to take them out. If your hair could talk, this would be the point where it tells you to. Keeping it in for longer than necessary only damages your natural hair anyway.

8. CLUMPY MASCARA 
Mascara is suppposed to highlight your eyes by making your lashes appear longer and thicker. The aim is not to achieve the spider effect. Cleaning your mascara brush at least twice a week will avoid this.

9. HARD DRY SKIN ON FEET
Summer is here which means a lot of feet are on display. If you're going to have them on display, sort them out beforehand. Book yourself in for a pedicure or use a foot scrub and a rich moisturiser. Cracked heels are not in this summer or any summer for that matter.

10. SLEEPING WITH MAKEUP ON
I know that after a long day or a heavy night, the easiest thing is to jump into bed without washing your makeup off. You are only making things worse for yourself in the long run. If really can't be bothered to wash your face, use a face wipe to at least remove the majority of it off.

11. HAIRY LEGS & UNDERARMS
I'm a firm believer that if you will be showing your legs or underarms, they should be hair free. I mean I know that it is down to personal preference but I think they look far more attractive without any hair.

12. RED LIPSTICK & YELLOW TEETH
This is just not a good look. If your teeth are yellow and you are adamant that you must wear a red lipstick today, choose one with a blueish undertone. This makes your teeth appear brighter.

13. UNEVEN FOUNDATION OR POWDER
When applying  your foundation or powder, ensure that they are evenly blended across your face and neck. Once again you do not want patches. Just spread the love!

14. LEGS & CLEAVAGE
A number of women are guilty of this on a daily basis. The golden rule in fashion is you show one or the other but never both. If you're wearing a top that reveals a lot of cleavage, then cover your legs. Equally, if you're wearing a miniskirt, wear a loose-fitting top. There are obvious exceptions to this rule, such as a show-stopping evening gown, but as a general rule it's best to leave a little to the imagination.

15. DON'T BE A SLAVE TO FASHION
Never sacrifice your own personal style for fashion! It is good to be individual and imaginative. It is far better to own classic pieces and update your wardrobe in small doses. If you have the instinct that a trend is not the right one for you, listen! You won't feel comfortable wearing it and that will show.

So, have you ever been guilty of any of the above? What else would you add to the list?

Would be great to hear your thoughts!!! 

Victoria x