When it comes to beauty, oh, if only we could somehow jump into a time machine, find our younger selves and pass on some words of wisdom, whispering some do’s and don’ts of the beauty world into our ears. Ahh we can only dream. For a lot of us, information wasn’t as nearly as readily available as it is now – you couldn’t just jump onto YouTube to watch a tutorial or find a reddit post about that burning skincare or makeup question you had at 11am one night. Beauty blogs were not nearly as popular as they are now and reliable information was much harder to come by.
From following fad trends that had lasting repercussions, to jeopardizing our health – for most of us, if we could go back there’s for definitely more than a few things we’d have done differently, that’s for sure.
The following is a list compiled of some beauty lessons that were learnt the old-fashioned way (i.e.: the hard way) – through good old-fashioned trial and error and whilst some are more permanent than others, others are never too late to start implementing.
- Step Away From the Tweezers
So many of us are still paying for the 90s and early 2000s obsession with pencil-thin brows. Overplucking left many arches permanently sparse, no matter how much castor oil or growth serum we’ve tried. If only we’d left those tweezers alone! Fuller brows not only frame the face but also stand the test of time.
- Never Sleep in Your Makeup
It sounds obvious, but we’ve all been guilty of it. Going to bed without cleansing is a surefire way to clog pores and prevent your skin from regenerating properly overnight. Skincare products also work best while you sleep, so leaving makeup on robs your complexion of its chance to repair.
On nights when you just can’t face your full routine, stash micellar wipes and a hydrating serum in your bedside drawer. It may not be perfect, but it’s much better than nothing – and your skin will definitely thank you in the morning.
- Smoking Ages You Fast
If glowing, youthful skin is the goal, cigarettes are the ultimate enemy. Smoking restricts blood flow, starves the skin of oxygen, and accelerates wrinkles and dullness. The damage is long-term and difficult to undo. In short? Just don’t.
- Think Twice Before That Tattoo
What once seemed trendy or meaningful can quickly feel dated. Tattoos age, styles change, and sometimes they just don’t reflect who you are anymore. The good news is that today’s tattoo removal machines makes it possible to erase regret, but it’s a slow and sometimes uncomfortable process. A little foresight can save a lot of sessions under the laser.
- Tanning Is Never Worth It
Remember slathering on tanning oil with barely any SPF? We thought it was harmless — even healthy – but now we know better. Prolonged sun exposure is one of the fastest ways to damage your skin, no matter the temperature or cloud cover.
UV rays break down collagen long before you burn, leading to wrinkles, pigmentation, and sagging. Studies show that up to 80% of visible ageing is linked to sun damage. SPF 30+ is your baseline, but SPF 50+ is even better. A golden tan fades; sun damage doesn’t.
- Treat Your Skin Kindly (No Picking Allowed)
Overdoing actives or harsh treatments can strip your skin barrier and leave lasting issues. Gentle exfoliation works wonders, but over-exfoliating can cause redness, dryness, or even sensitivity that takes weeks to repair.
And as for pimple-popping? Resist the temptation. That fleeting satisfaction isn’t worth the scarring and pigmentation that follow. Patch test new products, introduce actives slowly, and keep your hands off your face – your future skin will thank you.
- Start Laser Hair Removal Sooner Rather Than Later
When you add up the years of waxing, shaving, bleaching, and plucking, the time and money really pile up. Modern laser hair removal is faster, more effective, and more comfortable than ever. A short series of treatments with a laser hair removal machine can give you smoother skin for the long term – and save you from endless appointments.
- Build (and Stick to) a Skincare Routine
Consistency is the cornerstone of healthy skin. Invest in a tailored routine that covers the basics: a gentle cleanser, nourishing serum, moisturiser, and daily SPF. For the best results, seek professional advice with a proper skin analysis – an aesthetician, dermal therapist, or dermatologist can help identify what your skin truly needs.
- Love the Hair You’ve Got
We all long for what we don’t have, but constantly fighting against your natural hair type takes its toll. Straightening curly hair daily or bleaching dark locks to platinum often leads to damage, thinning, and breakage.
The secret? Work with your texture, not against it. Enhance your curls, protect your colour, and avoid over-processing. Healthy, well-cared-for hair will always look more beautiful than damaged strands forced into being something they’re not.
- And finally….learn to LOVE yourself and embrace your body exactly as it is!
Most of us wish we could have told our younger selves this: oftentimes the things you are self-conscious about now are the EXACT things you will end up loving and embracing about yourself when you are older. Confidence is key. Learn to work with what you have and accept that there are certain unique things that are yours – and yours alone. This is some wisdom that simply only comes with the benefit of time.
If only we could turn back the clock….now well-equipped and armed with the beauty knowledge learnt along the way. Unfortunately, we cannot rewrite the past, however we can certainly pass on and share these beauty nuggets with the next generation. So, here’s to wiser choices, healthier skin and a future filled with beauty and self-love!
This article was brought to you in partnership with beauty salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. If you would like to learn about any of the technologies discussed in this article, or to find a treatment provider in your area, please call 1300 006 607 or visit their website.