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45 Common Mistakes That Make You Look Tacky

...and the easy fixes that set things straight.

by Rebecca Martinson
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

When you look good, you tend to feel good. If something about your look is throwing you off, it could be you’re making one of these common mistakes that tends to leave people looking tacky. For instance, there’s letting makeup drift during the day instead of using setting spray, or walking around with self-tanner that’s seriously streaky (there’s an applicator for that!). This list is full of simple solutions to these problems, and all of them are on Amazon so can land on your doorstep in days.

01

Mistake: Smudged & Uneven Makeup

Fix: Makeup Remover Swabs For Quick Tweaks

Getting those winged eyeliner tips looking perfectly even is way easier when you have these swabs. Each one is filled with makeup remover, allowing you to make quick little tweaks to your eyeliner or other makeup without having to redo the whole thing. They’re also vegan, cruelty-free, and approved for travel by the TSA.

02

Mistake: Clothes That Slip Out Of Place

Fix: Fashion Tape That Helps Prevent Garment Mishaps

I’m a huge fan when it comes to this fashion tape, as it does a superb job at keeping my strapless dresses from falling down too low. The adhesive is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin — and the pre-cut strips make for easy application.

03

Mistake: A Hairstyle Full Of Flyaways

Fix: A Taming Wand That Makes Styles Sleek

Anyone with frizzy hair is sure to appreciate this flyaway stick. Simply swipe it onto frizz, and the lightweight formula will instantly smooth your hair down for a sleek, flawless look. Plus, a touch of biotin in the formula means it can even help strengthen brittle strands.

04

Mistake: Dry, Callused Feet

Fix: Potent Gel That Helps Dissolve Dead Skin

Dry, cracked heels and calluses are no match for this gel. Simply apply it to your heels, then let it sit for about seven minutes before buffing with a pumice stone — all that rough skin should easily fall away within just a few swipes. “After applying it and using a foot file, the dead skin came off easily and my feet felt super smooth,” wrote one reviewer. “Almost like I got a professional pedicure at home.”

05

Mistake: Streaky Self Tanner

Fix: A Mitt For Even Application (& Clean Hands)

Using your bare hands to apply self tanner can result in a streaky effect, not to mention orange hands. Instead, use this mitt. The thumb grip helps you keep a firm, secure hold as you wipe tanner across your body — with nearly 20,000 perfect ratings, it looks to get the job done right. Choose from three colors: brown, black, or pink.

06

Mistake: Makeup Slipping Out Of Place

Fix: Setting Spray That Locks In Your Look

Spritz your face with this setting spray once you’ve finished applying makeup, and it’ll help lock it in so that it stays looking good for up to 24 hours. The formula is sweatproof as well as smudgeproof — and light-scattering technology means it can even help smooth the appearance of pores. One reviewer even described it as “game-changer for long-lasting makeup, especially in hot or humid conditions.”

07

Mistake: Shoes That Are Falling Apart

Fix: Shoe Repair Adhesive For Soles, Heels, & Holes

You don’t have to throw out those shoes just because of holes, or soles falling off. Instead, use this adhesive to make quick repairs. It bonds on contact, creating a tough, permanent seal that’s designed to hold up in wet conditions. The versatile formula can be used on leather, rubber, vinyl, as well as canvas shoes.

08

Mistake: Greasy Roots Between Showers

Fix: Dry Shampoo Powder Infused With Biotin

Washing your hair every day can leave it looking dry and frizzy. Instead, tap this dry shampoo into your roots between washes to help keep it looking clean. It’s infused with biotin to help strengthen your strands — and the nonaerosol bottle makes it suitable for travel.

09

Mistake: Static-y, Wrinkled, Musty Clothes

Fix: Anti-Static Spray That Refreshes & Gets Rid Of Wrinkles

This fan-favorite spray is a clothes-improving powerhouse. Not only does it give items an odor-eliminating refresh, but it also removes static as well as wrinkles, making it a must-have in any laundry room. “It works instantly to remove static from clothes and fabrics, and it leaves everything feeling fresh and soft,” wrote one reviewer.

10

Mistake: Clothes That Are Too Long

Fix: Tape That Lets You Hem Without Sewing

You don’t have to pay for a professional to tailor those pants — just do it yourself using this hemming tape. The ultra-strong adhesive can bond two layers of fabric together using heat, so the only tool you’ll need for use is a standard clothes iron. Plus, the bond is so strong that it can even hold up through washing.

11

Mistake: Smudged Nail Polish

Fix: A Brush-On Formula That Instantly Smooths

Consider this Smudge Fix a must-have if you tend to ding or otherwise mess up your nail polish. Simply swipe it across the smudge, and it’ll instantly smooth the polish for a flawless finish. “This stuff is MAGIC,” raved one reviewer. “My thumb nail polish was so rumpled and stupid looking...This product smoothed it out in about 4 strokes.”

12

Mistake: Dull, Dirty Jewelry

Fix: A Cleaning Stick That Removes Dirt & Oil

Having your jewelry professionally cleaned is rarely ever cheap. Enter: this cleaning stick. The brush tip applicator makes it easy to spread the cleaning solution between prongs, under settings, and everywhere else on your jewelry. Plus, the compact size takes up minimal storage space when not in use.

13

Mistake: Stains On Your Clothes

Fix: Spray That Powers Through Messes

It doesn’t matter whether that food splotch on your shirt is fresh or old — this spray is formulated to power through all sorts of stains. It’s effective on everything from ketchup to blood, and the formula contains zero chlorine, peroxide, sulfates, or dyes. One reviewer wrote, “I’ve used it on everyday clothes and tougher stains, and it consistently does the job.”

14

Mistake: Dry, Overgrown Cuticles

Fix: Cuticle Remover Enriched With Lanolin

If standard lotion isn’t powerful enough to tame your cuticles, it may be time to simply get rid of them using this treatment. The formula is enriched with lanolin, which helps soften your cuticles so that you can easily push them back using a remover tool — and it only takes a small amount in order for it to be effective.

15

Mistake: Wrinkled Clothing

Fix: A Handheld Steamer That’s Fast & Easy

Wearing wrinkled clothing is one of the easiest ways to make yourself look tacky. Luckily, this handheld steamer is an easy fix. The water tank is large enough to produce up to 15 minutes of continuous steam, while the 8.5-foot power cable makes it easy to use with distant outlets. It’s also suitable for use on nearly any fabric, including silk, wool, cotton, and more.

16

Mistake: Unwanted Holes In Your Denim

Fix: Easy-To-Use Repair Patches That Iron On

You don’t need to pay for a professional to repair your ripped jeans — just grab these 100% denim patches. Each order includes five colors, making them suitable for both light- as well as dark-wash jeans. Plus, adding them to your jeans is as easy as ironing them into place.

17

Mistake: Sagging Earlobes

Fix: Adhesive Earring Patches That Give Extra Support

Heavy earrings can stretch your earlobes out. Luckily, these patches are a clever solution. Simply stick them to the back of your earlobe, then poke your earring post through — they’ll provide the extra support needed in order to help keep your earlobe from sagging. “These are worth the purchase,” wrote one reviewer. “Protect your piercings, and peace of mind from the earring ripping your piercing.”

18

Mistake: Brassy Blonde Hair

Fix: Purple Conditioner That Helps Neutralize Brassiness

Not only can this purple conditioner help neutralize brassy tones in blonde hair, but it’s also infused with keratin and argan oil, both of which work to help leave your strands looking oh-so shiny. Best of all, you only need to let it sit in your hair for about 10 minutes for best results.

19

Mistake: Dirty, Scuffed Shoes

Fix: A Shoe Cleaning Kit For Canvas, Leather, & More

Vinyl, leather, suede, canvas — this cleaning kit is designed to work on shoes made from nearly any material. Each order includes a bottle of cleaner concentrate as well as a stiff bristle brush for scrubbing. “I used it on all my kids shoes including mine, and all of the shoes came out looking way cleaner than I expected!” raved one reviewer.

20

Mistake: Pet Hair On Clothes

Fix: A Hair Remover Glove That’s Infinitely Reusable

Whereas lint rollers rely on wasteful sticky sheets, this glove uses the power of static electricity to latch onto hair, pulling it off your clothes, furniture, and more with just a few gentle swipes. Once you’ve grabbed all the hair, simply shake it off the glove and into the trash for easy disposal.

21

Mistake: Uncomfortably Dry Hands

Fix: Moisturizing Gloves Made From 100% Cotton

These gloves are a clever way to help hydrate your hands whenever they’re feeling dry. Simply apply lotion to your hands as usual, then slip the gloves on — they’ll help lock in that moisture so that your skin absorbs it more effectively. They’re made from 100% cotton, making them just as soft as they are breathable.

  • Available sizes: Small — X-Large

22

Mistake: Yellowing Teeth

Fix: This LED Whitening Kit That’s Enamel-Safe

Unlike some teeth whitening kits, this one is enamel-safe as well as gentle on sensitive mouths. The included LED light helps amplify the whitening process, potentially leaving your teeth up to 10 shades whiter within just one week. You only need to use it for 30 minutes for best results.

23

Mistake: Deodorant Marks On Clothes

Fix: Clever Sponges That Erase White Marks

Few things are as annoying as getting deodorant marks on your clothes — but that’s only part of the reason why I’m a fan of these sponges. Not only are they great for erasing deodorant marks, but their compact size also makes it easy to take them with you when traveling. Plus, they work just as well dry as they do when wet.

24

Mistake: Unwanted Nose & Eyebrow Hair

Fix: A Waterproof Trimmer That Removes Hair Painlessly

Plucking away at unwanted nose and eyebrow hairs can be painful. Instead, use this trimmer. The waterproof design means you can use it while showering to save time on busy mornings. Plus, it only needs one AA battery (which is not included) to deliver up to six months’ worth of use.

25

Mistake: Too-Tight Bras

Fix: Extension Patches That Add Length To Tight Bra Bands

You don’t need to buy a new bra just because your current one feels tight — just grab these extension patches. They’re made from soft, comfortable elastic that stretches to fit your body as needed. Plus, adding them to your bra is as easy as hooking them into its existing clasp.

26

Mistake: Bulky Layered Clothing

Fix: Dickey Collars That Layer Without Added Heft

If your standard button-down tends to crumple and look bulky under your sweater, you’re sure to appreciate these fake dickey collars. Not only are they a fraction of the size of standard button-up shirts, but their open sides also give your skin even more room to breathe. Each one is made from 100% cotton.

  • Available colors: 3
  • Available sizes: medium, large

27

Mistake: Hair That’s A Mess In Back

Fix: A Mirror That Gives You A 360-Degree View

If your hairstyle tends to be business in the front and chaos in the back, this mirror can help. It gives you a 360-degree viewing angle around your entire head, making it easy to perfect your look or even trim split ends with precision. And, the HD glass won’t fog up if you decide to use it inside a humid bathroom.

28

Mistake: Water-Stained Shoes

Fix: Water-Repellent Spray That Helps Keep Shoes Clean

Spritz your shoes with this spray, and its water-repellent formula can help keep them clean no matter how bad the weather outside may be. It’s formulated for use on nubuck, canvas, leather, and more. One reviewer even wrote that their boots “still look like new after wearing them through our New England storms”

29

Mistake: Visible Bra Straps

Fix: Clips That Make Any Bra A Racerback

Hook your bra straps into one of these clips, and they’ll pull the straps together so that they stay hidden underneath your shirt. They also help your bra provide enhanced lift if that’s your vibe. And unlike some clips, these ones won’t show through fabric.

30

Mistake: Waistbands That Are Too Loose

Fix: Clever Buttons That Instantly Tighten

Wearing pants that are way too loose can leave you looking sloppy. Enter: these buttons. No sewing skills are necessary in order to use them — simply pin them onto your waistband as far apart as needed, then connect them together using the hook in the back to tighten the fit. One reviewer wrote also wrote that they’re “perfect for adjusting the size of my clothing without going to a tailor.”

31

Mistake: Tired Leather Shoes & Bags

Fix: Hydrating Balm That Refreshes Leather

Whether your leather clothes, purses, shoes (or even furniture) are looking a little worse for wear, this balm can help. Its blend of seed oils and triple-filtered beeswax deliver a nourishing dose of hydration to leather, helping refresh it from the inside out. Since a little goes a long way, this tin will carry you through many items and seasons.

32

Mistake: Lint Or Fur On Your Clothes

Fix: A Reusable Lint Roller That’s Travel-Friendly

Unlike the traditional lint rollers you’ve likely seen, this one is made with hundreds of tiny bristles that can be used and cleaned again and again, making it a cost-effective alternative. All that collected lint and fur gets stuffed into a dustbin built into the head for easy cleanup.

33

Mistake: Your Purse Constantly Slides Down Your Shoulder

Fix: Nonslip Strips That Help Keep Purses In Place

Tired of always having to readjust your purse? Then these strips are a must-have. Just stick one to the part of your purse strap that touches your shoulder, and its grippy surface will help keep your purse from sliding downwards. Choose from three colors: black, clear, or brown.

34

Mistake: Noticeable Panty Lines

Fix: Seamless Bikini Underwear

You don’t have to wear thongs if you want to avoid having noticeable panty lines. Enter: this pack of seamless bikini underwear. They’re just as soft as they are stretchy, and feature laser-cut lines that help them maintain a smooth look under clothing. Plus, the double-layer crotch is made from 100% cotton.

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large

35

Mistake: Rough, Dry Feet

Fix: Exfoliating Peels That Help Soften Skin

Don’t have time for a professional pedicure? Not a problem when you have these peels. You only need to let your feet soak in them for about 90 minutes — over the next two weeks that outer layer of skin will gradually shed away, revealing the ultra-soft skin underneath. One reviewer even described their feet as feeling “as soft as a baby's bottom” once the shedding process had completed.

36

Mistake: Tangled Necklace Stack

Fix: A Clasp To Neatly Layer Necklaces

Creating your own layered necklace look can be a challenge — unless you have this clasp. It lets you stagger your necklaces at three different levels, making it easy to create a stylish layered look that doesn’t tangle. And since it’s made from stainless steel that’s been plated with 18-karat gold, it’s built to last.

37

Mistake: Dirty Glasses Lenses

Fix: Ultra-Soft Cloths That Gently Remove Smudges

Dirty, smudged glasses lenses are no match for these cloths. They’re made from soft microfiber that gently removes fingerprints, oil, dust, and more — all without leaving behind any scratches or streaks. “They glide smoothly without leaving streaks or lint, and they feel thick enough to last through many washes,” wrote one reviewer.

38

Mistake: Rips & Holes In Clothing

Fix: An Easy-To-Use Stitch Gun For Quick Repairs

You don’t need to have any sewing skills in order to repair ripped clothes using this stitch gun. It uses ultra-small needles that don’t leave holes behind as they pass through fabric — and the versatile design makes it suitable for use on denim, linen, cotton, and more. Each order also includes six needles as well as 2,000 fasteners to get you started.

39

Mistake: Visible Camel Toe

Fix: Camel Toe Concealers That Fit Underwear Seamlessly

You’ll be glad you grabbed these concealers the next time you notice your pants giving you a camel toe. They’re made from soft, flexible silicone that fits seamlessly into your underwear for an ultra-subtle look. Plus, the adhesive backing helps keep them in place throughout the day.

40

Mistake: Uncomfortably Tight Shoes

Fix: Spray That Helps Tight Shoes Stretch

Wearing uncomfortably tight shoes can affect the way that you walk. Luckily, this spray is an easy solution. Simply spritz it onto the tight spots on your shoes, and the color-safe formula will help the fabric stretch so that your shoes fit more comfortably. The best part? It’s suitable for use on nearly any material, including leather, canvas, suede, and more.

41

Mistake: Cracked & Dry Feet

Fix: Moisturizing Socks Infused With Vegan Collagen

Slip your feet into these socks the next time they’re in need of some nourishing moisture. Each sock is infused with a blend of vegan collagen, argan oil, and shea butter, all of which soak into skin to help hydrate feet from the inside out. Plus, you can even remove the toe tips from the socks so that you can paint your nails while wearing them.

42

Mistake: Flaky, Chapped Lips

Fix: Scrubbers That Exfoliate Lips Smooth

When no amount of balm seems to help smooth your chapped lips, it may be time to exfoliate away those flakes using these scrubbers. Each one features a double-sided head: one for exfoliating, as well as a second for massaging. And once you’ve finished exfoliating, they easily rinse clean under running water.

43

Mistake: Yellow Grime In Your Collar

Fix: Disposable Protection That Sticks In Place

Makeup, sweat, sunscreen — this protector tape is great for helping keep your shirt collars or hat sweatbands clean from all sorts of grime. They’re made from breathable cotton, with a brushed surface that makes them feel soft against skin. Plus, the cut-to-size design and adhesive backing makes installation a breeze.

44

Mistake: Carrying A Dirty Purse

Fix: Cleansing Wipes That Help Get Rid Of Scuffs & Dirt

A dirty purse can make even the most stylish outfits look crummy, so why not grab these wipes? Each one features two sides: a textured one for scrubbing, as well as a smoother side for polishing. And since they’re pre-moistened, you can easily use them when on the go.

45

Mistake: Panty Lines In Tight Clothing

Fix: A Sleek & Seamless No-Show Thong

It can be hard to avoid having panty lines when sporting tight pants or skirts — unless you’re wearing one of these no-show thongs. Not only is it seamless, but the crotch also features a latex pad on the inside that helps prevent camel toes. “These thongs truly are ‘no-show,’ and I can wear them with confidence under anything, especially leggings [...],” wrote one reviewer.