
55 Mistakes That Are Making You Look Sloppy — & How To Look Way Better
Simple hair, beauty, and outfit hacks for maximum snatch.
The differences between someone who consistently looks put-together and someone who tends to look a little sloppy are subtler than you might think. From easy hair and makeup hacks to accessories that add instant polish — and others that prevent wardrobe malfunctions — a few smart tweaks and purchases can take any look from mess to flawless. The items below are easy to work into your routine and will help you snatch up from head to toe.
01
Mistake: Smudged Makeup
Solution: Makeup Remover Swabs For Easy, Precise FixesSmudged your eye makeup? Rather than ignoring it and hoping for the best, use these genius makeup removing swabs. Each swab is pre-filled with makeup remover and is small enough to provide precise removal even in the toughest of spots. They’ll also make it easy for you to create the sharpest winged liner possible.
02
Mistake: Streaky Self-Tanner
Solution: A Brush That Offers Smooth ApplicationSelf-tanner should look as smooth as possible for a natural look — if it’s streaky or uneven, you may need to upgrade your tools. This kabuki brush features hundreds of super soft, dense bristles and a curved shape that makes it easy to apply smooth layers of self-tanner all over you. It can also be used for lotions and sunscreen.
03
Mistake: Juggling (& Dropping) Your Phone
Solution: A Chic Wrist Strap For Hands-Free ConvenienceThis detachable phone wrist strap makes it easy to keep your phone secure while also juggling things like a coffee cup and shopping bags. Clip it securely onto your phone (this can be done with any case) then slip the strap over your wrist. It comes in a few different finishes and looks more like jewelry than a phone accessory.
04
Mistake: Applying Makeup With The Wrong Tools
Solution: A Big Set Of Sponges For Concealer, Powder, & MoreThis makeup sponge set will cover all your application and blending needs with 16 pieces: three small eggs, two large eggs, six small puffs, three big puffs, and a storage box to hold everything. Precision tips make it easy to apply everything from highlighter to foundation, and the puffs have ribbon handles that make them a breeze to use.
05
Mistake: Messy Slicked-Back Look
Solution: This Small Wand That Tames FlyawaysFor a true-slicked back hairstyle, you need a fly away stick like this. The gel-like formula is made with biotin, aloe vera, and vitamin E to deliver moisture as well as strong hold (aka it won’t leave hair feeling rock hard). It helps tame down flyaways, frizz, and baby hairs, and the spoolie wand makes it so easy to apply, whether you’re home or need a touch-up on the go.
06
Mistake: Eyeshadow Fallout
Solution: Shields That Protect Your FaceDoing a full eye makeup look can result in eye shadow and brow makeup landing all over your cheeks. Prevent that with these eyeshadow shields, which apply right under your eyes so they capture that extra makeup before it gets on your skin. They also offer more precise application — you can use this to create a sharp wing as well.
07
Mistake: Heavy Earrings Weighing You Down
Solution: Clever Earlobe Patches For Extra SupportHeavy earrings can result in a less-than-ideal saggy look to your ears. These earring support patches are a game changer. “I use these daily!” one shopper raved. “I have big earring holes and this saves me from making them any bigger. I can also wear [...] earrings I have never been able to wear before.” Simply place them on the back of your ears, then put your earrings on, and you’ll find that they no longer look or feel too heavy.
08
Mistake: Too-Bright Blush
Solution: pH Blush That Adjusts To Your Skin ToneThis clever, multi-use beauty stick gives you a customized makeup look — the pH-activated formula will subtly change depending on your skin, providing what should be the perfect color for your tone. Swipe it onto cheeks, eyelids, or lips and see a natural-looking flush.
09
Mistake: Sunscreen That Leaves Skin Looking Pasty
Solution: Zero-Cast Sunscreen That Blends In FastFacial sunscreen has a way of leaving behind a thick white cast that looks pasty and feels uncomfortable. Opt for this zero-cast sunscreen instead. It’s made with skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to leave skin hydrated instead of dry, with a lightweight feel and subtle glow. Plus, it’s SPF 50, so you’re well protected.
10
Mistake: Chipped Manicure
Solution: Press-On Nails For A Sleek Look That LastsIf you’re so over needing to go to the nail salon every other week, switch things up with these long-lasting press-on nails. The set comes with everything you need to apply them at home, including a variety of different sized nails and nail glue, and is easy enough for beginners. While this ombre white is simple and classic, you can choose between more than 40 colors and styles.
11
Mistake: Creased Or Melty Eye Makeup
Solution: Grippy Primer That Preps Your LidsProperly prepping your skin is essential to making the most of your makeup. This eye primer, which has racked up more than 17,000 five-star ratings, is made with pearl powder to enhance the colors of the shades you choose, and help keep eye makeup perfect for hours. A little goes a long way and you can even use this for a no-makeup makeup look.
12
Mistake: Buns That Flop
Solution: Spiral Pins That Add Extra StabilityTraditional bobby pins don’t always cut it when you’re trying to put your hair in an updo. Try these spiral bobby pins, which are specifically designed to give more support. The spiral design firmly holds hair in place without leaving behind any annoying dents or marks in your hair. They are also surprisingly easy to use.
13
Mistake: Dry, Frizzy Hair
Solution: A Hair Mask That Helps Repair DamageThis K18 hair mask is designed to be used by anyone, but is especially ideal for dry, brittle hair that’s color-treated or bleached often. I first tried it years ago and it’s been a staple ever since. Just one use results in a noticeable difference, leaving hair softer, shinier, and less frizzy. As someone who bleaches her hair every six weeks religiously, this is an essential since it works to genuinely repair hair instead of just hiding the damage.
14
Mistake: Unwanted Oily Sheen
Solution: Blotting Sheets That Don’t Disturb MakeupYou know that oily sheen that develops on your face throughout the day? These oil blotting sheets make that disappear — without ruining your makeup. Made of natural bamboo charcoal, these absorb excess oil and sweat, leaving your face looking fresh and matte. They’re oddly satisfying to use and come in packs of 1,000 sheets that are so easy to take on the go.
15
Mistake: Brassy Blonde Hair
Solution: A Purple Hair Mask That Helps Neutralize BrassBrassy color doesn’t have to be a necessary evil when you’re dying or highlighting your hair blonde. This purple hair mask helps neutralize brassy or silver tones in the hair between appointments, leaving it looking like the color you wanted all along. It’s also packed with keratin and argan oil, so it moisturizes hair and leaves it soft and shiny.
16
Mistake: Dry Skin That Won’t Quit
Solution: An Exfoliating Brush That Sloughs Off Dead SkinIf you’re not exfoliating your skin before applying moisturizer, then you’re not actually addressing the root issue — you’re just masking the problem. Start using this exfoliating mitt two or three times a week. Gentle scrubbing helps get rid of dead, dry skin, leaving behind a smoother surface that helps body lotion absorb better. Use this on its own or pair it with the scrub of your choice for added effect.
17
Mistake: Rings That Are Too Big
Solution: Subtle Sizers That Let You Adjust The FitThis ring size adjuster makes it possible to comfortably wear rings that are a little too big for you without taking a trip to the jeweler. The set comes with two different sizes for thin and wide rings, that can be cut to size, as well as a bonus polishing cloth for quick cleaning. These are so easy to put on or take off your rings and the transparent design makes them so subtle.
18
Mistake: Less-Than-Fresh Teeth & Breath
Solution: Tiny Pre-Loaded Toothbrushes With No Rinsing RequiredYou can brush your teeth so easily on the go when you’ve got these disposable toothbrushes. They’re tiny, they come in a set of 70 that are individually packaged, and they’re pre-filled with toothpaste that you can swallow so you don’t even need water to use them. The handles are made from 100% recycled plastic and you can toss them when done.
19
Mistake: Not Getting Off All Your Makeup
Solution: Cleansing Balm That Gently Removes EverythingRemoving all of your makeup often requires a little more work than simply washing your face. This cleansing balm features a balm-to-oil consistency that helps remove every bit of makeup and grime without leaving your skin feeling stripped or dry. Use it in combination with your favorite cleanser for a deep clean that feels and looks so good.
20
Mistake: Struggling In Uncomfortable Shoes
Solution: Heel Pads That Add Comfy CushionThese heel pads serve a double purpose. The cushioned feel can make the back of your shoes more comfy, helping to prevent painful blisters. They can also add just enough padding to prevent shoes from slipping off your heels if they’re just a little too big. An adhesive backing keeps them in your shoes and an anti-slip grip keeps them on your feet.
21
Mistake: Tangled Layered Necklaces
Solution: Clasps That Neatly Keep Chains ApartIf you find that layering necklaces constantly result in a tangled mess of chains, try using these layering clasps instead. These help to keep the chains separated so they’re less likely to wrap around each other. It’s easy to attach and detach the jewelry as well, and you can choose between yellow gold, rose gold, or silver finishes.
22
Mistake: Dry, Chapped Lips
Solution: Lip Scrub That Exfoliates & SmoothsExfoliation is key when it comes to banishing chapped lips. This vegan lip scrub is made with sugar as a natural exfoliant that gets rid of dead, dry skin. It’s also packed with moisturizing oils, like coconut, jojoba, and avocado, to keep lips moisturized and plump. “I love that it's all-natural with no parabens, preservatives, or synthetics,” added one shopper.
23
Mistake: Pet Fur On Your Clothes
Solution: This Mini Lint Roller To Grab All The HairPet fur is almost always cuter on your fur friends than on your fit. That’s where this bestselling pet hair roller (it has more than 147,000 five-star ratings) comes in. The extra sticky double roller grabs onto every stray hair in its path, and it’s very simple to open it up and clean out the hair. The small size makes it easy to take on the go, and it’s great for clothing or even furniture.
24
Mistake: Messy Hairstyle In Back
Solution: A Genius Mirror That Gives A 360-Degree ViewIt can feel nearly impossible to do your hair when you can’t get a view of the back of your head. This angled mirror gives you a 360-degree look so that you can see everything from any angle. It has clear, anti-fog glass, as well as hooks that allow you to hang it from an existing mirror, a wall, or a closet door.
25
Mistake: Cuffed Sleeves Falling Down
Solution: Arm Cuffs That Keep Sleeves In PlaceKeep your sleeves exactly where you want them with these arm cuffs. They come in a pack of three pairs, are made of elasticated metal, and act as a garter to keep sleeves in place when you roll them up. You can hide these under your shirt material or you can leave them out on display.
26
Mistake: Belts That Are Too Big
Solution: A Hole Punch Kit To Customize The FitGet new life out of a belt that’s too big on you with this belt hole punch kit. It lets you punch six different hole sizes to get the look and snug fit you’re after, and works with nearly any belt. It also works on other items, like watch bands, dog collars, and even craft projects.
27
Mistake: Wild Or Sparse Brows
Solution: A Lamination Kit To Fill & Shape Brows At HomeLaminating your brows creates a fuller, fluffier look that can let you skip brow makeup. Getting it done professionally adds up, so this at-home brow lamination kit makes a budget-friendly alternative. It comes with seven items to successfully laminate, with results that should last six to eight weeks. “I’ve been using this for years now and it’s still my go-to,” one shopper wrote. “The quality has stayed consistent, the instructions are clear, and my brows always turn out lifted, fluffy, and well-shaped.”
28
Mistake: Makeup That Slips
Solution: Primer That Helps Looks LastSkipping makeup primer because you don’t think you need it? Not the best idea. This face primer help preps your face by smoothing for even application, and helps keep makeup on throughout the day. The mattifying effect helps to control oil production as well so your skin isn’t glistening by midday, and a little bit goes a long way.
29
Mistake: Clumpy Lashes
Solution: This Tiny Comb That Separates & DefinesEven the best mascara can sometimes result in annoying clumps that leave your makeup looking sloppy. This eyelash comb makes a huge difference. The tiny, stiff tines brush through your lashes to separate them and eliminate any clumping without ruining your mascara. It’s small, lightweight, and comes with a cap so you can take it anywhere.
30
Mistake: Wearing Mules With Socks That Show
Solution: Clever Half Socks That Are Easily HiddenIt can feel impossible to wear socks with certain shoes, like mules that leave the back of your foot bare. But these half socks make it simple. They only cover your toes and half of your foot, leaving the back open for a very subtle look. These come in a pack of four pairs, and there are a few neutral color options available.
31
Mistake: Uncomfortably Tight Bras
Solution: Extenders That Add Breathing RoomThere’s no reason to suffer in a bra that feels too tight when these bra extenders exist. Available in a pack of three, these are super inexpensive and so easy to use. Simply attach one to the hooks on your bra, and it extends the band to give you more breathing room. This is ideal for those in between sizes or who are pregnant, but can be used by anyone who wants to feel more comfortable.
32
Mistake: Scuffed & Dingy Leather Purses
Solution: Cleaner & Conditioner To Help Them Look Like NewCleaning your leather handbags probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list, but it should be (or at least make an appearance). This leather cleaner kit comes with everything you need to make the task easy: a spray cleaner, conditioner, microfiber towel for scratch-free cleaning, and a sponge applicator for conditioning. This cleans and restores leather to give it a like-new look, with no greasy residue left behind. It can be used on any leather item.
33
Mistake: Eye Makeup That Doesn’t Go Together
Solution: An Eye Contour Palette With The Shades You NeedConsider this eye contour palette your new favorite drugstore beauty find. It includes three eye shadow colors, primer, and a shimmering highlighter. All of the colors complement each other and you can choose to follow the simple guide for pro-level application. As a bonus, it’s small enough to be stashed in any on-the-go makeup bag for touch-ups.
34
Mistake: Deodorant Stains
Solution: Handy Sponges To Clean Them Off ASAPGet rid of pesky deodorant stains quickly and easily by keeping these deodorant remover sponges on hand. The loofah-like material helps to lift deodorant stains off of your clothing so you don’t have to toss your outfit in the hamper. They come in a pack of two, are reusable, and can be brought anywhere.
35
Mistake: Smudged Or Faded Lipstick
Solution: Bold Liquid Lip Color That Lasts For HoursSome lipsticks have to be reapplied every hour or so to continue looking fresh and gorgeous. Not this liquid lipstick — it delivers a matte formula so bold and long-lasting that you can go the entire day without reapplying. It’s made with hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, and doesn’t leave a stain behind. Choose between an array of dark red and berry shades to find what works for you.
36
Mistake: Bra Straps On Display
Solution: Clips That Transform Your Bra StyleThere’s nothing like visible bra straps to make a perfectly curated outfit end up looking messy. These bra strap clips allow you to turn any regular bra into a racerback or even halter bra by keeping the straps together. They come in pack of 12 in subtle, neutral shades, and they won’t dig into your skin.
37
Mistake: Messy Nail Polish
Solution: Polish That Blurs ImperfectionsIt only takes one smudge to ruin the look of your perfect, brand new manicure. Instead of redoing the entire nail or just ignoring it, try using this Instant Smudge Fix polish. It smooths out imperfections and streaks, leaving your nail looking flawless. It dries in seconds and won’t leave any uneven texture behind.
38
Mistake: Holes & Tears In Clothing
Solution: This Stitch Gun For Making Small, Quick FixesYou don’t need to be an expert tailor or even a seasoned sewer to use this handheld stitching tool. It’s ideal for fixing up small holes, tears, and the like in your clothing, and can be used on many different types of fabrics. You can use it for hemming or repairing, it’s very simple to figure out, and it’s small and lightweight, so you can take it anywhere.
39
Mistake: Sweaters Full Of Lint
Solution: A Fabric Shaver To Make Them Look NewLint and pills can quickly accumulate on sweaters, wool coats, and even furniture, making them look old and worn even if relatively new. This fabric shaver is an easy and inexpensive way to get rid of all of that lint, leaving your clothing looking close to brand new again. It comes with extra blades and a protective cover for safety, with a long-lasting battery and simple USB charge.
40
Mistake: Dirty Shoes
Solution: A Kit For Giving Them A Deep CleanKeep your leather, mesh, and even suede and nubuck shoes looking as flawless as possible by using this shoe cleaner kit. It comes with a brush and cleaning concentrate that helps to banish dirt, grass stains, and more, and a little bit goes a long way — mix it with water to create a potent cleaner. “My shoes look almost brand new after using it,” one shopper wrote. “It’s easy to use and dries quickly.”
41
Mistake: Too-Loose Clothes
Solution: An Invisible Ring To Cinch In PiecesThis cinch ring allows you to turn any piece of baggy clothing into something more fitted in seconds. It does exactly what the name suggests: It cinches the clothing in to create a more tailored look. You can use it to tighten the waist, adjust a neckline, or even create a cool look with a scarf — it’s surprisingly versatile.
42
Mistake: Doing Makeup With No Experience
Solution: A Guide Book To Help You Master All Kinds Of LooksMakeup application can be complicated, and if no one has ever actually shown you how to do it, getting a little extra help goes a long way. This make-up tutorial book will teach you everything you need to know, from how to contour your entire face to knowing the difference between every kind of makeup product out there. By the time you’re done reading it, you’ll basically be a pro.
43
Mistake: Messily Tweezed Eyebrows
Solution: Tweezers With A Built-In LightTweezing your eyebrows requires a lot of light so you can see exactly what you’re doing. These LED tweezers come with a built-in tiny light that directs a bright stream exactly where you need it, with no shadows in the way. They are also sharp and precise, so you can easily pluck out every little hair you want to.
44
Mistake: Skipping Socks With Certain Shoes
Solution: Flat Shoe Liners To Avoid OdorsIt can be hard to find true no-shoe socks for certain shoes, like loafers, which is where these shoe liners come in. They’re nonslip and really no-show, and they’re made of a moisture-wicking material that. They also offer a soft, lightweight cushion between your feet and the shoe, making them much more comfortable than going sockless. And you can toss them in the wash for easy cleaning.
45
Mistake: Letting Shirts Slip Off Your Shoulders
Solution: Silicone Pads To Keep Tops UpThis silicone shoulder pads help to fill out sloping, uneven, or narrow shoulders, adding a look of natural fullness underneath your clothing. But the silicone design also makes them grip to your top, which means even wide-neck shirts won’t slip down your shoulders. They come in a pack of four and are offered in a few different subtle neutral shades.
46
Mistake: Heels That Sink Into Grass
Solution: Subtle Heel Caps That Provide Better GripIf your heels have you sinking into the yard, or just feel unsteady, try adding these heel caps. They go over the pointy heel and offer a extra stability on any surface, and especially make it harder fo heels to sink into grass or mud. On top of that, they soften the sound heels make when you walk and protect them from wearing down.
47
Mistake: Missing That Final Outfit Touch
Solution: A Reversible Belt That Adds Chic StyleThis chic reversible skinny belt means you can buy fewer accessories. One side is brown and the other is black, topped with a cute gold buckle, and you can easily flip it over to complement what you’re wearing. It’s also available in other color combinations, like white and brown, and comes in three different sizes.
48
Mistake: Obvious Camel Toe
Solution: Silicone Guards That SmoothCamel toe is less than ideal, but with certain tighter clothing items, it can feel inevitable. Mask it with these cleverly designed silicone inserts. You can wear them in your underwear or pants, and the silicone offers just enough grip to keep them in place. The “Y” shape is also comfortable enough that they don’t feel noticeable.
49
Mistake: Stained Teeth
Solution: A Whitening Pen That Works FastThis teeth whitening pen is easy to use and works without the hassle of whitening strips. The powerful hydrogen peroxide blend works to remove stains in as little as a week, and is safe for sensitive teeth. “This product really delivered,” one shopper wrote. “I saw a noticeable lessening of the yellowy tinge and the stains after the first use. By the third use, all stains (ALL) were just gone.”
50
Mistake: An Updo That Looks Flat
Solution: This Sponge That Adds Volume & FullnessIf you have fine hair, then this sponge insert will quickly become a go-to hair tool. Made of a soft, lightweight foam, this helps to add volume and fullness to many hairstyles. It’s flexible enough to be molded into different shapes and styles, and is available in a few different colors so that it blends effortlessly into your hair. This also comes with bonus bobby pins.
51
Mistake: Letting Your Bra Peek Through Deep V-Necks
Solution: A Plunging Bra For No-Show SupportA regular bra just isn’t going to cut it if you’re wearing a very low-cut top or a dress with a deep V-neck. But this plunging bra will — it dips down low in the front and off to the side so that it doesn’t peek out from your top, but still offers plenty of support. It has a push-up effect and convertible straps that can be worn multiple ways. It’s offered in more than 12 different sizes.
52
Mistake: Applying Makeup With Dirty Brushes
Solution: A Brush Cleaner For Easy MaintenanceMakeup brushes get pretty gross when you use them all the time, but cleaning them can be a pain. Enter this makeup brush cleaner, an automatic brush washer and dryer in one that simplifies the task and makes it a lot less intimidating. It spins brushes clean and then dry in minutes, meaning you can have good-as-new makeup tools every day.
53
Mistake: Dry, Calloused Feet
Solution: Gel Heel Socks That Hydrate While You SleepYou don’t have to put in a lot of work to moisturize your feet. These heel socks are infused with a hydrating gel of vitamin E, jojoba oil, and olive oil that soaks into your skin to soften it. Since these don’t cover your whole foot, they’re easy to wear when sleeping. And as someone prone to callouses who has tried this, I can vouch for the fact that they really do work.
54
Mistake: Bulky Layered Clothing
Solution: Breezy Camisoles That Layer With LessIf you love the look of a lace tank underneath a shirt or dress but don’t love actually wearing a full tank, try one of these mock camisoles. It’s basically an airy bralette that comes up higher on your neck so it gives that layered look, but is ultra lightweight. It comes in a pack of three different colors for a really great price point.
55
Mistake: Slipping Socks
Solution: No-Show Socks That Are Actually Knee-HighsThese no-show knee socks are more comfortable than typical no-show socks because they don’t slide down — the socks actually just have an open keyhole and then get pulled up to your knee, so they won’t just fall off your heel. “Keysocks have changed my life,” one shopper raved. “No more sliding to my toes or having to readjust every few minutes. These socks are comfortable with most shoes. I wear them with all types of flats, tennis included.”