As the pandemic drones on into its fifteenth month (fifteen, seriously?), and personal care services come in and out of lockdown, we’ve all had to start getting a little creative. From DIY pedicures to tackling that dreaded bikini area, it’s safe to say that at least once in this pandemic, we’ve all found ourselves under the bathroom light with a pair of tweezers on a Saturday night (or was that just me?). 

We’re always here for a little at-home care, but as personal care pros, we just want to make sure you’re doing it right.  We can’t give away all the tricks of the trade in one little blog post, so here’s a list of five things *not* to do when grooming at home. 

Here are Eye Love’s five do-not rules of DIY personal care: 

1. Do not over-pluck your brows

Plucking your own eyebrows is a dangerous game because it’s really easy to overdo it. We all know what it feels like to finally get on a roll, maybe get a little too enthusiastic... and the next thing you know you’re walking around looking really surprised for two straight weeks. 

Our secret? Pluck only a few hairs at a time, and then step back and take a look. If you’re not sure about a certain hair, just leave it. (You can always come back to it later with fresh eyes.)

Keep those gorgeous brows full and fluffy with our favourite brow styling tool, Soap Brows, and fill in any gaps with the browluxe Precision Brow Pencil

2. Never pop your zits

Who doesn’t love attacking their pimples? (Guilty as charged!) Though we all know better than to pop our own zits, we can’t deny the gross satisfaction that comes from squeezing out a gleaming, white pimple. 

But any dermatologist will tell you not to touch your zits. Not only could you spread bacteria and pus to other parts of your face (and create even more dreaded acne), but popping a zit before it’s ready could delay the healing process and put you at risk for scarring. 

Instead, for a safe and fast healing process, use a salicylic acid spot treatment at night or during the day under sunscreen. 

3. Do not forget to wear sunscreen 

We can’t stress this one enough. Sunscreen prevents sunburn, sun damage, and skin cancer, as well as preventing hyperpigmentation, redness, and signs of aging. Be sure to put on sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy or you’re planning to stay indoors all day. Just trust us okay? 

For more on sunscreen, click here, and pick up our favourite SPF options from our online shop here. 

4. Do not cut your own bangs

Look, we get it. This pandemic has dragged on way too long and we’re all getting a little stir crazy. Despite the fact that there are endless blogs and Youtube videos online that show you how to correctly give yourself a fringe, maybe just don’t. 

Whichever passes first — either the pandemic or the overwhelming urge to bring a pair of scissors within inches of your face — you’ll be glad you didn’t make an impulse move and ruin your Zoom look for six more months. In the meantime, get your stylist on speed dial so as soon as restrictions lift, you’ll be first with an appointment.

5. Do not over-exfoliate your skin 

After dating a man who used a drugstore salicylic acid wash not once, but twice every day, this writer can’t express this one enough: do not over-exfoliate your skin! 

There are two types of exfoliants: physical, like a sugar scrub, or chemical, like an acid-based cleanser. Both are used to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Either option should only be used one to three times a week, or even less if you have sensitive skin. 

While it may be tempting to exfoliate often, especially if you have acne-prone skin, you actually risk drying your skin out, over-correcting, and creating more oil and acne. Opt instead for a gentle daily cleanser (like this one), followed by moisturizer and of course, sunscreen. Spot-treat those zits instead, and for more serious skin concerns, consult a doctor or esthetician.