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Beauty, like many aspects of life, was once governed by a rigid set of rules. From the way we groomed our brows to how often we washed our hair, these “guidelines” dictated our routines and shaped our ideas of what it meant to be beautiful. However, in recent years, there has been a much-needed shift. With evolving standards of beauty and a more inclusive mindset, many of those outdated rules have been cast aside. Here’s a roundup of beauty rules you should feel free to ignore entirely.

Groom Your Brows

In the past, perfectly plucked, arched, and manicured eyebrows were the gold standard. Anything less was seen as unruly or unfinished. Thankfully, the natural makeup trend has ushered in a new era for brows. Fluffy, bushy brows are no longer just accepted, but celebrated. Growing out your eyebrows creates a more editorial, effortlessly chic look that feels modern and youthful. So, if you love the look of a natural brow, skip the tweezers and let your brows thrive.

Focus on Eyes or Lips

The old advice to accentuate either your eyes or lips, but never both, was seen as a way to maintain a balanced, classic look. While this still holds true for those who prefer a minimalist style, there’s absolutely no harm in breaking the rule. Want a bold red lip and a dramatic smoky eye? Go for it! Contrasting colours, such as warm-toned eyes with cool-toned lips, can create a striking and playful look. Beauty is about self-expression, and sometimes, more is more.

Oily Skin Should Avoid Oil

For years, those with oily skin were told to steer clear of oil-based products in favour of mattifying or astringent options. However, modern skincare wisdom tells a different story. Using lightweight facial oils can actually help regulate your skin’s natural oil production. When your skin is well-hydrated, it’s less likely to overcompensate by producing excess oil. The result? A naturally radiant complexion that’s healthy, not greasy. Embracing your skin’s natural glow is a game-changer.

Wash Your Hair Every Day

Daily hair washing was once considered the hallmark of proper hygiene and hair care. Now, we know that frequent washing can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to overproducing oil as a defence mechanism. Allowing your hair a break between washes not only keeps it healthier but can also encourage growth if that’s your goal. For those with oily scalps, dry shampoo is your best friend. This modern miracle product refreshes your roots and extends your style, so you can enjoy cleaner, healthier hair with less effort.

Washing your hair everyday is a beauty rule you should dismiss.
Serch Arafat

More Is More

For a long time, makeup trends seemed to fall into two camps: full glam or bare-faced minimalism. But beauty isn’t an all-or-nothing affair. Today, there’s a growing appreciation for a personalised approach, where you can focus on just a few key products that make you feel your best. A swipe of tinted moisturiser, a touch of mascara, and a dab of cream blush can create a polished yet understated look. It’s about wearing makeup that enhances your features, rather than feeling obligated to layer it all on.

Foaming Means Cleansing

There’s something deeply satisfying about a foamy face wash. Many of us associate that squeaky-clean feeling with a product that’s working hard to remove dirt and oil. But in truth, foamy cleansers can sometimes strip the skin, leaving it dry and irritated. Your face will often fare better with gentler formulations, like cleansing milks, balms, or jellies. These products effectively cleanse without compromising your skin’s natural barrier, making them a better choice for maintaining a balanced, healthy complexion.

Embracing Your Own Rules

The beauty industry is evolving, and with it, so are the “rules” that once dictated our routines. Today, it’s about finding what works for you—whether that’s embracing your natural brows, rocking bold eyes and lips, or leaning into your skin’s natural glow. The most important thing is to celebrate your individuality and have fun along the way. After all, beauty should never feel like a set of rigid rules—it’s a creative, evolving journey that’s entirely yours to shape.

Feature image credit: Kevin Kabore.

Annie Walton Doyle is a writer based in Manchester, UK. She typically writes about beauty and other "personal aesthetics," with a healthy dose of both social commentary and stupidity. When not touching makeup, she enjoys pubs, knitting, nature, and mysteries. Find her on Instagram @anniewaltondoyle.