Health & beauty

7 Beauty Habits That'll Ruin Your Career

Twirl your hair in the conference room? Wear a lot of perfume? Huge no-nos. See our list of the worst beauty habits that could hold you back at work

October 3, 2012 | by Cinya Burton | 25 COMMENTS

Work hard and you will be rewarded, right? Maybe � as long as you don't have split ends and chipped nail polish. According to a recent British survey, smudged mascara, a fake-looking tan, and too much makeup can even prevent you from being hired in the first place. That's right, employers are quick to judge you by your bad beauty habits.

Skip ahead to see the 7 beauty habits that'll ruin your career.

Of course, you've got to know your industry. Case in point: Last week, our Associate Editor Sharon showed up with a multi-colored mani complete with rhinestone bows on each finger. Naturally we all spent the morning fawning over her nails -- including Sharon's boss. But would Sharon get that type of reaction if she worked on Wall Street? Ha!

While dress code rules will differ from workplace to workplace, there are a heap of unspoken beauty habits that bosses hate more than your frequent Facebook breaks.

To get the nitty-gritty on these universal no-nos, we asked CEOs and upper-management executives to tell us their biggest pet peeves when it comes to the beauty mistakes women make at the office. Are any of them hurting your career?

SEE NEXT PAGE: Heavy perfume

1 of 9

leave a comment

View old comments

Years ago I worked for one of the "big eight" accounting offices. BOTH women and men were evaluated on their dress (you could never go to an audit site without a jacket), makeup, hygiene. Good piece!

by GigiSD Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12:23PM Report as inappropriate

So, it's ok for men to go without makeup at work, but for women "fresh-faced" is a no-no? That's not fair.

by caitlin_bickel Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 12:07PM Report as inappropriate

This is a good article that would work for a professional or casual environment. It's important to be considerate of others especially when you're in close proximity.

by RoleModel Friday, February 15, 2013 at 04:16PM Report as inappropriate

thx

by aishak55 Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 01:49PM Report as inappropriate

This is definitely good info especially if you work in a corporate office.

by MizzPink Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at 09:05AM Report as inappropriate

Being fresh-faced is a no-no? Did not know that.

by Sari Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 08:11PM Report as inappropriate

I see a lot of turn offs here. Good info

by EricaF123 Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at 06:30AM Report as inappropriate

I need to work on playing with my hair.

by NillaButterfly Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 04:55PM Report as inappropriate

I liked these tips, while they were mostly obvious, I can definitely work on certain things like playing with my hair.

by heather_hejna Monday, November 5, 2012 at 12:39PM Report as inappropriate

The scent issue has become a big one with many places having scent free policies in effect, makes it pretty clear about the situation. I work in a school and on one occasion used a low scent hairspray in the washroom 1 and 1/2 hours following the end of the school day, thre were likely 4-5 people in the whole building! I was having family photos done and didnt think it would be an issue to use a bit of spray in the washroom at that time of day. Also it was an Aveda low scent product. The following Monday I received a notice to atttend the upcoming health and safety meeting. Apparently someone had complained about it and I was spoken to about not doing this. Needless to say I was surprised but the message was clear, no use mens just that, no matter the circumstances. Pretty unusual for anyone to be around at that time of day particularly on a Friday, however I did the crime so no excuses not again!!

by mum21 Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 07:32AM Report as inappropriate

Lots of good but fairly common tips. I think the point to not primp at your desk was a good one though.

by sportimonki13 Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 04:36PM Report as inappropriate

I actually agree with all of these!

by Chris213 Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 06:30AM Report as inappropriate

These are excellent points for upwardly mobile career women! Regarding the heavy perfume issue, many people are actually allergic to some smells, and the last thing a gal wants to do at a big board meeting is to make her co-workers sick! DEMOTED!

by BengalsGal Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 12:17PM Report as inappropriate

Informative article. I work in education and this is helpful because children and adults can be critical when it comes to looks. Sometimes it's hard to find a balance between polished and low maintenance. I am not a morning person, so I make my routine as quick as possible, but I don't want to look like it.

by RoleModel Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 10:22PM Report as inappropriate

Perfect timing with this article! Huge meeting tomorrow! Thanks!!!

by robyne00 Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 03:31PM Report as inappropriate

Excellent tips, especially for some of us in the business world.

by nicky22 Friday, October 5, 2012 at 07:30AM Report as inappropriate

My goodness , its really wonderful.

by BeckettR1234 Friday, October 5, 2012 at 02:03AM Report as inappropriate

seriously, too much perfume makes my stomach very upset early in the morning, esp if you stuck with someone in the elevator.....

by lilas Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 05:39PM Report as inappropriate

Some of these things people wouldn't really notice, but the rest is spot on,

by GingerDrink Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 03:46PM Report as inappropriate

I think that this is spot on with most of the tips. I have been the victim of working with someone who not only wears too much perfume but it is not a pleasant smelling perfume. I have also been guilty though too. Like the desktop touch-up sometimes turns into my whole make up routine at the desk while working. I've tried to keep it out of boss' view, because it feels unprofessional while I'm doing it - guess there's a reason for it.

by flirtygirl214 Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 02:45PM Report as inappropriate

Everyone, no exceptions, should have these things down - especially the hygiene ones! Seriously, some things no one wants to see anywhere, let alone in the office!

by schien Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 02:08PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with just about all of these, especially the over use of perfume and playing with hair. Both are very distracting.

by HeathRene Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 01:54PM Report as inappropriate

good tips but the hair twirling thing is something i do all the time!! I also braid it when im bored ... >_

by Sohee Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 12:56PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips, I agree with the perfume. Not everyone will like your perfume. So best to keep it low.

by yestfl Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 10:12AM Report as inappropriate

Everyone should read this. Men and women, especially the perfume part. I\'d add nail-clipping to the list- lots of people do it at their desks, and it\'s super disgusting.

by venenumletalis Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 08:51PM Report as inappropriate

Home » Beauty Tips » Health & beauty » 7 Beauty Habits That'll Ruin Your Career