60 Common Mistakes That Make You Look Tacky — & What To Do Instead

Teardrop earrings or chunky gold hoops might make for the perfect finishing touch to your outfit, but they could also be doing some damage to your earlobes. These earring support patches are a clear adhesive that sticks to the back of your lobe, preventing stretching and pulling by taking on some of that weight. Though they’re meant to be one-size-fits-all, you can easily trim them down to fit smaller earlobes.

If too many back-to-back gel manicures have left your nails dried out and uneven, they may benefit from a gel breather. Conceal the damage while you help to repair your nails by applying a few coats of this polish-like treatment at home. The sheer color creates a milky finish that creates the illusion of healthy nails, while ingredients like celery seed extract, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E moisturize and strengthen your nails to improve their appearance over time.

Nothing ruins a slicked-back updo faster than stray flyaways and frizz, and this hair-smoothing wand helps keep them in check. The tiny tool pairs a spoolie with a styling wax that brushes hair into place without making it look greasy or leaving behind visible residue. The mascara-like wand is great for smoothing down those wispy pieces around your forehead when you’re wearing your hair down, too, and it even helps to care for your strands with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and avocado oil.

If a black dress or a black T-shirt is a staple in your wardrobe, you’re probably all too familiar with the frustration of deodorant marks. To save you time from futilely scrubbing at the stain with water (spoiler alert: that usually just makes things worse) or having to change your look altogether, keep this sponge handy. The pink foam sponge may not look like much, but it quickly buffs out deodorant marks without water or stain remover solutions.

Clothing that fits properly and lies smoothly automatically makes you look more polished and put together. This shapewear bodysuit eliminates lines, offering light compression that helps snatch the waist. It features a built-in bra with adjustable straps, and multiple Amazon reviewers share that stretchy shapewear doubles as a bodysuit you can wear with jeans.

• Available sizes: XX-Small – 4X-Large
• Available styles: 10

It’s usually not until you go to wear your jewelry that you notice it’s looking a little dull. Reach for this cleaner pen to restore shine. The travel-sized tool works in seconds to remove dirt and oils from gemstones (both natural and lab-created), as well as platinum and gold jewelry settings. Twist the bottom of the pen to release the cleansing solution through the tip, give your jewelry a quick brush, then rinse it clean.

Carrying a toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste around with you wherever you go isn’t exactly practical. These teeth wipes, however, are small enough to fit in your pocket and truly effective for polishing your teeth after your midday coffee or evening glass of wine. They’re individually wrapped and designed to slip right over your finger for convenient brushing, and also help freshen your breath with a mint flavor.

When forced to choose between having your bra straps peek out from your tank top or dealing with a strapless bra, visible straps are winning every time. But there’s actually a better solution. This staple ribbed tank top has a bra built right in to give you coverage without putting your bra straps on display. The wireless bra features removable cups and an elastic band at the bust for a snug fit that Amazon reviewers confirm is supportive.

• Available sizes: X-Small – X-Large
• Available styles: 15+

Applying a fresh tan over one that hasn’t fully faded is a recipe for a patchy-colored mess. This textured mitt helps you thoroughly exfoliate your skin, breaking down the buildup of fake tanner that can impact the quality of your faux glow. And because exfoliation is essential prior to using self-tanner, you can use the mitt as part of your prep routine even when you don’t have any old self-tanner on to create a smooth base for your tanning mousse, lotion, and drop formulas.

Layering on half a can of hairspray that creates an impenetrable exterior is one way to get your ponytail smooth. But if you’d still like to be able to brush through your hair at the end of the day, skip the spray and run this wax stick through your hair before slicking it back. The beeswax stick smooths hair into place, but instead of leaving a crunchy texture, it moisturizes with castor seed oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E.

Bra size fluctuations are totally normal, but they can also be frustrating to navigate. These bra extenders make your everyday bras more functional by allowing you to adjust the band to prevent back bulging (and save you the expense of buying a new bra). The tiny attachment hooks right onto your bra, giving you three more rows of loops to increase your bra’s band range. The extenders come in a range of neutral colors to blend right in with your bra.

Ever left your house with not a single hair out of place, only to have wind or rain wreak havoc on all of your hard work? This collapsible brush hardly takes up any room in your bag and is perfect for quick touch-ups. A mixture of boar and nylon bristles helps to detangle hair, reduce frizz, and smooth the cuticle for a shinier finish any time of day.

Concealer that creases by midday is a thing of the past with the proper skin-care prep. If moisturizer isn’t enough to prevent a cake-y finish, give this under-eye primer stick a try. With an easy glide-on application, the hyaluronic acid-infused primer refreshes and plumps the delicate skin under your eyes and helps create a long-lasting base your makeup can stick to.

It doesn’t matter how much money you spend to color your hair; without proper home care, it won’t stay looking nice for very long. That’s especially true for blondes, whose cool-toned hair can quickly turn brassy. This weekly mask contains purple pigments to neutralize unwanted warm tones in about 10 minutes. Formulated specifically for blondes, the mask also nourishes fragile, color-treated hair with argan oil, hydrolyzed wheat protein, and hydrolyzed keratin.

Having a spare hair tie or two on hand is pretty much a nonnegotiable for anyone with longer hair, but plain elastics on your wrist can detract from your outfit and look flat-out sloppy on fancier occasions. These jewelry-inspired hair ties, embellished with gold cuffs, look like bracelets when worn on your wrist. Plus, they add a polished finish to ponytails and textured braids.

If you can’t paint your own nails without getting a little polish on your cuticles, this corrector tool is a game changer. Rather than having to take the polish off and start from scratch, the corrector is fitted with a pen-like tip that dispenses nail polish remover to give you a more precise way to tidy up manicure mistakes. Once the remover runs out, you can refill the pen, which also comes with an additional replacement tip.

Volumizing mousses and root-lifting sprays are a go-to for fuller hair, but apply too much, and your hair might feel weighed down and fall flat. Enter this set of mini claw clips. Place them throughout freshly washed hair while it’s still damp, and they’ll help to create volume at the roots as your hair dries. Use a blow dryer on its own or with the diffuser attachment to really give your hair a boost. The clips feature ventilation holes to help air circulate and speed up drying time, and are especially helpful for curly hair.

When comfort is your main priority, these genius stretchy pants look like jeans but feel like yoga pants. They feature a wide-leg design with multiple functional pockets and a high-waisted elastic band that keeps them in place without zippers or buttons. Multiple Amazon reviewers say the pants work just as well when dressed up with heels as they do when worn more casually with sneakers.

• Available sizes: Small – 3X-Large (petite & standard sizes available)
• Available styles: 5+

Most of us are probably not taking the time to apply cuticle oil every day, but it really is worth the commitment. This fast-absorbing cuticle and nail serum supports nail growth and moisturizes skin and nails with shea butter, jojoba oil, and rice bran oil to prevent cracked cuticles and strengthen nails with regular use. It’s an Amazon favorite with more than 8,000 five-star ratings for its nongreasy finish.

There are endless athleisure options for sprucing up your gym look or simply running errands comfortably and stylishly. One thing they all share: the need for no-show underwear. This three-piece set of thong underwear was created with workout wear in mind, pairing a seamless thong with a sewn-in cotton pad that eliminates visible lines and camel toe.

• Available sizes: Small – X-Large
• Available styles: 10+

This color-changing foundation uses a totally unique formula that adapts to your skin so you never have to worry about walking around with mask-like makeup. The lightweight foundation goes on white, but as you blend it in, pH-responsive pigments create a custom color that almost looks like you aren’t wearing any makeup at all. As it blurs imperfections, the foundation helps to improve your skin tone and texture over time with ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and alpha-arbutin.

Details are what really elevate an outfit, and letting your ankle socks peek out of your loafers is a quick way to ruin a business-casual look. These no-show socks sit just above the toes, remaining completely hidden under loafers and sneakers while still protecting your feet from blisters and odor-causing bacteria. Even though they sit low on the back of the heel, the socks have non-slip silicone grips to keep them in place as you walk.

There’s not much this face primer can’t do when it comes to creating a seamless base for the rest of your makeup. First and foremost, it helps extend the longevity of your makeup with a sweatproof and waterproof formula that locks in your foundation. But the lightweight formula also helps blur pores, brighten the skin, and combat shine with just a dime-sized amount.

Monthly pedicures aren’t the only way to keep your feet smooth across every season. A foot cream that exfoliates as it moisturizes can also help to prevent calluses and dry heels from messing with open-toe shoes. Ideal for those wary of foot rasps and peeling masks, this daily cream contains urea and salicylic acid to slough off dead skin cells, and nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter to keep feet feeling soft.

Constantly reapplying your lipstick isn’t the only way to ensure your color stays vibrant. This unique lip stain is an internet favorite with nearly 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Like a temporary tattoo for your lips, the lip stain starts as a (slightly intimidating) blue mask that sets into a peel-off film after about one minute. Peel it off, and your lip color of choice remains waterproof and smudge-proof for up to 10 hours.

If caking on concealer is your go-to approach for masking dark circles, consider softening their appearance before applying makeup with this brightening eye balm. The skin-care-focused balm cools and refreshes as it brings in moisturizing benefits with aloe vera, watermelon fruit extract, and hyaluronic acid. The balm’s caffeine works to instantly reduce puffiness as the pink-toned shimmer brightens the under-eye.

Even expensive wool coats and cashmere sweaters can pill, and just because your favorite knit has started to doesn’t mean it’s time to retire it. This battery-operated fabric shaver removes fuzzies and lint from clothing without causing any damage, and works on a variety of fabrics, ranging from cotton to wool. It also has a detachable container that catches all the fuzzies.

This press-on kit gives you the look of a long-lasting gel manicure — without a trip to the salon or any dry time. The kit includes everything you need to prep and set your nails, from a mini file to adhesive tabs. Each set comes with an assortment of press-ons in various sizes to match your natural nails as closely as possible, and you can choose from more than two dozen colors and nail shapes.

Your work essentials deserve something more stylish than the bag you also use for your grocery shopping. This tote bag looks more like a classic handbag, but its multi-compartment design comfortably holds your laptop, notebooks, water bottle, and all of the usual odds and ends you stuff in your purse. The faux leather is water- and scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about being too precious with it.

You don’t need a multi-step brow routine to define your arches. Simply brushing the hairs into place with this clear brow gel is all it takes to groom brows and create a laminated effect that lasts all day. The residue-free gel is sweatproof for a 24-hour lift and hold, and it works just as well when paired with a pencil to fill in your brows as it does on its own.

Going braless isn’t your only option when you’re wearing a top or gown with a plunging neckline. This body tape guarantees completely seamless coverage because you can place it exactly where you need it to essentially create a custom bra. The stretchy adhesive provides more support than a sticky silicone bra, and it’s water-resistant for more staying power.

For the most seamless makeup finish, swap your brushes for a blending sponge that presses foundation into the skin for an airbrushed-like finish. This 14-piece set includes a mix of blending sponges and powder puffs, providing you with all of your essentials — plus plenty of backups. The sponges offer plenty of versatility; use them damp or dry to apply and set liquid, cream, and powder makeup formulas.

If your Apple Watch is an everyday accessory, swap out the standard sport band for this more elegant, slimmer style so it doesn’t clash with your outfits. The leather band attaches with a metal clasp and features a matching stainless steel buckle to easily adjust the fit. The bands come in different sizes to match different Apple Watch models, and you can choose from more than two dozen leather and metal color combos.

This seamless bralette lets you ditch the underwire while still giving you some support. The clever design uses 3D molded cups to give you the shape of a traditional bra, and jelly banding around the sides and under the cups for a push-up bra-like lift. Amazon reviewers rave about the bra’s buttery-soft texture, with multiple reviewers noting that it’s so comfortable, they actually sleep in it.

• Available sizes: Small – 4X-Large
• Available styles: 20+

Static cling can strike for a number of reasons, especially in the cold. This static-removing spray can be misted directly onto your clothing to immediately eliminate static cling without any fuss. It’s fragrance-free, doesn’t stain clothing, and is so gentle that you can use it in your washer to prevent static before it starts.

This mirrored powder compact comes with a puff applicator that’s made for on-the-go touch-ups to combat midday shine. The ultra-fine powder absorbs excess oil and blurs pores. Infused with skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and chamomile flower water for a semi-matte finish, it doesn’t leave skin feeling dry or cake-y.

Fuller-looking lashes require several coats of mascara. But the more mascara you layer on, the more clumping. Unless you’re going for a spidery lash look, this lash comb is a must-have, removing excess mascara for a feathery finish. The stainless steel tines are easy to clean between uses, and the lash comb comes with a lid to shield it from dust and germs when you’re not using it.

Bare nails can look just as well-groomed as freshly polished ones, and shaping is half the equation. This glass file is a less damaging tool than the usual emery board. It helps to shape nails and even add a shiny finish. It’s more durable too, and can be sterilized and used over and over again.

A perfectly layered necklace stack actually requires a bit of effort to keep delicate chains from tangling. That task just got a whole lot easier with this necklace separator clasp. It secures several necklaces to a single metal piece, so they stay tangle-free while you wear them. Each separator uses a magnetic piece that locks the clasp around your neck. Choose from gold and silver finishes to best match your necklaces.

Even expensive clothes can look cheap when they’re wrinkled. No matter how small your apartment (or how limited your ironing skills), this handheld steamer lets you keep clothes looking freshly pressed, minus the fuss. So compact you can toss it in your suitcase, the garment steamer holds enough water for 15 minutes of continuous use on fabrics that range from delicate silk to more durable cotton.

Achieve a brighter smile without a separate whitening treatment with this whitening toothpaste. Gentle enough to use daily, the toothpaste includes ingredients to remove surface stains from your teeth while also helping to prevent future stains from ever settling in. The beauty award-winning toothpaste also contains fluoride to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.

If your makeup looks better at home than it does outside, poor lighting may be to blame. This portable mirror ensures you have good lighting wherever you go, thanks to built-in LED lighting that includes three color modes and adjustable brightness. Made with travel in mind, the mirror is rechargeable and features a foldable base to help the mirror stand on its own.

Unless you never actually wear your shoes outdoors, they’re going to show signs of wear in the form of scuff marks and dirt stains. This foam cleaner is a versatile way to keep shoes looking new. It comes with a mini brush to help you scrub away stains. It’s safe to use on sneakers, heels, and boots.

You can wear these socks as a higher-crew style that sits just below the calf or scrunched down closer to your ankles. Either way, they’re fitted with elastic cuffs that keep the socks from slipping down and are stretchy enough to remain comfortable. These athletic-style socks are perfect for pairing with sneakers alongside leggings or biker shorts, but Amazon reviewers confirm they work with boots and loafers, too.

Whether your ring size tends to fluctuate or you have a few rings in your collection that have always been a little too big, this ring resizer set helps prevent loose rings from falling off. The plastic ring guards are temporary and adjustable, giving you a quick, easy way to get a customizable fit when you want to wear your rings on different fingers. In addition to two ring adjuster models for different ring band sizes, the set includes a polishing cloth to keep your jewelry looking like new.

Pant legs that are dragging on the ground not only look sloppy, but they inevitably end up dirty and ripped after multiple wears. This hem tape uses a heavy-duty adhesive that holds fabric in place without leaving a residue behind when you remove it. Not just for hemming pants, the tape can also secure tank top straps and off-the-shoulder dresses.

Exfoliate and create a smoother base for your makeup in one step. This set of disposable razors was designed with dermaplaning in mind, with single-blade razors with a micro guard strip that helps protect skin from nicks and razor burn. Each razor comes with its own protective cover, and the set also includes a separate precision cover that you can attach to any razor to shave over smaller areas, like cleaning up the hairs around your eyebrows.

Stacking multiple bracelets can quickly add up if you’re investing in luxury jewelry brands. This Amazon bracelet set features four designs inspired by pieces from high-end jewelry houses. Each stainless steel bracelet is plated in 18-karat gold, and two bracelets get some extra sparkle from cubic zirconia stones. They create an elegant finish to any look — whether worn individually or stacked together.

These heel liners were designed to prevent ballet flats and heels from slipping off your feet and also to provide some extra cushion that makes your shoes more comfortable and reduces friction to protect your heels from blisters. The inserts stay in place through multiple wears, and each set gives you four pairs of liners, so you always have a spare on hand.

Wearing a button-up blouse under a sweater is a go-to preppy look that can work in the office with tailored trousers or more casually with your favorite jeans. For a smoother silhouette, this half collar gives you the same look without a full shirt and bulky layers. The clever design uses adjustable elastic straps to keep the fake collar in place, making sweaters look less bulky for a more polished finish.

Not fully removing your mascara is a beauty no-no, but aggressively scrubbing at your lashes to remove every last trace of makeup is just as bad. This remover looks like a mascara wand, making it easy to comb through lashes to melt away makeup (yes, even waterproof formulas) without having to rub at your eyes. The gentle formula even helps to care for your lashes with a conditioning blend of jojoba oil, coconut oil, and squalane.

Lipstick that applies evenly and doesn’t turn patchy comes down to starting with an even base. Use these silicone brushes with your favorite lip scrub, helping to buff away dry skin and flakes as you gently massage your lips. The reusable brushes are easy to clean, and each set comes with three brushes to keep you fully stocked.

Okay, lounging around your house is a judgment-free zone, but if you’ve ever worn your mismatched pajamas to run across the street for a latte, there’s a better (more stylish) way. This loungewear set gives you an oversized sweater and matching pants in a soft knit that’s as cozy as it is cute. Choose from stripes or solid color options that work well for casual wear.

• Available sizes: Small – X-Large
• Available styles: 5+

If you’re taking the time to do your makeup and you’re not finishing it up with a setting product, you’re doing yourself a major disservice. This K-beauty setting spray is a simple step that goes a long way in keeping your makeup in place and preventing smudging and fading throughout the day. Just a couple of spritzes lock makeup in place, help control oil, and add a soft-focus finish.

Greasy roots are a dead giveaway that you skipped wash day, but so is a visible layer of dry shampoo. This dry shampoo spray is a colorless liquid and a true trust-the-process product; the liquid formula quickly dries down as you massage it into your roots, soaking up excess oil and sweat with translucent microbeads. There’s no white cast or heavy, powdery buildup. Instead, the formula leaves your hair with a freshly washed scent thanks to its odor-eliminating technology and salon-inspired fragrance.

Whether a new top is unexpectedly giving you trouble with a gaping neckline or you’ve been meaning to get one of your favorite dresses altered for months to keep the straps in place, this body glue is a wardrobe lifesaver. Easier to use than double-sided tape, the glue can be applied directly to your skin before pressing your clothing in place over top. The hypoallergenic body adhesive dries down in about 60 seconds to give you sweat-resistant hold that can still be washed off at the end of the day.

If you’re looking to take your outfit to the next level, a belt is an easy accessory to get you there. A classic design like this leather belt is all you need to accentuate your waist and create a more intentional, polished finish. It can be worn with dresses, jeans, and dress pants, but it’s made even more versatile as it’s a reversible design that lets you alternate between a black and brown leather belt.

A purse that’s overflowing with items is never chic. Luckily, that’s not a concern with this shoulder bag. The slouchy hobo bag is roomy enough to hold all of your essentials, including a smaller laptop for office commutes. Plus, there’s an interior key chain and slip pocket to keep smaller items more accessible. It’s crafted from durable faux leather material that still looks pricey.

Growing your hair out requires a lot of patience, but smarter styling products can help, too. This leave-in treatment helps to seal split ends right away for a smoother, shinier finish that makes hair look healthier. While it won’t eliminate the need for regular hair trims, the leave-in supports stronger hair over time with biotin, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, and sweet almond oil.

Regularly styling your hair with a curling iron or straightener can lead to split ends and breakage over time. To cut back on some of that damage, prep your hair with a heat protectant like this blow-dry spray. The multitasking product was formulated to be spritzed through hair that’s just been washed (and is still damp), adding thermal protection, reducing blow-dry time, and minimizing frizz.