How to step out of your beauty comfort zone

Whether we’re conscious of it or not, most of us live by a self-taught set of beauty rules and like to stick within our comfort zones. And while there’s nothing wrong with playing it safe – looking the same day in, day out, can feel a little monotonous.
RELATED: Your beauty bucket list
Well, it’s time to break the mould, wake up on the other side of the bed, and do something different! Don't get yourself stuck in a rut! Be daring, challenge yourself and take a risk, because you might stumble upon something great. From going bold with a red lipstick for the very first time, to committing to a dramatic hair transformation, here are eight ways to update your beauty routine for the better.
#1 Mix your scents
Watch out for the more complex fragrances, but follow this guide and create your own unique, one-of-a-kind blend that’s exclusive to Y-O-U.
#2 Think purple
There’s no doubt the air has been getting cooler, so let’s start embracing those deliciously deep plum, purple and burgundy tones, shall we? But don’t just stop at lips and nails – there’s plenty of ways to get your violet fix. Purple blush works brilliantly on cool-toned skin, especially in softer shades like lilac and for warmer tones, try a deeper, more burgundy hue. A frosty purple flush on the cheeks or a dusting of purple highlighter is the perfect way to look feminine this winter, guaranteed.
bh recommends: M.A.C Powder Blush in Full of Joy, NARS Seduction Blush, Bobbi Brown Blush in Lilac Rose
#3 Go bold with your brows
Blondes with matching eyebrows look summery and sun-kissed, but blondes with dark, thick brows look even better. The darker definition helps sculpt your face, and makes for one seriously on-trend statement. Just look at these leading ladies who’ve embraced it.
bh recommends: Eylure Brow Palette, Clinique Pretty Easy Brow Palette, Maybelline New York Master Brow Pro Palette, Rimmel London Brow This Way Brow Sculpting Kit
#4 Bronzer ain’t just for your cheeks
Are you a lover of shimmer? Then get that bronzer on your eyelids, STAT. Coppery lids work especially well with blue eyes, for a minimal look with big impact. Get your inspo from the master of this technique, Ania Milczarczyk. Just goes to show you don’t need a lot of make-up to look like a #kween.
#5 Rock the chop
Pixie crops are having a moment, so if you’re bored with your ‘do, now is the time to book in that long-awaited snip. Start bob-length, and work your way up, up, up! Less length is not only liberating, but requires less prep time and is easy on the funds. Can’t argue with that!
RELATED: Editor-approved hair transformations you have to see
#6 Be inventive
If you’re short on eyebrow gel one morning, don’t have a hissy. Instead, spray a small amount of hairspray onto your finger or a toothbrush, then swipe it over your brows for long-lasting hold. Want more double-duty beauty hacks? You got it!
RELATED: 13 epic hair hacks you need to know
#7 Wear your art
Some girls love lipsticks, others covet glossy nails. If you’re the latter, ditch the signature red and switch things up for a look that’s more eye-catching. Marble nail art looks super impressive, but takes no time to master, or if you’re a fan of the quick-fix, stick ‘em on.
bh recommends: Elegant Touch Envy Wrap Bling – Dotty Nude, Glam By Manicare Limited Edition Nails, Fingr's Edge
#8 Purge your cosmetics
You don’t have to toss them ALL, but a good clean-out can be really inspiring (and necessary!). Set yourself a challenge: limit yourself to five staples and see how many looks you can create from them.
What beauty look have you tried lately that’s different for you? Did you love it?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
199 Member Comments
I love a purple eye shadow, and I have tried my bronzer as an eye shadow too, and who can't go past a well structured brow.
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I really need to do number 8 - Purge your cosmetics. I have make-up I have no idea how to use...
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I need to ditch my make up and buy new products, most of what I have is old or from Clinique gap. I have recently bought some new lipstick and eyeshadow.
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Oh I've done a makeup purge. It is a horrible feeling seeing all that money go into the trash. The other way to look at it is to take a photo and look at all the lipsticks (in my case) that I never wore that sat there going to waste. I am being more careful with my selections now.
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I've tried a purple lip stain from Benefit called Lollitint. Nothing too extreme with that. I didn't mind it but I obviously prefered different colours over purple :-P
I've also used bronzer on my eyelids, looks great for blue eyes as it's such a contrasting colour, and it's super easy too especially when you already have your bronzer out.
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I wish I could have the courage to step out of my comfort zone! Years ago I went from ridiculously long hair to a bob. I won't be doing that again!!
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I love purple but I’m so scared to try it out!
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OOh I love the look of the MAC Full Of Joy colour in the blush!
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Bronzer as eyeshadow is a great idea as I don’t really use it on my cheeks
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I recently tried stick-on nail polish strips for the first time from Personail & I loved the look! They were fairly easy to apply (the hardest part was choosing the one that was right for your individual nail, which isn't easy when you have wide nail beds like I do), easy to remove & best of all, I received so many compliments about my nails. Would definitely purchase them again.
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I might give purple a go :)
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Good for you jillian
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I am definitely a makeup hoarder, looks like it's time to part with those old bits and pieces I always struggle to part with once and for all. OMG that eyebrow on Anne Hathaway is really creepy, lol. Am not a big fan of thick, bold eyebrows that look too dark and unnatural on some people. Yet, I don't think that thin, drawn-on brows are very flattering at all either. My advise would be stick with your natural shape, size and colour and invest in a good brow pencil and or brow kit to tidy them up. Otherwise get a professional to do them for you. I love slightly adventurous makeup and of course it goes hand in hand with nail art.
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I just got an email from Milani cosmetics with photos if their lavender highlighter and it looks very cool indeed. Would really suit cool skin tones well for winter.
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Good advice to get out of the comfort zone.
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I love switching up my eye look, there's not many colours that I wouldn't at least try
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Every now and then i throw out items i haven't used in a while, and go splurge on some new goodies to try. I'm loving the plum tones
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I definitely need a purge as I have started to take over my boyfriends draws with makeup hehe.
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did bronze on my eyes, looks good because i have hooded eyes. quite flattering
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I like the bronzer on the eyes!
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Purple highlighter looks weird on me, therefore not a good look so that one is a no go. I also don't think that I will be lopping my hair off anytime soon :)
I do need to change my fragrance for the winter months and have a good look at my makeup.
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I do use my bronzer as eye makeup sometimes..usually when I'm in a rush and can't be bothered to look around for everything.
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Bronzer is a great eyeshadow colour though!
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Clearing out makeup after a while is dissapointing, but very important!
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I like it. Room for new makeup in my life.
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