9 “Bad” Beauty Moves You Should Embrace

We make hundreds of decisions on a daily basis — many of them dictated by common sense and years of trial and error: Will Jennifer Lawrence’s pixie cut work for my coarse curly hair? Do I go on a second date with someone who was mean to the waiter during our first one? Should I buy pleather-paneled leggings?

While these questions practically answer themselves — no, no, and if the price is right, why the hell not? — there are times when our instincts are way off the mark, and the strategies that we’ve followed forever are actually compromising how we look and feel. If “avoid water when you feel bloated” or “oily skin doesn't need more oil” sounds like solid, appearance-enhancing advice to you, read on.

We asked top experts to dispel some long-held beliefs about beauty and health, and tell us what to do instead. Heed these tips and you just may have a dozen fewer decisions to make today.