Beauty Mistakes I Made in My 20s (And Lived to Laugh About Them)

I will be the first to admit it: I have left the house looking fucking crazy multiple times. All throughout my 20s, I had zero shame. I know, I know I’ve even told people I leave the house looking like a “top notch, bad stunner” every day. Nope. Sometimes I looked amazing. And sometimes… I looked like somebody whoop my ass and pushed me out the door.

But honestly, I like to view it as self-awareness. When I look back at old photos or videos, I genuinely get disturbed by some of them. And then I burst out laughing because what I thought I was “eating down” baby… it was eating me up.

So, to help girls cut their “canon events” shorter than the eight-year saga I spent going through mine, I’m sharing five takeaways of beauty mistakes I learned throughout my 20s. Grab some popcorn.

1. Overdoing Trends Instead of Learning My Face

I was a teenager in 2016, so you already know the vibes. I was learning makeup in college like it was a masterclass I wasn’t allowed to skip. Concealer, foundation, Anastasia brow pomade, eyeshadow, lashes I came into the makeup game swinging.

Some days I looked like I had just stepped off a photoshoot. Other days? Boo Boo the Fool clown car exploded on my face.

And let me tell you, in those moments, I felt myself every day. People were staring. And yes, some days I deserved it. Some days… I probably scared children.

Now, at 28, my signature look is No Makeup Makeup. Clear brow gel, mascara, blush, outline lips, call it a day. Personal beauty over viral beauty, every time. Because nothing says “I’m together” like looking like a normal human who hasn’t fought a Sephora explosion.

2. Not Investing in Long-Term Beauty Early Enough

Here’s the thing about me: I’ve always loved a quick fix. Long-term beauty? Meh. Maintenance routines? Overrated. Preventative care? Pfft.

I spent money on dollar-store makeup that could literally peel my face off. Certain eyeshadows gave me styes. Certain cleansers gave me chemical burns under both eyes. And did I learn my lesson immediately? Of course not. I’m stubborn.

Here’s what I learned: Maintenance is cheaper than repair. Buy good products. Treat your skin like it’s your grandma gentle, consistent, and loved.

3. Being Too Harsh on My Natural Hair

Oh, my dad is gonna roll his eyes reading this, but my hair… my hair has always been a sensitive topic. I wanted long, straight hair for most of my life. So what did I do? Fry my natural curls like it was a chemistry experiment gone wrong.

I even wore wigs so bad that I was basically walking around with a helmet on my head. And let me tell you, when I thought I was “eating down”? Baby, I looked like a wigged out astronaut ready for liftoff.

Here’s the moral: Healthy hair beats perfect hair. Love your curls, love your natural texture, and if a little boy or a girl says something negative… bless their heart, they clearly need a mirror and a hug.

4. Thinking Beauty Meant Perfect Instead of Confidence

I’ve done it all: semaglutide, starving myself, saran wrapping, waist trainers, two hours of cardio. I thought looking perfect would make me feel powerful.

Truth? Confidence hits harder than contour. You can fake looking perfect. You cannot fake confidence. I’ve walked into rooms feeling like a baddest chick even when I wasn’t Instagram-ready. Because the energy? That’s your glow.

5. Embracing Your Own Signature Look

Whether you’re 20, mid-20s, late 20s, or 50, beauty isn’t just about physical looks. It’s about comfort in yourself. Your signature look? It’s in you.

When I look in the mirror, I feel like me. And when I walk into a room, I’m radiating energy that makes people stop and look. Beyoncé could be there, but baby, I’m still holding the candle.

Remember: other people’s opinions do not define your beauty. You define it. You lead how people treat you. And yes, sometimes that’s hilarious, sometimes it’s chaotic, but it’s yours.

Funny Realization at the End

Looking back, I sometimes laugh at my younger self. Wig helmets, overdone contour, chemical burns it was a journey. And honestly, if you aren’t laughing at yourself once in a while, are you even trying?