We all know that applying makeup is no easy task. With so many options to choose from and so much information online, it’s easy to get tricked into spending money on makeup you don’t need and miss out on game-changing products that can transform your beauty routine and make your skin look flawless. In this article, we’re debunking 6 most popular beauty myths to help you get the most out of your makeup and save money at the same time. Check them out below!
1. Makeup Does or Doesn’t Cause Acne
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Everyone’s skin is different, and every product is different- so finding the best fit for you is a difficult process. Find out what ingredients your skin doesn’t like, such as silicone (which appears in many primers), or talc (which shows up in blushes). That’s the first step to keeping your skin clear while enjoying makeup.
The second is makeup hygiene. You can avoid breakouts by making sure that your skin is properly cleansed before and after you put makeup on: the first, to give yourself a healthy canvas to work with, and the second to make sure no makeup blocks your pores. And make sure to wash your brushes! Bacteria love makeup brushes. Not cute.
2. Not Everyone Can Wear Red Lipstick
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The only difference between you and someone flawlessly wearing red lipstick is that they put it on one day and just went with it. You can wear red lipstick, and if you want to, you should! The key to pulling it off is in finding the perfect red lipstick to flatter your colouring. Check out helpful guides to find out what your skin’s undertone is and what shades would look best on you. A quick rule of thumb is to shoot for cooler tones if you have red (or cool-toned) skin, and warmer ones if you have more yellow/orange (or warm-toned) skin.
3. You Don’t Need Primer or Setting Spray
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Yes, you do. A new myth circling the beauty sphere is the idea that primer isn’t necessary, and moisturizer will do. Listen, primer exists for a reason, and it’s to protect your skin! Without it, the only thing standing between your skin and makeup is…well, nothing. Primer acts as a helpful, smoothing barrier to applying your foundation perfectly, minimize imperfections, and yes, keep your makeup from clogging your pores. Prime your face! As for setting spray, it’s not a must in your makeup routine, but it does help set your final look. It also helps cut down any powderiness you might have. Plus, that mist feels nice on your skin!
4. You Can’t Apply Your Makeup With Your Fingers
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Many people have been told time and time again that applying makeup with your fingers will give you acne, or ruin your makeup. Not so! If done properly, it’s perfectly fine to use your fingers. For foundation, make sure that you’re not dipping your fingers into a jar or pot–that will only cause bacteria to accumulate in the product you’re sticking your hands in again and again. Make sure your fingers are clean, too, and free of any cuts or abrasions.
Fingers especially help when you want to get a really pigmented eyeshadow look, or to apply glitter to your eyelid. So go ahead, try using your fingers out. Just keep in mind that your look might not be as smooth as it would be if you’d used a brush or sponge.
5. Vegan Eyeshadow Is Always Safe
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Many companies (including the biggest Sephora ones) proudly declare that their eyeshadow is vegan and cruelty-free–and that’s great! But sometimes, the compromises they make to ensure those things can be a disadvantage to you. In particular, some vegan reds, purples, and oranges are not actually eye safe. For most people, nothing will happen. For some, the reaction can range from mild staining to actual skin irritation and swelling.
If you have sensitive skin, keep an eye on how you react to any red pigments. The red dye used in vegan eyeshadow palettes is not FDA approved for use near the eye area.
6. Your Concealer Should Always Be Lighter Than Your Foundation
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Modern-day makeup is all about highlighting and contouring – and much of that is done with concealer. However, if you’re using concealer for its intended purpose, aka concealing blemishes or undereye bags, lighter isn’t always better. For true elimination of the red from acne or the blue and purple from undereye bags, a concealer wheel with specialized colours is your best bet. Then, when you’re done cancelling out the discoloration you don’t want, move on to using your light concealer to highlight the parts of your face that you want to have dimension.
Featured image: Instagram/ @nikkietutorials