There’s a lot of bad advice floating around out there when it comes to beauty. While it’s true that everyone, from experts to novices, has their own way of doing things, some things are just plain myths. It can be easy to get stuck in the practices we grew up with and heard from our moms or even in myths we’ve heard all over the internet. So I’ve taken these five simple myths and busted them. If you can start with these small changes, your skin may thank you for it. Read on for a handful of beauty basics you’ll want to pass along.
Beauty Basics: Myth vs. Fact
MYTH: Test foundation on the inside of your arm.
FACT: Always test foundation on your jawline. If you test it on the inside of your arm, you may get a false positive. You’ll likely end up with a shade that’s too dark for your complexion Test foundation in a well lit spot on the side of you face towards your jawline for a true fit. (If you’re shopping for Motives foundation, this handy chart may also help!)
MYTH: You should exfoliate your face daily.
FACT: Use exfoliator only once or twice a week. While it may be tempting to try to get a better clean by using exfoliator, you may be wearing out your skin. Instead, opt for a cleansing brush like the ones made my Clarisonic or Foreo, which help get dirt and impurities out gently.
MYTH: You should apply your foundation before you apply your eye makeup.
FACT: Do eye your eye makeup work first. This will help you avoid getting residue under your eyes, which will only lead to more cleanup later. Work on your eyes, clean up any debris, and then move on to applying foundation and concealer. Less cleanup means no raccoon eyes!
MYTH: You should wash your face twice a day.
FACT: This one is true! However, you should only use a gentle cleaner. Don’t overdo it with exfoliators (see above!). For a simple, waterless cleanse, you can also try the new Lumiere de Vie Micellar Water, which requires no rinsing.
MYTH: Oily skin doesn’t need a moisturizer.
FACT: You absolutely need a moisturizer for your skin, even if you have an oily complexion. The trick is finding one that doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin. Opt for a lighter, gel formula. It all begins with fully understanding your skin to find the right product. Take this quiz to get started. But don’t neglect your moisturizer!
What are some other beauty basics you know are not true? Help us bust them all in the comments!