There are a lot of rumours when it comes to makeup. Some people say that it's bad for your complexion and you're better off without it while others claim it's perfectly fine. So what is the truth? Are these myths really true?

It's Time To Set The Record Straight...

How many times have you believed something that you read online by a beauty editor or maybe you were told by a family member or friend? We hate to be the ones to break it to you but, the words of wisdom that your mother told you when you were younger, may not be true after all (or at least not entirely true)! Here we will debunk 7 of the myths that we hear regularly from both clients and other industry professionals.

Makeup Is Bad For Your Skin

FALSE

Makeup is not bad for your skin. Actually, a lot of face makeup nowadays contains many skincare benefits which your skin thrives from such as concealer containing depuffing ingredients, lip products that plump your lips, and mascara which helps to grow your natural eyelashes. Makeup is only bad for your skin when you don't remove it properly or, worse still, you don't remove it at all. You must double cleanse your skin at the end of each day to remove not only your makeup but the oil, dirt, and bacteria that can get trapped underneath. Your skin will thank you for it in the long run.

If you are suffering from breakouts and don't remove your makeup at night without fail then that should be your first port of call along with a good dose of Salicylic Acid.

You Need To Let Your Skin Breathe

FALSE

Your skin is an organ and therefore is constantly breathing. If it wasn't then it would suffocate! Wearing makeup will not cause your skin to suffocate. However, saying that, it is definitely a wise idea to give your skin some 'makeup-free days' so that it can get some real Vitamin D (whilst protected with adequate sunscreen of course) and reap all the benefits of your skincare products without any disturbances.

You Shouldn't Sleep In Your Makeup

TRUE

As with myth #1, you should never sleep in your makeup. Your complexion will become a breeding ground for bacteria, excess oil, and acne breakouts. Your skin is in 'repairing mode' at night and, between the hours of 11pm-midnight, the process of cell mitosis of the skin is at its peak. By wearing makeup during bedtime, you are hindering this process and can cause the skin to look dull, aged, and lifeless.

Sleeping in your makeup can cause a whole range of issues that take a lot of time, effort, and money to fix so, no matter how tired you are or how late you make it through the front door, always try and prioritise just 5 minutes before falling into bed to double cleanse your skin.

You Don't Need To Apply A Separate SPF When Wearing Makeup

FALSE

Although additional sunscreen in your makeup is helpful, it shouldn't be relied on entirely. If you think about the amount of sunscreen that you need to apply compared to the amount of foundation that you apply; you've probably just realised now that the quantity is largely different (or at least, it should be).

If you were to rely on your foundation alone for complete sun protection then you would need to apply a whole tablespoon amount of product! Considering the majority of makeup users only use a pea-sized amount of foundation per application - it isn't enough. Always apply your sunscreen first and then follow with your makeup of choice. Any additional sun protection is just a bonus.

Makeup Products Don't Have An Expiry Date

FALSE

Despite other claims, just like the food in our kitchen, makeup definitely does expire at some point. Loose and pressed powder makeup tends to last much longer but items such as mascara should be replaced at least every 3 months as bacteria tend to start harbouring on the mascara wand making you liable to eye infections like conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and dry eyes. Foundations and bb cream tend to oxidise into darker shades than your natural skin tone and than you originally purchased.

All cosmetic products contain a PAO (period after opening) symbol on the back of the packaging, usually located near the ingredient list or barcode, which will indicate how long you can use the product after opening before it is recommended that you dispose of it. It will usually state 3mo, 6mo, 12mo, or 24mo.

If you've got a cosmetic bag full of products that you brought several years ago then now is the time to throw them away and replace them!

mo = month

You Don't Need To Wash Your Makeup Brushes That Often

FALSE

It's likely that you use your makeup brushes daily, especially your foundation brush, so they will be clinging on to a lot of leftover product, bacteria, and general grime. You must thoroughly clean your brushes weekly at a minimum to keep them fresh, clean, and germ-free. We recommend using something gentle (think baby shampoo) rather than anything too harsh such as washing up liquid or liquid detergent- remember that whatever you clean your brushes with, the residue will eventually end up on your skin!

If you are acne or blemish-prone then you must clean your brushes, ideally, after every use. You can use an anti-bacterial brush cleanser such as delilah Brush Cleaner. They are quick to use and dry instantly. Don't forget to give your eyelash curler a regular wipe clean to protect your lashes and upper lash line too.

You can read a blog all about how to clean your brushes correctly here

You Should Leave Glitter Alone After 40

FALSE

A myth that came about due to women believing that shimmer clung to dry skin and fine lines and wrinkles. However, when correctly applied, shimmer products contain light-reflecting properties meaning that they will brighten and add luminosity to the skin which makes the complexion look younger. As long as you apply shimmery products tactically in your makeup routine then they can work wonderfully for you.

Seeing as light-reflecting products draw attention to any places that it is applied, it is important to not apply to highly textured skin or areas we want to hide. A light sweep of delilah Pure Light Illuminating Powder across cheekbones is a fail-safe option for anyone wanting radiant, healthy skin.

Makeup artists have a makeup tip when it comes to eye makeup application - a simple trick is to spritz your eyeshadow brush with a little setting spray prior to get maximum intensity and then pat a thin layer of shimmery eye shadow within the centre of the eyelid but leave the outer corner bare. This natural look will help to give you an instant eye lift too.

Basically, if it makes you feel good about yourself then, you should definitely wear it.

Which Ones Had You Heard Before?

Hopefully, we have cleared up all the myths that you have previously heard... Do you know others? If you need some further help regarding applying makeup, makeup tips and tricks, or tweaking makeup for your age then feel free to ask us! All the products featured above are available to purchase at Dermacare Direct with free tracked delivery via Royal Mail. We can help with our expert advice and top tips making your makeup shopping stress-free. You can contact us by live chat, email via [email protected], or pick up the phone now and call us on phone number 0116 251 4848 to speak directly with a friendly advisor.