Top 10 Interesting Makeup Facts And Myths

Social media, beauty influencers, your friend’s sister, everyone has great makeup facts and tips to share. But unfortunately, most of those tips turn out to be myths. And one cannot depend on trial-and-error when it comes to makeup. Your skin is vulnerable — be it normal, dry, or sensitive — and you need to make sure that the makeup you apply will not affect it. We hope the following list of makeup myths and facts helps you make informed decisions. Swipe up!

10 Interesting Makeup Facts And Myths

Let’s bust some interesting makeup tips and tricks, right here!

Myth #1: Primers And Moisturizers Work The Same Way!

Fact:

Completely different in the formula from moisturizers, Primers help in the easy application of the foundation by creating a smooth base and also making it last longer. A primer fills fine lines, minimizes the pore size, and prevents oiliness. Unlike the moisturizer, which just hydrates the skin and controls dryness, a primer should be applied after moisturizing the skin and before applying the foundation.

Quick Tip

The key difference is that primer is a makeup product while moisturizer is a skincare product.

Myth #2: Red Lipstick Cannot Be Carried Well By Everyone!

Fact:

A self assumed myth by many teenagers and beginners in makeup, this myth is absolutely not true! Anyone can absolutely rock a red lipstick and look stunning. The only tip you should remember is to pick the right red depending on your skin tone. Red lipsticks are available in different undertones – blue undertone reds are universally flattering. So, you can try different red shades and pick the one, which suits you the best.

Note: When trying to wear red lipstick, use your ring finger to apply the red shade on the lips. This creates a lighter, more diffused look.

Myth #3: Choose Your Foundation By Matching It To Your Forehead, Neck, Cheek Or Hand!

Fact:

Finding the perfect foundation is the toughest task in makeup. The color of the skin on the forehead, neck, cheek and hands differ completely from the face. Stand in front of a mirror and place your hand near your face and you will notice that your hand is darker than the skin tone of your face. It is the biggest makeup misconception to match your foundation with these areas of your skin. Stress, sun exposure, and weather conditions can change the skin color on your face more than the rest of the body. So, it is best to always swatch your foundation on the jawline of your face to get the perfect foundation shade and it is also good to try it in natural light.

Myth #4: Lip Plumper Can Increase The Size Of Your Lips!

Fact:

If you have thinner lips, you might have heard several people recommending lip plumpers for you. It contains hot pepper, cinnamon, menthol and caffeine, which irritate your lips to result in a swollen effect. It is a misconception that it is a treatment and the effect will last for a longer period of time. The fact is that it is not a permanent lip plumping treatment. The only solution for thinner lips to get permanent results is to get lip augmentation done with hyaluronic acid fillers.

Myth #5: Pump Your Mascara Wand In And Out To Get Rid Of Clumps!

Fact:

Mascara is one makeup product, which gets easily deteriorated with usage. Pumping the mascara wand in and out will only result in pumping air into the mascara tube, resulting in the formula drying faster than the expiry date and the air might also cause bacterial accumulation. The best way to easily get rid of mascara clumps is to rotate the mascara wand in the tube and then wipe it with a tissue before applying it to your eyelashes.

Alyssia Chang, Professional Makeup Artist, says, “Another amazing trick to get rid of mascara clumps is to put the mascara in between your legs or your armpit to warm it up while prepping the skin. By the time you get to the mascara and twirl the wand inside, the formula is heated so that it comes out very smooth.”

Myth #6: Eyeshadow Cannot Match Your Eye Color!

Fact:

Contrasting colors with the eye makeup and eye color can really lift your eyes and make them pop, but that doesn’t mean you cannot match your eyeshadow with the eye color. Brown eyes can’t wear brown eyeshadow, blue eyes cannot carry blue eyeshadows are misconceptions. In fact, matching hues can also make a strong bold statement.

Myth #7: Concealer Should Always Be Lighter Than Foundation!

Fact:

This is the biggest myth believed by many people, which is absolutely not true! It is best to match your concealer like your foundation to your skin tone as possible. Lighter concealers will only make your dark circles, flaws, and other imperfections stand out.

Myth #8: Pick A Foundation That Is Lighter Than Your Skin!

Fact:

Foundation is a makeup product, which is used to even out the skin tone and give flawless skin. But, people assume that looking fair is the only way to achieve a flawless look. Absolutely no! Most Indians have dusky brown complexions and usually pick up foundations, which are much lighter than our natural skin tone. It gives a gray and ashy look to the skin after application. The best way to find the perfect shade is to match your jaw line. If the foundation blends easily into your skin, then you have chosen the right color. If there is a lot of difficulty and it leaves a gray finish on your skin after application, then it is a wrong shade.

Myth #9: Makeup Causes Breakouts!

Fact:

There is absolutely no research, which says that makeup causes breakouts. Poor hygiene, using expired and low quality products can cause acne and other infections. The other main reason behind breakouts after a party or wedding can be improper cleansing regime, sleeping with makeup on, using unclean brushes, etc. Breakouts can also be caused by using wrong products, such as using a dewy finished foundation on excessively oily skin. It is always a good idea to perform a patch test on your hands before using a product to ensure its safety.

Note: Try to look at the ingredients of your makeup products to make sure that there are little to low ratings of comedogenicity. If it is a 4 or 5 rating, there is a higher chance of the ingredient(s) in the product making your skin react.

Myth #10: Makeup Products Can Tingle Skin!

Fact:

Tingling or feeling cold on the skin after the application of makeup can never be right, isn’t it? The sensation is a result of the ingredients on the product which are irritating your skin. So, if you have a tingling or irritating feeling post-application of the product, it is best to discontinue using it.

Quick Tip

You may remove the makeup as soon as possible and clean your face with rose water to soothe the skin. If the irritation is severe, you may use hydrocortisone cream.

Infographic: Historical Facts About Makeup!

The makeup facts and myths discussed above will surely help you make informed decisions while choosing the right products. But wouldn’t it be great to learn more about the history of makeup while you are at it?

Check out the infographic below to learn some of the most amazing historical facts about makeup.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fun fact about makeup?

Nightingale feces, fish scale powder, gelatin, and egg whites, could be a part of makeup and cosmetics in various ancient cultures of the world.

Who invented makeup?

Though many consider the Egyptians to have invented and used makeup first, the Chinese Zhou dynasty dating back to the first millennium BC had seen the use of beeswax, gelatin, egg white to paint their nails.

Why is makeup so important?

While it is not mandatory, makeup helps accentuate your best features and hide your scars and blemishes. In ancient times, it was also used to scare off enemies and wild animals.

Who wore makeup first, man or woman?

Egyptian women are first known to wear makeup on their face.

What are the leading brands in the fashion and cosmetic industry?

Brands such as Chanel, Zara, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior are not only iconic in the world of fashion but are also celebrated as leading international makeup brands known for their cutting-edge beauty products and makeup aesthetics.

Illustration: Interesting Makeup Facts And Myths

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Are you ready to learn some truth bombs about makeup products? Check out this video to learn 11 terrifying facts about makeup that will make you question a lot of your tried products and processes.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Alyssia ChangProfessional Makeup Artist

     

Alyssia Chang has spent over 13 years in the beauty industry, working closely with brands like MAC Cosmetics, Chanel, and Tom Ford. She has been lucky enough to work with incredible people doing masterclasses, special events, and training with world beauty experts.

Read full bio of Alyssia Chang

Nisha BaghadiaContributor

 

Nisha is a contributor to StyleCraze and has 3 years of experience in content writing for different genres. She is a makeup aficionado and combines her love for makeup and writing to provide her readers with the latest information in the beauty world.

Read full bio of Nisha Baghadia

Asmita DeAssociate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

Read full bio of Asmita De

Vaishali SinhaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Vaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience in writing for various genres. She has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical vocalist to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing.

Read full bio of Vaishali Sinha