Ancient Egyptians were using kohl eyeliner as early as 4000 BCE — makeup isn’t new, but beliefs about it certainly are. Today the global cosmetics market is worth more than $500 billion, and that scale brings a lot of advice: some evidence-based, some not. I remember a friend who was told to stop wearing foundation because “it ruins skin” — a simple line that sent them into a months-long product purge.
That kind of advice matters: myths influence skin health, lead to wasted products, and can limit who feels welcome using cosmetics. This article debunks seven common myths and gives practical, evidence-based takeaways you can use right away — from patch tests and shelf lives to application tricks and when to splurge. Read on for seven numbered myths (1–7) and concrete tips for safer, smarter makeup use.
Skin and Safety Myths
Many of the loudest claims about cosmetics focus on health: acne, irritation, allergies, and whether products are “safe.” Professional bodies offer specific guidance rather than blanket bans — see the American Academy of Dermatology, the FDA, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review for details. Below are three common safety myths, evidence, and clear steps you can take.
1. Myth: Wearing makeup causes acne in everyone
Verdict: largely false — acne is multifactorial. Dermatologists note hormones, bacteria, sebum production and occlusive products all play roles (the AAD outlines these contributors).
Practical evidence shows non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas are less likely to cause breakouts than heavy creams. The problem is often product choice and hygiene, not makeup per se.
Recommendations: choose oil-free, non-comedogenic foundations or water-based tinted moisturizers; remove makeup within about 12 hours; cleanse with a gentle cleanser such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or CeraVe Foaming (depending on skin type); clean brushes weekly; and replace mascara every 3–6 months to limit bacterial buildup.
2. Myth: “Natural” cosmetics are always safer
Verdict: false. “Natural” is a marketing label, not a safety standard. Many botanical ingredients and essential oils can sensitize skin and trigger contact dermatitis, while many synthetic actives are well-studied and tolerated.
CIR assessments and dermatologist guidance stress looking at ingredient lists and clinical testing rather than buzzwords. For example, lavender and tea tree oils have documented cases of irritation in some users.
Recommendations: read ingredient lists, do a patch test on your inner forearm for 48 hours before full-face use, and favor brands with dermatologist-backed lines if you have sensitivity (brands like La Roche-Posay or Clinique often publish tolerability data). Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are widely tolerated actives to consider.
3. Myth: Expired makeup is harmless — it just smells bad
Verdict: false and potentially risky. Open containers let air and microbes in, and preservatives lose potency over time. Eye products, in particular, can harbor bacteria that cause conjunctivitis or styes.
Typical guidance: mascara and liquid eyeliners — 3–6 months; liquid foundations — 12–24 months; powder products — about 24–36 months. Look for the PAO (period after opening) symbol on packaging and follow brand instructions.
Recommendations: store cosmetics in a cool, dry place; toss mascara every 3–6 months; discard foundation after about 18 months if opened; and when in doubt, replace eye products first.
Application and Performance Myths
This group targets how we apply products and what performance claims mean. Common myths about makeup application affect coverage, tool choice, and waterproof claims, so technique often matters more than product quantity.
4. Myth: Using more product gives better coverage
Verdict: false. Pros recommend building with thin layers and targeted concealing rather than pushing heavy product everywhere, which often looks cakey.
Technique tips: start with a lightweight, buildable base (think serum or light foundation), then spot-conceal problem areas. Use stippling or tapping motions with a synthetic brush or sponge to blend rather than rubbing, which can remove product.
Examples: use a medium-build foundation and a dedicated concealer for spots instead of thick full-coverage layers. Tools like a Beautyblender or dense synthetic brushes help apply thin, seamless layers.
5. Myth: Waterproof makeup is always better because it won’t smudge
Verdict: partially true — waterproof formulas resist water and oil, but they come with trade-offs like tougher removal and potential eye irritation if handled roughly.
Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners rely on film-formers that bond to lashes and lashes’ skin. Removing them often requires oil-based cleansers or balms; aggressive rubbing can irritate fragile eye skin and eyelashes.
Recommendations: save waterproof products for specific needs (swimming, humid days, tears). Remove with a gentle oil cleanser or cleansing balm and follow with a second water-based cleanse. Micellar water alone may not remove waterproof formulas effectively.
Cultural, Cost, and Aging Myths
These myths shape who feels makeup is for them and where they shop. Makeup is not age- or gender-restricted, and price is not a guaranteed marker of performance. Smart choices can make makeup flattering at any age.
6. Myth: Makeup makes you look older — older people should avoid it
Verdict: false. Product texture and placement determine whether makeup looks aging. Heavy powders and very matte finishes tend to settle into lines, while hydrating, luminous formulas can look fresh.
Recommendations for mature skin: opt for cream blushes and cream-based color cosmetics, hydrating primers, and light-reflecting foundations or tinted moisturizers rather than heavy powders. A fine-mist setting spray can meld layers for a dewy finish.
Examples: IT Cosmetics CC+ cream and Laura Mercier tinted formulas are designed with skin benefits and a natural finish, which many find flattering on mature skin.
7. Myth: Expensive makeup is always better
Verdict: false. Price is an imperfect proxy for performance. Many drugstore products match or beat higher-end items on wear, shade ranges, and formulation for certain needs.
Advice: read ingredient lists, look for tested claims like non-comedogenic or dermatologist-tested, and try samples when possible. Spend where it matters to you — primer or foundation if finish and longevity are priorities; save on eyeliners or mascaras if a drugstore option performs well.
Examples: Maybelline Fit Me and NYX often deliver strong performance at low cost, while Estée Lauder Double Wear is a higher-end long-wear foundation many swear by. Also, don’t rely on makeup for sun protection — choose a dedicated SPF product regardless of makeup price.
Summary
- Safety depends on product choice and habits: patch-test new botanicals, use dermatologist-backed lines when needed, and follow AAD/FDA guidance.
- Technique and hygiene beat piling on product: build in thin layers, clean tools weekly, and replace mascara every 3–6 months.
- “Natural” and “waterproof” are not universal guarantees; read ingredients and reserve waterproof formulas for occasions that need them.
- Spend strategically: splurge on the items that affect finish most for you, test drugstore picks like Maybelline or NYX, and always prioritize a separate SPF over cosmetic SPF claims.
