Beauty Myth Busters: 11 Common Makeup Routine Myths Dispelled

Thanks to the internet and social media (we’re looking at you, TikTok) there are so many makeup “rules” that get tossed around without much facts or information to back them up. Usually stemming from viral trends, these statements tend to be very definitive and may even force you to rethink your entire makeup routine. 

The craziest part is that many of them simply aren’t true and do more harm than good. After all, makeup is a form of creative expression and what you like and what works for you should take importance over any type of makeup standard. So, we’re debunking 11 everyday makeup misconceptions that have no place in your routine.

1. Bronzer Can’t Be Used as Eyeshadow

Letting you in on a little secret — your powder makeup products can be used interchangeably because they’re all the same formula, marketed for different uses. If you like easy, quick makeup, bronzer definitely works as eyeshadow in the crease and the same applies to powder blush. Your powder face products are way more versatile than you think.

2. Concealer Goes After Foundation

While applying concealer after foundation to mask blemishes or add brightness is very common, this is just one way to apply your face makeup. Some prefer to conceal before applying foundation because this allows them to use less foundation. Ultimately, it really just depends on preference and how you like to do your makeup. 

The only time we would say concealer absolutely must be applied after your foundation is when you’re using a powder formula like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder.

3. Mascara Must Be Tossed Every Three Months

While using old mascara can pose a threat to your eyes, tossing your mascara every three months is a bit premature. Instead, check the instructions on the box and use that as your guide. Most mascaras, including the L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Waterproof Mascara can last upwards of six months before you need a new one.

4. Heavy Makeup Will Clog Your Pores

Heavy makeup will clog your pores or your skin can’t breathe when you wear too much makeup — we’ve all heard some version of this widespread myth. The truth is, your pores don’t breathe and heavy makeup will not clog your pores if you’re removing it correctly.

To remove heavy makeup, start with a micellar water like the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types. Then, wash your face with a cream cleanser like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser to remove all leftover dirt, residue and oils. If you’re still concerned, look for complexion products with non-comedogenic formulas that won’t clog your pores like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation. 

5. The Sunscreen In Your Foundation Is Enough

The SPF in your foundation is not enough to protect your skin for a couple of reasons. First, you don’t apply your foundation in an even layer like you do sunscreen, rather, it’s concentrated in areas where you need coverage. Second, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen is needed to protect your face which is way more than the amount of foundation you’re likely wearing. 

While the SPF in your foundation is better than not wearing SPF at all, applying a separate sunscreen is a much better way to ensure your skin is protected. In the mornings, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Skin Care Age Perfect Collagen Expert Day Moisturizer with SPF 30 and layer your foundation over that. 

6. Shimmery Makeup Emphasizes Texture

While shimmery makeup can potentially emphasize texture and fine lines, it really comes down to the way you apply it and there’s no need to swear off it. On the eyes, apply your shimmery eyeshadows with a fluffy brush to diffuse the product, lightly blending it onto the skin. 

Using your fingertips will lead to a more pigmented application which is also more likely to emphasize texture. On the cheeks, opt for a makeup sponge instead of a brush for a more natural, diffused application that won’t call attention to fine lines, large pores or uneven texture.

7. Dark Eyeliner Makes Your Eyes Look Bigger

Not all dark eyeliner makes your eyes look bigger — that comes from application. Lining your upper and lower lash line will make your eyes bigger but using black eyeliner to create a cat eye on the upper lash line will actually lengthen and lift your eyes.

If you’re looking to fake bigger eyes, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner in Black to line the upper and lower lash line. For lifted eyes, use the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Grip Precision Felt Waterproof Eyeliner in Black to create a sharp wing on the upper lash line.

8. Foundation and Powder Can Replace Your Eyeshadow Primer

Using concealer and powder or foundation and powder to create your own eyeshadow primer is a very common makeup hack but it may lead to smudged eyeshadow. The creaminess of concealer or foundation, whether it's set with powder or not, can make your eyeshadow smudge, especially if you have oily eyelids.

Instead, use a waterproof pencil eyeliner like the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Last Waterproof, Up to 24HR Pencil Eyeliner and apply it all-over the lid, smudging it with your finger to make a base for eyeshadow. Since the pencil liner is waterproof, your eyeshadow will last all day without budging.

9. Luxury Makeup Is Better 

The cost of your makeup has no bearing on the way it performs. In fact, there are many drugstore formulas that perform just as well, if not better than their luxury counterparts. As the drugstore expands its offering, you can find foundations with skin care-hybrid formulas or innovative new launches that rival what luxury brands are releasing. 

10. Your Eyebrows Always Have to Be Darker Than Your Hair

As evidenced by the resurgence of bleached eyebrows, there is no rule that states your eyebrows need to be darker than your hair to look good. This is more of a guide to help you find the right shade for your brows, despite this, choosing an eyebrow pencil that’s darker than your hair may look harsh.

Instead, look for a shade that matches the undertone of your hair. If you have warm undertones, look for an eyebrow pencil or gel with a warm tone. If you have cool-toned hair, look for an ashy brow product.

11. Bronzer Is Always Warm Toned and Contour Is Always Cool Toned

Bronzing is meant to add warmth to the skin while contour is meant to create shadows and sculpt the face. Because of this, bronzers tend to be more warm-toned while contours tend to be more cool-toned. With that said, what you use to bronze and contour really depends on your personal preference and skin tone.

You can use bronzer to contour and many people do so because cool-toned contour powders can sometimes appear gray on the skin. A neutral, matte bronzer like the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Up to 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Bronzer is not too warm and not too cool, making it ideal for contouring or bronzing. 

Next: How to Fix Cakey Makeup Without Removing It

Written by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier