There are thousands of dos and don'ts in makeup and skincare, and not all of them hold up to closer scrutiny. We've taken a look at some of the most common beauty myths to work out what actually holds true — and what you can safely ignore.
Anti-wrinkle cream alone stops wrinkles – Somewhere in between
Anti-wrinkle cream can make a difference, but it's no miracle cure on its own. The right cream needs to go hand in hand with sun protection, good moisturisation, and healthy habits to actually work. The best thing you can do is start early, protect your skin from the sun every day, and use the cream as a complement to a well-thought-out routine — not as the only solution.
Sun exposure is always bad – Myth
The sun has both harmful and beneficial properties, and like everything else, it's all about balance. Vitamin D is activated by sunlight and is important for your immune system and overall wellbeing. Thirty minutes outside in the sun can genuinely be good for you, both physically and mentally. Just remember to always apply sunscreen before you head out, and top it up regularly.
Sleeping in your makeup doesn't damage your skin – Myth
Yes, it does. Makeup left on overnight stops your skin from breathing, clogs your pores, and mixes with the day's dirt and oil that gets trapped in your skin. Mascara that isn't removed can also lock bacteria into the follicles, leading to infection and irritation. And leaving mascara on overnight stresses your lashes, which can cause them to break and fall out prematurely. Always use our Caring Eyes Make Up Remover for a gentle and effective cleanse every evening.
You should pump the mascara wand – Myth
A common mistake that actually does more harm than good. Pumping the wand in and out of the tube pushes air into the mascara, which causes it to dry out faster and damages the brush prematurely. Instead, apply in thin layers with a small amount of mascara on the wand at a time for a smoother, more even result. Want longer and fuller lashes without overdoing the mascara? Xlash Eyelash Serum delivers visible results in 28 days and makes it easier to apply mascara.
Makeup lasts forever – Myth
Just like food, makeup has a best-before date. Expired products lose their effectiveness and can become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause breakouts and infections. Replace your mascara every three months, eyeliner and eyeshadow within six months, and wash your makeup brushes regularly. The skin around the eyes is especially sensitive, so be particularly careful with eye products.
Eyebrows should match your hair colour – Myth
There are no absolute rules here. Darker brows against lighter hair can look striking, and vice versa. The most important thing is finding a shade and shape that flatters your individual face. Want fuller, more defined brows? Combine Xbrow Eyebrow Serum for natural growth with our Micro Sculpting Brow Pencil for a natural, precise result in the right shade for you.
Plucking stops your brows from growing back – Partly true
Occasional plucking doesn't affect growth, but heavy and prolonged plucking can damage the follicles and extend regrowth time by up to twelve months. Always pluck after a warm shower when your pores are open, pull the hairs in the direction of growth, and apply aloe vera afterwards to soothe the skin. And put the tweezers down in time — it's easy to go too far.
Makeup causes spots – Myth
Makeup itself doesn't cause spots, but dirty brushes, expired products, and not removing your makeup properly can contribute to breakouts. Wash your brushes regularly, replace old products, and always cleanse your skin thoroughly every evening. If your skin reacts to a new makeup product, it may be that the ingredients don't suit your skin type — always patch test on a small area first.
Beauty rules are there to be questioned, but when it comes to the health of your skin, lashes, and brows, it always pays to keep things clean, protected, and well cared for.
