It’s amazing how a set of cosmetics could powerfully make women feel more confident and empowered. Makeup is commonly used to conceal minor facial imperfections, like acne, and enhance one’s natural beauty. However, it’s quite ironic how makeup, a product used to boost someone’s beauty, could be the cause of someone’s flaw.
We’re talking about acne, and how makeup products (or the improper use of them) result to them.
If you’re using makeup regularly and you wonder why you always breakout, here are 7 mistakes you could be making.
1. You’re using a pore-clogging formula for coverage
Unless you have ultra-sensitive skin, most makeup doesn’t cause acne. However, certain ingredients in complexion products can clog pores, which foster the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Oil-based primers and foundation are no-nos if your skin is oily and prone to acne.
When buying makeup for oily or acne-prone skin, stick to non-greasy, non-comedogenic formulas. Other cues to look for are “hypoallergenic”, “non-irritating”, “mineral-based”, and “oil-free”. Pay attention to the ingredients. The first one should be water.
2. You’re using the wrong foundation for your skin concern
Just remember that ingredients may work differently from person to person. Even some mineral makeup can clog pores and irritate the skin.
If you have sensitive skin or severe breakouts, it’s best to consult with your dermatologist and stick to a medicated foundation. Medicated formulas help heal the damage while providing coverage without irritating skin. Avoid products with artificial fragrances and dyes too.
3. You always slather foundation too thickly
Dealing with stubborn breakouts? Applying layer after layer of cover-up might seem like a surefire trick but it actually does the opposite. This method can further accentuate zits and even delay the healing process, aggravating the acne.
Instead of succumbing to this pore-clogging mistake, try using color correctors. Green color correctors/ green concealers work like magic. They help neutralize and camouflage redness, giving your foundation less work to do.
4. Applying makeup with your fingers becomes a habit
It’s safe to say that your fingers are extremely dirty, from holding a germ-filled smartphone to picking greasy chips. You bring those germs to your face every time you apply makeup using your filthy fingers, which explains why you’re always breaking out.
It’s better to invest in a set of high-quality makeup brushes, sponges, and tools. They’re designed to apply makeup evenly and precisely.
And please, make sure to wash your face thoroughly after wearing makeup the whole day. Makeup wipes aren’t enough – you should use the best makeup remover, like micellar water and/or wash with water and your go-to facial cleanser.
5. You don’t clean your dirty makeup brushes and tools
Here’s another thing: while using makeup tools are better than using your fingers, they may work against you if you don’t clean them properly. Sorry to say but damp brushes, which are likely to be used for creamy or liquid makeup, are an effective breeding ground for bacteria. No expensive set of brushes can escape this fact.
Wash and condition the bristles on your makeup brushes. The easy spray-on antibacterial shampoo is one smart solution, but you may use your regular shampoo. As for sponges, wash them with soap and hot water, and squeeze them out until the water clears up.
When to toss your beloved makeup brushes? Some of the telltale signs include shedding, broken handles, and misshapen brushes.
6. You’re using expired makeup products (and you’re unaware of them)
Sad to say but even your favorite makeup products with steep price tags have an expiration date. While it’s hard to let go of them when their time is over, it’s harder to deal with irritation should you keep on using them.
Brace yourselves – here’s a little makeup workshop about makeup shelf life, according to makeup experts:
Complexion products
- Cream foundation and concealer makeup: 6 months to 1 year
- Cream blush and duo sticks: 12 to 18 months
- Powders, blushers, bronzers: 2 years
Eye makeup products
- Mascara: 3 months
- Gel eyeliner: 3 to 6 months
- Eyeshadow: 6 months to 2 years
- Pencil eyeliner: 2 years
Lip makeup products
- Lipstick and lip liner: 2 years
- Lip gloss and balm: 1 year
The rule of thumb is the more moisture the product has, the shorter its lifespan is, so pay attention to your cream and liquid foundation, concealer, liquid liners, and blush tints. Some signs of expired makeup include separation and changes in texture and changes in smell.
Throwing them away once they’re past their shelf life is your safest bet. You’ve been warned.
7. You ignore your allergic reaction from makeup
Never use extremely cheap makeup from shady sellers – this is a no-brainer. Being a cheapskate in buying makeup can be your ticket to irritated skin. However, that doesn’t mean buying the exorbitant, top-tier products is the safest way to go.
Makeup products, regardless of the brand or price, contain chemicals which may be irritating for your skin type, especially if you’re delicate. Some ingredients result in an allergic reaction called “contact dermatitis” in certain folks.
If you notice your skin is becoming red, itchy, or swollen after applying a certain type of makeup, discontinue using. Stop using even if it’s new.
