Lies on Your Makeup Labels

Chances are you've seen phrases on makeup labels -- and maybe you've even been persuaded to buy something because of some claims. Unfortunately, most of them don't mean much -- and even the ones that are technically accurate can be misleading. 

Long-wearing is not the same as waterproof:

Long-wearing is not the same as waterproof There's something so enticing about makeup that makes time claims like "24 hour." We're all busy -- who wouldn't want makeup that could survive every obstacle we might face during the day? However, if you plan to jump in the pool while wearing your long-lasting makeup, know that it will be dripping down your face when you get out. These formulations are not the same as waterproof -- but they're perfect for someone whose eyeliner tends to be smudged by lunchtime.

 

Fragrance-free products may contain fragrances:

If you don't like strong smells, fragrance-free is a great option for you. However, if you're buying fragrance-free products because you're allergic or sensitive to fragrances, you might still end up with a reaction. "A lot of companies add masking fragrances to cover the scent of other ingredients.

"Anti-aging" ingredients don't really work:

 So many makeup products are now calling out skin care benefits -- like anti-aging and anti-acne -- on their packaging. Unfortunately, smoothing wrinkles isn't as simple as adding a fine-line-fighting ingredient to concealer.

"You can get anti-acne benefits from makeup that contains salicylic acid, But anti-aging ingredients? Not so much. And you're better off saving your anti-aging for nighttime anyway.

Many anti-aging ingredients are photosensitive and break down in sunlight.) 

"Natural" means nothing:

 Of all the confusion in the beauty aisle, organic and natural products might be the worst offenders. "FDA requirements say you only have to use 20 percent natural ingredients to say that a product is natural

"So the other 80 percent? Who knows?" If it's important to you that your makeup is truly organic, make sure the label specifies that the contents are "USDA-certified organic." And research the products through organizations like the Natural Products Association and The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. You may also want to consider whether or not natural is the best thing for you. "Just because something is organic or natural doesn't mean it won't irritate your skin,Lemon and orange oil are two of the most common irritants found in beauty products -- and that's true even if they're organic." If you have allergies, always do a patch test on the inside of your wrist before slathering an organic cream.

Nobody really needs "oil-free" :

Most people who are prone to breakouts are adamant about only wearing oil-free foundation and concealer because they think oil will make their acne worse. And now many beauty companies are making oil-free versions of just about everything -- even blush and eyeshadow -- to target these women. However, most dermatologists agree that having "oil-free" emblazoned across the label is mostly a marketing trick.

In fact, if you turn over your bottle of oil-free foundation, you may very well find oils on the list of ingredients.

Companies substitute synthetic oils for natural versions in order to call the product oil-free -- and the irony is that many of the synthetic oils are actually more likely to irritate your skin.