The Top 5 Makeup Myths

There are many myths out there surrounding makeup and its usage. Some are so outrageous that women are scared to wear it! Let's expose these lies for once and for all, shall we?

Myth Number 5: There is no makeup for my skin tone/type/needs

This is false. The makeup industry has responded to the cries of women everywhere. There are lots of different lines for women with sensitive skin. Mineral makeup is a wonderful alternative to traditional powders and foundations. You can also find products for sensitive skin in such lines as Estee Lauder, Origins, Clinique, and Almay.

Let's talk skin tone. Back in the not so distant past, darker skinned women had virtually no options when it came to finding good makeup. The only option for us was Fashion Fair. Side note: Thank you Fashion Fair. You saw a need and met that need, and we are thankful. By the way, I really don't mean to sound ungrateful, but...there are other colors besides orange. I'm just saying. (Good rule of thumb: If you see an orange white woman, she's wearing too much spray tan. If you see an orange black woman, she's wearing Fashion Fair.)

Anyway, nowadays, women of all shades can get their makeup custom blended at places like Prescriptives. I got a custom foundation made for my wedding day, and I fell in love. MAC is also a great line for women of all tones. There is no reason for any woman to feel left out these days, so go on down to the mall and start shopping.

Myth Number 4: If you wear makeup too often, you start to look ugly/old without it

False! I'm sure there are women who put on full faces every day and end up look nothing like themselves, but I don't think that applies to most makeup wearers. The purpose of makeup is to enhance your natural features. Done right, it should make your natural self better. It should NOT make your natural self look like someone else.

When a makeup wearer leaves the house without her regular makeup, you may see subtle differences. You may see a few blemishes or dark circles here and there, but these things don't make her ugly. They make her average, and there's nothing wrong with average.

Makeup also has no ability to make you age prematurely. It actually helps prevent aging, as many foundations and powders contain SPF protection and moisturizers.

Leaving makeup on overnight can have negative affects on the skin, but that's due to user error, not the makeup itself.

Myth Number 3: Lip gloss, lipstick, mascara, and eyeliner are not makeup.

Clearly false. How many times have you talked to a friend or coworker about makeup and heard some variation of this: "It's cute on you, but I personally don't need makeup. I think I look good without it. Did I mention I don't need makeup? I mean, the most I wear is a little lip gloss, mascara, and eyeliner."

Interesting. Even though these items are all sold at the makeup counter, are applied to the face, and are not necessary for survival, they don't qualify as makeup. Good to know.

It may be hard, but please break it to your friend very gently. She is wearing makeup, and it's fine. It's perfectly normal and appropriate for a woman her age (if she's over 16). I don't understand why some women try so hard to separate themselves from the rest of us makeup wearers. Going bare-faced does not make you better. Again, it makes you average, and there's nothing wrong with average (unless you want to get ahead in business, as studies show that women who wear makeup do better in the workplace).

Myth Number 2: You have to be an expert to apply makeup correctly

False! I mean, it's true that your average makeup wearer is not going to get that MAC employee look all by herself, but anyone can apply subtle makeup by following their own natural features.

Smile! OK, hold it there. Now apply some blush along your cheekbones. Blend it with your fingers to get a subtle rosy glow. Got eyelashes? OK, brush some mascara on them. Now they look longer and thicker. Lip gloss/stick is a no brainer. It's that simple. You don't even need foundation for every day. Powder can take the shine away and even the skin tone, but that's not necessary either.

If you are going out for the evening, you will want a more dramatic look. Check out Makeup Alley for some tips, or just head to your local mall and let them fix you up. Pay attention to what they do and do it yourself next time. Easy!

Myth Number 1: Men prefer women who don't wear makeup

False, false, so patently false that it had to be number one!

Men aren't that deep. I'm a firm believer in this concept. This is not a slam against men, by the way. It's just one of life's truths.

Ask any man who his top 5 hot celebrity women are. I can guarantee you that all of them will be women who wear makeup most of the time. Halle Berry, Rhianna, Giselle Bundchen, Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson...they all wear makeup. Sure, your average man prefers not to have foundation all over his shirt after he hugs you, but your average man is not going to go ballistic over some lipstick and mascara. What's more likely is that many men prefer the natural look, which can be achieved with makeup.

Setting all that aside, why do we care? I certainly don't. I like makeup. It makes me feel pretty and polished. Sure, I feel that I'm beautiful without makeup, and inner beauty is just as important, etc., but I think I look best when I accentuate my features. For the record, my husband likes me either way, but he likes that I take the time to look my best.

So there you have it. Ladies, don't let fear, lies, shame, or a lack of knowledge keep you from wearing makeup if that is what you desire. Accentuate the natural you!