Beauty Myths Debunked

There are a lot of beauty myths out there – so to separate fact from fiction, some of the best beauty insiders we follow shared their brilliant advice. Here are the most common, by editor Trudi Brewer.

Your Concealer Should be Lighter Than your Foundation

Partly true, but it depends on what you’re trying to cover. “If the aim is to brighten areas like the under-eyes, then yes, a concealer that’s a little lighter than your skin tone can work beautifully,” says makeup artist Adeola Gboyega. “Go no more than two shades lighter to keep it looking natural, especially through the centre of the face. Where that rule doesn’t apply is covering blemishes. If you use a lighter concealer on a spot, you’re not hiding it; you’re highlighting it. For any areas you’re trying to conceal, like breakouts or redness, it’s best to use a concealer that matches your skin tone exactly. That way, the product blends seamlessly into your foundation and does its job without drawing attention.”

You Don’t Need To Wear SPF When It’s Cloudy

We are constantly surprised by the myth that you only need to wear sun protection in summer. “While clouds reduce visible sunlight, they do not reliably block ultraviolet radiation,” explains Dr Jason Thomson, consultant dermatologist & head of medical at Skin + Me. “Thin or scattered cloud lets through most rays. (UVB, the burning rays, cause instant redness that you can see, and that contributes to skin cancer. While the UVA, which penetrates more deeply into the skin, that you can’t see or feel, drives photoageing and also contributes to skin cancer. These rays are also minimally affected by cloud cover. In some conditions, cloud edges can even intensify UV exposure through reflection and scattering.” Even on cloudy days, New Zealand has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. Thanks to our clear skies, proximity to the hole in the ozone, and less atmospheric pollution to filter UV rays, our skin is exposed to intense UV radiation year-round, including winter. So consider SPF your number one beauty buy. Our advice is to find a formula you like wearing and apply it every day after your serum.

You Can Shrink Your Pores

Technically, it’s not possible to permanently shrink open pores. “They aren’t connected to muscles, so they cannot contract and relax in the same way,” explains Pandora Long, facialist. “That being said, hot water and steam can loosen up debris or dirt within the pore and make it easier to extract, so it’s not to say temperature has no effect – just not in the way we’ve been led to believe.”

Powder Makes You Look Older

Too much powder can have an ageing effect on the skin, especially if it’s dry. However, when applied correctly, it can actually enhance your look and boost the longevity of your makeup. “Formulation is key, whether you opt for a loose powder or a pressed, look for products that have high-quality ingredients and pigments that have been finely milled; this ensures a smooth finish and avoids product build-up,” advises makeup artist Andrew Denton. He adds, “The tools you use to apply powder are also crucial. “Powder puffs will pack on product, whereas a soft, fluffy brush will give you a lighter, airbrushed effect. Start light and build it up gradually, coating a fluffy brush in as little powder as possible. Focus on the centre of the forehead, corners of the nose and the mouth and chin, leaving the cheeks of the face powder-free. Applying in these areas will keep unwanted shine at bay while giving your complexion a youthful, fresh-looking finish.”

Your Scalp Doesn’t Need Special Attention

A healthy, balanced scalp ensures the hair follicles can function properly. “Think about cleansing your skin – your scalp is very similar,” says Larry King, hair stylist. If you were to use a daily cleanser that was harsh and stripping, your skin would begin to produce oils to combat that effect - your scalp is no different. The products you use are essential to maintaining healthy hair and the natural balance of your scalp. This is why it’s important to take care and use shampoos that are sulphate-free – they’re known to be gentler. The more time and effort you put into maintaining a healthy scalp, the better your hair will look overall.”

Pumping Your Mascara Minimises Clumps

There is no information on how this myth originated – but it simply is not true. “Pumping the mascara pushes more air into the tube, causing it to dry out faster, so you’re more likely to create a formula that is dry and crumbly with unnecessary clumps. To avoid this, make sure you never push air into the tube – try to do your application with one wand of product per eye. If you find your brush is particularly clumpy, wipe off excess onto a tissue and then move the wand through your lashes,” says makeup artist, Jessica Kell.

Cutting Your Hair Makes It Grow Faster

As much as you might want this one to be true, sadly, trimming your hair won’t actually boost growth. “While regular trims do make the hair look healthier, it’s worth noting that hair grows from the root, not the ends, so cutting it won’t make any difference,” explains Samantha Cusick, hair stylist. “However, regular trims will prevent split ends from travelling up the hair shaft, which keeps your hair looking fuller and healthier. If you're aiming for longer hair, focus on scalp health, hydrating products, and minimising breakage – not just cutting.”

Humidity Is Solely To Blame For Frizzy Hair

We wish this were true, while humidity can certainly contribute to frizz, the problem starts at the root. “Frizz can occur when you don’t properly look after your hair, particularly if your hair is damaged and desperately lacking moisture,” explains Andrew Heasman, international creative director at RUSH Hair. “This can happen as a result of many different factors, such as not using a heat protectant when using hot styling tools, the friction from your pillowcase while you sleep (switch to a silk pillow slip, the difference is incredible), consistent product buildup, and even over-brushing your hair.” He adds: “The key is to replenish moisture with nourishing formulas and lock in your style with a powerful, anti-humidity hairspray.”