Beauty Myths and Truths

by Melissa Goldberg

Can you get an infection from borrowing someone's makeup? Does drinking water prevent pimples? Beauty myths abound and StyleList wanted to separate skincare facts from fiction. We brought your toughest beauty questions to top industry experts and they gave us real information you can use to get (and stay) gorgeous today.

Will waxing make facial hair grow back thicker?

NO. Thankfully, this is not true. However, if you have never waxed before, the sun may have naturally lightened your facial hair to a lighter shade. After you wax, you may notice the hair appears a bit darker only because you were accustomed to the lighter shade, says Robin Evans, owner of Robin Evans Skincare in New York.

Is colored mascara acceptable for the office or daytime?

YES. It is acceptable; just make sure you use a very deep shade like navy blue or eggplant. "Bright mascara is only fine if you're 15," says TV's What Not To Wear makeup artist Carmindy. Keep your look classy by skipping the eyeshadow and liner if you choose to experiment with a more colorful mascara.

Will my eyelashes fall out if I don't remove my mascara?

YES. Scary, but true. Mascara can clog your eyelash follicles, which leads to breakage and shedding, says New York City dermatologist Dr. Doris Day. To quickly remove your mascara, hold a cotton ball saturated with oil-free remover over your lashes for a few seconds before gently wiping the mascara off. Never rub!

Will drinking more water really clear up breakouts?

NO. Even though water will improve skin's hydration, acne and breakouts are caused by genetic and environmental factors that result in increased oil production that gets trapped beneath your pores, says Dr. Christine Rodgers, a plastic surgeon in Denver, CO.

Does eating sugar cause wrinkles?

NO. Sugar doesn't directly cause wrinkles, but a poor diet, such as crash-dieting, or fat-free diets can lead to premature wrinkling because of the evaporation of fat cells in the face which can leave you with sagging jowls and dark under eye circles, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, a Missouri dermatologist and founder of DERMAdoctor.

Do I need to wash my face both morning and night?

YES. Your skin accumulates grime, pollutants and oils that need to be cleansed, you guessed it, twice daily, even if you're not wearing any makeup. The morning wash is more useful for those with oily skin, which produces sebum overnight and causes you to wake up shiny, says Dr. Day.


I heard that mineral makeup is like rubbing rocks on your face. Is this true?

NO. Mineral makeup is a finely milled, gentle product that is brushed onto the skin surface for a flawless and non-harmful application. Do stay away from synthetics and look for all-natural mineral brands like Bare Escentuals for the best results, says Sephora Pro Makeup Artist Sara Biria.

Is the inner wrist the best place to test for the right shade of makeup?

NO. Your inner wrist is the lightest part of your body and can throw off the accuracy of selecting a foundation shade. Instead, test on your jaw line and take your chest color into consideration as well, says Carmindy.

Can I get an infection from borrowing friends' makeup?

YES. Makeup is the perfect home for bacteria to grow in, and you can even get an infection from your own collection, says Dr. Kunin. The only safe products to share are closed, protected items like cosmetics that are dispensed from pumps.