Myth: Coconut oil is an effective skin hydrator.
Fact. Coconut oil contains natural moisturizers that will help breathe life into dull skin. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, then steer clear!
Myth: Olive oil can be used to make an at-home cleanser.
Fact. Believe it or not, olive oil really can be used to make a quick at-home cleanser — but only for normal complexions. Mix a quarter cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of brown sugar and dab onto dry or flaky areas to exfoliate the dry skin.
Myth: Split ends can be reversed.
Fiction. Unfortunately, once split ends happen, the only way to get rid of them is by getting a haircut. Also, try to limit the use of heated tools and appliances (hair dryers, flat irons, etc) for shinier, healthier locks.
Myth: Avocados can make a great skin mask.
Fact. Sounds weird, but it works! Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with a little bit of lemon juice. Apply this mask to your face and neck for an over-the-counter toner/firmer.
Myth: Certain cleansers can make your pores smaller.
Fiction. Pore size is genetic, so although there are tons of products out there claiming to shrink the size of your pores, they don't work to minimize pores permanently. What they can do is temporarily make your pores appear smaller.
Myth: Toothpaste can zap a zit.
Fact and fiction. Toothpaste contains ingredients that can dry out the skin, ultimately drying out/clearing up pimples. While this is true, drying out the skin can also cause irritation, so the benefits are short lived.
Myth: Matching eye shadow will make your eye color pop.
Fiction. Actually, contrasting your eye makeup with your eye color is what will really stand out. Here are a couple recommendations based on your eye color:
Green/Hazel: Plum, deep browns, and light golden hues
Blue: Smoky charcoals, chocolate, and bright berry tones
Brown: Soft pinks, natural beige, and shades of bronze
Myth: Teeth whiteners can damage tooth enamel.
Fact. Make sure you follow the directions line by line when using teeth whitening products. If these products are used improperly or too frequently, it can result in permanent damage to your teeth.
Myth: I pluck one gray hair, multiple gray hairs will grow back in it's place.
Fiction. This isn't true — which is good because some of us were starting to worry! While plucking gray hairs won't make more grow back in its place, it's not a good habit to get into since it can damage the root.
Myth: Consistently wearing dark nail polish can turn your nails a yellowish hue.
Fact. This was tough news to take since dark nail polish is definitely in this season, but not to worry — this yellowing is temporary, not harmful, and can also be avoided! Before painting your nails a deep dark hue, paint on a layer of clear base coat to protect your nails from any discoloration.
Myth: Sleeping on your back may prevent wrinkles.
Fact. After hearing this, we're never sleeping on our sides again! The American Academy of Dermatology says that sleeping in certain positions may result in "sleep lines." After time, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles, so flip over and get your shut-eye on your back.
Myth: Brushing your hair 100 times every night will increase its shine.
Fiction. We wish! Brushing your hair too much actually increases the potential for pulling out strands of hair. Instead, just brush your hair when drying or styling it and use a shine spray.
Myth: Cutting your hair will make hair grow faster.
Fiction. While we wish this one were true, it seems your hair will grow at its own pace (usually about half an inch per month) no matter how many trim-ups you take. Don't do away with trimming your hair altogether though, since it will look much healthier without the split ends!
Myth: Beauty products have an expiration date.
Fact. That's right — just like groceries, your beauty and hair products have a shelf life, too. The expiration date depends on the beauty product. Here are a couple common ones:
Mascara and Liquid Eye Liners: 3 months
Liquid Face Makeup, Cream Eye Shadow: 6 months
Powder Face Makeup, Powder Eye Shadows, Pencil Eye Liners, Lipstick, Lip gloss: 2 years
Myth: You don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day.
Fiction. The sun's damaging UV rays are still in full effect even on a cloudy day. In fact, the cloud cover sometimes gives a false sense of security, since some think that cooler temperatures and less sunshine can’t lead to skin damage.
Myth: Ignoring a need for glasses can lead to wrinkles,
Fact. Ignoring the need for glasses means more squinting, right? And more squinting leads to...you guessed it wrinkles. In fact, any repetitive facial movement can lead to wrinkles so wear your glasses and sunglasses!
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