While the Internet can be a treasure trove of fantastic beauty tips and tricks, there are also a whole range of myths that are so regularly spoken about that we keep believing them.
Take the commonly-held belief that you shouldn’t wear shimmer if you’re over the age of 40, for example, or the idea that you should always smile as you apply blusher.
Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity makeup artist Amanda Ramsay revealed the beauty myths you need to stop believing.
As an award-winning industry pro, Amanda has worked with all sorts of women, young and old, and has 15 years of experience in the industry.
Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity makeup artist Amanda Ramsay revealed the beauty myths you need to stop believing – including the idea that you should smile when you apply blusher (pictured before and after having applied blusher the right way – above the cheekbones)
Middle-aged women are often told they shouldn’t wear shimmer if they want to look young – but Amanda (pictured) said a little shimmer in the inner corner of the eye works wonders
Myth one: You can’t wear shimmer over 40
Middle-aged women are often told they shouldn’t wear shimmer if they want to look young.
But Amanda said this idea is totally false and her ‘glittery shimmery days are far from over’.
‘Of course you can wear shimmer and glitter if you’re over 40, it’s all about knowing where to place it so you look modern and relevant,’ Amanda told FEMAIL.
Amanda recommends you ‘dab a shimmery shadow on the inner corner of your eye for instant WOW’.
Sellers at beauty counters will often tell you you need a primer in order to keep your makeup from sliding down your face at 3pm – but Amanda (pictured) said this isn’t true
Myth two: You need a primer
Sellers at beauty counters will often tell you you need a primer in order to keep your makeup from sliding down your face at 3pm.
But Amanda said this idea that you absolutely need a primer in your makeup arsenal is something entirely created by the beauty industry.
‘Primers help to “cheat” good skin. Silicon-based primers can behave like glad wrap, stopping your skin from breathing,’ she said.
‘Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it needs to breathe and expel toxins. If you’re glad wrapping your skin those toxins are re-absorbed into your body.
‘It’s not a healthy practice every day.’
Instead, she recommends you either ditch the primer, or use a 100 per cent natural version on a special occasion.
‘For a more lifted look, place the blusher higher on your cheekbones and blend out towards your hairline,’ the celebrity makeup artist said (pictured)
Myth three: Smile when you put your blusher on
You might have heard from your grandmother that you should always smile when you apply your blusher in order to find the apples of your cheeks.
But Amanda said this in fact leads to low-sitting blusher, which will ‘visibly drag your face down’.
‘For a more lifted look, place the blusher higher on your cheekbones and blend out towards your hairline,’ the celebrity makeup artist said.
Myth four: Foundation is ‘cover up’
Many people think foundation exists to ‘cover up your imperfections and cheat great skin’.
But Amanda said ‘no amount of foundation can truly cover lumpy, bumpy, uneven, textured skin’.
‘In fact, it serves to make you look worse,’ she said.
Instead, Amanda said you should reach for the foundation bottle ‘once your skin is really well hydrated and exfoliate regularly’.
‘Choose a lightweight fluid that allows your skin to look like skin, then build up coverage only when you need it. Spot cover blemishes.’
Amanda said you should focus on skincare first and foremost, and then even out the tone of your skin with foundation.
‘Bright lipstick works wonders to perk a girl up,’ Amanda said (pictured before and after) – she recommends clear orange-y red, fuschia, watermelon, apricot and peach for women over 40
Myth five: Bright lipstick isn’t for everyone
Don’t assume that just because you’ve got a bit older, that you can no longer wear bright lipstick.
‘Bright lipstick works wonders to perk a girl up,’ Amanda said.
She recommends clear orange-y red, fuschia, watermelon, apricot and peach as the best colours for women over 40.
Try them and enjoy a lift on your whole look.