Makeup
How to Contour Your Face
Makeup
7 Lies on Your Makeup Labels
Most of the claims on the front of makeup packaging mean absolutely nothing. Here's what you need to know to cut through the marketing jargon
Nobody really needs "oil-free"
Most people who are prone to breakouts are adamant about only wearing oil-free foundation and concealer because they think oil will make their acne worse. And now many beauty companies are making oil-free versions of just about everything -- even blush and eyeshadow -- to target these women. However, most dermatologists agree that having "oil-free" emblazoned across the label is mostly a marketing trick.In fact, if you turn over your bottle of oil-free foundation, you may very well find oils on the list of ingredients. Companies substitute synthetic oils for natural versions in order to call the product oil-free -- and the irony is that many of the synthetic oils are actually more likely to irritate your skin.
"The key is looking for the word 'noncomedogenic' or 'nonacnegenic' on the label," explains Washington D.C. dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, MD. These terms indicate that the product will neither clog pores nor cause breakouts. While acne sufferers tend to avoid all oils, Tanzi stresses there are certain oils that are actually beneficial. Tea tree oil kills bacteria, and lavender oil is an antiseptic with anti-inflammatory properties.
SEE NEXT PAGE: Just because you see SPF doesn't mean you're safe
2 of 8
