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
Just because you see SPF doesn't mean you're safe
It's fantastic that so many companies are adding sunscreen to makeup -- we can all benefit from more daily SPF. But there are two very different kinds of sunscreen ingredients -- chemical and physical -- that work in opposite ways. Physical sunblock acts as a barrier on your skin to reflect UV rays. Meanwhile, chemical ingredients absorb UV rays and create skin-damaging free radicals."I'm a big advocate of physical sunscreens," says Tanzi. "My number one choice is zinc oxide, followed by titanium dioxide." If you're prone to breakouts, titanium dioxide may exacerbate them, but zinc oxide is an excellent choice.
Even if your makeup contains zinc oxide, you shouldn't rely on it as your only form of sun protection. Dermatologists recommend applying a teaspoon of SPF 30 or higher to your face -- and no one should be wearing that much foundation. The ultimate regimen is an antioxidant serum, followed by a teaspoon of sunscreen, and then a little makeup.
SEE NEXT PAGE: "Natural" means nothing
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