Any makeup enthusiast has at some point encountered a “ makeup hack ”. Tips and tricks to make caring for your skin or applying makeup easier and more accessible . These hacks are all over Pinterest , Instagram and YouTube , beauty bloggers are re-posting and editorials are jumping on the bandwagon . But popularity seems to override safety and common sense in this case , as most hacks are actually quite risky to practice .
The hack “ inventors ” claim they don ’ t know anything and aren ’ t educated professionals but don ’ t understand how harmful their reach is and how it affects the professional who has to clean up their mess when clients come to them with damaged skin .
Here we explore some of the most common and dangerous hacks and their positive , safe and useful alternatives .
HACK : OREO MASCARA
Risk : Using anything on the eye other than what is meant to be used on the eye always poses an incredible risk . The eyes are one of the most exposed , sensitive and absorbing features on the face ( other than nostrils ) and are prone to irritation , damage and infection . One very popular hack is the “ Oreo mascara ” trick . It supposedly thickens and lengthens the lashes , all while exposing the eye to corneal abrasions and possible infection ( and potential blindness ) from crumbs . The same thing goes for using cotton fibres or baby powder as “ lash primer fibres ”. All of these objects are not meant for use even near the eye , let alone on and if one of the bits fall into the eye you ’ re in for a world of hurt .
This hack not only leaves your eyes open to damage , it can hurt your wallet too . There are plenty of amazing , low price mascaras at the drugstore , we ’ ve all used them and love them . The pricing for this hack can reach up to $ 50 because of the primers you need to mix the Oreos with to achieve mascara consistency .
Pro Alternative : Many brands carry extending lash primers , from NYX ( Big & Loud Lash Primer , $ 9 , Shopper ’ s Drug Mart / Rexall / NYX ) to Too Faced ( Better Than False Lashes Extreme !, $ 46 , Sephora ), they use cosmetic grade ingredients , they are tested and proven to be safe for the eye ( as any mascara is ). If you need a bit of a boost to the length of your lashes , you can heat your lash curler with a hair dryer ( make sure the metal isn ’ t too hot before you use !) or invest in lash extensions or a bottle of growth serum .
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