BEAUTY BREAKDOWN
Hack : Flour / baby powder to set makeup
Sure , maybe pre-1970s these were used to set makeup all the time but look at all the cosmetic advances that have been made since and the array of powders available in store . Why would anyone want to risk dry skin , eye damage or irritated lungs while trying to simply set makeup .
Risk : Flour , corn or rice starch is a very dry ingredient . Think of how it affects dough , it sucks up moisture , it would do the same thing to your skin . The powder itself is so fine that it would clog pores , making your skin suffocate . In the long run , the lack of sebum production ( which is good for skin !) would lessen the production of collagen and elasticity , speeding up the aging process .
Baby powder on the other hand , is no better . In recent studies , it ’ s shown that talc ( the main ingredient in baby powder ) has the potential to break down into asbestos which is a cancer-causing carcinogen . Disputes claim that cosmetic grade talc lacks the carcinogenic compound , which is great and of course , using this hack wouldn ’ t give you cancer after one use but it ’ s still a bit scary to know . I find the fragrance in baby powder to be an irritant all on it ’ s own , and would not allow for it to be anywhere near my eyes or nose .
Health and skin issues aside , in the vanity department these types of powders would cause intense flashback when photographed and would keep a general white cast the entire wearing time .
Pro Alternative : Loose powder ! If you prefer something to just set makeup , get the MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder ($ 24- $ 42 , Sephora ) . It ’ s finely milled silicone based powder that is the softest I ’ ve ever touched , and mattifies without being heavy . If you want a highlighting powder , Laura Mercier ’ s Secret Brightening Powder ($ 30 , Sephora ) is lovely , soft and has very subtle sparkle that catches light so beautifully .
Hack : White school glue as a pore clearing mask
Risk : Adhesives that are used cosmetically are formulated for skin and still require remover or soap and water to be taken off .
Sure , it ’ s fun to peel off your hands ( we all did it in elementary !) and in theory is a good idea to use as an extractor BUT white school glue , although non toxic , is harmful to skin when used as a skin care replacement .
Not only will it adversely affect anyone with sensitive skin ( any facial peel or adhesive would ), it has the potential to cause severe allergic reactions , redness and even possible chemical burns . White glue IS a chemical , still - a vinyl plastic material that hardens when dry . The fumes it produces irritates eyes and nostrils when in close contact , now imagine putting it right next to and in between the two . One blogger who tried this hack said her eyes didn ’ t stop watering and turned red . Its big goopy mess and takes forever to dry .
Pro alternative : If you must peel something , try the classic Bioré strips , or Boscia ’ s Exfoliating Peel Gel ($ 42 , Sephora ). Wash skin continually with a deep cleansing product like Glamglow Supermud ($ 24- $ 79 , Sephora ) or Charcoal Deep-Pore Cleansing Stick Treatment from Boscia ($ 35 , Sephora ). I would recommend leaving extractions to the pros , a facialist or Esthetician who has the proper tools and knowledge to clear out skin without leaving any damage behind .
Missy Ink | Issue 20 16