CosmoBiz Magazine December 2015 | Page 42

Beauty FACT OR FICTION? Debunking 10 Popular Beauty Myths by Karley Ziegler Mott B etween powerful customer testimonials, celebrity endorsements, and stunning before and after photos, it can be very hard to not be at least a little bit drawn in by common beauty and skincare claims. Unfortunately, many of them are nothing more than fiction. We talked to the experts and are breaking down 10 of the most common myths. ical costs associated with that by purchasing a new mascara every three months -- or even more frequently. Try: L’Oreal Butterfly Effect Mascara adds length and volume, and its price tag will leave you guilt free when you toss it out at the recommended time. Myth #1: My favorite beauty blogger said to add water or eye drops to my mascara to make it last longer. What a great idea! Truth: This is a recipe for infection. Consider this-- the typical tube of mascara is a breeding ground for bacteria. According to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 79% of all mascaras contain staph infection not within 3 months of opening. Mascara should be tossed out by that point, but people tend to use it longer. Thanks to the blogosphere, it is now a trend to add water or eye drops to it to make it last even longer. When you introduce liquid to a dark and moist mascara formula, you are upsetting the chemical makeup and introducing new bacteria into the mix. Plus, it is dangerous, says Kelly Reynolds, PhD, Assistant Professor of Public Health and germs expert at University of Arizona. “Our eyes are a vulnerable area for infection,” she says. Save yourself from a possible eye infection and med- 42 COSMOBIZ SALON DECEMBER 2015 Myth #2: There are creams to eliminate that embarrassing cellulite on the back of my thighs. Truth: An estimated 90% of American women have at least some cellulite on their lower half. Do not waste your money on $75 creams claiming they will erase the dimples, though. While ingredients such as caffeine can boost circulation in the skin and give a temporary tightening appearance, the effects are short-lived. If you use a good mechanical exfoliant such as a coffee body scrub and a heavy duty moisturizer, your skin look healthy and taut. Despite really convincing advertising and miraculous product claims, cellulite creams and serums will not eliminate the problem. When it comes to cellulite creams, Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Garry S. Bro-