Four Skincare “Rules”—Clarified
Have you ever wondered why it’s considered a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day? We have, too. After a little investigating, it seems that there are practical reasons (rainy season begins), and etiquette reasons (wealthy elites made up the rule to distinguish themselves from lower classes). Fortunately, fashion rules are meant to be broken, and the no-white rule isn’t considered a hard one.
This got us thinking about other kinds of guidelines, particularly in relation to our area of expertise: skincare. There are plenty of beauty “rules” that deserve a closer look. For example, is it really necessary to apply skincare products in a rigidly specific order? Is it true that pressing moisturizer into the skin is preferable to massaging or swirling it into the skin? Let us get deeper clarity on these and other skincare “rules” that might deserve to be taken with a proverbial grain of salt:
“It’s best to apply moisture to the eye area with one’s ring finger, because it’s the weakest finger.”
This is not a hard rule, because any movement caused by pressure, no matter the finger, will cause loss of elasticity over time. The key is to use featherlight pressure no matter the finger you use, aiming to cause as little movement to the skin around the eye as possible.
“Apply your sunscreen under your makeup.”
This rule is generally true for cream-based sunscreens. We strongly suggest sticking to mineral sunscreens that are all-natural and reef-safe. Many mineral sunscreens are meant to be applied over your makeup, as is the case with powder SPF products like Bare Minerals SPF 25 Finishing Powder. However, if your sunscreen comes in the form of a cream or balm, you’ll want to blend it with your moisturizer and allow it to absorb for at least twenty minutes before applying makeup. After applying, unless you’re sweating, swimming, or otherwise smearing your look, your sunscreen is likely to stay intact throughout the day.
“Those with oily skin should avoid using facial oils.”
While those with oily skin would do well to choose wisely, facial oil products such as our Lapis Facial Oil will actually help to control the skin’s production of oil, helping to restore balance and calm to the complexion. With ingredients such as balancing blue tansy and soothing squalane, Lapis also helps to prevent any breakouts associated with oiliness while providing the skin with all-day even moisture. All-natural plant oils like Lapis won’t clog the pores or cause congestion. Rather, it helps to aid and restore skin in need of clarity and care.
“It’s important to follow a precise order when applying skincare products (example: 1) cleanse, 2) tone, 3) facial oil, 4) moisturizer, etc.).”
We at Herbivore disagree with this rule, and believe that skincare should be customizable to the needs of your skin, moment to moment. We generally suggest using cleansing (such as our Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar) and hydrating products (Jasmine Green Tea Toner) before using moisturizing products (Pink Cloud Rosewater Moisture Creme or Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil). But, even that “rule” is meant to be broken if you consider that our Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face Mist makes an excellent makeup setting spray, and will revive your glow at any time of day, or that our Orchid Facial Oil offers a myriad of beauty applications.
For further discovery of the skincare that best suits your skin and its needs, check out the following posts which help to explain our serums and how to “swirl” them with other Herbivore products to create delightful skin potions:
