Since the beginning of humanity, both synthetic and natural products have been applied and ingested to improve beauty (which is in the eye of the beholder, of course). But the more we learn about how beauty products affect us, the more we can make smarter choices as consumers.
We explore a dozen beauty products that are less beneficial to you than their manufacturers would like you to know.
1. Diet Pills/Shakes/Foods
Most diet aids instruct you to significantly lower your daily calorie intake. So, you’re essentially starving yourself. Yes, you’ll generally lose weight. But, once you go back to the recommended caloric count, you’ll probably gain more weight than before.
2. Tooth-Whitening Toothpaste
Save money by making your own tooth-whitening toothpaste. Mix together baking soda and peroxide into a watery paste. Add five drops of clove oil. The end product is just as good or better than what you buy in a tube.
3. Anti-Aging Creams
Anti-aging creams are expensive. According to a study by Consumer Reports, even the priciest of products don’t eliminate wrinkles. You’re better off using coconut oil or taking extra vitamin E.
4. Expensive Body Scrubs
Many body scrubs contain ingredients like dye and dangerous additives that actually speed up the skin’s aging process, instead of making it look better.
5. Cellulite Cream Beauty Products
Several studies indicate that cellulite creams do nothing, in terms of reducing cellulite. Some brands contain enough caffeine to possibly reduce its appearance a bit. However, it’s not enough to warrant continued use.
6. Hair Growth Products
There are numerous doctors who insist that hair growth products only make hair appear fuller, up to 30 percent. Don’t waste money on products that fall short of their claims.
7. Vitamin C
Many people get enough Vitamin C, simply by eating a proper diet. High doses don’t really do much good, as they are excreted through urine within a matter of hours.
8. Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs can push wax deep into your ear, causing a blockage or damage. Wax actually has antibacterial properties and also defends against foreign objects. So, is it really that bad?
9. Lip Plumper
Lip plumpers typically don’t perform as promised. Although this gloss may make your lips look fuller, right after it’s applied, the effect isn’t long-lasting. In addition, the ingredient that makes your lips swell usually also makes them sting.
10. Facial Mist
Most facial mists are nothing but scented water. You can make your own and save money in the process. Simply fill a spray bottle with water and add rose petals, mint leaves or your favorite scent.
11. Foot Cream
If you already use lotion on your feet, there’s really no reason for you to purchase a separate foot cream. They are basically one in the same.
12. High SPF Sunscreen
The numbers are simply a marketing ploy.
According to Gurl.com “SPF 100 isn’t protecting you any more than SPF 50, so don’t waste your money on them and don’t waste your time trying to find it,”
Want to Learn More about the Art of Beauty?
If you’re interested in how beauty products and techniques add to someone’s appearance, perhaps you’d consider making people beautiful for a living? At Avenue Five Institute, our students learn with the latest quality products from the top brands, and when integrated with technical training from experienced educators, our graduates are career-ready. Learn more about our beauty college courses, or schedule a tour to get a sense of the training experience!