5 Makeup Myths Busted By A Pro

With so many colours, products, and techniques out there, it's no wonder makeup can feel like a minefield. But what if some of the ‘rules’ you've been following are actually holding you back?

We sat down with Lisa Allen, our resident makeup artist, to cut through the noise. From the right way to find your base shade to mastering eyeshadow on hooded eyes, Lisa is here to share the expert tips that make getting ready genuinely enjoyable.

Myth #1: Great Makeup Starts With Great Foundation 

The truth: Great makeup starts with great skincare.

One of the most common complaints Lisa hears is "My makeup just won't sit right." It's tempting to blame your foundation, but the real issue is usually what's happening underneath it.

The condition of your skin sets the tone for everything that follows: how smoothly products glide on, how natural they look, and how well they hold up throughout the day.

For a truly flawless base, Lisa began this look with Rainforest Dew, Skin Feast, and Sun Day to hydrate, brighten, and prime skin before applying Liquid Radiance Adaptogen Serum Foundation. The result? Less product, a better finish, and makeup that feels effortless – not cakey. 

Myth #2: Finding Your Foundation Shade Is Really Difficult 

The truth: It's simpler than you think – if you know where to look. 

With so many shades to choose from, finding your perfect match can feel overwhelming. But Lisa swears by one simple rule: match to your jawline, not your hand, and always check the colour in natural light.

Your hand is often a different tone to your face, which means it leads you astray more often than not. Your jawline is a more reliable place to test a shade.

If you find yourself between two shades, go slightly warmer, or a touch sheerer as this is far more forgiving. 

Myth #3: Blush Always Goes On The Apples Of Your Cheeks

The truth: This classic placement doesn't suit everyone. 

Applying blush to the apples of the cheeks is one of the most widely repeated pieces of makeup advice, but Lisa wants to challenge it. If you don't naturally flush there, or if you have more mature skin, placing blush too low can actually drag the face downward rather than lifting it.

For a more modern, flattering finish, try placing blush slightly higher on the cheekbones, blending up and outward. Keep the colour light and diffused for a natural, healthy glow.

Bonus tip from Lisa: dust any leftover blush through the crease of your eye. It ties the whole look together beautifully for that coveted ‘your skin but better’ effect. 

Myth #4: Hooded Eyes Can't Pull Off Eyeshadow 

The truth: Hooded eyes absolutely can wear eyeshadow – you just need to know where to place it.

Hooded eyes are characterised by a fold of skin that partially covers the crease when your eyes are open. The issue isn't that eyeshadow doesn't work – it's that traditional placement can disappear behind this fold.

Lisa's fix is simple: look straight into the mirror and place a mid-to-deep matte shade just above your natural fold, then blend softly upwards. This creates definition that stays visible with your eyes open, without pulling the eye downward. Keep the mobile lid (the part that moves when you blink) lighter, so it draws that area forward and keeps the look open and bright.

For this look, Lisa reaches for Eyes On You in shades Marula, Meteor, and Halo, with Illuma Light-Diffusing Concealer and a light dusting of Soft Focus Finishing Powder as a base to help the shadow grip for a longer wear-time. 

Myth #5: Makeup Always Creases On Mature Skin 

The truth: Creasing is a product-and-prep issue, not a skin issue.

When makeup settles into fine lines, it's easy to feel like your skin is the problem. But Lisa is quick to reassure: texture and fine lines are completely normal, and they don't have to stand in the way of a beautiful finish. You just need techniques that work with your skin, not against it.

The answer lies in light layers and hydrating formulas. Start with a nourishing skincare base, then build everything gradually – creamy textures, minimal product, and a light touch throughout.

When it comes to powder, less is more. Lisa recommends using it only where you really need it (like setting concealer under the eyes to prevent creasing), then sealing everything in with Finishing Touch Makeup Setting Spray to lock the look in place. If you need to soften any edges or blend anything out, press gently with a damp Velvet Cushion – never drag, as this can settle product into lines. 
 
Originally published in The Beauty Brochure SS26.