Social Media Beauty Advice, Decoded By The Experts

THE TRUTH: “While cryotherapy can temporarily constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, direct ice application risks damaging delicate facial skin. Instead, I recommend using chilled facial tools or cold compresses for a safer depuffing effect, such as The Skinny Confidential Ice Roller.” – Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical & cosmetic doctor & hero insider at Vaseline

THE TRUTH: “Cooler temperatures enhance the soothing effects of some products. However, most skincare formulations are designed to be stable at room temperature, so a skincare fridge is generally unnecessary for most products.” – Ewoma

THE TRUTH: “Concealer should always match the shade of your skin tone. This will help you conceal imperfections in a way that appears seamless and natural-looking. If you want to highlight certain areas and make them appear bigger, a lighter colour could be used, but for typical concealer use, I’d always recommend picking a shade that matches your foundation.” – Buster Knight, make-up artist 

THE TRUTH: “It’s not strictly true that all shimmery products emphasise texture. A finely milled highlighter will bounce light away and therefore hide texture, whereas a glittery product can make it more visible. If you’re after that flattering, light-reflective quality, try a cream highlighter.” – Buster 

THE TRUTH: “Slugging involves applying a layer of petroleum jelly as the final step in an evening skincare routine to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. Beware if you have acne-prone skin as it may cause breakouts, but otherwise this trend can benefit very dry skin types, helping repair the skin barrier and increase hydration. Vaseline’s Original Protecting Jelly is the best budget-friendly option for slugging.” – Ewoma 

THE TRUTH: “Skin cycling involves alternating potent active ingredients – such as retinoids or exfoliating acids – with rest days to allow skin repair and maintain balance. This is a sensible way to approach your skincare as it means you’re less likely to overdo it, thus reducing the risk of irritation and supporting skin barrier function.” – Ewoma 

THE TRUTH: “All make-up is the same in terms of its potential to block your pores – the key is nailing your evening cleansing routine. If you properly remove make-up, SPF and grime, you’re far less likely to break out.” – Buster 

THE TRUTH: “Everyone’s skin is different, and therefore there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Most products are created in the same way with similar formulations, and so the idea that all products with higher price points are inherently better is simply untrue. For instance, Beauty Pie is one of my favourite brands, the quality is excellent, and yet it’s far more affordable than some of the more traditional high-end brands.” – Buster 

THE TRUTH: “This trend involves strategically applying sunscreen with different SPF levels to create a contoured effect through selective tanning. It’s extremely dangerous and should categorically be avoided. Uneven sun protection significantly increases the risk of sun damage, premature aging and skin cancer. Instead, apply an adequate amount of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen evenly across all exposed skin. My go-to at the moment is by Beauty Of Joseon.” – Ewoma 

THE TRUTH: “Homemade scrubs often have rough, uneven particles that can cause micro-tears in the skin. Those made from coffee granules are especially popular – the caffeine content may temporarily improve circulation but this effect is minimal when applied topically. Instead, I recommend using professionally formulated chemical exfoliants or gentle physical scrubs designed for facial use.” – Ewoma 

THE TRUTH: “Powder works as a barrier, and can appear ‘drier’ than a liquid, but it will not affect the skin. If you are dry, proper skin prep is paramount. A ceramide-rich cream helps lock moisture in before make-up application, so you can still use powder should you wish.” – Buster 

THE TRUTH: “Zig-zagging your mascara wand through your lashes from root to tip helps to build volume and thickness, however if you want a more defined, natural-looking effect, simply combing them helps. The brush type also determines the result. My favourite mascara right now is the Kylie Cosmetics one as it’s so buildable.” – Buster 

THE TRUTH: “Applying toothpaste or Sudocrem to acneic spots is a popular hack that is terribly damaging. Toothpaste can be highly irritating to facial skin, while Sudocrem, though less harsh, simply isn’t formulated to be an acne treatment. Instead, I suggest using formulas containing ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that are designed to treat acne such as Medik8’s Blemish SOS.” – Ewoma