The beauty would evolve quickly, with new research creating better products and more effective and more inclusive knowledge. Nowadays, many old makeup myths have been debunked, such as that you don’t need to wear sunscreen every day or that acne is just caused by unclean skin and too much makeup; however, there are still many myths that people still believe in.  These myths often hold people back from achieving their best results and can even cause harm to skin or hair in some cases, so it’s important to debunk them.

This article will debunk 4 common myths and explain what to do instead for a healthier, more effective beauty routine to take into 2026.

1.” You don’t need skincare if you wear makeup”

Some still think that it’s not necessary to do skincare if you wear up. Whilst a lot of modern makeup has some skincare built into it, such as modern foundations that contain SPF or hyaluronic acid. However, make-up applies better and lasts longer on well-prepped skin. When you have a routine that involves a good hydrating cleaner, a hydrating moisturiser, SPF and the occasional exfoliation, your skin looks and feels smooth to stop any flaking or dry patches where make-up won’t stick. Many times skipping skincare can lead to further problems, including cakey, patchy makeup and faster ageing processes. A true modern skincare routine is designed to complement a suitable skin care routine, not replace it. It’s important to remember that skin care can only amplify makeup if it is suitable for your skin type; therefore, you must ensure that you have to correct products. For example, dry skin needs more hydration than normal or oily skin, therefore it requires thicker and more specified products.

2. “Primer doesn’t really work”

Many people think that primer is an unnecessary step that is just a marketing ploy; however, it can be one of the most valuable steps for a long-lasting makeup routine. Primer not only helps makeup last longer, but it also helps to smooth skin texture, minimise pores, control shine and boost hydration. Modern-day primers even have different formulations that act as skin-care-makeup, offering hydrating primers for dry skin, gripping primers for long-lasting looks and mattifying gels for oily skin. Ensuring that you use the right primer for your skin can affect your end product dramatically; therefore, it’s important to do your research before purchasing one. If you want your makeup to look polished and stay put, primer is a key step that you shouldn’t miss.

3. “Full coverage is bad for your skin”

This myth has come from older, heavier formulas that have poor quality and pore-clogging properties. Modern foundations are highly researched, lighter, breathable and skincare-infused; therefore, some foundations can even be better for your skin. Opting for a full coverage foundation these days doesn’t mean thick or suffocating any more, especially if you choose a formula that is suitable for your skin type. This is why it’s important to do research and opt for those foundations that are transparent about their formula and contain non-comedogenic ingredients and a dermatologist test to ensure that they’re skin safe. As long as you remove the foundation at the end of the day through double cleansing, full coverage shouldn’t be a problem.

4. “Powder is only for oily skin”

The myth that power is only for oily skin is misleading; however, power is a versatile tool for all skin types, whether it’s oily or dry. The huge variety of powders on the market from setting powder, finishing powder, hydrating powder and tinted powder. Although most think that powder is just for oily skin, to control shine, even dry skin can benefit from light setting powder to prevent creasing under the eyes or around the smile lines or just to keep makeup fresh on a long day.  In 2025, the focus and research into formulas has meant that powders are finely milled, non-drying and often infused with skincare ingredients, meaning that they are for everyone and can even improve skin during the day. Powder is about placement and formula, not skin type.