Makeup

7 Lies on Your Makeup Labels

Most of the claims on the front of makeup packaging mean absolutely nothing. Here's what you need to know to cut through the marketing jargon

by Dawn Davis

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Fragrance-free products may contain fragrances If you don't like strong smells, fragrance-free is a great option for you. However, if you're buying fragrance-free products because you're allergic or sensitive to fragrances, you might still end up with a reaction. "A lot of companies add masking fragrances to cover the scent of other ingredients -- and the FDA doesn't require that these masking fragrances be included on the ingredient list," says Laura Verallo de Bertotto, CEO of VMV Hypoallergenics. While the term hypoallergenic means that a product has only a small chance of causing an allergic reaction, if you're prone to reacting you should always do a patch test when trying something new for the first time.

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Older comments

most makeup/skincare companies will write anything to sell their product. The sad thing, we often believe them, and spend a lot of money.

by venenumletalis Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 02:40PM Report as inappropriate

Great-to-know tips. I truly enjoyed this article and was surprised at some of the things I learned.

by GigiSD Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 01:35PM Report as inappropriate

Good stuff to know.

by caitlin_bickel Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 12:40PM Report as inappropriate

thank you! i had so many times this discussion with some or other sales person that insisted that "this product won't give you an allergic reaction/won't react with your sensitive skin, it's natural!" my reply is usually along the lines that strawberries are natural, still people are allergic to them...

by AstridB Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 12:01PM Report as inappropriate