Slay or nay? Beauty hacks the experts swear by, and the ones they shut down
Not all trends are created equal. Discover the beauty hacks that actually deliver, and the ones that deserve a hard pass.
WHEN it comes to beauty, hair, and makeup, many of us rely on a mix of trial and error to find what actually works.
From viral skincare hacks to makeup tips shared online, it’s often hard to tell what’s genuinely helpful and what’s just hype. With so much conflicting advice floating around, it's easy to get confused, or worse, end up harming your skin.
So, instead of guessing, we turned to the experts to find out which beauty tips are worth trusting and which ones you should probably skip.
Using lipstick as full-face makeup
This beauty hack might not be new to some, many may have seen or even tried it, but questions remain about how effective it really is. Can lipstick be used for contouring, blusher, and even eyeshadow?
According to makeup artist Shiyo Joo, it’s definitely possible. He’s tried the technique himself and confirmed that it can work, though he also acknowledged receiving numerous direct messages criticising the trend.
“It’s not just about the product itself, it’s about how you understand and use it. For example, you might use a lip product that’s very pigmented, while I personally use a more everyday, natural lipstick.
“Both can work effectively depending on your approach. The right product can really save you time on contouring and sculpting your facial features,” he said during a panel discussion called ‘Myth Busting 101: Real Talks, Real Tips with Shiyo Joo & Cody Chua’ held recently in conjunction with the Guardian Awards: Beauty & Wellbeing 2025
The key takeaway? Choose a low-pigment, everyday lipstick that blends easily and won’t stain the skin. However, richer or more intense formulas may not be suitable for use all over the face and can be difficult to remove.
Highlighter under foundation, does it really work?
Some beauty enthusiasts swear by applying highlighter beneath foundation to achieve a glowing, radiant finish. But is it actually effective?
According to Shiyo, while this technique can look stunning on camera, it isn’t suitable for everyone.
He shared that the trend didn’t work for him personally, as it worsened his dry skin and clogged his pores.
“I can say it doesn’t work for my skin, but it works beautifully on some of my clients, because we all have different skin types, and no one knows your skin better than you do. I have really dry skin.
“So, when I apply highlighter underneath the foundation, it ends up clogging my pores and makes my skin feel even drier,” he said.
However, it worked beautifully on some of his clients with different skin types. Moral of the story? Know your skin before jumping on the bandwagon.
Letting concealer sit before blending, a pro tip
Shiyo swears by this technique: letting your concealer sit for a minute or two before blending. This simple step can significantly improve coverage, particularly when tackling dark circles, redness, or blemishes.
“It needs some time to really set on the skin before you blend it,” he added.
Shiyo recommended applying your concealer first, then moving on to your hair or brows while you let it sit. By the time you come back to blend, the product will have had time to grip the skin better, giving you more coverage with less effort.
Baby powder as setting powder? Not so fast
This old-school beauty trick still circulates online, but Shiyo strongly advised against it.
“This isn’t right. Baby powder isn’t meant to set makeup. It’s designed to reduce stickiness or soothe irritation, not to be applied to the face.
“I don’t think it’s safe for the skin, and it definitely doesn’t make your makeup last longer,” he said.
While it may seem like a quick fix, baby powder can clog pores, cause dryness, or even trigger allergic reactions. More importantly, it doesn't offer the same staying power or finish as a proper setting powder.
The verdict? Stick to products that are specifically formulated for your face.
NOW, WHAT ABOUT HAIR?
With beauty hacks flooding the internet, it's hard to tell what truly works and what’s just hype.
Let’s dive into expert insights on hair care and styling – do these viral hacks really deliver, or are they just daylight scams? Let's explore what professionals have to say.
Hairspray before curling, helpful or harmful?
Internet hacks often claimed that spraying hairspray before curling your hair gives a better finish – but is that really true?
Celebrity Hair Stylist, Cody Chua denied this with a firm no. In fact, he warned that using hairspray before applying heat can actually damage your hair and even increase the risk of burns.
“If you have very fine hair, you might consider using another product instead, like a lightweight cream or even a dry shampoo. But it’s important to brush the product through properly before using heat,” he said during the panel discussion.
His advice? Style your curls first, then use hairspray to set the look. For those with finer hair, prepping with a heat protectant spray or dry shampoo can help add texture and volume – without the damage.
Does dry shampoo really add volume?
Dry shampoo is often praised for refreshing hair and adding volume, but is it really the secret to all-day fullness?
While it does help control oil, Cody says it’s not a miracle fix, particularly for those who wash their hair daily.
“Dry shampoo doesn’t do much for volume, especially near the roots where it’s hardest to reach. It’s not really designed to give that long-lasting lift,” he added.
His advice? Use dry shampoo sparingly, and don’t expect dramatic results. It's best used for a quick refresh rather than a styling solution.
Is dandruff shampoo good for those with hair loss?
While dandruff shampoo is effective for treating flakes and scalp inflammation, it’s not the solution for hair loss, Cody said.
“Dandruff shampoos help with scalp issues, but they don’t target the root causes of hair loss. Many people focus on making their hair look healthier with conditioners or treatments but forget to care for their scalp, which is just as important,” he added.
For those experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, Cody recommended using targeted products such as hair growth shampoos or specialised scalp treatments for more noticeable results.
Silk pillowcases prevent hair damage
Cody revealed that switching to silk pillowcases or hair accessories can help reduce tangles and minimise friction, but your daily hair habits play an even bigger role in maintaining healthy strands.
But the way you treat your hair daily matters more, avoid tight hairstyles, harsh brushing, and tight hair bands to really protect your strands.
“Don’t choose something too tight, loosen it a little. That small change can help you avoid unnecessary damage,” he added.
Is hairspray damaging?
Hairspray often gets a bad reputation, but is it truly harmful?
According to Cody, not necessarily.
“I wouldn’t say it really damages your hair. But you do need to clean it properly afterwards,” he added.
Cody emphasised that hairspray won’t cause significant harm if used correctly, meaning, avoid spraying too close to the scalp and make sure to wash it out thoroughly.
If not cleaned properly, product build-up can lead to scalp irritation or other issues over time.
True beauty hacks
With beauty content going viral by the second, it’s more important than ever to separate tried-and-true techniques from passing fads. While online hacks can be fun to explore, not every trend is worth following.
Always remember, what works wonders for one person might not suit another. The key is understanding your own skin and hair type, and not being afraid to skip a trend if it doesn't align with your needs.
True beauty starts with what works best for you.
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