Pro Makeup Artists Would Never Use These Products

We all have some products or ingredients that we would never put on our faces. Whether it's because we tried it and it just didn't work out, or we've read about the negative effects certain ingredients can have, some things are just a no-go. But what about the professionals who see every type of product and every type of skin? To make sure that we're not still using products or ingredients that we maybe shouldn't be, I found out what a few professional makeup artists would never put on their faces. And the answers may surprise you.

Besides some general ingredients that were deemed untrustworthy, makeup artists are also wary of using certain formulas, finishes, and following certain fads. Which, in a world of constantly released makeup and beauty trends, it's good to know that we don't have to (and maybe even shouldn't) jump on every bandwagon. Because sometimes even the professionals are skeptical. So if you're looking to improve your beauty game, and want to treat your face like a pro, here are seven things that makeup artists would never put on their faces, and why you may want to avoid them as well.

1. Foundations Without Skincare Benefits

Stila Aqua Glow Serum Foundation, $45, A mazon

The first thing that Vanessa Eckels, Senior Makeup Artist at Hourglass Abbot Kinney, let me know that she would never put on her face is a foundation that doesn't have any skincare benefits. She explains, "I see foundation as an extension to skincare — the final step in your regimen. If I’m applying foundation every day, I want to be sure that it not only gives the instant gratification of beautiful-looking skin, but also gives the long-term anti-aging benefits for my skin." If you're not sure where to start looking for this type of foundation, try a serum foundation, like this Stila one.

2. OTT Highlighters

Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powder, $38, nordstrom.com

Eckels also warned against selecting highlighters with a metallic or glittery finish, as these "can make the complexion look oily or emphasize skin texture." No thank you. Instead, she recommends highlighters that give a "'glow from within' effect and still allow the skin to show through." Her pick? The Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders. If you like a more intense highlight, Eckels suggests using a damp sponge to apply.

Also consider: Aesthetica Cosmetics Highlighting Powder, $7.95, Amazon

3. Face Powders With Talc

Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder, $36, makeupforever.com

Finally, because they "give a dry and flat effect," Eckels also refuses to use face powders that have talc as an ingredient. For a more natural-looking complexion, instead try a finishing powder without talc or a heavy, matte finish. Make Up For Ever's HD version provides a perfectly sheer, natural finish.

Also check out: Physician's Formula Talc-Free Pressed Powder, $9, Amazon

4. Hairspray To Set Makeup

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, $30, S ephora

Celebrity Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert Jenny Patinkin shares that she has even heard other makeup artists recommending to use hairspray to set makeup. However, she explains why she would never do this: "Sprays to the face can cause a nasty eye infection called Blepharitis (which I have personally had and it's not fun) and they can also cause nasal inflammation." Yikes. Opt for a setting spray made specifically for the skin on your face instead.

Check out: e.l.f. Makeup Setting Spray, $7.85, Amazon

5. Physical Exfoliants

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser, $38, S ephora

I've always liked the idea of ground almonds as an exfoliator, but Patinkin warns, "physical exfoliants like ground nuts or peach pits are to be avoided because they have rough, uneven edges that can scratch or irritate the skin and cause damage to the skin barrier." The more you know.

Check out: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant, $28, Amazon

6. Bird Poop

Clarins Multi-Active Day and Night Moisturizers, $53-56, Amazon

You read that right. Guano (or bird poop) is currently one of those trendy skincare ingredients. But "I draw the line at using excrement on my face." Me too, Jenny Patinkin, me too. These Clarins moisturizers have plenty of other natural, trendy ingredients that are great for your skin — without all the poop.

7. Matte Powder Foundation

Sonia Kashuk Brightening Powder, $10.39, target.com

And as for the one thing Sonia Kashuk, Makeup Artist and Founder of Sonia Kashuk Beauty, would never put on her face? A heavy, matte powder foundation. She explains that this is not only because heavy powders will settle into fine lines and accentuate pores (especially on more mature skin), but also because skin is naturally not matte. "It's all about understanding a matte foundation is used to eliminate shine and balance out excess oil production throughout the day; not strip away all of the skin's radiance so it looks flat and dead." If you're feeling extra shiny come lunchtime, try a semi-matte powder on your T zone instead.

Also try: GloMinerals Pressed Base, $29, Amazon

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Images: SolisImages/Fotolia; Courtesy of Brands