From the media to word of mouth (and even misguided bloggers), make-up myths continue to float around the world of beauty.

I am astonished by the number of times people are given the wrong advice. They believe there are certain rules and restrictions governing what they can and can’t do.  A lot of the time the 'advice' or 'tips' are misinformed and completely incorrect.

It’s time to separate fact from fiction and find out the truth behind these myths.

Myth 1: use a dark foundation to make you look tanned

No, no and no again. If you use a darker foundation than your natural skin tone it will look bizarre and out of place. Foundation is supposed to blend seamlessly with your neck and even out your complexion. If you decide to go three shades darker than your correct tone to look 'tanned' you will end up with tide lines and uneven patches. The best way to achieve a tan is to use a gradual tanning product for face and body. I would also recommend going to a make-up counter and getting a foundation match to the fake tan colour.

Myth 2: you should wash your hair every single day

Certainly not. By washing your hair every day, you will strip it of natural oils, resulting in dry, brittle and unhealthy hair. Aim instead for three to four times a week, thus allowing for strong, nourished hair. If your tresses are looking a little limp, try a spritz of dry shampoo which will help with excess oil production.

Myth 3: pump your mascara wand to get rid of clumps

This is one of the most common myths I 've come across and it is unbearably wrong. By pumping your mascara wand in and out of the tube repeatedly it will pump more air into the mascara, causing the product to dry out faster and create more clumps. Instead, try lightly wiping your wand on some tissue to get rid of  excess product and clumps.

Myth 4: use your moisturiser as an eye cream

Your eye area is completely different to the rest of the skin on your face. The skin around our eyes is thinner, thus making it more prone to damage such as fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness. Using your normal everyday moisturiser will not provide the same benefits as an eye cream. Eye creams contain a different intensity of ingredients, emollients and vitamins that are designed specifically for the eye area.

Myth 5: I only need to wear SPF when the sun is out

Sun worshipers aren’t the only ones that need sunscreen. Even if it’s raining, snowing or cloudy you can still get UVA and UVB damage from the sun. Sun damage is one of the main reasons for ageing skin; an SPF will create a protective shield to keep fine lines, pigmentation damage and wrinkles at bay.