Makeup Files

Even if you have some of the most resilient skin around, there’s still a chance that a new skin product may not work for you. It could irritate your skin, cause acne, or not work in the ways it promised.

Then there’s those of us with sensitive skin. We need to be wary of just about every product out there.

If you’re looking for a new skin product, whether a moisturizer, cleanser or makeup remover, there are ways to test it out to make sure it works for you without ending up looking like a puffy fool for your next important occasion.

1. Read Users Reviews First

Have your eye on a certain kind of product? Before you run out to the store, read reviews by people just like you to make sure it will work. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin as others’ experiences can help prevent adverse reactions.

There are a few places you can go for user ratings and reviews, although these are my favorites:

• Amazon.com. Even if you’re not buying the product from here, the site is worth a visit just for the reviews. People are thorough in their ratings and will give honest opinions on how a product works.
• Total Beauty. Go here for a compendium of reviews from regular people as well as other beauty blogs. Keep in mind that these reviews tend to skew a bit more positive than other websites.
• Sephora. This beauty shop only carries certain skin care items, but what they do have will accompany honest reviews from shoppers such as yourself.

And, of course, you could always read the beauty reviews I’ve compiled on Makeup Files!

2. Do a Patch Test

Have you ever tried a new skin product just to end up with odd looking skin or breakouts? If so, you have sensitive skin. In these cases, you’ll find it hard to find a skin product that doesn’t cause some problem for your skin.

Do a patch test with any new skin products.

Use a small amount of the skin product and rub it on the inside of your wrist. This is some of the most sensitive skin on your body. Keep the patch around 1 or 2 square inches.

After a few hours, you should be able to tell if the skin product causes adverse reactions. Return a product that causes irritation or skin discoloration.

If your skin looks fine, then you’re ready to test it for it’s intended purpose.

3. Try Skin Products on Your Day Off

Got a new nighttime moisturizer? Before you slather it on, make sure you don’t work the next day. There’s a small chance that you could wake up the next day with a bad reaction which could make you a laughing-stock at your job if you’re not careful.

Wait for the weekend before trying skin products, especially self tanner and harsher moisturizers and cleansers. Just in case!

4. Give It Time for Results

Does your new skin product make promises like, ‘clears up acne’ or ‘tightens pores’? If so, you’re not likely to see these results right away.

Don’t let that discourage you, though. Most products that make promises like these need a few weeks to show results. In this case, give the new skin product a good 2 to 3 weeks of regular use before condemning it to the trash can.