Can You Answer the Most Asked Beauty Questions?

By: Jane Andrews
Estimated Completion Time
7 min
Can You Answer the Most Asked Beauty Questions?
Image: Paper Boat Creative/DigitalVision/gettyimages

About This Quiz

Did you know that historians have been able to trace the use of cosmetics and skincare products back to the ancient Egyptians? That's more than 5,000 years of beauty secrets and makeup advice being handed down from generation to generation. Before there was Google — before there were even professional makeup artists and skincare experts to consult — there were the tried-and-true beauty tips that people passed along to help boost their confidence and improve their appearance.

Where have all of the tips and tricks that you swear by even come from? Mom? Magazines? The Internet? Today, there are so many sources for skincare secrets and so many ways to swap eyeliner advice, that it's relatively easy to find beauty info. But it's even better when you have a sister, a brother or a best friend who knows everything there is to know about makeup and moisturizers. It's also awesome when you're schooled in these topics.

If you fancy yourself to be a bonafide beauty expert, this is the quiz for you! It's packed with some of the most commonly asked questions about makeup techniques, skincare products, hair care regimens and more. Can you answer them all? Kick up your feet, slather on a face mask and find out!


01_Serum
Mladen Zivkovic/E+/gettyimages
Which should you apply first, moisturizer or serum?
Moisturizer
Serum
It doesn't make a difference.
You should mix them in your palm and apply them at the same time.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The order in which you put on skincare products makes a difference in the way that they work. Because most moisturizers are fairly thick, it's best to apply serum first so it can properly penetrate the skin.

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02_concealer
Emma Kim/Image Source/gettyimages
What color concealer works best to hide pimples and redness?
Green
Purple
Beige
Blue
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Green and red are opposite colors on the color wheel, which means that they cancel each other out. As a result, green-tinted concealer is the best way to hide skin problems that cause redness, such as acne or rosacea.

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03_manicure
mikroman6/Moment/gettyimages
How long does a gel manicure last?
One week
One month
Two weeks
Two months
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Even if your manicure looks great and has no chips, most professional manicurists recommend getting your gel polish removed and redone after two weeks. Keeping it on longer can cause damage to your nails.

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04_mascara
Image Source/Image Source/gettyimages
Do you need to replace old mascara?
No
Yes — every three months
Yes — every six months
Only if the mascara has become dry and flakey
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Mascara tubes can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why you should replace them regularly to avoid eye irritation and infections. It's also good to invest in a new mascara after having a cold or the flu, and it's never smart to share a mascara wand with another person.

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05_eyelash_perm
Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision/gettyimages
What happens during a lash lift?
Your eyelashes are curled with a heated curling iron
Your eyelashes are treated with a perming lotion
Your eyelashes are tinted with dye
It's just another name for getting eyelash extensions.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lash lifts give your eyelashes a semi-permanent curl that lasts for about six to eight weeks. which is about the length of the lash growth cycle. It's often paired with a lash tint to make lashes even more noticeable.

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06_foundation
PeopleImages/E+/gettyimages
Where's the best place to test foundation?
The wrist
The jawline
The forehead
The back of the hand
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To find the shade of foundation that best matches your skin tone, most makeup experts suggest testing it along the jawline, which is where your complexion is most even. If the shade is barely detectable after being blended into the skin, it's the right color for you.

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07_makeup brushes
Image Source/Image Source/gettyimages
How often should you wash your makeup brushes?
Once a week
Once a day
After every use
You don't need to wash them
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To keep your skin healthy and your brush bristles free of bacteria build-up, you should wash your makeup brushes at least once a week with warm water and mild soap or makeup brush cleanser.

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08_split ends
Jupiterimages/Pixland / Getty Images Plus/gettyimages
What's the best method for getting rid of split ends?
Slather them with serum.
Invest in a high-end hair mask.
Use a deep conditioner.
Get a trim.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unfortunately, it's physically impossible to heal spit ends. Once hair is dead, it can't repair itself. The only real way to get rid of split ends is to chop them off so they can be replaced with healthy hair growth.

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09_moisturizer
Sydney Shaffer/DigitalVision/gettyimages
Can you skip using moisturizer if you have oily skin?
Yes, oily skin does not need extra hydration.
No, moisturizer is just as essential for oily skin.
Oily skin only needs to be moisturized before you put on makeup.
Oily skin only needs to be moisturized before you go to bed.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You still need to moisturize your skin regularly if it's oily. Skipping this step altogether can lead to an increase in oil production and shininess. Look for lightweight formulas that are non-comedogenic and oil-free.

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10_dark under eye
Nevena1987/E+/gettyimages
How do you conceal dark under-eye circles?
Cover the area with a layer foundation.
Dab the area with setting powder.
Apply yellow or orange concealer.
Wear sunglasses.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Technically, wearing sunglasses will hide under-eye circles, however it's not particularly convenient during the evening or when you're indoors. Instead, use a color-correcting concealer — yellow is best for circles with a deep blue or purple hue, while orange or peach is most effective for canceling out under-eye circles with a brownish tint.

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11_jade roller
Mengwen Cao/Moment/gettyimages
What is a jade roller?
A skin care tool
A massage tool
A hair care tool
A nail tool
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Using a jade roller on your face regularly helps fight wrinkles, reduce puffiness, smooth skin and relax the facial muscles. The tool also helps products like serums and essences more effectively penetrate the skin.

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12_wash face
Willie B. Thomas/DigitalVision/gettyimages
Do you have to wash your face every night before bed?
Of course!
Only if you're wearing makeup
You can skip it as long as you cleanse first thing in the morning.
It's never really necessary to wash your face.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No matter how tired you may feel, washing your face before bed should be a nightly ritual. Your skin is exposed to so much ickiness throughout the day — dirt, oil, makeup, dust — that cleansing before you crash is necessary. At the very least, keep a pack of makeup wipes by your bed for those late nights when you can't make it to the bathroom sink.

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13_concealer
Elizabeth Fernandez/Moment/gettyimages
Which should you put on first, concealer or foundation?
Foundation
Concealer
It makes no difference.
Concealer should be applied before and after foundation.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Most makeup artists recommend putting on concealer after foundation so it doesn't get smudged off the area you intend to cover when you blend in your foundation. You also don't have to use as much when you apply concealer over a layer of foundation.

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15_primer
Boy_Anupong/Moment/gettyimages
What does a primer do?
Smooths skin
Fills in large pores
Keeps makeup from smudging and budging
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Applying primer before makeup adds an extra step to your routine, but it's well worth the effort. When you use primer on your face, checks and eyelids, your foundation goes on smoother and your color stays on longer.

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16_pimples
Zero Creatives/Image Source/gettyimages
Is it ever OK to pop pimples?
Technically, no, it's not OK. There's always a risk of infection or irritation.
Yes, it's fine as long as you wash your face when you're done.
It's OK to do on occasion; just wash your hands first.
It's only OK if the pimple is cone-shaped and white at the top.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As tempting as popping a big zit may be, there's always a chance you'll damage your skin (and maybe leave behind a scar) if you do it yourself. But if you can't resist, make sure you wash your hands or wear rubber gloves, and disinfect any tools before using them.

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17_eye liner
PeopleImages/E+/gettyimages
Is it necessary to replace liquid eye liners?
Yes, every six months
Yes, every three months
You really only need to replace them once a year or so.
You don't need to replace liquid eyeliner.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Like mascara, liquid eyeliner can attract bacteria and cause eye irritation and infections if it's not replaced on a regular basis. Most formulas also tend to become dry and flakey when they pass the three-month mark.

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18_dermatologist
Charday Penn/E+/gettyimages
When do you need to go to the dermatologist?
When you have a skin issue that won't clear up on its own, such as a rash or scaly patch
At least once a year so you can be screened for skin cancer
If you notice a mole has changed shape, size or color
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Because it's physically impossible to examine every area of your body yourself (think about your back and your butt!), you should be seeing a dermatologist at least once a year so they can check your skin for pre-cancerous growths.

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20_sunscreen
Tom Merton/OJO Images/gettyimages
Do you really need to wear sunscreen every day?
Yes, if you want to reduce your risk of skin cancer
No, it's not necessary to wear sunscreen if you have foundation on.
No, you only need sunscreen when you're at the beach or by the pool.
It's OK to skip the sunscreen on cloudy days.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In addition to helping prevent skin cancer, sunscreen is essential for keeping your skin looking young and wrinkle-free, even if there are clouds in the sky. Makeup can only be used as a substitute if it is formulated with SPF. You should aim for an SPF of 20 or higher.

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19_dermal fillers
zoranm/E+/gettyimages
What do dermal fillers do?
Plump skin
Soften the look of scars
Smooth wrinkles
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also called soft tissue fillers, dermal fillers are injected into your skin to add volume and firmness. Depending on the type of filler that's used, they are designed to address a wide range of skin issues and can last anywhere from six months to two years.

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21_clumpy mascara
Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision/gettyimages
What's the best way to fix clumpy mascara?
Use a Q-tip
You should take it off with makeup remover and try again
You should run a brow comb through your lashes
You should wipe it off with a tissue
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's always good to have a brow comb or spoolie in your makeup bag for this very reason. If your mascara clumps while you're applying it, a brow comb will remove the excess without smudging the color.

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22_eyelash curler
kolderal/Moment/gettyimages
Should you use an eyelash curler before or after applying mascara?
Before
After
It makes no difference.
You should use it both before and after you apply mascara
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Eye lashes should only be curled when they are clean and free of makeup. When a lash curler is used on lashes that are already coated in mascara, it can cause damage to both your lashes and your curler.

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23_wash my hair
southerlycourse/E+/gettyimages
How often should you wash your hair?
Every day
Every other day
Once a week
It depends on your hair type.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hair that's straight, thin and/or fine tends to get dirty quickly and requires more frequent washing than hair that's dry, coarse and/or curly. Only hair that's very oily needs to be shampooed every day.

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24_eyeliner
Ingolf Hatz/Cultura/gettyimages
Is it safe to use eyeliner on the inner rims of your eyelids?
No, it can cause serious damage.
Yes, if it's applied carefully
Only if a professional makeup artist applies it
Only if you do it infrequently
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Called waterlining, this technique is safe if you have a steady hand. Go slowly and use a kohl pencil with a waterproof formula. Never use liquid eyeliner or powder directly on your waterline.

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25_décolleté
danm/Moment/gettyimages
To what part of the body does the décolleté refer?
The bust
The kneecaps and elbows
The neck, shoulders, back and upper chest
The butt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Don't neglect your décolleté (which is pronounced DAY-co-let-TAY) — it's one of the areas where your skin is most delicate. To keep it soft, smooth and wrinkle free, hydrate the area at least once a day with a facial moisturizer and neck cream.

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26_red lipstick
CoffeeAndMilk/E+/gettyimages
I want to minimize the look of my yellow teeth. What's the best lipstick shade for this?
Nude
Blue-based pink or reds
Deep reds like wine or burgundy
Coral or orange colors
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pink and red lip colors that feature blue undertones tend to make teeth appear whiter than they actually are. Avoid shades like orange, deep red and nude if you're self-conscious about your teeth, as these colors can amplify the look of yellow.

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27_purple shampoo
Yaroslav Mikheev/Moment/gettyimages
What does purple shampoo do?
Nourishes hair that's dry and damaged
Gives hair a semi-permanent purple hue
Revives dull, brassy color in blondes
Fights dandruff
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The color wheel is at it again! Because purple is the opposite color of yellow on the wheel, purple shampoo neutralizes yellow, brassy tones in fading blonde hair and restore its brightness.

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28_moisturizer
Image Source/Image Source/gettyimages
Can you use regular facial moisturizer to hydrate your under-eye area?
Yes, eye creams are bogus. A facial moisturizer will do the exact same thing.
Yes, but make sure it's a lightweight formula that's noncomedogenic
No! The under-eye area is very delicate and requires a cream that's specially formulated.
You actually don't need eye cream at all. The natural oils in your skin keep that area hydrated.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The skin around the eye area is very thin and can be irritated by a regular facial moisturizer. In addition, the issues you typically want to address around the under eyes — dark circles and redness, for example — require a specific formula.

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29_mascara_panda
Colin Anderson Productions pty ltd/DigitalVision / Getty Images Plus/gettyimages
How do you prevent mascara from smudging and giving you panda eyes?
Apply only one coat.
Use a waterproof formula.
Wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes before pulling it through.
Avoid wearing mascara altogether.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Believe the hype; waterproof formulas really do work! Because they are formulated to dry to a matte finish, most waterproof mascaras will not come off unless they come in contact with an oil.

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30_pores
jeffbergen/E+/gettyimages
Is it possible to shrink the size of your pores?
Yes, there are creams that are specially formulated to reduce pore size.
Yes, but it requires a professional cosmetic procedure.
No, pore size is genetic.
It depends on your skin type.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Unfortunately, it's physically impossible to shrink your pores. But there are plenty of things you can do to minimize their appearance, such as using a makeup primer and exfoliate your skin regularly.

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31_wash_face
Michael H/DigitalVision/gettyimages
Your skin is very oily. What's the best way to minimize shine?
Use a matte formula foundation
Keep blotting papers in your purse.
Wash your face regularly.
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Washing your face regularly with a cleanser formulated for oily skin will help reduce shininess over time. A matte foundation can also help keep oil at bay, and there's nothing better than blotting papers for an instant fix.

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32_bake_face
Image Source/Image Source/gettyimages
What does it mean to "bake" your face?
Intentionally expose it to the sun without wearing sunscreen
Use a self-tanner on specific areas like the cheeks and nose
It's a makeup setting technique.
It's a contouring technique using different shades of foundation.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you "bake" your face, you let translucent powder sit on specific areas (such as under the eyes and around the nose) for five to 10 minutes before dusting it off. The technique allows the heat from your face to set your base foundation and concealer for a creaseless, long-lasting look.

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32_dry_shampoo
GlobalStock/E+/gettyimages
How does dry shampoo work?
It's formulated with special cleaning agents that dissolve dirt and oil on contact.
It's formulated with alcohol- and starch-based additives that soak up dirt, oil and grease.
It covers the hair shaft with a layer of soap.
It cleanses the cuticle with a shampoo-based powder.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While dry shampoos are a great way to reduce oiliness and extend the life of a blowout, they should not be used as a replacement for washing your hair. In fact, using dry shampoo too often can dry out the scalp and cause dandruff.

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33_basecoat
EXTREME-PHOTOGRAPHER/E+/gettyimages
Do you have to use a base coat when polishing your nails?
Nope, this is a totally skippable step.
Yes, applying polish directly to the nail can cause discoloration.
Yes, but only if your nail bed is damaged or bumpy
It doesn't make much difference either way.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Applying a coat of clear polish to your nails before adding color is one of the best ways to keep your nails healthy, avoid discoloration and prevent colored polish from chipping.

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34_foundation
Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/DigitalVision/gettyimages
You should avoid cream-to-powder foundation if you have which of the following skin types?
Normal skin
Combination skin
Dry skin
All of the above
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For the most part, cream-to-powder foundation is intended for people with very oily skin. Because it evaporates on contact, it tends to dry out skin that is dry, combination or normal.

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35_AHAs
RUNSTUDIO/Moment/gettyimages
Are alpha hydroxy acids good for your skin?
Yes! They are beneficial ingredients used in a wide variety of skincare products.
No! They can dry out your skin and cause breakouts.
Only if a professional esthetician applies them
They are OK in moderation.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are naturally occurring chemical compounds that help keep skin smooth, soft and wrinkle-free. Commonly used AHAs in skincare include citric acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid and malic acid.

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36_hair highlighting
Jacob Wackerhausen/E+/gettyimages
What is balayage?
A professional skin conditioning treatment
A specially formulated under-eye concealer
A hair highlighting technique
An eyebrow shaping method
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Balayage is a hair-highlighting technique that involves hand-painting individual strands with dye to achieve a natural-looking gradation of color. In French, the term balayage means "to sweep."

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37_Lip liner
Image Source/DigitalVision/gettyimages
Which should you apply first, lip liner or lipstick?
Lip liner
Lipstick
Trick question! It's lip balm.
It makes no difference.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lip liner should be applied before lipstick because it works as a base and creates a barrier around the lips to prevent color from bleeding or feathering. Lip liner tends to be very drying, however, so if you are prone to chapped lips, put on a coat of lip balm first.

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38_foundation_fingers
svetikd/E+/gettyimages
Is it better to apply foundation with your hands/fingers or a makeup tool?
Your hands or fingertips are best.
You should always use a makeup sponge to apply foundation.
It's best to use a foundation brush.
Either is fine; it's a personal preference.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This one is up to you. There's no one right way to apply foundation. For some people, rubbing the product between the hands is helpful because it's warming and makes the foundation easier to blend. Others prefer tools like a dampened Beautyblender because they add extra hydration.

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39_setting
10'000 Hours/DigitalVision/gettyimages
Makeup setting spray and makeup setting powder — Is there a difference?
No — they both do the same thing.
Yes — they offer different finishes.
They are meant to be used together.
Spray is better for oily skin.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While both products are designed to lock in pigment and prevent makeup from smudging, a setting spray gives the face a fresh, dewy glow, and a makeup setting powder provides a matte finish.

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40_exfoliate
gilaxia/E+/gettyimages
How often should you exfoliate your face?
Once a day
Twice a week
Twice a month
It depends on your skin type.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Typically, normal to combination skin should be exfoliated with a mild scrub two to three times a week. If you have sensitive skin, once a week is enough. Most skin types do not need daily exfoliation, as over-exfoliation can cause irritation and redness.

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