What’s so bad about internet advice? It could be worse than you think.
When it comes to social media, following someone on good faith may be misplaced trust. It’s not that a popular blogger, YouTuber, or Instagrammer intends to hurt anyone. They probably don’t even know they’re making a mistake—and that’s a huge problem.
Irresponsible info on the web can often be dangerous to follow. Click To Tweet“I’ve bitten my tongue more times than I’ve corrected misinformation I see out there,” Kristen Arnett, founder of the Green Beauty Team and celebrity makeup artist, said. “Women are relying on these real people to give them real advice, only to see how very flawed (and sometimes downright unsafe) it actually is. It’s getting to the point where too many bloggers are basically employing the same unethical marketing practices that are what their followers were trying to avoid in the first place.”
A dangerous DIY
Here’s a prime example. My sister-in-law (who is a nurse, by the way) found this video tutorial that teaches how to make a DIY gel eyeliner with burnt almond ashes, coconut oil, and aloe vera gel. It sounds interesting, right? The recipe is definitely “all natural,” so what could be bad? Evidently a lot. When I posted it to the Green Beauty Insiders group, the authentic ingredients experts sounded the alarm.
DIY exposed!
Jessica Lee, founder of Stark Skincare, immediately chimed in: “Hmm…no preservative with an oil/water (the aloe gel) is a very bad idea… and that close to the eye is very dangerous!”
Lorraine Dallmeier, founder of Formula Botanica, cautioned similarly: “It looks pretty but unfortunately so many of these DIY recipes should not be put out on the Internet without serious warning labels. Particularly around the eye area this could cause serious infection. Let’s not forget that unpreserved cosmetics have even been known to blind people.”
Um…yeah. Not a good idea. The video claims that the recipe can be stored for six months safely. I wonder if the 8.5 million viewers took the above cautions into consideration before following instructions. Unfortunately, it is only one example of irresponsible information that’s packaged prettily but could cause harm.
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What to do instead?
So how do people like us protect ourselves from bad advice?
- Follow the 6 rules for a safe DIY.
- As I mentioned in a previous post, double check facts. Don’t assume that a blogger or pretty Instagrammer knows skin—or even knows how to properly use a beauty product. And certainly don’t jump on those enticing roundups in the magazines. Research them and ask these questions.
- Seek professional guidance for beauty and skin. Check out these three talented, gracious, and eco-conscious MUA’s that are trustworthy and work both in-person and online, so it doesn’t matter where you’re located. Check out this list!
- Join discussion groups like the one led by Cindy Bokma of The Green Beauty & Wellness Blog and me called the Green Beauty Insiders and All Things Organic, started by the knowledgeable founder of Bubble & Bee, Stephanie Greenwood. Raise topics that are on your mind and ask specific questions.
- Contact brands you’re interested in and ask pointed questions about sourcing and ingredients. If they’ve got nothing to hide, they will get back to you with a clear and non-evasive answer. If they don’t, red flag them. Learn from Nic’s experience here.
- Follow DIY recipes from reliable sources like DIY Beauty Diva and download the BeautyCraft app.
A double dose of healthy skepticism is completely warranted and can protect you from a flawed DIY. This week, I’ll be sharing how a consultation with a makeup pro differs from a YouTube tutorial. It can actually save you money!
How do you protect yourself from flawed internet advice? Let us know in the comments.
Your content is one of the best, Sarita!!
Thank you so much, Brianna. I really appreciate the feedback. XO
This is an excellent post and I thank you for writing it! Although well meaning, a lot of DIY’ers and their recipes just aren’t tested nor safe and it is very much a “use at your own risk” situation. I remember when No More Dirty Looks used to do their DIY alternatives all the time for some pretty intense things like brightening products that just made me feel very uneasy.
This is why although it costs a pretty penny, I’m at peace with spending more for companies like Tata Harper, Kahina and Yuli who produce in labs with certifications.
Clearly, your instincts were good, Janna. I am not familiar with the No More Dirty Looks DIY’s but I’m definitely wary of most of them unless they’re created by estheticians. I love the companies you mentioned too. More and more I’m eliminating new brands because they were created by people who don’t know skin or ingredient safety info. Thanks for your insights! XO
I could not agree more! Great information and extremely important to educate on!
Thank you, Jeannine. Xo
thanks for this post, Sarita! I definitely avoid any DIY recipes that go near the eyes – so scary! I still DIY my own scrubs and masks, but usually just enough for 1-2 uses that way I don’t need to worry too much about bacteria or anything going bad. I never give skincare “advice” to people, but I do get asked a lot. I mainly just recommend products that worked for me and if it seems serious, I recommend they visit a dermatologist. like you said, I’m just a blogger – not an aesthetician, doctor, or chemist.
What you recommend sounds wise, Tianna. I think part of blogging does mean that we suggest the products that work for us with the stipulation that we may have different skin types and needs. I usually ask a lot of questions first in order to get to know what they’re looking for. Thanks for your input! It’s helpful to hear what other bloggers are doing that works. XO
Great article! Some DIY recipes can be great but others, not so much. I cringe every time I see a complicated recipe or one that is *too* simple. Wash your face with baking soda? Ack!! There is a fine line between keeping things simple and maybe doing it yourself or investing in a great product with some good ‘ol science backing it up the ingredients 🙂
Thank you, Valerie. I agree! XO
I have a few trusted sites I read for advice, but unfortunately the green beauty movement has lulled us into this belief that because it’s natural, it has to be good. Essential oils can be just as damaging as naughty chemicals if not used properly. So because it’s green we put things on our face created by someone who mixes things in their kitchen. We don’t know their training or if they pay attention to cleanliness. Most bloggers offer advice on products they are getting for free, there are few sites that give honest reviews because it’s not nice. Let’s make science and certifications popular again. Great post, thank you.
Hopefully over time and information overload, a person eventually develops a filter and becomes more discerning. It helps to have an honest sounding board like the groups I mentioned in the post. As for “honest” reviews, I made the decision from the beginning that I would not write a bad review because I couldn’t feel good about it. When I think of a brand, I think of the person behind it and how it would hurt them. If the brand is a good one but it didn’t work for me, I don’t want to ruin the possibilities for someone else to try it and have it work great for them–something that could easily happen. However, if I thought that the information was constructive for people to read, then I’d include it. I’d also rather go to the company to share if there was a problem with the product, if it’s something that could be corrected. Of course, I’m always revisiting this decision since I find the honest, less than stellar reviews helpful. As for receiving products, I get them all the time but that doesn’t influence my decision to write about them. I have to really LOVE something for it to make it to my blog. Thanks for sharing your insights! XO
This is SO darn relevant! Thank you for this one.
I’ve attempted writing something similar several times… but I got carried away with rage, so I let it alone 😉
And, seeking skincare advice from the Internet is not even the dumbest thing to do: I have read Qs in forums that made me want to call the police, something in the likes of “my kid ate some laundry detergent and has bubbles coming out her ears, what herbal tea could I make her now?” and “I don’t want to give my cat meds because I believe in wonders, which universe order form do I fill in?” Hopeless cases.
My hair pulling questions involve my fav brand of essential oils. “My kid has a double ear infection and bronchitis. Which EO should I use?” Or even better! “I have a kidney infection. What EO should I use?” SMH!
“My car engine broke. Which EO should I use?”
LOL
Oh no! Those examples are scary, Nath. Those essential oil network marketing companies are simply the worst when it comes to bad DIY advice. They’re completely unregulated and don’t abide by any safety rules. I’m eagerly anticipating your post. Now you’ve got to write it! XO
Shouldn’t you be saying something reassuring, “hey–no pressure”? 😀
Great article and so true. Green Beauty MUA Paige Padgett may be added to your list.
Thank you, Meryl! I will definitely add her. XO