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Archive for the ‘Q & A’ Category

Beauty BFF Viewer Q & A: Post-Pimple Problem

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

Q: I have very unforgiving skin- long after a pimple is gone, you can still see a red mark on my face.  How can I truly cover these up, or, better yet, prevent them from coming in the first place?

A: Ah, few things are as frustrating as finally conquering a pimple only to have an unsightly red mark stick around in it’s place, reminding you daily of the blemish that once was.

In the short term- concealer, concealer, concealer. I swear by Cle de Peau, which is a major splurge I realize, but it is the best. Every makeup artist has it in their kit- and for a reason. It is amazing.

On a preventative note, look for products with licorice extract- that helps to get rid of discoloration and even out skin tone. If you go too crazy with all the hard core acid products to suck the pimple dry in the first place, it is no wonder that a red mark will result. So balance the potentially irritating treatments with soothing elements- use a soothing cleanser or a moisturizer with anti-inflammatory properties. Much like a balanced diet, I really do believe that a balanced skin care regimen will yield the best long term results. It may not always give you the instant gratification that you crave, but in the long run, your skin will thank you for it.

Beauty BFF Viewer Q & A: Mascara Mishaps

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Q: My question is about mascara. I seem to always end up with “raccoon eyes” no matter how waterproof the mascara claims to be. Is there a way of preventing this? What mascara do you think is the most smudge or waterproof?

A: Hmmm, that can be quite frustrating, I have definitely been there before.  Onepotential pitfall- are you applying concealer to your under eye area right up to the lash line? You want to avoid doing that. The oils in the concealer can come into contact with the mascara on your lashes and cause it to run and smudge. Apply concealer about an inch under the eye, and then blend up. This way you avoid having too much product in the danger zone where it could cause makeup meltdown, but you can still get ample coverage if you need it.

A new mascara that I recently started experimenting with which has proven itself to be quite smudge proof is Lashes to Die For THE MASCARA from Peter Thomas Roth. Formulated to help lashes look longer, thicker and fuller without clumping, smudging or flaking, the innovative brush features two specialized zones for targeted length and volume. It layers really nicely- so when I want more drama, I can easily get it.  I have been applying it at 8 in the morning, and when I finally make it home 14 hours later, there is nary a smudge in sight. I am also a big fan of L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara- you can read more about that here- it is a great drugstore buy. For maximum staying power, I suggest minimal layering- two coats max will give you lush lashes and longevity.

Beauty BFF Viewer Q & A: Foundation Recommendation

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Q: My question is regarding foundations. I would like to find a decent foundation that isn’t oily and applies well…what is your recommendation under $20? Also how do I go about purchasing foundation online if that is the only place I can purchase a certain product from?

A: You are in luck- there are so many great foundations available at the drugstore (or online at sites like drugstore.com- which has a 100% color guarantee return policy on  makeup, so you don’t have to stress about selecting the wrong shade.) Based on your criteria- something that isn’t oily and applies well- here are a few that I would suggest, depending on the amount of coverage you are hoping for:

1- Full/Medium Coverage: Covergirl/Olay Simply Ageless Foundation & L’Oreal Paris True Match Roller Foundation are my 2 favorites right now because they are easy to apply precisely and can be layered to achieve the level of coverage desired on any given day. Plus, if you want to use the foundation as a concealer, you can just dip your fingertip or a concealer brush in and one product does doubly duty.

An added bonus with the L’Oreal Paris option is that the roller applicator is very easy on the skin- you don’t have to pull or tug, which in the long run is better for your skin. Also, it makes it easy to get into those easy-to-miss spots (like the sides of the nose or fine lines that may occur around the eyes) so you are truly left with an even canvas on which to sprinkle bronzer, blush, highlighter- whatever you wish.

2- Sheer Coverage: Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 is new and so great- it rivals the more expensive tinted formulas that are beloved from prestige brands. I was very impressed, I must say. I recommend applying over a primer if you want to guarantee a nice, even coverage- but for a quick weekend “no-makeup-but-still-pretty-damn-good” face, this is perfect.

Beauty BFF Viewer Q & A: Lip Color Envy

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

I love all the questions that come in from viewers of my MSN series, Beauty BFF. I am going to do my best to answer as many as possible on my blog- here is this week’s installment:


Q: Noticed the gorgeous, gorgeous fuchsia/hot pink lipstick you wear in the beginning and end of the Beauty BFF videos. I am a lipstick addict and carry 6 or 7 at all times. I’d  love to know the color you wear. It’s beautiful!

A: The lip color I am wearing in the opening and closing shots of Beauty BFF is Stila Lip Enamel in Giggle. While at first glance in the tube in may look like a gloss, it has intense color payoff (basically the “industry term” meaning it deposits a significant amount of pigment for a dramatic result) and wears well for hours. Which was important since getting all these shots took many hours and I didn’t have time to touch up often between takes.  It has a very lacquered finish- so there is a shine there but it isn’t so much glittery as it is almost mirror-like.  In order to soften it a bit (and keep my lips conditioned, it was a chilly NY early Spring Day) we dabbed Smith’s Rosebud Salve (my makeup artist Emily is obsessed with this stuff) on top.  This iconic multi-purpose balm now comes in a tube (used to only be available in a pan) and is a definite must to add to your lip product arsenal.

Beauty BFF Viewer Q & A: Foundation Fix?

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

I love all the questions that come in from viewers of my MSN series, Beauty BFF. I am going to do my best to answer as many as possible on my blog- here is this week’s installment:

Q: I’m looking for some help for my skin. I don’t really need concealer because my skin behaves rather well, but I am looking for foundation so that my skin has a stable color appearance…After much work, time, and money, my skin doesn’t look smooth, but caked on. What can I do?

A: Never underestimate the power of a great primer. Many people think of primers as an unnecessary extra step- but I completely disagree. A primer will fill in fine lines, wrinkles and any surface inconsistencies that may result from acne scars, sun damage, etc. There is a new one from Stila called One Step Correct that I think is especially perfect for you. Weaved into the primer are color correcting ribbons of peach, lilac and green, which counteract any and all discolorations, in, you guessed it- one step! It also brightens the skin- nice added bonus.

With this on the skin first, you can get away with using less foundation to get your desired finish, therefore eliminating the need to pile on product which can result in that “caked on” look that we are trying to avoid here.

Following the primer, I suggest a medium coverage liquid foundation that you can really work into the skin. Two of my favorites right now- both have matte finishes which is very on-trend for Fall- include Ahava Mineral Makeup Light Foundation, which is enriched with Dead Sea minerals to protect and improve your skin, and Lancome Tient Idole Fresh Wear matte foundation, again, very lightweight but substantial coverage. Oh, and it lasts for 18 hours straight which, if your skin EATS makeup like mine does, is a huge plus.


Beauty BFF Viewer Q & A: Bangs

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

I love all the questions that come in from viewers of my MSN series, Beauty BFF. I am going to do my best to answer as many as possible on my blog- here is this week’s installment:

Q: I have a larger forehead then most people so I’d like to get side bangs to help hide it.  Are side bangs still in style? Would I be able to do something else with the bangs other than just letting them hang on my face?

A: Side bangs are a great idea- and the wonderful thing about side bangs is that you can leave them longer and cut on an angle, as opposed to straight-across styles where the cut needs to be uniform right at or just above the brows. My suggestion would be to have your stylist cut them with the intention of wearing them swept to the side and even leaving a few strands long enough to tuck behind your ear. This way, you can style them with your part or you can let them hang down. Just make sure to keep the bangs light- sticking to trimming the hairs just behind the hairline. If you go too far back and cut a thick layer, it can weigh down the forehead and end up accentuating what you are trying to disguise.

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