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Beauty Questions
Ask me your questions now! - Lauren
Hi Lauren,
Do you have a good lip scrub that you can recommend for dry lips I've tried one but it didn't work.
Hi Vicki!
Thanks for your timely question.
Lips can really suffer in winter and the result is a severely dry kisser! Lip scrubs are a great preventative, but I wouldn't suggest using them on very aggravated lips. They could cause more damage than good. However, if your lips are a little dry and flakey, than it'll help. You can also use a scrub to keep your pout smooth and avoid dryness altogether.
My top pick is the Bite Fruit Scrub in Whipped Cherry.
Rather than a 'rinse off' or wipe off scrub, this fruit whip is like a balm that you can wear all the time. All natural and containing the smallest of beads, it helps to exfoliate while it nourishes with vitamin C. Plus, it's a delish cherry flavour - yum!
To get the best results from a lip scrub, there a few things I'd do. First, make sure you are already using a nourishing lip balm. Otherwise, you can scrub all you want, but your lips will stay dry and sore unless you protect them. I also think its a good idea to lightly scrub your lips before bed, fresh from the shower. It'll give them overnight to heal, without subjecting your pout to 'the elements' (winds, aircon/heating, even drying lipstick).
Another tip? No licking your lips! It'll only make dryness worse, or bring it back. And who wants that? Especially after putting in all your effort to keep them smooth and soft.
I hope this helps Vicki!
- Lauren
Hi Lauren,
Best tips for applying makeup when struggling with blemishes? Any tricks/tips/must have tools?
Hi Hayley,
Uhhh. I hate this common skin dilemma too.
I have a couple of tips for making living with blemishes slightly more bearable...
- Make sure you keep your sin hydrated. Even though it feels like you are going against your skin by applying moisturiser to an area with pimples, no makeup will ever sit well on-top of dry skin, let alone dry blemishes. Try a hydrating yet oil free cream like the Bioderma Sebium Mat which will also mattify skin, perfect if you’d also like to…
- Try switching to a mineral foundation. It doesn’t work for everyone, but I’ve found that a mineral base is lighter on the skin and less likely to cause congestion. It also helps to avoid excess oil production (if this is something you also tend to find occurs when using liquid foundations) The Inika Mineral Foundation SPF15 is a great choice, as it’s all organic and kind of inflamed skin. And less is often more – cakey makeup on-top of blemishes not only makes them more obvious, but makes it harder for your skin to 'breathe'.
- Apply your concealer with a makeup brush, and be sure to wash it very frequently (more than usual) You don’t want to add to the oils by using your fingertips, or spread the infection by using the same brush on the affected area and then over the rest of your face.
- I also like to use different concealers for different areas. Use a slightly paler, illuminating one for under or around your eyes, and a thicker, creamier one that’s an exact colour match to your skin on blemishes. Clinique have a great concealer for blemish control that contains salysilic acid to help flight the infection as well as cover it up - the Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer.
- My final tip is to make something else the feature, and go bold. When my skin is being a little bit of a pain in the ass, I wear highly pigmented, bold lipstick. It draws the eye to your beautiful smile and tends to even out the rest of your skintone. Try the OCC Lip Tar in Pretty Boy. One of my personal faves!
Good luck Hayley!
- Lauren
Hi Lauren
I have truly combination skin. I am using retin A for wrinkles, and even though my skin is smoother overall, I suffer dehydrated skin on my t zone which goes oily. The skin around my chin is prone to peeling, so I use a heavier moisturiser but then my pores look enlarged. Which item can seriously hydrate without making my pores look larger and oily???
Hi Lily!
Thanks for getting in touch. There are 2 parts to your question, so I'll try to answer them as best I can! And believe it or not, I've totally been in your situation. Here's what I found helped, but keep in mind, skin is very personal so you'll need to do a little experimenting to come up with the right combo for you.
Retinols (a form of Vitamin A) are great for smoothing skin appearance and helping reduce wrinkles, but they can dry your skin out as they often contain alcohol. However, retinols have proven benefits on the skin; they are an antioxidant, so they can deter free-radical damage (aging). But the trade off is that they can be harsh on the skin (and cause dryness, which in turn can lead to an overproduction of sebum or oil in the skin, like your t-zone) when not used properly. Retinol could also be causing the peeling on your chin. I'd suggest sticking with your retinol, but making sure you use it in the form of a serum or moisturiser. And don't use it everyday (because it sounds like it's a little harsh on your face). If you use it in cream form, you can also mix it in with your regular moisturiser to dillute it a little, whilst still getting the benefits. Or else, try a retinol treatment, so you only have to use it once a week. I love the emerginC Vitamin C and Retinol Mask. Also remember: you should also be sure to use an SPF whenever you are using retinols to protect your skin.
Now, onto the hydration. There are a few products I love, that will not only be kind to skin, but deter oil as well as adding moisture to skin, and both are from one of my favourite French pharmacy brands. I'd use a more hydrating moisturiser on your cheeks, neck and even chin (to combat the dryness) like the Bioderma Ataderm Cream. It's hypoallerginc, sinks in fast and shouldn't leave any oily residue on the skin.
Then, on the rest of your t-zone, try the Bioderma Sebium Mat. It is a great cream for retaining moisture, without adding any sheen. It also mattifys the skin, reducing the appearance of pores (so good on your chin, once you've cleared up the dry patches) as well as preventing oil, ace for your t-zone.
I hope this helps Lily! Good luck - Lauren
Hi Lauren
I love the idea of a bold lip but don't want a product that's high maintainance. I hate trying to match a liner to my lip colour, and I want something easy to brighten up a look. Help?
Hi Ruby,
Thank you for asking! I love a bright/bold lip, so this one's a cinch for me! I'd recommend three products specifically:
First up, the Bite Lush Lip Tint. This is a new product to the bb store and one I have fast fallen in love with. Not only is it longwearing, but incredibly conditioning too (some long-wear lip prods can be ultra drying unfortunately!). It also contains quite a nice touch of shine, which can be rare in a stain of tint - these are the products I'd recommened for a less 'high-maintenance' lip look. It also comes in three shades, so there's bound to be one that suits your 'bold lip' tastes (pardon the pun!). I personally love the dark red of Black Current; ideal for winter! Simply run the bullet over lips - no pencil required. If you are worried about 'bleeding' keep the application to the centre of your pout, then rub lips together, spreading it the rest of the way - it should help avoid applying too much, and causing any running through the fine lines around the lips.
Next up, the Bloom Lip Stain in Peach. This is a really pretty shade and one that seems to be universally flattering after a quick vote from the entire bb office. Very long-wearing, I'd recommend it for when you feel like a more matte finish. It's also ideal for those times you want a bold lip that's not too OTT.
Last, but by no means least, there's out long time fave, Lip Tars. You've probably heard about these before Ruby, as we seem to talk about them a lot! BUT, that's because they are so good. I personally love them because they are so long wearing. You can paint these on and rest assured, your lips will be the same colour as they were when you applied your tar - even hours later. This can also pose a problem, however. Because they are so longwearing, you must be very careful to get your application perfect and precise on the first go (also, a little product goes a looooong way). Luckily, they now come with a fine tipped lip brush, so you can paint on perfectly! There are plenty of shades to choose from, but pretty pink Pretty Boy, is a top choice of mine, as is orange red Psycho. If you find its a little drying, a balm on top (once your tar is dry) will help.
All of these longwearing products are ace for achieving a low maintenance bold lip look. I hope you find one you like! - Lauren
Hi Lauren
How can I stop my brown, wavy hair from being horrendously frizzy? It is also really thick (not sure if that matters)but I've tried a multitude of 'frizzy hair' products that do absolute squat. I barely want to leave the house as my hair just wont stay down.
Hi Jessica!
Good question. Frizz is one of the most common hair complaints, so I'm glad you asked! But I am sorry you hate leaving the house when you hair is like that. I've always maintained hair is a confidence booster like no other, so feeling glum when your strands are NQR is something I sympathise with.
Now, because you have wavy hair , I'd recommend the following to help fight frizz...
Instead of your regular conditioner, try a nourishing treatment. It will take an extra 20mins, but will be so worth it. This one, by Suigo does have the word 'volume' in the title, but don't let that fool you. Frizz and volume are too different things entirely. Concentrate the treatment on the lower 2/3rds of your damp hair and wash out after required time. This will deeply moisturise your locks and help prevent static frizz (which occurs when hair is too dry).
Then, when drying your hair, try not to brush it too much. This can be tricky, especially if you get knots in your waves, but the more you brush, the more your waves will get separated and potentially turn frizzy. Try combing with a very wide toothed comb instead.
You should also take a look at your hair dryer. Is yours really old, quite 'light', takes a while to dry your hair and probably didn't cost you very much? I know the type - I used to have one myself. The problem with these hairdryers are that they 'boil' the hair, rather than dry it. When your hair stays damp whilst having concentrated heat thrown at it, it's kind of the same as a really humid day - your hair will frizz. Except it's worse, because your follicles are kind of - how do I say this? - ...broiling. Not good. Not good at all. Damaged strands are far more prone to frizz too, so a dodgy dryer packs a double punch - and not in a good way. Investing in a quality hairdryer will deter all of the above. Plus, choosing the right one can help get you one step closer to sleek. The Parlux 3800 Eco Friendly Ionic & Ceramic Dryer, contains (you guessed it) ionic and ceramic components that help to lock in shine and prevent heat styling damage. I can't sing it's praises enough - I bought mine pre-bb days and adored it so much, I bought one for my mum too!
And if you are a 'dry naturally' gal, perhaps reconsider? I have straight locks, but when I air dry, the ends are waaaaaay more prone to frizz. Controlled styling is a better option for helping fight the frizz!
I hope these tips help a little Jessica!
Lauren
Hi Lauren
Finding the perfect shade of foundation for very freckled skin. I have grown to love my freckles so i don't want to hide them but I still need some coverage for blemishes and redness. It's so hard to find a match, do I match the shade to somewhere in between the freckle and remaining skin or do I match to the unfreckled skin?
Hi Tania!
Thanks for getting in touch! And for your original question! I don't think I've ever been asked this before. Whilst I wouldn't call myself freckled per se, I do have few little spots on my nose. When I was younger (and not as sun smart), I used to love it when they darkened and became more visable. Now I know better! But for those of us who have freckles year round, I can image it would be hard to match you foundation. There are two things you can do:
1) Match your base to the colour of skin 'underneath' or sans-freckles and 2) only use a very light foundation or even a bb cream.
Point number one is due to the fact that foundation should help to even out skintone (for you, the skin 'underneath' your freckles - the paler skin). For example, use it to cover any red or sallow undertones in the skin, as well as helping to hide any dark under eye circles. This lesson comes from the school of thought that foundation or 'makeup' should only be worn where it is needed (and I am a dedicated student of this school!) There's no need to cover your entire face in foundation - simply use it where you need it. Once you find the correct shade for your skin - and with enough blending - the skin that's makeup free will blend right in to the skin that is wearing makeup.
The second point is because: your freckles are obviously a big part of your features and shouldn't be covered up. Kind of the same as a brunette going platinum blonde - it's just not natural and, chances are, it won't be as flattering. A bb cream will be your best bet and my favourite bb cream of all time is the Erborian BB Creme au Ginseng. It blends into skin better than any other kind I have tried. You can use it on the places that need more coverage, then mix a little with your moisturiser to swipe over the rest of your face. It'll add just enough coverage whilst still looking fresh and allowing your freckles to shine through.
For those days when you only need a little 'somthin somthin' try their CC cream. It's essentially the same as the bb cream, but is totally sheer on the skin (untinted). It's designed to even out skintone and imperfections, whilst adding luminosity. Add a little concealer where needed, and you've got your 'off-duty' makeup sorted.
If you ever do want to go for a darker, fuller coverage, I'd still stay slighter lighter than the shade of your freckles. Mineral foundation is a good option as it can be built up to the desired coverage. One last thing to remember - bronzing products are often the perfect compliment to freckles. The naturally russet tones in your skin, thanks to your 'fairy footsteps' (what my mum used to call my freckles - she told me the fairies had been out dancing in the garden before tip-toeing across my nose!) mean your face will wear warmth well, even in winter. Try a dusting of bronzer, like the MeMeMe Goddess Rocks, along your cheekbones, sweeping up towards your temples and the outer side of your forehead - anywhere the light would naturally hit!
Hope this helps Tania and enjoy loving those 'fairy footsteps' of yours!
Lauren
Hi Lauren,
I dream of picking up such mascara which would lengthen volumize and twist eyelashes at the same time and moreover wouldn’t run if I'd like to shed a few tears?
Ads overstrain all around cosmetic store departments are full of various mascara kinds, but I 'm so often unsatisfied with the results: sometimes I get an allergy because of new mascara or sometimes the effect comes short…
What is the best lengthen volumize mascara?
My curiosity: what mascara do you use?
Thanks,
Sharon
Hi Sharon!
Thanks for getting in touch! Mascaras are a tricky thing, aren't they? They promise so much, yet often fail to deliver. Of course, I can't blame them too much as everyones eyelashes are different. And everyone likes a different lash look, so they can't please everyone. How dare they! (I jest!)
But a few good ones are:
This one seems to lengthen my lashes and add a good amount of volume at the base of each lash (thickening them up too). I do prefer it for day wear though, as it's not too OTT. Picture a saturday shopping and lunching - it's perfect for that. As am I. Please take me with you!
Max Factor False Lash Mascara
This mascara is kind of the bomb. It is supposed to be like steriods for lashes - big and thick is this mantra of this formula. Better saved for a night out, or after dark. Or, keep the rest of your beauty look toned down and let the lashes do the talking.
This mascara is great for sensitive eyes and is designed to help lashes hold their natural curl (more on that in a tick). I love it for work wear, as it gives just the right amount of oomph and is easy to remove - so you aren't tempted to keep it on in bed after a long wednesday, staring at your computer screen, leaving work late, followed by a mediocre dinner made up of whatever you could find in your fridge... or, something like that.
Remember, if your lashes are straight, you'll need to curl them first to get any real benefit from your mascara (I know I simply must). Also, mascaras can be sneaky things. I don't have sensitive eyes per se, however I once had a terrible reaction to mascara from a big name brand (and it cost me around $40 - not so cheap to throw away). I told Mum, and she was brave enough to take it off my hands; it worked a treat for her and played nice with her peepers. Sometimes thats the beauty luck of the draw - which I why I love trialling mascaras in my bellabox!
Good luck Sharon! And let me know what you thought! - Lauren