I've never worn makeup before but as I get older (and more tired) I'm tempted to start. Do you have any tips on how to get started? I like to be low-maintenance and eco-friendly, so I'm not sure if it's possible within those parameters?
My biggest piece of advice would be to figure out what is the biggest concern you have, and what would make the biggest difference on you, and start from there. For example, on me as a blondie with light eyelashes and eyebrows, using mascara and filling in my eyebrows makes a huge difference. If you don't usually wear any makeup, I'd advise starting with the big hitters - eyes, cheeks, and lips. Physician's Formula makes a 100% natural mascara that is highly rated. Tarte is known for leaning more on the eco-friendly side, and I've had my eye on their cheek tints - they look like an easy way to add a bit of color to your cheeks! For lips, Burt's Bees is a great place to look, since they have both lipbalms and lipsticks (I've heard great things about these!).
I was wondering about your experience with tretinoin. Have you experienced positive results?
I actually wrote a whole post about this a few months ago. I'm very pleased with my results!
I just wanted to know if you have tried any Josie Maran skin products, like her Argon Oil. My daughter swears by them and just wanted to suggest that for your dry skin problems.
I have, and I've really enjoyed them, although I didn't find the right place in my routine for them. In the AM, I found that they made my skin just a little too greasy, and I found my make-up sliding off my face. In the PM, I really look for products that can help improve my skin, and although her oil made my skin less dry, I didn't really notice a transformation in my skin from using her Argon Oil. I have used her Argan Milk treatment though, and it has worked wonders on those dry patches!
What do you think about powder sunscreens? Think Peter Thomas Roth instant mineral SPF45 or mineral fusion SPF30 from Ulta? Summer is approaching and there is nothing worse than having to reapply sunscreen over your makeup.
For this question, I consulted my friend Joyce, who is a dermatology resident at NYU. Her advice (and the FDA's) is that a powder sunscreen should not replace a standard sunscreen, you should still be using a sunscreen under your make-up every day.
My personal advice? If it's between not reapplying any sunscreen, or using a powder form of SPF (not a face powder that has SPF) throughout the day after using sunscreen earlier in the day, obviously a little protection is better than none. But if you are spending all day in the sun, slap on the sunscreen, and keep a little powder in your purse to fix your makeup afterwards.
You always manage to have such impeccable makeup! I'm pretty bare-bones with my routine, but I find my makeup always seems to fade and smudge quickly. You and I also have pretty different skin types, but I was wondering - what would you consider the BASICS for a make-up routine to get a lasting flawless look (or as close as possible)?
This is such a great question, and one I plan on going into more detail in a future post (it's just taking me a while to put it together!). The biggest thing to get your makeup to look flawless is good skincare - which, trust me, is easier said than done. So for me, getting my dry flaky skin to not be so flaky has made a huge difference in how my makeup applies and looks. Secondly, a good primer has made such a difference in terms of my makeup going on smoothly and staying put. There are a whole range of formulas and prices - I typically use the Laura Mercier hydrating primer, which is perfect for an additional layer of hydration. If you are new to primers, I'd suggest going to Sephora and just talking to a sales associate about your skin concerns, and they'll have plenty of suggestions for you!
I've also had dry flaky skin like you, and haven't figured out a way to fix it. Any advice?
I have been very experimental these past nine months, trying to find the best way to deal with my dry flaky skin. For the flakes themselves, the products that have made the most difference is the Glam Glow mask once a week and using a konjac sponge several times a week. For moisturizing, the First Aid Rehydrating Serum has made the biggest difference for me. I really notice how dry my skin is on mornings I forget to use it!
I am new to makeup and want something to even out my skin tone and at the same time to have a dewy fresh finish. What one or two products do you recommend I start with? Currently I am a lazy makeup person with just mascara and lipgloss.
I think the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue would be a great place to start to get a bit more coverage while keeping that fresh look that you want! I'm a huge fan of it, and find that when used alone, it gives you a bit more coverage, and when mixed with a thicker foundation, it gives you the dewiness you want.
You mentioned in a makeup favorites video that you've been watching more beauty you-tubers. Could you let us know who you're enjoying? I'm looking for some new inspiration!
I'm still new to watching YouTube beauty videos, and so I really only follow a few, especially because it takes so much more time to watch a video rather than skimming a blog post. The ones I watch are Vivianna Does Makeup, Makeup TIA, Jaclyn Hill, and Kristina.
I've been coloring my hair for a long while now, but I'm bored of my basic shampoo/conditioner set - Loreal Everpure. Do you have any advice for hair are that's non-pricey?
I actually don't have any real recommendations, because I also use the L'oreal Everpure system! I haven't found a brand or type of shampoo/conditioner system I really really love, or that has made a difference on my hair, so if any of you feel strongly about something, please let me know because I'm more than willing to try!
I know you've mentioned having dry skin, but you also mention getting pimples, so you must have some oily areas as well. Can you recommend a good mattifier that I could wear under make-up? I find that especially as the weather heats up, my liquid make-up melts because of the oil underneath. I've been looking at Paula's Choice, but was wondering if you had any suggestions.
For me, my acne is probably more due to face touching rather than having truly oily skin - all my acne is right where I rest my face on my hands, especially when I study, so I think it has more to do with that rather than having truly oily skin. Since I personally don't have experience with needing a mattifier, I would suggest going into a Sephora or Ulta and asking the staff there for their recommendations for a mattifying primer, as they have a lot more experience! Or, if any of you guys have suggestions, I'm sure she would appreciate any input you have!
What is on your list for the Sephora sale next week?
I'm so excited for this sale! The sale Halley is referring to is the Sephora VIB sale starting this Friday, where VIB members get 15% off their orders. The items I'm considering are:
- Becca's pressed highlighter: I looooove her liquid highlighter, but I don't always have the time or patience to use it in the morning. The powder form would be a pretty, and more efficient, option.
- Kevyn Aucoin's sculpting powder: a favorite of the beauty blogger crowd, I've really wanted to try this for a while now! Have any of you had any experience with it?
- Peter Thomas Roth Mask set: another item I've wanted to try for quite some time but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I've heard great reviews on that pumpkin enzyme mask!
- Ouai Texturizing spray: I just ran out of my Amika texturizing spray, and I'm ready to just try something new. Plus how pretty is the bottle?
- Tarte Butter Lipstick: I'm trying to be more adventurous with my lipsticks, so the reddish pink color is definitely in my basket!
ps. I'm sure you've seen that Shopbop is having their Friends & Family sale right now, which I think is truly their best sale of the year because it's 25% off everything, not a "spend this much to get this much off". I personally just ordered these slightly distressed jeans, as well as this fairly inexpensive clutch from Baggu. Tomorrow I'll include my picks at all price points!
