Quick Beauty Queries Vol. II, No. One

Belle,

I’m intrigued by the idea of makeup setting spray–particularly during the humid D.C. summers, amirite?  How do I apply it?  Which one should I buy?  Send help.

Hya

Let’s start with what to buy.  Like so many beauty products, it’s about choosing one for your individual skin concerns and needs.  What you want to spend is also a consideration.

I have combination, acne-prone skin, so I like Urban Decay’s De-Slick spray.  (Also, in a $14 travel size if you just want to give it a try.)  If you have sensitive skin, Model in a Bottle has a product for you.  For something affordable, NYX makes an $8 spray in both dewy and matte finish.

If I need my makeup to last more than 10-hours, I will apply it both before and after I put on my makeup.  Just hold the bottle 6-8 inches from your face and give it 2-4 spritzes.  On a day when I just need a boost, after is more than enough.  Also, I don’t like what it does to my mascara, so I apply mascara after I spray.

Need more tips on how to apply it and other product recommendations?  The Gloss has you covered.

Dear Belle,

New boots = blisters for days.  I don’t know how to treat them.  Please tell me there is a cure or at least a salve for this.  

With regards, Molly 

The best way to treat a blister is never to get one in the first place.  I coat my feet in anti-chafe stick (like this one from Surface) or anti-chafe gel (like this one from Monistat) when I’m breaking in new shoes.  It keeps friction to a minimum and gives your skin a break.

To treat them once you get them, I actually recommend diaper rash cream.  I actually like a product called Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, but good luck explaining it to your boyfriend when he finds it in the bathroom.

Hi,

My girlfriends keep raving about Beautyblender makeup sponges.  Are they really worth $20 for a makeup sponge?

Karla

I own their Pure sponge and their solid cleansing soap.  I use them when I need my makeup to be on point, but I dislike reusable makeup sponges for every day use.  They’re difficult to keep clean.  And with acne-prone skin, a dirty sponge is your worst enemy.

If you like the idea of a round-edge sponge to ensure even foundation application, Sephora makes a much cheaper version that I think is just as effective.

For another option, a good foundation brush will give you a similar level of coverage without soaking up all your precious makeup.  This large Lottie Flawless brush is my new favorite.  I also love this Bare Essentials brush, with a cup for mixing foundation and primer, but it is a beast to keep clean.

Hi Belle,

Odd question: Do you have a favorite pair of tweezers?  I used to use Tweezerman but the quality has gone down hill.

Thanks. Essie

I actually hate sharp-ended tweezers like the kind from Tweezerman.  My hair is really fine and it will actually cut it off at the root, which is just a recipe for ingrown hairs.

These round-edge tweezers from Nook are good for longer hairs.  If you like a pointier tip, a makeup artist I know uses these Le Zele tweezers that have a unique shape for getting a good grip.