Ask the Edit Vol. V, No. Seven

Do you have wrinkles?  Are you hunting for a winter boot?  Need help removing your makeup?  Those questions and more in today’s Ask the Edit.

I just turned 30 and am noticing some serious forehead wrinkles. Any suggestions?

– Meg 

This is the worst.  You know you’re aging.  You know it’s coming for you.  You don’t want to overreact, but there’s something about seeing that first wrinkle, that first grey hair, it makes you feel like it’s all happening too fast.

First, don’t rush to get Botox.  It seems like a quick fix, but most dermatologists don’t even recommend doing it until your mid-30s.  Plus, there’s plenty you can do before you start shooting neurotoxin into your forehead.

Second, are you using a retinol regularly?  If not, start there.  There are a lot of great retinols on the market,   Skinceuticals is the brand I would recommend.  If it’s not in your price range, The Ordinary Granactive or Retinol in Squalane are worth a look.

Third, derma-rolling has made a difference in my forehead wrinkles.  With regular use, it might make a difference in yours too.  I like the GloPro roller, but if you want something cheaper, try this $22 option.  Just remember to sterilize it and use a good serum with it.

Just don’t panic.  Drink more water.  Use sunscreen.  Get a hat for working out outside.  If all else fails, cut in bangs.

Dear Belle, 

I just recently was told about your site and I love it! I’m looking for some footwear advice. I haven’t worn sneakers regularly in ages, aside from exercise. However, I have been traveling a lot this last year, and am looking for a stylish, comfortable sneaker that doesn’t make me look like a tourist. I’m usually a boots/flats/sandals lady, depending on the weather, but by the end of the day I’m uncomfortable, my shoes have taken a beating, or both.

– MT

I asked the most-fashionable 26-year-old I know, she recommends these New Balance sneakers or these black Nike FlyKnits.  My readers also rave about AllBirds wool runners.

If you’re looking for something you can slide on and off on that plane, I suggest these Vince slip-ons.  They’re trendy, and will be stylish for at least another year.

Hi there! Love your blog.

Any recommendations for a makeup remover? I use the Neutrogena wipes but feel like they pul/tug at my skin and would like something gentler. I’ve tried some oil cleansers but feel like they never fully take off my eye makeup or just smear it over my face. Help!

– MerCedes 

I use the Simple Micellar wipes.  It typically takes two to get all my makeup off, but I never feel like their tugging.  You can also buy the Micellar water and use your own cotton balls.  Micellar water has a little bit of oil in it, but doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily.

Want to leave expensive face wipes behind?  This Makeup Eraser Cloth removes all your makeup with just water.  I own one, it really works.  I use it on waterproof mascara with no problem.

Hi,

Do you know where I can find a 100% cotton nightgown, preferably on the shorter side and preferably not ‘dowdy’? This has proven more difficult than I thought!

– Melanie 

First off, no one makes 100% cotton anything anymore.  Cotton is expensive, and the buying public is so used to modal and poly, that most don’t even notice.  So if you’re not finding pure cotton, it’s because most companies just aren’t incentivized to make that.

This Hanro tank gown looks just like a simple t-shirt dress.  J.Crew’s heart-print nightgown is nice.  For something affordable, I found this Land’s End supima cotton nightgown and this lawn summer nightgown are the nicest I found.

Hello,

I just moved to DC from Arizona and the humidity is killing me, mostly my hair.  I’ve never suffered from flat hair, but I have it every day now.  Is this a hairspray issue or a style issue?  Help.

Meghan

Keeping hair up in a humid place starts in the shower.  Only apply conditioner from the ears down.  Use a volumizing shampoo at the roots.  Rotate in a clarifying shampoo once per week.

Next, you need a root booster.  Plump for Joy is a good one; it’s also $7.  Or you can go for a mousse, like Drybar’s Southern Belle.  Then, blow-dry making sure to dry the roots directly to increase lift.

Lastly, setting it in place requires a powerful spray.  I use Drybar’s Sheriff, or Warden if it’s raining.  You want to spray it upside down and make sure you get it into the hair.  Just spraying the top helps nothing.  Then, lightly brush it out to afford helmet head.

Hi Abra,

Spring wedding season is coming up soon. I’ve been asked to keep to a color scheme for a close friend’s late May wedding who isn’t having a bridal party (so much easier than being a BM!). She requests I wear a mid-length to long coppery/rose gold dress. 

Could you help me find a few options that don’t break the bank? I’m hoping for under $200, since that’s what I’d expect to pay as a BM.

Thanks, Liz

For a knee to mid-length dress, this Adrianna Papell sequin dress is nice, she also makes a similar style in off-the-shoulder.  This tie-shoulder sequin dress in rose gold from J.Crew is advertised as a midi.

For a long dress, try this one-shoulder from ASOS or this sleeveless Adrianna Papell.  This coppery Rachel Zoe is a bit out of your price range, but this Jetset Diaries dress has a pretty boho feel to it.

So, I am traveling in the UK at the end of next month. Based on my past experience that means rain and chilly weather — but not necessarily snow.

Do you have suggestions for rain/winter boots that aren’t the standard Hunter pair. I already own one and honestly, I don’t know who has skinny enough calves to make them comfortable!  I’m looking for style, protection from water, and of course (relative) comfort — I’ll be doing a lot of walking!

Thanks for your help! I have been a fan of this blog for years!! -C

If you have money to spend, Aquatalia waterproof boots are the only way to go.  Many readers sing their praises.  One of my friends wore a pair to campaign in North Dakota with a pair of Smartwool socks and will never buy brand pair of boots.  Blondo boots are also popular, and currently on sale.

In addition to their rain boots, Hunter makes a popular Pac boot that’s shearling lined.  It looks like a LL Bean duck boot, so why not go ahead and buy those?   If you find your Hunter’s tight in the calf, you might want to look at a wide calf boot.   These Totes boots come in a wide-calf size.

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