Ask the Editor: Makeup and Skincare Questions

Suffer from KP?  Winter hair blues got you down?  Need the best polish for an at home manicure?  These questions and more on this edition of Ask the Editor.

Hi Belle:

I’m an assistant professor and, in the next few months, I’ll be filming a lot of videos for new online courses. The university has a studio set up with intense lights and high def cameras. I’m terrified of doing my makeup for these videos! I keep my makeup pretty minimal most days, but I’m not sure what needs to change or be amped up. I know a good powder will be key, but I’m not sure what type of powder will look best under the studio lights. Can you help steer me in the right direction?

Thanks! Abby

I would recommend going to a local Ulta or Sephora, or even a department store makeup counter, for a consult.  In lieu of that, you might also look into having someone do your makeup.  Studio makeup is very different from regular makeup because the lights are so bright.

However, if you’re looking for a product made for this issue, I would try MAC Studio Fix.  It’s a powder foundation that’s heavy enough for TV.  But again, you’d be better off with a professional or at least a consult.

Abra,

Loved your answer to the frizzy hair question last week.  Static is such a scourge.  Can you help me find a conditioner for dry winter hair?  Mine is parched.

Thank you, Sara

I like Davines Renaissance Circle Mask.  It revives hair that needs a deep condition.  It doesn’t take much, and the package reseals, so at $9, it’s a good value.

Hi Abra,

What are the best polishes for at-home manicures that last?  Mine are chipping on day two.  

Lacy

I like to use gel polishes at home.  There are many on the market that don’t require UV to set or soaking in acetone to remove.

My favorite is Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro.  The primer and top coat system helps my nails last for a little more than a week.  If I remember to reapply the top coat on day four or five, I can push it to 10 days.  My favorite shade of hers is Modern Love, a mauve-beige.  Pretty, but work appropriate.

The second option is OPI ProStay Infinite Shine.  You need to buy the primer and the gloss.  They promise this will last 11 days.  I’ve had good luck making it to eight.  My favorite shade in OPI Shine is Mrs. O’Leary’s BBQ, a deep burgundy.

Last, Essie makes a gel polish as well.  Their Gel Couture Top Coat is to be used with their new gel polishes.  No base coat necessary.  Their Turn n’ Pose shade is a great dark plum color.

Also, for at home manicures, I recommend Cupcakes and Cashmere’s tutorial.  Really one of the best how-tos out there.

Hello, Abra:

How do you remove facial hair?  I stopped waxing after a bad chemical burn last year.  (I know, terrifying.)  And now, I’m one prenatal vitamin away from having a Groucho Marx ‘stasche.  Help me. Please.

Love the blog!  Averil

So I use the Finishing Touch hair removal device that they advertise on TV.  It’s painless, simple, and gentle enough to use often.  It’s a pretty handy little tool.  However, since my coarser chin hairs (ugh, so old) don’t respond as well to being cut, I tweeze those.

Hello:

Can you recommend a face wash for acne-prone skin that doesn’t have those awful plastic beads in it?  They’re so bad for the environment.

Needs Spot Control

I like Body Shop’s Tea Tree Wash.  It’s effective, smells great, and non-drying.  (Though there is an adjustment period of three to four washes when you may be a little dry.)  It’s the only acne wash I use now, and only when my breakouts need more oomph.

If you want to try their entire suite of acne-control products, they make a great kit.

Hi Belle,

So excited you’re transitioning back to CHS!  Can you help me find a solution for my KP?  The prescription wash I use just rose in price to $137 for like a month supply.  I just need something cheaper, but effective.

Nina

This isn’t a problem I struggle with, but I did some research and found a few products that might be worth a look.

KP Duty is a body wash and lotion and combo developed just for dry, bumpy skin.  Mario Badescu makes a Keratoplast Cleansing Lotion and a Keratoplast Cream Soap, both are pretty affordable.

Also, this Self article suggested a lot of interesting products.  This MicroDerm Mitt seemed to be the most useful for exfoliating with any type of soap.  If you have KP, or have tips to share for this reader, please do so in the comments.

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