Ask Belle: Some Quick Beauty Questions

At almost-40 years old, my beauty routine is pretty set.  I don’t experiment with new products like I used to, or dive into new trends with the same enthusiasm.  But when you have questions, I will find you answers.

Hello.

Last month, you put up a foundation you loved and said you apply it with a Beauty Blender. But I’ve also seen you post to Instagram that sometimes you use a brush.  Forgive my ignorance, but what’s the difference?

LGT

This is a great question.  Yes, whether I use a sponge or a brush depends on the level of coverage that I need that day.  This is especially important because the KVD foundation I use is a heavier foundation (even though it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin).

A sponge, like Beauty Blender (this kit comes with the best soap), offers me more coverage that I can stipple on like paint.  This is nice for days when I need to cover imperfections.  And since the sponge presses the foundation into the skin  flawlessly, it’s a great choice if you need a full face of makeup without the cakey look.

With a brush, like this one from Sonia Kashuk for Target, I can use less foundation and get a lighter coverage.  This is nice on days when I don’t need as much foundation to cover imperfections.  It’s also nice for applying tinted moisturizer and getting it to blend seamlessly.

Belle,

I look like a raccoon every day thanks to flaky mascara.  I’ve tried every brand, or at least if feels that way, and I’m still Kate Moss by lunchtime.  Another influencer recommends tube mascaras.  Have you tried one?

Congratulations on the baby! Lisa

Do you follow My Sister Made Me Buy It, perchance?

First, let’s talk about tube mascaras.  Unlike traditional mascaras that paint color onto your lashes, a tube mascara coats the lashes in a way that forms tubes (think of a straw).  This way, the product doesn’t chip off, making it smudge proof.

I too struggle with mascara rubbing off onto my lower lids.  The additional issue for me is that I like a volumizing mascara as opposed to a lengthening one, and most tube mascaras are length only.  But the plus is they’re usually waterproof by design.

I tried the Kevyn Aucoin tube mascara and hated it (though it would be great if you just need or want length).  I also tried the Glossier and was very ‘meh’ about it.

For me, the Caliray Come Hell or High Water mascara is the clear tubing winner. MSMMBI put me onto it, and once I realized that I just need to use different technique (video) in order to get volume, I loved it.  I buy the small size so I can toss it when it starts to dry out.  It costs a little more per ounce to do it this way, but the product is always fresh.

Can you suggest a self tanner that isn’t super streaky and orange?  The bottle of St. Tropez I had turned, and I’m looking for something cheaper.

Thx. Star

I don’t use self-tanner as religiously as I used to, so I no longer stock bottles of self tanner.  Instead, I stock tanning drops, which I can add to lotions and face creams to turn any product I already love into self-tanner.  If you want to try them, try the Isle of Paradise drops from Sephora or the Tanologist drops for a less expensive option.

As for color, I have light olive skin and the medium isn’t dark enough for me.  So adjust accordingly.  But since you can control the depth by adding more drops, I’ve never had an issue just buying the deeper drops.

Abra,

My eyebrows fell out post pregnancy (not the hair loss I was expecting) and I want to grow them back in.  My Mom told me to try vitamin-E oil, but it just broke me out.  Suggestions?  Help?

Kris

Regrowing your eyebrows is tough, but sometimes necessary.  I, like so many 90s kids, over-plucked young and paid the price.  Last year, I started using GrandeBrow serum.  Within a two weeks, I had regrowth.  Within six weeks, my eyebrows were back.  I have rarely used a product that worked as well advertised, this is one.

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