BEAUTY QUESTIONS WE’RE ALL ASKING RIGHT NOW …answered!
Can’t go to see the experts? We are happy to bring them to you
What can I do to prevent my cloth mask from irritating my skin? Apply a protective balm on the areas that rub against your mask, says dermatologist Dr Heather D. Rogers. Reapply as needed throughout the day, and at night wash your face with a gentle cleanser, then dab the balm on any sensitive spots to help them heal.
Skincare is a big part of my self-care right now. Is it OK to do a treatment every night? Emma, Deputy Art Director
“We’re all struggling to fill this time with something beneficial and enjoyable,” says dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman. If that something is skin care, be mindful of the types of formulas you’re using, she advises. Hydrating masks are fine for every day. Limit anything detoxifying or exfoliating to once a week.
I’m running out of my usual products and it takes weeks to get them shipped at the moment. What are some good alternatives? Cleo, Art Director
For the past five years, we in the beauty team
have tested hundreds of pharmacy products for every skin type. If your face needs a little TLC right now, try a vitamin C serum to brighten, a hydrating night moisturiser to keep skin supple and an eye cream formulated with retinol to smooth that delicate area.
Why is my skin breaking out like crazy right now, and what can I do to make it stop? Susan, Sub-Editor
It could be a change in your diet, lack of sleep or high stress levels (or all of the above). “Any of these can lead to inflammation and increased oil production, which blocks pores and causes breakouts,” says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. His fix, “Switch to a salicylic acid face wash to remove excess sebum and keep pores cleaner, work it into your skin for as long as it takes you to sing the alphabet, then rinse.”
I look so tired and blah on video-conference calls. Any tips for perking up my appearance? Lily, Fashion Assistant
Two words: concealer and blush. More specifically, peach blush. “The colour counteracts sallow tones to make even a dull complexion look vibrant,” says celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey. Tap the cover-up under your eyes, around your nose and on any blemishes. Then warm up your cheeks with the blush and dial in …
I’ve never groomed my own brows, but I think it’s time to start. Where do I begin? Linda, Senior Writer
First, remember that right now your goal is to clean them up a bit, not totally transform them, says celebrity brow expert, Anastasia Soare. Start by filling in your arches with a pencil or brow powder; once you’ve achieved your desired shape, remove only the “straggle hairs” that are growing outside that area. Next, brush the hairs up with a spoolie, and snip any noticeably longer ones. Then brush the hair down and repeat.
How can I social distance from the dead skin on my feet? Nicky, Designer
Ha! Use a gritty scrub in the shower. “You have more control over how much pressure you apply than you do with a tool like a pumice stone,” says dermatologist Dr. Kavita Mariwalla. Spend a few seconds massaging it into each foot (focus on your heels, which tend to be the roughest). Then, moisturise with a cream that has urea, a powerful humectant with exfoliating properties.
How often should I wash my makeup tools? Katie, Writer
Here’s the dirty truth: At least once a week to get rid of makeup, dirt, oil and bacteria. A sanitising spray should do the trick, but you should also give them a thorough cleansing with room-temperature water and baby shampoo once a month, says beauty blogger Jaclyn Hill.
Does whitening toothpaste actually work? Cleo, Art Director
It does when your formula contains hydrogen peroxide, says New York City cosmetic dentist Dr Marc Lowenberg. The ingredient “accelerates the processor breaking up the surface stains on teeth, so they appear brighter”.
Toni, Beauty Editor: “I have been trying this at-home whitening system and so far, I am loving the results.”
What’s a facial essence and should I use one? Paige, Fashion Editor
It’s a nourishing fluid that you apply after cleansing to boost hydration and prep skin for other products like serums and moisturisers, says New York City dermatologist Dr YoonSoo Cindy Bae, who recommends adding the extra step to your routine. A favourite of ours is SK-II, which is also beloved by celebrities like Cate Blanchett and Kate Bosworth, who claims: “It completely transformed the texture of my skin. It’s part of my daily ritual.”
How do I know if I have sensitive skin? Bek, Writer
Signs include burning, itching and redness, says New York City dermatologist Dr Anna Karp. She suggests getting evaluated by a doctor and investing in gentle products created for easily irritated skin.
Why does my eyeshadow crease? Anna, Designer
Probably because your lids are oily, says makeup artist Katey Denno, who works with Judith Light. The secret to slide-proof shadow is in the prep. First, avoid applying eye cream on or near your lids. Next, start using a primer specifically created for your eyes. Last, dust your lids with setting powder before you put on any shadow. How can I fade dark spots? Suzi, writer In-office treatments like chemical peels and microdermabrasion can provide immediate results. But if you’re on a budget, an overnight toner is the next best thing. “It combines chemical exfoliant hydroxy acid with brightening ingredients to even skin tone,” explains New York City dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner. But because ingredients could sensitise skin, using sunscreen is a must.
Does foundation with SPF provide ample sun protection? Steph, Fashion Market Editor
“It’s not as effective as a traditional sunscreen due to the fact that it’s applied with a lighter hand,” says New York City dermatologist Dr Howard Sobel, who recommends swapping your primer for a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen gel.