ASK THE EXPERT
Beauty editor Kelli Clifton answers your most pressing questions
Q: How does one go about choosing an eye cream? Also, what’s the best way to remove eye makeup? Is coconut oil any good? – Wendy Murray Dyer
A: Choosing an eye cream or serum can be daunting, especially with the variety of products available. Pick an eye cream for your particular concerns: do you have puffiness? Dark circles? Fine lines? Fatigue? Apply five dots of cream to the bottom eye socket area and gently press into the skin. Never pull: this area is delicate – and avoid the lids. Let it absorb before applying concealer. Avoid getting cream onto your bottom lashes as this may cause irritation. Coconut oil can be used to remove eye makeup: add a few drops to a white cotton pad (this makes it easier to see how much product has come off) and gently swipe it across your eye area.
TRY...
• Bionike Defence Eye Anti-Puffiness Cooling Cream, R175 for puffiness
• Placecol Revitalising Eye Therapy, R225 for dark circles
• Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex, R990 for fine lines
• L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Anti-Ageing Eye Cream, R199,95 for fatigue
• Avène Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, R169,95 for 125ml
Q: Can you recommend an affordable product to prevent split ends? – Carol Prins
A: In my opinion, nothing prevents or cures split ends like a fresh trim – even a centimetre off your length makes the world of difference. However, if you tend to cringe at the mere mention of the word ‘scissors’, there are some fab products out there.
TRY...
• Biosense DNA Aftershock, R150
• Indola Innova Repair Split Ends, R215 for 75ml
• Schwarzkopf Professional BC Bonacure Repair Rescue Sealed Ends, R299 for 75ml
Q: Good foundations can be super expensive. What are your top foundations under R200 for full coverage? – Tanya Lilley
A: It’s true that foundations can be pricey. But there are great budget options.
TRY...
• Essence Camouflage 2 in 1 Make-up & Concealer, R79,95
• Catrice 12h Matt Mousse Makeup, R104,95
• Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation, R139,95
• Yardley Stayfast Foundation SPF 20, R149,95
• Rimmel Lasting Finish 25HR Foundation, R159,95
• Avon True Cream to Powder Foundation SPF15, R179,90
Q: You’re supposed to use mascara for only six months before tossing it. What about lipstick? – Claudine Barnes
A: Great news! You can keep your lipsticks for up to two years – unless you’ve had cold sores. Then you need to get rid of them to prevent reinfection.