Want wrinkle-friendly makeup? Try ‘miracle balm’
Dear Answer Angel: I have wrinkles. Not just “lines” but actual wrinkles. Is there any foundation that doesn’t settle in your “grooves?” I don’t want to be groovy any more.
I know that powdery foundations are big offenders. But I have had mini-makeovers for free at department stores where brands hire makeup stylists to apply products in hopes of sales. I’ve tried an array of high-end brands and I look good when I walk away from the counter but after an hour or two, even the “light” foundations settle in a way that calls attention to wrinkles. — Linda D.
Dear Linda: Perhaps you remember makeup czarina Bobbi Brown? She sold the huge makeup/beauty company bearing her name to Estée Lauder in 1995. At the time, the deal had a 25-year noncompete clause. After that expired she launched a new makeup company — Jones Road Beauty (jonesroadbeauty.com ) — and a new product that you might want to try.
She calls it “miracle balm” and the Internet has loads of videos of how-to and before-and-after photos of real people who have applied the balm to their face, lips, even eyelids for a brighter/ glowy look. It’s pitched as “no-makeup makeup” and I use it as a highlighter/blush/ light foundation substitute. Right now there also are Jones Road stores in New Jersey, New York City, East Hampton and Palm Beach. A fifth branch is launching in the Chicago Bucktown neighborhood.
I’ve learned to start with only a little balm at first since a small amount goes a long way. Also, it is important to choose the right shade for your skin tone. The internet has helpful info on how to do that. Just type “how to chose miracle balm color” into your search.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m an over-60-yearold-male. When can I tuck my shirt in again? — Chris E.
Dear Chris: Right now. This minute. Effective immediately.
Sure, dressing for most occasions continues to trend casual. For the majority of us, it’s more comfortable. But clearly, in your case, tucking the shirt in makes you less —not more —comfortable. You absolutely can tuck in almost any shirt, including collared polos and Hawaiian shirts.
Exceptions are those with side slits at the hem, which signal don’t tuck, and very bulky shirts that would make you look overstuffed and a guayabera, popular in Cuba, Mexico and elsewhere, which is specifically designed to be worn untucked.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I plan to wear a dressy black top with black crepe pants to a dressy wedding. Are these somewhat “drapey” soft crepe pants still in fashion? Tailored pants don’t seem appropriate. — Sherry H.
Dear Sherry: Yes. Drapey can be casual or very dressy depending on the fabric. Your crepe is especially suitable for flowing dressy pants. You have already rightly concluded that it is OK to wear black to a wedding. Lots of brides even choose black for their bridesmaids to wear.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Years ago, I used Maybelline cake mascara. It was great. Did not clump, washed off easily, long lasting and inexpensive. Just a great product. It seems to have gotten lost in the many over-blown newer products. Ones I have tried, including Maybelline (regular) Great Lash, have been clumpy nightmares. I did find one at the Vermont Country Store. I looked like a raccoon. It melted on my eyes. Not the look I was going for. Does anyone make a simple cake mascara anymore? — Madeleine P.
Dear Madeleine: Bésame and Jan Benham’s Aroma Shoppe (based in the Netherlands) still sell the cake mascara with a brush/wand and market it as safe for sensitive eyes: Bésame (amazon.com, $23); Aroma Shoppe ( amazon.com, $25.95). Besamecosmetics.com has some useful information about cake mascara but sales seem to be focused on amazon.com, with only brown refills currently available on its site.
Angelic readers
Cynthia S. writes: “I have to disagree with your response to your reader Adrienne B. who was disappointed that a costly cosmetic product didn’t work for her under-eye bags. She wrote you that it had been recommended from a national magazine. She basically wanted a refund. I hope you can tell your reader what does work. I have used it! It was amazing. It’s called Plexaderm (plexaderm.com, trial size $14.95; amazon.com, 90-day supply, $53.96). It lasts all day. Maybe about six to eight hours. So maybe go back and tell this woman somehow some way that this is for her! The only other alternative to these bags is plastic surgery.” From Ellen: I haven’t tested Plexaderm but check amazon.com for thousands of customer reviews (mostly very positive) before you hit the “add to cart” button.