Beauty Q & A with John Gustafson

Our make-up, skincare and beauty guru solves all your beauty dilemmas

Hi John
I've got quite pronounced lines between my nose and mouth and as I age, they're getting worse. I'm starting to get really paranoid about them. I've done some research and dermal fillers seem to be the way to really get rid of these lines but I'm very reluctant to start down that path. Is there anything on the market which could reduce the lines - even if it's a slower process in the long run?
Yours in desperation,
Bryony

Bryony,
There are a lot of products that will do this more slowly and less painfully - both financially and physically! One product that would be good for you is a salon product by Medik8 called Prefill HTP-3. It helps to reduce lines from the surface and fill the creases by delivering bio-available Hyaluronic Acid to fill the deeper creases. ROC also has one that I am testing at the moment called Retin-Ox. It is meant to do about the same and is purporting a line reduction of 50%. I am also a fan of Tri-Aktiline. This one is a surface filler and long-term booster of deeper crevasses as well. But depending on your age, a good routine of plenty of water, exfoliation, and boosting the collagen support system will slow down the advance of ageing process...at least for a while!
Best,
John

Hi John,
Hope you can help.  I have a family event coming up in two weeks time and would like a super skin brightening/glowing facial as I want to look my best.  Are there any you would recommend? Also I have just come off a 5 month treatment on Roe Accutane will this make a difference?
Kind Regards
Fatima

Fatima,
Coming off of the Roe Accutane shouldn't make a difference to what you have done as a facial since you have had 4-5 body cycles in between. Are you happy with your decision to take Roe Accutane? I hope it helped clear your skin up. The best facials to brighten skin would be ones that use oxygen to stimulate and increase circulation. Karin Herzog and Bliss are the specialists in this arena. The other wonderful brightening facial is Crystal Clear. This you may have to do as a course, so you may not have enough time to get yourself booked in and treated. Barring those, I would highly recommend that you just go and have a facial for the pure enjoyment of the treatment. Tell whomever you decide to have your treatment done with that you want glowing and radiant skin - I am sure you will have a positive experience whatever way you go!
All the best,
John

Hi John,
I'm getting married abroad and it's going to be very hot!  I have pale, combination skin with a reddish tint.  My cheeks can get quite dry but I have a very shiny T-zone and am trying to work out the best make-up to use.  I would like a very good, clear finish with no shine whatsoever.  At the moment I am toying with the idea of an anti-shine gel, primer, foundation and powder.  Do you think I should use all these products?  Should I wear loose or pressed powder?  Also, do you have any specific brands, particularly for the anti-shine gel, that you can recommend?
Thank you!
Marisa

Marisa,
I think you are going to the extreme. If you are going to be in a very hot clime, using too many layers is going to feel uncomfortable. A matte primer like the Lauder Matte or my favourite, Shiseido Men's Anti-Shine Refresher will help to keep your make-up as fresh as it can stay. And then my recommendation would be a powder foundation. The coverage is excellent and you can touch-up with it as and when you need too. This way you only have two layers and you can get the completely flawless look you want without the weight. I love the Guerlain Parure Powder Foundation, Paul & Joe Matte Oil Free, Chantecaille Powder Foundation, and Dior Diorskin Nude. Clinique and Lauder also both have moisturising matte powder foundations. Seems to me this might be a better solution all the way around. Have a wonderful day and I wish you all the best in your plans and on the big day!
Warmest regards,
John

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