Beauty Q & A with John Gustafson

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

Hi John,
I'm going to Waterworld for my birthday, and need to know what the best affordable waterproof make-up products are. My skin is quite clear, but I have dark circles that I always cover up and I'm worried I'll have to go swimming without anything to hide them! Also what's the best waterproof mascara at high street price?
Thanks for your help,
Heather

Heather,
I have said it before and I will say it again - waterproof coverage I give to Estée Lauder Maximum Cover. It was originally done as a waterproof foundation for birthmarks and scarring, but makes the best concealer ever. It covers and stays in place all day! From there, you can get loads of wonderful cream waterproof shadows from most High Street brands. Body Shop Stains are a great option for sheer lasting colour on lips and cheeks and you can easily apply gloss with a sunscreen over the top. For waterproof mascara, I get on very well with Max Factor Masterpiece Waterproof. The brush is one of the flexible rubber ones so it is easier to keep the waterproof mascara clump free. Keep it simple though - nothing looks more cheap than an overly made-up person on a beach or in a water park. There are some times you just need to kick back and have a good time.
Happy birthday!
John

 

Dear John,
About two years ago I switched from using Clarins skin products to Natura Bisse (on your recommendation... and they are truly gorgeous!). My problem is this: 1. Natura Bisse products are ridiculously expensive and; 2. because I live in Dubai, I have to pay even more for them (the Tensolift cream now retails at Dhs1600, about GBP270 here). 3. My husband has finally realised how much I'm spending on face creams..!. Seriously, in these credit crunch times, I can't really justify paying so much for one neck cream, however I'm not sure I'm able to go back to Clarins. What can you recommend as a good in-between product? I'm 45, have a sensitive combination skin, and, of course, live in one of the most extreme climates in the world.
Kind regards
Nikki

Nikki,
Uh oh...sorry I got you hooked on such a good product! There are a couple of other really good products though that are both more affordable and are light enough for your temperature. The first is the Shiseido Benefiance Neck and Throat Cream. It is a nearly dry gel/cream texture that penetrates and sets almost immediately and instantly firms the skin on the neck and upper chest. The other is Kanebo Sensai Firming Effect for Throat and Bust. This one is in a lotion form and again, soaks in without any trace of stickiness and is one of the most effective I have ever tested. Both of these should give you wonderful continued results without feeling like you are compromising or breaking the bank! Who says you can't have everything?
John

 

Hi John,
Absolutely love your column and hoping you can offer me some advice. I am 33 and have recently sprouted a single unsightly black hair on my chin. I have trimmed it, not plucked, but it is a real pain having to constantly remember to manage it, so now I just want rid of it. I also have some hair on my upper lip which I usually bleach, but one or two of these have also recently gotten thicker. Could you advise me on the best way to deal with this? Should I get electrolysis on the few rogue hairs or just bite the bullet and laser the whole lot off. I am a bit nervous about the latter in case I just promote more hair growth of the surrounding fine hair (which don't bother me at all). What overall is the best method for hair removal: electrolysis, laser or IPL? What is the difference between them? I would really appreciate your advice on this.
Thanks for your help,
Mo

Mo,
Oh...were that all question were as easy for me to answer as this one is! Book yourself in to have a quick zap of electrolysis. It will take moments and it will be a done deal. This is the only true method of permanent removal and you only have a single hair to have dealt with. Even if it hurts, it isn't like you have to sit and have it done another 150 times! LOL. You can have the few on your upper lip done at the same time if you want or you can see how you react to the treatment and have the rest done later. You usually pay for the amount of time the technician works on you and this will be a quick, inexpensive permanent solution to you little problem. Thanks for writing and I hope you continue to read handbag!
Best,
John

 

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