Beauty Q & A with John Gustafson

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

Hi John,

Help - which is the BEST mineral (powder) foundation? I have Rosecea and oily skin, so I don't want anything that's non-comedogenic.  Also, I want some coverage, not heavy and want to look natural...a tall order indeed. There are so many brands out there now.  I want a loose powder that is sensitive, (without SPF as that seems to add artificial ingredients) and doesn't have silicon or anything unhealthy or unnatural.

Thank you

Mineral Hunter,

You are making this much too difficult on yourself! The entire appeal with mineral makeup is that the "nasties" are all kept out. The SPF that is present in all of them is a mineral screen, rather than a man-made one. Almost all are loose and are specifically made for sensitive skins. The "not wanting non-comedogenic" thing is a little confusing to me. The way this reads is that you are looking for something that has not been tested for clogging the skin. I would have thought you WOULD want non-comedogenic so it was not pore blocking. I think that may have just been a slip of the finger! I love Jane Iredale Amazing Base, Prescriptives Mineral Foundation, and Laura Mercier Mineral Powder Foundation. But none of them will fit your criteria. I would re-think your "wants" list a little bit. This type of foundation is perfect for a sensitive skin that is slightly oily and has Rosecea. You can adjust the coverage easily and the huge introduction of this sort of product means you can find one that suits your budget easily. The more important criteria should be...who has the best colour for you? I hope that clears thing up a little bit.

All the best,

John

Dear John,

I have been using my fingers to apply my foundation for a long time now, but I am hoping to try and get a foundation brush to apply as I have heard that using your fingers spreads oil on the face and doesn't blend the foundation as well as a brush. Could you recommend a reasonably priced foundation brush? Also, what makes a good foundation brush?

From,

Amy

Hello Amy,

Tough one for me because I personally prefer my fingers! I have much more control with them and I can keep them clean. My fingers don't waste a lot of extra product either! I use a foundation brush occasionally with creamy compact foundations or when I need to go back and try to minimise larger pores. Who does a good one? Shu Uemura, Lauder, Chantecaille, and Louise Young. All are pretty reasonable, with Louise's being the least expensive. Best is usually the one that fits your hand the most easily. That means of these: I would choose the Shu Uemura myself. They also have several sizes of head on the brush. When I am looking at them, I want a synthetic brush, or a mixed bristle. That way the bristle is not too porous and won't suck up all of your product. The synthetic will also glide more easily over your skin.

Regards,

John

Hi John,

I have been recommended by a friend who had her make-up done on her wedding day by you. I am due to start a make-up course at the London School of Beauty and have been told I need to purchase a set of make-up brushes and wanted to ask you what brushes would you suggest? London School of beauty sell 13 brushes for 98.00 however I am happy to invest in professional brushes even if it is a little extra in price.  A few people have suggested Bobbi Brown? What would you advise? I look forward to your reply.

Kind Regards,

Ambreen

Ambreen,

Boy-oh-boy. I would rarely recommend buying a set of brushes. Especially to a budding makeup artist. There will be brushes you never use and brushes you don't have. Can't you go and choose a selection of what you need? Bobbi does have beautiful brushes, but her set has several brushes I never use, but then there are a couple of fab ones that are not in the set that I use all the time. I would look at Shu Uemura, Laura Mercier, Becca, Bobbi Brown, and MAC and choose what you think you will need and use. They don't have to match. Louise Young is a teaching and working makeup artist and she has done some gorgeous brushes that are both affordable and of a professional quality. They don't come as a set, but you can get what you need. You will want: powder, blusher, a couple of different shadow brushes, mascara wand (lashes and brows), a stiff brow applicator, flat liner brush, concealer brush, foundation brush (you will need it for school), a couple of lip brushes, and a few odd multi-use shapes and sizes. I have never seen the schools' set, but would imagine they will have what they think you need at a decent price. I do hope that gives you some assistance. You will understand just how difficult this is to answer within a few months! What works for some...

All the best and stay away from MY jobs!

John

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