Beauty Q & A with John Gustafson

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

Hi John

I've recently started using an acne cream from my doctors which has really worked in removing spots, the only problem is that it has left me with dry skin which becomes flaky late in the day, can you please recommend me something to put on in the morning like a moisturiser that will work well with make up but also leave my skin not so dry or flaky?

Thanks and take care,

Lyndsay

 

Lyndsay,

I am glad to hear that the doctor has been able to help you clear your skin up and hope I can give you a hand as well. We need to be careful that the product you use to hydrate the skin doesn't screw up any results you are getting from the medicated one! Try to keep the product as simple as possible...the fewer chemicals we add, the better. Have a look at something like REN or Nuxe Hydrating Mask for Face and Eyes. This was originally made as a mask, but you can use it like a moisturiser as well. It is like a drink of water for the skin. Another excellent hydrator is Shiseido BioPerformance. Very light to wear and you only use the smallest amount. If I were to get to choose FOR you, I would look at Bakel Jaluronic. This product only has three ingredients. The light gel texture is great under makeup and the fact that there is nothing in it that your skin doesn't understand makes it ideal to use alongside medical treatments. The products are formulated by a cosmetic dermatologist in Australia who realised that out of the 30-40 ingredients in creams, there was only 2-3 that would make any difference. So she took everything else out! Ridiculously simple and painfully obvious. They take some getting used to since they don't feel like any traditional product I have ever tried: more like a serum. It is a little more expensive at £95 but it seems to me that it would be worth it to not bugger up all of the hard work you have done. 

All the best,

John

 

Hi John

I need some advice about hair removal for my top lip.  I am quite dark skinned (though I am English, I suppose you could say I have Mediterranean colouring) and have now got a summer tan which has made my upper lip look dirty and has also emphasized my moustache. I have never used bleach or wax or anything on it before but think it may be time to start. My skin is quite sensitive so I am worried that waxing will bring me out in spots and I don't like the idea of bleaching because I think that it just makes the hair look yellow. I am in my 40's so don't want to be a 'hairy old lady'.

Many thanks,

Naomi Kramer

 

Naomi,

I think this is going to be a case of you needing to "take the plunge" to find out whether or not you are going to have a problem. Waxing really shouldn't bring you out. And if it did, it is a relatively small area that you are treating. Mind you, if you have a skin that marks easily you may indeed have that as a further problem. Have you considered threading? There are threading studios cropping up all over the place (Blink, for example) that can help with isolated areas like the upper lip, as well as shaping eyebrows. If the hair is really causing you concern, electrolysis or laser are the other two options. The former with give you permanent removal and the laser should be very close to permanent. But only you can decide which will be the best for you. If the hair is fine, I would most likely tell you to go ahead and opt for the waxing or threading. If they are more coarse and definite? Get rid of the blighters!

Warmest regards,

John

 

 

Dear John,

I have teenage oily skin and this means that by the end of the day I look really greasy. I take good care of my skin, it's just the teenage skin problem; I'm not really able to reapply my make up during the day.  What cosmetics can I use to prevent looking terrible?

Thanks,

Rachel

 

Rachel,

There are a host of primer products that can help to "mop up" the oil as the day goes on. Laura Mercier Matte Primer and Becca Matte Primer are two of the most popular. Mind you, that means adding another product. And that means more expense. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup might be a better option as the colour range is very good and it is formulated to absorb excess shine as it is produced. I have always found this to be really good choice for skin that gets natural oil breaking through during the day. L'Oreal Infallible might also be an option. This one is made to help hold makeup on for 12-16 hours at a go. The impossible dream? No. Nor is it particularly heavy. You could look at the new mineral foundations as well. And with these, you will find them on nearly every counter and at every price. The loose mineral powder foundations would give you adjustable coverage and can treat the skin and keep in lower in chemical content. Plus a lot of them are packaging in a travel container with the brush (Max Factor, ID) so if you DO get the chance to touch up, it is convenient and portable. As an aside, I have recently had a press release from Dior that they will be launching an ultra mattifying powder to give you extended ware. This will be a limited edition and I have not had the chance to try it out myself yet...but it is a heads up!

Happy New Year to you,

John

 

 

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