Dear readers,

I recently received a couple of thank you emails in my mailbox I wanted to take a quick moment to say thank you for taking the time to write again. The emails were from readers who have had their questions answered in the Q&A section and had wanted to say that they found the suggestions and the products they led to really helpful. I came over with a warm and fuzzy feeling and just want you all to know how much it meant to me that, again, handbag readers really appreciate the work that our team puts into each and every page. All of us at handbag strive to keep you up-to-date with the latest news from the beauty and fashion industries and to know that it is being read, digested, and used to make your shopping each season more pleasurable: feels wonderful. So thanks to all of you and I hope that if and when you ever need a helping hand, or a bit of advice, that you know there is a real team of friends here that enjoy helping you make the most out of the way you look and feel and all of your shopping experiences.

Here is to you,
John

Hey Caroline!

Long time no see. Of course I remember you and I am still there. This is going to be nearly impossible though without seeing you. The problem is seeing the natural colour of your lips. We need to tilt the colour depending on those criteria. I had a look on your file, but it wasn't much use. I know what you have and what you HAVE had, but not the natural tone we were working over. For something this specific we would need to try a few on and see where the colour goes. The counters are crammed with this sort of shade at the moment and it shouldn't be that hard to find something once you understand how to balance your own colouring...but that is a very hard thing to do by yourself. Why don't you ring Emily my assistant and see if we might be able to find a half an hour somewhere when you are planning on being in town? The number is 020 8409 9823. Alternately, let me know what you bought that didn't work and tell me why you didn't like it. Perhaps I can point you in the right direction from there!

Hope to hear from you soon,
John

Dear John

I have been advised by my laser and skin specialist to have a Green Peel treatment to remove acne scarring and rejuvenate my skin. I have read a fair bit about it on the internet but there seems to be a 50/50 split as to whether it does anything or not. Have you heard about the Green Peel, and if so, what's your opinion?

Thanks for a great column!
Paola

Paola,

I guess I would say I sit about halfway on the fence as well. I have seen and spoken with several people/clients who have had the treatment and the results really do seem to vary in success. For simply boosting the brightness and texture of the skin it appears to really help, but for those who were expecting old scarring to magically disappear - it is not as rapid and visible as most people would have liked. For the literature to say that it is 5-6 days to gorgeous smooth skin...I am doubtful. Saying that, as with any treatment, results depend an awful lot on how you personally react to the treatment. What I found confusing was how different sites claimed it did different things from acne to cellulite. The only thing you can really do is try it for yourself and see how it affects you. It is not the most expensive peel around and you may find that what you get from it is exactly what you wanted. If not - you have not broken the bank. Wish I could be more definitive for you... Do you trust your skin specialist enough to follow their recommendation (or will they let you talk to someone they have treated?)?

Best,
John

Dear John

I have recently been diagnosed with (mild) Sjogren's & Lupus disease, which can dry out skin and leave it prone to patchiness and uneven texture/tone. I also get very tired and as a pale skinned person this can really take its toll on my skin's appearance and as a result I end up looking completely washed out and unhealthy. To make matters worse I am getting to that age where lines are beginning to show more and the skin on my face is not as firm as it once was. My usual foundations and concealers just aren't cutting it any more, neither are my usual exfoliators and moisturisers. Please help - I really need something to give me radiant glowing skin as well as help the first signs of aging.

Many thanks,
MJ

MJ,

Yours is a case where the best thing I could suggest is a consultation. You have so many issues going on that I would like to see the skin myself, and more than likely, address one matter at a time. That could be done by ringing the Studio and getting your name down for a cancellation on 020 7409 9823. In the meantime, a cleanser that really decongests and brightens, such as Eve Lom, Liz Earle, Vaishally Patel, Temple Spa In The Beginning, Organic Pharmacy Carrot Cleanser, etc. These deep clean and exfoliate so skin immediately looks brighter and feels lass patchy. Then a serum to deal with the pallor of your skin like Lauder Idealist, Boots Protect and Perfect, Medik8 Firewall, or Strixaderm Glamour Radiance would give some colour and reflect light, as well as deal with your first signs of aging. Light reflecting foundations from Chantecaille, Lancôme, Chanel, Becca, or Prescriptives will all sort the cover/colour/radiance issues. Can you see how this is a slightly more complicated combination of solutions than you may have anticipated? Using only one or two of the above could end up being enough. Or we might need to juggle a few things one at a time until we settle on the very best for your skin and your budget. I would love to help you if you can manage to get an appointment. There is also an independent makeup/skincare consultant named Frey-ja Barker who may be able to offer an appointment more quickly.

Hope to see you soon MJ,
John

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Please note, John's answers will be published on the site weekly as he cannot reply to emails personally.