Got a beauty problem that needs solving pronto? Call upon handbag.com's very own beauty guru, celebrity make-up artist John Gustafson, to help solve all of your beauty dilemmas...
Hi
I am hearing a lot about ‘primers' recently. Why do we need them and what do they do? Why is it more beneficial than just wearing a foundation and a face cream?
Katie
Katie,
We don't really "need" them. Primers can help to change the finish of your makeup or make it last longer. They can also give your moisturiser/foundation combination something that neither of them has. Do I think you need one? Not really. I sometimes use them and other times I don't. If you are finding you get oily whatever you do, that a mattifying primer might give you additional protection from shine. Or if you like a moist and dewy look, a hydrating primer will give you that. I guess the ones I use most are ones that will even out enlarged pores like the Clinique Pore Minimiser or the Becca Pore and Line Corrector. Need? No. Curious? What do you have to lose other than a few quid?
Best regards,
John
Hi John
I'm getting married in April next year in Mexico, which will be very hot then - about 35 degrees! I am currently being treated for acne rosecea therefore my face gets very red at times. I was wondering what you would suggest as to make up for my wedding day as I am worried about becoming shiny due to perspiration, the heat making my make up run and if I am still having trouble with my complexion, what to wear to cover up the redness of my cheeks!
Please help!!!
Paula
[quote]Paula,
Firstly: congratulations. Secondly, what on earth are you thinking getting married in an inferno? LOL. The best bet for all of the above is to get a mineral powder foundation. They are very pure, great for covering the redness of Acne Rosecea, non-irritating, and completely matte and easy to reapply. Look at Bare Essentials, Laura Mercier Pressed Mineral Powder, or Jane Iredale. You use a big brush and layer up the coverage until you are as even as you want/need to be. I just did a lady with your same problem and use the Bare Essentials Powder Foundation and the Bare Essentials Powder Concealer and got an amazing finish that looked like she didn't have on a scrap of makeup. I would heartily recommend that you try that as well.
Have a wonderful time,
John
Hi,
Being a 20+ 'Metrosexual' male I have for over 4 years now been a tan addict, well aware of how better I am with a healthy glow. However, having given up sunbeds because of the ageing effects I have now tried nearly every fake tanning product on the market, but as I have quite hairy legs I am unable to get an even tan on them as the lotion sticks to the hairs leading to streaking! Are there any products or advice you can give me?
Thanks
Alex
Hey Alex,
Your best bet will be to use a spray on tanner. Because it will be a liquid instead of a lotion, the texture will allow you to get to the skin around the hair growth. I would still make sure you exfoliated beforehand and then apply the spray. Once you have done that, quite quickly give it a good rub with gloved hands. Do sections so the spray doesn't dry before you have a chance to blend and do your blending in smaller circular motions instead of the long sweeps our female counterparts would do. You can get sprays from loads of companies and you are going to have to try a couple before you settle on the perfect tone. Well done for ditching the tanning beds though. I know it is easier but in the long run, it is going to be much better for your skin.
Good luck mate,
John
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