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...
Hello John,
I'm getting married next year and I'm already thinking about how to hide my blotchy face once I've blubbed (which unfortunately is inevitable...I am a cry baby!!) Is there such a thing as waterproof foundation? My foundation would need to be pretty strong to hide my shiny red beacon that will be my nose.
Thanks for any suggestions/tips.
Helen
Helen,
There are a few, and they all give a really good cover. The finest textured one is Lauder's Maximum Cover. The only thing with this is the colour range works well as concealer but not so well as full foundation.
You are probably best to go to a theatrical makeup supply and get professional makeup like Kryolan, Derma Cover, or Covermark. they have huge colour ranges and they stay on through absolutely anything. They also do sample pallets so you can find the ideal shade at home and then you buy the proper full size product. You will need to practice with them as they as slightly more difficult to apply, but they will give you expert advice on your choice in the shop.
With those, you must buy the setting powder as it's a vital part of the waterproof seal. With a little bit of practice, you should find these go on without looking much heavier than a traditional foundation and they are what we would use professionally for water work, tattoos, etc., and what anyone with birthmarks or scarring would use. But you will have to do a little legwork to see which one you like the texture and colouring of the best.
Have a wonderful day and take comfort in the knowledge that most brides who tell me they are going to be a mess on the day are the ones that actually stay dry throughout!
Many congratulations!
John
Hi,
I'm 18 and according to my dermatologist, I have a lot of the symptoms of Rosecea - mainly a lot of flushing and blushing on my cheeks. Normally, they're a bit red but nothing serious, but any number of triggers, e.g. alcohol, change in mood, change in temperature etc can cause me to flush. I'm on tablets that help, but they don't help enough!! I don't have a clue when it comes to make-up, so I would appreciate any advice that you could give on what to buy to cover this up. When it gets bad, my face is burning and bright red, and another symptom that appears with the flushing is sweating, so I need something that would be resilient when I go out and that will look totally natural.
Thanks a lot,
James
Hey James,
This is a real bugger, isn't it? And more and more people are developing Rosecea nowadays. First and foremost we need to remain natural throughout the day. I have found that the new Shu Uemura Base Control is fantastic for this. It is a strange green that uses lighting technology to optically correct the way we see red. That means you can apply it and not see the green, NOR have to cover it up. The only slight problem with it is the way the reflectors work as it's ever so slightly sparkly but that does depend on the light. I use it on tons of people and they always say they feel they could go out on a normal day with nothing else added.
Shiseido has a green stick called Colour Control, which works similarly, but the big chubby stick is really portable and you simply touch the stick with your finger and tap over the red areas. Great for using as and "insurance" at the start of the day, plus you can top up if and when needed. Don't colour in the skin with the stick or you will look like cement. Not a good look.
Chantecaille recently brought out a matte tinted moisturiser called Just Skin that was originally developed for her son and husband to get sheer natural protection and cover. Only three shades but it is near to impossible to see that it is on. Finally, a mineral powder with help give you coverage as well as absorb the perspiration. Bare Essentials, Jane Iredale Amazing Base, Bare Minerals and many others have become easily available at department stores and chemists, as well as via the Internet.
I would also look at some of the products available for highly sensitive and reddened skin. Using skincare that helps the skin to not be as reactive can be a real confidence builder but I would have to warn you that they are pretty costly. I would rather you ask your dermatologist about anything they can give you topically to help diminish the red. Metrogel, Metrocream, Rosex, etc are a few topical potions that will get you through bad periods. But do take comfort in that Rosecea is generally cyclic. There will be times when it flares, but there will also be periods of time where it is under control and you will barely know you even have it.
If I can be of any further help choosing products, maybe you could ring my assistant on 020 7409 9823 and we could have a little chat on the phone - that would allow me to maybe be a little more specific and even send you some sample to try out at home.
Good luck mate,
John
Hi John,
I have had KP (bumpy, reddened skin) on my arms for as long as I can remember. I'm getting married next summer and I desperately want to conceal it. I know there is no reason for KP but I wondered if you had heard of any hero products that can help clear it up? Regular scrubs and moisturisers just aren't doing the trick.
Thanks in advance,
Jess
Hi Jess,
I would love to tell you that there was...but there isn't. My sisters and one of my boys have bumpy skin on their upper arms as well. My older sister has finally outgrown it. Nobody knows how or why. I still always advise body brushing, but one dermatologist once said that, in her opinion, over exfoliating may contribute to the problem. But I have only ever heard that the once. It may be worth considering taking a fish or flaxseed oil supplement as the Essential Fatty Acids are good for skin. You will just have to remember that you are much more aware of the problem and nobody else really even notices it. Plus you are going to look so stunning that bumps on your arms are going to pale into insignificance on your wedding day!
Congratulations...
John
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