Beauty Fix: 5 easy ways to amp up even the most low-maintenance makeup routine
Every week our Beauty Fix columnist takes on your questions about makeup, skincare, hair and more. Have a beauty question we haven’t answered? Email us at [email protected] or ask away in the comments below.
Red lips seem so high-maintenance. What can I use for a similar look without the upkeep?
There’s nothing quite as timeless as red lips, but the concern about upkeep is legitimate. The high-maintenance vibe can be a turn-off for anyone who is inherently low-key, so try a sheer formulation like Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm Perfector in “Red” ($22, thebay.com) for a lower maintenance interpretation of a classic red lip. This buttery formula offers up transparent colour in a hydrating balm for a flattering tint of colour that doesn’t leave you susceptible to blatant lipstick smudges or dry lips, making this an ideal formula for the rest of the winter and beyond.
I’m traveling and don’t want to check my luggage. What sort of fragrance can I take that won’t leak in transit?
Rollerball perfumes and purse sprays seem like a safe bet to travel with when a full-size bottle of your favoured fragrance just isn’t an option, but lest we forget that liquids can leak due to air pressure. Try packing a solid perfume like Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Solid Perfume Compact ($58, sephora.ca), which is a blend of violet, sandalwood and vanilla housed in a mess-free (and crazy chic!) compact. Another bonus of solid perfumes: the sillage is much more subtle than a spray-on fragrance format, meaning the scent wears closer to the skin, so it won’t be invasive for those surrounding you in your travels.
How can I keep my face from from looking heavy when I apply powder?
Two factors to keep in mind when applying powder would be the size of the powder brush you use and the type of powder you use. If you want to avoid a heavy look, only apply powder sparingly with a small to medium fluffy face brush (or a large fluffy eyeshadow brush) where it’s truly needed. For most people, that would limit application to the T-zone to reduce shine, whereas a little glow or sheen on the cheeks is perfectly encouraged. In terms of the type of powder you reach for, try a finely milled loose powder, like NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder ($42, narscosmetics.com). The featherweight powder reduces shine while blurring fine lines and pores thanks to its soft-focus finish.
Eyeshadow palettes seem really pricey, so how can I get the most mileage out of a palette?
There are endless eyeshadow palette options out there to choose from, so try not to get overwhelmed when perusing. If bang for your buck is your primary concern, then consider Smashbox’s Double Exposure Palette ($60, murale.ca), which is like having 28 eyeshadows for the price of 14, since each eyeshadow can be used wet or dry due to the shadow formula’s coated pigments that transform when activated with water. The palette is loaded with neutrals and deeper shades to function as your palette for all occasions, whether it’s a casual day look or a dramatic night look.
What sort of face serum can I use that will hydrate without feeling heavy on my skin?
Serums are innately lightweight, but textures vary across the board so if you’re after something that will absorb quickly without an oily residue, opt for Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum ($120, at Chanel counters). This innovative formula features camellia oil, an incredibly underrated moisturizer, as well as blue ginger, which is a powerful antioxidant ingredient. These two key ingredients are microencapsulated, which allows the serum to absorb into skin rapidly for optimal efficacy and a refreshing feeling on the skin.
 for a lower maintenance interpretation of a classic red lip. This buttery formula offers up transparent colour in a hydrating balm for a flattering tint of colour that doesn’t leave you susceptible to blatant lipstick smudges or dry lips, making this an ideal formula for the rest of the winter and beyond.
I’m traveling and don’t want to check my luggage. What sort of fragrance can I take that won’t leak in transit?
Rollerball perfumes and purse sprays seem like a safe bet to travel with when a full-size bottle of your favoured fragrance just isn’t an option, but lest we forget that liquids can leak due to air pressure. Try packing a solid perfume like Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black Solid Perfume Compact ($58, sephora.ca), which is a blend of violet, sandalwood and vanilla housed in a mess-free (and crazy chic!) compact. Another bonus of solid perfumes: the sillage is much more subtle than a spray-on fragrance format, meaning the scent wears closer to the skin, so it won’t be invasive for those surrounding you in your travels.
How can I keep my face from from looking heavy when I apply powder?
Two factors to keep in mind when applying powder would be the size of the powder brush you use and the type of powder you use. If you want to avoid a heavy look, only apply powder sparingly with a small to medium fluffy face brush (or a large fluffy eyeshadow brush) where it’s truly needed. For most people, that would limit application to the T-zone to reduce shine, whereas a little glow or sheen on the cheeks is perfectly encouraged. In terms of the type of powder you reach for, try a finely milled loose powder, like NARS Soft Velvet Loose Powder ($42, narscosmetics.com). The featherweight powder reduces shine while blurring fine lines and pores thanks to its soft-focus finish.
Eyeshadow palettes seem really pricey, so how can I get the most mileage out of a palette?
There are endless eyeshadow palette options out there to choose from, so try not to get overwhelmed when perusing. If bang for your buck is your primary concern, then consider Smashbox’s Double Exposure Palette ($60, murale.ca), which is like having 28 eyeshadows for the price of 14, since each eyeshadow can be used wet or dry due to the shadow formula’s coated pigments that transform when activated with water. The palette is loaded with neutrals and deeper shades to function as your palette for all occasions, whether it’s a casual day look or a dramatic night look.
What sort of face serum can I use that will hydrate without feeling heavy on my skin?
Serums are innately lightweight, but textures vary across the board so if you’re after something that will absorb quickly without an oily residue, opt for Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum ($120, at Chanel counters). This innovative formula features camellia oil, an incredibly underrated moisturizer, as well as blue ginger, which is a powerful antioxidant ingredient. These two key ingredients are microencapsulated, which allows the serum to absorb into skin rapidly for optimal efficacy and a refreshing feeling on the skin.){kind=link}