Beauty Fix: Metallic lips, makeup remover to-go + everything else you need for your experimental phase
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.
Can sunscreen improve my skin?
Well, it’s already working diligently to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays, but yeah, it could probably do a bit more than that. When considering all the sunscreen options out there, opt for a formula that has skincare ingredients in it for maximum benefits. Tarte Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($38, sephora.ca) can be considered sun protection and skincare housed in one very fun package. This particularly formula is mineral-based, meaning titanium dioxide and zinc oxide work to reflect the sun’s rays off your skin (instead of your skin absorbing the sunlight). All the while, sodium hyaluronate (plumps and hydrates), maracuja oil (brightens with essential fatty acids and vitamin C), red algae (renews skin) and honeysuckle extract (calms and soothes) do their skin-loving thing, leaving you with a happier complexion.
I’m going through an experimental phase with my mascaras, which can sometimes lead to a raccoon eye situation by midday. What can I do to quickly tidy up smudges or smears?
It’s one thing to tidy up a minor makeup mishap at home when we’re equipped with our favourite makeup remover and an arsenal of cotton pads or Q-tips. It’s another thing to tote these face-saving bits around with us in the off chance that we have to tidy up our makeup during the day. Since carrying around your bottle of cleansing water isn’t exactly convenient, try stashing Nudestix’s Clean-Up Pencil ($28, sephora.ca) in your bag for pinpointed cleaning. The stick contains chamomile extract and jojoba seed oil to ensure skin is not only free of unwanted makeup, but it’s nourished as well. Simply swipe onto the unwanted makeup and wipe away with a tissue or, in a pinch, your finger. Think of it as a Tide To Go stick for your makeup. Amazing.
How can I incorporate a 1970s vibe into my look for spring?
The ‘70s were all over runways and in plenty of beauty campaigns, but as with all trends that are cylical, it’s important to update the trends and modify them to suit you. Metallics were a significant trend in the ‘70s in so many iterations, so take a nod from that trend and incorporate it into your look. Too Faced Melted Metal in “Peony” ($25, sephora.ca), a dusty rose shade with a metallic sheen. The formula offers up a very modern interpretation of metallic lip colour that is infinitely more wearable than any formula of shimmery lipstick you’ve encountered before. There’s zero grit to this shimmer – just smooth wear, glazed pigment and precise application thanks to the precision-tip applicator.
If I have to get one neutral eye palette and am on the go a lot, which one should it be?
A loaded question, as you clearly have done your homework and know that the options out there are abundant for a neutral shadow lover like yourself. If you’re looking for flexibility and a bit of a bonus, you should snap up Dior’s Eye Reviver Palette ($63, thebay.com). Why you should get this palette: it contains five neutral eyeshadows (one of which is considered a priming shade) that can be played up or down depending on your needs, as well as a creamy black eyeliner that is actually very pigmented and easy to apply. The brushes in the palette (one dual-ended with a brush and sponge applicator, as well as a separate eyeliner brush) are actually completely usable, making this quite possibly the most versatile, compact yet functional neutrals palette around.
How can I incorporate more active ingredients into my makeup routine?
To expect active ingredients in makeup is becoming more and more common since we tend to want more than just instant change from the beauty products we buy – we’re after long-term results. Consider committing to a serum-based foundation, like Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 ($72, at Bobbi Brown counters), if you want to improve the appearance and condition of your skin. This formula combines the much-loved makeup ethos of Bobbi Brown foundations with a powerful serum, enriched with cordyceps mushroom extract to brighten skin and bamboo grass extract to even out skin tone. Peptide technology boosts skin’s collagen production, lifting and firming the skin. This foundation gives skin a natural finish with moderate coverage and sun protection, making it a sound choice now and into the future.
 can be considered sun protection and skincare housed in one very fun package. This particularly formula is mineral-based, meaning titanium dioxide and zinc oxide work to reflect the sun’s rays off your skin (instead of your skin absorbing the sunlight). All the while, sodium hyaluronate (plumps and hydrates), maracuja oil (brightens with essential fatty acids and vitamin C), red algae (renews skin) and honeysuckle extract (calms and soothes) do their skin-loving thing, leaving you with a happier complexion.
I’m going through an experimental phase with my mascaras, which can sometimes lead to a raccoon eye situation by midday. What can I do to quickly tidy up smudges or smears?
It’s one thing to tidy up a minor makeup mishap at home when we’re equipped with our favourite makeup remover and an arsenal of cotton pads or Q-tips. It’s another thing to tote these face-saving bits around with us in the off chance that we have to tidy up our makeup during the day. Since carrying around your bottle of cleansing water isn’t exactly convenient, try stashing Nudestix’s Clean-Up Pencil ($28, sephora.ca) in your bag for pinpointed cleaning. The stick contains chamomile extract and jojoba seed oil to ensure skin is not only free of unwanted makeup, but it’s nourished as well. Simply swipe onto the unwanted makeup and wipe away with a tissue or, in a pinch, your finger. Think of it as a Tide To Go stick for your makeup. Amazing.
How can I incorporate a 1970s vibe into my look for spring?
The ‘70s were all over runways and in plenty of beauty campaigns, but as with all trends that are cylical, it’s important to update the trends and modify them to suit you. Metallics were a significant trend in the ‘70s in so many iterations, so take a nod from that trend and incorporate it into your look. Too Faced Melted Metal in “Peony” ($25, sephora.ca), a dusty rose shade with a metallic sheen. The formula offers up a very modern interpretation of metallic lip colour that is infinitely more wearable than any formula of shimmery lipstick you’ve encountered before. There’s zero grit to this shimmer – just smooth wear, glazed pigment and precise application thanks to the precision-tip applicator.
If I have to get one neutral eye palette and am on the go a lot, which one should it be?
A loaded question, as you clearly have done your homework and know that the options out there are abundant for a neutral shadow lover like yourself. If you’re looking for flexibility and a bit of a bonus, you should snap up Dior’s Eye Reviver Palette ($63, thebay.com). Why you should get this palette: it contains five neutral eyeshadows (one of which is considered a priming shade) that can be played up or down depending on your needs, as well as a creamy black eyeliner that is actually very pigmented and easy to apply. The brushes in the palette (one dual-ended with a brush and sponge applicator, as well as a separate eyeliner brush) are actually completely usable, making this quite possibly the most versatile, compact yet functional neutrals palette around.
How can I incorporate more active ingredients into my makeup routine?
To expect active ingredients in makeup is becoming more and more common since we tend to want more than just instant change from the beauty products we buy – we’re after long-term results. Consider committing to a serum-based foundation, like Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 ($72, at Bobbi Brown counters), if you want to improve the appearance and condition of your skin. This formula combines the much-loved makeup ethos of Bobbi Brown foundations with a powerful serum, enriched with cordyceps mushroom extract to brighten skin and bamboo grass extract to even out skin tone. Peptide technology boosts skin’s collagen production, lifting and firming the skin. This foundation gives skin a natural finish with moderate coverage and sun protection, making it a sound choice now and into the future.){kind=link}