Your Makeup And Skincare Questions Answered

[Brenda Starrr]

As a few of you may know, I used to be the moderator for this very forum. Some of you may also know that I'm a makeup artist and have been in the beauty/cosmetic industry for over 23 years. I have worked for lines such as BeneFit, Dior, MAC, Smashbox, Bare Escentuals, and now am the Counter Manager for Origins in Macy's at 12 Oaks (the #1 highest-producing Origins counter in MI).

Not to sound cocky, but I have a huge wealth of knowledge when it comes to makeup, skincare, and nail care. I'm inviting you all to ask the questions that you need answered in these areas. I will answer you truthfully and guide you in the proper direction.

So, ask away. Hopefully, I'll have the answers that you need!

[bean]

How do you figure out what color foundation you need? What are the best brands?

I'm pale, but kinda olive...I have a drawer full of foundations, none match. Now when I tan, I can find foundation that matches...what's that about?

What is the best way to cover dark under eye circles?

[sass_in_the_pants]

How did I get to be so pretty?

Okay, really, now, does black eyeliner go with everything, because I think it does.

[Brenda Starrr]

How do you figure out what color foundation you need? What are the best brands?

I'm pale, but kinda olive...I have a drawer full of foundations, none match. Now when I tan, I can find foundation that matches...what's that about?

What is the best way to cover dark under eye circles?

If you're buying drugstore, you're pretty much on your own. You will rarely ever find testers for drugstore brands! As for the best brands, I'm going to be honest:

Bare Minerals (as long as you're not dry. Mineral-based, no talc.)

Origins (Yeah, I'm biased. But, it's really nice and plant-based. NOT full of chemicals like most.)

I do NOT love MAC foundations. Approximately 70% of the foundations returned are because they break the clientele's skin out, and no one wants that.

The best way to find out what mtches is to choose a line and let the guide/rep/artist test it out on your clean skin. I always test at the jawline, because Halloween only comes once a year. Just because we're goth doesn't mean we want to wear a mask to work every day.

Eye circles can be combatted by drinking lots of water, eating and sleeping right, and great eye cream and concealer.

Come see me sometime. We'll have fun!

[SuZQZ]

Yes, how do you hide dark under eye circles???? Without caking on concealor and having it look awful?? And how can you diminish under eye bags that are just there, not due to lack of sleep, etc?

[CandyQuackenbush]

Lately, I have had wicked break outs on my face. I was wondering what type of make up is okay to wear. I used to wear clinique.

Helpz?

[Brenda Starrr]

How did I get to be so pretty?

Okay, really, now, does black eyeliner go with everything, because I think it does.

Great genes.

As for black eyeliner, well.....yes and no. Pam Anderson seems to think so.

If you're wearing it every day, open up your eyes to just lining the top lid. For the love of all that is Holy, do NOT rim your entire eye with it unless you're doing the black smokey eye. It also looks great when you do grey, navy, and bronze smokey eyes as well. Just try not to look like you shoot up and your pimp is runing your life and you will be fine.

[Brenda Starrr]

Yes, how do you hide dark under eye circles???? Without caking on concealor and having it look awful?? And how can you diminish under eye bags that are just there, not due to lack of sleep, etc?

Concealer doesn't have to be cakey. Try a liquid formula, or if you like creamy, spend the $40 and buy Amazing Concealer. I swear to you, it does NOT cake.

You can attempt to diminish the bags by steeping chamomile tea bags, then cooling them in the fridge and placing them onto your closed eyes after lying down. Drink water....lots. It does help. I have herniated fat pockets (dude, no lie. Three different plastic surgeons told me this), which will require surgery if I want them gone (and I do). If the puffines comes from allergies, well, take your meds and do everything else that I suggested.

All you can do is try. Nothing is foolproof. But, some things really do work well for some and not for others. I can recommend a thing or two at my counter, because EVERYONE should use a good eye cream. But taking care of you from the inside is key!

[Brenda Starrr]

Lately, I have had wicked break outs on my face. I was wondering what type of make up is okay to wear. I used to wear clinique.

Helpz?

Again, try the Bare Minerals. I do NOT like Clinique either! Most of their stuff is alcohol-based. Alcohol breaks down the cellular structure of your skin, which makes you age much more quickly. Use something for oily to combination skin. Water-based, if it's a liquid. Avoid powders with talc. Talc is a well-known irritant.

[CandyQuackenbush]

Again, try the Bare Minerals. I do NOT like Clinique either! Most of their stuff is alcohol-based. Alcohol breaks down the cellular structure of your skin, which makes you age much more quickly. Use something for oily to combination skin. Water-based, if it's a liquid. Avoid powders with talc. Talc is a well-known irritant.

Otay, thanks!

Now where can I get this stuff? Oh, and what can I use to clear up my back. Ever since I got into Massage Therapy, the oil *and stress* mix and make my back not so clear. I don't like talking about it, it's not gross, but annoying is the word.

[bean]

If you're buying drugstore, you're pretty much on your own. You will rarely ever find testers for drugstore brands! As for the best brands, I'm going to be honest:

Bare Minerals (as long as you're not dry. Mineral-based, no talc.)

Origins (Yeah, I'm biased. But, it's really nice and plant-based. NOT full of chemicals like most.)

I do NOT love MAC foundations. Approximately 70% of the foundations returned are because they break the clientele's skin out, and no one wants that.

The best way to find out what mtches is to choose a line and let the guide/rep/artist test it out on your clean skin. I always test at the jawline, because Halloween only comes once a year. Just because we're goth doesn't mean we want to wear a mask to work every day.

Eye circles can be combatted by drinking lots of water, eating and sleeping right, and great eye cream and concealer.

Come see me sometime. We'll have fun!

Yes, I will need to see you and fun will be had!

My skin is dry in the winter and oily in the summer.

I have serious sleep problems, hence the dark circles...

Thank you for the tips though!

[Guest Megalicious]

I've noticed that every year spent in MI, my skin gets worse.

I use to have amazing skin. I didn't wear foundation at all, maybe a bit of trans powder just to set my eye makeup.

But since I have moved to MI my skin just keeps getting worse and worse.

I take excellent care of my skin. Ive always used a 3 step system.

I switched to wearing Clinique moisture tint while I was a big prego just due to needing more coverage. I noticed that my skin was becoming a bit uneven and just need a bit of something.

Now my skin is just gettting worse BREN!!!! I don't know what to do. Could it have to do with the change in my body chemistry do to having a little one??/

I just want my old skin back damnit.

[jadnifer]

I don't know if this is EXACTLY your area of expertise, but it's worth a shot.

I have been battling real bad acne on my face off and on. It will go away for awhile and then BAM! it will hit me hard. Is there a good face cream or medicine that you can recommend?

Is it okay to fall asleep in your makeup or does that just cause break-outs?

Also, I have the horrible habit of biting my fingernails. I have heard that they have polish that you can put on that tastes bad and it helps you not to bite, but that it can get on your food and such. Is there any product that you might be able to recommend for that?

[Destroit]

Hey Bren,

Even though I'm good with hair/clothes and what looks good make-up wise (well...for the most part *blush*. There's been a whole lot of "WTF was I thinking"s in the past) foundations/concealer's/skin tones etc are definately NOT my strong suit. So I need yer expert advice Oh-Holy-Makeup-Lady!

Is there anyway to make my skin look a little more pale without looking like The Crow? I'm not even asking drastic white face porcelain pale, just a few shades lighter than I am? Well other than avoiding the sun of course (which I try to do), but just wondering if you had any foundation suggestions for that.

[Kit Kat P]

Okay make-up lady here's my question of the hour. I have an oily T-zone and dry in other spots. I break out pretty easy and want my make-up to take about 5 min.s to apply.

Also do all women have to use eye creams? I don't have any kind of regimen at all. I get up and shower, brush my hair out and go out the door. I'm very low maintenance but I know that now that I'm getting older I need to start doing a little more for myself.

Also is there anywhere to try out Bare Minerals/ Bare Esenctuals? I don't want to lay down the cash and then be sitting w/ another product that just doesn't wow me enough to actually use it.

And then if I were to go to my Macy's to the Origin's counter is there any way I could give you credit for the lead?

Okay, so maybe more than one question.

[Brenda Starrr]

Otay, thanks!

Now where can I get this stuff? Oh, and what can I use to clear up my back. Ever since I got into Massage Therapy, the oil *and stress* mix and make my back not so clear. I don't like talking about it, it's not gross, but annoying is the word.

Bare Minerals is sold at Sephora and Bare Escentuals boutiques. Also, at Ulta.

As for the back, come to my Origins counter and get Modern Friction for the body and Salt Suds shower gel. Use the shower gel every time you shower. Use the scrub 2 to 3 times a week. Let Donnie do it. You'll feel good, and he'll think it's foreplay.

[Destroit]

Let Donnie do it. You'll feel good, and he'll think it's foreplay.

Most funny out-of-the-blue statement I've seen on here in awhile.

[Brenda Starrr]

I've noticed that every year spent in MI, my skin gets worse.

I use to have amazing skin. I didn't wear foundation at all, maybe a bit of trans powder just to set my eye makeup.

But since I have moved to MI my skin just keeps getting worse and worse.

I take excellent care of my skin. Ive always used a 3 step system.

I switched to wearing Clinique moisture tint while I was a big prego just due to needing more coverage. I noticed that my skin was becoming a bit uneven and just need a bit of something.

Now my skin is just gettting worse BREN!!!! I don't know what to do. Could it have to do with the change in my body chemistry do to having a little one??/

I just want my old skin back damnit.

Meg....

Clinique blows. Most of their skin care is alcohol-based. That is BAD news. It also does have a lot to do with Mr. Keegan. Pregnancy changes a lot. What exactly is going on with it? What does it feel like to you?

[Brenda Starrr]

I don't know if this is EXACTLY your area of expertise, but it's worth a shot.

I have been battling real bad acne on my face off and on. It will go away for awhile and then BAM! it will hit me hard. Is there a good face cream or medicine that you can recommend?

Is it okay to fall asleep in your makeup or does that just cause break-outs?

Also, I have the horrible habit of biting my fingernails. I have heard that they have polish that you can put on that tastes bad and it helps you not to bite, but that it can get on your food and such. Is there any product that you might be able to recommend for that?

Oooh! Lots of good questions!

For the acne: Murad has a clear skin supplement (vitamins) that kick ass. I cannot remember the exact name of it, but if you go to an Ulta store, ask for it! It's the shit. I don't love a lot of their skincare products, but the internal supplements are awesome! Externally, get Spot Remover, Get Down cleanserr, United State toner, and Balanced Diet moisturizer by Origins. GOOD stuff.

It is NEVER okay to fall asleep with your makeup!! EVEREVEREVER!!!!!

Don't bother with No Bite and the like. Get manicures. If you're spending money on them, you're less likely to chew.

[Brenda Starrr]

Hey Bren,

Even though I'm good with hair/clothes and what looks good make-up wise (well...for the most part *blush*. There's been a whole lot of "WTF was I thinking"s in the past) foundations/concealer's/skin tones etc are definately NOT my strong suit. So I need yer expert advice Oh-Holy-Makeup-Lady!

Is there anyway to make my skin look a little more pale without looking like The Crow? I'm not even asking drastic white face porcelain pale, just a few shades lighter than I am? Well other than avoiding the sun of course (which I try to do), but just wondering if you had any foundation suggestions for that.

"NO ONE DRESS AS THE CROW"~Satan, "South Park"

You can go one shade lighter with foundation. Also, use a white highlighter on your cheekbones and brow bones.

[Brenda Starrr]

Okay make-up lady here's my question of the hour. I have an oily T-zone and dry in other spots. I break out pretty easy and want my make-up to take about 5 min.s to apply.

Also do all women have to use eye creams? I don't have any kind of regimen at all. I get up and shower, brush my hair out and go out the door. I'm very low maintenance but I know that now that I'm getting older I need to start doing a little more for myself.

Also is there anywhere to try out Bare Minerals/ Bare Esenctuals? I don't want to lay down the cash and then be sitting w/ another product that just doesn't wow me enough to actually use it.

And then if I were to go to my Macy's to the Origin's counter is there any way I could give you credit for the lead?

Okay, so maybe more than one question.

Checks and Balances cleanser, Modern Friction exfoliator, United State toner, and Balanced Diet moisture lotion by Origins. I don't think I can get the credit, though!!

Eye creams protect and moisturize. They ARE important!!

As for Bare Minerals, go to Sephora or Ulta and let them try it on you!

[Destroit]

"NO ONE DRESS AS THE CROW"~Satan, "South Park"

OMFG BWHAHA Then Satan shows up as The Crow .

South Park = one of my favorite things ever, so you get points for finessing me.

For like two months after that episode every time I was in front of a mirror I'd be like "...Biggie Smalls....Biggie Smalls" and my friends would be like 'NO DON'T DO IT! WE'LL ALL GET CAPPED" and the general public would obviously be staring at all of us like "W...T...F..." (unless of course they'd seen it too)

So here's a pony for making meh laugh:

Oh and thanks for the advice Didn't ever hear about the white highlighter part, I'll have to try that and see if I look a little more drastique.

[Brenda Starrr]

OMFG BWHAHA Then Satan shows up as The Crow .

South Park = one of my favorite things ever, so you get points for finessing me.

For like two months after that episode every time I was in front of a mirror I'd be like "...Biggie Smalls....Biggie Smalls" and my friends would be like 'NO DON'T DO IT! WE'LL ALL GET CAPPED" and the general public would obviously be staring at all of us like "W...T...F..." (unless of course they'd seen it too)

So here's a pony for making meh laugh:

Oh and thanks for the advice Didn't ever hear about the white highlighter part, I'll have to try that and see if I look a little more drastique.

Just make sure that it's not really frosty. Luminous is good. Frosty=bad.

[Destroit]

Just make sure that it's not really frosty. Luminous is good. Frosty=bad.

Oooh kk. Will keep in mind. Thaaaanks.

[Kit Kat P]

Checks and Balances cleanser, Modern Friction exfoliator, United State toner, and Balanced Diet moisture lotion by Origins. I don't think I can get the credit, though!!

Eye creams protect and moisturize. They ARE important!!

As for Bare Minerals, go to Sephora or Ulta and let them try it on you!

Thank you. I just have a tricky time finding balance w/my skin tones, strawberry-blonde hair,and stuff; so I just don't bother, I know that doesn't help though. I'll have to make a weekend of the make-up trial because there isn't a vendor for Sephora for another 70+ miles. Macy's is just around the corner so I'll try out the Origin's regime soon.

Again, thank you.