The first step is to make sure you’re using the right concealer. Ideally it should be a peachy-tone hue, to best cancel out the darkness. But the most important point is that it’s a pigment-dense formulation. My #1 pick is Laura Mercier Secret Concealer ($40). I also like Benefit Boi-ing ($35, both from Adore Beauty).
Next, make sure to dab it on and then blend it in with a concealer brush, concentrating on the inner and outer corners – where most discolouration actually occurs. Try M.A.C Concealer Brush ($39 from M.A.C). Layer where necessary. By using a brush, you’ll not only be able to build up coverage seamlessly, but also press pigment into the skin, meaning it will stick and last longer. (more…)
Good news! Batiste is now available nationally in Priceline and Priceline Pharmacy, so just hit your city store and you should have no trouble. (FYI, for future reference, the Batiste info number is 02 8709 8800).
And for anyone else who hasn’t yet got your hands on Batiste, do so at once! The tropical scented version is the perfect party-season hair buy – it not only does the usual dry shampoo thing of soaking up oils on slept-in-too-long-to-wash-hair mornings, but it perfumes hair with a pretty summery scent that covers up any nasty out-all-night smells.
Short of going under the knife, there are only limited options for tightening skin. Cosmetic surgeons suggest a non-invasive treatment such as Thermage (click here for locations) or Titan (see Cutera) – these technologies work to heat the lower dermal layers, which in turn stimulates new collagen formation. Many cosmetic surgeons warn, however, that it’s not a knife-free face-lift (as has often been claimed in the press), and that effects aren’t necessarily immediate – skin-tightening may be gradual over six months. (more…)
You definitely should be exfoliating, but chemically not mechanically – you’re right, scrubbing may just inflame ingrowns. Instead, use a hydroxy acid-based treatment, which will dissolve dead cells and help prevent blockages. One treatment I have found that works well when used on the bikini line on a regular basis is actually primarily for a spot-prone face: Neutrogena RapidClear Daily Cleansing Pads ($13.99 from pharmacies). Once your skin is totally clear of ingrowns, you can give the area a loofah-over in the shower every week or so – but make sure to go lightly and gently.
Has your skin been oilier than usual lately? If so, this is the likely culprit – the oil may be affecting the pigment in the foundation and causing it to oxidise, which causes the orange effect. Some oil-based foundations tend to turn a little orange, too. I’d suggest you buy yourself a primer for oily skin, before going through the whole drama of finding a new foundation. Try Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer - Normal/Combination ($29.95 from pharmacies). This should put enough of a barrier between your skin and your foundation to keep your foundation colour true. Also consider using mattifying skincare, along with blotting powders throughout the day to keep oil in check.
