Reader Beauty FAQs: Makeup Edition

QUESTION:

"I'd like to try a smoky eye look, but I have sensitive eyes. What can I use?"

ANSWER:
First, avoid using any product on the inside of the lash line, as well as shadows with lots of dust or glitter that will fall into the eyes during application-opt instead for a pressed powder or long wear creme shadows. Tammy Blanchard’s makeup artist, Joette Balsamo recommends Physician’s Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Cream Liner ($10.95; physiciansformula.com) which is hypoallergenic, fragrance free and safe for sensitive eyes. She says, “If your eyes do get slightly irritated while doing your makeup, blink gently and look in different directions so that the particle moves towards the tear duct and out of your eye. A little bit of saline solution can help. But too much can cause more makeup to fall into the eye.”

QUESTION:

"What is the best eye makeup to wear with bright lipstick?"

ANSWER:
Makeup artist, Kate Lee who created this look for Sienna Miller has a favorite pairing for a bold, statement lip: going completely nude on the eye, but grooming and defining the brows and lashes. She uses Anastasia Tinted Brow Gels ($21; sephora.com) to keep every brow in place. "I also love a strong lip with a neutral metallic liner," says Lee. "Apply a thin line next to the lashes and smudge gently. It really catches the light and sparkles when you blink."

QUESTION:

"I would like to wear an anti-aging serum and a makeup primer. Can I do both and in what order?"

ANSWER:
Skincare products go beneath your primer, advises makeup artist Joette Balsamo who works with Gretchen Mol, but save the very active anti-aging serums for nighttime. “The rule of thumb is: protect and hydrate with moisturizer and SPF during the day, then treat and repair at night with anti-aging and blemish serums.” Here is why: Serums contain ingredients that help with cell turnover which is what you want, but wearing them under your makeup can cause your foundation to "pill" and wear off quickly. During the daylight hours, opt for a moisturizer with SPF that's right for your skin type and apply a primer over that. We like the Trish McEvoy Even Skin Face Primer ($32; trishmcevoy.com) for daytime wear, and the MyBody myHERO Anti-Aging Serum ($225; mybodyskincare.com) for bedtime.

QUESTION:

"What's the best nude lipstick?"

ANSWER:
"If you have fair skin, go for a peach or pink nude like Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Skinny Dip ($18; benefitcosmetics.com)," says makeup artist Joette Balsamo. "Those with medium skin should look for a pink or mauve-toned nude. The YSL Rouge Volupte in Nude Beige ($34; yslbeautyus.com) is good, and people with dark skin look best in caramel tones like the NARS Honolulu Honey lipstick ($24; narscosmetics.com). I always do a similar chic caramel on Jennifer Hudson."

QUESTION:

"My eyeliner always smears. How can I make it stay put?"

ANSWER:
Be sure to buy a waterproof formula like the Revlon ColorStay Liner ($7; target.com); it's more resistant to smearing. "Eyeliner usually runs when it encounters oils on the skin," says Revlon global artistic director Gucci Westman, who works with Cameron Diaz. Prior to applying, dab an eye-shadow brush into pressed powder (We like Revlon's Photoready Powder, $13; target.com) and gently drag along the lash line to prep the area and prevent smudging. "This helps soak up oils and lock the eyeliner in place," says Westman. And remember: Always apply powder before putting on mascara, or your lashes may end up getting cakey.

QUESTION:

"My lip gloss always wears off quickly. How can I make it last?"

ANSWER:
"It's all about the formula," says L.A. makeup artist Fiona Stiles. "The too slick blends tend to fade faster, so for staying power, look for the products that feel a bit sticky." (We like the Revlon Color Stay Gloss in Endless Lilac, $9; at Walmart.) You can also help your color last by prepping lips. Exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or washcloth to ensure that color goes on smoothly, then moisturize with a shea butter balm (the waxiness will allow the color to adhere better). Next, create a base color with a lip liner or stain like the Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip amp Cheek Stain ($19; sephora.com). Finish with gloss. Tarte's Natural lip stain and gloss in Cherry ($21; beauty.com) offers both a shiny top coat and a stain. "Even if the sheen wears off, you'll still have color from your base coat," says Stiles.

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