Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle
  • News
    • All Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
    • Future Of Fashion
    • All Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
    • All Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
    • All Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
    • All Lifestyle
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well, Well, Well
    • All Politics & Social Issues
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Moms
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Career
    • Charity
    • All Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
  • About InStyle

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • If the Coastal Grandmother Trend Isn't for You, How About Its Alternative, Fancy Grandma?

      If the Coastal Grandmother Trend Isn't for You, How About Its Alternative, Fancy Grandma?

      It's just as comfy but a tad more exciting. Read More
    • It Seems Like Everyone Has False Lashes These Days — Here's Why

      It Seems Like Everyone Has False Lashes These Days — Here's Why

      There's a reason why they're trending. Read More
    • 8 Ways to Wear a Sheer Lace Dress, According to Stylists

      8 Ways to Wear a Sheer Lace Dress, According to Stylists

      The pros are weighing in on this trick, celeb-loved trend. Read More
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion
    This Easy Guide Is the Trick to Finding Your Signature Fashion Color

    This Easy Guide Is the Trick to Finding Your Signature Fashion Color

    It's all about your skin's undertones.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
    • Future Of Fashion
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity
    The Best Beauty Looks From The 2022 Met Gala Scream Gilded Age

    The Best Beauty Looks From The 2022 Met Gala Scream Gilded Age

    Big hair, tiaras, and gold lids — oh my!
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty
    The Dos and Don'ts of Mixing Skincare Ingredients

    The Dos and Don'ts of Mixing Skincare Ingredients

    Plus, when and how to use them.
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair
    How to Get the Wet Look Without Making Your Hair Feel Crunchy

    How to Get the Wet Look Without Making Your Hair Feel Crunchy

    It's really quite simple.
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
    • All Natural
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle
    The One Nail Polish Color Your Zodiac Sign Should Wear for Taurus Season — and Why

    The One Nail Polish Color Your Zodiac Sign Should Wear for Taurus Season — and Why

    Leos should wear glitter, of course.
    • Astrology
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
    • Well, Well, Well
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues
    50 Badass Change Makers

    50 Badass Change Makers

    The world may feel heavy at the start of 2022, but this list of change makers has us optimistic for brighter days to come.
    • President Joe Biden
    • Dr. Jill Biden
    • Vice President Kamala Harris
    • Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Moms
    • Equal Pay
    • Badass Women
    • Career
    • Charity
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture
    17 Unforgettable Rachel Green Outfits You Could (and Should) Still Wear Today

    17 Unforgettable Rachel Green Outfits You Could (and Should) Still Wear Today

    From plaid skirts to slip dresses, we're ready to copy it all.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
  • About InStyle

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Beauty
  3. Reader Beauty FAQs: Makeup Edition

Reader Beauty FAQs: Makeup Edition

By Instyle Updated Sep 17, 2012 @ 11:47 am
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Reader Beauty FAQs
Credit: Time Inc Digital Studios

Reader Beauty FAQs: Makeup Edition

Start Slideshow

1 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smokey Eye FAQ

Smokey Eye FAQ
Credit: Courtesy Physicians Formula

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.”

1 of 7

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bright Lips & Eye Makeup Combo FAQ

Bright Lips & Eye Makeup Combo FAQ
Credit: WENN.com, Courtesy Anastasia

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."

2 of 7

3 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Layering Serum & Primer FAQ

Layering Serum & Primer FAQ
Credit: Courtesy MyBody, Courtesy Trish McEvoy

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.

3 of 7

Advertisement

4 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Nude Lipstick FAQ

Nude Lipstick FAQ
Credit: Courtesy Nars, Courtesy Benefit, Courtesy YSL

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."

4 of 7

5 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Eyeliner Smudging FAQ

Eyeliner Smudging FAQ
Credit: Time Inc Digital Studio

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.

5 of 7

6 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Long Lasting Lip Gloss FAQ

Long Lasting Lip Gloss FAQ
Credit: Time Inc Digital Studio

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.

6 of 7

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 7

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Reader Beauty FAQs

Reader Beauty FAQs
Credit: Time Inc Digital Studios

Do you have any more unanswered makeup questions? Ask us now! We love answering.

7 of 7

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Instyle

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 7 Smokey Eye FAQ
    2 of 7 Bright Lips & Eye Makeup Combo FAQ
    3 of 7 Layering Serum & Primer FAQ
    4 of 7 Nude Lipstick FAQ
    5 of 7 Eyeliner Smudging FAQ
    6 of 7 Long Lasting Lip Gloss FAQ
    7 of 7 Reader Beauty FAQs

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    InStyle

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Accolades Licensing
    • Content Licensing

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithInStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright InStyle. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

    View image

    Reader Beauty FAQs: Makeup Edition
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.