Beauty Q & A

Friday, November 05, 2010

Becky DiStefano, GoLocalProv Beauty Expert

It’s that time again when I answer your burning beauty questions! The inbox is in overload with women (and a guy or two!) wanting the best in beauty so here it is delivered fresh.

Question: My lip gloss never stays on, ever. I apply it in the morning and within fifteen minutes it has faded. I have tried so many lip stains, tints, lipsticks and they all leave me. What gives?
--Sarah, 34, Johnston

Answer: I think we have all been there, Sarah. It is so annoying to have to constantly reapply your lip product but it may not be your lip product’s fault! Our lips, like the rest of our skin, build up dead cells and when we coat those cells in color and they fall off, the color goes with them. The best advice I can give you is a two-step solution: exfoliate and use a base. Scrub your lips using a lip scrub like Lush Bon Bon Lip Scrub ($8.95, Lush, Providence Place Mall) which contains seasonally appropriate cranberry seed oil to buff your lips smooth. Then follow with a lip primer like Urban Decay’s Lip Primer Potion ($20, Ulta) to neutralize your natural lip color (your gloss will really pop!) and prevent feathering and fading. Cheers to luscious lips!

Question: I am a guy and I enjoy what my friends call “metrosexual” activities like getting my brows done, manicures and facial treatments. They heckle me and I take it in stride but shouldn’t guys take care of themselves?
--Jake, 28, Providence

Answer: In a word? Yes. Some guys, yes “metrosexuals”, which is a compliment by the way, enjoy the actual act of primping and preening (have you seen Jersey Shore?) There is nothing wrong with this and there are places like Gents Barbershop and Spa in Cranston that cater specifically to men, including a full bar, hot shaves and huge TVs everywhere you turn. Men care for themselves in various ways and it says a lot about you that you like to keep yourself clean cut and well groomed. Want to go metro in the privacy of your own home? Pick up Jack Black Men’s care products including Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser ($18, Beauty and the Bath, Wickford) and Industrial Strength Hand Healer ($15).

Question: I absolutely love a dewy, glowy look for the holiday season. How can I achieve this without washing myself out?
--Deborah, 21, Scituate

Answer: Aah, the coveted glow that can turn from glittering to ghostly with just a poof too much powder! It is achievable and it is pretty easy to do as well. One of my favorite items to use in the fall/winter season are highlighting creams, which you can use over your foundation and blush to add a sheen to your cheeks and give you that glow. Try Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion ($24, Sephora) which is rich in vitamins and luminizes the skin as light reflects off of it. Or try cult item Nars The Multiple in Orgasm ($38.00, Nordstrom) to give you a soft, dewy radiance. You glow girl!

Question: It may sound odd but I just started wearing makeup at the age of 25. I never enjoyed it before but I am really starting to like browsing through products, though it is overwhelming. What basics does a makeup novice need?
--Carla, 25, Tiverton

Answer: Welcome to the wild and crazy world of beauty! For me, the cosmetics department of any store or any beauty boutique is magical but it can also be very intimidating if you are not used to it. Focusing on the basics is your own best advice so let’s start there. Mineral makeup would work well for you because it is super easy to apply and it works as a concealer and foundation in one. bareMinerals by Bare Escentuals offers a Customizable Starter Kit ($49, Sephora) that comes with foundation primer, blush, brushes, mineral foundation, finishing powder and a tutorial DVD. From there you need staple eyeshadows in neutral colors then you can add other colors you find appealing. Revlon Color Stay 12-Hour Eye Shadow in Copper Spice ($7, drug stores) is an excellent choice of a neutral palette. A nice brown or black liner, brown or black mascara and lip gloss in your favorite shade make a nice package to start your beauty regimen.

E-mail me your beauty questions at [email protected].