This week, we received two very similar questions from two lovely ladies trying to figure out how the *frig* to give their gorgeous faces adequate coverage. It’s not an easy task, that’s for sure. While all women are different, these two inquiries address more or less the same issues. So, in an effort to find our best solutions for your beauty-related questions, we’ve attempted to answer them both in one fell Beauty-Bitch swoop.
READER #1
Hello Beauty Bitch!
My beloved tinted moisturizer—that had the perfect tint, the perfect weight, the perfect coverage—has been discontinued. And I’m heartbroken. If I stay with this brand, I’m left to choose between “camera ready” BB and CC creams instead of tinted moisturizer. Both sound too heavy for my sensitive and fair skin.
Should I stalk the aisles of Duane Reade for a cheapy BB (or CC) cream first, before investing in a (presumably) better, high-end product? Or is there is a BB/CC cream on the market that is clearly the best? I’m at a loss. Please help!
Nancy E.,
Sunnyside, NY
READER #2
Dear Beauty Bitch:
Help! I’m in need of a skin correcting/smoothing product STAT! I don’t like heavy foundations, and I was using a powder product but was told that perhaps I shouldn’t anymore “since I had moved into the next age bracket.” (Ugh). I’m a stay-ay-home mom, so I don’t need to be as polished as someone who goes to an office everyday, but I would like to have a nice, clean-looking face as I hustle and bustle around around my home and town. I’d love to find a workhorse of a product that would simply provide good coverage—I’ve tried a BB cream, and various foundations and powders, but nothing seems to work for me. Any advice?
Mary W., Connecticut
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, February 2, 2013)
READER #1
Hello Beauty Bitch!
My beloved tinted moisturizer—that had the perfect tint, the perfect weight, the perfect coverage—has been discontinued. And I’m heartbroken. If I stay with this brand, I’m left to choose between “camera ready” BB and CC creams instead of tinted moisturizer. Both sound too heavy for my sensitive and fair skin.
Should I stalk the aisles of Duane Reade for a cheapy BB (or CC) cream first, before investing in a (presumably) better, high-end product? Or is there is a BB/CC cream on the market that is clearly the best? I’m at a loss. Please help!
Nancy E.,
Sunnyside, NY
READER #2
Dear Beauty Bitch:
Help! I’m in need of a skin correcting/smoothing product STAT! I don’t like heavy foundations, and I was using a powder product but was told that perhaps I shouldn’t anymore “since I had moved into the next age bracket.” (Ugh). I’m a stay-ay-home mom, so I don’t need to be as polished as someone who goes to an office everyday, but I would like to have a nice, clean-looking face as I hustle and bustle around around my home and town. I’d love to find a workhorse of a product that would simply provide good coverage—I’ve tried a BB cream, and various foundations and powders, but nothing seems to work for me. Any advice?
Mary W., Connecticut
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, February 2, 2013)
Dear Beauty Bitch:
I love the smell of my shampoo and conditioner. But whenever I blow dry my hair after I wash and condition, the lovely smell is gone and replaced with a kind of hair/blow dry-y smell. I do not like using styling product when I blow out my hair, so that doesn’t help.
What I want to know is, how can I retain the smell of my shampoo and conditioner in my hair after I blow it out? My hair is long and fine, and it doesn’t seem to matter what brush or blow dryer brand I use. I just can’t keep that amazing, just-washed smell intact.
Help!
Debbie B., NYC
Hi Debbie:
I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. According to our experts, you’re probably not going to be able to retain that smell you love 100%. “Perfumes in shampoos and conditioners are used to make the products smell while you’re using them,” says NYC hairstylistAndrew Fitzsimons. “They usually don’t remain very long after heat styling.”
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, December 11, 2013)
I love the smell of my shampoo and conditioner. But whenever I blow dry my hair after I wash and condition, the lovely smell is gone and replaced with a kind of hair/blow dry-y smell. I do not like using styling product when I blow out my hair, so that doesn’t help.
What I want to know is, how can I retain the smell of my shampoo and conditioner in my hair after I blow it out? My hair is long and fine, and it doesn’t seem to matter what brush or blow dryer brand I use. I just can’t keep that amazing, just-washed smell intact.
Help!
Debbie B., NYC
Hi Debbie:
I’m afraid I have some bad news for you. According to our experts, you’re probably not going to be able to retain that smell you love 100%. “Perfumes in shampoos and conditioners are used to make the products smell while you’re using them,” says NYC hairstylistAndrew Fitzsimons. “They usually don’t remain very long after heat styling.”
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, December 11, 2013)
Dear Beauty Bitch:
I have many expensive make up brushes that I use regularly. But recently, I have experienced a rash of eye infections and am concerned one of my brushes might be the cause.How often should I clean my brushes or replace them? Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Philomenia P., Daphne, Alabama
Dear Philomenia,
Whether you have sensitive, breakout-prone skin like mine, or are blessed with crazy clear face, taking good care of your makeup brushes is a must.
In terms of your particular predicament, Philomenia, “it sounds like your eye infection was caused by dirt and bacteria from your makeup brush getting into your eye or around the eye area,” says Cecilia Wong, Founder of Cecilia Wong Skincare.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, September 16, 2013)
I have many expensive make up brushes that I use regularly. But recently, I have experienced a rash of eye infections and am concerned one of my brushes might be the cause.How often should I clean my brushes or replace them? Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Philomenia P., Daphne, Alabama
Dear Philomenia,
Whether you have sensitive, breakout-prone skin like mine, or are blessed with crazy clear face, taking good care of your makeup brushes is a must.
In terms of your particular predicament, Philomenia, “it sounds like your eye infection was caused by dirt and bacteria from your makeup brush getting into your eye or around the eye area,” says Cecilia Wong, Founder of Cecilia Wong Skincare.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, September 16, 2013)
Dear Beauty Bitch:
A few months ago, I got a manicure (using straight up OPI, no gel or anything fancy). Since then, my nails have gotten so completely weak that they’re splitting and ripping. I also have a bunch of hangnails that I’ve never had before. I was constantly peeling and picking at the polish when it was on, which I’m sure was not a good idea because it made the problem worse.
When I finally took the polish off with remover, my nails were weaker than ever, tearing close to the nail bed. I’ve always had to keep my nails super short, but after this particular manicure I had to trim them down as close as I could and essentially start over.What can I do to strengthen my nails? They’ve never been strong, but I swear since this manicure they’ve been worse than ever.
Help, please!
-Rachel A., NYC
Dear Rachel:
I’m so sorry you had a miserable mani experience! As a fellow New Yorker, I know how easy it is to take an unintentional gamble on a less-than-perfect salon, since there is pretty much one on every block.
But personally, I’ve never had an experience as bad as this! So I turned to Carla Kay, celebrity manicurist forCloutierremix.com, who had some great advice about what to watch out for when your nails are being worked on.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, July 18, 2013)
A few months ago, I got a manicure (using straight up OPI, no gel or anything fancy). Since then, my nails have gotten so completely weak that they’re splitting and ripping. I also have a bunch of hangnails that I’ve never had before. I was constantly peeling and picking at the polish when it was on, which I’m sure was not a good idea because it made the problem worse.
When I finally took the polish off with remover, my nails were weaker than ever, tearing close to the nail bed. I’ve always had to keep my nails super short, but after this particular manicure I had to trim them down as close as I could and essentially start over.What can I do to strengthen my nails? They’ve never been strong, but I swear since this manicure they’ve been worse than ever.
Help, please!
-Rachel A., NYC
Dear Rachel:
I’m so sorry you had a miserable mani experience! As a fellow New Yorker, I know how easy it is to take an unintentional gamble on a less-than-perfect salon, since there is pretty much one on every block.
But personally, I’ve never had an experience as bad as this! So I turned to Carla Kay, celebrity manicurist forCloutierremix.com, who had some great advice about what to watch out for when your nails are being worked on.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, July 18, 2013)
Dear Beauty Bitch:
I have oily, blemished skin that’s quite prone to clogging. Because of the humid environment in New York City (especially during the summer), I avoid a full face of make up whenever I can. I usually get by with spot concealer, pressed powder blush, and translucent powder to absorb oil and set the concealer.But I’m very curious to try cream blushes. I love the natural flush of color that they give cheeks, and I wonder if the color would hold up better and last longer than powder blush. But I’m worried that they might clog my pores, or that any spot concealer I put on before hand would be rubbed away when blending in the blush. I’m getting married next summer and I’d really appreciate any help in figuring out if this kind of product is right for me. Thanks!
Tex G., NYC
Dear Tex:
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! And thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, it appears that your fears are not at all unfounded. “For oily, acne-prone skin, cream blush can be tough,” says Dallas-based makeup artist and beauty expert Penny Sadler. “The color won’t hold up better than a powder—in fact, it will wear away very quickly on oily skin. And it also will remove any spot concealer that’s applied before it’s blended in.”
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, May 14, 2013)
I have oily, blemished skin that’s quite prone to clogging. Because of the humid environment in New York City (especially during the summer), I avoid a full face of make up whenever I can. I usually get by with spot concealer, pressed powder blush, and translucent powder to absorb oil and set the concealer.But I’m very curious to try cream blushes. I love the natural flush of color that they give cheeks, and I wonder if the color would hold up better and last longer than powder blush. But I’m worried that they might clog my pores, or that any spot concealer I put on before hand would be rubbed away when blending in the blush. I’m getting married next summer and I’d really appreciate any help in figuring out if this kind of product is right for me. Thanks!
Tex G., NYC
Dear Tex:
Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! And thanks for writing in. Unfortunately, it appears that your fears are not at all unfounded. “For oily, acne-prone skin, cream blush can be tough,” says Dallas-based makeup artist and beauty expert Penny Sadler. “The color won’t hold up better than a powder—in fact, it will wear away very quickly on oily skin. And it also will remove any spot concealer that’s applied before it’s blended in.”
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, May 14, 2013)
The Beauty Bitch: Dark Circle Drama—How Do I Cover My Ugly Under Eye Spots?
Dear Beauty Bitch:
Like a million other people, I have dark circles under my eyes.
I have tried many products, but still “bags ahoy.” Don’t get me started on concealers.
Everyone makes them and they do very little—at least for me! Can you help?
-Jane R., NYC
Dear Jane:
You are certainly not alone in your frustration. How to deal with ugly under eye circles is an incredibly common beauty bitch. It’s not an easy task and quite frankly, I suck at it as well, so I reached out to two pro makeup artists to get us some answers.
Both experts made clear that there are three major factors for successful coverage.
1: Determining the true hue of your dark spots. 2: Finding a product (or products) which contain pigments that will properly conceal said discoloration. And 3, learning how put on your concealer properly. Concealer is not a “one product fits all” situation and getting it right requires a little know-how in terms of application.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, March 26, 2013)
The Beauty Bitch: How Do I Know If a Beauty Product is Really All-Natural?
Dear Beauty Bitch:
I’ve heard that a lot of products claim that they are “all-natural” when really they’re not.
Is this true? How do I know for sure if a brand is 100% organic?
Are there some basic guidelines to follow? I’m a lazy shopper and need help.
Thanks!
Clueless Beauty Consumer, NYC
Dear CBC in NYC,
It’s true—you can’t judge a beauty product by its cover when shopping for all-green goods. “The American cosmetic industry is still unregulated by the FDA,” explains Victoria Fantauzzi, CEO and Co-Founder of organic skincare line La Bella Figura. “So it’s a free for all for some companies to make all kinds of claims and it can be very confusing for the consumer.”
So what can you do? Step one is to start looking closely at labels. “The first thing I tell a customer who asks about what makes an organic product organic is to read the label,” Fantauzzi says. “Natural and organic brands do not use fillers, chemical emulsifiers, parabens, nanoparticles or petroleum based ingredients.”
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, June 19, 2012)
The Beauty Bitch: Am I REALLY What I Eat? What Foods Are Good for My Face?
Dear Beauty Bitch:
What foods can I eat to maintain good skin?
Tina Y., New York, NY
Dear Tina:
A great question!
Food plays a big role in the health of our skin, and knowing what fare is beneficial to you can help prevent major beauty bitches down the road.
One quick note: a health editor I am not. Be mindful of any food issues or allergies you may have: nuts, for instance, can kill (crazy as it sounds). And if you’re lactose intolerant, of course you should avoid dairy. Any skin-saving benefits are not worth a potential risk to your health (or feeling like crap, for that matter).
So with that said, I’ll start with what is perhaps the easiest type of food to add to your diet: those high in water content. If you’re already a fruit and veggie lover, you’re set. Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, and oranges are all excellent hydration boosters. They improve skin’s texture, flush out toxins, and can increase cell turnover (which helps ward off wrinkles).
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, November 10, 2011)
What foods can I eat to maintain good skin?
Tina Y., New York, NY
Dear Tina:
A great question!
Food plays a big role in the health of our skin, and knowing what fare is beneficial to you can help prevent major beauty bitches down the road.
One quick note: a health editor I am not. Be mindful of any food issues or allergies you may have: nuts, for instance, can kill (crazy as it sounds). And if you’re lactose intolerant, of course you should avoid dairy. Any skin-saving benefits are not worth a potential risk to your health (or feeling like crap, for that matter).
So with that said, I’ll start with what is perhaps the easiest type of food to add to your diet: those high in water content. If you’re already a fruit and veggie lover, you’re set. Leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelons, and oranges are all excellent hydration boosters. They improve skin’s texture, flush out toxins, and can increase cell turnover (which helps ward off wrinkles).
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, November 10, 2011)
The Beauty Bitch: Help! I Need Travel Friendly Toiletries
Dear Beauty Bitch:
I’m going to be traveling a lot over the next two months for the holidays.
Packing my toiletries is such a pain.
Stuff always spills, and the TSA rules make it hard to for me to bring the things I really use because the bottles are just too big.
Are there any not-too-pricy products out there you would recommend just for travel?
Jessie R., Washington D.C.
Dear Jessie:
Do I have the answer for you!
I was the exact same way and constantly bitched about packing products for trips. Then I discovered 3floz.com, which is the best site ever for scoring travel-friendly, TSA-sanctioned stuff.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, November 3, 2011)
I’m going to be traveling a lot over the next two months for the holidays.
Packing my toiletries is such a pain.
Stuff always spills, and the TSA rules make it hard to for me to bring the things I really use because the bottles are just too big.
Are there any not-too-pricy products out there you would recommend just for travel?
Jessie R., Washington D.C.
Dear Jessie:
Do I have the answer for you!
I was the exact same way and constantly bitched about packing products for trips. Then I discovered 3floz.com, which is the best site ever for scoring travel-friendly, TSA-sanctioned stuff.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, November 3, 2011)
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The Beauty Bitch: What’s The Real Deal When It Comes to Popping Pimples?
Dear Beauty Bitch:
I’ve heard time and time again that pimples should be left alone and that popping them is bad.
But then recently my friend said she thinks squeezing her zits makes them heal faster. Which is true?
Lolita L., Oakland, CA
Great question—few beauty problems are more of a bitch than dealing with zits. I too have heard both sides of the “is-it-ok-to-squeeze?” debate, and am still confused.
So I enlisted Renée Rouleau, skin care specialist & celebrity esthetician, to share her expert (and very down-to-earth) advice.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, October 20, 2011)
I’ve heard time and time again that pimples should be left alone and that popping them is bad.
But then recently my friend said she thinks squeezing her zits makes them heal faster. Which is true?
Lolita L., Oakland, CA
Great question—few beauty problems are more of a bitch than dealing with zits. I too have heard both sides of the “is-it-ok-to-squeeze?” debate, and am still confused.
So I enlisted Renée Rouleau, skin care specialist & celebrity esthetician, to share her expert (and very down-to-earth) advice.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, October 20, 2011)
The Beauty Bitch: How Can I Mend
My Messy Split Ends?
Dear Beauty Bitch:
Do you have any at home tips for split ends between my visits to my stylist?
Brenda D., Culver City, CA
Dear Brenda:
Ah yes, split ends. One of the biggest hair bitches there is. While nothing can truly rid you of them except regular trims (every six weeks is ideal), there are some tricks that can help keep the breakage in check between salon visits.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, October 13, 2011)
Do you have any at home tips for split ends between my visits to my stylist?
Brenda D., Culver City, CA
Dear Brenda:
Ah yes, split ends. One of the biggest hair bitches there is. While nothing can truly rid you of them except regular trims (every six weeks is ideal), there are some tricks that can help keep the breakage in check between salon visits.
Read More (Meetsobsession.com, October 13, 2011)
The Beauty Bitch: How the Eff
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The Beauty Bitch: How Do I Find a Foundation
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