Beauty Q&A: Shiny Face 911 & More
Friday, February 04, 2011
I am going on a tropical vacation next month and I have a major problem: acne on my back. It is so gross and I dread wearing a bathing suit or strapless dresses! What can I do? --Lily, 24, Pawtucket
May I please come as your carry-on luggage? Tropical vacations are the best, especially when it’s icy and snowy outside! Your back problem is a common one because the glands in your back can produce oils and since most of the time, in winter especially, our backs are covered, they tend to break out. One fabulous way to rid yourself of “bacne” is to get a “back facial” where all of the attention is right where you need it. Head over to Sienna Skin Studio in Cranston for the BACK facial ($65), which improves the tone and appearance of the skin, cleanses and relaxes the muscles at the same time. Or head to your local drugstore and buy Neutrogena’s Body Clear Body Wash ($7) which contains salicylic acid and will clear you up without overdrying. Bon voyage!
My oily skin always gets so shiny midday. I use a primer and even blot papers but I still look (and feel) greasy. Any ideas? Allison, 35, West Warwick
I feel your pain, Allison! I, too, have combo/oily skin and tend to get shiny in the T-Zone (forehead and nose). Using a primer is a good way to help prevent shine but you need something to literally blot it out and blotting papers do not always do the trick. My favorite product for this problem is MAC Blot Powder ($23, Nordstrom, Providence); it sops up oil, does not leave a film or texture and keeps you looking flawless. You can also try Ava Anderson Non-Toxic Mineral Makeup ($23.50 online) which keeps your skin looking fresh with all natural minerals.
I’m starting my monthly mani/pedi ritual because I’m going away next week and want my hands and feet to be in great condition for my vacation and the summer. Do my colors have to match? I feel like they should but sometimes I want to do something different. –Valerie, 28, Cranston
In a word: no. Monochromatic colors can look great but if you want to go with different colors, do it! Try a light grey mani and bright red pedi (we love Essie’s Pearl White and Lollipop, New Leaf Hair Studio, Bristol). Or go for a reverse moon mani to change things up. Enjoy your trip and show off those nails!GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Some of my friends use eyelash curlers and I love the results! Do I need to use one? What brands are best? –Carrie, 37, Foster
I personally do not use an eyelash curler but many of my friends and colleagues do, with gorgeous results. Take lashes from flat to fab in a simple ritual that lengthens your lashes tremendously. Shu Uemura is world (universe?!) famous for its curler, which is only sold online. Or try Revlon’s Eyelash Curler ($5, drugstores) which a friend of mine swears by. A little tip is to heat the curler prior to curling to really set the curl. Only warm it with a hair dryer (not too hot!) as you could burn your lids or lashes.
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