Beauty Fix: The rules of applying highlighter, how to make sure your liner doesn’t budge + more
Every week our Beauty Fix columnist takes on your questions about makeup, skincare, hair and more. Have a beauty question we haven’t answered? Email us at [email protected]or ask away in the comments below.
I really need help with my eyeliner. How do I stop it from smearing underneath my eyes? I use a pencil liner; could this be the problem?
The formula and how it interacts with your skin is certainly impacting how your current eyeliner wears; if you have oilier skin, your natural oils may be breaking the product down and causing it to migrate and the same can happen if you have eyes that water frequently. If you like the look of a pencil liner because it’s softer and less harsh than a liquid, you can opt for a potted waterproof gel liner and softly diffuse it with a pencil brush for the look of a pencil with the budge-proof wear of a gel. If switching to a gel involves a learning curve you’re not up for, try a waterproof pencil like Dior Waterproof Crayon Eyeliner ($29, sephora.ca), which glides on with total ease and a little bit of blendability before setting and staying put until you’re ready to take it off.
Are there any rules to follow when applying highlighter?
The more you apply, the finer the shimmer should be. If you’re planning to apply your highlighter to brow bones, cheekbones, or your cupid’s bow, apply very lightly to the centre of your forehead and down the bridge of your nose, then make sure you’re very selective about the formula you choose and the size of the shimmer the formula contains. A set like BECCA’s new Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights ($30, sephora.ca) can give you plenty of options (champagne gold, pearl and opal shades) that are all illuminating without being over the top or overwhelming if worn in multiple areas of the face or body.
How can I make sure the body wash I buy doesn’t dry out my skin?
A few things can factor into how a body wash works with your skin, such as whether you’re showering with hard or soft water, as well as the cleansing ingredients in the body wash. Direct your attention to Dove’s newly reformulated Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutriumMoisture ($8, well.ca) next time you’re staring at the wall of body washes, weighing your options. The reformulation involved adding 25% more glycinate to the formula, which is actually an ultra-mild cleanser that’s usually reserved for facial skincare. If it’s gentle enough for your face, it’ll be suitable for the rest of your body, so lathering up will never end with skin that feels tight – just soft, smooth and hydrated.
Can I refine my skin’s texture and address sagging skin at the same time?
The ability to layer skincare can be tricky to master, as different products don’t always layer well with each other, depending on the ingredients. Some silicone-based products can cause pilling of all products applied, which can be really frustrating. Spare yourself the experimentation and try a multitasking product like Algenist Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum ($122, sephora.ca). The retinol and alguronic acid will work in tandem to smooth and refine the skin’s surface while the whey protein and peptides will rebuild collagen density and visually lift the skin. Tip: always remember to wear SPF daily, even more so when using skincare that contains retinol.
I’ve never gotten the hang of curling my hair with a flat iron. How can I achieve that look?
It’s not always easy to execute the soft, cascading waves look with a flat iron and if you’re not up for the “practice makes perfect” method of improving your skills, then look for a different tool! ghd’s new Curve Creative Curl Wand ($295, sephora.ca) is right up your alley, with a conical shape to make sure curls and waves made aren’t too perfect or uniform. The wand also features temperature-adjusting technology to remain at a temperature level that will curl hair without excess heat and in a shorter span of time, causing less damage to your hair’s overall health. This tool is essential to anyone who is after a head full of easy waves or curls in a flash.
, which glides on with total ease and a little bit of blendability before setting and staying put until you’re ready to take it off.
Are there any rules to follow when applying highlighter?
The more you apply, the finer the shimmer should be. If you’re planning to apply your highlighter to brow bones, cheekbones, or your cupid’s bow, apply very lightly to the centre of your forehead and down the bridge of your nose, then make sure you’re very selective about the formula you choose and the size of the shimmer the formula contains. A set like BECCA’s new Shimmering Skin Perfector Spotlights ($30, sephora.ca) can give you plenty of options (champagne gold, pearl and opal shades) that are all illuminating without being over the top or overwhelming if worn in multiple areas of the face or body.
How can I make sure the body wash I buy doesn’t dry out my skin?
A few things can factor into how a body wash works with your skin, such as whether you’re showering with hard or soft water, as well as the cleansing ingredients in the body wash. Direct your attention to Dove’s newly reformulated Deep Moisture Nourishing Body Wash with NutriumMoisture ($8, well.ca) next time you’re staring at the wall of body washes, weighing your options. The reformulation involved adding 25% more glycinate to the formula, which is actually an ultra-mild cleanser that’s usually reserved for facial skincare. If it’s gentle enough for your face, it’ll be suitable for the rest of your body, so lathering up will never end with skin that feels tight – just soft, smooth and hydrated.
Can I refine my skin’s texture and address sagging skin at the same time?
The ability to layer skincare can be tricky to master, as different products don’t always layer well with each other, depending on the ingredients. Some silicone-based products can cause pilling of all products applied, which can be really frustrating. Spare yourself the experimentation and try a multitasking product like Algenist Retinol Firming & Lifting Serum ($122, sephora.ca). The retinol and alguronic acid will work in tandem to smooth and refine the skin’s surface while the whey protein and peptides will rebuild collagen density and visually lift the skin. Tip: always remember to wear SPF daily, even more so when using skincare that contains retinol.
I’ve never gotten the hang of curling my hair with a flat iron. How can I achieve that look?
It’s not always easy to execute the soft, cascading waves look with a flat iron and if you’re not up for the “practice makes perfect” method of improving your skills, then look for a different tool! ghd’s new Curve Creative Curl Wand ($295, sephora.ca) is right up your alley, with a conical shape to make sure curls and waves made aren’t too perfect or uniform. The wand also features temperature-adjusting technology to remain at a temperature level that will curl hair without excess heat and in a shorter span of time, causing less damage to your hair’s overall health. This tool is essential to anyone who is after a head full of easy waves or curls in a flash.){kind=link}