The Real Beauty Question
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##Crinkly skin in crisis
Nobody loves the look of crinkly skin, especially when it comes in the form of that telltale orange peel look that comes from cellulite and the formation of excess fat and water under the skin. However, sometimes a lack of skin firmness can be to blame too. The good news? There’s a simple trick to figuring out the difference. Start by placing your hand down flat on the side of your thigh, then gently smooth the skin upwards. If the orange peel effect remains, you have cellulite that requires an adipocyte-targeting cream. If the skin becomes more taught, you’re in need of a firming formula that will tighten the cells. How about that for a firm answer?
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##How to pick foundation
Time to hit the beauty brakes, because there’s no need to speed to a decision. After all, there are several important foundation factors you should always consider. Starting with shade. Looking for the perfect colour for your skin tone? Forget testing foundation on the back of the hand, as it’s much darker than your face. As for the neck? That can prove far too pale. Instead, opt for the jawline. Next comes texture. To find the right formula for you, simply ask yourself the following questions in the following order: Do I prefer a translucent, seamless finish, or am I on the hunt for more coverage? Do I want a matte or more satin result? And finally, do I prefer to apply with fingertips or an applicator?
As a general rule, skin-brightening liquid formulas offer up a satin-sheer look and easy fingertip application while compacts and powdery liquids designed with a sponge make for more coverage and matte results. Or, for beautifully buildable style complete with a light and natural semi-matte finish, go powder.Featured products:- error
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##Make-up hold mastered
When it comes to maximising your make-up’s hold, don’t forget that canvas is key.
Translation? Always start your look with a good smoothing hydrating face cream that suits your skin type. Wait a few minutes and then apply your go-to BB cream or foundation (best applied with a brush.) For the eyes, simply go for an eyeshadow base paired with waterproof mascara before finishing up with a spritz of Fix’ Make-Up. And, for touch-ups on the fly, why not keep this spray stashed in your bag for day-long perfection? -
##Thin lip make-up tips
Our top tip? Cheat, by lightly extending the outside edge of your lips with a lip pencil. To avoid unfashionable faux-pas and that oh-so passé 1980’s look, simply make sure your lip liner stays invisible, opting for a nude tone that pairs with your complexion. Start by outlining the outside of lips before adding your lip colour, applying it carefully so it covers the liner. For best results, avoid dark colours such as plums and chocolatey-browns which slim down the look of the lips. Instead, go for brighter scarlet, poppy and cherry red shades that make for an altogether brighter and bolder impact.
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##Operation clean skin
Over having a shiny face and irregular skin? Blame an excess of sebum that blocks and stretches pores, creating an oil slick effect on the surface of the skin that makes even tiny imperfections look super-sized. The answer is a simple tweak to your daily skincare routine. Use a specific serum that fights dilated pores and smooths skin, then apply an anti-shine moisturiser over the top to stay matte until bedtime. Add a twice-weekly purifying mask into the mix and you’ll dial that shine right down.
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##Soft nail saviour
It’s something we rarely think of, but nails, just like skin, thrive when nourished and moisturised. Even more so when they’re constantly washed with soap day in and day out.
Treat them better with a nightly massage with oil (a good facial oil will do the trick). Focus on the cuticles and repeat throughout the day after each hand wash, or whenever the skin around the nail starts to feel dry. Finally soak with a generous layer of hand and nail cream.Featured products:- error
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##Facial Oil
Despite what you might suspect, facial oil won’t give you greasy skin. In fact, as facial oil’s fatty acids hit the face, they work to boost skin hydration and overall softness. Better yet, depending on the vegetal ingredients, oil can even calm a shiny complexion. Use two to three droplets at night instead of a night cream. Or, in winter, add a little to a day cream to give dry skin a much-craved treat. And how about this for an incredible glow-boosting must-try? Tap two droplets over make-up for a splash of fresh-faced appeal. No oil crisis here.
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##What can I do about my open pores?
With an average of 300,000 pores on your face, whether your dilated pores are down to an excess of sebum or loss of elasticity in the epidermis, you’ll certainly be able to see the effects on the texture of your skin. And thanks to HD, they are now even visible in photos. Reach for a skin-perfecting serum like Pore Control to remedy the situation, instantly smoothing the complexion and making pores less visible. Follow up with an anti-shine moisturiser to unify the skin, and you’re ready for that up-close selfie.
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##Can I wear anti-wrinkle cream underneath sunscreen?
Of course. Although sun cream hydrates and protects your skin from the premature ageing caused by UV rays, that doesn’t mean that you should skimp on the rest of your anti-ageing routine; far from it. Double up to be sure that you’re doing everything you can to keep your skin looking young, which means applying your day cream as usual, leaving it to soak in for a few minutes, then layering up SPF over the top.
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##Why is sun protection such a beauty must?
Because UV rays harm the skin in ways that aren’t always immediately visible, and the damage accumulates over time. Beyond sunburn, the most visible sign of damage, UV rays penetrate deep into the dermis, where they alter the DNA of the skin cells to speed up skin ageing. Over time, this means dark patches, lines and loss of elasticity, not to mention the risk of developing skin cancer, which is especially serious for paler skins. Minimise that risk by using sun protection even when you’re in the shade, re-applying every two hours and after each dip. Cover up with a T-shirt and hat during the hottest part of the day and be aware that UV rays can be intensified around reflective surfaces like sand, snow and water, and also at altitude. It’s often when you might think you’re at less of a risk that you need to be especially careful – UV rays can penetrate water, your skin can still be damaged through cloud and that gentle breeze that cools the air is doing nothing to make the sun any less likely to burn your skin.