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Beauty Q & A
By Mehrzad Zamanpour
Q. Recently, I noticed the foundation I have been using for the past two years doesn’t look the same on my face as it did before. Actually, since I turned 45 I feel my makeup doesn’t stay on my face as long. I’ve tried applying more but it looks terrible. I don’t want to go through the hassle of finding a new foundation. What do you sugagest?
A. I can understand your frustration. Many women make the mistake of thinking that more foundation gives them better coverage. However, more foundation is not the answer. After 40 (which, by the way, is fabulous time), you have to change your routine a little. Use a light moisturizer or make-up primer before you apply your foundation. This will act as a barrier between your makeup and your skin. It keeps your foundation or concealer from filling in fine lines and pores. Another step is to exfoliate once a week to get ride of dead cells, since after 40 the skin’s exfoliation process slows down and the skin’s texture becomes otherwise uneven and dull. Foundation will not only fail to cover or hide the uneven texture, it will accentuate the problem areas. Use hydrating masks too; they prevent skin from looking blotchy.
Q. I am looking for a new scent. I love the perfume my friend wears, but when I apply it, it doesn’t smell good on me. Any suggestions?
A. Naturally, a fragrance doesn’t smell the same on everyone. There are many factors in play here, for instance the body temperature, stress levels, hormones, and sweat glands. Even the texture and PH level of each individual’s skin affects how a perfume will smell. If you have oily skin, the oil of perfume reacts with your skin oil. I love exploring in fragrance counters. For me, it is like walking in a garden and smelling the most exotic flowers.
The best way for you to choose a scent is to set aside a day for yourself, go to a fragrance boutique or department store, and try a few fragrances. Spray a little perfume on your wrist, but make sure you don’t rub it into your hands. Let it air dry. At first you will smell the first note of the perfume then after a few minutes you will smell the bottom note, which is the smell of the final scent on your particular skin. With summer approaching, try lighter and more flowery scents.
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