Beauty Fix: At-home laser hair removal that really works, the best multitasking products and 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 beautyfix@fashionmagazine.com.

I feel like most serums I come across are meant for anti-aging purposes. Does anything exist for acne-prone skin?
Anti-aging skincare accounts for a significant proportion of the products available on the market, and we’re always told it’s never too early to start exploring the options available to us. However, when you’re preoccupied with acne concerns, it can seem like every advanced product out there is for anti-aging. Not so! Estée Lauder Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum ($64, esteelauder.ca) will become a mainstay in your skincare routine because in addition to refining pores, calming skin and reducing redness thanks to algae and caffeine, it will use salicylic acid to stop breakout cycles from reoccurring. The serum works in a gentle way on a daily basis, giving you more even and balanced skin with continued use.

I have dark, coarse hair that is a nightmare to continuously remove, and regrowth is very apparent against my fair skin. Should I consider laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is a solution that can be suited to certain hair colours and skintones; specifically, darker hair colours and light to medium skintones are prime for laser hair removal treatment. The laser’s light targets the hair pigment, which then absorbs the light. This damages the follicle and slows down the hair’s growth cycle. Repeat sessions can lead to permanent hair removal (usually the goal for anyone who opts for laser hair removal), but can also lead to a drained bank account! Professional hair removal is incredibly expensive, so consider your alternatives, such as an at-home system like Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X ($449, triabeauty.ca). This laser utilizes the same diode laser technology used by professionals, making it just as effective in hair removal for a fraction of the cost. Results aren’t instantaneous, and shaving is required prior to using the laser (waxing is an absolute no-go with this method) but consistent effort to use the laser once a week every other week can yield permanent results in about three months. This gadget is ridiculously easy to use and can be used on multiple areas on the body, making it a sound option for anyone who wants a more permanent hair removal solution for many areas of the body without going broke!

Should I be moisturizing in addition to wearing sunscreen? Seems like a lot of products for skin to absorb.
On occasion, different skincare products have ingredients that can sort of clash with one another, meaning they won’t absorb properly and wear well together on the skin. However, beauty products are getting in line with our multitasking lifestyles, meaning there’s more and more products out there that do many things within a single application. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($15, healthsnap.ca) combines broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with the moisturizing and soothing properties of oatmeal, allowing you to cut down on how many products you apply each morning. Bonus: it’s oil-free, waterproof and sweatproof, making it a sound option for face and body.

I love experimenting with nail polish but it gets to be time consuming and sometimes I just want a neutral that will match everything I wear. Any suggestions?
Nail art had a serious moment in the spotlight for several seasons, and it’s not over per se, but if we turn our attention to the runway, the looks we’ve seen are toned-down with a slightly more refined vibe—making them far more wearable than ever before. While experimenting with your nails is definitely a fun and creative outlet, it can be just as gratifying to wear a less-than-boring neutral polish to get you through multiple outfit changes and scenarios. Joe Fresh Nail Polish in “Nude Glaze” ($4, at Joe Fresh) is a semi-sheer warm nude shade with silver micro-glitter that flatters any and all skintones and will make the coordinating effort between nails and wardrobe a thing of the past.

I find multiuse cosmetics don’t always feel comfortable on my lips versus cheeks. What can I use that will wear with ease?
Multiuse products can be super helpful in achieving a quick, easy monochromatic look, which takes a lot of the guesswork out of wearing makeup. There are many different formulations, such as liquid, cream compacts or cream sticks of colour to apply on just about any facial feature for a coordinated look in mere minutes. Not all formulations are made equal and the level of comfort you may feel on lips is probably significantly less so than your cheeks, especially if the formulation you’re using has a matte finish. Matte finishes essentially mean there’s little to no oil is in the formula, and while that’s perfectly fine for colour cosmetics used on cheeks (it helps the product stay put throughout the day) it’s harder to wear matte shades on lips, especially if you’re experiencing dryness. Try YSL Baby Doll Kiss & Blush ($45, at Holt Renfrew), an air-whipped mousse-like formula that can be worn on lips and cheeks with total comfort, thanks to the combination of light-diffusing gel (for buildable colour), oils and powders that deliver a total harmony of soft matte radiance.

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