Beauty fix: How to slow hair growth down there, a glow-ensuring face mask 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.

Lately, my skin looks dull and tired. How can I make it look more energized?
Fatigued skin looks dull and lacklustre, and that’s usually because it’s lacking proper, restorative rest. If slowing down your schedule to get more rest isn’t an option (it so rarely is!), then make the most out of the sleep you are able to make and try an overnight mask. A substantial layer of a mask such as Lancôme Énergie de Vie Nuit Overnight Recovery Mask ($78, sephora.ca) will work wonders in a short span of time. This particular formula contains hydrating wild yam root extract, rhodiola root extract (helpful for fighting signs of fatigue), and gentiana root extract (radiance-boosting!). A few nights wearing this mask and your skin will appear more energized.

My skin can’t seem to handle retinol at all, but I’m into the benefits it gives. Is there an alternative?
Retinol is hugely beneficial to skin, as it can help reverse fine lines and refine skin’s texture in a significant way, but it can also irritate skin and make it more sensitive to sun, which makes it difficult to tolerate and commit to in a skincare regimen. Since retinol is a vitamin A derivative, using products that contain vitamin A will yield similar benefits. Ole Henriksen Pure Truth™ Vitamin C Youth Activating Oil ($56, sephora.ca) contains vitamins A and C for a one-two punch of cell renewal and antioxidant brightening without irritation, thanks to the soothing base of rosehip seed oil. The oil formula is fast-absorbing and leaves skin smooth and hydrated, not irritated.

I’m in the market for a dry shampoo. Are there specific ingredients I should I look out for?
Dry shampoos have flooded the marketplace lately, and it’s entirely normal to be overwhelmed by the variety and abundant options you have. Some people use dry shampoo for additional volume, whereas others use it purely for its hair-refreshing properties. If you’re more the latter than the former, keep an eye out for tapioca starch in the ingredient list, as it will effectively absorb excess oil, helping you extend your hairstyle. One to try: Pantene Pro-V Blow Out Extend Dry Shampoo ($6, well.ca), which contains the aforementioned starch to eliminate oil, and it gives hair a fresh smell, warding off hair washing and styling for another day.

Is there a way to reduce the frequency of shaving or waxing my bikini area?
Having to wait till hair grows a certain amount before removing again is less than convenient, so any way to extend the life of a wax job or shave is more than welcomed, even more so in the summer. After waxing or shaving, apply Inhibitif Hair-Free Intimate Care ($15, at Shoppers Drug Mart) twice a day to the area. Keeping up with this routine for about 8 weeks will lead to slowed-down hair regrowth and reduce hair density, lowering frequency of hair removal. The formula is specifically geared towards use in sensitive areas, making it a perfect pairing with your favoured bikini hair removal method.

My skin seems to break out when I use my current foundation. Is there a better option for acne-prone skin?
Acne-prone skin or not, it’s best to keep an eye out for a foundation or tinted moisturizer that will benefit your skin as you continue to use it. Acne-prone skin is usually the result of rather persistent bacteria that create breakouts, so look for a product that will help mediate that, such as Estée Lauder Clear Difference Complexion Perfection BB Crème SPF 35 ($46, esteelauder.ca). This oil-free formula blends out to a soft matte finish (thanks to rice powder), and hydrates skin with squalane and glycerin so that it doesn’t go into oil overdrive. Gentian root extract helps heal existing breakouts, making this a go-to for anyone fighting acne.

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