FASHION Magazine

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.

Can you suggest a powder foundation formula that’s suitable for darker skintones?
Powder foundations haven’t always been the most suitable format for darker skintones, usually because traditional formulations contained talc. When applied to darker skintones, talc can create a grayish cast that looks unflattering and unnatural. Ask anyone with a medium-deep to deep skintone and they’ll likely tell you that they’ve long avoided powder foundation—until recently, that ia! CoverFX Pressed Mineral Foundation ($35, murale.ca) is a talc-free pressed powder foundation that feels virtually creamy when applied since it’s so finely milled Even better, it comes in 24 shades split by undertones of golden, neutral and pink, ensuring that all skintones will find a suitable, non-ashy match.

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.

Nail polish often looks uneven because the natural texture of my nails shows through. Can I fix this?
The visual appearance of our naked nails is actually a significant indicator of our internal health, so it’s important to pay attention to what’s up when they’re bare. It’s normal to have ridges on your nails that run up and down lengthwise, and these are not a huge cause for concern. Buffing nails prior to applying polish may seem like a logical solution, but this can actually weaken your nails. A better solution is to use a ridge filling base coat, such as Joe Fresh Ridge Filler ($6, at Joe Fresh), in order to create a smooth, even surface for polish application. A quick coat of this before you apply your colored polish will balance everything out and make ridges a thing of the past.

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.

Can you suggest a travel-friendly foundation? I’ve had a few spills in the past that have turned me off liquid makeup altogether.
There’s nothing quite like a makeup bag covered in a coveted product to kick-start a vacation! If you’re often taking your foundation on the go, explore cream formulas that come in a compact format, like Armani Maestro Fusion Compact ($68, at Holt Renfrew). This lightweight foundation is comprised of a blend of dry oils and waxes that meld with your skin for natural, luminous finish. It can also be layered for higher coverage or concealing needs and comes with a handy brush applicator included in the compact for this very purpose. Bonus: The packaging isn’t glass, so you’re in the clear if you decide to toss it in your bag on the go, making it incredibly travel friendly.

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’ve read grainy exfoliators can tear my skin. Is this true?
Natural exfoliator ingredients such as ground nutshells, fruit pits or seeds can be uneven and they have the potential to be sharp or unrefined, which can irritate skin. If you’re concerned about this happening to your skin and chemical exfoliators aren’t your cup of tea, please direct your attention to Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder ($62, at Holt Renfrew). A sponge sphere accompanies the bottle and I promise, it has purpose! Pour a half-teaspoon of powder (consisting of powdered rose, neroli and jasmine, as well as purifying white clay) into your moistened palms, add a bit of water to the sponge and start rolling the sponge around in your palm, working the powder into a lather. Apply this foamy mix to clean, damp skin in circular motions to gently exfoliate. And I do mean gentle—these are micro fine particles that create a subtle grit when foamed up. Skin is left with a radiant matte finish after being scrubbed, but it’s not stripped or damaged in any way.

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.

Is it possible to wear retinol during the day?
We’re encouraged to apply retinol at night for multiple reasons. First off, your skin is more receptive to active ingredients (like retinol) at night because it’s entered a reparative state. Secondly, retinol can make skin sensitive to sun, so daily SPF application is crucial when you’re dabbing on the retinol at night. All that being said, if you combine an SPF with a retinol, rules can indeed be broken. StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Day Treatment SPF 30 ($109, murale.ca) is the ultimate daytime face product. Not only does it work to reverse wrinkles and fine lines, it will even out skin tone, refine texture and fight off UVA and UVB damage, all without irritating skin. Quite the multitasking product to put into your daily rotation!

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.

How can I jumpstart repairing my damaged hair?
If you’ve overprocessed your hair to high heaven, it’s time to step away from the bleach, dyes and heat styling tools and let your hair recuperate. Hair takes time to bounce back from damage, but you can help expedite the process by using an intensive mask, such as L’Oréal Paris Total Repair Extreme Ultra-Concentrated Urgent Repair Care ($3, at drugstores). This single tube contains a week of reparative treatment loaded with lactic acid and lipid-rich ceramides to target and strengthen particularly weakened areas of the hair. Simply apply after shampoo and conditioner and then rinse out, making this a handy shortcut to healthier hair!

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.

Is there a quick way to improve my skin’s appearance?
If there’s one point to drive home regarding skincare, let it be this: skincare is about consistency and taking care. The time you put into fine-tuning a regimen that works for your skin usually reaps rewards of skin that looks bright, radiant and breaks out less. That being said, not everyone has time to commit to a routine every day and night. If you’re looking for a quick fix for your skin’s lacklustre state, try Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Boosting 5-Minute Facial ($100, thebay.com). This two-step system involves applying a self-foaming mask containing alpha hydroxy acids and protease enzymes to dissolve impurities in the skin that are contributing to a dull appearance. After a couple of minutes, rinse skin and then finish with the lipid-rich ceramide serum, which also contains skin-firming fruit extracts and soothing aloe vera. Radiant results for five minutes of effort!

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 always find statement lips pretty for Valentine’s Day, but when it comes to kissing… not so practical! How else can I rock a romantic look?
Statement lips definitely have a time and a place, , but if your Valentine’s Day plans include getting intimate they’re better saved for another night out. A perfectly understated yet glowing alternative is a soft pink cheek. Use Clarins Multi-Blush Cream Compact in “Rosewood” ($30, thebay.com) to lightly define and contour, blending onto cheekbones and sweeping through contours of cheeks with a synthetic brush. This cream blush has light-reflecting technology that allows it to function as a super-subtle highlight when applied on cheekbones and it also doubles as a lip colour if you desire a monochromatic look! For extra oomph, set the cream blush with a dusting of Clarins Opalescence Poudre Teint & Blush ($40, thebay.com), a holographic compact that contains a pink beige powder accented with coral and brown—which results in a natural blush that brightens the face without any chance of overpowering. No need to fear blush when it’s this flattering!

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.

How important is sleep to healthy skin? I haven’t been getting much sleep lately and I’m not sure if it’s negatively impacting my skin.
While a lot of emphasis is placed on the importance of healthy eating, exercise and proper skincare, getting a proper night’s rest is often underestimated in terms of how much of a difference it makes to overall health, skin being no exception. While skincare products cannot entirely replace the benefits of a good night’s sleep, they can help prompt an earlier bedtime. If you aren’t able to unwind at the day’s end, the lavender scent of Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Skin Protectant Nighttime Miracle Moisturizer ($47, thebay.com) can help slow you down. It’s incredibly soothing and the formula contains shea butter and vitamin E to hydrate, as well as salicylic acid for a bit of exfoliation— revealing skin that looks the precise opposite of exhausted.

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.

What are the benefits of opting for body oil instead of a lotion or cream?
Even if you lotion up immediately after showering, it’s often trumped as soon as you go outside by the bitter wind and cold, leaving you with skin that feels uncomfortably tight. Fresh Life Body Oil ($56, sephora.ca) works below the surface, hydrating skin deeply all thanks to its blend of nourishing oils, including sweet almond, jojoba seed, apricot kernel, sunflower seed and evening primrose oil. These oils work together to soothe, protect, renew and moisturize your skin while improving elasticity. Body oils also absorb best when applied to slightly damp skin, making it the perfect complement to your straight-out-of-the-shower beauty routine. The bonus to this body oil is definitely the fragrance, which has notes of bergamot, grapefruit, silk amber, vanilla grass and lilac leaves, making it warm yet fresh, lingering through the day.

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 like rose scents, but they seem a little old fashioned when I wear them. Any tips?
Rose-based fragrances are very traditional and quite classic, but don’t let that deter you from this beautiful floral note. Luckily, rose-based fragrances have had quite the resurgence lately, and there are several new varieties of rose scents to choose from. If modernity is the goal, Balenciaga Rosabotanica ($100, sephora.ca) is a unique fragrance to experience. The fragrance opens with bright notes of citrusy petitgrain and fig leaf, leading into middle notes of cardamom, pink pepper and rose, grounded with vetiver, cedar and white amber. The fragrance is anything but traditional, making it a contemporary take on a rose for lovers of the timeless flower.

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.

What can I apply to dry patches of skin that my standard moisturizer isn’t treating effectively?
I’m sure you’re not alone in this boat, as the extreme temperatures we just endured were not kind! If dry patches have developed, it means there’s a significant depletion in your skin’s natural moisture barrier so supplement it with a moisturizer that’s sole purpose is to rehydrate and rebuild. Spectro Dry Skin Therapy Intense Rehydration Cream ($15, at drugstores) is a gentle yet highly effective cortisone-free water-based cream that works to hydrate the skin and soothe any dry patches that may have formed—and then it locks in moisture with glycerin. It’s fragrance-free and irritant-free, so well suited to all skin types, sensitive skin included.