FASHION Magazine

What can I do now to make sure my legs look nice when the seasons change? I’ve been lazy with moisturizing but can hardly wait to go tights-free!
For every Canadian girl who loves her tights in the winter but can’t wait to be rid of them once warmer weather comes, we’re in the home stretch now! Which means it’s officially the season to make sure your legs look their best.

Guerlain’s mascara fit for a spy, Jo Malone scents inspired by British blooms, and a hair accessory that lets you roll with it.

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We’ve all seen leather-skinned, sunspot-covered ladies and gents (we’re looking at you D*n*t*ll*a), who’ve committed too much of their lives to soaking up the rays, and we can’t help but take mental note to wear sunscreen for the rest of our lives. Well, U.K. modeling agencies may save many from future irreparable skin damage—and worse, skin cancer—by banning the usage of sunbeds by their models.

So far, 11 big league U.K. model agencies including Elite, Premier Model Management, Storm and Next, plan to shed a non-UV light on the hazardous beauty regimen, with the signing of a zero-tolerance policy on tanning beds to support cancer research with U.K.’s R UV UGLY campaign.

CEO of Elite Model Management Michelangelo Chiacchio says: “We hope that this will help to send out a strong message to young girls and guys, that sunbeds will have a negative impact on their appearance.” Snooki, take note!

With startling cancer research statements like: “The first time use of a sunbed before the age of 35 increases the risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, by 75 per cent,” it should be a no brainer to boycott their use.

With so many alternative and safe tanning products available, we’re sure designers will have no trouble using rub and spray-on self tanners at London Fashion Week.

It’s been a while now, but when I was a teenager I used to force my pimples to pop and now I’m left with considerable scarring around my mouth area. Is it too late to correct the damage I’ve done?
You’ll be happy to hear that “scarring” is a misleading term. Popping pimples is a damaging activity because it inflames and infuriates your cells—dark spots are the repercussions. They’re not “scars” though—they’re pigmentation clusters that can be treated and minimized with dermabrasion, phototherapy, or by applying a high concentration of Vitamin C, nature’s powerful exfoliant.

I’m feeling stressed at work and it’s showing on my face. It’s worse than the usual breakout. How can I relax or at least look like it?
Stress is not an illusory sensation; it’s physical. It can surface in the form of enlarged pores, broken capillaries, or even psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea on your skin.

My regularly oily skin has been crazy dry this winter. How do I find a moisturizer that won’t clog my pores and make me break out?
Your skin offers a clear indication of your internal health—the fact that you usually have oily skin and suddenly have dry skin suggests you may have altered your diet, your environment, or are feeling some stress.

My flaky and dry skin is causing my foundation to look awful. How can fix my face so makeup looks nice again?
No foundation, no matter how hydrating it may be, will look its best when worn over skin suffering from deterioration. To get your skin smooth and primed to retain moisture, try using a buffing tool during the face-washing portion of your regular routine.

What was supposed to be a relaxing afternoon turned rather stressful after my facialist told me that a patchy of red blotchy skin was a sign of sun damage. What can I do to prevent it from getting worse?
UV exposure can show itself in different ways—enlarged pores, thick skin cells, discolouration—and it’s as equally important to care for damage already done as it is to proactively prevent it. I recommend returning oils that have been depleted by the sun (twice per day) to calm redness and reduce swelling.

I don’t like to wear much makeup but it’s been hinted to me that I look tired. What can I wear to perk up my face without compromising my natural self?
“No makeup” makeup was a major trend on the Spring runways: Proenza Schouler, Chloé, and Burberry Prorsum all had it, to just name a few. A clean face is the most natural looking, though entirely nude isn’t necessarily the most flattering (or professional!) look for work or an evening out. We love the clean, dewy skin that makeup artist Pat McGrath created for Stella McCartney and it only takes three products to recreate.

Now that I’ve added a facial oil to my regular skincare routine, how do I know what order to apply each product? Does it even matter?
Yep, it most definitely matters. Think of it this way: whichever item goes on first will penetrate your skin the deepest. A good rule of thumb for both instances is to apply in order of concentration from thinnest to thickest. After cleansing in the morning, a simpler serum like jojoba or coconut oil will maintain optimal moisture levels in your skin until the sun goes down.

The hair on my legs grows rather quickly, and my sensitive skin is prone to breaking out in red bumps. What’s my best option for hair removal?
Some people claim that laser hair removal is the quintessential cure for bothersome re-growth, but I’ve yet to hear one person rejoice in its affordability. With waxing, the recommended four-week break between treatments seems an awfully long time, and a quarter-inch of growth isn’t my idea of a good time. Both of these things considered, plus the sheer ease of shaving, brings me back to the basics every time: a razor blade plus shaving cream. However, I have a few extra tricks for you to make the process more rewarding.

My skin looks and feels irritated, especially in my office where the air is so dry. Should I stop wearing makeup and apply moisturizer throughout the day?
Blame it on the fans in your dusty old office, the heater in your car, and the lack of moisture in the air—it’s winter and your skin is thirsty! Maintaining moisture levels can be a little more intensive at this time of year than in the summer, but it’s not impossible, nor do you have to stop wearing makeup.