Ask a Beauty Expert

[TeamBIC]

Ask a Beauty Expert

If you know your way around the Beauty Insider Community, chances are you’ve seen a few of our Sephora Pro Artists sharing their looks on the Gallery and dropping their beauty routines in some of our favorite challenge threads.  @ElizaPRO, @ShawnPRO, and @ProAmy are Makeup Artists with years of industry experience with a bounty of product knowledge to share. These beauty geniuses are subject matter experts and they give life-changing advice on how to build your basket and put your haul to good use!

We've created this thread to allow you all to better connect with our Sephora Pro Artists here in the BIC! This is a place for you to ask them ANYTHING beauty-related. Don't forget to bookmark this thread by clicking the bookmark icon at the top right of this thread. It will come in handy for those moments you wish you had a beauty expert on speed dial for questions like "is it a good idea to layer these skincare products?" or "what's the best brush for my foundation routine?"

Want to ask a question? Click the 'Reply' button below!

[samanthawilliam]

Definitely check out Olena Belay on Instagram. She changed my skin!!

[myiesha777]

@KatieBT 

I've yet to start using it myself but I've heard about others getting great results using Murad InvisiScar Post-Acne Resurfacing Treatment 0.5 oz/ 15 mL.  I imagine that as long as you're consistently using sunscreen every single day and exfoliating regularly it should all work out! 

[calidreamin4946]

I have been doing so much research and browsing on products that I have become so overwhelmed by it. 

Bit of background- I'm 32yrs old, I live in New England, more specifically Western Massachusetts in US. I have never had a skin regimen before. I have an almost 2 year old child and have realized with all my body changes and lack of self care I want to start to have a skin care routine. 

I have literally no idea where to start but I do understand that there is a process of multiple items. 

I see that there are so many different skin combos and that very confusing to me specifically because I dont seem to fall under a specific category. My skin is very dry (full body dry) My face is dry, dull, somewhat uneven, pores yes are not large. My nose(Also wear glasses) and chin are oily with clogged pores for sure. I have occasional breaks there and also my high cheek bone down to my jaw line some times my cheeks but always my high point of cheek. My forehead is dry dry dry no breakouts ever. I would assume I am combination but not full t-zone problem. and would I be dry/combo or oily/combo. I finally decided to try Ole Henriksen Balance it all and have used it for 2 days. I have acne popping up on my cheeks and around my mouth now. I know there is a purging that will happen but my skin is  now also red on my cheeks. I'm wondering if maybe the products are actually too harsh or is that normal for starting a new system?

I seem to have a few concerns and dont know which I should tackle first. 

I hope this is something you would be able to help with

[DavidBD]

@calidreamin4946 hi there! i think we can help you find a suitable routine. It definitely sounds like you have combination skin. Even tho your forehead is dry ,your nose is oily , which constitutes a combination skin type . Also you are correct in that there can be a 'purging' time at first when starting a skincare routine , but hopefully we can help minimize that with good choices for you.

To start we need to tackle cleansing. Combination skin needs to be careful when cleansing because we often use something that is more suited for the few oily areas but it can be too harsh for the rest of the face. The Ole Henriksen Balance it All is a great set ,but might not be best for you as you have very dry skin elsewhere on your face, so the oil controlling and matte finish from this set is prob not making your overall skin happy. I recommend trying the Youth To The People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser 8 oz / 237 ml this will clean your skin, maintain moisture levels , and keep you PH balanced . All of which is essential for healthy skin. 

  next we would usually dress serums at this point, but from what i am hearing from you i think its best we start you with fewer products that are very effective so your skin gets used to a routine. here is where we want to be sure not to overwhelm your skin and minimize that 'purging'. so lets talk about a moisturizer, I think for you i would suggest CAUDALIE - Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbetthis is a great moisturizer that will hydrate your skin but in a lightweight formula so it will work great with your combination areas. Plus this formula is amazing at keeping skin calmed and soothed, and i have learned over the years that when skin is stressed it reacts negatively.

  Now, i think its best for you to start with just cleanser and moisturizer daily at first, let's keep it simple to start so your skin adjusts, once you've adjusted you'll be able to introduce new products along the way. That said i do think having a few 'specialty' products for occasional use is a great idea. So first i want to be sure you get a good exfoliation at least once a week, this is one of the most important steps in skincare .Rather than a daily exfoliant I think a once or twice a week exfoliator is best for your skin. KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening Pore Scrub + Exfoliating Mask 3.38 oz / 100 mLis the perfect choice. you can do this exfoliating mask once or twice a week to start. It can be done in the shower if you want (that's how i do it) after you cleanse your skin you would use this mask.It is a dual action mask so when you apply it will have texture to it ,so you gently massage over skin to start exfoliation then you let it sit for 5-15 minutes and let the enzymes do their exfoliation. this mask will help keep your skin fresh , smooth , and free of congestion that can cause breakouts.

 finally, I recommend a hydrating sleeping mask. this is a mask you would apply before bed instead of your moisturizer. You could start by using this once a week and adjust as you see needed. they can be used as mush as needed but i say start slow and ease into it. DR. BRANDT SKINCARE - Hydro Biotic™ Recovery Sleeping Maskis a great choice i think. this will help balance your skin and boost that hydration while you sleep , so your skin will be in its natural repair state so it can really get good use form this mask.

  try this routine out and i think you will see great results and your skin will thank you!

[calidreamin4946]

Thank you so much for the info, advice and reccomendations. I greatly appreciate it! I can't wait to get my skin healthy. 

[Anonymous]

I'm 23F and I have combination skin with few blemishes that I get once in a while. I used to have bigger pores but that's significantly gone now using these products. Is there anything I should change, add or remove from my routine? Thanks!!

Morning

-CeraVe Normal to Oily Cleanser (sometimes skip it and just water in the morning)

-Rosewater as toner

-Summer Fridays CC Me Vitamin C Serum 

-Argan Oil (thinking of using this at night only)

-Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer

Night

-CeraVe Normal to Oily Cleanser

-Ordinary Glycolic Toner

-Biosannce Resurfacing Night Serum

-Argan Oil 

-Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer

-Sunscreen spf 30

Masks

-Once a week Bentonite Clay Mask with acv

[JeffreyBD]

@asdfghjkgfds 

It seems as though you have a solid routine, and I'm so proud of you for handling so well thus far. I honestly feel that if you think what you are doing is working to maintain healthy skin and you are content with your pore size and aren't looking to address any other concerns, then maintain your current program (that's assuming you are wearing your SPF in the daytime and not while you're getting your shut-eye ;-)). However if you are looking for some fun dupes or swaps, I might try as follows:

You could switch out your Cera Ve Cleanser for the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser from Glow Recipe. I'm a huge fan, because it feels so refreshing when you use it, and it is packed with with powerful antioxidants. It also has gentle AHA's to remove surface debris, and hyaluronic acid to make sure that the skin is left hydrated. LOVE.

Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser 5.41 oz/ 160 mL

If you are finding that the Argan Oil you are using is too rich or nourishing during the day and you're getting excess shine, I think it's a good idea to remove it from your AM list. But keep it up at night time because it's one of the best occlusive oils available (meaning it seals hydration into the skin, like a plastic wrap). But if you want to add a supplemental benefit to your beauty oil, look to Josie Maran, as she has added several new Serum Like Argan Oils that are skincare secret wonders.

For overall texture and minimizing the signs of aging, try the Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum: 

JOSIE MARAN - Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum

For brightness, radiance, clarity, tone, firmness and elasticity, and the most active anti-oxidant protection try the Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum. This would be my top pick for you, simply because the vitamin C is a great boost to anyone looking to see their skin preserved at it's best!

JOSIE MARAN - Argan Bright Skin Vitamin C Serum

If you wanted to give your skin a proverbial 'chill pill' you might consider her Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mG CBD. This is awesome for increasing your skin's naturally ability to cope with stress. So if you ever over exfoliate, get a sunburn, or just generally feel like you want to jump out of your skin, use this! Don't worry, this is non-psychoactive, so there's no trip, Chicken Strip.

JOSIE MARAN - Skin Dope Argan Oil + 100 mg CBD

Lastly, if you want to save a step and are willing switch up your method of exfoliation, you could give her Smooth Skin Resurfacing Serum a try. It has the same gentle release Lactic Acid you know from the Biossance, to re-texturize and smooth. It's a dream. Think of it like combining your active serum and your finishing oil together into one product.

JOSIE MARAN - Argan Smooth Skin Resurfacing Serum

Other than that you could try some wellness, and work on that gorgeous glow from the inside out? I'm currently into Goop's GoopGlow Morning Skin Superpowder! It's a mega-dose of vitamins C, E, and Co-Q10, all known to help reduce oxidative stress in the body. 

GOOP - GOOPGLOW Morning Skin Superpowder

Or maybe start an internal collagen support, to keep that skin feeling as bouncy as possible! I've personally been using the one from HUM Nutrition. A small disclaimer: you may not notice instant results with this one, but the cumulative effect are definitely worth it.

HUM NUTRITION - Collagen Love Skin Firming Supplement

I sincerely hope this long-winded recommendation helped out some? Let me know if there is anything else I can do or suggest. And thanks again for reaching out on this thread! MWAH!

[DavidBD]

Hey there community members ... are you confused about what skincare is best for YOUR skin type? This week we are focusing on that common question ( although of course we will still answer any questions ya got) !!!

Ask us Beauty Directors about what’s the best skincare for You this week 4/3-4/9! We are looking forward to helping solve any confusion you may have!! 

[Anonymous]

Hi I am 54-year-old woman and finding that my skin care needs are not the same as they used to be so I need to find an appropriate skin care routine. I think I need something very moisturizing and I like to keep it simple if I can. I also think brightening is important as well. I love a clean fresh smell but the fragrance isn't a great concern to me. 

[DavidBD]

@Bonnie636 hi there!! we can definitely help get you into a new routine that will be simple to maintain. your cleaner is the beginning of how you treat your skin so its important it is suitable to your needs just like the rest of your skincare. I'd recommend First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser – Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 5 oz/ 150 mLthis is a 'clean at sephora' cleanser that will hydrate your skin while it removes dirt , debris, and makeup. plus it maintains your skins PH balance which is very important to get healthy skin. then i definitely suggest Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 1 oz/ 30 mLthis is a great vitamin c serum that will help to brighten the skin reduce dark spots and add some hydration. for a moisturizer try Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Nourishing Whipped Refillable Moisturizer 1.69 oz/ 50 mL this is a fantastic moisturizer that combines 6 botanical oils with a hydration cream and ceramides (ceramides soothe the skin, maintain your natural skins barrier to hold in moisture longer) . i think you'll love these products for skin!!! 

[Anonymous]

i would recommend TATCHA water cream for moisturizer it makes your skin really, really soft and helps to bring life to it. i would also recommend using any of the farsali serums. these are both kind of pricey but they are well worth the money and they also last a really long time. the water cream makes my face glow but does not have to much of a sent, however the farsali unicorn serum has a almost bubble gum/ flower smell and it smells so good! i will tag both of them TATCHA - The Water C

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@Bonnie636 wrote:
Hi I am 54-year-old woman and finding that my skin care needs are not the same as they used to be so I need to find an appropriate skin care routine. I think I need something very moisturizing and I like to keep it simple if I can. I also think brightening is important as well. I love a clean fresh smell but the fragrance isn't a great concern to me. 

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reamFARSÁLI - Unicorn Essence Antioxidant Primer Serum

[Mel526]

Hi, I am a teen who is just getting in to beauty. I have normal to dry skin and a tight budget. I really want a sample skincare set to try new products, what can you recommend? Thank you!

[JeffreyBD]

@Mel526 

I would say an EXCELLENT way to see the best the Sephora has to offer is with the Sephora Favorites kits! They rotate regularly so that you can always try new things, and they come packaged in really cute themes. Right now there's two really cute skincare ones "Haute Hydrator Kit" and the "Ultimate Travel Bag". Both would be great because they each enough product for a full skincare routine (INCLUDING WELLNESS!), so you can try and see what you like! Hope this helps! Mwah!

 SEPHORA FAVORITES - Haute Hydrators Kit

SEPHORA FAVORITES - The Ultimate Travel Bag

[Anonymous]

I have never really been into super expensive products, but I received a sephora gift card, for my birthday. I would love to get a face cleanser but there are just so many options. I have combination skin, oily in my T-zone, and dry everywhere else. PLEASE help me!!

[MyieshaBD]

@arwen2v 

Hello!

I would recommend double cleansing to everyone as its essential for anyone wearing makeup and/or spf. Even though most of us are inside, blue light can be a factor but I'm getting off track..

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I have oily skin but I use FARMACY - Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm to remove makeup/spf/impurities first.  Its super hydrating and gently exfoliates.

I'm kind of a cleanser junkie (bc its the easiest thing for me to try w/o completely disrupting my skincare routine) but lately I've been using Youth To The People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Refillable Cleanser 8 oz / 237 ml bc its super gentle and suds softly.  

I also really enjoy SHANI DARDEN SKIN CARE - Cleansing Serumas it is lightweight, smells like a spa and the gel texture is really refreshing.  

I've also been really liking DERMALOGICA - Active Clay Prebiotic Cleanser a few times a week.  I leave it on while I brush my teeth to act as a clarifying mask.

[JeffreyBD]

@arwen2v 

I really enjoy the Prebiotic 4-in-1 MultiCleanser when my skin feels out of balance and all over the place. This really helps to cleanse the skin with out overly drying it, and deliver a pre-biotic blend that helps to support the body's natural healthy bacteria to promote a healthy balance on the skin's surface. It also touts hemisqualene to nourish dry areas and Cyclic Peptides to trap excess oil and debris. It's a pretty cool product! After using it, my skin feels almost as if it's in a state of homeostasis; I think it'd be perfect for you!

MURAD - Prebiotic 4-in-1 MultiCleanser

[JeffreyBD]

Hey, BIC! We loved reading and answering your questions on Self Care Essentials! Starting this week we will be talking about the upcoming Oh. Snap! One-Day Deals. What a great way to snag refills of your favorite and beauty essentials for a fraction of the price (some up to 50% OFF). This week we'll be answering your questions on the upcoming sales, and giving you a heads up on what to buy! Be sure to leave a reply to talk about the Oh Snap! Deals or to ask us anything beauty-related! Have a great week and be well!

See below for one of my top picks of the promotion!

Spoiler

[ellal2020]

I want to find a mascara that is good for sensitive eyes. I tend to get allergies and that has stopped me from wearing mascara for the past few months. Any recommendations?

[DavidBD]

@ellal2020 this is fairly common for many people. first i usually suggest to anyone with this concern to try Clinique because they are known in the industry for strict testing procedures towards allergies . so s few of my fave clinique mascaras are CLINIQUE High Impact Mascara Black( which randomly is on sale today for like 50% off so congrats haha) CLINIQUE High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara Extreme Black- this is like their  high impact mascara on steroids lol.

   but there is also another option i'd suggest , TARTE - SEA Surfer Curl™ Volumizing Mascara- this is a new mascara from Tarth and it a 'Clean at Sephora' formula . this may be a good route to try as 'clean at sephora' products are formulated without the use of an ever expanding list (you can find the list on sephora.com) of ingredients that many people are looking to avoid. so this may be a great option as well.

[jewel0418]

Hello I’ve never worn foundation very much but need to get some for a photo session. Can someone point me in the right direction how do I know if my skin is warm cool or neutral?

[DavidBD]

@jewel0418 the best way is to pop in to sephora for a complimentary Color IQ service but as we are in the midst of this pandemic that isn't possible. so there are some things you can do. the first is general observation, look at your skin (all over your body ,not just the face) and decide if you call tell whether you noticably see more of a golden/yellow (warm) tone or a red/pink (cool) tone. if you can then you likely identified your undertone , if its not noticeable then you may be Neutral . 

  another way to check is to look at the veins under your skin on your wrist/underarm area in natural light , if they look blue or purple then your likely cool toned, if they look green or greenish blue then your likely warm toned, if you can tell whether they are more greenish or more purplish then likely your neutral.

  also, you can do the old school beauty test and hold something silver near you and then something gold. if the silver looks better with your skin your likely cool, if the gold looks better your likely warm. if they both look good then possibly neutral.

  hope this helps !!