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!

[Anonymous]

Hi, I just turned 30 today and had a baby 9 months ago. Growing up my skin was always oily and acne prone but in the last couple years that changed. And now after having a baby my skin is so dreary and dull. It's dry but still sometimes a little prone to small breakouts. And my pores are so dark and huge (see pic). My skin looks like I'm double my age. I'm an outdoorsy, laid-back type when it comes to make-up and skin care but I really want to work on my skin. I'm looking for a simple but powerful skin care routine/products. Please help with recommendations! Thanks! 

[DavidBD]

@boulderEm hello! im sure i can help you get a great routine going. its very common for people to find that their skin changes as we age. so a new routine is probably the best solution here.

   to start id recommend a good cleanser that is gentle, effective, but stilll hydrating. try FARMACY - Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser. Pores are a big concern for many people and a toner is a great step to help address them. the YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE - Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toneris a great toner and surface exfoliator that will definitely help to bring fresh skin cells to the surface while helping to address pores. next i would recommend THE ORDINARY - Buffet serum , this face serum is an excellent source of hydration but also alot (a buffet) of peptides which help our skin to firm and plump back up. this serum is a personal fave of mine. Vitamin C is a powerhouse ingredient that will definitely be a key factor in delivering brighter ,younger , radiant skin, but some people can have reactions to different types. i personally can't use vitamin c in a moisturizer and only in certain serums. so i would say to you , trying a serum with vitamin c is a great idea to see how your skin feels about it. i found great success myself with Sunday Riley C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL.  then we need a good moisturizer for you. GLOW RECIPE - Banana Soufflé Moisture Creamis a great moisturizer that will hydrate your skin , reduce any irritation and calm it as well , while helping to restore your natural skin barrier. it is lightweight as well so it won't feel heavy on your skin.

  now lastly , as an option, since you said you occasionally get the random blemish and since you are concerned with pores, i think you would benefit from a targeted mask that you could use 2 times a month ( you can increase usage if you feel it is helping a lot also) THE INKEY LIST - Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peelis great due to its natural beta hydroxy acids whic will go into the pores and scoop out any congestion. this is an easy to use peel that you rinse off after 10 minutes. the only call out is on the day you use this you can skip the Kombucha Toner that day. 

[Anonymous]

Okay girl so from the looks of it we have a similar skin type so hopefully some of the products I use will help your skin! The first thing that I would recommend is actually not something Sephora sells but you can find it at pretty much any drug store it’s called CeraVe renewing SA cleanser $9 this is a face wash but it will also help with getting rid of the small bumps/texture that you have on your face as well. The next thing that i would recommend is a brand that Sephora has called the ordinary toner $7 I went to go but it earlier they were all sold out of but you can also find at the drug store & amazon. This product will minimize your pores to the point where you can barley see them! The next thing that I saw in your picture is some dark spots if that’s something that you are wanting to minimize the I would recommend The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum for Dark Circles 1 oz/ 30 mL. The next thing is a product that is more expensive but it well worth your money called tatcha water cream moisturizer TATCHA - The Water Cream this product will take always all of the dryness in Your skin! Last thing which is also optional and is also a little more expensive is TATCHA - The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream. I really hope this helped!!:)

[DavidBD]

@bellabrodehl hi there! i love to see your skincare enthusiasm . i just wanted to make one call out, the product you recommended The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Depuffing Eye Serum for Dark Circles 1 oz/ 30 mLis not for dark spots tho. this product is for use on the eye area, specifically the under eye where we can get contour darkness and puffiness. most products that have caffeine in them as a main ingredient are for the eye because the caffeine will help stimulate circulation. circulation of the blood in this area is key to help disperse under eye darkness as well as puffiness. so this product won't actually help for any dark spots on your face . if you do want to address dark spots try products like DR. BRANDT SKINCARE - Dark Spots No More® Triple Acid Spot Minimizing Concentratethis is specifically designed with a triple acid blend to help alleviate dark spots. 

[sammypeanuts]

I used this use the perricone no foundation foundation and I loved it for the dewy finish and spf. The new formulation is cakey and decreased the spf from 30 to 20. Any recommendations for something similar to the old formulation?

[DavidBD]

@sammypeanuts hi there! i do understand the sadness when your favorite beauty product is either discontinued or changed. we've all been there. so obviously there isn't anything exactly the same but i would definitely suggest trying ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 - Fragrance-Free Foundation Kokkini ST12, this is a serum skin tint foundation that is 'clean at sephora' , has a dewy finish, an spf of 40, plus is packed with great skincare benefits for hydration like squalane and hyaluronic acid !! overall its a great product i think you may really like!!

[daetienne]

The Armani luminescence (shade #4) was disconnected- I see that the Armani Prima CC is comparable but can’t figure out which color! Help!

[DavidBD]

@daetienne i am not familiar enough with the Luminescence collection, but as both are sheer to light coverage complexion products usually the brands stay in the general shade range. i would guess that if you were a 4 in the luminescence like your a 4 in the ARMANI BEAUTY - Armani Prima Color Control Glow Moisturizer as well.

[Shortycaro]

Good afternoon if there's any way that I can send a picture of my face to any professional person to tell me what color of Huda Foundation I can use. I used a sample that they gave me from Sephora Fenty Beauty in the number 240 but for some reason it seems like it is a little off so I just want to see if I can try taking a picture of my face and someone helping me figure out what foundation number works for me. I would really appreciate it thank you

[DavidBD]

@Shortycaro its rather difficult to shade match to a foundation with only a picture unfortunately . lighting in an image can drastically change the way skin looks.  the Fenty foundation is full coverage as is the Huda and you really want to be correctly shade matched or it will show with that type of foundation. in terms of the Fenty shade that you have, how is it off? is it too yellow? too pink? too dark? etc...

[Boo17]

I have Becca Ultimate Coverage 24hr Foundation in the shade buttercup. The first two months I had used it, it was amazing. Felt great on my skin, blended well! I usually had pretty dry skin. I had started a new skin care routine and skin is not as dry anymore. I would say my T-zone is relatively oily, but I also have some dry spots as well(so I think I am combination now)  Unfortunately, the foundation looks so powdery on my skin...and I haven't used any powder. It settles into really fine lines on my forehead and just doesn't blend with anything. I have tried to hydrate my skin more or put more primer, I tried setting spray and even a setting powder but nothing helps! I am getting really frustrated because it is no longer giving me the feeling of "looking pretty" when I attempt to put my makeup on. I don't use a lot of foundation, I like a nice medium to full coverage. I have a lot of important events coming up and I need to find a new foundation. Are there any suggestions for a new foundation? 

[DavidBD]

@Boo17 hmmm... well it definitely sounds like you are more combination skin with what you described. tho, the Becca foundation shouldn't look powdery on combo skin especially if it was good when your skin is dry. But, it is a more natural finish foundation and if you have become more oily it may move around a bit more. first off, don't forget if your skin changes there is change you may need to change your foundation as well as primer also. so be certain you are using the correct primer now as well. maybe try priming with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer Standard Size - 1 oz/ 30 mL. then for foundation i would say try either DIOR - BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation, or NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Full Coverage Foundation Punjab - Medium 1both are long wear , natural soft matte foundations that work great on combo skin like you seem to have. 

[DavidBD]

Brush Heaven!!!

Hope you’ve all had a chance to check out the new Sephora Collection Pro Brushes!!! I’m so happy with these new beauties ( now they are all vegan ) !! If your curious about them feel free to ask us any questions , and there is a whole conversation thread on community about them that is definitely worth checking out!! 

[amaghrebia]

 I have dark blue eyes and was wondering if grey and navy eyeliner would work for my eye color.  In terms of the type of eyeliner I am looking for, I like liquid/ felt tip eyeliners with a thin tip.  Also, when I apply eyeliner I have no trouble with applying it until I get to the end of my eye.  If I do not want to do a cat eye, how do I end the line of the eyeliner? Also, whenever I try and do a small cat eye, they are always uneven. 

[DavidBD]

@amaghrebia yes you can use blue or grey eyeliner with blue eyes . now it won't really make you eyes look extra blue but it still will look beautiful. colors that are warm like browns and brick tones are going to make blue eyes look even more blue because of the contrast or warm colors around the cool blue eye tone. 

  now to end your liner without creating a cat eye you can simply stop at the end of the upper lash line, you don't need to wing a liner always.if your liner is thick you can create a slight slant to finish it off cleanly.

[kristi831]

Hi, im 35 and am starting to notice fine lines around my eyes. Currently, my skin routine is non-existent. I don’t wash my face before bed, exfoliate or anything. The only thing I do is put moisturizer with spf in it on in the morning. I don’t have acne or breakouts, so I’m hesitant to start doing a whole lot or spending a lot, but realize I should probably wash my face at night and apply some kind of serum to help with the fine lines. What do you recommend? My face is pretty normal- not dry or oily. 

thanks!

[DavidBD]

@kristi831 to be honest, there is no right or wrong when it comes to skincare becuase we all have different needs for our unique skin. as we start to age , and we all do, that's usually when we look more into skincare to help. but i agree that if you don't use alot then i don't want to tell you start using a 15 step routine becuase it may cause your skin to react. so lets start super easy. you should have a cleanser, and a gentle one, i recommend FARMACY - Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser, this is gentle and effective. now if you aren't wearing makeup daily , then use like half a pump to start (basically a small amount ) it will still clean but again, not going from zero to 60 so to speak. then i recommend a good moitsurizer that will target concerns like fine lines and wrinkles , try Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer 1.69 oz/ 50 mL, peptides are the building blocks of collagen and elastin , they can help your skin fight the signs of aging effectively . finally i do recommend exfoliation , as its probably one of the most important steps in skincare to retain youthful skin. i think a once weekly exfoliator?peel would be good for you to start using . CAUDALIE - Glycolic Peelis a great at home facial you can do once a week or twice a month, to really remove all the dead layers of skin and boost cellular turnover which brings the younger fresher skin to the surface. this will show instant results and really help your overall skin appearance. 

[Printzss]

I’m about to turn 51 and I’ve noticed that I’m beginning to sag at my jawline (jowls) and under my eyes just a little.  I think under my eyes mainly comes from years of contact insertion, because it’s more one eye than the other.  I guess it’s time to start taking better care of my skin.  I do use a moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid (Neutrogena Hydroboost) and Olay Regenerist Eye cream.  Can you suggest something inexpensive under $50 that helps with tightening the skin around the jawline?  Serum?  Cream?  Any tips or tricks would be helpful

[DavidBD]

@Printzss yes i can definitely help, IT COSMETICS - Confidence in a Neck Creamis great for targeting that area with what it needs to firm up. also ingestables are great for skin firming, collagen is key to firm skin but it is a very large molecule that can't easily pass through the skin , so internal absorbtion can reveal amazing results to your skin overall, with  more plump firm effects, HUM NUTRITION - Collagen Love Skin Firming Supplementis great for this. another route is overnight sleeping balms and masks. at night your skin is in its reparative state, so it is working to heal and refresh itself, during this time you can really benefit from using specific targeted skincare to boost results to any concerns FARMACY - Sleep Tight Firming Night Balmis a great product you can use on face and neck to really boost the results while you sleep !!

[Printzss]

Thank you so much for your response.  Now I have to work on my hooded eyes, which have just gotten more hooded with age, and I’m working with the Olay regenerist eye cream for my under eye.  I’ve been using it for about 2 months, but results aren’t great.

[emilywinter23]

I need help choosing an HOURGLASS highlighter and blush. I cannot go into the store to try them due to Covid. What colors would work best on fair skin?

Additionally, what Kevin Aucoin sensual skin shade is the best for light/fair skin?

I have more of a pink undertone than yellow.