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!

[MyieshaBD]

@Anonymous Sounds like you're looking for a BB cream or something like it! I'm super oily and I find most tinted SPF options are overly hydrating for me.  

My favorite that controls oil, is lightly hydrating and has some decent coverage is Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 Medium.  

Supergoop! Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40 PA+++ is zinc based (naturally white ie surfer sunscreen) so it has a peachy tone to it and I find it brightens my skin every so slightly.  Very sheer and not meant for coverage but I find that it makes my skin look great under my makeup.

You could always apply serum or infused toner underneath to further help the oiliness. Niacinamide is amazing and will help regulate your oil production and makes any other serums you use work better ( The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for Oily Skin 2 oz/ 60 mL ) and Salicylic acid will exfoliate and clean excess sebum out of those pores, and address breakouts ( Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner 5.07 oz/ 150 mL ).

[tjffc]

@MyieshaBD The recommendation for Smashbox Camera ready is one that I may have to check out.  I have combination skin that sometimes needs help with the oily T-zone.   

[Anonymous]

Hi experts,

Do you have any skincare product recommendations for dehydrated skin? My skin is not dry and not oily - it's dehydrated, and trust me I drink lots of water, but I need more! I use to be a fan of Decelor dehydrated skin serum and cream, but unfortunately, they no longer do business in Canada. Are there any products that help with this? I am in my 30s. thank you in advance!

[merok]

I did a major clean out of my makeup recently and finally let go of the expired Laura Mercier Baked Eye Color- Wet/Dry eye shadows in Ballet Pink and Caviar that I had been clinging to for a long time. I’m on the hunt for replacements since they don’t make these shades anymore- I used the Ballet Pink as an all over base for daytime and then would do a smoky eye with the Caviar for nighttime special occasions. It’s hard to assess the colors and formulations online and I can’t go to a store at this point- any recommendations? Thanks!

[YogaFarmGirl]

I am a new mom, struggling with a little bit of sleep deprivation, but it is getting better.  Still, I am looking for an undereye gel or patch to help clear up undereye bags or sooth the area?  Even if I get decent sleep, my eyes are still puffy.  Any suggestions for products would be helpful! 

[trinhvc]

I am getting married at the end of the month and would like something to cover up my under-eye circles. I am male and have never worn makeup so looking for a temporary solution. Thanks! 

[nikkayy0]

What is your best recommendation for getting rid of forehead wrinkles?!

[RAWRitsRED]

Hi @nikkayy0!

I recommend moisturizers with retinol in them.  They will also help prevent wrinkles but make sure to find the right one for your skin type.

Also, staying hydrated and using sunscreen with SPF and UV Protection is super important!

[mamadeb]

I am looking to replace a Sephora PRO fan Eventail 65 brush for applying my loose powder. I could not find it.  Do you still have It  or can you recommend an equivalent?

Thanks.

[RAWRitsRED]

Hi @mamadeb!

In my opinion, the Eventail 65 brush isn't that great in quality and felt a bit dry.  If you still want it, I found they are selling it on Amazon (sold by Sephora Collection).

I use the fan brush from the SEPHORA COLLECTION Ready To Roll Brush Set.  All the brushes in this set are amazingly soft and was a great investment for me!  They also have the big, fluffy powder brush that I use for applying translucent powder, and for smaller areas, I sometimes use the fluffy eyeshadow brush.

[mamadeb]

Thank you for the input. However, I only need the fan brush, no more.

so what are my alternatives?🙏

[RAWRitsRED]

@mamadeb 

These are the options sold at Sephora

MAKE UP FOR EVER 120 Medium Powder Fan Brush 

MAKE UP FOR EVER 134 Large Powder Fan Brush 

Too Faced Mr. Chiseled Contour Brush 

[lilorphanne]

hi beauty directors! although i am a senior citizen, i have very long hair. i am looking for a moisturizer without sunscreen or a night lotion that is non-oily and not sticky after application. heavy creams and oils cause my hair to stick to my face, which is as annoying as can be and makes my hair look dirty, obviously. my skin is normal to dry, my biggest concern is aging skin, and i need something non-comedogenic because i have some milia on my chin. it is so hard to choose something when the descriptions don't always state how well a product absorbs and how oily it is. even oil-free products can be sticky. any ideas?

anne

[RAWRitsRED]

Hi @lilorphanne!

I love Youth To The People Superfood Air-Whip Lightweight Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid 2 oz / 59 m...!  It's super lightweight but hydrating and is great for anti-aging.  I have oily skin so it's always a challenge when finding moisturizers.

Tatcha The Water Cream 1.7 oz/ 50 mL is also another great oil free, anti-aging moisturizer.

[MerBran21]

Hi!!! I’m looking for recommendations on products for a complete skincare routine. I’m 40, combination skin, small amount of acne/some blackheads - looking for anti-aging and glow...

[MyieshaBD]

@MerBran21 

Firstly, I would take the skincare finder quiz because starting an entirely new routine can be overwhelming.  If you try 5 new products, for instance, you won't be able to tell what you like or don't like.  As a beauty director I have access to a ton of skincare and I only ever change one thing at a time.

If you're wanting glow you have to assess your exfoliation routine and the amount of water you're drinking.  If you're flaky that's a tell tale sign that you need to bump up the times per week you're exfoliating or switch it up.  SEPHORA COLLECTION Clarifying Peel Pads are an easy way to incorporate exfoliation and treatment.

Dermalogicia makes an acne line specifically targeted to adult acne that I've been using for months with good results.  Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL.. The BHA is one of the only things that will help with blackheads because they're physical impaction.  That and getting regular facials which most of us can't enjoy right now (I miss my esthetician so much).

You should also look into incorporating retinol if you haven't already.  Its known to help with blemishes as well as anti-aging. Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform® Treatment Serum 1 oz / 30 mL is my current go-to but there are so many you can find to fit your needs.

[tjffc]

@MyieshaBD Great recommendations for specific skin care needs!  I love reading information from the beauty experts!

[lyzneff]

I have combination skin with semi-frequent blemishes, but never really bad acne. That’s not really my issue. The blemishes come and go, but I literally ALWAYS have blackheads. I have tried every cleanser out there and exfoliant. They never really seem to do anything but get marginally smaller. I use the Cerave Foaming cleanser. Is there anything I can do to get rid of these pesky blackheads???

[DavidBD]

@lyzneff yes there are things to do. first off you want to be sure you are using a Beta Hydroxy Acid ( salicylic acid) as this type of acid is oil soluble which means it seeks out the pores where oil glands are and it scoops out the debris and congestion ( the cause of blemishes and blackheads). but what type of product used is important also. so you may need to try different types to see what's best for you. whether its an wash or peel or leave on treatment for example. id say start by trying a better cleanser like Murad Clarifying Cleanser , this has 2 forms of salicylic acid, one that works immediately while washing and then an encapsulated version which continues to work even after rinsing. now i would start with that and see how it improves after a week or 2. other options are serums that you would apply after cleansing and leave on , like The INKEY List Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) Blemish + Blackhead Serum 1 oz/ 30 mL , this is also a great option. you can use both the serum and cleanser together but i would start with one see how it works and add if needed. 

[tjffc]

Great info from the beauty experts.

[Zozo24]

Do essential oils cause skin irritation? Several 'organic' skin care products have essential oil components like limonene and linalool, and I am wondering if these are safe for skin.