Indian Makeup Blog

Posted on August 10, 2011 by rashmi

Questions by Nidhi -

1.)     I have yellow tone fair skin with lots of acne scars some of them are even 1 year older, I was thinking of taking microdermabrasion treatment professionally. I went through all the details but still not sure can you please tell me is it really effective?

Ans. Well first of all microdermabrasion is not a good option if you are getting active acne as they might form worst scars due to machine trauma. I suggest doing a chemical or enzymatic peel. Chemical peel with lactic acid or salicylic acid is safer and enzymatic peel with papaya is amazing. Include natural vit. C and A’s in your diet and check for hormonal surges. Please remember hormones do not cause acne. Bacteria and clogged pores do. So try keeping your skin oil free, using masks containing clay and oil absorbing materials, do not over exfoliate with harsh scrubs and put in raw veggies in your diet along with good protein supplements.

2.)     In my next month wish list I added Clarisonic Mia; do you have any idea how effective it is?

Ans. Not good for acne. I find it too abrasive for a sensitive skin like yours. Have u tried Peter Thomas Roth for acne?

3.) I am using Clinique 3 step skin care routine from more than 2 years now but I couldn’t find it effective on active acne although it reduces the oiliness and only moisturizer which doesn’t break me out J  I have acne due to hormonal changes, is Vitamin A dosage helpful to reduce these type of acne?

Ans. Clinique’s 3 step system does wonders but you can try out the anti blemish solutions range in case your skin is not very sensitive. Excessive vit A can cause lots of liver problems and skin dryness, so consult Ur doctor before starting any therapy.

Questions by Zara –

Is there any particular way to apply a bronzer or can it be applied the same way as blush?

Ans. Bronzer is meant to give you a sun kissed glow or mimic a healthy tan. This means bronzer must be applied ideally in the areas where sun naturally hits your face I.e. Centre of forehead, bridge of the nose, apples of cheeks, brow none etc. But you would use a shimmery light bronzer.

Darker bronzers are good as contouring powders and add dimensions to the face. We apply them in hollows of cheeks, sides of temples, on the hairline and jaw line, sides of nose and under the chin.

You can pair a blush with a bronzer for scintillating effect.

In bronzers I love Elizabeth Arden, Shiseido multi shade enhancers and Clinique almost bronzer SPF 15. Also I love Benefit’s Hoola and smash box fusion soft lights.
Q . Would love to know some tricks to apply a dark shade of blush. There are so many fabulous shades around but when I use them, I sometimes feel it makes me look really dark.

Ans. Personally I hate dark blushes as they look like bruises on the face. But if you really want to use then choose shades like rust, brick orange and cinnamon colors. Dust them softly on the cheek bones and hollows to add dimensions to the face.

It’s easy to go wrong with a darker blush, so start with little and build up the desired color.

Q. How does one choose the right shade for a brow pencil? I have black brows but I’ve seen most people using Browns.

Ans. Ideally you must choose two shades lighter than your hair color if you have black hair. Brows add dimensions to your face and sometimes can look very harsh with black powders. Try charcoal grey instead if you don’t like browns. Clinique makes an eye shadow called Sable which is a perfect brow color. I prefer brow powder for softer effect and pencils in case you have to fill in, which I presume you won’t need. Also use a transparent brow gel to comb through your brows and tame them. Don’t throw away old mascara wands. Recycle them to use them as brow groomers, after removing the entire dry mascara residue by washing.

If you have any questions feel free to mail me at indyabeauty@gmail.com