Ask The Artist

Beauty and Main's regional artist, Jessica Berndt, is here to answer all of your questions. Whether it is how to wear a smoky eye or how to cover that sneaky blemish that shows up right before your big interview...Remember, most of us were never taught how to apply makeup. There are no silly questions!

Do you have too many questions to fit into one email? Jessica is also available for one on one appointments!

Send your questions and appointment inquiries to... jessica@beautyandmain.com

 

I recently tried a new product, and had a reaction. How do I heal up fast? And how do I avoid having this happen again?

Anyone can have a skincare reaction. Even if you don't have sensitive skin. Personally I react to products containing Chamomile, an ingredient commonly used in sensitive skin lines. And yet I can use very high concentrations of glycolic acids with no reaction. So keep in mind, the product is probably not a bad product, just not the right one for you.

Now, let's talk about healing up your irritation. If your skin is mildly irritated (pink, maybe a breakout or two), first discontinue using the new product, as well as any "active" treatment products you are using (things containing acids, or retinoids). Steer clear of makeup for a few days (especially if your reaction is around your eyes, this may also be a good time to check in with your eye doctor too if that is the case). And use a VERY mild soap-free fragrance-free cleanser, and a light fragrance-free moisturizer and nothing else until the irritation subsides.

If the reaction is more severe, the first thing I would suggest is consult your dermatologist. Then same suggestions as above. You may also want to apply a hydrocortisone cream whilst healing.

Regardless, if your skin is irritated, avoid sun exposure at all costs. Sunscreen could irritate you more so time to bring out your prettiest hat and sunglasses. And no beach until your skin is happy again, and you can apply your regular sunscreen.

Once you are all healed, how do you avoid reactions in the future? First and foremost, never buy before you try a product. Nowadays all cosmetic retailers are quite generous with their sampling policies. Ask for a sample. Try the sample for a few days to make sure it is the right product for you. Once you know you love it, then you can buy it with peace of mind. This is also how one avoids returning products.

If your skin is VERY sensitive and reactive, I would STRONGLY suggest patch testing products before applying  them to your face. Place a dab of the new product on a bit of skin behind your ear (this way if you have a reaction it isn't on the center of your face). Do this for 3 days. If after 3 days you have no reaction, try it on your face. Also when you are exploring a new line of products, do not try the whole routine all at once. Try new product for a couple days; then another, then another. That way if you do have a reaction it is way easier to pinpoint the product that is the culprit.

This may sound uber-cautious, but this is your face we are talking about. And taking your time and not diving in is way easier than healing up hives.

Happy explorations! 

 

 

What is mineral makeup? And why does it seem like everyone is so crazy about it?

 

Turn on your TV, open a magazine, or walk into any cosmetics boutique and you are bound to see or hear something about mineral makeup these days. Everyone seems to have something to say about it. So what is the big deal? And do you need to have it in your makeup bag?

 Well first off, mineral makeup is not as new as people think it is. Mineral makeup has been around since the 1970's. Lots of companies claim to have been the first to come up with it. Regardless of who did it first, plenty of companies have followed suit since.

 Here's the scoop…

 Mineral makeup is not as different from regular makeup as some people are led to believe. The primary difference is that mineral makeup doesn't have the "fillers" that other makeups do. Most mineral makeups contain titanium dioxide which has the added benefit of being a natural sunscreen. So most mineral makeups have an SPF of 15. The other big advantage to mineral makeup is that since its ingredient list is so short and consists of primarily inert ingredients, it is free of oil, fragrance and other common irritants. Now this doesn't mean that all mineral makeups are oil free, or that anyone can use them. If you are allergic to pigment, you will likely still be allergic to mineral makeup. But it does mean that mineral makeup is often a great choice for people with rosacea, acne, sensitive skin, and people healing from active skin treatments (although if you are post treatment, do not put anything on your skin with out okaying it with your doctor first).

 I find that many of the mineral nay-sayers have only tried one brand. Remember not all minerals are created equal. Table salt is a mineral. So is a diamond. Need I say more? So just because you bought a mineral powder from one company and hated it doesn't mean another companies mineral product won't be your favorite product ever. I personally was one of the mineral skeptics. Then two of the brands we carry came out with mineral products. Trish McEvoy (pressed mineral foundation) and Laura Mercier (loose mineral primer, foundation, finishing powder, eye shadow, and blush) came out with their products, and I had to eat my words. They are truly beautiful products, that have worked their way into my kits, and come with me on location often.

 So whatever you have heard, see for yourself. Mineral may not be right for you. OR they could be your new favorite products. And perhaps you too will consider yourself amongst the ranks of mineral devotees!

 

It seems like one of the big trends this spring is “day glow” colors on the face. How am I expected to pull that off?

Personally I am of the philosophy that we should take our inspirations from the runway and the magazines; not entire looks. That way you also can maintain your individuality and not look like someone who is just jumping on the bandwagon.

In regards to the “day glow” trend, I think there are two major considerations. First would be that there is a time and a place for everything, and this trend is probably best not brought to the office. So if you work for a law firm, or are a CPA, keep the matte fuchsia lipstick at home. Which brings me to the next consideration; texture. If you are wearing an incredibly vibrant color and are not a member of Cirque de Soleil  or in the cast of Hairspray keep the texture sheer. A bright pink or orange can be really flattering on most skin tones if kept sheer. Try a lip gloss or a soft creamy blush.

Here are some of the vibrant goodies I like to use on my clients.

From Trish McEvoy-Tropical Nude Lip Gloss, and Peony Blush

From Laura Mercier- Miami Pink Lip Glace, and Pink Grapefruit Lip Plumper

From Nars- Cactus Flower Cream Blush, Hot Wired and Capucine Lip Laquers

And for your toes, Lippman Collection-Makin’ Whoopie Nail Color.

When applying these colors keep the lines soft. This is not the time for geometric angles. I would even suggest trying applying with your fingers to keep things “soft focus”. And as always, LESS is MORE. This is not a look to pair with heavy foundation and eyeliner. Little blush, little gloss, concealer where you need it, maybe a coat of black mascara, and your done.