Beauty

[Natureluvr]

Hi @Shanus 

Do you have recommendation on what type of Retin A to start with? I've used Differin for several months due to breakouts in my 50's (pre-menopause hormones?) and am now able to tolerate that every other night. Now I'd like to switch to Retin A but would like to know if I should use cream or gel and if I need to start at lowest strength since my skin is somewhat used to retinoid. Thanks!

[Shanus]

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@Sooner wrote:

I need a good eyebrow pencil, I used to use a Chantecaille one that was perfect, of course they don't make it any more.  Had a Lancome one--not made. . . 

I need a taupe/brown/gray one, not too dark, with good consistency that lasts.  I don't like the ones that are really powdery or too waxy, but I do prefer pencil.  

Also, a easy on eyeliner that won't smear and puts down a thin line.  I don't line under the eye.  

Thanks for doing this!  My skincare is working much better now so I appreciate your expertise there! 

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Hi @Sooner    (I'm trying to print the quotes so people don't have to look for the question.)

I happen to have thicker, wild brows that have sprouted a few greys. I dye them w/ JUST FOR MEN (Light Blond, which is really taupe). It also catches every little hair near the brows that you never saw before. The result if that I need less brow products.

I do find the necessity of a brow gel for almost everyone whether using powder or pencils. It adds control and a more natural shine. I'm a fan of Benefits brow Pencil in #2.5 or #3 and IT's Universal pencil.

When I use a powder, the most natural look since it creates just a shadow underneath the hair, I like Anastasia Beverly Hills in Taupe or BB Brow Kit in Medium (the Light has too much red tones)....add a brow gel on top. 

[Shanus]

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@Natureluvr wrote:

Hi @Shanus 

Do you have recommendation on what type of Retin A to start with? I've used Differin for several months due to breakouts in my 50's (pre-menopause hormones?) and am now able to tolerate that every other night. Now I'd like to switch to Retin A but would like to know if I should use cream or gel and if I need to start at lowest strength since my skin is somewhat used to retinoid. Thanks!

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@Natureluvr   Retin A is a prescription and should be monitored by your derm when you're starting out. The lowest % is .05. 

[SeaMaiden]

@Shanus  I know people who use petroleum Jelly(PJ) around the eye area at night  for softening  and moisture.... I know there are expensive eye balms that are suppose to do the same thing as the PJ hack... what do you think about PJ?   I am not concerned about the petroleum being toxic or anything....

[Toots711]

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@Shanus wrote:

Ah, Dippity Do! Fond memories...I used it to try to slick my curls straighter...never worked & looked like a drowned rat. I don't have a substitute for you. I'm a mousse gal, sorry.

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@Shanus  Back then I used Dippity Do to control my natural curl when blow drying my hair.  Could you recommend a brand of mousse for color treated hair?

Thank You for offering to answer our questions!!!

[kathie66]

@Shanus I have blue-grey eyes. What are your specific favorite shadow stick/ shadow colors to use on my eye color? I like satins best. Thank you! 

[Mj12]

Nope I'm good but thanks.

[shy bobcat]

Hi Shanus!

I usually walk every morning and apply Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen to my hands, arms, neck and upper chest.  I use CeraVe Facial  Lotion with SPF on my face.  

I am thinking of trying a mineral powder SPF instead, since it is easy to apply and no wait time.  Also, I'm thinking the powder will not feel as heavy on my skin.  What do you think?

[Effie54]

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@Shanus wrote:

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@Effie54 wrote:

Hi Shanus!

I have a question. I am wondering why when I use black eyeliner, after a couple of hours, it turns blue. I do use an eyelid primer, powder eyeshadow, and the eyeliner on top of it. But no matter what brand I've used, what media I've used i.e. pencil, liquid Pan, powder, etc. my eyeliner always turns blue. Thanks for your input.

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@Effie54   Wow! I've never run across that issue. You may want to try different lid primers. The one you use may be interacting with the pigments in the liners. If you use a liquid black liner, try to set it w/ black powder shadow and see if that helps.

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Thank you Shanus!

[Squirrel Lover]

@Shanus I have had a burning question for my whole life to tell you the truth. I can't find the right color blush. I have light skin with cool undertones and warm overtones. My natural hair color, which I am currently sporting, is dark ash blonde/light brown and I have medium brown eyes that are pretty neutral with a dark grey outer rim.

I wear a yellow-tinted foundation but I only look good in good colors. I am currently using bare minerals complexion rescue cream in vanilla, which is a slight bit darker than I would like, but sheers out perfectly with .oose powder. The blush that I wear is NARS orgasm. It is a mix of peach and pink and sheers out perfectly. It is the only peachy pink blush that I can find. I would love to find the perfect Laura Geller Blush and Brighten, but the ones I have tried do not work: Ethereal Rose is too cool and light; Pink Grapefruit is too warm and brown; Pink Buttercream is too bright and warm; Berry is too cool and dark. I just can't find what works for me. I prefer a shimmer shade they blend better on my 55-year-old skin. I do not have wrinkles yet (I am a sagger.)

So, if I can't find any other blushes I will continue just to use orgasm as a default. What to do?