Beauty Fix: Your best bet for NYE makeup, a mascara that makes a statement and more

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I have mature skin and primers dry out my eyelids a little
too much. What do I do if I’m still concerned about my shadow creasing?

As we mature, concerns change from preventing oily eyelids to doing
whatever possible to keep our lids from drying out. Thankfully, not all
primers are created equal and there is indeed a way to prep your
eyelids, keep them hydrated and also tackle any fine lines that may have
formed over time. Urban Decay, a brand that’s practically synonymous with eye primers, has created Anti-aging Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($28, sephora.ca),
and it’s just what dry lids need. With continued use, the formulation
reduces signs of aging and smoothes the skin’s surface thanks to brown
algae extract that increases the skin’s hydro-lipidic barrier. At the
same time, a peptide and ceramide blend repairs age-related skin damage.
Blending a dot of this primer over your lids prior to shadow
application will have your makeup crease-free for 24 hours.


I’m not sure what direction to go in for my New Year’s Eve makeup. Any suggestions?

As far as New Year’s Eve goes, high shine is usually a safe direction to
go in with your makeup look. Opt to keep your look pared down with the
exception of one feature. Eyes are a much lower-maintenance option for a
night look, especially if you use a long-wearing shadow, such as Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow in “Metallic Merlot” ($42, sephora.ca).
This wine-inspired shade is one of several in the range of metallic
powder shadows that are each accompanied by a teensy dropper bottle of
liquid eye primer designed to extend the wear of eyeshadow for the full
day. Apply a small amount of the primer fluid on your lids and then pat
on the metallic eyeshadow—and observe the shine amplification that takes
place when the primer and shadow formula combine! The high-wattage
light reflection is more than enough of a statement, but feel free to
add a bit of eyeliner or just pile on the mascara, and more importantly,
enjoy your night!


Clarifying shampoos make my hair feel like straw. What can I use to remove product build-up from my hair without drying it out?

Traditional clarifying shampoos are designed to remove excess build-up
that’s accumulated on hair from styling products, shampoos, conditioners
and, of course, grease that’s built up on the scalp. Traditional
formulations use soap agents to strip hair of all kinds of build-up, but
unfortunately they tend to whisk away the natural moisture in hair and
on the scalp. Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo ($56, shuuemura.ca)
is a departure from the standard clarifying shampoo formulation. The
lightweight, paraben- and silicone-free fluid uses the oil cleansing
concept to effectively clean hair without stripping it whatsoever. The
idea at play here is that the oil lathers to a foam and binds with the
grease and product residue on your hair before rinsing clean. The scalp
and hair are left soft instead of dry or tight, which is a welcomed
change from the usual post-clarifying shampoo wash.


What kind of exfoliator is safe to use on sensitive skin?

Sensitive skin is considered so because certain conditions, ingredients
or scenarios trigger it to react adversely. Physical exfoliators with
granules can agitate any skin type if the granules are too abrasive—but
they can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. An exfoliator, such as Kiehl’s Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub ($37, kiehls.ca)
will work well on sensitive skin, thanks to the naturally occurring
bromelin and papain enzymes found in pineapple and papaya, respectively.
They work to break down dead skin cells, while sesame oil in the
formula softens and hydrates skin without being abrasive. It’s safe to
use multiple times per week on all skin types, but sensitive skin will
be particularly delighted by the gentle nature of this enzyme exfoliant
that still delivers skin-smooth results. 


I want mascara that makes a statement. What’s new and exciting?

Sleek, lacquered lashes are quite sultry in nature, and go well with
just about any makeup look. High volume never hurts either, so get both
looks down with a single product, such as Cover Girl Bombshell Volume by LashBlast Mascara ($12, at drugstores).
This two-step system isn’t quite the primer and mascara duo we’ve come
to know in a double-ended tube. The first step is a volumizing coat that
really does amp lashes up using a molded wand. The second step is a
darker and inkier coat that holds your lashes’ curl, doesn’t smudge or
smear throughout the day and deepens the colour of your lashes, giving
them a satiny finish. The second coat is delivered via a traditional
bristle brush, so you have the best of both brush types in one tube,
giving you options to use each step together or separately to customize
your lash look. Either way, your lashes will be sure to grab attention!