Q. Dear Catherine
I do not wear make-up very frequently because when I do I get blackheads and pimples. Why does this happen?
--Lana, Hamilton
Hi Lana,
I am sorry to hear that you are not using make-up for this reason. The prime cause of blackheads and pimples is usually not the make-up but the cleansing routine. You must be very thorough when removing make-up at the end of the day. Never go to sleep without cleansing your face. You could also add a cleansing lotion and toner to your nightly routine. Deep cleansing your face will prevent your pores from becoming clogged which enables bacteria to grow. It also helps to use a deep cleanser tool like the Neutrogena Wave to get a deep pore cleanse.
Q. Hi Catherine,
What would you say are the fundamental pieces of make-up to have and why?
--Shelley, Stony Plain
Hi Shelley,
First of all, I want to say that there is nothing wrong with individuals that decide not to wear any make-up at all. So long as the skin is hydrated with some type of moisturizer or hydrant. It is very important to give your skin time to breathe. However, if you do choose to wear make-up, I would suggest that the key pieces would be a concealer, mascara and lipstick. Concealer will hide under-eye darkness and make your eyes appear brighter. The mascara will draw attention to your eyes and make them appear larger. And lastly, a lipstick or lip stain will accentuate your lips and provide you with a lovely smile.
Q. Hi Catherine,
I don’t want to spend a lot of money on beauty supplies, is there any harm in using my day moisturizer at night as well?
--Lidia, Montreal
Hey Lidia,
It is definitely possible to use your daily moisturizer at night, as opposed to not wearing any moisturizer at all during the night. The only comment I would make about daily moisturizers is that the majority contain SPF and sun protection, which you don’t need during the night. They also tend to be lighter due to the fact that make-up is usually worn over them. If you are concerned about dryness I do recommend getting a good rich and hydrating night cream.
Send Catherine Main your beauty questions to counter_intelligence@hotmail.com