I thought I would try something different this week with my Ask Kara series. Instead of writing out my responses to your beauty questions, I decided to do a video. You’ll also notice a cameo by my Persian kitty. He loves to knock over my beauty products.This week I tackle three common questions: How often should you use your Clarisonic (or any deep cleansing brush)? How do you prevent your makeup from melting in the D.C. heat and what are your melt-proof makeup picks? How can you minimize your pores? Thanks to everyone that tweeted me their beauty questions! If you have a question for me or need product recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below!
You can shop the products I mentioned in the video here:
Do you have any recommendations on how to maximize vanity storage space?
I just moved in to a tiny one bedroom/one den apartment with my fiancé so I can totally relate. Our bathroom space is ridiculously small so I’ve got a plastic container holding my everyday makeup essentials. If it’s possible, take advantage of your wall space. I’ll let this awesome round-up by BuzzFeed do the talking on that part. Also, divide and conquer your makeup by organizing eyeliners, lip gloss, eyeshadow, foundation, etc. and keep them in one place so you know exactly where to find it. When it comes to organizing my beauty bounty, The Container Store is my mecca. They sell these small three-drawer plastic containers that will hold all your small makeup items. Use an old vase or mason jar to store all your makeup brushes (it will save you time sifting through makeup bag to look for them).
Should I apply sunscreen before or after my daily moisturizer?
If it’s a chemical sunscreen (think oxybenzone or avobenzone), you’ll want to apply it as a base so the ingredients can sink in to skin quickly. If it’s a physical block (zinc oxide), you can apply it on top of your moisturizer.
What are some effective ways to keep your hair healthy when swimming in saltwater or chlorine?
With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, this is perfect timing. Wet your hair before jumping in the pool. It will fill your cuticles with good water instead of chemicals. When you’re at the beach, use a leave-in product to rehydrate your hair. I’m a huge fan of L’Oreal Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray (only $7), which not only shields color from fading but also protects tresses from heat damage.
Is it OK to use a heavy concealer in the summer, or should I shift to a lighter one? I love my Laura Geller concealer but don’t want it to clog my pores. Is this an issue?
Wearing any type of heavy makeup in the summer can pose a challenge so I highly recommend sticking to melt-proof makeup. You should wear whatever concealer works best for you but I’d recommend using a tinted moisturizer or BB cream instead of regular foundation. It may help if you mix your eye cream with concealer so the application feels lighter than it actually is (not to mention blends flawlessly). And don’t forget to finish with translucent powder to set the concealer.
Have a beauty question for me? Email me at [email protected] or tweet me at @politics_pretty and I’ll answer them on the blog!
I can’t seem to cover up my dark under eye circles. Any tricks or new products?
Try focusing on brightening the outer corners of the eyes, where we all have a bit of darkness and discoloration. Apply highlighter (I have heard AMAZING things about YSL’s Touche Eclat) by sweeping it in a C shape from the corner of your eyelid to the top of your cheekbone.
What’s your favorite thickening mascara?
This is a hard one because my mascara choice changes daily. I think the best thickening mascara right now is bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara. The spiral wand makes it easy to coat lashes. I’ve also heard good things about Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes; it’s infused with natural ingredients to condition, treat and protect your lashes.
What are the top three essentials I need to have in my makeup bag?
It totally depends on your needs but I always keep concealer, mascara and blush on me at all times (and quite a collection of lip products). Concealer and mascara are easy and quick ways to light up your eyes and blush will brighten up your complexion.
Have a beauty question for me? Email me at [email protected] or tweet me at @politics_pretty and I’ll answer them on the blog!
Some creams come with a thin plastic lid under the cover. Should I toss it or keep it?
Keep it. Exposure to light and air breaks down the active ingredients, including vitamin C and retinol. Keep your skincare products in a cool, dark place. Otherwise your creams may lose its freshness.
Do you have any recommendations for a drugstore body lotion? I have dry and sensitive skin which is itching me like crazy. I have tried Aveeno before, but it didn’t work for me. Any thoughts?
Based on your needs, you’d probably benefit most from Eucerin Skin Calming Creme. I actually use this when I have dry, itchy skin and it always does the trick. It’s a little bit thicker of a texture but it’s worth it. Lubriderm Daily Moisturizer is also a decent pick. And if neither of those work well for you try Johnson’s Baby Lotion. It’s uber soft (hence why it’s baby lotion) but don’t let the ‘baby’ deter you. I think it’s great for all ages.
I’m on the hunt for a new blush. Any recommendations?
If you have oily skin I recommend a powder blush (right now I love NARS blush in New Order, a pretty pink with gold/silver sparkles). I have a combination/dry skin type so lately I’ve been leaning towards cream blushes. I can’t get enough of Stila’s Convertible Color Dual Lip & Cheek Cream (see why here), plus you can use a blush brush and it deposits color on the cheeks really well. It also has pretty good staying power to last you through long days.
Have a beauty question for me? Email me at [email protected] or tweet me at @politics_pretty and I’ll answer them on the blog!
This is a loaded question but here it goes… it really depends on your skin type and preference. If you have coarse brow hair, waxing is the best option because brow hair will grow back thinner and softer (typically waxing only warrants a trip to the salon every 4-6 weeks). If you have sensitive skin, I’d say ditch waxing and tweezing and book yourself a threading appointment. Threading uses a string to remove hair so it’s more delicate on your skin and won’t lead to irritation like waxing does. Tweezing is ideal for anyone that needs to get rid of pesky strays every now and then. Just keep in mind you don’t want to over pluck.
My eyebrows have no arch. How can I fix this? Help!
Arches are crucial to a bold brow. I may not be the fairy godmother of eyebrows but here’s a quick-tip to creating the illusion of one: Brush brows up and angle them out with a spoolie brush (like Anastasia’s Brow Wiz). Then apply a brow lifting highlighter (my favorite is Benefit High Brow Glow) under the outer half of your brow.
Is it safe to tint your brows?
I’ve actually never tinted my brows (though I have tried lash tinting… and loved it!) but as long as it’s done by a highly experienced brow aesthetician, it’s worth trying. Tinting your brows can give you a thicker style and even a more youthful appearance. Brow dye can be customized to any color you want and they usually last about 4-6 weeks. Happy brow tinting!
What tools should I keep at home for eyebrow maintenance?
In terms of essentials, I’d recommend a white eye pencil to mark boundaries of your brows when you’re shaping at home, a pair of tweezers, a brow pencil or gel fiber to fill sparse areas, and a spoolie brush. You can check out more of my favorite brow products here.
Who are your favorite brow beauty muses?
Right now I’m obsessed with Lilly Collins, Rooney Mara, Cara Delevingne, Camilla Belle, and Emma Watson’s brows. You can check out more of my brow inspiration on my Pinterest board here.
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