Face Care Questions

Q:I'm taking a long plane trip soon. What can I use during the flight to keep from looking tired on the other end?

A:Before the flight, put on a little Clarins Radiance-Plus Face Self Tanner. It's truly genius: moisturizer mixed with a self tanner that gives you a subtle, healthy, bronzy glow. Also bring a high-SPF moisturizer, like MD Formulations Sun Total Protector. (Your exposure to UV rays in the air is a jillion times more than it is on land.) Don't forget to put some on your hands, too. Because airplane air is so incredibly dry, we love Bobbi Brown Soothing Balm, which you can use anywhere—hands, elbows, cheeks, under eyes, cuticles—to superhydrate and calm your skin. Right before you land, put a little blush on your cheeks: The universally flattering Nars Orgasm—a peachy pink with a touch of gold highlighter—is hard to beat.

Q:I love the look of bronzers but I have sensitive and acne prone skin. Can you recommend some good alternatives?

A:"Some powdered bronzers contain mica, which adds shimmer but can irritate problem areas on the skin," says M.A.C. senior makeup artist Kerri Blair. She suggests checking the ingredients and picking a bronzer that's mica-free, like M.A.C. Matte Bronzer or Physicians Formula Powder Color Corrective Bronzer. You can also use a regular pressed or loose powder that's two shades darker and warmer than your natural skin tone, such as Almay Clear Complexion Powder. Dust it on the places the sun would naturally hit your face: your temples, cheeks, and the tip of your nose and chin.

Q:I'm looking for a face moisturizer that won't leave me looking oily. What do you recommend?

A:If your skin tends to get oily, use a moisturizer that's oil-free or mattifying. We're particularly obsessed with Origins Matte Scientist. Made with sage and jewelweed nectar, it keeps your face ultra-smooth without making it look at all greasy. Another way to fight off oiliness is to forgo the moisturizer and use something that will simply control the oil. Sundari's T-Zone Oil Control Treatment works wonders, plus it contains salicylic acid—the super-ingredient that helps fight off blemishes.

Q:It seems like I've always had pimples around my chin and mouth area. I wash and cleanse my face twice a day and often steam my face. Do you know anything that could help this problem or any products that would help?

A:So many of us have the chin-and-mouth-area problem, especially when we're PMS-ing. Obsessive washing won't help—the pimples aren't a result of being dirty, it's a hormonal thing (during your period, pores produce more sebum than usual). The good news is there are products that work—look for anything containing salicylic acid, which is truly a miracle worker when it comes to breakouts. Joey New York Chin Breakout Relief is brilliant. It's especially formulated to treat this area, and it's tinted, so you can skip concealer. Neutrogena Pore Refining Mattifier Shine Control Gel is an excellent, lightweight treatment you can wear under makeup, or at bedtime.

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