Makeup Questions

Q:Can I wear a shimmery powder for day? Or is it only suitable for evening?

A:It depends. For day, all-over shimmery powder isn't a great idea. If you want a sheer and sparkly look, we recommend only putting it on your eyelids. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick is a palette of wearable, neutral colors that look pretty as eye shadow for work—they aren't overwhelmingly glittery, more like a highlight. Then, for evening—when shimmer is certainly apropos—you can brush it on your cheeks or décolletage.

Q:My eyelashes are not very long. What's the best lengthening mascara?

A:Curling your lashes always makes them appear miles longer. The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler lives up to the hype—makeup artists and editors everywhere are hopelessly devoted. After your lashes are curled, apply a thickening or lengthening mascara. I love L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara or Christian Dior Maxim Eyes Mascara. You can see the difference with one coat, and they have big fluffy brushes so you'll be perfectly covered. You can also try a lash primer, like Anna Sui Mascara Primer to help the mascara stick to the ends of your lashes.

Q:How do I apply gel blush?

A:Very carefully. Gel blushes leave a natural dewy flush, but because of their liquidy consistency, you don't need much. Squeeze a pearl-size drop on your finger and blend in a circular motion over the apple of your cheek. They look best on clean skin: Unlike the powder kind—which can be layered over foundation and other makeup—gels leave watery streaks if applied over other cosmetics. Two we love: Mark's lip-and-cheek gel, called Tint, Tint, goes on supersheer and doubles as a candy apple lipcolor; Cherriflip Venus Dew Drops in Ohmm is flattering on most skin tones.

Q:I'm pale, and I love the idea of crimson red lipstick, but it always looks too severe on me. Is there a certain shade I should be looking for?

A:Yes. Red lips with fair skin look gorgeous. But stay away from reds with an orangey or berry tinge, and opt for truer reds with bluish undertones, like M.A.C. Red Lipstick or Fiery Red from Christian Dior. If a particular shade seems too dramatic for you, put clear gloss (like L'Oréal Rouge Pulp in Clear) on top to deintensify it ever so slightly.

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