Answers to your questions about summer beauty

Press, 7 December 1981, Page 14

Answers to your questions about summer beauty

In vogue

Paula Ryan

From time to time I receive enquiries relating to fashion and beauty. Many of these are specific queries such as where a certain beauty service can be obtained. or where to purchase garments for a particular size, and so on. Others are' general, and possibly shared by many women. This week I shall devote my column to some of the common queries involving every day problems for summer beauty. Q. Why does makeup streak and what can I do to retouch it? A. Streaking makeup is due to perspiration under the makeup. There’s no way. you can touch up a makeup in a streaky state. Instead, cleanse the makeup off and start again. There are several prevention methods, however. Use a good freshener — allow to dry followed by a light moisturiser. This must be given time to settle into the skin, say approximately five minutes before applying foundation. A dusting of translucent powder also helps, and if you finely spray your completed makeup with a mineral water your makeup should stay intact for hours. Cake foundations applied with a damp sponge tend to have extra astringent powers which help keep perspiration at bay, although some brands are not recommended for very dry skins.

Q. Even though I use waterproof mascara, it still runs. Why? A. This can happen if the skin under the eye area is moist. It is possibly a result of too much eye cream or a super-oily skin type. Blot this area with an alcohol-free freshner and ensure the area is dry before applying mascara. Powder over base will absorb extra moisture. Even try brushing a little powder through your lashes top and bottom as a matt base for your mascara. Q. How do I hide peeling skin? A. If your skin is peeling in a slow flakey action the problem is surface dead skin cells which should be removed by ? professionalskin peeling. Trying to conceal is difficult due to the dryness. Sunburn peeling, on the other hand, is best left to take its natural course. This is also dead skin, but it can be concealed a little during its shedding. When applying foundation — take a concealer erace and draw a line along the skin where the peeling top layer is coming away from the rest of'the face. Pat it into the skin. Now apply your foundation, selecting a shade to match the darker of the two. Only use a small amount. Tip: If you don't tan your face directly in the sun you won’t have the problem and your skin will age less rapidly.

Q. I have dark circles under my eyes. In winter I disguise them with a coverup under the base. In summer I want to wear less makeup. How can I? A. You don’t have to put a base over a concealer. Apply fine foundation in a paler shade directly onto the dark area only. Pat it into your skin with your third finger — then apply a fine dusting of powder. Be sure to select your paler foundation in the same tonal family as your main one. otherwise your eyes will take on a “poached egg" appearance. Q. In summer I seem to have large pores. I cleanse and always use astringent. What causes this? A. Often they are less hereditary and just seem to be larger in summer when you wear less makeup and there is more perspiration on the face. Perhaps you could switch to an alcohol-free astringent — keep your face out of the sun and select a sheer type of foundation. A professional face massage on a regular basis will help as will a good face mask, but I would have' this applied by an aerstititian also. Q. My teeth appear to look healthier during the summer. Any reason for this? A. The only theory I have for you is that our sunlight is more intense in summer — so your skin will be at least

one shade darker and probably in better condition. All this adds up to a tonal contrast between skin and teeth which is probably causing a more striking effect. Although not directly relevant — are you using dental floss? It completely cleans between the teeth, and around the gums. Most dentists swear by it as it also stimulates the gums, and may save you from periodontal disease. Q. My lips are always cracked in summer. Any solution? A. Yes. when you put your moisturiser on your face, sweep it across your mouth too. Always wear a creamy slipstick or gloss and don’t lick your lips constantly. Q. In summer my face looks older and definitely less softer than in winter? Why can this be? I use night cream. A. Your skin obviously becomes very dehydrated from moisture loss rather than oil loss. Some wrinkles called “pseudo-wrinkles” can appear in a dry environment. They are reversible and temporary if the skin is exposed to a humidifier or small but regular amounts of moisturiser which plumps back the skin. Left in a dehydrated state such wrinkles will become more permanent. Q. I am 33 and find my hair a problem, style-wise. It never used to be. Any solutions? A. This is an interesting query because next week I commence a scries of articles on the beauty of being your age from 30 onwards. However, I will briefly say that the best haircut for a woman more than 30 is one that takes her bone structure, skin, and hair condition into account. In some cases . long straight hair hanging limp can emphasise age and fatigue, whereas layering and softened looks or curls can have the reverse effect. Heavy bangs of hair covering the forehead are better replaced with soft whisps, and if you have good cheekbones, show them!