Q. Hi Alison, I've recently purchased the Decleor Neroli Aromessence and night balm. Should I avoid the eye area when using these products? Many thanks, Jackie.
A. Normally you would avoid the eye area, as you may find that the oil and pure oil that's in the balms too rich for the delicate eye area. Unless you have very poorly or dry skin, I would only recommend taking it up to the orbital bone.
The area under the eye has a thinner texture and doesn't have any oil glands. This affects the area in two ways:
1) it doesn’t produce any oil
2) oily products are absorbed into the skin via channels such as follicles, but the under eye area doesn't have any so that's why oil or balm products can puff the eye up very quickly.
Q: I've just been put on oxygen therapy and the doctor has said I'm free to use whatever creams/cosmetics I want as long as they are water based rather than petroleum based. I would be grateful if you could point me in the right direction.
I have dry skin and very dark circles, so any advice as to a moisturiser which is water based and something to cover the dark circles would be very helpful.
Alison: If you can't use petroleum-based products then that includes all mineral oil derivatives as well. The ranges we have that are petroleum oil-free and water-based are Elemis, A'kin, Liz Earle and AD Skin Synergy.
If it's a moisturiser that you're looking for, then try a light formula from A'kin. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream fits into this too and can be used on the eye area as well.
To cover the dark circles, you could try Bare Escentuals Concealer as this is just a pure, 100% natural pigment.
Q: I have an olive skin tone and cannot seem to match a lipstick. Ideally I would like my lipstick to be young-looking without it looking too pink or too red, which I have a hard time finding. Which out of the Fran Wilson range would you recommend?
Also I suffer from insomnia and have tired-looking eyes with dark circles and fine lines. Which product would be the best?
Alison: Fran Wilson change their lipstick colours so often that it's hard to recommend a staple colour for you to try. I'm looking into them providing us with a range of basic colours that are easier for me to recommend.
Continue reading "On a suitable lipstick and eye products for younger-looking skin... " »
Q: I'm 29, will be turning 30 this year and I really want to sort out my skin. I have dry cheeks with an oily T-zone and on the hairline area, along with black and white heads on my nose. I'm Asian so the spots I get leave scars on my face and I have dark circles despite drinking so much water and sleeping well. Please advise on a skincare line for my face to bring freshness and to calm down my breakouts.
Alison: I would recommend the Elemis Tri-Enzyme range. So, each morning use the Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash, followed by Decleor Aromessence Neroli Face Oil and Decleor Hydra Floral Moisturiser.
In the evening use the Decleor Balancing Cleanser, followed by the Tri Enzyme Wash and the Decleor Balancing Toner, then use Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum, as it doesn't remove make-up, and finish with the Decleor Hydra Floral Moisturiser.
For the dark circles around your eyes, I'd recommend, morning and night, applying the Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex, as this is really good on Asian skin tones.
For instant confidence, as it can make a dramatic difference when you conceal dark circles, I’d recommend Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer which comes in six shades - you'd be about Medium Dark or Medium Natural. Either use this or the Prescriptives Traceless Skin Responsive Tint - on number four or five levels. It does depend if you want a lighter or full cover finish - if you like wearing make-up, I'd try the Bobbi Brown one, and if you don't then pick the Prescriptives concealer.
Q: I'm 55, going through the menopause and I'm on medication for angina and diabetes. I seem to have a large area between my lower lashes and the lower contour bone, resulting in large bags and a "shelf" /indentation where the contour bone/top of cheek is. I don't know if this is due to my age, medication or bad luck! I use good quality products but haven't noticed a significant improvement. The lines under the eyes diminish and are plumped but I still have this indentation that makes me look so tired.
I also have a problem with concealers in that they "break up" especially in the corner of my eye. I have some phytopeel (as yet unused) and having watched decleor recently discovered that this can be used on eye area. I wondered if this would resolve the problem of the concealers breaking up? Please help.
Alison: This 'shelf' that you describe is common and particularly with the type of illnesses that you suffer from so, I have a few tips to help you improve the look if it. The Decleor Phytopeel should work and will help to lighten and brighten up the eye area. Plus, it should help with the application of any other products - meaning that they will break up less as your skin is more hydrated.
You can use this product right up to the lashes, both above and below the eye. Apply a thin layer and let it sink in until you can't see it. You can then just roll it off with your ring finger, stretching your eye area slightly, and it should take the dead skin with it. Keep rolling until nothing else comes off.
Continue reading "On improving the look of the eye area..." »
Q: I am a 51-year-old woman and black. My skin type is oily and prone to breaking out in spots. Please advise on good products (on a tight budget). Also, I am beginning to notice darkness round my eyes. Aside from face could you also advise on a good body product for sagginess and stretch marks (orange peel like)?
Alison: For an economical and effective skincare solution I'd recommend Alpha-H. You could use the Triple Action Cleanser and the Rejuvenating Cream both morning and evening on the face, eyes and neck. Alpha-H do these in big sizes - larger than a lot of brands do - which work out much cheaper.
Try also the Liquid Gold, wiping it over the face before bedtime three times a week. Don’t follow with anything else. This product will help to control your oily areas and break-outs. This is both very easy, effective and economical.
On the body area, you would do well to use one of the Philosophy Luxury Collections. It features a body wash with a peptide formula and is designed to be extra moisturising for your skin. It also includes a Philosophy body butter. You can choose this collection in either Amazing Grace or Pure Grace fragrances to give your skin a lovely scent. This body wash and butter are ideal for saggy skin and will last you a long time too as they're a great size
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