Question: I want to use sunscreen on my face but it always makes me break out. What do you recommend?
For acne-prone skin, oil-free sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will be the safest and most beneficial choice for your complexion. Check the labels for ingredients like green tea and pomegranate as these help to combat redness and sooth the skin. Be sure to avoid harsh ingredients like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol and stay away from heavy emollients that will contribute additional grease and oil to skin.
Bellus Academy offers a large variety of oil-free sunscreens, including the award-winning Murad line of sun protection products. Try the Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 15 Sheer Tint*, which contains titanium dioxide to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays and pomegranate extract that calms skin.
At night, try Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser to remove dirt, oil, makeup and sunscreen residue. The salicylic acid combats breakouts and its time-release formula continues to provide treatment long after rinsing. Visit Bellus’ spa for an Anti-Acne Treatment that provides deep-cleansing to reduce excess sebum, soothe inflammation and combat acne blemishes.
Question: Now that the temperature and humidity levels are rising rapidly, what can I do to ensure my makeup lasts all day without melting off of my face?
Changes in the weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Dry winter air demands a double dose of moisturizer while sultry summer temperatures amp up oil and sweat production in pores. Just like wearing sandals in the snow might not be a great idea, the makeup best for December days may not cut it for August adventures. Here are a few tips that will keep your look flirty and fresh from the beach to the bars and beyond.
Investing in an oil-free primer will go a long way in locking your makeup in place. These formulas create a flawless canvas for makeup to stick to and provide a barrier from oil and sweat. For sensitive or acne-prone skin, try a silicone-free version.
For foundation fanatics, the summer swelter can make your skin feel oversaturated. Try a tinted moisturizer instead. This one-stop-shop product offers the moisture and the makeup you crave. Plus, most versions now include an SPF as an added bonus. This sheer sister of foundation will even out your skin tone and hide blemishes and pigmentation without being too heavy to handle in the heat. Simply dab a bit of cream or powder concealer on any problem areas that need a little extra help.
This summer, it’s all about eyes as vibrant purple, turquoise and even metallic shades ruled the runways of fashion week. While powder shades are prone to fading, highly-pigmented cream shadows pack a punch of color and staying power. Waterproof eyeliner and mascara will also ensure that your peepers can handle a dip in the ocean or a spin on the dance floor.
Just like with cream shadows for eyes, their cheeky counterparts can help you save face this summer. Liquid or cream blushes work best in humidity and heat, blending seamlessly for a flushed look that stays put.
For lips, dab a bit of powder on your pucker between coats of lipstick or gloss for an extra dose of longevity. Don’t forget to use a lip balm or base with SPF!
Question: My hair is thin and find but I love the looks of buns and braids. How can I make my hair look thicker than it is?
Buns and braids are an excellent way to help you stay cool while looking hot! These styles require little time to perfect and even less skill, since messy versions are just as popular as sleek styles. Don’t have the tantalizing tresses of a magazine model? These simple solutions will get you on your way to va-va-voom volume.
For ladies who feel their natural or color-treated locks are lacking, Nioxin* shampoo and scalp therapy treatments provide proven benefits, including strengthening hair for denser-looking tresses, amplifying hair texture and removing excess sebum, a naturally occurring substance that leads to a greasy scalp. Visit the Bellus salon for a Nioxin Scalp Renew Treatment, a revolutionary anti-aging service that utilizes a natural dermabrasion technology to restore scalp and hair health, or try any of Nioxin’s shampoos, conditioners, scalp-renewing treatments and styling products for optimal results.
For a beefed-up bun or braid, add a dollop of Sebastian’s Thickefy Foam* to damp hair prior to styling. This liquid-to-foam formula adds volume minus the unnecessary weight that products can deposit on your strands. Not a fan of foam? The brand’s Volupt Spray* gel can be spritzed directly onto damp locks before blow- or air-drying for spectacular volume and softness.
To further pump up your poof, blow-dryers add valuable texture and lift to the equation. Use a round brush and flip hair upside down to easily lift against the natural growth of your scalp, adding height and bounce to your roots. Seal your look with a voluminizing hair spray for extra hold and voilá – the summer’s hottest styles can be yours!
*All products listed are available at .
