Have you got a burning beauty question? You can ask editor Trudi Brewer on TV3's The Cafè. Here she shares the answers to viewer questions with host Melanie Homer.
If you have a beauty question you want answered, post your question below and I will make sure I answer it here or on TV3's The Cafè love to hear from you.
Q & A
What’s the best way to cover a cold sore, and should I throw away my lipstick if I have used it while I have the virus?
Adopt a layering technique. Start with cold sore cream, and then hide redness with a neutralising green stick or concealer. Feather it out, so the edges blend seamlessly into the skin, you don't want the green visible on the skin. Next, apply a little foundation or regular concealer, and a light dusting of loose powder to ensure makeup doesn't move throughout the day. Use disposable eyeshadow applicators, rather than cotton buds to cover cold sores this stops the little bits of cotton sticking to skin. Don't use your regular makeup brushes while you have a cold sore, you want to minimise the risk of spreading the virus. Regarding your lippy, if you feel the tingling, the virus is active, and if you have used a lipstick you do need to throw it away. When you feel the cold sore coming on, use an orange stick or match stick to take some lipstick from the bullet, and then apply with a brush you can clean rather than straight from the bullet.
Can I mix products from all skincare ranges without compromising their effectiveness?
It’s just marketing hype to use the same products from one entire range, cherry picking your skincare from different ranges is absolutely fine. Also mixing up your skincare is the best way to shake up your skin. Trying new products helps kick-start hydration and clarity. The beginning of the new season is the ideal time to do exactly that.
Is it ok to pluck facial hairs, what is the best form of removal?
Never ever pluck. This only encourages terminal hair growth, dark, strong hairs will continue to grow back. Cut the hair as close to the skin as you can and investigate getting IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) laser hair removal. This is a tricky beauty duty, hair growth and hormones are linked and while you can reduce hair growth, it's a work in progress to be completely hair free. Make sure you do your research on the laser machines on offer at spas and clinics. My choice of hair removal clinics are About Face, their Ellipse I2PL laser is by far the most superior machine on offer here in Auckland - learn more about the process here
Can I use lip liner as eyeliner and vice-versa?
Yes. However, it does depend on how waxy the pencil. Makeup is meant to be fun, so you can use products as you please, particularly brown-coloured tones. To ensure they stay sanitised, make sure you sharpen the pencil between applications, so you are not spreading an eye infection, these are notoriously hard to shift, so be careful there.
How often should I wash my makeup brushes?
Once a month is ideal. if you are not sharing brushes. Treat them the same way you do your hair, wash them with shampoo and conditioner in warm, water. Blot the brush with a clean towel, then use a blow-dryer to dry the bristles gently, or lay them flat, never stand them up and let the water run down the wooden handles, this is when the bristles start to rot and fall out.
How long does mascara last?
Sadly it’s only about three to five months. Pumping the tube is the reason mascara drys out and becomes flakey once on the lashes.
What about fragrance?
If it’s not exposed to extreme heat or sun around 12 months. Store fragrance in a drawer or closet to get the best from the scent. Also to make it last on the skin, apply moisturiser first, and then fragrance if your skin is dry your scent evaporate in minutes.