9 Common Beauty Problems, Solved

Have a hair, skin, or makeup problem that you just can't solve? Hair expert Eva Scrivo, makeup artist Mally Roncal, and dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler answer your most challenging beauty questions.

Eva Scrivo
Eva Scrivo

Hair Expert: Eva Scrivo
Eva Scrivo, owner of Eva Scrivo salons in New York City, answers three commonly asked hair questions.

Q: Is it better for your hair to change the shampoo and conditioner you use every few months?
Only if you are unhappy with how your hair looks or feels. Hair is reactive to products in general, so changing your shampoo and conditioner can create a different effect. For example, if you want more smoothness, try a hydrating shampoo, which deposits moisturizers that close the hair cuticle. But if you are using hair care that you love, there is no reason to make a change.

Q: What are some easy tricks that will help me pick a natural-looking color for an at-home hair dye?
Match the color to your eyebrows. Your brows are always a guideline to what looks natural and what would be a complimentary base color. This works even when you are going gray, since brow hair typically doesn't lose melanin and therefore doesn't go gray at the same pace as the hair on your head.

Q: What's the most universally flattering hairstyle for a woman over 40?
A side-swept bang with soft layers around the face. It softens the neck and strengthens the cheekbones. The A-symmetrical line of a long bang pushed to the side also slims the face.

Related: All-Time Most Popular Celeb Hairstyles


Dr. Amy Wechsler
Dr. Amy Wechsler

Dermatologist: Dr. Amy Wechsler
New York City dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler answers three commonly asked skincare questions.

Q: Between a cleanser, moisturizer, night cream, and eye cream, where does it make sense to spend the big bucks?
You definitely don't have to spend big bucks to get quality skincare! You can find lots of great options for cleansers and moisturizers at the drugstore, but if you are going to splurge on one product, consider buying a pricier antioxidant serum. A good serum requires a high concentration of antioxidants - highly effective anti-agers that boost the price - so I tell my patients this is one product that's worth the extra bucks.

Q: Do I need to change my skincare routine seasonally?
You don't need to change it completely, just make a few minor tweaks. For example, in winter you may need to moisturize more because dry air, central heating, and wind can dry out or chap your skin. In summer, add a toner with salicylic acid to remove the layer of dead skin cells on the surface that hold onto oil; it will prevent shine, make you look refreshed, and provide a natural glow. Look for one with no more than 0.5 percent salicylic acid to avoid over-drying your skin.

Q: Do I need to exfoliate? If so, how often and with what?
Yes, but the answer really depends on your skin type and age. Exfoliation is something you want to start in your teens, and for sure by your twenties and thirties. By the time you reach your thirties, your skin begins to thin and becomes more vulnerable to the environment. At the same time, the natural enzymes in your skin begin to remove dead skin cells less efficiently, so they hang on and prevent your skin from reflecting light. As a result, you look ashy. Start by using an exfoliating cleanser once or twice weekly. Look for ingredients like sugar, oatmeal, or small synthetic beads (all of which are found in common exfoliating products). Or, if your skin is particularly dull, flaky, or red, try a cleanser with salicylic acid, which is less irritating than other chemical exfoliators.

Related: 10 Stars Who Look Better With Age

Mally Roncal
Mally Roncal

Makeup Expert: Mally Roncal
Makeup artist and president and creator of Mally Beauty Mally Roncal answers three commonly asked makeup questions.

Q: No matter what I do, I can't cover up my dark under eye circles, any tricks or new products?
A good trick for camouflaging under eye darkness is to brighten the outer corners of the eyes, where we all tend to have a bit of darkness and discoloration. Apply highlighter by sweeping it in a C shape from the corner of your eyelid, to the top of your cheekbone. It really opens up the eyes.

Q: What are the top three essentials I need to have in my makeup bag?
My top three must-haves: concealer, mascara, and blush. Concealer and mascara can immediately light up your eyes, and blush will perk up your complexion. Choose cream formulas of concealer and blush, and you won't even need to carry a brush with you. Using your fingers is the fastest and easiest application method, and the best way to help blend the product seamlessly into skin.

Q: How do I choose among the many foundation formulas out there?
Use your skin type to guide your foundation choice. For example, if your skin is oily, then opt for a powder foundation. If you have dry skin, I would recommend trying a cream foundation instead. You know that old school rule about matching your foundation to your neck? Your neck is in a perpetual shadow, so it tends to be a bit paler than the rest of your face. Instead, match your foundation to your collarbone, which is on the same plane as your face and will give you a more accurate shade!

Related: 30 Best Beauty Buys For $10 Or Less!

Do you have a beauty question for Eva Scrivo, Dr. Amy Wechsler, or Mally Roncal? Ask your question in the comments below and you may see it answered in a future issue!


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