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    Professional advice for your bewildering beauty questions

    Have a bewildering beauty question? Many of us have come across beauty-related dilemmas that have us cocking our head in confusion. Do I really need to wash my makeup brushes after every application? Is there really a way to pop this unsightly zit without making my face look like a war zone? Learning the truth about your common, but bewildering beauty questions is important to maintain a consistent, healthy beauty routine. Here you will find professional answers to some of your most common beauty questions.

    1. How often do I need to wash my makeup brushes?

    The short answer - it depends! Let's just say that you're like most women and use your makeup brushes on a daily basis. If this is you, your makeup brushes need to be washed a minimum of once a week. If you are prone to acne or skin problems like rosacea, I recommend washing your makeup brushes daily. Use a regular shampoo and lather the product on the brushes. Rinse with warm water and allow to air dry. It's best to clean your brushes before you paint your fingernails if possible.

    2. Is there an easy way to pop a zit without inflammation?

    Let me begin by saying that it's not a good idea to pop a pimple unless it's completely necessary. It's super easy to spread bacteria which can result in even more zits. If you have to pop one, do it the proper way to reduce the risk of redness, inflammation, or even infection. The process is best directly after a shower. Disinfect a sewing needle with rubbing alcohol and gently prick the pimple. Squeeze the zit from the sides with two fingers wrapped in tissue paper until clear fluid or blood releases. Drain the zit and rinse your face with warm water.

    3. Why can't I use the same moisturizer for my face and body?

    The reason that you can't use the same skin moisturizer for your face and body is very simple - the skin is different. The skin on your face is actually very thin and prone to wrinkles and acne. The skin on your hands and other body parts tends to be thicker, partially due to washing them several times a day. Therefore, the face requires a light-weight, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, while the body needs a heavier cream that will protect the skin against the elements while boosting hydration.

    4. Do all-natural beauty products really work?

    Yes and no. Like all beauty products, some are certainly better than others. Of course, going green in your beauty routine is always a favorable idea, but there are a few things you should know before making the switch. One of the first things people notice is the unusual scent. Unlike the man-made scents of commercial beauty products, most natural products are made of things found in nature. Expect your new lotion to smell like your grandma who loves flowers. Since natural beauty products do not contain certain chemicals like sodium laurel sulfate, they will not foam the same and will not last as long as those that contain preservatives. It's up to you if you feel that these sacrifices are worth the switch to go natural.

    5. What can I do to reduce the appearance of cellulite?

    Most of us suffer from cellulite, but many women think that they're simply stuck with settled fat deposits that lie under their skin. By just changing your lifestyle, you can reduce the appearance of your cellulite without any risky surgeries or money. Increasing your water intake can help flush out those toxins, giving your body the opportunity to work harder to rid it of extra fat. Exercise can also help reduce the fat and maintain your skin tone, as well as a healthy diet. One great trick to rid your body of cellulite is through a bristle body brush. Use long, firm strokes of the brush towards the heart while focusing on your problem areas.

    References:

    Diva Village: How to Clean Makeup Brushes

    WebMD: Acne Health Center

    Discovery Health: Importance of Regular Moisturizer

    Woman's Day: 15 All-Natural Beauty Products

    Oprah: A Cellulite Cure - Getting Rid of Cellulite