What’s all the fuss about foundation?  What if we don’t have the money to plunk down for expensive beauty products?  Are we really stuck with thin, transparent eyelashes?  Help is on the way! If you’ve got questions about your beauty regimen, a new product—or want real information to cut through the hype, you’ve come to the right place. Send your questions to Beauty Beat expert, Meagan Shea’ at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Question:
I never wear foundation. When I go to makeup counters, the people working there always seem so shocked, as if I’m the only living woman walking around foundation-less (gasp!). Do most women need to wear foundation? If so, why? If not, why? What are the benefits and drawbacks of wearing or not wearing it?

—Bare in Baltimore

Answer:
You don’t wear foundation? What kind of woman are you? I’m just kidding… No woman on this beautiful, green and smoggy earth NEEDS to wear foundation—it’s all a matter of choice. It’s like saying all women need to wear stilettos, and well I’m sorry that’s just not realistic. I am a makeup artist, and on an “off day” (whenever I’m not working) I don’t wear any make up (waits for the cringing sounds of disappointment)!

If you choose to wear foundation, all that I ask is that you be sure to get matched properly for color (most important), coverage and finish (the last two are all about choice). And a word to the wise women of the world: before you buy a foundation, please go outside in the sunlight and look at yourself in a mirror! Those department store lights will make you look like Angelina Jolie on her best day, and then you get outside and you look like Courtney Love in the mid to late 90’s. No offense—I love Ms. Love, but the 90’s were not her friend! If you want more information on understanding coverage, color and finish, send in your questions.

Question:
Times are tough, but I’m willing to splurge on one skincare item that’s really worth the cash. What’s most crucial for a 30ish woman? Eye cream? Moisturizer? Night cream? Help a sister out!

—One-splurge Sue


Answer:
Skincare is important on so many levels, especially for a woman in her late 20s/early 30s. Your cleanser is important, your treatment product is important and your moisturizer is so important! At this stage in the beauty game we should be focusing on prevention! So, while I could talk all day about so many wonderful products, I will focus on the one that so many women don’t realize is THE most important: (drum roll, please!) a daytime moisturizer that contains an SPF of at least 15!

The sun is beautiful and radiant and warms our souls, but it is not a friend of our faces! UVA (aging), UVB (burning) and UVC (cancerous-usually only found in areas really close to the Equator) will do a number on your youth.  I could go on and on about SPF, but the most important thing to understand is that a moisturizer with a SPF is a necessity. It will prevent fine lines, age spots and other forms of hyper-pigmentation, and ultimately help to protect you from burning your face.

I recommend Peter Thomas Roth’s Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion with SPF 30 (available at Sephora and online).  I use it and it’s lightweight and offers lovely protection.  If you need more moisture, they also have richer, creamier version with the same SPF protection.

Question:
Lately, I find myself jealous of little babies with long eyelashes (lash transplant, anyone?) What’s a short-lashed gal to do to make her lashes stand out? I’ve tried lots of different mascaras with no luck. And false eyelashes look a bit…dramatic….for everyday wear. Help!

—Lash-challenged in Lutherville

Answer:
My favorite topic: mascara! I am a mascara freak! I actually wear two mascaras everyday (that I wear make up)...Yes, I am aware I have a problem, but don’t judge me! I realize all women do not need or want to wear two different mascaras daily, so I have a basic question that will help you narrow down what your needs are and determine which product will suit you best: Do you want volume, curl, length, definition—or all of the above?

If you desire to treat your issue of shorter lashes and want to try a product for growth, here are three options (all available at Sephora).

• 1. Talika - Eyelash Lipocils
  
  
  Talika Eyelash Lipocils - $40 at Sephora



• 2. Tarte - MultipleEYE
  
  Tarte - MultiplEYE - $40 at Sephora



• 3.  Peter Thomas Roth - Lashes to Die For Conditioning Treatment
   
  Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Night Time Eyelash Conditioning Treatment - $125 at Sephora

Makeup artist and beauty consultant Meagan Shea’, a Baltimore native, has been in the industry for more than nine years. She has worked with international and national designers and photographers from France, New York and Sweden, as well as the best talents in Baltimore.

meaganshea.com
modelmayhem.com/MeaganShea
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