Ask the expert

Every month I will ask a different expert to give you (and me!) the answers to those oh so important questions on make-up and skincare, fashion, friendship, hair, music, and of course, boys.

This month:
Skincare and Make-up with the Queen of Cosmetics

Next month: Fashion Spring/Summer 2009 with the Queen of Style. And look out for the Truth About Hair Care with the King of Hair, and 10 Classic Albums Every Self-Respecting Rock-Chick Should Own with the Queen of Cool... stay tuned!

Susan Conley – Queen of Cosmetics

Susan Conley has been wearing make up since before you were born. Originally from the USA, she's been living in Dublin for ten years. In addition to being the queen of cosmetics for HQ Magazine, she also writes about arts and culture, and reviews the odd theatre show. Oh, and she writes novels, too – Drama Queen is her latest book (for adults). And loooves horseriding. And the colour red. Susan Conley
 

MAKE UP
Dear Queen of Cosmetics, I'm so not into animal testing, what make-up should I be looking at?

If you use URBAN DECAY, you don't have to feel bad about looking gorgeous. Whilst the brand are against animal testing, they've gone the extra step and use zero animal derived materials in certain products across their whole line — just look for the 'Marley Approved' pawprint on their prods, and you can make up without guilt.  All time UD faves include their brilliant eyeshadows – Honey and Peace top the list – and their glitter eyeliners, which last and last.

Sarah says: 'I have the silver glitter eyeliner and Susan is right, it rocks! But be careful if you have sensitive eyes, and sometimes bits fall in and irritate a little. Prob not great for contact wearers then.'
 
What make-up trends are hot this season?

We're still waiting for the spring/summer 09 trends to come out, but after what seems like a million years of smokey eyes, we're betting that bold, bright lippy will be making a comeback. MAC have the coolest colours, from bold reds to totally mad purples – even orange, which is kinda weird, but you never know, if you're sallow skinned and tanned from your holliers, it might look pretty fab.
 
My nail polish is always chipping, any long-lasting polish tips?

Nothing worse than chipped nail varnish, and what's worse than worse? Having to touch it up, like, every three seconds. BOURJOIS say that their So Laque! Shanghai Collection will last for seven days… it's enriched with vinyl (they used to make records out of this stuff – ask your dad) which is supposed to keep it shiny for a whole week. Hmmm. Let us know how this works out…
 
What bronzer would you recommend – or is it a bit early to be even thinking of shim-shim-shimmering?

It is never too early in the year to think about bronzing. Never. Ever. Don't let anybody tell you different. RIMMEL's awesome SunShimmer line is, well… awesome, and one of the best bits is the Duo Bronzer. Half matte, half sparkle, it does an amazing job of giving your face that healthy glow, without spending a bomb on a sunbed – which you're probs not allowed to do anyway. Easy does it, though, don't want to come over all fake looking.

Sarah: 'Like the D4 girls in Amy Green!'

SKIN CARE
Dear Queen of Cosmetics, my skin is in serious spots-ville, any advice?

Yeah, yeah, yeah: drink loads of water, wash your face, wear sunscreen. We all know that's how you get and keep great skin. But what if you feel like your face is in such a state that all the water and moisturiser in the world won't help it?

There's nothing like a facial to really get your pores clean, to reduce oil, and to zap spots. It's almost like getting a new face – which you will then proceed to take excellent care of by drinking loads of water etc etc!

Best of all, you don't have to save up your pocket money for a year and half to get a great treatment. You can do some beauty DIY and sort yourself out at home.

Sarah says: 'But make sure you ask your parental person before you raid the kitchen! And if you have sensitive skin – I know, I know, I'm obsessed with sensitive eyes and skin but my little girl comes up in lumps and bumps from the glue in sticky plasters so I guess I'm over – you got it – sensitive!!!'

  1. Cleanse your skin with your fave potion or lotion.
  2. Give yourself a steam. Pour hot, hot water into a bowl (be really careful here, steam can burn), lean over it, and cover your head and shoulders with a towel, trapping all that heat where it can do the most good. Don't stay under too long, but do get up a good sweat. If you have asthma, ask your mum or your doctor whether this is okay for you to do.
  3. Give yourself the mask you've prepared with you own two hands! Some suggestions are below.
  4. Finish everything off with an application of your usual moisturiser.
You may find that your skin seems worse – spottier or shinier – don't panic! Give it a few days to settle down, and seriously, drink all that water J
 
DIY FACE MASKS
CARROT MASK: This suits all skin types. Boil two carrots until they're soft then mash them up with a fork. Put them on your face (srsly). Let it dry, then rinse with tepid water.
 
OATMEAL MASK: Make oily skin happy with this one. Cook the oatmeal and add either water, lemon juice or milk to make a thick paste. Lather it on, let it dry, and rinse it off.
 
EGG MASK: Dry skin will love this. Beat an egg. Put it on your face. It's that simple. Leave it for fifteen minutes, and wash off. You can also use sour cream, olive oil, or honey – although honey sounds like it would make a real mess.
 
GREEN TEA MASK: Is your skin sensitive, and all of the above sound like you'll just come out in a rash? Take two to four green tea bags, let them steep, and soak a cloth in the with the liquid. Leave it on for fifteen to twenty minutes, and then give our face a cooling wash.

Sarah: 'Thanks a mill for all the great tips, Susan. I'm off to whip up a carrot mask pronto!'