harry8673-blog

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Things We Finish: Winter 2019

Very little tops a perfect night out. Your energy level is inexplicably high even though it's well past your circadian rhythm-dictated bedtime; you've sustained the right level of buzz without passing straight through to 'public intoxication'; the function is chill/bumpin'/air-conditioned [whatever floats your boat]. All in all, you're having a great time.

The one thing that might rank as just a smidge more fun than that ideal night out comes right before the ideal night out: It's the absolutely fabulous, very glamorous, yet strangely relaxing "getting ready" session. Lights dimmed low—except for around your bathroom mirror—and music tuned to these sweet beats. It's all very vibe-y and very cool (as long as you're into 'cool'— please see a meditation on that word right over here). So now that you're in the mood, which products do you pull out? Well, these of course!

Maison Balzac Candle First things first, scent sets the tone. See a candle as your hourglass for getting ready: Light up with enough time to let the whole top liquefy—by the time your burn is even, you'll have had enough time to redo your cat eye at least two or three times. Currently burning at ITG HQ is Maison Balzac's La Rose, acquired immediately after summer's signature La Plage extinguished itself.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Gel Yeux Everyone loves Coco, it seems. French undereye gels are not new and not hard to come by, but these say Chanel all over them so that's chill. Nothing livens up a party like a de-puffed face. Pairs nicely with your very fancy, not chill at all jade roller.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir If undereye gels help you chill at home, this facial spray will help you chill on the go. Buy the travel size to refresh halfway through the night—both with scent and hydration.

Lucas Pawpaw Ointment Skip the lipstick. It's great for a seated dinner with a designated start and end. But that's not what tonight is. No, tonight doesn't have an RSVP. And there might not be mirrors. Or time to touch up. There might be shots, though. So grab a tube of hydrating, glossy balm and call it a night...eventually.

Ellis Faas Concealer Similarly, skip the foundation (unless there's a step-and-repeat). Grab a concealer with good coverage and an attached application device. No time for extra brushes or fingers. Apply directly to the face where you need it.

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate A two-in-one! And you never thought those could be chic. Yet here we are. Life is funny that way. But really, this is a truly glamorous product if you're going to invest in one thing.

Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Eye Primer The Marc Jacobs Beauty team can make anything cool—including primer, which is an essential product, but not necessarily very cool. Now it is. The nude-ish formula helps bright the lid and hold on to whatever you put on after. Which could be...

Glossier Lidster Glimmer made simple. Swipe on with the doe foot in any one of the easy-going, flattering colors (or mix together! That also works!) and tap until you've got the shape you want. It sets in about 10 seconds and stays put. Partially thanks to the primer. Dance for hours crease-free. If only they made slip dresses with the same properties.

L'Oréal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Mascara does not have to be expensive. In fact, it shouldn't be. L'Oréal's formulas are great across the board and available literally anywhere.

Ricky's NYC Hair Clips A little weird, but it works. These clips are meant to keep hair away from the face and bend-free while you attend to the face. But what if you wore them out and about? That would be kind of groovy, no? Take them for a spin and report back.

Maison Louis Marie Perfume Oil At the very last moment, roll this on (No. 4, bien sûr). The most personal way to wear fragrance isn't sprayed; it's rolled, tapped, dotted. Feels small, but it'll grow throughout the night. You've got plenty of time.

Diptyque candles! Those beautiful French jars of wax that communicate “bougie,” literally and socially. ITG loves ‘em, repurposes ‘em (exhibit A), and can hardly pronounce ‘em, let alone read ‘em. But the French language and unusual typography can only hold back a trio of New Yorkers with questionably fragranced apartments so far. In fact, Emily, Ashley, and Utibe were emboldened, and embarked on a mission: to rank every single Diptyque candle. All 45! A tough job for a group who only knows how to spell “Diptyque” by internally clocking “dip-tee-cue.”

We locked ourselves in the beauty closet for hours to complete this task. There was note-taking. There were metaphors and various analogies. Snacks and mediocre cappuccinos were consumed. In the end it was all worth it. A consensus was reached! And now behold: every Diptyque candle currently on the market, ranked.

44. Ambre: Woody, earthy, flowery, spicy. The opposite of the Coco Chanel maxim; definitely puts an extra thing on before leaving the house.

43. Santal: Surprisingly sweet. Santal 33 has requested a DNA test for authenticity purposes.

42. Chêne: Damp wood. Like walking into a house that’s been uninhabited for months.

41. Coming: Not-so-saccharine bubblegum.

40. Mimosa: A faint whiff of sea salt. Or unscented, depending on your proximity to the flame.

39. Coriander: Not as sexy as cilantro tbh.

38. Aubépine: Powder snow mixed with...earth? Dried flowers? Regardless, Ashley keeps calling this Au Bon Pain.

37. Thé: Smoky citrus. Points for label readability.

36. Noisetier: Mildly spicy nut milk. Yes, yes—oat milk is preferred.

35. Tubérose: Creamy, funky floral. Mocks flowers that are “commercial.”

34. Benjamin: Dark, earthy, and sweet. The Werther’s Original of candles.

33. Menthe Verte: Minty, but not bright. Think about it.

32. Géranium Rose: Ooooh, so that’s what geranium smells like!

31. Roses: Smells like how roses taste. Begging to go in a powder room.

30. Music: Boss baby smell. Famously voiced by local celebrity, Alec Baldwin.

29. Feuille de Lavande: Dryer sheet lavender, but longer-lasting.

28. Violette: Floral, just like the name suggests. Good, but not an instant love, hence the ranking.

27. Jasmin: White floral. Described as voluptuous by Diptyque. Knows how to make an entrance either way you slice it.

26. Verveine: Classy lemon. Communicates the illusion of newly cleaned floors. Nice knowing ya, Swiffer!

25. Opopanax: They say balsamic. We say carbonated soda. Salads must taste like a party in France.

24. Cannelle: Cinnamon. As straightforward as it gets. Tied with Pomander.

24. Pomander: Potpourri. Who potpourri-ed in the bathroom?!?

23. Bois Ciré: Woody. The best part of yoga class: the end when the incense starts burning.

22. Mousses: Moss and wet concrete. You know what they say about mousses in your house. There’s never just one…

21. Foin Coupé: Soapy, with a whiff of grass and earth. Something Donatella Versace would wash her dishes with. Just kidding, Donatella doesn’t do dishes, silly!

20. Maquis: Wood and citrus. This is a pleasing scent, but it blends well into the background. Soundtrack, but make it olfactory related.

19. Patchouli: You’ve got an ad job! A classy patchouli to fragrance your mid-level executive apartment.

18. Muguet: Lily of the valley, which is a poisonous plant. Three points for drama!

17. Oranger: Orange and star anise. For the people who gift oranges in Christmas stockings...

16. Genevrier: Woody juniper. None of us really knows what juniper is though… Fresh laundry meets Vick’s Vapor Rub? Good enough.

15. Vétyver: Cedarwood and slightly floral. Cozy firewood, but not but not burn-your-house-down cozy firewood. 9/10 firefighters approve.

14. Cuir: Fancy leather. Like walking into my Hermès closet! —Lisa Vanderpump, probably

13. Choisya: Ashley says confidently, “This is tuberose.” (We looked it up, it’s orange blossom.)

12. Vanille: Very creamy, a little nutmeg, a little smoke. Unfortunately not fit for human consumption.

11. Babies: “It doesn’t smell like berries, and I deduct points for liars” —Emily “But we love it!” —Everyone else

10. Oyedo: Citrus. Grapefruit meets Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Refreshing!

9. Freesia: “Do I smell freesias? If I see freesias anywhere...” (Name that movie.)

8. Gardénia: Another white floral. Smells like fresh cut stems. Now isn’t that nice?

7. Eucalyptus: You’ll never guess what this one smells like…

6. Cyprès: Warm honey. Smells like how wearing a Rhode Resort dress feels.

5. Myrrhe: Amber resin. Now sing it with me: “I said now myrrhe, it’s cold in here, there must be some amber in the atmosphere.”

4. Oud: Your middle of the road oud. If you like it, you like it, if you don’t you don’t.

3. Figuier: Subtle fig. The scent of 8/10 beauty editors.

2. Tilleul: From the Linden tree, which is native to Tulum or Capri, probably. Oprah’s got this burning in her solarium as we speak.

1. Feu De Bois: The one and only. Burning logs that don’t smell burnt. Warmth in a candle. The inventor of winter. December through February wouldn’t be the same without it.

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Turns Out CBD Beauty Products Might Be A Lie

A fun fact about me: I once worked for a medical marijuana dispensary. It’s something that usually surprises anyone I tell—“Wow! I never would have guessed you were into that!”—but also something I feel pretty passionately about and am decently educated on. I qualify for a medical card in New York, and cannabis is something that helps me manage pain so I can function. It’s great, it works, but you can't get it everywhere—most states haven’t legalized marijuana. Another plant from the cannabis family is legal, though, and that’s hemp. Hemp is at most just .3-percent THC, the psychoactive element in cannabis that gets you stoned. While low in THC, hemp is high in CBD, the soothing, anti-inflammatory compound causing a completely legal buzz all over the country.

So, do CBD beauty products work? Let’s start with this: Most products boasting CBD properties only list cannabis Sativa oil (another name—confusingly!—for hemp seed oil) as an active ingredient. Hemp seed oil actually contains no CBD. That’s right—you heard me. For a little clarity, I called up my old team at Knox Medical and spoke to their Manufacturing and Controls Director, Nikolas. “If you do the correct collection method from pure hemp seeds, it actually has no CBD. Or, if it does it’s below the detectable level—it’s very, very low.” Pure hemp seed oil is still a nice, light, non-comedogenic oil—but not much else. Even if there was CBD, there’s still little research to support that CBD applied topically (without transdermal technology) will do what beauty brands say they will do. “[Brands] just like to use the name ‘cannabis’ so people buy it,” Nikolas confirmed.

So right about now you might be feeling paranoid... Which makes it a perfect time to down to check in on your favorite CBD product. If it's already rocking your world, I’m here to guarantee that the ingredient you’re actually loving is definitely not CBD.

If you love Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil… …it’s because of vitamin E. Tocopherol, another name for vitamin E, is the third ingredient in this oil—that means it’s present in relatively high quantities. As an antioxidant, Vitamin E is calming and anti-inflammatory. It also slows down signs of aging by neutralizing free radicals and makes your SPF work better. It’s a hero ingredient, but you knew that already.

If you love Lord Jones CBD Body Lotion… …it’s because of menthol. It’s really no surprise that this relieving lotion shares its active ingredient with Icy Hot.

If you love Herbivore Emerald… …it’s because of squalane. Because squalene oil is naturally produced by your skin, chemically related squalane (note the e-to-a switcheroo) mimics your sebum and balances oil production. It’s a light, non-comedogenic oil that sinks in quickly and is suitable for all skin types.

If you love Peter Thomas Roth Green Relief Sleep Cream… …it’s because of melatonin. Melatonin has similar properties to CBD when ingested, and it’s also likely the power ingredient in this Peter Thomas Roth cream. Recent studies have shown that applied topically, melatonin is an effective antioxidant to reduce and prevent photodamage (you know, sun spots and fine lines...).

If you love CBD For Life Eye Cream… …it’s because of caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. This eye cream is the only product on this list with cannabinoid extract, but it packs a punch for other reasons: hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while caffeine from paullinia cupana (AKA guarana) extract depuffs undereye bags. Add in retinol, and you’ve got a holy grail level eye cream—with CBD or without.

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Finished by Laura D'Angelo, Marketing Insights Manager “Over time, my skincare (and overall life) motto has evolved into: the simpler, the better. After years of struggling to find a mild cleanser that wouldn't irritate my sensitive, eczema-prone skin, yet would also be able to take off my eye makeup at night, I've finally found my holy grail in Vanicream. It's a no-frills, unscented cleanser that gets the job done without being drying or harsh and, after trying everything from Cetaphil to Clinique to Chanel, I've come to appreciate the simplicity and gentleness of the formula. It may not be the prettiest bottle around, and smells like, well, soap, but at under $10, it's quickly become a staple in my routine.”

Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask Finished by Samantha Addison, gTeam Editor “First of all, I would probably continue to use this for the name alone. It evokes a feeling of having fresh-squeezed orange juice on a beach in Greece instead of sitting crammed in a middle seat on a four-hour flight. This is my ride-or-die product for flights or anywhere I feel my skin gets dry or stressed. It goes on clear so you don’t look “like your skin is coming off” as my partner lovingly says about sheet masks (yay to not scaring your in-flight seat buddy!), and it works as a shield from all the angry, recycled air. I usually don’t even have to rinse it off because my skin absorbs it so well! Extra perk, it’s 90mL, aka TSA-approved.”

Biologique Recherche Lait U Finished by Emily Ferber, Editorial Director “My skin has a lot of needs right now. I need to keep breakouts on my forehead at bay, address some latent rosacea on my cheeks, all the while handle what appears to be an eczema explosion on my jawline and neck. A lot of conflicting priorities all fighting for top billing. Lait U is gracefully handling all of these issues while keeping my skin clean. It’s my security blanket cleanser. When all else fails, fall into its soothing, milky embrace like a newborn babe. Nothing can hurt you now.”

Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak Finished by Roya Shariat, Communications Manager “My thick, curly locks are always in need of some love—when left to their own devices, they tend to get dry and frizzy. I came across Kiehl's Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak when scouring ITG for articles on deep conditioning and bought it after reading endless positive reviews. It has a consistency somewhere between Greek yogurt (side note: I've been known to make hair + face masks with Chobani) and marshmallow fluff, which is extremely satisfying to dunk your hand into. I use it as a hair mask once a week before a cycling class—I think the heat and sweat makes it more effective, but I have no scientific proof. I primarily put it on my hair at the mid-shaft and ends, with a smidge on the roots, then twist my hair into a braid or high bun for my workout. Even after one use, the Pak makes my hair smoother, less frizzy, and seemingly more resilient and shiny, especially when I use heat tools. It smells heavenly, never leaves my hair feeling weighed down, and and works wonderfully as a quick, in-shower conditioner when my hair needs extra TLC.”

Pharmacy Honey Potion Finished by Nicholas Kim, Planning Manager “Every winter, the name of the game is hydration, and (for me) moisturizers are simply not enough. I use this mask after walking around the city on the weekends, and it has been incredibly hydrating. The combination of humectants and the warming effect feels like it is literally locking in the moisture and my open-pored skin just drinks it all in. Needless to say, I upgraded to the four-ounce bottle as soon as I finished the first.”

Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum Finished by Kata Knezovic, Paid Search and Affiliates Manager “This serum was introduced to me when I was getting a "Spotless Reputation" facial at Face Haus in LA. It felt magical as the esthetician cooled my face with ice globes and then applied this gel-like strawberry lemonade smelling serum. It doesn't smell artificial though. I bought it immediately after and have squeezed out every last drop. It penetrates my skin quickly and does more for me than my past hyraulonic serums. I love the plump glow it leaves me with and it seals in the moisture that I needed this winter. It truly feels like the dessert to my skincare routine and might even taste like it too!”

L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Eye Balm Finished by Kelsey Fernandez, Recruiting Coordinator “I came across the Immortelle Precious Eye Balm while casually browsing a L'Occitane store with a friend. The lady working there that day was honestly wonderful (shout out to amazing customer service!) and really was able to dig in to what I might need. I've always had an issue with dark undereyes—I'm sure they’re from being exhausted all of the time, and probably from genetics, too. This is the first product that truly made a difference for me, and quickly too (within a week or so)! The consistency is ridiculously smooth, and I love that it has no fragrance. While I've never been a big fan of products that come in pots, I give this one an easy pass due to how well it works, and how affordable it is. Highly recommended, and because you need such a small amount, it'll last you a long time! I always look forward to this with my nightly routine.”

Mondo Mondo Perfume Oil in Hysteria Finished by Colleen Kelsey, Copywriter “I’m very picky about fragrance! It’s always been a challenge to find one that really feels like me. Mondo Mondo has a really interesting lineup of perfumes, and now I’ve finally ticked off the “find signature scent” box on my to-do list with Hysteria. The blend of tuberose, jasmine, palo santo, coconut, sunscreen, and musk notes is heady and intense, but also fresh. The oil feels close to the skin, lingers beautifully, and the rollerball vial fits comfortably in whatever tiny bag I'm taking out for the day. A roll on the throat, nape of the neck, and inner wrists and I’m good to go.”

Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser Finished by Lindsay DelGrosso, Executive Assistant "There is literally no better feeling than a clean face, especially after a day of existing in New York City. I have oily skin, so in the morning after a long slumber, in the evening after a days work, and after doing just about anything... I yearn for the freshly cleansed face feeling. I am a skincare fanatic and have tried most anything anyone has suggested I use, but Boscia Clear Complexion Cleanser is the one thing that has stood the test of time in my routine. It’s like no other, fragrance-free, does not strip my face, keeps my complexion clear, it's not even a bad price point. Is it too good to be true? I think so, but I hope it never changes. Pro tip: pair it with the konjac sponge for an even deeper cleanse. Goodbye, I am going home to cleanse my face just thinking about it..."

Violets Are Blue White Tea and Evening Primrose Facial Cleanser Finished by Maura O’Neill, Project Manager “My many other 'gentle' cleansers tend to leave my skin feeling stripped, so I was pretty surprised when this one kept me soft and smooth. After a month of using it, I noticed (and started to receive compliments on) how much my skin cleared up—with acne, with dryness, and with redness. It's now the only product I will never substitute and I always make sure I have a backup bottle...just in case. I also just love that Violets Are Blue was started by a cancer survivor, and that the brand donates a set of their products to women beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer at Mount Sinai hospital here in NYC.”

Susanne Kaufmann Body Butter Finished by Emily Ferber, Editorial Director “I am a lover of a luxuriously packaged body product. The statelier the better. I want it to sit on my counter with majesty and heft. But of course, that makes it a bitch to travel with. Which is why, before my big move this month, I had to finish my Susanne Kaufmann Body Butter. It’s incredibly rich and buttery, perfect for winter. But it also smells a bit like a mango parfait—perfect for summer! A luxurious body cream for all seasons. Use it up!”

Clarins Gentle Care Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate Finished by Mary Martha Stasinopoulos, Consumer Insights “My skin is easily irritated, prone to overreacting, and hates change. To be fair, I could be describing any native New Yorker. I used to treat any sensitization/irritation with a firehose of thick calming cream...which would then clog my pores...so I’d apply a strong exfoliant or spot treatment...and start the angry reaction all over again. Only the Clarins Skin Beauty Repair Concentrate broke this irritating cycle. It's a tiny bottle of thin, runny oil that tells my skin to calm the hell down and get its shit together—without clogging pores or interfering with other steps in my routine. It's my solution for everything from irritation, to angry spots, to rosacea flare-ups, to 'my skin looks upset and I don't know why.' I slather it everywhere when I'm on a plane, put it on sensitized skin under my eyes before I sweat in the sauna or in SoulCycle, mix a pump into my favorite moisturizer to give it a boost, and even use it to thin out foundation. My husband swears by it for razor burn and dry hands. It’s a tinnnyyy bottle for the price, but it seems to last forever. I’m still using the bottle I bought six months ago to soothe a late summer sunburn, but already have a spares in my medicine cabinet—and my desk drawer, if anyone at Glossier needs some!”

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ Finished by Ariel Herman, Engineer "I wear sunscreen every day on my face and neck, so I am constantly using my Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+/PA++++ to the last drop. I get it off Amazon in packs of two so that I always have some on deck at home and in my travel toiletry kit. My complexion is medium-dark (Perfecting Skin Tint G6 for reference) and my skin is combination with an oily t-zone. I used to use La Roche-Posay Anthelios but found it too oily. So I switched to this Japanese sunscreen and it's the only one I've found that doesn't leave the dreaded white cast on my skin and isn't oily. The formulation is a light cream with an oh-so-subtle, barely-there hint of citrus scent. I use the Fenty Pro Filtr foundation most days and it sits well under that without causing my skin to get extra oily, even on a muggy New York summer day. If this sunscreen were actually mattyfying it would truly be my end-all-be-all.”

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Peter Philips, Creative And Image Director, Dior Beauty

A little something to add to your “answers to questions you never asked” file: When I was six, I was obsessed with baloney. Not metaphorical baloney—not trying to be cute here—but actual baloney. Loved it, couldn’t get enough of it. I declared my deep appreciation of this true mystery meat to my parents nearly every day, and lo, just like that, it got promoted to “lunchbox regular.” Something about the tangy harmony of salt and nitrates really whet my appetite. And then after a few months of this demanding behavior, I got sick of it—the smell alone made me want to hurl. So I stopped eating it, and haven’t eaten it since (although I hear that hotdogs are, in fact, simply baloney in a tube).

Bet you’re wondering what this has to do with beauty—good question, thanks for keeping me honest. The thought I had about my sudden aversion to baloney plays out in a similar way when it comes to beauty. The beauty version of “Did I eat so much baloney that my body rejected it?” sounds like this: “Have I used the same moisturizer for so long that my face no longer accepts it as valid?” Or, “If I don’t switch up my shampoo and conditioner every once in a while, my hair looks dull and sad.” The product switch-up notion is a tale as old as time. And while it may have been good for scamming your mom to load her Sephora cart with a little something for you when you were in high school, it's not clear if the argument holds any water at all. Fact or fiction? That’s the question. So, after years of watching MythBusters with my brother (who, by the way, conveniently could never find the remote control when that guy with the beret emerged within view), I’m ready to do a little myth-busting of my own.

Myth: Other than the products mentioned above, I can use the same beauty products forever. False. Let’s not get crazy here. You can’t go through life using the same stuff forever. Sometimes a seasonal change will force your hand—that heavy duty moisturizer for the winter is probably better left on your shelf in the summer. And then there’s the matter of expiration dates… Flip over your serums, creams, and cleansers. Every single one of ‘em should have a cylinder with a number inside printed on the label. That number is how long your product is meant to last. Just keep in mind that we’re not talking spoiled eggs here. That number has a bit of give, but just don’t get too crazy and use it way beyond the expiration date. Use your very wise judgment!

So explain to me why my favorite cream in the whole wide world isn’t cutting it anymore!

It is! It’s just that you’ve gotten used to the results. When you first try something new, your skin reacts to how it would with any new experience—it changes. Ideally for the better, and if not then it’s time to move on. But when you’ve been doing the same thing every day for months...years...after a while it’s easy for your cream and whatnot to start to feel like it’s not doing anything special. Here’s a remedy for that. Stop using the product in question for a month, about the time it takes for your skin cells to turnover. What do you see? An improvement? A decline? If it’s the former, then it really is time for you to switch to something new. But the latter? Eh, you’re fine.

Myth: You need to take a break from a small, select group of products from time to time. True. There are a few products that require a break. Got eczema? Then you probably know a bit about topical steroids, and how prolonged use can build up a resistance to the steroids’ effects. Silicone products are another group you should look out for. Silicones deliver a smoothing effect to hair and skin, and when the creams or conditioners are not thoroughly washed off, the silicones tend to hang around and, in turn, dull your hair or limit your skin’s capacity to look fresh and glowy. The fix? When it comes to your hair, switch out to a clarifying shampoo every month or so (only you can determine the cadence to switch in and out, so experiment a little). And for your face, give your skin a break once a week with an exfoliant. Whether that’s P50, a gentle rice scrub, or a weekly peel, is up to you.

The Gentle Exfoliation “Smooth foundation starts with smooth skin. I always start by doing a light exfoliation. Lately, I’ve been using Pixi Glow Peel Pads—the glycolic acid helps slough off any dead skin cells on the surface. For dryness around the nose and picked-at blemishes, I take a small amount of Homeoplasmine on a cotton swab and gently massage into the scab or flaky skin. In most instances, this is enough to completely remove it and smooth it out. It’s important not to overload the skin before makeup. The more products you’re mixing and matching, the higher the chance certain ingredients won’t get along with each other. This is what causes that weird rolling of product you often see. Focus on skincare that absorbs, and doesn’t sit on top of the skin—I almost always use Eminence Facial Recovery Oil.” —Dana Delaney

The Winter Skin Fix “Super hydrating moisturizer is the best base for any foundation, as healthy, moisturized skin always gives that extra beautiful luster—it’s a glow that lasts all day. You’ll end up using less actual makeup when your skin looks this good. Models come in super dehydrated in the winter, so I have a few creams in the rotation. One that works on everyone is Avène Crème For Intolerant Skin. It’s super hydrating and soothing, and it has very few ingredients, so it works on even the most sensitive skin. For those who love a traditional primer, you can’t get any better than Laura Mercier’s classic Foundation Primer. It’s the smoothest, most lightweight primer that never pills and doesn’t set the foundation too fast.” —Ingeborg

There are many dimensions to makeup application—precisely three, in fact. Makeup in the 2-D world is reserved for your screen, and in the 1-D world, it’ll cost you $7.80 or best available offer. But make up for real life is three dimensional, and skin in real life has pores, bumps, and wrinkles. There’s no way around it! A great makeup application takes that texture into account—makeup won’t look smooth if the surface under it isn’t smooth. The right prep routine for you could be an AHA, a dewy moisturizer, or a mattifying primer—makeup artists use them all. Here’s how seven take dry, winter skin and make it smooth, plump, and makeup-ready. You’ll probably need less coverage, and your makeup will last longer without flaking. Here’s to looking good, from all angles.

The Gentle Exfoliation “Smooth foundation starts with smooth skin. I always start by doing a light exfoliation. Lately, I’ve been using Pixi Glow Peel Pads—the glycolic acid helps slough off any dead skin cells on the surface. For dryness around the nose and picked-at blemishes, I take a small amount of Homeoplasmine on a cotton swab and gently massage into the scab or flaky skin. In most instances, this is enough to completely remove it and smooth it out. It’s important not to overload the skin before makeup. The more products you’re mixing and matching, the higher the chance certain ingredients won’t get along with each other. This is what causes that weird rolling of product you often see. Focus on skincare that absorbs, and doesn’t sit on top of the skin—I almost always use Eminence Facial Recovery Oil.” —Dana Delaney

The Winter Skin Fix “Super hydrating moisturizer is the best base for any foundation, as healthy, moisturized skin always gives that extra beautiful luster—it’s a glow that lasts all day. You’ll end up using less actual makeup when your skin looks this good. Models come in super dehydrated in the winter, so I have a few creams in a rotation. One that works on everyone is Avène Crème For Intolerant Skin. It’s super hydrating and soothing, and it has very few ingredients, so it works on even the most sensitive skin. For those who love a traditional primer, you can’t get any better than Laura Mercier’s classic Foundation Primer. It’s the smoothest, most lightweight primer that never pills and doesn’t set the foundation too fast.” —Ingeborg

The Hot Tip “I start by cleansing the skin with Aveda Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner to smooth everything out. I then apply Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate from Kiehl’s, which plumps the skin and helps it retain moisture. I finish with Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream, a rich cream with minimal ingredients. Using my fingertips, I work in Laura Mercier Radiance Primer. The warmth from your fingers works well to evenly apply the product and helps melt the product to your skin. You don’t want it to feel like it's hovering above the surface. I also do this with makeup—I warm the product on the back of my hands before applying.” —Mimi Quique

The One-Two Punch “The key to flawless smooth foundation is what you prep with underneath. I am a big fan of adding moisture and tackling excess shine before applying the base. I use a hydrating primer like Hourglass' hydrating serum all over, and then a mattifying serum like MAC Refined Zone down the T-zone. This ensures that no areas grab and look too heavy or dry—it will also give up to 24-hour wear.” —Lynsey Alexander

The Sensitive Solution “The most important step in my makeup routine is actually skincare. I tend to have dry, sensitive skin so I have to make sure that the products I'm using will not only last for 12 hours a day but also not strip my skin of its natural moisture. I'll apply a small amount of hyaluronic acid—I use Vichy Aqualia Thermal Face Serum—because it helps my skin absorb the cream better. I'll finish my skincare prep with a light but powerful moisturizer like Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream. I love this moisturizer because it doesn't pill up under my foundation, and contains pentapeptides that calm the skin and reduce irritation. Next, I'll warm up a dime-size amount of liquid foundation along with a small dot of moisturizer in my palms—the moisturizer helps thin the foundation out so it’s not as heavy. The heat of my hands helps to ensure an even blend and smoother finish.”—Jenn Collins

The Poppin’ Lock “What I would do is exfoliate and make sure that the skin has had adequate moisturizing. I'll sometimes even use a jade or rose quartz roller to stimulate collagen or do a light facial massage while applying moisturizer. When using makeup you want to stay away from things that are too active—wrinkle creams and things that are great for nighttime. In the daytime, a mattifying moisturizer is almost like a primer. Stippling with a wet Beautyblender is the best way to layer on the foundation. I like the Alleven Hyaluronic Airbrush Foundation or L'Oréal Freshwater Foundation, which are lightweight. If you apply your foundation while your skin is slightly damp from your moisturizer, it will blend together in a really organic way. As your moisturizer dries, your foundation locks in. ” —Sir John

The Full Shebang “I love to do a multi-step regimen to prep the skin for a smooth, long-lasting makeup application. I apply Nars Hydrating Toner on clean skin to gently exfoliate dead skin cells. Then, I restore moisture and radiance with Caudalie Beauty Elixir spray and Sisley Ecological Compound massaged into the skin. I use a facial tissue sheet to blot off excess skincare that hasn’t absorbed. To smooth out any texture or larger pores, I tap a small amount of MAC Skin Refined Zone Treatment with fingers. I prime the skin with Le Maquillage Pro Makeup Mixer which helps makes any foundation malleable and looking just like skin.” —Alana Wright Read More...