Ask the Expert

Ask Dana Persia, the LoveToKnow Image Expert

Dana Persia has graciously agreed to be our resident expert at LoveToKnow Makeup. As the owner and principal consultant for DP Image Consulting, she has a broad background in all the elements of beauty and image perfection. Feel free to use her expertise with everything from makeup and grooming, etiquette, wardrobe analysis, personal shopping, and even interpersonal communications. Build your inner strength and self-esteem through an enhanced outer image.

You can also learn more about her from our exclusive LoveToKnow interview.

Ask Your Makeup Question Below

To ask Dana your own questions, simply use the comment field below. Then check back shortly to find your answers within this article.

Current Questions

Reader Question

Hello,

Can you refer or recommend to me to a brand and color of cosmetics for a man that matches the following criteria: Affordable, Male with olive colored skin, Cosmetics with ingredients to make skin appear lighter than my regular olive complexion. For example, powders that contain high titanium dioxide or other skin lightening ingredients? It would be great if you could tell me a brand of concealer, face powder and foundation I should use.

Best regards, Hemant

Expert Reply

Dear Hemant,

I can direct you to a few websites that may help you out--www.studio5ive.com sells skincare, cosmetics and other grooming products specifically designed for men’s unique needs. They have a product that prepares your skin prior to applying cosmetics. Bio5ive Blend & Hydrate ($12.90) is an invisible alcohol-free priming, blending and hydrating solution that provides a special layer of oil-free moisture for easy cosmetic blending and setting. You may even want to try their concealers, powders and foundations too. Visit www.malespecies.com and www.4Voo.com for other alernatives in men’s grooming.

As for skin lightening or whitening, there are many products out there one can try. however, at risks to one’s health. As quoted in a 2003 Boston Globe article: “Ninety percent of the women entering border clinics in Arizona with mercury poisoning were Mexican-American, and they like their Mexican counterparts had been using skin-whitening creams such as "Crema de Belleza-Manning," which is manufactured in Mexico. These skin-whitening creams contain mercurous chloride, which is readily absorbed through the skin . . . Mercury poisoning is known to cause neurological and kidney damage and may also lead to psychiatric disorders.” Furthermore, according to Canada’s National Occupational Health & Safety Resource, “Titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen possibly carcinogen to humans.”

My advice is to love the skin you’re in.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hello Dana,

I have a friend who thought she may have pink eye. She went to the doctor to have it checked out and the doctor asked her if she wears eyeliner and mascara? My friend stated yes she does use these products regularly. The doctor told her to stop and the problem will go away. Are there any eyeliners and or mascaras that won't cause these problems or does all eye products contain the same ingredients? Thank you, C.

Expert Reply

Dear C,

I don’t believe that wearing eyeliner and mascara causes pink eye. In fact, I’m pretty sure! According to www.medicinenet.com, The leading cause of viral pink eye--a red, inflamed eye--is a virus infection. A number of different viruses can be responsible for the infection. I would suspect that the doctor meant that if your friend discarded the apparently contaminated makeup that she is presently using, she would avoid re-infecting her eyes and would ultimately get better. She should also temporarily not use any eye make up so as not to start the cycle over again, even with new products, until the infection is completely cleared up. I hope that helps.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana,

I need some help on what make up colors suit me and how to apply it properly according to what I look like! I have glasses (I only see at a short distance), blue eyes, quite tanned skin and light brown/dull blonde hair.

Thanks a lot, Rachel

Expert Reply

Dear Rachel,

To start, you may want to purchase a makeup mirror with magnification. Conair has an excellent one called Illumina Collection Two-Sided Lighted Makeup Mirror ($26.99) available at most drug stores. There are many others out there just do a Google search on the Internet for makeup mirrors and look for the one that would work best for you. Once you have this, you’ll have a much easier time applying your makeup.

As for your makeup, try bringing out your blue eyes using apricot or lemon shadow as your highlighter and gray or plum in the crease. Line your bottom and lower lashes with a dark gray or deep blue pencil and top your lashes with black mascara. Make sure you choose a foundation that matches your tanned skin tone always check your jaw line with a swipe of color first. If you’re using anything too light, you will look pale in comparison to the rest of your body. You may want to try using a bronzer instead of blush to highlight your cheeks and give yourself a healthy glow.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana,

I’m planning to start a boutique selling "All Things Cosmetic", but I’m not sure if I need a regular business license or if there is a special one needed for this niche. Please help!

Thank you, Kiz

Expert Reply

Dear Kiz,

This is a tough one. First I would suggest going online and checking what type of license you need in the particular city/state in which you live. I don’t believe you need a particular license to sell cosmetic items, just a license to perform services like facials, makeup application, waxing, hair styling and the like. I’m pretty sure you can sell just about anything but will simply need the appropriate city and state/licenses to do so. However, if you don’t have any expertise in the cosmetics or skin care industries, you may want to consider hiring a few people with that type of experience to work in your shop to gain a bit of credibility. Good luck in your new endeavor!

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

I’m 16 years old and I have very saggy eyelids. They were never saggy and now they are. Is there any natural way to get rid of them, because I don' know how much worse it will get when I'm older if I don’t get rid of them now. Can you help me?

Thank you, Jenny

Expert Reply

Dear Jenny,

I have done some research on this topic and after checking with your doctor; you may want to look into the possibility of a potassium deficiency which I have read could cause a drooping or sagging of the eyelids. In the meantime, you can try a product by Ole Henriksen called Ultimate Lift Eye Gel ($38.00) which has been said to work wonders on the lid area.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

My eyebrows are too thin, not wide enough and shaped weird (straight line across). This makes it impossible to get an arch without shaving the end of my brows and making the end of my brows with an eye brow powder. Is there any other alternative for me other then painful tattooing?

Thanks so much, Karmella

Expert Reply

Dear Karmella,

For your eyebrows, here are a few tips: The space between your brows should be equal to, or a little wider than, your eyes. To find where your brow should go, take a long eye shadow brush or pencil and hold it parallel to the side of your nose. Where the brush meets your brow is where your brow should begin.

To find the end of your brow, extend the brush diagonally from your nostril, following the outside edge of your eye toward the brow. Where the inside edge of the brush hits is where your brow should end. The best brows have a slight arch. To find yours, hold the brush parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of your eye (the iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of your brow should be. If you need to fill in your brows, pick a pencil that is one shade lighter than your hair and blend with short strokes using a brow brush.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

I am looking for a lighted travel makeup mirror that magnifies 2X to 3X and works on a 220 volt for travel to Europe and Africa. Can you help me find the right one?

Thank you, Judy

Expert Reply

Dear Judy,

I found a website located at www.seattleluxe.com that has a great looking battery-operated makeup travel mirror. It is described as: The NOVA companion is the definitive statement of "form and function." While you will admire the design that makes it an elegant bedroom or bathroom accessory, you will be equally pleased with its on-the-road versatility as a grooming and makeup mirror. I think this might be just what you are looking for.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Dear Dana,

I wear glasses, but I love eye makeup. How can I do both at the same time and still make my eyes look good?

Thank you, Neetu

Expert Reply

Dear Neetu,

The main issue for eyeglass wearers is that beautiful eyes sometimes get hidden behind the lenses and frames. Our goal here is to do what we can with makeup to help them to stand out. Depending on your eye color, choose two appropriate eyeshadows. For brown or blue eyes, start with a base color in a creamy champagne or eggshell. Using a fluffy brush, cover your entire lid up to the edge right under your eyebrow. Next, using a smaller brush, apply gray, brown or deep plum to the crease to create definition.

Next, if you have blue eyes, blend a blue-gray pencil eyeliner at the lash roots. For brown eyes, try deep brown or hunter green instead of black, which can often be too severe. Start about three quarters the way toward the inner corner and work your way out creating a soft, smoky line that extends slightly past the outer corner. Use a sponge-tipped blending tool or fine brush to smudge the line for a less rigid effect. Don’t forget to curl your eyelashes and use two coats of black mascara.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana,

I have really oily skin. I have tried so many different face washes especially for oily skin. I use moisturizers that should minimize oil production, but unfortunately that doesn’t work either. I also use oil free make-up foundation but still my face looks shiny in a couple of hours! I take vitamins as well that I have been told should help guess what? They don’t. I have tried just about everything there is. Do you have any ideas? Or could my Doctor prescribe anything?

Thanks Megan

Expert Repy

Dear Megan,

The good news is this skin type is generally slower to show fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The downside can be more frequent breakouts, large pores and a greasy appearance as you have been experiencing. Take a good look at your daily skincare routine. You may be over cleansing which many people with oily skin tend to do. And, are you using an alcohol-free toner? Sometimes over cleansing and toning with a product that has too much alcohol content can cause your skin to over react and produce more oil because it actually thinks that it’s dry and is overcompensating—our body is smart and automatically knows when we need something.

Here are a few suggestions: at the end of each day, use a product called Cetaphil which you can find at any CVS or Rite Aid. It’s gentle and will not strip away the natural oils of your skin. Next, try using witch hazel to tone which is mild and refreshing. Lastly, use an oil-free moisturizer. For oily skin, the best choices for that are a gel or a lotion. Creams usually add to much of a good thing to oily skin, and weigh it down. You want hydration, not lubrication. Also shower or bathe in tepid rather than steaming-hot water. Hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hello Dana,

I need help on a particular brand of mineral make-up called Mineralogics; I’m really interested in purchasing from them but want to make sure they carry good quality mineral make-up. Do you know if they do?

Thanks a lot, Yolanda

Expert Reply

Dear Yolanda,

I’m sorry, but I don’t have first-hand experience with this product. However, I can offer you a few tips when choosing a mineral product. Most importantly, look for one that has an SPF of 15-30 so you don't have to wear a layer of sunscreen underneath. The Mineralogics line has their SPF 15 Pressed Mineral Foundation which is your foundation, powder, concealer and SPF all in one.

Pick a line that doesn't contain filler ingredients. Some mineral makeup companies use synthetic ingredients that can irritate the skin and still lead to clogged pores. Bismuth and paraben are commonly found in cheaper brands, so check the ingredients list to make sure you're not buying a potentially harmful formula. Avoid the extra toxins on your skin and choose a natural line instead. I’m not sure about Minerlogics ingredients but you may want to check this out and make your own call.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana,

My two front teeth have been crossed for years and I also have an overbite. I am a coffee drinker, so my teeth are stained too. I am 53 years old. Is there also help for me? I don’t want to waste my time and money for consultations if no help is available.

Thank you, Bob

Expert Reply

Dear Bob:

As for your over bite and the crossed front teeth, you may want to visit a dentist for this to see what your options are. Most likely, a retainer worn at night might do the trick. As for the discoloration, there are many options on the market right now. If you haven’t already tried Crest White Strips, this is a relatively inexpensive ($24.99 for box of 56) way to have whiter teeth. The product claims to whiten teeth in just 14 days and keeps them white for up to six months. There are more professional whiteners out there that you can ask your dentist about too. Check out www.animated-teeth.com for a complete description of what to expect.

~~Dana

Reader Question

Hi Dana,

I’m planning on wearing a dress in silk with the following colors and patterns: turquoise at background, 20's flower patterns in gold, leopard pattern. I’m a brunette but I’m not really sure about what kind of make up should I use. Can you please help me?

Thank you, Sofia

Expert Reply

Dear Sofia,

Wow! That dress sounds fabulous—and with your coloring! I think you should go with a classic look—red lips, matte makeup, rosy cheeks, earthy eyes. Natural but noticeable. Start with foundation that gives a nice, finished look. If you don’t want anything too heavy but still want the coverage, Chanel’s Double Perfection Compact Matte Reflecting Powder Makeup SPF 10. It gives wonderful glowing coverage and your face will look like porcelain. Apply rosy blush by smiling and swirling color on the apples of your cheeks. This gives you a healthy, “flushed” glow. Use a highlighter to add an extra glow right at the top line of your cheekbone. Do one cheek first and compare to see the difference it makes. Use browns and creams on your eyes and line just the top lid with a thick line of deep brown liquid or gel eyeliner. Tres chic!!

~~Dana

Previous Questions

Dear Dana

I am nearing 49 and am told that I have young looking skin. But the skin over my eyes is sagging over my eyelids (just like my mother's). Are there eye-firming creams that really work? I have tried several that have never done anything. Some days it is worse than others. Can anything work, or do I just have to deal with this heredity situation?

~~Thank you, Alice

Expert Reply

Dear Alice,

Unfortunately, we cannot stop gravity. However, there are some nice products on the market that can help to illuminate, hydrate and plump up the area around the eye. Lancome has a great eye treatment line - try the High Resolution Eye with Fibrelastine Intensive Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream or the High Resolution Eye with Collaser 48.

For something a little less expensive try Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment or Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum. If you have puffiness too, one of the tried-and-true remedies is something you may not think of — Preparation H! Models have been using it for years and insist that it’s the best.

Also, don’t forget to get yourself a great concealer and use it everyday AFTER you apply your eye care cream or gel. Prescriptives Flawless Skin Total Protection Concealer is one of the best I’ve tried. Also, Cover Girl has two great concealers - CG Smoothers Concealer or Invisible Concealer, so you don’t have to spend a lot. Concealer is something those of us who suffer from dark circles cannot do without. Try layering your concealer too. Start with one that is a shade lighter than your skin and top off with a second that is the same color.

~~Dana

Dear Dana

What can I do to cover up my under eye area? It has gotten so dark... help!

~~Thank You, Clarissa

Expert Reply

Dear Clarissa,

Lancome has great eye treatment line — try the High Resolution Eye with Fibrelastine Intensive Recovery Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream or the High Resolution Eye with Collaser 48. For something a little less expensive try Olay Definity Illuminating Eye Treatment or Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum.

If you have puffiness too, one of the tried-and-true remedies is something you may not think of - Preparation H! Models have been using it for years and insist that it’s the best. Also, don’t forget to get yourself a great concealer and use it everyday AFTER you apply your eye care cream or gel. Prescriptives Flawless Skin Total Protection Concealer is one of the best I’ve tried. Also, Cover Girl has two great concealers - CG Smoothers Concealer or Invisible Concealer, so you don’t have to spend a lot. Concealer is something those of us who suffer from dark circles cannot do without.

~~Dana

Dear Dana

I am 57 years old. I literally have no eyebrows; how should I shape them? Also how do I cover the veins around my nose? Lastly, I have hooded eyes, so how do I put on eye liner?

~~Thanks, Barbara

Expert Reply

Dear Barbara,

For your eyebrows, here are a few tips:

• The space between your brows should be equal to, or a little wider than, your eyes.
• To find where your brow should go, take a long eye shadow brush or pencil and hold it parallel to the side of your nose. Where the brush meets your brow is where your brow should begin.
• To find the end of your brow, extend the brush diagonally from your nostril, following the outside edge of your eye toward the brow. Where the inside edge of the brush hits is where your brow should end.
• The best brows have a slight arch. To find yours, hold the brush parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of your eye (the iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of your brow should be.

If you need to fill in your brows, pick a pencil that is one shade lighter than your hair and blend with short strokes using a brow brush.

For veins, use a green cover stick (green takes out red) in the areas where there is redness. Blend a concealer in a color close to the shade of your skin, after this step. For your hooded eyes, use two shades of eye shadow, one light and one dark (for example cream and brown). Cover the entire lid with the light color and use the darker color in the crease to create definition. Finish by blending eyeliner (pencil) at the root of your lashes on the top and bottom.

~~Dana

Dear Dana

I love the way eyeliner looks when it's on the lower rim of the eye. I can't seem to find a brand that stays on; they all tear off within an hour. I tried so many different ones and none of them work. Do you know of any brand that stays put for longer than an hour? I buy waterproof so I know that is not the issue.

~~Thank you for your help, Pam

Expert Reply

Hi Pam,

One of the best eyeliners on the market is Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear Gel Eyeliner ($19.00). In fact, any gel eyeliner is a sure bet as far as I’m concerned. Bobbi’s innovative eyeliner offers the precision of liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula. It is long-wearing and water-resistant.

You can create subtle to dramatic looks. To apply, use a fine eyeliner brush and dip both sides of the tip into the gel formula (coat both sides of brush head). Wipe off excess on tissue before applying to eye. Work quickly as the product becomes transfer-resistant once dry. I use this for my brides and it lasts even through all those tears!

~~Dana

Dear Dana

Does Mac cosmetics have a package deal for the holidays?

~~Thank You, Cheryl

Expert Reply

Dear Cheryl

Every cosmetic line has some sort of holiday gift available for their customers. Mostly, it’s either a “gift with purchase” or a gift package that you can purchase after you spend a required amount at the counter. One of the deals many of the lines have offered is free shipping for an online purchase of a specific dollar amount. MAC is still offering its deal on free standard shipping with any $60.00+ purchase. Offer is only valid on orders shipped to US and Canadian addresses only.

According to their website www.maccosmetics.com currently, MAC does have an array of holiday shades and gifts inspired by the past yet are very modern. Take a look at their “From Antiquitease to Heirlooms” and “Viva Glamorous” collections.

~~Dana

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