Fashion and beauty Q&A: make up tips

In a beauty rut? Get help from our experts

To celebrate the biggest ever UK fashion and beauty event, 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty running throughout the month of September, we've put together expert answers to the 30 most-asked fashion and beauty questions on All About You.

 

We'll be publishing a new question and answer every day, brought to you from our magazine fashion and beauty editors, industry experts and AAY writers. Over the month, the questions will build up into an archive and you'll be able to browse through all of the solutions from the daily page.

 

If you've got a burning question you'd like to have answered, post it below and we'll do our best to track down a solution for you. And don't forget to visit the 30 Days of Fashion and Beauty website to find out about reader events, catwalk shows, workshops, an auction where you have the chance to bid for money-can't-buy experiences, and of course, lots of great competitions and offers.

 

Today's question:

 

I've worn the same makeup for years and would love to try something new but don't know where to start or how to get out of my beauty rut. Any suggestions?

 

One of the best things you can do when you want to revive your look is go to a big department store and have a good look round the makeup section.  It is important to test and try everything, as a colour or texture in a magazine may not translate the way you expect it to on your skin.       

                                                                  

Department stores are the perfect places to try products and get samples to try at home.  Look carefully once something is applied and think carefully if it looks good and flatters you.  If it doesn't, wipe it off and move on to the next product until you find something that you feel happy with.  Look out for ‘multiple' products such as Ruby & Millie face gloss that can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips. This will give you a fresh look and streamline your make up bag.                                              

Ruby Hammer, make-up artist and co-founder of Ruby & Millie and Scarlett & Crimson cosmetics

 

Previous questions:

 

I've had the same hair cut for years. Any tips on how to go about finding a new style?

 

I am beginning to get bad pigmentation on my face and hands.  I don't know how I got it or how to get rid of it?

 

I'm thinking of going grey naturally but want a style and conditioning routine to make sure I look the best I can - any suggestions?

 

Can you recommend some good shapewear underwear for everyday use - I like to wear it under work clothes but find that some designs are just too uncomfortable to wear all day?

 

I like to keep up with the trends, but don't want to look like mutton dressed as lamb. I'm just about to turn 50, what autumn trends should I go for? 

 

I take sunscreen seriously, but wearing SPF products every day irritates my complexion. How can I protect my face without upsetting its balance?

 

Which is best, cream or powder blush?  

 

I'm stuck in a makeup rut but find trends that look stunning on the runway look scary in reality. How can I bring my style up-to speed?

 

I always wear my hair tied back, but I'm bored of the classic ponytail. Can you suggest an easy style that I could do quickly in the mornings that won't make me late for work?

 

I'm a total pear shape and can never find dresses to suit my body shape - what kinds of styles should I go for?

 

I want to invest in good hair straightening irons. Which ones do you recommend?

 

My eyebrows are an endangered species after years of over-plucking. Is it really too late to bring them back from the brink of extinction?

 

This year I haven't been spending as much on clothes as I normally do, but I plan to make an investment in a really good winter coat. Any advice on what to choose?

 

I have a lot of grey hairs - what's the best way to cover them?

 

I want to find a fantastic fitting bra but don't want to pay Rigby and Peller prices, where should I go?

 

Is it safe to use an exfoliator around the eye area on this delicate, sensitive skin? Can you recommend a good product to use?

 

Is it really necessary to splash-out on cosmetic brushes to make the most of my make-up? Which ones do professionals use?

 

---

 

Beauty inspiration

 

New season makeup trends - best buys to get the look

Take years off - how to anti-age your hairstyle!