Hi loves,

It’s always so fun writing these Q&A blog posts. 🙂 I received some really great questions this week when I posted “Ask Me Anything” (makeup related of course) on my Facebook page and wanted to share them with you!

Q: What is the best makeup and moisturizer for oily and acne prone skin in the summer? I do not need heavy coverage.

A: I would opt for a lightweight moisturizer that sinks into the skin. Try using the 3-Step Skin Care system by Clinique; Skin Type 4: Oily. The clarifying lotion will help control shine and the moisturizer will maintain a balance for oily skin.

Since you don’t need a heavy coverage, why not try using a tinted moisturizer or a BB cream. You can even make your own tinted moisturizer by mixing your favorite foundation and moisturizer together for a light weight feel. Set your makeup with a setting spray to seal everything in.

Q: I like my eye area hydrated and dont use powder around my eyes to avoid any lines, but always seem to have mascara smears. Any suggestions?

A: There are several tricks to avoid mascara from smearing. I’ve tested a bunch of different methods out and these are my favorite.

1. Try using a waterproof mascara. I like to use LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara by Covergirl.
2. Dust the tips of your lashes with a lightweight colorless powder, this will ensure if your lashes touch your skin, there will not be a residue of mascara.
3. This technique is a little more complicated, but works. Apply moisturizer, then use a setting spray to seal in the moisture so your under eye area isn’t wet. If you aren’t wearing any more makeup, then you are done. If you are wearing makeup, then apply foundation and use a setting spray. This will ensure that your makeup is sealed in and not wet. If you are concerned about using powder, which may increase the visibility of fine lines, not to worry. Dust a light powder on the under eye area to set your foundation/and or concealer and then use a setting spray. The spray will eliminate the cake-like powdery look and set your makeup. Try using the Urban Decay All Nighter long lasting setting spray. The spray will also seal in your mascara!

Thank you for participating in my Ask Me Anything blog post this week! 🙂

♥ Debra Johnson Makeup Artist Orange County, California

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