The Skin Nerd: Are celebrity skincare tips all a load of Bullocks?
CELEBRITIES have dazzling skin and it comes down to a combo of bi-weekly facial treatments, consistent use of top cosmeceutical skincare and having a list of the top skin experts in the world in the Notes section of their phone.
However, sometimes they’ll have you believe it is the one quirky thing they do that makes all the difference: we’re looking at some of the more interesting advice we’ve received from the stars
Jennifer Lopez: Sheet Masks On Planes
This must be a Jennifer thing, because I’m also some woman for a sheet mask on a plane. This gets a massive thumbs up for me, as it really works.
The dry air on planes can essentially sap moisture from your skin, so the thick layer of essence plus the occlusive sheet that makes up a sheet mask will help to stop you looking crepey and feeling tight stepping off the plane.
J-Lo uses SK-II Facial Hydrating Masks, which will set you back $95 (approximately €88) for six, a bit out of the usual price range I’d be okay with for sheet masks. This specific sheet mask has a patented blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and acids so I can’t say exactly what makes this one special but I’ve always rated the IMAGE I-Mask Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask (€9.00, theskinnerd.com and selected salons) and the Seoulista Super Hydration Instant Facial (€9.00, theskinnerd.com and selected pharmacies). Both provide juicy-level hydration and antioxidants for refreshed skin, but the IMAGE I-MASK is pure black charcoal coloured so it may look a bit strange on an airplane. Obviously, I don’t really care if people think I look strange — my skin comes first.
John Mayer: DAT (Direct Application Technique)
Did you think the ‘Your Body Is A Wonderland’ singer doesn’t have a skincare routine? Looking like that? Get out! Not only does he have one, he has opinions. He believes in the Direct Application Technique, where you put products directly on to your face to stop your fingers soaking them up.
This is a tricky one — I agree we don’t want our fingers soaking up the product, but we also don’t want bacteria getting into our products. If you’re going to give this a go, don’t touch your face off the product and be careful, you may spill out more than you wanted to. Not bad advice at all though. I’d suggest avoiding massaging in your serums, creams and masques and simply spreading them quickly across the skin. There are no benefits to warming your product up in your hands Professionals only do this to make you feel comfortable when you’re having a facial.
Sandra Bullock: Haemorrhoid Eye Cream
Sandy B admitted in the past to using haemorrhoid cream under her eyes for bags. The logic is that Preparation H and similar solutions work to constrict blood vessels, meaning they would hypothetically temporarily reduce puffiness and darkness under the eyes. Avoid this one. The makers of haemorrhoid creams are not thinking about making your skin look better when they formulate it. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor too, so opt for an eye cream with that for similar effects, like The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream (€11.99, selected pharmacies).
Just a tiny reminder: skincare advice is best from skincare experts directly. Now, I am biased, but I think you can trust me on this one.
