If you have skincare, makeup or cosmetic queries, it’s all too easy to turn to Google.
But rather than scroll through endless solutions, Australian beauty store Mecca has complied a guide answering some of their most commonly asked beauty questions.
In the guide, experts have revealed the best way to heal dry lips, how to layer skincare as well as which products you need to wash sponges and what to use to banish dark circles.
Experts from Australian beauty giant Mecca have revealed the answers to the five most commonly asked questions (file image)
1. What order should you layer skincare?
When layering skincare, a basic rule of thumb is to use water-based products before using those that are oil-based (stock image)
When it comes to creating a skincare routine, it can be confusing to know which order you should layer your products.
The experts at Mecca said while there can be multiple steps to a regime, a rule of thumb is to use water-based products before those that are oil-based.
‘Serums are best applied early in your routine as they are a smaller size molecule and absorb deeper into the skin, oil is best applied last (unless specified) as it is larger in size and helps to create a barrier on the skin and seal everything in,’ said Mecca’s skin specialist Lucy Shaw.
2. How can you treat dark under-eye circles?
Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, priced at $98, is recommended for treating eye circles that are browner in appearance
The sort of dark circles you have under your eyes will determine the sort of treatment you need.
Origins GinZing Refreshing eye cream, priced at $49, is available at Mecca Cosmetica
Dark circles that are bluer in appearance are due to blood pooling in the area and respond well to being treated with products containing caffeine as this helps increase circulation.
Origins GinZing Refreshing eye cream – a product which contains caffeine extracts – is currently on sale at Mecca, priced at $49.
If the darkness is browner in appearance or you are predisposed to dark circles, a product containing Vitamin C can help brighten pigment.
Two suggestions from Lucy include Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, priced at $98, or Dr Dennis Gross C + Collagen Brighten + Firm Eye Cream), priced at $99.
3. How can you treat dry lips?
This By Terry Baume de Rose, priced at $89, is a rose-scented balm designed to restore your pout to plump fullness
Over the course of winter, chances are you’ve battled with dry, chapped lips.
‘Lips don’t have sebaceous glands, therefore they don’t create their own “natural” moisturiser (a.k.a sebum) like the rest of the skin,’ said Lucy.
To keep your pout looking luscious, make sure you drink plenty of water, and additionally choose a lip balm containing vitamin E, oils or butters.
Two recommendations by the beauty giant include By Terry Baume de Rose, priced at $89, and Frank Body Lip balm, priced at just $11.95.
4. When is the best time to start using retinol?
Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative, is an ingredient added to creams and lotions to help boost the body’s production of collagen.
While products containing retinol are hailed for their anti-ageing effects, these don’t need to be used until you’re in your late 20s or early 30s.
If your skin is wrinkled, scarred or marked or requires healing, you can use retionol to help speed up the healing process.
5. What is the best way to clean makeup sponges and brushes?
Makeup sponges and brushes are essential tools for creating a stunning visage, however, these do need to be regularly cleaned
Chances are your makeup bag is packed with all manner of sponges, brushes and applicators.
While these tools mean it’s possible to create a stunning visage, the downside is they also need regular washing.
One tip recommended by Mecca’s experts is to rub sponges back and forth against a wet bar of soap until the water runs clear.
Essential items for cleaning brushes include shampoo, priced at $18, (pictured left) and an brush cleansing pad, priced at $15 (pictured right)
To clean brushes, Mecca offers a specially formulated brush shampoo. The $18 solution gently lathers to wash away excess product with ease.
If you want to ensure your tools remain in pristine condition, an additional step in the form of a brush cleansing pad is suggested.
A $15 cleansing pad from Mecca helps to remove old colour build-up and purify bristles of oily residue.