You Asked, Bobbi Answered!

Skin Care Queries

As I get older, my hormones are going crazy. How do I maintain a matte look (or at least non-shiny) on my face without drying it out? Is there makeup that can absorb oil and help prevent the greasies?

Bobbi says: Re-evaluate your skincare routine to make sure you're using the right cleanser and moisturizer. For particularly oily skin, I use a purifying gel cleanser and follow up with a shine control face gel. Both have oil-controlling ingredients like seaweed extract. Look for foundation formulas that are oil-free and keep pressed powder handy for quick touch-ups to your t-zone throughout the day.

What can I put under my make-up to make my face look smooth and clear and not bumpy?

Bobbi says: If you find that you're prone to breakouts, you might want to start by consulting your dermatologist. Cleansing and moisturizing skin daily with the right skincare products for your skin's needs is the first step in getting healthy-looking skin and makes more difference than any makeup.

I have dark spots on my cheeks; what can I do? My one dark spot on my face looks so noticeable.

Bobbi says: Start by making SPF protection an essential part of your skincare routine -- it's never too late to prevent future sun damage. To hide a spot that's bothering you, apply concealer one tone lighter than your skin with a concealer brush. Then, apply foundation as you normally would. Use a light hand when you go over the areas you have concealed. If necessary, go over the spot again with concealer and finish by setting with powder.

I bought some self tanning spray, and sprayed it on evenly -- or so I thought. The next day I had brown splotches and streaks with plenty of pale areas. I tried to fill in the blanks, and it just seemed to make the problem more obvious. Some areas of my skin just don't seem to take the color, while others take it too much. Is there anything I can do to even out the color (or get rid of it) before it wears off naturally?

Bobbi says: The good news is that self-tanning mistakes like picking too dark a shade or obvious streaks eventually fade. To help speed up that process, try exfoliating with a body scrub in the shower.

Help! I have combination skin and freckles. Even when I use foundation, my freckles show through, plus my skin always looks shiny. What do you recommend?

Bobbi says: I love freckles! They send the message of youthfulness and freshness, and I think they're just great. I've also found that women with freckles tend to have beautiful skin, and need little-to-no foundation. If you do use it, apply only where needed to even out any reddened areas (like around the nose), or to cover up the occasional blemish. To help eliminate an oily sheen, apply a shine controller, like my Shine Control Hydrating Face Gel, to your T-zone first, follow with foundation and set with loose face powder in a color like my Pale Yellow. Be sure to carry Pressed Powder in your bag for touch-ups.