Your beauty questions answered

Q l suffer with oily skin, which results in a shiny face. I've tried using makeup to cover the shine but it doesn't work. Help!

A Throwing makeup on top of the problem will only make it worse. It clogs your pores and leads to further skin problems. Try an oil-free skincare range to help control the shine. The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free collection, which includes a cleanser, toner and gel cream, helps to reduce oil without stripping your skin of its hydration levels. The range uses a technology that fuses moisture-retaining ingredients with naturally derived sugar to draw and lock moisture in. It also contains oil-free skin conditioners that work to control shine. Plus, the range is made up of a gentle formulation, free from parabens, silicones, dye and fragrance, which can sometimes irritate skin and lead to the over-production of oil. Kiehl's is available at Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdale's.

Q l want to try some nail art instead of my usual manicure but I don't have time to spend hours in the salon. Do you know of any at-home kits?

A Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips have recently launched in the UAE and are already winning over nail art fans. Each pack comes with 16 strips - you can choose from a range of patterns including this fun leopard print one - a cuticle stick, mini file and easy-to-follow instructions. We've tested them out and found that the strips are easy to apply; you just press them onto your nail, shape them and off you go. They last for about ten days and are just as easy to remove with nail polish remover. They're a great accessory to a girls' night out! Each kit is priced at Dh65 and available in all Carrefour and Lulu stores.

Q l'm looking for a natural eyeshadow that works for an evening look. What can you recommend?

A I'm obsessed with this new limited-edition Tortoise Shell palette by Bobbi Brown, Dh340. It's got eight individual shadows to play with, which range from shades of bronze and gold to a rich, dark espresso. The palette is split into two; the top half works best on paler skin tones and the bottom four colours are great for darker complexions. Most of the shadows have a metallic shine to them, which is perfect for creating a sparkly evening eye that will look grown-up and sophisticated.

You can easily incorporate this oil-free range into your morning routine and continue to use serums and heavier creams in the evening.

Q What can I use to specifically target wrinkles on my forehead?

A "Wrinkles are primarily caused from a decrease in collagen in a localised area and/or over exposure to UV light," says Lindi Higginbotham, Dermalogica international trainer. "Look for a product that is high in peptides (protein strengthening ingredients) or ones that help stimulate new collagen production. Dermalogica's MAP-15 uses stabilised Vitamin C to stimulate new collagen and fight free radicals. The unique powder-to-liquid formulation ensures the active ingredients stay fresh and penetrate the dermis. MAP-15 can be applied directly onto the wrinkle/lines by smearing the powder onto clean, dry skin."

Got a question for our experts?

Email us at aquariusedit@alnisrmedia.com