Choosing beauty products with your skin type in mind will see to it you get less breakouts and nicer skin (or longer lasting makeup). But there are times when normal skin usually doesn’t stay very “normal”, especially with the weather switching from hot to cold to hot again. This week I answer your questions to how to keep your makeup fresh and what products to use for sensitive skin.

I would just like to ask your tips or advice on how I can choose the right foundation for my skin. I have normal skin, but sometimes it gets too oily on sunny days and too dry on cool seasons. I am currently using a liquid foundation but I thought this is not appropriate for my skin. My other concern is that what would you recommend that I should use whenever my lips chap, is it best to use lip balm? -Angelique B.

Normal skin, or skin with hardly any traces of oil and blemishes, can border on the oily or dry side depending on the weather. But what you’ve been experiencing may not necessarily have to do with the foundation you are using. I also have normal skin and I found that using foundation and powder alone won’t keep my makeup on the whole day. Primer or makeup base is an essential step to preventing skin from becoming too dry or oily, and ensures makeup stay on fresh until it’s time to remove it. You see primer works as both a skincare and makeup application step, as it is meant to nourish and moisturize skin while allowing makeup to better adhere to skin. It has always been an essential step when doing makeup at photo shoots and tapings, which is why makeup on models and actresses stay on without melting.

Choosing one that works for your skin should be easy, because your skin is normal. Shopping is the fun part, because you get to test-run different brands and see how it works with your makeup. Makeup base comes in all forms: foam, liquid atomizer or crème, but they all pretty much deliver as expected. Some even pack the punch, by adding SPF, anti-aging ingredients and vitamins to keep skin supple, which are points to consider when choosing between brands. You would want a primer that dries to a smooth, matte-finish (it usually takes a few minutes for the skin to absorb the product) and doesn’t change the consistency of your foundation when its time to apply it. Don’t forget to set your foundation with loose powder, and you can apply the rest of your makeup.

Regarding your concern about lip balm, by all means use it to avoid chapped lips. Lips chap because of dry weather, or when you’re dehydrated, so it may be a sign to drink more water. Selecting from the hundreds of brands of lip balm, its smell, taste and finish (whether natural or glossy) are no doubt deciding factors, but don’t forget the SPF and its ability to keep lips moisturized. Personally, I don’t like lip balms that are too waxy or glossy. I tend to go for the same texture as petroleum jelly, which is light and moisturizing but not slippery.

What best beauty products that you can recommend that suit sensitive skin at an affordable price? -Khrish

Sensitive skin usually results in a tight, tingling sensation when introduced to new beauty products or makeup. Which is why I understand why you want to know the best products for your skin type without having to try them one by one. Apart from this discomfort, others may also experience redness or irritation in their skin, which can be quite painful.

More than buying products that I recommend, you’ll find that reading every label you come across will benefit you more. By doing this, you’ll be able to distinguish sensitive skin-friendly brands in different price ranges and gauge for yourself what products are safe to use daily. Here are some guidelines for reading labels:

o Less is more. If the list of ingredients on the product isn’t very long, then that usually means there aren’t many allergy-triggering chemicals or preservatives in it. A short list is a good sign.
o No to fragrance. It may be hard to imagine a beauty product without a scent, but there are some out there that use very little or no fragrance in it. As much as we love that fruity or musky smell, too much of it can cause your skin to breakout.
o Preservatives matter. Look for safe preservatives like butylparaben or methylparaben. These ingredients are gentle enough for sensitive skin.
o Watch out for “red flags”. Certain ingredients have been known to make sensitive skin react. Do not purchase if you see alcohol, retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids on the label. Also anything deodorizing or anti-bacterial are no-nos.

But if you’re in a hurry and you don’t have time to check each ingredient in the label, choose baby products. These are made for the most sensitive of skins and are less likely to cause a skin reaction.

Got a beauty question? Email the author at [email protected].