Make Me Over by Peter Lamas Makeup and Beauty Expert
 
Make Me Over
by Peter Lamas, Lamas Beauty Founder
 

Each month Peter Lamas will answer selected questions in his Make Me Over column. To submit your question, please follow the link at the bottom of this page.

Q: Hi Peter, cool website. I'm 23, and up until now I haven't worn much makeup. When I do, I use blush, mascara and lip-gloss. As of late, I have wanted to start using foundation. Almost every one I know does, however I don't know how or where or with what to start. I hate feeling that the foundation looks so fake or that it will rub off on my man. Could you help me with the basics of the foundation, concealer and powder world? Please?
               Maria, Connecticut

Peter Answers: Maria thank you for your question. Let me begin by telling you as a cosmetic expert, I strongly believe and advise everyone I meet the importance of taking good care of their skin. It begins there. Makeup is really used to enhance the features of the face. However, you should try to avoid makeup for the purpose of covering up a poor quality complexion. Foundations were made to even out skin tone primarily. If you read some of the articles in the Beauty Section of our site, lamasbeauty.com, you will find very clear and descriptive articles on what foundation is all about and how to use it. The same goes for concealers and everything that follows when applying makeup. Now, in regards to formulations, which we also talk about in the articles, it depends on your skin, if you have dry skin, oily skin, etc. There is something for everyone out there. As far as application is concerned, less is best. At your age, look to start with just a light coverage followed by a minimal amount of powder to set the foundation. If you happen to have skin that is problematic, and I have no way of knowing, then you should consider using a concealer and then applying the foundation over it.


Q: Hi Peter, my name is Ray. I'm planning to go for permanent straightening of hair. Will there be any chemical effects? What are your suggestions? Please help me. Thanks
               Ray, San Marcus

Peter Answers: Ray, let me begin by telling you that straightening the hair requires a chemical process. The stronger the chemistry, the straighter the hair will turn out. It really depends on the strength of the chemical process and the tightness of the wave or curl in your hair.

Obviously the more resistant the hair is, the stronger the chemical that needs to be used. But let me warn you, only do this procedure with a trained licensed professional, and make sure you get a good recommendation in seeking this individual. If you don't, the end result, if it is not done correctly, could be very damaging to the hair and scalp. It could cause hair breakage and even burn or irritate the scalp. Done correctly, you will be a very happy.

Also, and very importantly, I recommend you shy away from home procedures, more often than not, they don't work nearly as well, and again, if not applied properly, can cause hair damage.


Q: I grew up with long, fine, straight blond hair that was very easy to wash and go. No blow-drying, nothing!

Now at age 22 my hair is shoulder length and beginning to curl. I really love the cut, but my hair is beginning to curl on the underside and has become very frizzy on the topside. My hair is still fine and straight as long as I blow-dry it but I am looking to get away from having to blow dry everyday. I am a swimmer and I need my hair to be manageable when I get out of the water. Not half-frizzy, half-straight or half-curly. If you have any ideas on a wash and go style then I would love to hear from you. Is there anyway to get my hair to curl without having to perm it. I am afraid that a perm will ruin my hair and that I will not like the look. If you suggest a perm, then what kind? And will I be able to straighten it on days that I would like it straight again? Thanks for all your help!
               Kastonya, California

Peter Answers: Kastonya, I suggest you purchase four wigs, one for curly hair, one for straight hair, one for short hair and one for long hair. No, just kidding!

On a more serious note, let me begin by telling you that if you're a serious swimmer, you really shouldn't have shoulder length hair. The main reason is that chlorine damages hair, and the longer the hair shaft, the more delicate it becomes, easier to damage - eventually breaking. That is why I recommend shorter hair for swimmers; there is less tension and stress in shorter hair and greater likelihood that the "frizzies" will be avoided.

Keep in mind, you should use a mild shampoo and conditioner to maintain and protect your hair at all times. As far as how short you should wear your hair, that depends on your hair texture, hair volume, shape of face and your height. A good stylist should be able to evaluate all of these variables and provide you with his or her best judgment. You also could do a little homework and look at some hairdo magazines, and see if anything strikes your fancy. By showing the stylist one or two looks that you like in these magazines, the stylist will be able to discern what you feel comfortable with, and judge if you have what it takes to wear one of those particular styles. Thank you for your question, I hope I've been of help.


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