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Prior to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, applying makeup was something that many of us did on a daily basis. While you may be wearing less now than you were before, even a slathering of sunscreen or brush of mascara require proper removal at the end of the day. If you are looking to keep your skin in tip-top shape, there is a right and a wrong way to both apply and remove makeup. We spoke with board certified dermatologists to get the scoop.

## **How to Apply Makeup**
If you’ve looked back at photos from your teenage years, you probably recognize that some methods of applying makeup yield a better result than others. There’s an art to seamlessly blending foundation around the jawline, [contouring the cheekbones](https://aedit.com/aedition/contouring-tips-from-celebrity-makeup-artist-patrick-ta), and achieving a perfectly symmetrical cat eye. And there is also an art to applying makeup in such a way that promotes and maintains healthy skin. 

### **1. Don’t Forget the Prep Steps**
The skincare products you put on before your makeup are just as important to the finished look as the cosmetics themselves. With that in mind, it’s important that products are applied in an order that will allow them to perform as intended. “First, wash your face,” says [Amy Spizucoco, DO](https://aedit.com/provider/amy-spizuoco-19341), a board certified dermatologist and founder of True Dermatology in New York City. “Next, apply products from thinnest to thickest.” Generally speaking, a toner is the first step after cleansing, followed by serums, oils, moisturizers, and — last but not least — a [sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher](https://aedit.com/aedition/difference-between-chemical-sunscreen-physical-mineral-sunscreen).

### **2. Dab, Don’t Rub**
Rubbing is one of the most common mistakes people make when applying skincare and makeup. It may be a time-saving option, but it can create bigger problems down the line. “Dabbing is always better than rubbing because rubbing can lead to irritation and clogged pores,” Dr. Spizuoco explains. “Always use a sponge or some type of applicator to apply makeup, in order to minimize any bacteria or contaminants.” She recommends using a [natural](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-clean-green-natural-mean-for-beauty-makeup-skincare-products) brush rather than synthetic as they typically minimize irritation on the skin, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin. And if you can’t remember the last time you washed those brushes and sponges, Dr. Spizuoco reiterates that it’s important to use a *clean* applicator.

### **3. Choose Mineral-Based Products**
“I recommend mineral-based makeup because it has less chance of clogging pores and leading to acne than other makeup,” Dr. Spizuoco says. “Because the molecules are larger, they have a harder time penetrating into the skin.” She often recommends lines that are tested by dermatologists, like [Almay](https://www.almay.com/), [bareMinerals](https://www.bareminerals.com/), [Colorescience](https://www.colorescience.com/), [Neutrogena](https://www.neutrogena.com/), and [Physicians Formula](https://www.physiciansformula.com/).

### **4. Don’t Forget SPF**
Sure, your foundation might be formulated with sunscreen, but chances are you won’t apply enough of it to protect you all day. “Makeup with SPF isn’t always sufficient as a sunscreen,” Dr. Spizuoco says. “It’s not formulated to be a sunscreen, so it’s important to apply a separate sunscreen every day.” Instead, [apply a standalone sunscreen](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-apply-sunscreen-and-not-miss-a-spot) as the last step of your skincare routine (before applying foundation). That way, any SPF your makeup routine does have can serve as the cherry on top.

## **How to Remove Makeup** 
Perhaps even more important than how you apply your makeup is how you take it off. If you’ve ever felt too lazy to cleanse your face before going to bed only to wake up with dull or broken out skin in the morning, you know that washing the day away is worth the couple of extra minutes. 

### **1. Always Remove Makeup Before Going to Sleep**
“Leaving your skin clogged with makeup will cause breakouts because you’re allowing all the toxins that settled onto the skin during the day to be reabsorbed into the skin,” warns [Julie Russak, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/julie-russak-md-4645), a board certified dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology in New York City. “Leaving makeup on overnight also prevents your skin from excreting toxins and regenerating [at night](https://aedit.com/aedition/impact-of-beauty-sleep-on-skin-health-nighttime-skincare-products) like it’s supposed to.”

### **2. Makeup Remover Wipes Are OK**
Makeup remover wipes are perfectly sufficient for, you guessed it, removing makeup. But it’s important to not confuse makeup removal with cleansing. “[They] help dissolve makeup particles, but the skin still needs to be washed afterwards with a facial cleanser,” Dr. Russak says. When compared to cotton pads and cotton balls, she says they are comparable in their gentleness — unlike washcloths, which are often too abrasive for the [delicate eye area](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-the-skin-around-the-eyes-with-skincare-and-non-surgical-cosmetic-procedures). 

When removing eye makeup like mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow, be as gentle as possible. “Make sure to avoid rubbing too hard or tugging on the skin,” Dr. Russak advises. “Because the skin around the eyes is so thin, it can easily get stretched out and wrinkled with repeated rough motions.” Consider that another reason not to rub your makeup during the application process, too!

### **3. Don’t Skip Cleansing**
“It’s important to cleanse for different reasons in the morning and night,” Dr. Russak says. “In the morning, you want to remove the night’s detox products to give your skin a fresh start for the day. At night, first remove makeup — either with wipes or makeup remover fluid — then do a double cleanse.”

An oil-based cleanser (we’re longtime fans of the [DHC Deep Cleansing Oil](https://www.dhccare.com/deep-cleansing-oil.html)) is ideal for breaking down and removing makeup, as are micellar waters (French pharmacy mainstay [Bioderma](https://www.bioderma.us/all-products/sensibio/h2o-micellar-water) is a cult-favorite for a reason). “It’s important to remove your makeup before you cleanse, so you’re actually cleansing the skin itself and not just trying to penetrate the makeup,” Dr. Russak explains. From there, a cream, gel, or foaming cleanser can thoroughly clean the skin ahead of skincare application. “It is necessary to cleanse your skin to remove toxins, dead skin cells, and environmental build up, so your products can better penetrate the skin and do their job,” she says.

### **4. Avoid Harsh Ingredients** 
To avoid drying out or stripping the skin during the cleansing and toning process, be sure to [read the label](https://aedit.com/aedition/category/read-the-label) on your products to avoid potential irritants. “You want to avoid harsh ingredients, such as alcohol and fragrance, because it can be irritating to the sensitive skin around the eyes,” Dr. Russak says. She likes [Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes](https://www.neutrogena.com/skin/ultra-soft-makeup-remover-wipes-for-waterproof-makeup/6805105.html) because they aren’t too abrasive for the skin around the eyes and are free of sulfates, parabens, fluoride, aluminum, and dye. Micellar waters are also good for removing eye makeup, she says, because they are gentle but still very effective. “[Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O](https://www.bioderma.us/all-products/sensibio/h2o-micellar-water) is formulated with [vitamin E](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-topical-vitamin-e-in-skincare), which is nourishing and healing to the skin,” she adds.

## **The Takeaway**
The best thing about learning to apply and remove your makeup the right way? In the long run, you might end up wearing less of it. Properly prepping the complexion with skincare and using clean applicators can prevent clogged pores and unwanted bacteria from making its way onto the skin. Similarly, taking the time to fully remove your makeup (first with an oil cleanser, micellar water, or makeup remover wipe) *before* cleansing will ensure you remove all the dirt, debris, and toxins from the day. The result? Brighter, clearer, and smoother skin.

AEDITION for men-min

Expert Opinion Collection | The AEDITION

Expert Opinion

If you are looking to keep your skin in tip-top shape, there is a right and a wrong way to apply and remove makeup. The AEDITION spoke with board certified dermatologists to get the scoop.

Dermatologists Share Tips For How To Apply And Remove Makeup

The Best Way To Apply And Remove Makeup According To Dermatologists

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The last decade has seen significant technological advances in the field of body contouring. With the arrival of new devices, plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists are now able to offer improved results with less downtime and a more comfortable postoperative recovery. While we’ve already covered some of the [most popular sculpting procedures for men](https://aedit.com/aedition/popular-body-contouring-sculpting-procedures-for-men), women can enjoy just as much of a benefit from these modern techniques — and we’re not just talking about the so-called [mommy makeover](https://aedit.com/aedition/the-mommy-makeover-how-to-bounce-back-after-a-baby). Here, we caught up with three experts about the latest and greatest when it comes to body contouring for women. 

### **1. BodyTite™**
BodyTite™ is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that can achieve dramatic skin tightening results comparable to traditional excisional surgeries like [tummy tucks](https://aedit.com/procedure/abdominoplasty). “Known as the ideal ‘gap procedure,’ this technology is perfect for the patient who requires more than non-invasive skin-tightening modalities but isn’t ready to undergo face and body-lifting surgical procedures,” says Paul Jarrod Frank Frank, MD, a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and founder/chief medical officer of [PFRANKMD](https://pfrankmd.com/). 

BodyTite™, FaceTite™, and AccuTite™ are powered by temperature-controlled, directional radiofrequency (RF) energy, which delivers heat directly through a surgical probe placed under the skin. The minimally invasive procedure is performed under local anesthesia and results in 3D tissue remodeling and contraction through superficial fat destruction and volumetric heating. “Whether performed alone or combined with body contouring [tumescent liposuction](https://aedit.com/procedure/tumescent-liposuction), these treatments are especially effective for neck and jawline recontouring, smile line and jowl reduction, and the tightening of skin over the abs, arms, or bra area,” he says. 
 
### **2. Breast Augmentation**
“We have seen the development of new procedures to augment both buttocks and breasts using a patient’s own adipose tissue, rather than relying solely on foreign material,” says [Ryan Neinstein, MD](https://neinsteinplasticsurgery.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwoaz3BRDnARIsAF1RfLeZf1acke3AvwzOcdJlDmcvGsXEtsUyKd_IzkEUm8uHQCwvZW199OsaAtDcEALw_wcB), a New York City-based board certified plastic surgeon. A patient’s own fat is extracted (via liposuction), purified, and then injected to various areas of the body for natural augmentation, and the autologous fat can take the place of silicone or saline implants. In the case of women’s breasts, the [fat tissue can be injected](https://aedit.com/procedure/breast-augmentation-with-fat-transfer) for a naturally augmented appearance. “Cleavage lines and upper pole fullness can both be improved dramatically along with an enlargement of the breast itself,” he says. 

### **3. Buttock Augmentation**
Also known as a [Brazilian Butt Lift or BBL](https://aedit.com/procedure/brazilian-butt-lift-fat-grafting), buttock augmentation can be performed with a safe injection of autologous fat in the subcutaneous plane above the buttock muscles, Dr. Neinstein says. This can add the desired amount of volume to the area and greatly improve the curves of the buttocks. “The accompanying liposuction can further improve the aesthetic result,” he adds.  
 
### **4. CoolSculpting®**
[CoolSculpting®](https://aedit.com/procedure/cool-sculpting), a non-surgical body contouring procedure that destroys fat cells by freezing targeted areas on the body via an applicator applied to the skin, has long been popular. But [Jennifer Levine, MD](https://drjenniferlevine.com/), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City, believes it’s going to be even more popular post-pandemic as many people have gained the so-called COVID 19. “It’s great for getting rid of unwanted fat,” she says. 

### **5. EmSculpt™** 
With gyms closed all over the country, [EmSculpt™](https://aedit.com/aedition/why-everyone-is-talking-about-emsculpt) is asserting itself as a popular (and painless) alternative, Dr. Levine notes. “EmSculpt™ gives 20,000 crunches or 20,000 squats in 30 minutes, so it is a great start to get a jumpstart on your exercise routine and strengthen your muscles, which may have not been adequately worked out,” she explains.  

Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to strengthen, tone, and firm the abdomen, butt, arms, thighs, and calves, EmSculpt™ delivers contouring results that existing non-invasive body-shaping therapies cannot match, Dr. Frank says. The treatment burns fat and builds muscle to sculpt the body, allowing patients to achieve fitness goals that otherwise remain out of reach. “This is not a treatment for weight loss,” Dr. Frank clarifies. “It’s best for individuals who are in good shape already and serves as an ‘icing on the cake’ treatment.” He believes that this type of technology will do for the body what Botox® did for the face. 
 
### **6. Filler for the Body**
Not just for the face, [fillers like Sculptra® and hyper-diluted Radiesse®](https://aedit.com/aedition/everything-you-need-to-know-about-dermal-fillers), are increasingly being used on the body to both contour and improve skin quality. “These products can help with volume — especially in the butt — and also improve skin texture and quality, as well as lessen the appearance of cellulite,” Dr. Levine says. 

### **7. The (New) Mommy Makeover**
After pregnancy, women are often left with [diastasis recti](https://aedit.com/procedure/diastasis-recti-repair), in which the rectus abdominis muscles separate. This creates the appearance of an abdominal bulge that, for many women, can be quite noticeable. “On top of this, many are left with skin laxity, which does not resolve despite diligent exercise and adequate nutrition,” Dr. Neinstein explains, adding that is not unlike the excess skin people experience after a significant weight loss. “This is especially true as we age and the amount of collagen and elastin — the structural proteins within the skin — decreases,” he says. 

While diastasis recti can be treated on its own, women often combine it with an abdominoplasty (read: tummy tuck), [mastopexy](https://aedit.com/procedure/breast-lift) (a.k.a. breast lift), or breast lift with implant placement (i.e. augmentation-mastopexy) for a larger-scale mommy makeover. “An abdominoplasty includes the removal of a portion of excess abdominal skin and tightening of the underlying six-pack muscles with sutures,” Dr. Neinstein says, adding that new modalities allow surgeons to improve the results of a tummy tuck with smaller incisions. 

He often employs an ultrasound-based device known as Vaser® to melt stubborn fat in the flanks, abdomen, back, and bra rolls. Once the fat is softened, small liposuction cannulas gently extract the fat and provide the appropriate contour. “This combination greatly improves the appearance following a tummy tuck, whereas previously, women were left with a significant amount of residual fatty tissue,” he says. 

### **8. SculpSure®**
Designed to reduce fat in areas like the abdomen and love handles, [SculpSure®](https://aedit.com/procedure/sculpsure) helps achieve a slimmer appearance without surgery or downtime. The low-energy laser technology targets and destroys fat cells in 25 minutes without affecting the skin’s surface, Dr. Neinstein says. The device features four applicators that can treat up to four zones at a time. “SculpSure® is less painful than past non-invasive treatments, has no recovery time (you can resume work and daily activities immediately after), and results can be seen after one session,” he shares. 

### **9. Skin Tightening** 
Skin tightening has long been the holy grail of body contouring surgery, but, in the past, the only way to reliably tighten skin was with excision and a resulting scar. Today, there are several devices that use some form of energy to tighten the underlying collagen network. “In our practice, we use a device that uses plasma energy to reliably and safely tighten the skin,” Dr. Neinstein says. This is done at the same time of surgery. “Often, patients that would previously have required a full-length abdominoplasty incision can be treated with a mini-abdominoplasty incision or with the combination of Vaser®, liposuction, and skin tightening alone,” he adds. 

From implant-free breast augmentation to minimally invasive skin tightening, three aesthetic providers break down the most popular and promising body sculpting procedures for women. 

Best Surgical And Non-Surgical Body Contouring Procedures For Women

9 Best Body Contouring Procedures For Women

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*I feel my temperature rising.* Not just the opening lyrics to Elivs Presley’s 1972 classic “Burning Love,” it is also how I feel all summer in New York City as the rising mercury and dew point leave my complexion anywhere from a little too dewy to straight up drenched in sweat. The result? The makeup I carefully applied to yield a subtle, summery glow looks shiny and smudged not long after leaving the cool confines of my apartment.

While I might not be venturing into the sweltering subterranean subway as often this summer, COVID-19 face coverings provide a new challenge for keeping makeup and skin looking fresh during the warm weather months. To combat the shine-inducing side effects of summer’s steamy temps, I knew I needed to call an expert — in the form of Urban Decay global makeup artist [Steve Kassajikian](https://www.instagram.com/udstevek/?hl=en) — for advice.

## **Summer Makeup Made Simple**
“Summer is about looking really fresh and glowy,” Kassajikian tells me over email, unknowingly confirming that he fully understands my ideal aesthetic and, hopefully, how to maintain it for longer than a New York minute. As he describes it, some of the simplest and most versatile summer makeup looks involve: 
 
- Natural skin
- Bushy, feathered brows
- Warmer tones on the eyes and cheeks
- Bold lashes

With that in mind, Kassajikian shares three pro tips for keeping your makeup in place and skin naturally radiant all summer long.

### **1. Set Yourself Up for Success**
Longwear makeup tends to leave my skin a bit more matte than I would like for the summertime, but Kassajikian offers a couple ways to extend the lifespan of any complexion product without an overly dry or mattifying result:
 
- Mix a pump of your face primer into your foundation to ensure long wear
- Wet your beauty sponge with setting spray when applying foundation

Bonus points if you still apply a primer *before* foundation and setting spray on top. He recommends the [Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer](https://www.urbandecay.com/all-nighter-face-primer-by-urban-decay/ud983.html#q=All+Nighter+Setting+Spray&start=2), [All Nighter Setting Powder](https://www.urbandecay.com/all-nighter-waterproof-setting-powder-urban-decay/ud905.html#q=all+nighter+powder&start=1), and [All Nighter Setting Spray](https://www.urbandecay.com/all-nighter-setting-spray-by-urban-decay/ud803.html#q=All+Nighter+Setting+Spray&start=1). “Your makeup won’t move all day,” he says.

### **2. Add Glow Strategically**
Just because I am concerned about radiance veering into shiny/sweaty territory doesn't mean I can’t still add a bit of (strategic) luminosity to my look, Kassajikian says. “Prep the skin with a beauty oil before applying foundation to hydrate and make the skin look luminous,” he explains, adding that the [Drop Shot Oil](https://www.urbandecay.com/drop-shot-facial-oil-urban-decay/ud882.html) by Urban Decay works particularly well because it’s specifically formulated to complement foundation. 

While the oil trick will provide an all-over glow, Kassajikian also has a tip for making key parts of the face shine bright like a diamond — in a good way. He suggests wetting powder highlighters (I’m a fan of the [Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders](https://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/collections/makeup-cheeks-strobe/products/ambient-strobe-lighting-powder) and [Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlights](https://www.westman-atelier.com/collections/all/products/super-loaded?variant=16902530596907)) with a setting spray to give the illusion of dewy skin. 
 
### **3. Don’t Be Afraid to Touch Up**
Truth be told, there is no surefire way to keep makeup in place all day, but there are plenty of ways to touch it up without messing it up. Kassajikian says a good setting spray, like the [Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray](https://www.urbandecay.com/all-nighter-setting-spray-by-urban-decay/ud803.html#q=All+Nighter+Setting+Spray&start=1), is a must, and it’s also worth keeping a pressed translucent powder on hand to touch up the t-zone. “It will remove shine without adding layers of product,” he shares. The [Fenty Invisimatte Blotting Powder](https://www.sephora.com/product/invisimatte-blotting-powder-P39784685) is a good oil-absorbing option, while the [Supergoop 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder](https://www.sephora.com/product/invisimatte-blotting-powder-P39784685) is infused with SPF 45.  

## **Summer 2020: The Eyes Have It**
With face masks and coverings de rigueur for summer 2020, Kassajikian says we can expect to see a shift in how people wear makeup. “I predict everyone will be wearing more eye makeup to ensure they stand out from the mask,” he says, echoing the [all-about-eyes trend](https://aedit.com/aedition/popularity-of-eyelid-surgery-cosmetic-eye-procedures-during-covid-19) that is currently playing out in aesthetic medicine. “I also feel that people won’t go as heavy on foundation and lips will stay more muted,” Kassajikian adds. Lightening up on foundation and other complexion products should also help to keep some of those mask-related breakouts (a.k.a. [maskne](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-prevent-acne-caused-by-covid-19-masks-face-coverings)) at bay.

AEDITION complexion perfection-min

Beauty Collection | The AEDITION

Beauty

To learn how to combat the shine-inducing side effects of summer’s sweltering temps, The AEDITION tapped a celebrity makeup artist for his best pro tips.

Makeup Artist Tips For Applying Makeup For Summer 2020

How To Keep Your Makeup Looking Fresh All Summer Long

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