Archived Post
Have you ever sought professional advice about skincare or makeup? Did it help?
I did go to a dermatologist once, and it did not help at all (I was really turned off by them – I was told my acne would never go away unless I stopped wearing makeup, full-stop – no makeup ever again.) Luckily, my primary care doctor completely resolved my acne issues in a matter of weeks (two prescriptions, clindamycin and Differin). Whenever I meet a makeup artist, I try to ask lots of questions and find out what they like, don’t like, what they’re excited about, what they’re using the most, and if I ever do a makeover, I tell the artist to do what they’d most love to see on my face (I find it gives me the most interesting take).
— Christine
I had a similarly bad experience with the first dermatologist I visitied because of my acne ( I was 19). He too was of the opinion that it was only the makeup that caused it. Pointing out that I sometimes didn’t wear any for weeks (e.g. vacations) which didn’t have any effect on my breakouts didn’t help. I was smart enough to visit another doctor right away (female, and wore makeup), who not only assured me that makeup was no problem, as long as I remove it at night and clean my brushes, but also got rid of my acne.
I also had my eyebrows plucked professionally once, and I would NEVER do that again. She overplucked massively and I was lucky that my brows completely grew out again. I’ve been doing them myself since.
I once went to a dermatologist to ask about removing facial moles, she looked at them and said doing so will leave scars on the face, so I decided to leave them alone. But if technology advances such that removal will result in no scars or almost invisible scars, I would consider it. As for makeup, I’ve had some makeovers at makeup counters, and none of them really impressed me, and some were downright awful -wrong color foundation/powder, tons of makeup piled on, like they were trying to sell me every product possible (ugh).
The doctors in my family (who aren’t dermatologists) said if one wants to remove a mole off the face to see a plastic surgeon, even if it’s more expensive, because they would be the best at minimizing visible scarring. When I was teen, I considered getting rid of the one next to my nose!
Thanks for the tip Christine! I can already hear the cash register going cha-ching, cha-ching, but it might be worth it. I have a number on my face, and while I’m diligent about sunscreen, I have to keep an eye on them. And there’s a small one right above my nostril (ugh!!)
I understand! 🙂 I keep a good eye on mine as well!
I was getting mu botox and filler from an amazing PS. He looked at a mole on the corner of my lip and offered to remove it then and there. Was the most wonderful thing ever done to my face!! I tried to have it removed before but was told may scar or get worse. I was grateful my PS suggested it. I do believe I sent a rhank you note!
Yes for both regarding professional advice, and yes it did help. I have gone to few good estheticians over the years and still continue much of the at home skin care regimen today. I used to have problem and really sensitive skin but I think nowadays it’s just normal to oily. I’m not ot sure why skin changes like that but I imagine it’s a little bit of age, genetics, diet and skin care all combined. I don’t know when it happened but for about the last 5 years, my skin has leveled out and I don’t have any of the issues that I used to have (reacts to everything, redness, dull, patchy, colonies of breakouts). I’ve gotten some great advice and product recommendations from a few great estheticians and I haven’t really deviated because it’s working.
As far as help with my makeup, I get makeovers pretty routinely two or three times a year. MAC is my go to for makeovers. I don’t do well with picking out colors or trying to create a whole face look, so it’s just easier to go get my face done, buy what they used on me and then replicate it at home as best I can. There have been a few times where I’ve left a makeover thinking, “Nope!” but pretty consistently they always give me the look I’m after and I find their technique and color pairing to be a cut above the rest.
Dermatologist? Several different occasions. For all sorts of stuff, but never for my acne issues (which were really bad, even cystic). And having read what they said to you about never wearing makeup again, I’m damn glad I didn’t seek one out for that! No, my consults were concerning Lupus issues, and later on, skin cancer checks resulting in a few AK’s getting frozen off.
Makeup artists? That’s WAY more fun and enjoyable! Even though most of them assume that I’m one myself (used to be, anyway), it’s almost always a pleasant convo exchanging info. Love to pick the minds of those currently in the field in order to learn a new technique or ideas!
Skin care- I actually have a dermatologist appointment tomorrow! I have a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and one of the side effects is cystic acne!! So I talked to my family doctor, and she recommended her own dermatologist, and they put me on Tactupump Forte. Which is a pretty high dose gel!! And my skin is now clear and happy!! :D. Asking for help was one of the best things for my skin!! Now most of the time, I just wear concealer under my eyes and a swipe on my right cheek and I’m good base wise!!
Makeup- I’m in cosmetology school. I’ll be a certified makeup artist come April/May 2017. So whenever I have questions about a makeup technique I go to my teacher!! She’s really nice about me always asking questions too ahaha.
Shannon, I also have PCOS. I have oily large pore skin with breakouts but not cystic. But I have facial hair growth. It’s horrible. Have you had any issues with that? If so, what are you doing about it? I’m currently tweeting constantly. My family jokes about me losing it if I can’t find my tweezers. Oh, and now I’m losing the hair on my head! Would really like to hear your thoughts. I’m 39. Not sure if that matters with the PCOS or not. Thanks!
UGH. YES!! My face is covered in hair!! And because of my enthicity (native canadian) I have BLACK facial hair on my cheeks/jaw/forehead PLUS my upper lip. It’s so so annoying!! I personally don’t pluck it, I just leave it because I’m lazy and it hurts to pluck LOL.
I’m turning 20 soon, and I was diagnosed this year. But iv had cysts on my ovaries/the acne and facial hair since I was 16!!! 🙂
Shannon, I had the SAME syndrome (PCOS) for years! Ended up having to have surgery to completely remove everything….including both ovaries? BUT, I never had any troubles with acne during all those years. Weird, huh?? I guess each case is different….
Congrats on your upcoming certification!!???
Oh gosh!! I’m sorry you had to have everything removed, but I’m sure that’s saved you some pain!!!!
My best friend has is as well, and shes had like two zits her whole life. (If she wasn’t my best friend I’d hate her LOL) so I guess you’re right!! Every case must be different!!!
Also!! Thank you so much!! I’m so excited to start this new chapter of my life 😀
What a silly thing to say from your dermatologist! I never sought help for make-up, but I did spend a lot of time at the derm’s office trying to find a solution for my acne problem. Differin, benzoylperoxide, antibiotics,… nothing helped at all. Until they put me on roaccutane. Changed EVERYTHING! Unfortunately the acne and shine came back after stopping the treatment, but at least the breakouts are nowhere near as bad as they used to be. The shine is horrible though. I am sitting here as we speak looking like someone just sprayed my face with spray butter.
I used to go for facials regularly in France and the esthetician gave me the best advice I ever got: to stop using scrubs completely on my face, and to use non-abrasive exfoliants instead.
When it comes to makeup I always ask a ton of questions to makeup artists so I can learn new techniques and the best ways to do things.
Lulle….oh yes! We’ve been to France regularly over the past 20 years (my husband is French and still has half of his extended family living over there)….and until you mentioned it, I’d COMPLETELY forgotten about the facials I used to get in Paris! Lovely….ahhhhhhh…. And I also was told the SAME thing (although I don’t remember who told me of if I just read it somewhere) about not using abrasive exfoliants on my skin. I’ve found an EXCELLENT non-abrasive one by Herbivore (Blue Tansy). Absolutely NOTHING harsh or “scratchy” in it, but it works like a charm to exfoliate and reveal clean, clear, smooth skin like that on a baby’s butt?
I’ve been to 9(yes…9!) different dermatologists, over a 22 year period(the last time was 8 years ago) and only ONCE did it really help. The side effects, unfortunately, screwed me up BIG TIME! I took Accutane, for the first time back in 1994; it was supposed to be a 6 month period to combat my cystic acne. After only 3 months, my lower back and entire left side seized-up on me and I literally couldn’t walk(had to crawl to the phone and call out of work that day…SIGH). Had to stop using the stuff, but(after my face stopped shedding), my skin was so clear and even. I’m glad that I have a picture of it, because 2 months later, I started breaking out again(SIGH) and my lower back hasn’t been the same since(double SIGH). I found out that my acne was the lovely gift of genetics(I’ve been drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day for the last 31 years, not eating a bunch of junk, etc.) and am now letting menopause do it’s thing(which by the way is working out quite nicely)! Oh yeah, I didn’t start wearing eye shadow and blush until 4 years ago and never put a bunch of foundation on anyway; so, at this point in my life, I’m going to wear WHATEVER I damn well want to! I still don’t pile a lot on(especially when it comes to foundation/concealer and I don’t do the whole contouring/highlighting thing) and if some of my scars show through(which have diminished a lot, anyway)…then so be it. I’m enjoying makeup a LOT more than in the past and play up my best feature…my large eyes…and since no one has told me that I look like a clown, then I’m doing fine. And if anyone EVER says I look like a clown…I’d give ’em a sign-up sheet to come join my circus! My positive attitude is my other best feature…a smile goes a long way! So I may be going over that “hill,” but I’m gonna be skipping down and wearing cute lipstick! : D
Well done. Menopause can have some wonderful side effects
My dermatologist told me that I should only use skincare from pharmacy brands like la roche posay, avène, bioderma… She also said that I should never use products from bio brands as melvita. I don’t care, I buy what I want ^^
I started having makeovers at cosmetics counters when I was 21-22. I would go in once a year or every other year and let the artist do whatever they wanted. I became partial to LANCOME (this was long before Ulta and Sephora, so the main offerings were Clinique, Estée Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, and LANCOME.) There was no YouTube either. I relied on make up artists and trial and error to figure out how to apply products and what colors worked for me. I was a stay at home mother of four children (we home educated all four) so I was on a very limited time and money budget. I could not afford skin care counsel or the products that would have been recommended but fortunately I had good skin. I used a Neutrogena face wash and face lotion for about 20 years. I started getting into skin care in my 40s. I read (and still read) skin care articles in magazines and online. I pay extra attention to the ones written by dermatologists. Based on what I was reading, it didn’t take long for me to start retin A and vitamin C. My PCP gave me the retin A prescription and I started using Skinceuticals CE Ferulic (I still use both to this day). I began working at LANCOME and was taught to teach others about skincare. Many of my coworkers were/are estheticians and I go to them often when I have questions. I added glycolic acid to my routine about a year ago (I use it like a toner, first thing after washing, and especially before retin A). I also began going to a dermatologist’s office this year (my 50th birthday present to myself) but I see the estheticians, not the doctor. They went over my current skincare routine and gave approval. The only
recommendation they gave was to start peels, and so I am scheduled for my first peel next week.
One of the best sites I’ve found for skincare advice is at Paula’s Choice. If you explore her sight you can find information about how to create a skincare routine based on your skin type and concerns. I use her template and plug in the products I want to use. Reading her myths articles (Myths About Retin A, etc) is very helpful and informative.
I forgot to mention that now I look at beauty blogsand sites, skincare blogs and sites, and YouTube videos every week that teach me more and more about how to take care of my skin and apply cosmetics. I’m very passionate about cosmetics and skincare!
Christine, I was searching your site over the weekend for the two products you use to control your acne, so I was very glad to see your answer today. My 30 year old daughter is still suffering with acne and I want to help her get both these products. Will you please share the prescription strengths your doctor recommend and how these products are used? I will have her ask her doctor to prescribe them and then pay for them for her. Poor thing, she is so broken out that she can’t wear any makeup and she loves makeup.
Hey Tammy,
I used Clindamycin 1% Foam (50gm) and Adapalene 0.1% Gel (45gm) (generic for Differin). I’m currently using Clindamycin 1% Topical Soln (60ml) and Differin 0.1% Gel (45gm) and have had the same results (my insurance company in CA paid for the first two, but the one in AZ refuses to pay for foam vs. topical – I prefer foam, it is easier to apply – and won’t cover generic Differin, LOL, only name brand).
In pretty exciting news, FDA actually approved Differin Gel 0.1% for over-the-counter use for acne! http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm510362.htm
I’m not sure when we’ll see it on counters, but this is REALLY exciting 🙂 (Perhaps bad news if your insurance would normally cover and your copay is cheaper!)
I apply clindamycin twice a day as my first product (morning and evening). For adapalene/Differin, I apply once daily in the evening, after clindamycin but before my moisturizer. I always apply both of these prior to any serums. Differin CAN make you very dry – when I first used it, I gave up on it, because my skin was so dry and flaky, but my doctor told me to try using it every other day (or even every two days) to build up tolerance. I did that and was good after a few months 🙂
Oh Christine, it was so kind of you to take the time to answer my question with such detail, thank you!
This is exactly what and how my dermatologist prescribed to my teenage daughter for her pimples and it cleared up in less than a week!
When I was around 10 or 11, I went to both a western dermatologist and a Chinese medical specialist for my acne. Neither worked and the only way my face cleared up was with health supplements and drinking lots of water.
I’ve never truly met a makeup artist and no offense but I don’t consider those who work at Sephora, Ulta, Macys or even the MAC Pro Store MUAs. You sell eyeshadow etc. You’re not Kevin Aucoin or Pat McGrath. I more than likely will take what you say with a grain of salt. Js. Now if I met say Lisa Eldridge, I may have questions…
You’re so right! Big difference between cosmetic sales people-some working on commission, putting makeup on you & a true mua! Depending on which Mac Pro, some are truly talented, but mac has lowered it’s standards now & it’s all about sales-not skills. If you’re sales are good, you can be a Mac ‘artist’, even if your makeup abilities are mediocre.
A dermatologist had me on hydrocortisone for months, couldn’t figure out what was causing a rash. I finally determined it was the metal on my handbag!
Derms were never much help for acne, but did better with psoriasis. No topicals ever worked…back then, and they always insisted on using them, despite my saying they aggravated the problem. BHA with the right pH did more than any topical. (Allergic to benzoyl) probably investigating Curology next. I think you need to see a specifically cosmetic oriented derm, rather than a general, or medically oriented derm, to get the right approach. I find that Derms in general have a very western disease oriented model. They would benefit from a more Asian, holistic skin balance approach. Also, I have always been a fair research nerd, and find their listening skills can be lacking. Little cooperative approach, fairly authoritarian, and reduced listening skills. Not one ever asked about your parents’ skin, and which parent’s skin you had, hormones, etc. It is all hard wired, and comes from your genetic makeup, so it should be considered. Just for yuks: 100 years ago, a Derm proscribed brown drinks, based on caffeine content. Guess he never had a Mt. Dew… Never found a derm worth sticking with.
I should really take advantage of the vib free consultation this year at Sephora. I’ve had rather poor luck with the department store makeup artists in the being and with MAC it’s been hit or miss. (both keep trying to use pink foundation and concealers on me…. I’m pale olive….OLIVE….)
My family doctor saved me from back acne that also cleared up my face for a while. But there is only so long you can be on tetracycline. I stopped using 6 years ago so I still have acne but not anywhere nears as bad as it was. I also suffer from contact dermatitis which will never 100% go away (and relatively mild) but also is a trigger for acne to break out where my clothes rub into my skin.
Skincare: Yes. I needed a bit of help setting up a program and then having someone to encourage me to stick with it. So many products and so many claims, my aesthetician helped me wade through the bs to get to the ‘real’ stuff that was going to help me in the long term. She also encouraged me while I was going through a really rough spot with my program during the winter months a number of years ago. I was trying to get to the point of using my retinol product daily and I was peeling so horribly and consistently, I kept backing off of it and then going through the same process over and over again when I would up the ante. I needed that push and to trust that my skin wasn’t going to completely freak out.
Makeup: Not as much. I have not had good experiences with having my makeup done for me. I would rather learn on my own time. Certainly a variety of professional youtubers have helped me enormously. My makeup game is miles from where it was even just 3 years ago. I thoroughly enjoy the learning process, even though it certainly has not come naturally. I’m a rather methodical plodding person and have to think through and painstakingly work through everything. I enjoy vloggers with the same temperament; those capable of analyzing and breaking down the steps ultimately sharing the nitty gritty details of their methods. I despise the proliferation of adhoc product reviews and race through at mach speed application techniques.
Yes, in my 50s, I’ve had many a consult. From dermatologists to skin care “pros” from the likes of Chanel, Caudelie, Clarins, and more. Derms have always recommended OTC products (Cetaphil, Neutrogena, Olay) saying the higher ends work no better. The docs recommended to couple the OTC with Retin-A, and good to go. That never worked for me. I tried Retin A three separate times, and it always made my skin worse instead of better, even after months of use as directed.
I’ve said this here before, but the only skin care line that has ever made a measurable difference in my skin and its appearance has been Kiehl’s. Why? I have no idea. I use a simple combo of a cleanser, toner, (Evian mineral water spray), serum, eye and face cream. Exfoliate a few times a week, and I could not be happier.
Aside — one thing the docs always say that I do put stock in is that good OTC companies like L’Oreal, Neutrogena, and Olay have the best cosmetic scientists in the biz working on their formulations. It makes sense if you think about it. Tiny companies can’t afford the same depth and breadth. Keihl’s, just bought by L’Oreal, started as a pharma company in 1851, so maybe that’s why it works so well for me.
I saw a dermatologist for years trying to clear up my acne. Ended up going on Accutane for 8 months. I’d love to start going back to one. I love getting my makeup done at counters. I usually let them do what they want, I can always wipe it off if I don’t like it 🙂
Yes and yes — a dermatologist re acne. At first, the dermatologist defaulted to a quick fix in form of antibiotic pills; she didn’t seem too interested. But when I didn’t like the side effects of those, I took it back up with her and now, after some back and forth a bit, I have a nice outcome from prescription retinol and antibiotic creams along with a skincare regimen that I figured out for myself. I’ve never worked with a makeup artist.
Very odd of a dermatologist to say that. 1 because it’s scientifically untrue, and 2 because you would think their job would be to “sell” you prescriptions (of course in the hopes that they help), not judge your life choices. Do they *want* you to feel comfortable coming back to their practice lol? I have a good derm–he’s very of the attitude that you are not the cause of your skin woes. I have never really asked him for skincare regimen advice, but I have to say yes, he helped me, because I got access to prescription medications.
I’ve never gotten any advice from a real-deal professional makeup artist. I wish I was in a position to meet any!
I haven’t been to a dermatologist nor had a facial, SERIOUSLY. I am afraid that once they start giving you treatments, they will hard sell on the rest of their products (this was based on my sister’s experience). Although I am really considering getting professional help in getting rid of the breakouts in my jaw area. they come and go but it would be nice if I will have a better skin.
I had a great derm in the 90’s helped clear up my acne.
Yes. I went to an Make-up Artist to Show me how to use Different brushes. When you buy a brush you Know for what purpose it is produced but I found it better to go to the Make-up Artist to explain what else you can Do with a Special brush or When real hair is better than artificial hair etc.
I’ve been lucky in the dermatologist Dept. I didn’t get acne until I was in my late 20’s (I can count the number of pimples I had as a teen on one hand lol). He was amazing. MUA’s….I haven’t used one since I became one, but I do talk to fellow MUA’s about their tips and advice as part of networking and community. It always helps to bounce ideas and experiences off of each other because it’s a trade where there is always room for more knowledge
Recently I have dealt with two dermatologists. I had post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The first dermatologist ( who works at a major teaching hospital in Toronto) refused to see me. When her receptionist learned my skin color (NC 35 ish) she said “the doctor will not do anything for someone of your skin color” and she said she could book me an appointment but it would cost me a lot of money and would be a waste of my time. I felt pretty awful about this so I went back to my family doctor who sent me to another dermatologist who said that hyperpigmentation was a difficult problem to treat and that treatment might take a long time but there were options for me. She (the second dermatologist prescribed a treatment plan that has worked wonders! I am so pleased with how my skin is doing now.
I found a great derm through online research, Leslie Baumann. She wrote a book and I discovered that my skin was sensitive and couldn’t tolerate too much exfoliation. So I use retinols and Vitamin c serums only few times a week.
Also use a rich moisturizer and spf for pigmentation.
After using her recc mineral water spray 2x day before day/night cream for 1 year I noticed my skin clear up.
The other derm I went to told me to invest in a good cream and use Effaclar by La Roche Posay for my spots. She also recommended a cleanser which caused more spots.
So in the end it was Dr. Baumann’s advice that helped the most.
For makeup I usually look for ideas on Youtube. I had 2 good consultations at the dept store, 1 bad one and one at a drugstore where they reccd Lancome. But I like a little bit of everything, not only Lancome.
Once I asked about a professional makeup artist’s ideas about my eyebrows – I shouldn’t have because I looked so silly afterwards : )
Hi Temptalia,
No, not for my horrible acne. I did see a dermatologist for a weird shaped mole under my breast and they said to watch it over time. I have another appointment for the same thing and almost 26 years later! It grew and it opened up. Needless to say something is wrong because it’s also painful. …. BUT, getting back to my answer. I was given tar soap and a prescription for a topical treatment that didn’t work at all, and that was from my Family MD when I was 14 years old. Everyone tried to help me with advice and old wives tales, nothing worked! I was told not to wash my face 2 times a day because it aggravates my acne and makes it worse, then I was told no, wash your face 3 times a day, ect. How makeup makes it worse. I would just use a powder. The only thing that helped, worked, and stopped the cystic acne was Proactive! And I used that for 10 years and I have no more problems with any acne. …
However kids in school CAN be so damn cruel! I hated to even go to school! So when those kids who are all grown up, like me, see me they say,”damn your hot”. I just smile and laugh and I tell them right there, “yeah, well after puberty you tend to fill out and grow up”! And I TRULY THANK THEM. They say,” why are you thanking us”? I let them know right there, “If it WEREN’T for my Hater’s I wouldn’t be the best person that I am today, and I sure wouldn’t have the STRENGTH, EMPATHY, PASSION, DEDICATION and PATIENCE to HELP other people who Do Need My help to get better with TRUE understanding, caring, and someone who’s been through hell and back! There’s a lot of TERRIBLE things in MY Life that would take forever to tell. However… Endurance. Everyone has endured something horrific in there lives, you can let it take you down or use it as Your STRENGTH to get up and do what needs to be DONE. I NEVER played with any of the sympathy card’s! You’re NOT anyone’s Victim’s, you’re the goal oriented Survivor!!
Yes, I went to my GP when I had bad pimples as a teenager and it really helped. My skin is now blemish free. However my twin sister, who did have acne, did not and relied on home made remedies, still has the scars today.
I have seen a few dermatologists over the years for redness and skin complaints. Like you Christine, I was told I shouldn’t wear makeup. I was horrified. I went to another one and she was much better and told me the skincare products I should be using and what to avoid.
Re: skin care, my derms have been great. The current one in LA got me started on Triluma for age spots on my cheeks in lieu of laser treatments (which he also does), and it worked (plus I can buy the cream there at his office at a substantial discount). I plan to consult him on Restylane for lines above my upper lip soon.
Re: makeup artists, most have been very good, especially one from the Lauder national team several years ago who came to our local Neiman’s in VA. She’d worked on the Friends television show, and as she worked on me, interspersed bits of gossip on famous people while she made me look like a movie star. Learned a lot about contouring with bronzer from her. Had an indifferent guy from Bobbi Brown. He did OK but did not seem interested in my face, and I had to pull info out of him.
Unfortunately there are bad or lazy people in all professions, but don’t let that put you off a dermotologist – male or female. I see mine regularly and he helped my cystic acne issues. He’s never said anything so ridiculous as full stop on make-up and there are multple options outside of accutane and antibiotics. I’m limited on medications with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, but with a little effort he found something I could take that wouldn’t conflict with my other meds and there are great topical options as Christine mentioned. I’ve used both.
In the cosmetic side, I’m the same as most. I do frequent make-overs and let the artist do what they like – particularly if it’s the national or international artist for a brand. I may tell them a feature I like to play up or what I typically wear, so they can go in a different direction. It’s nice to see looks I wouldn’t typically do myself or learn a new technique. I r found some really amazing eye looks this way that I never would have considered. If they use a bad foundation match or I dislike, no big deal. It washed right off!
Years ago, I was fortunate enough to meet a famous makeup artist in LA through my hair stylist. She was a makeup artist on many movie shoots in LA and was featured in magazines such as Vogue and Elle. I spent a few precious minutes with her and she rattled off pearls of wisdom specifically for me (skin tone, eye color, lip, brow shape, etc.) that have stayed with me to this day. In hindsight, she probably saved me so much money and grief, because I had no idea what makeup looked best on me. It was just a chance set of lucky circumstances that I got all that wonderful advice and it was FREE.
I went to a dermatologist years and YEARS ago (as a young teen, before I ever wore any makeup) due to mild to moderate acne. He was a great doctor and DID get rid of the acne, mainly just with a script for an antibiotic (I don’t even think there was Differin or any such thing way back then in the dark ages LOL?).
I see a professional and have my eyebrows shaped (waxed, tweezed, and colored) about once a month. I did get Botox once (years before I ever really needed it….soooooo stupid of me to get it when I didn’t even need it yet!!….but it was a gift from my husband because I had been expressing interest in it). Other than that, no professional makeup makeover advice. I just read a lot, watch a lot of tutorials, and then wing it!
I live in Australia so I often get advice from Mecca. They have both skin and make-up specialists. Also a loyalty club which has boxes to try products every 3 months and make overs every 4 months. They give me wonderfulskin advice. When they do my make up I always try new products to see if I’m interested.
Sometimes I go to Mac also and the girls help me and try things on me. I do get facials but only rarely as I use lovely products at home.
I went to a dermatologist because of acne years ago and while I got a lot of treatment, nothing helped. Looking back I think some things actually made it worse.
I’m really anti with other people’s advice because I’ve gotten to know my skin so well that I feel very confident in my skin care methods (learned a lot in esthetician school even though I didn’t finish) plus I don’t get annoyed by who tells me something about my body/skin unless it’s my regular doc.
I sought out a dermatologist once and like you Christine I was turned off. It was for the discoloration on my back…I solved that problem on my own.