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Five Beauty Questions for L'Oréal Paris Canada's Eddie Malter

Do you ever wish you could pick a beauty expert's brain? I had the chance to sit down with the official makeup artist of L'Oréal Paris Canada, Eddie Malter, and ask him some of my burning beauty questions. As the Artistic Director for L'Oréal FashionWeek and a beauty expert on Project Runway Canada, he is definitely the man with all the answers.
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Do you ever wish you could pick a beauty expert's brain? I had the chance to sit down with the official makeup artist of L'Oréal Paris Canada, Eddie Malter, and ask him some of my burning beauty questions. As the Artistic Director for L'Oréal FashionWeek and a beauty expert on Project Runway Canada, he is definitely the man with all the answers.

Eddie and I talking beauty.

1. Dark lips were spotted all over the Autumn/Winter 2012 runway. What's your advice on how to wear deep burgundy or aubergine lipstick without looking like you're dressing up for Halloween?

Eddie admits that a dark lip isn't easy to pull off, and may not be for everyone. If you want to try this look, he suggests starting with clean skin and a very light base (try a bit of powder, subtle bronzer, or some BB Cream to create a natural look). Use a lengthening mascara to enhance your eyes, and apply a subtle amount of a natural looking blush. As a general rule, keep your makeup to a minimum, and let your bold lips speak for themselves.

2. BB Cream is the latest craze, but what exactly is BB Cream (also known as Beauty Balm or Blemish Balm) and what is the proper way to use it?

Although many people think Beauty Balm is a recent innovation, it was actually developed in the 1960s by an aesthetic surgeon. Originally developed to protect, moisturize, and soothe skin, it's a gentle product that can be used on most skin types.

Each product differs in the benefits and the ingredients, but the overall idea is the same: a gentle moisturizer that evens skin tone and illuminates the face. Depending on your skin type and preferences, BB Cream can be used instead of moisturizer and/or foundation.

3. What's the best way to apply BB Cream?

Eddie suggests applying it with your fingers: start at the centre of your face, and work your way out. Dab and blend the product, as you focus on evening out your t-zone and covering any visibly discoloured spots. In addition to using BB Cream all over the face, it can also be used as a highlighter on the apples of the cheeks, around the eyes, and under the eyebrows.

4. Winter is just around the corner, and that means cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh wind. What's the best way to avoid dry skin as the temperatures drop?

Eddie suggests exfoliating once a week. It's a good habit to get into, and especially important during winter. Exfoliating will help remove dead skin, and allow your moisturizer to absorb evenly and thoroughly. He also suggests incorporating moisturizing (morning and night) into your daily beauty regime to prevent your skin from drying out.

5. What's a beauty routine that you regularly enforce and believe in?

Eddie didn't have to think about this one: sunscreen. The best way to prevent sun damage and aging is to protect your skin, and sunscreen is critical. Even when the weather is cloudy or you're not going to be spending time in direct sun, Eddie suggests applying sunscreen everyday.

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