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Want Troy to answer your question? Now's your chance. If we select your question, we'll post it with his answer on Maybelline.com. Troy answers questions every month so check back!
Submit your question to Troy
Want Troy to answer your question? Now's your chance. If we select your question, we'll post it with his answer on Maybelline.com. Troy answers questions every month so check back!
Submit your question to Troy
What’s the advantage of using a mascara that includes a primer over a regular mascara? –Jennifer T. from Texas
Answer
The advantage of a two-step mascara like XXL Intense is that the primer has the magic to give you added bulk and length. In the first step, the primer and the brush work together to apply a layer of microfibers that extends the length of your lashes. The primer is also the perfect base coat for applying mascara, which is the next step. In the second step, the mascara provides a second coat of microfibers and builds volume while delivering color. These two steps work together for a beautiful result that looks as dramatically intense as false lashes.

If my foundation includes a moisturizer, do I still need to apply a moisturizer before applying my foundation? –Patricia R. from Florida
Answer
It depends on whether or not the moisturizing foundation includes an SPF. If your foundation is a moisturizing formula with an SPF like Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation, you can use it as your all-in-one foundation. If your foundation formula doesn’t have SPF, then use a moisturizer or sunscreen with SPF before applying foundation to prevent sun damage. For everyday use, since Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation has both SPF 18 sunscreen and moisturizer, you may not need to apply anything beforehand. But if you’re headed to the beach, you’ll want the added protection of your sunscreen. Tip: To keep skin healthy and fresh, apply moisturizer at night after removing your foundation.

If I have oily skin, can I still wear a blush that’s a mousse like Dream Mousse Blush? –Mary D. from Michigan
Answer
You can use a mousse blush. Just be sure to set the color with powder. After you apply the blush, follow with a dusting of loose powder using a big, fluffy brush. Powder will also help your look last longer and give your cheeks a beautiful finish. Never apply powder BEFORE you apply cream or mousse makeup or you’ll end up with a cakey mess.

Do I need to save my sheer lipcolor and gloss shades for spring or summer? –Abigail P. from California
Answer
If you blend or diffuse the liner, you can achieve the definition and the softness to help make the eye look bigger. I think hard lines can make the eye look smaller. You can dial-up or dial-down your eye liner, depending on the look you are trying to achieve. If you want to accentuate your eyes, go for a more intense eye liner look with either a bolder color or a thicker line. If you want to play up your lips or another feature, then soften the effect of your liner so your eyes won’t compete.

What will lipliner do for my lip look? And how do I avoid the “ring around the mouth” effect that it can leave? –Stephanie R. from Idaho
Answer
Lip liner helps extend the wear of your lipcolor, balances the upper and lower lips, shapes lips, provides symmetry and lets you alter the look of your lip size, if that’s your intention. To avoid that telltale ring around the mouth and to extend the life and wear of your lipcolor, completely fill in lips with liner before you apply gloss and/or lipcolor. As the gloss/lipcolor wears off, you won’t have that ring effect. Remember to use a lip liner shade that’s close to your natural lip tone or lip color.

How do I prevent my mascara from smearing? Even waterproof formulas smudge on me. –Caitlynn H. from Hawaii
Answer
A smudge-resistant mascara like Unstoppable Mascara shouldn’t smear or flake. Perhaps the oil in the skin or another product that may contain oil, like an eye cream or concealer, may be breaking down your mascara formula. Try dusting loose powder to set any under-eye concealer or eye shadow before you apply mascara to help prevent smudges.

Is powder really that important to set my look? And won’t it emphasize any wrinkles around my eyes? –Jasmine A. from Washington
Answer
I always use a loose dusting of powder with a very soft, fluffy brush to give longevity to makeup and for fewer touch-ups. Powder is especially important to use after applying cream makeup. The powder will bind the formulas to the skin so your makeup won’t move around. Always tap the brush to remove excess powder before you dust any on. Powder is particularly a “must” if you tend to have oily or combination skin.
Heavy powder near the eye area can make your skin look older or appear dry, so use the softest application of loose powder to set your eye makeup. Try applying loose powder to a sponge and dab it near the eye area, then use the Expert Tools Face Brush to blend it in. You can also pat the eye area with your finger to blend and set the powder.






