Plus, how to actually apply concealer. | | Snow has been making a comeback, and I’m relishing it, setting cozy ramen dates with friends in New York City and, up in the Catskills, staying in a tiny getaway cabin and going on a blizzardy drive through the ice-capped mountains. Dreamy! But I’d be lying if I said my skin didn’t need extra TLC through these blustery conditions. From the long-wear concealer that withstands the elements to the must-haves that save my parched skin and brittle nails, I’m sharing a few of my current beauty favorites and game-changing pro tips below. Happy Winter! | — Lauren Valenti, InStyle Beauty Director | | | | | BEAUTY TIP OF THE WEEK | | “Glass nail files have a finer grit and are great if you have weak or brittle nails.” | — nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood Mazz Hanna | | | | EMPTY OF THE WEEK | Ursa Major’s Alpine Rich Cream | Since the fall, I’ve reached for Ursa Major’s Alpine Rich Cream to kick up moisture and keep my skin barrier happy amid the colder months. It seals in everything that came before it, while its star ingredients (brightening skullcap, strengthening ceramides, and firming red maple bark) work to keep my complexion clear, smooth, and plump. Plus, with its velvety texture and satin finish, it’s agreeable with my makeup and SPF, even as I layer throughout the day. While a little goes a long way, I already need to restock it—as my fiancé won’t stop stealing from my jar! | | | | | | PHOTO: Lauren Valenti | Q+A with Lauren | Q: How do I apply concealer so that it looks more natural? | A: Lately, I’ve been following Fenty Beauty global makeup artist Priscilla Ono’s “Dot-Dot-Dot” technique, which she uses on Rihanna. (Need I say more?) Using the doe-shaped tip of the new We're Even Hydrating Longwear Concealer, she taps three dots along the eyes, nose, and/or chin to achieve more natural-looking results. “The goal is to make your skin look like skin, but better,” says Ono. “Dotting gets you the perfect amount, so you’re not overapplying it.” As for blending? “You can use a brush, tool, or finger (Rihanna loves to do her foundation with her fingers),” she says. Ono's fave: a fluffy brush like Fenty’s Precision Concealer Brush.
Read More on InStyle.com | How to Give Yourself a Mini Facelift With Concealer → | After Over 100 Hours of Testing, We Found the Best Under-Eye Concealers → | | | | | PHOTO: Lauren Valenti | | MUST-TRY TREATMENT | Recently, to celebrate the launch of the new Keys Soulcare Deeply Replenishing Squalane face oil, I got to experience an incredible evening sound bath with transformation coach Shayla Martin. Harnessing the healing powers of sound, Martin used a set of glow-in-the-dark crystal singing bowls to create a series of soothing tones that helped lull my mind into a more meditative and deeply relaxed state. It helped me be more present in my body and punctuate the end of the day in a healthier, more intentional way than, let’s say, turning on Bravo. I can’t recommend it enough. | | | | For more, follow Lauren on InStyle, Instagram, and TikTok. | | | | | | We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. | | | | | | | | | |