5 Signs You're Using The Wrong Face Wash

When it comes to face wash, one size does NOT fit all. With so many types of skin, sensitivities, and issues, how do you even know if you're using the right kind for your complexion? In fact, the one you're using now may actually be causing you some major problems—like irritation, oiliness, or excessive dryness.

That's why we asked New York City dermatologist Marina Peredo, M.D., for the top warning signs that you're slathering on the wrong one for your skin. But relax, our trusty doc also explains what to replace it with, so we've got you covered—and clean—either way.

Whether it's warm and muggy or cold and dry, if your skin needs a blot not too long after cleansing, you're probably not using a formula meant for your oily skin. Peredo says to look for oil-free formulations with ingredients that have shine-absorbing properties, like salicylic acid, naicinamide, and clay. These pore-suckers will help your skin feel more comfortable and look matte for longer. "Make sure all of your makeup is oil-free, too—that's just as important," she adds.

Every time you leave the house, your skin is exposed to all kinds of pollutants from car exhausts, forced air in buildings, and the outside environment, says Peredo. This can have a cumulative impact on already-sensitive skin, and the abrasiveness of many cleansers—especially anything scrubby—can turn skin raw and make it hurt. Make your face wash as gentle as possible to avoid any further irritation. Paredo recommends picking a cleanser formulated for sensitive skin that is sulfate-free, (the common ingredient is harsh on sensitive skin). And look for soothing ingredients like oats and panthenol, the latter of which is a calming form of vitamin B.

If you're breaking out regularly, it's a sign that your cleanser could be doing a lot more work on your behalf. Look for washes containing benzoyl peroxide ranging anywhere from 2.5 to 10 percent (depending on your frequency of breakouts), and use white towels so that the ingredient doesn't cause bleach stains. "If your bumps are always on your jaw, this is a sign of hormonal acne," says Peredo. For this type of acne in particular she recommends a formula containing papaya extract. Papaya is anti-inflammatory, which helps calm the swelling of acne. It also contains papain and chymopapain, which are two naturally antibacterial enzymes that exfoliate clogged pores, along with the antioxidant lycopene, which Peredo thinks is especially helpful for jaw zits.

Does your face feel like it's one size too small after you cleanse? That's a tell-tale sign that you're using a wash that's way too drying for your skin type, says Peredo. You should never feel tight immediately after washing. Look for a creamy formula rich in ceramides and hyaluronic acid, advises Peredo. Ceramides help repair the skin barrier, and a healthy skin barrier means that hydration stays in while dryness stays out. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid is one of the most powerful humectants available, meaning it draws water many times its weight into skin and protects against hydration loss. Within seconds of patting your skin dry, apply moisturizer so that your dry skin absorbs as much as possible. You may even want to skip cleansing in the morning to preserve natural oils on skin and just cleanse at night.

If your skin always looks like you're blushing, and you flush even redder after you cleanse, you may have rosacea, says Peredo. Symptoms include persistent redness across the nose and cheeks, visible blood vessels, and a thick, bumpy texture that is sometimes peppered with acne-like bumps. Look for fragrance-free formulations with ingredients that reinforce healthy skin, like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Peredo also highly recommends that you see a dermatologist to discuss options that can keep your rosacea in check.

People Are Obsessed With This Lip And Chin Hair-Removal Gadget

Removing facial hair is scary. Will you singe a brow? Will you burn your face and create an even worse problem? How freaking bad will it hurt?

That's why we're all for anything that promises to take hair away painlessly sans irritation—and effectively. Enter: Finishing Touch Flawless. The small battery-operated device is designed for fine hair around your lip, chin, and cheeks, ensuring no pesky peach fuzz or stragglers are left behind.

It's consistently ranked on the top of Amazon's best sellers in the entire beauty category—no small feat.

You can also use it daily without worry of angering your skin. Oh, and though it's not designed as a body hair remover, you can use it as a touch-up for rogue hairs if needed, especially around your bikini line. (Those are the worst.)

With more than 1,000 glowing reviews, the question is if this passes the dermatologist test. It does. "I would compare this to dermaplaning, a procedure in the office that we use to exfoliate skin and remove fine hairs, though this only does the hair removal part," says dermatologist Sarah Cenac Jackson, M.D., of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans. For safety, she suggests using it on your lower face or upper lip, avoiding the eyebrow or eyelash area. "Accidental removal can occur quickly," she adds.

The device is also super sleek and pretty, all 18K gold-plated in rose gold. And, you can take it with you wherever, even being TSA-approved for travel, the company says.

The Best Fall Nail Color For You

Few things are as customizable-to-your-mood and changeable as nail color. When you get tired of one polish, you can just use remover and move on to the next. And with new shades coming out for fall, it's time to get your manicure game on.

Not sure what color to choose? Let your skin tone be your guide. Because while you can of course rock any shade, regardless of your complexion, certain hues are especially complementary to certain skin tones, says Angel Williams, a celebrity manicurist and nail care expert.

One neat tip from Williams: To find your skin tone, look at the inside of your wrist. If you see blue veins, you have a cool undertone; if your veins are green, you have a warm undertone.

"People are taking more risks with their nail color," adds Katherine Dorn, a makeup artist from Pierre Michel salon. What's most important is that you're sporting a shade that you feel comfortable with, she adds. And if you tend not to be adventurous with your makeup or hair, you can be with your nails. Because, hey, if you don't like it, all you have to do is break out the nail polish remover and start over.

But we're sure that you'll like these six just-launched shades for fall 2017. We've included neutrals and berries, greens and metallics in the mix. Basically, anything you could ever want. They're perfect for a fall pedicure for those peep-toe booties and will make your hands totally pop.

You have a pale complexion

Go for neutrals, advises Williams. Sheer shades of pink let light in, boosting brightness and complimenting blue undertones in light skin. "Choosing a creamier pink helps with covering up imperfections," she adds. One option is Essie Mix Taupe, a cool tone pink that's perfect for fingers.

You have light to medium skin

Opt for a berry color for fair skin tones. "Most all shades of berry act as a pop of color, glamour and versatility to this complexion," says Williams. She likes Essie Knee-High Life, which has purple undertones. Slick this one onto fingers and toes for a fun pop of color.

You have olive skin

A coral, orange, or bright pink work especially well for you, says Dorn. New to OPI's Iceland collection is I'll Have a Gin & Tectonic, a coral pink shade in a gel-like formula that's made to stick around sans all that annoying chipping. (Up to 11 days.) What's more, you can count this as a wear-it-everyday shade—you'll never get sick of it.

The most extreme nail trends of 2017

The most extreme nail trends of 2017, from the mesmerising aquarium craze to bizarre nipple nails – would YOU be brave enough to try them?

WHEN it comes to nail art, it seems the options are endless.

Vagina nails were the latest trend to explode on social media, but what do you think of these nine wacky crazes from the year so far?

Succulent nails

In a trend which goes way beyond nail art, women are actually sticking live plants on their nails.

Succulents are drought-resident plants and they are pretty hardy.

But that doesn't mean they will survive very long stuck onto your acrylic nails.

Seashell nails

Given the recent obsession with everything to do with unicorns and mermaids, it's hardly surprising that seashell nails are now a thing.

With gems and pastel hues, they look pretty stunning - but we can't imagine the ridges and bumpy texture are very practical.

Vampire fang nails

If you're looking for Halloween inspiration, this is probably the trend for you.

The burgundy-coloured, razor sharp claws have taken gothic chic to a whole new level - and only the bravest among you will be able to pull this look off.

Werewolf nails

Having been created by the style director and founder of trendy CND Jan Arnold, these furry nails are any thing but a joke.

They would look great with a werewolf Halloween outfit, but you would probably turn a few heads on public transport.

If you're a fan of the furry nails, but not the wolf-like look, there are subtler versions in white and other colours available.

Lego nails

Lego nails is the trend all 90s kids have been waiting for.

To recreate this look - simply paint your nails in a block Lego colour, add six pieces of glitter or small round gems while they're still wet, and paint over the top.

Aquarium nails

Like a snow globe at your fingertips, aquarium nails are all about the liquid glitter which moves up and down the nails.

They are decorated with gems and stars, and made using two separate fake nails - with a water-filled 'aquarium' between the two layers.

Nipple nails

Back in June, women started 'freeing the nipple' by displaying them on their nails.

With a spiral design and 3D dots in the middle, this has to be one of the most bizarre looks of 2017 so far.

Manicurist Mei Kawajiri is the brains behind the design, which even includes piercings, and the picture of her original creation immediately went viral on social media.

Spiral nails

Not to be confused with the handy DIY item, spiral nails are super-long and incredibly eye-catching.

To create the look, cover a long acrylic nail with paintable acrylic, and then use a straw to remove the long nail when dry.

Pom pom nails

Pom pom nails are every cheerleader's dream come true, and they do look very cute.

Sadly they're "completely impractical", according to nail art photographer cassmariebeauty - who's sported the look herself.