Ask Elle--Beauty Q&A

How was your weekend? I hope it was filled with lots of fun and relaxation. If you follow me on Twitter, you'll know I met Cee Lo at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. Anyway, I'm currently in Disney World for the next few days (and it's gonna rain the whole time)! So many of you kindly responded to my Beauty Q&A last week, thank you. Here are the answers to your questions. I hope they help. Have your own beauty questions you'd like answered? Leave a comment, email, or Tweet me. 

• Paris asked, "What's the best mascara?"
• For volumizing, I will always love L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black or Covergirl Lash Blast for drugstore. For more expensive, DiorShow is great.
• I curl my lashes, wiggle the brush back and forth horizontally, and use the brush vertically on the outer edges of my lashes.

• G asked, "Is there a rule with matching lipstick with blush?"
• Yes, always match the two, but it doesn't have the be the exact same shade. I mean, as in, the same color family (similar pink with pink, peach with peach, etc). However, with red lips I personally don a neutral blush.

• Nearly everyone, "Which is better, Birchbox or MyGlam?"
• When I filled out my Birchbox profile, I said skin care was what I'd spend my money on. Now, all I get is skin care, even though I changed my profile. That's a strike against Birchbox right there. But, they offer really high-quality and super expensive brands I wouldn't normally try/have access to. Others seem to really like their boxes since they get different stuff than I do.
• MyGlam has had shipping issues, but they seem to have fixed that. They offer full-size or deluxe samples. My vote? MyGlam.
• CLICK HERE to see what I get each month from both, so you can decide!

• creativefashionglee, Memory asked, "What makes hair thicker?" 
• While Biotin makes hair longer (or try a vitamin with folic acid, like prenatal), friends of mine swear by Phytophanere Dietary Supplement. It's pricey ($25 for 60 capsules) but it really works, they say. Since my hair is long and thick already, I don't use either. 
• By the way, Biotin usually starts to show some results after a month or so.
• Please consult your doctor before taking any medications or supplements. I advise this for any recommendations I give.

• Teresa asked, "What really works for under-eye puffiness?"
• First the basics: avoid salty foods and alcohol before bedtime. Drink plenty of water. Get a good rest. Sleep with your head elevated. Common sense, right? Now the good stuff:
• I swear by cold water on your face, cold tea bags under your eyes (mint works really well), frozen cucumber slices under your eyes (I will add a tiny bit of powdered ginseng too), or these cucumber patches. There are lots of creams/potions, like Philosophy's Eye Hope, the Olay Regenerist Anti-Aging Eye Roller or Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller (they make one for dark circles too). I've also used frozen spoons before but be careful.
• If it's a persistent problem, it's probably allergies. I would advise seeing a dr. or allergist for a prescription to relieve it.
• PREPARATION H DOES NOT WORK. The formula sold in the US was reformulated many years ago. 

Any beauty questions you'd like answered? Let me know, below!

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