Ask a Beauty Editor

April Long is a beauty and wellness journalist whose experience includes nine years as executive beauty editor at Elle and five years as beauty director at Town & Country. She has won numerous awards for her perfume writing and publishes a weekly Substack about fragrance, The Pomander. No concern is too vain, trivial, obscure, or embarrassing — she’s here to help. Send your questions to AskABeautyEditor@nymag.com.

beauty

Is There Halloween Makeup That Won’t Break Me Out?

I write this as someone who loves a ghoul moment, but I am wary of messing up my skin.

More From 'Ask a Beauty Editor'

  1. Should I Be Using Retinol Head to Toe?Yes, but you may need longer to see results. Here is a primer.
  2. What’s the Best Way to Treat Hair Loss From GLP-1 Use?GLP-1-related hair loss is called telogen effluvium, which causes sudden, diffuse shedding — usually temporary. Here is what to do.
  3. Is It Even Possible to Make a Mineral Sunscreen With No White Cast?Because of the ingredients needed to make mineral sunscreens, it’s impossible for them to have a sheer finish.
  4. Why Do Some Body Lotions Make Me Sweat More?It’s probably because they have occlusive ingredients. Here’s how to find skincare that won’t turn slippery when things heat up.
  5. What Beauty Spots Should I Visit in New York City?Consider this a beauty editor’s guide to the city.
  6. It Costs 6 Figures to Get Ready for the Met GalaFrom in-flight tanning sessions to off-label blood-pressure medication, here’s how VIPs get ready for the first Monday in May.
  7. Which Skin-Care Ingredients Are Safe for Kids?The biggest issue is that some popular ingredients can cause irritation. Here’s what to avoid, plus a list of tween-friendly options under $20.
  8. How Do I Use Self-Tanning Drops?Don’t let the tiny bottles fool you: The drops can add significant warmth and depth to your skin tone, just like regular self-tanner.
  9. Is Botox Getting More Expensive Because of Tariffs?For now, Botox and other drugs manufactured abroad are not subject to tariffs. Here’s how that may affect prices for fillers and other treatments.
  10. Is the Dyson Airwrap Healthier for My Hair?Compared to traditional curling irons and straighteners? Yes. Compared to a standard hair dryer? Depends.
  11. Why Are Makeup Brushes So Hard to Clean?Makeup formulas and brush fibers have evolved a lot in recent years, so your cleaning technique needs an update too. Here’s how the pros do it.
  12. I Want to Use Natural Deodorant. Should I Detox My Armpits?If you use traditional antiperspirant, your body may need time to adjust before natural deodorant will work as well as it can. Let me explain.
  13. How to Repair Your Damaged Skin Barrier in 6 StepsYou don’t need an appointment with a pro or a cartload of new products to strengthen your skin barrier. All it takes is six specific steps.
  14. Is Korean Sunscreen Better Than American Sunscreen?Sunscreen manufacturers abroad have more approved ingredients to work with, but that doesn’t mean they’re always better than American versions.
  15. How Do I Prevent Botox Immunity?Botox resistance is still rare, but as more people are treated (in more spots on their faces and bodies), that could be changing. Experts explain.
  16. Do Perfume Oils Last Longer Than Sprays?Some of the new rollerball oils aren’t as potent as traditionally made perfume oils. Here’s how to know what you’re getting.
  17. How to Layer Your Skin-Care Products in the Right OrderThe lightest-to-heaviest rule worked when skin care was simpler. In 2025, there are some new things to think about when you’re layering products.
  18. Will ADHD Drugs Affect My Skin or Hair?Prescription drugs for ADHD can have side effects for your skin and hair. Here’s what a dermatologist (who’s also a psychiatrist) says.
  19. Are Knotless Braids Healthier For Your Hair?They’re popular in part because they’re supposed to leave your hair in better shape than traditional styles. Here’s what the experts say.
  20. How Bad Is Alcohol for Your Skin, Really?It’s not going to age you the same way UV light or smoking can, but it has other health effects that may show up in your skin.
  21. Are Pantene and Drugstore Hair Brands Actually Good for My Hair?Alix Earle reignited a debate about whether drugstore shampoos and conditioners — especially those with silicones — are bad for hair.
  22. How Do I Treat Hair Loss? Tell Me Everything.We uncovered a $15 shampoo, a supplement that costs pennies per day, and other surprising treatments and tips that experts recommend for hair growth.
  23. Botox, Salmon Sperm Facials and More Top Cosmetic Procedures From 2024New York City’s top dermatologists tell us what the future of (wealthy) faces looks like.
  24. I’m Seeing a Guy With Facial Hair, and It’s Rubbing My Face Raw. Help!If you end up with a rash after you hook up, it’s probably beard burn. Here, how to know for sure — and how to prevent your skin from reacting.
  25. Is a Lymphatic Drainage Massage Worth the Hype?If you think temporary de-puffing is hype-worthy, sure. But it can’t reduce fat, alter the shape of your face or body, or get rid of cellulite.
  26. What’s The Best Age To Start Botox?28, 35, 42… Experts say the answer is different for everybody, but the general consensus is your late twenties. Here’s why.
  27. Is Vaping Bad for My Skin?Vaping (nicotine and cannabis) will age skin prematurely. Here’s why.
  28. Why Is Everyone Putting Beef Tallow on Their Face?Tradwives love it, but so do beauty insiders. Here’s why tallow is trending in skin care and the pros and cons of applying it.
  29. Are Disposable Facecloths Better for Your Skin?They can actually help, according to experts. But there are other ways to improve your complexion without making more trash.
  30. Don’t Buy That Beauty Advent CalendarThere’s a more-sensible, less-wasteful way to shop for gift sets. Here are our suggestions.
  31. Do Pimple Patches Really Work? Tell Me Everything.We asked experts which hydrocolloid patches are best, how to choose acne stickers that won’t irritate sensitive skin, and why there’s so much goo.
  32. How Do I Get Glitter Freckles and Other Halloween Makeup Off My Face?Whether you go for the Taylor Swift–approved makeup or costume-store face paint, here’s what you need to keep your skin in good shape.
  33. My Bug Bites Take Forever to Heal. Help!I found a body serum that’s fading my dark spots from bites. Here’s why I think it’s working — and some pro tips for preventing scars.
  34. What’s the Best At-home Hair Color? Tell Me Everything.Here’s the best dye for dark hair, the best color for gray hair, and everything in between, plus tricks for getting better at-home color results.
  35. Should I Get a CO2 Laser Resurfacing Treatment If I’m Under 40?If you ask a physician whether or not you should get a CO2 laser treatment, they’ll ask why you want it — regardless of how old you are.
  36. So What Is “Blurring” Makeup? Does It Work?The glazed-skin trend is slipping away, and soft-focus, velvety products are suddenly everywhere. Here’s how they work and how to use them.
  37. Ladies, Let’s Talk About HemorrhoidsKatie Sturino has a routine for her whole body — even the parts other people don’t want to talk about.
  38. Which Celebrity Beauty Brands Are Any Good?Everyone from Scarlett Johansson to Harry Styles seems to have their own line. Anonymous reviews from 25 beauty editors.
  39. Is It Pointless to Apply Skin Care on an Airplane?If you sanitize your hands and you’re applying moisturizer, you won’t have a problem. But here’s why some people get confused.
  40. Is “Cortisol Face” Real?A spike in cortisol levels won’t make your face look rounder or puffier, but here’s why it feels like that’s true — and some easy ways to de-puff.
  41. I Wear Sunscreen, and Now My Face Is Lighter Than the Rest of Me. Help!You only need one product to fix this problem — and it’s not only foundation. Here’s what three makeup artists would do.
  42. Is It Bad Etiquette to Apply Makeup on Public Transportation?A poll of 40 New York City subway riders reveals what is right and wrong on public transportation.
  43. What’s the Most Effective Way to Remove Eye Makeup?For thorough eye-makeup removal, you need a double cleanse, micellar water, and a specific type of cotton swab.
  44. How to Make Sure Your Empty Beauty Products Get RecycledThree key tips to make sure they don’t end up in a landfill.
  45. What’s Up With the New Lip-Softening Balms?Everything you need to know about keeping your lips plump.
  46. Are There Actual Benefits to Sleeping With Mouth Tape?For some people, mouth taping may lead to a better night’s sleep — which may give you brighter eyes and more energy.
  47. How Does Lip Filler Work? Tell Me Everything.We explain how much it should cost, how not to end up looking like a duck, and where to find the best injectors near you.
  48. Does ‘Reef Safe’ Actually Mean Anything?Here’s how to choose sunscreens and beauty products that are less likely to harm marine life.
  49. How Do I Layer Blush Without Looking Like a Hot Mess?You don’t need six shades, but layering two blushes looks pretty great. Here’s how makeup artists do it.
  50. Perfumes Give Me Headaches, But I Want to Smell Good. Help!It’s impossible to predict how anyone will react to a fragrance, but these perfumes are generally well tolerated by most people.
Load More