Lea Michele Used to Do WHAT to Cover Up Acne?!

We’ve all done some crazy things when it comes to covering up acne in a bind, but sometimes that desperate feeling to hide a breakout can take us a bit too far. Unfortunately, even celebrities can fall victim to these kinds of ill-advised beauty mistakes, with the latest being none other than Lea Michele.

During an interview with Byrdie, Michele confessed to applying eyeliner on pimples in an effort to disguise them as moles. Thinking this tactic was successful, she continued to draw on these camouflage-like spots until a friend finally asked what “all those black dots” were on her face. Needless to say, Lea reported being mortified and immediately stopped the habit.

Although the idea seems a bit outlandish, we can see where she may have gotten it from. Makeup artists in the beauty industry have been known to use eyeliner to create things like fake freckles on models during photoshoots. But regardless of trends, putting eyeliner on acne is a bad idea. Here’s why.

Other than looking unnatural, applying eyeliner to an inflamed pimple isn’t a good idea in terms of skin health. When applied to the face, eyeliner formulas can clog pores, leading to more acne-causing congestion. “The best way to cover up acne is with a really good concealer,” says NYC-based dermatologist, Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi. “Sulfur based concealers are helpful because they cover up breakouts and heal them at the same time.” One we love: Dermalogica Concealing Spot Treatment ($26).

So instead of drawing on your face with eyeliner, invest in a good cover up and follow these concealer hacks to never let another breakout lead you to questionable decisions like this one. If you don’t, you could end up with a pimple worse than what you began with.

Here’s how to re-create Lea Michele’s sexy smoky eye:

Photos: Getty Images

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Lea Michele Used to Do WHAT to Cover Up Acne?!

Your Ultimate Guide to Makeup Sponges

You could be using the best foundation in the world, but without the right tools to put it on, it could still end up looking too cakey, too streaky, or just plain meh. That’s where makeup sponges come in. What originated in triangle form back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth (or sometime just after that), have now taken on rounded curvy new shapes and colors. But what the heck is the difference between all of them? We asked makeup artist Ashleigh Ciucci to break down it down. Here’s your shorthand guide for which sponges to use when and how.

1. Avon Triangle Makeup Sponge
The triangle sponge was part of the first generation of makeup sponges from way back when. They’re disposable, so they’re great for the lazy girl on the go (or the lazy girl not going anywhere but who just doesn’t want to be bothered cleaning her makeup sponges). They get the job done, but the rigid lines and points can make it hard to distribute product evenly, as compared to curvier options. While these are the least expensive of the bunch, they can definitely add up when purchased over and over again. “Make sure to wet it for a more controlled application,” adds Ciucci.

2. Earth Therapeutics Precisso Cosmetic Blending Sponge
This curvy over-achiever is made with bamboo charcoal which helps to draw pollutants out of the skin while you dab and blend away. It also has a small divot which can aid in more precise application. “Holding from the round bottom provides a softer application, whereas gripping from the ridge of the sponge, the application will be more intense,” Ciucci says.

3. Jane Iredale Flocked Makeup Sponge
Here’s one that’s great for powder products, especially mineral makeup. “The kabuki-like brushes often used for this type of application can create a heavy finish. This flocked sponge is great for buffing down a powdery finish or dabbing on loose powder in a high-shine situation,” says Ciucci.

4. Beautyblender Micro Mini
Aside from being adorable (it’s about the size of an almond!), this little guy is actually quite functional. It’s like a detailer for the small areas around the eyes and nose. “I tend to use this when going for a full coverage because you’re able to build a flawless finish without any rough edges in these small areas,” says Ciucci. “It’s also really nice to tap on cream highlighter atop the cheekbones, brow bones, and bridge of the nose.” As the rule also goes for the OG Beautyblender, make sure to wet the sponge first then stipple (beauty-speak for “dot”) the product on. “If you don’t wet the sponge before you use it, the product sinks into it like a black hole,” warns Ciucci.

5. Beautyblender
You’ve likely seen the iconic original pink egg-shaped sponge, well, everywhere by now. It’s a favorite among makeup artists, beauty editors, and the general makeup-loving population—and with good reason. The soft latex-free foam ball applies a seamless coat of liquid, gel, and cream formulas leaving skin flawless instead of clumpy and coated. But the rainbow of colored Beautyblenders—now available in nude, black, white, red, and purple— are purely for aesthetic purposes. “Flesh tone products are less visible with a nude sponge, as are darker foundations, bronzers, and cream blush, which tend to stain the lighter sponges,” says Ciucci. Once wet, it doubles in size and the level of wetness can help you control the level of coverage. “If just slightly damp, you’re able to build up medium to full coverage and if very wet, you can get a dewy, sheer finish.”

6. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
It looks like someone took a slice out of the side of this latex-free sponge and that’s precisely what makes it such a multi-use tool. “The broad rounded side of the sponge is great for basic application of foundation and bronzer. The tapered end is for detailing and the flat side is great for contouring with creamy products,” says Ciucci. If you’re someone who spends extra time polishing your complexion, this is a great all-in-one tool that helps you do just that.

Now that you’ve got your sponge game down, are you using the right complexion products? Check out our guide to foundation, powders, BB creams, CC creams, and more right here.

Watch How to Get a Soft Pink Lip That’ll Brighten Your Complexion:

Photos: Photos Courtesy of Brand

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Your Ultimate Guide to Makeup Sponges

Wen Hair Care Lawsuit Update: Why the Government Is Getting Involved

New month, new beauty lawsuit drama! Back in December, we debriefed you about the class-action lawsuit against Wen, the wildly popular infomercial hair care brand best known for its cleansing conditioners. Unlike similar suits we’ve seen recently involving users having adverse reactions to beauty products, this one hasn’t been settled—and, in a surprising twist, the federal government has now gotten involved.

House Representative Frank Pallone, a Democrat from New Jersey, is spearheading efforts to get clearer answers from both Wen and the FDA about how each have handled complaints from more than 17,000 customers who say their use of the brand’s products has caused hair loss and bald spots, scalp rashes, and burning eyes. “Consumers deserve to know that they are making safe choices when they purchase cosmetics,” Pallone said in a press release yesterday from the House Energy and Commerce Committee. “Unfortunately, since popular cosmetics and personal care products are largely unregulated before they reach the marketplace, these products can contain harmful chemicals that have the potential to put consumers at risk. We must reform our nation’s outdated cosmetics law and ensure that FDA has the resources necessary to review the chemicals used in household products when they are sold to consumers.”

This isn’t the first time Pallone has argued that the U.S. government should do more when it comes to ensuring that the ingredients used in beauty products are safe—and he’s in good company. A new national survey released March 1 revealed that 87 percent of voting Americans want stricter regulation of personal care products, and since last spring, two senators have been actively working toward making that happen. Dianne Feinstein and Susan Collins (a California Democrat and Maine Republican) are pushing forward a bipartisan bill called the Personal Care Products Safety Act that would update the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act—an 80-year-old law that’s supposed to guarantee the safety of cosmetics but falls short of what’s needed to wrangle what’s now a $189 billion a year industry. Their law would require companies to ensure that products are safe before putting them on the market and give the FDA tools for enforcing this.

But back to Wen—we want to note that the company is still standing by the fact that its products contain nothing toxic or harmful (and it’s true that even seemingly benign ingredients like natural fragrances can cause dramatic reactions like those listed in the suit against the brand if someone is allergic or highly sensitive to them). “There is no scientific evidence to support any claim that our hair care products caused anyone to lose their hair,” a company representative told us in December. “There are many reasons why individuals may lose their hair, all unrelated to Wen. We intend to vigorously contest the allegations made.”

Looks like things are about to get even more vigorous. We’ll keep you updated once Wen responds to Rep. Pallone’s letter—until then, let us know: How many of you have continued to use your beloved Wen?

Watch How a Quick Haircut and Bold Lip Can Boost Your Confidence:

Photos: Leibowitz Pictures

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Wen Hair Care Lawsuit Update: Why the Government Is Getting Involved