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Ask a Beauty Editor

People are always asking former Marie Claire beauty director Jennifer G. Sullivan their beauty questions, which makes sense because (a) she has learned a few things in her years as a beauty journalist and host of Fat Mascara, a podcast that takes a closer look at beauty culture, and (b) the internet is a soup of conflicting advice and Google ads that feeds our worst insecurities without providing much assistance. If there are two things Jenn loves, they’re calling out b.s. and helping people feel better about themselves. So that’s what this biweekly column is for. No concern is too vain, trivial, obscure, or embarrassing — she’s here to help. Send your questions to [email protected].

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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. By Jennifer G. Sullivan

More From 'Ask a Beauty Editor'

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. How to Make Sure Your Empty Beauty Products Get RecycledThree key tips to make sure they don’t end up in a landfill.
  15. What’s Up With the New Lip-Softening Balms?Everything you need to know about keeping your lips plump.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. Does ‘Reef Safe’ Actually Mean Anything?Here’s how to choose sunscreens and beauty products that are less likely to harm marine life.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. Does the Facial-Fitness Gum Teen Boys Love Actually Work?Looksmaxxers have entered the chat—and they’re hawking tough-to-chew gum as an alternative to jaw surgery.
  22. Are Pricey Sunscreens A Gimmick?Not if they get you to use sunscreen as often and as liberally as you should (most people don’t).
  23. What Is Skin Care With Growth Factors?Will it cure all my skin problems or give me cancer?
  24. How to Start Using Self-TannerThese are the best self-tanning brands and the easiest formats to apply. Choose wisely and proceed with patience.
  25. Do I Need Whole-Body Deodorant?This new type of deodorant is suddenly everywhere — but it isn’t for everyone. Here’s who might benefit.
  26. What Beauty Products Should I Buy in Europe?Here’s what I buy in bulk when I visit Europe — and where to buy in the U.S.
  27. Are Any YouTube Beauty Tutorials Appropriate for Preteens?Positive messages, polite language, and beginner techniques — here are the best beauty creators for kids 9 to 12.
  28. The Best Straightener for Your Hair Type, According to Hairstylists 2024Experts suggest the best flat irons for everything from baby-fine bangs and double-process blondes to angled bobs and 4c curls.
  29. Does CoolSculpting … Actually Work?If you’re at your ideal weight and just want to reduce stubborn fat, maybe. There are better things to do with your money though.
  30. How Do I Get Rid of My Nose Hair?You don’t want to remove it — you just want to trim it. This is the best nose-hair trimmer to keep your nostrils tidy.
  31. ‘Why Is My Scalp Suddenly So Oily?’I talked to experts who recommended some tweaks to your current routine and shampoos that are great for greasy hair.
  32. Should I Get Lip Filler Or a Lip Flip?Or maybe nothing at all … Here’s how different cosmetic injections will affect your lips — and how to tell which is right for you.
  33. Can My Acne Products Cause Cancer?It depends on your health, the products you use, how you store them, and how much of them you apply. Here’s what you need to know.
  34. My Med Spa Prompted Me to Tip. Should I?Thanks to med spas, drop-in Botox chains, and high-tech beauty treatments, tipping has gotten confusing. I asked experts for some updated guidelines.
  35. Will Drinking More Water Improve My Skin?Nearly every celebrity says ‘water’ is the key to their good skin. Are they lying?
  36. ‘I Have Sensitive Skin. Can I Skip the Sunscreen?’If you’re spending money on treatments, or you’re just trying to stay healthy, wear sunscreen. These work for even the most sensitive skin.
  37. ‘Whenever I Overline My Lips, It Looks Obvious. What Am I Doing Wrong?’Use a light touch and targeted approach, then take your time. Here’s how the pros do it.
  38. Can My Perfume Really Attract a Partner?There’s no evidence that humans respond to pheromone-laced perfumes, but you can’t underestimate the seductive power of fragrance alone.
  39. How Do I Get Rid Of My Chin Hairs?If you don’t want to pluck or shave, you should look into laser hair removal or electrolysis. Here’s what to expect.
  40. Can a Facial Massage Really Change Your Face Shape?If you saw it in a viral video, it’s probably too good to be true. Here’s what facial massage can (and can’t) do.
  41. How Bad Is It to Brush Wet Hair, Really?The answer depends on your texture. Here’s how to detangle without causing damage.
  42. What Is Lip-Blushing?It’s a tattoo — on your face. Here, some things to consider before you get it done.
  43. Can Burning Scented Candles Spark Health Issues? Experts Explain.A few ingredients in scented candles have been linked to health issues, but these natural candles make for a cleaner burn.
  44. Are Medical-Grade Brands That Doctors Sell Better Than the Skin Care in Stores?Products sold by doctors typically have better evidence of their benefits than in-store products, but that’s not the same as saying they’re better.
  45. How Do You Buy Lipstick Online When You Can’t Try It On?Train yourself to notice how digitally rendered colors compare to their IRL counterparts — and then have an open mind.
  46. How Do I Know If My Hair Has Breakage or New Growth?Here’s the trick stylists use for determining why you have fly-away hairs. Plus: a few of their best tips for styling them.
  47. Ask Us All Your Questions About Retinol!And beauty editor Jennifer G. Sullivan will answer them.
  48. Why Do Beauty Brands Post About Politics?Being silent or neutral isn’t an option for many companies. The good news is you don’t have to buy from brands you don’t agree with.
  49. Should I Be Concerned About the Long-term Effects of Face Filler?Concerned? Yes! I think people don’t take filler seriously enough. But scared? No, not if you go to a provider you trust.
  50. What Can I Do About Crepey Eyelids?The options range from absolutely nothing to plastic surgery — with stops at occlusive eye patches, topical products, and devices in between.
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