Matchetmascara The magazine of skincare, make-up and wellbeing

Skincare · Hair · Make-up

Understand your skin and hair before choosing a treatment

Light therapy masks, probiotic creams, detangling shampoo, magnetic lashes: we explain how each product works, how to use it and which mistakes to avoid.

Bright dressing table with skincare bottles, make-up brushes and a round mirror by a window

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sections, from fashion to wellness

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basic steps in any routine

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routines a day, morning and night

4 wks

or so for skin cells to renew

Building a routine that respects your skin barrier

Healthy skin depends first on a barrier that holds water in and keeps irritants out. Over-cleansing and harsh exfoliants weaken it, which is why many readers now turn to gentle cleansers and creams that support the microbiome, the community of bacteria living on the skin's surface. A daily routine can stay short: cleanse, moisturise, protect. Targeted care comes on top of that base. Light therapy masks, for instance, use red and near-infrared light to encourage collagen production, while blue light is aimed at blemish-prone skin; results build slowly and depend on regular sessions. Scars, including burn marks on the face, call for patience and daily sun protection, and a dermatologist should see any scar that stays raised or painful.

Caring for curls and tangle-prone hair

Hair that knots after every wash is often simply dry. A detangling shampoo smooths the cuticle so that a wide-tooth comb glides through more easily, working up from the ends. Damaged curls mostly need nourishment: a rich conditioner, a weekly mask, less heat when drying and a satin pillowcase to limit friction overnight. A final rinse with cool water also helps the cuticle lie flat.

Lashes, nails and a signature scent

Small details finish a look. Magnetic lashes attach without glue, either to a magnetic liner or between two thin strips, and come off in seconds; a careful fit along the lash line matters more than the length you pick. Semi-permanent varnish suits short nails too, provided the base is thin and removal is done by soaking rather than scraping. As for fragrance, its concentration largely decides how long a scent lasts, and it is best applied to pulse points without rubbing, so the top notes are not crushed.

The editorial team

A practical take on beauty

The site is written for readers who want to understand what they put on their skin, hair and nails. Choosing a cream for a fragile skin barrier, bringing tired curls back to life, trying magnetic lashes or soothing a swollen eyelid: every topic comes with plain explanations and steps that are easy to follow at home.

The magazine is run from Mulhouse by its editor-in-chief, who pays close attention to the questions readers ask in everyday life. Articles start from ordinary situations: hair that tangles after every wash, a scar that is slow to fade, nails that have to stay short for work.

  • Skincare : skin barrier, probiotic creams, scars and light therapy masks.
  • Hair : detangling, damaged curls and gentle everyday routines.
  • Make-up and nails : magnetic lashes, short nails and semi-permanent varnish.
  • Wellness : swollen eyelids, foot fungus and small everyday complaints.
The editor-in-chief reviews an article at her desk, surrounded by skincare bottles and colour swatches

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Your questions

Everyday beauty questions

Four questions that often come up in readers' messages, from the bathroom shelf to the nail bar.

Regularity matters more than the length of each session. Most devices are designed for short sessions several times a week, following the instructions supplied. Red light targets firmness and radiance, blue light is used on blemishes. Keep your eyes protected, and check with a doctor first if you take medication that makes skin sensitive to light.

Because they need no glue, they avoid the irritation some adhesives cause. The main risk lies in removal: tugging them off sideways can pull out natural lashes. Slide them off gently, clean the strips after each wear and store them in their case. If your eyes are sensitive or you have had eyelid surgery, ask an eye specialist first.

Length matters little: what counts is how the varnish is applied and, above all, removed. Heavy filing or peeling off lifted varnish thins the nail plate. On short nails, a thin base, light coats and removal after soaking in remover limit the damage. A break between two manicures also lets you check the condition of the nail.

Fluid tends to gather around the eyes overnight, especially after a salty meal, a short night or crying. Allergies, a stye or an infection such as conjunctivitis can also be behind it. A cool compress usually brings relief. If the swelling comes with pain, blurred vision or fever, or lasts several days, see a doctor promptly.

Contact

Write to the editor

A question about a treatment, a comment or a mistake spotted in an article? The editor-in-chief reads every message.

A question about an article, a topic idea, a detail about a routine or a correction to report: write to us, stating the subject of your message and the article concerned.

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