Dear Paula,

I read a celebrity makeup artist's tip suggesting the use of clear solid anti-perspirant on the upper lip, forehead, and hairline under makeup to avoid sweating and to keep your makeup matte. Do you think this would be effective and do you think the ingredients in antiperspirant could cause skin problems on the face?

Laura, via email

Dear Laura,

Although I wouldn't engage in this practice on a daily basis, applying antiperspirants to keep facial perspiring in key areas (forehead, upper lip) at bay is an option. The most common active ingredients in antiperspirants are aluminum chloride, aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex glycine, and aluminum chlorohydrate. All of them work by decreasing the amount of sweat the sweat gland can produce, and all are classified as over-the-counter drugs because they inhibit a normal biological function.

As for whether or not these active ingredients can cause problems: Yes, they can. The aluminum compounds all have the potential to cause irritation, and may also cause acne. However, this is much less of a possibility with intermittent use. So consider this an option for special occasions (which is likely what celebrities do; red-carpet events can be stressful) and discontinue the practice if you notice signs of irritation or experience breakouts. It is also helpful to use liquid antiperspirants rather than creams or solids, because these are less likely to clog pores. Last, use an antiperspirant that is fragrance-free and be sure to apply it to clean, dry skin (applying it over moisturizer or serum used on skin will make it less effective).

For day-to-day maintenance in keeping skin matte, avoid using moisturizers over oil-prone areas, choose a lightweight, water-based, matte-finish foundation (preferably one with broad-spectrum sunscreen so you don't have to layer more products than needed), and touch up as needed with blotting papers and powder. You may also want to try some of the mattifying primer-type products to keep excess shine in check. Two of my favorites are Smashbox Anti-Shine ($27) and Clinique Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector ($16.50). These may be applied under or over makeup, as needed.