Question: I never wear eyeshadow because I don’t know where to apply it, what colours to use or how many. Can you tell me what to use for the best effect? I have light-blue eyes. Vanessa, via e-mail. Answer: Richard Dean of Max Factor suggests some very simple rules to follow for foolproof, flattering eye […]

Question: My hair is broken from root to tip — how can I repair it? Sondra, via e-mail. Answer: “Just stop whatever you’re doing right now,” says Robert Maiolo of Maiolo Copeland Salon in Sydney’s Darlinghurst. “A few things could be causing the hair to break. One of the biggest offenders is the straightening iron. […]

Question: Could you tell me what make-up blotting paper is and where I can get it? K Answer: Blotting paper is very thin pieces of tissue paper with a dusting of translucent powder. You gently press them onto any shiny bits of your face to soak up excess oil. The Body Shop has a brand […]

Question My nails have become weak and flaky. I have recently started swimming and was wondering if it’s related to chlorine or other chemicals in the pool? Is there any way I can protect my nails so they will once again grow long and strong? Jacci, via email. Answer Nails are normally highly flexible and […]

Question How can I get rid of blackheads and stop my pores filling up with what causes them to form? Jane Markby, Glen Waverley, VIC. Answer “Blackheads are composed mainly of a mixture of sebum [the skin’s natural oil] and dead skin cells, which have oxidised at the surface of a follicle,” Emma Hobson, from […]

Question: I suddenly have a whole head of grey hair! What’s the best way to look after it? Sangetta, via email. Answer: Grey hair happens when the hair follicles stop producing melanin, the substance that gives colour to our hair. As we age, melanin production decreases, hence the increase in the appearance of grey hairs. […]

Question Is there a way to reduce cellulite? Shona Jackson, via email. Answer Dreaded cellulite can be made to appear less obvious in just a few weeks. It’s all to do with circulation. Cellulite consists of toxins and lymph fluid that have become trapped in the skin’s support tissue because of poor circulation. In its […]

Question What’s the best way to apply a fake tan? Liz Johns, via email. Answer Unless you’re a professional, you are bound to end up with a streak here and there, or patchy spots on your elbows and knees. “It pays to have a professional spray tan,” advises Martina Parker, from the Sydney-based mobile tanning […]

Question During summer, my skin seems to be a lot oilier. Is there anything I can do to counteract this? Lou Hampton, via email. Answer Some skin types may seem oilier in summer, but it may be that you are perspiring more, which can make oily-skin problems seem worse. Be careful not to over-cleanse in […]

Question I’ve been suffering from a few breakouts during the summer holidays and am not sure why. Is it something to do with the weather do you think? Sandra Aventis, via email. Answer “Take a look at your sunblock,” says Dr Tom Mammone, Clinique’s director of biological research and development. “There are two types of […]