Question: I’ve recently started plucking my eyebrows and find it such a painful experience. I love it when they’re nicely groomed, but it hurts a lot. Do you have any suggestions on how to make this beauty routine less torturous? Kat, via e-mail. Answer: It can be a painful experience the fist time you pluck, […]

Question: My eyes are puffy and small. Besides brown, what other colours would suit my eyes and how do I apply them? Yan Jackson, via e-mail. Answer: You can use any colour you want — the trick is in the application. To get a sparkling, wide-eyed look start by defining your eyebrows with a taupe-coloured […]

Question: I want a fake tan for a wedding that I am involved in. I’m wondering what are the best brands to use and what do I need to do to ensure that the tan works and doesn’t make me orange? Casey Cobcroft, via e-mail Answer: There are a number of great fake tans available […]

Question: I use essential oils in an oil burner in my home but was wondering how else I can use them? Tara, via e-mail. Answer: Essential oils can be a great pick me up. Read the labels of aromatherapy oils to look for “pure essential oil”. Synthetic oils are very strong and instead of soothing, […]

Question: How should I clean my hairbrush? Kelley, via e-mail. Answer: If you have a plastic or metal brush, you should remove the hair with your fingers or another brush, then soak your brush in a mixture of shampoo and tea-tree oil to dissolve any product build-up. The oil acts as a disinfectant. If your […]

Question: I recently went shopping for a red lipstick and was totally overwhelmed by the number of shades [that] I didn’t buy anything. I have a fair complexion — what would you suggest is the best red to suit my skin tone. Sal, via e-mail. Answer: Soft berry reds with a bluish undertone go with […]

Question: I had a disastrous perm and it’s left my hair incredibly dry and frizzy. What can I do? Anon, via e-mail. Answer: Next time you decide to have a perm, ensure your hair is in top condition, as dry, porous hair can become coarse and brittle. However, to rescue a bad perm I suggest […]

Question: I want to know how to apply my foundation so I get a polished clear skin. I always find that after applying it I end up looking older and more lined. Sue, via email. Answer: Apply your foundation with a damp, flat synthetic sponge starting down the centre of the face and blending outwards. […]

Question: My hair is quite damaged – how can I make it healthy again? Sophie. Answer: There are many shampoos, conditioners and treatments to strengthen hair and restore structure that are made for home use. Leave-in treatments are designed to stay in hair to condition and add shine, and are ideal for fine, flyaway hair. […]

Question: How can I blow-dry my hair straight so that it lasts all day? Bridget. Answer: Use an anti-frizz product, a flat paddle brush and a 2000watt hair-dryer. Divide hair into 2cm sections from the nape of the neck, then apply the anti-frizz. Using the brush and keeping your hair-dryer nozzle pointing down, dry each […]