Question: I want to know how to apply foundation properly so it doesn’t look like a bad job. Rosie, via e-mail. Answer: The best way to achieve a professional makeup application is to apply foundation with a flat, damp makeup sponge, starting down the centre of the face and blending outwards. This avoids any build-up […]

Question: I have dry and damaged hair. Can you please prescribe a good shampoo, conditioner and treatment to use on my hair to make it feel softer and look healthier? Tina, via e-mail. Answer: There are so many great shampoos and conditioners on the market. One of my favourite brands is the Kerastase range by […]

Question: No matter how much sleep I get I always seem to have dark circles under my eyes. I’ve heard this can be caused by dehydration but I drink quite a lot of water. What else could be causing this? Leanne, via e-mail. Answer: Unfortunately, for some this is hereditary. There are a number of […]

Question: I have really thick hair and have only just started to straighten it. I was wondering if there is any particular product I can use on my hair when I straighten it to prevent it from drying out? Kristy, via e-mail. Answer: Firstly, you need to use a shampoo and conditioner that leaves your […]

Question: I have deep set eyes and no matter what mascara I use, I still end up with raccoon eyes at the end of the working day. I don’t put it on the bottom lashes so what can I do? Debbie hunter, via e-mail. Answer: Before applying your mascara, wipe the wand with tissue, and […]

Question: I have reddish-brown eyes and blonde hair. What colour eyeshadow would compliment my eye colour? Karina, via e-mail. Answer: The best eye shadow for you is blue or steel grey as these colours will bring out the colour of your eyes. Apply the colours close to lashes and then blend up and out. Apply […]

Question: I recently bought an eyeliner pencil, but don’t know where or how to apply it for a professional finish. Whitney Answer: The best place to apply eyeliner pencil is very close to the top lashes. Blend the edges with a cotton or slanted make-up brush to diffuse the line and give you a smoky […]

Question: I am getting married and have a fair complexion. What colours would you suggest for a natural look and what down-hairstyles are in this season? Heidi, via e-mail. Answer: I always think that a combination of peaches and soft pinks work well on a pale complexion. You should, however, have a trial before the […]

What are the fashion classics? I’d like to add them to my wardrobe. Karen, by email. By investing in a good set of fashion “classics” you will find your wardrobe much more versatile and user-friendly. It’s worth your while to spend a bit of time and money finding quality, classic pieces that fit you properly. […]

Question: I work in a fruit and veg area of a shop and find my hands are so dry and cracked. I put cream on often during the day, Avon and Rosken Skin Repair, but to no avail. Please help, they look terrible! Carol, via e-mail. Answer: The best advice I can give you is […]

Question: Every time I use fake tan, my legs get unbearably itchy. I’ve tried lots of different brands, but all seem to result in the same problem. Anon, via e-mail. Answer: You must have very sensitive skin or are allergic to the chemical cocktail most fake tans contain to activate the melanin in the skin […]

Question: I constantly suffer from sore feet. I don’t wear very high heels because of this, but still find that by the end of the day they’re tender and sore. Any solutions? Amy, via e-mail. Answer: We often forget our feet carry us around all day and that they’re the most neglected part of the […]

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 […]

Question: Can you give me some tips for plucking my eyebrows? Anon. Answer: Before you begin, take a long look at your natural brow shape in a mirror. It’s best to pluck straight after a bath or shower, when pores are open due to the heat. If you have a low pain threshold, apply a […]

Question: How do you use cream or gel blush and are they better than powder blush? Liza. Answer: Gel blush is more suited to smooth, younger skin, while a more creamy blush is much better for dry or mature skin. Both kinds blend easily. Powder is the most popular form of blush but it can […]

Question: How can I curl my straight hair at home and make the curls stay in for the whole day? Jenny. Answer: Curling tongs are great for creating spring-like curls. Use small-diameter tongs for short hair or to make tight curls, and large tongs to create looser curls. After shampooing with a volumising shampoo, towel […]

SEARCHING FOR JEANS I’m looking for some jeans to replace my Guess Classic denims (style no 25052RG) that I bought about four years ago. I bought three pairs but they’re wearing out fast. I rang the Guess store but they don’t have any jeans like that anymore. Would you be able to recommend a jean […]

HUNTING FOR A DENIM JACKET I was wondering if you could help me with trying to find a denim jacket that looks quite elegant. I have asked a few shops in Mildura and they don’t know what I’m talking about. Lorraine, Mildura. Dear Lorraine, Here are some websites for stores I would suggest that are […]

MAXIMISE MY APPEARANCE Could you provide advice/suggestions in order that I might maximise my appearance? I am very mindful of my appearance by lack understanding and skill in being able to do much with it. I am 5’2″, 66 kg, wear a 14DD bra, have hair that is curly, dry at the ends, and a […]

MOTHER OF THE GROOM I am a 64 year young mother of 4 children and sadly lacking in the trim, taut and terrific areas. My eldest son is getting married in 6 months in the Cook Islands and I am in desperate need of some advice as to how to present myself in the best […]

**I am writing to you in sheer desperation, hoping you can help me in my search for make-up that does not contain Titanium Dioxide which appears to be either a major or minor ingredient in every foundation, eye-shadow, eye pencil, concealer and powder on the market, not to mention sun screens! Unfortunately for me, I […]

The big question's been popped, but now what? We found the best online sources to make planning almost as fun as the big day.

In a real family home with real kids, no room is sacred. It’s a myth that you can contain them and their gear and continue life as carefree grown-ups. It simply will not happen. The trade-off, however, is that a home without them would be less vibrant. It would lack the spontaneity and excitement that […]