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Ask The Makeup Diva
Welcome to Ask The Makeup Diva™! Our resident expert, The Makeup Diva, answers makeup and skin care questions sent in by readers just like you.

• I am bored with the mascara I am using now. I am ready for something new! What should I try? [Read Answer]

• What are some ways to store all my products so that they are easily accessible, protected from light and heat, and looks somewhat neat and orderly? [Read Answer]

• What is the right way to apply bronzer? And what kind should I use (powder, cream, gel)? When I do it, I always feel like my face looks dirty. [Read Answer]

• It's summer and I love wearing sandals - but my feet look terrible! I could just slap some polish on my toenails, but my feet need more help than that. What is the best way to give myself a pedicure at home? [Read Answer]

• My teenage daughter wants to wear makeup, but I think she is too young. She says all her friends wear makeup and she wants to, too. What do you think we can agree on? [Read Answer]

• When I have a really bad breakout, I try to cover it with makeup, but that just makes it look worse. I don't want to look that bad in front of people. Can you help? [Read Answer]

• I have the worst under eye circles you've ever seen. Is there anything that can cover them and not crease or look cakey? [Read Answer]

• I know I look better with lipstick on, but I can't stand how it feels. Is there anything that might work for me? [Read Answer]

• I don't know the first thing about applying eye shadow. Where do I put all the different shades? Is my eye shadow supposed to match my outfit? And what are all the different eye shadow brushes for? [Read Answer]

• I've never tried lip and cheek stains but would like to do so. Do they last long? Are they hard to use? [Read Answer]

• During the summer, my eye makeup is always the first to fade. By mid-morning, my shadow already is disappearing and I have circles under my eyes from mascara. Any suggestions? [Read Answer]

• Can I make my eyes look bolder and more defined by just wearing make-up? [Read Answer]

• When it comes to skin care and the huge selection of products for seemingly every skin concern under the sun, I have to know: do I really need ALL of these products? [Read Answer]

• I'll be going on vacation very soon and generally stay out of the sun. Since we're staying at a beach resort, do you think sunning for just a few days is safe? [Read Answer]

• What kinds of mascaras are best for different lashes? [Read Answer]

• Can you offer any suggestions for eye makeup application? [Read Answer]

• My hair is quickly damaged, but I want to keep it long and healthy. Will coloring harm it, and what kind of products should I use? [Read Answer]

• How do you get rid or hide dark circles under eyes? How do you choose the right undereye concealer to cover dark circles? Are there any skin treatments that can be done to minimize them? [Read Answer]

• I need inexpensive makeup and nothing I can find that's within my budget looks good! What do I do? [Read Answer]

• I hate paying $20 for mascara that's just average, especially since I'm supposed to throw it away in three months. Can you recommend any cheaper alternatives that do a good job? [Read Answer]

• Every eye cream I have tried lately stings my eyes, especially when I use it at night on my lids. Any suggestions? [Read Answer]

• I am about 65 years old, and every day I count a new wrinkle somewhere on my body. What can I do to get rid of them? I have tried putting myself in the dryer to get rid of them, I have tried an iron, too, but nothing works. What should I do? [Read Answer]

• I have two small, round brown spots on my cheek that appeared last year while I was sitting in the sun. I am 38 years old and have been told they are age spots. Can you recommend a product that would at least fade them? [Read Answer]

• I am a 37 year old woman. Within the past year I've noticed bags/sagging under my eyes. What can I do to get rid of them? [Read Answer]

• I would like to know if Oil of Olay is the best moisturizer for combination skin of a 41 year old? If not, what is a good moisturizer? I currently use Neutrogena and used a trial size of the new Oil of Olay, Total Effects. [Read Answer]

• I am 20 years old and am of South Asian background with medium dark skin. I am noticing fine lines around my mouth, and the area near the lines is darker than the rest of the skin on my face. What could be causing this, and what should I do to prevent it? [Read Answer]

• I am 48 years old and have begun seeing fine lines in my cheek area and around my eyes. I drink a lot of water and take good care of my skin, but are there newer products on the market that may help? [Read Answer]

• I just got Coppertone's Endless Summer Self-Tanning Lotion Light/Medium. The only thing I am interested in really tanning is my face, and I want it to look natural. Is this a good product to try? [Read Answer]

• I have very white skin and have recently started to tan in a tanning bed. All that happens is that I peel in certain spots; I do not tan. Is there anything I can use that will help me tan instead of burn and peel? [Read Answer]

• Is there an all-over body moisturizer on the market that has a sunscreen but is also water based, i.e. no oil? If so, what is it called and where can I purchase it? [Read Answer]

• I am 34 and starting to notice bags under my eyes. I've heard that Preparation H works to help reduce them. Is this true and can it be used safely? [Read Answer]

• My friend is getting really upset about her body! She has cellulite and I was wondering how I could advise her to get rid of it? [Read Answer]

• How can I get rid of blackheads? I've tried everything, even the strips, and nothing seems to work. [Read Answer]

• I am a college student on a limited budget. Are inexpensive eye creams just as good as those in the department stores? Can you recommend one that is not too pricey, yet does the job just as well as a department store eye cream? [Read Answer]

• What is a toner, what does it do and when should I use it? What are some of your favorites? [Read Answer]

• What is the difference between pressed and loose powder? What are the benefits of a different colored ones rather than a translucent formula? [Read Answer]

• Department store cosmetics are so expensive, and sometimes I just don't see the results they promise. Are there any products from the drugstore that really work and won't drain my wallet? [Read Answer]

• No matter what line I have tried, whether department store or drugstore, my foundation just doesn't look like it has become "one" with my skin. It looks like it's "sitting on top." I use Retin-A at night and AHA in the A.M. with a light moisturizer. Liqui [Read Answer]

• I have very visible pores on my nose and cheeks. How can I get rid of them? [Read Answer]

• Is there a logical way to apply makeup? What should I apply first and last? [Read Answer]

• I have a whole collection of makeup brushes, and I'm not sure how or when to clean them. What is the best way to care for makeup brushes? [Read Answer]

• HELP! I wash my face twice a day and I still get zits! Why is this and how can I prevent it? [Read Answer]

• I'd love to go to a spa, but they're too expensive. Do you have any ideas on how to turn my bathroom into a spa using commonly found items that aren't too expensive? [Read Answer]

• For months I have had problems with my nails; they are dry and brittle with ridges, and the skin around my nails is dry and hard. I have tried countless nail/cuticle creams, have practically soaked my hands in Vaseline and covered them overnight with cott [Read Answer]

• Is it okay to use products from other lines interchangeably? I currently use products from Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, Lancaster, and Lancome. There are some products I like from each line, but a saleslady told me not to mix products because they are f [Read Answer]

• Why is it such a bad thing to sleep with your makeup on? [Read Answer]

• I am tempted to try an expensive brand of foundation such as Bobbi Brown; is it worth spending so much money? Are they really any better? [Read Answer]

• I am 40 years old and have acne prone/combination skin along with some scarring. What foundation would provide me with maximum coverage and not look cakey? [Read Answer]

• I am 37 years old and am noticing my skin becoming dry and fine lines beginning to form around my eyes and mouth. The foundation I have been using seems to settle in those lines, which makes them look even worse! Can you recommend a foundation and/or tech [Read Answer]

• I have a semi-formal coming up and I don't know what makeup to wear. I have pale skin and I'm wearing a wine/maroon dress. What makeup colors should I wear? [Read Answer]

• I don't consider myself to have above average oily skin, but my face gets this embarrassing shine two to three hours after I apply foundation and powder. Do you have any suggestions for adding more mileage to my makeup? [Read Answer]

• People have always said that I have pretty eyes, so how can I bring attention to them? [Read Answer]

• My hair is very frizzy. I try to blow dry it but it just gets frizzier. Can you help? My hair isn't curly, it's just plain frizzy. [Read Answer]

• I have really dry skin on my feet and nothing seems to moisturize well enough. Do you have any ideas for softer feet? [Read Answer]

• How do I know what makeup is good for me and what is not? How do I pick the colors once I know? [Read Answer]

• With winter almost here, I tend to get very dry skin. What is the most moisturizing body wash that you have encountered? [Read Answer]

• Is there any way to prevent breakouts due to your period? [Read Answer]

• How can I remove the yellow from my nails caused by an error of applying nail color without a base coat? No one I have talked to seems to know the answer to this and I would like to just wear clear polish once again. [Read Answer]

• I have tan skin and was wondering what kind of lip colour I should choose. What suggestions do you have? [Read Answer]

• I have really pale skin and I don't know what makeup to wear and still look like myself. Can you help? [Read Answer]

• I'm 26 years old and am getting concerned with trying to ward off the aging process as best I can. Which moisturizers are best in helping skin stay smooth, firm, etc. for me? My skin is normal to oily. [Read Answer]

• I have a very oily T-zone and normal/oily skin on the rest of my face. My skin is very sensitive to most makeup I've tried. I use Dove Soap 2-3 times a day, with lotion, but that is all I put on my face. I'm looking for a liquid foundation that'll absorb [Read Answer]

• What is the best facial cleanser on the market right now? [Read Answer]

• What is the best foundation to make my skin look and feel great but that is in a reasonable price range? [Read Answer]

• I am Asian and I have medium brown skin. I am in a wedding soon and I need to know what makeup colours are good for me. [Read Answer]

• My hair is really wavy so I always wear it up. What styles could make my hair look straighter? [Read Answer]

• How much blush should I wear, and what is the best way to apply it? [Read Answer]

• I have rosacea and I need a foundation (oil free) with a hint of green to take away the redness. Any suggestions? [Read Answer]

• I am 13 and confused about what makeup to use. I have a pale complexion and naturally rosy cheeks. When I use anything, I only use honey beige eye shadow, pale foundation, and clear lip gloss. Do you have any suggestions for me? [Read Answer]

• I'm interested in buying a bronzer for my face to give it a little glow. I don't want anything too dark, and I'd prefer powder since my skin is oily. What kind of bronzer would you recommend? Also, how and where do you apply it? [Read Answer]

• You've talked about what eye shadow colors to use for brown, blue and green eyes. What about hazel? [Read Answer]

• I need help with my hair. It is fine, dry and brittle with some breakage in the front hairline. On days when it is humid out, my hair is frizzy, wavy and messy looking. Help! [Read Answer]

• I am African-American, and I was wondering if you knew of any affordable cosmetic brands that would look good on my skin. [Read Answer]

• Now that summer's here, I plan on doing a lot of swimming. What's a good product to protect my hair from all the chlorine? My hair is colored (red) and very curly. [Read Answer]

• What is the best nail polish remover? I heard Tony and Tina have a one that contains botanicals. Is it better to use a polish of this type rather than something I buy at the drugstore? [Read Answer]

• What is the best makeup for VERY oily skin? I've tried several brands and they all melted before mid-day. [Read Answer]

• Sandal season is here and my feet need some serious help! What do you recommend? [Read Answer]

• My skin gets dry patches after I wash it but also becomes oily throughout the day. I'm afraid to put too much moisturizer on because I think it makes my skin more oily. How can I get rid of the dry spots without clogging my pores and becoming oily? [Read Answer]

• I am on the hunt for a new look. I usually don't wear foundation because it looks too heavy, so I am thinking of trying a tinted moisturizer maybe. Having never worn blusher, can you also tell me how I might try one of those new blush sticks? Or better ye [Read Answer]

• I just bought a new cleanser/toner-in-one, but I am wondering, can you really cleanse and tone all in one step? Doesn't that step need to be broken out? It is kind of like shampoo plus conditioner; how can you do both? [Read Answer]

• I usually use a cleanser and a moisturizer, but I recently added an anti-wrinkle cream to my routine. Can I replace my moisturizer with it? In what order should I apply everything? [Read Answer]

• What are the best products for filling in eyebrows without looking overly dramatic and fake? I've tried using a pencil and it looks too harsh. I also want something fast and easy. What do you recommend? [Read Answer]

• My 13 year old daughter wants to start wearing makeup, and I'm not sure I feel comfortable with it. Do you have any suggestions of something she could wear that we would both feel comfortable with? [Read Answer]

• Is it a good idea to use products from the same line? If I use a certain cleanser should I try to use the eye cream, moisturizer, etc. from the same line? [Read Answer]

• Where can I get a good concealer and how do I apply it? [Read Answer]

• I'd like to try some of the new spring eye shadow colors but I feel clueless about which ones would even look good on me. What shades are best for different eye colors? [Read Answer]

• I have normal-to-dry skin that is also sensitive and very reactive, getting blotchy or breaking out with no warning. Can you recommend that might help? [Read Answer]

• I only have a few minutes in the morning to apply make-up. How do I put on everything I need in a short amount of time without looking like a slob? [Read Answer]

• Can you tell me step-by-step how to apply eyeshadow? [Read Answer]

• No matter how I apply my liquid foundation, I always seem to have a makeup line around my whole face. How can I apply it correctly to avoid this line? [Read Answer]

• I'm a beauty buff on a budget. What drugstore products do you like that I should check out? [Read Answer]

• With summer coming, I really want to protect my skin from sun damage. What should I look for when shopping for sunscreen? [Read Answer]

• How can I prevent breakouts from my hormones? [Read Answer]

• I've got a lot of old, already opened makeup sitting around in my bathroom. How do I know what's safe to keep and use, and what I should throw away? [Read Answer]

• Can you recommend a good foundation that is non-comedogenic? [Read Answer]

• My hands are really taking a beating this winter. Help! [Read Answer]

• What's the best eye cream or gel for smoothing fine lines under and around the eye area? [Read Answer]

• My hair is quickly damaged, but I want to keep it long and healthy. Will coloring harm it, and what kind of products should I use? [Read Answer]

• During the summer, my eye makeup is always the first to fade. By mid-morning, my shadow already is disappearing and I have circles under my eyes from mascara. Any suggestions? [Read Answer]

• Can I make my eyes look bolder and more defined by just wearing make-up? [Read Answer]

• When it comes to skin care and the huge selection of products for seemingly every skin concern under the sun, I have to know: do I really need ALL of these products? [Read Answer]

• I'll be going on vacation very soon and generally stay out of the sun. Since we're staying at a beach resort, do you think sunning for just a few days is safe? [Read Answer]

• What kinds of mascaras are best for different lashes? [Read Answer]

• Can you offer any suggestions for eye makeup application? [Read Answer]

• I look terrible in lipstick. I love gloss because I have full lips, so it enhances them. I just look bad in color for my lips, although when I wear clear lip gloss or even light pink, I feel "washed out." Is there any color I can wear? [Read Answer]


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