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Q&A

Here we answer your some of your most pressing questions . . . If you’ve got a beauty conundrum, browse any of the categories listed below (or in the column on the left). Click on the category and see if we’ve already come up with a solution. Click on any question (the pink text) and that will reveal the full answer. To use the search box; put double quote marks (inverted commas) around phrases for more accurate results. For example, search for "nail varnish remover".

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Latest 25 Q&As
I need your HELP! I am 59 and need to wear sunscreen from now on, I guess. I have spent some time working in Africa, the States and with the UN in Geneva so have exposed my skin to some frying temperatures but have seen sense in recent years. Nevertheless I have a problem: I have bought Jurlique (SPF 30) sun lotion, Bobbi Brown SPF 25 summer foundation cream, Dr Hauschka SPF 30 sun lotion, Becca SPF 30 and so on… I find the majority of these 'good' creams sting my eyes when they leach into them and I end up with streaming eyes and a tetchy manner. What can you recommend among all the variety of sun creams (I am trialling Neals Yard SPF 15 and SPF 22 and so far, reasonable) that can be worn without irritating the eyes? I suspect it is a question of trial and error but that is sooooo expensive and I would be grateful for your input. 
Yes, you’re right:  sun protection is called for, and better late than not at all.  The problem, as you’ve identified, is applying sun protection close to the eyes.  And it’s interesting:  ......
I have very pale skin and in the summer it can look a little too pale. I don't sunbathe as my skin burns but I am looking for a powder bronzer that I can use just to give my skin a little colour. The main problem that I am finding is that most bronzers are too dark or too pink (I suffer from quite pink cheeks!) Where would you advise that I look? Also do you know of any sun creams that are for sensitive skin that are higher than 50, as I have started burning even when using this.
Second point first.  Actually, SPF 50 is really as high as it’s practical to go.  Because of the insane system for numbering SPF ratings, an SPF 50 does not, in reality, ......
I hope that you can help me or recommend a similar product. For several years, I used Garnier Fresh 24 Hour Day Lotion – it was in a green tube with SPF 15. It was light, easily-absorbed lotion and was fantastic. They seem to have discontinued it and launched various other ranges including a 'Fresh' day cream with no SPF which is nothing like the other one. I cam currently using Simple hydrating moisturiser which is OK but leaves my skin feeling slightly dry. I am looking for something similarly to the original Garnier lotion - ideally with little to no scent and wondered if you could help.
You’re right:  Garnier has confirmed they’ve taken the SPF out of the ‘Fresh’ moisturiser options, so we share your frustration – and we quite agree:  especially at this time of year, ......
I am 64 and have greatly enjoyed reading and re-reading Feel Fab Forever which I was given about three years ago. I’d be most grateful on best ways to reduce/halt wrinkles on face and reduce weight around my tummy, buttocks and top of legs, plus info on how to obtain GlisODin.
First of all, the easy-peasy one:  GlisODin is available via www.victoriahealth.com, price £25 for 30 capsules (or £39.99 for 50 capsules), if you click here – and as a Beauty Bible ......
Please will you recommend a shampoo and conditioner for a sensitive scalp and highlighted/colour-treated hair. My scalp and the skin on my ears and neck become itchy, sore and flakey unless I use Simple’s shampoo and conditioner. But I find that these are not the best products for the condition of my hair. I have tried many of the products recommended in The Green Beauty Bible that are great for the condition of my hair, but which I then have to stop using because they irritate my scalp. Please help.
There are quite a few products we know of which, at least anecdotally, don’t cause the problems that traditional shampoos and conditioners do - but which should leave your hair in ......
I do hope you can help me resolve an issue over alcohol content in skincare. I was seriously considering purchasing some items from the Korres range which claim to be natural, when I found some items contained benzyl alcohol. Should I be concerned about this even though it came far down on the ingredient list?
Benzyl alcohol is used in the Korres range as a preservative, rather than a major ‘bulk’ ingredient.  Alcohol can be very useful in natural products because unlike water, bugs can’t grow ......
I have very sensitive eyes and wondered if you could recommend a mascara that can be bought in mainstream stores?
We’ve got two suggestions.  The first is to check out the Clinique range, if you haven’t already tried their mascaras:  the range is famously fragrance-free and screens out most known allergens.  ......
I have a (just) 2-year-old and a 9-week-old baby, I put quite a lot of weight on in each pregnancy and the first resulted in a Caesarean. The result, as well as two fantastic (OK I’m biased!) children is that my tummy is not great, to say the least. I am aware that I have to do work to improve muscle tone but my skin is saggy and looks and feels like bread dough and the scar at the bottom of my tummy underlines the problem! Help! Can you recommend anything, preferably organic, that would really help with the appearance of my skin? I'll keep my fingers crossed for a miracle!
We’re sure your toddler and baby are complete heaven!   And we’re very sympathetic to the tummy problem.  First the scar – it will fade, we promise, but you could give it ......
This is really getting me down: why won't companies put the full ingredient list on websites and in a perfect world provide samples? I have very reactive skin and I know some of the triggers are salicylic acid (I’m very seriously allergic to aspirin), Triclosan and a few others. I really want to try a new skincare range I’ve heard about - but no samples, no ingredient list. The sainted QVC say their money back guarantee is comprehensive - but I don't try new things unless I am sure they're ‘clean’, as return postage isn't cheap. Haircare is even worse I find. I e-mailed several companies asking whether they have ingredients I can't use in their products, and never got an answer
We share your irritation about this.  (And how rude of those companies.)  We do feel that all ingredients for products should be listed on-line, so that you can see what you’re ......
I am a fan of Liz Earle products and have used the range for some time. I have recently become aware that the company has become part of Avon and I am concerned that the products will not be the same. Your comments about this partnership would be greatly appreciated
This isn’t the only question we’ve had from anxious readers about the Liz Earle brand, so we immediately e-mailed them for a response. So here goes:  ‘Please be assured that although ......
I have Jo’s book The Ultimate Natural Beauty Book and experiment with making my own moisturising oils. I wondered if you have any tips on cleaning glass bottles in between fillings? I wash and then soak in hot/boiling water but this doesn't remove all oil residues which hold on to droplets of water and do not budge! Is there a way to clean them more effectively or is this even necessary?
We have just two words for you:  bottle brushes.  You can get them in hardware stores, in different sizes (and www.lakeland.co.uk also have some bottle brushes and ‘home spout brushes, if ......
Since growing my hair longer it takes longer to blow-dry and although in good condition - thanks to using the wonderful natural hair products recommended in your book The Green Beauty Bible - it has become rather dry. From what I have read of the Farouk dryer in your book, I think I understand the rationale for buying one of these rather expensive dryers. My problem is that I cannot find a UK supplier and foolishly bought one from an American company, forgetting to take into consideration the need for a transformer for the different voltage. Even with a transformer it didn't work, though thankfully I have been able to return it. I wonder if you are able to advise me on where I can order one in the UK which has the correct power plug fitted. If not, can you recommend a similar one? 
Sorry about the US dryer issues.  These Farouk dryers are what’s called ‘ionic’ dryers, which as you’ve read in our book give out negative ions (negative ions being good, in hair ......
I use the Bare Escentuals range which is great, but the Bare Escentuals brushes are VERY disappointing. They shed really badly and as I wear contact lenses it's a nightmare because if the hairs get into my eyes, they water and I have to start all over. And when I'm out for dinner with my guy the last thing I want is for him to be picking hairs off my face across the table! Can you suggest a good quality basic set - concealer, foundation, radiance and finishing powder brushes?
To be honest, this is one area we never advise skimping on, because it’s true:  inexpensive brushes do tend to shed.  The ranges that we know to be high quality (which ......
A few months ago you e-mailed to say that the Prescriptives range has been discontinued in the K. I’ve just discovered their Plush Mascara – where can I purchase this now?
Alas, you can’t.  We’re gutted that Prescriptives has disappeared (the following question relates to them, too), but we can point you in the direction of another great mascara that we think ......
Can you recommend an alternative to the Prescriptive PX Super Line Preventor now that the brand has been discontinued? Similarly do any other brands do the Personal Blend Foundation that Prescriptives did?
First of all, we will say that as one of the ‘stars’ of the Prescriptives line, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if at some point in the future, a product ......
I am 40 years old and have always looked after my skin, which is normal/dry. I am currently using all Liz Earle skincare products including Superskin, which I love. But, I am very conscious of the SPF factor missing from the moisturiser. I would like to try a moisturiser with an SPF and I am quite interested in using Estée Lauder DayWear. Do you think this would be appropriate for my age? Also what eye cream would you recommend for me? Have you had any good comments about Superskin Eye Serum or is there an Estée Lauder eye product you would recommend?
The way Jo gets round this problem is to apply Superskin, wait a few minutes and then layer a new product from Laura Mercier over the top.  Laura Mercier Flawless Skin ......
I have your Beauty Bible Beauty Steals and read your glowing report on No 7 Line Lift Line Filling Collagen Booster and was keen to try it. I tried Boots.com site and could not find it. I e-mailed them and was told they no longer sell it. This was such a disappointment, so I thought I would let you know.
We’re really sorry for your disappointment.  The tyranny of mentioning actual product names in our books – which of course is why they’re so valuable to our many readers - is ......
Have been a fan of the Beauty Bible since the first book came out.  I am going to be spending some time in New York and wondered if you knew of any publication that has all the best current information on the best therapists and all things holistic in the Big Apple - something like your wonderful publications.
First of all, we are quite jealous.  We love New York and are overdue a visit.  The ‘hot’ therapists and salons change all the time, so we suggest that you might ......
I'm a big fan of your books and have tried many new body treatments with success but I feel I'm stuck in a rut with my skin-care. I'm soon 31 with fair skin, but I tan easily and do not burn. I have combination skin and my nose especially can be oily and flaky at the same time (I can't wear cream to powder foundation without it looking bad) and I'm prone to spots. I have always worn SPF15 moisturiser in the day (Estée Lauder DayWear for years, more recently Olay and L’Oréal) and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum/Eye Cream morning and night, since my early 20s. I do have lovely skin, but it is starting to get fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes. I'm also not sure that I'm getting the shine control I need, especially with a face full of make-up. I am moving to Sydney soon and will need to up my SPF, but I was wondering if I should continue on with my skincare or change to anti-aging products, oil-free etc? I have found oil-free foundations to be ineffective at controlling the shine in the past, but was playing with the idea of Clinique City Block with their Superbalanced Foundation. What do you think? I have to wear foundation everyday for work, so a skincare and make-up solution is needed.
A long question with lots of sub-answers, so let’s take it one step at a time.  First of all, well done for the daily SPF15, but as you’ve correctly identified, that’s ......
I am 33 and am currently trying to work out what is the best tinted moisturiser/foundation for me to use please. I have been totally converted by you both to Liz Earle - thank you, thank you, thank you! – and I am now using the Cleanse & Polish, her toner and moisturiser every day. Make-up wise, however, I am not sure I am using the right tinted moisturiser. I am currently using an Aveda tinted moisturiser and depending on the time of the year I blend this with a NARS Multiple stick to get some extra colour. Please can you tell me if you think I should be using a different tinted moisturiser or even a foundation? Skin-wise I am pretty normal but I do get very dry skin if I don't use a decent moisturiser for dry skin. I am also lucky to have clear skin and therefore don't want to use a heavy make-up! I have a few lines coming but not too horrendous yet! Skin colour-wise I tan easily but when not tanned I can look pale. Budget- wise I don't want to spend hundreds of pounds but will happily spend a reasonable/sensible amount to get the right make up!
Especially at this time of year, and with young-ish unlined skin, you probably don’t need to graduate to a full foundation.  Jo has been extremely impressed lately by the Dior Hydra-ife ......
I have the dreaded 'number 11' etched on my forehead, between my eyebrows. I try to relax, meditate etc to no avail. I am 40, am an (ex) smoker; I do not drink alcohol. I use chemical-free and organic product as much as I can. Is there anything out there without petrochemicals that would help? A product, facial exercise, supplement or is going under the knife my only hope…? I also have saggy cheeks/nose to mouth lines...!
A couple of thoughts.  Don’t freak out, oh natural and green beauty, but we’re going to recommend a synthetic product which is absolutely the best thing for ‘blurring’ the lines:  award-winning ......
I am just wondering why one product ingredient can come from a variety of different sources yet still go under the same name. Things like stearic acid I just read on your site can come from either plant or animal - I don't understand; surely they are two different things? Fair enough they may be used for the same purpose, but why call them the same name? I do know that gelatine can come from either pig or cow bones as they are just that: animal bones. But I cannot grasp why one ingredient can derive from two very different sources! Can you explain at all? Sorry - I know that’s a really tricky one to answer!
Actually, it’s not that difficult to answer.  Oil, for instance, can come from petroleum, or it can come from a plant.  And so it is with other ingredients:  the raw materials ......
My two gorgeous nieces are about to turn 13 and I would like to buy them a starter kit of make-up to play with. I clearly remember feeling so glamorous when my aunt bought me a Mary Quant Overnighter way, way back in the 70s as I became a teenager and would like to do something similar. However, as I now fall into the 50+ bracket I am a little out of touch with the best and trendiest brands for teenagers. I like to think I am still a glamorous 50 (and an experienced BB tester) and want to pass on my passion for being a beauty-hound to my younger female family - but what? Please can you help?
A good starting point is a fun new range launched by the team behind Ruby & Millie (Millie Kendall and Ruby Hammer).  It’s called Scarlett & Crimson, inspired by some funky ......
Out of the blue my face is lately feeling a bit sensitive, irritated and taut. I've gone through the process of eliminating products I've always used and have come to the conclusion (though most probably just coincidence) that it may be since using a new bottle of A'kin Rosehip Oil, a product I have used on and off for months with usually great results. I was wondering if it could be the Vitamin A that cold pressed rosehip oil contains as I've read that it can change the barrier on the skin's surface with prolonged use resulting in sensitivity - could it be just this bottle that is a problem - is that possible? I love facial oil at night which has been part of my ritual since testing AD Synergy for you and have used Liz Earle's and Clarins amongst others since. I was using the A'kin one because it really seemed to outshine the others initially! I have never had a problem with any product before and my life has always revolved around trying new ones (I have tested for you many times and am currently doing so - this started before your parcel arrived). I am 43 and have not changed my HRT or supplements either.
Well, despite the fact that rosehip oil is frequently prescribed for people with sensitive skin, we can both react badly to rosehip oil, too:  it sometimes brings Jo out in red, ......
I have recently started to make my own beauty products and I received your book The Ultimate Natural Beauty Book for Christmas. I have made the Chamomile Comfort Cream but the herbal decoction and the other ingredients separate. Is it supposed to do so? Is it supposed to have a more solid consistency or is it quite liquid? Mine is very liquid. (Great book overall. It's giving me plenty of ideas!)
Jo says:  thanks for the nice compliment, first of all!  She thinks that the problem you talk about may be down to how you’re mixing the cream.  The absolute ideal ‘tool’ ......
Top 10 Q&As
My Mum, who’s 41, has suffered from under-eye puffiness for some time now. Could you point her in the right direction?
Puffy eyes are very often to do with diet and pollution - I always get puffies when I stay over in London - also of course lack of sleep. The best ......
How can I get rid of dark circles?
Monisha Bharadwaj - an expert in oriental beauty and author of Indian Beauty Secrets (Kyle Cathie) - swears by an Ayurvedic recipe handed down in her family. \'Crush five mint leaves ......
What can I do about the open pores on my nose and chin?
Lots and lots of questions about this. Sarah found Brightening Treatment from Liz Earle’s Naturally Active Skincare range ((50ml Starter Pack at £10.00 or 50ml singly at £9.25) helped clear and ......
I have good, but very sensitive, reactive skin. 55 years old now -- sigh... Can you recommend some good products please? I’ve tried just about everything!
Jo has legendarily sensitive skin (after using too many different free products!) so is an expert on the subject. Two particularly impressive creams that have calmed her skin down after eczema-like ......
After reading the 21st Century Beauty Bible I’ve been inspired to use more natural and organic products but I’m having trouble finding a natural eye make-up remover. Is there anything you can recommend?
Jo’s had excellent results with Living Nature Eye Makeup Remover, £9.90 (mail order and stockists 01794-323222). It’s an oil-based product which you apply using damp cotton wool, and it helps dissolve ......
I have high colouring – not just a tint of rosiness after a drink or two, but permanent redness. This is not due to acne rosacea or any other ‘condition’; I have had it since I was a child and it is really difficult to get make-up to look right. I currently use Estée Lauder Double Wear - which is great - but I have to apply a few layers. I want the finished look to be as natural as possible and have tried makes such as Dermablend but they end up looking like a mask. I am thinking of trying a concealer foundation by La Prairie, but obviously this is an expensive option. Any suggestions?
As quite a ‘pink’ person, Jo has this advice: ‘My favourite foundation for tackling this problem is Lancôme Teint Idôle Hydra-Compact, from £19.50 for the re-fill – which is what I ......
Could you please tell me the best method of using Touche Eclat?
Charlotte Godden - a former winner of the beauty industry’s coveted Supreme Consultant Award - is the ultimate expert on this; she’s sold hundreds of tubes of Touche Eclat, every month, ......
I'm wondering what age you should start using an anti-ageing cream. I'm currently 22 and have read that you should start in your early 20s - is that true?
We disagree. We\'d suggest that you wait till 30+ to start using a specific anti-ageing product - but that before that, you focus on protecting skin against damage. (Trust us: it\'s ......
I am 32 with a few crows feet around my eyes from sun damage, my skin is sensitive, dry and flakes sometimes. I like cleansing with a facial wash and daily scrub and follow up with an eye cream and moisturiser. I have heard a lot about Liz Earle products, would they help?
We wouldn’t use a scrub on dry skin. Liz Earle’s products are great and you can try them out in small sizes (try our website special offer). Always protect your face ......
How can I get rid of open pores?
The best tactic, explains Eve Lom, is to stop using astringent or toner, \'which only makes them worse. In addition, avoid putting moisturiser on that area and the pores will start ......




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