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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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44 questions found in this category:

My problem is one that is really causing me so much embarrassment in the last few months: my nose has become purple-coloured and I have failed to cover or get an explanation as to how it came about. I am 62 years of age - not a drinker - and am using Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish and Instant Boost Skin Tonic. It seems to me it has only since I have been using these products that this has flared up. I was advised not to use the scrub or brightening mask as they would stimulate the skin too much. No make-up stays on my nose so makes it difficult to conceal it - I am at a loss, so please help.
We think it’s possible that you have developed rosacea, which is almost certainly not linked to those specific products but to a whole host of other factors; in fact, many women ......

I have been trying to track down Ponds Regener-Activ Deep Night Treatment as recommended in Beauty Steals. Is this product still available as I can't find it anywhere and the Pond's website doesn't mention it?
A generally good source for the Pond’s range is a website called www.chemistdirect.co.uk. But first the bad news, though: they too were out of stock of this particular line – which ......

I haven’t used concealer before but I want to hide my ugly spots before my foundation (I don't like my foundation). Can you tell me which foundation and concealer would be good for me? My skin type in normal, and I’m 27.
Our response to this question (which applies equally to the next question, below) starts with some advice to cut yourself some slack. You say ‘ugly spots’. Well, you may not love ......

I hate myself. I am 32 have a face full of pimples, blocked pores, redness and some dryness and scarring. Which skincare routine is most suitable for my skin? I am at the end of my tether and looked at every counter and magazine and there are so many I need help! It would take a lot of angst away if someone could help.
First up: would you please do us a favour and look at the advice we’ve given to the other reader, above, about self-acceptance? We get really upset to see the words ......

Are there any products which will fade age spots on my hands?
You’re probably not going to like this answer – which is, hmmm, ‘not really’. We tried absolutely loads of ‘age-spot-fading’ treatments this year, and none of them ‘wowed’ our panelists. The ......

I am 59 and suffer with rosacea. It does seem to be OK on some days, but is still very dry. Would Liz Earle Naturally Active Superskin Moisturiser be OK to use, as I have to be so careful?
Dryness is often a problem for skins that also suffer from rosacea - at least according to many sufferers that we know. But yes, we think that the Superskin cream would ......

I would like to go organic with my skincare. I am 23 and have sensitive skin that still breaks out. I used to have worse skin and was on Roaccutane a couple of years ago, although I never had full-blown acne. That is all gone now. I currently use Dermalogica Ultracalming Cleanser and an Aveda moisturiser, but feel my skin could be better. I wonder whether if I try organic products this may finally get rid of my spots, uneven skin tone and patches of dry patches and redness that I suffer? Which brand do you think would be the best? I have done so much research and have found that rosehip seed oil, wheatgerm oil and beeswax can potentially clog pores, so I have been trying to avoid those. One brand that looks particularly good is a Dr Alkaitis, but its a bit pricy. Another is Paul Penders. Do you know of these? Quite a few I have found have the above ingredients. Are there any you would particularly recommend considering my age and skin type?
First off, don’t switch everything at once. Your poor, confused skin will wonder what the heck’s happened and is actually more likely to break out and rebel with zits and redness. ......

I have just had an accident and have ended up with two black eyes. Could you recommend an eye cream that will soothe and restore the skin around my eyes. Have been using Heal Gel from The Firm. Do you think there is anything better?
Short answer? No…. That’s it! And you do know where to get Heal Gel, £30? From www.victoriahealth.com, with your special discount and free postage – oh and you get a fabulous ......

I have broken capillaries on my cheeks and wondered whether the muslin cloths that come with the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish would be too harsh. Is there also a possibility that the eucalyptus in the C&P would aggravate my skin? I recently underwent a hysterectomy and am expecting my skin to change so any advice on good cleansing and moisturising products would be greatly appreciated!
We don’t really think (a) that the muslin cloths would be too harsh, provided you don’t use them like Brillo pads, and (b) that the eucalyptus should aggravate your skin. We ......

I suffer from an almost permanently red nose. In winter it's not so bad because I can put concealer on it under my foundation, but even then it can show. In summer when I wear very little or no makeup the problem is really embarrassing, and it doesn't help that my partner teases me about it whenever he can. Do you know what could be the cause of this problem, and is there anything I could do or not do in order to remedy the situation?
Without being able to see your skin, it’s hard to tell - although it sounds just possibly as if you might be suffering from rosacea, which is an increasingly common skin ......

I am 58 and I have had brown pigmentation marks all over my face and body since I was in my 40s. At first it was diagnosed as a rare virus but more recently the consultant told me that it's age spots and recommend a really toxic ointment called Efudix to apply to some of the spots which are thickened layers of skin. When the Efudix has burnt the skin I then have to peel it off and it's horribly red and sensitive and immediately regrows -and the whole ugly saga continues. My daughter is getting married in a few months and I am desperate to have a better complexion. I moisturise every day and night and use concealer and foundation during the day and of course sun block in the sun!
Like us, you will probably have read the manufacturers’ information about Efudix and all the threads from derms and patients on the net. It’s used for actinic keratoses (AKs) and forms ......

You recommend agnus castus to deal with hormonal acne. I agree that this product does work but you need to remind anyone who plans to use this herbal remedy that it might affect the Pill's efficacy. I was told this by a GP so assume it's true. Acne spots can be a nightmare but an unplanned pregnancy would be worse!
There certainly are some herbal products that may affect pharmaceutical drugs (though possibly less – and less seriously - than are often touted), but according to NAPS - the National Association ......

I'm 28 years old. Although I have a naturally light, sallow complexion, I have a perpetually pink nose. It's not rosacea; I just happen to have yellow cheeks and a pink nose! Because my skin is usually blemish-free, I typically wear tinted moisturiser with just a touch of powder to conceal my red nose. Unfortunately, powder doesn't sit well on my skin. Can you recommend any liquid or cream products that would conceal my rosy nose - or any powders that wouldn't look unnatural on my skin? Thanks.
The received wisdom is that green pigments counterbalance redness – which is why, on the market, you’ll find quite a few green ‘corrector’ products. We say: don’t go there. They look ......

For the last year I have suffered from eczema/dermatitis on my face, neck and scalp for the first time in my life (I am 59). I have found an emollient called Doublebase is very good for my face, and steroid cream has helped on my neck - but I seem to get breakouts on my face after using make up (I very rarely use it since this started). I wondered if you could recommend what brand of make up would be good to use.
OK, a couple of suggestions. The first is that you look for the words ‘non-comedogenic’ on the label of any foundation that you choose. (We guess you’re talking about ‘foundation’ when ......

I have small lumps under my eyes which appear to be fatty deposits although I do not have high cholesterol. Have you any ideas that might help?
We think you are probably referring to milia: tiny white bumps or small cysts which occur when dead skin becomes trapped in little pockets on the skin surface. Primary milia are ......

I really need your help, please - I am 53 and have just started receiving Roaccutane treatment for severe acne rosacea, plus I already have very sensitive skin. Please can you suggest which cleanser, moisturiser, eye gel, lip balm and (soap free) body wash and body cream I should try to help with these problems. (My décolleté area especially needs repair treatment). I really would be so grateful for your advice as I do not want to make expensive mistakes either buying the wrong product or products which don't deliver or may make my condition worse.
We think a good starting point is the Sher System. This is a family business, headed by the passionate matriarch Helen Sher, who has specialised in troublesome skin for many decades. ......

I am a 59-year-old woman, and have started to get small red dry spots on my cheeks. I have always looked after my skin, and try to keep the sun off it. I would like to see a good beautician in London - West, if possible. I want someone who will give me good advice, and not just try and sell me products.
We don’t have facials very often, and to be honest, you can count on the fingers of one hand the people we’d go and see: Amanda Lacey, Emma Hardie, Eve Lom, ......

I have severe hyperpigmentation all over my face. I have had Fraxel laser treatment, which at first, was amazing, however on my last treatment the doctor turned up the setting, burnt my face, which has left severe hyperpigmentation. Are there any products out there, including camouflage, to help this? This has effected my self esteem very badly.
We are so very sorry to hear of your experience. Laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment can trigger problems include burns, skin damage, blistering leading to mild scarring and skin ......

I am 44 years of age, have quite good skin, but I would like to ask how I can 1) get rid of brown pigment marks, 2) diminish the appearance of open pores. I have a brown pigment mark on my cheek and open pores around my nose and chin.
Age spots are one of the beauty world’s biggest challenges. We are currently doing a really comprehensive Tried & Tested of this category, and we promise we’ll get back to you ......

I've been give an ARIANE POOLE silver case, which my mum has never used. Looking at it, I'm not sure whether it’s a blusher or eyeshadow or combination. Can you advise? It says ‘Complete Face Trio’ with the name ‘Angelic’.
We’re pretty sure that this is a blusher trio, which also came in a tawny shade called ‘Toffee’ - and in which you’ll find highlighters as well as a cream-to-powder blusher ......

I'm 22 and I have oily skin with some blemishes. I would like to know what are the best products for me (I use Body Shop’s tea tree line) – and do I need to use a toner?
If Body Shop’s tea tree range works for you, then stick with it: we’re against confusing skin by constantly chopping and changing products. (But do monitor your skin, because as we ......

I’m 35 and have used Liz Earle Naturally Active products for about three years and love them. My question is that I would like to start using a facial oil in the evening as my skin is dry. I have used Clarins Santal oil in the past and was wondering if you could recommend any others. Are there any good budget oils or any others for dry skin you like?
With facial oils, you tend to get what you pay for: there are less expensive oils on the market (like Bio-Oil), but they can be based on petrochemicals rather than skin-nourishing ......

I wondered if you have any tips for skincare with facial palsy. I recently had a brain tumour removed and lost my hearing and nerve function to the left side. I am hoping to have some nerve regrafting with the plastics team but wondered if there was anything I can do to improve skincare and make-up. I am using a facial stimulator to help with muscle tone. Any advice would be helpful.
First of all, we’d like to wish you a speedy recovery. We know that make-up can play a huge role in boosting the self-esteem of anyone who’s had cancer treatment, and ......

I cannot find Guinot Gommage Biologique Gentle Exfoliating Cream - which you mention in your book The Handbag Beauty Bible - anywhere. Can you help?
Easy! It’s available from www.beautyexpert.co.uk, which is one of just a handful of Beauty Bible-approved websites. Better still, you can enjoy a 10% discount, as a www.beautybible.com insider, if you click ......

I suffer from rosacea on my face, mainly around my cheeks. It’s really embarrassing and makeup doesn't hide it very well, either. I read your article in a recent Irish Sunday Independent mag and you briefly mentioned using organic milk. Could I have more information/advice - perhaps you could recommend products I could use?
OK, so this is purely anecdotal, but it’s worth a try. Jo’s best friend Maggie also suffers from rosacea (and was prescribed antibiotics and antibiotic gels, which she didn’t fancy taking ......

I have dark skin with dark blemishes, particularly at the corners of my lips, and have tried numerous concealers over the years with varying degrees of failure: Dermablend (too heavy), Clinique (just doesn't cover up dark patches), Bobbi Brown (only lasts about 2 hours), Sheer Cover (‘runs’ so that I look like an old woman - I'm in my late 20s), Fashion Fair (so heavy I only used it once). I'm sure there ust be a decent concealer for dark skins out there, but where?? I have solved many beauty problems with ‘The Bible’ and if you can't help me, then no-one can. Please help!
It’s always baffled us why most companies offer a spectrum of foundation shades, but just a couple of concealers. There are, however, a couple of companies which are exceptions to the ......

How can I fade acne scars? I’m 31.
Without knowing the extent and depth of the scarring, it\'s hard to answer your question. However, here are some thoughts: for in depth information about medical options, we recommend you read ......

A few months ago in The Mail on Sunday’s YOU Magazine, you gave the results of a Tried & Tested for Cheek Stains. I’ve lost the magazine and wondered if you could let me know the names, and if you can recommend any other recommended sheer cheek tints.
We’re delighted to say that this is one of the Tried & Testeds which features in our new pink book, The Handbag Beauty Bible (published by Kyle Cathie at £8.99), but ......

I have quite a dark (50p-sized) strawberry birthmark on my shoulder and am always wary of wearing strappy tops which reveal it. Is there a concealer I can buy which would definitely cover it up?
The concealer which pros swear by is Dermablend, which even covers tattoos (a boon for tattoo-ed brides!), and offers the dense but natural-looking coverage. It¹s a no-budge formulation (they even sell ......

Could you please give me some info on Karen Mason, the make-up artist? I’ve heard she gives one-on-one lessons in which she’ll ‘edit’ your make-up bag…
Good news: Karen Mason – GMTV’s resident beauty expert - can be found working out of a wonderfully well-equipped studio in London NW6 (call 020-7372 6946 for details and bookings). She ......

I have a rather chubby face and would like to slim it down with make-up so it looks ‘sharper’. Any tips?
As Jenny Jordan told us for The 21st Century Beauty Bible, make-up can be used to slim down a less-than-svelte face – if it’s used carefully. But – warns Jenny – ......

Can you use make-up to make a nose look smaller?
Tina Earnshaw , film make-up pro extraordinaire (think Shakespeare in Love, Sliding Doors, Titanic) - advises that the words to remember are blend, blend, blend. \'Buy a Kryolan Supracolor palette from ......

What's the best way to get rid of facial spider veins?
It can take more than cosmetics to tackle this beauty challenge. Some skincare specialists recommend that creams containing vitamin C or E can help, but according to consultant dermatologist Professor Nicholas ......

I have pale legs - should I use fake tan?
Star facialist Amanda Lacey\'s insider tip is to use a facial self-tanner - like Lanc»me\'s Flash Bronzer Face Gel - on your legs, \'which tends to give a slightly paler result ......

What's the best way to cover a spot?
Karen Mason\'s spot-concealer-of-choice is Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, (0870 169 9999 for mail order) - from the range that\'s a favourite with Sharon Stone, Glenn Close, Priscilla Presley and Catherine Deneuve. ......

How can I cover a tattoo?
\'Professional beauty stores usually stock a tattoo concealer kit by Dermacolor, which delivers the kind of dense coverage you need to disguise even the brightest tattoo ink. The palettes feature a ......

How can I camouflage a cold sore?
As a rule, believes Stila founder and make-up-artist-to-the-stars Jeanine Lobell, cold sores should be left well alone. \'But for a special occasion - or an important meeting - you might want ......

Can I conceal freckles?
\'You have to accept that if you\'re going to cover up freckles, it\'s going to look like a mask - and I always prefer the natural beauty of the skin to ......

Do I need one of the new 'brightening creams' - and should I layer it over moisturiser?
Ariane Poole is a convert to brightening creams, particularly Estþe Lauder Spotlight Skin Tone Perfector, \'which makes your skin look like you\'ve had a good night\'s sleep. I use it instead ......

How can I get that sun-kissed look on my face?
For that just-got-back-from-St. Trop look, these are make-up pro Vincent Longo\'s secrets: \'work a powder brush into bronzing powder and then tap the handle a couple of times on a flat ......

Is there any brightening cream to improve my dull complexion?
We love Liz Earle’s Brightening Treatment (50ml Starter Pack at £10.00 or 50ml singly at £9.25) a mask you apply for a few minutes then wash off. This works quite deeply ......

I was disappointed that there wasn’t a tried-and-tested matifers section in the book, but I’m glad that you mention them on the site. However, can you recommend a long-lasting matifier? As I have very oily skin, have no problem finding skincare and make-up containing matifying ingredients, but my skin doesn’t stay matte for hours like it’s meant to. I’ve tried No7 Matte Under Make-up Base, Boots Botanics Shine Control, Clarins Hydra Matte Day Lotion and even Milk of Magnesia, but after about 3 hours, or sometimes less, my skin starts to become shiny again, even when the matifier states that it offers shine protection for up to 6-8 hours. It’s driving me crazy, so any suggestions for a max-strength matifier would be much appreciated. Thank you.
We admit it, shine isn’t our problem - but we know plenty of women who gleam after an hour or two... Most shiny women we know swear by Lancome’s T-Controle Instant ......

I discovered your fantastic website while desperately looking for Barbara Daly’s Colourings blusher that used to be retailed at the Body Shop. It came in handy little balls in 3 tones (bronze, copper and gold) but is no longer available. I love the stuff and would dearly like to get some but I now live across the world in a tiny volcanic island called Reunion, which is about 6 or 7,000 miles away from England. Could you please help?
In fact the Body Shop still does a similar product called Brush-on Beads, which come in separate pots of Gold, Buff, Bronze and Pink. So you could buy the ones you ......

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, ......

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