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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".

If you can't find a suitable answer, e-mail us – and we’ll do our best to include your question in a future Q&A update. You could also try looking in our Beauty Info section, just click here.

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Make-up (131)	Skin (265)	Hair (48)
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Latest 25 Q&As

Please can you advise me on what are the good/top model agencies in Kent/London as my daughter who is 17 is keen to have a stab at this area.She is quite a stunner and 5' 7. Thanks.
This is going to be brutal – but forget Kent. Local agencies really don’t have the contacts that your daughter needs to get ahead in this field, and all the best ......

Please can you recommend products that could help with tiny bumps under the skin mainly around the jaw-line. I have tried some resurfacing products such as Elemis Tri Enzyme and also Alpha H Liquid Gold. Neither of them really improved the problem but seemed to leave my skin very dry-looking. I use Liz Earle products only on my face and use Bare Escentuals mineral makeup. I do have sensitive skin so would need something suitable for that. I would love to get rid of this problem as it's been the bane of my life. I do hope you can help me with this.
Your problem sounds like ‘milia’ – tiny white bumps or small cysts that appear when dead skin gets trapped in little pockets on the surface. Primary milia are found on the ......

I am interested in a skincare line called Sophyto. What is your opinion of Sophyto? Is there a product that you would recommend?
Despite contact with the makers of Sophyto, who even used to sit on the same Soil Association Healthy & Beauty Products standards-setting committee that Jo chaired, we’ve never successfully got hold ......

I haven’t used concealer before but I want to hide my ugly spots before applying my foundation. (I don’t like my foundation, by the way!) Any idea which concealer and foundation would be good for me? I’m 27, with normal skin.
Sorry about the spots. But can we just say one thing, before we launch into a suggestion list of products? Please try to stress less about your spots. They happen, and ......

I think your books and website are fantastic BUT please can you put some spacing between the lines on the copy of the website? It's really tiring on the eyes. I would like your designer to make the pages easier to read! Sorry to moan about a trivial matter, but I sometimes find myself giving up reading even when I'm interested in what you're saying!
It’s a conundrum. We have tons to say! And we personally hate sites which gives one- or two-line answers to questions, or scant info about product: we want to tell you ......

My hair was/is silvery white all over so I decided to colour it last night. I used Nice&Easy Perfecto 10 Medium Golden Blonde but would like to tone it down - any suggestions?
Although we haven’t tried it ourselves (due to not having had any colouring disasters lately!), we hear very good things about a new product launched by Louise Galvin. Louise Galvin Hair ......

I'm in my mid forties and from the age of seven I have suffered from dry skin all over my body...at school I was called 'Tank Tracks or Reptile'... The condition has improved but as I approach middle age, I am becoming more aware of the appearance, tightness, dryness. Fifteen year's ago I was given a bottle Neutrogena Body Lotion... It was like been given a miracle cure...it addressed all ailments of my dry skin and the appearance was terrific...it locked in moisture and provided a smooth healthy, glowing appearance. Two years ago Neutrogena changed the ingredients and the new range has no effect on me at all. I have spent a fortune in my search for the perfect body lotion, tried supplements, a course of Imedeen, body oils etc. etc. and nothing seems to have provided the 'moisture lock and smooth appearance'. I feel conscious exposing my back, arms and legs... Have you got any suggestions?
We recommend a twice-weekly top-to-toe scrub with something like Weleda Birch Body Scrub, £8.95 for 150ml or Green People Organic Body Spa Sensuous Sugar Scrub, £19.50 for 245g, both available with ......

I am just wondering what you both think about the Thermoplastic Elastomer mascara brushes that are out there (i.e. Rimmel Magnif'eye). Do you think they are better than mascaras with nylon bristles or plastic comb mascaras?
We really rather like these brushes – other examples include Maybelline Define-A-Lash, £7.99, Max Factor Masterpiece, £8.99, and Bourjois Mascara Elastic, £8.99, which are among our favourite mascaras. (Click on any ......

My nails have become dry brittle and are in very poor condition. A Please can you recommend anything to help them?
There’s no quick fix as nails take ages to grow. But you can make an immediate difference to their appearance by massaging in oil and/or oily hand cream now this minute ......

Various cosmetic companies have ‘magic’ creams that they sell at huge cost i.e. Elizabeth Arden's Prevage, Lancôme have one, La Mer and so on. Honestly, can their creams work any better than a L'Oréal, Nivea or Garnier cream that sell for much less? Have you done a comparative study?
Well, yes we have done a comparative study – we’ve been doing it for 14 years, through our Tried & Tested surveys. We have certainly had good performances from some of ......

I am 27 and have fairly youthful-looking skin. When should I start using a neck cream? I have read around the age of 40 (depending on your lifestyle). Is it only necessary once you have visible lines/wrinkles, or should I start using one as a preventative measure? Same goes for anti-wrinkle creams: are they only to be used once you have wrinkles?
At the age of 27, you still want to be thinking about prevention – not treatment. We cannot say too often: prevention is way, way, way easier than ‘cure’, and the ......

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 ......

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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