Got a beauty issue? Try a tissue.
I mean this in the most literal sense — and not to dry up any tears.
I love the answer Sarah Jessica Parker once told me about how she does a quick makeup fix in a pinch. She'll take a tissue and blot her face gingerly. The makeup stays in place while the shine is instantly gone. A makeup artist told me an even better solution to shine, which is to grab a toilet seat cover. Yes, the kind found in any bathroom in America. Rip off a piece of it and do the same blotting. This works even better than a tissue.
All of us, stars and mere mortals, experience perplexing beauty 911 moments. I asked some of my favorite experts and celebs to help provide a few answers:
Problem: You're stuck in the middle of your winter doldrums and want a quick, simple pick-me-up. What can you do?
Solved: I asked "The Real Housewives of Orange County" star Gretchen Rossi who says, "Always have a tan – real or from a spray tan. It always makes you look a lot better." Her buddy on the show Heather Dubrow adds, "Workout and a good plastic surgeon. If one doesn't work go see the plastic surgeon."
Problem: You've tried a great new black eyeliner only to find that a few hours into wearing it that it has smudged to the point where it looks like you're trying to star in "Rocky 6."
Solved: I don't want to mention brand names, but there is a new black liner that promises a smoked eye look, but really it's a smeared eye look. It helps if you put foundation on your entire face including under your eyes. Then apply the liner and top it off with a quick touch of translucent powder.
Problem: There are many gorgeous coral lip-glosses on the market for spring, but how much is too much gloss? And what about that white-ish gook that hangs out on your lips before you gloss
Solved: I love the "Today Show" makeup artist who explained to me, "You're not trying to cause an oil slick. Put a dab of lip gloss in the center of your upper and lower lip. Then smoosh your lips around. You don't need more gloss than those two dots." To get rid of the white use a damp washcloth to remove it before you gloss.
Problem: It's great to go in for a bikini wax before a winter trip to the sun, but that area tends to break out in red dots right afterwards. What can you do?
Solved: There are two great solutions: One is a glove that fits on your hand that you can gently use to exfoliate the area that breaks out. Gently! The other solution is a few dots of tea tree oil, which reduces inflammation.
Problem: Your feet are dry and cracked during the winter season. What is a way to make a pedicure last?
Solved: A great way is to find some intensive care lotion and sleep it in. Put extra lotion on our feet covered by thick sweat socks. It's a great way to deep moisturize your feet and make your pedicure last longer. Try this at least once a week all year round.
Problem: I want to take care of my skin, but don't want to spend a fortune on expensive cleansers. Is there a cheaper alternative?
Solved: I asked Jennifer Aniston once what she uses on her skin and she smiled before telling me, "Neutrogena cleansing bar. The bright orange one. I've used it for years," she says. "It's simple and it works." It's also under $5.
Problem: I love red lipstick, but a cup of coffee later, most of it is on the mug. What can I do?
Solved: I went to the Queen as in Queen Latifah for the answer. "I hate reapplying lipstick," says the Cover Girl model who has the Cover Girl Queen Collection. She uses Cover Girl Paint the Town which she swears, "Even lasts during a meal!"
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