You Ask, We Tell

Introducing our very first question and answer session, compiled from your comments and e-mails. This will be a weekly feature, provided we have questions to answer! Please e-mail us at primpandtell@gmail.com if you have anything you want answered – or even suggestions of products you'd like us to test.

Shannon asks: How do we exfoliate our lips? I use a washcloth lightly in the shower. What do you do?
Missy tells: This may sound silly but I sometimes brush my lips with my toothbrush, after rinsing any toothpaste off of course! Immediately follow-up with chapstick. My lips only get very dry in the winter months and it may be a funny technique, but it's actually quite effective for me!
Kelli tells: Actually both are technically right, depending on who you talk to. I've done both, and in fact used to keep an extra toothbrush just for that purpose. But I've also heard a lot that you should get a wet washcloth and gently rub your lips. I do that sometimes, too. And, yes, immediately follow up with some kind of chapstick or balm.

Sarah asks: I have some acne scars on my chin and a wrinkle in between my eyebrows from squinting that are getting more noticeable to me as I age. You probably have no personal experience about products like this since your skin is flawless, but have you heard the skinny on any good products to address my issues that won't break the bank?
Kelli tells: Spare me, my skin is not flawless! I have the same thing going on with my chin. I found this stuff at Target, brand name is AMBI, and it's supposed to specialize in diminishing scars and dark spots on the skin. I haven't used it much, yet, but it may be something to try. It's very cheap compared to other stuff, too. I bought a scrub and a face cleanser for only $5 each. Or, so far, anything in Oil of Olay's Regenerist line has made me happy – but not totally convinced yet. Still testing that stuff. It's a little more pricey than, say, Aveeno or Neutrogena, but I do recommend both of those. Especially Aveeno. I've never tried anything of theirs that I didn't love. I can always tell a difference really quickly.

Shannon asks: How do you get your hair SMOOTH. Mine has so many fly-aways, and I know I can't get rid of the cowlick, but the rest of it is just crazy. And yours is always nice and smooth. Plus what flat iron do you use?
Missy tells: I always use ceramic flat irons. I bought mine at Sally Beauty and paid full price of $39.99. It's amazing. And I've had it for over 2 years and it's still going strong! I always blow dry with my root lifter and flat iron it straight, finishing with a good non-sticky hairspray. Because my hair is fine, smoothers usually tend to make it greasy. And my hair is only smooth now because it's not 80% humidity outside! See me in the summer and I'll be sporting a pony tail most of the time (or going curly).

Jenny asks: Have you ever found an eye-brightener stick or highlighter stick that you've really liked? What about under-eye concealer?
Kelli tells: I'll get back to you on that highlighter thing, Jenny. As far as concealers, there's actually several I like. My little sister introduced me to one called All Over Brightener by Carmindy for Sally Hansen Natural Beauty. The one I use is actually lavender/pinkish colored and it works really well, believe it or not. You can use your fingers to put it on or with a concealer brush. I bought it at Ulta online. I also use one by Sonia Kashuk at Target. It's part of her mineral line (which I'll be reviewing very soon because it's amazing) and it also works really well. I highly recommend a concealer brush, by the way.

Shell asks: Have you ever bought makeup/beauty products at say CVS that say you can bring it back if you don't like it for 100% refund?
Kelli tells: While I have never taken up a drugstore on the offer, I know a few have that very policy. This is directly from the CVS website, "All CVS/pharmacy Brand products and all beauty products are 100% satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. If you are dissatisfied for any reason, you can return the CVS/pharmacy Brand or beauty product (opened or unopened) along with your receipt or invoice and we will refund the full purchase price- no questions asked." I know Walgreens has a similar policy as well.

Shannon asks: What moisturizer do you guys use?? Mine JUST ran out this morning for my face, and I need something that works? Any ideas?
Missy tells: Right now I'm using Aveeno Ultra Calming moisturizer. It's on my list to review because I'd intended to buy the Positively Radiant by Aveeno but had a brain fart at Target and spent $14 on a moisturizer I don't really like all that much, but am using it because I don't want to fork out the money for the Positively Radiant (which I've only heard good things about) unless I have to! (Whew!)
Kelli tells: I change moisturizers a lot because I like to try new things, but I've been using Neutrogena Visibly Even during the day. It has SPF in it. (Except for this two weeks that I'm using the 14-day Rescue moisturizer.) My favorite ones I've ever used have always been by Loreal. At night, I usually use a much richer night cream. I'm using a lot of anti-aging products right now, because I have a lot of fine lines, so I doubt you'd be interested in that, you young spring chicken, you. I also have to second Missy about the Positively Radiant. My dermatologist recently gave me several samples of it (because it was my birthday) and I love it. I bought the Positively Radiant night cream as well, which I'll report on when I start using it after the 14-day Rescue.

Vanessa asks: I know I should not ask this but, will [Oil of Olay Definity Eye Illuminator] work for guys? My hubby gets dark circle under his eyes. He hates them so I am always looking for something to help him with it. Any input would help.
Kelli tells: I wouldn't use this one for guys, it's kinda shimmery. But some others might work for him. Neutrogena has a good one, and so does Boots at Target.

Elisa asks: Know anything about the brand of makeup that Amy Grant advertises for? Something about hope and positive messages on the product bottles?
Kelli tells: Elisa, I've never heard of it, and after much Googling, I found nothing. But I'll keep my eye out. And if any of you know about this, please let us know so we can pass the info on!
Missy Tells: I wasn't going to let this question goes unanswered! From what I found in this article, Amy Grant is partnering with much-loved cosmetic and beauty company, Philosophy. I'm hoping to get my hands on some of their Kiss Me Lip Balm to help get those dry winter lips summer ready!

Olivia asks: I'm curious about the proper use and selection of a bronzer. I'll check out your Friday postings and home for some guidance!

Kelli tells: Olivia, I'm going to do my best! I have only been using bronzer for a little while, after I noticed I was looking very pasty. I actually bought some super-cheap stuff, $4.99 for N.Y.C. Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder. Using a large bronzer brush, which you can find in any drugstore or Target, I apply it lightly to my nose, chin and jawbone, and forehead. It creates just a nice subtle glow. They have several different colors.

According to The Makeup Manual by Bobbi Brown, if you have "alabaster" skin (Gwyneth Paltrow) you should select shimmery pink or peach. If your skin is light (Drew Barrymore) you need beigy brown with a bit of pink. Medium skin tones (Sienna Miller) need browny pink with a tiny bit of orange. Dark-toned skin (Vanessa Williams) need brownish red, and finally the deepest skin tones (Venus Williams) need a brownish blue color. I really think powder is the easiest way to go, if you want to be able to correct any minor mistakes. But bronzers are also available in gels and creams. For gels and creams, you would apply it to the same areas with a very light touch. Also lightly apply some to the areas around the lips, neck and ears. Make sure your hands are very clean!

To everyone – I highly recommend Bobbi Brown's book, The Makeup Manual. It contains a wealth of information – which colors to choose, how to apply, and much more.