You Ask, We Tell Vol. 3

Britt asks: Do you girls have a product that gets rid of the dark under-eye circles? I'm desperate. Thanks!
Kelli tells: I, too, suffer from MAJOR under-eye circles. So far, I haven't found a perfect wonder cream, but I was mostly happy with the results of Olay Definity Eye Illuminator. It's a little pricey, though, for a small bottle of eye-cream at $23.99. I honestly thing the best "cures" for it are the super-expensive creams I've seen in magazines for at least $100. I know I can't afford that! The only alternative I can recommend is a good, light concealer. I've been using one by Sonia Kashuk's mineral line (from Target) that I apply with my fingers; it blends right in with the rest of my skin and lasts all day. I'm pretty sure I could wear it without any other makeup and it would just look completely natural. I hope that helps a little, and if I ever do find that miracle cure, you'll be the first to know!

Koala Brains asks: Do you wear contacts? I do and have problems with eyeliners even those touted as gentle for contact lens wearers.
Missy tells: Kelli doesn't wear contacts but I do. I tend to stay away from eyeliners for that reason. But I do wear mineral eye shadows, which are extremely powdery and haven't had issues with flaking in my eyes or any irritation. I would give L'oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Eyeliner a try since it's mineral and uses more natural ingredients, and is probably a lot safer on eyes for contact wearers than other eyeliners out there. Hope that helps!

Mrs. Organic asks: Am I doing something wrong when I put on my L'oreal Infallible lipstick/gloss? It never seems to look right (smooth), but is impossible to remove completely. Thanks for any advice.
Kelli tells: (*Updated*)
I think unless you are applying it to your eyes, you probably aren't doing anything wrong. Most of the reviews I read online were positive, so I doubt there's anything really wrong with it. The only tips I can really provide are first - to make sure your lips are well-exfoliated when you apply it. This can be done by gently rubbing them with a wet washcloth in the shower, or gently rubbing them with a toothbrush. As for removing it, according to what I've read in magazines, cover your lips with Vaseline and wait one minute before wiping it off.
*Since originally sending an answer to you, I have actually tried the Infallible lipstick. Be sure you are letting the first layer dry for two minutes before applying the balm. If you are, then I have to say I think it's the product. I just felt like it looked a little weird on me - kind of like you said - NOT smooth. But I'm wondering if maybe that was just the color I bought...? I may try another color sometime to see if I like it any better. One plus is that it is DEFINITELY "infallible." It was like a war zone trying to get it off. I ended up using eye-makeup remover and that worked pretty well, although I could still see traces of it in my lighted mirror the morning after.

Kendra asks: I have a hard time getting lipstick and lipgloss to last longer than an hour so I don't wear it very often because I hate reapplying all day long. Is there something I can use to make it last longer?
Kelli tells: There are a few options you might try. One is to perhaps first apply a stain on your lips that matches your lipstick/lipgloss, then apply your product. That will ensure that when it wears off, there will still be some color underneath. Makeup artists also suggest the same thing with lipliner. What I've done in the past is put a light coat of lipbalm on, then used a liner that matches my lipstick and put it all over my lips - just like I would the actual lipstick. On top of that I apply the lipstick - and it will last forever. Back when matte lipstick was massively popular, it was suggested your apply your lipstick, then dust your lips lightly with translucent powder, and after that apply another coat of lipstick. It works, but it feels like you've smeared Elmer's glue on your lips and looks worse. As for lipgloss, I've read from one makeup artist to make sure you blot your lips with a tissue before applying - make sure any excess moisture is gone because that will make it wear off before you're even out the door. Or, to keep it simple, try that L'oreal Infallible Lipstick mentioned above. That stuff ain't coming off! Try a lighter color - I think the problem I had was the color was too dark and it looked odd.

Julie asks: I keep reading articles saying that you should only shampoo your hair a few times a week. I know for me this is true. I can only shampoo my hair every other day or it gets really frizzy. The problem is that the hair at my scalp and around my face still gets oily and limp. Any suggestions? I've read some reviews for different dry shampoos and was wondering if you have tried any of them. Or what about baby powder? I've actually never tried baby powder. I'm not exactly sure the best way to use it. Thanks for any help!
Kelli tells: (*Updated*) I've read those same articles, and unfortunately for me, it's not true. My hair doesn't just get limp and oily, it looks like I dipped it in a vat of Crisco. So I've really wanted to try the dry shampoos, and I've seen lots of recommendations, but since I never go anywhere but Target, I haven't found any yet. I have heard that baby powder will work, but can sometimes be visible. You can find some good tips here. In fact, somewhere on there they say they have what's called "shampoo in a cap" at Walgreens. (However, a Google search pulled up no results for me.) Maybe you can be our first "dry shampoo" review! I'm curious to know if it works, because I would love to not have to wash my hair all the time.
*After posting this, my sister e-mailed me the name of a dry shampoo that she very highly recommends. In her words: " I recently bought (and LOVE) some dry shampoo from Toni and Guy and it's awesome. It was $21.54 with tax. Kinda high but I have only been washing my hair twice per week as opposed to 3 or 4. The scent isn't wonderful, but much better than greasy dirty hair smell. It's called Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo. Sooo worth it."

Vanessa asks: Hey can you find me a good face wash and lotion? I am a little lost on which to buy. My skin is dry, kinda sensitive. Thanks for your help.
Kelli tells: The face wash I have heard the most rave reviews about is Cetaphil. They have two formulas - one regular and one for sensitive skin, although both are extremely gentle. If you like a little bit of lathering - I recommend the regular. (I happen to like A LOT of lather, which is why I don't use it, but that's just me.) But if it doesn't matter, the sensitive formula is also very good. I've never talked to or read about anyone disliking Cetaphil. I've read about it in literally dozens of magazines, online, and recommended by any dermatologist you'll talk to. They also have moisturizers with SPF.

Thanks for reading! If I'm in a really good mood on Monday - I might be feeling generous... if you get my meaning...