Discontinued? Out Of Business?- Ask The Non-Blonde

There's only one issue that gets me more comments, emails and direct messages on Twitter than mascara: Brands and products that disappear from the market. The last few years have been brutal for many companies, resulting in a lot of confusion among customers. Let's try to make heads and tails out of this mess.

Has Prescriptives gone out of business?
Yes. The brand was shut down by the owner, the Lauder Group. Their fragrance, Calyx is still made, though. You can read more here and here.

Is Estee Lauder going out of business?
A world of NO.
Some of their less successful brands aren't safe, though.

What happened to Fendi perfume(s)?
All of them, including the original Fendi and Palazzo have been discontinued. Some online retailers still have a limited stock, but the prices have been climbing up.

What's the story with Crabtree & Evelyn?
While the company has filed for Chapter 11 (bankruptcy protection) it is still alive and producing its products. I might not be all that thrilled with the quality of its lotions and soaps lately, but many staples like the hand creams and scrubs are the same.

Is Annick Goutal going out of business?
No. The company has actually just released a new scent. There have been some distribution issues in the US, but things have gotten back to normal. It looks like the new distributor is going to keep a tighter control, so don't expect to see many Goutal products at discounters once they sell their current inventory.

Is MPG (Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier) a goner?
Even though for a while it certainly seemed dire with boutiques closing and the bottles disappeared from stockists all around North America, it was another case of a distributor going belly up. As of now Henri Bendel in NYC is carrying the line again.

Is it true that Chanel Hydrabase lipsticks are being phased out?
Yes. As is often the case when a company introduces a new spiffy line, they get rid of older formulas. The new Rouge Coco is fabulous (I'll review and show photos later this week). The same goes for the older Dior single eye shadows, by the way. They've been replaced with the new 1-Color Extreme.

Is Le Metier de Beaute exiting Liberty London?
No. The counter is moving, but Le Metier de Beaute is going strong and expanding. You will soon be able to find their products in a couple of other prestigious London locations and also in Paris.

Do you have more questions about discontinuations and product availability? Let me know and I'll do my best to find out.

Discontinued? Out Of Business?- Ask The Non-Blonde

There's only one issue that gets me more comments, emails and direct messages on Twitter than mascara: Brands and products that disappear from the market. The last few years have been brutal for many companies, resulting in a lot of confusion among customers. Let's try to make heads and tails out of this mess.

Has Prescriptives gone out of business?
Yes. The brand was shut down by the owner, the Lauder Group. Their fragrance, Calyx is still made, though. You can read more here and here.

Is Estee Lauder going out of business?
A world of NO.
Some of their less successful brands aren't safe, though.

What happened to Fendi perfume(s)?
All of them, including the original Fendi and Palazzo have been discontinued. Some online retailers still have a limited stock, but the prices have been climbing up.

What's the story with Crabtree & Evelyn?
While the company has filed for Chapter 11 (bankruptcy protection) it is still alive and producing its products. I might not be all that thrilled with the quality of its lotions and soaps lately, but many staples like the hand creams and scrubs are the same.

Is Annick Goutal going out of business?
No. The company has actually just released a new scent. There have been some distribution issues in the US, but things have gotten back to normal. It looks like the new distributor is going to keep a tighter control, so don't expect to see many Goutal products at discounters once they sell their current inventory.

Is MPG (Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier) a goner?
Even though for a while it certainly seemed dire with boutiques closing and the bottles disappeared from stockists all around North America, it was another case of a distributor going belly up. As of now Henri Bendel in NYC is carrying the line again.

Is it true that Chanel Hydrabase lipsticks are being phased out?
Yes. As is often the case when a company introduces a new spiffy line, they get rid of older formulas. The new Rouge Coco is fabulous (I'll review and show photos later this week). The same goes for the older Dior single eye shadows, by the way. They've been replaced with the new 1-Color Extreme.

Is Le Metier de Beaute exiting Liberty London?
No. The counter is moving, but Le Metier de Beaute is going strong and expanding. You will soon be able to find their products in a couple of other prestigious London locations and also in Paris.

Do you have more questions about discontinuations and product availability? Let me know and I'll do my best to find out.

Discontinued? Out Of Business?- Ask The Non-Blonde

There's only one issue that gets me more comments, emails and direct messages on Twitter than mascara: Brands and products that disappear from the market. The last few years have been brutal for many companies, resulting in a lot of confusion among customers. Let's try to make heads and tails out of this mess.

Has Prescriptives gone out of business?
Yes. The brand was shut down by the owner, the Lauder Group. Their fragrance, Calyx is still made, though. You can read more here and here.

Is Estee Lauder going out of business?
A world of NO.
Some of their less successful brands aren't safe, though.

What happened to Fendi perfume(s)?
All of them, including the original Fendi and Palazzo have been discontinued. Some online retailers still have a limited stock, but the prices have been climbing up.

What's the story with Crabtree & Evelyn?
While the company has filed for Chapter 11 (bankruptcy protection) it is still alive and producing its products. I might not be all that thrilled with the quality of its lotions and soaps lately, but many staples like the hand creams and scrubs are the same.

Is Annick Goutal going out of business?
No. The company has actually just released a new scent. There have been some distribution issues in the US, but things have gotten back to normal. It looks like the new distributor is going to keep a tighter control, so don't expect to see many Goutal products at discounters once they sell their current inventory.

Is MPG (Maitre Parfumeur et Gantier) a goner?
Even though for a while it certainly seemed dire with boutiques closing and the bottles disappeared from stockists all around North America, it was another case of a distributor going belly up. As of now Henri Bendel in NYC is carrying the line again.

Is it true that Chanel Hydrabase lipsticks are being phased out?
Yes. As is often the case when a company introduces a new spiffy line, they get rid of older formulas. The new Rouge Coco is fabulous (I'll review and show photos later this week). The same goes for the older Dior single eye shadows, by the way. They've been replaced with the new 1-Color Extreme.

Is Le Metier de Beaute exiting Liberty London?
No. The counter is moving, but Le Metier de Beaute is going strong and expanding. You will soon be able to find their products in a couple of other prestigious London locations and also in Paris.

Do you have more questions about discontinuations and product availability? Let me know and I'll do my best to find out.

Ask The Non-Blonde: Mostly About Makeup

There have been some recurring questions recently that I thought should be addressed in a blog entry instead of in the comment section. This one would be mostly about makeup, so I'll dedicate separate posts to other topics. Please feel free to ask more questions here or in email if you're more comfortable with that.

What is your holy grail mascara?
I have several, each one offers specific benefits. An important thing to remember is how a mascara's performance differs between people depending on the length and density of their lashes. That's why you see such a range of opinions on the same mascara. That said, my shortlist includes the following:
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill- It has the best goop/effect ratio. It looks and feels natural while delivering major length and definition.
Givenchy Phenome'Eyes- Criminal length, nighttime only.
Le Metier de Beaute- Best colored mascara. It's never dusty or weird, actually more a black with a hint of green and black with a blue undertone.
Lancome Hypnose- A classic that never fails to enhance, lengthen and define.

Do primers (eye and face) really make a difference?
Yes. They improve application, color integrity and make your makeup last longer and look fresh. I'm often bewildered to see women who should know better and put time and money into their makeup routine, yet skip the primer and get the "melty face" in the early afternoon (or sooner, if it's a muggy August day).

Which brand makes the best makeup?
There's no way I can answer this. I have favorite items from just about every brand I've blogged about. Of course, some brands keep raising the bar by producing beautiful, innovative products. Just follow my reviews and you'll see...

Which brand makes the best lipsticks?
See above.

Is there a perfect concealer? I think I've tried everything and still, no holy grail.
Short answer: Probably not. Longer answer: When I'm trying to do as perfect a makeup as possible, I find myself mixing two colors until I get it just right. I'll show an example in the coming weeks with a Smashbox concealer.

You don't review anything from brand ________. Why is that? Don't you think it's good?
I only review what I'm interested in trying and/or wearing. It's that simple.

You don't swatch 100% of the products you blog about. Why?
I enjoy swatches and know why they're so important, but sometimes no matter how hard I try, the photos don't turn out even half as good as I'd like. Swatching color is a lot more complicated than it looks, because the goal is to make it as accurate and true to life as humanly possible, but light, angle and camera quality also play a huge part here. That might be the reason so many brands and retailers don't even bother. Then there's the issue of my photos (and the text) being taken by people and used (often for profit) on other sites.

Can you do tutorials on how to do makeup?/Can you post photos of your face wearing the product and showing how to use them?
I'm not a makeup artist. I've become pretty good at understanding my own face with all its quirks and doing my own makeup, and I can probably do a nice job with my sister and my mother. However, makeup application should be very individual (and makeup artist who don't get that are the ones who produce sad clown faces) and tailored to your specific needs- where exactly to put the highlighter, the contour color or the width of the line above your top lashes- it's all about you, not about me.

Can you show examples on different skin tones?
The Non-Blonde is my very personal blog. I only have one skin tone and that's what you get here. While I'm equipped with a pale and blond husband who is amazingly cooperative (remember this?), he has to draw the line somewhere.

More question? Please ask! I'll do a follow up "Ask the Non-Blonde" next week.

Photo by Nina Leen, 1945, from myvintagevogue.com

Ask The Non-Blonde: Mostly About Makeup

There have been some recurring questions recently that I thought should be addressed in a blog entry instead of in the comment section. This one would be mostly about makeup, so I'll dedicate separate posts to other topics. Please feel free to ask more questions here or in email if you're more comfortable with that.

What is your holy grail mascara?
I have several, each one offers specific benefits. An important thing to remember is how a mascara's performance differs between people depending on the length and density of their lashes. That's why you see such a range of opinions on the same mascara. That said, my shortlist includes the following:
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill- It has the best goop/effect ratio. It looks and feels natural while delivering major length and definition.
Givenchy Phenome'Eyes- Criminal length, nighttime only.
Le Metier de Beaute- Best colored mascara. It's never dusty or weird, actually more a black with a hint of green and black with a blue undertone.
Lancome Hypnose- A classic that never fails to enhance, lengthen and define.

Do primers (eye and face) really make a difference?
Yes. They improve application, color integrity and make your makeup last longer and look fresh. I'm often bewildered to see women who should know better and put time and money into their makeup routine, yet skip the primer and get the "melty face" in the early afternoon (or sooner, if it's a muggy August day).

Which brand makes the best makeup?
There's no way I can answer this. I have favorite items from just about every brand I've blogged about. Of course, some brands keep raising the bar by producing beautiful, innovative products. Just follow my reviews and you'll see...

Which brand makes the best lipsticks?
See above.

Is there a perfect concealer? I think I've tried everything and still, no holy grail.
Short answer: Probably not. Longer answer: When I'm trying to do as perfect a makeup as possible, I find myself mixing two colors until I get it just right. I'll show an example in the coming weeks with a Smashbox concealer.

You don't review anything from brand ________. Why is that? Don't you think it's good?
I only review what I'm interested in trying and/or wearing. It's that simple.

You don't swatch 100% of the products you blog about. Why?
I enjoy swatches and know why they're so important, but sometimes no matter how hard I try, the photos don't turn out even half as good as I'd like. Swatching color is a lot more complicated than it looks, because the goal is to make it as accurate and true to life as humanly possible, but light, angle and camera quality also play a huge part here. That might be the reason so many brands and retailers don't even bother. Then there's the issue of my photos (and the text) being taken by people and used (often for profit) on other sites.

Can you do tutorials on how to do makeup?/Can you post photos of your face wearing the product and showing how to use them?
I'm not a makeup artist. I've become pretty good at understanding my own face with all its quirks and doing my own makeup, and I can probably do a nice job with my sister and my mother. However, makeup application should be very individual (and makeup artist who don't get that are the ones who produce sad clown faces) and tailored to your specific needs- where exactly to put the highlighter, the contour color or the width of the line above your top lashes- it's all about you, not about me.

Can you show examples on different skin tones?
The Non-Blonde is my very personal blog. I only have one skin tone and that's what you get here. While I'm equipped with a pale and blond husband who is amazingly cooperative (remember this?), he has to draw the line somewhere.

More question? Please ask! I'll do a follow up "Ask the Non-Blonde" next week.

Photo by Nina Leen, 1945, from myvintagevogue.com

Ask The Non-Blonde: Mostly About Makeup

There have been some recurring questions recently that I thought should be addressed in a blog entry instead of in the comment section. This one would be mostly about makeup, so I'll dedicate separate posts to other topics. Please feel free to ask more questions here or in email if you're more comfortable with that.

What is your holy grail mascara?
I have several, each one offers specific benefits. An important thing to remember is how a mascara's performance differs between people depending on the length and density of their lashes. That's why you see such a range of opinions on the same mascara. That said, my shortlist includes the following:
Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill- It has the best goop/effect ratio. It looks and feels natural while delivering major length and definition.
Givenchy Phenome'Eyes- Criminal length, nighttime only.
Le Metier de Beaute- Best colored mascara. It's never dusty or weird, actually more a black with a hint of green and black with a blue undertone.
Lancome Hypnose- A classic that never fails to enhance, lengthen and define.

Do primers (eye and face) really make a difference?
Yes. They improve application, color integrity and make your makeup last longer and look fresh. I'm often bewildered to see women who should know better and put time and money into their makeup routine, yet skip the primer and get the "melty face" in the early afternoon (or sooner, if it's a muggy August day).

Which brand makes the best makeup?
There's no way I can answer this. I have favorite items from just about every brand I've blogged about. Of course, some brands keep raising the bar by producing beautiful, innovative products. Just follow my reviews and you'll see...

Which brand makes the best lipsticks?
See above.

Is there a perfect concealer? I think I've tried everything and still, no holy grail.
Short answer: Probably not. Longer answer: When I'm trying to do as perfect a makeup as possible, I find myself mixing two colors until I get it just right. I'll show an example in the coming weeks with a Smashbox concealer.

You don't review anything from brand ________. Why is that? Don't you think it's good?
I only review what I'm interested in trying and/or wearing. It's that simple.

You don't swatch 100% of the products you blog about. Why?
I enjoy swatches and know why they're so important, but sometimes no matter how hard I try, the photos don't turn out even half as good as I'd like. Swatching color is a lot more complicated than it looks, because the goal is to make it as accurate and true to life as humanly possible, but light, angle and camera quality also play a huge part here. That might be the reason so many brands and retailers don't even bother. Then there's the issue of my photos (and the text) being taken by people and used (often for profit) on other sites.

Can you do tutorials on how to do makeup?/Can you post photos of your face wearing the product and showing how to use them?
I'm not a makeup artist. I've become pretty good at understanding my own face with all its quirks and doing my own makeup, and I can probably do a nice job with my sister and my mother. However, makeup application should be very individual (and makeup artist who don't get that are the ones who produce sad clown faces) and tailored to your specific needs- where exactly to put the highlighter, the contour color or the width of the line above your top lashes- it's all about you, not about me.

Can you show examples on different skin tones?
The Non-Blonde is my very personal blog. I only have one skin tone and that's what you get here. While I'm equipped with a pale and blond husband who is amazingly cooperative (remember this?), he has to draw the line somewhere.

More question? Please ask! I'll do a follow up "Ask the Non-Blonde" next week.

Photo by Nina Leen, 1945, from myvintagevogue.com

How To Apply Mascara On Lower Lashes- Ask The Non-Blonde

Jennifer B. asks:

I remember you said in the past that you rarely use mascara on your lower lashes. I'm the same way, because it can look way too much. But sometimes I really want some extra definition there, without going overboard. Any advice?

Yes, I know what you mean. Some evening looks call for mascara on the lower lashes, but it can get too much very quickly and I don't want to end up looking like Marie Osmond. The trick is not to use the regular mascara wand. Instead, take a flat eyeliner brush (the one in the picture is Trish McEvoy #11, but I use one from Sephora's Professional Series). Touch it to the mascara wand (use a light, non-goopy mascara, not a lengthening one) and pick up some color. Now paint your lashes in a downward motion right where you need the extra definition. It's an easy and klutz-proof technique.


Photo of Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis looking beyond gorgeous at the American Ballet Theater 2009 Fall Gala last week from The Superficial.

How To Apply Mascara On Lower Lashes- Ask The Non-Blonde

Jennifer B. asks:

I remember you said in the past that you rarely use mascara on your lower lashes. I'm the same way, because it can look way too much. But sometimes I really want some extra definition there, without going overboard. Any advice?

Yes, I know what you mean. Some evening looks call for mascara on the lower lashes, but it can get too much very quickly and I don't want to end up looking like Marie Osmond. The trick is not to use the regular mascara wand. Instead, take a flat eyeliner brush (the one in the picture is Trish McEvoy #11, but I use one from Sephora's Professional Series). Touch it to the mascara wand (use a light, non-goopy mascara, not a lengthening one) and pick up some color. Now paint your lashes in a downward motion right where you need the extra definition. It's an easy and klutz-proof technique.


Photo of Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis looking beyond gorgeous at the American Ballet Theater 2009 Fall Gala last week from The Superficial.

How To Apply Mascara On Lower Lashes- Ask The Non-Blonde

Jennifer B. asks:

I remember you said in the past that you rarely use mascara on your lower lashes. I'm the same way, because it can look way too much. But sometimes I really want some extra definition there, without going overboard. Any advice?

Yes, I know what you mean. Some evening looks call for mascara on the lower lashes, but it can get too much very quickly and I don't want to end up looking like Marie Osmond. The trick is not to use the regular mascara wand. Instead, take a flat eyeliner brush (the one in the picture is Trish McEvoy #11, but I use one from Sephora's Professional Series). Touch it to the mascara wand (use a light, non-goopy mascara, not a lengthening one) and pick up some color. Now paint your lashes in a downward motion right where you need the extra definition. It's an easy and klutz-proof technique.


Photo of Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis looking beyond gorgeous at the American Ballet Theater 2009 Fall Gala last week from The Superficial.

Ask the Non-Blonde: Mascara Mystery

Two readers emailed me this week with an almost identical question regarding mascara, a topic worth some discussion. Basically, we all want the same thing: long, thick, curly lashes. But reading reviews of mascaras you will find the same product getting the full range of reviews from the biggest raves to some serious trashing. My readers are wondering how it's possible, considering the end result is not a matter of taste. A mascara either performs well or it doesn't, right?

It's not that simple, actually. For the sake of this discussion, let's ignore reviews that aren't what they seem and are influenced by advertisers and other commercial interests. We'll only talk about user reviews and independent bloggers.

The biggest factor is the starting point. What's in the tube is the constant ,but a mascara will perform differently if your lashes are fine and sparse or thick but stubby. The level of coverage varies with the texture, which is why you need to experiment and learn what work better for your specific needs, because some great mascaras will not work for you if the material doesn't have much to cling to.

It would also affect the endurance: A heavy textured mascara on thin lashes is more likely to start flaking earlier if it doesn't have a good base. This is where a lash primer might be of help.

Another point to consider is the brush. Sparse lashes are less likely to benefit from those big brushes that are more likely to "miss a spot" and would do better with a delicate curved wand.

So there you have it. the very definition of "your mileage may vary", which I try to always mention my own lash stats (above average in length and thickness, but defying most curling efforts).

Image: http://blog.modernmechanix.com

Ask the Non-Blonde: Mascara Mystery

Two readers emailed me this week with an almost identical question regarding mascara, a topic worth some discussion. Basically, we all want the same thing: long, thick, curly lashes. But reading reviews of mascaras you will find the same product getting the full range of reviews from the biggest raves to some serious trashing. My readers are wondering how it's possible, considering the end result is not a matter of taste. A mascara either performs well or it doesn't, right?

It's not that simple, actually. For the sake of this discussion, let's ignore reviews that aren't what they seem and are influenced by advertisers and other commercial interests. We'll only talk about user reviews and independent bloggers.

The biggest factor is the starting point. What's in the tube is the constant ,but a mascara will perform differently if your lashes are fine and sparse or thick but stubby. The level of coverage varies with the texture, which is why you need to experiment and learn what work better for your specific needs, because some great mascaras will not work for you if the material doesn't have much to cling to.

It would also affect the endurance: A heavy textured mascara on thin lashes is more likely to start flaking earlier if it doesn't have a good base. This is where a lash primer might be of help.

Another point to consider is the brush. Sparse lashes are less likely to benefit from those big brushes that are more likely to "miss a spot" and would do better with a delicate curved wand.

So there you have it. the very definition of "your mileage may vary", which I try to always mention my own lash stats (above average in length and thickness, but defying most curling efforts).

Image: http://blog.modernmechanix.com

Ask the Non-Blonde: Mascara Mystery

Two readers emailed me this week with an almost identical question regarding mascara, a topic worth some discussion. Basically, we all want the same thing: long, thick, curly lashes. But reading reviews of mascaras you will find the same product getting the full range of reviews from the biggest raves to some serious trashing. My readers are wondering how it's possible, considering the end result is not a matter of taste. A mascara either performs well or it doesn't, right?

It's not that simple, actually. For the sake of this discussion, let's ignore reviews that aren't what they seem and are influenced by advertisers and other commercial interests. We'll only talk about user reviews and independent bloggers.

The biggest factor is the starting point. What's in the tube is the constant ,but a mascara will perform differently if your lashes are fine and sparse or thick but stubby. The level of coverage varies with the texture, which is why you need to experiment and learn what work better for your specific needs, because some great mascaras will not work for you if the material doesn't have much to cling to.

It would also affect the endurance: A heavy textured mascara on thin lashes is more likely to start flaking earlier if it doesn't have a good base. This is where a lash primer might be of help.

Another point to consider is the brush. Sparse lashes are less likely to benefit from those big brushes that are more likely to "miss a spot" and would do better with a delicate curved wand.

So there you have it. the very definition of "your mileage may vary", which I try to always mention my own lash stats (above average in length and thickness, but defying most curling efforts).

Image: http://blog.modernmechanix.com

Ask the Non-Blonde: Avoiding "Plane Hair"

Lisa from Boston is asking:
"My hair seems to be like yours: long, wavy and very thick. It's quite dry, but I'm good at keeping it shiny and happy. Except when I travel. Do you have any advice about how to keep hair from becoming frizzy, smelly and dry?"

I know the feeling. Flights aren't exactly a trip to the spa, with their germy, dry, recycled air. This is the one occasion I slather thick coats of products over every part of me, from hair to feet. So, the answer is in the goop.

I wash my hair a few hours before boarding the plane (the night before, if it's obscenely early), and work a considerable amount of a rich hair cream into it. I like Carol's Daughter hair balm, because it's very moisturizing and a little of it is more than enough. Also, the very strong scent wards off airplane smells. You do need to be careful and not overdo it with this product, as if your hair is not very thick, it'll get stringy/greasy. But the right amount for the right hair would do the job. You can also pick a drugstore leave-in conditioner (TreSemme anti-frizz smoothing creme or Garnier Fructis. Both are good, but I don't like their scents), and do the same.

Once thoroughly gooped, I put my hair up in a (big, heavy) bun and forget about it until I reach my destination. A quick wash and my hair is as happy and shiny as ever, no trauma and no need for a rescue treatment.

Image: 'La Bell Dame Sans Merci' by John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). That's one interesting use for long hair.

Ask the Non-Blonde: Avoiding "Plane Hair"

Lisa from Boston is asking:
"My hair seems to be like yours: long, wavy and very thick. It's quite dry, but I'm good at keeping it shiny and happy. Except when I travel. Do you have any advice about how to keep hair from becoming frizzy, smelly and dry?"

I know the feeling. Flights aren't exactly a trip to the spa, with their germy, dry, recycled air. This is the one occasion I slather thick coats of products over every part of me, from hair to feet. So, the answer is in the goop.

I wash my hair a few hours before boarding the plane (the night before, if it's obscenely early), and work a considerable amount of a rich hair cream into it. I like Carol's Daughter hair balm, because it's very moisturizing and a little of it is more than enough. Also, the very strong scent wards off airplane smells. You do need to be careful and not overdo it with this product, as if your hair is not very thick, it'll get stringy/greasy. But the right amount for the right hair would do the job. You can also pick a drugstore leave-in conditioner (TreSemme anti-frizz smoothing creme or Garnier Fructis. Both are good, but I don't like their scents), and do the same.

Once thoroughly gooped, I put my hair up in a (big, heavy) bun and forget about it until I reach my destination. A quick wash and my hair is as happy and shiny as ever, no trauma and no need for a rescue treatment.

Image: 'La Bell Dame Sans Merci' by John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). That's one interesting use for long hair.

Ask the Non-Blonde: Avoiding "Plane Hair"

Lisa from Boston is asking:
"My hair seems to be like yours: long, wavy and very thick. It's quite dry, but I'm good at keeping it shiny and happy. Except when I travel. Do you have any advice about how to keep hair from becoming frizzy, smelly and dry?"

I know the feeling. Flights aren't exactly a trip to the spa, with their germy, dry, recycled air. This is the one occasion I slather thick coats of products over every part of me, from hair to feet. So, the answer is in the goop.

I wash my hair a few hours before boarding the plane (the night before, if it's obscenely early), and work a considerable amount of a rich hair cream into it. I like Carol's Daughter hair balm, because it's very moisturizing and a little of it is more than enough. Also, the very strong scent wards off airplane smells. You do need to be careful and not overdo it with this product, as if your hair is not very thick, it'll get stringy/greasy. But the right amount for the right hair would do the job. You can also pick a drugstore leave-in conditioner (TreSemme anti-frizz smoothing creme or Garnier Fructis. Both are good, but I don't like their scents), and do the same.

Once thoroughly gooped, I put my hair up in a (big, heavy) bun and forget about it until I reach my destination. A quick wash and my hair is as happy and shiny as ever, no trauma and no need for a rescue treatment.

Image: 'La Bell Dame Sans Merci' by John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). That's one interesting use for long hair.

Ask the Non-Blonde: Makeup For The Beach

Lynn from Philly is asking:
" I’m about to spend a couple of weeks on the Jersey Shore, and while I’d hate to look tacky and overdone, I’m no longer comfortable walking around all day with bare face. At my age it’s more frumpy than cute. What can I do to look fresh and natural but still well put-together?"

I hear you. There’s something utterly ridiculous in going to the beach looking like you spent an hour putting on your face, but unless you’re a 16 year old California girl, au-natural doesn’t always do the trick. The thing is to wear the essentials, but not make it obvious.

You still need some coverage and a little defining color, but it shouldn't look like layers of makeup, and it should never ever smear.

Natural beauty starts and ends with healthy, even-looking skin. A primer, both face and eye, keeps whatever you put over it in its place. Also, you need far less colored product when you’re using a one, so a tinted moisturizer that gives the sheerest coverage is enough. Make sure that at least one of the products has a 15 or 20 SPF. Smashbox has a version of their famous primer with a 15 SPF, and many tinted moisturizers come with one. This summer I'm loving You Rebel from Benefit Cosmetics, which really deserve a separate post.

If you still need a little extra coverage, dab a little concealer, but do it after the tinted moisturizer is in place to avoid over-application.

If you're going to be outside all day, chances are your cheeks will get naturally flushed, so unless you have the complexion of an extra on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, you can probably skip the blush, and just give your face a light dusting of powder that also has some pigment in it. My holy grail in this department is Laura Geller Balance-N-Bronze.

Eyes: Avoid anything too harsh and too black. Unless you really need both eyeliner and mascara to look alive (we all have these days), use just one of them. A dark or medium brown look less painted while still doing the job. I'd also avoid liquid eyeliner and prefer a pencil for a softer look. The eyeshadows can wait till you go out at night.

Lip balm, rosy lip gloss or tint and you're all set.

Now for some 80s goodness from my long lost youth:

Ask the Non-Blonde: Makeup For The Beach

Lynn from Philly is asking:
" I’m about to spend a couple of weeks on the Jersey Shore, and while I’d hate to look tacky and overdone, I’m no longer comfortable walking around all day with bare face. At my age it’s more frumpy than cute. What can I do to look fresh and natural but still well put-together?"

I hear you. There’s something utterly ridiculous in going to the beach looking like you spent an hour putting on your face, but unless you’re a 16 year old California girl, au-natural doesn’t always do the trick. The thing is to wear the essentials, but not make it obvious.

You still need some coverage and a little defining color, but it shouldn't look like layers of makeup, and it should never ever smear.

Natural beauty starts and ends with healthy, even-looking skin. A primer, both face and eye, keeps whatever you put over it in its place. Also, you need far less colored product when you’re using a one, so a tinted moisturizer that gives the sheerest coverage is enough. Make sure that at least one of the products has a 15 or 20 SPF. Smashbox has a version of their famous primer with a 15 SPF, and many tinted moisturizers come with one. This summer I'm loving You Rebel from Benefit Cosmetics, which really deserve a separate post.

If you still need a little extra coverage, dab a little concealer, but do it after the tinted moisturizer is in place to avoid over-application.

If you're going to be outside all day, chances are your cheeks will get naturally flushed, so unless you have the complexion of an extra on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, you can probably skip the blush, and just give your face a light dusting of powder that also has some pigment in it. My holy grail in this department is Laura Geller Balance-N-Bronze.

Eyes: Avoid anything too harsh and too black. Unless you really need both eyeliner and mascara to look alive (we all have these days), use just one of them. A dark or medium brown look less painted while still doing the job. I'd also avoid liquid eyeliner and prefer a pencil for a softer look. The eyeshadows can wait till you go out at night.

Lip balm, rosy lip gloss or tint and you're all set.

Now for some 80s goodness from my long lost youth:

Ask the Non-Blonde: Makeup For The Beach

Lynn from Philly is asking:
" I’m about to spend a couple of weeks on the Jersey Shore, and while I’d hate to look tacky and overdone, I’m no longer comfortable walking around all day with bare face. At my age it’s more frumpy than cute. What can I do to look fresh and natural but still well put-together?"

I hear you. There’s something utterly ridiculous in going to the beach looking like you spent an hour putting on your face, but unless you’re a 16 year old California girl, au-natural doesn’t always do the trick. The thing is to wear the essentials, but not make it obvious.

You still need some coverage and a little defining color, but it shouldn't look like layers of makeup, and it should never ever smear.

Natural beauty starts and ends with healthy, even-looking skin. A primer, both face and eye, keeps whatever you put over it in its place. Also, you need far less colored product when you’re using a one, so a tinted moisturizer that gives the sheerest coverage is enough. Make sure that at least one of the products has a 15 or 20 SPF. Smashbox has a version of their famous primer with a 15 SPF, and many tinted moisturizers come with one. This summer I'm loving You Rebel from Benefit Cosmetics, which really deserve a separate post.

If you still need a little extra coverage, dab a little concealer, but do it after the tinted moisturizer is in place to avoid over-application.

If you're going to be outside all day, chances are your cheeks will get naturally flushed, so unless you have the complexion of an extra on Buffy The Vampire Slayer, you can probably skip the blush, and just give your face a light dusting of powder that also has some pigment in it. My holy grail in this department is Laura Geller Balance-N-Bronze.

Eyes: Avoid anything too harsh and too black. Unless you really need both eyeliner and mascara to look alive (we all have these days), use just one of them. A dark or medium brown look less painted while still doing the job. I'd also avoid liquid eyeliner and prefer a pencil for a softer look. The eyeshadows can wait till you go out at night.

Lip balm, rosy lip gloss or tint and you're all set.

Now for some 80s goodness from my long lost youth:

Ask the Non-Blonde: The Makeup Edition

Another crop of questions sent to me by email, that might be of interest to the public.

Johanna asks:
"I really want to try black liquid liner, but I'm clueless about applying it and don't want to end up looking like Amy Winehouse. Any recommendations?"

My reply:
Two months ago I would have told you to try Lancome Artliner, which is basically a felt tip pen for lining your eyes. That's what I, a certified klutz, have used for nearly twenty years. I still think it's a great product which gives great results whether you're a beginner or a pro. However, since discovering Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, it's become my number one liner. The texture is great even for a less-than-stable hand, and is pretty Winehouse-proof. Buy the recommended brush and start practicing.

S. from Colorado asks:
"How exactly do you apply a bronzer? Also, do I need a blush on top of it? Where does it go?"

My reply:
Using a soft, full brush (the fluffiest the brush, the more subtle the results), swipe the bronzer drawing a cursive "E" on the left side of your face, starting just left to the middle of your forehead and ending at your chin. Repeat by drawing a "3" on the other side (see Ms. M. Lisa below). A light touch on the chin and nose is recommended (but optional. Not every face actually requires it). I don't always add blush, especially if I'm going for a more natural look, but when I do I just put it on the apple of my cheek. No contouring, shading or anything like that. It might look great in pictures, but for real life it's too painted and overdone.

Regina from Belgium asks:
"I don't think I can wear red lipstick. Every last one I tried looked awful on pasty white with red cheeks skin. Is it a must this season?"

My reply:
No, it isn't.
While I do believe there's some kind of red for everyone, I truly object to the "must have/must wear/must do" mentality. Fashion and trends are for fun, not to make anyone feel inadequate. If something doesn't work for you (or even if you just don't like it), just skip it. There are plenty of colors and options available every season, just choose the right one for you. All the big companies (as well as major stores like Sephora) present their latest looks on their websites. Find one that you like and you'll still have an updated look that makes you feel pretty.

Ask the Non-Blonde: The Makeup Edition

Another crop of questions sent to me by email, that might be of interest to the public.

Johanna asks:
"I really want to try black liquid liner, but I'm clueless about applying it and don't want to end up looking like Amy Winehouse. Any recommendations?"

My reply:
Two months ago I would have told you to try Lancome Artliner, which is basically a felt tip pen for lining your eyes. That's what I, a certified klutz, have used for nearly twenty years. I still think it's a great product which gives great results whether you're a beginner or a pro. However, since discovering Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, it's become my number one liner. The texture is great even for a less-than-stable hand, and is pretty Winehouse-proof. Buy the recommended brush and start practicing.

S. from Colorado asks:
"How exactly do you apply a bronzer? Also, do I need a blush on top of it? Where does it go?"

My reply:
Using a soft, full brush (the fluffiest the brush, the more subtle the results), swipe the bronzer drawing a cursive "E" on the left side of your face, starting just left to the middle of your forehead and ending at your chin. Repeat by drawing a "3" on the other side (see Ms. M. Lisa below). A light touch on the chin and nose is recommended (but optional. Not every face actually requires it). I don't always add blush, especially if I'm going for a more natural look, but when I do I just put it on the apple of my cheek. No contouring, shading or anything like that. It might look great in pictures, but for real life it's too painted and overdone.

Regina from Belgium asks:
"I don't think I can wear red lipstick. Every last one I tried looked awful on pasty white with red cheeks skin. Is it a must this season?"

My reply:
No, it isn't.
While I do believe there's some kind of red for everyone, I truly object to the "must have/must wear/must do" mentality. Fashion and trends are for fun, not to make anyone feel inadequate. If something doesn't work for you (or even if you just don't like it), just skip it. There are plenty of colors and options available every season, just choose the right one for you. All the big companies (as well as major stores like Sephora) present their latest looks on their websites. Find one that you like and you'll still have an updated look that makes you feel pretty.