Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I am turning to you to solve my two biggest makeup problems.
First: Is there any lipstick that really, really stays on? For hours? For a whole evening? I’d even settle for one that lasts through an entire meal. Every lipstick I have ever used needs to be reapplied after even a few sips of coffee. It would seem that this would not be hard to find, but so far, no good.
Second question: Does there exist in the world a mascara that stays put through a long evening? Again, every one I have bought with high hopes on the recommendation of friends, beauty podcasters, bloggers and alleged experts has disappointed me. — Judy C.
Dear Judy: I can tell you what works for me. After years of searching and disappointment, my current favorite for long-lasting lipstick is not only readily available but well-priced: Maybelline Superstay Vinyl Ink (it’s shiny) and Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink (not shiny at all) (drugstores, Amazon.com, Target, Walmart, under $10).
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My go-to mascara is essence Lash Princess waterproof, which lives up to its claim of “false lash effect.” Even better, it is crazy inexpensive, under $6 (drugstores, Amazon, Walmart, Ulta).
You didn’t ask, but the most effective makeup remover for eyes and lips that I’ve found is Clinique Take the Day at department stores, Ulta, Sephora and more.
Let’s hear from readers about their favorites in these two categories — or why/if you disagree with me.
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Although I use moisturizer cream on my neck, as I age my neck is getting super wrinkly. I don’t really want to have surgery on my neck. Is there an effective anti-wrinkle treatment that I could use? — Sign me “Turkey Neck”
Dear T.N.: All the creams and lotions in the universe can’t stop the effects of time. When you look at older celebrities and models with tight necks and chin lines, they probably have spent time with their plastic surgeon.
Jane Fonda, to cite an example, has a marvelously wrinkle-free chin/neck at the age of 86. But she also has said that she has had multiple plastic surgeries that, in retrospect, she is not at all sure were the right decision.
I don’t know of any brand of skin tighteners — at drugstores or the fanciest dermatologist’s office — that make a noticeable difference. Let me know if you know of a miracle nonsurgical solution to a crepey neck. A lot of us could use just such a wonder cream.
Natalie K. has this advice: “I just read your column and wanted to let your reader Tina N. — who was looking for a travel-size heating pad to take on a cruise — know that she should check first with her cruise line. I know that my heating pad was confiscated as I boarded a Disney cruise. They said it was a fire risk. Not sure if this applies to all cruises.” Susan A. had this experience: “I know they are not allowed on the cruise line that I take. If not allowed they are confiscated until the end of the cruise.” Joan P. said the same thing.
From Brenda M.: “You advised the woman going on a cruise that she would need a travel outlet converter on the ship. She won’t need one. I’ve been on 53 ocean cruises all over the world and river cruises all over Europe. All ships are set up to accommodate travelers’ standard U.S. devices.”
Lois W. writes: “I have purchased several different sets of hand and bath towels lately, and they just don’t seem to dry like my older ones do. It seems like no matter how much I rub, the towels just don’t seem to dry like they used to do. I have heard this same complaint from several of my friends.”
From Alice S: “Women’s clothing sizing is absolutely crazy. A size 10 Liz Claiborne jeans skirt was too big on me. A size XL Forever 21 jeans skirt was too small. I guess I’ll have to sew my own clothes! “
Send your questions and rants — on style, shopping, fashion, makeup and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail.com.
