Date:
~goo
ooks
more strands in the shower drain can be alarming, rest assured that your locks should return to normal growth within a few monthsprovided the source of your stress is gone. Fortunately, most hair loss in women is treatable (once you've ruled out underlying health issues with your doctor). The first line of attack is often Women's Rogaine ($25 for a one-month supply, drugstores), which is FDA-approved for regrowing hair. "You can get it at almost any pharmacy, and it works for most women," says Dr. Linder. The only catch: Rogaine is not a cure; you have to keep using it. 'The FDA is currently reviewing study data on a much pricier option for women: HairMax LaserComb ($545, hairmax.com) stimulates the follicle with light energy; it already has FDA clearance for increasing hair growth in men.
2
If I get a bad haircut or dye job, am
I entitled to a free redo? You asked for "subtle golden highlights," and ended up Malibu Barbie blond. Now you feel like throwing a fit worthy of John McEnroe. To get a "yes," not a "no way,"channel your cool, collected side. "People understandably feel upset when a stylist or colorist doesn't get it right, but causing a scene won't help," says Helena Faccenda, a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City. Do speak upcalmly-right away; the longer you delay, the less weight your complaint will carry. And if you don't trust the person who caused the
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fiasco to fix it, ask the salon manager if someone else can help you.
5
What can I do
to look less tired?
3
Where can I find my favorite makeup once it's gone from store shelves?
First try the brand's Web site. There's often a link to products that are being phased out, like Lancorne's Beauty Bye-Byes (lancome.com). Estee Lauder's Gone But Not Forgotten hotline (800-216-7173) offers discontinued products from many of its brands, including Clinique. When all else fails, create a clone of the shade. Giella will copy a lipstick, lip gloss, or nail polish hue ($25 to $27, giella.com); Three Custom Colors Specialists can re-create any lip color ($55 for two tubes of lipstick, threecustom.com; below).
4
What's the best way to home in on
Sleepless nights can remain your secret, thanks to an innovative product called a skin brightener. A distant cousin of bronzers, liquid brighteners-such as Almay Face Brightener ($12.50, drugstores; right)-come in skin-tone-matching shades like peach and nude that create a subtle, not sparkly, luminosity. To apply, layer a thin coat all over your face before foundation, or dab it just beneath the brow or on top of the cheekbones. Hide dark undereye circles with an eye brightener like Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Eye Illuminator ($28, qvc.com).
flattering makeup at a drugstore?
Mass outlets are definitely starting to offer more try-before-you-buy opportunities. Target has sampling stations for three of its new makeup lines, and Ulta lets you tryon Bare Escentuals and Smashbox makeup. If your local drugstore hasn't yet implemented sampling, "the smartest thing to do is to choose colors in the tones you already know work for you," says Los Angeles makeup artist Napoleon Perdis. You may get a second chance to get it right: CoverGirl will let you swap its new Simply Ageless Foundation ($14, drugstores) for a closer match at any store where it's sold. And many drugstores, including CVS, will take back or at least exchange makeup-even if it's been opened.
6
How much time should I give a
face moisturizer to work before I give up on it? The answer depends on
the special effects you're after. It can take just two to four weeks to see subtle smoothing benefits with antiaging moisturizers and serums containing peptides, antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acids, and vitamin A derivatives. Sunspots are more stubborn; they may require up to three months to fade using hydroquinone and other skin lighteners. As a general rule, dermatologists recommend you give all creams at least 90 days to work, unless they are irritating your skin. "It takes time for a product to change the skin's underlying process and make it healthier," says Helene R. Rosenzweig, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. If, after 90 days, you're still seeing the same old skin, that's a signal to retool your regimen. _