We answer your questions, dish out the best advice and show you how to fix those annoying little problems. By Juana Parathyras

HAIR

Q: My hair is frizzy and unmanageable. What can I do to make it soft and silky?
A: The combination of dry, damaged and split ends can cause unruly frizz. Your best solution is to get it cut and keep it in good condition.  If you have naturally curly hair, don’t fight it. Blow-drying and straightening every day will damage your hair. If you want to sport sleek, shiny locks for a special occasion, book an appointment with your hairdresser and have
it professionally blow-dried and straightened. It will last you at least two to three days.

Our top frizz-reducing tricks

• Keep your locks hydrated Dry strands absorb moisture, causing hair cuticles to swell and frizz. Lock in the moisture by using a creamy shampoo and conditioner. Limit hair washing to three times a week – the natural oils that accumulate are great frizz fighters.
• Treat it Give your hair a moisture-rich treatment once a week to replenish much-needed hydration. It will also rev up the shine, making hair look healthy.
• Expert blow-dry Point the nozzle of your blow-dryer directly down-wards. This will smooth and flatten the cuticles. After drying, give your hair a quick blast of cold air to set. Don’t play with your hair – your curls will flatten or frizz.
• S for sleek Pat a small drop of smoothing serum on to the frizzy spots, working from the ends up. Avoid your roots as it will make your hair look greasy. Try L’Oréal Elvive Nutri Gloss Light Reflecting Serum, R104.95.
• Smart cut and colour Long layers are your best friends. Short wispy ends and razor cuts will induce fuzz. Stay away from bleach. It will make your hair dry and coarse.

Q: I wash my hair every day because it always looks oily. Is the constant shampooing bad?
A: Although not ideal, you can wash your hair every day. Choose a gentle cleansing shampoo recommended for everyday use.If your shampoo is too harsh it will dry out your scalp. Your oil glands will compensate by producing more oil. Look for ingredients that moisturise, and always rinse your hair carefully.

TIP

Don’t have time to wash your hair? Use a large bronzing brush to hide oiliness by blotting translucent face powder where needed.

SKIN

Q: I have dark patches on my forehead, cheekbones and jaw. What is the cause and what can I do to lighten them?
A: Hyper pigmentation affects a large percentage of woman of all ages and skin tones. It is caused by an excess of melanin (the pigment responsible for colour) in the skin, says Vivienne Snell, education manager for Clinique.

‘Exposure to the sun, pollution, inflammation due to acne, hormonal changes, ageing or individual genes all contribute to the development of dark spots and uneven skin tone.’ Diligent, daily use of sunscreen will reduce the occurrence, but if the cause is hormonal, it’s more difficult to control. However, wearing sunscreen will prevent it from getting worse.

TIP

When applying self-tan, avoid blotches and streaks by exfoliating first and then moisturising. Allow the moisturiser to absorb completely before you apply the self-tan lotion.

Q: I have developed unsightly, dimpled skin on my thighs. Nothing seems to help. Is there a permanent solution to cellulite?
A: Sadly, no. Active ingredients such as caffeine will temporarily smooth the appearance of bumps and lumps, but this only lasts for as long as it is applied. Regular exercise that includes cardio and weight training, and drinking lots of water, is said to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

TIP

Skin-lightening products alter the natural pigment of your skin, while skin-evening products target and remove patches of uneven skin tone.

FRAGRANCE

Q: How can I make my perfume last all day?
A: Layer your fragrance, says Tim Brits, Clarins fragrance group brand manager. Using body products with the same fragrance will give your perfume the staying power you want. Or you can simply buy an Eau de Parfum  (EDP) that has a higher concentration of fragrance than an Eau de Toilette (EDT).

A CHOICE FRAGRANCE

Tim gave us his expert advice on how to choose the right perfume.

• What’s the occasion? The type of event and time of day can dictate the strength of the fragrance you choose.
• Your personality plays a very important part. If you are young and playful, you might want to choose something light and fruity rather than a strong, more sophisticated fragrance.
• Darker complexions carry heavier fragrances better, while lighter skin tones work well with fresh scents.
• Can you afford it? Wearing an expensive fragrance every day can become costly. Rather opt for an inexpensive scent for everyday use and keep that pricey one for special occasions.
• How does it make you feel? Your perfume should uplift you, build self-confidence and make you feel beautiful.

Problem: Droopy eyes

Rhone Marias, assistant trainer at Elizabeth Arden, suggests using light colours on the eyes for an instant lift. ‘Sweep the eyeshadow up and out for a lifted effect.’ Line the outer half of the top eyelid and end with a small upwards flick. Smudge eyeliner along the outer half of your bottom lid and brush the same shade of eyeshadow used on the top lid over the liner.

To finish, Rhone recommends sweeping two coats of plumping mascara on to your lashes.

Problem: Thin, short lashes

Make your eyelash curler and mascara part of your daily make-up routine. First curl your lashes and then layer on two coats of mascara. Try L’Oréal Renewal Lash serum, R169.95, to boost  your lash growth. Apply at night and wear it under your mascara during the day.

Problem: Puffy eyes

Late nights and staring at your computer screen can cause the accumulation of fluid under the eyes. Home remedies include placing cucumber slices and cold chamomile tea bags over the eyes for a few minutes. For a fast-acting solution try Clinique All About Eyes serum, R275. It de-puffs and cools instantly.

Problem: Round cheeks

Want your face to appear slimmer? Concentrate blush on the ball of your cheek, blending towards your nose. Avoid very bright colours as it can have a plumping effect, suggests Rhone.