John,

I really enjoy reading the Q&A section on handbag and seem to remember one time you telling someone that satin pillowcases could help prevent lines. I have gone back and tried to find it, but can't. I have also tried to find some and they are not as easy to locate as you would think. Can you tell me a little more and perhaps let me know where I might find some?

Cheers,

Gille

Gille,

Thanks for you question and I am really glad this has come up again! Satin pillowcases are one of the easiest anti-aging products you can try and even the most allergic of skins can use them. The way they work is by preventing your skin from dragging against the weave of the fabric during the night. So simple, but so effective. Think about the creases you sometimes have on your face until the middle of the morning and you can easily appreciate how logical this actually is. When I had first heard about this from an American dermatologist, I had a hard time finding them as well. You can occasionally find them at John Lewis or The White Company, but recently I have been getting them through Satin Skin at satinskin.co.uk on the Internet. They have a very nice site and the price is decent for organic silk satin. Single cases are £40, or you can get a pair for £75. Affordable luxury. And they are luxurious! But when you see the difference such a simple step can make, you will be sold. Just don't be surprised if everyone in the house keeps trying to use your pillow.

Tell them to get their own,

John

John,

I am getting married in a couple of months and, thanks to watching your handbag TV clips and reading all of the advice here on the site, feel very confident with what I am doing for make-up on that day. That is all but one thing...I can't find a lipstick to stay on for love nor money! Surely I can't be the only one who can't keep lipstick on for longer than five minutes? I know I will have to kiss guests all day, and of course, want to look great for my photos, but the thing I am worried about the most is leaving a huge pucker print on my fiancé at the altar! Silly but I am already feeling self-conscious about it. They always manage it on television and in films so there has got to be a trick that you can teach me. Please help me to put this last worry to bed...

Fingers crossed,

Bonnie

Bonnie,

First off, congratulations. Second, I am glad the team at handbag.com have been helpful in getting you ready for the big event. So how could I not try to help put your mind at ease over this one last detail? The lipstick I use for nearly all weddings and red carpet events is Estee Lauder's original Double Wear Lipstick. I am being quite specific as there is a new formulation that has recently joined the original. Double Wear is a two-part lippie that consists of the colour and an oil-free gloss. Apply the main product to clean dry lips and allow it to set - about 1-2 minutes. Once dry, you apply the gloss over the top to make it feel more comfortable and add shine. I love these because there is nothing that will make them budge other than oil. They will not move no matter how many people you kiss or how long you need to look good. But when you are ready to remove them, a simple waterproof eye make-up remover will dissolve it instantly. But beware of anything else that is oily, as it will start to break the colour down. Not drastically, but it would affect the staying time. Oily fish, oily salads, etc. followed by vigorous mopping with a napkin will soften the effect. You can apply the gloss as often as you want/need, but the colour should be there for the duration. Have a look at the shade selection and keep in mind that there are a couple of different finishes to the glossy topcoat. A few are sparkly or iridescent and that can still come off on him. Minor, but it will happen.
A couple of less expensive versions are Max Factor Lip Finity and L'Oreal Infallible. They all work in a similar way but some will feel a little more drying that the others. Mind you, you don't have to wear it every day so it shouldn't matter too much as long as your lips don't feel like...erm, well...a cat's bottom! Which brings me to the new version of Lauder Double Wear. These are applied like a normal lipstick. No topcoat. Though I must say that I found some of the shades to give a slight transfer. You will have to test out the colours yourself. And if these all fail, the old standby for make-up artists is Lipcote. Old as time and still a great product. With Lipcote you can wear any lipstick and then seal it with the Lipcote. It smarts as you apply it and it will go matte. But you can always apply a little clear gloss over the top. But practice with it - sometimes it can end up looking a little bit "bitty" on the lips, especially if your lips are not in great condition. Have a wonderful day and I hope you can find the perfect colour you are looking for in and amongst these ranges.

All the best from all of us at handbag.com,

John

John,

Since it has gotten so hot, I can't seem to stop perspiring. I have sprayed on every sort of anti-perspirant going, but hate the idea of clogging up my pores. Talc seems to keep me from getting all sticky, but it also is messy and I can't really use it once I get to work. I feel gross and clammy all the time. Don't suppose you know of any "magic potions" that might help me to keep my cool?

Hope to hear from you,

Sweaty Betty

SB,

Disgusting, isn't it? I have been arriving at work feeling like an absolute pig! I am going to tell you about a trio of products all by a splendid little company called Temple Spa. The first two have been around since they started and I would be hard pressed to tell you a time I haven't had them in my cupboard. The first is called Take A Grip. This is a shower in a bottle, for lack of a better description. You apply it like a lightweight body lotion in the sticky areas and it dries to a powder finish almost immediately. It means you can use it wherever and whenever you feel all hot and bothered. And the smell is amazing. You smell like you have just washed with the best bar of soap in the world!

Next is one for your legs called Ahhhh! This is another light lotion that cools your legs and feet. The menthol soothes tired, heavy, hot legs and feet and leaves you feeling incredibly refreshed. But the one I think you will be most keen on is one that one of the owners and chemists made for herself. It is called "Chillicious". This one is a super duper mentholated product that actually cools down the surface temperature of the skin. When you feel like you will never cool off, Chillicious will not only take the stickiness from the skin, but also allow your body the ability to recover a comfortable temperature. The weight of this is a gel and the bottle is purse/bag/briefcase sized. I have been carrying mine and using it on the train and have had tons of people asking me what it is - and can they have a little! Get your own! You can order Temple Spa from their site at templespa.com. It will arrive so beautifully presented that I defy you not to order again. You wanted air-conditioning in a bottle? You've got it!

Chill,

John

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