Online ShopBody talk
Top tips on looking your best -- all over
Q. What can I do to prepare my feet for wearing open-toed sandals?
A. Get into the habit of looking after your feet now. Exfoliate them with an abrasive scrub as often as you need -- daily if they're suffering from long-term neglect. Remove hard skin with a pumice stone or abrasive scrub after soaking. Follow up with a good foot cream or almond oil massaged into the soles of the feet. This will also help to get rid of corns and calluses.
Q. My man has got nose and ear hairs. What should he do?
A. There are a number of salons that specialise in men's grooming that should be able to help him out. Alternatively, he could invest in a set of nose hair clippers, available from chemists and department stores.
Q. Help! I always look hunched up in photos.
A. Take a tip from the world of modelling and practise striking a pose. Stand with your body at an angle to the camera, with your hips pushed forward a little and your shoulders pushed back. Now position your feet; place your back foot parallel to your body and point your front foot towards the camera. Finally, turn your head to face the camera.
Q. I want to show off my cleavage to best effect. What should I do?
A. It's natural to want to enhance your cleavage, but you will also want to feel comfortable and at ease in what you’re wearing: if you feel as if you could fall out at any moment, you'll never truly relax. One way is to invest in a good bra, tailored to the style of your dress. Go to a good lingerie shop and explain your situation. If you’re a bride having a wedding dress made, ask your dress designer to have a bra worked into the bodice.
It’s not just your face that counts when it comes to looking good. Here we answer the frequently asked beauty questions about making the best of your other bits.
Q. I want to wear a sleeveless dress but I hate my weedy arms. How can I tone them up?
A. Press-ups are one of the best ways of toning up your arms, especially the backs of the arm, the triceps, which quickly turn flabby when not used.
Kneel on all fours with your hands slightly more than shoulder-width apart just in front of shoulders, knees in line with hips. Press your hips forward so that you're resting the tops of your knees with your head, neck and back in a straight line. Tighten your stomach muscles and pull your shoulders back. Bend your elbows lowering your chest towards the floor until your elbows and shoulders form 90 degree angles. Push back up.
Repeat 12 times, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat 12 times again.
Q. My nails aren't in great shape. What can I do to improve them?
A. Nails are made of a tough material that is almost pure protein. If they are thin, dry or brittle, it is usually the result of your health. Eat a well-balanced diet, with adequate amounts of protein and foods containing vitamin A such as green and yellow vegetables and eggs. And protect them by wearing rubber gloves when washing the dishes or cleaning around the house.
Apply a nourishing cream or oil, such as almond oil, every night before you go to bed.
Nails also benefit from a weekly exfoliation (with the same preparation you use for your hands) to smooth the surface and encourage the regeneration of new cells.
File your nails regularly, preferably with a large “professional” emery board, using the rough side to shorten and the smooth side to shape. Work upwards in one direction, rather than 'sawing' back and forth, which will only weaken the nails and cause them to split.
Q. My teeth are a bit yellow and I'm too embarrassed to smile. What can I do?
A. Tackle everyday stains by brushing your teeth with bicarbonate of soda. Dip a wet toothbrush into the powder and then brush it directly onto your teeth, paying particular attention to your front teeth.
Q. I'm worried that I'll end up with stale breath after a long day out -- how can I keep it minty fresh?
A. An infusion of camomile or peppermint tea makes a wonderful breath freshener. If you’re organising a wedding or special occasion, arrange to have them on the menu alongside the regular coffee and tea. Then simply order a cup when you feel you mouth needs freshening up.
