7 BEAUTY PROBLEMS SOLVED

Your top spring beauty questions answered! From how to grow healthy hair to mastering your make-up.

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1. HOW DO I SHAPE MY EYEBROWS?
Never underestimate the impact of a well-shaped brow. Correctly done, it can transform your face. ­The general rule is that your eyebrows should follow the natural arch of your brow bones, but if you aren’t sure how to shape them, visit an expert who will be able to give you the right shape for your face. ‘­Then you only need to maintain it,’ says make-up artist Emma Dowel.

2. HOW DO I REMOVE GEL NAIL POLISH?
Having perfect nails with a bright, glossy ­ finish that lasts for days without chipping is great, but removing polish safely without damaging your nails is key. ‘Place a bowl with a strong acetone-based solvent over another bowl containing hot water to warm the solution. Soak your nails for about 15 minutes, or until the gel has peeled off,’ advises nail technician Reabetswe Modiselle.

3. HOW CAN I HIDE DARK CIRCLES?
Panda eyes, as they are called, are a common problem for women. For a quick solution to dark circles, apply a concealer. For a long-term remedy, Dowel suggests drinking lots of water, getting enough rest and applying a lightweight sunscreen and good eye cream daily.

4. HOW CAN I MAKE MY HAIR GROW MORE QUICKLY?
You want long, healthy tresses this spring? The secret, according to hairstylist Molebatsi Segomotse, is watching your diet and getting your hair trimmed regularly. ‘Try to include vitamin B, iron and zinc in your diet (eat fresh, meat, dark green veggies, eggs, liver, seeds and nuts, wholegrains and mushrooms), and take a good multivitamin supplement,’ he suggests. He also advises massaging your scalp well when shampooing and conditioning.

5. HOW DO I TREAT A PIMPLE?
If you cannot resist the urge to squeeze, make sure you do it safely. Start off by cleansing your face with a face oil, coconut oil or olive oil. Then add a drop of essential oil to a bowl of warm water and hold your face over it for a few minutes. Next, cleanse your face with a cleanser or face wash then, using a clean tissue, gently press the pimple. If it does not pop, leave it for a day or two before you try again.

6. HOW DO I APPLY CONCEALER?
Most women have one or two skin imperfections they would like to hide, from blackheads or pimples to pigmentation. A concealer is a quick solution to flawless skin this season. First, find the right shade for your skin tone and then perfect your technique. For blemishes and dark circles, Dowel advises using a concealer brush to apply the product then blending it in gently with your ring finger.

7. HOW DO I AVOID GETTING LIPSTICK ON MY TEETH?
Among the most dreaded make-up mishaps is lipstick on your teeth. The easiest way to avoid this is to line the edges of your lips with a lip liner, then use the same liner to fill in the rest of the lips. Finally, apply your lipstick and press your finger or tissue paper between your lips to remove excess.