Q: I have problems with blotchy brown spots on my forehead. How can I get rid of them?

A: You most likely have melasma, which is an overproduction of melanin triggered by sun exposure or pregnancy. Talk with your dermatologist to find a safe treatment solution. In the meantime, diminish the appearance of the melasma with concealer. On darker areas, use your fingertips or a foundation brush to apply a generous layer, and use a damp makeup sponge on unaffected areas for lighter coverage.

Q: Where does the sloughed-off skin go when I exfoliate?

A: When you manually exfoliate your skin, you are using some type of granular ingredient (salt, jojoba beads, polyethylene beads). Rubbing the granules onto your skin scrapes off the top few layers of cells, and then they'll simply wash away in the shower, leaving your skin feeling silky smooth.

Q: Mascaras now contain ingredients said to benefit lashes. Should I still use a primer?

A: The main purpose a primer serves is to thicken, not condition (though some do both). Just like paint primer on a wall, it creates a surface on which the mascara can adhere and stay on. Apply your primer first, then two coats of mascara to one eye at a time. Choose a mascara that features primer on one end and mascara on the other to eliminate fussing with multiple tubes.