Q: I am having to tweeze more and more gray from my dark eyebrows. Darkening the brows with mascara hasn't worked, and it seems all hair-coloring products should not be used so close to the eyes. Is there anything I can use to cover the gray in my brows?
A: There are a few products specially formulated for dyeing the eyebrows. But applying the dye is tricky because the brows are so close to the eyes. If dye gets into your eyes, it can cause serious irritation. This applies especially to regular hair dye, which should never be used on the brows.
If you are confident you can use a brow dye yourself, be sure to read the directions carefully and follow them to the letter. If not, have a professional hair colorist do the job for you.
Products for coloring eyebrows include the following: Godefroy Instant Eyebrow Tint, Roux Lash & Eyebrow Tint Kit, and Dylash Eyelash & Brow Dye Kit, all available at amazon.com; and Laura Geller Eyebrow Tint & Tamer, which can be purchased at Sephora stores and at sephora.com.
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SIZING BLACK JEANS
Q: Is it my imagination, or do black jeans run smaller than blue jeans? I am shopping for black jeans, and almost every pair I try on in my usual size is too small. But if I try the same style and size in blue denim, the jeans fit fine.
A: You're not imagining things. Sometimes, the process used to dye black jeans causes a little shrinkage. Also, when comparing black and blue jeans in the same style and size, examine the fabric. The actual weave of the fabric may be different, or the amount of spandex may vary. Both could affect the fit.
Bottom line: Always try on jeans before buying. And sit, bend and stretch in them, too.
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SCARVES ARE COOL
Q: Are scarves still going to be in fashion next year? I've seen some gorgeous ones on sale, but don't want to spend my money on a trend that's nearly over.
A: My best guess: Scarves will be a hot item well into the coming year. I'd take advantage of those sale prices while they last.
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LOST & FOUND
Lost: Teresa is trying to track down an InstaBelt. And Liz is looking for Skimp Skamp panties, No. 2633, from Bali, which used to be available at Macy's.
Found: For Arlene from Deltona, Fla., who is looking for a foundation similar to her discontinued Ultima II favorite, reader Amy suggests she try Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.
Suzi can find a Jelly watch by Toywatch in black, yellow or hot pink, in most Nordstrom stores and at toywatch.com.
Danny should be able to pick up Zegna Colonia cologne at any Zegna boutique and most better department stores.
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WHAT TO WEAR WHEN
What to wear to an art opening, a daytime wedding, a corporate cocktail party? How to choose the most flattering fit? Who to follow as a style role model? These are just some of the questions answered, and colorfully illustrated, in "Who What Wear," a new book from former Elle magazine editors Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power (Abrams Image, $18.95). The lively little book is loaded with fashion tips. Most aren't new, but they're packaged in a fun, fresh way. I especially enjoyed the section on adding trendy touches to classic basics, and interpreting over-styled runway looks for real life. Order at the authors' Web site, whowhatwear.com.
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Fashion writer Jean Patteson welcomes your questions. Mail: Orlando Sentinel, MP-218, P.O. Box 2833, Orlando, FL 32802-2833. E-mail: jpatteson@ orlandosentinel.com. Phone: 407-420-5158. Blog: OrlandoSentinel.com/fashionfocus. Snapped!: OrlandoSentinel.com/snapped.
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(c) 2009, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.). Distributed by Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.