Q. Hi Catherine,
Is it true that spraying my perfume over my jewellery can damage it?
--Lisa, Toronto

Hi Lisa,
Unfortunately, it is true.  There are a lot of synthetic ingredients and chemicals found in most perfumes that can tarnish silver, and discolour pearls and diamonds.  To be safe, it’s best to spray your fragrance on, wait 15 minutes for it to dry and then put on your accessories.

Q. Hi Catherine,
My daughter keeps seeing the T.V. ads for the Neutrogena Wave with Vanessa Hudgens and wants to buy one.  Is it safe, or not, for her to use?  She is 14.  What do you think? 
--Donna, Halifax

Hi Donna,
My two cents on this product is that it is gentle to use and shouldn’t be a problem.  If she is starting to wear make-up, this might actually be beneficial to keep her pores clean and prevent breakouts caused by impurities.  The “Deep Clean Wave” is recommended for daily use.  I would suggest that, at first, she use it every 3 or 4 days and if her skin is not showing any irritation she can use it more frequently.  If she is showing any type of irritation, stop immediately. 

Q. Dear Catherine,
I always seem to cut myself when I shave my legs.  How can I avoid this?
--Gloria, Winnipeg

Hi Gloria,
There are a couple of solutions to help with this problem.  First off, before you shave apply a rich cream to your legs to hydrate - any Olay or Jergens body product will work.  This extra hydration will allow your razor to move more smoothly and avoid cracks in the skin.  Other suggestions would be to use a shaving cream or gel with extra hydration like Skintimate with Aloe Vera or Gillette For Women.  Lastly, use a razor that has a pivot head and can move along the curves of your legs with ease.  My preferences are the Gillette Venus or Schick Triple Blade for Women.   When you are out of the shower, restore the moisture in your skin with another layer of body lotion while your skin is still a little damp. At this point, your pores are cleansed and open so cream will absorb quickly and provide intense hydration.


Send Catherine Main your beauty questions to counter_intelligence@hotmail.com