Q. Hi Catherine,
How do I know whether to choose a cream or powder blush for my skin?
--Francis, Orangeville

Hi Francis,
In all honesty, there is no right or wrong answer for this question.  The choice whether to use a cream or powder blush all comes down to the end look you want to achieve.  The benefit of powder blush is that it provides a more polished dramatic look.  It is perfect for shading and contouring cheekbones. It also helps to achieve a more matte look for individuals that find their cheek area to be an oily zone.  Cream blushes create a more natural, dewy, flushed look.  It is better for individuals that want an outdoors fresh look.  Thanks for your question.

Q. Hi Catherine,
Do teeth whitening strips really work better than the toothpaste?
--Laura, St. Catharines

Hi Laura,
In my opinion, teeth whitening strips work very well.  I have used both whitening toothpastes and strips over the years and find that the strips provide a brighter more lasting result.  If you are concerned about the strips, I would suggest easing into the routine slowly.  With regards to choosing a toothpaste, my preference is the Crest Health and Radiance package which is a two-step program that combines the fluoride toothpaste with deep cleaning strips.  It retails for approximately $15 and gives you a sample of both to test and see what works for you.

Q. Hi Catherine,
What is the new trend of nail polish for the spring?
--Mya, Montreal

Hi Mya,
I am very excited about the new OPI nail shades coming out next month.  I was able to catch a sneak peak and am looking forward to all the new bright happy colours for the months ahead.  The OPI Spring collection was inspired by the city of Hong Kong, and it is obvious that the essence and vibrancy is reflected in the colour choices and names.  The shade that I have been sporting lately is ‘Suzy Says Feng Shui,’ a sexy cobalt blue, which to my surprise is complimenting a lot more outfits than I had expected.  Other shades to note are ‘Jade Is The New Black,’ ‘Dim Sum Plum’ and ‘Red My Fortune Cookie.’  For more information, visit www.opi.com

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