Q. Hi Catherine,
I frequently use hand sanitizers but I find that it is drying out my skin.  What do you recommend using?
--Rosemary, Brampton

Hi Rosemary,
I’m glad to hear that you’re a hand sanitizer fan because it is actually gentler on your hands than using soap and water repeatedly.  I’m not sure what brand of sanitizer you are using however I’m a big fan of One Step Hand Sanitizers with Aloe.  This is an effective sanitizer and is tends not to dry out the skin.  If you feel like you hands are getting dryer, just simply add a hand lotion or cream to your routine.

Q. Hi Catherine,
I really want to try adding bangs to my hairstyle but I’m afraid.  Is there any way to test them out first before taking the plunge?
--Jayne, Wasaga Beach

Hi Jayne,
Thanks for your question.  In all honesty, it’s really hard to test out a hairstyle on yourself without actually doing it.  You may want to consider visiting a website such as www.thehairstyler.com to test your photo with several different looks.  Another option if you’re looking for a longer swept to the side bang, you could try gathering the hair at and just behind your front hairline, brushing it forward and sweeping to one side and clipping with a bobby pin.  This may help you get the visual you need to make your decision. 

Q. Hi Catherine,
I dye my hair at home to save costs, but I must be doing it wrong because sometimes my hair ends up slightly darker on one side than the other.  What am I doing wrong?
--January, Victoria

Hi January,
It’s hard for me to figure out what you’re doing incorrectly without watching you dye your hair, but based on what I know about hair dyes, my first concern would be the length of time you have your hair dye on your hair.  If you’re hair is slightly darker one on side than the other, it may be because you are not starting your timer until after you have finished the application instead of when you start.  Based on the amount of hair you have, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half hour to apply the dye.  If the side you start on is the darker side, this is most likely the case.  Hope that helps!

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