Stars Ask, We Answer: Need-to-Know Beauty Questions

QUESTION:

"What can I do about flaky mascara?"-Ginnifer Goodwin

ANSWER:
For serious staying power, switch to a mascara that uses tube technology (we like L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes, $11; lorealparis.com). Unlike traditional formulas, this new breed creates tiny water-resistant tubes around each lash that won't flake or smudge. Apply two coats, waiting five seconds for the first to dry.

QUESTION:

"I am always exhausted. What can I do to look refreshed?"-Olivia Wilde

ANSWER:
Reach for creamy, light-reflecting products like the Clarins Instant Light Brush-On Perfector ($32; clarins.com) suggests L.A. makeup artist Fiona Stiles. After applying rosy pink blush on the apples of your cheeks, use a sheer concealer to disguise dark circles. Dab a luminizing powder like the Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights Powder ($30; sephora.com) in the inner corners (choose a more golden shade if you have darker skin), then rim the bottom lid with Tarte's Emphas Eyes Natural Inner Rim Brightener ($18; ulta.com), an illuminating peachy liner. Coat lashes with navy blue mascara. (We like the Guerlain Le 2 Mascara in blue, $36; saks.com) "It helps the whites of your eyes appear whiter," says N.Y.C. makeup artist Nick Barose.

QUESTION:

"How can I make my eyes less puffy in the morning?"-Whitney Port

ANSWER:
Find an eye cream with caffeine (like Origins Ginzing, $30; origins.com), and stash it in the fridge. "The caffeine along with the coldness will help constrict blood vessels, which can alleviate swelling," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Anne Chapas. Another option? "Gently massage the area around the eye with a roller ball; it manually pushes the excess fluid out." We like the Sephora Instant Depuffing Roll-On Gel ($15; sephora.com).

QUESTION:

"How can I keep my roots looking fresh?"-Julie Bowen

ANSWER:
Spritz them with John Frieda's new Sheer Blonde Controlled Lightening Spray ($10; drugstore.com), which can help disguise grown-out color in between salon visits. A blend of hydrogen peroxide, citrus, and chamomile, this quick-fix formula uses the heat of your blow-dryer to gradually brighten highlights and allover color. To help diffuse dark roots, part hair into sections and apply to the areas of regrowth.

QUESTION:

"Why are there so few matte lipsticks in the world?"-Dita Von Teese

ANSWER:
Good news for Dita: The matte famine is over. This season, there are tons of great new formulas, and they're easier than ever to apply. Sonia Kashuk's Lip Crayon ($8; at target.com) is user-friendly, and delivers matte with a sheer wash of color. For denser pigment without the usual drying effect, try Nars Pure Matte Lipstick ($25; narscosmetics.com).

QUESTION:

"Help! My lips are always chapped-even when it's warm out."-Colbie Callat

ANSWER:
Lips need exfoliating too. Remove flakes with a gentle sugar scrub. Then, says N.Y.C. dermatologist Anne Chapas, "use a hydrating balm instead of a waxy one, which will sit on the surface of lips but won't add moisture." The new Victoria's Secret 2-in-1 Lip Scrub amp Balm ($14; victoriassecret.com) smooths lips pronto.