Hot styling tools like curling irons or hot rollers can damage the ends of your hair over time. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them. Just make sure to have your ends trimmed every six to eight weeks to avoid frizzy, split ends!

I got my ears pierced a couple of months ago but find that most earrings bother my ears. What should I do?
Choose earrings with nickel-free posts or wires. Nickel seems to irritate sensitive skin. You can also try sterling silver earrings, and of course, the 14-karat or 24-karat gold posts work for most everyone.

I saw the word humectant on a moisturizer label. What does that mean?
A humectant is an ingredient that helps supply the skin with water by attracting moisture from the air and adhering it to your skin. Humectants are one of the primary ingredients in moisturizers.

How can I use a frosty eye shadow on my lids and as a liner without making a mess?

Don’t bother trying a shadow that comes with an applicator. Go for the stick. It’s sleek and easier to hold, giving you more control and less mess. Try CoverGirl Eyeslicks Gel Eyecolor. It’s made with a gel formula that slides on without pulling on the skin.

Start by selecting the color that’s right for you. Frosted colors look great on teens. Apply the shadow by lining under your bottom lashes, then extending that line up toward the end of your eyebrow. Now fill in the lid and crease area. Use your finger to extend the shadow up to your eyebrow. Keep in mind that if you have pale skin, these colors may make you look washed out.

I noticed that both my shampoo and my mom’s hand soap have sodium lauryl sulfate in them. Sounds like something from a bad chemistry experiment. What’s it really?
Relax! I promise it won’t explode on you. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a man-made cleansing agent used in shampoos, soaps and detergents. It’s a favorite of many companies and their customers because of its excellent foaming ability. What fun is washing without bubbles?

I’ve always liked the look of the French manicure, but can’t afford to have it done at a salon. How can I do this myself and make it look good?
There are several do-it-yourself kits available in the nail product sections of most drugstores. You may already own some of what you need to achieve the look you want. Check to see what you have, and then buy what you need.

• File your nails straight across so they are squared off instead of rounded.

• Apply one coat of clear base coat. Dry five minutes.

• Using the applicator, apply a thin line of pure white across the top of your nails, brushing sideways. Dry five minutes.

• Apply a clear, very pale pink polish over the entire nail — yes, even on the white tip. Dry 10 minutes.

Beauty Tip: You’re writing a paper, cramming for an exam, running late for a rehearsal or just in a hurry when you’re interrupted. Respond to the person with a patient smile and gentle words. Then your true beauty will show.

These are the opinions of the beauty editor and not necessarily those of Focus on the Family. When a specific product is mentioned, it is not intended to be at the exclusion of other similar products. Please check your local beauty supply store for comparable items.