Though it looks like powder, this unique, lightweight makeup is made from crushed minerals—specifically, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, iron oxide and bismuth oxychloride. Some brands such as Ulta have added botanicals (soothing extracts of chamomile and ginseng) to their pure mineral combination.

BareMinerals is known as the original mineral makeup that triggered the explosion of products now on the market. Most major cosmetic companies offer a mineral makeup line. When selecting a mineral cosmetic, look for 100 percent pure minerals with no fillers, no preservatives, no chemicals, no binders, no talc, no oil, no fragrance, no dyes. Even if the makeup (mineral or otherwise) has SPF 15 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, apply a sunscreen base and then the makeup.

Quality mineral makeup should have a creamy, delicate feel, not a dry or chalky feel. (If you have an Ulta or Sephora store nearby, you can try some before you purchase.)

When applying foundation, work the minerals into the brush, then tap it. In a buffing motion, cover your entire face. Add more for increased coverage. No need to work the minerals into the brush when applying eye shadow or blush, but do tap the brush first. The creamy and natural shimmer of the minerals will win you over.

Is it true that drinking lots of water will make you lose weight?

Drinking a big glass of water before each meal has long been thought to curb a person’s appetite, yet there are no studies that support any long-term effect on weight loss. However, it’s still a good idea!

Drinking H20 can flush your system and hydrate your skin. This is a key beauty tip, especially if you’re hooked on drinking liquid-robbing caffeinated drinks that leave you dehydrated. Want to test if you’re dehydrated? Pinch the skin on the back of your hand. If you’re hydrated, the skin will spring right back; if it stays puckered, start drinking water!

Sometimes at school, when lots of people are around, I don’t speak up because I’m afraid I have bad breath. How can I know for sure?

Other than catching the hint when a friend’s nose turns up during a quick convo between classes or having an honest friend who will tell you, it's hard to know for sure. But here are some ways to decrease the likelihood of bad breath: Be sure to brush your teeth (two minutes minimum) twice daily and brush the tongue—a common cause of bad breath; floss your teeth at least once daily and schedule regular dental exams. If you’re at school and can’t brush, grab a thin tin of peppermints or chewing gum; they’ll temporarily freshen your breath.

Will anything help my makeup stay on longer?

Yes, primer! Think of it like this: An artist must properly prepare a canvas before she begins the painting. A primer does just that. It evens out the skin’s surface and gives a better surface to adhere to. The result? Foundation that stays throughout the day. I suggest trying Prime Objective Skin Perfecting Face Primer by Studio Gear.

Can you help me find a hassle- free way to shave my bikini line?

One product line you could try is Noxzema. It has handy tools to make shaving in delicate areas more successful. First, apply Soothe & Smoothe Clear Bikini Shave Gel. Second, use the tool designed specifically for getting rid of excess hair with ease— the Bikini Shaver. The 5/8-inch mini-blade has a protective skin guard to help reduce redness and irritation. Like many full-sized razors, the Bikini Shaver has an aloe vera moisturizing strip to deliver a soothing effect right where you need it. Third, glide on a dab of Soothe & Smoothe Medicated Bikini Crème to fight redness, itching and razor bumps that often occur after shaving.

I’m looking for a lip gloss with a super shine. Suggestions?

If you really want to get that high-shine, dripping wet look, I recommend f.y.i. ItShines from Arbonne. This teen line of cosmetics offers six shades of sheer gloss in a mess-free tube. Which touch of color is yours—fashionista, vogue, paparazzi, diva, VIP or couture? In addition to the awesome shine and touch of color, each ItShine has a cool scent like strawberry and citrus. I know you'll love them!

How important is it to spend lots of money on cleansers and moisturizers?

The important factor is to have a quality product. The price does not always reflect that. With many department store brands, you’re paying extra for fancy packaging and the name. It might be cool to say you use M.A.C., Dior, Urban Decay or Laura Mercier, but you’ll be out a few more bucks than your friends who might be using great brands easily found in a drugstore.

One such brand is pHisoderm. Their newest skin-care system contains top-notch ingredients typically reserved for higher-priced brands. For instance, Foaming Facial Wash contains polyglutamic acid, while the Nurturing Toner has hyaluronic acid (both help retain natural moisture and increase smoothness). In addition, the Daily Moisturizer contains SPF 15, a must-have for healthy skin, and the Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash delivers a powerful punch to zits with 2 percent salicylic acid. Each of the pHisoderm products sells for under $10.

Exactly where are my eyebrows supposed to begin and end?

Here’s the general rule: The brow begins straight up from the tear duct. Whatever is in-between your two brows can be plucked, waxed or bleached (if dark). The end of the brow is determined by drawing an imaginary line (or holding a pencil) from the outer edge of your nostril to the outer edge of your eye. The brow should come down to meet the line. If it doesn’t, a touch of eyebrow powder that matches the natural shade of your brows will do the trick. The Brow & Liner Kit from The Body Shop is a great choice.

These are the opinions of the beauty editor and not necessarily 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.

Beauty Bonus with Ayiesha Woods
“I only recently got into makeup, but I don’t use it all the time. For shows it’s great because of the lighting, but for every day it’s usually a little lip-gloss and some eyeliner. My favorite skin- care product is Bath & Body Works Shea Body Butter. It’s not greasy, feels great and smells nice.”