HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: While traveling in another country, a pickpocket stole my wallet from my back pocket. I felt the man pull it out, and as I turned, he ran off into a crowd. I had to cancel all my credit cards and cut my vacation short. Here are some hints I wish I had known:

Put a rubber band around your wallet and carry it in the front pocket, not back. The rubber band makes it harder to lift out. Carry money/ traveler’s checks in a money clip and/ or a rubber band in the other front pocket.

Take only one or two internationally recognized credit cards.

Never take or wear a valuable watch or jewelry on a vacation.

— K. O. Smith in Chicago DEAR READER: You can’t be too safe when traveling, at home or away. Even if on vacation here, you don’t need to carry seven or eight credit cards. Do watch your belongings, and don’t set luggage down “just to pick up a magazine.”

DEAR HELOISE: I am a makeup artist, and so many times we see women who have never been taught simple skin care hints. May I pass on the following?

Never sleep in your makeup. Use a gentle soap and water, and get every bit of makeup off your face. If you wear waterproof mascara, use an eye makeup remover made for this.

There are many kinds of moisturizers on the market. Find one that works for your skin type and texture.

Learn to use brushes and sponges to apply your makeup for a smoother finish. Wash your brushes and sponges when needed. It depends on how much and how often you use them, but if you see oil or too much face powder, it’s time. — Ruby R. in Los Angeles DEAR READER: I use baby shampoo ( diluted about half and half with water) to clean face and eyeshadow brushes. I pat dry with paper towels and lay flat to dry.

P. S. A hint I learned from a makeup artist in Los Angeles: When applying powder blush, shake the brush out a little, then gently brush, starting at the hairline and going down. You won’t have “apple cheeks.”

DEAR HELOISE: When I travel, I put my shoes inside empty bread bags to keep my clothes clean. When I get home, I recycle the bags.

— Chantel W., Michigan

Send a money- or time- saving hint to Heloise, P. O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279- 5000; fax to ( 210) 435- 6473; or email