HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Even in the summertime, the laundry doesn’t stop. A recent study reported in National Clothesline had some interesting findings about people and laundry:

Nearly 2 out of 3 people don’t take the time to read the care labels on garments, mostly because they find the instructions too hard to understand, or they don’t think it matters what the label says. As a result, folks destroy around 10 pieces of clothing a year.

A lot of people have no clue how much detergent to use in the wash, so many end up using too much, which is difficult to rinse out.

Women are slightly better at doing the laundry, according to the research, but don’t despair, fellas, there’s hope for you!

Take the time to read the care labels on garments before you purchase them. Know which items will benefit from dry cleaning. And learn to decode those care symbols. I will post a link to the most common symbols on Heloise.com.

DEAR HELOISE: I’m a professional makeup artist, and I have some hints for makeup application. Believe me, I’ve seen everything.

Blend everything. No obvious lines on your jaw, eyes or under eyes from concealer. Don’t keep pencils too sharp — this can create harsh lines. Don’t coordinate eye shadows and nail polish to your clothing.

Don’t forget to blot your skin with one layer of facial tissue. Don’t leave the lids off products. This will dry them out and diminish their effectiveness.

— Hilda J., via email DEAR READER: Thanks, Hilda. Readers, what are your most memorable makeup mishaps? There are bound to be some funny stories out there.

DEAR HELOISE: I look in my closet once a year. If I haven’t used something in that time, I donate it to charity. It hopefully can help someone else, and I can deduct the amount off my income taxes.

— Holly H. in Philadelphia

DEAR HELOISE: My hint is to save the plastic sleeve that newspapers come in. When making things that have to be mixed by hand (e.g., meatloaf, salmon patties, etc.), I put all ingredients in a bowl. Then I put a clean sleeve on each hand, mix well and put in a baking container. I dispose of the sleeves, and my hands are as clean as when I started.

— Barbara P., Ohio