False eyelash madness?

Dear Answer Angel Ellen:

I am perplexed why huge false eyelashes are all the rage right now, especially with the younger set, including my own 15-yearold, who is beautiful without them. I especially see the young athletes wearing these huge lashes when they are playing basketball, running races, etc., and you would think they would be annoying. I’ve often wondered what would happen if they accidentally lost one during a game. Would the coach say, “Hold on, gotta find the lashes”?! I hate to say this, but it really isn’t an attractive look for anyone, at least in my opinion. Not everyone needs to be a Kardashian, thank God. And I thought 10-inch nails were bad! What is your take on this?

— Janice M.

Dear Janice:

False lashes have never been cheaper or easier to apply (though not that easy), and they usually stay on until you want to remove them. As you point out, for better or worse, they certainly can be an attention-grabber. Often, big lashes are the first thing you notice about someone. If you’re a fan of subtlety, that’s not a good thing. My take is hugely exaggerated lashes aren’t flattering. However, more natural-looking ones can make a positive difference in your appearance. Like the long false nails you don’t like, beauty fads such as thick, obviously false lashes come and go.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen:

I’m a big fan of cheap rubber flip-flops. But, in the case of white and lighter-colored ones, the foot beds get dirty-looking after just a few wearings. Is there a simple solution other than getting out a scrub brush?

— Tricia T.

Dear Tricia:

I throw mine on the top shelf of the dishwasher. If that doesn’t do the job, or you don’t have a dishwasher, the clothes washer also works (delicate setting, detergent, cold water, air dry). Adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash water also helps. If your rubber flips have “jewel” or other embellishments, machine washing is a no. Instead, wet them, sprinkle with baking soda, let sit for five to 10 minutes, rinse (though minor scrubbing will probably be helpful).

Angelic Readers

Huge thanks to the many of you who had suggestions for Sue A., who asked how to keep her expensive hearing aids from falling out when putting on and removing her face mask.

Simplest solution from Mary K., E. Marie, Linda M., Mary Alice H., Sue A., Linda H., Sally L. and Ray M. is to lift the ear elastic up and toward the back of head to avoid disturbing the hearing aid (or clip-on earring). Others bought masks online with elastic or ties that go around the neck and top of the head avoiding the ears altogether: Liz P., Sue D., Sandra S., Linda M., Elizabeth B. and Nancy K.

Still others found inexpensive, easy-to-use gizmos online or from their audiologist that secure the mask away from the ears or at the nape of the neck (search “mask away from neck,” “mask extender” or “over-thehead masks” on amazon. com): Sheryl G., Charlotte M., audiologist Debra W., Mady M. (readimask.com), Janice L., Paul J., Mimi R., Joyce K. and Leonard F.

And there are homemade bands using ribbon, elastic, a long barrette, cloth or crocheted pieces, headband or even a baseball cap — most with buttons or Velcro to secure the elastic — to wear at the neck instead of over the ears (etsy.com for ideas to make yourself or buy direct from makers): Jeanne M., Susan S., Russell H., Susie F., Elizabeth B. and Penny A.

Now it’s your turn

Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail. com.

DREAMSTIME False lashes have never been cheaper or easier to apply (though not that easy).