Answer Angel: Statement earrings

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I read in a story about Princess Kate that said she was wearing “statement” earrings.

What does that mean. What is statement jewelry — or statement clothing or accessories?

--Kim B.

Dear Kim: In fashion lingo, statement anything is an item that raises your look from OK to superfine. It can be an unexpected use of a garment — a button-up sweater worn backward, a skirt worn over pants, a belt worn as a necklace. Or it can be an accessory that upgrades a basic outfit to something noteworthy. Consider a simple black dress: It can go in an array of directions with a colorful hat, an unexpected pair of must-notice shoulder-grazing earrings, gym shoes or, maybe, 5-inch red patent stilettos.

This technique is especially useful when traveling, when a couple wardrobe basics ornamented with accessories that don’t take up much suitcase space can sharply reduce the amount of luggage you are burdened with.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: What exactly is makeup primer and do I really need it? Or is it just one more product that wants my money? I’ve seen it for faces, lashes and even eyebrows.

--Linda J.

Dear Linda: No. You don’t really need it. In fact, often, when it comes to makeup--and many other things—less truly is more.

I once attended an eyeliner tutorial by a makeup artist (I do not recommend), and by the time she finished the preparation of the eyelid to “receive” the eyeliner I was sorry I had wasted my time. So, I’m a skeptic when it comes to makeup products.

There’s a whole encyclopedia of different effects you purportedly can achieve by using a primer: illumination, anti-aging, color correcting, smoothing, moisturizing, and let’s not forget “mattifying.” The amount of money and effort required, to me, isn’t worth it.

I expect to hear from readers who swear by makeup primers for face, eyes, lips. I’ll tell you what they say. In the meantime, I stick with the basics in the interest of time and cash.

Angelic Readers

Many good suggestions on covering eyebrow grays and mascaras that do the job.

Janet E. writes: “Red Apple Lipstick (redapplelipstick.com ) has great mascara. It’s the only brand that doesn’t irritate my eyes. Their gluten free, vegan products are great. Lipstick too.”

From Nancy H.: “I use NYX brow glue in dark brown (nyxcosmetics.com, $10). It tames my unruly brows and adds color.”

Lore S. says: “My ophthalmologist recommended Eyes are the Story. They sell three mini tubes (eyesarethestory.com, Eye Proof Mascara Trio Set, $50) -- one to be used each month so no bad build up of bacteria and gunk. I find the mascara stays on and is easy to remove. (I use Maybelline no-oil eye make up remover). They also sell eye makeup remover pads, and a few other items. I really like their products.”

Jeni H.:“ Sandy V. was looking for a hypoallergenic mascara. I have eyelid eczema, occasional blepharitis and really sensitive facial skin. I really love the Thrive Causemetics’ Liquid Lash Volumizer Mascara! (thrivecausemetics.com,$26).”

From Jennifer S.: “I find that using an eyebrow brush to mix and apply the Just for Men brand Mustache & Beard dye you recommend (amazon.com, drugstores, $10) works well to control the amount of hard-to-remove color that gets on the skin.”

P.G.: “ I read your answer to Judie C.'s letter about how tweezing gray eyebrows is a bad idea. You suggested Just for Men brand Mustache & Beard color. You mentioned it could be messy and is hard to remove from the skin. I found a product that I bought at a Sally Beauty Supply store. It's Roux Clean Touch Stain Remover (sallybeauty.com, $6.99). You put some on a paper towel then very gently rub it on the skin. You may have to do this for a few minutes depending on how dark the dye is. I've been using this product for years. It really works.

“I also have a question your readers may be able to answer. I've been trying to find a mascara that really curls the eyelashes. I have yet to find one. The ones that claim they curl are very thick and heavy. Not to mention expensive. Do you or your readers know of any mascaras that curl the eyelashes?”