Beauty Q&A.(Brief article)

Q Is it stupid to use a plain old rubber band as a hair elastic?

A Yes. The exposed rubber can tear your hair, explains Susanna Romano of NYC's Salon A-K-S. A coated ponytail holder is slicker, so it won't snare your strands. "Buy them in bulk and stash a few everywhere," she says.

Q I can't keep my hands off a whitehead. Is there a safe way to pop it?

A "Only if you're careful," says Atlanta dermatologist Darren Casey. First, clean the blemish. Cover your index fingers with tissue. Place them on either side of the pimple, and press one down then the other (don't squeeze or you could drive bacteria back into the skin), until the pus comes out. Then wash it again, he says.

Q What's the trick to applying black liquid eyeliner?

A The secret is in the tip--it should be ballpoint pen-size and end in a fine point, says Estee Lauder makeup artist Blair Patterson. Before you paint, pull your lid taut. Then apply the liner in one even stroke from the inner eye outward, as close to ...