Beauty Q&A.

PASTY-FACE FIXERS

Is there a way to bring healthy-looking color to my ghostly winter complexion?

Cold air cuts down on your body's circulation and moisture levels, resulting in a drab, dry complexion and undereye circles. To cop a glorious glow, first replenish your skin morning and night with an oil-free moisturizer. Try Estee Lauder Clear Difference Oil Control Hydrator, $27.50. Also, reveal fresh, rosy skin by sloughing off dulling dead cells with a gentle exfoliator three times a week. Try Aveda Exfoliant, $17. To camouflage bluish undereye circles, use a creamy yellow-based concealer. Try Physicians Formula Concealer Twins wand, $5.95. Finally, fake a beautifully vibrant face with a complexion-brightening lotion or powder. Our favorites: Prescriptives Blue Magic Phosphorescent Liquid Powder, $30, which is laced with optical materials that actually catch light to give off an intense glow; and Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminators Lotion SPF 15 in Peach Light, $13.95, a peachtoned lotion spiked with light-reflecting particles that flatters everyone. "It's great at covering redness and creating an extrem ely natural-looking radiance," says NYC makeup artist Mally Roncal, who has made stars like Lisa Kudrow shine. She recommends enhancing your newly beaming face with a shiny lip gloss and a swipe of pink blush on cheeks.

NIX YELLOW NAILS

I took off my red polish and my nails look nicotine-stained. What gives?

Red, burgundy, and brown-based polishes contain dark pigments that can leave behind a yellow stain on nails, especially if you skip a protective base coat, says Mona Monaghan, senior vice president and general manager of Sally Hansen Group. To lighten your nasty-looking nails, pour three capfuls of hydrogen peroxide into one-third cup of water and soak your fingers for two minutes. Then dip a toothbrush into the solution and brush your talons for a superclean finish. Next, massage both cuticles and nails with a cuticle oil that contains vitamin E. Wait two minutes, then completely remove the oil with a nonacetone polish remover. Prevent those unsightly stains from recurring by applying a ...