Beauty Q+A

How can I hide tan lines on my shoulders? My dress is strapless!

It's easy to cover strap marks — all you need is a cream-to-powder foundation (it covers better than liquid foundation and lasts longer) in a shade that matches your tan. Use your fingers to apply the foundation to the strap marks, and blend. Give it five minutes to dry, and then dust on a translucent powder to help it stay put. Try: Clinique Superbalanced Compact Makeup SPF 20, $28, clinique.com

Is there a way to keep my updo from falling down?

After shampooing, but before blow-drying, finger-comb a dollop of texturizing lotion through wet hair to add grip to your strands. Blow-dry and style, then spritz a firm-hold hairspray all over to keep every strand in place through the night. Try: Got2b Shagged Out Texturizing Liquid Fiber, $6, and Suave Professionals Sleek Finishing Maximum-Hold Hairspray, $2, both at drugstore.com

How do I get rid of a last-minute zit?

You can't get rid of the zit, but you can hide it and resist the urge to squeeze — it'll be harder to conceal it if you have broken the skin. First, apply ice for a few minutes to reduce redness. Then dab concealer right onto the pimple and, using your ring finger, tap at it gently to blend. Last, pat on pressed powder. Try: Clean & Clear Concealing Treatment Stick, $7, and Almay Clear Complexion Pressed Powder, $12, both at drugstore.com

How can I make my makeup last?

Choose products like waterproof mascara, long-wearing eyeliner, and liquid cheek stain — they're formulated to stay put for hours. If skin gets shiny, blot greasy areas with oil-absorbing papers. Try: Benefit Benetint cheek and lip stain, $28, benefitcosmetics.com; Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner, $7, drugstore.com; Palladio Rice Paper Powdered Blotting Tissues, $4, Sally Beauty Supply stores; and Maybelline New York Great Lash Waterproof Mascara, $5, drugstore.com

My dad doesn't like heavy makeup on me. What is a pretty look he won't disapprove of?

The key: keep it natural. Apply a shimmery beige eyeshadow to your lids. Curl lashes and add a coat of clear mascara. Blend a cream blush in a rosy shade onto your cheeks, and finish with a lightly tinted lip gloss. Try: Bonnebell VitaGloss20 A Splash of Color, $4, drugstores