Emmestyle

You asked. She answered. Our wonderful Emme-supermodel, superperson-helps you size things up and cope all the way around.

Q: I am in my early 40s, and I prefer a no-makeup look. But my husband is constanty bugging me to wear it. He's even gone out and bought various products for me to try. He feels "let down" when I refuse to wear it. He says he enjoys the taste and feel of lipstick-- that it's a real turn-on for him. I don't understand why he won't just except me for who I am. Do you have any suggestions?

A: What's with this makeup obsession? Most guys I know keep whining at their women to forgo paint altogether. It's great you feell just fine about going au naturel (I'm sure you look beautiful the way you are). But there is also nothing wrong with glamming it up for him-just a little-once in a while. Who knows, you may even like the results. And you don't have to wear a mask of makeup to go there. There's a bunch of new, lightweight formulas that look add feel invisible. Revlon's New Complexion Even Out Makeup is for women like you who want that no-makeup look. It won't clog your pores and it comes in nine different shades.

Q: I am 24 years old, 5' 9", and 270 Ibs. I have recently started eating healthy foods and exercising daily. I am pleased that the weight is coming off slowly because I know i have choosen a healthy alternative to crash diets. My main concern is that from years of weight gain and loos, I have stretch marks almost everywhere on my body; they range from dark purple to faded white. Is it unrealistic to think that there is no solution other rhan surgery to correct this problem?

A: First and foremost, you should feel unbelievably great about the fact that you're taking care of yourself and getting fit. Stretch marks are kinda tricky, though. According to my dermatologist Dr. Sharon Scherl, they're pretty difficult to get rid of entirely. But she did say that laser surgery and tretinoin creams (like Retin-A) can sometimes work. The thing to remember about stretch marks is that almost everyone has them. You can get them from any incident of rapid weight gain, like puberty or pregnancy. But as your new healthy lifestyle firms and tightens what was once loose, hopefully your stretch marks will become les of an issue and more of a celebration of what you've accomplished.

Q: Is there any visible evidence of atrophy in body areas that have been supported by a girdle? If so, can you describe what it looks like, and what can be done to correct it?

A: I don't know if there would be any visable evidence of atrophy, but it's the physical stuff you should be concerned with. And I imagine that if you are wearing an industrial-strength girdle everyday, your spinal colimn and abdominal muscles are probably not working as hard as they should be, which could possibly lead to atrophy. According to a doctor friend of mine, when your abdominal muscles are not used, your waistline expands and your back gets weak. So take action and loose the girdle! To strengthen your back and abs, start doing some slow and controlled crunches every day; work up to doing 3 sets of 10. This way, your body can start standing on its own two feet.

Q: I need some constructive advice. I wear a size 16 from the waist down, but from the waist up, I can barely squeeze into a size 24! My breasts are so big compared with the rest of my body, that I come off looking completely top-heavy. Not to mention how uncomfortable and downright painful carrying around these large bosoms can be. I am in my I late 20s and have been contemplating surgery for years now. What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of breast reduction surgery?

A: Unfortunately, this is not a problem I can relate to firsthand; I'm not endowed with bodacious breasts, though I've often coveted them! (The grass is always greener, right?) Anyway, I took the liberty of asking my friend and ex-Ford model, Sheila Grant Rosenberg, about her recent breat reduction to give you the scoop. Basically, she's pretty happy with the results and feels that the pros outweigh the cons. But before you go rushing off for a smaller bra, know that breast reduction is major surgery. You'll be under anesthesia for four hours, for one thing. For another, the surgery actually involves take off your nipples and repositioning them. All of this results in permanent and visable scars. And, as of that weren't enough, you will be swollen and sore for a couple of months. But if you are suffering a lot of discomfort right now, a breast reduction might just be the best thing to ever happen to you. Make sure that you find a respected and reliable surgeon with a ton of experience. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Do your research and get a couple of different opinions.