Answer Angel: Toothpaste stains?

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Do you have any tips for getting toothpaste out of clothing in a pinch?

I just have too many mornings where I'm brushing my teeth before work and some drops of it fall on my shirt or work vest. Somehow, it seems to bond to clothing like glue, no matter the size of the drops, and no amount of washing with a damp cloth will get it out, only washing it in the laundry.

There has to be an alternative out there to walking around work all day (or the house on my day off) with foamy white spots or streaks on my clothing. Please help.

--Beth D.

Dear Beth: I have the same problem with the same lousy results using water alone.

Besides the obvious solution—brushing our teeth before getting dressed (which I never do and apparently never will)—here’s one that works in most cases: Wet the corner of a dishtowel or washcloth with water, add a dab of liquid hand soap, dishwashing soap or liquid laundry detergent, rub gently, pat with a dry cloth. If that doesn’t work for you, have a solution of white wine vinegar and water on hand in the bathroom (1:1 ratio) and use that instead of the liquid soaps.

Getting to the toothpaste accident immediately will give you the best result. Don’t try this on silks or delicate fabrics without a tiny test first on a hem, etc.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: Do you have suggestions for women to remove facial hair? I have tried hair removal cream but it was too harsh. One friend told me she shaves her face a couple times a week.

--No Name Please

Dear NNP: For peach fuzz, light hair growth (especially for light colored hair) try a shaving razor renamed as a “dermaplaning tool.” There are plenty of these online designed especially for this purpose at under $2 apiece. You can try electric or battery razors for women, but I’ve never tested one that worked well.

Some women bleach or wax off facial hair with kits available at drug stores for $5 and up but they too aren’t great, requiring frequent use and/or pain. Other temporary options that require more spending but last longer are threading or waxing by professionals at beauty salons or storefronts. Laser removal and electrolysis by trained experts are the most effective options, especially for heavy growth, but they are expensive and often require multiple visits.

Angelic Readers

For Barb B. who was looking for a solution to keep her ample eyebrows in place, reader Liz P. recommends clear Cover Girl mascara: “Works like a charm (target.com, drugstores, ulta.com, under $6)."

For Brianna P. who was looking for non-greasy facial sunscreen that blends in thoroughly, Beth H. says, Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen “is the perfect sunscreen (janeiredale.com, $55).” Joanne R.’s favorite facial sunscreen doubles as a makeup foundation: Colorscience Total Protection Face Flex SPF 50, (amazon.com, $54). Julie likes Supergoop! 100% mineral power, SPF35 (amazon.com, $35) that she dusts on “like a regular face powder over makeup.” Linda G. warns that sunscreen in a stick you swipe on isn’t as protective as lotion or creams. For frugal shoppers, Susan T. recommends CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 (drugstores, $15.99). From Ellen: It’s not just for the face. I’ve used it for years on my arms and legs!

Joan M. has very limp hair like reader “Feeling Ignored” and likes hair products from randco.com, which were recommended by her stylist. “They are pricey so if she would want to try a product or two and still use her own shampoo and conditioner, she might think about the volumizing spray ($34). If she wants to add another product, the volume treatment, used once a week ($39), works wonders. I use all of the products, shampoo and conditioner as well. They last at least 3 months.”

From Christine P.: “To the reader who asked if the color burgundy is here to stay or a passing fad: My closet is filled with burgundy items: cashmere turtleneck, dressy cardigan, everyday cardigan, dress, T-shirt, and even a coat, all bought on sale, of course. I wear this color with confidence because it is attractive on me. I don't worry whether a color is ‘in’ or if it's ‘out’; all that matters is if it's flattering.”