Your beauty questions answered by our expert

'I've just started having hot flushes - are there any natural remedies that will help me cool down? I especially feel it on my face and neck.'

Aromatherapy expert Karl Watson suggests essential oils - in particular, peppermint and clary sage (www.tisserand.com). ‘Both are great for instantly calming the mind and cooling the body. Peppermint is especially effective as it contains menthol, which quickly reduces the temperature of skin.' He recommends you add 10 drops of peppermint and five drops of clary sage to 30ml of tap water in an atomiser bottle. Then shake vigorously and spray on to your face and chest as needed. It's also worth noting that bergamot, rosewood and geranium essential oils are said to assist in regulating and balancing hormone levels and to help temper mood swings. As with all essential oils, always follow instructions on the bottle.

'My eyelashes have become sparse and stubby. Is there anything I can do to get them back - or even just a little closer - to their former glory?'

A few years ago, the only solution would have been some falsies. Now, very cleverly (and logically, when you think about it), hair technology is being used in mascara formulations to help rejuvenate, boost growth and improve the condition of lashes. Lancôme has recently launched Hypnôse Precious Cells Mascara, £22, which fuses hair-loss and stem-cell technologies with its best-selling mascara. The result is a new-generation mascara that not only instantly gives you longer, thicker-looking lashes, but also improves their quality, length and thickness when used regularly. I've been using mine for a month and the new lashes coming through are definitely thicker, stronger and longer.

'I'm in my late 40'S and have oily skin that's still prone to spots. Can you recommend a good anti-wrinkle cream that would be suitable for an oilier but older complexion?'

Acne is more common in teenagers, so there are few brands that specifically target both spots and wrinkles. But according to consultant dermatologist Dr Sue Mayou, adult acne is a common problem for women, due to a combination of hormones exacerbated by stress and genetics. US dermatologist Dr Brandt agrees and has formulated Pores No More Anti-aging Mattifying Lotion, £50 (SpaceNK, John Lewis, Oxford St, and Peter Jones) for maturing, oily and combination skins. It has an alpine extract to help control oil production and apple stem-cells to help fight wrinkles. Brandt also recommends using a retinol cream - either prescription Retin A or an over-the-counter cream - as it helps clean out pores as well as treating lines and wrinkles. Also try La Roche Posay Redermic, £24.50 (0800 055 6822) for normal/combination skins or Lierac Déridium, £26 (Harrods or www.hqhair.com). Both are non-greasy, lightweight moisturisers, but they're packed with ingredients to fight wrinkles.

Great idea

The most subtle way to wear perfume come summer is in your hair. ‘The heat from your head helps it diffuse gently, so it won't overpower you - or those around you!' says Françoise Donche of Givenchy.