A. In case you didn’t already know, Target is a veritable treasure trove of beauty booty, and the Boots No7 Protect and Perfect line is one of the beauty department’s gems. We first “met” Boots on our post-college European backpacking trip 12 years ago when we hit up the famed British pharmacy for some travel essentials. Now that Boots is available on our shores, we’ve come to love the wallet-friendly price point, and the new Intense Beauty Serum is rich in retinol, peptides and antioxidants for a potent anti-aging punch. So to answer your question, we love it!

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Q. What is your opinion about the skincare line Boots No7 Protect and Perfect, sold at Target stores? —Michelle N.

Q. I’m looking for an undereye concealer that works well for the over-50 set. Can you help? —Phyllis H.

A: Women over 50 have a unique set of skin-care and makeup challenges, especially around the eyes. While we all want a concealer that camouflages dark circles and brightens the eye area, you also want to make sure it doesn’t leave a crepe-y appearance or settle into lines too much. That’s why we recommend using a primer before concealer to help plump up the skin and ensure that your makeup looks good for the long haul. For a good primer, check out Jan Marini Age Intervention Prime because it creates a perfect canvas for concealer to come, and it contains ingredients that help repair and regenerate the skin. Our recommendation for a concealer would be Cover FX Conceal FX Camouflage Concealer because it’s safe for the delicate eye area, offers opague coverage without getting cakey and it’s transfer- and water-resistant. But (yes, there’s a but), the key to a great undereye concealer is making sure you have the right shade, so go to a store, work with a professional, and step outside in the sunlight before you buy.

Now for the educational part… While undereye circles happen to the best of us at any age, the cause of the dark shadows can be different as we get older. While the old-school theories of aging center on the effects of gravity, recent research has shown that gravity plays less of a role that deflation. You see, there are compartments of fat deep in our faces that are plump and full when we’re young, but they begin to deflate like balloons as we age. The undereye area is no exception, which is why using injectable fillers to restore volume can work a heck of a lot better than concealer. (Restoring these fat pads under the eyes is often part of cosmetic eye surgery as well, but we’re not suggesting you eschew products for a plastic surgeon).

Q. Any recommendations for a firming, anti-wrinkle under-eye cream that I can apply at night so my first glance in the mirror in the morning leaves me smiling? And is there one you can suggest under $75? —Shana A., New York, NY

A. Well, Ms. A., you happen to be in luck! About a month back we wrote about the latest products from Neutrogena, RoC and Aveeno, and since we had some extra samples on hand, we doled them out to our nearest and dearest. Since then we’ve received rave reviews about the RoC Brilliance Eye Beautifier, and at a mere $50, you’ll have moolah left over. And we’re not the only ones digging this new two-step product... RoC’s own clinical studies show visible results in as little as 3 (yes, 3) days!

Q. I need a moisturizer for dry-combination skin that’s also sensitive to breakouts. SPF would be a plus, and I’d like to spend under $50.  —Shari A., Delray Beach, FL

A. Who doesn’t need a good moisturizer? It’s the backbone of our skincare regimens and they key to keeping our skin looking healthy and young. Since you’re prone to a blemish from time to time, we think an oil-free version is the way to go, but if you’re happy with a moisturizer that doesn’t have sunscreen, you can always try layering a true sunscreen under it. (We like La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra-Light Fluid because it doesn’t interfere with makeup.) Also check out Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25. If you can wait until August, we’re excited about the new CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30, which fits your needs as well. Good luck!

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Q. My chapped lips are driving me crazy. They are so dry and flaky that I can’t wear lipgloss or lipstick, and they are on the verge of cracking. What can I do? —Justine S., New York, NY

A. We feel your pain. Chapped lips suck. To get healing underway, you need an intense dose of moisture. Our recommendation: Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy (but be sure to apply it periodically throughout the day, especially after eating or drinking). Then, once lips are on the mend, use a baby toothbrush and Vaseline to gently buff away dry skin and help your lipgloss or lipstick go on smoother. But in the event that you must venture out before your lips are in better shape, a swipe of DDF Glossy Lip Treatment gives you high-shine along with soothing and healing active ingredients.

17. Q.Q. I don’t have dark under-eye circles--I have dark eyelids. Other than wearing a flesh-toned eyeshadow, is there anything that will get rid of them?
    

18. R.—Christine H.

A. We’re sorry to hear you have this issue, but take solace in knowing you’re not alone. Unfortunately your DNA is to blame for this pesky problem, as your super-thin eyelid skin allows underlying blood vessels and muscles to show. In terms of skincare products, there’s not much out there that can make a dramatic difference, but you can talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon about a variety of laser treatments. If you’re not willing to go this route, there are cosmetics (other than shadows) that can help mask the darkness. Consider an eye-area primer that can camouflage the natural color of your lids while giving you the perfect base for applying eyeshadow afterwards. We like Blinc’s Eyeshadow Phase One because it conceals discoloration, helps eyeshadow stay put and contains anti-aging ingredients to help improve any other eyelid issues you may be experiencing. Good luck!

17. Q.Q. It’s time to buy a new moisturizer, and although I’d love to splurge on La Mer, my budget says no way. Are there any substitutes in the under $100 range? —Inslee C., Miami Beach, FL

A. You’re in luck, Inslee, because there are so many great products that don’t have to cost you a bundle. Since you’re longing for La Mer, we recommend you try Edward Bess Black Sea Deep Hydration Cream. It contains marine ingredients similar to La Mer (as well as vitamins and minerals) and at $90, it comes in under budget. (Check out his lipsticks while you’re at it... They’re DIVINE.) But if you want to save even more money, you can also try H2O+ Aqua Firm Micro-Collagen Moisturizer. It contains sea-sourced ingredients as well, but it’s a gel-cream formulation (and you know if your skin needs extra moisture). Just keep in mind that neither of these contain SPF, so you’ll need to apply sunscreen after moisturizing in the morning. We’re using Snowberry Active Outdoor SPF 30 and LOVING it!