Answer Angel: Never complain. Never explain

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: For many reasons, I can no longer wear shoes with heels of any height. I need flat shoes. This is not an age problem—I’m in my late 20s—but a foot problem that I must live with.

But what about formal or even work events where I must dress up? I am self- conscious and wonder if I should be. Am I overreacting? I can’t seem to let it go.

--Sara M.

Dear Sara: Never complain. Never explain. You’ve already achieved the first part of that maxim -- attributed to British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli among others.

Stop worrying and don’t feel like you have to be self-conscious or explain your footwear choice. (I know that isn’t easy.) My mother wore Birkenstocks to my wedding because they were the only shoes that were comfortable on her aching feet. I don’t think anyone even noticed much less asked her any questions. As I told her: Nobody is looking at your feet!

There are unending flat shoe options that are both dressy and luxuriously comfortable. And flats are ever more popular among all age groups because…they’re vastly more comfortable than heels. Prices range from single digits to astronomical. One more suggestion: How about a cute flat-sole boot with pants?

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m a nervous traveler and worry about many things. The flight, the weather, my outfits, my pets back home with a dog sitter. It’s a long list. But there are many small things too. Here is one: I absolutely rely on hair mousse to make my hair look decent. I’m going on my first big trip to a beautiful but remote place and can’t find aerosol mousse to comply with the TSA 3.4-ounces-or-less rule for carry-on luggage. I am determined to carry on, not check, my luggage. God forbid it gets lost. I can’t find a travel-size mousse that foams up like men’s shaving cream. Can you?

--Lizzie K.

Dear Lizzie: I am not even going to try to talk you out of forgetting about the mousse for the trip and using gel or cream. YOU know what works for your hair. I get it. Nor should you rely on the stores at your destination to carry mousse of any size.

So, I found what you need and I’ve tested it.

I love Nexxus medium hold mousse and, after several unsuccessful in-store shopping excursions, I found a 2-ounce version at a CVS (under $3) that works just as well as the large one that I have at home. It was in the area of the store that carries smaller travel-size items like hand cream and bath gel.

Manufacturers of many beauty musts realized pretty quickly that the TSA regs were a great opportunity to package their products in small sizes at big prices. (Or, at least bigger-per-ounce prices than their full-size counterparts.) There is no shortage of other brands in conforming sizes online (ulta.com, amazon.com), many of them at $10 plus.

One more thing: My travel experience is that the TSA staff doesn’t seem to be very interested in enforcing the 3-ounce rule. But, you always risk confiscation and delay if you try it.Angelic Readers

Hetty B. writes: Here's an alternative to eyebrow microblading and ombré brow treatments you wrote about recently for skimpy brows: There is a moderately priced product called Rapid Brow that worked amazingly on my light, thinning eyebrows. After a few weeks of twice-daily use, my eyebrows looked incredible -- darker, thicker and I didn't have to continue using it to maintain the improvement. It is packaged/applied like mascara and goes on clear. Could not believe the effectiveness of this product. I bought it at Costco online (amazon.com, $23.55; rapidlash.com, $49.95 each; costco.com, two-pack $54.99).Can you help?

This is recent Answer Angel Ellen column addition that taps into other readers’ experiences...

From Andrea R.: Years ago Donna Karan made the sheerest nude pantyhose, number B02. They have discontinued making them. I cannot find a similar product. They are all just not sheer enough! Winter is coming and I’m done with bare legs. Can your readers help?

Kathy M. writes: I can no longer find a pull-on, shapewear one-piece bra slip with a built-in panty and no back strap. My old one, a discontinued Maidenform model, is on its last legs. I love to wear it for a smooth look under dresses: Help please!

Elizabeth M.: How do you get a permanent these days when most salons don’t hire beauticians willing or able to give them anymore? I know straight hair is “in,” but people with thin, fine hair like mine are always going to need a perm if special conditioners, blow-dries, mousses and such can’t give them enough body to create a hairstyle. It’s next to impossible to give yourself one at home. Do they not teach how to give perms in beauty school any more? Help!!!