HELOISE Mascara hint could be dangerous

Dear Heloise: When I have a tube of mascara that is starting to get old and clumpy, I just run some hot water in the bathroom sink and put the mascara tube in the hot water while I am applying the rest of my makeup. The heat causes the clumps to melt and the mascara is as good as new -- and lasts a lot longer, too. Wanda from West Virginia
Although this might sound like a good idea, you should never heat or add anything to mascara, because it could compromise the product's safety and effectiveness.
Because mascara can become contaminated with bacteria (from hands, lashes, etc.), if mascara becomes thick or smells funny, throw it out! It's better to be safe than sorry. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I keep Heloise Hints by copying the super-useful ones into my personal digital assistant. When I'm in line at the doctor's, I can review and remember the helpful ones more often. It's also an easy way to find details of a hint I might have partially forgotten, as my PDA allows me to search by keywords. Becky Cazares, Tucson, Ariz.
Dear Heloise: Since many prescription labels are so sticky and don't shred easily, or for those who might not own a shredder, there is an easy solution. If you soak or rub them in water for just a few seconds, they become an illegible, gooey mess that makes identity theft impossible. It works for me, and I don't have to take the time to shred them! J. Wake, Rochester, N.Y.
And here's another comment about prescription labels from Valerie, via e-mail: "Labels on pill bottles are sometimes difficult to remove. So I keep a wide-tipped permanent black marker handy to cross out the information on the label before discarding the pill container." Heloise
Dear Heloise: I read in the paper about copying serial numbers from electrical items. What I do is this: Most items have instruction booklets, and some have places to record model and serial numbers. I write down the numbers along with the date I bought it, even if there isn't a stated place. I also staple the receipt inside. I then place it in a three-ring binder -- mine is 5 inches thick. I either use a three-hole punch or place the documents in a plastic document protector. Whenever I need information on that item, its warranty, for a return or for setting up, I always have it handy. Ed Bastion, San Antonio
Ed, this is organization at its best -- thanks for sharing! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I wanted to pass along this suggestion for when driving in a school zone. I always shift my car from "D" to "L2." It forces the car to slow down and helps keep me from driving more than 20 mph. Kent W., Dallas
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate