HELOISE Help perfume make lasting impression

Dear Readers: Did you know that perfume might last only 12 to 14 months, and cologne about six months? With the cost of perfume and cologne in mind, here are some hints to get the longest shelf life possible.
UAlways store a perfume or cologne in a cool place away from direct sunlight -- heat makes the fragrance evaporate. Some suggest the refrigerator is a good place, and others say it doesn't help. My vote? The fridge! Keep the perfume away from a hot bathroom or a dresser that gets direct sunlight.
UDon't apply it before you plan to sunbathe or tan. This can cause irritation or brown blotches on your skin.
UThe best time to apply a fragrance is when your skin is damp or after applying body lotion or oil. This helps hold the fragrance longer.
UYou can mix a drop or two of your favorite fragrance with a bottle of plain mineral oil or baby oil, and you will have a wonderful, lightly scented after-bath moisturizer.
I hope you find these scent hints helpful! Heloise
Other uses for empty, plastic CD cases (note: The insert that actually holds the CD can usually be popped out easily, if necessary):
UThey can hold most recipe cards while keeping them free from splatters or spills.
UThey can hold favorite photos -- they will stand on an even surface.
UThey make great outdoor coasters -- insert a colorful napkin to coordinate with other colors.
UPut insurance, registration, auto-club and medical-emergency information cards in one, label it and keep it in your glove compartment.
Dear Heloise: I received the neatest gift for my 75th birthday and wanted to share this with your readers. What can you give to a 75-year-old lady with a houseful of stuff? My out-of-town family sent me a box with little wrapped gifts, which arrived on my birthday.
To name a few of the gifts: comb, brush, tissues, hand lotion, hand wipes, pillbox, sewing kit, pen and notebook, mints, gift certificates for local restaurants and pictures of the grandchildren. It was so much fun for me -- there were 75 gifts to open. Eleanor G., Silver Spring, Md.
This is a beautiful hint and one that certainly stretches out the fun of opening presents. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I am a 57-year-old woman who works in a business every day. I've just come back from shopping in New York City and found nothing that is suitable for anyone who is over 90 pounds or 30 years of age. When are the manufacturers going to address women who aren't a perfect size 6 or 8? And when are they going to make clothes for normal people? I still wear a size 12, but in today's market, a size 12 fits a size 8.
I'd love to see this addressed in your column in The (New Jersey) Star-Ledger. Peggy S., Via E-mail
You got it! Manufacturers, what do you have to say? -- Heloise
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