DEAR SHOPPING: I hate to wear pantyhose during the summer, so I used to use Sally Hansen's spray-on makeup for legs in a light shade (just makeup, not a self-tanner, because those turn my skin orange). Then the company changed the formula to something very shimmery, which I don't like. So I switched to the foundation – Airbrush Makeup for fair skin in Beach Beige. Now they've switched that formula as well, and it's a sort of orange-ish tone that just doesn't look good on me. Are there any other companies that make a subtle, nude-toned leg makeup to even out skin tone and minimize spider veins? I'm not trying to look tanned. Thank you for any suggestions.

– JudiLee, Grass Valley

DEAR JUDILEE: There are several options, and I wouldn't totally rule out a self-tanning product, because they are good for providing some color (which is nice in the summer) and covering what you want to cover, including age spots, spider veins, etc.

Here are some products to consider:

• Go gradual: Nivea Sun-Kissed Beautiful Legs Shave Minimizing Gradual Tan Moisturizer ($9.99): Yes, it's a self-tanner, but it's formulated specifically for legs as sort of a camouflage. Here's the trick: Don't apply it immediately after shaving, and make sure your legs are completely dry. Mix one part tan moisturizer with one part regular body lotion, and that will cut down on the amount of "tan" you get. It's available at drugstores, supermarkets and discount retailers.

• Makeup magic: M.A.C cosmetics has a product called Face and Body Foundation that's water-based (water-resistant) and is often used by makeup artists on models' arms and legs to even out skin tone and cover imperfections for photo shoots. It also serves as a decent moisturizer and is probably more natural-looking than a self-tanner. It comes in 11 shades and costs $32 for a 4-ounce bottle, so it should be used sparingly. It's available at M.A.C cosmetic counters (Nordstrom and stand- alone stores) and www.maccosmetics.com.

• Full cover: Dermablend just launched a product called Leg & Body Cover that purports to provide 16 hours of coverage for everything from bruises to tattoos. And it has SPF 15, which means you don't need to add sunscreen. It comes in 13 shades and costs $26 for 3.4 ounces. It's available at www.dermablend.com and stores, including Macy's and ULTA.

• "Stockings," not pantyhose: With the heat in Sacramento, many women opt not to wear hosiery unless absolutely necessary. Here's one more product to check out. It's called Judith August Invisible Stockings ($29.99). It comes in a pump bottle and can also be applied to shoulders and the décolletage area so you're not two-toned. It's available at Walgreens.

DEAR SHOPPING: I have been trying to purchase Philosophy Shear Splendor hair conditioner. This is the best conditioner I have ever tried on my hair, which has color on it. The product leaves my hair silky without weighing it down, since it's thick and somewhat fine. Do you know where I could purchase it?

– Susan, Sacramento

DEAR SUSAN: I contacted the company and was told that the entire Shear Splendor collection has not been discontinued, but it is moving over as an exclusive line available at the shopping site/channel QVC (both online – www.qvc.com – and specially aired programming). Online, the shampoo and conditioner are sold in a super-size combo for $50 (plus $7.22 for shipping and handling). It's currently a waiting-listed item, but Philosophy says QVC will be boosting its inventory of Shear Splendor in the coming months.

I also found something called Shear Splendor Age- Defying Smoothing Serum, which is formulated for color-treated and/or dry hair. It's available at Sephora for $18.

DEAR READERS: Have you been shopping for a new swimsuit for the summer? Did you find what you were looking for in terms of fit, function and fashion? That's right – all three! If so, send in your ideas for buying swimwear. They'll be included in an upcoming Shopping for Answers story, along with tips from swimwear experts, including styles for young girls. Send comments to shopping@sacbee.com.

E-mail "Shopping for Answers" questions to shopping@sacbee.com or send letters to The Sacramento Bee, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852.