Q: My mother has used Max Factor Pan-Cake makeup since she was a teenager. I found it online at eBay but it was very expensive. Thank you for any help. Diana O’Sullivan, Johns Creek
A: Like you, I found Max Factor Pan-Cake makeup online with prices ranging from about $60 to well over $200 — for one cake. In searching, however, I found that there are fans of Max Factor who refuse to pay those inflated prices, and have found an excellent substitute with another water-activated cake foundation that is sold to the stage trade. Mehron StarBlend foundation comes in a cake, very similar to Max Factor, which now is part of Procter and Gamble in the UK. StarBlend is available at Norcostco Atlanta Costume, 2089 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, 404-874-7511. A cake of StarBlend will set you back a mere $10. Call to make sure it’s in stock because, according to manager Clint Clark, the makeup business at the shop “has exploded” since Georgia has become the Hollywood of the South. By the way, the iconic makeup artist Ben Nye — think “Gone With the Wind,” “An Affair to Remember” and “The Sound of Music” — started a professional makeup company after he retired, many years ago. When you visit Norcostco, ask to see the Ben Nye Color Cake water-activated foundation that sells for $14. Your mother might like that one, too.
Q: I have a nearly empty bottle of Bio Conqueror 105 in the mango scent. I’ve had it for a while, and have no idea where it came from, but it’s the best cleaner and odor remover I’ve ever found. I use it to clean out my kitchen trash cans, and I use it as a counter spray in the kitchen and bathrooms. It leaves a nice fragrance that really lasts. I keep my cat box in the laundry room, and use this to spray the floor, and no one knows I even have a cat. I’m not very good on the computer, and I haven’t seen this anywhere. Please find it for me. Thank you. Meg Burton, email
A: Along with mango, Bio Conqueror 105, which is made by Fresh Products, also comes in herbal mint, cucumber-melon and lemon. You’ll find quarts of Conqueror 105 for $4.95 at Janilink janitorial supply company, 3545 McCall Place, Doraville, 770-234-2255.
Q: I have been looking for a Jenn-Air grill cover for a year. I had ordered one online, which I was told was back ordered. I waited four months and was finally told it was coming from China. I waited another two months, but the cover never came. I bought the large outdoor grill, model 720-0727, from Costco. Can you help us? Thank you. Marlene and Don Hart, email
A: Nexgrill now handles your Jenn-Air grill replacement parts. They have a PVC cover that fits your grill, and the number is 154. It’s priced at $68.51, plus shipping. If you order through the website, www.mygrillparts.com, you’ll need your model number, and make sure to click on the Costco tab when that window pops up. You also can order by phone, 866-601-5799.
Q: I have seen many, many recipes that call for crème fraîche in the list of ingredients. Much to my dismay, I have not been able to locate crème fraîche at Kroger, Publix or Wal-Mart. Where might find this elusive ingredient? Thanks for your time and consideration — and a great weekly AJC article! Jon Wright, Kennesaw
A: Thank you, Jon. This creamy French staple with the slightly tart and nutty taste boasts a much smoother flavor than sour cream, and it won’t break or curdle when you heat it in recipes. You also can fluff it up a bit for desserts, but it won’t be quite as lofty as whipped cream. A delicious option, nonetheless. You can find 8-ounce tubs of Vermont Creamery crème fraîche for $4.99 each in the dairy case next to the artisanal cheeses at Whole Foods, 70 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, 770-578-4400.
