DR. WALLACE: I'm an emotionally and physically mature 15-year-old young lady. My parents do not allow me to wear any type of makeup, including lip-gloss or eye shadow. My parents see all these young people on television wearing heavy makeup and they call them trash.

I can't convince them that a little makeup cannot be compared with those who are painted and plastered with garish makeup. Once I get to school, my cousin helps me put on a little bit of makeup, including lip gloss to make me look half-decent. When I don't put any make-up on, I look like a homeless person because I have such a fair complexion. Of course, I've got to remove all traces of makeup before I head home. I'm not a bad looking female, but I would look terribly out of place if I didn't add a bit of color to my face. It's no fun being the only girl in the entire school without having one speck of makeup on her face when she arrives at school.

Do you see anything wrong with a young lady wearing a touch of makeup? I want my mother to read your answer, regardless of your response. — Sad, Las Vegas, Nev.

SAD: Wearing makeup often signals that one is no longer a child, but a young woman. Some parents find it difficult to permit the use of makeup because they won't accept the fact that their daughter is now a young woman. I think that it is normal for someone your age to use makeup in moderation — to blend skin tones, cover blemishes, or gently highlight attractive features.

But I am not one of your parents. Your mom and dad set the rules.

P.S.: I hope you and your cousin are not severely disciplined for your "little bit of makeup."

EDUCATION CAN PROVIDE A WONDERFUL FUTURE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and live with my parents who are both heavy drinkers (alcoholics?). Living in this highly dysfunctional family is a terrible experience. My life is miserable at home. Both of my older brothers took off and joined the military after they graduated. Both are in the Navy and very happy to be on their own.

I have all of next year before I can escape. My friend's family knows my family situation and has invited me to move into their house. I really want this to happen.

If my parents supply my friend's parents with a letter giving me permission to live with them, can I live with them legally without them getting into trouble? My parents love me, but they know that I would have a better life away from them. — Nameless, Philadelphia, Pa.

NAMELESS: It is legal for your parents to grant custody of you to the parents of a friend. It would be wise to have the document signed by both of your parents, and notarized.

It appears that when you graduate from high school you might be on your own, so it's very important to get the best grades possible in all your classes. Education can be the springboard to a wonderful life!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.