Dear Heloise: I recently installed a combination lock that has a newer and nicer feature. It had a fingerprint sensor that allows you to bypass the buttons and just open the lock with your finger- or thumbprint. It’s even faster and easier to use than my older model. Just something for your readers to consider.

I enjoy your column in the Los Angeles Daily News. — Dan Curran, Canyon Country, California

CLEAN FACE

Dear Heloise: I have read dozens of suggestions in your column from your readers about how to take care of and clean your face. After much experimentation in this area, I came up with a simple solution that has worked wonders on my facial quality.

Every morning, I wash my face with hydrogen peroxide using a facecloth, then dry my face with another cloth. Next, I smear a small application of vaseline all over my face before I apply my makeup. This, amazingly, makes it so much easier to apply all of my makeup, especially the powder base.

By the way, Heloise, I enjoy reading your column published every day in our newspaper. Aloha. — Miss Maui Mary, via email

DIFFICULT-TO-

OPEN JARS

Dear Heloise: While trying to open a relish jar that everyone else in my family was unable to open, I had an “aha” moment. I noticed that the lid looked sunken in more than normal.

Using a small screwdriver as a lever and the glass thread on the jar as a fulcrum, I pried around the rim of the lid until I heard a faint whoosh. With the vacuum seal broken, the jar then opened very easily. I then tried this on a couple of other sealed jars with equal success. — T.H., via email

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.