Tips To Shorten Heat Styling Time for Ha ir

 

In the heat of summer, it’s natural to be a little wary to pick up the heat-styling tools. But between wedding season, romantic dinners on the beach, and family reunions, no-heat hairstyles just won’t cut it. Celebrity hairstylist Josue Perez walked us through some easy tips to shorten our heat-styling time this summer.

Start With A Leave-In Conditioner

While hair is still damp, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum. “These will help coat and nourish the hair (which is especially important before blow drying and then ironing),” says Perez. “[These products] will help with shine and tame flyaways after styling as well.” Look for a balm that smoothes ­and straightens like Bumble and Bumble straight blow dry ($29, bumbleandbumble.com). Not only does the gel protect against heat from your dryer, but eliminates the need for a straightener altogether by loosening hair’s natural curves and creating a smooth cuticle.

Remove Some Moisture Beforehand

This might sound pretty obvious, but the dryer your hair is when you first start styling, the less time you’ll need to fuss with the blow dryer. Once you’re out of the shower, squeeze your hair dry with hands first, and then with a cotton t-shirt. Squeezing hair dry in sections (from the scalp to the ends of your hair) with a cotton tee really eliminates static and frizzing—another way to skip using a straightening iron! Next, brush hair out with Goody QuickStyle Paddle Brush ($12.99, drugstore.com). The microfiber bristles and built-in sponge absorbs some of the hair’s moisture.

Use The Right Blow Dryer

“Using an ionic blow dryer cuts down drying time in half,” says Perez. Blow-dryers with this technology break down water molecules, allowing them to evaporate much more easily and, in effect, cutting down styling time. Perez’s favorite, Rowenta Infini Pro Dryer ($159.99, ulta.com), has a built-in ionic generator that emits pure negative ions, resulting in smooth, shiny, frizz-free hair. Another perk: the auto-sensor technology automatically turns the dryer off when it’s set down. Talk about idiot-proof.


 

How to Fix Chipped Nail Polish(Like a Lazy Beauty Editor)

 
We’re right in the middle of Fashion Week here in New York, which means we barely have time to eat and sleep, let alone get a manicure. After a few days of digging in our purses for our iPhones and notebooks, our nails are predictably trashed — but luckily there’s a two-minute fix that camouflages chips without having to start a whole new manicure from scratch.

The trick? A glitter topcoat. Just paint it on right over your chipped polish for an instant fix.

The chunkier the glitter, the better this works — so try one with larger flakes, such as Deborah Lippmann‘s Va Va Voom ($19, deborahlippmann.com). Not only do the sparkly bits fill in polish dings, the light catching effect helps distract from any imperfections in your base color.

We’re especially loving the new speckle topcoats this fall. These formulas use multicolored matte glitter particles to create a paint splatter effect on nails. Try Maybelline Color Show Polka Dots in Clearly Spotted ($3.99, maybelline.com) or Formula X The Explosives ($10.50-$12.50, available at Sephora stores and sephora.com in October).

How to Braid Hair, Better: Tips from the Experts

Read on for their genius tips to make braiding way easier.

What are your tips for braiding layered hair?

“Braid hair when wet or damp. This will allow you to catch all the loose ends and form a nice clean braid. Also, using a great texturizing product like Schwarzkopf OSiS+Flexwax helps create a clean and natural finish and holds layers in place.” — Patrick Melville, Patrick Melville Salon

“Braiding layered hair is best on hair that has not been washed for a day. It becomes more malleable and easier to braid. Start by spraying the hair with black 15and1 Hair Treatment. The treatment will help calm the frizz and give a smoother braid. Spray until slightly damp and then begin to braid. Choose a tighter braiding technique to ensure the layering holds inside the braid.” — Donna Tripodi, black15in1 Brand Ambassador – Eva Scrivo Salon

“Spray your hair with a light hairspray before braiding (I recommend Oribe) — this will prevent the layered pieces from falling out as much and will help keep them in place.” — Olivia Halpin, DreamDry

How can you make braiding your own hair easier?

“Do one single braid or two pigtails which you can pull back and tie together.” — P.M.

“Practice and be patient. It takes time to get your fingers moving correctly, especially if you don’t have the best dexterity. Sitting down in front of a mirror is also helpful, as you become more relaxed. Initially, choose simple, three-strand braids. Once you begin feeling more confident, you can try adding new hair to each strand to create a type of French braid. Then sky’s the limit – get creative! Remember that if you get lost in a technique you can always resume with a simple three strand braid.” — D.T.

“Watching videos online is always great practice — doing braids that are off to the side, such as a side fishtail braid, is easier than doing a braid straight down your back.” — O.H.

What’s the best way to make a braid last for more than one day?

“First day of the braid can be kept clean, while the second day you can play around and make it a more disheveled, broken up braid.” — P.M.

“Use a tighter braiding technique like a ‘fishtail’ or ‘halo’ braid. The tighter the braid, the longer it will hold. — D.T.

“Keep it tight for day one, and once you sleep on it, it will have that loose, messy look for day two. Also, sleeping on a silk pillow case keeps hair from frizzing or falling out of a style.” — O.H

Which braided styles that you’re loving for this summer into fall?

“I love the Game of Thrones look for braiding right now. Very ethereal and mystical looking.” — P.M.

“I love two to three strand halo braids (braids that wrap around the head). They’re great for long-lasting styles. Wear the braid for two to three days, then drop the hair down on your final day for mermaid waves.” — D.T.

H ow Often Should You Wash Your Hair? We Asked the Experts

Q: How often should I shampoo my hair? I’ve heard that washing every day is bad, but my hair falls flat by day two.

A: “You really want to cleanse the scalp about three times per week,” says stylist Patrick Melville of Patrick Melville Salon. “Obviously this depends on the individual. If you tend to have a more oily scalp, you may need to cleanse once a day.”

While certain hair types need to be vigilant about keeping strands moisturized, it’s not necessarily bad to shampoo daily if you like the way it makes your hair look. Trichologist Philip Kingsley, who founded the Philip Kingsley clinics in London and New York to treat hair health issues, is a proponent of daily washing — he even explains his philosophy in this video.

Still, 1 in 3 women will skip a shower or a workout to preserve their style, according to a 2013 Dove national survey of 1,000 women. If you find that shampooing tends to leave your hair parched, you may need to switch to a different formula. Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner ($3.49 each, dove.com) leaves hair soft and moisturized without a heavy residue, and contains a blend of amino acids to replenish lost proteins in damaged hair.

Of course, using too heavy of a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type every day can leave your mane greasy. “Fine-haired people typically need to shampoo every day to every three days,” says Donna Tripodi, stylist at Eva Scrivo Salon and black15in1 Brand Ambassador. ”They can train their scalp to go longer with a shampoo and conditioner like black 15and1′s [$18, black15in1.com]. Because the formula is so light weight, it leaves no residue on the hair allowing you to shampoo less frequently.”

“Brushing at night with an all-natural boar brush also prolongs the style,” Tripodi says. “The bristles help to move your natural oils out of the root area and through the hair shaft. Take finer sections while brushing to ensure that you are incorporating all of your hair.”

How you cleanse your hair may actually be more important than how frequently you wash. “Always remember to just cleanse the scalp,” Melville advises. Since the scalp is where sebum is concentrated, roots get greasier than ends. Sudsing up the lengths of your hair can dry them out.

The bottom line? There’s no right answer — wash your hair as often as you feel like you need to. But if you’re having more bad hair days than good ones, it may be time to adjust your shampooing schedule.

How to Supersize Your Hair

If you have the type of fine hair that falls flat after a few hours and won’t hold a curl, humid weather can leave your style looking deflated (cue the sad trombone). Try these tricks for every styling stage for volume that lasts through anything — even sauna-like heat and humidity.

In the Shower
Choose a volumizing shampoo that won’t dry out hair. Pureology Pure Volume Shampoo ($27) and Condition ($29, pureology.com) remove buildup that can weigh down hair and thicken strands with flexible volumizers.

On Wet Hair
Before you blow dry, prep hair with product to boost volume at the roots and on the lengths to coat and thicken strands. Apply Kérastase Paris Lift Vertige Root-Uplifting Gel ($36, kerastase-usa.com) directly to your comb to create lift at the scalp. Rake a lightweight mousse, such as Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Boost & Lift Foaming Air Mousse ($3.99, target.com), through the rest of your mane to plump up individual hairs. Blow dry with a large round brush to give hair maximum lift.

On Dry Hair
Aerosol sprays are a quick fix for volume that’s fallen flat. Think of Oribe’s new Thick Dry Finishing Spray ($37, oribe.com) as the sequel to the brand’s cult favorite Dry Texturizing Spray; the new product has a finish that’s soft enough to use all over hair, not just on the roots. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dry Spun Finish ($29, bumbleandbumble.com) is an ultra lightweight formula that gives hair airy fullness without leaving a white residue.

Don’t want to fog up a room? Instead of a spray, try Shu Uemura Art of Hair Volume Maker ($48, shuuemuraartofhair-usa.com) an invisible powder that’s applied directly to roots with a brush applicator — like oil-blotting face powder for your hair.

At the Salon
The right cut can make all the difference between hair that looks lush rather than stringy. Blunt-cut ends and minimal layers can make hair look fuller, while razored tips can make fine hair seem straggly.

What Really Works For Crow’s Feet, Dark Circles and Bags

We all covet bright, wide-awake eyes, but genes and life’s late nights don’t always cooperate. Not sure if your eye cream is working? We consulted cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Oscar Hevia, founder of Hevia MD Skin Science, The Hevia Center for Research and Hevia Cosmetic Dermatology in Coral Gables, Florida to find out what really gets rid of dark circles, crow’s feet and bags
Dark Circles

There are three causes of dark circles, says Dr. Hevia. “Some people have very thin skin,” he explains, “so you see the circulation of the blood vessels underneath.” Others actually have hyperpigmentation under the eyes, which means they have more melanin concentrated there than in other areas of the face. A third type is the “shadow effect” which occurs when a person has a natural hollow under the eye, causing light to reflect in a way that creates a dusky look there. Many people have two or three of these issues at the same time.

What you can do: Since only one of the three causes of dark circles is on the skin’s surface, topical creams are really only effective for hyperpigmentation, Dr. Hevia explains. Look for products that include Vitamin C, the lightening agent hydroquinone, and non-hydroquinone lightening ingredients such as kojic acid and arbutin. Murad Lighten and Brighten Eye Treatment ($67, dermstore.com) contains 1.5% hydroquinone that’s safe to use under the eyes. Vichy ProEVEN Daily Eye Corrector ($39.50, vichyusa.com) targets dark circles and spots with Ceramide Bright, a non-hydroquinone ingredient that regulates melanin and also moisturizes.

When the derm can do: If you have one of the other two types — circulatory or shadows — hyaluronic acid gel fillers, such as Juvéderm, are your best bet. “Fillers do a wonderful job of improving the way the light bounces off the skin under the eye to take away that shadowing effect,” says Dr. Hevia.
Crow’s Feet and Crepey Lids

As we age, the skin around our eyes gets thinner, which leads to fine lines and wrinkles. Dermatologists distinguish between crow’s feet, the “squint lines” around the eyes’ outer corners, and the crepey fine lines on the upper and lower eyelids.

What you can do: For fine lines, “You want to use creams and lotions that are very hydrating,” says Dr. Hevia. “The skin around our eyes is the thinnest skin we have on our face,” he explains, so it loses moisture quicker than other areas. Look for creams with hyaluronic acid: “It’s a water-attracting gel that works beautifully in eye creams to help to bring a plumpness back to the skin to minimize wrinkles.” Try Hevia Skin Science Day & Night Eye Complex ($110, heviaskinscience.com), which features hyaluronic acid and antioxidant red mangrove extract to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Rich in antioxidants, peptides and moisturizing ingredients, Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream ($43.50, clinique.com) reduced eye area “smile lines” by 54% in test subjects.

What the derm can do: For crow’s feet and lines on the high cheekbone area, Dr. Hevia recommends injectables such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin to reduce the action of the muscle around the eye that creates squinting. “Botox works great for the crow’s feet that are coming off the corners of your eye,” he says, but for lines under the eye or near the inner corners, hyaluronic acid fillers are a better bet.
Under-Eye Bags

We all have pads under our eyes that contain fat, says Dr. Hevia. “Genetic factors and aging make it so that over time, those pads actually increase in fat.” Allergies, salty foods and crying can also cause temporary puffiness around the eyes.

What you can do: “Most of the topical remedies for swelling under the eyes have a brief time effect,” Dr. Hevia says. “The truth of the matter is it’s only going to help for maybe 20 minutes, 30 minutes after application.” If you wake up with puffy eyes, massaging the area with the cool, metal-tipped applicator in Lancôme Génifique Eye Light-Pearl concentrate ($68, lancome-usa.com) can provide temporary relief.

What the derm can do: It may seem counterintuitive, but injectable fillers can actually help under-eye bags look deflated. “Fillers work beautifully under the fat pads, because you’re not filling the pad, you’re filling the circle under the pad,” Dr. Hevia explains. “It will totally change the way the light’s bouncing, and those pads won’t look nearly as bulging or big.” Surgery is another option; a lower blepharoplasty removes fat from the under-eye area.
Finally, The Most Important Under-Eye Tip Of All

What’s just as important as any eye cream? Sunscreen. “Most women don’t take the time to really apply it carefully in the dark area, and it’s amazing how much that can really help for patients with dark under eyes,” Dr. Hevia says. Protect your eye area like you do your face, with SPF every day, and you’ll see fewer fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles over time.

Curly Hair Tips to Help You Love Your Texture

If you have wavy or curly hair, you know that achieving your best texture isn’t wash-and-go. Ringlets require careful styling that straight haired people just don’t understand.

“I am huge fan of curly hair,” says celebrity hair stylist Tommy Buckett. “When done right, it can speak so much about your personality and beauty outlook. But textured hair requires the right care and styling products. You need the perfect amount of hydration, frizz-control and styling, otherwise hair just falls flat.” (Buckett works with Garnier Fructis, which has named August 14th Wear Your Hair Curly Day. Pledge to rock your waves or curls at style.garnierusa.com and Garnier Fructis will make a donation to Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls in support of music education for young girls.You can also win a trip for two to NYC for a makeover!)

To make the most of your curly hair, try these tips we’ve picked up from top stylists.

1. “Invest in a silk pillow or wrap your hair in a silk scarf before going to bed. Silk is very gently on the hair cuticle and won’t roughen hair fibers. You’ll wake up with great-looking hair every time.” — Tommy Buckett

2. Dry curly hair by pressing gently with a microfiber towel, T-shirt or paper towels. Rubbing hair with a terrycloth towel can rough up the cuticle and cause hair to frizz.

3. To air dry curly hair, apply a hair gel or curl cream and wrap one- to two-inch sections around your finger to create perfectly defined ringlets. Lift hair off the scalp with duckbill clips placed vertically at the crown of your head.

4. “As curly hair undulates, small cracks and crevices develop. If those cracks and crevices are not properly moisturized, they can increase in size and an uninformed curl pattern develops. So add moisture and then a product such as Oribe Curl Shaping Mousse [$36, oribe.com] that is light enough to penetrate deep into the cracks and crevices,” says hair stylist Steven Schmidt of Oribe Salon in Miami. “Moisture plus hold equals beautiful curls.”

5. Curly hair seems to grow slower than straight hair because its length is all coiled up. But that doesn’t mean you should skip trims; see your stylist for split end maintenance every two months.

6. The one thing all curly and wavy hair needs is moisture. Shampoo and condition with sulfate-free hydrating products (we like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo and Condition, pureology.com), and use a moisturizing mask on your hair once a week.

7. If your hair is very curly and dry, try skipping shampoo altogether. Cleanse with a non-foaming conditioner, such as L’Oréal Paris EverCrème Cleansing Conditioner ($6.99, lorealparisusa.com).

8. Apply styling products to curly hair when it’s sopping wet. This will lock in smooth texture and prevent frizz.

9. Choose a layered haircut to avoid the dreaded “triangle” shape. We love these curly hairstyles for all textures and lengths.

10. “Curly hair tends to get tangled easily. To avoid stubborn knots and tangles always use a wide tooth comb to brush hair. Start with at the ends working upwards and spray hair lightly with Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil [$5.99, garnierusa.com]. It gives instant smoothness and shine.” — T.B.

11. For some types of curly or wavy hair, blow drying with a diffuser attachment can help define texture better than air drying. Prep hair with product and blow dry on a low heat setting to protect fragile curls. When you’re finished, smooth hair with a few drops of oil to eliminate flyaways and lock in moisture.

12. Never brush curly hair, since friction can lead to breakage and frizz. Instead, use your fingers to gently comb conditioner through your hair in the shower and remove any tangles.

13. ”For those who have a few stray pieces that don’t seem to curl as nicely as the rest — usually frustrating to curly girls — I recommend going over those few pieces with a curling iron to make the curl look more consistent.” — Hair stylist Leah Sugrue, Salon Mario Russon, Boston

14. Don’t limit yourself to products designed for curly hair. Some of our favorites are designed for all hair types, but still work wonders for waves and coils.

15. Curls are fun to touch, but resist the urge to play with your hair. The more friction you create with your fingers, the frizzier and fuzzier your hair will get.

16. To revive second-day spirals, flip your head upside down and rough up your roots to add volume. Then mist hair with water or a light hold spray to reactivate the products that are already in your hair.

17. Avoid products with sulfates, alcohol and salt, which can dry out and damage curls.

18. Between washes, wear a plastic shower cap when you shower to keep your style frizz-free.

19. “With each new season, switch your hair routine just like you do with your skincare. The summer months call for lighter products which can be used on wet or dry hair to boost and define natural curls or give added definition and shine. Try Garnier Fructis Style Curl Shaping Spray Gel [$4.29, garnierusa.com] – it gives the perfect amount of light control for soft waves and curls.” — T.B.

20. If all else fails, try a braided hairstyle. Curly or wavy texture makes hair easier to style.

DIY Recipes for Hair Masks

Sometimes the best hair treatments aren’t in the beauty aisle, but in the pantry. “The most obvious benefit [to DIY hair treatment] is financial, but other benefits include the ability to customize treatments for your own special needs,” says Kyle White, lead colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon in NYC. “If you have a specific oil you prefer for its scent or unique benefits, you can use that more heavily, or if you have allergies to certain ingredients then you can avoid them.” Here are some of his favorite recipes for hair masks that you can mix up in your kitchen.

Enhance Your Hair Color
Brunettes can tone down brassiness with a grape Kool-Aid or coffee rinse. For redheads, use a cranberry rinse or cherry Kool-Aid to add vibrancy and shine. Blondes can enhance golden tones by combing through a glass of champagne. “The champagne color will bring out any golden highlights while the carbonation gives volume and shine,” says White. To combat brassiness in blonde hair, use a drop of purple food coloring in your shampoo to neutralize the orange tone.

Boost Shine
Try this mask for stronger, shinier hair, says White: “The two most important ingredients in any hair mask are protein and moisture, so get the maximum one-two punch with egg whites for protein and coconut oil for moisture.  Mix together in a bowl and heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. Apply to damp hair for at least 15 minutes and then shampoo out and enjoy the shine!”

Thicken Hair
Because pumpkin is packed full of potassium, it is a great source for promoting hair regrowth. It’s also rich in vitamin A which is great for the scalp. White recommends this recipe:

Pumpkin Hair Conditioner
·         2 cups pumpkin (chopped and cooked)

·         1 tablespoon coconut oil

·         1 tablespoon honey

·         1 tablespoon yogurt

Directions
In a food processor or blender, puree the pumpkin and yogurt.  Next, add the coconut oil and honey ensuring that the mixture is smooth.  Apply the mixture to damp hair.  Cover hair with a plastic cap, and let it sit for fifteen minutes.  Wash out thoroughly using your everyday shampoo and conditioner, and style as usual.

101 Beauty Tips Every Girl Should Know

In the world of beauty, there are endless beauty tips and rules to keep you looking fabulous. In the list below Beauty High breaks down all those tips to make the industry less scary for women from makeup artists, hairstylists, skincare gurus and of course, our beauty staff. Remember, beauty should always be fun!

101. “Always keep your summer makeup minimal. Minimal and sheer makeup is the way to go when it’s hot and muggy outside.” – Mary Greenwell, celebrity makeup artist

100. “The best thing to do when you go to a makeup counter is be armed with what it is you want to do.”- Raychel Wade, founder of Cheek to Chic and La Prairie’s colour ambassador

99. Use excess eye cream on cuticles.

98. For smudge-proof eye makeup, take blotting tissue to remove any oil or any excess makeup from the eye area.

97. “A good perfume should consist of balanced blend of notes arranged in a way that creates harmonious accord.”- Alexis Bergman, P&G’s Global Flavor and Fragrance Trends

96. To prevent hair color from fading in the summer months, use a conditioning treatment weekly or bi-monthly.

95. Breakout before a big event? “Take oral cortisone a few days before the event to clear your skin”- Ava Shamban, dermatologist and author of Heal Your Skin.

94. “In order to keep eyeliner from running and smearing, opt for liner formulas that offer stayproof wearability.”- Robin Schoen, Urban Decay Makeup Artist

93. Always allow about two fingers from your nose to where blush starts.

92. “Make sure you hydrate the skin and put on a primer”- Jessie Powers, makeup artist and national educator for Make Up For Ever

91. “Balance out your shimmer. If youre doing a shimmery eye, do matte lips”- Raychel Wade, founder of Cheek to Chic and La Prairie’s colour ambassador

90. Brush out your curls with your fingers to give your hair a more tousled look.

89. To make your manicure last, apply a thin layer of clear every two days.

88. Wear white eyeliner to make eyes appear less red.

87. “Take a shimmery gloss to the center of your lips, top and bottom – this will attract light to your lips, making them look pouty.”-Katrina Barrion, makeup artist for Giella Custom Blend Cosmetics

86. For slicked back hair, use a serum.

85. For the perfect cat-eye, “select a thin liner brush that is tapered to the point”- Pamela Taylor, makeup artist

84. To make your cheek bones appear higher, use bronzer under the cheekbone and highlighter on the actual cheekbone.

83. Before you blow dry, start with a volumizing spray or light gel to give the roots some lift.

82. For fuller lips, extend the lip line using a flesh tone lip liner. Be careful not to go overboard!

81. The #1 reason for flaky mascara is that the formula is too dry or old. Make sure to close mascara after use to help keep its moisture.

80. To fake clear skin when you notice a pimple, “Apply tea tree oil as soon as you spot it”- Stephanie Flor, makeup artist

79. During summer, “Its easy to forget that feet can get sunburned. Be sure to apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50 when barefoot”- Dr. Leslie Campbell, DPM

78. For clear skin, look for a cleanser with salycilic acid.

77. When choosing a red lipstick, you just want to remember to get one that looks good with your undertone. If you have a warm undertone, then go for warmer reds, and if you have a cool undertone, then go cooler.

76. Sunscreens that claim to provide “all-day protection” and “water resistance” are not reliable; don’t be fooled by these claims and reapply all sunscreens at least every two to three hours.

75. When self-tanning, use a tanner with a guide color. “It will give you instant color before the effect and it will show you exactly where you put the color and where you may have missed”- Sinead Norenius, founder of Beautisol

74. “If you’re afraid of red lipstick, I love putting it on and then blotting it off to wear it as more of a stain”- Pat McGrath, makeup artist

73. For the summer months, you don’t want to be caked down in foundation so try a tinted moisturizer instead.

72. Use blotting papers to manage oil and shine in your T-Zone “which are also great for cleaning up around the eyes”- Rebecca Restrepo, makeup artist

71. The antihistamines in allergy medicine dry out the skin, so skip heavy foundation during allergy season. Instead, use a tinted moisturizer.

70. To make curls last, make sure hair is completely dry before you begin with the curling iron.

69. To make a zit go away faster, don’t pick at it. The bacteria on your fingeres will create more redness.

68. Use an exfoliater to get rid of dead skin but limit yourself to 2-3 times a week so you don’t dry out your skin.

67. Always wash your makeup off before bed. “That morning-after look has never been a good one, for anyone”- Rachel Adler, beauty director Beautyhigh.com

66. “Too much bronzer is a nightmare for pale skin”- Jason Ascher, resident beauty expert for Barneys New York. Opt for an illuminating cream or light powder to get a glow.

65. Pick a sulfate-free shampoo, as sulfates can be harsh and drying on the hair cuticle.

64. If you have greasy hair, avoid directly conditioning roots and condition from your ear down to ends.

63.”When you wear a red lip it’s important that it stays exactly where you put it. Using a long wearing lip pencil to create the perfect shape and a lip color are key to having a perfect red lip.”-Kristofer Buckle, celebrity makeup artist

62. To make volume last all day, avoid running your fingers through hair. “Oil from your hands can weigh down your roots leaving your hair flat at the end of the day”-Tatum Neill, Arrojo Studio

61. Try to avoid washing your hair everyday. Constant shampooing leaves hair dry and your scalp will create more oils to compensate for the loss of moisture.

60. Always use a moisturizer with SPF in the morning. Even in the winter!

59.”Go for a trim every 6-8 weeks to ensure you have no damaged ends making your hair look unhealthy”- Nick Arrojo, Arrojo Studio (and the man who worked for seven years changing lives on What Not To Wear)

58. Remember, clean brushes to fight against potential bacteria and breakouts!

57. Clean out your makeup bag at least once a year to get rid of old products that may be expired or you no longer use.

56. Winter can be especially harsh on your hair leaving it extra dry. Eugene Davis, celebrity hair stylist suggests using an Avocado Oil Hair Mask.

55. If you don’t have nail polish remover, apply clear nail polish over and then wipe off. It will remove old polish.


54. During the summer, wear chapstick or lip gloss with SPF.

53. To add volume to clean or unwashed hair, use a dry shampoo spray.

52.Change your beauty routine for Spring/Summer months. Your skin needs less coverage during the spring so you can swap the heavy products for lighter ones.

51.”I always think that less is more, there’s a point where you look in the mirror and say ‘Is this too much?’ and if you even have that inclination then it usually is.”- Kim Catrall, Sex and the City

50. When applying bronzer, “first start by applying it around the perimeter of your face and follow with a light dusting on your forehead, nose and chin”- Mally Roncal, Mally Beauty

49. To get curls when you have straight hair, use the following, “a volumizer or volume thickening agent, a curl enhancing product, light holding finishing spray”- Vicktor Stevenson, Hair Stylist

48.”Foundation should never be heavy”- Aura Schwartz, makeup artist

47.”The right red [lipstick] will light up your hair, eyes and skin immediately, the wrong one will not.”-Poppy King, Lipstick Queen

46.Use a shimmer eye shadow to compliment a bold matte lip.

45.To revive curls mid-day, “Take a very small amount of pomade and put it in the palms of your hands. Rub them together. Next gently smooth the pomade over your curls and scrunch just a little bit”-Eugene Davis, celebrity hair stylist

44.”You should always go to a hair-removal specialist, where waxing, laser etc. is their main business – don’t go to a nail salon for a wax”- Cindy Barshop, Completely Bare and Bravo’s RHONYC

43.”A little silvery-blue eyeliner on the lower lid is very flirty”- Dimitri James, makeup artist, author and creator of Skinn Cosmetics

42.”Use your concealer as a base on your eyelids”-Melissa Silver, Maybelline makeup artist

41. If you’re not a fan of liquid liner, get the look of liquid eye liner by using a gel instead.

40. Exfoliate before applying self tanner to get rid of dead skin. Tanning products tend to cling to dryer areas.

39. If you straighten your hair with a flat iron, cause less heat damage by letting hair air-dry. The less heat, the better!

38. To minimize pores, use a pore-minimizing facial wash followed by a toner. Make sure the toner is alchohol-free so it won’t dry out your skin.

37. The healthier you are, the healthier your hair! Take a daily multi-vitamin with Biotin to help hair grow.

36.To mask split ends, use an iron to straighten ends and then apply a hair repair cream.

35.There are always cheap, natural and effective homemade beauty recipes.

34.To fix brassy hair color, use a color-depositing shampoo with purple tones. For unwanted redness, use a color-depositer with a green tone.

33. To cover up roots in a hurry, use a dry shampoo spray for your hair color. If you don’t keep this product around, use eyeshadow (in a shade closest to your hair color) for a quick fix.

32. Get a “dewy glow” using a highlighter or illuminator above your cheekbones and on the browbone.

31. To contour cheeks, use a matte powder (a few shades darker than your skin tone) with an angled brush. Blend on temples and under cheek bone.

30.When using a cream product, lock it in by using a translucent powder over it.


29. Get quick volume by using a root lifter, then use hairspray to set hair. This will prevent it from fall flat during the day.

28. For makeup that lasts all day and night, use a makeup-sealing product.

27. To help you find the right shade of foundation, choose the product you think is closest to your color and try it on your jawline in natural light. You will be able to easily compare it to your neck’s color to see if you need to go for a different undertone, lighter or darker.

26. Try out the funky hair color trends without dying your hair. Instead, dust bright blush in your ponytail for the same effect. (Refinery29)

25. “Foot perspiration is typical in the summer and can lead to fungal infection and unwanted odor. Wash feet daily, and let them dry thoroughly before putting shoes on”- Dr. Leslie Campbell, DPM

24. Splurge on items that are important to you.”If mascara is really your thing and you fall in love with a mascara that ‘s $40, buy the mascara.”-Raychel Wade, founder of Cheek to Chic and La Prairie’s colour ambassador

23.”Don’t be too serious: It’s only Makeup! “- Francois NARS insists you play around with new colors

22. To reduce unwanted shine, use a moisturizer that mattifies, that way you get the moisture your skin needs without looking greasy.

21. To create a lived-in look for your hair, use thickening or sea-salt mist before you blow-dry. Follow by running a volumizing or texture cream through hair.

20. When using an eyeshadow primer, only place the primer where you’ll be adding color.

19.”Cream rouge [blush] should be the first thing that touches your cheeks when you want to project an image of healthy and pinched cheeks”- Pablo Manzoni, former creative director for Elizabeth Arden

18. If you choose to use false eyelashes, remember to use the dark glue as it will blend in with the lashes.

17.When buying “organic” beauty products, make sure to check if they are FDA certified organic. This will prevent you from getting scammed.

16. Use a facial exfoliater bi-weekly to get dead skin of dead skin. Makeup will look better on a clean, smooth canvas.

15. After using a a hair conditioning mask, follow with “a cold water rinse to close the hair cuticles”- Ursala Stephensen, Motions celebrity stylist

14. To get your braid to last all day, try styling hair that’s “dirty with product”. This will make the style stick longer.

13. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of any product build-up that may have occured during the week.

12. If you have chipped nail-polish, add crackle or glitter on top to disguise the look of chipping.

11. Use a pumice stone on your feet after the shower to get rid of calluses on your feet.

10. Hydrate your under-eye area with an eye cream to prevent puffiness and bags.

9. If you have light hair,”put a lotion over the eyebrows and hair line” when self-tanning the face. Also remember to “apply it in circular motions and blend down to the neck”- Sinead Norenius, founder of Beautisol

8. If you often find yourself being too tired to wash your face at night, keep makeup removing wipes in your night stand to prevent a runny mess or morning break out.

7. Pop 1-2 Advil before going waxing to prevent pain.

6. The best way to get rid of ingrown hairs is to exfoliate,”which rids the skin of dead cells and allows the hair to break through the surface”- Marlena Ramoy, Bliss Spa Esthetician

5. Carrots are good for the hair. A healthy diet leads to a beautiful you.

4.”The best time to apply creams is after the shower, as the skin has been de-oiled.”- Dr. Stephen P. Bracci

3. Replace mascara and liquid eyeliner after three to four months.

2. To keep hair color vibrant longer, use shampoos and conditioners formulated for colored hair.

1. Use a cream or milk cleanser to wash your face. Creams are less drying than gels.

Follow These 3 Steps for a Perfect Ponytail Every Time

Because it’s a style we wear almost daily, we never get tired of learning tips to perfect the ponytail. So when Rodney Cutler, Cutler Salon owner and Redken lead stylist, explained to us how he styled the sleek ponytails at the Cushnie et Ochs spring 2014 runway show, we were all ears. Here are his three essentials for creating a pony that stays in place even after the last strut down the catwalk:

1. Direct your blow dry.

For a super sleek ponytail (and no bumps), you always want to blow dry your hair in the direction you want the hair to land. Blow dry hair from the root straight back in the direction of where the ponytail is going to ensure it lays properly.

2. Tilt your head back.

When pulling hair into a ponytail (Cutler pulled hair back in sections), tilt your head back slightly to create a tighter hold. This helps keep the hair underneath from slipping out after you secure the pony.

3. Upgrade your elastic.

When you secure a ponytail with a regular elastic, the hair loses tension over time and eventually slips out. Instead, Cutler used a hair bungee to wrap the ponytail. To keep the hair in place, twist one end of the bungee clockwise around the base of the ponytail and then twist the other end of the bungee counterclockwise, then tie the two ends in a tight knot.

The 5 Rules of Luscious Lashes

During this sticky, humid time of year the last thing we want are globs of makeup. But long, luscious lashes — those are a year-round necessity. Follow these five rules to get perfect eyelashes without having to revert to time-consuming falsies or expensive extensions.

1. Eyelash curlers are essential.

Sonia Kashuk, makeup artist and founder of Sonia Kashuk Beauty, swears by lash curlers as the key to giving lashes that “wow” factor. “Be sure to choose one that creates a beautiful upward curl, such as Sonia Kashuk Dramatically Defining Eye Lash Curler [$8.99, target.com], and with a delicate pumping motion, move from the lash base upward for maximum results.” And always curl before applying mascara, not after. When bare, “The eyelashes are suppler so the crimping of the lash doesn’t feel as damaging,” Kashuk explains.

2. Let lashes set between layers of mascara.

Practice a little patience between each coat. “Giving a little bit of air time between each coat will allow the mascara to set and build upon each layer instead of gooping up as one big clump,” Kashuk says. One of our new favorite non-clumping mascaras is Topshop False Lash Mascara ($20, us.topshop.com) — the formula adds volume while the wand combs and separates.

3. Prevent “spider lashes” with a lash comb.

Avoid spidery clumps by combing lashes after applying mascara. “A metal-toothed lash comb is key; apply a coat, wait a few seconds, brush through eyelashes, and then apply the next coat.” Sonia Kashuk’s new double-ended Lashify Mascara ($6.99, soniakashuk.com) comes complete with a lash comb for quick brushing.

4. Don’t layer different mascaras.

“I wouldn’t recommend this, as some formulas will not mix well and end up clumping,” Kashuk says. However, some mixing and matching does work. If there’s a wand you perfer over another, clean it off and use with your favorite formula or as a lash comb.

5. Condition and treat your lashes daily.

Just like your hair, your lashes need a little TLC. Lash conditioners, such as Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum ($28.50, sephora.com) work as a primer, creating a smooth surface for mascara. Growth treatments like Latisse “stimulate the eyelash growth cycle, making it longer, so lashes come in longer, darker and thicker,” says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC. Full results take within 2-3 months, while improvements show within 4 weeks.

How to Wash Your Hair — The Right Way

You may do it practically every day, but do you really know how to wash your hair the right way? Using the correct techniques can make a world of difference in your hair’s health, bounce and shine — but if you’re making some common mistakes, you could be damaging your strands without even knowing it. We asked two of New York’s foremost hair pros, hair stylist Nunzio Saviano of Nunzio Saviano Salon in New York and Kyle White, lead colorist at Oscar Blandi Salon, to share their best tips for lathering up, the right way.

1. Start with a rinse.

Just like your laundry needs a rinse cycle before you add detergent, hair should be thoroughly wet before you add your shampoo. “Hot water will open the cuticle, which is good for removing any dirt or product trapped in the hair,” says White. Another bonus: “When your hair is rinsed in warm water, it loosens the oils through the scalp and opens the cuticle so it is able to absorb the oil” in your conditioner, says Saviano.

2. If you have long hair, condition first.

Yes, really! “If you have hair beneath the shoulders, protect fragile ends from drying out and further damage by running a small amount of conditioner through them and lightly rinsing, before any shampooing. This will not only keep ends healthy, it will fill any holes in the cuticle with moisture, making it smoother and boosting shine,” says White.

3. Lather up — but only at the scalp.

“You only need to shampoo the hair at the scalp, particularly at the nape,” Saviano says.
White agrees. “The best way to lather up is from roots to ends. The hair closest to the scalp is the youngest and will inevitably be the oiliest, while the end of the hair is the oldest and usually driest, most fragile part of the hair.”

Don’t use more shampoo than you need; both Saviano and White say that a quarter-sized amount of shampoo is enough. If your hair is particularly long or thick, go ahead and double that.

4. Be gentle!

Friction can permanently damage your hair’s cuticle, leading to breakage and frizz. Think about washing your hair like you hand wash your delicates — very carefully.

“Start your lather at the roots,” says White. “Increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair growth by using vertical strokes with medium pressure.” Don’t use circular motions, which can tangle your hair.

Next, “Smooth the lather over the ends in a straight stroking motion,” White advises. “Do not scrub the fragile ends or use a back and forth motion like you’re washing a rag on a washboard.”

5. Don’t rinse and repeat.

Despite what the instructions on the back of your shampoo bottle may say, there’s no need to wash your hair twice. “Avoid stripping the hair by doing one shampoo only, which is usually sufficient,” says White. “Unless the hair is extremely dirty and the first shampoo didn’t produce a lather,” in which case, go ahead and lather up one more time.

6. Add conditioner from the mid-lengths to the tips.

After you’ve rinsed out your shampoo, “squeeze some of the water out of the hair before you put in the conditioner,” says Saviano. “Then clip your hair up and finish showering, leaving the conditioner rinse out for the final step of your shower.” The longer the conditioner stays on your hair, the better it absorbs. Don’t put conditioner at the roots of your hair; the natural oil from your scalp is more concentrated there.

7. Finish with a cold water rinse.

“Cold water will shut the cuticle tight, sealing the shingle-like outer layer, which will cause it to reflect the most light and give off the most shine,” says White.

More Hair Washing Tips

Use a shampoo and conditioner that’s made for your hair type. If your hair is dry, choose moisturizing products. If you color your hair, opt for color-safe formulas. “Volumizing” shampoos tend to leave hair drier, so they’re best for fine hair types that would be weighed down by more moisturizing products.

How often you wash your hair depends on your hair type, too. If you have oily or fine hair, you may need to shampoo daily. Normal or dry hair can lather up closer to three times a week.

Filter your water. White recommends using a shower filter, such as the T3 Source Showerhead, since it “removes rust and minerals from water that can dull color, and deposit on blondes making them dark and muddy.” (We’ve tried it, and it also made our hair super soft.)

Make Your Eyes Pop

Makeup Tricks

1. If you have a hard time using soft eyeliner pencils, draw a thick line onto your hand, use a stiff eye brush to pick up the pigment and then apply to your eye.

2. Need eye drops but don’t want to ruin your makeup? Breathe air in through your nose as you drop them into your eyes. Your tear ducts will suck in the drops before they have a chance to fall down your face.

3. Use a flesh colored liner on the water rim of your lower lash line to make eyes look bigger and brighter.

4. Apply a shimmery champagne color in the inner corner of your eyes to brighten your whole face.

5. Apply highlighter onto your brow bone.

6. Swap out your neutral black or brown liner for a brightly colored one instead.

7. Apply concealer to your under-eye circles after foundation (not before) to better camouflage them.

8. Use eye shadow made for your eye color, like Almay Intense i-Color Kit ($7.49, drugstore.com).

9. To correct eye makeup mistakes or sharpen a cat eye, dip a Q-tip in eye makeup remover and erase the offending makeup.

10. To make your eye color stand out, apply black liner around the entire eye, including the water line.

11. Instead of swiping on eye shadow, press the color into your eyelid with a brush or finger. This will give your lids a more pigmented look.

2. Keep a clean eye shadow brush or Q-tip in your purse. Whenever you touch up your makeup, run it over your lids to get rid of any excess shadow that has collected in the crease.

13. Camouflage crow’s feet with lighter colored concealer.

14. Use blue eyeliner to make the whites of your eyes appear brighter.

15. Apply eye cream under the eyes and onto the lid before applying your makeup. It will make it go on smoother.

16. For a dramatic eye, apply darker shadow to the crease, as well as a small triangle of color at the outside corner of your eye.

17. Use coconut oil as an all-natural eye makeup remover. It’s gentle, yet effective.

18. After you’ve applied your eye makeup, dab dots of highlighter along the brow bone and around your eye and blend in to brighten the whole area.

19. Apply products to your delicate eye area using your ring finger, which uses less force than your other fingers.

20. To get a classic smoky eye look, combine a little bit of shimmer, tons of dark eye shadow and a whole lot of smudging.

21. Use a darker shade of concealer to cover up puffy eyes. Darker colors recede, which means bags look less pronounced.

22. If you want a more defined look, use a creamy black eye pencil to rim your eyes.

23. To combat eyes that are both puffy and dark, use an eye cream with built in coverage, like Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream ($98, caudalie.com).

24. You can use darker shades of nude and brown to create a subtle smoky eye look that works on everyone.

25. The most important rule when wearing a smoky eye is that if you go dark, keep the rest of your face soft.

26. Use two colors that are similar but different (like light purple and dark purple) on the lids to create dimension.

27. If your eyes are brown, use navy blue shadow to really make them stand out.

28. For a unique look, dab a brightly colored cream shadow on the inner corners of your eyes.

29. If you have blue eyes, apply a peach color all over your lids and underneath your eyebrows to really make them stand out.

30. To further blend a smoky eye, swipe the same color you use on your lids on your bottom lash line.

31. Rub an ice cube over puffy eyes in the morning to reduce swelling.

32. Don’t be afraid to extend your shadow well above the crease for a dramatic effect. Instead of an intensely dark shadow, a rich café au lait shade looks less harsh.

33. Apply a light colored, cream-based shimmery shadow to the eyelid to open the eye.

34. Change out your mascara every three months. When it comes to your eyes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

35. Never use liner in the inner first third of the eye; it will make eyes seem closer set.

36. If you have green eyes, try out purple eye shadow shades such as lavender, violet, or amethyst. Keep the color sheer so it won’t look garish. For eyeliner, a deep plum is perfect.

37. Create a triangle of opaque white shadow in the inside corner of the eye and up towards the brow to instantly change the shape of your eye.

38. If you’re constantly waking up to puffy eyes, consider changing your laundry detergent. You may be allergic.

39. Apply a primer before eye shadow to give it lasting power and to intensify the color.

40. If you have blue eyes, go for a warm copper, burnished gold, or rich brown eye shadow. Chocolate is an excellent shade choice for eyeliner.

41. Pair a black liner with pale eye shadow all over the lid and a darker shade in the crease to make the eyes pop.

42. If you have brown hair, use peach and warm neutrals on the eyes.

43. If you have red hair, use neutral eye shadow shades that don’t compete with the hair.

44. Dark eye shadows can be applied with a damp, thin brush on the upper or lower lash line for a defined eye that will last all day.

45. Since dark makeup can make the eyes recede, add depth with shimmery highlight shades.

46. You’ll probably need less eye shadow than you think you will. Start with a tiny bit of product on your brush, and work it outward to create a soft smoke.

47. Erase hard lines of eye shadow by blending in with a brush.

48. Once you’ve applied concealer to dark under-eye circles, follow up with a yellow-based setting powder to help it last longer and to counteract dark circles (yellow cancels out blue and purple).

49. If you’ve applied too much eye shadow, take a Q-tip and dip it into a moisturizer and gently swipe off the tone you need to take down. Then, take your pinky or a sponge tip applicator and just dab on a bit of a neutral shadow to soften the look.

50. Beware of brown eye shadow shades that are reddish, as they can make you look tired or (worse) hungover.

51. Never use an eye shadow that’s the same color as your eyes or nothing will stand out.

52. If you need a smoky eye in a pinch, try Color On Pro kits

An Owner’s Guide to Naturally Wavy Hair

 

If you have naturally wavy hair, then you know that sometimes your texture feels like a curse. Wavy hair isn’t as wash-and-go as straight strands, and lacks the bounce that curls have. But even though getting there may take a little extra work, waves can look shiny and gorgeous — as long as you know how to style them.

The key to making your wavy hair work? “Pick a texture and commit to it,” says Gary Howse, co-owner and founder of Gary Manuel Salons in Seattle. “If you’re going to go straight, go straight and really shiny and make that the focus. Or, pick curly and learn how to accentuate the curl.”

If you want to play up your texture…

Scrunch with mousse. Okay, we realize how 1991 that directive sounds, but today’s updated foam formulas leave hair touchable, not crunchy. We like Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Waves Foam Mousse ($3.99, vidalsassoon.com), which enhances waves with flexible polymers that create a soft, defined texture.

Coarser wavy hair may require a more heavy-duty product. Ouidad Curl Recovery Curl Defining Styling Soufflé ($26, ouidad.com) is a new styling cream that’s designed to moisturize and define dry or damaged textured hair (especially those that are natural or transitioning).

Master the anti-gravity blow dry. Wavy hair can get weighed down, so there are additional factors that go into the perfect blow-dry. “When you’re going curly, you have to think about, ‘How do I dry my hair in a way that it’s not being pulled on?’” Howse says. This may mean flipping your head upside down, or leaning your head to one side or the other while you blow dry your hair with a bell-shaped diffuser. A diffuser, of course, is key: this attachment clips onto the nozzle of your hair dryer to spread out the airflow over a wider area, giving you a gentler blow dry that plays up your natural texture while minimizing frizz.

If you want to go straight…

Prep hair with product. Wavy hair needs both moisture to fight frizz and hold to keep a blowout from falling flat. Living Proof Perfect Hair Day (PHD) ($26, livingproof.com) is a new 5-in-1 styling treatment that offers both. The lightweight cream is the first to combines the company’s two patented molecules: OFPMA, which smooths the hair cuticle and adds silicone-free shine, and PBAE, which creates fullness without crunchy texture.

Blow dry with a brush. The key to achieving a smooth, shiny blowout is pulling hair tight with a round brush while you point the dryer down toward the ends. “If you can’t feel the tension pulling, then you’re not doing it right,” Howse says.

Perfect your flat iron technique. “Be very careful about using a flat iron in a way that makes it look like 10 years ago,” Howse advises. You don’t want stick straight strands so much as you want smooth texture with a bit of movement at the ends. “Think circles; I’m not pulling it down as much as I’m pulling it out and around, so you’re actually putting a bit of a curve in it with the flat iron and then it looks modern.”

No matter which texture you choose…

DON’T air dry your hair. ”You’ve got to dry your hair all the way,” Howse advises. “When you have curly hair, sometimes getting it three-fourths dry is great, because if you take it all the way it gets fuzzy. When you have wavy hair, that extra water is probably not going to give you the curl you’re looking for. If you’re going straight, it’s probably going to go fuzzy on you as it starts to [air] dry.”

DO brush gently. Wavy hair tends to be more fragile than straight hair, and over brushing can lead to breakage and frizz. With its flexible plastic bristles, the Goody Tanglefix brush ($7.99, target.com) is gentle on waves