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To Pump Up Hair’s Volume…
Switch to .got2b fat-tastic Instant Collagen Infusion Mousseamazon.com7 stylist-recommended dry shampoos
mousse It costs the same as other styling products, but because it contains resins that lightly coat strands to add thickness and lift hair at the root, mousse delivers far more oomph, says Renee Cohen, senior stylist at Serge Normant at the John Frieda Salon in New York City. Try ($6, ), which is great for fine or thinning hair. You can also use one of these for a boost of volume.
Dry hair upside down. To build volume when you blow-dry, work a palm full of mousse from your roots through to the ends, then flip your head over and dry your hair away from the scalp. “Hair should be barely damp before you flip it back up and style it,” she says. (Just don’t make these 6 blow-drying mistakes that can add years to your hair!) And always use a heat-protecting product, like Fekkai Blowout Primer ($21, amazon.com), on your hair before drying to prevent damage.
Brush in fullness. Using a round brush to style hair builds in more volume. Pick a medium-size brush (for longer hair) or small (for shorter)—the full circle of bristles will give roots a lift as you blow-dry, brushing in the opposite direction the hair is going to lay. One users love: ALLMILL Natural Boar Bristle Round Hair Brush ($11, amazon.com), which works for all types of hair and has an ergonomic handle to prevent wrist pain while styling. Hook the brush under a 2-inch section of hair at the root, and lift as you roll it through to the ends—all the while following the brush with the dryer. Keep the nozzle above your brush and pointed down to increase shine.
MORE: 10 Best Products For Thinning Hair—And How To Use Them
To Restore Locks’ Luster…
Give yourself a weekly hot-oil treatment. Save a bundle by substituting jojoba oil for pricier hair-repair products. We like Teak Naturals 100% Pure & Organic Jojoba Oil ($11, amazon.com) “Jojoba has a fine molecular structure that allows it to enter and fill the hair shaft, making it a perfect choice for conditioning,” says Paul Labrecque, owner of the New York City-based Paul Labrecque Salon. Spread the oil liberally through dry hair, put on a plastic shower cap, then cover with a hot towel for 30 minutes. Wash it out thoroughly, then rinse with cold water to seal the cuticle and trap added moisture. “When the hair shaft is infused with oil, the cuticle lies flatter, so your hair looks smoother and shinier,” he explains.
Keep a cool head. Heat opens hair’s protective outer layer, damaging strands and creating frizz. “Frequently cooling the hair while styling helps keep your cuticle flat,” says Labrecque. If your dryer has a cool-shot button, use it to deliver a blast of cold air after drying each individual section. (This also helps lock in your new style.) If it doesn’t, he suggests holding your style in place with your brush for about 30 seconds to let hair cool off. Or pick up one that does, like the Conair Ionic Turbo Styler ($19, amazon.com).
MORE: 15 Hair Products Stylists Swear By
To Soothe Skin…
Get milk. Soak a clean washcloth in cold milk and place it over your face for 10 minutes. “Milk contains proteins, fat, amino acids, and vitamin A—all of which reduce redness and calm irritated skin,” says David Bank, MD, a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, NY. Bonus: The lactic acid in milk exfoliates, so skin looks soft and glowing.
To Banish Brown Spots…
Camouflage with care. First, dab concealer that’s one or two shades lighter than your foundation onto the spot. (You can’t go wrong with Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, $6.40, amazon.com.) Use a concealer brush—it’ll give more precise coverage than your finger. Follow with a dot of foundation that exactly matches your skin tone. “The concealer lightens the spot, and the foundation helps blend it seamlessly,” says New York City-based makeup artist Jessica Liebeskind. If you’re looking for a new foundation, consider one of these 10 best foundations for every age and skin type.
To Boost Radiance…
Replace your makeup wisely. “Switching from powder formulas to creamier ones gives your skin a soft reflective sheen,” says Kimara Ahnert, a makeup artist in New York City. Cheeks tend to be drier than your T-zone, so as soon as you use up your powder blush, buy a light liquid or cream formula that imparts a youthful glow instead of leaving skin dull and matte. One to try: Revlon Photoready Cream Blush, $9, amazon.com.
To Plump Thin Lips…
Think pink. “Dark or bright colors call attention to the size of your lips, emphasizing thinness and fine lines around your mouth,” says Liebeskind. Instead, choose a lipstick (like one of these 10 best lipsticks that last all day) that mimics the color of your lips when you were younger.
Define your lips. After applying your lipstick, line just at the outer edge of the natural border of your mouth with a pencil in a shade that exactly matches your lipstick. Don’t try to draw on a bigger pout—it’ll only look fake. (Check out these other quick tips to plump thin lips.)
To Brighten Your Smile…
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Mix your own whitener. Brushing with a paste made of baking soda and water a few times a month removes superficial staining and whitens teeth by a shade or two. “The graininess neutralizes stains and polishes teeth but isn’t abrasive enough to wear down your enamel,” says Jennifer Jablow, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in New York City. Prefer the convenience of buying one? Crest 3D Whitening Strips ($36, amazon.com) are the only whitening strips with a seal of approval from the American Dental Association.
Keep teeth whiter, longer. To sidestep stains when drinking red wine, chase your vino with a handful of crunchy raw vegetables. “They have a brushing action that can rub away newly setting stains,” says Jablow. And remember to use a whitening toothpaste (like Jason Powersmile Antiplaque & Whitening, $3, amazon.com) that’s free of harsh abrasives and chemicals.
Caffeinate your eyes. Tea bags can perk up tired-looking eyes. “The caffeine helps shrink the underlying dark blood vessels and forces out some of the liquid that creates puffiness,” explains Ava Shamban, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA. Soak tea bags in hot water for a minute before plunging them into ice water for a few seconds. Lie down and apply them directly to your eyes for 15 minutes.
Green tea has plenty of perks for your whole body:
To Smooth Wrinkles…
Keep makeup outside the lines. To be sure there’s no excess makeup to settle into—and emphasize—the fine lines around your eyes and mouth, Ahnert suggests using a dry makeup sponge to gently smooth and blend makeup after applying it. (It’s worth picking up the Beautyblender, $19, amazon.com.) Don’t wipe, though, or you’ll rub it off.
MORE: The Best Wrinkle-Fighting Creams You Can Buy Without A Prescription
To Give Eyes A Lift…
Curl lashes correctly. When lashes are clean and dry (wet ones won’t hold a curl), position the curler at the root of lashes and give three firm, gentle pumps. Release and repeat. “Holding it steady doesn’t create a natural-looking, fluid curl,” says Liebeskind. (Psst! Here are 9 mascara mistakes you’re making—and how to fix them.)
Create a long-lasting curl. Heat your curler with your blow-dryer for 15 seconds first. “The warmth holds the bend better,” says NYC-based makeup artist Mally Roncal.
MORE: Skip The Supplements—These 7 Foods Naturally Boost Collagen In Your Body
