Overgrown, dry cuticles make even the nicest nails look ragged.
But trimming can cause hangnails.
A better solution:
1.
Soak fingersin warm water, then push back cuticles with a towel or a cotton-ball-topped orange stick.
Apply cuticle removerto exfoliate excess skin (the protective layer stays intact).
The one by Lippmann Collection, is moisturizing.
Massage in oilto hydrate cuticles (dry ones split easily).
Sephora Cuticle Care Pen is a no-drip pick.
The wax forms a nongreasy moisture barrier while mineral oil hydrates.
If your strands tend to curl, frizz or flatten an hour after a blow-dry…
1.
Another must: distributing product evenly, roots to tips.
Dry roots completely.Leave them partially damp to air-dry and they’ll go flat, along with your look.
Lift and ruffle while drying to let in air, says Philip Pelusi, a stylist in Pittsburgh.
Mist on hairspray.Flexible or light-hold sprays lock in your style without feeling lacquered.
To test a formula, spray your palm and make a fist.
Tackiness is OK at first but should quickly disappear, Pelusi says.
You’ll avoid Shirley Temple rolls with this easy curling iron technique:
1.
Start witha conditioning heat protector such as Tresemme Instant Heat Tamer Styling Spray applied to damp strands.
Dry as usual, then take a section and mist with hairspray.
Doing so pre-curl gives better hold.
Use a water-free formula; overheated H2O can be damaging.
Try Aveda Air Control.
Clamp the section, holding the iron horizontal, about an inch from the roots.
Keep the barrel still and wrap hair around it.
This process protects dry ends from intense heat and results in looser curls.
Position the barrel verticallyfor the next section (apply hairspray first).
You’ll get a varied, more natural curl pattern.
Afterward, tousle with your fingers.
Summery streaks can brighten up your face.
Avoid any chunky, uneven color with this easy step-by-step guide:
1.
Tape up a pictureof hair you like and trace the outlines of the highlights.
Use that as a map for dye placement.
Unlike other applicators, the bristles isolate individual strands and distribute dye lightly and evenly.
Try L’Oreal Hi-Light Styliste (or new Low-Light Styliste).
You won’t color these strands because regrowth would show soon at your part.
Highlights right below seem natural even as hair grows.
Check the consistencyof the formula after mixing.
It should resemble frosting.
If it’s too thin, add a pinch of cornstarch to prevent drips, Howse says.
For an overly thick solution, which won’t spread well, stir in a drop of water.
Some techniques the pros use:
1.
Pick a curlerwith white pads to better position it and see if you’re getting all lashes.
Also, use a magnifying mirror to avoid pinches.
To curl, thread lashes between the clamp, then pull up on skin from under your brow.
Slowly clamp and pump for 10 seconds.
Keep pumping while moving the curler to lash tips.
Apply primerif you have curl-resistant lashes, then curl again.
Slowly brush on mascara.To separate lashes, skip the comb, which can pull out a curl.
Instead, run a spoolie brush over the top of lashes; its shape follows the curve.
Fullness at the base and definition on the ends are traits of naturally gorgeous lashes.
Your concealer isn’t cutting it for that undereye discoloration?
Try this:
1.
Neutralize blue toneswith a peach or salmon-tinted concealer, recommends Vincenza Carovillano, a makeup artist in NYC.
Use a brush to get into the tight corners of eyes.
Apply two thin layers, which are less likely to crease than one thick one.
Use your usual concealeron top, then blend.
Lightly apply powder so makeup won’t crease.
Liner defines eyes well, but keep it natural or risk a raccoon result.
1.Select three gel eyeliners or a palette in golds and browns.
2.Dip a flat brush into the gold, then browns.
Use more gold for a softer effect.
Apply to upper and lower lash lines.
Blend with a shadow brush.
Sparkle is a bit like chocolate: A little is great, but it’s easy to overindulge.
The balm dilutes the glitz, keeping the gleam.
Light bounces off skin, so cheekbones become more prominent.
Lightly apply luminizer under foundation or tinted moisturizer, Bunch says.
Try Stila Shimmer Liquid Luminizer, $20.
Unless you use a full-coverage foundation, a soft glow will shine through.
Photo Credit: Anne Menke
