The 8 Best Skin Tips You've Never Heard

Simple? Yes. Predictable? Hardly. There are a multitude of ways to make skin look younger, fresher, and brighter—and they're things you never would have guessed.


LOW-TECH LOTIONS WORK

 

Yes, even that tiny tube of hotel face cream does something. Any emollient will not only temporarily plump up fine lines but also help prevent skin aging. "When we do a peel or surgery, probably the single most important factor in wound healing is keeping the area well moisturized," points out Richard Fitzpatrick, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Sun damage, he notes, is no different: A daily lotion containing glycerin, shea butter, or another basic hydrator "allows your skin to repair itself much more effectively." It also increases its mobility, making repetitive smiles and squints less punishing to the face. That said, the basics should be used only in a pinch. For daily use, dermatologists prefer moisturizers spiked with ingredients designed to boost cell turnover, stimulate collagen growth, and banish DNA-damaging free radicals.




RELAX, IT'S JUST A WORKOUT

Forget pulled hamstrings. The most overlooked gym-induced strain hits us above the shoulders. "I can pinpoint women who tense the jaw and throat when exercising, because it makes the cords of the neck more prominent and pulls down the face," says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in New York City and Miami.


IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY EVERYWHERE

Don't assume you're inoculated against photodamage just because the sun is barely up when you leave for work and sets on your commute home. Unlike UVB light, UVA rays travel through windows in the office, home, and car, warns Dover. Until recently, few worried much about the latter wavelength, partly because it causes a tenth as much tanning as the former. But in fact, "two very important studies a few years ago showed that UVA is carcinogenic and induces the grayish, yellow-y cast you see on older people's skin," says Dover, who recalls one laser-resurfacing patient whose wrinkling was "five times worse on one side" from years of daily drives between New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Those who don't spend most of their waking hours in a cinder-block bunker should "wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine," he says.


YOU DON'T NEED SUN TO FEEL THE BURN

All the SPF and sun avoidance in the world can't protect you from the space heater next to your desk or the fireplace in your living room. Direct exposure from two to three feet away causes redness and a breakdown of collagen, says Brandt, who advises sitting at least ten feet away.


TOO MUCH VOLUME CAN ADD YEARS

Radiesse, Juvéderm, Sculptra, and other volume fillers are more widely available than ever. And women are increasingly aware that a fuller face looks younger than a "taut, windswept one," according to Seth L. Matarasso, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco. One consequence of all this: As many patients (and their doctors) get carried away, "their eyes, mouth, and even their jawlines can become dwarfed by their protuberant cheeks," he says. Grossman prefers to fill the fat pads that go away with age: at the temples, the front of the ears, and the chin. "Filling in the periphery of the face restores softness and balance without making you look done."


THERE'S NOTHING BOTOX CAN'T DO

Or so it seems. In addition to banishing crow's-feet, headaches, a gummy smile, and excessive sweating, a few units of this injectable may shrink prominent glands just under the jawline—the ones that may make some women appear jowly, says Francesca Fusco, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, who heard this tidbit from a fellow doctor at a recent American Society of Dermatologic Surgery conference. Fusco is careful to note that while this can sharpen the jawline in some patients, "it won't reduce jowliness across the board in all women."


PLASTIC BOTTLES DAMAGE MORE THAN THE PLANET

Guzzle water, the advice goes, and your skin will thank you. But New York City and Santa Monica dermatologist Karyn Grossman cringes when she sees women toting around bottles of water—or any other drink. As with straws, "the constant pursing creates lines and aggravates existing ones around the mouth," she says. Her suggestions for saving face: Sip filtered water from a glass at home, and carry a reusable bottle with a spout "so that you can squirt it into your mouth instead of sucking on the top."


BEAUTY SLEEP CAN GET UGLY

Fusco can tell which side a patient sleeps on by the vertical line on her cheek. "The skin is pressed against wrinkles in the fabric," she says. The best way to avoid sleep lines is to snooze on your back. A more realistic strategy: smooth pillowcases. "Satin or silk is best," says Fusco. "Or buy the softest, highest-thread-count fabric you can."


Via Allure

Ten amazing uses for lavender

Who would have thought that an all-purpose medicine could smell so lovely? Well-known for its use in making perfume, soaps, and scented sachets, lavender — either as a tea, tincture or ointment, or essential oil — has been used in healing for centuries.


Infection fighter

Along with garlic and cloves, lavender was an ingredient of the 'Four Thieves vinegar', an infamous brew attributed to 18th century grave robbers who washed their hands with it before stripping corpses of their valuables. Lavender does, in fact, contain tannins that kill bacteria and prevent minor cuts from becoming infected. Add 10 drops of lavender oil to 1/2 cup of water and use to wash the wound.

Tummy tamer

European doctors recommend lavender tea as a digestive aid. It has an antispasmodic effect, helping to relax the muscles of the digestive tract and prevent cramping of the stomach and intestine. It also helps to ease and expel wind. To make tea, put a heaped teaspoon of fresh, unsprayed flowers (or one lever teaspoon of dried lavender) in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes; strain and add honey, if you wish.

Burn buster

In 1910, French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse noted that when he burned his hand, lavender oil resulted in faster healing. This discovery sparked research into the capabilities of essential oils: it was, in fact, Gattefosse who invented the word aromatherapy. Put a drop or two of undiluted lavender oil on small burns to ease pain immediately. The discomfort of sunburn can also be alleviated with a compress of cold lavender tea.

Help for headaches

Queen Elizabeth I was said to have favoured lavender tea for her frequent tension headaches, and lavender farmers of old would wear a spray of the flowers beneath their hats — it was apparently a notable fact that they never suffered from headaches, despite working in the bright sun all day. Apply a little neat oil to temples and massage it in for remarkable relief, or sip cool lavender tea.

Acne assistance

Lavender's natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and oil-regulating effects make it ideal for treating acne and other inflammatory skin problems, including eczema and psoriasis. It also helps to reduce scarring. Add 10 drops of lavender oil to 50ml of witch hazel, and dab directly onto spots.

Bathing beauty

A lavender-scented bath is not just a fragrant treat, it provides relief from musculo-skeletal pain, including arthritis, sciatica, sprains, strains, muscle spasms, labour pain, and period pain. Not only does the lavender reduce the actual pain, it also eases anxiety and tension about the pain, which can be a trigger in itself. Add 10 drops of oil to a bath.

Stress less

According to a Japanese study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, linalool — a substance found in lavender — 'switches off' stress-induced activity in more than 100 genes. Add lavender oil to a diffuser to disperse the scent through a room, or if you have the luxury of time, take a stress-busting soak.

Ease emotional upset

Lavender's aroma comes from airborne molecules of linalyl esters, oils that stimulate the olfactory nerve in the brain and have a balancing effect on the central nervous system, making it very helpful for treating shock, panic, faintness, hysteria, anxiety or depression. Researchers have also discovered that lavender increases the production of particular brain waves that are associated with relaxation and calm. Massage lavender oil down either side of your spine, or inhale it, either via a diffuser or on a tissue.

Stop the sting

Lavender oil helps to reduce the transmission of nerve impulses that carry pain signals, giving it a mild analgesic effect. Apply it neat to relieve the itching and irritation of insect bites and stings — this will also ease redness and swelling.

Get a good night's sleep

It is no accident that lavender is a universal ingredient in sleep pillows. Its calming and mildly sedative effect encourages you to sleep soundly and wake refreshed. A few drops of oil on a pillowcase is very effective; this is also comforting for a child having nightmares.

Caution: Avoid lavender in first trimester of pregnancy or if blood pressure is very low.


Via Australian Women's Weekly

How to Age Like a Supermodel

Cindy Crawford, Christie Brinkley, and Carolyn Murphy share their tips for looking gorgeous—and feeling great—after 30.


STAY STRONG
"My trainer, Sarah Hagaman, comes to my house three times a week. It's an old-fashioned workout. I do lunges and dead lifts on the Power Plate; it gives a little extra core strengthening. On the weekends, if I can get a hike or a walk in, I feel good about that."
—Cindy Crawford, 46


SAFEGUARD SKIN
"I love physical sunblocks with zinc. When I used to surf, I'd sometimes tuck a bottle of sunscreen into my wet suit sleeve—when you're in the water having a great time, you're not thinking about running out to put on more sunblock. I'm not surfing much anymore, but I love hiking and gardening, and I'm always wearing a hat and sunblock."
—Carolyn Murphy, 38


SAVE FACE
"Before taking the kids to school, I might put on a serum with vitamin C, which gives me a glow. After I work out, I put on a moisturizer with sunscreen, like Meaningful Beauty Antioxidant Day Crème SPF 20 UVA/UVB. If I'm really going to be in the sun, I'll wear an SPF 100 sunscreen, too, plus a hat and something that covers my chest. A couple of times a week, I'll use a glycolic pad before bed, and every night I put on a night cream."
—Crawford


EAT SENSIBLY
"When I turned 50, I was like, 'Cut me some slack. From here on out, if I feel like eating it, I'm eating it.' Of course, now that I'm 50-something, I realize that I just feel better if I eat right. I do it for me."
—Christie Brinkley, 58

AVOID YO-YO DIETING
"I met Dr. [Jean-Louis] Sebagh [my partner in Meaningful Beauty] when I was 28. He taught me to pick a weight and stay there. It's not good for your skin to stretch, contract, stretch, contract. I try not to have empty calories, though I do have chocolate every day. That's worth it to me."
—Crawford

GET REAL
"People expect too much from a cream. Like, if I lose weight, you see it in my face first, because you lose volume. And volume doesn't come in a jar. And then there's deep wrinkles, and even though some creams promise to treat them, I haven't found one that works. What you can treat is texture and fine lines. I learned to separate those things in my mind."
—Crawford


KEEP MOVING
"I try to get some exercise every day, and I usually average four or five times a week. I love yoga classes, but if I don't have time for them, I just roll the mat down in my bedroom and go through some sun salutations to sort of warm up for the day. I'll also squeeze some exercise into normal activities: I'll do squats while drying my hair or leg-lifts as I brush my teeth."
—Brinkley

REMEMBER YOUR HEAD
"Everyone loves to talk about plastic surgery and all that stuff, but hair is the most underestimated thing—if you have good color and shiny hair, you can see that across a room. In Nora Ephron's I Feel Bad About My Neck [Knopf], she writes about women being nostalgic for their young bodies. That's how I feel about hair. Now, I look at my daughter's, and I'm like, 'You have my old hair! I want it back!'"
—Crawford


REST EASY
"When I drink coffee, it's decaf. As I've gotten older, I don't take sleep for granted and I don't want anything to mess up my clock. My average is six and a half hours of sleep, but I would love to get eight."
—Crawford


NOURISH BODY AND SOUL
"The best anti-aging advice I've ever received? Drink a lot of water and have a plant-based diet. I also do mindful meditation with my daughter every day. It takes ten minutes. I think reducing stress plays a big part in anti-aging."
—Murphy


BE YOURSELF
"There are great things that come with being older: You feel more comfortable in your own skin. When I drop my kids off at school, I can go barefaced. It's like, what do I need to hide?"
—Crawford

Via Allure

4 Shades 1 Girl:Best Makeup for Your Hair Color

The best beauty products to maximize your hair color.




Brunette
"Darker hair can handle brighter makeup and still look fresh. An orange lip is unexpected and brings out chocolate-brunette tones." —Polito



Brunette
Don't neglect your brows — they create a frame for the rest of your face.



Brunette
Lip liner will ensure your pucker stays fresh all day — or night — long.



Brunette
Brunette beauties never need to shy away from color — try a bold, bright lipstick.



Brunette
The eyes have it, so be sure to add some sparkle to your lids.



Platinum Blonde
"It's easy to overdose on color when you're blonde, but substituting blush with bronzer ensures that your skin won't look washed out." —Polito



Platinum Blonde
Draw attention to your eyes with dark- and neutral-toned shadows and liners.



Platinum Blonde
Play around with a lighter lip color — it will complement more darkly made up eyes.



Platinum Blonde
Matching brow color to hair tone can make or break your look.



Platinum Blonde
A little bronze shimmer gives cheeks a dewy, sun-kissed look.



Platinum Blonde
A couple of swipes of black mascara on lashes add a nice contrast to blonde locks.



Red Hair
"Neutral shades won't compete with your crimson. Try layering deep-purple eye pencil with brown shadow for a subtle kick of color." —Polito



Red Hair
Opting for a nude lip doesn't mean you can skip the liner. Always keep your lip shape strong.



Red Hair
A splash of purple does a redhead good.



Red Hair
Copper tresses require a more natural color palette — play up eyes with little shimmer.



Red Hair
Add a dab of color to your pout to finish the look.



Auburn
"Red can clash with warm hair tones, so try plum for a richer, more modern ruby lip." —Polito



Auburn
Skip the heavy foundation and highlight your natural skin tone with a tinted moisturizer or primer.



Auburn
A smoky eye is the perfect complement for auburn locks.



Auburn
Go bold with a deep, dark ruby — this lip color is not for the timid.



Auburn
Balance a bold lip by highlighting cheeks with a creamy, dewy shade.




Via Marie Claire

10 Beauty Disasters

The Unexpected Zit
We've all been there: Go to bed with a clear complexion, wake up with blemishes.

SHRINK AND DESTROY "Gently press an ice cube over the pimple to reduce inflammation, then try a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide to dry it out and kill bacteria," says dermatologist Dr. Sapna Westley. Or crush an aspirin tablet (it contains salicylic acid) into a paste with water and dab on.

GET HIGH TECH The latest fix? At-home LED devices like Tanda Clear+ ($195) that use blue light and sonic vibration to kill acne-causing bacteria.

SQUEEZE IF YOU MUST Dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler insists that you at least avoid using your hands to do the deed. "Apply a warm compress for five to 10 minutes, then take two Q-tips and use gentle, even pressure," she says. "Then dab dry and apply a little antibiotic ointment."



Derm Visit Side Effects
While basic cosmetic derm treatments like lasers and Botox and other injectables can be quick, easy, and, for the most part, painless, the telltale bruising and redness--which can last for a few days after--isn't exactly a pretty sight.

TAKE ARNICA Dr. Anne Chapas, director of Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, recommends her patients take the supplement orally (before the treatment) and apply it topically (after) to reduce bruising.

CAMOUFLAGE Use a foundation with yellow undertones to address redness or discoloration until it fades.

ZAP IT Patients who demand a quick fix can slip in for a V-Beam laser treatment. "Just two millisecond zaps breaks up the bruise in 24 hours," Chapas explains.



Blotchy Self-Tanner
Nothing takes away from a golden glow quite like a streak or splotch.

PREVENTION IS KEY Exfoliate first to create an even plane for the bronzer to adhere to; moisturize thoroughly, concentrating on dry patches like elbows and knees; apply bronzer with a mitt for the most even results; wait until it's dry; and change into loose cotton clothing.

ERASE MISTAKES Bronzing expert and aesthetician Nichola Joss recommends investing in a bottle of St. Tropez's Tan Detox to remove blotchiness. "It's a bath oil with lavender, lemon, and hazelnut oils," says Joss. "Soak in it and massage your skin in a circular motion with an exfoliating cloth to help remove buildup." Then steer clear of self-tanner for at least 12 hours.



Broken or Chipped Nail
One fallout of daily computer duty: a shortened manicure life.

DAMAGE CONTROL At the first sign of a break, Creative Nail Design pro Roxanne Valinoti advises clipping or filing to the broken point if possible. "If it is a low tear, 'patch it' with a few coats of polish, followed by a topcoat," she says. "If you don't have polish at your disposal, anchor the nail for the time being with a clear piece of Scotch Tape."

BUFF IT If polish chips post-mani, Valinoti suggests gently buffing out the nick, then filling in with a thin coat of the same color.

STRENGTH-TRAIN Because brittle nails tend to split more easily, applying a nourishing product, like CND's SolarOil ($12), daily will add flexibility and prevent breakage. And to avoid future mishaps, beauty insiders swear by the company's Shellac gel manicure, which resists chipping for two weeks.



Serious Sunburn
Your fresh-from-the-island glow has morphed into a lobster-like burn.

CHILL OUT Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like aspirin or ibuprofen, apply a cool compress soaked in equal parts milk and water, and dab on a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to calm inflammation fast, advises NYC dermatologist Dr. Heidi Waldorf.

COVER UP If staying locked up for a few days isn't an option--say you've got an event to attend or, even more distressing, a job interview--celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor suggests camouflaging redness with a creamy, yellow-based liquid concealer to help minimize the look of dry, peeling skin. Just "moisturize like crazy" before you apply, says Miami-based derm Dr. Joely Kaufman-Janette, who also recommends using a green-tinted primer.



Greasy Hair
For some, a blowout can endure nearly a week without any greasiness surfacing; others can't count themselves so lucky.

SHAMPOO SMARTER "Concentrate the shampoo at the roots, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck where there is the most oil production so it doesn't bleed through the hair," explains hairstylist Rodney Cutler. "Massage with the balls of your fingers in a circular motion, but don't use nails because it will create breakage at the roots."

DRY OUT When oil makes a midday appearance, flip hair upside down and generously douse it at the roots with a dry shampoo. "Another option to try is witch hazel on a cotton pad tapped onto your scalp," adds celebrity stylist Jenny Cho.

GO WITH IT Stylist Theodore Leaf suggests embracing the oil. "Create a deep side part and pull into a tight, low ponytail, then use hairspray [like Suave Professionals Touchable Finish Extra Hold Hairspray, $3] to clean up flyaways and make it shine," he says



Noticeable Sweating
Generally, the tendency toward excessive sweating (aka hyperhidrosis) is an inherited trait, but it can also come on suddenly.

SWITCH YOUR DEODORANT Start using an over-the-counter, clinical-strength antiperspirant twice a day.

SEE AN M.D. "A doctor can prescribe a pill to reduce sweating [Robinul, an anticholinergic] to be taken daily or before a big event," says Westley. "She can also make sure there is no issue with your thyroid, other hormonal conditions, or diabetes."

CONSIDER BOTOX "Injections can make a big difference for underarms, palms, and soles, reducing sweating by 75 percent, with results lasting up to six months."



Crooked or Too-Short Bangs
A bit overzealous with the shears during your DIY trim?

HIDE THE EVIDENCE "Try pulling from a farther-back section to cover up the too-short bangs and, depending on the length, sweep them to the side or braid in short pieces with longer hair to mask the problem," advises Bumble and Bumble stylist Roz Murray.

SWITCH YOUR PART If bangs are uneven, this move will camouflage your mistake.

GET ANOTHER CHOP Cutler suggests you simply trim the rest of your hair to match. "If the fringe is crooked, make the rest of the hair layered and choppy," he says. "Then the bangs will match."



Overplucked Brow
Bringing arches back from dangerously thin territory requires a two-step approach.

REBUILD The latest generation of brow-enhancing serums can help with regrowth: Anastasia's Brown Enhancing Serum Advanced ($45) uses a peptide formula that, according to the brow guru herself, strengthens sparse brows and prevents fallout.

FAKE IT Soul Lee, grooming specialist at Manhattan's Spa 1851, suggests filling in with a shadow for extra control of color and blendability--find one that matches your brow color or is one shade lighter, never darker. "Brush the brow with a clean mascara wand to expose the line, then begin filling in with light, short strokes and spread color evenly," says Lee. "Finish with clear mascara."



Under-Eye Circles
Sometimes it's not just late nights that are to blame: Eye-rubbing, allergies, and genetics can also be culprits.

TRY AN ANTIHISTAMINE "The release of histamine induces edema under the eye and dark circles," explains derm Dr. Zoe Draelos. "An over-the-counter medication such as cetirizine may reduce them."

APPLY "WAKE-UP MAKEUP" Celeb makeup artist Kara Yoshimoto Bua advises hydrating the area with a non-oily cream (try Chanel Ultra Correction Lift Total Eye Lift, $100). "Use lightweight, pigmented foundation to cover inside along the bridge of the nose and under eyes, blending out to cheeks," says Yoshimoto Bua. "Then use a highlighter on darker areas under bags and blend by dotting with ring finger. For very dark areas, use a more pigmented concealer and dot and blend again."

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP "Sometimes there is an indentation in the tear trough area under the eye, and a dermatologist can inject Restylane filler to help," says Wechsler.


Via Marie Claire

Best-Kept Hair Secrets

To create volume...
Mist your roots at the crown of your head with a volumizing spray when your hair is dry. Then blow-dry the section of the hair in the opposite direction that it normally falls while using your fingers or a brush to lift the roots up and over. Once dry, flip the hair over and gently smooth it out with a brush. You can do this on small sections around your entire head for even more major results.



For a swept-up look...
Begin with a shine-enhancing shampoo and conditioner like Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine to make hair look extra-glossy. Blow-dry hair in sections with a large, round brush. For side-swept bangs, first take the front section and blow-dry it back with a large, round brush and "swoop" it to the side. Apply a drop of smoothing cream on the ends and finish by misting hairspray all over for hold.



For beachy waves...
Start with towel-dried hair and apply any kind of volumizing product to your roots. Put a quarter-sized amount of styling cream on your ends, working in small sections for even coverage. Take a small section of your hair and twirl downward, repeating all over your head. Blow-dry by pointing the dryer down toward your head a few inches away from hair, twirling sections around your finger. When you are finished twisting each section, scrunch your hair while blow-drying to amp up the volume and texture. For a more defined look, wrap sections of hair around a medium-sized curling iron.



To keep waves bouncy...
Most hairstylists recommend sleeping on a satin pillowcase to help keep your hair from getting matted, tangled, and frizzy. Cotton cases tend to have coarser texture, which can rough up your hair, especially if you're tossing and turning all night.

Pay more attention to your scalp...
It's your ticket to healthier, stronger hair. Switch to a shampoo and conditioner, like John Frieda's Root Awakening line, which contains eucalyptus, menthol, and peppermint oil to stimulate your scalp. It also helps if you massage the suds into your head with your fingertips to stimulate blood flow to your roots.



Hairspray is your friend...
Unlike the old-school formulas that practically glued your strands together, modern sprays add hold without stiffness in addition to doing a bunch of other great things that include increasing shine, fighting frizz, protecting against heat damage, and shielding color-treated hair from UV rays.



To style with hairspray...
Mist sections of hair with a flexible-hold hairspray before wrapping them around a curling iron or running them through a flatiron to lock in shape.



For a better blowout...
Wrap a section of hair around a medium-sized, round brush, then dry the roots in the opposite direction from the way they naturally fall. Once the roots are dry, direct the hair dryer down the hair shaft to smooth out the rest of the section. When you're finished, run your fingers through your hair to bring all the sections together. The end result? A bombshell blowout.



For sleek and shiny hair...
Apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner on damp hair before drying. For medium to thick hair, apply a bit of styling cream to keep strands smooth. Use a flat brush to go underneath your hair and keep the dryer aimed downward. When the section of hair is almost dry, switch to a round brush so that you have some bend at the ends. If it's humid outside, mist your hair with a protective styling spray and run a flatiron from your ears down.



When curling your hair...
Leave the bottom ends out for a more messy, beachy feel. Skip the styling products and separate waves with your fingers.


Just because it isn't warm out doesn't mean you can't wear beach waves.



To prevent waves from drooping...
Curl sections and twist them up, securing with clips. Let them set while you do your makeup for a long-lasting hold.



Via Real Beauty