March 15, 2010

When to toss

Quick makeup replacement rules:

• mascara, four to six months
  
• liquid foundation, six to 12 months
  
• powder blush, nine to 12 months
  
• lip gloss and lip liner, 12 to 18 months
  
• lipstick, two years

March 12, 2010

The big picture

Step back from the mirror for some perspective when you're applying your makeup. That lets you see how eyes, lips and cheeks are working together.

March 11, 2010

Color correctly

No need to start all over if you were heavy-handed with the blush, says makeup artist Raychel Wade. Just sweep a sheer, luminous powder over your cheeks to diffuse the color.

March 10, 2010

Setting a foundation

If you have large pores, choose an oil-free foundation and set with a mineral-based powder. Heavy foundation will only clog the pores, making them more apparent.

March 9, 2010

24-hour hold

Layer your hair spray for lasting control. Start with a fine mist of a light-hold hair spray before moving on to a maximum-hold spray so your hair won’t collapse under its own weight.

March 8, 2010

Spray away

To control flyaways and add a "piecey" look to your style, spray a light-hold hair spray on your fingertips. Rake your fingers through your hair, scrunching your locks wherever you want extra definition.

March 5, 2010

Blot a lot

Constantly reaching for the powder compact to control your oily skin? Try blotter sheets instead. "They pick up excess oil without causing a cakey look," says makeup artist Marie Del Prete.

March 4, 2010

Foolproof contouring

Dip a large brush into bronzing powder, and swirl around the neck and frame of the face. Finish by sweeping across eyelids, nose, cheeks and chin.

March 3, 2010

The perfect pony

Add glamorous height to a ponytail by placing the tip of a tail comb under the top of your hair and lifting gently toward the crown, suggests Theresa Marra-Siliceo, hairstylist for "As the World Turns."

March 2, 2010

Cover up

Apply lip balm to the side of your hand, then apply your cream concealer on top and blend with your fingers to make it spread more easily.

March 1, 2010

A quick clean

Too busy to hand wash your undies? Toss them into a mesh bag and launder on the delicate cycle. But opt for a drying rack rather than your dryer. High heat will break down the elastic waistband.

February 26, 2010

Tantastic

To avoid splotchy knees and elbows when using self-tanner, start with the mid-calf and mid-thigh, then move to the middle of your upper and lower arm. Spread the residue left on your hands on the knees and elbows.

February 25, 2010

A slimming effect

To slim down a chubby chin, sweep matte bronzer that’s just a couple of shades darker than your natural skin tone along your jawline. Slightly darkening the fuller area makes it appear to recede.

February 24, 2010

Arches of beauty

Pencil beats powder when filling in your eyebrows' bald spots. Using a super-sharp pencil and very light pressure, draw little hairlike strokes, then brush upward with a spooly brush, says brow guru Tonya Crooks.

February 23, 2010

Pluck less

Nothing says "early 1990s" more than pencil-thin eyebrows. Brows grow very slowly, so count to three when tempted to pick up those tweezers, says celebrity makeup artist Tonya Crooks.

February 22, 2010

The perfect shave

Battle bikini-line bumps by changing your razor frequently. Not only will your shave be closer, you'll also avoid bacteria buildup on the blade, which could otherwise cause irritation.

February 19, 2010

Rule of thumb

Ridges in your nails? Buff each nail gently for five to 10 seconds with a fine-grade emery board. If you feel heat or friction, back off, says Julie Serquinia, owner of The Paint Shop.

February 18, 2010

Add some pop

Dye and accessories from your local fabric store are an inexpensive way to add zing to your wardrobe. Make a cardigan sparkle with crystal buttons, or dye a plain white oxford a bright hue.

February 17, 2010

Scalp scoop

For an oily scalp, condition only the lower two-thirds of the hair. Massaging conditioner into the roots could make your scalp oilier, says Tom Brophy of Tom Brophy Hair.

February 16, 2010

Back from black

To brighten up an all-black ensemble or update your jeans, pass a bold print scarf or grosgrain ribbon through the belt loops, says designer Lulu Schwarz of Rejeaneration.

February 15, 2010

Beautiful color

Extend the life of your hair color by asking your colorist about pigment-containing shampoos and conditioners, says hair guru Tom Brophy.

February 12, 2010

Moisturize

Hot oil treatments are ideal for adding moisture to coarse hair but will drag down fine or color-treated hair. Instead, choose a deep-conditioning cream enriched with a protein like keratin.

February 11, 2010

Making the cut

After a bad, too-short haircut, resist the urge to head straight to another stylist. Instead, wait three months so the fixer has something to work with.

February 10, 2010

Protect your skin

Makeup that contains sunscreen is no substitute for the real deal. If you'll be outside for any length of time, prep the skin with a high-potency sunscreen, then apply makeup.

February 9, 2010

Thin is not in

To prevent thinning eyebrows caused by aging, try a growth enhancer designed for eyelashes. Just brush it on and expect thicker brows in about six weeks.

February 8, 2010

A good clean

Once you're 21 years old, stay away from gritty, abrasive skin cleansers, which can lead to redness and mild acne. Instead, use a gentle, fragrance-free cleansing lotion, says Dr. Richard Glogau, a San Francisco dermatologist.

February 4, 2010

Oil check

Smooth on safflower oil after a shower to relieve dry, itchy skin. It's rich in a good fat called linoleic acid, which our body makes naturally, and acts as a super-moisturizer.

February 3, 2010

Something sweet

Honey is a natural humectant and can do wonders for the skin. Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 2 teaspoons whole milk, warm slightly in microwave, apply to face and rinse off after 10 minutes.

February 2, 2010

A blast of cool

At the end of a blow-dry, hit the cool setting for a few seconds. It will seal the cuticle and leave hair shiny.

February 1, 2010

Color care

Let your colorist know how you spend your time so you can prevent such color mishaps as a golden-blond tone that gives off a green hue under fluorescent office lighting.

January 29, 2010

Take a milk bath

The white stuff is rich in protein and fat, both of which calm irritated skin. Add two to four cups of whole milk to a warm bath and dip in.

January 28, 2010

Elongate your torso

Denim trousers with wider legs and a lower rise, plus a belted top will create the perfect proportion between upper and lower body. Keep the belt on your natural waist for the most slimming effect.

January 27, 2010

Size yourself up

Bra fitter to the stars, Susan Nethero says 85 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. Place the bra band around your lower back and bend over as you fasten yourself in to fill up the cups. Your straps shouldn’t fall down and the band shouldn’t ride up.

January 26, 2010

Exfoliate

Retinoids are wrinkle-reducing creams that thicken the skin and unclog pores, but they can also leave behind dry, patchy areas. Gently exfoliate those dead skin cells with a heavy washcloth.

January 25, 2010

Do the sunscreen test

Put your arm up over your head. Does the skin on the underside of your upper arm match your face? You may be tanner than you realize. Look for a sunscreen that absorbs UVA (wrinkle-causers) and UVB (those that burn) rays.

January 22, 2010

The right length for you

If you’re 5 foot 4 inches or under, take a cue from pint-size celebs and wear fitted sheath dresses that hit at the knee. The style and fit helps legs look miles long.

January 21, 2010

Put your best foot forward

Consider a pair of kitten heels to get through every day in style. What’s included? The comfort and chicness of flats plus a sexy little heel for an extra inch or two.

January 20, 2010

Not so basic

Dress up a casual tank with a tailored blazer in versatile black or white, and pair with jean and dresses. It adds polish and creates a shapely silhouette.

January 19, 2010

Ditch alcohol-based toner

It strips away bad oils like sebum along with essential fatty acids that form a barrier against germs and irritants. Look for alcohol-free toner and use blotting papers to absorb any midday shine.

January 18, 2010

Dress for your coloring

Complement your tresses and stand out with primary colors like yellow and sapphire. Try solid tops and dresses in rainbow shades to find the one most flattering to your complexion.

January 15, 2010

Go figure

Give a boyish frame some dangerous curves with the right accessory, like a 3-inch-wide belt cinched at your narrowest point. Make sure it’s all the same color to avoid a tummy pooch.

January 14, 2010

Be bold with your accessories

There’s nothing like adding a red pair of pumps to a monochromatic outfit, says costume designer and stylist Okera Banks. A great sequin scarf worn under the collar of a classic suit jacket adds a touch of glamour.

January 13, 2010

The right fit

Don't become fixated on wearing "your size," says designer Karen Zambos of Karen ZAMBOS Vintage Couture. All clothing lines fit differently because of their fit model and production, so keep an open mind when shopping.

January 12, 2010

Feed your skin from the inside

Honey, especially the dark kind, is high in disease-fighting antioxidants. Add it to your morning yogurt or tea for a health -- and taste -- kick.

January 11, 2010

A big blow-dry

For wild, sexy hair, hairstylist Allen Edwards uses the Blow Curl technique: Blow-dry about 80 percent, wind sections of your hair around a medium brush and dry a bit more. Pin each section to your head and let the rest dry naturally.

January 8, 2010

Conditioning protection

Leave in approximately 10 to 15 percent of your hair conditioner before going outdoors, says Tom Brophy of the Tom Brophy Salon. The conditioner will act as a sun protectant and deep conditioner.

January 7, 2010

Tame flyaways

When frizzies get you down, use a leave-in conditioner with shea butter. Opt for a ponytail on the most humid of days, since loose hair is a moisture magnet, says Kaz Amor, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi salon.

January 6, 2010

A touch of gloss

For a dewy, healthy glow, apply a dab of lip gloss to your cheeks.

January 5, 2010

24-hour makeup

For makeup that lasts from day into night, celebrity makeup artist Elan Bongiorno suggests patting the lid and eye with your concealer to create a long-lasting primer base for your eye shadow.

January 3, 2010

Brighten tired eyes

If you’re feeling worn out and your eyes are showing it, use a highlighting concealer in the darker inner corners of the eyes to brighten them and give a more open look.

January 1, 2010

Longer, fuller lashes

Apply individual false lashes in the outer corners of the lid to give your eyes a little lift. Blend the lashes with a water-based mascara.

December 31, 2009

Nail it down

Los Angeles manicurist Georgyanna Giardini advises to never file your nails after you shower; it weakens the nail and causes tears.

December 30, 2009

Ingrown no more

Prevent ingrown hairs by exfoliating skin with a gentle body scrub or body brush three times a week.

December 29, 2009

Wax on, wax off

Avoid showering or applying moisturizer for several hours after a wax treatment, suggests Madison Passarelli from Cocktail Wax. Waxing opens up the hair follicles, so it’s best to allow them to close first to prevent ingrown hairs.

December 28, 2009

Stain, stain, go away

Maybe you shouldn’t have ordered spaghetti while wearing a white blouse. Costume designer Susan Matheson suggests a wet cleaning wipe for quick spot cleaning. It won’t set the stain, and you’ll see immediate results.

December 27, 2009

Curling iron mishap

If you’ve accidentally burned yourself curling or straightening your hair (hello, morning rush!), treat with cold water, then break open a capsule of vitamin E and dab on top.

December 25, 2009

2-in-1 belts

Wrap a long, lightweight, solid-color scarf around your waist and knot it loosely just in front of one hip bone. The dangling ends will make you look longer and leaner.

December 22, 2009

Add shine to hair

Try a post-shampoo rinse once a week with 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar diluted in a pint of water. The acid in the vinegar will remove buildup from styling products like mousse and hairspray.

December 21, 2009

Cover the puff

If you wake up with swollen eyelids, avoid pale eye shadow, which will only highlight them. Instead, stroke on eye color that’s at least one shade darker than your normal skin.

December 17, 2009

Eye-opening mornings

Speed up your morning routine with three beauty boosters: a lash-enhancing product, monthly lash tints and an eyelash curler. A lash tint eliminates the need for mascara, leaving your curler free of gunk.

December 14, 2009

Shape up

Most eyebrows grow in one of two shapes: an up-and-down arch (Elizabeth Taylor) or a gentle arc (Madonna). For the most organic, natural-looking brows, follow -- don’t fight -- your own shape.

December 11, 2009

Tweeze easy

The most important eyebrow hairs start at the inside corner of the eye, so avoid over-tweezing. Dramatic brows are elongated, from the inside to the outside corners of the eye, says makeup artist Tonya Crooks.

December 10, 2009

Salon preparation

Ditch the highlight descriptors (baby blond versus honey blond) and talk to your colorist through pictures. Bring magazine photos of the shade you’re after, says Tom Brophy, owner of Tom Brophy Hair.

December 7, 2009

Blond therapy

Blond highlights? Selectively shampoo your hair, recommends stylist Guy Riggio at the Sally Hershberger salon. Apply shampoo only on the roots, not on the shaft, to avoid drying out already fragile hair.

December 3, 2009

Fine hair + highlights = fragile ends

To keep ends from fraying and breaking during a blow-dry, use a medium-heat setting. Styling will take longer this way, but it will leave your hair shinier and healthier.

December 1, 2009

Hair for your face

To make a round face look oval, avoid haircuts that are shorter than shoulder length. Side parts tend to widen the face, so opt for a middle-part. A few layers in front will elongate the face.

November 30, 2009

Shop at the children's aisle

Since sunscreen is needed all year-round, adults with sensitive skin should pick up baby sunscreen. Formulated with titanium or zinc oxide, this gentle lotion or cream protects the skin without causing irritation.

November 24, 2009

At-home healing

Dry scalp? Massage with warm olive oil and cover with a shower cap for 10 minutes to soothe itching and dryness.

November 23, 2009

Take a cue from your man

Dip your toe into the menswear trend and wear a classic men’s watch instead of a wrist full of bangles. Wear it loose for a bracelet-like effect that’s sporty but elegant enough for any occasion.

November 23, 2009

Embrace your animal instincts

A hint of leopard or other animal print -- on your feet or on a clutch-style handbag -- will transform a simple ensemble. Try it with all black for the most impact.