Look and Feel Better—Instantly
By Melissa Matthews
Let's get one thing straight-no one is perfect! So when you take a glance in the mirror and notice that your eyes look tired or a pimple formed overnight, remember, you're not alone. And now you won't be helpless, either. We've rounded up some really helpful tips to battle your head-to-toe "off day" imperfections.
Hair Help
Last-minute plans happen. So, when you're suddenly expected to look your best and your hair is not cooperating, try an updo. "This quick-fix style is easy to create and will turn your hair from drab to polished in minutes," says Gary Howse, co-owner of the Gary Manuel Salon in Seattle.
1. Divide dry hair into two sections. Run your thumbs through your hair from the top of each earlobe to the center of the back of your head. Create a ponytail and secure with an elastic band.
2. Next, pull the bottom section into another ponytail (right below the first) and secure with an elastic band.
3. Twist the top ponytail counterclockwise and wrap into a bun; pin into place.
4. Twist the bottom ponytail clockwise and wrap it around the top bun and pin into place.
5. Finish by spraying your hair with a strong-hold hairspray to set the look.
Photo by Shutterstock.
Fight Frizz
Don't let frizz get out of control. We asked Ouidad, the curl expert and owner of the Ouidad salon in New York City, to share her top three tips for battling frizz at home. Create a hair mask with avocado. Chop up an avocado before heading into the shower. After you shampoo and condition your hair, apply the avocado and run it through your entire head of hair. Let sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Hair will be left shiny, soft and frizz-free.Create your own leave-in conditioner. Add a dollop of conditioner to a bottle of water. Shake it up and pour a small amount into the palm of your hand. Rub the palms of your hands together and smooth over the top of your hair, running your fingers through to the ends. Let your hair dry naturally to eliminate frizz.Need a quick fix? Apply a dime-size amount of hand cream to the palms of your hands and rub them together; swipe hands over your hair to tame frizz.
Photo by Shutterstock.
Puffy Eyes
"Your eyes can swell up for a number of reasons, including fluid retention, an allergic reaction to a topical product, a new medication or even hereditary tendency," says St. Ives consulting dermatologist Marsha Gordon, MD. If you need more than an undereye cream to help deflate the puff, try an at-home eye massage. This is a quick and easy way to improve circulation to this delicate area.
1. With eyes closed, take the tips of your middle fingers and apply them just under the center of your browbone. Gently press in and hold for a count of five seconds.
2. Next, move fingers along the eye socket in a clockwise direction for the right eye and counterclockwise for the left eye. Continue to gently press in and hold for a count of five until you return to the original spot.
Photo by Shutterstock.
Attack a Blemish
Doesn't it always seem like a zit will pop up (literally!) every time you're getting ready for a big event? No worries! According to Dr. Gordon, you can calm a blemish flare-up by applying a cold skim-milk compress. Simply dip a cotton ball in a small dish of skim milk and dab it on the blemish. Or you can reduce swelling by dabbing pure aloe vera (a natural anti-inflammatory) onto the pimple. Most important, if you're going to apply concealer to cover up the blemish, use a cotton swab to prevent bacteria from getting on the actual product applicator and help stop other pimples from forming.
Photo by iStockphoto.
Scaly Skin
Dryness is often caused by low humidity or overexposure to environmental stressors like the sun. "To quickly give skin a smooth boost, dab olive oil onto dry patches and massage into skin. It's rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect your skin," says Dr. Gordon. You should also make it a habit to apply lotion immediately after stepping out of the shower to help lock in moisture.
Photo by iStockphoto.
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