Tips that will improve your looks in no time.
Susie Cushner
For Your Face
The problem: Lackluster skin.
The boost: Use tinted moisturizer and cream blush to make skin glow. “Apply moisturizer with a sponge right over any makeup you’re wearing,” says Kim Smith, a makeup artist in Fairfield, Connecticut. Try Olay Definity Color Recapture ($25 at drugstores). Then blend a pink or peach cream blush onto cheeks. Consider Stila Convertible Color in Peony ($25, stilacosmetics.com).
The boost: Use tinted moisturizer and cream blush to make skin glow. “Apply moisturizer with a sponge right over any makeup you’re wearing,” says Kim Smith, a makeup artist in Fairfield, Connecticut. Try Olay Definity Color Recapture ($25 at drugstores). Then blend a pink or peach cream blush onto cheeks. Consider Stila Convertible Color in Peony ($25, stilacosmetics.com).
The problem: Tired eyes.
The boost: Wake them up with an illuminating shadow and a mascara refresher. Use a concealer under the eyes if needed. Next, sweep a sheer gold-flecked powder over lids and on the inner corners. Try Lancôme Color Design Eye Shadow in Filigree ($18, lancome-usa.com). Also brush on one of the new mascara emulsifiers to rewet and smooth the mascara you applied in the morning.
The problem: Blah-looking lips.
The boost: Apply a berry-colored stain. It requires less precision than dark lipstick (just use a finger), and it won’t rub off. A rosy shade, like Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon ($25, beccacosmetics.com), flatters all complexions. Top with gloss for extra shine.
Susie Cushner
For Your Hair
The problem: Flat strands.
The boost: Tease small sections to add lift: Pick up a layer of hair at the crown, place a fine-tooth comb two inches from your scalp, and comb backward, says Roque, a stylist with the Wall Group in Los Angeles and New York. Try the Acca Kappa Beechwood Comb ($30, shopaccakappa.com). Repeat wherever you want height, then brush hair gently to smooth it.
The problem: Dullness.
The boost: Apply a shine enhancer that’s formulated for your hair type. If you have straight hair, run a towelette infused with defrizzing natural oils down its length. Try Jonathan Product Pocket Redo Freshen-Up Wipes ($13 for six,amazon.com). For curls and waves, apply styling cream to dry hair, then use your fingers to twirl and reshape curls. Experts like Kérastase Crème Oléo-Curl ($34, drugstore.com).
The problem: That same old bun or ponytail.
The boost: Add a little style with something subtly sparkly. Slip a pretty pin or barrette into your hair just behind one ear. Another option: Make a deep side part in line with the arch of one eyebrow before pulling your hair back, says Paula Ivins Kingston, owner of the Lucid Salon, in Lebanon, Ohio.
The boost: Tease small sections to add lift: Pick up a layer of hair at the crown, place a fine-tooth comb two inches from your scalp, and comb backward, says Roque, a stylist with the Wall Group in Los Angeles and New York. Try the Acca Kappa Beechwood Comb ($30, shopaccakappa.com). Repeat wherever you want height, then brush hair gently to smooth it.
The problem: Dullness.
The boost: Apply a shine enhancer that’s formulated for your hair type. If you have straight hair, run a towelette infused with defrizzing natural oils down its length. Try Jonathan Product Pocket Redo Freshen-Up Wipes ($13 for six,amazon.com). For curls and waves, apply styling cream to dry hair, then use your fingers to twirl and reshape curls. Experts like Kérastase Crème Oléo-Curl ($34, drugstore.com).
The problem: That same old bun or ponytail.
The boost: Add a little style with something subtly sparkly. Slip a pretty pin or barrette into your hair just behind one ear. Another option: Make a deep side part in line with the arch of one eyebrow before pulling your hair back, says Paula Ivins Kingston, owner of the Lucid Salon, in Lebanon, Ohio.
Susie Cushner
For Your Body
The problem: Pale, ashy skin.
The boost: Liven it up with a healthy helping of lotion and a dab of bronzer. Start with a lotion that has a hint of shimmer, which reflects light and renders imperfections (bumps, lumps, scars) less noticeable. Try Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance Moisturizer ($7.50 at drugstores). Stop here or add some color by rubbing a liquid bronzer between palms and applying it to exposed areas, like the legs, arms, and décolletage, in long strokes. Jemma Kidd Show Stopper Year Round Body Glow ($28, target.com) looks natural.
The problem: Unkempt hands and nails.
The boost: Give yourself a warp-speed manicure to polish things up. First moisturize with a thick hand cream to soften skin and cuticles. Smooth on Dove Cream Oil Intensive Hand Cream ($6 at drugstores). Trim nails to the same length (short looks most modern). Finally, apply one coat of a light metallic gold or silver lacquer that won’t show chips, says Eun Joo Tracy, a nail technician at G Spa, in Boston. Try Revlon Nail Enamel in Gold Get ’Em ($5 at drugstores), which looks pretty on all skin tones. Add a quick coat of the same color to your toes if they’ll be on display.
The boost: Liven it up with a healthy helping of lotion and a dab of bronzer. Start with a lotion that has a hint of shimmer, which reflects light and renders imperfections (bumps, lumps, scars) less noticeable. Try Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance Moisturizer ($7.50 at drugstores). Stop here or add some color by rubbing a liquid bronzer between palms and applying it to exposed areas, like the legs, arms, and décolletage, in long strokes. Jemma Kidd Show Stopper Year Round Body Glow ($28, target.com) looks natural.
The problem: Unkempt hands and nails.
The boost: Give yourself a warp-speed manicure to polish things up. First moisturize with a thick hand cream to soften skin and cuticles. Smooth on Dove Cream Oil Intensive Hand Cream ($6 at drugstores). Trim nails to the same length (short looks most modern). Finally, apply one coat of a light metallic gold or silver lacquer that won’t show chips, says Eun Joo Tracy, a nail technician at G Spa, in Boston. Try Revlon Nail Enamel in Gold Get ’Em ($5 at drugstores), which looks pretty on all skin tones. Add a quick coat of the same color to your toes if they’ll be on display.
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