Posted on

9 Summer Wedding Makeup Must-Haves to Keep You Smudge-Free

Whether you’re the blushing bride, a graceful maid of honor or a gushing guest in the pews, you’ll want to look your best at every summer wedding, shindig and elegant affair. But finding makeup that keeps you looking fresh and fabulous from the ceremony to the reception to the after party is hard enough without having to contend with tears of joy, heat, humidity and summer sweat. Short of shellacking your entire face (don’t pretend you haven’t considered it!), you’re going to need a beauty arsenal chock full of waterproof, smudge-proof and summer-proof essentials. We’ve rounded up our favorite summer wedding makeup must-haves that will keep you looking picture perfect from the first kiss to the last dance. So, do you want to see our top picks of waterproof makeup for weddings? Repeat after us: I do.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

A simple spritz of this refreshing, weightless spray is all you need. Patented temperature-control technology lowers the temp of your makeup to keep foundation, concealer and pigments in place — even in hot, wet or unpredictable weather. That means no melting, no cracking and no fading — it’s a veritable all-nighter for your face.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray

from Macy’s



Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil

You’ll want to stash a few key multipurpose products in your itty-bitty clutch purse to use throughout the night. Available in 39 shades, this game-changing must-have glides on like magic to line eyes and lips, fill in brows and add freckles, among other things.

Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil

from Sephora

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer Mini

You want to appear sun-kissed without exposing your skin to harmful rays. This natural-looking bronzer will give you a warm matte hue without any unwanted shine. You’ll look like you’ve been honeymooning in Tahiti before the big day.

Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer Mini

from Sephora



NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

This 16-hour waterproof foundation has a transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant and fade-resistant formula with medium to full, buildable coverage to ensure makeup stays fresh.

NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation

from Bluemercury

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

A favorite of makeup artists, this fine setting powder absorbs oil, reduces shine and keeps your makeup locked in place without adding any weight.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

from Bluemercury


[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge-Proof Eye Shadow Base

A little swipe of this on your lid, and eye shadow color will stay vibrant and smooth for hours on end.

NARS Pro-Prime Smudge-Proof Eye Shadow Base

from Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit

Get that dewy summer glow (without perpetual perspiration) with this amazing kit of eye, face and body highlighters — multipurpose primping at its best.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit
from JCPenney



Becca Beach Lip and Blush Tint

Going for a minimal, natural look? Swipe a bit of this on your cheeks and lips, and you’ll look radiant.

Becca Beach Lip and Blush Tint

from JCPenney

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

Not tears, nor sweat, nor water will keep you from looking like a gorgeous bombshell. This iconic mascara goes on smooth and delivers a serious dose of volume for up to 24 hours. Va-va-voom!

Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara

from Sephora

Posted on

What’s Your Spirit Fragrance?

[qzzr quiz=”460674″ width=”100%” height=”auto” redirect=”true” offset=”0″]

 

Our sense of smell is arguably the most mysterious and underrated of all. We all have the power to use scent to emphasize our intentions, inspire and influence our realities, and evoke certain mindsets. What are your hopes for this spring? Would you like to be more productive at work or attract the attention of a new partner? This quiz will reveal the super-power fragrance that could help you achieve your goals, inspired by spring 2018 fragrance launches.

Shop the Results


The Scent of Success

Tom Ford Eau de Soleil Blanc
from Neiman Marcus

The Scent of Love

Chloe Nomade
from Macy’s


[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

The Scent of Adventure

Aerin Hibiscus Palm
from Sephora

The Scent of Health

Gucci Bloom Acqua di Fiori Eau de Toilette
from Macy’s



The Scent of Joy

Marc Jacobs Daisy Love
from Sephora

Posted on

6 Natural Remedies to Give You Glowing Skin

Although many skin-care products use synthetic ingredients to treat common skin problems, these products also often feature nature’s own solutions. These plants are used not only as a “natural” marketing trick, but also because they have antimicrobial, moisturizing and exfoliating qualities — all of which you can harness by using the ingredients themselves to create your own natural skin-care products.

For Acne-Prone Skin


Apple Cider Vinegar

It’s not likely that apple cider vinegar will melt away fat like some Internet ads claim, but it is an astringent and clears up excess oil as an all-natural acne remedy. Use a diluted amount, though, and don’t use it every day, as it may dry out your skin.

Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
from Cost Plus World Market

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a great antibacterial, but it should be used in small doses. Some research has shown that it is as effective as benzoyl peroxide in spot-treating acne (and it’s so much cheaper!). Burt’s Bees Acne Treatment includes tea tree oil and sources willow bark as its exfoliating acid, and it claims to be gentle on your skin.

Burt’s Bees Spot Acne Treatment
from Walgreens

For Dehydration-Prone Skin


Coconut Oil

There are jokes about how coconut oil has become the do-it-all oil of the year, but it is probably best used as a natural moisturizer. If you’re prone to oily skin, use it to shave your legs and soften your hands and feet. Many people swear by making their own chapstick with coconut oil. You might love the smell, but fractionated coconut oil is an option if you don’t want the overwhelming perfume following you around all day.

Art Naturals 16-Ounce Fractionated Coconut Oil
from Overstock

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera may be the oldest cure for what ails you. Unsurprisingly, many products that claim aloe vera as an ingredient are watered down. If growing the plant yourself is not an option, you can buy aloe vera gel from most drugstores. The gel is less greasy than oils and lotions, making it a great natural face product to add glow. This will soothe sunburns or irritations more than brand-name creams, and its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can speed recovery for minor skin wounds.

Lily of the Desert Aloe Vera
from The Vitamin Shoppe


[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

For Irritation-Prone Skin


Oatmeal

Oatmeal baths aren’t good only for treating poison ivy. Oatmeal’s soothing properties are actually anti-inflammatory, which makes it good for rashes and irritations of all kinds. It has natural fats that moisturize without adding a lot of extra oil to your skin, which means your acne won’t flare up.

Dr. Teal’s Eczema Therapy Sensitive Skin Soaking Solution
from Walmart

Neem Leaves

Neem leaves have long been shown to treat eczema and reduce inflammation and fungus. They have a multitude of uses (toothpaste and even pesticide), and the oil is available if you don’t have it growing in your garden.

Neem Aura Neem Leaf
from The Vitamin Shoppe

Posted on

Fresh in Five: 8 Post-Workout Products to Get You Gorgeous in Minutes

No more excuses. Now that the kids are back in school, this mama needs to get her booty back to the gym. Good to see you, old frenemy — it’s been a while. Of course, with a jam-packed day that includes drop-off, errands, work, meetings and, oh yeah, pickup (is it 3 p.m. already?), I don’t have hours to while away at the sauna or in the steam room. I have to time my fitness routine to a T. Forty minutes of cardio, five minutes of primping and I’m out the door and on my way to the next scheduled activity. But don’t worry: I never hit the carpool line or conference room looking anything less than polished or smelling anything other than peachy. Thanks to the veritable beauty counter in my gym bag, I’m ready to go from the elliptical to the elementary school in no time — and you can too! From face-cleaning wipes to streamlined, on-the-go makeup must-haves, these essentials will have you looking and feeling fresh in five minutes flat.


Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

These cucumber-infused face-cleaning wipes remove sweat, dirt and makeup without the need for water. With a simple swoosh and swipe, they cleanse, exfoliate and freshen your complexion. Plus, they smell like a trip to the spa — because who actually has time to lounge around with cucumbers on their eyes?

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes

from Ulta Beauty

Caudalie Grape Water

Sure, you look and feel wet after an intense workout. But when you sweat, your body is literally losing water, which is why you need to drink and soak up all the H2O you can. After you’ve used your handy face-cleaning wipes, replenish that thirsty complexion with Caudalie Grape Water. With magical water-retaining powers, it intensely hydrates skin and instantly calms redness and sensitivity. Soothe your angry post-SoulCycle skin in seconds — because your body may be on fire, but your face doesn’t have to be.

Caudalie Grape Water

from Skin Store



Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Mini

Your quest for the best dry shampoo ends here. This mini travel bottle needs to be with you at all times. It doesn’t just mask dirty hair — it actually cleans it. Exercise means sweat, and this amazing product absorbs and removes oil, perspiration and odor with a simple spritz. Plus, it smells like a dream and gives you a quick volume bump without the telltale powder residue some dry shampoos leave behind.

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo Mini

from Living Proof

First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Triple Protection Skin Tint SPF 30 Bundle

Say hello to the Dream Team. This powerful product pair works together to give your natural beauty a boost. After an intense workout, the last thing I want to do is layer on heavy makeup — so I love that this nifty twosome gives me a naturally flawless face. Use the Vital Greens Face Mist to hydrate and even tone, and then dab on some Triple Protection Skin Tint for subtle, buildable coverage. This five-minute makeup must-have is less about masking, more about enhancing.

First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Triple Protection Skin Tint SPF 30 Bundle

from Sephora



Yuni Shower Sheets Large Body Wipes

Sometimes an actual locker-room shower can’t happen. Who has the time, want or will to undress, dry off and redress — in public? Avoid those nasty public-shower germs altogether with these super-soft oversize body wipes. They’re pre-moistened to cleanse, refresh and naturally deodorize your body from head to toe. Made with refreshing peppermint and energizing citrus, these babies are as invigorating as they are effective.

Yuni Shower Sheets Large Body Wipes

from Sephora

DermaDoctor Med E Tate Antiperspirant Wipes

B.O. is not an option when you have places to go and people to see. Thankfully, these revolutionary (yes, revolutionary) topical wipes mimic the anti-sweating properties of Botox — minus the needle. With the highest potency of antiperspirant, you’ll be dry as a desert and fresh as a daisy faster than you can say, “No B.O.-tox.”

DermaDoctor Med E Tate Antiperspirant Wipes

from Dermstore



Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream

A simple daily face moisturizer is a must — and this one is a forever favorite. Made with rose water and rose flower oil, it continues to deliver hydration to the skin throughout the day.

Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream

from Sephora

Rosebud Salve

One coat of mascara and a little lip balm and you’re out the door. There’s a reason Rosebud Salve is a tried-and-true cult classic. It heals, hydrates and adds glow to dry lips, cracked skin and minor irritations and burns. You can even use it on diaper rash — something we certainly hope you’re not dealing with at the gym.

Rosebud Salve

from Ulta Beauty

Posted on

4 Secrets to Growing Luscious Locks

Whether you’re recovering from a botched ’do or you simply aspire to the locks of a fairy-tale heroine, growing out your hair can be a long, laborious process. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes you can make to expedite the growth. Here are four tried-and-true tips for longer, healthier hair.

Stock Up on Super Foods

Your diet has a major influence on your hair. Eating certain foods can leave your hair thicker, richer, fuller and healthier. For more lustrous locks, experts advise stocking up on eggs (a rich protein source), oysters (they’re full of zinc, which helps with hair loss) and carrots (they’re high in vitamin A, which keeps your hair healthy and hydrated). Other grocery-list must-haves: lentils, dark green veggies and salmon.

Sleep on Satin

Wearing your hair pulled up in a ponytail or bun can be damaging. It’s also ill-advised to sleep on a cotton pillowcase. Switching to a satin option can cause fewer tangles and result in much healthier hair long term.

For a glamorous option, try a SLIP Silk Pillowcase.

SLIP Silk Pillowcase
from Sephora

SLIP silk Pillowcase
[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

Get Regular Trims

Hair grows roughly a half-inch each month. It can be tempting to skip regular trims — especially if it involves losing some of your length — but it’s wise to get a snip every three to four months. A great stylist can help you through the grow-out process by cutting only the dead ends, which should result in healthier-looking hair in the long run.


green pastures cod liver oil

Try a Supplement

Although there’s no proof that hair-growth pills work, some people do experience a difference when they take a regular supplement designed to support healthier hair. One of the most well-known supplements on the market is biotin. Another option is fermented cod liver oils. These are rich in omega-3s, which support hair growth.

Try Country Life Biotin and Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil.

Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil
from Walmart

Posted on

5 Makeup Must-Haves That Pull Double Duty

It’s easy to indulge yourself in the name of beauty. After all, a new lipstick or a fun eye shadow doesn’t make that big of a dent in the budget, right? But all of those little cosmetic splurges add up. And despite what many beauty blogs tell you, you don’t need 10,000 makeup products to look great. Thanks to multipurpose products, you can get by with a minimal makeup load.


Lip Balm

Come winter, you swear by the stuff to keep your lips smooth. But a high-quality lip balm can be used in a variety of ways. Rub it into your cuticles to keep your nails looking polished, or use it on your hair to keep flyaways at bay. You can also mix your balm with a little eye shadow for a glossier look.

Stick to a cult classic with Kiehl’s famous Lip Balm #1.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
from Neiman Marcus

Mascara

A great mascara will keep your lashes looking longer and fuller, but you can also use it as an eyeliner. Here’s how: Bring the wand up to your lash line, making sure to get the brush as close to the eyelid as possible. Instead of sweeping upward, wiggle it back and forth on the bottom lash line.

Try Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara for an intense look.

Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Mascara
from Target


[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

Cream Blush

A pretty cream blush is amazing for giving you a pretty, flushed glow. You can also use the product for a makeshift eye shadow, or mix it with a balm for a DIY lip color. Use your middle finger to lightly tap the cream onto your lips and lids.

Try e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush for a natural-looking effect

e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Blush
from Ulta Beauty

BB Cream

You’ve probably heard of BB cream, but what is it? It’s a beauty and blemish cream that protects, corrects and moisturizes. Instead of splurging on moisturizers, concealers and foundations, you can get it all from this one product. Many BB creams even offer sunscreen, so you can skip that step too.

For an amazing BB cream, try Bobbi Brown BB Cream.

Bobbi Brown BB Cream
from Sephora



Multiple Stick

A good multiple stick is pretty much the only thing you need to pack for a long weekend away. We love ones that are bronzy and creamy. You can blend it with your body lotion for a shimmering body cream. You can mix it with your moisturizer for a little glow to add to your cheeks, lids and the center of your lips. Or you can use it to contour your face.

For a reliable multiple stick, try NARS The Multiple Stick.

NARS The Multiple Stick
from Sephora

Posted on

5 Fab Face Masks for Every Skin Type

Summer weather takes a massive toll on your complexion — even when you’re diligent about applying sunscreen and limit your sun exposure to a minimum. Makeup-melting humidity, chlorine from the pool and all that time outdoors can lead to blemishes and sunburn, but you don’t need to book a pricey facial at a spa to remedy the situation. The most popular facial masks on the market can help leave your skin glowing, radiant and ready for the fall. The key is to find a mask that’s right for you. According to aestheticians, many people fail to see positive results because they’re using the wrong product for their skin type. Here, we’ve pulled together a roundup of the best masks for every skin woe.


Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Mask

Congested Skin

Combination and oily skin can really suffer during summertime, when clogged pores can leave your complexion looking tired and dull. Experts advise trying an antioxidant-rich mask with ingredients such as lavender and clay. Many clay masks can be too harsh for most skin types, so stick to ones containing gentle exfoliating citric and lactic acids. We love Blemish Clearing Organic Mask by Juice Beauty. Purifying clay helps to clear pores, while bamboo extracts soothe.

Blemish Clearing Organic Mask
from Juice Beauty

Mature Skin

Mature skin requires extra moisture to help it retain a plumped appearance — especially around the eyes. Anti-aging masks, loaded with toning ingredients and antioxidants such as green tea, are imperative. Omega-3s will help give your skin that coveted radiance with an uplifting boost. Try Shira Omega-3 Nourishing Mask to plump up skin instantly.

Shira Omega-3 Nourishing Mask
from Walmart

Shira Omega 3 Nourishing Mask
[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

Amore Pacific Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Mask

Sensitive Skin

Summertime dirt and increased exposure to polluted air can be hazardous to sensitive skin, causing rashes and irritation. It’s important to take extra-good care of sensitive skin, and a five-minute mask could work wonders. A warning: Sensitive skin is particularly reactive when it comes to masks. It’s wise to avoid products with highly concentrated ingredients and mineral oils. Sensitive skin will benefit from calming and detoxing ingredients to restore radiance. Spot treat any problem areas, and be careful not to leave the product on your skin for too long. Less is more! Try AmorePacific’s Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque to hydrate while you sleep.

Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Masque
from AmorePacific

Combination Skin

This one can be tricky, as different areas of your face may require completely different treatments. For most people with combo skin, the T-zone is oily and the cheeks are dry. An instant fix: Double up on your masks. Approach your face-mask routine in layers, targeting areas by selecting a clay mask and a soft hydrating one. Try Aveda’s Deep Cleansing Clay Masque on oily patches and Aveda’s Intense Hydrating Masque to hydrate and cool the skin.

 

Botanical Kinetics Deep Cleansing Clay Masque
from Aveda

Botanical Kinetics Deep Cleansing Clay Masque

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Clay Mask

Oily Skin

Those with oilier skin should seek out a mask with oils. It’s similar to your body requiring good fat: Your skin needs oils. When it’s stripped of those essential oils, it creates more sebum, which results in an oilier complexion. The key here is looking for the right oils. Try a mask loaded with lightweight oils like tea tree and jojoba. Stay away from pore-cloggers, such as beeswax. Try the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Clay Mask to refresh the skin without drying it out.

Tea Tree Oil Skin Clearing Clay Mask
from The Body Shop

Posted on

How to Always Look Like You Got Enough Sleep

It has been more than a decade since I’ve had good sleep (#momlife). There are lots of things about parenting that are an exaggeration, but this no-sleep business is as real as it gets. I’ve been in the thick of it with three kids for a long time and, out of necessity, I have learned some tricks of the trade along the way (how not to look completely exhausted, for example). For the record, these tips are not just for moms, but also for anyone who knows they’re not getting enough Zs and wants to look rested and refreshed in the morning.

My 10-Minute Routine for Looking Well-Rested

Two Minutes Before Bed

After a long, busy day, you barely have enough energy to change out of your clothes. It’s rough. No judgement. Here is a trick that makes a huge difference and doesn’t take a lot of time: Wash your face with your daily cleanser, and then slather on this Overnight Mask from Origins. This mask will quench your skin’s thirst while you sleep, and you’ll wake up with hydrated skin.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

Eight Minutes In the Morning

I have a friend who gets up at 4:30 a.m. for Crossfit regardless of how many times her toddler got up in the middle of the night. If you have the stamina for that, then high five! I’m not a morning person, so exercising in the a.m. — especially after a short night of sleep — is out of the question. However, I have recently discovered a way to get a burst of energy in the morning without having to hit the gym. It’s called dry brushing.

Aveda Tulasara oleation oil

At first I thought it was a silly fad, but once I started doing it I became a convert. It’s an easy way to get circulation going and feel more awake and alert when all you want to do is crawl back in bed. I dry brush and oleate my face with this Aveda kit, which takes only about two minutes. While the oil is on my face, I dry brush the rest of my body with a bamboo bristle brush for about three minutes. If you have never dry brushed before, you can find a lot of tutorials online.

ecotools back brush

After I dry brush, I take a minute to hydrate my skin with Plant Therapy peppermint body cream. The peppermint is cooling to the body and helps wake me up. After that, I go back to my face to remove the oil and give it a good, clean pampering. On rough nights when I don’t get a lot of sleep, I bust out the good stuff —  Lancôme to the rescue! This Lancôme Visionnaire Starter Kit fits my budget and has all the essentials I need to finish off my routine so I can look well-rested for the rest of the day.Plant Therapy Peppermint Body Cream

If I can’t treat myself to a good night’s sleep, I treat myself to 10 minutes of self-care so I can look and feel refreshed in the morning before tackling another busy day.

Posted on

Save on Makeup: Affordable Alternatives to Hot Brands

A bold lip can improve your life. Not only is it an instant pick-me-up, but it’s also an easy, commitment-free way to change up your look without spending a fortune. And you don’t even have to splurge on department-store lines. Our favorite under-the-radar brands offer cosmetics that cost less than a latte. Here, five new companies to consider.

1. If you love MAC, you’ll appreciate NYX Cosmetics

MAC Cosmetics has a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. The edgy makeup company delivers on both classics (just ask fans of their cult-classic red lipstick, Ruby Woo) and trends (like their Good Luck Trolls, RiRi Hearts and Barbie collections) in a fun, spirited way. Get your fix the cheap way with NYX Cosmetics. This line, available at CVS and Walgreens, features slick packaging and amazingly bold shades of super-pigmented matte lipsticks. Smart swap: NYX Professional Makeup Dose of Dew Face Gloss ($9) instead of MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish Highlighter ($33).

NYX dose of dew face gloss

2. If you love Stila Cosmetics, you’ll love e.l.f. Cosmetics

Stila is the reigning favorite for gorgeous shimmers, metallics and sheer eye shadows. Kitten, a soft, pretty pink, is a makeup-artist staple. The packaging is simple yet pretty, and the quality is makeup-artist worthy. For a more affordable fix, check out e.l.f. Cosmetics. Everything is less than $30, including the fan-favorite glimmering eye shadows. Smart swap: e.l.f. Cosmetics Baked Eye Shadow Trio ($1.60) instead of Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Gold Glow ($12).

Elf Baked Eyeshadow Trio

3. If you love NARS, you’ll love Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics

From orange-red Heat Wave to shocking pink Schiap, NARS Cosmetics consistently creates the best bold lipsticks. However, at almost $30 a pop, they aren’t exactly a cheap thrill. Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) is well-known for its Lip Tar. The super-pigmented tubes are available in intense shades and mini sizes. Smart swap: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Stained Gloss in New Wave ($9.50) instead of NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in Place Vendome ($26).

OCC Lip Tar Stained Gloss

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

4. If you love Too Faced, you’ll love Barry M

If you’re addicted to palettes, chances are you know about Too Faced. The Peach Glow compact is super popular, and the adorable packaging (Sweethearts Bronzer, Chocolate Soleil) is a step up from your basic bronzers. A line you might not already know is Barry M. Popular in the United Kingdom, the brand specializes in neutral palettes. It also sells fun swivel-up blush sticks, glitter pots and cheap lipsticks. Smart swap: Try Barry M’s Contour Kit ($11.50) instead of Too Faced’s Cocoa Contour Chiseled to Perfection ($42).

Barry M's Contour Kit

5. If you love Clinique, you’ll love Physicians Formula

Clinique is a classic for simple packaging and products perfect for sensitive skin. Its Dramatically Different Foundation is one of the most beloved beauty products of all time. Drugstore line Physicians Formula has a similar mission statement, but offers products that are a fraction of Clinique’s prices. Physician’s Formula specializes in cosmetics for people with allergies. Find eye shadow palettes for less than $12 and glosses for less than $10. Smart swap: Try Physicians Formula Nude Wear Touch of Glow Foundation ($15) instead of Clinique’s Even Better Makeup SPF 15 ($28).

Physician's Formula Foundation Concealer

Posted on

9 Tips to Conquer a Bad Hair Day

Blame it on the weather, laziness or an unfavorable trip to the salon — bad hair days happen, and they happen to the best of us. But whether you’re bummed out about your bangs or annoyed over frizz, there’s a solution for every problem. Below, nine fixes to banish your bad hair days forever.

1. Try a Hairline Braid If Your Bangs Are Sticking Up

This style looks cool, and it’s super easy to master. Mist your hair with a texturizing spray before plaiting to help the pieces grip each other and stay in place. Then pin it behind your ear with two bobby pins fixed in an X shape.

2. Use Braids to Control Curls

While your hair is still damp, gather it into two sections. Form two braids and let the hair “cook” for 20 minutes. The style will coax your hair into soft, loose waves free of fuzz.

3. Pull Hair into a Half Updo

Half-up styles give your hair structure with minimal effort, and they instantly work to brighten your face. To master the look, section out the top layer of your hair and fasten it with a hair tie.

4. Dry Shampoo Is Your Secret Weapon

You don’t have to wash your hair every day. Before going to bed, douse it with dry shampoo. The product will soak into your hair while you sleep so you can wake up, style and go.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

5. Rock Frizz-less Curls

Sometimes you want to play with your hair’s natural volume with a more natural look. To take advantage of the fuzziness, flip your head upside down and fluff the hair around the nape of your neck with your hands or a hair pick. This builds body from underneath.

6. Cure Hat Head by Switching Your Part

Before you put on your hat, flip your hair over to the opposite side on which you normally wear your hair. Switch it again when you take off the hat.

7. Tame Bangs with Accessories

Anyone with bangs knows the awkward grow-out stage. You can’t make it in for a trim quite yet, but your bangs are in your face. Embrace bobby-pin art. Instead of just sticking them in wherever, make the look purposeful with a cross design.

8. Rev Up Flat Hair with Hairspray

Try using hairspray on the underside of the roots, let it dry and then run your hands through to add volume. You can also use a blow-dryer, flipping your hair over to add a boost.

9. Fix Ponytail Bumps by Making It a Double

The only way to get rid of an unsightly ponytail bump is to wet your hair or to apply heat. If you don’t have the time to mess with it, you can opt instead for a double ponytail. Leave the top section out while gathering the back into a pony, secure it with elastic, add in the front section and secure it with a second elastic.