Express Beauty: Get Gorgeous in No Time
Sandra Ramani
Technology has gotten us addicted to instant gratification -- so why should our beauty regimes be any different? When you don't have time to run through the gamut of potions lining the bathroom shelf, try these quick fixes for hair, skin and teeth.
These tips promise to prettify in less than two-and-a-half minutes. Now, what are you going to do with all that free time?
Hair
The Issue: Frizz
The Fix:
Rub a dollop of tea tree oil or olive oil between your palms and run through hair with your head flipped forward, says Bella Schneider, owner of the California-based LaBelle Day Spas and Salons. "These oils are often found in many high-end products, but they can be more effective in their natural state --not to mention more cost effective, too!" Or, try a smoothing anti-frizz cream for dry hair.
The Issue: Flat Hair
The Fix:
"Sprinkle a bit of hair powder or talcum onto roots," suggests Mike Petrizzi from New York City's De Berardinis Salon. Let sit for a minute and brush down the shaft. This will zap oil and refresh your style. Powder can also add body while stripping the oils.
Skin
The Issue: Clogged Pores
The Fix:
Do a DYI steam. "Put fresh mint, thyme and sage in a bowl of hot water," says Margo Marrone, a homeopathic pharmacist and founder of London-based The Organic Pharmacy. With a towel over your head, place your face above the bowl into the steam. Stay there for about two minutes. This helps decongest and clear out any debris. For a deeper clean, apply a clay-packed mask.
The Issue: Sunburn
The Fix:
Reach for your favorite dairy products. The live cultures found in yogurt, sour cream or cottage cheese can repair damaged skin tissue and impart immediate relief, says Schneider. Spread over the infected area and feel results in two minutes. Bonus: When you store it in the fridge, dairy also imparts a cooling sensation.
The Issue: Dry or Dull Skin
The Fix:
Use a dry brush to slough away dead cells. The action helps energize the body and boost circulation, says Marrone. Starting at the feet, rub your skin in gentle circles with a loofah and move up the body. Tackle legs, arms, back (with strokes moving towards the stomach) then finish with the abdomen, stomach and chest.
Make movements toward the heart to help increase blood flow to the skin. Note: Dry brushing is best performed while standing in the shower, so that you can rinse off immediately afterward.
Teeth
The Issue: Bad Breath or Stained Teeth
The Fix:
If you don't have a mint or a sprig of parsley, swish water around in your mouth for 30 seconds, says Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, whose clients include Bridget Moynahan, Tom Brady and Usher. "This action helps remove any food particles that may be stuck to teeth, which can cause less-than-fresh breath." A swish of water will also prevent stains from drinks such as coffee from staying on your teeth. Alternatively, bite into an apple. "Raw fruits and veggies (like celery) are loaded with fiber, a natural abrasive that can help clean teeth," he says.
Nails
The Issue: Yellow Nails
The Fix:
"Fill a small bowl with hydrogen peroxide and soak nails for two minutes," says Schneider. This quickly whitens the area while treating the buildup of dead skin cells, which can cause the discoloration.
The Issue: Raggedy Cuticles
The Fix:
"Use a soft nail-file to buff dry skin around the nail," says Roxanne Valinoti, education training manager for Creative Nail Design. The quick strokes can soften skin without clipping. Apply hydrating oil to each cuticle to add much-needed moisture.
Sandra Ramani has covered spa, beauty, travel and lifestyle topics for Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Essence and NYMag.com. She is currently a contributing editor for Organic Spa Magazine and SpaWeek.com
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