on 7:42 PM

Step 1: Decide what type of skin you have.

This is important so you know how to care for your skin and what products to use. There are 3 basic skin types: dry, oily and combination skin types.

Type 1: Dry Skin

Dry skin occurs when the dermis does not secrete enough oil, or sebum. The result is tight, drawn, flaky skin and a dull complexion. In more extreme cases, dry skin lacks elasticity and can be extremely sensitive to the sun, wind, and cold temperatures.

Type 2: Oily Skin

This type of skin has over-reactive oil producing glands, which makes the face shiny, especially the forehead, down the central panel of your nose and the chin (the T-zone). The pores of this skin type are enlarged making it prone to blackhead, pimple and acne. Oily skin needs special cleansing to keep the pores unclogged.

Type 3: Combination Skin

People with combination skin typically have some oily skin and either normal or dry skin on different parts of their face. Normal skin has a balanced oil and water content and feels smooth and velvety, not dry or oily. Normal skin is evenly toned with tiny, generally unclogged pores. After a wash it feels smooth and comfortable. Normal skin only occasionally breaks out in spots.

Combination: Normal to Oil

People with normal to oily skin generally have normal skin on their cheeks and oily skin with enlarged pores on their T zone, the area that stretches across the forehead and down the nose and chin. The T-zone needs extra attention as spots may often break out in this area.

Combination: Dry to Oily

This skin type is also marked by oily skin in the T zone and dry, taut skin on the cheeks.

Step 2: Develop a good daily Skincare regime.

There are 3 steps to basic daily skincare:

a. Cleansing

b. Toning

c. Moisturising

Let's break down each step.

Cleansing does just that, it cleans your skin. By cleansing, you are removing any dirt, oil, bacteria and makeup.

Toning does three things: it removes anything that your cleanser didn't already take care of, it restores the pH level of your skin and it prepares your skin to receive the moisturiser.

Moisturising helps to seal in your skin's natural oils and it acts as a barrier between your skin and the environment. Even oily skin needs a moisturiser, but chose a light product. It is best to moisturize immediately after applying toner. Moisturising is something everyone of every skin type should do, including those with oil rich skin.

Besides these daily steps you should also, less frequently, exfoliate and use a facial mask.

Exfoliation allows you to remove dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin. The circular motion in which exfoliating should be performed also helps to stimulate your skin allowing oxygen to come to the surface. Exfoliating is a crucial step for those with either dry skin or those with dehydrated oil rich skin.

Facial masks give you an extra boost to combat any concerns you might have for your skin. Just remember not to keep your mask on for more than 15 minutes because you could actually burn your skin. All masks should not be applied on the eyes (there are eye masks specifically formulated for this delicate area) and should be washed off with a warm face cloth.

So how often should you really be doing all of this ? Cleansing, toning and moisturising should happen twice daily; morning and night. You can exfoliate and give yourself a mask every one to two weeks depending on your skincare concerns.

Here are the steps you should follow for your day to day routine:

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Moisturise

And here are the steps to be followed on the days you choose to also exfoliate and apply a mask:

1. Cleanse

2. Tone

3. Exfoliate

4. Tone

5. Mask

6. Tone

7. Moisturise

This may seem like a lot to do but your every day routine shouldn't take more than 3 minutes and your weekly routine no more than 20 minutes.

Step 3. Choose appropriate skincare products for your skin type

Your beauty specialist will be able to advise you on the best products for your skin type and skin care routine.

Step 4. Lifestyle impacts on the health and appearance of your skin, here are some lifestyle tips for enhancing your skin's appearance:

1. Avoid over exposure to the sun.

Sun damage leads to hyper-pigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher foundation or sun cream on all exposed skin, especially on your face.

2. Don't smoke

Easier said than done for smokers but please remember your skin is a large organ and it needs a lot of circulation. Smoking impairs circulation dramatically. That's why smokers' skin can look dull and gray

3. Get adequate rest and nutrition

Eat right and get plenty of rest. Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regime.

4. Protect yourself from stress - both emotional and environmental stress.

5. Touch your face less and wash your hands more!

It's very tempting to pick, poke, squeeze, and scratch in front of the mirror. But the more you traumatize the skin, the greater your risk of scarring. Apply treatment products and let them work.

6. Keep your makeup clean.

Replace the sponges in your compact on a regular basis.

7. Exercise.

Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which helps skin look young.

Donna is a trained makeup artist with her own beauty business. As both a business women and a mom with 2 children Donna understands the time pressures on women today and through this, and other articles, has endeavored to take the complexity out of looking great with some busy women friendly beauty tips and advice. If you would like to read more of Donna's articles check out her website: http://www.coloursandscents.co.nz

on 12:57 PM

When Miuccia Prada abandoned her signature ladylike aesthetic in favor of dark chunky knits, animal prints, and sky-high platforms for her fall collection, she sent a strong message: The prim lady had officially been supplanted by the 21st-century uber-woman. (Presumably, the former muse is off fending for herself somewhere in the urban jungle?.) And Prada wasn?t alone: In New York, Milan, and Paris, the runway heroine du jour represented a dramatic departure from the fresh-faced girls and submissive sex kittens of seasons past. The sartorial shift was also accompanied by a new crop of beauty trends, with blood red lips eclipsing shimmer, smoldering eyes ousting beach-bunny bronzer, and pin-straight hair surpassing more romantic styles. Here, the top six beauty trends from the fall 2006 shows.

Hot Lips
Along with trousers, tulip skirts, and ankle boots, bold lipstick is part of the power woman?s fall uniform. (Think of it as war paint to ornament your new, no-nonsense attitude.) Tuleh?s ?40s-style collection inspired a high-sheen berry lip, while Valentino?s matte red added a shot of color to the designer?s largely colorless collection. Jill Stuart chose a glossy purple, while Behnaz Sarafpour, Miu Miu, and Diane von Furstenberg all opted for classic crimsons. At Alice Roy, nearly black lips were a perfect complement to the designer?s edgy, neo-punk vision.
Trend Tips: The key to wearing bold lip colors is keeping the rest of your makeup minimal (combining this trend with a smoky eye or heavy blush will lead to certain disaster). For more staying power, add a sheer coat of foundation to lips first, followed by a light dusting of powder and lipliner. Apply the color in several light coats, blotting with a tissue between each layer.
Best Bets: Nars Lipstick in Fire Down Below, Chanel Rouge Hydrabase in Shanghai Red, Tarte Double Ended Lipgloss in Bonnie & Clyde, Clinique Quickliner for Lips in Deep Red, Sephora Jumbo Pencil in Raspberry, Sally Hansen Diamond Lip Treatment in Always Asher.


The Eyes Have It
Eye makeup was unusually restrained for spring, but it made a serious comeback at the fall shows. At Allessandro Dell?Acqua, eyes were rimmed with sexy rock-goddess smudges; at Rochas, the lines were blurred with moody black shadows; and at Missoni and Narciso Rodriguez, the models wore thick ?80s-inspired liner on the bottom lids. Victor & Rolf and Armani both shifted the focus to the top lid with retro-style wings, while Zac Posen, J. Mendel, and Badgley Mischka opted for an eye that was both dramatic and wearable. You probably won?t see Christian Dior?s or Gucci?s theatrical looks at the office, but both will provide plenty of inspiration for more experimental beauty addicts.
Trend Tips: If you?re using a pencil that?s too hard, heat it under the hair dryer for a few seconds to soften the tip (just be careful not to melt the liner or burn yourself). If you have small eyes, keep the emphasis on top, rather than on the lower lid. And if you have bags or circles, use concealer?without it, dark liner will only emphasize undereye problems.
Best Bets: M.A.C. Eyeshadow in Black Tied, Urban Decay Glide-on Pencil in Zero, Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Pointe-Noire, Goldie Smudgable Liquid Line in Maha, Too Faced Lava Gloss Super Glossy Eyeliner in Chocolate, NYC Brow/Eye Liner Pencil in 921.


Devil May Care
The minimalist makeup that swept the spring runways also made an appearance for fall. But this time, barely there faces seem to make a more subversive statement (think unabashedly naked, as opposed to coquettishly nude). In the absence of color, the spotlight shifted to a strong brow at Yves Saint Laurent, Chlo?, and Fendi, while Jil Sander?s and Balenciaga?s underdone approach put the models? luminous skin and bone structure center stage. At Marc Jacobs, carefully chosen hints of neutral color complemented the designer?s heavily layered collection.
Trend Tips: For a face that looks uncontrived but not disheveled, invest in a good-quality concealer and brow gel. To camouflage flaws and even out your complexion, use a tinted moisturizer or primer. And to keep skin from looking flat, sweep an iridescent highlighter along the cheeks and browbones.
Best Bets: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, Smashbox Artificial Light Luminizing Lotion, Benefit Moon Beam, Lauren Hutton Tinted Moisturizer + Sheer Concealer, Biotherm Light Catch Moisturizing Illuminating Concealer, Sue Devitt Aromatic Camouflage Concealer.


Lighter Side
Although dark lips ruled several runways, other designers opted for pale pouts?the perfect foil to this season?s intense eye makeup. Chanel?s beige lip evoked the ?60s, Dolce & Gabbana?s golden take complemented the designer?s opulent couture, and Burberry?s pale pink transformed the models from fresh-faced girls into cool ice queens. Alberta Ferretti?s powdery version was paired with a shimmery golden eye, while Celine and Carolina Herrera each offered a sheerer take on the trend.
Trend Tips: Although it?s stunning on the runway, a pale lip that?s too beige or matte can look deadly in real life. To keep from looking like a corpse, choose lipsticks and glosses with a little peach (if your skin tone is warm) or pink (if you?re cool), and finish with a dab of clear gloss.
Best Bets: M.A.C. Lipglass in Uberpeach, Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss, Jaqua Carmel Cappuccino Lip Whip, Shu Uemura Lolishine Rouge in 968, Too Faced Diamond Gloss in Lilac, Clarins Color Quench Lip Balm No. 10.


The Tip-Off
Nails went to extremes this season, from polish-free and clear-coated to dark, goth-style tips (with almost nothing in between). Gone were the brights, the glitter, and the nail art?fall?s sophisticated lady wears somber nail colors or none at all. Most designers chose a colorless look, including J. Mendel and Derek Lam. At Marc Jacobs, the models didn?t wear polish but kept their nails looking neat with Essie?s Cuticle Pen. In contrast, Nanette Lepore?s wore Essie?s Wicked, a rich burgundy-brown, while Alice Roy?s were treated to an even darker shade in keeping with the show?s nearly black lips.
Trend Tips: Colorless nails and dark, vampy enamels can both draw attention to imperfections, so be sure cuticles are neat. In addition, keep tips no longer than one-half the length of your nail bed, and use a ridge-filler or ridge-filling base coat to create a smooth surface.
Best Bets: Essie Cuticle Pen and Wicked Nail Colour, Lippmann Collection Nail Polish in Sophisticated Lady, OPI Ridge Filler, La Cross Curved-Blade Nail Scissors, Avon Nailwear Nail Enamel in Femme, Elizabeth Arden Nail Polish in Christopher St. Cappuccino C, Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Voodoo.


Straight Edge
It seems like just last year?and it was?that women were finally ditching their flatirons, and granted, the shows did see several wavy styles and romantic updos. But the biggest news in hair was the return of long, pin-straight strands. Getting the look can be grueling for many women, but Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass, Luca Luca, Stella McCartney, and Versace all opted for sleek, center-parted locks. Pucci, Costume National, and Ralph Lauren chose similar styles with just a bit of bend on the bottom, while straight tresses were side-parted and left loose at Marni, casually secured at Moschino, and slickly swept at Giambattista Valli.
Trend Tips: For smoother results and to reduce the risk of damage, apply a dime-size amount of a heat-protecting and defrizzing product evenly throughout damp strands. When you blow-dry, work in small sections from the bottom to the top of your head, and if you?re using a flatiron, keep it moving to prevent singeing.
Best Bets: Farouk Chi Ceramic Flatiron, Sedu Ionic Ceramic Tourmaline Straightener, Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream, Ojon Hydrating Styling Cream, John Frieda Straight Answer Styling Spray, Philip B. Drop Dead Straightening Baume, ISO Tamer Smoothing Defrizzing Gel, Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum.

Jennifer Riley is a senior of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com For more articles on beauty trends, visit the Beauty Addict Magazine Blog at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/blog/

on 7:03 PM

There are several cosmetic application techniques that are used by top Tinseltown makeup artists and professional stylists on runways models and Hollywood actresses, both on movie sets and for special events across the world. These techniques apply to women of all ages. These techniques will really bring out your best features, and help camouflage areas you feel may need a little more help or a radiance boost.

We Will Discuss the Following Techniques:

Foundation Application Techniques

Eyebrow Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application

Eyeliner Application

Eyeshadow Color Choices and Application Techniques

Foundation: Color Choice and Application Technique

Foundation is one of the most important cosmetics you will purchase and use. It is absolutely imperative that you pick the right shade of foundation. Pick a shade lighter than your skin tone and try to stay away from reddish or pink tones, as they tend to look very pink and ruddy in artificial lighting, and can make your skin appear uneven and flushed.

Foundation Application Technique

It is not negotiable that you apply your foundation with a makeup pad. There are some really excellent sponge makeup applicators right now that are used by makeup artists, and are a favorite of women everywhere who want to get the most natural and well blended look from their foundation.

Makeup sponges create wonderful, even finish since they make it nearly impossible to put too much foundation on, due to their absorption of excess liquid. Be sure to thoroughly blend the makeup with the sponge, covering each and every area of the face evenly and equally, including right up to the hairline, and even on the neck, so that there is not an obvious line where your foundation ends and your real neck color begins!

Eyebrows: Shaping, Arching and Pencil Application Technique

Eyebrow pencils are also one of the most important cosmetics in your beauty collection and daily makeup routine. Carefully choose the pencil color to be a shade lighter than your natural eyebrow color. This way, it will look more natural, instead of obviously drawn on. When tweezing, follow the natural arch and shape of the brow bone and be sure to tweeze any stray hair often, for a clean and classic eyebrow shape like those coveted brows of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Catherine Zeta Jones.

Eyeliner: How to Select Color, and Application Technique

Eyeliner is a great cosmetic for accentuating, dramatizing, and bringing out your natural eye color and enhancing or even changing the shape of the eye. As with all other essential cosmetics, there is a specific technique for getting perfect results from eyeliner application. Brown is one of my personal favorites since it is so versatile and looks good on everyone in the daytime and at night. Brown can also be applied sparingly for a great, light daytime look, or more heavily for a smudgy, smoldering night time look.

Black eyeliner should probably be reserved for nights out on the town, or any night time usage, since black tends to be too severe in the natural daylight, and can actually wash you out and magnify complexion imperfections during the day when sun light is at its peak. If you still want to wear black during the day, that's fine. Just choose a more muted shade of black, such as a slate gray or a grey black - which is a great color between black and grey that many cosmetics companies are now offering.

Now that you know what color to use for eyeliner, here's the technique for applying it. Start with a sharp eyeliner pencil, lining the rim of your eye as close to the lower row of eyelashes as you can get without getting any of the cosmetic in your eye.

With a sponge-tipped cosmetics smudger, gently smudge the line you created using a gentle horizontal back and forth movement. You should always smudge your eyeliner at least a little bit - more if you want it more dramatic, or smokey looking. Eyeliner that has not been smudged looks to artificial and too severe. All good makeup jobs that you've seen are the result of good smudging!

If you want to make your eyes appear larger, use a bright white eye liner pencil (I know it seems weird, but trust me on this) on the very inner corners of the lower lid. This is a great trick that makeup artists use to create an optical illusion that the eyes are larger and brighter in color.

Eyeshadow: Color Selection and Application Technique

The first rule of thumb for this excellent and versatile, face altering cosmetic is to stay away from colors with pink, red or auburn hues, and these do not flatter most skin types. These tones actually tend to bring out the red, bloodshot look in the eyes, and make the eyes appear smaller than they really are, which I don't think is what any of us are aiming for!

Whether you wear browns, blues, greys or purples, make sure you have a nice pale nude or near white, slightly shimmery for the tops of your eyes, near the brow bone. Apply eyeshadow with a small, preferably fine haired or natural hair cosmetic brush. Don't go cheap on the brushes - you'll be sorry - you will get a superior finish and excellent durability if your spend a little more on a professional eyeshadow/eyeliner brush.

Brushes work much better than the small sponge-like applicators that usually come with most cosmetic cases when you buy eyeshadow at the store. Some of the new shimmery eye creams and squeeze tube liquid matte eyeshadows are also great for non-crease and lasting color - just be careful not to load up too much or it will look creased. Always apply eyeshadow a little more heavily on the crease between the upper and lower lid to add more depth and dimension to your eyes, and make them appear larger. Then, add the paler color to the top for added depth and perceived size.

Visit Cosmetic Application Techniques for more makeup selection suggestions and tips. Danna Schneider is the founder of Cosmetics Galore.com where you can find out how to get Acne Magazine: All About the Treatment of Acne.

on 5:57 PM

Hi, I'm the Fashion & Beauty Consultant for Estate Jewelry International where we don't just sell jewelry but pamper the whole you!

It's always tough finding the perfect foundation for your skin type, color, and texture. Some products are heavy,some don't cover so well, others don't blend well. We'll review a few of the products which we tried.

Tinted Moisturizers

* Laura Mercier tint moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling fresh. Comes in 7 shades all very natural. It has an SPF of 20 and is fortified with age-defying antioxidants.

* Elizabeth Arden tint moisturizer blends easily with enough coverage that you don't feel naked. It doesn't build up on dry patches. Demotologist tested. It has a SPF of 15

* Hydramax tint moisturizer is a lightweight hydrating lotion balancing moisture and coverage with natural-colour tint. Extract of Butterfly Lavender helps boost hydration by stimulating the water-trapping proteins essential for skin's proper moisture balance. Comes in 2 shades.

* Bobbi Brown tint moisturizer won the Best New Foundation award in Nov 2004 in Health Magazine. This formula is rich and luxurious so its perfect for anyone with extra dry skin. It blends easily and gives skin light coverage. Deeply moisturizes skin, to help reduce the look of fine lines. Dermatologist tested.

* Avon tint moisturizer is great for younger skin, however it has a tendency to stick out like a sore thumb on dry skin. I tried applying it as a foundation with a make up sponge and as a moisturiser using my fingertips and both times my skin looked terrible. It has a nice feel and a pleasant floral scent but the overall look it gave me was not natural in any way, the dry spots on my face seemed to show badly. Perhaps better suited for pre 40's skin. Liquid Foundations

* Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk liquid foundation is lush yet feather light with a very sheer texture. It is exceptional at correcting discoloration, elimating redness and blotchiness. Comes in 14 shades.

* L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation is a nice light weight and has terrific texture. No oils, fragrences or pore clogging materials. Contains vitamins B & E as well as glycerin to nourish the skin. Available in 24 colors.

* Laura Mercier liquid foundation is water based yet exceptionally creamy with a nice smooth finish. It has great coverage for a non oil based product. It isn't greasy or drying and the color matches well. Application is best with a sponge, and you can get more or less coverage depending on how much you apply. Takes a few minutes to set.

* Revlon Age Defying liquid foundation has great coverage and does not feel heavy. It does have a fragrance which does not go away. May hot be the best choice if your skin is at all oily. By mid day face may tend to feel oily and some experience zit outbreaks. It has an SPF of 30. Limited colors.

* T Leclerc Hydrating Fluid liquid foundation is best applied with a sponge or fingers. Its super thin so you hardly know its there. Comes in 6 shades. It has an SPF of 8. Mousse Foundation

* Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse is my all time favourite foundation. It gives great coverage but you feel like you've got nothing on. It's lighweight and easy to apply. I find it's best applied with fingers. If your skins a little on the dry side apply a moisturizer and then the mousse and it says light weight. It lasts all day and I've never had a break out using this product. It's advertised as a revolutionary whipped formula and that describes its texture perfetly. Available in 10 shades.

* Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Mousse is easy to apply and it never looks cakey or thick. Good coverage for such a sheer foundation. Great for dry skin. If you have oily or dry skin you may find yourself oily by mid day. I must say the smell can be a little harsh. If your at all sensative to smells have a whiff before buying. Dermatologist, clinically, allergy tested. Recommended for all skin types, except extra-oily.

* Erno Laszlo Absolute Finish Finishing Mousse Foundation is water free, air whipped providing flawless coverage. It is good for almost all skin types except for very oily skin and those that have a sensitivity to salicylic acid. Its very light and coverage can be sheer to complete. Stays on all day. Its a water free air whipped. Contains Emu Oil and essential fatty acids for non greasy moisturizing. Antioxidants vitamin A, C, & E to defend against free radical damage. It has UVA and UVB protection, and it is Dermatologist tested.

Wouldn't life be grand if one product worked for all of us. However, that's not the case so although I try and review products I cannot tell you how they will work on your skin. Most reputable cosmetic companies will refund or exchange a product if you are unhappy with it. When you find a product that works for you stay with it.

Remember your fashion statement includes the whole you from your hair to the polish on your toes, from your hat to your shoes, from your earrings to the rings on your fingers. So be sure to let the world know who you are and Make Your Fashion Statement!

Sher Matsen from Estate Jewelry International have been serving customers for over 20 years, providing affordable estate jewelry, and a wealth of information on jewelry, fashion, designers, and beauty with on staff industry professionals. Please visit us at http://www.estatejewelryinternational.com/

on 1:00 PM

For most women, a healthy head of hair is a fleeting pleasure--a not-so-cheap thrill that seems to end the moment we tip our hairdressers. Even if we can prolong our post-salon glow, within a few weeks, it?s inevitably replaced by multiplying mobs of split ends and shower caddies resembling hair rehab clinics.

According to a recent Pantene survey, more than 70 percent of women believe their hair is damaged--a problem their stylists are all too familiar with. ?When hair is shoulder length or longer, it?s usually split or dry,? says Gil Ferrer of the Gil Ferrer Salon in New York City. The good news is, you can get your strands into shape by replacing a few bad habits with Beauty Addict's 12-step healthy routine.

Breaking the Cycle
Ironically, the same tricks and tools we use to improve our hair?s appearance often lead to lasting damage. According to Ferrer, ?color, perms and straighteners are all harmful, especially when they?re combined.? To create the desired effect, these chemicals disrupt the cuticle--the hair?s delicate outer coating. When that layer is permeated or frayed, hair becomes dull, dry and brittle.

Even so, an estimated 60 percent of U.S. women color their hair, and 40 percent of them opt to go blonde. Sadly, ?products that create double-processed, lighter-blonde shades are particularly hazardous,? explains hairstylist Matt Yeandle. If you?re determined to dye, Yeandle suggests sticking with a single-process color and avoiding re-coloring the same strands, which ?can cause serious damage.? In addition, many stylists recommend staying within two shades of the hair?s natural hue or using gentler, semipermanent products.

But the chemically dependent aren?t the only ones at risk; friction and hot tools can be equally unsafe. ?Going to bed with wet hair leaves strands more vulnerable to friction,? says Yeandle. After showering, he recommends lightly squeezing hair with a towel, using a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles and, once it?s dry, brushing gently, rather than vigorously. Alicia Trani, of New York City?s Mudhoney salon, also warns against overwashing, as well as potentially harmful accessories: ?Uncoated rubber bands and tight ponytails worn every day are going to cause damage,? she notes.

The 12 Step Program
As with most things, the road to hair recovery is paved with care, caution and self-control. Follow the experts? advice to get your tresses on the right track.
1. Cut and Run
To prevent split ends, experts stress the importance of trimming your hair every three to four weeks.
2. Beware the Razor
Be mindful of the tools your stylist is using. ?Although razors can create beautiful styles, they can compromise the hair?s cuticle,? says Yeandle.
3. Keep in Condition
According to colorist Erika Szabo, of New York City?s Louis Licari Salon, generous conditioning is crucial to maintaining a healthy mane.
4. Go Deep
Rather than relying solely on standard rinse-outs, Szabo also suggests ?saturating dry hair with conditioner, covering it with a shower cap, and keeping the cap on when showering, to let the steam activate the conditioner.?
5. Make an Investment
Poor-quality accessories can undermine even the best hair-care regimen. For best results, invest in an extra-gentle boar?s-hair brush and fabric-covered elastics, which create stress-free styles.
6. Choose the Right Tools
If you insist on heat-styling, stick with ceramic tools, which ultimately cause less damage than the metal variety.
7. Fight the Elements
Sun, wind, salt water, and chlorine can all damage the hair?s cuticle. Szabo recommends using UV-protective products, which also keep color from fading.
8. Beat the Heat
Blow-dryers, flatirons, and curling irons can all take a heavy toll on hair. If you?re unwilling to forgo the heat, limit yourself to weekly usage.
9. Hold Back
When blow-drying, use a diffuser or nozzle, and always keep the dryer at least six inches from the hair.
10. Keep It Moving
Flatirons should be kept in constant motion to prevent singeing, and curling irons should be carefully timed, following manufacturers? instructions.
11. Get a High-Pro Glow
Nourish your hair at home, but leave heavy-duty chemical processes to the professionals.
12.Shop Around
Remember that perhaps the most important step in preventing damage is choosing the right hairdresser: ?Make sure your stylist is knowledgeable, understands your hair, and won?t use damaging methods,? says Ferrer.

Happy Endings
Drugstores and salons are teeming with products that claim to restore, rejuvenate, and repair. According to Ferrer, ?there?s really no way to reverse damage; the hair has to grow back.? Fortunately, the following products can help improve the look of battered locks and prevent new growth from suffering the same fate.

Mild shampoos such as Bumble and Bumble Gentle, Jean-Marc Maniatis Anti-Frizz, and Garnier Fructis Fortifying are specially formulated to protect and nourish. Daily conditioners like Paul Mitchell Super Charged and June Jacobs Citrus Clarifying leave hair silky and manageable. For weekly hydration, try deep conditioners such as K?rastase Masqueintense or L?Or?al Color Care Dry Defense 3-Minute Treatment. For heat-activated help, V05?s Hot Oil Treatments offer first-class moisture, while Nutriol?s Hair Fitness contains 12 vials of patented strengthening serum. Clinique Quick Detangle gets wet tresses tangle-free; Infusium 28 Heat-Activated Leave-In Treatment fortifies strands while you blow-dry; and Neutrogena Triple Moisture Healing Shine Serum is a premium polisher, improving the appearance of split ends.

Tara Mattarazzo is the editor-in-chief of Beauty Addict Magazine http://beautyaddictmag.com. For more articles on beauty, hair care, skin care, makeup, fashion, shopping, fitness, women's health, and more, visit the Beauty Addict Magazine features page at: http://beautyaddictmag.com/thescoop/features/featureindex.html

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