Often we get so caught up in creating the latest look or trying the “new” secrets to beautiful hair that the basics get lost along the way.  There are a reason these things are called “the basics” and practicing them will make hair all that more beautiful.

*Thoroughly wet hair before adding a quarter-size amount of shampoo and lather for less than a minute to avoid breakage.

*Rinsing with cool water seals in moisture.

*100 strokes of a brush will help distribute hair’s natural oils and keep the scalp healthy.  Be sure to flip the head over and brush back to front for at least half of those strokes.

*Use a comb to get tangles out of wet hair.  Using a brush will cause more breakage and do more damage than good.

*If hair has been recently colored, be sure to wait at least 48 hours before shampooing.  When hair is wet, the cuticle opens up and the color needs time to be sealed in to avoid fading.

*Coated rubber bands are a must to secure ponytails and the ends of braids.  They reduce the chances of breakage.

By remembering and following some of these tried and true basics, hair will be healthier, happier, and hotter!

Healthy hair is shiny and soft to the touch, but often in the process of creating the perfect hair-dos, we use a lot of hair-don’ts.  Always avoid styling products that contain alcohol.  The alcohol in many hairsprays and gels can dry out hair, leaving it dull and lifeless.   Once you’ve chosen a good (alcohol-free) product, keep it off the scalp.  Putting products like mousse, gel, and pomades on the scalp can clog the pores and lead to flake-causing build-up.

As you are creating the perfect style, remember that hot air can damage hair as well as heat-styling products.  Change the hair dryer setting to cool, especially if you are also using a straightener, curling iron, or hot rollers.  To speed up the drying process and keep the heat off of your hair as much as possible, try towel drying your hair and then doing the other things in your morning routine such as brushing teeth and applying body lotion as the hair has a chance to air dry.

Finishing any hairstyle with a leave-in treatment such as Redken’s Extreme is always a good idea and a win-win for your hair’s look and health.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and, according the ancient Chinese, our third lung.  Not only does taking good care of this vital organ make us feel better, but it also increases our natural beauty.  The daily stress of life causes the skin to look older and less vital.  Although reducing stress doesn’t always seem possible, there are steps to take to reduce the impact that stress can cause.  Beautiful skin truly does start from the inside, and by following these suggestions, you can improve the way you look and feel.

*Start by getting enough beauty sleep.  During the restful periods of sleep, the skin has a chance to regenerate collagen, elasticity, and healthy cells.  This is also the time when the body starts to balance the hormones and chemicals from the day.

*Drink plenty of water or eat foods high in water.  Consuming 64 ounces of water a day is the minimum. Increasing that amount by just a glass or two more can help the body to clear out extra toxins that start to build up over time.

*Exercise not only increases overall health, but also improves circulation and helps to detoxify the body.  The increased blood flow helps pump more blood to the skin’s surface while sweating helps to release extra toxins.

Regardless of the routine you follow, remember that true beauty lies within and is greatly accentuated by being comfortable in your own skin.  Being true to yourself, smiling, laughing, and embracing your natural beauty will lead to a more gorgeous you.

Ugh!  Is that a pimple coming up?  No matter what age, pimples seem to be a perpetual plague.  Those pesky skin blemishes make it difficult to feel beautiful, but achieving clear skin isn’t impossible.  These easy-to-follow beauty tips can help clear up that complexion:

*Cleanliness is key, but don’t over clean.  Washing your face first thing in the morning and right before bed at night is plenty.  Try to use an antibacterial facial soap which can be found to meet any income.  Over-cleaning and over-scrubbing your face can dry out the skin and cause pores to produce more oil.

*Moisturizers are an essential step in skin care and should not be skipped, even if skin is very oily.  Oil-free moisturizers can help to balance and even out the oiliest of skin.  ALWAYS choose a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher, no matter what time of year it is.  The sun can still cause damage even in the winter.

*Non-comedogenic products are a must for clear skin.  Whether choosing a moisturizer, foundation, powder, or other make-up products, be sure the label says “non-comedogenic” which means that it won’t clog pores and create more blemishes.

*Carefully apply makeup to cover blemishes until they heal. Don’t over-apply your makeup foundation, or you’ll end up drawing more attention to the area than it would have had in the first place.

*Finally, listen to your mother and NEVER squeeze pimples!  Not only will the act of squeezing the skin cause bruising and possible scarring, but opening up the skin can spread bacteria and cause even more pimples.  Don’t do it!

Not everyone has full, luscious lips.  To help create the perfect pucker, start with healthy lips by using quality lip protection.  Lips require moisture because they contain no natural oil glands to create it on their own.  Whether summertime, winter, or somewhere in between, lips deserve protection.  Choosing a waxy lip balm with shea or cocoa butter will not only help to seal in moisture, but will also keep lipstick in place.

Carry your lip balm at all times and reapply as often as necessary.  To help create an even sexier pout, start by using a darker colored lip liner to define your kisser and help to avoid feathering.  Next, apply a layer of lipstick, blot well and dust on face powder.  Apply another layer of lipstick and finish with a topcoat of your favorite lip balm.  This will help to keep your lip color in place and your shine will continue throughout the day (or night).

Nothing dulls the complexion or hampers feeling good about oneself quite like dry, rough, flaky skin. To help keep skin supple and touchable, exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells that tend to build up over time. Some areas such as hands, feet, and elbows require more frequent exfoliation, especially during the dryer times of the year. Using the Ayurvedic method of dry brushing the skin once a week will help to remove the dead skin cells with the added bonus of some detoxification of the body.

Other natural ways to exfoliate include rubbing elbows and heals with a half a lime or lemon (the citric acid will eat away some of the dead skin build-up) or mixing sweet almond oil with salt or sugar to create a homemade exfoliant. This mixture can be used to slough off dead skin cells anywhere on the body. Start by rubbing this concoction the desired areas in a circular motion, rinse, and follow up with a rich moisturizer. To get the most benefit from exfoliating and moisturizing, follow these steps right before bedtime and then cover the treated hands and feet with socks while sleeping to help lock in the moisture. Skin will be baby soft in the morning!

Gorgeous blondes are all too familiar with the dangers of summer and chlorine-treated swimming pools.  As beloved as Kermit the Frog may be, none of us are really dying to look like him. To help keep blonde locks from taking on the green tint of summer, use a cheap conditioner on the hair before taking a dip in the pool. During the process of bleaching or lightening hair, the cuticle layer of the hair has holes created in it and the chemicals used to clean pools settle into these holes giving hair look that greenish look.

By applying a little conditioner to dry hair before jumping in, the holes are filled and the chemicals kept out. This also works wonders on children’s hair too.  If the hair has already gone green, using a quality clarifying shampoo like Nexus Aloe Rid will bring it back to blonde in just one or two shampoos.

A smell can linger in your memory forever.  We all have scents that we love and that make us feel good.  When you finally find a scent that fits your personality, your mood or the day, it feels great.  Keeping that scent throughout the day can often be a challenge though.

One trick to increase the staying power of your favorite smell is to layer the scents as you get ready.  Layering makes them last longer.  Start with a body wash (if you shower in the mornings) and follow that up with a body sprays or lotion.  There are also deodorants and antiperspirants on the market now with complementary scents.

When achieving the perfect scent for you, the choices are endless.  You can mix and match scents in a more creative way or be more traditional with same-scent combos.  As the day wears on, and your scent wears off, try spritzing a body mist behind your knees and on the wrists to help you feel refreshed and energized with that just starting the day feeling.

With the changing seasons comes the time to change up your wardrobe.  Updating the clothes in your closet can sometimes feel a bit daunting, so try to find versatile individual pieces that work with your style & body type.  This season, go for a look that is feminine yet powerful.  As you are trying on new looks, remember to dress for your body style:

Pear-shaped – Add width to your top to balance your bottom by choosing wide scoop necklines, large lapels, exaggerated shoulders, and fitted torsos.  Streamlined pants can help lengthen your legs but avoid low-rise pants, pocket, pleats, or other details in the hip area.

Triangle-shaped – Show off your fit limbs and trim tummy by picking tops and jackets that are tailored through the middle with moderate V-neck lines.  Flowing skirts just below your knees will show off just enough leg.  Avoid tops with high scoop necks or ruffles, pockets, beading, or buttons on the chest area.

Apple-shaped – Choose tops with deep V-necklines to accentuate your collarbones and cleavage.  Empire waists will help you create one where it may not already exist.  Soft gathers, especially diagonal ones, are flattering, but stay away from fitted, button-front tops.

Rectangle-shaped – Show off your long legs, arms and torso by choosing daring shapes, skirts with paper-bag waists, peplum jackets & wide-leg trousers.  Use some super-feminine touches like lace, satin, & chiffon to give the illusion of curves. Steer clear of loose, boxy shapes and clothes that are ill-fitted.

No matter what style you choose, be sure that you are comfortable with your choices.  Just because a look is in, doesn’t mean that you will like it or feel good in it.  One of the most attractive things about anyone is someone who is confident and feels good with what they are wearing.

Nothing can give away your age like your hands.  To keep hands looking healthy and young, apply the same daily SPF facial moisturizer to your hands in the morning.  Before bed, smear some of your favorite night cream on the backs of your hands as well.  To keep your fingernails healthy, soak them in lemon juice for about 10 minutes once a week.  This will help them stay stronger and brighter.  You will be amazed at how shiny they will look.

Well-manicured nails can also make your hands look great.  If you are among those who keep your nails painted, remember to give the polish the day off at least once month to help keep nails healthy.  On the days when you are sporting your favorite manicured color, carry around a bottle of clear polish.  You can apply a coat of clear polish every day or two to help keep your manicure chip-free and looking great longer.