Beauty & Grooming  Discussion Forum

Hair -

Think you do everything possible to manage your mane? You may be doing way too much. These are the only steps that matter.


*Shampoo review*
Get hair soaking wet before applying shampoo. You'll need less shampoo as a result, according to international hair and scalp specialist Philip Kingsley, author of Hair, An Owner's Handbook (Aurum). Pour a little into the palms of your hands, rub it in, then smooth palms over the surface of your hair. Using the pads of your fingertips, massage lather into your scalp. Every now and then, run your fingers through your hair from front to back; this prevents tangling.


*Rinse well*
Will a final rinse of cold water make hair shiny? Some hair pros say yes, believing cold water flattens the outer layer of the hair shaft. The smoother the surface, the better it reflects light. Other pros say this is a myth. What's most important is that you rinse thoroughly, since residue from shampoo can dull hair's shine.


*Conditioner cues*
How much conditioner do you really need? A dime-size dollop, if hair is shorter than four inches long; the size of a nickel or quarter for longer hair, says hair pro Gary Howse, co-owner of Gary.Manuel Salon, in Seattle. Apply conditioner to the ends of your hair only.


*Styling savvy*
When using a volumizing or thickening spray, spritz it on the roots, then work it through your tresses. To prevent the greasies, all other products -- mousse, gel, styling cream, wax -- should be applied to the ends only, recommends New York City stylist Alan Whyte.

Skin -

Somewhere between a 5-second face-splashing and a 30-minute before-bed routine are the essentials for a great-looking complexion.


*Gentle cleansing*
Beauty consultant Nance Mitchell in Beverly Hills, California, suggests that you brush your teeth (toothpaste can irritate the area around your mouth) before cleansing. Splash your face with tepid water, then smooth a quarter-size amount of a mild, soap-free cleanser over your face. (It's up to you whether you use a fresh washcloth or your fingertips, but fingertips are gentler.) Lightly massage the cleanser into your skin with circular strokes. Rinse with tepid water, then blot -- never rub -- with a clean towel.


*Tips on toner*
You can skip this step unless you have oily or combination skin, according to skin-care expert Cheryl Renella, president and founder of Channing's Day Spa, in Chicago. After blotting cleansed skin with a towel, apply toner to a tissue, which is less absorbent than cotton. The result: You use less toner. Smooth the tissue over your face, then let the toner dry before applying moisturizer. Alcohol-free products are mildest. Two to try: L'Oreal Hydra Fresh Toner ($4.99) and Channing's Kiwi-Citrus Toner ($18.75;).


*Eye-cream how-to's*
To wrinkleproof the line-prone zone around your eyes, a pea-size amount of product is plenty, says Renella. Editor's picks: Clinique Moisture Surge Eye Gel ($26), which has the lightness of a gel plus the moisturizing benefits of a cream, and RoC Retinol Actif Pur Eye Contour Cream ($20). Apply cream or gel with your middle finger -- it exerts less pressure than your index finger. Moving clockwise, blend product from the center of the undereye area to the browbone and over your lids.


*Maximize your moisturizer*
A dab the size of a nickel is enough to moisturize your face and neck, according to Renella. Massage moisturizer into your fingertips, then smooth fingertips over your skin using upward and outward strokes. This helps to work up a glow. Looking for a multitasking formula? Neutrogena Visibly Even Moisturizing Treatment SPF 15 ($13.99) has wrinkle-fighting retinol and vitamin C to brighten dull skin.

Makeup -

Brush up on the basics to put your best face forward fast.


*Facts on foundation*
Your foundation should match your skin tone. One formula that takes the guesswork out of choosing the right shade: Prescriptives Traceless Skin Responsive Tint ($32). Special prisms manipulate the light that hits your face to even out skin tone. Blending foundation with downward strokes, suggests New York City makeup pro Lea Siegel, results in an even finish and smooths down the tiny hairs on your face. Use either your fingertips or a latex makeup sponge. Apply foundation with the tip of the sponge, then use the sides for blending under your eyes, around your nose and over your chin.


*Cover up dark circles *
Choose a concealer that's one or two shades lighter than your foundation. For flawless results, apply foundation under eyes first, recommends Los Angeles-based makeup artist Julie Hewett. Don't forget the innermost corner of the eyes, the darkest area. To blend, gently pat with your middle finger. Many beauty pros set concealer with a touch of powder to make it last longer. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit ($35) stacks a pot of concealer over a pot of loose powder in a complementary shade and adds a tiny puff. If you prefer a liquid cover-up with a wand applicator, try Cornsilk Liquid Powder Concealer ($4.99), which dries to a powder-smooth finish.


*Shadow play*
To keep eyeshadow creaseproof, Siegel suggests first dabbing lids with a little foundation and powder. Shadow is less likely to crease if you wear a powder formula.


*Mascara magic*
For clump-free lashes, hold the wand horizontally and roll it upward as you apply mascara. This helps to separate lashes. Let mascara dry before applying a second coat. Save waterproof formulas for sports, weddings, and special events, advises Siegel; they're too drying for everyday use. One new mascara makes it easier than ever to get into corners and to apply mascara to lower lashes without smudging: Maybelline Lash Discovery Mini-Brush Mascara ($6.80). The secret? The ultra-slim brush with tiny bristles.


*Lip tricks *
For lipcolor that lasts beyond your second cup of coffee, invest in a lipliner pencil in a neutral tawny or rosy-brown shade, advises Hewett. For an even line, rest your pinky on your chin and make short, soft strokes. And don't go outside the natural borders of your lips in an attempt to make them look fuller; that's what lip-plumping lipsticks are for. Two to try: Estee Lauder Go Pout Lipcolor ($15) and Molton Brown Wonder Lips Lip Lift Formula ($20;).

I hope this is of use to some of you lovely ladies, I must stress this is not of my own work though, so I take no credit for it

xx Sparkle xx





Latha replied. Hi Sparkle,
Nice to read all the beauty tips you have given. Colud you Pls.tell me what is the make up that glows in the lights and where can we get it in USA? I am searching for it since a long time.Thank you.