7 Quick and Easy Makeovers to Give Yourself at Home
You are smack in the middle of the most wonderful time of the year, which means your calendar situation is starting to get out of hand (if it hasn’t already). We’re talking back-to-back office parties, family get-togethers and all-day shopping dates with the girls. But between checking off each item on your gift list and whipping up your signature casserole for holiday potlucks, you’re often left with no time to get that much-deserved primping and pampering before joining the rest of the world in spreading holiday cheer. And if by some miracle you do manage to squeeze in some me-time, finding a salon to accommodate your last-minute appointment is another story.
But don’t press the panic button just yet—that festive glow can be achieved right from the comfort of your own home. How? With these quick and easy tips from beauty pros that are sure to save you from a makeover meltdown and leave you looking your best this holiday season!
1. Light up any room with a brighter smile
Your smile is your best accessory, and Jacqueline Parks, esthetician at Bella Santé Spa, says, “With all of the festive lattes and specialty beverages during the holidays, it’s important to keep your smile from getting stained.” Her DIY teeth-whitening trick? Brushing with baking soda and water. Stocking up on whitening strips is also a good idea since they tend to be more effective than whitening toothpastes, says dentist anesthesiologist Louis Siegelman, DDS. To keep your pearly whites pristine and stain-free, Dr. Siegelman suggests going easy on holiday libations, particularly whiskey and red wine, which are notorious for leaving their mark on your teeth. You will also want to avoid “abrasive products that may remove stain better but cause excessive wear on the tooth surface,” adds Siegelman.
2. Hydrate your hair and skin
The combination of icy cold weather, alcohol-fueled parties, irregular sleeping habits and greasy holiday food can lead to skin that’s either too dry or too oily. To make sure your skin stays in fighting form, opt for a rich cream to boost hydration and lock in moisture. “The best rehydrating products contain hyaluronic acid and vitamins E and K. They act as emollient moisturizers, trapping the body’s natural moisture in place rather than causing greasy, oily skin,” says plastic and reconstructive surgeon Lara Devgan, M.D.
Hydration is also key in maintaining your crowning glory’s luster and shine, especially when you consider the beating it takes all through winter and the constant exposure to heat and styling tools. A weekly deep-conditioning mask will keep your mane from looking dull and lifeless, says Nashville Supercuts stylist Ashley Valadez. “Look for a deep conditioner that contains fatty acids and humectants like soy protein and panthenol. These ingredients help attract and retain moisture,” adds Valadez.
Try: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
3. Up your hair game
Updating your hairstyle often requires you to sit for hours in the salon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t switch up your ’do at home. Want to channel effortless glam with beachy waves? “Curl your hair in large segments while leaving the bottom part straight. Make sure to alternate the direction of your curls to get even more texture,” shares Valadez. If you’d rather skip the heat, Valadez suggests, “French braid wet hair at night before you go to bed and undo with your fingers upon waking up to get tousled tresses,” suggests Valadez.
If sleek and straight is more up your alley, prepping your hair starts in the shower, says Valadez. “Wash your hair with cool water to keep the cuticles closed, helping prevent frizz. Use a sulfate-free shampoo to prevent drying out your hair. Instead of using a styling serum, use a cream to give your hair some added moisture. After straightening your hair with a flat iron, use a silkening shine spray,” she shares.