The Sleek Blowout

THE PREP 1. Begin with freshly-washed hair. Clean hair will help your blowout last longer. 2. Blot hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Don't rub as this will create frizz. 3. Apply Reparative Keratin Leave-In Treatment to hair from root to tips to create texture, seal the cuticle, and help protect hair from the heat. Do not rinse. 5. Follow with a small amount of Infinite Shine Smoothing Oil to help smooth hair. THE TECHNIQUE 6. Pin hair back with clips. Take out one section at a time to dry. Use a paddle brush or round brush to blow-dry. 7. Starting at the top of each hair section, point the nozzle of the blow dryer downward on the hair and dry down to the tips, smoothing down the cuticles. Repeat with each section. THE FINISH 8. Once hair is completely dry, set it with cool air. Apply a very small amount of Infinite Shine Smoothing Oil to the ends of the hair to keep it shiny and smooth. A KEEP IT SLEEK TIP: Your blowout should last 2-3 days. If hair begins to feel greasy or limp, revitalize it with Re-energize Dry Shampoo Learn more and order The Sleek Blowout Kit

Chewing Gum and Wrinkles

Rumor has it that the gum you keep permanently stashed in your purse is doing more than just refreshing your breath. If you tend to only pop a piece before puckering up or after a particularly pungent meal than you probably wouldn't notice the change. But if you're like the thousands of us who can't seem to go more than a few hours without asking friends for a stick, then chances are the damage is already being done. Got your attention? Well here's the scoop: although no official studies exist linking the two, some dermatologists believe chewing gum can cause wrinkles. Think about it. You use a small group of muscles along your jaw line to chew, and just like the muscles in your arms and legs, the more you actively engage them, the stronger they become. But since the skin on your face is more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body, repetitive movements can cause its supportive tissue to break down. Weakened tissue means wrinkles skin, not to mention increased tension, and dislodged dermal fillers (Botox, Collagen, Restylane) Quick Fix: Chew less gum for less time, and choose a facial moisturizer with collagen-boosting properties like glo therapeutics Vita E Essential Cream.

Drinking Straws and Wrinkles

Who would have thought something as minor as a drinking straw could be the next big thing in wrinkle prevention—and no we're not talking about an exotic do-it-yourself at-home beauty treatment. Instead, we're talking about how wrinkles are formed and avoiding the things that cause them like frequently pursing your lips. When you drink through a straw, you press your lips together just as if you were smoking a cigarette (odd comparison, we know). The more you do it, the more you imprint little creases around your mouth. And if you happen to be in your thirties or above, you have less collagen to fill those creases up once they form resulting in wrinkles. Now this doesn't mean you'll be forced to awkwardly munch on your milkshakes all summer long or risk permanent disfigurement. But it does mean that what you do is just as important as what you are (fair-skinned, mature, etc.) in treating the signs of aging. Quick Fix: Nix the straw whenever possible, and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! We suggest a product like glo therapeutics Pure Hydration because it's non-greasy formula goes a little bit deeper into the skin to give it the hydrators it really needs.

Squinting and Wrinkles

Whether you're trying to keep the sun out of your eyes or catch up on your new novel, your body reacts toward squinting the same way and that's by creating fine lines, "crow's feet" along the outer corner. The more you squint, the more pronounced they become. Quick Fix: Wear sunglasses outdoors, double-check your lens prescriptions, and keep the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated with Vital Eye Cream

Smoking and Wrinkles

Everyone knows tobacco products can discolor the skin along your hands and lips, but fewer people know that it can make it difficult for it to bounce back—literally. That's because the chemicals found in cigarettes reduce the blood supply to the skin thereby decreasing collagen production. Collagen, a fibrous protein, is essential in keeping the skin soft, supple, and springy. So when your skin does develop a crease your body is less equipped to perk up. Quick Fix: Reduce your intake of tobacco, and invest in products that strengthen skin cells like glo therapeutics Ultra 15% Vitamin C.

Sleep and Wrinkles

When it comes to aging and skin care, most people focus on fighting fine lines after they develop. But because wrinkles are caused by a combination of genetics, the environment (think sun exposure), and behavior, prevention is just as crucial. That said you might be surprised to know that some of the casual things you do each day could be affecting how you age gracefully. Sleeping on your Side Sleeping on your stomach or side might feel relaxing to you, but it can be traumatizing to your skin cells since they are thrust against your pillow. Lay on your back instead to take the pressure of and give your skin a well deserved rest. And don't forget to squeeze in a minimum of 7-8 hours a night to allow your body a chance to rejuvenate. Quick Fix: Apply a retinol serum before hitting the sack like glo therapeutics Retinol CS. Since they make the skin more sensitive to UV light, these are perfect for night time.

Skin Care Tips for your 40s+

Once you reach midlife and menopause, your estrogen leavels are in steady decline. Estrogen is critical in maintaining the elasticity and moisture-retaining properties Oil production also decreases leading to dryness Focus On... Increasing hydration, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Key Ingredients Retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, peptides, antioxidants. Product Recommendations Conditioning Milk Cleanser Renew Serum Super Serum 15% Vitamin C Eye Restore Barrier Balm Oil-Free SPF 40+