Ageless Summer Beauty

Summer is about lightening your beauty routine: ditching your foundation and blush for a simple swipe of bronzer; letting your locks succumb to their natural waves. The flip side to warm weather’s unbuttoned ease is the number it can do on your looks.

“Harmful UV rays are the most obvious culprit in causing wrinkles and brown spots, but they can also make your skin and hair appear dry, so you look older than your years,” says dermatologist David H. McDaniel, M.D., director of the Anti-Aging Research Institute in Virginia Beach, Va.

Then there’s the havoc high humidity and heat can wreak on hair texture (hello, frizz!) and color (hello, brassy!). We talked to leading dermatologists and dug through a mountain of research and products to offer summer-friendly tips guaranteed to keep every part of you looking gorgeous and young all season long.

1. Try a sun protection pill

Aside from daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen, boost your UV protection by taking an antioxidant supplement such as Heliocare ($63 for 60; heliocare.com) or SunPill ($20 for 30; sunpill.com). New research from the University of Miami School of Medicine shows that the fern extract in these pills significantly reduced UVA-related DNA damage that leads to wrinkling and brown spots. For best results, pop one each day starting a week before you plan on fun in the sun. “This allows the antioxidants to build up in your system for maximum protection,” says Leslie Baumann, M.D., director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute.

2. Exfoliate the smart way

Alternate between daily use of chemical and mechanical exfoliation. This does a better job of removing the dead cells that build up more on the skin’s surface in the summer, which leaves a radiant glow, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., an assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Switch between using an AHA lotion and a Buf-Puf or scrubbing granules.

3. Layer lip balm with SPF

Slick on a formula with a built-in SPF of at least 15 underneath even an SPF-containing lipstick or gloss to further guard against thinning, dryness, and sun spots. “Lips lack a protective outer layer, so they’re incredibly sensitive to UV rays,” says Baumann.

Get the secrets to smoother skin and other beauty tips here with Prevention’s Age Beautifully Tool.

4. Use sunscreen to protect hair in a pinch

Before swimming, comb your regular sunscreen through your strands; this forms a barrier that prevents chlorine and salt water from stripping your color and drying out hair, explains Los Angeles hairstylist Jessica Galvan.

5. Try a caffeine-packed apres sun treatment

A topical jolt of caffeine significantly reduces UV-induced roughness and wrinkling in mice, according to one study. A more recent finding shows it might even help curb skin cancer by suppressing ATR, a protein that enables precancerous cells to survive and replicate. The research is preliminary, but applying a cream that contains about 1 percent caffeine after sun exposure couldn’t hurt. Try: Topix Replenix CF Anti-Photoaging Complex SPF 45 $35; skinstore.com).

6. Boost post-sun hydration

Reduce UV-induced dryness from sun exposure by slathering clean skin with moisturizer and cover ing with a warm, damp towel for 5 minutes. “The heat activates the lotion’s ingredients, which keeps skin supple,” says New Orleans dermatologist Mary P. Lupo, MD, professor of clinical dermatology at Tulane University.

7. Save your self-tan

Steer clear of exfoliating scrubs and creams that contain retinol and AHA for a few days after using your self-tanner. “These products slough the top layer of skin, removing color in the process,” says Natalie Cupid, senior technician and manager of Sundara Airbrush Tanning Salon in New York City.

8. Strengthen nails with a supplement

Take 2.5 mg of the B vitamin biotin daily. “This supplement helps prevent breakage from too much exposure to salt and chlorine,” says Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spas. Research shows that a daily dose of the nutrient increases nail thickness by 25%, making nails less apt to split and tear.

9. Get a smoother shave

Wait at least three minutes after getting in the shower before you whip out your razor. “Warm water softens the hair shaft, allowing for a closer cut and longer-lasting smoothness without nicking skin,” says Diane Wood, master barber for King of Shaves.

10. Get younger hands with moisturizer

During the day, use a hand cream containing the lightener kojic acid to soften brown spots. Try Hollywood Hands Professional Anti-Aging Hand Treatment $16; drugstores). At night, apply a hand cream that contains skin-firming retinol, suggests Baumann. Try Sally Hansen Age Correct Retinol Hand Cream $6.50 drugstores). Be sure to wear a sunblock with an SPF of at least 15 as well; these ingredients make skin sensitive.

11. Wear sandals to keep soles soft

It’s tempting this time of year, but avoid walking barefoot—even in the house or on the beach. “The added pressure causes painful and unsightly calluses to build up,” explains Allison Tangorra, a nail artist at DePasquale the Spa in Morris Plains, N.J.

12. Spot treat pimples with a cotton swab

When applying benzoyl peroxide to blemishes, use the tip of a cotton swab to precisely dab it on. This prevents the medication from stripping your self-tanner, says Nicole Weigand, spa director at the Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie.

13. Mop your hairline after wearing a hat

Increased oils can get trapped underneath hats and headbands, causing acne along your forehead, says Cheryl Karcher, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center. Run an antibacterial wipe along your forehead to prevent pimples.

14. Shampoo with baking soda to remove smog

Higher summertime pollution means more free radicals to zap the shine and color from hair. To remove dulling residue, add a pinch of baking soda to your regular shampoo instead of using a harsh clarifying cleanser. “It rinses out chemicals without stripping color,” says Galvan. Bonus: This trick helps prevent discoloration caused by chlorine and salt water, too.

15. Sleep on a silk pillowcase

“The satiny texture prevents friction from roughing up the cuticle and making hair vulnerable to warm weather-induced frizz,” says James Corbett, owner of James Corbett Studio in New York City. If you’re really ambitious, wrap your hair in a silk scarf before going to bed.

16. Self-tan from head to toe

To look longer and leaner, apply self-tanner everywhere, says Dera Enochson, creator of Xen-Tan, a company that makes self-tanners. “A uniform color helps elongate, but focusing just on your legs or arms can make you look shorter and stockier.”

17. Unclog pores with papaya

Mash up fresh papaya and apply to clean skin for three minutes. “This summertime fruit contains enzymes that slough pore-clogging dead cells, leaving skin soft and radiant,” says Karcher.

18. Choose metal-free hair bands

Avoid ponytail holders that are joined with a small metal bar: They can snag hair and cause split ends, especially when hair is wet and weaker after swimming, explains Rick Mahoney, senior stylist at Devachan Salon in New York City. Instead, look for ties covered entirely with snagproof fabric. Try Goody Ouchless Extra Thick Elastics ($3; drugstores).

19. Use a makeup brush to boost hair shine

Shine products help restore lost moisture and luminosity from increased sun exposure and hotter temps, but many contain heavy silicones that can weigh hair down. The solution? Spritz shine spray onto your blush brush and then sweep over hair. “The soft bristles help to apply precise, targeted shine without weighing down hair,” says Antoinette Beenders, vice president of global creative at Aveda.

20. Exfoliate heels in the shower

Maximize results for smooth, sexy feet by using a pumice stone on calluses and rough spots at the end of your shower. “The extra time in the water softens dead cells and makes them easier to remove,” says Choi.

21. Prep Your Razor

To extend the life of your razor a few days and ensure a smoother shave, drizzle some olive oil on the blade, suggests Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare in New York City. “The oil prevents rust and product build-up, which can cause nicks.”

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Simple ways to beat the sun and be safe..

10 Shortcuts…

1. Trade crunches for Pilates.

To firm up the muscles beneath your love handles—known as the external obliques—try the Pilates “100s.” This exercise was found to challenge more overall muscle in one shot (specifically, the muscles spanning the waist) than traditional crunches, according to a new study by Michele Olson, Ph.D., at Auburn University in Montgomery, Ala. To do the 100s, sit on a mat and make a V with your body (your butt forms the bottom of the V). Reach your hands past your knees, arms parallel to the floor. Pump your arms up and down 100 times, inhaling and exhaling every five counts.

2. Grab a ball.

Women who did their ab workouts with a stability ball beneath their glutes and lower back got bonus benefits, in a study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. The women used both their abs and their back muscles, key for making you stand tall and look slender.

If you’re not doing abs now, don’t start on the ball—this can damage your spinal disks, says abdominal-training expert Stuart McGill, Ph.D., author of Ultimate Back Fitness and Performance. Build strength and stability off of the ball first.

Try “Crossover Crunches”: In the standard crunch position, bring one shoulder toward your opposite knee. Hold for two to three counts. Start with five to 10 reps on each side. Progress to 10 counts and 20 reps. Do this three times a week, and you can move to the ball after three weeks.

3. Let your back come off the floor.

When lying on your back with your knees bent, you should be able to get your fingers under the hollow of your lower back. Maintaining your back’s normal curve lets you work your abs without straining your spine, according to McGill. Instead of sucking your navel to the floor, “brace” your abs as if someone were about to punch you in the stomach. Keep that tension (and the arch) while doing ab work.

4. Add weight, not repetitions.

Your abs are just like your biceps: To make them stronger and tighter, you don’t need 500 reps. Instead, try grabbing a three- or five-pound weight. Place it behind your head or on your chest and do one set of eight to 15 sit-ups, working up to more sets as you get stronger.

5. Slow down.

You’ll get the body you want faster by doing 10 slow repetitions instead of 20 fast ones. Moving slowly—two counts up and two counts down—allows you to use more precise form, which can stimulate your muscles better and make them stronger, says Rodney Corn of the National Academy of Sports Medicine. (The faster you go, the more likely you are to use momentum instead of your abs.) Your muscles should feel tired in 15 reps.

6. Lift weights one arm at a time.

Your core muscles get a workout when you exercise on an unstable base—like when you’re standing on one leg or on top of a wobbly rubber disk—because your weight is off-center, causing your core to kick in a little harder. Similarly, when you do upperbody moves one arm at a time, the off-centeredness gives ab and back muscles an extra challenge.

7. Invest in cardio.

To show off the abs of steel you’ve been building, 30 minutes of cardio gets you farther than 30 minutes of crunches. To burn off the layer of fat that’s hiding your muscles, ab-specific contractions just don’t do the trick, says Len Kravitz, Ph.D., professor of exercise physiology at the University of New Mexico. Ab moves burn about two to six calories per minute, while cardio blasts 10 or 12.

8. Try Chinese food.

A standard turkey sandwich on whole wheat has a measly four grams of fiber. The problem? Studies show that people who eat more fiber tend to be leaner and have smaller waistlines than people who don’t eat as much of it. Better: A serving of chow mein with extra broccoli and brown rice has about 10 grams of fiber. Worried about the sodium in Chinese food? It’s a myth that sodium noticeably changes the appearance your abs, says Liz Applegate, Ph.D., director of sports nutrition at University of California, Davis.

9. Choose the cookie with sugar.

Many sugar-free cookies are sweetened with sugar alcohols, which can cause gas and bloating, says Leslie Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. To skip these sweeteners, avoid ingredients ending in “-ol,” including sorbitol, lactitol, and maltitol. Many sugarfree versions, by the way, have almost as many calories as the originals. Other artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame (NutraSweet), don’t appear to have the same bloating effect.

10. Have three seltzers this week.

Swapping alcohol for seltzer or another beverage can slim your waist. That’s because calories metabolized from alcohol are more prone to be stored as fat around the belly, says Applegate. Of course, going low-cal is even more slimming: Skipping three pomegranate martinis a week trims about 2300 calories a month. That’s eight pounds of fat per year.

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Lately, I have been bad and from that I have gained the weight I had lose. But because of exercise and how dedicated I am again, Pilates always makes it easier to be back and strong. It never fails me.

Commandments of Style

1. Sweat the small stuff.
We’re talking fine details. Shave or wax your legs if you’ll be wearing a skirt. Take a hard look in the mirror and if your upper lip needs waxing, by all means. Even better, have a professional do the honours. Make sure your eyebrows are shaped, waxed or plucked so they open your eyes. You want to look polished. People don’t necessarily noticed if you’re groomed, but they definitely notice when you’re not.

2. Restrain yourself.
Never let your accessories wear you. Throw away the headbands, banana clips and scrunchies – or save them for your Friday night mud mask. Big, chunky jewellery can look fantastic, but limit you to one key piece. Wear one or two rings, max. And choose jewellery that you really love. It’s a great way to develop your signature style and express your personality. Jewellery with a story – your grandmother’s earrings, the bracelet you bought to celebrate a milestone, your engagement ring – is beautiful and often becomes a conversation starter.

3. Know your body.
Recognize that every style trend is not designed for you. This isn’t a limitation – its just reality. One of the most important pieces you’ll purchase is a suit. It’s a big investment, so you want to make sure it looks amazing. Learn which styles, jacket lengths and silhouettes flatter your shape and work from there. If you’re not sure what works for you, go shopping with a very honest friend or book an appointment Sales Associate or stylist.

4. Black is your friend.
Black staples – pants, 3/4-length jackets, and skirts – are clean, classic and they always look Wildly Sophisticated. Not to mention they’re flattering, and they’ll work with everything else in your closet. Basic black pieces can also stretch your clothing budget, because they endure through changing seasons and trends. When you’re dressing for a full day of work and cocktails to follow, you can use black basics to take you from day into night. Swap your button-down shirt for something a little more bare and colourful. Add great earrings, strappy shoes and go hit happy hour.

5. Focus on your feet.
You don’t have to buy stock in Manolo Blahnik, but a great pair of shoes can make all the difference in your look. From a fabulous stiletto to a gorgeous pair of boots, your footwear is the finishing touch. Let’s face it – there’s nothing like killer heels to make you feel confident and powerful. Oh, and make sure your footwear is polished and clean. This is another one of those details that people really do notice.

6. Welcome the three-way.
Is your blouse bursting at the seams? Is your bra digging into your back? Not only do ill-fitting clothes look unprofessional, you’re not doing your boobs any favours. Forget about sizes and numbers and go by fit. Sizes can vary wildly by designer anyway, so look for pieces that hug your curves without strangling them. On the flip side, you don’t want to swim in your clothes. A great fit shows (but doesn’t overexpose) your shape.

7. Work it.
Style is really a synonym for self-expression. Women like Diane von Furstenberg, Katharine Hepburn and Gwyneth Paltrow are style icons because they’ve followed their own vision – not a roller coaster of changing trends. You’ll feel incredible when your clothes reflect your personality. You can work in the most conservative environment and still add splashes of individuality to your wardrobe. From a printed blouse under a tailored suit to crimson polish in open-toed shoes, think about how to express yourself in ways that are still industry-appropriate.

8. Consider quality.
We’ve all faced this dilemma: You’re shopping for a new coat and it’s down to two contenders. Both charcoal grey, both warm, both perfect for a range of outfits. But one is cashmere and the other is acrylic. One is at the top end of your price range and the other is a major steal. Which coat? Well, when the cheap acrylic disintegrates and starts looking like a stuffed animal on your back, you’ll know you should have splurged for the cashmere. In the long run, quality clothes will actually save you money.

9. Invest in accessories.
Think about it this way. You’re not going to wear the same pair of pants all week (one would hope), but your bag or briefcase is a constant companion. Clients, employers and colleagues will all notice what’s draped on your arm. Invest in a quality piece that reflects your style. And in this age of laptops, cell phones and PDAs, a bag that will carry both your purse and your hardware is a lifesaver.

10. Relax.
Bottom line? Its just fashion. No one’s going to fire you for wearing last season’s Burberry coat. Give it your best shot; know that style matters and that looking groomed and professional are important for your career. Have fun. But if you’re spending more time reading Vogue than actually working, it’s time to re-assess your priorities.

Hair Mistakes

Always Fastening Your Ponytail in the Same Spot

Because strands tend to get caught — and broken — in bands, it’s a good idea to alternate the fastening point. “Move it up a half inch one day, then down the next,” says celebrity stylist Richard Marin. Using seamless elastic bands, like Goody Ouchless Elastics, will further minimize damage.

Combing Wet Hair from Roots to Ends

A comb is easier on fragile wet hair than a brush is, but tugging it from scalp to tips can cause breakage. First, smooth out knots with a leave-in detangler. Then, says Marin, start to comb at ends, working up in sections.

Brushing Your Hair for Shine

All you need is a few strokes to style hair and spread the natural oils from roots to ends. “Anything more than that is unnecessary friction, which can lead to breakage,” says Amy J. McMichael, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Blow-Drying Hair That’s Dripping Wet

Not only will this make it difficult to style your hair, it will cause a ton of heat damage. “A blow dryer should be used on damp — not wet — hair for 20 minutes, tops,” says stylist Peter Coppola, creator of a QVC hair-care line. Before applying heat, wrap hair in a towel for five minutes, then let hair air-dry for another five.

Ignoring Your Scalp

To grow healthy hair, your scalp needs nourishment. “Massaging your head with your fingertips will stimulate blood flow,” says Christopher Mackin, a trichologist (hair expert) at the Gil Ferrer Salon, in New York City. For extra care, use a leave-in scalp treatment.

Using the Wrong Brush

The incorrect brush can not only ruin your style, it can get snagged in your hair. Generally, the longer your locks, the larger in diameter your brush should be (basically, more hair, more brush). To create volume, use a round brush; to smooth hair, a paddle shape is best.

Avoiding Hair Spray

It’s gotten a bad rap, but hair spray contains a polymer that actually locks out humidity, says Cheri McMaster, senior scientist for Pantene. And contrary to popular belief, it’s not harmful. “It’s the polymer, not the alcohol, that dries on your hair,” she says. “The alcohol evaporates before it hits your head.” Use just enough to hold your style.

Masking — Not Treating — Dandruff

Trying to nix flakes with moisturizing stylers like oils and pomades is only a temporary fix: Dandruff is actually an inflammatory scalp disease unrelated to dryness, says Dr. McMichael. The cure? A shampoo with salicylic acid, zinc, selenium sulfide or tar to eliminate flakes.

Panty Primer

Problem One: Visible panty lines under knit fabrics

Smooth shapers zap the lines that materialize under revealing knits.

Sleek Solutions

Thigh Profile (top)
Visible lines were the major panty issue (51.3 percent) in a recent 917-woman survey by Intimacy, the fit-conscious lingerie boutiques. For the smoothest top-to-bottom silhouette, look for a high waist (it should extend right up to your bra) and long, thigh-mastering legs. A microfiber shaper lets knits slide on snaglessly. LZ, $40.

You’ve Got a Curve (center)
This racy black thong is definitely “not your mother’s girdle,” says Susan Nethero, Intimacy’s owner and chief fit stylist (she has stores in Atlanta, Chicago and New York). Today’s shapewear, she points out, is so lightweight and flexible that it’s incredibly comfortable, confidence boosting, and sexy. The Body Wrap, $34.

Perk Up (bottom)
Panty legs don’t have to be high cut to go unnoticed under knits: Nonbinding edges make this all-in-one do a vanishing act. Detachable straps secure the raised waist to your bra, and there is a subtle cheek separator to avoid that “uni-butt” effect. Spanx Slim Cognito Shaping Bodysuit, $58.

Problem Two: Workout Underwear

While you’re working your butt off, watch your back: Gym clothes need a sleek base.

No Sweat Solutions

Short Cut (top)
Double your exercise pleasure with a copycat underlayer: Choosing a panty that mirrors the shape of your clothes is one of Nethero’s key invisibility strategies. Folded edges lie flat; copper-bonded fibers in the fabric work as antimicrobial agents. Cass and Co. WearRepair Shaper Short, $68.

High Line (center)
Give thongs a chance (Nethero’s rules: Buy a good one—comfort requires more fabric, higher cost—and allow two or three wearings to adjust to the new feeling). This high-tech fabric wicks away moisture from the body, so you won’t get soggy while working up a sweat. Nite Sweatz, $17.

Brief Encounter (bottom)
Boy shorts are making a comeback, Nethero says: Full butt coverage prevents unattractive ride-up in back (reason enough for their popularity); unobtrusive edging keeps them looking smooth. At this price, you can buy a bunch to stash in your gym bag. Jockey No Panty Line Promise Modern Brief, $9.

Problem Three: Thong offenders

Low-rise jeans are fun. Visible thongs—even in a cute print—are not.

Discreet Options

All The Frills (top)
The very low rise keeps these hipsters undetectable, but they’re not too skimpy for comfort under tight-fitting jeans. Cool mesh trimmed with wide, stretchy lace bands (which lie smoothly on the body) is luscious for summer—the lingerie equivalent of green-tea ice cream on a hot day. Biatta Intimates, $9.

The Great Lace-Up (center)
A little panty that looks romantic, acts practical: The silky synthetics and well-behaved flat edges guarantee a bump-free ride. Denim is opaque enough to let you play around with your lingerie—it’s fun to wear something girly under something tough. Victoria’s Secret Angels Lace Hiphugger, $14.

Turning Pink (bottom)
Now that new fabric technology has produced lingerie that won’t press the flesh, panties can be more comfortable—but still discreet. A sheer, well-priced microfiber hipster panty gives the derriere decent coverage and has a low-rise waist. Maidenform The Invisible Hipster, $9.

Problem Four: Bulky panties under form-fitting skirts

With a skirt this slim, especially in a pale summer neutral, most of us need help.

Get Under Control

Flower Power (top)
Rosebuds under a skirt: nice (“You don’t want an orthopedic-looking foundation garment,” Nethero says). A lace boy short has a vintage pinup-girl vibe—the color is “antique” beige—but the thin, second-skin control fabric is comfortably modern. Grenier, $36.

Join the Firm (center)
“All women have lots of soft tissue, even when we’re not overweight,” Nethero says. “If your panties grab hold, the lines are going to show.” This low-profile shaper has a front panel to control jelly-prone hips and bellies; people with flat-butt issues will love its derriere-enhancing back seam. Wacoal, $42.

Seamless Transition (bottom)
Now you can get thongs and shapewear in one package. A waist-to-hip control panel targets the areas accentuated by the skirt; the longish panty is sheer but strong. Don’t worry if you work long hours; finespun microfiber is a flexible companion. Platino Waist Control Efecto Tanga, $28.

Problem Five: White on white won’t work

It’s a myth that white panties disappear under white pants. Only nudes will do.

Beautiful in Beige

Look, Ma, No Hems (top)
Science has revolutionized lingerie with panties cut out with a laser (because they’re microfiber, they won’t run or fray), thus eliminating bumpy seams and bulky hems. The deep brown—trust us—will disappear under white because it blends so well with her skin. Commando, $26.

You’ve Got Pale (center)
Although known for its seamless all-cotton lingerie, this classic Swiss company also does superthin, razor-cut microfiber. The trim panties here are a good compromise, coverage-wise: roomy enough in back to look good under loosely woven white clothes but light and sleek enough for steamy weather. Hanro, $65.

Sweet Nothing (bottom)
If you’re not yet a thong convert, this is a great try-out idea: Not too pricey, it has modest coverage in front and narrow, unobtrusive elastic along the edges. In nude and chocolate. DKNY Underwear, $16.

Something that each and every girl/ladies needs…..