The road to ravishing looks is paved with simple steps. Try these ten tips for more gorgeous skin, shiny hair and foolproof makeup.

Stylist Secret No. 1: Use your hair dryer nozzle to prevent frizz.

That little attachment does a big job, directing the heat right where you want it. “Without the nozzle you’re blowing your hair in every direction and that can lead to frizz,” says Giovanni Mele, owner of Philadelphia’s Giovanni & Pileggi salon. 

Stylist Secret No. 2: Curl your lashes.
Lots of women skip this step, but “curled lashed really open up the eyes,” says Kerry Herta, an Emmy-nominated makeup artist. What’s more, she adds, many women have lashes that grow in slightly different directions. “A good squeeze of an eyelash curler at the base of that lashes will line them up in one uniform direction,” says Herta, “and that will make your lashes look more voluminous once you move on to mascara.”

Stylist Secret No. 3: Fix a bad hair day instantly.
You don’t always need to reach for a flatiron or blow-dryer to create a polished look. If you have bed head or messy gym hair, work with it. “Add some texturizing balm and turn your hair into beach waves,” says Miami stylist Danny Jelaca. To make your look special-occasion ready, gather some waves into a side braid.

Stylist Secret No. 4: Line your lower lashes.

Yes, darker eyeliner under your lower lashes can look harsh and accentuate under-eye darkness. But you don’t need to skip the lower liner entirely. Instead, suggests New York makeup artist Kimara Ahnert, line your lower lashes with a powder eye shadow in a lighter shade than you use on your upper lashes. “A little color under the lower lashes makes the whites of your eyes look clearer and the color of your eyes more vivid,” says Ahnert.

Stylist Secret No. 5: Apply blush with your face shape in mind.
For the most flattering placement of blush, consider the structure of your face, says Dallas makeup artist Penny Sadler. “If your face is wide, you can make it appear thinner by placing the blush right on the apples of your cheeks and not extending it toward your temples.” Do the opposite to make a narrow face look fuller: Apply blush on the outer edges of the apple -- align the starting point with the pupil of your eye -- and sweep what’s left on your brush toward your hairline.

Stylist Secret No. 6: Invest in a rotating facial brush.
Power brushes cleanse your skin about six times more effectively than your basic cleansing routine, excavating dirt and grime that’s hiding in your pores. Plus, any treatment products you use in your skincare regimen will penetrate your skin more effectively. Dr. Tina Alster, a Washington, D.C., dermatologist keeps her favorite sonic brush and cleanser in the shower. “That way I’m sure to use it every day,” she says.

Stylist Secret No. 7: Apply foundation with a sponge.
Your fingers may be convenient, but for streak- and blotch-free application of foundation, reach for a makeup sponge, says Ahnert. “You’ll be able to blend your foundation much more evenly,” she says, “and prevent it from caking or settling into fine lines.” Don’t dip the sponge into your foundation. Instead, use a cotton swab to apply a stripe of foundation on both cheeks and across the forehead, and tiny dots on the bride of the nose and chin. Then, blend with the sponge.

Stylist Secret No. 8: Lower the heat.

Even if your hair is thick and coarse, you don’t need to fire your styling tools to their highest setting, says Raphael Reboh, owner of Femme Coiffure Hair Spa in Miami Beach. A temperature of 400 F “fries and dries the hair instantly,” he says. Instead, start with a 200-degree setting and maintain the lowest temperature you can while still achieving the style you want. And, of course, always use a heat-defensive spray as you blow-dry.

Stylist Secret No. 9: Exfoliate gently.
Sloughing away dead skin cells can lead to a more glowing complexion. Just remember, says Dr. Peggy Fuller, a dermatologist in Charlotte, N.C., that “your skin is not the floor.” Wet your skin before you apply any scrub and use a very light motion. Or choose a chemical exfoliator. A lotion, toner or pad that contains glycolic acid will help keep skin smooth and pores clear, says Fuller.

Stylist Secret No. 10: Take sunscreen with you.

“The two most important things you can do to prevent wrinkles is to use sunscreen and not smoke,” says Dr. Caroline Piggott, a dermatologist at Scripps Clinic in San Diego. To protect your skin from damaging UV rays, it’s essential to reapply that sunscreen (choose one with SPF 30 or higher), especially if you’re breaking a sweat. “When I’m at the beach, I reapply sunscreen every two hours,” says Piggott.

1. Use moisturizing hair products.

When shopping for shampoo and conditioner, go for a moisturizing kind. You can also deep-condition your hair once or twice a week.

2. Condition with every wash.
Your conditioner is your most important tool for healthy, shiny hair: It prevents your hair from breaking, and it keeps your locks soft and sexy. To maximize the benefits, use the conditioner that’s right for your unique hair type.

3. Detangle your hair in the shower.

Before you rinse out your conditioner, use a wide-tooth plastic comb to gently work through snags and knots. “The contioner coats your hair and protects it, as well as makes it easier to manage,” says Nelson Chan, owner of the Nelson J Salon in Beverly Hills, Calif. To make sure every tangle has been vanquished, use a leave-in conditioner when you step out of the shower.

4. Blot, don’t rub, your hair with a towel.
Rubbing your hair vigorously then twisting it inside a towel turban is the perfect recipe for frizz, says Chan. For smooth hair, take two or three minutes to press your hair between a folded towel. That’s towel-dried, not towel-ruffled hair.

5. Use color strategically.
While your roots are just a few weeks old, the mid-shaft and ends of your locks may be years old. That means they’ve been subject to dozens of color processes and hours of heat styling. Give them a rest. Apply dye only to your re-growth, and coat the rest of your hair with conditioner, suggests Chan. To keep color looking fresh for weeks, be sure to use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for color-treated hair. 

6. Make peace with your hair’s texture.
Chic hair doesn’t need to be straight and sleek. But your curly or wavy hair will look its most gleaming, gorgeous best if you keep the hot tools to a minimum and let it express its crowning glory. Opting for long layers, except for a few face-framing snips in the front, and a well-defined line at the end will let you manage your hair with minimal fuss. Be sure to choose products designed for curly hair -- their lightweight moisturizing ingredients hydrate dry strands without weighing them down. Try hot rollers for a polished look. “Your curls will look softer and more defined,” says Chan.

7. Sleep smart.
If you find yourself waking up with matted, messy hair, try a few easy tweaks to your sleeping regimen. Switching from a cotton pillowcase to a silk or satin one will cause less friction as you toss and turn. Skip the tight ponytail -- it can lead to breakage -- and pile your hair in a loose braid or bun instead.

8. Choose the right tools.
If you haven’t replaced your hair dryer in a while it might be time for an upgrade. Today’s ionic hair dryers do more than just blow hot air. They release electrically charged ions that speed the evaporation of water, cutting down drying time, boosting shine and reducing frizz. Keep in mind that daily use of a blow dryer, flatiron or curling iron can be damaging, so always use a heat-protectant product. Try to take a break from hot tools at least a couple of times a week.

The right brush is also key, says Chan, especially if you have fine or damaged hair. “Look for bristles that feel soft against your hand,” he says. These can either be natural, synthetic or a combination of both. What’s important is that the bristles glide, without tugging, through your delicate strands.  

9. Protect your hair from sun damage.
Anyone who has ever spent time at the beach for a number of days can attest to the fact that hair, especially lighter hair colors, tends to get lighter and develop a “sun-lit” look. This is because UV light has been shown to degrade hair pigment by bleaching, which leads to lighter hair. But UV rays can also deplete hair from protein and dry it out. Try to wear a hat if you’re going to be in the sun for a prolonged period.

10. Eat Omega-3s.
Omega-3 oils are essential for brain and heart health but also necessary to keep your hair strong and shiny. Salmon, herring, cod, walnuts, almonds and flaxseed are all excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

What do you do to keep your hair sexy, healthy and beautiful? Tell us below or connect with us @TheStyleGlossy.

The No. 1 rule in the world of hairstyling, “Hair follows fashion,” couldn’t be any truer this spring. And thank goodness the runways had some good stuff for us this season! The Michael Kors gals sported uncontrived versions of the go-to ponytail. The Betsey Johnson models brought sexy bedroom hair back with sultry texture. Marc Jacobs gave us glammed-up curls by mixing the regular old spiral curl with a bit of messy texture. Read on to get real-life tips on how to bring these styles to the streets.

Textured waves are all the rage this coming spring. To get the look, you’ll need a curling iron, setting spray and a little bit of time. Start with clean, dry hair. Use a medium-sized curling iron (3/4-inch for fine hair and 1- to 1 1/4-inch iron for medium to thick hair). Beginning at the nape of the neck, take sections that are about 2 inches wide and 1 inch high. Spray each section with a light hair spray before winding the hair in a candy cane motion. Wind the hair in different directions to avoid the pageant look. Stay about 2 inches from the part before wrapping your final sections so the root stays flat.

Next, turn your head over and run your fingers through your hair. Lace or tease for added volume and give a final blast of spray. That’s it, ladies. Be warned, this style is not for the meek. A combination of classic ’40s hair meets unfussy ’70s hair gives it a fashion-forward flair.

The voluminous blowout is back. Hooray! We’ve been sleek for far too long. To get the look, prep wet hair with a volumizing spray. Rough-dry your hair until it’s about 75 percent dry. Then, using a medium-sized round brush (try a blonde boar bristle for extra shine), take sections that are equal to the width of the brush size; that will typically mean a 2-inch section. Blow-dry each section, wrapping the hair around the brush while applying heat. Keep taut, but don’t pull too much. Try to keep the hair wound around the brush. To get maximum volume, you want to move the dryer rather than the brush. Continue until all sections are complete. On fine hair, you’ll want to pin each section for extra hold. Give a final dose of a light hair spray, let the sections cool, and rake your fingers through the style for a gorgeous sexy look.

Pretty ponytails are a gal’s best strategy for a lazy yet stylish day. They’re also a great second-day look for either of the above sets. To bring allure to your pony, pull it up high and sleek by using a flat bristle brush. (The more bristles, the better for a smoother finish.) Next, lace or tease your pony for added fullness. Spritz lightly with your favorite workable hair spray and you’re off to a fabulous day in a flash.

Photo: @iStockphoto.com/SavchenkoJulia

Frizz: It’s what turns a good hair day bad. A cheery mood sour. A casual glance in the mirror to reapply lipstick into a moment of tress distress. To manage frizz, you have to first understand why it happens and then learn how to beat it.

What Is Frizz?
Frizz happens when dry hair collides with humidity. Those parched, porous strands suck up the excess moisture in the air. As the strands swell, the outer layer (aka cuticle) of your hair lifts. The result: The smooth tresses you left home with this morning are now a ruffled, haywire mess. 

7 Steps to Frizz-free, Silky, Healthy Hair
Fighting stress means maintaining your hair in the best possible condition. Here are the seven elements of an anti-frizz defense.

1. Moisturize.
Frizz-free hair starts in the shower, with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Well-hydrated hair is less likely to absorb water from the humid air. Be sure to rinse your hair thoroughly to make sure the conditioning ingredients are distributed to every thirsty strand.

2. Dry your hair gently.
Gently blot your hair with a towel for two to three minutes. Don’t rub your hair vigorously or wrap it in a towel turban; both will disturb the hair cuticle. Next, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb.

3. Heat-style the right way.
To minimize damage from hot tools, let your hair dry at least 50 percent before you use a blow dryer. During these 20 minutes or so, avoid touching your hair to keep that cuticle intact.

4. Use a heat-protectant product.
Apply a heat-protectant product before you use your blow dryer or any other hot tool.  Always use the nozzle on your dryer, and keep it pointed downward. Using a large natural-bristle round brush, dry your hair from roots to tips, one section at a time. Forget drying your tresses with your head flipped upside down, says Cheng Tan, a stylist who’s regularly backstage during New York Fashion Week shows. “That method just creates frizzies on the top layer of your hair,” she says.

5. Set your style with an anti-frizz hairspray.
This is especially important if you have thicker hair because the increased amount of protein in your sturdy locks makes them able to absorb 40 percent more moisture than fine hair.

6. Tame hairline flyaways on the fly.
If your hair is straight, lightly spritz a baby toothbrush with a shine spray, and skim over the fuzzy halo. Keep curly locks smooth by rubbing a pea-sized dab of an anti-frizz styling cream between your palms. Then gently run your palms over the surface of your hair.

7. Keep your hair healthy.
Regular trims and deep conditioning once a week will maintain your hair in tip-top shape -- your best guard against frizz. Remember to always handle your hair gently: Don’t brush it roughly or rip elastics out of your pony. Pampered hair will reward you with pouf-free beauty!

How do you keep your hair frizz-free? Tell us below or connect with us @TheStyleGlossy

Baby, it’s cold outside! But here’s a thought to keep you warm: With a few easy tweaks to your daily hair care regimen, you can have beautiful shiny locks on even the chilliest days. 

Make no mistake, winter is trying on our tresses. “There’s no getting around it -- winter means dry flyaways,” says Dr. Jessica Krant, a dermatologist in New York City. “The cold, dry air outside and overheated rooms inside definitely makes hair dryer.”

That’s not all: Dry air also causes negative ions to build up on our hair and clothing. Touch a metal doorknob when you’ve just come in from the cold and you might feel a little shock. Take a look in the mirror, and you’ll experience a second shock: All those negative ions are causing your hair to stand on end. 

The best defense against static-y hair is moisture. “Water molecules neutralize the buildup of negative ions,” says Krant. Her advice: Shampoo your hair less frequently (say twice or three times a week instead of daily) and switch to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner.

Here are some other expert tips on how to have hot-looking hair even in winter:

1. Safeguard your hair against heat.
Always apply a heat-protective product before using any hot styling tool -- blow dryer, flatiron or curling iron. “I recommend using a heat protector year round, but it’s especially important in winter,” says Julia Papworth, a Hollywood stylist who has worked with celebs like Cameron Diaz, Rashida Jones and Sarah Silverman.  “Because your hair is already dry, hot tools can cause even more damage.”

In a pinch, a mist of light-hold hairspray will offer some protection. “You just want to be sure there’s something between the heat and your hair,” says Papworth.

2. Shampoo the roots; condition the ends.
Shampoo and condition your hair strategically, advises Cheng Tan, who created the “lived-in” hair look for the Rodarte runway show during the recent New York Fashion Week. Apply shampoo only to your roots -- that’s where the oil is -- and conditioner to the bottom two-thirds of your hair. (Hair is healthier at the roots.) “Picture your hair in a ponytail,” says Tan. “Condition what’s on top and shampoo what’s left in the pony.” 

3. Add a dry shampoo to your product regimen.  
Used every other day, it will help stretch the time between washings, says Tan. Plus, applied to clean hair, dry shampoo can make a blow dry last longer. Cutting down on the frequency of shampoo and the use of hot tools is a winter win-win.

4. Prevent hat hair.
Choose hats that don’t fit too snugly. A loose beanie will keep you warm and stylish. Another strategy: Pile you hair into a loose high bun before you put on your hat, suggests Papworth. When you take off the hat, undo the bun and run your fingers through your hair to pump up the volume. Short hair? Refresh you locks with a quick blast of dry shampoo. (Keep a travel-size bottle in your purse or office desk drawer.)

5. Switch to a silk pillowcase.
Cotton pillowcases absorb moisture, which is a good thing during steamy summer nights but a beauty sleep no-no when your locks are already dry. Silk or satin, says Tan, will do a better job of helping your hair retain moisture during the winter months.