When it comes to taking care of the delicate skin around the eyes, it's not enough to use the right products—you've got to apply them the right way, too. "Apply eye creams very gently with a tapping motion from the center of the eye toward the outside corner, then repeat the motion several times to evenly cover," says Bella Schneider, esthetician, product developer and founder of California's LaBelle Day Spas & Salons. Use the same movements for the upper eye lids, but here, "you don't need to get creams too close to the fold of the lid, since body heat and blinking will help the product travel to that area." If fluid retention has resulted in some under-eye baggage, "gently press on the puffy area towards the outside corner, and use cold compress to stimulate and drain the lymph for improved flow."

For more on LaBelle, visit www.labelledayspas.com

Cold weather, airplane travel, excessive indoor heating and not drinking enough water are all contributors to dehydrated skin. To help restore moisture, Bella Schneider, product developer and founder of California's LaBelle Day Spas & Salons, sings the praises of hyaluronic acid. "Hyaluronic acid in a concentrated formula—like a gel or serum--is an excellent humectant for the face, drawing moisture to the skin." Use it alone as a moisturizer, or "add it to your SPF and apply after cleansing." When coupled with exfoliants, vitamin C or retinols, hyaluronic acid can also help off-set any dryness that might occur from the use of these intensive treatments.

For more on LaBelle, visit www.labelledayspas.com.

"Hot weather doesn't really effect on our dental health, but according to Dr. Ramin Tabib of NYC Smile Design, some common summertime behaviors can. Case in point: Swimming. "Chlorine, which is often used in swimming pools, can erode and weaken teeth," the dentist explains. On the other hand, "ocean salt water decreases bacteria in the mouth, (leading to) a healthy oral environment"—so if you have the choice, go for the ocean. If summer plans include a lot of pool time, though, try getting a professional fluoride treatment or a bonding treatment with a chemical coating to help protect and strengthen enamel.

"Fruit is always a popular summer snack, so it is important to know which fruits are better for your teeth," explains Dr. Ramin Tabib of NYC Smile Design. Because of its high water content, "watermelon helps clean teeth and gums, but citrus fruits like clementines and grapefruit can cause erosion." If you love citrus fruits, the dentist recommends washing your mouth with water after you eat them to get rid of the harmful acids that can weaken enamel. Also remember to keep mouths hydrated in hot weather to avoid dry mouth, which can lead to decay. "Sucking on (sugar-free) hard candies or chewing sugar-free gum" can "help promote the production of saliva."

"Your eyes may be the window to your soul, but your sparkling smile shows your healthy, vibrant self to the world," explains NYC-based cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans. "Clean teeth and fresh breath can help you put your best face forward every day." To help make the most of your pearly whites, the doctor recommends a few simple tips, like choosing a toothpaste with the ADA seal, which guarantees that the formula will help fight tooth decay and gum disease. Floss daily—especially immediately after eating any sticky foods—and choose an antimicrobial mouth rinse that's alcohol-free, so as not to dry out the gums. If you're on the go without a breath mint or mouth wash, "swish water around your mouth for 30 seconds," which can help tackle bacteria and ward off stains until your next brushing.

For more from Dr. Golub-Evans, visit www.nyccd.com.

For when you don't have time for a full-out manicure—but still need your nails look neat and clean—celeb-manicurist and nailcare expert Jessica Vartoughian offers these easy steps for a quickie mani: "First, start with clean, dry nails. Massage a cuticle oil (preferably one with natural jojoba) into cuticles and nails to make them look pink and healthy, and if necessary, file nails so they are smooth and evenly shaped. Next, wash hands to make sure excess oil is removed, then apply two coats of the appropriate basecoat treatment for your nail type, followed by two coats of a light, sheer color. Finish with a fast-drying top coat to give nails a high gloss shine. The light polish color will hide any polishing imperfections, and your cuticles will look and feel pampered."

For more of Jessica's expertise, visit www.jessicacosmetics.com.

It's the classic nailcare dilemma: You've given yourself a perfect manicure, only to find chips and nicks just one day later. To help keep polishes lasting longer, nailcare expert and celeb manicurist Jessica Vartoughian suggests first making sure your nails are clean and free of any oils or creams, before the manicure begins, as any lingering products "on the nail plate will hinder the polish's ability to adhere." Next, gently file the nail in one direction "to make sure there are no rough edges,", then "cover the entire nail with polish, including under and over the nail and on all sides and edges." Finish the manicure as normal, then apply another layer of topcoat the day after, "to help keep nails in tip-top shape."

For more of Jessica's expertise, visit www.jessicacosmetics.com.

In addition to telling us how to check if a bra is too big or small (see the month's other tip), Warner's bra expert Nancy Lesser Bellini passed on some useful fit tips to keep in mind the next time you're shopping for some support. Most importantly, she says, try the bra on in the store, instead of just getting the size you always wear. "Most people's breasts fluctuate in size and often change for no apparent reason, so it's a good idea to get a fitting whenever your body changes, particularly from weight gain or loss," she explains. When trying one on, "make sure the gore, or the center part of the bra in the front, is flat against your body, and that the breasts have a natural separation." Also check that the band is sitting comfortably around your body, and isn't too tight or riding up your back. "Stand side-on next to a mirror, raise your arms and take a look at the band," Bellini suggests. "The band should be horizontal all the way around, but it shouldn't dig in."

For more bra tips and to watch a video on finding the right fit, visit www.warners.com.

It's shocking, really, when you think about it: Bras form the foundation (ha) of our every outfit, yet 8 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size. According to Nancy Lesser Bellini, undergarment expert from Warner's, there are a number of ways to tell if you're not in the right number. "You're likely wearing a bra that is too small if you experience 'double-bubble'," she explains, "which is breast tissue spilling out over the front edge of the bra and at your underarm." To avoid this, try your bra on under a snug t-shirt. "If your breast tissue isn't contained to your bra and it's apparent under the shirt, then you should try the next cup size up."

On the other hand, if you're wearing a bra that is too big, says Bellini, "you will find yourself with no support and too much chest movement. If your top looks uneven or if you are shallow and not falling out of the cup, it might mean the cup size is too big." And if you find the bra lacks support unless you make the shoulder straps very tight, "you probably need a smaller band size or a deeper, more supportive cup."

For more bra tips and to watch a video on finding the right fit, visit www.warners.com.

Since May is National Smile Month (who knew?), we asked experts for some of tips on creating a healthy, dazzling grin. Laura Kelly, President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, recommends avoiding coffee, dark-syrup sodas and red wine—all of which stain teeth—and munching on raw veggies instead, which are both healthy and help clean teeth and remove topical stains. NYC-based celebrity dentist Dr. Jeff Golub-Evans also suggests skipping red or dark-colored barbecue sauces and dressings and choosing lighter-pigmented options instead—but if you do go for the darker sauces, "make sure to brush your teeth after your meal, or at least rinse mouth with water." Dr. Golub-Evans also recommends cutting down on summertime-fave lemonade which, thanks to the citric acid, can cause tooth damage and erosion.

We bite them, break them, file them and paint them---our nails take a lot. But experts say it’s also important to love them, as nails help both protect fingers and toes from battery and clue us in to our overall state of health. Plus, a nail infection like a fungus can also lead to more serious conditions if not addressed.

To help care for nails, Amy Gutierrez of China Glaze says to make sure to keep cuticles moisturized and nails manicured. “This not only makes your nails look healthy,” she explains, “but it also stimulates nail growth when you massage in the cuticle oil.” Another tip: Don’t bite or pick, as this can damage the nail bed and help harmful bacteria grow.

In honor of this month's National Fresh Breath Day (yeah, that's a real day!), we asked Dr. Susanne Cohen, President and CEO of SmartMouth Mouthwash, what to look for in a good breath-busting product. "Bad breath is primarily caused by the millions of germs that naturally exist in our mouths," the doctor explains. "Alcohol, which is found in many mouthwashes, is a drying agent, and a dry mouth can actually cause or worsen bad breath. So if you're using an alcohol-containing mouthwash, it might actually be working against you." Along with going alcohol-free, Dr. Cohen also recommends looking more closely at the technology behind your mouthwash. "Killing germs is not the answer to effectively treating bad breath," she stresses. "Germs re-populate very quickly, and those that aren't killed continue to produce foul-smelling bad breath gases." So in the drugstore, look for a mouthwash that can not only eliminate bad breath, but that also works to prevent it from returning.

For more info fighting bad breath, visit www.smartmouth.com.

If you're like us, then no amount of bug spray can prevent you from getting at least a few itchy bites come summertime. But instead of resorting to bathing in the smelly stuff, it turns out there's a way to repel mosquitoes from the inside—and more naturally. According to Gene Bruno, nutritionist for Great Earth Vitamins, studies show that you can help to reduce mosquito bites by taking vitamin B1, also known as thiamin. "A large dose of vitamin B1, about 500mg, produces a skin odor that is not detectable by humans, but that mosquitoes find repugnant," Bruno explains. "The result is that they are less likely to land on you, let alone bite you." Bruno recommends taking the vitamin about 30 minutes before heading outdoors when in a mosquito-heavy area. And of course, extensive research has indicated that these high doses of vitamin B1 are safe and non-toxic for human consumption.

For more info on wellness through vitamins and minerals, visit www.GreatEarth.com.

According to an independent study conducted on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset, and 96% of adults think an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex. To help achieve a sexy—and healthy—smile, AACD president Laura Kelly suggests these nighttime tips:

Always Go To Bed with Clean Teeth. Because beautiful teeth are healthy teeth, be sure to brush every night for two minutes, then floss thoroughly. To help prevent morning breath, brush or scrape the tongue, too; this reduces the bacteria in the mouth and cleans leftover food and debris from between the little bumps on the tongue. In addition, swishing around a fluoride gel or rinse just prior to bedtime can help reduce sensitivity and prevent decay.

Sleep Soundly. Snoring does not make for a restful night of beauty sleep, and while anti-snoring devices can often help, some dentists can custom-make appliances that help keep the tongue forward and the airway open, making breathing easier and snoring less likely. Clenching or grinding teeth at night can also lead to mouth and health problems, including headaches, jaw pain, bone loss, sore muscles, head and neck pain and dizziness. Ask you dentists to recommend care options for clenching or grinding.

Pamper Lips. After brushing teeth, gently exfoliate lips with your toothbrush or a damp wash cloth, then apply a moisturizer to help hydrate and condition lips throughout the night.

Even though open-toe season has given way to thick socks and sturdy boots, it’s still important to show feet a little TLC. “Proper foot care should not fluctuate with the seasons,” says Dr. Christian Robertozzi, president of the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Dry, cold air can contribute to a myriad of pesky foot ailments. Properly caring for the feet, including keeping them clean and moisturized, is essential to maintaining foot health during the fall and winter.” In addition to moisturizing to keep dry and cracked skin at bay, the APMA recommends:

• Washing feet daily with soap and water and making sure to dry them thoroughly
• Changing shoes, socks and hosiery daily.
• Wear shower shoes in public showers when possible, like at spas or the gym
• Using a quality foot powder with talcum, not starch, to help deter infection
• Avoiding moisture by wearing socks made of synthetic fibers, which tend to wick away moisture faster, and avoiding tight hosiery

For more information and a list of products recommended by the APMA, visit www.apma.org.

According to the experts at Infusium 23, a well-balanced diet can help keep hair healthy and beautiful. Recommended foods include salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron and vitamin B-12 to strengthen locks and keep the scalp moisturized. Dark green veggies like spinach contain vitamins A and C to encourage sebum production (to act as a natural "conditioner"), while eggs and poultry provide much-needed protein, and cucumbers have hydrating water and growth-promoting silica. Most helpful are nuts: Walnuts, cashews, pecans and almonds are all good sources of zinc to help prevent hair loss, while selenium-rich Brazil nuts keep tresses thick and shiny.

"Just as you need to update your skincare regimen when the seasons change, you also have to update your hair products," explains Gavin Harwin, celebrity stylist and hair health expert for Infusium23. "Harsh temperature changes can leave hair looking dull, full of static or frizzy, so it's important to know how your hair reacts to the weather change and plan your products accordingly." If you have frizz, for example, "choose a product that smoothes and closes the cuticle to prevent unwanted moisture from the air from entering the cuticle." If your hair is prone to static, "keep it moisturized with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner." For more personalized results, says Harwin, "feel free to mix your products. If you want volume, combine a volumizing spray from root to mid-length and then use a leave-in conditioning treatment from mid-length to the ends for combined volume and shine."

For more on Infusim23, visit www.infusium.com.

Finding your right brow shape and keeping up with proper maintenance can open, lift and brighten the face, providing the perfect frame for any color application. While it's best to get a professional shaping at least a few times a year (particularly if you've never done so before), NYC brow expert Ramy Gafni offers these tips for proper at-home plucking:

To find the right shape, "follow nature, and don't veer off too far from your natural shape. The brow should fully frame your eye; the outer end should fully extend past the outer eye, and the arch should peak directly under the highest point of your eyebrow." Also, be careful not to over-pluck: "Many people scoop out to much hair in the middle of the brow, creating the dreaded hook look," Gafni says. "When in doubt about whether or not to pluck a specific hair, leave it to be plucked another day. Pretend you have a 'halo' circling your entire eyebrow and remove only the hairs that are outside of that line. This way you will keep the brows clean looking, but won't compromise the shape." For more brow advice, visit www.ramybeautytherapy.com.

We asked celeb plucker Ramy Gafni for more tips for at-home brow maintenance. "Never pluck when in a hurry or when you can't focus, like in a car," he advises. To help make tweezing less painful, "keep your tweezer in the freezer—the cold will help numb your skin a bit as you tweeze—and avoid tweezing after the shower or just before or during your period, when skin is more sensitive." But above all, "do not over think about your face shape. A person with a round face may have naturally thin, sparse brows, or thick, heavy brows—there is no correlation between face and eyebrow shape, so focus on your natural arch to garner the best results." For more brow advice, visit www.ramybeautytherapy.com.

If you find yourself "shedding" a bit more as the weather cools down, you're not alone. According to hair and scalp health expert Philip Kingsley-whose clients have included everyone from Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana to John Travolta-it's common to lose more hair at the end of summer. "Summer heat speeds up our metabolism, including the metabolism of the hair follicles," he explains. As a result, "hair grows faster during summer, which means that more hairs will come to the end of their growth phase and then fall out" during that season. Since the average head of hair is replaced over a period of 4 to 5 years, you naturally shed on a daily basis-50-70 hairs is about average-but Kinsley says that most people do tend to lose more in autumn and less in winter. The amount you shed can also vary with your menstrual cycle, stress, nutrition, illness and hormonal changes.

If you're really concerned about the amount you're losing, talk to your doctor. But to just tackle normal loss and keep hair healthy, Kingsley recommends just massaging in a scalp mask for 1-2 minutes a day, and shampooing daily with the right type of product for your hair. For more on hair and scalp health, visit philipkingsley.com.

If you find yourself "shedding" a bit more as the weather cools down, you're not alone. According to hair and scalp health expert Philip Kingsley-whose clients have included everyone from Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana to John Travolta-it's common to lose more hair at the end of summer. "Summer heat speeds up our metabolism, including the metabolism of the hair follicles," he explains. As a result, "hair grows faster during summer, which means that more hairs will come to the end of their growth phase and then fall out" during that season. Since the average head of hair is replaced over a period of 4 to 5 years, you naturally shed on a daily basis-50-70 hairs is about average-but Kinsley says that most people do tend to lose more in autumn and less in winter. The amount you shed can also vary with your menstrual cycle, stress, nutrition, illness and hormonal changes.

If you're really concerned about the amount you're losing, talk to your doctor. But to just tackle normal loss and keep hair healthy, Kingsley recommends just massaging in a scalp mask for 1-2 minutes a day, and shampooing daily with the right type of product for your hair. For more on hair and scalp health, visit philipkingsley.com.

Stress, diet and a change in the weather can all have an impact on hair—which means the holidays aren't always kind to our locks. For when you're too busy with gift shopping, parties and traveling to get to the salon, top stylist Antonio Prieto, of the Antonio Prieto Salon in New York City, has these at-home remedies to bring life back to stressed tresses.

For dry or damaged hair, Prieto recommends "applying a paste of egg yolk and water. Leave it in for 10-15 minutes and rinse off with cold water." If hair is oily, "boil two tablespoons of mint in one and a half glasses of water for 20minutes. Strain the mixture and mix it in with your regular shampoo on alternative days to help absorb excess oil" from the hair and scalp. For dull, lifeless locks, "rinse with lemon juice to bring back shine." (Not recommended for color-treated hair, though.)

If donning winter hats has brought on frizz, "try rubbing coconut oil into your hands and apply sparingly throughout your hair." Finally, to combat product build-up, Prieto suggests "massaging a small amount of olive oil into the roots of dry hair before shampooing. Apply from the mid-lengths to the ends to help add control and moisture."

For more about the Antonio Prieto Salon, visit www.antonioprietosalon.com.

Summer may be winding down, but late-season humidity still lingers in the air—and in our hair. To help combat frizz, Elaine Mitchell, Senior Creative Director at Sassoon in New York City, has tips for all types of locks: For curly hair, choose a "shampoo and conditioner with moisturizing and replenishing extracts, such as almond butter proteins", she says, as those proteins will help relax curls and add moisture while keeping a natural bounce. For straight hair, "apply a leave in spray with walnut extracts, which are super light and can be applied to either dry or wet hair."

To keep all hair types sleek and shiny in humid temps, Mitchell recommends spraying a light hairspray on a comb and gently combing through the hair. "This technique will keep the fizz and fly aways down," she explains, "and help give you a very polished look." For more on Sassoon's fall styles, visit www.sassoon.com.

Dry winter winds don’t just wreak havoc on skin—you hair is a victim, too. Cold weather can dehydrate the scalp and locks, while wrapping up in scarves and hats can cause hair to tangle more frequently. To help revive stressed tresses, Damien Miano of Miano Viel Salon and Spa in New York City recommends doing a conditioning treatment in the shower. While some might suggest using a leave-in conditioner, Viel prefers applying your regular (hair- and scalp-appropriate) conditioner post-shampoo, massaging it in, then covering hair with a shower cap to help keep in the heat and steam. Leave the cap on for 5-minutes then rinse for hair that’s soft, moisturized and tangle-free.

Sure, beauty products and cosmetic procedure can help restore a youthful look, but according to leading plastic surgeon Dr. Gerald Imber, author of "The New Youth Corridor", fresh, healthy-looking skin can also be achieved by practicing some preventative lifestyle measures. Firstly, don't smoke—smoking can result in sagging, wrinkles and a loss of elasticity, which will all age skin quickly. Also stressful on the skin is repeated weight gain or loss; if you do have a significant amount of weight to lose, do it slowly to avoid having skin look loose or haggard. (The doctor also warns against becoming "too thin", as hollow cheeks and thin skin can often make adults look older than they are.) Long-term long-distance running can result in a loss of fat padding and cause skin to sag (thanks to all that repetitive rising and pounding), while even less-active repetitive motions—like propping your cheek on your hand, or applying facial products in a downward motion—can passively stretch the skin, so watch out for that.

For more from the doctor, visit www.drimber.com.

According to Dr. Bernard Cohen, a board-certified dermatologist at Miami's Hevia Cosmetic Dermatology, cooler weather doesn't have to result in a loss of that summertime glow. To keep skin dewy (and prevent dryness-related damaged) when summer turns to fall, Dr. Cohen first reminds us to stay hydrated. "It is always important to drink water every day," he says, "but it plays an even bigger role in the fall and winter months. Water helps the body cleanse and detoxify itself, disposing of all waste that's bad for your skin." Water can also help to replenish the moisture lost from all those summer activities, like swimming in chlorine or salt water, and standing in the sun. Other hydrating tips include switching from lotions to creams—"which provide an additional barrier to help keep moisture inside the body and protect against the extreme cool temperatures"—plus exfoliating regularly to get rid of dead skin and allow the pores to breathe.

If summer fun has taken its toll on skin, never fear—some of that damage can be un-done. As Dr. Oscar Hevia from Miami's Hevia Cosmetic Dermatology center explains, tanning can make any pre-existing sun spots--including freckles, age spots, and brown birthmarks--"look darker and larger." Plus, "the easier you tan, the longer it's going to take for spots to fade naturally." To help speed up the process, the doctor recommends getting less sun exposure, and using sunscreen daily to prevent further spots. On a professional level, dermatologists can use chemical peels, certain types of laser treatments, or prescription applications of Retin A or hydroquinone to even out tone.

According to master trichologist (hair and scalp expert) Philip Kingsley, the time it takes to damage hair is just a fraction of the time it will take to repair it. (Damage can occur at any time, he adds, but particularly in the summer, when the combination of sun, chlorine, and wind dries up the moisture content of the hair cells and results in loss of elasticity, leading to breakage, split ends and dullness.) For effective damage control, it's key to choose the right type of shampoo and conditioner—but with so many products on the shelves, what should you look for?

As Kingsley explains, it is not a case of looking for specific ingredients, because these can vary depending on percentages and methods of blending. Instead, it's important to look at the label and choose a shampoo that's right for your hair texture (fine, medium, wavy or frizzy) and with words like "remoisturizing" or "moisturizing," depending on what type of damage you are trying to fix. Also choose a moisturizing or re-moisturizing conditioner and a leave-in styling aid that has a sun screen and heat protection. If hair needs more help, use mask specifically made to help restore elasticity, strength, moisture, body or control.

For more on Philip Kingsley, visit www.philipkingsley.com.

If your skin is feeling oily or less-than-fresh this summer, look to lemons. According to celebrity makeup artist Kimara Ahnert, the high amount of Vitamin C, natural nutrients, and acidic and antibacterial elements in lemons help make them an ideal treatment for dull and acne prone skin. For a quick at-home mask treatment, mix together one banana, a teaspoon of honey and about 8 drops of fresh lemon juice, apply on clean skin and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Cleanse with warm water, then follow with toner and moisturizer. To neutralize oily skin, squeeze some lemon juice into a glass jar and apply it to the face every morning for 10 minutes (fresh lemon juice will last for 5 days.) Note that lemon-based products will make skin a little more sensitive to sun exposure, so be sure to follow with an SPF.

For more from Kimara Ahnert, visit www.kimara.com.

To keep legs smooth and irritation-free, Diane Barber, Master Barber for King of Shaves, recommends the following tips: First, "be sure to shave with the grain—never against the grain," she stresses. Skip foamy or soapy creams, which can strip skin of its natural moisture, in favor of soap-free or low-soap formulas that you can see through (so you can see the area you are shaving—not just the places you've already tackled.) When doing the knee, shave from east to west instead of north to south, and keep the knees bent. And finally, try shaving in the evening, if you can—since shaving removes dead skin cells and the top layer of the epidermis, by shaving at night you are less likely to expose the new skin to the potentially-irritating elements.

For more, visit www.shave.com.

As an increasing number of women in their 20's, 30's and even 40's are finding out, acne isn't just a teen problem. Environmental conditions, hormones, stress, and dehydration can all contribute to too much oil production, but one thing that's probably not responsible for pimples is the food you eat—despite the myth that chocolate and pizza are to blame. "After dozens of research, there is zero evidence that our diets influence acne production," says dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Beer. Dr. Beer also debunks the idea that poor hygiene can cause pimples. "Acne is not caused by lack of washing, and can actually be worsened by washing too often. Twice a day—morning and night—is all that's necessary for a squeaky clean face." And the idea that acne is mainly a female issue? Wrong again. "It is often more common in males because of the hormone androgen, which increases oil production," the doc explains.

For more on Dr. Beer, and his Scientific skincare line, visit www.palmbeachcosmetic.com.

So you've got adult acne—now what? Unfortunately, "as of yet there is no cure for acne," says dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Beer. "However, there are numerous treatments to help control it effectively." The key, says the doctor, is to start treatment as soon as possible. "Time is of the essence," he says. "If acne is not treated properly, it can lead to scarring, which can be permanent." Try topical solutions or a professional acne-specific facial, or consult your dermatologist for prescription-strength help—but whatever you do, don't pick. "Squeezing pimples will actually make acne worse," says the doctor, since it can cause bacteria to spread, and "lead to infection or scarring."

For more on Dr. Beer, and his Scientific skincare line, visit www.palmbeachcosmetic.com.

When cleaning out closets this spring, take the opportunity to give your beauty stash a once over, too. Professional organizer / decorator Taylor Spellman (President of www.August-Black.com) suggests giving your morning routine a makeover by first reviewing your cosmetics. "Ask yourself 'Have I worn this makeup in the past five months?'", Spellman advises. "If the answer is 'no', it might be time to toss it," since "the last place you want bacteria is around your face." To help streamline even more, "separate makeup from cosmetic tools (like eyelash curlers and powder brushes), and then sort your cosmetics by type of product, discarding any makeup with missing caps/tops or that smells bad." This will help not only get rid of any expired items, but will also give you a clearer sense of what you have in-stock—and what you might need to buy.

Once you've gone through your beauty booty and kicked expired or infrequently used products to the curb, it's time to organize what's left. "As a professional organizer, I am going to let you in on a trade secret: great beauty organizers can be found at office supply stores like Staples or OfficeMax," reveals decorator Taylor Spellman. "These office accessories are cost-effective, user-friendly and easy to clean. Consider purchasing an acrylic desk drawer to separate eye shadows, foundations and powders, and invest in pencil holders to hold mascara, eyeliners and lip liners. Lastly," she suggests, "purchase an acrylic art box, add beanbag fill and then stick your makeup brushes inside with the bristles facing up—which will help keep cosmetic tools clean."

"At every season change it is helpful to review the products you are using to make sure you are keeping current with your skin needs," says Denver-based plastic surgeon Dr. Christine Rodgers, who also thinks the new season is "a great time to get rid of old products and clean out your bathroom." When re-stocking the product shelf for fall / winter, keep in mind that the coming months will expose skin to harsher weather conditions, such as wind, cold and indoor heaters, so it is important to moisturize correctly. Dr. Rodgers favors "a moisturizer with a combination of soothing natural botanicals, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant ingredients," particularly Tamanu oil and Omega-rich hippophae rhamnoides (aka Sea Buckthorn) oil. "These ingredients have been used to treat many skin conditions," Dr. Rodgers says, and both help the epidermis "maintain the best moisture balance, leaving it renewed for the next day."

If your skin took a bit of a hit from sun, pollution and over-active air conditioners this summer, never fear—Denver-based plastic surgeon Dr. Christine Rodgers offers these tips on minimizing summertime damage. First, "it is important to exfoliate the skin with a gentle scrub to remove dry, dead cells so that treatment products can penetrate the skin more effectively," she explains. Next, exfoliate with a scrub made with sugar or bamboo—"but only once or twice a week, depending on the sensitivity of your skin." Finally, to lift any unwanted pigmentation from sun exposure, use "a product with natural brighteners and not harsher chemicals. Ingredients to look for include Vitamin C and Alpha-Arbutin." And of course, any time you are looking to reduce pigment "it is important to wear a daytime moisturizer or makeup with a SPF to prevent further damage."

As the founder of the NY Dermatology Group, Dr. David Colbert treats a lot of celebrity skin at his practice, including those of the Oscar-winning and supermodel varieties. Many of these noted beauties come in for the doctor's famous TRIAD facial, which aims to replenish the fine fabric of the skin and impart a visible glow—all for a cost, of course. But for those of us without a celeb-sized bank account, Dr. Colbert offers this simple at-home plan for getting TRIAD-like results:

"To fight wrinkles or combat summer skin damage in particular, start with a home peel kit," Dr. Colbert advises. "Use it regularly on the face, neck, dècolletè and hands, alternating every few weeks with a home microdermabrasion kit on the same areas." For increased results, after a few weeks add the regular use of a topical Vitamin C cream (or, if okayed by a derm, some Retin-A), and if possible, "throw in a home LED light." The result, says the doctor, will be skin that's radiant, glowing, and healthy. For more NY Dermatology Group and their services, visit nydermatologygroup.com.

Come August, your skin is probably a little tanner-and maybe drier-than normal, thanks to all that sun. No worries-it's pure almond oil to the rescue, according to Shalini Vadhera, founder of Global Goddess Beauty. "Organic almond oil is a secret I grew up with for keeping newly tanned skin looking fabulous, young, smooth and glowing," she reveals, explaining that women in India use it to "soften and get rid of dry skin in a flash." Vadhera recommends massaging the oil on your body either before or after your shower or bath, and patting a few drops on your face after cleansing at the end of the day.

Vadhera believes "the best almond oil is made at home, since commercial almond oils have preservatives," so she offers her friend Hilda's recipe for creating your own organic blend: Take a handful of fresh (ideally organic) almonds, blanch them, and let them dry. Grind them in the food processor, then put them in a fine sieve and press with a spoon until the oil is released. Place in a small bottle and refrigerate. Note that this oil can turn rancid very quickly if left at room temperature, so it's important to keep it cool.

Exfoliating isn't just for dry, flaky winter skin. In fact, it's equally important to scrub in the summer—on both the face and body—to help keep pores un-clogged, regulate oil production and keep sun-worn skin healthy. "Exfoliation gets rid of discolorations, smoothes out wrinkles and reveals a smooth, glowing complexion," says NYC plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Guida. "It also encourages cellular turnover and increased levels of collagen and elastin, which further improves the skin's appearance." For a cost effective summer exfoliator, Dr. Guida suggests mixing equal parts sugar or sea salt with water for a quick scrub. Or bring some sand home from the beach and re-create a seasonal vibe in the shower.

Now that the sun is out, we asked dermatologist Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, creator of VMV Hypoallergenics skin care and the cult-favorite Armada sun line, for her tips on proper summer skin protection. Most importantly, the doctor recommends using a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB light, and to wear it every day- even if you are indoors, as indoor visible and infrared light can sometimes cause skin hyperpigmentation. Apply more sunscreen than you think you need, she stresses at least 1 oz for the entire body and to apply 30-minutes before you leave the house; reapply every two hours, or every hour if you've been swimming. Finally, don't use sunscreen past its expiration date, and choose fragrance-free formulations, since some fragrances can react with sunlight to produce hyperpigmentation.

For more on VMV, visit www.vmvhypoallergenics.com.

Just in time for swimsuit season, the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology made news recently when it tried to ban all bikini hair removal after two women were hospitalized with waxing-related infections. Amid all the chatter about waxing safety, we asked hair removal expert Shobha Tummala, founder of New York's popular Shobha salons, for tips on ensuring the best-and safest-experience.

Most importantly, Tummala encourages waxing clients to be aware of their surroundings. "Your practitioner should use clean, disposable implements or hospital grade disinfectant for any tools that are reused," she says. They also shouldn't "double dip" the spatula into the wax vat, which can increase the chances of harmful bacteria growth. If your salon doesn't have a No Double Dip Policy, as the Shobha salons do, "request a new can of wax at the start of your treatment to avoid contaminated supplies." Finally, as general health rule, it's best to get a bikini wax at least a few days before or after your period. "The closer the treatment is to your actual period, the more sensitive your body becomes because your immune system is lowered, making you more susceptible to infection," explains Tummala.

For more on healthy hair removal practices and post-visit recommendations, visit www.myshobha.com.

While the popularity of bikini, legs and underarm hair removal increases as the weather gets warmer, many of us undergo some type of facial hair removal-from eyebrow shapings to upper lip snips-all year round. What works in December, though, may not be great in June, says Reshma Monteiro, head esthetician at New York City's Perfect Shape salon. "In the summer, if you tan a lot on the face, then waxing can be tricky," she says. "Tanning and sun burns make skin thinner and more sensitive, so if you wax, the skin could peel off or leave patches. Not only is that irritating to the skin, but then the parts you wax will be a different color from the rest of your face." Instead, Monteiro recommends threading-a gentler form of hair removal using cotton thread-for when your skin is sensitive. Another summer tip: If you are going to wax, don't slather on the moisturizer or SPF before your appointment. "Because you perspire in the summer and the skin is naturally less dry, it's harder for the wax to hold on and pull out the hair, which can lead to irritation," explains Monteiro, so save the extra moisture for after the service. (For threading, though, moisturizer is okay.)

One more general hair removal note: Don't over-pluck. Although the instinct is natural, Monteiro says there are "many disadvantages to tweezing yourself. You can ruin the shape of the brows by overplucking (which is not always easy to fix), and when you don't pluck properly-in the right direction of the hair-you can end up pulling the skin over the pores and follicles, leading to ingrowns and dark patches." So it's best to leave it to a pro.

For more on Perfect Shape, visit www.threadingsalon.net.

Since the arrival of a new year is all about starting a fresh slate, we asked Suki Kramer, founder of suki pure skin care, for her tips on cleaning out—and correctly re-stocking—our beauty cupboards. "We tend to keep beauty products in our medicine cabinets or under the sink for years on end," Suki exclaims, "so it's important to go through and read the labels, look for expiration dates, and pay attention to them." After getting rid of what's gone bad—really, anything over 2 years old--Suki recommends replenishing with products made from smart, healthful ingredients. "No one wants to put harmful chemicals into their bodies," she explains, "but surprisingly, most people don't realize that the skin is a major receptor of what is put on it"—meaning anything harmful in your products will get absorbed into your system through the skin. So when shopping, look carefully at the ingredient labels and avoid anything with high levels of chemicals, synthetic fragrances and preservatives. If you can't pronounce it or need to look it up, we say skip it.

For more on natural ingredients and clean skin and color products, visit www.sukipure.com

Has your beauty cupboard come down with the economic blues? Instead of trading in your face creams and spa sessions for cheaper—and maybe not-so-effective—alternatives, try creating your own treatments at home. Suki Kramer, founder of suki pure skin care, says that to help combat acne but retain moisture, use an honey mask: Pat organic honey onto the face until completely sticky, leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water, followed by cool water. Lightly pat dry, and while skin is still damp apply normal moisturizer. Honey is a natural bacteria fighter that lifts impurities out of the pores and nourishes the skin with its natural moisturizing agents. For an easy, all-natural weekly cleaning scrub, Suki suggests mixing oats, a dollop of organic honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. Apply mixture and apply to face as you would a normal exfoliant, then follow with the honey mask above.

For more on natural ingredients and clean skin and color products, visit www.sukipure.com

As the weather gets cooler, we turn to Dr. Ken Howe, Consulting Dermatologist for Lubriderm, for some tips on how to best take care of fall and winter skin. Above all, Dr. Howe stresses keeping your product regimen simple. "Choose mild soaps, hydrating cleansers and moisturizing cosmetics, and look for lotions that are fragrance-free, non-irritating and dermatologist-recommended," he says. Scour labels for "safe, time-tested ingredients like glycerin and shea butter", to help moisturize and protect, and apply lotion "immediately after bathing, to help lock in moisture directly on damp skin." And while we're talking about bathing, Dr. Howe recommends keeping that simple, too. "Believe it or not, water can be very drying to the skin," he explains, "so take short showers using lukewarm water rather than long soaks in a hot bath."

To help de-clutter bathrooms cabinets, we love picking up multi-tasking products that can be used to target a variety of issues, and one such item is probably already in your cupboards: Astringent. In addition to removing oil, dirt and makeup and leaving skin refreshed, "astringents can also be used for non-conventional purposes", says Uma Tripathi, Vice President of Research &Development for Idelle/Sea Breeze. Tripathi explains that Sea Breeze and similar astringents "can be used to neutralize the sting and itch of mosquito bites" and, thanks to their cooling properties, are also "great remedies to beat the heat"; for the latter, add astringent to a bucket of ice, soak a hand towel in it and apply the towel to the back of the neck or on the feet to revitalize hot and sticky areas.

Tripathi also recommends "applying astringent on and around nails before applying polish to make sure the areas are as dry as possible", and swiping an astringent-soaked cotton pad around to-be-waxed areas prior to treatment "to remove excess oils and prevent wax from sticking to the skin." For more tips on using astringents, visit the "Cool Stuff" section of www.seabreezeclean.com.

If your skin's been kissed a little too much by the elements this summer, the experts at Metamorphosis Day Spa in New York City recommend these effective (and inexpensive) at-home skincare tips. To help refresh and revitalize, dip circular cotton pads in a bowl of whole milk and massage over the face; pat dry, then tone with a water and lemon juice spray on the face (4 ounces of water for every one teaspoon of lemon juice), and cotton pads dipped in rosewater on the eyes. For very dry or sun-stressed skin, freeze buttermilk in ice cube trays, then gently rub the squares over the places that need soothing throughout the day. To help cool and exfoliate the body, combine two finely ground cucumbers with one teaspoon of salt, mix into a soft paste, then massage all over. Wash the paste off with soap and water in the shower.

Learn more about Metamorphosis' tips, treatments and products at www.metspa.com.

As we gear up for summers spent outdoors, we asked New York City-based esthetician Andrea DeSimone for help on keeping skin looking glowing and healthy in the warmer months. First off, DeSimone warns not to over-cleanse. "If a thorough, ritualistic cleansing is performed at night to remove dirt, oil, makeup and the stresses of the day from your face, it's not necessary to re-cleanse in the AM," she explains. "The oils that are produced overnight are very hydrating and balancing, so don't wash them away." Instead, DeSimone suggests just letting water run over your face during the morning shower, then freshening up with a toner or hydrosol on a diluted cotton pad, followed with moisturizer and sun protection.

Another summer skin tip from New York City-based esthetician Andrea DeSimone: Use Mother Nature. "If you are heading to the beach or lucky enough to live there, collect some ocean water in a water bottle and use it as a toner," she suggests. "It's loaded with minerals and the salt helps to absorb excess oils. You can even apply it with a Q-tip to help spot treat pimples." For an added boost, DeSimone recommends getting the water fresh everyday and storing it in the refrigerator to use as the perfect summer refresher.

As we get deeper into winter, it seems like no amount of moisturizer is enough to keep skin hydrated and supple—no thanks to drying indoor heat and harsh outside temps. For an added boost of moisture, Brenna Dubs, Spa Director at Haven Day Spa in New York City, offers this at-home remedy: Cut a lemon in half and sit with an elbow in each half for 20-minutes; rinse well and follow with a rich moisturizing cream or Vaseline. For super-dry spots, mix two tablespoons of basic cold cream with two tablespoons of oatmeal. Rub a small amount onto your elbows (or knees, or heels); leave on for 15-minutes, wash off with tepid water, pat dry and massage on more cold cream.