How to Look and Style Like an Artist

No matter what the fashion season or weather, there are always things that you can do to make your makeup or hair look like it was done by a professional stylist. All of the tips below can be done at home. It might take a little bit of practice to master these techniques and styles, but it will all be worth it in the end when you can have salon-quality looks at DIY prices.

Glossy Lips

Did you know that there is a right and a wrong way to use lip gloss? Using lip gloss the right way can ensure that your lips look glossier while using less of the actual gloss itself. The first step is to make sure that your lips are smooth and clean. You can achieve this by exfoliating with a simple sugar scrub or even a wet washcloth. If you have chapped lips, the next step is to put on some lip balm. Remember, not all lip balms are created equally. For great results, try using mint lip balm for added healing effects.

After doing all that, you can finally apply your lip gloss! Unlike lipstick, you only need to apply gloss to the bottom lip. Do this and then rub your lips together. You can use lip gloss on its own like this. You can also instead layer it on top of lipstick to add shine and gloss to mattes.

Soft Hair

If you want your hair to look softer and become easier to manage (fewer tangles), then there is a simple solution! Start using shampoo and conditioners with coconut oil listed as a majority ingredient. Coconut oil helps to make hair look and feel softer by preventing split ends and making your hair look less frizzy.

Using shampoos with coconut oil can also help to prevent and treat dandruff or an itchy scalp. Coconut oil shampoo and conditioner can also be used to treat lice! No matter why you want to use coconut oil shampoo, it works best when combined with coconut oil conditioner. Use these as you would use any other shampoo and conditioner.

Smooth Skin

Is there anything better than the feeling of having smooth skin after you shave or wax? Sadly, that feeling doesn't usually last for very long. Shaving and waxing can remove natural oils and moisture from the skin, which can cause it to dry out and become itchy or flaky. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do before and after shaving or waxing to prevent this.

The first thing you should do before shaving or waxing is to exfoliate! This helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This not only makes your skin look healthier, but it provides for a smoother shave or wax. Next, wax or shave as you usually would. When you are done, you can exfoliate again to make your skin even smoother. Lastly, apply your favorite moisturizer or baby oil to hydrate your skin. To make your skin look as good as possible, try to remember to moisturize every day-- not just on days that you shave.

Professional-Looking Nails

Whether you are used to seeing a manicurist on a regular basis or if you bite your nails like crazy, you can get professional-looking nails at home by using a polygel nail kit. Where acrylic nail kits (false nails, acrylics) used to be all the rage, polygel nails are coming into vogue. With these nail kits, you can choose how long you want the nails to be. They are generally more durable than acrylic nails. This means that you can wear them for longer without having to worry about them chipping. Like acrylics, you can choose to put nail polish over these nails or not.

If you want to look like you just came out of a salon when you really just came out of your house, try some of these products and techniques.