11 Skin-Care Habits to Start NOW to Get Gorgeous Skin for Years to Come

Sometimes, being a creature of habit can work in your favor—at least when it comes to your skin. 

Going to a Dermatologist

If you haven't done so yet, book an appointment with a dermatologist in your area ASAP. Green says that having an expert on your skin works to your advantage in major ways. That way, you can get on a scientifically proven treatment plan that is tailored specifically to you. Regular checkups help your dermatologist keep track of changes in your skin, so your routine can change as your skin does.

Buying Products Meant for Your Skin Type

Combination, sensitive, dry, oily—knowing your skin's needs is half the battle, says Green. Each skin type requires different types of cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and treatments. Save yourself years of trial and error with products by asking your dermatologist what your type is.

Wearing Sunscreen

Green says nothing ages the skin quite like sun damage. For skin that will stay beautiful as you mature, wear an SPF 40 sunscreen underneath your foundation every single day. Seriously, your foundation's sun protection isn't enough. You'd have to use an entire bottle to match the power of a stand-alone sunscreen—so use both.

Using a Serum

If you don't have a serum in your skin-care arsenal, you're seriously missing out. They provide a concentrated dose of active ingredients that absorb into the skin lightning-fast. Look for one that satisfies your skin's needs, whether it's extreme hydration or pigment lightening. For a serum with intense anti-aging power,

Fighting Aging

Are you getting wrinkles from worrying about wrinkles? The minute you're aware that your skin is not perennially gorgeous, it's time to take preventive measures (after all, it's called anti­­-aging for a reason). Green says you should start looking for products that have anti-aging benefits as early as your 20s.

Researching Your Purchases

That $200 serum touting insane anti-aging claims? There's a fair chance it won't deliver on its promises. Many products that claim holy-grail results actually have little-to-no evidence backing them up, says Green. She recommends looking for evidence—such as clinical studies—before making a big investment.

Using Vitamin C and Retinol

The number one thing that Green's star patients have in common? They all use vitamin C and retinols in their youth. Vitamin C provides antioxidants and promotes collagen production, while retinol smoothes wrinkles and boosts elasticity. Incorporate both products into your routine to keep skin looking youthful.

Cleaning Up Your Diet

Unfortunately for your face, all of the toxins you put into your body (whether they enter via alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine, or environmental pollution) will eventually show up on your skin. Green's best advice? Limit your exposure as much as possible.

Sleeping with a Humidifier

Sleeping with a humidifier running every night can eliminate dry skin and help minimize environmental toxins.

Treating Yourself to Regular Facials

While they aren't a cure-all for your skin woes, Green says facials work wonders at restoring oxygen and moisture to the skin. Get one done by a pro every month or two, and find an at-home formula that you can use once weekly.

Being Gentle with Your Skin

Scrubbing your face won't solve your skin issues—in fact, Green says it will only make matters worse. Your skin is most receptive to products when they're applied with a soft touch in swooping, circular motions.

Oily Skin? How to Choose and Use Foundation That’s Right for You

From treating breakouts to controlling shine around the T-zone, taking care of oily skin can be tricky. Another challenge? Finding an oil-absorbing base product that stays put past lunchtime. To help solve this foundation frustration, we turned to Derek Selby, International Director of Artistry and Education at Cover FX. (The entire Cover FX line is oil-free, so you could say he’s the guy for the job.) In addition to offering up some of his must-have makeup picks, Selby also shares tips for keeping oily skin healthy—while keeping excess grease in check. Hint: your cell phone needs a bath and white pillowcases are your new best friend.
Prepping the skin
“Foundation only looks as good as the skin underneath it,” says Selby, “and for oily skin, this means balancing the complexion’s natural oils, not stripping them away.” A simple skin care routine is best, Selby recommends, as too many products can make oiliness even worse. To start, use an exfoliant with salicylic acid, a natural ingredient derived from willow bark that has anti-inflammatory properties, and can be found in most acne-fighting cleansers. Selby recommends avoiding products with artificial fragrances added, too, because they can lead to breakouts.
And remember that proper hygiene is crucial for controlling excess oil—clean your makeup brushes regularly, wash your facecloths after every use, and don’t forget to sanitize your cell phone with an antibacterial wipe often. Selby also has a clever way of keeping tabs on your skin. “Sleeping on white pillowcases can tell you a lot about your skin,” he explains. “It’s easier to see oil and residue, and you’ll launder them more often.”
Finding your foundation
So which foundations are best if you’re prone to greasy skin? The answer is simple, according to Selby: a pressed mineral foundation. “About 90% of my clients with oily skin prefer this type of foundation,” he says. “It helps minimize shine and has a lighter, more natural look.” Cover FX’s formula is especially well-suited for oily complexions as it contains hydrating ingredients like vitamin F and omega 3 fatty acids, as well as kaolin, an oil-absorbing clay found along the Amazon. The key is to not overdo it. “People make the mistake of re-applying powder throughout the day as they get shiny, which just adds extra pigment and unnecessary coverage.” Translation: cakiness ensues. To avoid this beauty blunder, Selby tells his clients to leave the powder foundation at home, and instead pack extra blotting papers.
Try: Cover FX Pressed Mineral Foundation, Anna Sui Oil Control Paper & Case

The Best New Ways To Clean Your Makeup Brushes

                                            Breakouts. Poor makeup application. Ruined brushes. These are all things we’d rather dodge, right? Turns out, skimping on cleansing your makeup brushes and sponges can cause all of the above, as bacteria builds up on bristles — not cool for your skin or tools.

Of course, you can’t blame a girl for not being super enthusiastic about the process and putting it off for as long as possible. The whole thing is so hard to figure out, and, well, straight-up gross. There’s constant debate about what you should use to clean brushes: Is dish soap really okay? And, it feels like it takes an eternity to get all that gunk off your tools…and hands. Nasty. Oh, and waking up to still-damp brushes? The worst. Kiss any chance of decent-looking makeup goodbye.

Thankfully, the makeup gods have answered our prayers, and tons of handy new inventions are now on the market to make the process easier, quicker, and a little less disgusting. They’re so cool, in fact, that you’ll be looking forward to treating your tools properly. Click through to see the best of these holy-grail developments. Here’s to clear skin and longer-lasting brushes.
          

Wearing a glove means no germs or makeup residue on your hands. (Hallelujah.) You can use one side of it for face brushes and the other for eye brushes. On each side, clusters of differently textured bumps indicate cleansing steps: “wash,” “rinse,” “refine,” and “shape.” It’s shockingly effective — and you only have to go through the process once for your brushes to be squeaky-clean.

Sigma Beauty Spa Brush Cleaning Glove, $35, available at Sigma Beauty.

Love the idea of the Sigma glove, but looking for a little more hands-on control? The BrushEgg slips onto two fingers, so all of your digits aren’t restricted. This tiny tool — which comes in adorable pink and mint colors — is a simple two-step: The knobs on top are perfect for lathering, while the bottom grooves work hard to get all that junk out. You can use it with whatever soap you like.

BrushEgg BrushEgg!, $8, available at BrushEgg.

Ahh, simplicity. What could be easier than swirling your brushes atop this solid balm before running them under the tap? Plus, the incredibly gentle goat-milk formula will spoil your brushes and avoid irritating the skin. And, the smell? To die for. Who knew cleaning your tools could feel luxurious?

Japonesque Solid Brush Cleanser, $20, available at Ulta.

Are you a girl on the go? Then, you’ll love these non-alcohol wipes. Simply lay one of them onto a flat surface and brush your tools over it. They come in individually wrapped packets, so you can leave one in your purse, one in your office, one in your car...basically wherever you need to be on the daily. Be aware, though: These won’t replace your occasional deep-cleaning.

Sephora Collection Brush It Off Cleansing Brush Wipes, $16, available at Sephora.

Someone must have called this brand and ranted about every possible problem that crops up during tool cleansing — because, seriously, this kit’s got it all. Wash your brushes with the brush shampoo inside the textured cleansing cup and blot with the bamboo cloth. Next, wrap the included brush guards around bristles to keep them in place, and leave them to dry in the ventilated vase. Yup, we’re pretty sure it has everything covered.

The Brush Guard Cleaning Kit, $19.98, available at Ulta.

What else could you expect from a company known for its theater and special-effects makeup? Apparently, they’ve got removing it down to a science, too. The lid locks, so you can pump cleanser into the bottle, lock it for use, and swirl brushes around to get them super clean. You can also keep it locked in your bag while you’re on the go. No purse leakage? We’re in.

Graftobian Menda Brush Cleaner Fluid Pump Dispenser, $26.99, available at Graftobian.

The mysteries of brush-cleaning aren’t completely debunked without a solution for how to stop drying those babies out. Once you’re done cleansing, stick 'em into this upside-down contraption to dry them more efficiently and keep bristles from flattening or getting wonky. They’ll be good to go in just a few hours — no need for that next-morning panic.

Benjabelle Original Brush Tree, $34.95, available at Benjabelle.

The Broke Girl's Guide To Fall Beauty products {part 3}

Mask "I am someone that uses a deep-conditioning treatment on my ends with every wash. I had heard of this brand, so I decided to pick this up at my drugstore and give it a try. I love it! It smells so yummy, and you can find it almost anywhere.” — Kylee Heath, celebrity hairstylist

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque, $16, available at Ulta.

Thermal Protectant
"I went to a Paul Mitchell hair academy, and this is one product I have never grown out of. It protects the hair really well, but also gives a slight hold, which means you don’t have to layer tons of product on afterwards.” — Kylee Heath

Paul Mitchell Express Style Hot Off The Press, $16.50, available at Loxa Beauty.

 

Styling Cream
“This offers flexible hold, touchable texture, and the perfect amount of shine with a delicious, coconut scent. A blowdry essential.” — Phillip Picardi

O&M Style Guru, $24, available at NET-A-PORTER.

Mousse
"Sometimes, a girl just wants a whole lot of body in her strands, and this is just the mousse for the job. It adds hold (but not too much!) and visibly plumps up your strands to create full, gorgeous volume that just won't quit. I like to apply it to dry hair before I use my curling iron to get big, bouncy curls that I brush out to create fluffy and full waves.” — Megan McIntyre

Toni & Guy Volume Plumping Mousse, $14.99, available at Target.

 

Anti-Frizz Product
"Anti-frizz products and fine hair are two things that usually don't go together: Mostly, because the majority of anti-frizz products contain smoothing agents that weigh down hair, which can make fine hair look limp, greasy, and straggly. That's not the case with this lightweight serum from Davines: It feels weightless, but it also has a mild texturizing effect, so you get a cool, second-day look along with a hint of shine and anti-frizz benefits.” — Megan McIntyre

Davines This Is An Invisible Serum, $22, available at Davines.

Hair Oil
"Suave’s oil is a lot less heavy than other hair oils, so it’s perfect for people who haven’t used one before. I like to work it into damp hair, after I’ve smoothed in a leave-in conditioner, for extra shine and reduced frizz.” — Maria Del Russo

Suave Moroccan Infusion Argan Styling Oil, $7.29, available at CVS.

Dry Shampoo
“This is just the best. It's a loose powder, not a spray, and you only need a pinch to make a mega difference.” — Gabrielle Korn

VERB Dry Shampoo, $14, available at Verb.

 

Beach Spray
"I couldn't have more good things to say about this texturizing spray. Unlike every other one I've tried, this doesn't make hair crunchy, sticky, or the least bit stiff. Instead, it creates truly soft texture and actually hydrates hair in the process. I was skeptical, but after just a few spritzes on my mane, I can't imagine using anything else. Did I mention the clincher? It can also be used as a hydrating body spray, has the most lovely, subtle scent, and costs all of $10. You don't own this already because…?” — Megan McIntyre

Olivine Beach Hair and Body Mist, $10, available at Olivine.

 

Kinky-Curls Styling Product
"I love this leave-in for very curly types, because it’s soft to the touch and doesn't weigh the hair down. The way it separates and defines the curl is actually long-lasting, and allows you to still touch the hair how you normally would without it becoming frizzy. I love it on set, because it can be used on both real and synthetic hair." — Paul Norton

Mixed Chicks Leave - In Conditioner, $19.98, available at Target.

Loose-Curls Styling Product
"This is a super fun curl enhancer that really adds a lot of bounce to the hair. It's really effective if you run it through damp hair, and then take small sections and twist with your fingers for a spiral effect before lightly diffusing with a dryer. It controls frizz so well that you can frequently play with your hair and even separate the curls once it’s dry.” — Paul Norton

Tigi Bed Head Foxy Curls Contour Cream, $19.98, available at Ulta.

 

Hairspray
"In truth, I don’t really see a difference between how this works compared to other hairsprays. But, this stuff smells so good, it’s worth the praise. Plus, it’s a backstage MVP." — Maria Del Russo

L'Oréal Elnett Hairspray, $14.99, available at Ulta.

Paddle Brush
"This is an awesome brush with boar-and-nylon combo bristles. It detangles wet or dry hair with ease, works super fast with a blowdryer, and is totally affordable. It’s great if you can't splurge on a Mason Pearson." — Kylee Heath

Sonia Kashuk Hair Brush, $15.79, available at Target.

 

Detangling Brush
“It’s the classic. But, you already knew that.” — Paul Norton

Tangle Teezer Salon Elite Styler Hairbrush, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.

Round Brush
"This is an awesome brush for a nice, voluminous blowout, because it allows you to keep constant heat on the hair while still protecting it. It has a mix of boar and synthetic bristles, which leaves the hair super shiny and helps to control [it] with less effort than most people are used to. But, as a pro, the weightlessness is my favorite part — it helps my arms when I’m blowing out super thick hair!” — Paul Norton

Bio Ionic Round Brush, $16.10, available at Amazon.

The Broke Girl's Guide To Fall Beauty products (part 2}

Highlighter
"There's a reason there was a black-market eBay business around this luminizer — it's good. [I'm] so glad Revlon recently brought it back from DQ land, because I was getting desperate enough that I was actually considering dropping $100+ on a bottle." — Megan McIntyre

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights, $13.99, available at Ulta.

Finishing Powder
“I love this product. It’s a simple powder that’s lightweight and works great to keep you shine-free throughout the day.” — Kirin Bhatty

CoverGirl Queen Collection Lasting Matte Pressed Powder, $8.78, available at Walgreens.

 

Lip Gloss
“I think buying a ton of colors, for diversity, is important with a good gloss! These are tons of fun, and they get the job done. Plus, you can’t beat the price.” — Kirin Bhatty

e.l.f. Cosmetics Essential EX-tra Lip Gloss, $2, available at e.l.f. Cosmetics.

Lipstick
“These are like the unsung heroes of lip colors. They’re vibrant, super creamy, and hydrating all at once. Love!" — Kirin Bhatty

Topshop Lips in Charmed, $12, available at Topshop.

 

Eyeshadow
"Opaque and intense, I use this gel eyeshadow to create both graphic shapes and smoky eyes. Baalbek, Snake Eyes, and Solomon Islands are my favorite shades!” — Robin Black

NARS Eye Paint, $25, available at NARS.

 

Liquid Eyeliner
“If it’s good enough for Alexa Chung, cat-eye queen, it’s good enough for me.” — Megan McIntyre

Eyeko Alexa Chung Lash Enhancing Eye Do Eyeliner, $19, available at Sephora.

Kohl Eyeliner
"The look of a kohl pencil in a long-lasting formula. Plus, it’s full of organic ingredients. Sold.” — Robin Black

Jillian Dempsey Khôl Eyeliner, $20, available at Jillian Dempsey.

Mascara
“It’s the blackest formula on the market. Plus, it somehow manages to deposit just the right amount of product every time.” — Beau Nelson, celebrity makeup artist

L'Oréal Voluminous Mascara, $8.49, available at Drugstore.com.

Brow Gel
"The name of this little genius does not lie — it gives good brow. Thanks to tiny microfibers in the formula, [you] brush it on and it immediately fattens up and fills in your arches.” — Megan McIntyre

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow, $22, available at Sephora.

 

Face Brush
"True story: I had an event to rush to on my first week of working at Refinery, and I had no brushes with me and needed to touch up my concealer in a bad way. When Megan handed me this, I was dubious — I have a collection of NARS, Kevyn Aucoin, and Make Up For Ever brushes at home that are some of my most prized possessions. But, once I started blending my By Terry liquid concealer underneath my eyes and down my T-zone, I was amazed at how effortlessly and evenly this guy worked. Drew Barrymore, you nailed it yet again." — Phillip Picardi

Flower Ultimate Liquid Foundation Makeup Brush, $10.98, available at Wal-Mart.

Eye-Makeup Brushes "Sonia’s a makeup artist who is constantly on the go, so it’s no wonder her makeup brushes are also killing it. There’s nothing I hate more than blending a crease with a sharp-bristled brush: They always make me sneeze! Sonia nailed it with this super convenient, all-you-could-need kit." — Phillip Picardi

Sonia Kashuk Essential Eye Kit, $11.49, available at Target.

 

Makeup Remover
“Cleansing waters are all the rage among the models and the pros backstage, so I was surprised to see that Caudalie delivers a beautifully scented one at the most reasonable price on the market.” — Phillip Picardi

Caudalie Make-Up Remover Cleansing Water, $14, available at Sephora.

Shampoo
"If you’re looking for a great shampoo that will keep your hair soft without all of the bells and whistles, this is your go-to. Even though it’s intensely moisturizing, it will never weigh down your hair, which is something I appreciate.” — Maria Del Russo

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo, $4.99, available at Target.

 

Conditioner
“I’m less picky about my shampoos than I am about my conditioners. That’s mostly because sometimes, I just hop in the shower, throw in conditioner, and rinse it out, skipping the cleanse part altogether. I love that this product is silicone-, oil-, and sulfate-free, because that means it doesn’t leave a nasty coating of synthetic ingredients on my hair — which would make styling all the more difficult.” — Phillip Picardi

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Conditioner, $24, available at Sephora.

Cleansing Conditioner
“This is the perfect cleanser for curly hair, because it doesn't suds up, which creates friction and frizz in the hair. Plus, it smells divine, has so many nourishing elements like agave and biotin, and [has] no sulfates. Also, unlike most cleaners, it's a wonderful way to condition the scalp.” — Paul Norton, celebrity hairstylist

Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Nourishing and Conditioning Cleansing Conditioner, $12, available at Target.