Brilliant Beauty Tips That Solve Every Problem

Feeling good about how you look has a major impact on your mood. For those mornings when a giant zit, dark circles or sad strands threaten to steal your swagger, we've got your back. Our supersimple, fast beauty fixes will have you loving your selfie in seconds.

 Pump Up the Volume

When you don't have time to wash and style, take second-day hair to new heights by blasting your roots with a texturizing spray, massaging the crown of your head and then winding your hair into a high bun. Try BlowPro Blow Back Time ($20, ulta.com), which boosts fullness. Before you walk into your office, undo the bun, shake it out and, voilà, textured waves!



 Reduce Sallowness

Peach blush helps balance a sallow complexion, says Kristofer Buckle, a celebrity makeup artist. Try Benefit Majorette ($28, benefitcosmetics.com) or Dior Cheek & Lip Glow ($37, Sephora stores) on the apples of your cheeks.

 Whiten Stained Teeth

You're giving a presentation at work later in the day and your teeth look a bit dingy (let's just say the Starbucks' barista knows your name by heart). To the rescue: a fast-acting strip that you can apply before you shower. Try Crest 3D White 1 Hour Express Whitestrips ($55, drugstores). Remove the strip and brush your teeth after you get dressed to reveal a sparkly smile. Good morning, multitasker!

 Look More Vibrant

To perk up tired skin pronto, slather on a face mask, get in the shower and let it work its magic for 10 minutes. The steam will open your pores and help the ingredients penetrate deeper. Nugg Beauty Revitalizing Face Mask ($3, nuggbeauty.com) comes in a single-use pod and packs peppermint oil, which smooths, firms and acts like a shot of espresso for your skin.


 Zen Out

You probably sprint through your a.m. routine, but that doesn't mean it can't feel a little spalike. Sprinkle a few drops of eucalyptus oil (get it at a health-food store) directly under the showerhead as the warm water streams out. Not only will it smell amazing, but the zesty fragrance will also open your nasal pathways for deeper breathing, helping to fight mental sluggishness, explains Sara LaBree, the education manager for Jurlique. A eucalyptus shower gel works wonders, too. We like Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Body Wash ($20, malinandgoetz.com).



 Breathe Life into Your Locks

Here's an easy way to whip lifeless locks into stellar shape: Swap your regular shampoo for a clarifying one. It will remove product buildup, make hair shiny and brighten color, says Jessica Gillin, a hairstylist for Marie Robinson Salon in New York City. Try Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Detoxifying Shampoo ($6, drugstores). Just don't use it more than once a week because it can be drying.

 Reduce Frizz

For the last two minutes of your shower, crank up the cold water. This will flatten your hair cuticles, leaving you frizz-free and looking like you just got a professional gloss. This Korean beauty secret, known as cold-shower therapy, also boosts circulation (hello, radiant skin!) and stimulates your body's production of brown fat, a good type that helps you torch more calories throughout the day, says Kimberly Snyder, the author of The Beauty Detox Power, who counts Kerry Washington and Drew Barrymore as clients.

 Boost Your Natural Glow
Quench dry, blah-looking skin with a few drops of face oil. Pat it on while your skin is still wet from the shower; moist skin is more absorbent. The result is a pretty, youthful sheen. Our fave is Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra-Nourishing Argan Oil & Illuminating Argan Oil ($15, drugstores). PS: Rub your cuticles and nails with the oil for an instant no-mani makeover, says Tom Bachik, a L'Oréal Paris celebrity manicurist.