For as long as I can remember, my mom has been an advocate of a mostly makeup-free lifestyle. Growing up in India meant that she was never encouraged, and often not allowed, to wear makeup at a young age. Instead, she was taught proper skin care — how to protect it from the sun and prevent aging naturally.

As you can imagine, she passed a lot of her knowledge onto me as I started experimenting with makeup. While all my friends showed up at school with faces full of blush and mascara, I was not allowed to follow suit. I would beg my mom to let me wear bright lipsticks and every sparkly thing in between, and she would always say, “You don’t need makeup, Pataki (which means firecracker). You’re pretty without it.” She also told me it wasn’t good to continually paint my skin and then scrub everything off.

While I can appreciate her advice now, I went through much of my teenage years rebelling and wore as much makeup as physically possible. Now in my 30s, I have truly learned to embrace the skin I’m in and find myself sharing my mother’s wisdom with all my girlfriends.

I’ve started making it a point to go makeup free as often as possible. It’s truly transformed the way my skin looks because I’m letting it breathe. I find that it feels cleaner and looks brighter every time.

Here are the top five reasons I love going makeup free.

1.It helps heal blemishes naturally

Covering our blemishes with concealer is always a knee-jerk reaction because showing up in the world, blemishes and all, is a vulnerable thing. But when I give my skin time to heal it does wonders, and sometimes even speeds up the healing process.

2. It saves time

Skip the 10-15 minutes you spend applying the contents of your makeup bag and spend it doing that thing you never make time for. Like meditating, taking the scenic route to work or writing your intentions down in your journal. All of these can promote a healthier mindset and reduce stress (another cause of breakouts!).

3. It reduces makeup messes

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been embarrassed by a makeup snafu. Lipstick on the teeth. Smudged eyeliner. You name it, it’s happened to me. Going makeup free means you don’t have to keep checking yourself for any messes. A beautiful thing!

4. It helps keep skin moisturized

Many foundations and powders suck the moisture out of my skin, and scrubbing all those products off every day pulls at my skin. Not cute!

5. It prevents future breakouts

Pimples are usually a result of an infected clogged pore, which has often exacerbated for me by heavy foundations, dirty makeup brushes and constantly touching my face with my hands. I love letting my skin experience fresh air again by skipping the makeup — and I've noticed that breakouts are much less frequent.

So the next time you get ready to leave your house and automatically start applying a full face of makeup, take a moment to look at yourself in your mirror to see if you truly need it. How would your skin look different without it? Can you embrace the skin you’re in? I dare you to try going makeup free as an experiment to nourish your skin and boost your confidence. You may be surprised how empowered you feel.

For more skin care tips, click here.

This post is sponsored by Garnier SkinActive.

Keeping up with our favorite celebrities' hair is a full-time job in and of itself. From drastic color changes to major cuts and changing styles, celeb hair transformations certainly keep us on our toes. There are way too many to list, but these 11 strand switch-ups are a few of the ones that stand out to us.

Rihanna's bold transformation

After debuting simple, light brown locks when she first hit the music scene in 2005, RiRi has changed her hair more times than we can count. Long, buzzed, blond, red — you name it, she's rocked it. The "Work" singer is known for her experimental style and changing her hair just as often as she changes her clothes. Most recently, she posted a picture on Instagram with dreadlocks, proving she is a style chameleon that always keeps us guessing!

More: 8 celeb-inspired braids

Michelle William's pixie cut

There are few hair changes bigger than an abrupt pixie, and we were certainly floored when Michelle Williams lopped off her long blond mane in favor of a bold pixie. In spite of the initial shock, we actually have come to like Michelle's shorter 'do and are excited to see her experimenting with bangs, layers and hair accessories these days.

Kelly Osbourne's purple hair

Bold hair definitely seems to run in Kelly Osbourne's family, so when the Fashion Police star dyed her blond hair gray and then purple, we weren't exactly shocked. Since then, she's toyed with different shades of purple and varying looks like bangs. We never thought we'd say this, but we kind of like the purple! It suits her personality.

Lady Gaga's varying locks

Lady Gaga has been flying under the radar for a while now due to a hip injury, but we're sure she's still having a ton of fun experimenting with different 'dos. Mother Monster sure does have a lot of different looks under her belt at this point, and we're sure she's going to shock us some more when her new album comes out.

Jennifer Lawrence's bob

JLaw is no stranger to color changes — she frequently switches between blond and brunette for film roles — but her long, wavy hair has been her signature look for quite some time. So you could imagine our surprise when Jen recently chopped her locks into a beachy lob (long bob). We love the look, though, and think her longer hair was kind of dragging down her face a bit.

Katy Perry's cotton candy hair

What's blue and purple and pink and black? Katy Perry's hair repertoire, that's what. The pop singer isn't shy about changing her hair and pushes the limit with bold hues most of us would only dream to rock on Halloween. Our fave look? Black!

Anne Hathaway blond hair

Anne Hathaway's shiny brunette locks first caught our eye in The Princess Diaries when she portrayed a teenager turned princess. We have always envied her hair, so we were floored when she decided to transform it into a messy pixie for her role in Les Miserables. Even more of a shocker? Just when her pixie started to grow in and grow on us, Anne briefly dyed her locks blond. What will she do next?

Demi Lovato's ever-changing 'do

Demi Lovato recently joked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that she changes her hair with her mood, and we believe it! The singer has sported what seems like every color of the rainbow in recent years and frequently switches up the style of her look too, experimenting with bangs, layers and lengths. In our opinion, she looks best with medium brown, shoulder-length locks worn with sideswept bangs!

Nicki Minaj's rainbow-colored locks

What hair transformation article would be complete without a shout out to the one and only Nicki Minaj? The singer and former American Idol judge lives for fashion and beauty changes and has sported more hair colors than we can list. These are a few of her more notorious looks!

Carly Rae Jepsen's color change

The "Call Me Maybe" singer should've called a friend to get a second opinion before dyeing her black locks red. We're not big fans of either hue — with her pale complexion, we think Carly would look better with a soft brown — but the red definitely isn't doing anything for her.

More: Celebs with and without bangs

Victoria Beckham's spicy style

From Spice Girl to major designer, Victoria Beckham has always had fun with her hair. The mom of four and wife of hottie David Beckham has sported short brown hair, short blond hair, long brown hair, long black hair — you get it. We love it when she rocks chocolate brown medium-length hair worn sleek and straight!

More: 8 celeb-inspired wedding 'dos

It's hilarious how easy it is to pull together a totally pro-looking Halloween costume with a few items of clothing you have lurking in the back of your closet. This one goes out to all the ladies who've ever had that "oh, snap" moment of completely spacing on buying a cute costume for Halloween. If you've got 10 minutes — and a little black dress lying around — then you're already halfway there.

This DIY bat costume is super-simple to make, and it won't look like you threw it together at the last minute:

Materials needed: 

• 1-1/2 yards black fabric (cotton, jersey knit or even lace or sequins work)
• 6 inches of 1/8-inch elastic (any color)
• Headband
• Thick black fabric (leather, felt or even a thick black cotton work)
• Hot glue

Directions:

Bat wings:

More: 42 DIY Halloween costume and makeup ideas so you can spend all your money on candy

Step 1:

Fold your 2 yards of black fabric in half and cut inverted scallops on the diagonal, as shown.

Step 2:

Cut 2 (3-inch) sections of elastic and loop them, as shown. Sew each loop onto the ends of the bat wings using a straight stitch, and go back and forth a few times to secure it.

More: Easy ghost makeup for Halloween — because yes, you can be dead and beautiful

Bat ears:

1. Cut 4 identical triangles of your thick black fabric.
2. With right sides of the fabric together, sew up the sides of the triangle, leaving the bottom open.
3. Repeat for the second ear.
4. Turn your bat ears right side out.
5. Hot glue onto a headband. Let dry, and you're done!

More: 6 totally creepy Halloween makeup tips that will totally freak out the neighbors

Now pair with your favorite little black dress, a pair of strappy black heels and some dark lipstick!

Originally published Oct. 2014. Updated Sept. 2016.

Hairspray's that beauty product that puts us right between a rock and a hard place. It's way too easy to overdo it and fog up the bathroom, but it's also one of the few products that can tame flyaways and manage frizz. If you're sick of getting hairspray all over your face, neck and back, SheKnows Beauty Expert Allison Pynn has come up with a clever trick to manage the mess.

More: 10 ways to avoid split ends like the plague

Her solution is to simply spray hairspray on your brush and then comb through your curls. The result is just enough hold minus the big hairspray cloud, and it makes for more even application and prevents you from over spraying.

More: A beauty routine to hide your hangover in 5 minutes (VIDEO)

Originally published July 2015. Updated Oct. 2016.

DIY skincare is, in many ways, the Final Frontier. You can make all kinds of weirdly wonderful crap on Pinterest these days (we're partial to these super-yummy smelling DIY candles), but is it really a good idea to mix up a concoction in your kitchen and put it on your face? If you're using the right natural ingredients, the answer is a big, fat yes. Using a homemade scrub is also a quick and cheap way to liven up dull skin.

More: 9 apple cider vinegar beauty benefits you're missing out on

Not only does exfoliating slough away dead skin cells, but it also unclogs the oil and dirt that lives in your pores and causes breakouts. Most store-bought exfoliating products contain harsh chemicals and dozens of questionable ingredients that have unknown benefits — another reason to make your own. As with any other exfoliating treatments, these should be used two to three times a week, not every day. And keep in mind that when trying a new skin-care product (or in this case, recipe), test it out before you go to bed. That way, if you have an adverse reaction, you can give your skin time to recover while you sleep.

To keep things cheap and easy (and totally pinnable), we've put together four of our favorite natural exfoliators you can make at home.

1. Basic baking soda scrub

The range of what baking soda can do just seems to be getting wider and wider. It can freshen the air, remove stains, clean showers and sinks and trigger explosions in science fair volcanoes. Oh, yes, we can use it to bake too. But there is one more non-food-related use to add to baking soda’s resume: face exfoliant. The grains in baking soda are just the right size to act as a gentle exfoliant, and many claim that it has helped clear up acne.

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Facial cleanser
• Water

Directions:

1. Mix baking soda with your facial cleanser to make it an exfoliating cleanser. (You can also make a paste of just baking soda and water.)
2. Gently rub it onto your skin and leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off.

Next Up: Nourishing sugar scrub

2. Nourishing sugar scrub

Granulated sugar is another wonderful, natural exfoliant. Mix it with honey, which contains powerful antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and a little lemon for clarifying purposes, and you have a wonderfully nourishing and effective face scrub.

More: 3 DIY beauty recipes that use beeswax to heal dry skin

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon raw sugar
• Fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Combine the honey and sugar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
2. Mix the ingredients well.
3. If the mixture is a little loose, add a bit more sugar.

Next Up: Invigorating coffee scrub

3. Invigorating coffee scrub

Coffee is another fantastic natural exfoliant. It contains caffeic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects and can boost collagen production. Just as coffee stimulates our body in the morning, it can serve as a skin stimulant as well.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground coffee
• 1 tablespoon water or olive oil

Directions:

1. To make the scrub, combine the coffee and water or olive oil. (To make this inexpensive face scrub even more economical, save the wet coffee grounds from your brewed morning coffee and use those.)
2. If you use olive oil, skip applying a moisturizer afterward, as olive oil will leave your skin super-moisturized.

Side note: Since coffee grounds can clog drains, apply the scrub and buff off the grounds over a plugged sink so that you can wipe them out or use a mesh drain strainer to catch them before they go down your pipes.

Next Up: Soothing oatmeal scrub

4. Soothing oatmeal scrub

People who use oatmeal as a natural face scrub swear by it, and now I know why. Ground oatmeal not only serves as a wonderful exfoliant, but it also absorbs and removes surface dirt and impurities while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated. It has been known to soothe and heal everything from acne to sunburn to dry, flaky skin. Given its gentle nature, it is also ideal for those with sensitive skin.

More: How to make a simple skin cleanser to calm sensitive skin

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground oatmeal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon water or paste

Directions:

1. Combine ground oatmeal with salt, which boosts the face treatment's exfoliating properties.
2. Add water to make a paste.
3. Gently rub it onto you skin in circular motions, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse.

Originally published Aug. 2015. Updated Oct. 2016.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to own a pair of skinny jeans or even straight-leg jeans to wear your favorite pants with boots. With a little (OK, a lot) of trial and error, we've figured out the elusive trick to tucking the bulkier, wide-leg jeans into a pair of cute boots. And just in time too -- because flared jeans have been named a 2016 trender.

Master this style hack, and it's going to add a whole new depth to your fall and winter wardrobe:

What's needed:

First, you’ll want to find a pair of boots that hit right below your knees or a bit higher. They should also be a little loose on your legs, in order to leave room for your pants to be tucked in.

More: 11 Fashionable ways to wear knee-high boots

As far as jeans go, if you opt for a pair that has some flare make sure they’re snug on your thighs and fitted at the knees. Otherwise, they’ll get all bunched up and baggy when you try to tuck them in, which definitely isn’t a good look.

Last but not least, grab some thin, high socks (or trouser socks) to slide over your pants to hold that fold in place. You’ll see what we mean shortly — don’t fret!

How to tuck it:

Step 1

Put on your slimmest pair of non-skinny jeans. Remember that the more fitted they are, the better.

More: Skinny jeans land woman in the hospital for four days

Step 2

Roll up the leg of your jean, as shown in the photo below, to create a nice, clean cuff.

Next Up: Step 3

Step 3

Once you’ve created your cuff, transform your wide leg jeans into skinny jeans by pulling the extra material at the back of your leg out. Then fold it over, making a tight crease.

Step 4

If you don’t have socks (or if your boots are loose enough), you can roll up the leg of your jean again to hold that crease in place.

Step 5

If you do have socks, however, grab your thinnest, tightest pair and slip them up and over your jeans to hold the material in place. Your socks should be high enough so that they cover everything you’ve done so far.

Step 6

Next, pull on your boots, checking to see that no sock is visible if you chose to wear them.

More: How to build an entire outfit around flared pants (VIDEO)

Step 7

All done! Now you’re ready to hit the town in style.

Originally published Nov. 2012. Updated Oct. 2016.

How many times have you wished your favorite Snapchat filter could follow you around in real life? Like a million? OK, me too. Thanks to makeup artist extraordinaire, Allison Pynn, your dreams are now a reality.

Guarantee yourself a place on the best costume podium this Halloween by turning yourself into one of Snapchat's most popular filters: the dog face, the rainbow mouth or the crybaby.

First up: The dog filter.

Step 1: Cut out the dog ears

Trace an outline of the ears onto a brown piece of felt and cut them out. Trace a smaller outline on a piece of pink felt and cut those out as well. Bend a pipe cleaner into the shape of the ears and use spray adhesive to attach the pipe cleaner to the pink pieces of felt. Then spray the brown pieces of felt with adhesive and stick the pink pieces on top, with the pipe cleaner in-between.

Leave a few inches of the pipe cleaner sticking out of the end of the ears. These pieces will be used to attach the ears to the headband.

Step 2: Attach them to a headband

Wrap a piece of brown felt around a headband and use spray adhesive to adhere the felt to the headband. Once the felt is securely in place, attach the ears by wrapping the end of the pipe cleaners around the headband.

Step 3: Outline the lighter nose section

Use light brown face paint to draw the outline for the nose and fill it in.

Step 4: Outline and fill in the darker section

Use a darker brown to outline and fill in the tip of the nose.

Step 5: Add shading and dots

Give your nose some dimension by adding a little light brown to the tip of the darker section. Use black face paint to draw a line down the center of the nose and to create the effect of having whiskers.

Step 6: Draw the tongue

Outline the tongue with light pink face paint and then use a deep red to highlight the edges.

Step 7: Fill in the tongue

Paint the entire inside of the tongue light pink.

Step 8: Add dimension

Use the same deep red used to outline the tongue to draw a line down the center of the tongue. You can mix a little white paint with the pink paint and apply the lighter shade to either side of the dark red line for added depth.

The finished look

Bend the ears so they tilt forward and securely place the headband on your head.

More: How to care for your natural hair this fall

Next: The rainbow mouth

Step 1: Apply white eyeliner

Create the effect of big eyes by applying a thin line of white paint (or white eyeliner) to your lower eyelid.

Step 2: Add false lashes

Cut a strip of false eyelashes in half and apply half of the strip to the outer section of your eyelid. This will help give the appearance of super-sized eyes.

Step 3: Outline the lower lash line

Use black face paint (or eyeliner) to draw a lower lash line under the white line you already added.

Step 4: Draw the lower lashes

Draw lower eyelashes along the edge of the lash line.

Step 5: Add rosy cheeks

Apply light pink face paint to your cheeks to really amp up the cartoony feel of this look.

Step 6: Draw the rainbow mouth

Starting with red paint, use a medium-sized brush to draw a thick stripe down your lower lip and onto your chest. Create five more stripes in orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Add multiple layers of each color to really make them pop.

Step 7: Add some sparkle

Use white paint to add some faux sparkle to the rainbow. Start by making a cross and then fill in the center portion of the cross to give your rainbow a real twinkle effect.

The finished look

Ta-da!

More: How to DIY your French manicure so it looks better than the real thing

Next: The crybaby

Step 1: Paint your face white

Use a large brush to apply white face paint to your entire face.

Step 2: Draw dark eyebrows

Add some dramatic brows by using black paint to draw thick, arched eyebrows.

Step 3: Draw crease lines

Use a fine brush and black paint to draw crease lines around the brows, mouth, nose and cheeks.

Step 4: Color and outline the eyes

Cover the eyelid in blue paint and then outline your eyes with black paint. Extend the liner out past your eye, almost to the end of your eyebrow to create a winged look. Draw on a few dark lashes above the winged liner to give the appearance of oversized lashes.

Step 5: Draw the tears

Use dark blue paint to outline the tears under your right eye. Then use a lighter shade of blue in the center of the teardrops to add a little dimension.

Step 6: Add a bold lip

Use red paint (or a bright red lipstick) to fill in your lips.

The finished look

Practice your scowl before heading to this year's Halloween party to make sure you're prepared to snag the perfect Insta-worthy pic.

How to remove

All these killer makeup looks require some pretty heavy-duty makeup. To remove all those layers of face paint, we used Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water. It removes makeup, cleanses and refreshes your skin all at the same time.

More: Let's weigh the pros and cons of hair extensions before you drop a small fortune

This post is sponsored by Garnier SkinActive.

As any denim lover knows, the right jeans can easily carry your wardrobe from season to season. You just have to know which blouses, shirts and accessories to pair them with. For fall, it's all about getting cozy without crossing into full-fledged bundle mode.

Image sources: White blouse, black purse, canvas jacket, white beanie, grey baseball tee, knitted scarf, green blouse, pendant necklace, striped shirt, blue bag, flannel shirt, leather tote

1. Boot cut

Boot cut jeans are an oldie but a goodie when it comes to denim trends. If you're wearing them to the office, pair them with a white blouse and a sophisticated bag. Add a blazer for an even classier touch. You can also dress them down with a beanie and a trendy jacket for fall festivals and apple picking. If you're on the hunt for comfortable jeans, try the Modern Boot Cut jeans from Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ Thanks to super-stretchy denim, they keep their shape all day whether you're going from work to happy hour or from breakfast to the pumpkin patch.

More: Here's how to pick the perfect shoes to go with your jeans this fall

2. Skinny

We all have a pair (or 10) of skinny jeans in our closet, but it’s not always easy transitioning them from one season to the next. On game day, we pair them with a comfy, long-sleeved tee and a cozy knit scarf in your team's color. To dress them up for a date or girls’ night, add a blouse and a bold jewelry piece. The Modern Skinny jean from Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ is a great choice because they’re supersoft and stretchy, which means you can jump and cheer and move around all you want, but they're still going to keep their shape. You'll look great, and they never kiss and tell.

More: 5 shoe trends you never thought you could pull off

3. Straight

The Straight Fit has a modern silhouette for easy effortless style, and it goes great with both heels and flats. Even better, the Curvy Straight jean from Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ features a contoured waist band designed to fit and flatter curves. That makes it perfect for brunch with our besties when paired with a fitted top and cute bag, or a trip to the farmers market with a cozy flannel and a sturdy tote.

This post was sponsored by Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™

Finding the right skin-care routine is crucial for optimal skin health. My love of skincare started with my mom, who instilled in her two daughters good skin habits, like always removing makeup at night (though I don't use baby oil anymore!).

And as I get older, and start thinking about aging, sunscreen and eye cream have become important parts of my regimen. My oily skin as a teenager has transitioned to dry skin, and it's an ongoing challenge to find the perfect moisturizer.

Everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to think about your age, specific skin concerns and environmental factors when creating a customized daily regimen.

This how-to guide, created with the help of Hello Glow esthetician Deborah Harju, will perfect your skin-care routine. But first things first, let’s talk skin types.

Oily skin

Do you see large pores when you look in the mirror? Do you often have shine on your face most times of day regardless of the weather? These are common when over-active sebaceous glands cause oily skin.

• Cleansers: Pick a cleanser that lathers well to remove oil and debris in the pores. A honey face wash helps reduce oil and bacteria without stripping the skin of moisture.

• Moisturizers: A common misconception is that oily skin does not need moisturizer. Wrong! Be sure to pick a lightweight moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Yes, you can use trendy face oils, but stay away from mineral oil and choose bases containing tamanu oil or grapeseed oil.

Combination skin/normal

This is the most common skin type, part oil and part dry. Which makes it a challenge! The T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin) is oily during the day, with occasional clogging, while the cheeks feel dry. The oily parts of the face may contain blackheads or blemishes while the perimeter of the skin usually is clear.

• Cleansers: Foam cleansers are a great solution for cleaning different areas of the skin. They are effective at treating oily skin without over-drying other parts of the face.

• Moisturizers: Take note, it’s OK to apply two different moisturizers to different sections of your face if you can’t find the right moisturize to meet the needs of your whole face. During the day, a moisturizer with sunscreen is a good choice, while at night you will most likely want something more hydrating, like jojoba or sunflower oil, for the dryer areas.

Dry skin

If your skin feels tight immediately after cleansing and you are prone to fine lines, then you most likely have dry skin. With each passing year my skin seems to feel more dry, and it's essential to keep skin moisturized to prevent lines and wrinkles.

• Cleansers: Cream cleansers are the best choice for dry skin because they won’t strip the skin of its natural oils and they won’t leave your skin feeling tight. A yogurt cleanser is gentle but effective for exfoliation. And my favorite cleanser for dry skin is a cleansing balm.

• Moisturizers: Serums are great at combating fine lines that often plague dry skin. At night I use a rich facial oil with soothing ingredients like rosehip oil that can seal in hydration. Hyaluronic acid is also a wonderful protective barrier.

Sensitive skin

It’s important to note that you can have sensitive skin in addition to any of the above skin types, often accompanied by redness and/or irritation to certain ingredients or heat. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to pay attention to your products and keep careful record of what causes any adverse reactions.

Once you've identified your skin type, choose the right cleanser and moisturizer to fit your skin's needs.

Exfoliate

All skin types need exfoliation! Scrubs are a wonderful physical exfoliant and can be used 2-3 times a week. Or kick back and relax with a mask with alpha hydroxy acids to get rid of dead skin cells.

Protect

All skin types also need sun protection. If you have oily skin, you’ll want to go with a lighter SPF. Generally, the higher the SPF, the heavier the sunscreen feels and is likely to clog. And don’t forget to wear a hat when in the sun for an extended period of time!

For more skin care tips, click here.

This post is sponsored by Garnier SkinActive.

This nail design is a bit gory, but a lot of fun. It's the perfect way to top off any The Walking Dead or Penny Dreadful themed Halloween costume you're attempting to conjure up this year. But don't worry, the look is still fashionable enough to put AHS: Hotel's The Countess to shame.

This simple step-by-step tutorial will have you looking like a bloody mess — in the best way possible.

Supplies:

• Essie's Sand Tropez
• Paint Fab's Red Hot Mama
• Scrap paper
• Nail polish remover

Directions:

Step 1

Begin with a tan base coat.

Step 2

Dab a bit of red polish on a piece of scrap paper. Dip your finger in it and blot it a couple of times until you can start to see some of the fingerprints showing through.

Step 3

Press your finger with the red polish onto your tan nails, leaving behind a "bloody fingerprint." Repeat this process until your nails are covered in a variety of bloody prints.

Step 4

Carefully use nail polish remover to take off the red polish from your fingertip, without ruining the nail design. Finish with a top coat.

Pin for later

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published Oct. 2015. Updated Oct. 2016.

Back in my days of interviewing for writing internships, I often pushed the limits on proper interview attire. From short skirts to sky-high heels, I didn’t quite understand what was going wrong in my interviews until I got a bit of harsh feedback through the grapevine. Although I’m not one to condone judgment of others for what they wear, the cold hard truth is that a job interviewer’s first impression of you is often heavily influenced by what you choose to wear to the initial interview.

More: 8 hacks to say farewell to the slow internet that's ruining your Netflix plans

With millennials being the largest generation in the workforce, workplaces are beginning to get more and more casual in terms of dress, so it can be easy to get more lax in your interviewing attire as well. However, at risk of sounding old fashioned, it’s always better to dress too professionally for an interview than to dress too casual. After all, you do want to let the interviewer know that you put in a solid effort to get this job, right?

Here are five ways you can avoid five of the most common interview attire flubs as you take the job market by storm this fall.

1. Over accessorizing

We all love our statement jewelry pieces, belts, bags, and shoes. The problem is, when you wear too many accessories, they can detract from what you have to say. A good rule of thumb when it comes to dressing for an interview is to keep accessories simple. Opt for flats or a small heel when choosing the shoes you’ll pair with your ensemble. About.com offers up some great tips for selecting the right shoes for an interview if you’re not sure whether the shoes you have in mind might work.

For jewelry, try to avoid large statement pieces and instead wear one or two small pieces that fit with the outfit you choose. A couple of simple jewelry pieces will be more than enough to personalize your outfit. No need for decorative belts or statement bags.

2. Neglecting workplace culture

One of the biggest mistakes I’ve made while choosing the right attire for an interview was neglecting the workplace culture. Scope out the company’s Facebook and Instagram profiles to see if you can identify trends in the way employees are dressing for a typical workday. If they’re a casual company, you might want to opt for a dressy casual look. If you notice that the company is pretty conservative and employees are typically wearing business casual at the office, go for a professional business look for your interview.

More: Just turning a home security system on isn't going to keep you safe

3. Over doing it on perfume

When it comes to perfume, you’re usually better off without it in an interview. This isn’t because employers look down on a nice scent, but because it can be really easy to overdo it on your favorite scent – especially when you forget that you will be sitting in a small room with your potential employers.

Try skipping your perfume if you can. If you find that you don’t feel as confident without it, try looking into a few upscale scents and limit yourself to one simple spritz!

4. Letting prints and patterns speak for you

Like statement piece jewelry and over-the-top heels, crazy prints and patterns often steal some of the interviewer’s attention away from what you have to say.

Stacy Lindenberg, owner of Talent Seed Consulting said in an article Monster.com, “Better to choose subtle patterns over brighter ones, and dark or neutral clothing versus neon colors or anything distracting. You should be the focus of the interview, not your clothing.”

Glamour UK has an awesome gallery of potential interview outfits if you’d like a little guidance in regards to where you should draw the line on adding prints, colors, and patterns to your interview look.

5. Tech accessories and smartphones

As a millennial myself, I’ll admit that I’m tempted to pull out my phone or plug in my headphones at times when my nerves are high. If you’re like me and tend to reach for your phone or headphones when you’re under pressure, don’t do it before an interview!

You won’t give interviewers the vibe that you are able to stay on task when you’re glued to your phone or pulling out your headphones when they come out to the lobby to greet you.

The only exception on headphones is in the event of a Skype interview. Experts actually say that a headset is highly recommended in this case to increase sound quality on both ends of the call. Aside from that, leave your phone in your pocket or bag, and keep your headphones at home.

Although selecting the clothing you wear is an important part of expressing your personality, job interviews require that you follow a several simple guidelines in order to make the best first impression possible. That doesn’t mean you should wear clothing that makes you uncomfortable, but it does mean that you should choose items from your wardrobe that will complement your overall presentation rather than detract from your skills and qualifications.

Hopefully these tips will help you avoid some of the most common job interview attire fails as you search for your next internship or job!

More: 5 retirement savings plans that are better investments than anti-aging lotion

Are you always running around last minute in search of that perfect Halloween costume? Look no further than our adorable twist on a french manicure. Inspired by Charlotte Olympia's wildly popular feline flats, these black cat Halloween-appropriate nails appeal to fashion and cat-lovers. Just throw on some ears and a tail, and your Oct. 31 party ensemble is complete.

Supplies

• China Glaze's Liquid Leather
• Spa Ritual's Joy
• Orly's White Tips (not pictured)
• small paint brush
• nail tip stickers

Directions

Step 1: Base

Start with a nude base coat. We used one that has a subtle sparkle.

Step 2: Second coat

Take one of the rounded nail tip stickers and place across the top part of your thumbnail. Paint the bottom part of your nail black and peel off the sticker.

Step 3: Get catty

Using the small paintbrush, paint two triangular ears.

Step 4: Face on

Once the black polish is dry, add the face details with white polish and the small paint brush.

Step 5: Tips

Place a nail tip sticker near the tip of the rest of your nails and paint black. Remove the sticker, and wait for everything to dry.

Step 6: Top coat

Finish with clear top coat.

Give it a go and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published Oct. 2015. Updated Oct. 2016.

No matter how old you are, Halloween is inarguably one of the raddest days of the year because of the costumes. And the candy. And the parties. And did we mention the candy?

But if your among the large portion of the population who tends to procrastinate, the end of October can also get a little stressful when it's the eleventh hour and you don't have a costume yet. It happens to the best of us.

When shopping for a Halloween costume has totally slipped your mind, you can start by doing what our generation does best, thanks to Pinterest. Create. And make things pretty. But yes, mostly create. We can MacGyver any situation and make mountains from molehills with just a little inspiration.

More: Make sure your fall wardrobe is complete with this must-have shoe checklist

You'll be surprised how many costumes you actually already have in your closet. The outfit ideas below are easy and fun — but really clever, too! So even though they're last-minute, they don't have to look last-minute:

1. Hello Kitty

No one is ever too old for Hello Kitty. Here are the basics you'll need for this costume — but you can really have a lot of fun with this one. Think cute skirts, tall platforms and sparkly makeup.

• Pink bow or yoga headband tied in a bow (Suddora, $5)
• Pink tee (Amazon, $15)
• Pink dress (New Look, $8)
• Cat ears headband (Target, $14)
• Whiskers drawn with eyeliner (Ulta, $12)

2. Regina George

If you're really strapped for time and your closet selections are limited, try Regina George from Mean Girls. Here's everything you'll need (and your tanks can really be any color):

• Purple tank (Ebay, $9)
• Light pink tank with circles cut (Uniqlo, $6)
• Scissors (Amazon, $17)
• Black skirt (Amazon, $13)
• Black heels (Sammy Dress, $13)

3. Party animal

I love this one. You can take it so many different ways, depending on what you have. We've outlined what you'll need to be a party leopard, but think pandas, giraffes and lions, too!

• Party hat (Wholesale Party Supplies, $1)
• Animal print tee (Wet Seal, $8)
• Animal print shoes (Heels, $48)
• Animal ears headband or hairstyle
• Face paint and eye makeup
• Bonus: Add some leaves to your hair or outfit to increase the jungle factor.

Next Up: Walter White

4. Walter White

Forget Heisenberg — go for the real Walter White that we know and love from Breaking Bad. Head over to your boyfriend's closet for a little help on this one (except for maybe the underwear...).

• Green button-down shirt (Full Source, $50)
• Undies (H&M, $13)
• Glasses (Shop, $10)
• Sneakers (Amazon, $89)
• White socks (Target, $6)

More: How to totally master the Halloween mermaid makeup from Instagram

5. Rosie the Riveter

Don't forget about Rosie! She's our cultural symbol of feminism — and is inspiration for a very simple, but powerful, outfit.

• Navy button-down shirt (Polyvore)
• Red bandana (Urban Outfitters, $6)
• Retro hairdo
• Bold lip (Ulta, $9)
• A strong muscle flex!

6. Holly Golightly

If you're a girl for pearls, then this one is for you. Pull out your inner Holly Golightly from that first scene in Breakfast at Tiffany's with just these few items.

• Little black dress (Maykool, $21)
• Pearl earrings (Claire's, $6)
• Pearl necklaces (Claire's, $7)
• Mini crown (Claire's, $8)
• Fluffy cat (Ty Store, $10)
• Tiffany box (Hint: You can make your own.)

7. Unicorn

Yes! You can be a unicorn! Now's the time to pull out that old bridesmaid dress you wore once, try that hair chalk kit you bought last year and tie your hair into a bow.

• Paper towel roll — cut, curled and decorated
• Sparkly dress (Dillard's, $100)
• Rainbow accessories, like earrings (Claire's, $19) and a headband (Claire's, $5)
• Hair chalk (Party Supplies Delivered, $8)
• Bonus: Try a bow hairdo for extra cuteness.

Next Up: Minion

8. Minion

Minions and their popularity are taking over the world. So, why not join in? Heck, for this one, you could dress up as a minion and your friend can be the unicorn (above).

• Yellow tee (Amazon, $9)
• Denim skirt (Tea, $39) or overalls if you have them
• Suspenders (Belt Outlet, $10)
• Round glasses (Claire's, $10)
• Fluffy unicorn (Toys "R" Us, $20)

More: To-die-for Halloween makeup ideas from the depths of Instagram

9. Sandy

Look at me, it's Sandra Dee! Recreate one of the world's favorite scenes ever in the entire history of movies as Sandy from Grease.

• Black leggings (Soho Girl, $22) or leather if you've got it
• Black tee, scrunched down off your shoulders (Amazon, $11)
• Red heels (Tarolli, $90)
• Cigarette (You can buy fake ones at Wal-Mart for $2.)
• Red lips

10. Charlie Chaplin

You can always go for a classic, like Charlie Chaplin. Mustaches are so fun — why not spend the night in one?

• Mustache (Birthday Express, $4)
• White button-down (J. Crew, $70)
• Black tie (Open Tip, $2)
• Bowler hat (e4 Hats, $55)
• Cane (Active Forever, $10)

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published October 2015. Updated October 2016.

We all want to wake up with perfect-looking skin. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t happen overnight without a little bit of extra help. Great skin takes a few steps and the right skin-care products to have it looking its very best.

For your skin care and all its fancy ingredients to work its magic on your skin, you need to layer it correctly. The general rule is to start with clean skin and then apply your skin care starting with the thinnest product and letting each product absorb in between layers so that the products can work on the skin.

First, you need to cleanse your skin. In the morning, simply wash your skin with your favorite cleanser or micellar water and blot it (never rub) it dry.

Your second step in layering is the most important step because this is where you will apply your treatment product, usually a primer. Your primer will contain all your anti-aging ingredients that will treat your skin's specific needs. You want to apply this to your cleansed skin, pat it lightly into your skin using your fingertips and let it absorb. Be generous with this product.

Next up is your eye cream. Be careful in applying eye cream and only it to the orbital bone and brow bone by gently tapping it on with your ring finger. Less is more when it comes to eye cream. You also want to let your eye cream absorb into your skin before moving on to your next step.

Your final layer is your moisturizer. It is super important to select a moisturizer with SPF in it, even during the winter or when staying indoors. A moisturizer will keep the skin properly hydrated throughout the day, and it will protect the skin from future sun damage. There are moisturizers made for different skin types, so make sure you choose one targeted toward your skin's need. Apply your moisturizer with your fingertips and pat it in (never rub) with an upward motion.

The difference between your daytime and nighttime routine is that you may want to use cleansing towelettes to remove makeup (this is so important at the end of the day) before cleansing, and you will obviously skip a moisturizer with sunscreen. Instead, look for a night cream or products targeted for nighttime use.

For more skin care tips, click here.

This post is sponsored by Garnier SkinActive.

Every little girl wants to grow up to be a mermaid. Now you can make all your childhood dreams come true with just a splash of makeup.

With a quick scroll of the Instagram feed, you'll see that #MermaidMakeup is all the rage as Halloween approaches. But what your favorite Insta-bloggers may not be telling you is how flippin' easy it is to master this makeup tutorial — as long as you've got a spare pair of fishnets on hand.

Finally, you can bring your mermaid dreams to life in way less time than it takes to shop for Halloween costumes online.

1. Begin by placing fishnet pantyhose or a wig cap over your face

You will look like the ugliest version of yourself during this step. It's worth it, I promise.

2. Start creating the mermaid scales

Using a sponge or your fingertips, tap a blue cream shadow like Maybelline ColorTattoo Cream Gel Shadow in Tenacious Teal at your temples, forehead and tops of your cheekbones. (Maybelline, $7)

3. Give the scales an ombré effect

Next, take a green cream shadow like Maybelline ColorTattoo Cream Gel Shadow in Edgy Emerald, and apply below your blue areas, moving closer to the center of your face. (Maybelline, $7)

More: 8 Halloween costumes that represent powerful women

4. Highlight the scales with silver cream eyeshadow

Using a silver cream shadow like Maybelline ColorTattoo Cream Gel Shadow in Silver Strike, tap on top of the high points of your face as highlights. (Maybelline, $7)

5. Remove the fishnets to reveal your makeup mermaid scales

Now, the fun part! Remove the fishnet, and see the scales you've created!

6. Apply blue cream eyeshadow

Using the same blue cream shadow and a synthetic brush or fingers, apply to the entire lid. Elongate the shape at the outer corners if you wish.

Next up: Make sure you blend the shadow

7. Make sure you blend the shadow

Using a synthetic crease brush, blend out the top edge.

8. Line under your lower lashes

Using a metallic teal eyeliner like Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Deep End, line your lower lash line, and extend beyond the outer corner. (Urban Decay, $20)

More: 12 women way sexier than the sexy Halloween costumes they inspire

9. Line the rim of your lashes with a different shade

Use a mint green or aqua liner to line your waterline. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Turquoise is my favorite! (Stila, $22)

10. Make sure you extend the line beyond your eye

Extend the line beyond the outer corner, below the teal line.

11. Seal your eye makeup with glitter adhesive

Dip your finger into glitter adhesive and loose blue glitter. Press onto the lid.

12. Add some glitter eyeliner for extra sparkle

Using a silver glitter liner, apply to the top lash line.

Next up: Finish your mermaid eyes with mascara

13. Finish your mermaid eyes with mascara

Apply mascara to your top and bottom lashes. I'm liking L'Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga. (L'Oreal, $8)

14. Add glitter to your brows, because why not?

For an extra touch, apply loose silver glitter to brows.

15. Apply false lashes (optional)

You can apply false lashes or simply some feather accents to the corners.

16. Start creating your mermaid lips

Line lips with the teal eyeliner, leaving the center open.

More: Yes, you can be plus size and wear a sexy Halloween costume

17. Give them an ombré effect

Take the mint green liner, and fill in the center of the lips, creating an aqua ombré.

18. Yes, more glitter

Highlight your cupid's bow with the silver liquid liner.

19. Apply even more glitter

Press loose silver glitter onto the center of your bottom lip for extra dimension.

Now swim off, and have a happy Halloween!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Originally published October 2014. Updated October 2016.

Honestly, one of the best things about Halloween is getting to go a little crazy with the nail art. Most seasons we're pigeonholed into a perfect little manicure that looks nice, but doesn't really let our freak flag fly.

That's why it's so refreshing when things get a little messy around Halloween.

More: How to totally master Instagram's Halloween mermaid makeup

Nail art inspiration is everywhere this season — from the candy corn on drugstore shelves to the pumpkins sitting on neighborhood stoops — but, personally, we love it when we can make things monster-ous.

Blood spattered nails

Step 1: Paint white base

Begin by painting nails with a neutral base color like white or tan.

Step 2: Prepare the blood

Dab a few drops of blood-red polish onto a paper plate or a piece of newspaper. Dip the end of an ordinary straw into the red polish, picking up a ring of color on the tip of the straw.

Step 3: Splatter them nails

Position the straw one-half inch over one nail and blow a strong puff of air into the other end. The red polish will splatter across the nail. Continue splattering each nail, adding more polish to the straw as you go.

Step 4: Clean up

At this point, you'll have plenty of splatters outside the lines. Dip a cotton ball in nail polish remover to clean up large areas of splattered skin, and use a small makeup brush or Q-tip for the detailed work around your nails and cuticles. Finish with a glossy top coat for shine and protection!

Fingers of Frankenstein

Step 1: Paint portions of nails green

Begin by painting a portion of each nail with bright green polish. Create variation by painting diagonal sections on a few nails, just the tip on others, etc.

Step 2: Paint tips black

Apply a small amount of black polish to the tip of a thin paintbrush (a slanted eyeliner brush works well here).

Step 3: Create scar

To create the Frankenstein-inspired scar, carefully draw a long line of polish along the edge of the green section of your nail. Add a few short "stitches" along the line. Don't worry about perfection here — jagged lines are just fine! Let the black polish dry completely to avoid smearing, and then apply a clear top coat to smooth any bumps and add some shine.

Mummy-wrapped madness

Step 1: Paint a base

Choose a base color for your nails — either black for a more traditional "mummy" look, or play around with another festive shade.

Step 2: Cover each nail with lines

Use a white nail art brush or pen to cover each nail with thin lines, alternating directions to create a "wrapped" look. Begin by making several parallel horizontal lines, then make a few vertical lines, and so on. Continue until you've covered each nail. Don't worry if your lines aren't perfectly even — the results will still be impressive.

Step 3: Clean up the edges

It's difficult to cover your nails in lines without spilling over onto your skin, so dip a Q-tip or a small paintbrush in nail polish remover to clean up around the edges for clean, crisp results.

Step 4: Let dry and add top coat

Let your nails dry completely to avoid smearing, and then add a top coat to add some shine to this intricate look.

More: 42 DIY Halloween costume and makeup ideas so you can spend all your money on candy

These spook-inspired designs are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Let your nails do the talking this Halloween!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

You've probably heard a lot of things about your skin, but how much of it is actually true? Unfortunately, you're probably hearing more myths than facts. It's time to figure out how your skin really works and start taking care of it, pronto.

This post was sponsored by Garnier Skin Active.

More on skin care

8 things your skin can tell you about your health
The best makeup for your face (or, how to avoid that weird color clash)
I finally listened to my mom and started going makeup free

If you factor in monthly breakouts, sun damage and a few fine lines, most of us feel like smooth skin is out of our reach. Fortunately, the skincare experts disagree. By making 12 simple changes to your beauty regimen, you could wake up looking like your best (and most radiant) self.

1. Less is more

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessica Krant — who is also founder of Art of Dermatology on 5th Avenue and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in New York City — the first step to smoother skin is to basically stop doing everything you're already doing.

"Remember that sometimes less is more," says Dr. Krant. "With all the constant marketing of anti-aging products and systems now, sometimes we think the more we do, the younger we'll get. Sadly, sometimes that can work against you. Too many anti-aging products or procedures can actually make the skin more irritated, red, and flaky and produce the appearance of more fine lines due to deep dryness and microscopic swelling. So first, stop everything."

2. Wash less

You may think the key to smooth skin is a super clean face, but that's not true. In fact, too much washing will probably do more damage than good.

"It's important to gently remove makeup and actual dirt from the skin, but it's a bit of a myth that we have to scrub ourselves squeaky clean two or three times daily," advises Krant. "Sometimes overwashing can produce the same over-dryness and irritation that anti-aging products can create. When we wash too much and strip away the skin's natural, healthy, moisturizing oils, we create redness and flakiness, and the skin actually gets a counterproductive signal to start producing more oil to keep itself protected. This is how we can end up both dry and oily at the same time. Reduce the amount of cleansing and let the skin relax."

One more thing — when you do cleanse, NYC dermatologist and host of DermTV.com Dr. Neal Schultz says, "Make sure you use a toner after your cleanser to synergize with your cleanser in removing clogging dirt, debris, oil and dead skin cells and to remove cleanser that your water rinse didn't remove."

And Dr. Schultz is one to trust, being that he's creator of BeautyRx by Dr. Schultz.

3. Don’t squeeze

We know it's tempting to squeeze and pick at any zits that happen to show up on your face, but don't.

"Manage acne gently, with help from your dermatologist, not your fingertips," says Dr. Krant. "Anything you pick and and try to solve yourself will only last much longer and risk being permanently scarred. The right dermatologist can help you with an easy, ongoing preventive regimen that will help more."

More: How to tell if your zit is an acne cyst or a pimple that will heal itself

4. Exfoliate (but not too much)

If you really want smooth skin, get rid of the dead, flaky skin on the surface. "It's a myth that exfoliation can dry or thin the skin," says healthy skin care expert and Skin Authority CEO Celeste Hilling. "Regular exfoliation speeds up the cell turnover process, allowing the body to produce moisture-bearing properties like hyaluronic acid. Exfoliation also helps to plump the skin by churning up elastin and collagen production."

Hilling recommends using a natural resurfacing agent such as glycolic acid to gently dissolve dead surface skin cells so they can be replaced with new, plump ones.

Dr. Schultz agrees, saying, "Yes, exfoliating is important, but it must be with a glycolic exfoliant gentle enough to be able to use daily (yet still effective!) because the dulling dead cells re-accumulate each day."

5. Clean your brushes

How often do you clean your makeup brushes? Probably not often enough. Dirt, grime and oils left in the brushes can cause breakouts, leaving your skin far from smooth. Fortunately, it's easy enough to clean them yourself using a simple bar of soap.

Note: Steer away from scented body soaps and go for a natural soap like those offered by South of France Natural Body Care to remove the gunk without leaving anything behind.

6. Eat clean

Turns out that your mother was right — you really are what you eat, and your skin may be a perfect reflection of your inner health. According to Dr. Michelle Yagoda, NYC facial plastic surgeon, aesthetic integrative beauty expert and co-creator of BeautyScoop, "Foods rich in lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids are especially effective at delivering smoother skin. They aid the skin in retaining moisture and fortify the skin's natural moisture barrier."

Dr. Yagoda says a diet with ample beauty super foods can enhance skin texture, hydration, firmness and smoothness. She suggests a diet of foods rich in lean protein (salmon, tofu, soy, sardines), Omega-3 fatty acids (almonds, salmon, sardines, walnuts, flax seed), antioxidants for rapid skin repair like vitamins A, C and E (carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, berries), and minerals like magnesium and zinc, which facilitate hyaluronic acid production to provide unsurpassed skin hydration (soy, kale, carrots, pumpkin seeds, whole grains).

7. Hydrate

There are a million reasons you should reach for that glass of water, and smoother skin is one.

"To have smooth, soft skin, it's really important to drink enough water or other nondiuretic fluids during the day. When you are well hydrated, skin is smoother and more elastic," says Stephanie White, founder and president of Become International.

8. Use sunblock

We all know it's important to use sunblock for health reasons, but it'll go a long way toward keeping your skin smooth, too. "Use sunblock religiously," says White. "Sun damage creates wrinkles and coarsens the skin. Find a sunblock you like that is made for the face, preferably with natural ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide."

More: 15 Makeup products with SPF to keep skin safe in summer

9. Moisturize

We can't say this enough: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research for the Department of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, agrees.

"Moisturize twice daily," he said. "It will improve skin hydration and seal in cracks between dry cells on the surface of the skin."

This moisture factor can make or break the smoothness of your skin, especially depending on the season, says Dr. Omar Ibrahimi, founding medical director of the Connecticut Skin Institute in Stamford, Connecticut.

"Steaming hot showers, particularly in the winter time, drain the skin of important moisturizers such as ceremides. Taking lukewarm showers and religiously applying a gentle moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the shower will help keep your skin nice and hydrated," he explains.

10. Go natural

The solution to smoother skin isn't always to be found on a drugstore shelf. Sometimes, the simplest, most natural products have the power to make you glow.

Alexis Wolfer, founding editor in chief of TheBeautyBean.com, has some suggestions for natural ways to get smoother skin.

"Make a yogurt mask," she suggests. "Apply a thin layer of full-fat Greek yogurt to your face and let it dry for about 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water. The lactic acid helps break down dead skin cells while the fat deeply moisturizes."

Vargas provides her own recipe that also uses yogurt as a preferred DIY skin-smoothing ingredient. She explains, "The yogurt in this mask acts as an anti-inflammatory, and the lactic acid peels the skin. Strawberry tightens the pores, and the almond powder is a gentle scrub to get the pores nice and clean. I recommend using it twice a week."

First, rub a cotton ball with raw apple cider vinegar on the area that is breaking out, and follow with this mask:

• 1 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup mashed strawberry
• 1/2 cup almond powder

Mix together and apply to the entire face. Use the almond powder to scrub the t-zone, where it tends to be oilier and where teens have the most blackheads. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes and rinse.

More: 5 Bad habits you need to break if you want clear skin

11. Take extra care at night

Your skin needs extra care at night, so don't use your daytime moisturizer before you go to bed. According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, you should look for a moisturizer that includes a retinoid.

"It stimulates collagen growth and normalizes skin cell turnover," he says.

12. Try a treatment

When all else fails, there's no shame in your game if you feel that your skin needs some outside help.

While less may be more when it comes to daily skincare, as Dr. Krant points out, there are specific situations that may warrant a professional treatment — including discolorations, acne scarring, visible sun damage and the like. Used with many or all of the clear skin tips listed above, Dr. Ibrahimi believes that some professional treatments can help smooth any remaining blemishes that refuse to budge.

He says, "Blue low level light therapy has been clinically shown to be as effective as topical acne medications and is a nice adjunct to help obtain clearer skin."

Originally published Aug. 2013. Updated Oct. 2016.

If you're anything like me, your bathroom is packed with bottles and bottles of products guaranteed to make you look years (decades?) younger. The best thing for your skin, though, may actually be in your kitchen. Simple changes to your diet may do more for your skin than some of those expensive products ever could.

This post was sponsored by Garnier Skin Active.

More on skin care

5 skin care myths you should stop believing right now
The best makeup for your face (or, how to avoid that weird color clash)
I finally listened to my mom and started going makeup free

Let's be real, sometimes a good head scarf is a major life saver. Whether you're running late or have a mean cowlick that just doesn't want to be tamed, tying your head up in that simple piece of material can magically transform you into a totally stylish diva.

From retro to boho, there's a million different looks you can create with a scarf. It can be hard to figure out a good wrap on your own, but an easy step-by-step guide can make all the difference.

1. Forehead scarf

1. Begin by folding a scarf, longways, so it's about 3 inches in width.
2. Wrap the scarf around your forehead.
3. Tie the scarf to the back of your head, not on the side, to avoid looking like the Karate Kid.

2. Head scarf

1. Stretch out a large scarf around your forehead.
2. Bring the ends of the scarf around to the back of your head.
3. Tie off the scarf in a firm, but comfortable, bow in the lower back of your head (the scarf should rest at the nape of your neck). This separates the chic look from the pirate look.

3. Banded scarf

1. Run a long scarf through a clear elastic band. The band should be in the middle of the scarf.
2. Spread the ends of the scarf.
3. Wrap the scarf around the top of your head along the hairline.
4. Tie off the scarf at the back of your head. Bring one end of the scarf around to rest on your shoulder. It adds more pizzazz to the whole look.

4. Head wrap

1. Fold a long scarf, longways, and wrap it around your hairline.
2. Tie off the scarf at the nape of your neck.
3. Pull the end of the scarf to one side of your neck so you can see it when you look straight into the mirror. Tie the ends into a bow for an extra-cute look.

5. Headband

1. Make a side braid.
2. Take a short scarf and fold it, longways, so that it's thin.
3. Wrap the scarf around your hairline and tie it off where your side braid begins. The tie will make the braid look "decorated."
4. Add cute boho sunglasses or aviators to complete the look.

6. Head tie

1. Fold a large or small scarf longways.
2. Wrap the scarf around your neck and bring the ends up to the top of your head.
3. Tie the ends into a bow at the top of your head.
4. Tweak the scarf so it sits a bit to one side and adds "sass" to the look.

7. Front twist

1. Fold a large scarf longways and rest it onto the back of your head.
2. Wrap the ends to the front of your head and tie them on the hairline.
3. Tightly twist the remaining scarf ends.
4. Wrap the twisted ends to the back of your head and tie them into a double knot.

8. Vintage wrap

1. Fold a large scarf in half to create a triangle.
2. Place the largest straight end onto the top of your head.
3. Bring the scarf ends forward and criss-cross them lightly under your chin.
4. Take the ends back and tie them loosely or make a pretty bow = so old Hollywood.

9. Triangle wrap

1. Fold a large scarf in half to create a triangle.
2. Place the largest straight end over your forehead.
3. Wrap the ends towards the back of your head and tie them once (do not make a knot).
4. Bring the loose ends back toward the front of your head and tie them at the forehead.
5. Tuck the remaining loose ends back into the scarf.

10. Loose twist

1. Fold a large scarf in half and wrap it around the back of your head. Make sure some of the scarf is hanging out loosely (some of the scarf should be hanging on your neck).
2. Bring the ends forward and tie them off at the hairline.
3. Take the remaining loose ends and twist them tightly.
4. Bring the twisted ends to the back of your head and tie them off above the nape of your neck.

Originally published Aug. 2014. Updated Oct. 2016.