Whether you’re trying to conserve cash or simply don’t have time to hit the salon, at-home beauty treatments can be a major save—assuming you have the right tools. We tapped our editors to get the 411 on all things DIY—from waxing to hair color to manicures. Read on to get versed in what you need to successfully stay polished sans your personal glam team.
DIY Beauty Treatments
False Eyelashes
"These cluster strip lashes are easy to apply yourself. For a natural daytime look, I buy the short and extra-short lengths to add a little lift at the outer corner of the eyes." —Rachel Zoe, Editor in Chief
Facial
"In between spa visits, I've locked down a weekly routine that mimics the effects of the pros—extract the bad stuff, replenish moisture and leave skin squeaky clean and bright. To remove gunk, I start with a powerful clay mask, concentrating on the T-zone—I love Glossier's Mega Greens Galaxy Pack and Glamglow's Youthmud. To lock in moisture, I follow up with a thin veil of Sisley's Black Rose Cream Mask or Fresh's Rose Face Mask on clean skin. I finish up by massaging in an oil—either Uma or Tatcha—and my skin looks instantly refreshed and happy. To maintain, I make sure to gently exfoliate several times a week with Kate Somerville's Exfolikate. This routine allows me to go months without shelling out the big bucks for a professional facial."
—Kristi Mikesky, Features Editor
Subtle Brow Tinting
"Before I got my eyebrows tattooed, I used this tinting pen in an effort to achieve longer-lasting color on my sparse brows. While it didn't completely tint, it did subtly darken. I suggest using every night after cleansing, before applying skincare products. During the day, use the brow mascara on the other end for enhanced volume."
—Amy Lee, Associate Fashion Editor
Shine-Enhancing Hair Treatment
"I use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse—equal parts vinegar and water—to remove product buildup and increase shine."
—Nicky Deam, Editorial Director
Bikini Waxing
"In case anyone was wondering where I get my bikini wax done (insert blushing emoji here), I'm proud to say I do it myself. I've always been too intimidated to go to the salon, which has saved me so much time and money. My advice: Don't use hot wax—it's messy and in my experience doesn't work all that well. I use wax strips. My favorite are by Sally Hansen and Sweetease. They're easy to use, relatively painless and take only a few seconds to get the job done."
—Stephanie Montes, Senior Beauty Editor
Glossy Manicure & Pedicure
“Since I never have enough time in my week to hit the nail salon, I usually resort to a DIY mani-pedi. My favorite nail-care line is NCLA. I use the exfoliating hand scrub to get my skin super soft and then apply the cuticle oil, which smells amazing. I also use the top and base coat for a smooth, high-shine finish."
—Samantha Corbett, Graphic Designer
Hair Color Touch-Ups
"I don't always have the time to spend three hours at a salon to get my hair dyed. Since my color is dark brown, every few months I hit my roots and ends with a drugstore product to add cool hues and remove the red highlights that appear from sun exposure. The key is to wear protective gloves and an old towel around your shoulders so the dye doesn't ruin whatever you're wearing."
—Shannon Nash, Accessories & Jewelry Editor
Polished Blowout
"Mastering an at-home blowout boils down to two things: patience and sectioning. And the more hair clips, the better. First, apply a nickel-size amount of Shu Uemura Art of Hair Oil-in-Cream to damp hair, avoiding the roots, then let it air-dry for 10 minutes. Next, pin up the top front sections and begin drying two-inch pieces with a round brush. I tend to curl the brush under at the bottom because I like the angled look around my face. This process takes time to master, but with practice, you'll become a pro—just think of all the money you'll save skipping the blow-dry bar!"
—Jessica Amento, Contributor
