9 Beauty Treatment Mishaps You Can Avoid: We’ve heard the horror stories. After getting a manicure, a friend’s nail begins oozing with infection, or following a chemical hair-straightening treatment, a coworker’s hair starts falling out in clumps. Which got us thinking: How often do these cosmetic catastrophes occur, and are they preventable? Read on to see what industry insiders say, along with what measures you can take to avoid becoming a victim of a beauty disaster.
Let’s face facts: Keeping up a beauty regimen can be a costly task. And with new pricey beauty treatments, like $400 Brazilian blowouts and $125 airbrush makeovers, just one seemingly-innocent splurge can set your budget into a tailspin. But thanks to the latest finance-friendly products, scoring the same look at home is possible—without spending a fortune. From easy-on-the-wallet blowout serums to flawless photo-ready foundation, you’ll have everything you need to beautify on a budget.
By Anne Marie Conte
Facials are a great way to keep your skin glowing, but they can be pricey. We asked Louisa Macan-Graves, author of Hollywood Beauty Secrets: Remedies to the Rescue, and Elda Argenti, owner of the Plantogen skincare line, for their favorite make-at-home face masks crafted from common household ingredients.
For All Skin Types
Brighten: Cut a slice of ripe papaya and remove the seeds and pulp (save the pulp for a snack later—it’s great for digestion). Rub the inside of the papaya peel on your cleansed face, focusing on lines around the mouth and eyes, crow’s feet, thinning temples, neck and hands. Let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with tepid water. This mask can be done twice a week. “The enzymes in papaya exfoliate, repair sun damage, diminish age spots and smooth skin. Your skin will look brighter, with a more polished finish,” says Macan-Graves.
Photos: iStockphoto
