Change your beauty destiny – The A-Z insider tricks

A for Acne

Guess what? Acne is mainly caused by hormones and has little to do with diet or dirt. It’s a result of poor cell exfoliation inside the hair follicles – causing those blackheads and whiteheads which results in a build-up of sebum under the skin, producing pimples and cysts. “A combination of different treatment usually gives the best results,” says dermatologist Dr Natasha Cook. “These could be anti- bacterial; cell exfoliating product like alpha hydroxy acids (aka AHAs) salicylic acid and prescriptior vitamin A; or oral antibiotics and the oral contraceptive pill. The best plan of attack is to see a dermatologis who can access all treatment option and design a suitable programme.”

B for Bronzing

Mousses, lotions, sprays – with so many superior products around, the only way a fake tan looks fake is if you’re lazy in applying it! Not into DIY? Try Tom Ford for Estee Lauder Collection The Face Glow for a light glow, or the Clinique Self-Sun Quick Bronze Tinted Self-Tanne Mousse for a deeper tan.

C for Cellulite

Need an ally in the war to smooth skin? Enlist the help of 517 Precision Trim from Marie France Bodyline. Lie back and enjoy the full-body mud pack, toxin-releasing massage, and gentle energy activation treatment. For more info, see http://sg.mariefrance.com.

D for Dandruff

Nothing ruins a little black dress like little white flakes. Luckily, the new generation of anti-dandruff products banish the scales and leave hair looking goddess-gorgeous, so you won’t look like a lamington anymore. We like Head & Shoulders Naturally Clean Shampoo, $7.90.

E for Endermologie

It’s the other cellulite treatment getting results in the fight against spongy saddlebags. So, what is it? A non-surgical procedure that helps eliminate cellulite plus improves body shape and skin tone. The machine’s rolling and sucking actions work together to “stretch” the septa back to an upright position. (The septa attaches skin to the fat cells and when it’s out of shape due to genetic and lifestyle factors it starts to bend sideways causing the dimple effects.) It promotes elimination of toxins, helps restore smoothness and fights that icky orange-peel effect.

F for Fragrance

About 400 new perfumes are launched every year, so make it a mission to find one that’s totally “you” for instant A-list chic. Sexy scents worth a spiritz: Jennifer Lopez Live Luxe, $59 to $106; DKNY Red Delicious, $60 to $86; and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Velvet, $80 to $101.

G for Gold

It’s the colour to mimic a sunset glow. Get into pigmented body oil for glistening skin, gold eyeliner to bring out the sparkle in your eyes, or gold varnish to complete the glowing look. We like Chanel Nail Colour in 227 Eclair, $32.

H for Healthy Hair

Heated styling tools take their toll eventually. But regular treatments will ensure your locks stay healthy. Our recommendation: Kerastase Nutridefense Anti-Dryness Nutri-Protective Treatment, $54.

I for Infra-red Sauna

Infra-red therapy is used to bathe the body in warmth to a depth of 45mm, meaning you perspire up to three times more than in a traditional sauna. Why we love its It helps ease pain and inflammation, flushes toxins, and burns up to 2,090 kilojoules in one 30-minute session! Try it at Prestige HelioAsia in Marina Square (tel: 6339 9159).

J for Juice

Yes, it is possible to drink yourself gorgeous! Gulp down grapefruit to fight free redicals; try tomato to strengthen capillaries and prevent cellulite; and for all the antioxidants you need, pour yourself a tall glass of pomegranate.

K for Kohl

Black-rimmed eyes never go out of fashion. Eyeliner looks supersexy … or plain scary if you don’t know how to apply it. The trick to success? Take a pointed liquid liner or sharpened pencil and dot along the lashline. The idea is to fill in between the lashes making them look thicker, the whites of your eyes look whiter and your whole eye area appear more defined.

L for Lip Service

The hottest thing for your pout right now? Sally Hansen Lip Inflation, $18.90, and Lip Explosion by Body Innoventions, $55. Just one swipe plumps, moisturises and colours your lips for a sexy pout.

M for Mineral Makeup

It’s totally natural makeup, so even unlucky gals who suffer from regular breakouts and sensitive skin will love it. The brand to try: Averine. Its Glitter Powder ($69), Skin Caring Eye Shadow ($26) and Hologram Gloss ($38) are all skin-friendly. Get more info at averine.com.sg.

N for Nutrition

Want youthful. radiant skin? fill yourfridge with antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, such as prunes, blurberries, sweet potatoes, capsicum, spinach, broccoli and seeds (eg, pumpkin and sunflower). Limit caffeine and get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

O for Online

Want a one-stop shop for all your skincare and cosmetic needs? Check out e-megastore adorebeauty.com.au. You can even pick up hard-to-find brands like Burt’s Bees and Smith’s!

P for Paramedical Skincare

Looking for more than just moisturisation? Paramedical skincare works way harder, using enzyme therapy and a higher level of active ingredients to clear skin problems such as acne and reverse signs of ageing. Leading the pack are Danne Montague-king (treatments and skincare), Cosmedic and IPL machines.

Q for Q10 (aka COQ10)

Q10 is vital for sun protection, preventing damage to the collagen and elastin production processes and keeping wrinkles away. As you age, your body’s production of Q10 decreases. To replenish your stores, try Coenzyme Q10 Special Set by Somang and Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Eye Care.

R for Retin A

What do acne, wrinkles and blotchy skin have in common? They’re all afraid of Retin A! The treatment thins the skin’s outer layer, encouraging exfoliation and allowing your other products to penetrate even deeper. Apply before going to bed and wear sunscreen during the day as Retin A can increase skin sensitivity to the sun as well as wind and cold weather.

S for Stretchmarks

They can make even the most confident girl feel self-conscious especially in a skimpy summer outfit. Growth, yoyo dieting and childbirth are the main culprits, but a good oil or cream, such as Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotions $24.25, can help diminish them.

T for Tea

Green tea is said to have many health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and boosting immunity. Need another reason to drink up? A 1999 study found that men taking a combo of caffeine and green tea extract burned more kilojoules than those taking just caffeine or a placebo.

U for UV protection

“UV radiation penetrates deep into the skin, causing sunburn plus long-term damage like wrinkles, sagging and discolouration. It can also contribute to increased skin cancer risk,” says Craig Sinclair, chair of the Cancer council Australia’s Skin Cancer Committee. Want to look beautiful forever? Easy. Slip, Slp, Slap.

V for Veneers

Those thin, semi-translucent laminates permanently bonded to teeth, veneers produce the perfect Hollywood smile. You needn’t have a full set either – if you have one or two chopped teeth, a veneer can be placed over the tooth to match the rest. Costs about $450 per tooth.

W for Whole body vibration therapy

Vibromassage is a circulatory therapy that enables better blood circulation, stress relief, accelerated metabolism rate and rapid recovery of muscles and tissue without the sweats gym workout. The vibration promiser to make you feel totally refresher and revitalized. Why we love it? Maximum results, minimum time, limited effort! To give it a try or fins out more details, call The Retreat at 6738 0080.

X for Xylitol

A natural and safe sweetene without the side effects of suga and artificial substitutes, Xylitol it reported to be good for your teeth It also stabilises both insulin and hormone levels.

Y for Ylang ylang

We love essential oils, especially the sexy ones. Ylang ylang fight skin irritations and stabilises sebum (oil) production. The best bit? It helps balance hormones and PMS and is widely known as an aphrodisiac – guess who’s oiling up tonight!

Z for enough Zzzzs

It’s not called “beauty sleep” for nothing! In deep sleep mode, your body regenerates skin, bloom and brain cells, as well as revitalisin muscles. Dark circles are never good look, so get seven to eight hours a night and watch your skin reap the rewards.