Skin, Hair, and Makeup Tips For Women In Their 20s

Media Platforms Design Team

Your 20s is the time to experiment with the latest trends. That means notice-me lips, liquid-lined lids, and the runway's chicest updos. As for your wrinkle-free skin, "flaunt it," says Nick Barose, who works with Emma Roberts.

MAKEUP Think of orange gloss as your spring pick-me-up. Skip lip liner and prep your pout by exfoliating with a warm, wet towel, then dab on a lightweight balm, says Barose. The moisture provides a plumping effect. Just as with any bright lip look, keep the rest of your makeup simple. Swipe on mascara and a sheer foundation, like Sonia Kashuk's stick, to hide redness or blemishes instantly. "It's really about enhancing, not covering, your complexion," he advises. "When your foundation is too opaque, you lose that youthful glow." If you prefer to focus attention on your lids, "liquid liner is the equivalent of stiletto heels for your eyes," Barose adds, and it looks gorgeous with a bold lip. Offset it with a pop of pink or apricot blush. Must-have manicure: Hot pinks are an easy way to incorporate color into your wardrobe.

HAIR "Women in their 20s want long hair, but they often make the mistake of washing and drying it and then styling with an iron every day," says Dan Sharp, T3's lead stylist. This causes a ton of breakage. Follow his five-point rule: A blow-out equals one point; the flat iron, two. "If you go past five in one week, you're in damage territory," Sharp explains. Learn to embrace second- and third-day updos with the help of dry shampoo. We like Pantene Pro-V Original Fresh Dry Shampoo ($6.99).

SKIN CARE Reality check: "One third of women in their 20s suffer from acne," says Eric Schweiger, a New York dermatologist. To clear up the occasional breakout, doctors recommend salicylic acid products. Try Estée Lauder Clear Difference Targeted Blemish Treatment ($35). For ongoing prevention, ask your derm about Retin-A. "Retinol is the only ingredient proven to treat acne and prevent wrinkles," says Schweiger, who notes that the other big concern among his twentysomething patients is "not wanting to look like their mothers at 50." The solution? Wear sunscreen, he says. It's "the most important thing" to delay aging.