The 101's

There are certain basics any beauty buff must know so she/he can work the system to her/his advantage. These insider tips and know how make the difference between smart beauty (read you don't wait in line, afterall what's the VIP rope for anyway?) and playing by the rules beauty (another words you do everything by the book). So here are my top 5 tips and tricks to go from so-so to brainiac:

1. Do I need a lotion or cream?

Here's the difference between lotions and creams: the amount of water content and moisturizing agents. Lotions are made up over 50% water while creams have significantly less. Instead creams are highly concentrated in humectants like glycerin and shea butter to nourish and moisturize skin more deeply. So which should you use? Lotions are great for spring/summer when your skin tends to be a bit oilier versus the colder months when your skin is parched and needs more loven'. However if you have extremely dry skin or perhaps more mature skin then opt for a cream year around.

2. OMG!!! I noticed my first wrinkle maybe I should apply more product to prevent more lines!

Here's the deal more product does not under any circumstances = better. You can apply the entire bottle of face cream (I don't recommend trying it!) and frankly it's not going to make the lines disappear any faster. The reality is your skin can only absorb so much anything above that just sits on the surface, clogs pores and causes breakouts. So practice smart usage and use the right amount.

3. I'm out of my night lotion/cream can I use my daytime SPF instead?

The short answer is yes. You obviously don't need the UV protection at night and temporarily it's not harmful to use the daytime SPF until you're able to make it to store and purchase a new night treatment. The inherent difference between these 2 products besides the SPF is that night lotions/cream have a higher concentration of active ingredients (the little miracle workers that fight the lines, wrinkles, discoloration, etc). At night your skin is at a rested, repair state so it's smarter feed your skin with all the essential tools!

4. My skin is so dry. What can I do?

Did you know the best time to apply creams and lotions on your body, hands and face is right after washing? When your skin is exposed to water it soaks it in, rehydrating the cells. By applying a rich cream immediately after you "lock in" the moisture helping to reinforce skin's moisture barrier for suppler more hydrated skin.

5. What's the quickest way to banish winter scale-like skin for touchable softness?

This is easy...the answer is exfoliation and rehydration. Twice a week slough off the dead skin cells with a body exfoliator. Up the ante and use a body brush to enhance the exfoliating action to ensure proper softness and smoothness. Then do as specified in tip 4 and apply a rich cream directly after the shower.

Usage tip: Beauty is about improvising and customizing. Don't be afraid to experiment and be sure to share your tips and tricks!

The result: The savviness and know how that will make you the grand master of all things beauty!