Beauty Emergencies, Solved: Your Guide to Fixing Frizzy Hair and Smudged Makeup

It's happened to all of us. You're getting ready to go out, and suddenly you're faced with a beauty dilemma: frizzy hair that won't be tamed, smudged eyeliner, or a pimple that seems to have appeared out of nowhere. Instead of panicking, here are some simple, expert-approved tricks to handle these common beauty frustrations with things you probably already have at home.Hair Emergencies, Solved1. The Problem: Frizzy Hair and FlyawaysWhen your hair has a mind of its own, especially in humid weather, it can be frustrating.The Fix: Don't reach for more heavy products. Instead, take a clean toothbrush or a spoolie (mascara wand), spritz it with a light-hold hairspray, and gently comb down those stubborn flyaways. For overall frizz, a tiny drop of hair serum or even hand lotion rubbed between your palms and lightly smoothed over your hair can work wonders.2. The Problem: Oily Roots, No Time to WashYou need to be out the door in ten minutes, but your hair looks greasy.The Fix: Dry shampoo is your best friend here. If you don't have any, a little bit of baby powder or cornstarch can do the trick. Sprinkle a small amount on your roots, let it sit for a minute to absorb the oil, and then brush it out thoroughly. This will instantly refresh your hair and add some volume.3. The Problem: Split Ends are ShowingYour hair looks dry and damaged at the ends, and you're overdue for a haircut.The Fix: While you can't permanently mend split ends, you can temporarily hide them. A small amount of a smoothing hair oil or a leave-in conditioner applied just to the ends will help them look healthier and more polished by sealing the cuticle.Skincare Quick Fixes1. The Problem: A Sudden PimpleAn angry red spot has appeared at the worst possible time.The Fix: Resist the urge to pop it! Instead, apply a cold compress or an ice cube wrapped in a cloth to the area for a few minutes to reduce swelling and redness. If you have a spot treatment with salicylic acid, dab a small amount on. In a pinch, a bit of non-gel toothpaste can help dry it out overnight, but use this trick sparingly as it can be irritating.2. The Problem: Puffy EyesYou didn't get enough sleep, and your under-eye area is showing it.The Fix: Cold is the key. Place two spoons in the freezer for a few minutes and then gently press them against your puffy eyes. The cold temperature helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Chilled cucumber slices or used, chilled tea bags (chamomile works well) also do the trick.3. The Problem: Dry, Flaky SkinYour foundation looks patchy because of dry skin.The Fix: Start with a gentle exfoliation. You can make a simple scrub with a little sugar and honey. After rinsing, apply a generous amount of moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Let it sink in for a few minutes before applying makeup.Makeup Mishaps, Managed1. The Problem: Smudged Eyeliner or MascaraYou blinked at the wrong moment, and now there's a black smudge.The Fix: Don't wipe it with your finger—that will only make it worse. Dip a cotton swab in a bit of moisturizer or makeup remover, and gently dab or roll it over the smudge to lift it away without disturbing the rest of your makeup.2. The Problem: Clumpy MascaraYour mascara has gone on thick and spidery.The Fix: Before it dries, take a clean spoolie or an old, clean mascara wand and gently comb through your lashes from base to tip. This will separate the lashes and remove any excess product, leaving them looking natural and defined.