Popping Pimples
When you should break it: Popping a pimple is okay if you do it correctly, says Audrey Kunin, M.D., founder of the DermaDoctor product line and website. First, make sure the blemish has already come to a head. If it hasn’t, a warm compress will help speed along the process. The key is to apply direct pressure downward on the pimple using a comedone extractor like your dermatologist would use. Try Sally Hansen La Cross Blemish Remover, left, $5. It’s tempting to squeeze the sides of the zit with your (dirty) fingers, but in doing so you could rupture sebaceous glands under the skin, causing more inflammation and a risk of scarring, Kunin explains. After you’ve gotten rid of all the gunk, apply hydrogen peroxide and an antiacne topical treatment. This is the time when the ingredients can really penetrate the area, preventing another eruption.
Take five
Slick your lips with these sorbet shades.
From top: Rimmel London Sweet Jelly Sheer Lipgloss in Tutti Frutti, $5.50. Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Inspired by Carmindy Ultra Soothing Lip Tint in Melon, $8. Murad Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector SPF 15, $16.50. Three Custom Color Specialists Lip Gloss in Sorbet, $21.50. Prescriptives Calyx Exhilarating Lip Gloss in Pink Grapefruit, $14.50.
Reader tip
“I like my hair best with second-day styling. I shower and blow-dry the night before, then use dry shampoo the next morning. It gives my fine hair so much volume — and I get to sleep 30 minutes longer!”