6 career myths you shouldn't fall for

1. A college degree will get you a jobGenerations of students have been told that if they get a college degree, they'll easily find a job afterward. Unfortunately, it's no longer so clear-cut. Degrees no longer open doors the way they used to, and too many new graduates are remaining unemployed or under-employed for months or even years, as employers opt for more experienced candidates. This is frustrating and confusing for graduates, who often feel that they did everything they were supposed to and they're not getting the pay-off they were promised would come. 

2. Do what you're passionate about and the money will follow

In reality, not all passions match up with the realities of the job market. If you're passionate about poetry or painting, you're going to find very limited job opportunities for those things. In fact, the people who get to do what they love for a job are the lucky ones; they're not the majority. A better goal is to find work that you can do reasonably happily; it doesn't need to be your passion.

3. If you can't find a job, just start your own business

Starting your own business is hard, and it's not for everyone. It's not as easy as just having a skill and selling it. You have to have something that people want to buy from you more than they want to buy it from your competitors. You also have to be able to market yourself, deal with financial uncertainty, have some savings as a launch pad, and overcome plenty of other challenges. It's not a cure-all for anyone who can't find a job or is unhappy in their career.

4. Your major in college will lead to your career

Students often come out of school thinking that their major will lead them to their life-long career path directly, but it's very often not the case--especially for majors in the liberal arts. You might have an English degree but end up in HR, or a sociology degree but end up selling ads, or a music degree but end up as a professional fundraiser. On the other hand, degrees in the sciences, technology, engineering, and math are more likely to end up pointing you toward a more defined career path.

5. If you're not sure what you want to do, go to grad school

Grad school makes sense when you want to follow a career path that requires an advanced degree. But it's a bad use of time and money if you're hoping it will somehow point you down a career path, or if you're going because you're not sure what else to do. Many people who go to grad school for lack of a better option come out a few years later saddled with large student loans, and not any better positioned than they were before they enrolled. Which leads to?

6. Grad school will always make you more marketable

Grad school generally will not make you more marketable unless you're going into a field that specifically requires a graduate degree. In fact, it can make you less competitive, by keeping you from getting work experience for that much longer and requiring you to find a higher-paying job than you might otherwise need because you need to pay back school loans--and even worse, if you apply for jobs that have nothing to do with your graduate degree, many employers will think you don't really want the job you're applying for, since it's not in "your field."

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   1. A college degree will get you a job

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2. 2. Do what you're passionate about and the money will follow

   In reality, not all passions match up with the realities of the job market. If you're passionate about poetry or painting, you're going to find very limited job opportunities for those things. In fact, the people who get to do what they love for a job are the lucky ones; they're not the majority. A better goal is to find work that you can do reasonably happily; it doesn't need to be your passion.less 

3. 3. If you can't find a job, just start your own business

   Starting your own business is hard, and it's not for everyone. It's not as easy as just having a skill and selling it. You have to have something that people want to buy from you more than they want to buy it from your competitors. You also have to be able to market yourself, deal with financial uncertainty, have some savings as a launch pad, and overcome plenty of other challenges. It's not a cure-all for anyone who can't find a job or is unhappy in their career.less 

4. 4. Your major in college will lead to your career

   Students often come out of school thinking that their major will lead them to their life-long career path directly, but it's very often not the case--especially for majors in the liberal arts. You might have an English degree but end up in HR, or a sociology degree but end up selling ads, or a music degree but end up as a professional fundraiser. On the other hand, degrees in the sciences, technology, engineering, and math are more likely to end up pointing you toward a more defined career path.

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1. 1. A college degree will get you a job

   Generations of students have been told that if they get a college degree, they'll easily find a job afterward. Unfortunately, it's no longer so clear-cut. Degrees no longer open doors the way they used to, and too many new graduates are remaining unemployed or under-employed for months or even years, as employers opt for more experienced candidates. This is frustrating and confusing for graduates, who often feel that they did everything they were supposed to and they're not getting the pay-off they were promised would come.less 

2. 2. Do what you're passionate about and the money will follow

   In reality, not all passions match up with the realities of the job market. If you're passionate about poetry or painting, you're going to find very limited job opportunities for those things. In fact, the people who get to do what they love for a job are the lucky ones; they're not the majority. A better goal is to find work that you can do reasonably happily; it doesn't need to be your passion.

   
   

Use Leftover Fruits for Clearer Skin

Skin specialists and environmental enthusiasts have come-up with an amazing way of making your skin look clearer and radiant by using leftover fruits! Leftovers from fruits in the form of squeezed pulp or skins are usually wasted. A limited application of these items from a recycling perspective is their use in making compost, i.e. a green, chemical-free fertilizer. Now, it has been established that leftovers from fruits are rich in enzymes that provide a host of skin-related benefits.

Using Leftover Bananas for Radiant Skin

Leftover skins of bananas might look ugly with their rotten appearance but these are great for increasing your skin’s radiance. Banana skins contain an appreciable amount of vitamin A, B & E—most vital among skin vitamins. Vitamin E is crucial for keeping the skin moisturized and taut. Just put the fruit skins in a blender, grinding them to a paste. This can be applied to the face and then rinsed-off after 20 minutes.

Using Leftover Lemon for Softer, Moisturized Skin

Lemon contains one of the purest forms of vitamin C. Its citrus properties make it an excellent aid for reducing skin dryness. If lemon skin/pulp is applied to the hair, it helps to keep the scalp dandruff-free. Lemon enzymes tend to gnaw upon flaky dandruff apart from reducing secretions found among greasy, oily scalps. Lemon leftover is also rich in vitamins A & B.

Using Leftover Papaya for Rejuvenated Skin

Papaya extracts are commonly found in skin scrubbers. This underlines the use of papaya for improving the skin’s texture. Papaya provides an effective cleansing action. It contains a typical kind of enzyme called Papain which is used in cosmetic skin treatments. This enzyme feeds upon the outermost, blemished and pigmented part of the skin. A few, regular applications of papaya leftovers is perhaps the most affordable solution to erase blemishes sustained from acne apart from rejuvenating the skin, rendering it an unmistakable glow.

Storing fruit leftovers that have been smashed to a pulp is rather easy. You can pour them in small containers and place them in the fridge. You can add some orange and garlic leftovers for raising their longevity.

Why fruity leftovers work wonder for your skin?

Enzymes are the main biological units in our cells, responsible for catalyzing many cellular activities. Their action regulates how older cells are discarded and new ones are regenerated and how tissues nourish themselves. This is why doctors recommend eating more fruits as they work towards improving our overall health.

When applied directly to skin, action of these enzymes is more concentrated on the outermost part of the skin, helping it to discard the hardened cells and allowing the underlying, fresher-looking layer of skin to emerge. Many skin treatments (like Dermabrasion) have a similar effect but they are associated with some side-effects. However, natural enzymatic activity of fruits is absolutely safe!

The biggest advantages of these natural facial skin remedies include their easy availability, greater affordability as compared to artificial treatments and the promise of safety.

Turmeric for flawless skin!

Turmeric or 'haldi', is one of India’s most widely used spices. Not only it is used to add color and taste to our food but also as a cosmetic. It has also become a part of our rituals. One of the most important ceremonies of Indian weddings is the 'haldi' ceremony where a paste made of turmeric is applied to the bride and the groom’s body as part of their marriage preparations.

Turmeric has been used as beauty product over the centuries. Here are some properties of turmeric that you can use to cure seven common problems and get a flawless skin

Burns
In case you accidentally burn your skin you can turn to turmeric for quick relief owing to its antiseptic properties. Prepare a mixture of turmeric and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the burn and notice how it heals the wound in no time. 


Cracked heels Apply a mixture of coconut oil/castor oil and turmeric powder on cracked heels preferably 15 minutes before you head to take a bath.


Facial hair
Chickpea flour (sattu) or gram flour added to kasturi turmeric can be used as a facial scrub to inhibit hair growth. Be sure to apply this paste for about a month to notice results. Home remedies usually show results over a 
period of time upon consistent use. 


Signs of ageing
Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent and can help you defeat the signs of ageing. Take besan (gram flour) and turmeric powder in equal proportions and prepare a paste by adding water. You may alternately prepare this paste in raw milk or even yoghurt. Apply it evenly on your body and leave it till it dries off. Wash it off with lukewarm water and scrub your face gently in circular motion.


Acne
Not only does turmeric take care of the scars and inflammation but also reduce oil secretion by sebaceous glands. To prepare turmeric scrub, add a few drops of water and lemon juice to turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the acne affected area and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub it off your face with plain water. You can also use turmeric and sandalwood mixture as an acne face pack and wash it off in approximately 10 minutes.


For acne scars, dab a mixture of turmeric and plain water and leave it on the marks for 15 minutes. To control oil secretion, prepare a paste of sandalwood powder and ground turmeric with orange juice. Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water. 



Wrinkles
You can use turmeric in combination with other ingredients to manage your wrinkle woes. Add raw milk and tomato juice to rice powder and turmeric powder. Apply the paste and let it stay until it dries. Lactic acid present in milk will help peel off the dead skin cells. You can add turmeric powder in buttermilk and sugarcane juice. This will work the best for dark circles and wrinkles. Turmeric-honey paste can be applied on the face and neck to help exfoliate skin and keep a check on pores.


Stretch marks Mixture of besan (gram flour) and turmeric in yoghurt/raw milk/water can help women lighten the stretch marks.




time.

Cure acne at home!

Although many people including both teenagers and adults suffer from acne problems all around the world, surprisingly only a handful know how exactly to deal with them. Applying homemade facial masks is one of the greatest ways to treat acne as they can be developed at home easily and are purely natural and harmless for your skin. So, here are some of the best homemade acne facial masks for successful acne treatment.

Salt mask:
Salt mask is not only effective for treating acne but also can be developed very easily. All you need is a little sea salt/cooking salt and water. Mix salt in water and leave it for 20 minutes. Apply this salt mask to the acne spots and then wash it off with clean water after 10 to 20 minutes. Salt is an effective natural cleanser which reduces the oil in your skin to a considerable amount thereby leaving your skin oil as well as acne free. 

Egg white mask:
It is one of the most simple and frugal natural acne masks that you can develop at home. Take an egg and nicely separate the egg white from the yolk and then apply the egg whites all over your face and leave it for 20 minutes. But before applying this mask, make sure that your face is cleansed and always wash it off with lukewarm water. However, people allergic to eggs are not recommended to use this mask. 

Baking soda mask:
To make this mask, all you ned is baking soda and water. Clean your face with a gentle cleanser and apply this mixture of baking soda and water all over your face and leave it for 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. This homemade mask makes your skin clear and regular application will help you get rid of acne easily and rapidly. 

Yogurt mask:
Yogurt mask is another effective mask which works wonder for acne ridden skin. All you need is one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of yogurt and mix them until they become a paste. However, it is better advised to pre-heat the honey before mixing it with yogurt. Apply this paste to your face for 10 or 20 minutes before washing it off with a washcloth and you will notice immediate changes in your skin tone. 

Oatmeal mask:
Make a paste of oatmeal and water and apply it on your face and then leave for 20 or 30 minutes. After washing it off with lukewarm water, you will feel your skin smooth and soft.

People suffering from acne forever remain in the quest for best acne treatment. If you also have to deal with acne ridden face every day then try these amazing homemade face masks to get rid of acne naturally and quickly.

Celebrity Beauty Treatment: Oscars Red CarpetFrom a glitzy gold facial to an award winning manicure, “omg! Insider’s” Keltie Colleen got the star treatment as she prepares to hit the Oscars red carpet on Sunday. Don’t miss “omg! Insider” on TV for the latest entertainment news.

Cardamom: Cardamom aids the digestive process, helping the body break down and assimilate nutrients. It is also known to boost metabolism and burn body fat, aiding with weight-loss. Toss in a few cloves of cardamom into your evening chai for a steamy cup of good health. 

Garlic: Garlic has long been used in cooking, for both its full-bodied flavor and its healthy properties. Garlic has strong anti-bacterial effects, helps reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) and unhealthy fat levels in the body. Now there’s a good reason why the ubiquitous ginger-garlic paste is found in dishes across every region in India.

Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a drink full of good health, and easy to make at home. It provides the body with essential nutrients and is very low on fat and calorie content. Chop up from fresh coriander and green chillies to it, add a little salt and pepper, and you have a refreshing, healthy homemade drink
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Top 12 Unique Uses of Vaseline

The name “Vaseline” instantly reminds us of a thick, white jelly. Though the petroleum jelly has been around since the eighteenth century, it is popularly known only for its moisturizing properties. However, Vaseline has more to it. Very few people know of its benefits in other areas.

It is often regarded as a quick-fix remedy for many household worries and homemakers swear by it. Vaseline is a miraculous jelly which can help say farewell to a number of household problems.

Here are some of the unique yet very useful uses of Vaseline. Read on to find more about Vaseline:

Household uses

• Applying the petroleum jelly on the insides of a light bulb socket is often a convenient way of getting the bulb easily in and out of the socket.
   
• Now say bye to those freaky expressions on your face after looking at a stuck chewing gum on the underside of your table. Squeeze some Vaseline on the gum, rub it till it starts to disintegrate then remove. The gum will vanish.
   
• Leftover food, spillages, water ring marks on the expensive piece of furniture- causes lot of irritation. Vaseline can easily remove the marks from your furniture. Smear a coat of the jelly and allow it to stand overnight. Wipe it with a clean cloth and see them gone. It’s even an effective way to polish your furniture as well.
   
• A generous coat of the jelly on the insides of the candelabras will also help in taking off those candle wax drippings easily.
   
• Lipstick marks on those cloth napkins can also be easily removed with the petroleum jelly. Dab the spots with Vaseline and wash it. The stains will be miraculously gone in not time.
   
• Having a hard time unscrewing that lid of nail polish bottle? Next time apply a little Vaseline around the rim of its lid and seal. You will never experience the trouble.
   
• Apply a coat of the jelly on the hinges of you doors, cabinets, anywhere where the hinge won’t stay quiet. This will eliminate the noise and ease the movement by acting as an effective lubricant.
   
• Brighten those dull pair of leather shoes with an easy swipe of Vaseline. Rub it with a clean cloth and see it as good as new.
   
• Expensive bags can also be saved by rubbing them with a little Vaseline. The jelly will protect it from dullness, cracks and water damage.
   
• Save your intricate piece of wood work with Vaseline. Just coat petroleum jelly on the places where you don’t want the paint to sneak in. You can later use a paper towel to clean it.
   
• Men can also now keep a jar of Vaseline in their car. A coat of the jelly on your car batteries will keep those white metallic buildups at bay.
   
• Vaseline can be smeared over the CD’s and DVD’s to keep them scratch free. Use a cotton swab with the jelly to fill in the scratches on discs.

Vaseline is a miraculous jelly it is also effective in curing health ailments. It is a therapy for toe nail fungus, to treat moles, heals scars and lend a more adorable looking you – Vaseline does it all!

Get Rid of Puffy Eyes Naturally

Waking up with puffy eyes is an annoyance for anyone. Puffy eyes are caused due to the accumulation of fluids around your eyes. Lack of sleep, crying, activities of previous day including intake of salty food or even keeping your head down for too long could cause puffiness of eyes.

Most of us try to cover up their puffy eyes behind sunglasses or by using concealer. However, you can also ditch your puffy eyes with some tried and tested home remedies.

Home Remedies 

• Tea bags work very well for puffy eyes. You need to soak the bags in hot water for 3-5 minutes and set them out to cool a bit before you use them on your eyes. You can also moisten teabags in cold water and patch them on your puffy eyes.
• You can also cool or soothe your eyes with potato or cucumber slices. These are especially helpful if you have puffy eyes because you have stayed awake the whole night and notice bags under your eyes.
• Using egg whites also helps reduce puffiness.

• You can even soak cotton balls in ice water and use it on your eyes or splash some cold water on your face.
• You may choose from cold circles of strawberries, chilled spoons, ice cubes wrapped in a towel, or even just a cool washcloth to lessen the swelling or puffiness.
• Papaya and curd mixed together also soothe and lighten the under eye area.
• Whatever you choose to do, avoid rubbing your eyes as it aggravates the puffiness.

Recommended Read:  Wonder Foods to Take Care of Your Eyes

Stay Hydrated and Sleep Well

Your eyes require sufficient rest from all the stress they endure during the hours you are awake. If you suffer from puffy eyes a lot, maybe your eyes are not getting proper rest. You should sleep for 7-8 hours every night. Also you must check your sleeping position. Sleep with your head raised; propping your head up keeps fluids from accumulating under your eyes thus reducing puffiness.

Recommended Read:  Habits that Can Destroy Your Looks

It is also important to stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids but ensure that you don’t drink too much water or fluids before you go to bed. Drinking too much alcohol also causes puffy eyes so control your consumption and try to drink healthy drinks such as fresh fruit juices. If you use your computer extensively for work, rest your eyes frequently.

Treat Allergic Reactions

If you have tried all these home remedies and nothing seems to work, it is likely that you are suffering from an allergic reaction and puffy eyes are the primary symptom. Speak with a doctor to find out more. 

How To Lose Belly Fat Through Yoga

Whilst has been an age-old practice that has become more of a lifestyle for many, in contemporary times, it is considered an excellent form of exercise. Losing weight and staying fit are two of the most common objectives of practicing yoga. So, then, can yoga also help lose belly fat? Definitely. Read on to know how.

1. Side Stretches

To do the side stretches, you need to stand straight. Keep your feet apart, at the shoulder’s width. Raise one arm over your head and lean to that side as far as possible. Repeat this with the other arm. You should feel the strain on the side of your belly, since that is where the fat burns off, with the help of this     exercise.

2. Straight Leg Lift

Lie down straight on your back, on a yoga mat. Place a thin book or other block between your inner thighs. Now, slowly, bring your legs straight up, with the feet pointing toward the ceiling, and without the knees bending. Keeping the back pressed to the ground, maintain this position for a few seconds, before bringing the legs down without bending. Repeat.

3. Locust Pose

Lie down flat on your yoga mat, with your face facing down. Stretch out your legs and arms as far wide as possible. Keeping both arms and legs absolutely straight, lift the head, arms, chest and legs all at the same time. Maintain this position for a few seconds before slowly lowering all parts simultaneously. Repeat.

4. Bridge Pose

This pose is very helpful in burning the belly fat as well as building the muscles of the abdomen. Lie flat on your back on your yoga mat. Bend the knees and keep your feet apart from each other. Your arms should be straight by the side of your body. Now lift your torso off the ground, leaving your head, arms and feet planted right where they are. Maintain the position for a few seconds, before gradually 
lowering

 the body back on the mat. Repeat.

Bridge PoseAuthentic Yoga is a collaboration between Deepak Chopra and Tara Stiles. In this video learn the practice of Bridge Pose.

5. Modified Wheel

Another tremendous yoga posture, this one is great for reducing belly fat too. Lie flat on your back on your yoga mat. Bend the knees and keep the feet a little apart from each other. Keep your feet and palms flat on the ground. Now lift your hips and torso up towards the ceiling. Maintain the position for a few seconds. Gently lower the body back to the ground. Repeat.

Regular practice of some or all of the above positions s bound to flex our abs muscles and burn the extra flab around the belly.

The 10 Best Power Foods for Women

Avocados: Avocados are high in monounsaturated fat, which has been shown to help you drop weight, including from your troublesome middle. In one study, people who got the most monos (about 23 percent of their daily calories) had about 5 pounds less belly fat than those who ate a high-carb, lower-fat diet.



Sardines fight heart disease: These pungent little fish are good sources of omega-3 acids, which decrease inflammation that can lead to blocked arteries. They also prevent blood clots that can cause heart attacks and strokes, and keep blood vessels smooth and supple. Three ounces of sardines have about 1.3 grams of omega-3s (you need about 1 gram a day).




Mushrooms deliver cancer-fighting antioxidants: One study showed that women who ate just one third of an ounce of raw mushrooms a day (that's about one button mushroom) had a 64 percent reduction in breast cancer risk. Other research suggests that mushrooms reduce the effects of aromatase, a protein that helps produce estrogen - a major factor in some breast cancers.



Dark chocolate stops stress and fights disease: European researchers found that people who ate an ounce and a half of dark chocolate - about 200 calories worth-every day for two weeks produced less of the stress hormone cortisol and reported feeling less frazzled. Cortisol causes a temporary rise in blood pressure; consistently high levels up your risk for depression, obesity, heart disease and more.




Spinach is dense with key nutrients: This leafy green is high in vitamin K and also contains calcium and magnesium - a combo that may help slow the breakdown of bone that occurs as you get older - as well as folate, a B vitamin that helps prevent birth defects. And it packs just 7 calories per cup raw! 



Potatoes pack healthy carbs: Potatoes contain a fat-fighting compound called resistant starch that can help keep weight in check. One medium spud with the skin will run you just around 100 calories, and with more potassium than bananas, potatoes also help fight heart disease by keeping blood pressure low.



Parmesan cheese for strengthening bones: Calcium is key for preventing osteoporosis (especially in your 20s). Yogurt and nonfat milk help, but who wants them three times a day? Work Parmesan cheese into your diet; its 340 mg of calcium per ounce - compared to about 200 mg in cheddar or Swiss - goes a long way toward your 1000 mg/day quota.




Apples boost your immune system: Smart and sweet, apples are rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that can bolster your body's disease-fighting abilities. In one study from Appalachian State University, just 5 percent of people who ate more quercetin came down with a respiratory infection over a two-week period, compared to 45 percent of those who didn't.




Broccoli fights wrinkles: "A cup of broccoli has 100 percent of your vitamin C-crucial for production of collagen, which gives skin elasticity," says Tammy Lakatos Shames, R.D. It's also rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. This vitamin assists in cell turnover, so old skin cells are replaced with fresh (read: younger-looking) ones.

10 beauty products you don't really need

Nix these useless beauty items from your routine to save time and money.

From wrinkle-reducing creams to color-enhancing shampoos, how do you know which potions perform miracles and which fall short?

Read on for expert advice on 10 products you should save your pennies on and how to really get more beauty bang for your buck.

1. Toner

Women swipe this on their faces to get that tingly, tight, squeaky-clean feeling, but dermatologist Doris J. Day, MD, author ofForget the Facelift, says that toner is an unnecessary extra step in your daily routine.

Newer soaps don’t leave the residue that toner was invented to remove. “If toner makes you feel like you’re getting your makeup off, it’s fine to use it, but if you’re busy like most women, skip it,” says Dr. Day.

2. Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner

Can’t control the flakes? Over-the-counter hair products aren’t the solution, according to celebrity hairstylist, Hikari Tezuka. They can actually dry out your scalp, making dandruff worse.

If you suspect you have a medical condition like psoriasis or eczema, which tend to cause dandruff, speak with your doctor, otherwise, Tezuka recommends moisturizing your scalp the old-fashioned way: brushing your hair 100 times with a natural-bristle brush before you wash your hair. This redistributes natural oils, stimulates your scalp and aids skin shedding. And a brush costs a lot less than shampoo and conditioner that you’ll continually need to replenish.

3. Foot Creams

“In the age of Purel and chronic hand-washing, everyone needs a hand cream, and you likely already own one, so why buy a foot cream too?” asks Heidi Waldorf, MD, and Director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. Or just use petroleum jelly. Slather it on a few times a week, put on socks and you’ll get smoother skin while you sleep. If that feels too greasy, Dr. Waldorf recommends a smoothing hand cream with humectants (they draw in water), like Dermatopics Intensive Hand Cream, sold at dermatologists’ offices.

4. Body-Firming Lotions

While you may covet dimple-free skin for your upcoming vacation, don’t bother slapping on anti-cellulite lotion.

According to Dr. Day, none of these creams firm your body or reduce cellulite long-term. “If they did, I’d be first in line to buy them,” she says. Dr. Day explains that these products often contain caffeine to improve blood flow or plant extract to hydrate skin, which may temporarily work, but hitting the gym and eating right are more likely to help.

(Photo: iStock)5. Color-Enhancing Hair Care

No, you can’t boost your blondeness (or brunette-ness or redheaded-ness) with a bottle from the drugstore.

“The tone in color-enhancing shampoos and conditioners will not be a perfect match to your hair, and that can make your tresses brassier or more golden,” says celebrity hairstylist Nick Arrojo of Arrojo Studio in New York City. He adds that these shampoos have more additives than others and that they contain a temporary color stain that’s more detrimental than beneficial.

A better way to retain color: Shampoo less frequently and use dry shampoo on the off days—it soaks up excess oils without stripping color. “Think of it like dry-cleaning a red silk dress, as opposed to putting it in the wash,” says Arrojo.

6. Shaving Cream

Before shower gel existed, shaving cream served an important purpose: to soften hair follicles and help the razor slide, says Dr. Waldorf.

Since shower gels like Dove Body Wash contain a lot of glycerin, a humectant, they double as moisturizing soap and shaving cream. So kick out the cream to cut the clutter in your shower stall.

(Photo: iStock)

7. Vitamin E Capsules

Some say applying these capsules directly to skin has anti-aging effects. But exposing these pills to light causes their time-reversing antioxidants to break down, says Dr. Day, rendering them useless. In fact, the preservative in the pills may irritate your face.

Find a cream with vitamin E instead. It contains the vitamin in a form that light doesn’t affect, so you’ll reap the beautifying benefits. -

8. Split-End Eliminators

Unfortunately, split ends can’t be nixed with serums. Ends split at the top of the hair shaft and produce an electrical charge that worsens frizz. Serums may neutralize this static with temporary frizz-taming results, creating the illusion of smoother, shinier hair for a day or night.

“But there’s only one true cure: getting a haircut,” says Arrojo.

9. High-SPF Lotions

Wearing any number SPF is a good thing, but sky-high numbers can set you back big bucks. Dr. Waldorf says that SPF 70-plus gives people a false sense of security, and that 30 is sufficient if it has broad-spectrum protection (look for titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone or mexoryl in the active ingredients) and you’re applying it evenly and frequently.

Dr. Waldorf uses Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush SPF 30 from Colorescience and recommends the SPF 30 over the 50. “The 30 is $10 less, and you may not use enough of the 50 if you’re spending more money on it,” she says.

10. Cuticle Oil

Seems like a great idea—10 tiny drops each time you get an indulgent manicure. But “oil doesn’t stay put, and for damaged or split cuticles, creams and ointments stay on longer,” says Dr. Waldorf.

She suggests using an affordable brand from the drugstore, likeAquaphor or Vaseline, for the ultimate cuticle cure.