Back to Basics: What Your Hair and Skin Really Need

Get expert advice for what to use when it's time to slather (or lather) -- and what to shamelessly shelf

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Back to Basics: What Your Hair and Skin Really Need

Get expert advice for what to use when it's time to slather (or lather) -- and what to shamelessly shelf

Cleanser, toner, moisturizer, serum; shampoo, conditioner, gel, mousse (the list goes on). With so many skin and hair agents out there; how's a girl to choose? And, what's a girl really need? We asked the pros which products are essential for maintaining gorgeous skin and hair. Click on the category that suits your type and voila -- you're one-step closer to a clutter-free medicine cabinet.

Get tips

Click on your key products and learn how to give your straight hair a boost

The last thing straight-haired women desire is fine-looking locks, explains New York City hair stylist Oscar Blandi -- which is why he recommends thickening or volumizing shampoos and conditioners for straight hair. Try Victoria's Secret So Sexy Volumizing Shampoo for Fine Hair, $9.50.

A thickening leave-in treatment that adds volume to naturally straight hair is one easy, great way to add bounce, fullness and movement. Try Sebastian Body Double Thick-Extreme Treatment, $39.

Although it may seem like an '80s hair product, mousse can do wonders for straight hair. Work a dollop into towel-dried strands (from roots to ends), then dry naturally or with a hair dryer (and paddle brush) to achieve a more voluminous style. Try Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Mousse, $3.99.

Learn how to work your waves by clicking on your key products

Despite popular belief, gel does not make hair look wet or greasy. Rather, it helps tame and fine-tune the direction of your waves, says Seattle-based hair stylist Michael Weigand. After showering, apply a dime-sized amount from roots to ends, then twist and turn your strands in the way you want your waves to lay. Try Sebastian Laminates Rich Concentrate Gel Flexible Shine Enhancer, $20.

At night, pull your hair into two low buns (think Princess Leia in "Star Wars") to make your waves even more pretty and whimsical in the morning. Release them in the AM to reveal soft, touchable waves. Then spray with a light layer of hairspray, like Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, $24.

See how these products will fight frizz and give your curls the TLC they need

Every other week, New York City curl guru Ouidad says to apply an intense conditioning treatment from roots to ends to keep curls hydrated and, in turn, healthy. Try Pantene Pro-V Fortifying Deep Fortifying Treatment, $4.99.

Because curly hair can be porous (aka very dry), it can also look frizzy if left untouched. To combat frizz -- even if you keep your locks lush and hydrated -- use a frizz-fighting, curl-defining cream (try Frederic Fekkai Luscious Curls Cream, $20).

Before using any heated appliances (blow-dryers, curling irons, rollers), coat your strands with a thermal protective cream or spray. Nothing looks worse than fried curls, period. Try Sebastian Professional Trilliant, $15.99.

Click to see how these products will keep your tight coils in perfect shape

Moisture is a pivotal player for curl health and beauty, so you want your hair to remain super-quenched constantly, explains curly hair expert Ouidad. So in addition to using a super-rich conditioner, use a shampoo that is designed for curls -- it contains more moisturizers. (Try Tigi Catwalk Curls Rock Shampoo, $11.50).

After showering, towel-dry hair (pat, don't rub), then apply a curl-defining mousse throughout, scrunching and shaping your ringlets as you like. Choose a product specifically formulated to define curls, like Pantene Pro-V Curl-Defining Scrunching Mousse, $4.49.

Put the hot tools on hiatus: Skip blow-drying whenever humanly possible (this just robs your ringlets of much-needed moisture). Instead, let hair air dry completely, then finger-tousle to give curls definition without creating or enhancing any frizz. Work a bit of pomade into fingers first. Try Herbal Essences Shimmery Nights Flyaway Smoother, $6.50.

Maintain your easy-to-control skin type with these tips and products

According to NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Neil Sadick, the single most important thing you can do -- sunny, cloudy, rainy and snowy days alike -- is to use a daily moisturizer with broad-spectrum UV coverage. The SPF will protect against harmful damage like sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles and of course, sunburn. Try Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion SPF 30, $41.50.

In addition to basic cleansing and moisturizing, use an at-home, gentle microdermabrasion kit, which uses AHAs to slough off dead, dulling skin cells, twice a month. Try Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System, $24. Sadick says it's an easy way to keep skin refreshed and renewed.

Click to see why your dry, tight skin will love these essential products

Wash without worrying: Use a gentle cream cleanser, like Olay Total Effects Nourishing Cream Cleanser, $7.64, to wash your face without robbing it of essential oils necessary to stay hydrated, explains dermatologist Dr. Neil Sadick.

Apply a cream that locks in moisture longer (like, 24 hours longer). Although you still may choose to use it more than once daily, an uber-hydrating choice is the best way to go. Try Olay Professional Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, $41.50.

Click to learn why these products will mellow out your highly-reactive skin

Opt for products -- cleansers, lotions, serums, etc. -- that are labeled "fragrance-free" and clearly call out their lack of scent/fragrance (and all-natural ingredients). These will be gentler on your skin, causing less breakouts, rashes, hives or reactions. And don't forget to protect your delicate skin with SPF -- every day. Try Olay Total Effects UV Moisturizer, Plus SPF 15, Fragrance-Free, $17.99.

Test first, use later. Interested in a product but unsure how your skin will react? Spot test every new product you buy on a small zone (like your collar bone) to see if it's a fit. A new moisturizer to try: Olay Professional Pro-X Hydra-Firming Cream, $41.50.

Click to find out how these key products kick grease to the curb

Reach for oil absorbers. They once only came in the form of blotting papers, but are now found in almost every category of product you put on your face. Even many foundations and face powders contain oil-absorbing silica. So definitely opt for those when shopping for makeup. But, you can also use an oil-absorbing, clarifying cleanser, like Olay Daily Facials Clarify Lathering Cloths, $5.50 to kick your greasy situation to the curb from the moment your day begins.

Salicylic acid has been used for a long time to treat acne. It deep-cleans pores to remove dirt and debris, which typically adds to your grease and shine factor. Try using a moisturizing lotion that contains salicylic acid like Olay Total Effects + Blemish Control, $18.99. Just be sure to also use an SPF (of at least 15) on top of this product because it will make your skin more sensitive to the sun.