As soon as someone tells me a serum is designed for an older consumer, I want to slather it all over my face. My thinking: If it can fight serious wrinkles, it will work wonders on my fine lines. Jurlique Nutri-Define Superior Retexturizing Facial Serum, $120, is the latest product to get my attention. It contains horseradish for firmness and elasticity, mulberry root and rosemary leaf extract for antioxidant protection, peppermint leaf extract to improve texture … the list goes on (artichoke, alfalfa seed, ginseng, licorice, oat kernel …). It's a virtual cornucopia of botanical ingredients, and they all work together to improve skin. In clinical studies, 71 percent of women saw a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles in 28 days -- and that's fast.

I went through a phase in 2007 when I wanted to dye my hair red. The inkling quickly passed when I met my now-husband (funny how that happens), but I still think about it and wonder how it would have turned out. It probably wouldn't have looked as good as if I were to color it now, in 2014 -- there's much better technology available. Clairol Professional Flare Collection, $5.99, is exceptionally vibrant, and it's packed with oils that impart shine while it works. If red isn't your thing, don't worry -- it comes in 26 shades. And they're all exclusive to Sally Beauty.

I keep a bottle of Lancome Absolue L'Extrait Ultimate Beautifying Lotion, $140, on my desk. The sculptural bottle is gorgeous, and a few spritzes make my skin look instantly dewy and more alive. It's made with rosewater from the Lancome rose (their own, ultra-potent variety), as well as moisturizing ingredients. While it's designed to be used first -- to prep your skin for other skin care -- I mist it all day long. Now, if only it came in an airplane-friendly size.

There's a dry texture spray revolution happening right now. These hybrid dry shampoo plus beach sprays give you the benefits of both products (oil absorption and tousled waves) in one handy can. Redken Wind Blown 05 Dry Finishing Spray, $18, is my new favorite -- they had me at "wind blown." Oh, and the gardenia scent is better than many perfumes.