Beauty Dictionary: Summer 2011 Edition

These topical exfoliants, like glycolic and lactic acid, help minimize wrinkles and sun spots by promoting cell growth. Generally best for dry, sun-damaged skin, in which a buildup of dead skin is more common than in other skin types, alpha hydroxy acids are also commonly used for in-office chemical peels.

See also: Brazilian Peel

Ammonia-free dyes don't open up the hair fiber as much as ammonia-based options. Using them results in less damage and healthier, softer locks post-coloring.

See also: Colour Couture Kit

Oral and topical ingredients that keep wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging at bay by preventing and repairing free-radical damage. Beyond açai berry and pomegranate, coconut water, green tea, and caffeine are also rich in anti-oxidants.

See also: Patricia Wexler M.D. Daily Defense Anti-Oxidant Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

Call it free-form highlights. Unlike traditional highlights, in which hair is folded in foil, the balayage process involves hand-painting peroxide-based dyes on the ends of hair to replicate grown-out sun-kissed locks.

See also: Alexa Chung

Found in most self-tanners, dihydroxyacetone is the active ingredient that bronzes the skin's surface sans sun. Once infamous for its pungent smell, new formulations containing DHA now boast odor-neutralizing ingredients like essential oils.

See also: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

A long-time staple of hairstylists' prep kits, these powdered "shampoos" (available in aerosol and non-aerosol varieties) absorb oils for instantly fresher-looking locks. They can also be used to add texture and hold when creating extravagant updos.

See also: OJON Rub Out Cleanser

This mechanical device works like a series of tiny tweezers and removes multiple body hairs by simultaneously pulling them out at the root. Fun fact: Epilation is the most common form of body hair removal in Eastern Europe.

See also: Braun Epilator

A favorite of celebrity facialists, these vibrating brushes exfoliate skin and remove impurities more thoroughly than manual washing. They also stimulate circulation for an instant glow.

See also: Clarisonic Mia System

These salon-only manicures entail coating the nail with a pigmented gel formula and letting it harden for a few minutes under a UV lamp. No drying time after that, this nail look won't chip—really!—for up to three weeks.

See also: CND Shellac Manicure

These types of fruit acids enhance exfoliation and improve skin tone and texture by sloughing off dead skin cells without reducing the skin’s moisture level. Just make sure to apply sunscreen after exfoliating: products that contain glycolic acid make your skin extra sensitive to the sun.

See also: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

An easy way to revive locks in the salon or at-home, glazes temporarily boost shine and fullness. Tinted glazes act like stronger versions of color-depositing shampoos and add more oompf to your shade. Results can last up to five weeks, so use one of these temporary fixes to space out color appointments.

See also: John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze

Chemical-free and all-natural, this plant-based dye coats the hair shaft, enriching the depth of natural color. But be careful: even henna dyes make strands more prone to snapping and breaking, so use plenty of conditioner.

See also: Surya Hair Dye

Named after a style of Japanese theater famous for its heavy makeup, these brushes—you’ll spot 'em by their short handles—are designed to easily sweep powder over the face for full coverage.

See also: Tokidoki Kabuki Brush

A type of protein naturally found in hair, skin, and nails, this ingredient is used in hair treatments and conditioners to seal the cuticle for frizz-free results. Often used with formaldehyde (keratin usually can't bond to the hair without it), many new salon and at-home keratin products are now formulated without the carcinogenic preservative.

See also: Keratin Complex

Spotting little red bumps on the backs of your arms or above your knees? You might have keratosis pilaris, a very common skin condition that occurs when dead skin cells don't shed as they should. Combat it with daily applications of lotions rich in alpha hydroxy acid.

See also: AmLactin Product Range

Favored by pros for lining the sensitive inner rim of the eyelid, kohl has been a key ingredient in eyeliners for millennia. Fans have ranged from Cleopatra (scientists concluded it was her product of choice) to pop-tart Katy Perry.

See also: Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal Intense Indian Kohl

Synthetic lashes that are applied to your real eyelashes one by one to achieve a fuller, longer lash line. Thanks to a surgical-grade adhesive, results can last for up to four weeks (an esthetician has to remove them with a special solvent), but block out time and budgeting if you’re planning on getting a set: application sessions can take up to three hours and cost in excess of $300.

See also: Kim Kardashian

Unlike highlights, which lighten select strands a few shades, lowlights darken sections of your hair to add contrast and depth to your mane. Women with finer hair can benefit from their volume-enhancing effect.

See also: Jennifer Aniston

A must for people prone to breakouts, non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products don’t contain occlusive ingredients like mineral or coconut oil, which block pores.

See also: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

These new vibrating mascara wands and powder applicators live up to their buzz by evenly distributing product over lashes and skin while stimulating glow-enhancing circulation.

See also: Lancôme Oscillating Powder Foundation

Commonly used to bind together fragrance oils in scented beauty products, phthalates have been shown in some studies to disrupt hormonal balances in users. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, banned phthalates from use in toys and children's products.

See also: Mustela (phthalate-free) Bebe Range

There's more to probiotics than Jamie Lee Curtis-approved yogurt. These healthy bacteria—that naturally occur in fermented foods and yogurt—improve digestion and boost immunity when ingested to help prevent yeast infections, eczema, and acne breakouts.

See also: Activia

These prescription-only Vitamin A derivatives rapidly increase cell turnover to improve skin texture, fade dark spots, and shrink pores. Beauty junkies (with cash to burn) have also used retinoids on their arms and legs to minimize scars and stretch marks.

See also: Tazorac

Found in many anti-aging products, this over-the-counter form of Vitamin A helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles more gently than RX-alternatives. Like retinoid-users, women who use retinols might have hyper-sensitive skin, so they should be sure to slather on SPF and notify estheticians if they use the topical.

See also: ROC Retinol Eye Cream

Sometimes mistaken for acne, rosacea is a chronic skin disorder (symptoms range from rashes to inflamed blemishes) that affects about 14 million Americans. Breakouts can be caused by a number for triggers (red wine, exercise, and spicy foods are the biggest culprits), so visit your dermatologist if you think you might have it.

See also: Rosacea.org

Also known as beta hydroxy acid, this acne-fighting ingredient promotes exfoliation to help clear up and prevent blackheads and whiteheads. Dermatologist-issued salicylic acid peels are also an ideal way for patients to start anti-aging treatments for fine lines.

See also: Neutrogena Rapid Clear On-the-Go Acne Treatment Pen

A longer-lasting alternative to lipstick and blush, stains add color by temporarily saturating skin with water-based dyes (think food coloring but less potent). Cheek stains are often gel- or water-based, allowing for smoother application, and lip stains don't contain wax (unlike lipstick), allowing for kiss-proof pouts.

See also: Revlon Just Bitten

When it comes to your beauty drawer, it’s plant-based stem cells—not human ones—that you’ll find. Stem cells harvested from botanitcals, like roses, apples, and grapes, stimulate the growth of your own skin cells to promote younger-looking skin.

See also: Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer

These chemical agents might make your cleanser foam, but they can also strip your skin's natural oils and cause fading for color-treated strands. Those with sensitive skin (or expensive dye-jobs) should consider sulfate-free beauty products.

See also: L'Oréal Paris EverStrong Sulfate-Free Shampoo

When used in hot tools, this natural crystal has a negative ionic charge that helps smooth hair cuticles and eliminate frizz. It also emits infrared heat when warmed, which cuts down styling time (meaning less hair damage).

See also: Infiniti by Conair Tourmaline Ionic Styler