Genius Weekend Beauty Treatments

After a grueling work week, the weekend is a welcome opportunity to binge on House of Cards and do some laundry. But, if you can also squeeze in these quick and simple beauty treatments (even if it’s during a commercial break), you’ll see major improvements in your skin and hair by Monday!

For younger-looking skin: Try that new spin class you’ve been meaning to take this Saturday. Aside from the obvious tummy-flattening and mood-boosting benefits, working out also minimizes wrinkles. Why? Exercise helps support the production of collagen, which keeps your skin smooth and firm. Just don’t blame us if your coworkers start demanding your skin care secret at work this week.

For thicker hair: Treat your scalp to a massage, which promotes blood circulation, stimulating hair follicles and eventually boosting your strand count. Start with your normal shampooing routine in the shower on Saturday night and gently knead and rake your fingers over your scalp for about 30 seconds. Repeat Sunday night and as often as possible for fuller hair.

For brighter eyes: Look for an eye treatment with caffeine on the ingredients list like Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Gel and stash it in the fridge this weekend. The cold constricts blood vessels, reducing under-eye puffiness, while the caffeine detoxifies the thin skin under your eyes, breaking up the baggage. Dab - don't rub - the cream onto your under-eye area as soon as you get out of bed Saturday and Sunday to look more awake on Monday.

For glowing skin: On Sunday night, mix a pinch of turmeric with 2 tablespoons of manuka honey in a small cup, advises Jolie Martin, director and laser skin care specialist at Skinney Medspa in New York City. “Apply the mask to your face and neck to stimulate blood flow, draw out toxins, lighten dark spots, and kill bacteria,” she explains. Leave the mixture on your face for 15 minutes for radiant skin all week.

For shinier, stronger hair: Show your hair some love on Sunday night with a nourishing avocado hair mask that’ll repair dryness, breakage, and dullness. You can try a DIY version by mashing up the entire fruit, combing it through your hair in the shower, leaving it on for 10 minutes, and rinsing it out with your favorite shampoo. Or, opt for a store-bought version like Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak, which is laced with avocado oil that will leave your hair soft and manageable throughout your 40-hour work week.

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