7 Inspiring Beauty Transformations: Hair Makeovers & More

Let Your Hair Down

Dana Hall, 27, Hoboken, New Jersey

As a runner training for a half-marathon and a speech pathologist working with special-needs children, Dana needs a hairstyle that can keep up with her busy lifestyle. "I wear a messy, just-got-out-of-bed bun every single day. Help!" she says.

J. Ryan Roberts

Let Your Hair Down: After

"I'm getting nonstop compliments on my new style, and my styling routine is so speedy."

Fast Fixes

Take it easy. "Work with your natural wave," says stylist Abby Schlenger. Apply a bit of smoothing cream, like Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream ($31.80, moroccanoil.com for salons) onto damp hair, then sleep with it twisted into a bun.

Brush up. In the morning, only blow-dry the top section up and back with a natural-bristle round brush to add volume. Let this portion fall over the rest of your hair; it will cover and blend in with the air-dried portion underneath.

Stay in place. In between washings, wrap strands in a loose, low knot at night. "When you let it out in the morning, you'll have maintained that flowing, round bend," Schlenger says.

Clear Your Complexion

Kersten Stevens, 26, Teaneck, New Jersey

Violinist and yoga devotee Kersten has long struggled with acne, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. "I want my skin free of blemishes and for good," she says.

J. Ryan Roberts

Clear Your Complexion: After

"My skin tone has drastically improved. My face looks brighter, smoother, and more even than I've ever seen it!"

Fast Fixes

Zap zits. Exfoliate and control oil with products packed with salicylic acid, like Avon Clearskin Professional Acne Treatment System ($32, avon.com). The ingredient also helps to minimize scars, says dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD.

Protect skin. Even out your tone and prevent new pigmentation with a soy-laced moisturizer with SPF, such as Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($16.99, drugstores).

Go light. For maximum precision, use a small concealer brush to dot-cover directly onto blemishes, then gently dab with your fingertip to blend. Don't rub, or the makeup will come off, says makeup artist Landy Dean.

J. Ryan Roberts

Fake Fuller Hair

Simone Byrd, 22, Astoria, New York

"My hair is superthin, and I have trouble finding styles, cuts, and treatments that make it look thicker," says Simone, a marketing student, who loves running and lifting weights. "I want to give my flat strands more volume."

J. Ryan Roberts

Fake Fuller Hair: After

"So long, flatness! I love my full, swingy new style."

Fast Fixes

Start fresh. Snipping hair into soft layers, like Schlenger did with Simone's, always adds lift. "Hair that's all one length goes flat quickly," she says. "Shorter strands on top are easier to elevate for longer-lasting height."

Bounce back. To quickly plump your roots, blow-dry them in sections, pulling hair up and away from your head. "Stretching these pieces adds body," Schlenger says.

Bulk up. Schlenger sprayed hair powder on Simone's roots to "instantly thicken her style." We like Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder in Brown ($35, bumbleandbumble.com for salons).

J. Ryan Roberts

Look Fresh in Minutes

Rachel Maser Betesh, 34, Churchville, Pennsylvania

As a mother of three girls ages 5 and under, Rachel rarely has time for more than lip gloss. "I need an easy look for my busy days," she says.

J. Ryan Roberts

Look Fresh in Minutes: After

"I'm shocked that a few simple steps make such a huge difference."

Fast Fixes

Do curls. "Curling lashes gives you a wide-eyed look and mimics liner," Dean says. Hold the curler so that the metal edge hits your lash line, then squeeze a few times at the roots and work outward.

Take cover. Dot concealer on any redness, then blend with a makeup sponge. Next, sweep mineral powder over your face for a slight sheen. We like Jane Iredale Amazing Base SPF 20 ($42, shop.janeiredale.com).

Sheer up. Dean finished with a swipe of lip-color-enhancing Le Metier De Beaute Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss in Ibiza ($32, Neiman Marcus stores).

J. Ryan Roberts

Get Dewy Skin

Aubrey Dreker, 26, New York City

Despite a demanding finance job, this former competitive diver still finds time for the gym, often at the expense of her skin. "I want to get rid of dark circles and brighten my tired look," Aubrey says.

J. Ryan Roberts

Get Dewy Skin: After

"My dark circles started to fade after just one week, and my skin feels incredibly soft."

Fast Fixes

Perk up peepers. Caffeine-laced creams constrict blood vessels, easing puffiness and the appearance of shadows, says Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas. Her pick: Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Eye Cream ($65, sephora.com).

Spot treat. Prevent brown blotches and fade existing ones with Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 ($42, drugstores). It contains niacinamide to help undo sun damage.

Add radiance. Get a natural glow by patting a combo of shimmer, such as gold-flecked Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in Terre Ambre ($50, department stores), and moisturizer, like Weleda Skin Food ($17.50, Target stores), onto cheekbones, Dean says.

J. Ryan Roberts

Make Your Eyes Pop

Becky Shields, 40, Mahwah, New Jersey

"I'm a group fitness instructor, so I wear little makeup," Becky says. "I'd love to learn how to emphasize my eyes postgym and cover wrinkles."

J. Ryan Roberts

Make Your Eyes Pop: After

"Now that I have the right products and tips, my eyes look superdefined and awake."

Fast Fixes

Tone it down. "It's impossible to hide crow's-feet, but you can minimize them by using just a tiny bit of concealer," Dean says. Dab cover-up onto only the shadowy areas around your eyes, avoiding any lines.

Build a strong foundation. Apply a layer of concealer to your eyelids, then dust lightly with sheer powder. This base keeps eye makeup in place.

Go for the gold. Blend a golden brown eye shadow, like Lancome Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow in Burnt Sand ($17, lancome.com), into the center of your lids. "This trick instantly brightens your gaze," Dean says. For added definition, dot a dark brown pencil liner between your upper lashes and finish with mascara.

J. Ryan Roberts

Find a Fab Cut

Ashley Dodd, 27, New York City

"I'm in my twenties, but I look like I'm 16," says Ashley, a public relations professional. "The last time I flew, the flight attendant asked if I was old enough for the exit row!" This avid hiker is ready for change: "It's time for a chic style."

J. Ryan Roberts

Find a Fab Cut: After

"It's amazing what shedding 10 inches of hair can do for your attitude."

Fast Fixes

Go short. "Ashley's hair was a holdover from high school," stylist Jessie James says. "This cut is easy to style and flatters all face shapes." Want to mimic it? Ask for a shoulder-grazing cut that's slightly longer in the front.

Do the twist. Work an amplifying mousse, like John Frieda Luxurious Volume Bountiful Body Mousse ($6.50, drugstores), into damp roots, twisting as you smooth it through hair. Air-dry for a beachy look.

Get glam. For night, wind a few sections of hair around the barrel of a one-inch curling iron to add bounce.

Meet Our Dream Team: Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PhD, a dermatologist in New York City. From the Marie Robinson Salon in New York City: Caroline Buckler, colorist; Landy Dean, makeup artist; Amy Huson, colorist; Jessie James, stylist; Abby Schlenger, stylist.