Hitting the Trails, Hollywood-Style: Celebrity Secrets

Celebs in LA are lucky to live in a place where the weather is warm enough that they can go hiking almost all year long. One of the most popular paparazzi hangouts is the hiking trail in Runyon Canyon, nearHollywood, where stars like Zac Ephron, Jessica Biel, and Drew Barrymore have been spotted. (Can you imagine someone snapping your picture as you’re huffing and puffing, with sweaty strands of hair sticking to your face?!)

Whether you’re a world-class hiker or you prefer short walks around the block, be sure you’re prepared for anything:

• The sun. Sweat can make sunscreen run, so look for waterproof or water-resistant formulas. For oily skin, try Coppertone Oil-Free Sunblock Lotion (SPF 30). Those with dry skin may like Topix Waterproof Hydrating Cream Sunscreen SPF 30 (skincarerx.com).
• Unexpected falls and scrapes. Studies have shown that wounds heal better if they’re kept moist and covered, so take some Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment with you.
• Insects. Keep the bugs away and protect your skin with Coppertone Bug & Sun Sunscreen With Insect Repellent SPF 30, Kiss My Face Sunswat Waterproof Sun Block &Natural Insect Repellent SPF 30, or Off! Deep WoodsInsect Repellent SPF 15.
• Emergencies. You may not want your nature hike to be interrupted by calls, texts, or e-mails, but you should always take your cell phone in case you get lost or hurt and need help.
• Touch-ups. You never know whom you might bump into while you’re in the great outdoors, so tuck a tinted lip balm and a couple of Neutrogena Shine-Control Blotting Sheets into your pocket. (And make sure you put on waterproof mascara before you leave the house!)

Spring-cleaning Your Makeup Drawer

If your vanity or makeup drawer looks anything like mine, then it’s overflowing with products — many that you use, but some that you don’t, and some that you can’t bear to part with, even though you know you should (like that year-old fuchsia lip gloss!). Spring-cleaning your makeup drawer is a great way to start the season with a fresh face. Follow these simple tips:

• Check the expiration dates. If any of your cosmetics have expired, toss them. They may be contaminated with bacteria that could end up giving you a skin infection.

• Think about the last time you used the product. If it was so long ago that you can’t remember (or you know but you’re too embarrassed to admit it), go ahead and say good-bye. How many lipstick nubs do you need, anyway?

• Open the makeup containers. If you see mold (ick!), if it smells bad, or if you notice that the product has changed in color or consistency, get rid of it.

• If anything’s dried out, ditch it. This goes for mascara, liquid eyeliner, lip gloss, cream blush, foundation, concealer, and any other liquid-based products.

• Clean the products you’re keeping. Wipe off any leaky bottles of foundation, goopy mascara, or sticky tubes of lip gloss. If your brushes and tools are caked with makeup, it’s time to wash them.

• Make over your makeup area. Get a cosmetics organizer and some cute containers to put your products in. Keep a vase of fresh flowers, an aromatherapy candle, and a pitcher of drinking water with lemon slices, along with a special glass, on your vanity. Make your beauty prep area pretty, so you’ll look forward to doing your makeup in the mornings.

If you need to replenish anything, just be strategic about what you buy so that next year your spring-cleaning ritual will be a breeze.