By Alexandra Tunell, Allure
We challenged four blow-dryers--all promising a faster blowout--to a race. One tester with a medium-thick lob followed the same styling routine for five days. The products (shampoo and conditioner) and the brush stayed the same, but she swapped in a new blow-dryer each day. The models went up against the current speed demon, the T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i, which holds the title for the quickest blow-dry session: five minutes and 20 seconds. Here are the results.
Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q
Special features: The brushless motor is lightweight and fast, and the strong and directed airflow reduces the need for hair-sizzling heat.
Results: It was surprisingly quiet but didn't do much to smooth our frizz or add shine.
Blowout time: 6:53
Price: $84.99, amazon.com
Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry
Special features: A fancy LED screen displays heat and power settings and a "clean filter" indicator.
Results: Call us shallow, but this sleek, matte black dryer won us over before we even switched it on. Afterward, our hair looked so healthy and silky, we almost forgot we were due for a cut.
Bio Ionic 10x
Special features: Weighs less than one pound, and the brushless motor uses 75 percent less energy than average dryers.
Results: This superlight blow-dryer didn't strain our arm muscles (and is great for travel). We loved how shiny it made our hair look.
Price: $279.99, amazon.com
BaByliss Pro Italia Brava
Special features: A Ferrari-designed engine and six heat and speed setting
Results: This dryer worked in record-setting time, but beware of the highest heat setting. The air gets about as hot as a Ferrari's exhaust pipe, and the vents stay scorching for several minutes after unplugging.
Blowout time: 5:18
Price: $228.99, amazon.com
Your Essential Sunscreen (and Skin Cancer Prevention) Guide
Choosing the Right Formula(01 of04)
Open Image ModalSunscreens come in two forms: Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are minerals that sit on the skin's surface and reflect the sun's rays like tiny mirrors. Chemical sunscreens, such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, work like little sponges to absorb and neutralize solar energy. Physical blockers can deflect both types of rays: UVA and UVB. Chemical ingredients may defend against only one or the other. Look for broad spectrum on the label to make sure the product you use covers both.
There are pros and cons with each form. While physical blockers very rarely cause an allergic reaction, a small percentage of the population is allergic to avobenzone or oxybenzone, according to Darrell Rigel, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center. "The main problem with physical sunscreens is that they tend to be less water-resistant," Rigel says. "You put them on and go in the pool or sweat, and they can just run off." If you're the sporty type, select a chemical sunscreen, which is more likely formulated to resist water and perspiration. No matter what kind you end up choosing, "you need at least an SPF 30 every day," says Rigel.
Making Sure Your Sunscreen Works
If dermatologists could tell you one thing about the way you apply sunscreen, it's this: You're skimping. To shield your face and body adequately when you're outdoors, experts say you need a full ounce of sunscreen (equivalent to a shot glass). And you need to reapply that amount every two hours -- more often if you're getting wet. (Water-resistant sunscreens are rated for 40 or 80 minutes -- check the label. After that, it's time for another coat.) So even if you're spending only a long weekend in Bermuda, a couple of TSA-approved bottles won't cut it. When your day is spent mostly indoors, it's OK to say "one (coat) and done." "You still need an SPF 30, but you can put it on in the morning and not reapply unless you go out for errands," says Rigel. (credit:Sabine Villard/Trunk Archive)
Stop! Now Read This(02 of04)
Open Image ModalIf you've got skin, the following applies to you.
There are two types of skin cancer. Nonmelanoma -- basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma -- usually looks like a little pimple or sore, may also bleed and doesn't go away after a few weeks. "Anything that's bleeding, scabbing, crusting and not healing needs to be checked by a dermatologist," says Lisa Chipps, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Melanoma is a potentially deadly form that often shows up as an irregular mole. Follow the ABCDE guide. If your spot fits any of the descriptions below, get yourself to a dermatologist, stat.
Asymmetry: one side is different from the other
Borders: scalloped or irregular edges
Color: multiple shades instead of a uniform brown hue
Diameter: larger than a pencil eraser
Evolving: anything that changes in size, shape or color over time
Special Alert
Attention, darker-skinned women: You are more susceptible to a specific form of melanoma that tends to develop on palms and soles, says Carlos Charles, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. It may also appear as a linear pigmented band on the nail bed, so check those areas regularly. (credit:Gillian MacLeod)
The Best Defense(03 of04)
Open Image ModalInquiring Minds Want to Know...(04 of04)
Open Image ModalWhat's the best sunscreen?
"The one you'll wear every day -- as long as it's broad spectrum and at least SPF 30," says Chipps. "You have to like the texture, or you aren't going to use it. It's a personal preference, and finding yours may take some trial and error."
Won't sunscreen make my oily skin break out?
It's not the sunscreen agents causing your pimples; it's the formula, says Rigel. If blocked pores are a problem, look for OIL-FREE or NONCOMEDOGENIC on the label.
Is the SPF in my makeup enough?
That would be a resounding no, say dermatologists. "If you wear a thick coat of foundation all over your face, then maybe," says Chipps. "But most people don't -- they apply a thin layer and put on only a little extra if they're covering a blemish." If you want to thwart the rays, first smooth on a lightweight sunscreen, then put on your makeup. (credit:Ridofranz/iStock/Thinkstock)
