Stay cool and sexy all summer with la trenza, this season’s hottest hair trend. Braids are easily dressed up or down and can be worn on almost any occasion. Plus, they’re great for second or third day hair.

Here are Las Fabulosas’ steps for three of this summer’s hottest braided looks. (Just make sure that your hair is fully combed before you begin.)

Fishtail Braid

This classic summer braid can be pulled tight for a neater look or let loose for a fun beachy braid.

1. Part your hair down the middle, dividing it into two equal sections.

2. Pull a small section of hair from the outside of the left section, and bring it underneath the entire right section. Pull it tightly for a neater-looking braid.

3. Repeat step two from the right side. Pull a small section of hair from the outside of the right section and bring it underneath the left section. Pull tightly.

4. Repeat until you’ve used all of your hair, and secure with a hair tie.

Five Strand Braid

While a five strand braid looks intricate, it’s actually pretty easy to do.

1. Divide your hair into five strands (strand one being the furthest to the left, and strand five being furthest to the right).

2. Move strand one over strand two, and under strand three.

3. Move strand five over strand four and under strand one.

4. Repeat steps two and three. Move strand two over strand three and under strand five. Then place strand four over strand one and under strand two.

5. Repeat for the full length of the braid, and secure with a hair tie.

Upside-Down Braided Bun

For those hot summer days when you just want your hair off your face, try this elegant upside-down braided bun.

1. Divide your hair by making a part from your left ear across the crown of your head, to the right ear. Clip the top half so it doesn’t get in the way while you braid the bottom half.

2. Take a three or four inch section of hair from the nape of your neck. Divide that section into three equal strands. Begin braiding these three strands and as you work your way up the back of your head, integrate the rest of your hair into the braid as you would with a french braid.

3. When your upside-down braid has reached the crown of your head, secure with an elastic band.

4. Combine the ponytail from the braid with the rest of your hair into one high ponytail.

5. Now for the bun. Tease your hair a little bit, twist it, wrap it and either secure with another elastic band or try tucking the ends into the elastic band already in place. Secure with bobby pins where necessary. Tuck any loose strands away and bobby pin or pull a few strands out for a messier look.

Are you ready to give yourself summer’s hottest makeover? These must-have beauty trends are all over the runways, and the good news is that they’re easy to recreate at home. Here’s how:

Balayage

Literally meaning “sweeping” in French, this hair highlighting technique is achieved by hand painting color onto each strand of hair to create depth. The highlights appear natural due to the scattered, painted strands, instead of the straight lines that result when foils are used. The best part? Touch-ups aren’t necessary since the roots are less obvious when they grow out. At home: Try Clairol Natural Instincts at least three shades lighter than your current hair color. Twist sections of your hair and apply the dye about one third down the twist. Follow the instructions on the box, untwist your hair and show off your new look.

Matte Nails

Forget glossy, shiny nails this summer -- it’s all about matte. There is no need to head to the nail salon to try this trend. Pick up a bottle at the drug store and paint on at home. Just make sure to apply a clear base coat to help the polish adhere to your nails. Paint two coats of the matte polish, let it dry and you are ready to go!

Dewy Complexion

Fresh skin is the key to looking younger and happier. A dewy complexion is easy to achieve at home when you use the correct products. Start by applying COVERGIRL & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation. This combination serum and foundation helps to improve your skin tone while it instantly covers age spots and discolorations. Choose a creamy blush and brush it lightly over your cheekbones and forehead for a natural glow. Complete the look with a nude lip gloss.

If your mornings are a race against how long it takes for your kids to eat breakfast, actually styling your hair is likely an anomaly. Ditch the ponytail and follow these simple tricks to get gorgeous hair -- in no time.

Time-Saving Products

The right products will give you desired results that last longer. “The best tip to speed up your morning routine is to towel dry hair and apply Argan oil,” says Lizette Green, owner of Salon Essence in Coral Springs, Fla. The oil will tame frizz and restore shine even before your blow-dry.

A good leave-in conditioner is also a must for gorgeous hair in no time, and can save you even more time in the shower. Leave-in conditioners keep hair moisturized long after it’s applied, and doubles as a heat damage protectant. “For finer hair, use a spray leave-in; for thicker hair a creamy leave-in,” says Green.

Lastly, apply a protein or moisture treatment at night, twice a month. “These are like medicine for hair. They nourish and restore hair’s health and any damage caused from heat elements,” says Green. Use protein for fine hair, and moisture for thick hair. The result? Less time spent managing bad hair days.

Easy Blow-Dry

If you can squeeze in a blow-dry, follow Green’s technique for a time-saving technique that will last for days: After letting hair first top dry, wrapped in a microfiber towel, section hair in three sections. Blow-dry from the bottom section to the top. “Sectioning gives you a quicker finish because you target direct areas more efficiently,” says Green.

Bonus Quick Tricks

• Eliminate time spent detangling by combing hair in the shower with conditioner before rinsing.

• After shampooing, use a wet brush for the best way to detangle hair without pulling it, suggests Green.

• Skip the curling iron and sleep in loose braids for an effortless beachy wave.

Warm weather is easily something to smile about, so make sure your pearly whites are in tip-top shape this season. “A healthy mouth means a healthy body,” says Dr. Rosa Lopez, a dentist based in Dallas. While proper dental care is essential all year round, you can still get a bright, healthy smile just in time for verano with these three tips:

Use a Proper Technique

You may be incorrectly caring for your teeth and gums, which could be contributing to discoloration, cavities and more. Be sure to brush at least two times a day, for two minutes each. “An electric or rotary toothbrush is much more effective at removing plaque,” says Lopez. Brush in circular or vertical strokes for optimum gum health.

Tip: Don’t forget the tongue! An unclean tongue is a main source of bad breath. “Tongue scrapers are very effective in removing bacteria,” says Lopez.

Time to Whiten

“The best way to brighten your teeth is to start with a professional cleaning at your dental office,” says Lopez. “The hygienist will efficiently remove stain and buildup, revealing clean dental enamel.” From there, Lopez suggests over-the-counter whitening strips, which will easily and effectively whiten your smile. For an extra boost of whitening power, brush daily with a whitening toothpaste, and rinse with a whitening mouthwash.

Watch What You Eat

Are you a fan of tea or coffee? Drinks like these, along with sports drinks, wine, and berries, can stain and erode your teeth. “Consume these in moderation,” says Lopez. “Use a straw to minimize staining, and rinse -- even with water -- and brush after eating if possible.” Look for crunchy fruits and vegetables, such as celery, apples and pears, which are high in water content and help produce more saliva, to gently cleanse the mouth. 

While you’re spring cleaning -- your makeup bag, of course -- save yourself time and money with beauty products that work double-duty. These must-have belleza products will get you gorgeous in more ways than one.

Beauty Balm

All the rage in beauty products, BB creams improve the appearance of skin with moisturizing, blemish control and anti-aging ingredients, while also serving as a foundation. “Beauty balm helps my foundation last all day,” says makeup artist Brandy Gomez-Duplessis, who has worked with Kerry Washington and Kim Kardashian. “When my skin gets a little dewy, I pat a little on the dewy area for a matte finish.” BB cream is also available for hair, to provide shine, frizz control and damage protection.

Try: Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream for a lightweight finish for the face and Pantene BB Crème for hair for healthy protection and shine.

Cosmetics With SPF

Make your makeup work overtime by looking for products with an SPF of at least 10 -- essential for sun protection. Most skin care and beauty products are available with an SPF formula for a variety of skin tones. And don’t forget your vulnerable locks -- hair products with SPF will help you avoid heat damage and discoloration.

Try: Covergirl Advanced Radiance Age-Defying Liquid Makeup for full coverage plus sun protection.

Bronzer

Bronzers do more than enhance cheek color. “I love to use bronzer as an eye shadow, blush and highlighter,” says Gomez-Duplessis. Or, sweep along décolletage and even leg muscles for definition.

Try: Max Factor’s bronzing powder for an effortless fresh finish.

Lip and Cheek Tint

Gone are the days when a separate product for each facial feature was necessary. Instead, invest in a lip/cheek tint that gives a naturally flushed appearance. Some creamy lip glosses can also be dabbed on eyes for light color.

Try: Benefit benetint stain, for a lasting rosy color.