STOP THE (MARCH) MADNESS: 5 Beauty Blunders to Banish This Spring PLUS Quick Fixes and Expert Picks!

Spring is a time of awakening... rebirth... and BANISHING THOSE BAD BEAUTY HABITS!  Make this the month you stop the (MARCH) madness and start avoiding these classic blunders.  Read on for our list of the 5 biggest makeup mistakes a girl can make, and our expert advice and product recommendations for changing those habits for good.  Get a jump on gorgeous this spring... With a little help from your friends at Cosmetique!


BEAUTY BLUNDER #1 :  Applying your makeup with dirty brushes...

Photo Courtesy of Japonesque.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Using dirty brushes to apply makeup means you're transferring bacteria, dirt and pore-clogging oils onto your skin every time you use them!  This can cause acne, dullness and premature aging of the skin.  It's also bad for your brushes!

QUICK FIX:  Use a gentle hair shampoo to lather up brushes once a week.  Be sure to massage bristles from base to tip, and rinse thoroughly.  Reshape brushes and allow to dry flat on a clean paper towel.  Don't you just feel better?

EXPERT PICK:  Try Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Shampoo for a refreshing scent and luxe lather that conditions as it cleanses.

BEAUTY BLUNDER #2:  Poorly-blended foundation...

Photo Courtesy of Isabellagucci.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Poorly-blended foundation sets the stage for poorly-applied makeup!  Just as an artist begins with a perfectly primed canvas, applying your foundation like a pro will ensure an even, smooth surface on which to perform your magic.  


QUICK FIX:  For expertly-blended foundation with no streaks, caking or mask-like lines at the jaw, ear and forehead, choose a natural-looking, semi-sheer foundation with a brush applicator.  The lightweight formula and brush application allow for perfectly-natural, perfectly-YOU coverage, with no tell-tale lines or streaking.  Tap a damp sponge over foundation after application to blend and remove any excess product.  Step back and take a look in the mirror... OMG!  It's Complexion Perfection!!!


EXPERT PICK :  Too Faced Magic Wand Foundation has a built-in brush and delivers light-diffusing, skin-perfecting coverage for perfectly natural-looking skin!

BEAUTY BLUNDER #3:  Skipping the eyelash curler...

Photo Courtesy of Health-beauty-tips.org

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Uncurled lashes appear shorter and make your eyes look smaller and less awake.  Curled lashes look longer and fuller, and give eyes a well-rested, alert appearance.  Because curled lashes allow more light into the eye area, eyes appear brighter and sparklier!  What girl can say no to that?!?!


QUICK FIX:  Use a high-quality, stainless steel eyelash curler with a no-stick silicone pad to curl lashes at the base, mid-way point,  and tips for eye-opening lashes that look ultra-long and flirty!  Be sure to follow with mascara for maximum impact.

EXPERT PICK:  Japonesque Power Curl Eyelash Curler creates dramatic, uniform curl with no sticking, clumping or pinching.  

BEAUTY BLUNDER #4:  Too-Nude Lips...

Photo Courtesy of Prettyobsessed.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  While rich, warm nudes can lend subtle sophistication to an otherwise edgy, smoky eye;  too-nude, too-light lips can sap skin of vital color and make the complexion look sallow and ashy.

QUICK FIX:  Banish lackluster lips and embrace this season's hottest trend!  A shade which flatters many women AND is appropriate for all ages, coral is THE color for lips this spring.  A moisturizing, color-rich lipstick formula ensures high-impact, lip-loving pigments that last and last.  Be sure to choose a shade appropriate for your skin tone.  Fairer-skinned gals should stick with pinkish hues while those with deeper skin tones can experiment with bolder, warmer shades.

EXPERT PICK:  For a stay-true, stay-put lip color in a universally-flattering shade of this season's hottest hue, try Sistina Lipcolor Perfetta in Mandarino Coral. 

BEAUTY BLUNDER #5:  Heading to bed without washing your face...

Photo Courtesy of Collegecures.com

WHY THIS IS "POSITIVELY MAD":  Leaving makeup, dirt and oil on your face while you sleep clogs pores and creates a breeding ground for germs and bacteria which can exacerbate acne conditions, cause eye infections, and leave skin looking dull.  What's more, by not cleansing skin properly before bed, you allow the free radicals from the day to sit on skin overnight, potentially contributing to cell damage and premature aging.

QUICK FIX:  First remove eye makeup and lip products using a makeup remover designed especially for those delicate areas.  Now, using circular motions, massage a gentle cleansing gel onto wet skin for 30-60 seconds to remove makeup and impurities without drying your complexion.  Be sure to rinse cleanser off thoroughly with water and pat dry.

EXPERT PICK(S):  Beat hard-to-remove eye and lip colors with Arabella Stuart Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips.  Follow with Princess Livia Gentle Cleansing Gel with Bee Pollen to unclog pores, and remove excess oil and impurities.  

   

There you have it ladies, our expert tips and recommendations to help you banish beauty blunders for good.  Don't forget to check out the rest of our blog @ http://www.cosmetiqueblog.com/, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter(@CosmetiqueUS) for all sorts of tips, tricks, trends and more! 

5 HOT Spa Treatments You Can Do At Home

The most popular spa treatments can rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit and make you look and feel like a whole new you.  "BUT, what if regular spa visits don't fit into my schedule and budget?" you ask.  To that I say: "NO PROBLEM!"   We're running down 5 of the HOTTEST spa treatments, and showing you how to achieve spa-quality results in your very own home.  ARE YOU WITH ME?

The Treatment:  Spa Manicure/Pedicure

Photo Courtesy of Freespiritskincare.com

The Basics: A spa mani/pedi is the cornerstone to any good beauty routine.  Research has shown that one of the first things people notice about you is your hands!  The professional treatment includes a warm soapy soak for hands and feet, exfoliation, nail and cuticle grooming, skin conditioning and polish, of course!


Do it at home:  If you're a penny-saving gal on the go (like the rest of us) you can get salon results at home!  Simply soak feet and hands in a warm soapy bath and use an exfoliating foot scrub (very gently on hands, more vigorously on feet) to remove dull, dry skin.  While hands and feet are still damp, gently push back cuticles (don't clip them!) and apply a rich conditioning cream like Madeleine Mono Hand and Cuticle Repair Cream to both feet and hands.  File nails to your desired shape with a nail file.  Before polishing, be sure to use either rubbing alcohol or polish remover with a cotton pad to clean nails (if you don't, polish will peel sooner).  Follow with the nail polish of your choice.  I like Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel because it dries to a brilliant shine and comes in so many awesome colors! 

The Treatment:  Anti-Aging Facial

Photo Courtesy of Godonyc.com

The Basics: A professional anti-aging facial typically includes a mild exfoliation, deep hydration and a firming treatment for face and eyes.

Get it at home:  Murad Resurgence Renewal Home Facial Kit includes everything you need to begin your journey towards younger-looking skin!  Advanced collagen building technology boosts elasticity and resilience to reduce the appearance of medium to deep wrinkles while gentle exfoliators clear skin of dullness and stimulate cellular turnover.  Luxurious, lasting hydration helps to restore suppleness, texture and tone.  This do-it-yourself miracle-in-a-box also comes with Murad's Firming and Hydrating Eye Gel Mask to lift and plump your delicate eye area while reducing signs of under-eye damage.  Begin with well-cleansed skin.  Click here to view our fabulous selection of cleansers!  I also like to follow this restorative treatment with a rich moisturizer to help lock in all that fabulous hydration!  

The Treatment:  Hydrating Body Wrap

Photo Courtesy of Hawaiianexperiencespa.com

The Basics:  This ultra-relaxing spa treat typically includes a nice, warm shower followed by an ultra-hydrating cream or oil applied to the body.  Once applied, the spa technician/esthetician will wrap the client in a cellophane or plastic wrap to lock in the hydrating effects.  Once "wrapped," you will lay down and relax in a warm steamy room while the moisture penetrates skin with the help of the wrap and steam.  Afterwards, they have you take a quick rinse in a cool shower and send you on your way!


Get it at home:  Before you begin... Grab an extra large garbage bag (the lawn and garden ones are best because they're HUGE), and cut the seam off of the bottom. Next, cut up one side so you are left with a large, flat plastic sheet.  Bring this into the bathroom with you along with a large cushy blanket or comforter.  Now, jump into a warm shower for about 5 minutes.  Be sure to keep your bathroom door closed to create a spa-like "steam room."  While skin is still damp, liberally apply a rich, hydrating body cream like Garden Botanika Pomegranate Wine Body Butter, to your entire body - don't forget hands and feet, ladies!  After laying your blanket or comforter on the floor for warmth and comfort, center your pre-cut plastic sheet over the blanket.  Now, lay down in the middle and wrap the plastic sheet over your body AVOIDING YOUR FACE AND NECK!  Pull the blanket up around you, too, over the plastic sheet.  Relax in your little "cocoon" for 20 minutes.  When done, gently unwrap yourself and take a quick rinse in a cool shower, patting - not rubbing yourself dry.  Et Voila!  You are a beautiful, glowing butterfly!

The Treatment:  Exfoliating Body Glow

Photo Courtesy of Evaspa.com

The Basics:  A quick warm shower is followed by an exfoliating body scrub applied to your entire body.  The spa professional will then massage the scrub over your entire body to remove dull skin.  This treatment is usually followed by a quick, cool shower.  You will see fresher, newer skin exposed immediately!  Even better results can be achieved by getting this done regularly.


Get it at home:  Hop into a warm shower and wet your entire body.  Turn off the shower, but stay in there!  Apply a generous amount of an exfoliating body scrub like Garden Botanika Fresh Mint Whipped Body Buffer to every inch of skin - avoiding face and neck.  I especially like this scrub because of it's natural exfoliants (Colloidal Oatmeal and Walnut Shell Powder), and its invigorating, minty scent.  Bonus?  This stuff DOES NOT leave an oily film on your skin OR in your shower!  Massage your entire body using light to medium pressure and circular motions.  You should do this for 5-10 minutes.  If you have sensitive skin, use very gentle pressure and shorten the duration of your massage.  Now that you're a big, scrubby mess, turn the shower on (use lukewarm to cool water as it's better for your skin), and rinse the scrub thoroughly.  Follow your exfoliation by gently patting yourself dry with a towel.  Finish by applying your favorite body lotion! 

The Treatment:  Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Photo Courtesy of Wellsphere.com

The Basics:  A salon professional will wet hair and apply a deep conditioning treatment root to tip.  They then wrap the hair with cellophane and apply light heat to help the conditioning treatment penetrate the hair shaft.  Now, you sit for 10-15 minutes.  When done, the professional will thoroughly rinse the hair and send you packing!


Get it at home:  Wet hair throughly in your shower or sink.  GENTLY, wring any excess moisture from the hair and blot with a bath towel.  Now, apply a rich conditioner like H20 Plus Marine Collagen Conditioner which contains marine botanicals and amino acids to increase volume, luster and manageability, from roots to tips.  Gather hair on top of your head and cover with cellophane, avoiding your face, then wrap with a towel.  Use your blow dryer on low to warm the whole thing up a bit.  Relax for 15, then rinse completely and enjoy your shiny, lustrous locks!

There they are folks - with fool-proof, DIY instructions.  Get relaxed and glowing just in time for spring with a little help from your friends at Cosmetique.  Enjoy!

Get Up and Get Glowing! 10 Great Radiance Boosters to try in 2011

Photo Courtesy of Gawker.com

Want to look younger, fresher and heathier in 2011?  One of the easiest ways to achieve that goal is to increase your radiance!  Whether it's your hair, skin or lips, light-reflection is key.  Dull, dry and flaky is SO 2010.  With so many radiance-boosting options from skin care to cosmetics, there is no reason you can't glow your way through the winter, and have heads a turnin' while you do it! 

So here they are, my top 10 picks for getting your glow on:

1.  Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

What it is:  An exfoliating cleanser that increases brightness and clarity of the skin.

How it works:  A trio of gentle exfoliating acids, Salicylic, Lactic and Glycolic,  provide clarity, brightness and improve cell-turnover by dissolving dead skin cell buildup. Jojoba beads further polish and smooth skin. Sodium PCA and Jojoba Seed Oil boost hydration. Licorice Extract reduces irritation and inflammation.


2.  Energie Vitale Masque Hydratant Peau Radiante

What it is:  A skin brightening moisture mask to be used whenever skin needs a hydrating boost!

How it works:  Made with the finest essential oils, including Eucalyptus, Avocado and Lavender, this heavenly mask works to penetrate pores with soothing moisture.  Superior hydration means brighter-looking, dewier skin.

Bonus: Aromatherapeutic benefits abound.  It's relaxing fragrance brings the spa to you!


3.  Madeleine Mono Act 3 Fountain of Youth Rejuvenating Moisture Cream

What it is:  A multi-faceted moisturizing cream.

How it works:  Grape seed, macadamia nut and rice bran oils nourish skin, while shea butter hydrates and softens.  Licorice root extract works to enhance brightness, and skin-loving Vitamins A and E preserve and protect.  The result?  A more radiant-looking you!


4.  Garden Botanika Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Treatment

What it is:  A rich eye cream that has been touted as a natural alternative to injectables. 

How it works:  A patented peptide (these are ALL the rage, right now) and an amino acid called Arginine work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Red Wine Polyphenols and Green Tea Extract provide the ultimate antioxidant protection, while a combination of ceramides, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and Hyaluronic Acid moisturize the delicate skin around the eye area. A host of botanical extracts naturally lighten AND brighten, so eyes have a fresher, younger appearance.

Bonus:  This wonder-cream contains no fragrance or artificial dyes!


5.  Jean-Michelle Lotion Peau Brillante - Skin Brightening Lotion

What it is:  A moisturizing lotion that works to give you more radiant-looking skin.

How it works:  Gentle exfoliants help to refine skin and create a more youthful-looking complexion while skin-nourishing ingredients hydrate and protect.


6.  Sistina Radiante Face Tint

What it is:  A lightly tinted cream that creates even-looking skin with a healthy glow!

How it works:  A touch of color adds warmth and radiance while a bevy of vitamins and antioxidants work to protect skin from the elements.


7.  Pur Minerals Hot Rocks

What it is:  A blend of micronized minerals in a multidimensional, universally-flattering shade.

How it works:  A luminous combination of pink and pearl pigments add warmth and radiance to the skin.  Brighten eyes, lips and cheeks with a quick swirl of your brush!   


8.  Sara St. James Easy Color Bronzing Powder

What it is:  A natural-looking, light-reflective bronzing powder.

How it works:  Warm bronze undertones add instant warmth and dimension to the skin while subtle shimmer creates the look of a healthy, radiant complexion.


9.  Diandra Luminous Lipcolor Collection

What it is:  Three creamy, delicious lip colors in a sleek, mirrored compact.  Brush included!

How it works:  Pure beeswax protects lips to help keep them smooth and beautiful, while gorgeous color and a soft pearlescence add depth and a healthy luminosity.


10.  Zents Sun - Concreta Solid Perfume Balm

What it is:  A highly fragrant, solid perfume balm hand-poured into a unique, solid stone cube.

How it works:  A stirring blend of Vanilla, Sandalwood, Pink Orange and Grapefruit, this sun-drenched scent helps to increase your radiance from the inside out.  What better way to improve your mood than with a warm, feel good fragrance?  Happy people are naturally more radiant! 

Bonus:  With shea butter and beeswax, this amazing product can also be used as a skin conditioner and hair pomade!

Be a ray of sunshine all winter long with these fantastic, glow-getters!  Find all of these radiance-boosting wonders and more at Cosmetique.com. 

Your 2011 Skin Makeover: Transform Your Look With These Fabulous Skin Fixes!

Photo Courtesy of Truehollywoodmakeup.com

If one of your New Year's Resolutions is to take better care of your skin, you've come to the right place!  Whether you're oily or dry, aging or acne-prone, we've got just the thing for you.  Give your skin a makeover this year by using skin care appropriate for your skin type/condition.  Read on for our recommendations on how to make 2011 the year you get the skin of your dreams!

If you have oily skin:

You know the routine, you complete your skin care regimen in the morning and your skin looks and feels great.  Then, an hour or two later the shine sets in... 

This year, choose products designed for oily skin and get skin that looks and feels great all day long!  Try Sara St. James Botanicals Clay Cleanser to deep clean with bentonite clay to draw out impurities.  Follow with Sara St. James Botanicals Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin.  This lightweight, hydrating fluid softens and conditions skin while helping to control shine.

If you're experiencing facial acne:

Nothing seems right with the world when you're battling a breakout.  For acne sufferers, this battle can seem never-ending.  The good news is, Murad Acne Complex Introductory 30-Day Kit has everything you need to win!  A complete, skin-clearing regimen, this kit stops acne in its tracks and prevents it from coming back.  Make 2011 the year you finally get clear skin!

If you have fine lines and wrinkles:

We all know this is an issue that starts small, but can quickly spiral out of control.  Make this the year that you get a handle on your anti-aging skin care routine and slow down the hands of time.  Jean-Michelle Rejuvenesse Skin Care Set contains 3 powerful weapons in the fight against aging.  The mask provides skin with a much-needed moisture boost, while the treatment cream hydrates and fights the signs of aging.  The serum provides a targeted, on-the-spot fix for pesky fine lines and wrinkles.  Start seeing a younger, fresher you with this specially priced, anti-aging skin care trio from Jean-Michelle.

If you're experiencing dry/dehydrated skin:

This skin type is typically characterized by tightness, dullness and flaking.  Nip that in the bud with a splash of soothing oil-free hydration!  H20 Plus Oasis Oil-Free Hydration Starter Kit has everything you need to cleanse, moisturize and condition your way to beautiful skin.  The cleanser gently purifies without robbing skin of much-needed moisture.  The moisturizer and eye treatment flood the skin with even more soothing moisture, leaving it dewy and fresh.  Bye, bye tight, flaky complexion... Hello, GORGEOUS!

If you have sensitive skin:

Red, flaky, easily irritated?  These are the hallmarks of sensitive skin.  This skin condition requires a gentle, hydrating, non-stripping cleanser, and a moisturizer that protects skin as it hydrates.  Say adios to redness and irritation by incorporating Garden Botanika Hydrating Creamy Cleanser into your daily routine.  This gentle cleansing cream rids skin of impurities without causing irritation.  Follow with Garden Botanika Daily Mineral Guard, a hydrating moisturizer with SPF 25.  Not only does this topical moisturizer protect skin from the sun, it also contains antioxidants to prevent free radical damage and is recommended for sensitive skin.

If you need a complete overhaul:

If there's no one particular skin type or condition you're dealing with, but your skin could use a major boost in the new year, try Murad Evening Renewal Regimen.  This miracle-kit cleanses, tones, hydrates and firms the skin.  It even reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps to prevent breakouts!  Use this system every night for skin that looks renewed, refreshed and healthy.

No matter what your skin issue, we've got the fix!  No need to sit idly by while pesky skin care concerns drag you down.  Make 2011 the year you take this skin care bull by the horns!  Find these winning skin-fixes and more at Cosmetique.com. 

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Garden Botanika Love is Heart Gift Set

The Big Picture:

A $65.00 VALUE... for only $45.00! Garden Botanika Love is Heart Gift Set is a sure-to-please gift featuring the bestselling Heart fragrance all wrapped up in a ready-to-give holiday gift box. Gift set includes: 8 fl oz Body Wash, 8 fl oz Body Lotion, 3.38 fl oz Eau de Parfum, and a Rose-shaped Mesh Sponge.

The Details:

Garden Botanika Heart Body Wash - This gently cleansing wash surrounds your body in a lightly scented lather, rich with hydrating Panthenol, purifying Yucca, soothing Comfrey and calming Candula.

Garden Botanika Heart Body Lotion - This feather-light, softly scented Heart Body Lotion gives skin a refreshingly silky, supple feel. Features an exceptional hydrating blend of delicate Sunflower Oil and moisturizing Glycerin to lock in fragrance. Fortified with emollient plant oils to keep skin soft and supple. For a subtle, long-lasting scent, layer over Heart Body Wash. 

Garden Botanika Heart Eau de Parfum -  A light, sheer breeze of fragrance to refresh you throughout the day. Heart fragrance blends the sheer scent of florals with tones of cedar, citrus and a hint of musk.


Mesh Sponge - The finishing touch!  Get the full spa experience as you wash away your troubles with this beautiful, rose-shaped mesh sponge.

This is certainly the perfect gift for all the die-hard, "Heart" fans out there!  For everyone else, this is the perfect way to introduce them to a new, and much-loved scent.  Give someone you love the full "Heart" experience this season with this very special, value-priced gift set from Garden Botanika.

Hot Beauty Tips for Falling Temps

The minute the temperature begins to drop, my entire beauty regime needs an overhaul.  Who would ever think that a few degrees could make such a big difference in your skin and hair?  Of course, this is only the beginning... 

Pretty soon winter will be upon us, which only makes the need for this new beauty regimen greater.  The colder it gets, the worse my skin feels and looks, and the more out-of-control my hair becomes.  I know what a pain it is to change your entire routine, so I put together a list of minor adjustments you can make that will make a major difference this season.

1.  Switch to a creamy facial cleanser.  Gels, soaps and scrubs can strip skin of essential moisture.  As it gets colder out, it's more important than ever to protect your skin's delicate moisture barrier.  Creamy cleansers are typically less drying than others which make them a good cold weather choice.  H20 Plus Sea Pure Creamy Facial Cleanser is a great one to try.

 
2.  Try a moisturizing mask.  A good moisturizing mask can restore some of the moisture your skin has lost due to colder temps.  Using a mask 1-2 times a week can be a lifesaver for dry skin sufferers.  I like Energie Vitale Masque Hydratant Peau Radiante.

3.  Use a humidifier.  As soon as the temperature drops, the moisture levels follow suit.  A humidifier can help to replace much-needed moisture in the air.  This will make a big difference in how your hair and skin look and feel.

4.  Turn down the heat.  The higher you set your heat, the more it robs the air of precious moisture.  Of course, you don't want to be freezing all the time, but particularly when you're sleeping, try to turn the heat down a few degrees and use an extra blanket. 

5.  Moisturize in the shower while still damp.  As soon as you're done showering, very lightly pat dry and moisturize damp skin immediately.  A moisturizer is most useful for preventing moisture loss, so if you can start with hydrated, damp skin, you'll get more out of your body lotion.  Try Diandra Re-Plenish Skin Softening Body Lotion.

6.  Watch your shower temperature.  Super-hot water will strip your skin of much needed moisture and can further irritate already-dry skin.  As unpleasant as it may sound, try taking a lukewarm shower instead.  Save your skin! 

7.  Avoid products with high alcohol content.  Speaking of moisture-strippers, alcohol is one of the biggest culprits.  When it evaporates, it feels cool and soothing, and it takes all the moisture with it!  During fall and winter, be sure to look for products with low or no alcohol content.  That goes for hair products too!

8.  Minimize blow-drying.  Yes, it's true. Blow-drying is, in fact, drying.  It's drying to your hair and your skin, so do it as little as possible, particularly in the fall and winter.  Save it for special occasions if you can! 

9.  Be sure to protect lips.  Lips can really take a beating when the weather gets cold, so be sure to protect them from the elements with a hydrating lip balm.  Try Jean-Michelle Hydratante a Levres. 

10.  Don't ignore your feet.  Even though they're in shoes and socks all the time, your feet still need love.  The cold weather takes its toll on them too!  Pamper and nourish them by applying a foot treatment cream just before bed and sleeping in socks.  This really gives the product time to work its magic.  I love Garden Botanika High Intensity Foot Treatment.

Sometimes making small changes here and there can make a world of difference!  Try these tips and let us know your thoughts.  Enjoy your autumn 'cause winter's a-comin'!





Sexy Legs: How to Get the Perfect Shave Every Time

Photo Courtesy of dayawaybotanicals.com

Ah, shaving....NOT one of my favorite pastimes by any stretch of the imagination.  I think most women could do without this dreaded beauty ritual.  Where and when did this nonsense begin?  Will it ever go out of fashion? 

It so happens that the practice of removing unwanted body hair has been around since the Stone Age!  Can you believe it?  Not only that, but almost all cultures practiced some form of this ritual over the years, although methods have obviously evolved.  The Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians (just to name a few) all practiced some method of hair removal. 

I guess my point is, the practice of removing body hair is here to stay.  And although there are more and more options available for ridding one's self of unwanted hair, shaving remains the most convenient and cost-effective.  So let's get good at it!  Read on for tips on getting the perfect shave, every time.

-Thoroughly exfoliate your legs with a good body scrub before shaving.  This gets rid of dead skin cells which can clog your razor, preventing a close shave.  A great scrub to try?  H20 Plus Sea Pure Reviving Body Buffer.  

-Use a high-quality hair conditioner as your "shaving cream."  This is my favorite trick!  A good conditioner will moisturize and protect your skin while providing slip so the razor will glide easily over your legs.  For some reason, conditioner works even BETTER than shaving cream and it saves you having to buy a separate product.  Try Garden Botanika Pomegranate Wine Conditioner for a total sensory experience.  This stuff smells and feels great!

-Invest in a good razor made specifically for women.  It may take some time to narrow in on the perfect one for you but generally, the more blades, the better.  Some other things to look for: a pivoting head and spring mounted blades.  Using a good razor makes all the difference in getting a close shave as well as avoiding nicks and cuts.

-Make sure to wet legs thoroughly with warm water before shaving.  Ideally, you'll be in the tub or shower where you can give the warm water a few minutes to soften the hair and open your pores.  This will aid in getting the closest, most comfortable shave possible.

-Be sure to change razors or blades regularly as dull blades can lead to nicks and cuts.

-Rinse your razor frequently during shaving sessions to keep it free of excess hair which can clog the razor and affect your results.

-For the smoothest results, shave in the opposite direction of the hair growth.  Going "against the grain" like this ensures the closest possible shave.  For more sensitive areas, shave in the direction of the hair growth to avoid irritation.

-Exfoliate regularly to avoid ingrown hairs.

-When you're done shaving, be sure to apply a lotion, cream or oil to help lock in moisture from your shower or bath.  This also helps to protect your skin from external irritants.  I like Jean-Michelle Luxuriance Replenishing Body Lotion. 

Lucky for us, shaving's come a long way since the Stone Age.  With the right tools and the right technique, you can get the perfect shave every time!