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!

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: H20 Plus Sea Pure Gentle Refining Polish

New Year...NEW YOU!!!  All month long we'll be talking about new products, new looks, new tricks and a whole new you!  Whether you're looking to make a total transformation or just revamp your look a little, there is no better place to begin than with your skin.  As such, I've chosen an amazing product for my "Pick of the Week" that actually exposes NEW SKIN every time you use it!

I know I've discussed it before, but exfoliation truly is the cornerstone to any good skin care routine.  Not only does it expose newer, healthier, more beautiful skin, but it also increases the effectiveness of every other skin care product you use.  The systematic removal of dead skin cells and other pore-cloggers allows toners, treatments, creams and serums to penetrate and do their jobs properly.

The lesson?  Get yourself a good exfoliant, and use it!  How often you use it, depends on your skin as well as the scrub, you use.  Twice a week is a good place to start although many scrubs can be used more (or less) frequently. 

Now on to one of my Favorite.  Scrubs.  Ever.  H20 Plus Sea Pure Gentle Refining Polish delivers.  Period.  And, I'm not the only one who likes it...

Recommended by Marie Claire, Self and Fitness Magazine! Reveal your inner glow with this 100 percent natural refining polish, enriched with bamboo to gently turn over tired skin. This breakthrough blend of youth-renewing science and purely powerful ingredients helps stimulate healthy new skin cells, while hydrating sea moss swiftly smoothes the look of fine lines.

Sounds pretty good, right?  Do yourself a favor this year, and incorporate this little miracle into your skin care routine.  You can thank me later!

Conceal Those Under-Eye Circles... Really!

Dark.  Under-eye.  Circles.  UGH!  These pesky things require my constant attention, and when not handled properly, they can ruin my entire look with their very presence.  The good news is, I have a fool-proof under-eye "system" that works.  Every time.  So, let's go through the necessary steps to covering up those nasty under-eye circles.

Begin with a good eye cream or gel.

Using a hydrating, non-greasy eye cream or gel prior to applying primers and makeup moisturizes the delicate skin around the eye ensuring a smooth, long-lasting look.  H20 Plus Eye Oasis Moisture Replenishing Treatment is a light-weight gel that absorbs quickly, making it the perfect choice for use under makeup.  Use your ring finger (it's the weakest and, therefore, applies the least amount of pressure) to dab the hydrating gel under eyes and onto brow bones.  Give the product 5 minutes to absorb before moving on to the next step. Now, you're ready to proceed...


Use a primer under eyes, too.

The same creasing, fading, shining nonsense that happens to your eye shadow can and will happen to the makeup under your eyes too!  After allowing your eye gel to absorb, be sure to apply a primer to the skin under your eyes.  Too Faced Shadow Insurance helps to prevent creasing, fading and other makeup mishaps.  Apply a whisper-thin layer of this wonder-stuff to eyelids and under-eyes.  Be very gentle.  The skin under your eyes is ultra-thin and needs to be handled delicately.


Select the perfect concealer.

Image Courtesy of Suite101.com

This can be tricky.  You need to take into account both the color and the depth of your under-eye circles in order to make the proper choice.  Let's talk color first.  We need to identify the predominant shade present under your eyes in order to figure out the best way to conceal it.  Think back to art class in grammar school.  Did you ever learn the color wheel?  Need a refresher?  The basic idea is that the best way to neutralize one color is with the one opposite it on the color wheel.  Refer to the diagram to better understand this idea.  This color-correction is the most important part of the concealing process.  Issues of depth can usually be corrected by mixing the concealer with your foundation.  Now, let's use this theory on the problem at hand...

If your under-eye circles are blue-ish:

The color opposite blue on the wheel is orange.  So, the best way to conceal blue-ish circles is with an orange-based concealer.  Typically, this will be some shade of peach.  The one I like for most skin tones is Diandra Perfect Blend Concealer Duo in Beige Buff (the darker shade of the split bullet.)  If it's a bit too light or too dark, try adding a bit of your foundation.  This will often do the trick.

If your under-eye circles are purple-ish:

The color opposite purple on the color wheel is yellow.  So you'll want to use a yellow-based concealer to neutralize the purple tones.  Sistina Tinta Naturale Concealer in Natural Beige is a great one to try.  Again, remember the foundation trick if the shade is off a bit.

If your under-eye circles are green or yellow-ish:

A pink-toned concealer works best to correct this problem. The red base will neutralize the greens and yellows and will brighten the eye area as well.  Try Sistina Due Tinta Naturale in Milanese Beige (the darker side of the split bullet) for great, long-lasting coverage. 

Now that you've selected the perfect concealer, you want to pat it onto the problem area using your ring finger and a gentle tapping motion until well-blended. 

Set the perfection.

Now that you've done all that hard work, you want it to last, right?  That's where the light-reflective powder comes in.  The more natural, more dimensional cousin of traditional face powder, these have small particles that reflect light, creating a soft, dewy appearance to the skin.  Like traditional face powders, they add hours of wear to the makeup underneath them.  Your concealer-perfection isn't going anywhere!  Too Faced Absolutely Invisible Candlelight is great for under the eyes.

Use a brush like Japonesque Medium Eyeshadow Fluff Brush to apply an ultra-thin layer of powder under the eye to set your concealer.  Simply roll the brush lightly through the powder and pat under eyes.  Do not use a wiping motion or you will remove the concealer you just applied.  Use the brush to dust off any excess product when finished. 

Et Voila!

Now you have gorgeous, well-rested eyes that are prepped and ready to wear any makeup you want!  You'll be amazed at how much more your eyes pop once you've solved the problem of the "dreaded under-eye circles."

Have other beauty questions you'd like answered?  Please feel free to comment.  We love to solve beauty problems!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: H20 Plus Sea Marine Triple Butter Body Cream

Rapidly dropping temps?  Check.  Dry air?  Check.  Dry skin?  Not so fast...

Avoid the inevitable dry skin cycle that so often accompanies cold weather with a dry skin-fix like you've never seen before.  This ultra-hydrating cream is all you need to stop dry, flaky, dull skin its tracks, and it's one of my personal favorites!

The Big Picture:

H20 Plus Sea Marine Triple Butter Body Cream is an intensive, triple butter moisture cream with anti-aging marine botanicals to deeply moisturize and smooth skin for a youthful appearance.  Shea butter, cocoa butter, and mango butter deliver replenishing moisture to soothe and protect the skin while restoring suppleness and improving the appearance of dry skin.

The Details:

•Zostera Marina sea grass helps accelerate collagen synthesis and restore firmness and suppleness to rejuvenate skin.

•Shea, cocoa and mango butters rapidly absorb into the skin to replenish natural moisture and soothe and protect the skin.

•Moisture-rich marine botanicals, including Wakame, Sea Lettuce, and Sea Fennel, deeply hydrate for visibly smooth, radiant skin.

•Notes of fresh eucalyptus and cool mint awaken the senses and subtly scent the skin.

Try this cream yourself, or help someone else get the skin of their dreams.  For only $25.00, H20 Plus Sea Marine Triple Butter Body Cream makes an excellent gift!

Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: Oasis Oil-Free Hydration Starter Kit

Hydration is essential for healthy skin. These H20 Plus Oasis™ best-sellers flood the skin with nourishing moisture - without oil that can clog pores.  Particularly at this time of year when the weather is changing, we all are apt to become a bit "hydrationally challenged."  This value set has everything you need to infuse your skin with the soothing moisture it needs.

This miracle-kit includes:

H20 Plus Face Oasis Cleansing Water

A water-light oil-free cleanser infused with hydrating marine algae to gently wash away impurities while softening skin with provitamin B, moisturizing marine botanicals and Sea Mineral Complex

•Technologically advanced, oil-free foaming liquid effectively breaks down make-up and dulling impurities without irritation, restoring skin's natural radiance.

•Hydrating marine botanicals nourish and protect skin's moisture balance so it feels refreshed and revitalized.

•Sea-derived essential minerals work synergistically with Sea Mineral Complex, a patented, scientifically advanced delivery system to ensure vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed at the cellular level.

H20 Plus Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment
 
Recommended by Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan! A moisture-intensive gel that hydrates the skin while firming and diminishing the appearance of fine lines.  An oil-free gel that delivers deep hydration while diminishing the appearance of fine lines with phospholipids, multivitamin complex and moisturizing marine botanicals.

•Rapidly plumps and restores depleted skin, helping to distribute vital daily moisture.

•Scientifically formulated with marine-sourced nutrients to minimize the look of fine lines and stimulate healthy cell growth.

•Sea-derived essential minerals work synergistically with Sea Mineral Complex, a patented, scientifically advanced delivery system to ensure vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed at the cellular level.

H20 Plus Eye Oasis Moisture Replenishing Treatment

Recommended by The Oprah Magazine! An oil-free, intensive, hydrating eye treatment that floods skin with moisture helping to diminish fine lines while revitalizing texture and appearance.  A fast-absorbing, oil-free intensive hydrating treatment formulated to target the delicate eye area with phopholipids, multivitamin complex and moisturizing marine botanicals.

•Nutrient-rich marine botanicals cool and soothe the skin with moisture, diminishing fine lines and revitalizing texture so eyes appear bright and well-rested.

•Penetrating liposomes transmit Provitamin B and vitamins A, C, and E to help protect skin from environmental exposure and accelerate cellular renewal.

•Sea-derived essential minerals work synergistically with Sea Mineral Complex, a patented, scientifically advanced delivery system to ensure vital nutrients are rapidly absorbed at the cellular level.


So, put a stop to dry, itchy, tight complexions and flood your skin with botanically-derived, oil-free hydration.  The H20 Plus Oasis Oil-Free Hydration System is your ticket to healthy, glowing, well-moisturized skin!

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'!





Beauty Editor's Pick of the Week: H20 Plus Hand and Nail Cream

As it gets colder outside, you will notice that your skin feels and appears more dry than it did over the steamier summer months.  Frequent hand washing, cold air and decreased humidity can wreak havoc on delicate hands and nails.  Since your hands are the first thing to show your age, it is imperative that you pay them a little extra attention as the weather gets colder.  September is all about the onset of fall here at Cosmetique, so I've decided to spotlight a favorite product of mine that is perfect for the rapidly dropping temperatures.

This brings us to my favorite, award-winning hand (and nail) cream.  H20 Plus Hand and Nail Cream improves the condition of hands, nails and cuticles each time you use it.  I like to keep it by the sink so I can apply it after every time I wash my hands...

Winner!  Allure Editors' Choice Award for Best Hand Cream! This lightweight, non-greasy treatment helps relieve cracking, dryness and redness. Silk protein and vitamin E help nourish nails and cuticles while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to protect hands from environmental exposure.  Hydrating seaweed extracts moisturize and soften hands.   

So if you're in the market for a hand cream that does it all, give this multi-tasking superstar a try!

Fall's Hottest Nail Polish Trends

Photo Courtesy of Fashionista101.com

Fall is in the air once again!  Soon, temperatures will start dropping and the leaves will begin to change.  Who doesn't love autumn?  With it's gorgeous colors, invigorating weather and all the football you can handle, it is definitely one of my favorite times of year. 

The other fun thing about fall is the fashion.  Colors deepen, fabrics grow heavier, and makeup becomes more dramatic...

One thing I love to experiment with is my nails.  It's such a small committment with such great payoff!  Having trendy well-manicured nails makes me feel better through and through.  Call me shallow, but it's the truth.  The nail colors for this fall really appeal to me, from the deep burgundies to the soft neutrals, there is something special for everyone this season.  And the top 2010 nail polish trends are... drum roll please...

METALLICS

These are fantastic because you can choose just how metallic you're willing to go.  From gunmetal to glistening nudes, this a trend everyone should try!  Some great metallics:

Madeleine Mono Nail Enamel in Bronzed Goddess... this beautiful, earthy shade packs a pretty, shimmery punch. 

 Or, if you're more of nude-girl, try Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Polish in Gisella.  It is an absolutely brilliant, glittering nude.  

WARM AUTUMNAL SHADES

These are great because they are reminiscent of warm fires, changing leaves, and hot cider.  These shades are appropriate for everyone and are a great accent piece for all your fall fashions.  Try Cadette Ready, Set, Go Nail Color in Maritime Mocha for a rich, warm bronze...

Or Sistina Ceramica Classica Nail Polish in Michelangelo Red for a fiery, burnt crimson, sure to make a statement.

JEWEL TONES

These fantastic shades are always popular when the cold weather comes around because they are just so beautiful, and timeless.  They look great on women of every age and lend an air of elegant sophistication to any look.  Good ones to try?  Diandra Nail Color in Ruby Kiss is everything a jewel-toned nail polish should be.  It is a deep, multi-faceted red with long-lasting shine. 

If you prefer cooler shades, try Sara St. James Easy Color Nail Enamel in Classic Plum. 

NEUTRALS

Always en vogue, these understated, go-anywhere, do-anything shades are the epitome of subtle chic.  They go with whatever you happen to be wearing and are essentially seasonless.  Looking for a good one?  Try Jean-Michelle Laque Luisant Nail Enamel in Pearl...

Or Arabella Stuart Nail Silk in Pearl Luster.  Both are lovely, light neutrals that pair well with whatever you've got in your closet!

Now remember, in order to show off these hot new shades to their best advantage, you need soft, well-moisturized hands and cuticles.  May I suggest H20 Plus Hand and Nail Cream?  This is a highly moisturizing formula sure to bring out the very best in whatever nail color you choose!

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!