Spring Ready Skin Care

No one likes wearing tons of makeup, especially when it is nice outside. The natural look is really in this Spring, but to look natural, you want your skin to be glowing.

To keep your skin looking fabulous follow these steps that correlate with your skin type:

1. For Acne/Oily Prone Skin:
• Face Wash: In both the morning and before bed, wash your face with Neutrogena Rapid Clear Oil-Free Foaming Cleanser. It will control oil and breakouts, and leave your skin feeling smooth.
• Toner: The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Freshener that will remove any left over dirt and makeup, while controlling your acne. It won't dry out your skin and will leave your face feeling silky smooth.
• Moisturizer: Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25 will absorb perspiration and oil, give you the sun protection your face needs and leave your face smooth and silky.
2. For Dry Skin:
   
• Face Wash: Try Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser will add moisture back to your dry skin, without making it look oily. Use in the morning and at night.
• Toner: Those of you with dry skin should skip this step. Toner's are meant to absorb oil, and they would only make your skin drier.
• Moisturizer: Use Neutrogena's Healthy Defense SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer. It will leave your skin silky smooth and hydrate those dry spots, while giving you protection from those UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin.
3. For Normal/Sensitive Skin:
• Face Wash: Use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It will remove dirt and oil while still keeping your skin balanced. If your skin is sensitive, this product is perfect for you - it's gentle enough to wash a baby!
• Toner: Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner is an amazing toner that keeps skin balanced, absorbs any oil that may be on your face, but because it does not contain alcohol, it won't dry your skin out.
• Moisturizer: Origins A Perfect World Moisturizer is an antioxidant moisturizer with white tea extract that is perfect for sensitive skin. It will balance your skin tone, even it out, and moisturize all at the same time!
  

Invigorating Scents

Spring is here and it's time to break out those awesome floral and light scents. Here are a list of my favorites scents that will take you from spring to summer smelling fabulous.

• DKNY Be Delicious is a juicy fragrance that combines the scent of apple with exotic flowers to leaving you smelling good enough to eat. Comes in a sleek metal and glass bottle that is shaped like an apple. Available at Sephora.

• J Lo Deseo is an amazing earthy perfume filled with floral and woodsy scents that were inspired by a midnight walk through a rain-kissed tropical garden. The bottle is amazing, shaped like a cut diamond, and leave you smelling like a goddess. Available at Macys.

• Bath & Body Works Dancing Waters Eau De Toilette is a scent that will leave you smelling like the beach. A combination of water lilies and sparkling waters, you will feel fresh and clean when you wear this scent. Available at Bath & Body Works.

Dressy Heels

I am going to a wedding on April 5th and spent the entire weekend home looking for a pair of heels that would complement my LBD (little black dress). It was somewhat difficult but I found them, and many more, and thought I should share the wealth!

If you are trying to find the perfect shoes to go with that perfect dress, the Nine West Jasley is it. They give the illusion of ribbons gracefully wrapping around your feet. They come in two colors (black satin and dark pink satin) with a 4 inch heel that will leave everyone speechless.

Dressy shoes are not only for weddings. Just going out to a club or an evening get together with friends can call for a pair of sexy heels. The Baker's Gail can be dressed up or dressed down and give you the look you want. With your choice of two colors (black/white or gray) you can't go wrong!

Just like everyone should have a LBD in their closet for an emergency dressy event, you should have shoes to go with it. Shoes that will take you from the office to an elegant party that you weren't informed about until the end of your work day can be difficult to find. Well I found them! The Jimmy Choo Clue Silk Satin Sandal is perfect no matter what the season. The peep toe works in the winter or summer, and can take you from day to night in a snap!

Hot Accessories for Spring

Accessorizing is one of things that not many women seem to take the time to do. They will wear an outfit, and forget that there are so many things that can make a world of difference. Here are the items that will take your Spring wardrobe to a different level.

• Sunglasses: Not only should you be wearing them to protect your eyes (constant squinting causes wrinkles), but you can use them to make a statement. A pair of aviators like the Vintage Aviators from Betsey Johnson. For those of you with warm skin tones and hair, go for the Cobalt ones and if you have cool tones purchase the Mint pair.

• Killer Heels: Always a head turner, heels are a necessary Spring item and yellow is this seasons hot color. The Bakers Grace is a sexy heel that you can use to balance a conservative work outfit or wear for a night out with the girls.

• Bangles: Not your traditional thin silver or gold bangles, this seasons bangle are all about texture and width. For a classier bangle, check out Juicy Couture Pave Paisley Bangle and for a more modern look, try Juicy Couture Wide Geometric Bangle.

Flattering Hair Cuts for Your Face Shape

Have trouble picking out the right haircut? It can be difficult finding the style that complements your face shape and your personality. Follow these few pointers and be on your way to a beautiful mane!

How to find your face shape

Pull your hair back into a pony tail. Grab a dry erase marker or any makeup accoutrement you have lying around (i.e. lipstick, eyeliner, etc.). Look in the mirror and trace your face. Step away from the mirror. What do you see...?

Square: Like Sandra Bullock, if you have a square face shape, you can rock short or long hair cuts. The key is to opt for soft layers instead of really structured cuts. Ask for face framing layers and long piece-y bangs to soften your your structured chin and jaw line.

Oval: Like Charlize Theron, if you have an oval face shape, consider yourself lucky. You can sport any haircut. If you have a longer oval face, you may want to opt for bangs to make your face seem more round. With this face shape, you can have fun. A bob or long layers - be creative!

Round: Like Cameron Diaz, if you have a round face shape, go for face framing layers and choppy bangs which can make a fuller face seem more slender. If you dig short hair, go for a bob. If you dig longer hair, make sure it hits below shoulder or longer - this can help elongate a round face.

The Best Bras for your Bounce

When it comes to working out, it's hard to find things that you feel comfortable in and that keep your womanly parts in place. Well, worry no more! I have the perfect sports bras to get you through even the toughest workouts.

For those of you who are "well-endowed": Enell sports bras are your best bet.  It was specifically designed for women with a larger chest. They will offer you comfort no matter how much jumping, running or bouncing will occur.

For those of you who want more comfort: The Nike Revolutionary Bra is an innovative bra that gives you a custom fit no matter your size. Its heating technology will warm up with your body temperature and mold the cup of the bra to your size. Now that's the best thing technology has brought to the fashion world!

For those of you who are smaller on top: You are lucky (even though some of you may not think so) because you can get away with wearing less. Find a sports bra built in to a top. Try Champion's 02 Cool Long Top. It's supportive and stylish, what's not to love!

Flowers, Flowers Everywhere

This spring floral prints are all the rage. Check out the items below to know how to rock this season's hottest print.

This floral printed ruffle skirt from Gap will keep you cool and comfortable when the weather starts to get warm. It's pretty enough to wear out at night with a pair of sexy heels, or casual enough for day time with a pair of flip flops or flats.

Speaking of shoes, floral patterns are a great way to add some spice to a classic outfit. Jessica Simpson "Gains" Wedge is the perfect shoe to do just that. Pair either the pink or blue with a white top and a denim or khaki skirt to make a head turning statement.

This Tropical Breezeway Tank from American Eagle will complement any bottom of your choice this spring. In a blue shade or a yellow shade, this floral print is modern enough to take your from day to night while staying stylish.

Not so fond of wearing the floral print. Add some punch to your daily outfit by taking it on your purse. Rampage's Floral Canvas Satchel is this season's hottest handbag. With a bunch of different colors mixed in, this will go with any outfit of your choice this season.

Tips for the Best Spray Tan

So, Spring Break has started and I am leaving tomorrow to go to Florida. The problem is, I look like Casper the Friendly Ghost. Because I didn't have enough time to go tanning and get a base, and the fact that it can cause cancer, I decided to do a spray tan for the very first time. For those of you first timers, I will break it down for you and give you all the pointers you need to get an awesome tan your very first time!

1. Shave! Make sure you shave. When you tan, you will be completely naked and you want to make sure that the tanner sticks to your legs. Having hair there can prevent this from happening, or even worse, leave an uneven tan.
   
2. Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate! I can't stress this enough. Before you go tanning, you want to make sure to remove all the dead skin cells so the product will stick to your skin and not flake off. I suggest buying exfoliating mits, like the Body Shop's Hemp Body Mitt. You also want to look for a water based scrub. Try True Blue Spa's I'm In The Mood For Scrub Body Scrub. It is also a good idea to use a scrub on your face as well. St. Ive's Apricot Scrub is the best!
   
3. DON'T Moisturize. You don't want to have any product off your skin that could potentially create a barrier between your skin and the product. This goes for your face as well.
4. Wear Dark Baggy Clothes. You want to make sure that when you are done getting spray tanned, it won't rub off on your clothes. Wearing baggy clothing will help this. If the weather permits, wearing flip flops instead of sneakers is also a better way to go.

Few more tips:

• Bring chapstick with you to apply to your lips before you tan.
• Don't apply makeup. You want your skin to be clean and natural
• Timing is key. You can't shower for 4 to 6 hours after the spray tan, but the longer you wait to get wet, the better. Try going in the early evening, around 4 or 5 and then don't shower till the next morning.
• When you get to the tanning place, make sure to ask them about the different levels and color choices you have.
• Want to keep your tan longer? Try using Jergen's Natural Glow Moisturizer for the Body and Face after you get your spray tan to continue building the color.
  

Hot Nails for Sping

This spring there are a few nail trends that you need to try. Whether your look is elegant and chic or fun and flirty, there is a trend just for you.

Dark & Sultry

If you were up to date with the trends of the fall and winter, you know that black nails were all the rage. Well say bye-bye to black and hello to blue. Navy blue that is. When this color hit the runway during the spring 2008 fashion shows it was sure to be a hit. Try Chanel's Le Vernis Nail Colour in Blue Satin.

40's Flare

This spring, don't look for a bright red. Channel your inner Hollywood star and look for a deep cherry red to add elegance to any style. OPI's India Collection features a shade called Black Cherry Chutney that will complement any skin tone and definitely get you noticed.

Sweet Pastels

Not everyone likes a bold shade on their nails. But pastels and sheer tones are in this season as well, especially lilac shades. Essie's Spring Collection features shades that will look naturally beautiful. For a sheer purple shade, try Essie's Looking for Love.

Hair "Product" Solvers

Does your hair never do what you want it too? Do you have trouble finding products for your hair type? Have no fear. I found the best products that will help all hair types achieve their desired style with no hassle at all.

Is frizzy hair your problem?

• For shampoo and conditioner you want to make sure that you are using something moisturizing. Dry hair tends to frizz faster than moisturized hair. Try Aussie's Hair Insurance Shampoo and Conditioner. It leaves your hair feeling silky and smooth and that's even before you use the conditioner.
• Styling products are also a key.  Before you style your hair use a conditioning product that will help with your frizz. I love Neutrogena Triple Moisture Smooth Shine Anti Frizz Cream. Apply a small amount to damp hair and then style as you would, but this time, frizz free!

Is limp hair your problem?

• For shampoo and conditioner you want to look for products that won't weigh down your hair. Volume is key! Luckily, Dove makes an entire line 
  of hair products for people with hair just like yours. Dove Volume Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner removes buildup and has weightless moisturizers that will leave your hair bouncy and soft all day long.
• For styling, you want to look into a root lifter.  Try Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Spray Mousse. Apply is directly to the roots when your hair is damp, then style as necessary. Your hair will look so thick and bouncy, people won't think you did it yourself!

Is your color treated hair not resilient?

• For shampoo and conditioner, you want to look for a product that will prolong the life of your color. I would recommend Aquage SeaExtend Ultimate ColorCare Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner. This product will make your hair color last longer and keep the same shine it had the day you left the salon.
• When styling your hair, heat can significantly dull your hair color. Use TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray. If you are using a hair dryer, curling iron or straightener, this will protect your hair from the harsh heat, while making it glossy and sleek.