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Beauty Essentials for Spring

I am certain that the best part of spring is saying goodbye to snow and rain showers, and hello to green grass, blossoms and blue skies (not to mention finally being able to wear my new ankle tie wedges without fear of frostbitten tootsies!) I myself just purchased two houseplants to lighten the gloomy mood of the gray outdoors (nothing does the trick better than adding some natural color to your kitchen or bedroom). Even better than my tiny, leafy houseplants, hubby bought me the most gorgeous orchid for Valentine's Day! I love orchids almost as much as I love Dove chocolate (side note: Dove truffle eggs in particular. Get your hands on them ASAP! I positively live for Easter; the only time these incredibly delicious, creamy egg-shaped bits of heaven are available), but unfortunately I lack the green thumb necessary for getting said orchids to bloom a second time. My first two orchids had unfortunate endings. There was the neglected orchid (I was in college; enough said). Then there was the windowsill casualty (apparently the cat thought the windowsill was rightfully his ). Wish me luck with this one—it even has TWO stems to double my chances, plus I've recently touched base with a microbiologist (aka: orchid superman). And even if I fail a third time, I've got my always-blooming, always beautiful orchid painting, which will never let me down!

But since foliage doesn't necessarily de-winterize your complexion, I have compiled for my dearest beautiful girls a smorgasbord of cosmetic essentials to do the trick this spring. No matter where you find yourself in the coming months, a fresh supply of fabulous cosmetics and beauty products will keep you lovely and lively! (Remember, those darling little pots of color and wonder that make us the beautiful girls that we are have a limited shelf life, and no one wants to wear funky bacteria-infested blusher!) And due to my obsession with organization, I have made it ever so simple to have the right products for the right situations.

Everyday: A rule of thumb in the everyday makeup department: simple, sweet and subtle. Light and natural is lovely, and also surprisingly easy to accomplish. What you want is the Kate look from “Lost” (though I'd also opt for clean and not-quite-so-distressed clothing if given a choice). Okay, keep Kate in mind; now add glossy lips and shimmery eyes. And a light dusting of blush to finish it off. Use pinks of all shades for a fresh, dewy look (Bare Minerals offers some wonderful variety sets) and for a more sun-kissed style, touches of warm, shimmering golds and bronzes. And for the girl on the go, could anything be more perfect than this?

Oh, and with spring in mind, snap up a pair of these nifty cropped jeans. Don't forget the Jergen's Natural Glow to add a bit of color to those pasty winter-white gams. For just the right finishing touch, a great pair of earrings.

Work Day: Soft browns and neutral nudes, rich creams and warm pinks project a more professional style. (Leave the ultra-glittery shadows and Cleopatra eyeliner for a night on the town.) When it comes to foundation, remember to blend, blend, blend! I love this because it never gets cakey or flakey, has great staying power and the added bonus of sun protection. A subtle matte lipstick is the perfect finishing touch.

With fresh, spring breezes imminent, I have fallen in love with this ballet sweater. These gorgeous, classy earrings will complete your look. I happen to love the color. So perfect for a chic, professional girl.

Romantic Evening: Sexy, darker lips--the perfect time to use a great lip plumper. Dramatic, smoldering eyes with just a touch of the exotic. A fine dusting of shimmer over the face, neck and décolletage, and a spritz of fragrance will carry you through your night on the town.

Even though spring's warmer weather calls out for flirty dresses and strappy sandals, the nights can still be a bit chilly, so bring along a gorgeous wrap. Add to that a stunning necklace and graceful bracelet and you're set for a night to remember.

Bonus tips:

• I believe in manicures! Hands are always lovelier when your nails are in tip-top shape. For those lucky girls who received a bit of sparkle for Valentine's Day, be sure you keep your manicure fresh for all to admire while they envy your bauble.
• Don't neglect your tootsies! Make them beautiful for their 2006 debut! (Don't degrade those gorgeous new sandals with nasty Sasquatch-foot.) Make sure you have exfoliated, moisturized, and dolled up those toes. Nothing makes a girl feel more flirty than a fresh pedi!
• Shiny, natural hair is beautiful. A classic, simple style is the ponytail. By loosening the ponytail and wearing it a bit lower towards the nape of your neck, as well as adding some curl or wave, you will have a fuller, sexier ponytail. Add some pretty clips and you'll have a dressy, but softly tousled and relaxed look (plus, your head won't ache when you take the ponytail out!)

I'm sure by now you have realized that I have completely disregarded any and all skincare this month. That's because I have a special treat in store for you. Next month I will review my new skin care Bible, the über-fabulous new book, "The Skin Type Solution". This book will answer all of your skin care questions and point you in the right direction for perfect skin care forever! You will also have the chance to register to win a free copy of the book so keep your eyes peeled! (That sounds painful, no?) I guarantee you will not want to miss this one!

Until then, moisturize, pamper and definitely stay bright and shimmery!

Yours for the Long-Haul,

Girly

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