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Total Skin Care

Having just slogged through another weekend of winter snow and slush, I am pondering a second honeymoon to Hawaii (I realize you don't generally classify a first anniversary as a second honeymoon, but if that's what I have to call it to get to Hawaii ASAP I won't hesitate). I've already found a new pair of sexy summer flats for seeing the sights! Also, a fabulous floaty dress for dinner on the beach—taking advantage of great points program with Marie Claire—have almost earned my Armani Exchange tote!

Thinking of summer brings back memories other than sunny tropical weddings, however. To put it mildly, the sun doesn't smile so kindly upon my fair skin and reddish hair. Actually, the sun has never smiled in any good sense of the word; more like sneered or bared its burning, blistering UV rays. Yes, I'd say that more accurately describes my love/hate relationship with Mr. Sunshine. Oh, childhood memory coming on ~

Sixth grade field trip. Water park. Eight hours. One application of SPF 60 on the bus ride over. You guessed it--serious sunburn, and at the tender age of just 12. I'd had sunburns before, but this was the mother of all sunburns. I'll spare you the details—you'll thank me. Let's just say my teacher “suspended” me from school and told me not to return until I no longer resembled a leprosy victim. A trip to the dermatologist, who swiftly and mercilessly scolded me for my negligence (as though a 12-year-old could be trusted with proper sunscreen application) resulted in dire warnings of severe skin damage, a face like an old leather saddlebag by age 30 and, in all probability, skin cancer. Needless to say, her reprimand convinced me to wear sunscreen every day and to avoid exposure to prolonged direct sunlight whenever possible.

Unfortunately, almost every twirty girl abuses her skin, whether through negligence or ignorance. Recently, during a trek to Target for bronzer, Dove chocolate truffle eggs and my favorite new DVD (as well as these fun wedges that just happened to jump into my cart), a great new book caught my eye--THE SKIN TYPE SOLUTION, a fabulous new skin care guide which has completely transformed my life! In this informative text, the author, Dr. Leslie Baumann reveals the secrets of proper skin care based upon specific skin type. A simple questionnaire helps you identify your individual skin type as well as the best way to care for your skin. Dr. Baumann even makes product recommendations (at all price levels) for all of the various skin types so you no longer have to worry about spending oodles of money on products that make promises of dewy skin and a youthful appearance but then just leave you with an itchy rash.

I have tossed out my old cleanser (wrong for my skin type), moisturizer (wrong again) and sunscreen (three strikes, you're out!) and have invested in skin care products that were developed specifically for my skin type: Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Cleanser (great price!); Olay Total Effects 7 Signs Serum (for when I am a bit more budget conscious) or Sekkisei Cream Excellent (when money is no object). No more guesswork! No more money down the drain! I wholeheartedly encourage you to get your own copy of this fabulous skin care guide today!

Anyhoo, my skin care product overhaul also inspired a bit of a cosmetic overhaul. I've decided that all those deep earth tones, coppers and bronzes of fall and winter were ready for a little vacation, so they are resting comfortably at the bottom of the trash bin (it is not wasteful; proper skin care requires replacement of basic cosmetic items every three or four months to ensure cleanliness and purity—no one wants to apply bacteria-infested mascara!) Therefore, I've perked up my makeup bag for spring:

• Love, love, love tinted moisturizer! Goes on sheer with just enough coverage to enhance complexion. A quick dusting of sheer minerals to even out skin tones and I am good to go.
• Delicate cheek stain to put a romantic blush in my cheeks (which is also enhanced by these knockout danglers).
• Best-of-the-best bronzer/moisturizer. Just what I need to set off my chic new Spring frock.
• Great eye shadow quad to bring out the sparkle in my eyes; can be glammed up for a night on the town, or applied a bit more au natural, for a casual Saturday.
• Fun and flirty eyeliner—really bumps up the color in my eyes
• The perfect mascara for making my lashes long, full and sexy. Never clumpy or smeared. I love the coppery brown color—it matches my new riding boots perfectly (which look great with my I-can-finally-fit-into-them-Hudsons!)
• Picked the perfect color for my Here's-to-Spring pedicure. Will look fabulous with my new peep-toe spectators; and, conveniently—this super stylish handbag.
• Don't forget the lipstick! I just love a glossy gloss, especially with the added bonus of a lip plumper! A delicate peachy-pink with a touch of sparkle sets off my smile perfectly, not to mention my new flirty top!

Happy skin care shopping!

xoxo,

Girly

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