From Blah To Babe In One Hour Or Less
January 7th, 2009

Beauty Minerals

"Do NOT have any cosmetic surgery without first reading this"

5 Easy Strategies

Juggling a husband, kids, a home and a job can be a real struggle. More often than not, there isn't enough time to strike off every item on your to-do list. You're tired, worn out, run down and it shows, but who has hours to spend primping in front of a mirror? Not you. And this shouldn't matter. With a few simple tricks, you can go from blah to babe in one hour or less. So treat yourself to your full beauty potential with the following easy strategies.

Start your instant makeover with a look at your skin. A clean, smooth complexion is the base of a glowing face, so assess the condition of your skin. Is it oily, dry or normal? Are there any eruptions or blackheads that should be treated and removed? Use a gentle cleanser and exfoliation pad to remove excess oil and dead skin, and then rinse your skin with cool water. Blot gently and apply your favourite moisturizer, preferably one with built-in sun protection. Be sure not to rub your face as you are applying the moisturizer - particularly around the super-sensitive skin near your eyes, and to smooth body lotion from neck to toes. Many women apply facial moisturizer every day but neglect to care for the rest of their skin, even though it, too, is subject to wear and tear from dryness and environmental pollutants.

Experts agree that a new hair cut is a great way to change your look and boost your mood. But if you're only looking for a temporary change, consider styling your hair differently. You don't need a salon to do this! You just need to be adventurous. Is your hair short and unfussy? Add a little gel for a sleek and sophisticated look. Get out your curlers if you normally wear your hair straight, or your straightening iron if your regular hair style is curly. The demands of everyday living often drive women to simply tying back their hair with little regard to how it works. Take a few minutes to wash, condition, and style your hair to see a dramatic improvement in your appearance and sense of confidence.

The natural look is nice, but applying makeup is an easy way to glam up your look without expending a lot of effort or time. Take advantage of the season's trend toward pretty mauve lipsticks and dramatic, multi-tone eye shadow. Eyeliner has also made a comeback, so use it to make a bold statement for an evening out on the town. Mascara is an absolute must and takes literally seconds to apply. Also, if you haven't already done so, take a few minutes to have a professional cosmetician recommend colors and shades that will complement your hair, eyes and skin.

Choose a dynamite outfit and accessorize. Dressing up isn't just for special occasions. Chances are, if you look sloppy, you feel sloppy, so put on a great pair of jeans, a soft sweater, heeled boots and a pair of earrings before heading to the grocery store or to your son's soccer game. Going out for dinner? Let your dinner companions ooh and aah when you arrive in a fabulous dress or pantsuit. Even if you consider the choices in your closet a little on the dull side, you can always mix and match to add excitement to your wardrobe. Add a flirty silk scarf or unusual brooch to a conservative outfit for instant visual interest and appeal.

Your most powerful beauty tool is a big, genuine smile enhanced by sparkling, lively eyes. When you're happy and relaxed, it shows in how you look, feel and behave, so do whatever it takes to allow you to smile. This might mean taking a short nap to catch up on your rest, de-stressing with some time in front of the television with your favorite reality program, pursuing a hobby, exercising, sipping a coffee or hanging out with a friend. Make time for a few ‘you' moments each day. Having and enjoying this time is just as vital as any other appointment, so make it a point to set aside at least 20 worry-free ‘you time' minutes each day. You'll feel better, look better, and your smile will be absolutely gorgeous

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