Get Glowing!

As warmer weather approaches, it's time for us to shed our winter skin and get glowing!  

Here's your guide to get ready to put your best face forward.  You glow girl!

1. Clean Up! Avoid overdrying cleanser- look for one that has a creamy consistency.  Cetaphil is still on of the best.  And it's not always neccessary to cleanse again in the morning.  A splash of water can do the trick.  Cleanse only if your skin feels oily.

2. Strip down- harsh winter air can leave your skin dry, patchy and uneven.  Get rid of it and reveal your inner glow with a powerful exfoliant weekly.  There are a slew of microdermabrasion products on the market that'll do the trick.  Look for one with round beads- naturals (sugar, walnut shells and the like) can do more damage than good.  Olay Regenerist Thermal Scrub does great for the price and can be used every couple of days.  And don't scrub- let the products do their job.

3. Power Packed Serums- Once your face is a fresh canvas, prep it with vitamins and antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals.  Ingrediants such as vitamin C even out skin tone, soy and grapeseed extract increase circulation, retinols and Alpha Hydroxy Acid increase cellular turnover.  Apply serums and creams in a circular upwards motion to increase these benefits. Estee Lauder's Night Repair is an old favorite. 

4. Hydrate- Moisture is a must!  Use one for day with a sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and one for night.  A rich cream will soak into your skin at night, when your body repairs itself.  And don't forget the neck- smooth cream on the neck in an upwards fashion.   Try Prevage, while expensive, will last six months.  That's just enough time to experience the results. Shiseido also has amazing skin care, just look at those perfect Japanese faces!

5. Eye, Eye- The skin surrounding the eyes is as thin as tissue paper- be gentle.  Use eye makeup remover soaked on a cotton ball always, and use an eye cream, day and night.  Dab a pea-sized amount around the eye area with your ring finger for a light touch, and never pull or tug. 

6. Lighten Up!  Now's the time to ditch heavy foundations and powders and let your inner beauty shine.  Switch to light-weight formulas and tinted moisturizers.  Benefit's You Rebel is a great universal shade, and Smashbox Sheer Focus gives a picture perfect finish.  For additional coverage, use a concealer stick and blend away!

7. Lip Service- Dry, chapped lips are never attractive.  Slough dead skin cells with a wet washcloth or soft-bristled toothbrush, and apply lip balm.  I never leave the house without my Bert's Bee's or Carmex.  One with SPF will keep your lips supple and kissable.

8. Head to toe-  Do the same for your body with a sugar or salt scrub a couple times a week.  The skin on your body is tougher and can take a more vigorous scrubbing.  Concentrate on knees, elbows and feet.  Pat skin with a towel and follow up with a lotion, body butter, or oil while skin is still a little damp.

9. And finally, Bronze Away- Give your skin that sun-kissed glow with self-tanners for face and body.  A spray tan lasts about two weeks, the time it takes the outermost layer of skin cells to die and slough off.   A daily gradual tanner works just as well without the upkeep and trips to the salon.  Jergens Natural Glow is great for daily use, and Lancome's Flash Bronzer gives a deep color with little fuss.

As always, be beautiful, inside and out!

-Micha