Wash Your Face!
Never go to bed (well, sleep anyway) without first removing your makeup. Sleeping in makeup is a huge no-no. I am sure there are times when you just want to drop into bed from exhaustion but take a few minutes and wash off the makeup. Sleeping in makeup is not healthy for your skin and you'll find you feel better going to sleep with a clean face.
Keep up appearances
Never leave your house looking frumpy! NEVER! I know - - sometimes it is tempting to throw your hair up in a scrunchie, grab your flip-flops and head out for the door, especially when you are in the middle of something and have to run out for just a quick errand. Just take a few minutes before you head out - five minutes won't cramp your day too much. Check the mirror and take a few minutes to brush your hair, add a little mascara, apply some lipstick and a maybe a squirt of scented lotion to your hands. It will pick you up, you'll feel better because you look it and you will be so glad you took the time if you happen to run into "you know who" - -
No oil slicks here!
Use oil blotter papers to blot excess oil before touching up with powder.
Can't find oil blotter papers? Use perm papers - they are less expensive and work just as well.
The best kept beauty secret
Petrolium jelly is probably the most overlooked beauty product out there. It works better than most eye make-up removers (especially on waterproof mascara). It is so inexpensive and it is a wonderful overnight moisturizer for the delicate area around your eyes.
Unfortunately, Petroleum jelly is a by-product from the production of oil and we're not talking the mineral kind. Some believe it even causes cancer. Now, we don't know if that has actually been proven scientifically - we can't find anything to back it up - but because it does contain unnatural ingredients, we say, "Nix the Petroleum Jelly!"
Here's the good news: We are currently working on our own alternative to Petroleum Jelly.
All natural, of course.
Check back soon!
Got water?
You should be drinking water and lots of it. It goes without saying but I'm saying it anyway. At least 6 glasses every day. Sounds like a lot for some people but its not really. Did you know that if you wait until you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated? And iced tea doesn't count. If water is boring to you, add a squirt of juice from a slice of lemon or lime. (Fresh lemon helps to remove impurities from your system and it adds a little zip to your water!) Add berries. Crunch on ice. However you get it, make sure that you do. Lots of water - every day.
Soak your cares away
Worry will age us faster than anything else. It is needless and a waste of time. Most of what we encounter is simply out of our control and situations will turn out the way they are supposed to regardless of how much time we spend fretting about them. Do the best you can and then let it go.
Need a stress release? Turn your bath into your own private spa. Here's how:
-- First, unplug everything (except the radio or CD player). Unplug the phone, turn off the cell phone, and forget about the Blackberry. You can check your voice mail later and the e-mails aren't going anywhere. Get out of touch and enjoy the solitude.
-- Next, change your perception of taking a bath. Don't think of your bathtub as merely a tool for cleansing but your personal oasis. Draw a warm bath, drop in Go Soak Bath Salts in Calm Down! or a Bath Bomb. The relaxing lavender and soothing ylang ylang will sooth your soul and relax your mind. Light some candles, turn on some soft music and pour yourself a glass of wine (or the cocktail of your choice). Relax and enjoy.
-- Slough away the day with Calm Down! Lavender and Ylang Ylang Sugar Scrub. Polish your skin to a healthy, rosy glow.
-- Finally, lock in moisture with Renewal Hand and Body Lotion.
Smile :)
Smile often. Even when you are on the phone - believe it or not, people can "hear" you smiling. Smiling is contagious. One generally feels better when smiling and you are sure to get one in return!
Find your balance
Take time for yourself. MAKE the time. Schedule it just like you would an appointment with your doctor or your hairdresser. It may sound a little strange but think about it. We (women) are so busy, aren't we? Our family obligations can be demanding, along with our chores, errands and jobs - face it, there is just little or no time left for the most important person in your life and that's you. You are no good to your family if you are overworked, overtired and overwhelmed.
Schedule the time for yourself.
A few minutes every day or a couple of hours each week.
You deserve it!
