Pretty, Pretty Spring and Body Exfoliation

I love following fashion week every season.  Not only are the collections determining what we will be wearing for spring in terms of clothes, but the predominate colors for Spring/Summer 2007 beauty.  What I am seeing so far is either pale colors or very concentrated colors.  This doesn't necessarily mean that the cosmetic industry will interpret this directly, but it's a huge influence.

Here are a few of my favorites:  Michael Kors - what can I say he always knows what a lady wants and delivers.  His makeup palette were very soft pinks.  The entire face was a soft pink; Tuleh - matte red lips.  Not the Texas dry heat matte, but a well-conditioned lip with a concentrated red.  The kind of red that takes several attempts of blotting; very soft silver lined eyes with black liner on top only with fluttering lashes; Diane von Furstenberg - bright bold fuchsia lips and light gold shimmer; Nanette Lepore - bright fuchsia lips [see pictured above].  I don't think this will be interpreted as bold as it's presented, but a lighter version will  be from our favorite lines.  I am thinking concentrated pinks will be huge. Spring will always bring out luxurious skin and pretty faces.

Danielle, to answer your question about the red lips.  I used Clinique's Color Surge Butter Shine lipstick in Cranberry Cream with MAC's Lip Glass in Russian Red and Brick Lip Liner from MAC.  What I have learned about red lips is that you MUST use a lip brush because it needs to be precise.  My absolute favorite lip brush is the Sonia Kashuk from Target.  I love that it is not retractable and you place it in holder.  In my opinion it beats other lip brushes that retract.  It's sold separately for around $6.  After I applied the lipstick, I blotted with a paper towel, never use a tissue because it leaves strands, then applied the Lip Glass.  I even used the brush for this.  I pulled the wand from the gloss and ran the brush to get the color.  The best thing about that night is the dress.  It was a dress from my yoga studio's line.  It can also be worn as a skirt and over a dress.

Exfoliation Night.  I don't have any funny stories to tell regarding exfoliation night, but the process is tried, true and tested over many  years.  It's also inexpensive.  This is my grandmother's perfect body exfoliation.  I don't use it on my face because I think it's too harsh.  But your body definitely needs this.  As the weather starts to change my skin gets very dry and I have to work to keep it in shape.  Get ready to scrub, scrub, scrub. 

The ingredients are olive oil, raw oatmeal, brown sugar and a body brush with natural bristles.  Most of these can be found at any grocery store, dollar store, Target, Walmart, etc.  None of the products are brand names, just the cheapest.  First, line the floor with towels.  I put this concoction in my bathroom sink (remember to put in the stopper).  I put 2-3 cups of olive oil in the sink, add 2-3 cups of the raw oats and 2-3 cups of the brown sugar.  I mix well and then add the paste to my body.  If you want a thicker consistency, use less oil.  I suggest mood music because once you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror you will crack up laughing at yourself.  Once I apply the entire mixture, I take the brush and begin to brush up from my feet to neck.  I do this for a good 10 minutes.  I then step into the shower and rinse well. 

You are going to love how soft your skin feels after that.  After showering apply liberal amounts of any oils, lotions and potions you prefer.  Your skin will be fabulous.  Yes it's a lot of work, but we are women and we take work.  It's part of our nature.  Make sure to have bathroom cleanser stocked and ready.  Your tub will thank you.

Comments

[Chloe]

Thanks for the recipe. I bought a brown sugar scrub from walmart that was very nice, but (of course) I can't find it again. I just bought a box of brown sugar, and will be doing the scrub-down tomorrow.

[Patty]

How many times do you exfoiliate?

[Danielle]

Thank You!!! I appreciate the prompt answer. If I havent said it yet, I looooove your blog.