Spring Beauty Tips

My skin and hair take a lot of abuse every day. From layers of make-up to the constant use of a curling iron…the last thing I want to do on the weekend is my hair and make-up!

I was happy to hear that “easy” is in for spring. My go-to gals at Salon Blue and Spa 190 in Mineola had some good beauty tips for the ladies that I wanted to share. I am always looking for ways to freshen up my look and a change of season is the perfect time.  They say that casual is hot for hair (thank goodness!). Try the messy pony tail braided over to one side, a fluffy backcombed pony, or a soft loose bun. If you have wavy hair–you are in luck. They say to lay off the straightening iron and go with long loose full waves. I have pin straight hair– so they told me to try Velcro rollers or a full-barreled curling iron (both failed me in the past, but I will try again or just go with the pony tail! ).

As far as make-up, they say to bring on the shimmer–and don’t over bronze. Red lips are red hot. Go for bright orange-red lips with natural face make-up. Be sure to keep eye make-up clean and light and lashes long. Creative Stylist and Make-up Artist Josephine Abbatiello says “Don’t believe the old beauty ‘no’ that you should only apply 2 coats of mascara. That ‘don’t’ is now a ‘do’: You just can’t get lush, thick lashes with just two coats!”  I’ve had a lot of luck with eye lash primer– I’ve tried Maybelline XXL and also MAC’s Prep & Prime.

As far as eye shadows–color is in. Don’t be surprised to see pastels. If you are going to embrace this trend, go sheer to avoid looking too glittery. Make-up Artist Erika Bechtle says that shadows in brighter greens and purples  rule the palette. She also says to put away your black liner and replace it with royal navy and deep browns as well as emerald green, royal blue and sapphire. I personally love my new purple Dior Show mascara (878).

I love their skin care tips. They say that the newest trend for skin comes from the inside–good nutrition. You say tomato–they say powerful antioxidant. Stacy Kotsakis, Spa Aesthetician says that research suggests that Lycopene, found in tomatoes, can increase collagen production, decrease sunburn (due to its SPF capability), and neutralize free radicals which lead to aging skin.  I am making tomato salad tonight–maybe pomegranates for dessert? Kotsakis confirms that they since they are rich in antioxidants (that include punicalagins, and vitamins B and C)  pomegranates are a cell regenerator and a skin cancer preventer, plus they have antioxidant actions that can help in reversing and preventing disease.

They also suggest going green, literally. An organic green tea mask will hydrate and refresh your skin in preparation for the warmer months. Do some spring cleaning of your make-up bag. Clear out the old, heavy winter moisturizers and replace with some lighter weight products. Look for sheer moisturizers, both natural and tinted, that smooth and hydrate the skin with out an oily finish or gel type skincare products. I love my Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer–SPF 20. Linda Collins the director of Spa 190  recommend BioGel from NeoCutis – a super light-weight hydrating gel that contains PSP (processed skin cell proteins) – an optimal naturally balanced blend of proteins which include Human Growth Factors, Cytokines and Interlukins. (Bonus– she says it clinically shown to reduce wrinkle depth 18%)

If you want to try a new look for spring without spending a penny… try an “Instant Makeover” on People’s Style Watch. You can change your hair color, eye color, and try new make-up shades!

What do you think?!?