I have the cold from hell and I'm sitting here with a red nose and a bucket full of tissue. I'm too tired to put on any makeup which means that I'm probably as white as a sheet. I have so little color that when I don't wear makeup, people automatically believe that I have to be sick. Well, today, I'm probably white than normal... because I am.

And to think that we have a long weekend coming up and I will be spending most of it indoors! Just sucks!!!

What I'm Wearing...

 

Anne Lewin Women's Lounge Set because I haven't gotten dressed in the last three days... okay not the same pjs, because I'm freezing one moment and sweating to death the next!!

Fridays are my favorite day because I don't have to get dressed and I don't have to cook... doesn't get much better than that! Do you have a PJ day?

If this is one of your fashion problems, what you wear can make all the difference in the world. If you are tiny on top, look for tops with boat necks, cowl necklines, widely scooped necklines... anything that is going to draw the eye across the body. This will give the illusion of width.

The prize has to go to your bra. They are tossed carelessly into the laundry with anything and everything. You wouldn’t do this with your good blouse, so why on earth would we  do it to our bras?  And yes, I'm guilty too. So here's what you are supposed to do... Hook up the closures at the back so that they don’t catch on anything else and then wash in the GENTLE cycle. They will last a lot longer and with the price of bras these days, who can afford not to? 

Smoky eyes need subtle definition, not a harsh line. Apply your liner and then apply the same color (using a shadow) over the line. The second application will soften the line giving your the smoky look you are after. 

If it was suddenly to turn 25 degrees celcius and you could kick off your boots and walk out onto the grass in barefeet, would they be up to the job. Have you been pampering your toes over the last few months??

At the moment, I have a foot bath gathering dust in the spare bedroom. Must get it out and take advantage of it!!

The use of a base coat is important. It not only protects the nail, but also prevents the staining from brightly colored polishes. It also provides an "adhesive surface" that will give your polish something to stick to. That means your polish should last longer than a day or two (if we’re lucky). Topcoats are equally important as they seal the color beneath a protective top layer. This is just one more way to make your polish look gorgeous that much longer. If you are a typical busy lady, involved in a zillion different things each week, adding an additional layer of "top coat" every few days, will give us a bit more mileage.

*Note... not sure where to find basecoats and topcoats? Head for your closest drugstore and ask at the cosmetic desk. The salesclerk will point you in the right direction.

The glittery snow is gorgeous to look at, but exposing your skin to the cold is another story. The tips below will show you how to enjoy winter without harming your skin.

Here's How:
1. Go for a walk. You won't believe how glorious a sunny winter day can be, unless you get out and experience it. The trick is to not allow any more skin than is necessary, be exposed to the elements.
2. Before heading out, be sure to take out your earrings. The metal posts attract the cold and you will feel the chill more than you have to.
3. Drinks lots and lots of water. Your moisturizer needs it!
4. Yes, I said moisturizer. Your cream can help seal the the water in, but if the water isn't already there, it can't do its job. So, drink up!
5. I know that luke warm baths aren't quite as nice as stepping into a steaming bath, but try to refrain. Not only are hot baths not healthy, they rob your skin of the necessary oils. You certainly don't want that. You must be sick of me telling you this… ;)

*Have You Looked Lately?

Before summer weather arrives, be sure to devote a little attention to your toes. Did you think that no one notices ragged, overgrown cuticles?  And, no amount of polish is going to make a bit of difference. Actually it can draw more attention to the problem. So what is the easiest way to care for your toes?

Actually, you are going to like this. When someone asks you what you want for Valentine's Day, tell them you want a foot soaker. They have to be the closest thing to heaven. Play around with the different settings and then when you finished, do a little maintenance while the cuticle skin is soft. It won't take very long to achieve the softest feet possible, with the smallest amount of effort.

You don't have to rush out and buy a $30.00 tube of lipstick to ensure that it doesn't disappear shortly after it has been applied. Today, we are going to learn how to make the most inexpensive lipstick last for hours.

Here's what you need to know:

1. Apply a layer of lipstick with a lip brush. A thin layer of lipstick lasts longer than a thick layer straight from the tube.
2. Blot lips with tissue.
3. Apply a second layer and you are done. The second layer builds on the color and offers durability.
4. OR
5. Use a lip pencil and color in the entire lip area. You are going to need a well sharpened pencil with no jagged edges so that you don't scratch the delicate skin.
6. OR
7. I have also heard that women who powder their lips, gain a few more hours of wear. After applying the color of your choice, apply a thin layer of powder to set the lipstick.
8. No powder on hand? Use just a tiny bit of foundation and then apply your lipstick on top.
9. Matt lipsticks seem to last longer than the shiny versions.

Tips:
Don't chew on your lips. This is the fastest way to lose the lipstick that you have applied.
Did you know that silicone oil is used in some formulations to seal the color to your lips.
Keep your lips moisturized at all times. Dry patches are more evident when lipstick is applied. Not a pretty picture.
Be sure to wash lipstick brushes regularly to prevent colors from mixing.
Did you know that the average woman "eats" between 4 and 9 pounds of lipstick a year!