DIY Spa Day with West Elm

Last week a new blogging friend of mine Jalpa of Samosa Pop came over to do DIY Beauty Masks. A quick search on Pinterest lead me to a ton of different options but I settled on one that had just two ingredients... Lemon and Egg White for a quick way to freshen up dull winter skin. I also made a sugar scrub which makes your hands and feet feel incredibly smooth!

When I think of a spa I think of calming blues, fresh yellows and clean whites. Luckily, this spring West Elm has a series of pieces that fit the aesthetic perfectly. Their Modernist and Tile Bowls come in shades of blue and yellow and their Enamel Measuring Cups and Spoons are a clean and classic white! 

DIY Lemon & Egg White Beauty Mask

• 1 Egg White
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• whisk
• brush for easy application

In a bowl whisk the egg white until light and fluffy then whisk in the lemon juice. Use the applicator brush to coat your face with an even layer of the mask. After a minute it will begin to harden. Leave on for about 15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.

DIY Lemon & Sugar Scrub

• 1/3 c sunflower or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 c white sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• zest from 1 lemon

Mix the oil and sugar in a bowl  until all the oil is absorbed. Mix in the lemon juice and zest. Apply a spoonful to each hand and/or foot and massage the scrub around and rinse with warm water.

Jalpa did a honey and lemon mask and you can get the details on her site via this link: http://www.samosapop.com/beauty/diy-honey-and-lemon-face-mask/

Thank you to West Elm for lending the bowls, measuring cups and spoons and towels for our shoot. And thank you to Jalpa for taking the pictures as I prepped the Lemon & Egg White Mask.

Radiant Skin by Clarins

Last week I was invited to a Clarins Media Preview for the new Spring 2014 line. I'm always a little hesitant about testing new skin care or make up products because I worry about breakouts or bad reactions. But Clarins dedication to pure and natural ingredients makes me feel better about trying them out.

Just in time for Go Blog Social, Clarins gave me the Golden Glow Booster. Three drops of this amazing, 99.8% natural oil turns any moisturizer into a self tanner and after just a few days of use I've got a beautiful golden hue! It couldn't have been any easier. I've also been adding the Double Serum to my skin care routine. The serum has an instant effect on my skin and helps to clear out the dullness of this past winter. I'm still on the young side for anti-aging but this product feels so light and good and refreshing that I might be adding it into my routine permanently. So now its Double Serum + Moisturizer w. 3 drops of Golden Glow Booster.

That's just the skincare side! Clarins also released their Opalescense Spring 2014 Colour Collection. I've got a soft spot for purple eye colors so the Eye Quartet Mineral Palette with a fool-proof application guide was in the front running for my favorite piece from the collection... but then I tried the Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base (pictured with the Golden Glow Oil). For my red spots, a quick layer of this base in Champagne instantly corrects and reflects. It blends in naturally with my skin tone and I've worn it alone without any powder when just running out the door for errands. It also comes in a Rose shade which will add some color back into your skin if it is looking dull.

Then to make things even easier there is the Multi-Blush Cream Blush which comes in four beautiful shades. This product is so interesting; it applies like a cream blush but feels like a powder once it is on your face. It is the perfect product to keep in your purse or gym bag all the time because it is a blush but it could be a lip color or eye color if you're in a pinch! Finally, there is the Opalescence Face and Blush Powder which has a bronzer plate built in to help you add contouring to you look all in one palette.

I'm excited to take these fabulous products with me down to Kansas City! I'll be wearing Come to Bed Red by butter LONDON because it'll go with each outfit I've got packed... and it will be perfect for the St. Louis Cardinal's Opening Day game on Monday!

Get the entire Clarins Spring 2014 line-up for yourself (available in-stores and online from most department stores) >>

Thank you to Clarins and NIKE Communications for the products and the information. Opinions, as always, are my own. And, thank you to my sister Kelsey, who was an essential Photography Assistant for her patience as we figured out how to shoot the products with mirrors so a reflection wouldn't show up!

nailed it + see me on WGN!

Over the last few months I have worn a certain nail color and have gotten a lot of compliments.  So here it is (drumroll please)...

It is Illamasqua nail polish in Harem.

It is a perfect shade for wintery months and reminds me that spring is coming! It is in Pantone's Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid and I have links and other things I'm loving in 2014's shade that I'll add to the post later!

The WGN Segment was a smashing success!  I'm wearing the 678 Rolled cuff Ankle Jeans from The Limited and a top from The Limited.  Our outfits were picked out for us and it probably isn't a shirt I would have bought for myself but the look was clean and classic and perfect with my black pump!


 I pulled the video player because it wasn't linking to the right segment... you can see it here on WGN's site!

Color Me Bonita - My 5 Minute Face (Video Post!)

For my first ever video post I'm sharing my 5 Minute Face.  Over the last several years I have needed a quick, easy, go-to make-up routine to make sure I get the basics on my face every day.

Color Me Bonita - Dove Hair Affair

Blow outs might be the most luxurious thing I can imagine. So when Dove came to Pioneer Plaza on Michigan Ave and was giving out free blow outs I couldn't pass up the opportunity!

Color Me Bonita - Bikini (Line) Babe

Our skincare expert Daniela is here again today with the second part of her strategy for head to toe healthy summer skin. Follow her lead for a healthy and smooth bikini line! Which is perfect because the 4th of July is just a week away and not too late to get your skin in tip top shape. 

Getting your skin bikini ready from head to toe:  Installment #2 - All About Ingrown Hairs

In Installment #1, we were at the store looking for sunscreen.  Ok, so you've now got your sunscreen, you've got your UV Protection sunglasses, you got the wide brimmed hat you eyed at the accessory section close to check-out, and you're about to get in line.  You then remember those unsightly ingrowns at your bikini line you felt last night when you went to bed after shaving yesterday morning, not to mention the breakout on your chest that's been bugging you since February.  What do you do about those?

Color Me Bonita - Healthy Summer Skin from Head to Toe

Our skincare expert Daniela is here today sharing her strategy for head to toe healthy summer skin. It is the first day of summer (and we're finally getting summer temperatures here in Chicago) and not too late to get your skin in tip top shape. Daniela broke this into two parts; today is all about sunscreen.

Summer is finally here!  Took long enough...  So it's time to get to the beach.  You're more aware of skin health and overall wellness than you've ever been before, but you're not about to stay out of the sun, you just got invited to a BBQ at the beach!  So, you go to your closet, you get undressed, you're about to put on your new fab bikini and whoops!  Ingrown hairs!  Not only that, you forgot to buy sunscreen, and even if you had it, you have no idea how often you're supposed to apply it, or how much at a time.  Ok.  Let's take a few steps back in time, and go to the store.  We'll talk about what you'll need from head to toe.  First, let's talk sunscreen.

Color Me Bonita - Take It Off

Daniela is back today answering a question that ties in nicely with one of my mini-resolutions (I'm checking in for May on Friday)

Question:  Sometimes the task of washing my face before bed seems like too much to tackle, so I use a cleansing wipe. Is that giving me the same benefits?

Answer :  Before I answer that, a very important point has to be made for everyone:

Rule of thumb when it comes to makeup removal :

Makeup removers are designed to remove synthetic materials, while cleansers are designed to remove non-synthetic materials.  Therefore, with the exception of a pure mineral makeup, a makeup remover should be used to remove all makeup before cleansing.  Mascara should always be removed by a mascara remover rather than soap, because inevitably, removing with soap involves wiping off leftovers with a towel, which often results in breakouts of either acne or milia.  Plus the constant scratchy rubbing leads to faster aging of the delicate eye area later.  Of course, there are cleansers that take care of both synthetic and non-synthetic materials, but then you're at the sink, not next to your bed. :)

So, whether you use a wipe or not can depend on your skin type and the wipe.  Let's break it down by skin type.  

Dry Skin and skin with no issues:  

Since you don't have an overabundance of oil and dead skin cells trying to make their way through a barrier of makeup, your pores don't get terribly clogged and impacted.  This would be true even if the quality of your makeup was not the highest.
  
Because foundation and powder are meant to sit on top of the skin and not penetrate, they can act as a sort of barrier.  I'm not suggestion that's a good thing, but it does leave you a bit of wiggle room when it comes to going to bed without cleansing.  The only possible danger here with using a wipe, is depending on what your cleansing cloth is made with, you could create some dehydration, such as if there are detergents or alcohols.  You'd hate that.  At the very least, since many of them have conditioners as well as cleaning agents, there can be film left, so you might not suffer that much.  Make sure you have your moisturizer on hand, too.  Surely it's better to perform a good skin care routine every night as well as every morning, but that's because of the benefits a good routine can bring, not so much because of the dangers of cleaning everything off with a wipe by your bedside.  Just remember, if your skin feels in any way tight after using the cloth and you feel like you have to rinse, this will explain ongoing dehydration you're suffering with.  More importantly, the reason why you perform a good skin care routine every night is so you don't miss out on all the good stuff ! :)

Oily and Acneic Skin :  

The type of cleanser typically needed for oily and acne skin types usually does not remove makeup.  So, if you use a wipe by your bedside rather than washing, you may not be removing excess oils and cellular debris that's so necessary to keep breakouts at bay.  If a wipe does not leave a film of conditioners and softeners designed tocounter the drying affects of the detergents needed, which are often pore clogging anyway, it will very likely dry the skin out.  Dehydration is very much a factor in breakouts, as it makes the skin stiff and tight so oils, waxes and dead skin cells get stuck inside pores.  Congestion like that is the cause of acne.  For this skin type, if you really cannot find a way to go through a skin care routine before bed, at least use mineral makeup so that it's not a big deal if you go to bed without cleansing.  But you may regret this either way - oily and acne skin needs diligence.  There simply is no way to skip a regular routine at night.  As an Acne Specialist, one of the biggest barriers to getting my clients' skin clear is non-compliance.  So, I would not recommend using wipes instead of a proper routine, regardless of the brand of wipe.

But you know what?  I have a much much better idea for everyone: Who says a nighttime routine has to be before bed??  Right when you get home from work and change out of your clothes before making dinner is a great time to perform a skin care routine !  Then all you have to do before bed is brush your teeth!

For more help with your individual skin care routine and skin issues, please fill out my online form for a free skin analysis.  CMS readers will get a discount code for10% off their first order when you fill in Color Me Styled in the "Referred by" field.

http://www.daniela.com/Eval_by_Email.html

Color Me Bonita - Anti-Aging Yay or Nay

Our skin care expert Daniela is back today to address a often asked question. I know I stand in the moisturizer aisle for what seems like hours trying to figure out what I need!

What's so special about anti-aging products and when should I start to use them?

I'm going to tell you the Big Dirty Secret about anti-aging :  of ALL the anti-aging ingredients, there are only TWO that are preventative as well as corrective - sunscreen and topical antioxidant serums.  All others are only corrective, not preventative.

Which means if you don't have any fine lines or wrinkles yet, no corrective product will prevent them.  The only thing that will, besides a broad-spectrum sunscreen ("broad-spectrum" means that it filters both UVA and UVB rays and must say so on the label), is something with multiple forms of antioxidants. Only one form in a product usually doesn't do the trick because different antioxidants interrupt the cascade of skin damage at different points.  Some of the best antioxidants to look for are, L-ascorbic acid or Magnesium Ascorbal Phosphate (stabilized forms of vitamin c), Sea Whip, Superoxide Dismutase, L-tocopherol (skin penetrating vitamin E), Beta Carotene, acai berry, and pomegranate.

For preventative measure, added moisture does nothing to prevent fine lines.  Fine lines and wrinkles do not form as a result of lack of moisture.  They form as a result of breakdown of the proteins that hold the skin up when damaged by sun, stress and trauma to the integrity of the skin.  Dryness can make existing lines look worse, but moisturizer is for hydration and softening only.  If a moisturizer has antioxidants, it will actually be effective at preventing and correcting aging issues.  But it will be the antioxidants giving the anti-aging benefit, not the emollients.

Whether you decide to use specifically anti-aging products or not, one of the best things you can do is become super religious with your SPF.  85-90% of aging we see on faces is from sun damage alone! And sun damage is cumulative - five minutes here, ten minutes there, walking back to work from lunch out, walking to the store, you must have sun protection at all times.  UV protection sunglasses are a must as well; they should cover as much of your eye area as possible, and must say "UV Protection" on the label.

As for puffiness, dark circles, and existing fine lines and wrinkles, there's nothing like the new Peptide technology for combatting all of these.  This class of ingredients is what makes up the entire Olay Regenerist line.  However, drugstore products tend to be quite weak in comparison to salon brands, which contain levels of active ingredients that are the same as levels the ingredients were tested at in the lab. 

I have also found that the fast majority of national brands that offer anti-aging products are completely inappropriate for those with adult acne or just oily skin. Unfortunately, many formulators, either being misinformed themselves or wanting to give consumers what they want, formulate according to the idea that lubricating emollients are needed to prevent aging, many of which are terribly pore clogging.

For help with the best formulated, potent and totally non-clogging anti-aging products, or any skin care products to help with any skin issues you may have, please visit my web site at www.daniela.com.  Receive 10% off your first order with discount code "CMS"!

(image via flickr)

Color Me Bonita - Daniela's Facial Studio Open House

Just some of the products available at Daniela's Facial Studio

Color Me Styled's own skin care expert, Daniela, is having a Studio Open House! This Tuesday she is opening her doors so we can sample products, get in-person skin care advice and shop make-up and jewelry!

There never seems to be enough time between appointments to check out the jewelry in the studio or to pick out custom, skin-safe mineral makeup. On Tuesday, May 21st from 4pm-8pm, feel free to take all the time you need to do just that!

Come by to try on my mineral makeup products, blushes, bronzers, lip pencils, and more! You'll receive 15% off any jewelry, makeup products and accessories. If you're buying skin care products, you'll also receive 15% those items with the required purchase of jewelry or makeup.

We'll have refreshments and giving away door prizes, so make sure to bring your friends! 

You can RSVP for the event on Facebook.

Directions to the studio can be found here: http://www.daniela.com/Location.html

`

Hope to see you there!

Color Me Bonita - Toner, Orlando and Dawn

image via Pinterest

Today we have Daniela with a guest post about skincare and the importance of Toner in your routine. Queue up some old Tony Orlando and Dawn tunes as you learn more about this beauty essential.

I had a colleague in Florida named Dawn.  I say 'had', because this sweet, amazing woman sadly passed away last fall after a long time battle with cancer.  May she rest peacefully and be a continued inspiration to her friends, family and skin care colleagues like me. Anyway, she had a set-up in Miami much like mine.  Ok, so it’s not Orlando, but what else was I going to call this post considering it’s about toner?  Anyway, so we were having this discussion here on Facebook about the role increased water consumption plays in the hydrating of skin when it’s lacking water.  It got me thinking about toner and how most people are still unclear on what it does and why they should use it.

First, two facts about water consumption:

1. The skin is the last organ of the body to get any of the water you drink.  By the time your skin is dried out by lack of water consumption, you’re so thirsty you’re practically dying. Overall, though, your skin gets enough water from your body to be properly held up and keep its shape, unless you don’t drink, like, ever.
2. The water that does get to the skin is held inside underneath the top layer within the collagen fibers that hold your skin up.  This is why when there isn’t enough water held there, the result can be the appearance of dullness or ill health.  Actual wrinkles happen when the collagen in your skin is literally destroyed, not because there isn’t enough water being held there.  When it comes to surface dehydration, your skin needs water from outside.

The best way to stop surface dehydration is to prevent water loss by making sure you're using a cleanser that doesn't dry your skin out, followed by an alcohol-free toner in your skin care routine, followed by a hydrating daytime and nighttime moisturizer that is right for your skin type.  It's also important to turn down the temperature of the water in your sink and shower. 

There’s no question everyone needs to drink more water.  It flushes the body of toxins, gives you rosy cheeks and gives you a little more energy and stamina.  The issue is whether it relieves dryness in the skin.  Many say yes, I’m not so sure.

So what does toner do and how does it fit into this picture? Toner provides hydration together with soothing and healing ingredients that water-attracting ingredients in the best moisturizers hold to the skin and keep it there, making your skin more supple, pliable and comfortable.  That means less blackheads, less blemishes, less tiny lines and less dryness.  

If you'd like to get yourself on the right products to achieve this, fill out the Eval by Email form at http://www.daniela.com/Eval_by_Email.html, even if you're out of state (US and Canada only).  You'll get a skin care regimen tailored just for you.  CMS readers will get a discount code for 10% off their first order when you use "Color Me Styled" in the "referred by" field.

Color Me Bonita - Hand-Lip Coordination

Since many bloggers and even KCav is a fan of EOS lip balm I decided to give it a go. I guess I should have expected a round product based on the package but I honestly was a little surprised. Once I got over that I had no idea how to put it on!

My current method is to make my mouth into a half kiss half yawn shape and apply the balm as quickly as possible because I feel like a doofus. Does anyone else have this problem or am I just uncoordinated?

I like the product and think that it does a perfect job of hydrating my chapped lips (winter can go away anytime now). I will continue to use it... just not in public!

Color Me Bonita - To Ombre or Not To Ombre

I am getting my hairs colored and cut tomorrow. This is the first time I've been to the salon in about six months. 

And my stylist is a good friend... I am just lazy. And ombre color honestly requires a lot less maintenance because my natural color is my base color.

I do know that I'll be cutting off about 4 inches but I'd love your opinion on my color choice! My appointment is at 10 AM so that's you're deadline for weighing in :)

You can leave comments below or let me know on Facebook or Instagram.

This will be my new Easter hair-do and I hope you all have a lovely weekend celebrating with those you love. At the very least dye some eggs and grab some Peeps for a treat.

Color Me Bonita - Clean Slate

Time to wash up! | Image via Pinterest

Daniela is with us today answering a question that I know all of you have thought at some point in your make-up wearing career.

Question:  Sometimes the task of washing my face before bed seems like too much to tackle, so I use a cleansing wipe. Is that giving me the same benefits?

Answer :  Before I answer that, a very important point has to made for everyone.

Rule of thumb when it comes to makeup removal :

Makeup removers are designed to remove synthetic materials, while cleansers are designed to remove non-synthetic materials.  Therefore, with the exception of a pure mineral makeup, a makeup remover should be used to remove all makeup before cleansing.  Mascara should always be removed by a mascara remover rather than soap, because inevitably, removing with soap involves wiping off leftovers with a towel, which often results in breakouts of either acne or milia.  Plus the constant scratchy rubbing leads to faster aging of the delicate eye area later.

So, whether you use a wipe or not, it can depend on your skin type and the wipe.  Let's break it down by skin type.  

Dry Skin and skin with no issues:  

Since you don't have an overabundance of oil and dead skin cells trying to make their way through a barrier of makeup, your pores don't get terribly clogged and impacted.  This would be true even if the quality of your makeup was not the highest.
  
Because foundation and powder are meant to sit on top of the skin and not penetrate, they can act as a sort of barrier.  I'm not suggestion that's a good thing, but it does leave you a bit of wiggle room when it comes to going to bed without cleansing.  The only possible danger here with using a wipe, is depending on what your cleansing cloth is made with, you could create some dehydration, such as if there are detergents or alcohols.  You'd hate that.  At the very least, since many of them have conditioners as well as cleaning agents, there can be film left, so you might not suffer that much.  Make sure you have your moisturizer on hand, too.  Surely it's better to perform a good skin care routine every night as well as every morning, but that's because of the benefits a good routine can bring, not so much because of the dangers of cleaning everything off with a wipe by your bedside.  Just remember, if your skin feels in any way tight after using the cloth and you feel like you have to rinse, this will explain ongoing dehydration you're suffering.  More importantly, the reason why you should wash every night is so you don't miss out on all the good stuff ! :)

Oily Skin :  The type of cleanser typically needed for oily and acne skin types usually does not remove makeup.  So, if you use a wipe by your bedside rather than washing, you may not be removing excess oils and cellular debris that's so necessary to keep breakouts at bay.  If a wipe does not leave a film of conditioners and softeners designed to counter the drying affects of the detergents needed, which are often pore clogging anyway, it will very likely dry the skin out.  Dehydration is very much a factor in breakouts, as it makes the skin stiff and tight so oils, waxes and dead skin cells get stuck inside pores.  Congestion like that is the cause of acne.  For this skin type, if you really cannot find a way to go through a skin care routine before bed, at least use mineral makeup so that it's not a big deal if you go to bed without cleansing.  But you may regret this either way - oily and acne skin needs diligence.  There simply is no way to skip a regular routine at night.  As an Acne Specialist, one of the biggest barriers to getting my clients' skin clear is non-compliance.  So, I would not recommend using wipes instead of a proper routine, regardless of the brand of wipe.

But you know what?  I have a much much better idea for everyone: Who says a nighttime routine has to be before bed??  A great time to perform a skin care routine is right when you get home from work and change out of your clothes before making dinner.  Then all you have to do before bed is brush your teeth!

For more help with your individual skin care routine and skin issues, please fill out my online form for a free skin analysis.  CMS readers will get a discount code for 10% off their first order when you fill in Color Me Styled in the "Referred by" field.

http://www.daniela.com/Eval_by_Email.html

Color Me Bonita - Cute as a Button Nails

When it was time for me to paint my nails I was torn between a wintery grey color and a pop of coral. Since I seem to be obsessed with warmer weather I am not surprised that Essie's Cute as a Button ended up winning.

Plus I got several compliments on the hue at last Sunday's Oscar Party so it got the Chicago Blogger stamp of approval! As if a gal needs anything else!!

Low key weekend ahead of us. Going to get a start on some spring cleaning and I plan to put together an editorial calendar for March.

Color Me Bonita - Dame Mirren's New Hue

Helen Mirren at the 2013 BAFTA Awards (image via Style Frizz)

Both the Grammy's and the BAFTA Awards took place over the weekend and there were big style winners at both events. I'm gathering my favorites (hint: cut outs) for a post later this week.

But what caught my eye as I scrolled through red carpet shots from both events was Dame Helen Mirren's new pink hue! 

Color Me Crazy because I love it! 

She says she was inspired by a America's Next Top Model winner Sophie Sumner and debuted her new look at the BAFTA awards. Mirren twirled for the cameras showing off her dove grey Nicholas Oakwell gown. Her look was finalized with bright pink lip stick and pink nails but none of it was over the top.

The color shows off the 67 year old's beauty, confidence and youthful spirit. Part of me hopes that I'm cool enough to dye my hair pink when I am her age! 

Color Me Bonita - #NewHairResolution

@LUSHCosmetics #NewHairResolution - No I am not planning to grow a beard.

Our friends at LUSH Cosmetics have a #NewHairResolution contest that is open through the end of the week... You can win 6 free months of hair care just by tweeting, instagramming and pinning about your strands.

This is NOT my typical hair style. I usually whip my wet hair back into a twisted bun and secure it with spin pins. But my #NewHairResolution is to take care of my long strands with conditioning treatments to prevent breakage. And to show it off!

I have worn my hair down twice in the last week and both times I received compliments. So I may have to wake up 10 minutes earlier to get in time to dry my hair every morning but if I can do it 3 or more times a week that is progress.

What I think has helped is Lush's Shine So Bright Split End Treatment. Just a little of this product goes a long way to smoothing out my unprofessional blow dry. My ends go from fried to sleek in an instant. But it is super light weight and doesn't weigh your hair down so you can style as you please. 

And I was totally inspired by Jenna Lyons on the Today Show yesterday with my outfit today. She rocked the striped T, jean jacket and statement necklace and I felt that my Wednesday style needed some pep!

Color Me Bonita - Cold Weather Skin Care

image via elle&blair

So, the cold is still very much on my mind. As I walked home in the "Feels Like -8" temperatures I got to thinking what that chill and wind was doing to my skin. After I thawed I spent the evening researching top winter skin care tips to share with you all.

In general the top advice I saw was to HYDRATE! Not only do the cold temperatures suck the moisture out of your body, the low humidity levels do too and the central heating (or radiator heat) pumping through your place is keeping your toes toasty but it is drying your skin out.

For your Face

1. Don't skip sunscreen! The sun might not be doing much to warm you up but it still doing damage to your skin.

2. Exfoliate Dry skin cells look dull and flaky making your complexion, well, icky. Exfoliating will remove those dead skin cells and refresh your face. The key is to use gentle and moisturizing exfoliation products. Avoid any with high levels of acid unless you have a product to battle acne specifically.

3. Moisturize This is the time of the year to use a night cream to help do some of the heavy lifting when it comes to repair. Overnight, with the help of a bunch of water, your skin naturally restores itself but if you have areas prone to dryness during spring, summer and fall an extra dab of night cream will help keep those areas soft.

4. Buff and Balm Take care of your lips by using a lip buffer and following with a untinted and moisturizing balm with SPF. If you wear lip color during the day avoid matte colors and any labeled "long lasting". While they may look the part and hang around all day they are drying your lips which will lead to cracking and peeling.

For your Nails

1. Hydrate with Cuticle Oil The Oil actually does better on your cuticles than your normal hand cream. Cuticle oil can penetrate your polish and get down to your nail to nourish them.

2. Nude Polish If you haven't noticed already the cold weather does a number on your polish's staying power. Add in all the extra hand washing to combat the flu and you'll need a new coat every few days. Nothing looks worse than your Lincoln Park After Dark being chipped off 7 of your 10 digits. One way to hide any chips is to wear a polish in a nude tone like Barefoot in Barcelona.

For your Bod

1. Exfoliate same as your face the dead skin cells sit on your skin making it look lackluster. Gently exfoliate in your shower using either an exfoliating body wash or your regular soap with exfoliating gloves.

2. Moisturize from head to toe giving special attention to elbows, knees and feet. Go ahead and use some of that cuticle oil on your toes too... they'll thank you.

3. Shave with a cream if you, like me, typically just quickly run your razor up and down your shins haphazardly you'll appreciate the protection that a shaving cream provides. Make sure too that the razor is new.

While I did this post based on internet research alone, our skin care pro Daniela is a great resource too. Send your current beauty routine to her at skin911@daniela.com and including the products you use anywhere on your body and any problems you're having and she'll let you know what to keep, ditch and what to replace it with. For example, she recently told a client that her jawline acne wasn't going away because of her hand cream. Who knew!

Plus use discount code "CMS" for 10% off your first purchase from her skincare store.

Stay warm everyone!!

Color Me Bonita - National Bubble Bath Day!!

So Daniela wants us to calm down huh?

LUSH Amandopondo Bubble Bar

Relax tonight by slipping into a bath! As if you need a reason... but if you do... it is National Bubble Bath Day! 

While you're at it... have a cup of tea and queue up the Pandora Sleep Station.

Color Me Bonita - Acne Series - Corporate Acne Part 2

Yesterday Daniela, our skincare expert, discussed why you are more stressed at work and why that gives you pimples. Today she shares with us how to fix it!

When we talk of an acne breakout being “hormonal” we usually mean breakouts that occur with PMS or emotional freaking out.  What do hormones have to do with acne?

It’s all about the male hormone, Testosterone.

Testosterone is responsible for oil production in the skin.  There are two main places this gets produced in women - the ovaries, there’s your PMS, and the adrenal glands.  Any time there’s an adrenaline rush there’s an accompanying testosterone rush.  Conflict stress can produce this rush.

If this rush of hormone is quick, increase in oil is quick, too.  If the skin is dehydrated, or clogged by skin care or makeup, the pores will not be able to accommodate the sudden oil flow.  Thus is born the "undergrounder".

These rushes of oil, especially in the presence of blackheads, create a situation that is a little different from other kinds of acne.  So, the approach to the problem has to be different.

Instead of drying and exfoliating the heck out of the skin, which is the usual way of clearing acne, the focus first has to be extreme calming.  Then, oil control happens by way of hydration, to make pores more pliable to let go of the oil.  And finally, there must be some way of boosting the immune system inside pores so they can deal with these rushes effectively.

I offer a free service called Eval by Email.  It won’t be free for long, so you’ll want to take advantage now.  Answers to questions about your skin and current routine gets you a full analysis by email, plus a free sample packet sent to your home.  Email skin911@daniela.com.  Mention Color Me Styled and get 10% off your first order of product.