Escape a Beauty Rut: Try a Make-Under

As the weather warms, and flowers bloom, its time to start thinking about yourself, and the image that you present to the world. It may be unfair, but the fact is, that you will be treated differently depending upon the care you take with your appearance. Rather than a make-over, try a make-under for a fun change of pace. Whats a make-under? Instead of trying to camouflage your appearance, try make-up and clothes which gently flatter your unique features. The challenge is to "mix up" your beauty routine. As an example, treat yourself for a pedicure, and pick a light shade that you would not normally try, perhaps pale green or ice-blue. (You can also try a sheer pink or purple if you dont want to venture into the unusual shades). If you are watching your budget, you can have a pedicure done at a beauty school at a fraction of the cost of a regular esthetics salon. Dont stop with pampering your toes! Take an inventory of your clothes. Get rid of the clothes that you havent worn in a year, except for special dresswear that you might actually wear someday. After you collect all the extra clothes, host a garage sale. Its a fun way to get to know your neighbors and youll make some money, while ridding yourself of useless clutter. Buy some new clothes for spring. Make sure you purchase clothes that flatter your figure. You might want to take a critical friend with you, who will give you the "straight goods" as to whether the clothes suit you. Dont make the mistake of buying clothes which will fit you... when you lose 10 pounds. Enjoy life in the present! If you usually wear pants, challenge yourself to pick out a summer skirt. Conversely, if you always wear dresses, try some flared linen pants. Dont neglect your skin care. Choose a moisturizer which feels good on your skin. Ignore the hype on expensive creams and potions...unless those expensive creams and potions do what they promise to do, and the price is acceptable to your budget. Otherwise, get back to basics and choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. An eye cream will help to brighten your appearance. Make-up can make a big difference to completing a polished, healthy look. Make sure you apply your eyeliner close to your eyelashes, and blend for a natural apperance. If youre using a liquid liner, apply it sparingly. For a fun night look, thicken the liner at the outside corners of your eye. Add a sweep of a light metallic eyeshadow, a volumizing mascara and voila! youve got sparkling eyes. If you use a powder blush, you might want to try a cream or liquid-tint blush, for a natural flushed appearance. A glossy lipstick will complete the look. Have fun creating your make-under!