Welcome back everyone!  After having closed the book on 2009 forever, we are ready to begin a new chapter entitled 'twenty ten'; a brand new year filled with hope and possibility for us all.  Let us stop for a moment and ponder about ways to achieve an accretion for yourself, whether it is a quick fix development strategy or driving towards a long-term accomplishment.  I have rounded up some of my 'New Year Beauty Resolutions' to strive towards perfecting the 'New Me' for 2010.

I will wear brighter makeup.  I always shy away from bright makeup because either I have never been daring with colour or I just don’t know how to wear it well!  It can add flare, personality and depth so I think it’s time to start making a bold bright statement with some new makeup colours.

I will wear sunscreen every single day.  These days sunscreen is added to just about everything we use on our skin.  I like wearing makeup so a foundation with the added benefit of sunscreen is ideal.  For the days when I don’t want to wear foundation I like a moisturiser containing sunscreen such as Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF30+.  Another favourite sun protection product of mine is a physical block, containing zinc oxide.  It is the safest and most effective for its superior sun protection capabilities and preventing skin damage.  Not only will these products reduce my risk of skin cancer, but they will also help to limit the ageing process that can be traced back to sun exposure.

I will never go to sleep with makeup on.  Wearing makeup to bed can leave your face open to dirt and bacteria, which can cause breakouts and other skin problems.  It’s time to invest in a good makeup remover.  I will make sure that I remove makeup before going to the bed every night, as this is the time when skin regenerates itself, so it needs to be able to breathe.  It will help to keep my skin look healthy and maintain its natural tone.

I will not squeeze my pimples.  As satisfying as it can be, no good will ever come from squeezing, picking and irritating blemishes.  I vow to resist the temptation of popping pimples, after reading stories about scars and other long-term effects, I am convinced.  Instead, I will dab on some spot treatment to help reduce the size and redness along with preventing the spread of bacteria to other areas of my face.  This is something that is likely to happen if you squeeze and in turn, it can create more pimples. 

I will remember to look after my body skin too.  I will keep my sometimes-neglected body skin looking good and well hydrated.  For my body, I need to make sure my skin is moisturised by applying lotion everyday after showering and use a body wash that is not too harsh or drying. 

I will not go overboard with too many resolutions that I will not keep so that is definitely a start towards my goal of delivering the 'New Me' for this year.  How about you?  What beauty resolutions are you making and sticking to for twenty ten?

Mel x

It is nearly Valentine’s Day again, the time to get romantic, and the simplest, heartfelt gesture that speaks volume is actually a kiss!  What better way to tell your sweetheart how much you love him/her, than with a kiss.  It can express your emotion and feelings.  To make that kiss memorable you need to have soft, kissable lips, so let us look at ways to perfect that pucker and make you irresistibly kissable.

• Exfoliate your lips to make them soft and subtle by getting rid of dry, flakey skin.  Try Shizen Lip Scrub Sugar or The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ, available in six sweet, tempting flavours.
• Moisturise with a super-rich creamy lip balm to seal in moisture.  You can use Simplicite Angelica Lip Care Balm or ASAP Hydrating Lip Balm to keep your lips from drying out.
• Add Colour to your lips.  Basically, you need to decide if you want to use a tinted lip treatment, plumper, lip-gloss, lipstick or just go au naturale.

You may be interested in one of the following:

1.    Glo Minerals Glotint for Cheeks and Lips
2.    BareMinerals Buxom Lip Plumping Gloss - Krystal (clear)
3.    BareMinerals 100% Natural Lip Gloss - Sugar Cookie
4.    BareMinerals Natural Lipstick - Red Delicious

Whatever indulges your fancy, if you stick with exfoliating and moisturising in the lead up to the big day, you will ultimately have bona fide kissable lips for your valentine this year.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I just love the odd bath at the end of a hectic day to relax and unwind while soothing my tired, overworked muscles.  A luxurious stress-relieving bath is pure enjoyment giving me time alone to escape the everyday pressures of the world and soak all those troubles away.  When the going gets tough it’s time for a bath.  Here are 5 tips to create the ultimate relaxing bath.

1.    Simplicite Nutritive Relaxing Body Oil will help to relieve tension with a rich blend of pure plant oils.  In addition, Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil with calming essential oils and naturally purifying extracts help to counteract the negative mental effects of stress for the ultimate in relaxation.  Pier Auge Bain Caresse Body Cleanser will definitely promote a luxurious moment of well-being.  If you are feeling a little playful, add some Rejuvi Bath and Shower Cream to create lots and lots of foamy bubbles.

2.    Select some of your favourite music and plug your portable CD player in the bathroom.  I know you might prefer silence after a long tiring day but the right music can really set the mood.  Soft, peaceful tunes that help you let go and enjoy the journey are ideal for bath time.

3.    Since a bath is gratifying to the senses, light some scented Ecoya Soy Wax Melts and pour yourself a glass of your number one wine while you turn out the lights.  Get yourself comfortable with a bath pillow or a small rolled-up towel.

4.    The optimum temperature for your bath is a comforting 36 - 37 degrees celcius.  This will promote muscle relaxation and increase peripheral circulation.  Excessive temperatures like very hot or very cold can be more therapeutic but less relaxing.

5.    While the main aim of the bath is to relax, make sure you leave some time to whisk away those dead skin cells.  Skinceuticals Body Polish will exfoliate dull skin cells gently, without damaging the skin.  When you get out of the tub while still damp, slather on some luxurious moisturising cream.  I like True Solutions Body Butter.

You only need 20 minutes to enjoy a soak in the bath and you will be amazed at how revived you feel.  Take some time out to create a luxurious warm bath with the right ingredients to suit your needs and you will be well on your way to soothing your body and your mind.

Bye, Mel