With August being the last month of summer, it's time to enjoy the warm weather while it's still here! August is often the hottest month, bringing an abundance of skin problems as well as damaged locks. In this issue, I'll cover amazing and simple, EASY ways to get your skin, hair, and body in great shape for fall.

     First off, I've been getting a lot of the same questions over and over this month. When you write to me, I oftentimes can't go into great detail due to time restraints. So, I've decided to answer your common problems this August right here where you can see them, with as much detail as possible! Read on for answers to YOUR beauty dilemmas...     

August BeautyY      

     Do you sometimes wake up with under eye circles and need a quick fix? Here are some easy steps you can take for both prevention and camouflage:

* Avoid salty foods and alcohol in the evening. Both cause water retention which aggravates puffiness.

* Drink at least eight glasses of water daily.

* Upon awakening, place chilled tea bags (caffeinated) on eye lids. Rest for 10 minutes and rinse face with cold water.

* Apply a firming eye gel that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like cucumber, aloe, and white willow.(Available at drug stores.)

* Instead of applying concealer, which can sometimes make under eye circles more apparent, mix a little white eyeshadow in with your regular moisturizer. Dab on under eyes for a wide awake, rested look.

AVOID SKIN IRRITATIONS CAUSED BY SHAVINGY

     Shaving can often cause irritated red bumps and ingrown hairs. Here are some ideas on how to keep your legs smooth, soft, and looking their best:

* Avoid shaving first thing in the morning. This is when skin is at it's most sensitive.

* Soak your skin in warm water for a few minutes before shaving.

* Run razor under warm water.

* Apply shaving cream and massage into skin gently with a soft bristle brush to dislodge any ingrown hairs.

* Start at the ankle, and work upward in long strokes while holding skin taught.

* Finish by rinsing legs in cool water and applying an "aftershave" astringent and moisturizer.

By following these easy steps, you'll have smooth, nick-free legs!

August HealthY

Depressed no more!

     It's a well documented fact that women experience depression four times more often then men. In fact, at least 20% of Americans will experience some form of depression at some point. Is there something we can do about it, besides resort to prescription medication with numerous side effects? Yes!      

     Scientists have been studying the effects of the herb St. John's Wort for quite some time, and it has long been used as a treatment for depression in Germany. An analysis of several studies has shown this drug to be as effective as low dose tricyclic anti-depressants such as Prozac.

     Taken daily, this herb seems to promote calmness, a positive outlook, and a general increased sense of well being. However, don't take St. Johns Wort if you are taking other medications without checking with your doctor. Also, read the directions carefully for dosage amounts. Although St. Johns Wort doesn't appear to have many side effects, no conclusive long term studies have been done.

August Fashion Y

     August is a tricky month for shopping, as it's still hot enough that we want to wear cool clothing, but all the stores have moved to their fall lines. So it is the perfect time to find bargains on summer clothing. Just make sure it is something you'll still want to wear next year. Also, try finding items that will take you from summer to fall. Think cotton mid sleeve tops, capri's, knee length skirts in a stretch fabric, and blazers in a cotton or poly/lyra blend. Below are some of my favorite "no hassle" looks for the upcoming month:

     Finally, I am very excited to share with you some changes that are happening at Beauty and Soul... We will soon have a new, wonderful addition to the website, Greg Brinkley. Greg is a master of health, nutrition and fitness, a guru in every sense of the word. I personally rely on his advice for my own nutrition concerns. He even has an "Ask Greg!" page like the "Ask Wendy" feature at Beauty & Soul! Please drop by his site at http://www.brinkleysbest.com to see what he has to offer.

     Well, that's all for this month. As always, feel free to write to me with any questions you may have - I look forward to hearing from members! Until next month...

Wendy