Beauty&Soul

December Newsletter

Happy Holidays, Dear Readers!

As the cooler weather is upon us, it's time to tune up our health and beauty regimen's and gear up for winter!  I find I get the most questions this time of year -- summer is carefree and easy-maintenance, while fall and winter can require more time to really look polished. Not to worry! I'll share all my favorite time busting strategies with you to leave you looking gorgeous in a snap. : )

I told you last month that I am teaming up with my dearest friend and astrologer extraordinaire Bridgett Walther. While we have had some glitches implementing all that we want to offer, things are coming right along and I'm so excited! I do not exaggerate when I say Bridgett is not only the most respected and reknowned astrologer of our time, but her writing is so captivating it will boggle your mind. Please visit her site (you'll find me there, too) at Bridgettwalther.com. You'll see why it's no wonder some of the biggest superstars in the world rely on her! Also, Bridgett's book, "Conquer the Cosmos: Use the Power of Astrology to Attract the Man, Money, and Happiness You Deserve" comes out next month. I've had a preview copy, and I can tell you it is a MUST read, I promise. : )

Many of you have heard me sing the praises of my dear teacher and friend, Dr. Marcia Emery as well. She is a popular author, psychologist, and intuitive expert, now offering a column on BridgettWalther.com. I really cannot imagine a better mix of content, dear Readers! Our vision is for this to be a site you can come to for THE BEST in astrology, beauty, health, and spiritual growth. A true extravaganza! I hope you will join us as we grow and create a community that is a joy to be part of.

Fall/Winter Beauty

While I tend to be a "minimalist" when it comes to make-up, I love perking up a complexion that has lost some of it's summer glow with a deeper lip color. This season, red lipstick is being worn in every possible shade. Blondes look great in shades with a bit of orange undertone, while brunettes look best in violet-reds. If this sounds just too dramatic for you, try a sheer red lipgloss or tint. Remember, when wearing darker shades of lip color, it's important to soften the rest of your makeup. Lots of eyeshadow and dark blush can really wreck the look, so if you want the focus on your lips, use muted shades everywhere else. 

I really think that switching over to "cream" based products is they way to go in the winter months. For instance, if you use a powder blush during warmer weather, try using a cream-based color in the winter. Simply apply moisturizer (with spf!) as usual, then apply a dab of rosy color to the apples of the cheeks, blending in circles outward with fingertips. (Your fingers work best, as the warmth from your skin spreads the product easily.

This same idea hold true for lips. Many lipsticks can actually be drying. Try one of the new glosses which not only have real staying power, but leave lips smooth and soft!

Beginning in the fall, many of us start to get...itchy. The seasonal change can leave skin dry, and it becomes of the utmost importance to hydrate and exfoliate. To keep skin HYDRATED, keep these tips in mind:

1. Be sure to drink plenty of fluid. I hear all the time, "Well, I don't like water." FInd something else! Mint herb tea, seltzer water, green tea with lemon...there are so many delicious ways to get the 8 glasses of water we need daily. However, do stay clear of pop (diet or regular) and too much caffeine, which can be dehydrating.

2. Up the amount of "good fats" in your diet. Olive oil, fish oil, flax oil are all wonderful skin-hydrators and beautifiers.  I put olive and flax on everything, and even put a tablespoon in my morning smoothies during the colder months.

3.  Moisturize! Immediately after cleansing the skin, apply your moisturizer. I like to switch to a richer formula in the winter. Look for products in a jar vs. a tube or pump, as they tend to be the most hydrating.

Next, if you normally exfoliate every day, you might want to alternate days in the colder weather if you have sensitive skin. I still love using a little raw sugar and a good washcloth. To combat extra dryness, add a teaspoon or so of olive or almond oil and massage into clean, damp skin. You can even use this same concoction all over your whole body! It's a luxurious and effective treatment that leaves skin soft, smooth, and radiant (at a fraction of the price you'd pay at a spa).

Wendy's Winter Health Tip:

For many of us, the winter months mean heavier foods, which also happens to equal a heavier body weight. Don't gain that extra five (or ten!) pounds ever winter by consciously choosing what you eat and it's effect. I've been doing this for several years -- instead of just cramming my body with food when I'm "starving", I think about what each food does to my whole self. After all, the way we look reflects exactly what we are putting into our selves.

My favorite trick to staying energetic and healthy during the winter months is to chop up every vegetable in the refrigerator. I use whatever I have on hand -- colored peppers, zuchinni, cucumbers, carrots, celery, broccoli, green beans, you name it. Then, toss in some berries, raw cashews or walnuts, and mix it all together with your favorite dressing. It's so delicious and filling (the nuts are very satisfying)! I try to incorporate two days a week of "all raw" foods to really keep myself feeling my best. Give it a try and I promise you will feel (and see!) the difference!

Have a great month!

Love,

Wendy

As always, feel free to contact me at Wendy@beautysoul.com. I love hearing from you, dear Readers!

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