Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that we love you any less.  It just means that we’d like to stage a mild intervention on behalf of your feet.  Think about it for a minute.  Your feet support all those muscles you carry around each day, they take you to and from your job, they run you around the sports field and they are the first things you kick up when you’ve got a cold beverage in hand.  Don’t you think they deserve a little extra attention?

Now I know that the majority of guys will never admit in public to enjoying a spa treatment that they’ve had, aside from getting a basic massage, and that’s okay.  What I’ve got are a few suggestions for ways you can take care of your feet at home in private.  And if you should you find yourself in the very “unlucky” situation of having to go to a spa for a treatment, we have some great places for you to check out.

by the trial

I once heard the results of a survey that said that the majority of people polled did not actually wash their feet in the shower, assuming that because their feet were already in water, they would get cleaned without any further effort.   I don’t know how clean your feet do or don’t get just from being in water, but a little extra soap probably won’t hurt.

Take your shower as the first opportunity to treat your feet and after letting them soak for a few minutes in the water, you can use what’s called a pumice stone stick to remove dead skin, rough patches and calluses.  Not only will this eliminate dead skin that may cause an odor, it will help to prevent the build-up of further calluses.

When you’ve gotten out of the shower, it’s a great time to trim those toenails because the nail should be soft and fairly easy to cut.  Be sure to cut your nails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails, which happens when the side or corners of your toenails grow down into the skin.

Foot and calf massages are often part of a pedicure at a spa and while I don’t imagine that you will give yourself an intense foot massage after you shower, you can quickly apply a lotion, such as the Body Shop’s Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion for a shot of moisture and cooling sensation, all in one.

If you do feel inclined to venture to a spa, you can rest assured that no nail polish will ever be used on you, unless you ask for it.  Some treatment rooms are communal while others are not, so don’t be afraid to inquire prior to booking an appointment if privacy is a concern.

Mackie Naturals in Mission provides the His Bliss Pedicure for 45 minutes at a cost of $58.  This pedicure includes extra attention to callus removal including foot filing and a clean-up of the nails and toes, as well as the usual care.

The Wild Orange Spa in Abbotsford offers The Men’s Sports Pedicure for 55 minutes at a cost of $65.  Sounds manly, doesn’t it?  Not only do they have specific treatments for men, but they have a men’s lounge area and steam room to enjoy and use prior to and after any treatments you receive.

If you want a spa experience, but would prefer to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, there are many mobile spa services now available, including Simply Indulge.  They offer a Pure Bliss Pedicure for 45 minutes at a cost of $50.

Now there is no excuse not to make your feet, and those who see them, happy this summer.

If, however, you find yourself in the same boat as the rest of us mere mortals when it comes to bathing suits, then I have a proposal for you.  You know all the years you’ve spent cringing when you think about having to expose your bod in the heat of summer?  Well, this is the year to take back the lakes!  Take back the beaches, the backyards, the swimming pools! Take back the carefree years of not thinking about what your body looks like, but what it can do!  And I’m going to tell you 3 things that will help you find the joy in bathing suits again!

by Whiskeygonebad

1. (a) Ladies, come on…your significant other is not a fool!  You need to think about that when you’re psyching yourself up to go bathing suit shopping.  There exists someone in the world who chose you above all others, and who thinks you look good in whatever you’re wearing.  Who are you to disagree?  If you need to bring your hubby for moral support and maybe to hold your purse while you try on lovely body-enhancing fashions, then go for it!

(b) Single?  Hallelujah!  Get yourself a cutout suit that proclaims “ I am free!” and strut your stuff.  You may not hook up at the beach, but you can bet you’ll be ogled.  Après swim, you can relax solo or with friends and luxuriate in being calmly, blessedly, single.

2. You’re not 18 anymore…sweet!  It wasn’t ALL bad being a teenager, just mostly.  Yeah, your breasts were higher, so what?  Your mind is sharper, you have higher earning potential and you require (and get) more on a first date than sneaking cigarettes behind the gym.  Celebrate!  Because we are not only                our bodies, we are also our minds, and your mind is foxy!

3. Perfection doesn’t exist.  I know we say this a lot, but we need to feel it better.  If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, than you are ideal to someone.  Know what that means?  It means that no swimsuit, good or bad, is going to affect that.  So you’re free to go find the best one you can!  One piece, two piece,                Cutout or tankini, this season has great options for every body type and taste.  So stop obsessing over “imperfections” and celebrate your shape; it’s the sexiest thing you can do!

My top picks for where to pick yourself up a great bathing suit in the Fraser Valley:

Wishes and Co. – it’s a tiny little store, but don’t be fooled: they carry everything you could possibly want and more!

Mico’s Swimwear - again, not a big store but it is jam-packed with everything you need to outfit yourself for a day at the beach/pool/resort.

Zammy’s Lingerie - this great shop carries swimwear to fit all shapes and sizes. We like!

It should be no surprise then, that mineral makeup has not been something I’ve been drawn to or interested in, despite the major buzz it’s received in recent years.  Like most people, I am sometimes skeptical to buy new products.  I don’t want to be “out” the money for it and stuck with a product I won’t use.  Call me Doubting Thomas, but I often need to see it, and try it, to believe it.

So what is mineral makeup all about??  Mineral makeup is primarily made from ingredients found in the earth such as titanium dioxide, mica, zinc oxide and ultramarines.  These minerals are ground and pulverized into a fine powder and combined with natural pigments, or color, and are then applied to the face.

The exciting thing about these natural ingredients is that they have “super powers” in them that are actually good for and soothing to your skin.  Built-in sun block (SPF), a satiny smooth finish and moisture absorbing properties are just a few of the features stemming from these earthy ingredients.

This means that people who have sensitive skin or who suffer from acne or a skin disorder such as rosacea, can benefit from the downsized ingredient list in mineral makeup.  Quality made mineral makeup generally does not contain fillers or additives, such as talc, synthetic colors or parabens that could potentially dry out and irritate the skin.  In addition to this, mineral makeup will not clog the pores and actually allows the skin to breathe, giving it a natural glow.

I recently stopped at Casbah Evolution in South Surrey, where one of the many services and products that they offer is to custom blend mineral makeup, from foundation to lip gloss.  Right before my eyes, and in a matter of minutes, my foundation was mixed on parchment paper in front of me.  A quick check to make sure the color is perfect and I was on my way!

Whether you walk-in or make an appointment, the trained Casbah Evolution Makeup Artists will create customized mineral products for you in a matter of minutes.  Not only do they blend the colours you want and need, they can also add active ingredients such as a balancing complex to control shine, a firming complex to increase cell regeneration or a boost to the existing SPF.  Fantastic?  I think so!  Having this custom blended product is perfect for people who struggle to find a sufficient colour match within a product line, or for those who are looking for a little extra guidance with their makeup selections.

Another fantastic line of mineral makeup and organic skincare products is Outside / In Cosmetics based in Chilliwack.  Founded in 2007 by Consuelo Clarke, these products are 100% Vegan, Canadian made, Cruelty Free and Preservative Free.  The company even goes as far as to list all of the ingredients you won’t find in their products.  To purchase, you can visit their online store, or if you fall into the same “try before you buy” category as me, there are several retail locations throughout the Fraser Valley that carry Outside / In Cosmetics.

You may also be familiar with Jane Iredale Cosmetics.  They have been around for over 10 years and can often be found at spas and beauty salons, as the products that they make go hand in hand with many beauty treatments offered.  It is a mineral makeup line that has won rave reviews from professionals and everyday women alike.

You can also get your mineral makeup fix at select Shopper’s Drug Mart Beauty Boutiques that carry Bare Escentuals and Pur Minerals.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure of what you need or how to use the products you are buying.

Now that we have unearthed the secret of mineral makeup for you, you can feel good knowing exactly what is, and isn’t, going onto your face.

Casbah Evolution
www.casbahdayspa.com
40-16081 24 Avenue, South Surreyf
Ring: 604.542.4782

Outside/In Cosmetics
www.outsideincosmetics.com

In a beautiful and spa-like room in South Surrey, Cara from Lululash provides amazing, natural looking eyelash extensions.  Unlike strip lashes or individual lashes that you can buy in stores and apply yourself, but have a visible base that you can see, these are synthetic hairs that are glued separately to each of your own eyelashes one by one to give you length and volume all at once.

Unlike other eyelash extension services, Cara provides you with a full set of eyelashes that are customized to the length and thickness that you want, regardless of the number of eyelashes required to get you there.  There is no lash counting per side or shortcuts on quality when it comes to giving you a gorgeous result that works for your eyes.

In addition to providing you with natural looking lashes, Lululash also offers a few extra options, such as colored lashes (think purple to contrast with green eyes) or crystal tips, which could be a fancy add-on for a special occasion.  She can also order mink lashes if you so desire.

The process to have the lashes applied is quite simple.  If you can lay down and close your eyes for a few hours, you can definitely handle this!  A Q10 Coenzyme anti-wrinkle gel pad will be applied to your lower lashes to keep them from interfering with the lash application on the top.  Your upper eye lid is then closed and kept in place with a small piece of tape.  This may sound scary, but it really isn’t.  To show you just how relaxing and painless this process is, we’ve put together this quick video:

Cara is professional, patient and precise.  Not only did she deal with my mid-process need for a bathroom break, which resulted in a guided walk up the stairs and down the hallway (oops), but she is very meticulous in her work.  Eyelash extensions are her only focus, not a side service that gets included with other treatments.  She does lashes only, and does them well.

She is a certified Misencil Eyelash Extension Specialist and is also a member of the Cosmetology Industry Association of BC.  She is always learning new techniques and has spent considerable time researching the Canadian made products that she uses during her treatments.  The glue used is FDA approved and has no odor at all.

The lashes are considered to be a semi-permanent treatment, since your own lashes naturally fall out and with them, so will the extensions.  A regular cycle of lash growth is anywhere from 2 – 8 weeks and obviously, every person is different.  If you feel the need to, you can have your lashes filled in or touched up every 3 to 4 weeks after the initial application.

Prior to and after your eyelash extension application, you can expect to receive instructions on how to prepare yourself for the treatment, as well as what to do when it’s over.  While oil-based cleansers and eye makeup removers are a big No-No once your lashes are in place, as are lash curlers and pulling or rubbing your lashes, regular mascara is not!

If you want to use non-waterproof mascara, you definitely can, though you probably won’t even need to.  I’ve been mascara free for a full week and counting, but you’d never know it.  This is the great thing about eyelash extensions.

If you’re a bride, you don’t have to worry about crying your mascara off on your wedding day.  If you’re going on holidays for a few weeks at a time, you can leave the mascara at home and still pull off a put-together look.  If you’re feeling like your lashes are getting shorter and sparser as you get older, as many women do, this is your solution.   The bottom line is, if you love full lashes, these are for you!

Lululash if offering Fraser Valley Pulse readers a $20 discount off your first treatment, until August 31, 2010. Mention this article when you book your appointment and in the meantime, you better practice your winking and eyelash fluttering!

Lululash
www.lululash.com
South Surrey
Ring: 604.868.4047

I was at an outdoor wedding, waiting for the arrival of the bride (my friend) and not only were my thighs actually sticking to each other, but I was on the verge of getting the Whitney Houston upper lip sweat.  No joke!  It was not pretty.  And yet, when I look back at the pictures from the day, I managed to actually look somewhat pulled together and not like the melting mess I felt like.

I’m gonna chalk the good pictures up to two things, 1) Having the time to rest in the shade and ‘air out’ before having them taken and 2) Having a few little makeup tricks up my sleeve (though I wasn’t wearing any sleeves on my dress that day).

First of all, there are never any hard set rules when it comes to makeup.  There are ways to do things better but the goal is to find what works for you and run with it.  During the summer months, I have more color to my skin (and natural moisture) so I feel as though I can get away with wearing less makeup.

No matter what you put on top, you absolutely must start with a moisturizer with SPF.  I’d like to suggest that you set aside your regular foundation all together and substitute a primer like Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer or use a lightweight, tinted moisturizer instead.

Believe it or not, there are waterproof concealers out there, such as Lancome’s Effarcenes Waterproof undereye concealer, which are creamy and light, but contain a higher amount of pigment in them to give you mega coverage with little application.  If you’re like me… constantly fighting the dark purple circles, this product is one to try!

Although the next natural step is to use a powder on top, skip it and try using blotting papers such as MAC’s Blot Film or Lise Watier’s Oil Blotting Papers.  The purpose of these is to remove shine without adding product, reducing your chances of a cakey, powdered look.  They are slim and fit in most purses or pockets and are simple to use.  Best of all, they won’t wreck or remove any existing makeup that you have on.

Your cheeks probably still need a hint of color and a great way to achieve that in summer is to use a cheek stain like Benefit’s Benetint or a cream/gel blush such as Mark’s Just Pinched Instant Blush Tint.  The key is to dab and blend until you see neither dabs nor streaks.  Think “apples” of the cheeks when you want natural looking color and up along the cheekbones when you want lift and contour.

Your eyes can still be emphasized in the summer, but be sure to use specific products that are smudge proof or waterproof.  There are many brands of makeup that carry a range of waterproof eyeliners in an array of colors, such as the Sephora Collection Flashy Liner Waterproof pencil and L’Oreal Paris’ liquid Lineur Intense Brush Tip.  You don’t have to avoid eye makeup altogether, just be smart about it.

Of course, if you find that your mascara melts, runs or smudges, use a waterproof formula of your existing mascara.  Most companies make both regular and waterproof versions and since you’re switching your mascara every 2-3 months anyway (Riiiiight?), it’s an easy adjustment.

Don’t forget about your lips!!  Leave the lipstick at home and opt for a tinted lip balm.  You’ll get the moisture you need with a dash of color too.  Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer combines their fabulous balm with the perfect hint of color.

Consider yourself Armed and Fabulous for the summer!!

Envy Sunless Mobile Tanning is a Fraser Valley company that will travel to you to provide you with the airbrush service.  Airbrush tanning has been around for quite some time, but the mobile service is a convenient way for customers to experience the treatment in the comfort of their own home at a time that works best for them.

Believe me, this is not just a service for fitness competitors or contestants on Dancing with the Stars.  For only $45, this is a fantastic way to get glowing for any special occasion, photo session, or promotional event and could quickly become a new alternative for ‘fake bake’ addicts.  You don’t have to worry about visible tan lines and you can be happy knowing that you’re not damaging your skin.

Ashley of Envy Sunless Mobile Tanning stopped by my place with her pop-up tent and airbrush gun to show me what the world of airbrush tanning is all about.  The product used in the spray gun contains dihydroxyacetone or DHA, which can often be found in other sunless tanning products.  It is a color additive that darkens the skin by reacting with the amino acids in your skin’s surface, which means that there is no color chart to choose a shade from before you begin.

As far as your clothes go (or lack thereof) during the process, your comfort level is of utmost importance.  A bathing suit or underwear is definitely okay, as are shorts or a sleeveless top if you are just getting a small area done or don’t want to show more skin.  The spray won’t discolor most clothing and can be washed out easily.

You’ll be hopping into a three-sided pop-up tent, which can be set up in a bathroom, your kitchen or even your backyard.  Because of the way a spray gun works, I would advise that the room be well ventilated and that you protect your flooring with a towel or blanket that can be washed.

Being sprayed feels kind of chilly, but it’s a quick process that is extremely tolerable.   You’ll have to rotate as directed, but this will help to give you a nice and even application.  As often as possible, you should keep your mouth closed and/or hold your breath so that you are not inadvertently inhaling any product.

In the same way that you would build a “base tan” on your skin from a tanning bed, you can build the color of your spray tan with re-applications.  The initial color will last 7 – 10 days depending on your post application care.  Envy Sunless Mobile Tanning also carries a line of 100% natural ingredient products from South Seas that includes a tan extender and body polish, to name a few.  The yummy citrus based fragrances leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

There’s one last thing to note about sunless tanning.  There is NO sun protection factor (SPF) in the product being applied to your skin, so common sense rules of wearing a minimum of SPF15 anytime you are outside is strongly recommended.

Don’t wait until you vacation in Fiji to look like a bronzed beauty.  Contact Envy Sunless Mobile Tanning to book an appointment and be sure to mention Fraser Valley Pulse to receive 10% off your first treatment or book a tanning party of 3 or more people and the host/hostess tans for FREE!!   Just don’t blame me when you find yourself admiring your own reflection each time you pass a mirror.

Envy Sunless Mobile Tanning
www.envysunlessmobiletanning.com

While many makeup products do not have a PAO (period after opening) symbol on them , this definitely does not mean that they are meant to last forever in your makeup bag or on your bathroom counter.  Many skincare products bear the above logo on the bottom of the product container, which shows the length of time and unit used to measure that time, ie: 12M = 12 months.

by aldinegirl87

Chances are, you have never made note in any memorable way of when you opened a new bottle or jar, nor have you cared all that much if the PAO date has come and gone.  While there will probably never be any earth shattering repercussions for using a lipstick that is three or more years old, there are a few concerns that are worth mentioning.

The most obvious reasons for getting rid of products that are far past their “best before” dates include the possibility of bacteria and risk of infection, especially in products used on or around the eyes.  Other reasons include a reduced quality of the products themselves.  Chances are that the active ingredients in your night cream, for example, may have a reduced effect if it’s been in use for several years.  And that foundation that used to create a flawless face may be less than flawless when applied after being in summer/fall rotation for multiple seasons.

Very much like labeling your Ziploc food items meant for the freezer with a Sharpie or label, you should also be finding a way to visibly note the open date of your product.  Generally, cream and liquid based products are the most susceptible to going bad sooner than later and the tell tale signs could be a variety of things.  From a variance in actual color, to an odd odor, change in texture, or (GASP) even traces of mold, you can quickly determine when “Something is rotten in the State of Denmark”.

by miss604

If you take nothing else away from what I’ve written in this article, please remember this one important thing!  The most time sensitive product to purge and replace on a consistent basis is your mascara; 4 months is an absolute maximum.  To help prolong the use of your mascara, avoid pushing the wand into and out of the tube repeatedly before application.  Doing this pushes in air that will dry out the product more quickly and contributes to an increase in bacteria entering the tube.

Water based foundation, concealer, cream blush and cream eye shadow all fall into the 12-18 month expiration category.  Oil based foundation (which can be shaken if separated) can last at least 18 months and powders for the face, such as setting powder, blush or bronzer can easily make it to 24 months.  Lip glosses and lipsticks generally last up to 2 years as well.  Powder eye shadows, pencil eye liner and lip liners all go the distance for 3 years’ time (sharpen your pencils frequently to reduce bacteria).  Generally, if you’re not sure, it’s better to be safe by throwing it out than sorry.

Similar to fragrances, your beauty products should be stored in a cool and dry place out of the sun and wherever lids or snap closures are involved, take care to close the container tightly.  Leaving your makeup products in a place like your car where they could freeze or melt, is definitely not recommended.  The majority of women store their beauty booty on the counter in the bathroom, but you should consider an alternate option such as a removable basket or a tightly closed drawer to help preserve what you’ve spent your hard earned money on!

Well, that’s a good question.  I have since I was 12 years old, when the peer pressure was so great (or maybe I was just so anxious to do “lady things”) that I rode my bike to the London Drugs near our house and bought a lady shaver and a can of shaving foam.  I then went to town in my bathroom, emerging an hour later with bits of toilet paper stuck to the many cuts around my knees and ankles, wearing a triumphant smile on my face.  That glorious day has been followed by years of unglorious agony battling the natural body hair that insists on growing in places it is socially unnacceptable to grow.  Now that bathing suit season is approaching yet again, it’s time to develop a plan of attack!

Until recently, I wasn’t sure where any of this mandatory shaving/waxing/tweezing/threading business started, so I decided to Google it.  It seems that around 1915, because of a fashion spread in Harpers Bazaar, sleeveless styles became chic for women, making armpit hair visible to all.  Advertisers of the new armless clothing encouraged women to get rid of unsightly hair and *surprise!* began to market razors to women.  This trend was followed by higher hemlines, making the next logical step to get rid of “unladylike” leg hair.  So although the ancient Greeks, Indians, and Egyptians did use different methods to get rid of unwanted body hair, the practice was not popularized in Western culture until much more recently, by American marketing geniuses.

I feel better knowing why I do what I do and really have no desire to grow my leg hair even in light of finding out that womankind has been tricked into shaving.  The good news is, we’re not alone.  Men are a growing market for hair removal, both at the salon and at home.  I say this is a good thing!  An even better thing is a method of hair removal we found that’s new to the Fraser Valley.  It’s painless, eco-friendly and an excuse to make an appointment to pamper myself!  It’s called Egyptian Body Sugar and it’s found in Abbotsford by The Egyptian Body Sugaring Company at En Vogue Salon.

Sugaring has actually been popular all over Canada for years, but is fairly new to BC.  The Egyptian Body Sugar is made of sugar, honey and lemon juice (yes, I ate some – delicious!). It is biodegradable, has no harsh odour and doesn’t leave a weird film or feeling on your skin.  Sugaring is the perfect solution for men or women who want a spa experience to get rid of that unsightly bikini zone, leg, armpit, eyebrow or arm hair, and also want to support our environment.  The Egyptian Body Sugaring Company is run by owner Tammy Dupuis, who has been sugaring clients for 5 years.  Tammy explained to me how safe and hygienic the process is.  The sugar used on you is only used on you and it is pulled in the direction of hair growth so you don’t get those pesky ingrowns or rashes.  All in all, it’s a hair removal option we can feel really good about trying.  Check out this video posted on The Egyptian Body Sugaring Company’s Facebook fan page.

For all of you who prefer to turn your noses up at Harpers Bazaar and keep your leg and bikini hair intact, I say: good for you!  Say “yes” to pants this summer!  :-)  For those who want to flaunt your hairless pegs, The Egyptian Body Sugaring Company is offering 50% OFF THE FIRST VISIT to all Fraser Valley Pulse readers.  Since it’s almost time for me to go bikini shopping, I think I’ll have to take her up on that!

The Egyptian Body Sugaring Company at En Vogue Salon
www.egyptianbodysugar.ca
5 – 33575 Mayfair Avenue, Abbotsford BC   MAP
Ring: 604.615.6867

Find The Egyptian Body Sugaring Company on Facebook

I’d like to think I can do a little better than that for my everyday wear, I just need a little help pulling looks together. I’m busy and don’t have time to worry about fashion too often. I want to look polished and put-together all the time while not spending all of my time shopping.  I recently visited Lois and Les at Lolly’s in Chilliwack, who helped me put some looks together for Spring.

A funny thing happened when I started trying clothes on; we soon discovered that dresses suit me much better than pants.  I’m on the short side and fairly curvy, and the lovely ladies at  Lolly’s helped me make the most of my figure to play up my physical attributes and downplay my detractions.  The result?  I now understand how comfortable and stylish I can look wearing different kinds of dresses.  Comfort and style with no t-shirts or jeans, people!  These are dresses you can pop on, add some easy accessories and go about your day in with the knowledge that you look great.

If you need help finding a Spring dress, or any kind of great outfit for yourself, get to Lolly’s right away and ask the girls to help put together your Spring look.  Lois & Les are so helpful – they’re amazing!  If you’ve not visited this awesome Fraser Valley boutique, I highly suggest checking out.

Here are three different looks they put together for me.

Look one: Work

I felt very sophisticated and business-like in this dress, which was stretchy and comfortable.  The ruching at the tummy is really flattering and adding a little cardigan is great for air-conditioned offices.  Add a pair of fun heels, some delicate jewelry and you’re out the door!

Look Two: Evening

I love this dress!  It’s shorter than I would normally choose for myself, but the neckline is higher so I didn’t feel exposed at all.  It makes my legs look longer!!!  The colours are fresh and Springy, the dress is pretty and kicky, and I loved the necklace that went with it.  This dress has drinks and dancing written all over it!

Look Three: Weekends

I would never have picked this dress out for myself in a million years, but I love it!  Perfect for Sunday brunch and antiquing in the Spring, it has a great shape while being incredibly comfortable and easy to wear.  The colours are incredible and very indicative of what’s hot this Spring.  Tribal chic, pretty pastels, ruffles, feminine florals, feathers and shine – you’ll see a lot of it this coming season. Add some gladiator sandals to this dress, a long necklace, a big soft bag and you’re ready for whatever the weekend has to offer!

Lolly’s
45891 Wellington Avenue, Chilliwack
Ring: 604.392.9327

Frustrated by the lack of affordable organic skin care choices, she researched the process of making skin care herself.  After reading books, attending workshops and countless trials she developed her own line.  While she originally developed the creams for her own family, friends began asking for these gentle, natural products.  Realizing she had created a business without even knowing it, she officially launched her line of chemical free skin care, Golden Naturals Skin Care, in 2008.

When I met Marinella, the first thing I noticed was her flawless skin – she’s a walking testimonial for her products.  I interviewed her to get some pointers on skin care and to learn how to avoid dry irritated skin this winter.

Like many of you, I suffer from extremely dry skin during the winter.  Marinella advises we take extra special care of our skin in winter months since a combination of dry indoor heating, cold outdoor temperatures and our need for comfort food wreaks havoc on our skin. Our hands and faces get the most exposure so we need to pay the most attention to exfoliating and moisturizing these parts.  Marinella recommends cleansing your face, following with a toner and then moisturizing each morning and night. You should exfoliate with a scrub two to three times a week depending on your skin sensitivity and use a mask once or twice a month.

Hands get especially dry during the flu season because we are constantly washing our hands and using hand sanitizer which robs our hands of moisture.  Marinella offers a simple tip to keeping hands soft, “Remove jewelry before washing.  Soap can get stuck to the rings and dry out hands even more.”  Moisturize your hands after every wash and before bed to keep your hands from drying out.”

I have to admit, I had never considered the importance of chemical-free skin care before. We all know the importance of eating healthy, fresh food that is free of preservatives but few of us consider the effects of the chemicals we apply on our skin. Marinella reveals that we should be paying even more attention to the things we apply topically than what we eat. When we apply lotion, the chemicals get absorbed directly into the skin, bypassing the liver. Any chemicals in foods we consume are processed by the liver before entering the body. “So you would actually be better off eating you skin care than applying it on your face,” she explained.

I was pleasantly surprised by Golden Natural Skin Care’s prices.  Because of low overhead costs, Marinella is able to provide high quality products at affordable prices.  Another thing Marinella offers is the ability to order a modified product that perfectly matches your skin.

Marinella’s passion for taking health into our own hands came across clearly.  I could tell her skin care line is less about a business than a way to provide people with healthier choices and options. Marinella believes in being conscious of what we put in and on our bodies.  It seems not only are you what you eat, but also what you apply on your skin.