Look fabulous, Feel fabulous, BE fabulous.

"Happy girls are the prettiest girls."
-Audrey Hepburn


I know this may sound superficial, but let's be honest with each other.  When you look good, you feel good.  No, I'm not saying you should strive to be a barbiesque wannabe real housewife of Beverly Hills.  I just want you to feel like the most beautiful version of yourself that you can be. Summer is upon us and let's be real, we all want to look good in that bikini we've been dreading to pull out all winter.  Here are a few tips, products and some advice I'd like to share to help you the most beautiful version of you this summer:










1. Wear SPF 30, always! 

A few years ago I had a pre-melanoma mole removed from stomach.  I never was a tan-a-holic, I only used beds before special events or vacations.  My dermatologist informed me that if I didn't get my moles checked religiously like I do (thanks to my mom) the pre- meloanoma would have turned into melanoma, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer. I was terrified.  She also told me that every time you get a sunburn, even a minor one- it takes your dermis (skin) months to recover. So, be smart-apply sunscreen daily before you go out in the sun, and reapply every 45 mins if you're out for extended amounts. You'll still get a sun kissed glow while avoiding nasty burns, wrinkles and skin cancer! My favorite is sunblock is Aveeno!
















2. Self Tan-without the sun!


Since I've ditched the tanning bed, I wanted to figure out a way to have that sun kissed glow-without the harmful UVA/UVB rays.  I've tried countless self-tanners over the years, and I've finally found one I  absolutely love.   St. Tropez tanning mousse!!! It's available at Sephora, or you can order it online.  It's extremely easy to apply, dries fast, doesn't have the bad chemical smell and most importantly looks like a natural tan!

3. Drink more water!

Water is a miracle worker. A well hydrated body is a happy one, you'll burn calories more efficiently.  Your skin will glow, your eyes will be brighter.  Your energy level will increase as your body flushes nasty toxins.  Your joints will be properly lubricated, your circulation will improve...and much much more! So drink up!


















4. Eat natural metabolism boosters!

• Cinnamon
• Green Tea
• Caffeine
• Yogurt
• Lean protein (chicken, fish)

You are what you eat, so why not eat foods that help kick that metabolism into high gear?? I'm a strong believer in eating clean, natural foods. Not only have I lost unwanted weight (with the help of these foods) but I've felt healthier and happier than I ever have before.






 


 5. Sleep more

Your body needs sleep and lots of it. A good nights rest = less stress, higher level of alertness, improved memory, and keeps you looking fresh.




 














6. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!

Live longer, look better, improve your mood. Whether it's walking your dog, going on a jog, playing in a park with friends- get your exercise on! Your body will love you and you'll love your body.






















7. Focus on your favorite features!

 Play up your best features and focus on what you find beautiful.  Growing up I didn't always have a positive self image. I put myself down every time I looked in a mirror focusing on my acne, or extra weight.  It's taken a long time for me to become comfortable with my self image and really love who I am, and what I look like.  Nobody's perfect, we all have flaws, but that doesn't mean you have to beat yourself up over them. Instead, if you focus on your best attributes, maybe you have great eyes, or hair, a killer butt, or nice legs. Play it up, be proud of what makes you-you. Your confidence will radiate and you'll be more attractive to others instantly. I like to play up my eyes, I have green eyes, so I use complimentary colored eye shadows, like Almay Intense-I-Color to make them really stand out.