Carmindy - Crazy Busy Beautiful: Beauty Secrets for Getting Gorgeous Fast

To my girlfriends.

Through busy times, frustratingly slow points,
crazy days, and even nuttier nights, youve filled
my life with beauty, care, and laughter.
I love you all to bits!

S kin tells all. It reflects your health, indicates your stress-o-meter, and shows whether youve made prevention part of your beauty routine.

Even if you havent been most excellent to your epidermis, fear not. Its never too late (or too soon) to step up your skin-care routine and reap the gorgeous rewards.

W ear sunscreen every single day. Nothing prevents wrinkles, aging, and spots like a big slather of SPF 30 or higher. Clouds. Rain. Snow. Sun. No matter what, wear it!

* The best sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide. These provide your skin with a stronger barrier of protection. They may take a bit longer to blend in, but they work very well when applied early and often.

* It is a myth that any protection over SPF 15 is a waste. You need a 30 or higher SPF to stay protected. And dont be stingy with sunscreen: you need a full coating for full-power protection.

Summer Beauty

Despite the name, waterproof sunscreen still needs to be reapplied after you get out of the water. Even if youre not taking a dip, you should still reapply every two hours.

* If sunscreen stings your eyes, switch to a formula made for the eye area. In a pinch, apply a lip balm with a high SPF around your eyes.

* If you go to the beach and notice a million more freckles emerging by days end, you are not protecting yourself enough. Use the highest SPF possible, wear a hat, and sit under an umbrella.

* When using a high-SPF sunscreen, always apply it after your moisturizer and let it soak in before applying makeup.

* If your high-SPF sunscreen leaves a noticeable white cast on your face, mix in a bit of foundation before your application to create an even, natural look.

* Not sure how to reapply sunscreen over your makeup without messing it up? Simply spritz on a spray sunscreen over your faceno blending necessary.

Timesaver

Choose a moisturizer with SPF for a quick one-two punch. It simultaneously protects your skin and keeps it supple.

* Wash your face at night. You dont have to cleanse again in the morning unless you get really oily. Over-washing can dry out your skin.

* Never, ever sleep in your makeup! No matter how tired you are, always remove your makeup and apply moisturizer before going to bed. Youll thank me in the morning.

* For dry skin, choose creamy cleansers and cream moisturizers.

* For oily skin, go for gel cleansers and oil-free moisturizing lotions.

* If youre a soap-and-water girl, never use regular body soap on your face. Choose pH-balanced facial soaps suited to your skin type.

* Using a terry-cloth washcloth to wash your face can help slough off dead skin cells.

* If you are prone to ruddiness, never use really hot water. It can irritate capillaries and cause further reddening.

* Mix a small amount of baking soda with a drop of liquid facial cleanser for lighter, brighter-looking skin without bleaching.

* Swipe a cotton ball dipped in mineral oil across stubborn makeup. It will melt off.

* To remove eye makeup, use soft cotton squares dipped in makeup remover and wipe gently. Avoid using toilet paper: its too abrasive.

* Dip a Q-tip into makeup remover and sweep across the lash line to remove waterproof eyeliner.

* Baby wipes are handy for removing stubborn eye makeup. Carry a couple of individually wrapped baby wipes in case you end up on a pals sofa at four A.M.

* If youre stuck without your usual cleanup gear, clear lip gloss can be used as an eye makeup remover.

* Exfoliate your face at least a few times a week. A good scrub eliminates dry flakes, sebum, oils, and any other nasty things that keep your skin from being supersmooth.

* Be gentle when exfoliating. Massage longer instead of scrubbing harder. Being rough only irritates the skin and can cause redness.

* Plain white sugar is hands-down the best exfoliant around. In the shower, simply lather up your face and body with your regular cleanser and then scrub about a handful of sugar over your skin, using circular motions. Rinse away remaining crystals. Youll be glowingly sweet.