Beat the Blahs of Winter

Personal appointments and errands took me all over the place this week. Favorite looks were seen on 5th Ave and in Harlem.

Although it's been bitterly cold, I loved the individual display of style and beauty from my fellow New Yorkers. Even layered in coats, hats and scarves, I saw their "signature" shine through. Trekking to 34th Street, I noticed a woman clad in stark black with a burgundy patent leather carryall. Her makeup was simple, yet eye-catching: a vibrant rich lip color and a warm blush...just enough to fight off the winter blahs! I recommend a creamy bordeaux shade like NARS Viridiana for $24 or a sheer wine lipstick with a bit of shine like Benefit's Silky Finish Lipstick in Ms. Behavin for $18 with a soft blush. Both products are at Sephora.

While enjoying lunch in Harlem, I saw signature style at its best. A woman with a short blonde natural, a funky sheered mink, pony hair tote and oversized shades came in for cocktails and coversation. She combined minimal makeup with plenty of confidence and swagger. If your wardrobe includes eclectic pieces, take the minimalist approach to makeup. Stick with a nude look. Bobbi Brown makes tons of nude lip sticks like Pink Buff Creamy Lip Color for $22 or Naked Rich Color Gloss. You choose from eight shades at $20 each: the soft shine of a gloss linked with the luxurious feel of a balm. Rim eyes with a chocolate liner or shadow, brush bronzer onto cheeks and coat lashes with mascara. Easy and pretty!

KISSABLE LIP TIPS! You can apply raw honey to dry chapped lips since it hydrates naturally. Or you can dip a soft toothbrush into a mixture of brown sugar and olive oil. Gently rub the scrub over your mouth to remove dry skin. Rinse and coat lips with a balm before using lip color.

2010 Beauty & Wellness Plan

Here we are at the beginning of a new decade, a new year, with "new" resolutions. Read below for reminders on total body and beauty well-being.

DIET. Beauty starts on the inside. Dark leafy veges, colorful fruit and plenty of water count as 'beauty essentials!' Commit to a healty diet for beautiful skin and hair. If you're a snacker, reach for almonds, granola or yogurt!

CLEAN UP. Adopt a daily routine catered to your skin type...cleanse, gently exfoliate (at least twice a week), and follow with a moisturizer. Winter weather can dull our complexion. Try a pore minimizing mask with natural ingredients like Kiss My Face Potent and Pure Pore Shrink, Deep Pore Cleansing Mask. (drugstores/$15.99)

MOISTURIZE. Another essential, even if your skin is oily! Choose a facial moisturizer with sunscreen. Use a hydrating cream every day especially on feet, knees and elbows. I like Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve -- the avocado, eucalyptus, and sesame seed oil sooths and conditions skin.

EXERCISE. Opt for non-traditional workouts like an African dance class, pole dancing, or kickboxing for a total body workout. Be sure to stretch beforehand! Make it easy for yourself..."jot down three ways exercise will improve your life" per Andrea Riggs/CEO of Body Beautiful. Losing a few inches will boost your confidence AND control the risk of diabetes. Check out www.gymticket.com or www.health-fitness.org for free or discount passes on select services. (Essence/Jan. 2010)

STAND TALL. Great posture takes inches away from the tummy (enough said)!

THE POWER OF TOUCH. Regular massages reduce stress, eliminate puffiness, and stimulate blood flow....so you feel good during AND after! You can book an appointment with LMT, TraCey Jones at SoulSanctuaryHealing@gmail.com if you're in the tri-state area.

SNOOZING. We all know that nothing beats a good night's sleep. Rejuvenate mind, body and soul with at least seven to eight hours...it does the body good!

Try to incorporate the wellness tips above...a good diet, plenty of rest, and a regular cleansing program, should guarantee clear skin! You may even be able to simplify your beauty routine. Brighten eyes with a soft shimmery shadow close to your skin tone, smudge liner at lash line and finish with a volumizing mascara like L'Oreal's Extra-Volume Collagen Mascara...my new favorite. Add a bit of color to your cheeks with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Blush in Washed Rose or Plum Wine for a healthy glow, apply lip color, and go!