Every Routine Has Its Beauty
Originally uploaded by AnnuskA - AnnA Theodora

The beauty industry is inundated with products, from old classics to the "latest & greatest" - every week there is a new product that we simply must try... and so we do, habitually sampling the newest wonder products that promise us amazing never before realised results. We take advantage of new line specials and 2 for 1 deals, we take advice from promotional flyers and sales girls - but what are we really gaining from all of this?

We talk ourselves into our hottest up to the minute purchases with pep talks such as "it was a bargain at 20% off" or "I got two great new sparkly things, it was buy one get one free!" - sound familiar? Break the routine of lunch time beauty counter spending sprees by asking yourself how much of a bargain it truly is. Consider what happens when we need to pick up a new bottle of that bargain priced hot new product when it's not so new and it's at it's regular price point? Is it still such a great addition to our beauty routine?

Be a savvy consumer: don't be sucked in by special price points if the regular product price is rather ridiculous; accept samples if you're curious, but don't feel obliged to buy because of a pushy sales pitch; understand that brand names can be deceptive - just because they do a wonderful mascara does not mean their facial scrub is going to be equally as wonderful; if you need advice remember to look at the advice givers motivation - advice from a friend is often the best way to go about it - understand that asking a sales person at a beauty counter will more often than not result in a somewhat subjective answer, they must do their job (ie. Move their particular brand or promote the product with the highest price point for a greater commission), they are not going to admit that their makeup base is utter rubbish if you are considering making the purchase.

We need to switch our focus - rather than attempting to keep up with each new product as it finds it's way onto the shelf of Boots or Superdrug - we can further benefit from focusing on maintaining our existing beauty routine or developing a more beneficial habit. This is not to knock ever trying something new, but by keeping the focus on sustaining daily habits and making the most of the products you do use you'll enjoy far greater benefits - for your body & bank balance. There is nothing wrong with using the same old brand you always have - if it ain't broke - think about classics such as Lucas Paw Paw Ointment, Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream & Olay Moisturiser - these are classics that even our folks would swear by - why change a good thing?

Here are a few places to kick start realigning the focus on your daily beauty routine, they are the essential basics of maintaining smooth & healthy skin - simple habits to incorporate into your current daily routine with benefits will see you feeling & looking fabulous.

Night Face Cream
Get your beauty sleep & let your skin recover from the day's war paint makeup by making night cream a part of your daily routine. Especially designed to be thicker & harder working than your day cream - it's the key to keeping your skin young & fresh. Keep a jar on your night stand and just before you turn in, slather a nice thick layer of cream across your face, it'll take mere minutes and you'll reap the results awakening to softer & smoother skin.

Foot Love
Just like our waistlines, during winter we can tend to neglect our feet - but just because you have no plans to be rockin' out in thongs or sandals any time in the coming months doesn't mean your tootsies should go to wreck & ruin. Keeping your nails trimmed, heels pumiced & skin scrubbed is something to make a habit out of year round. Let's face it, very few of us can claim that our feet are the cutest part of our bodies and so we need to give them a bit of a leg up (!!) in the beauty stakes, try these simple beauty tips:

Start by developing a routine of keeping your heels & the balls of your feet exfoliated using a pumice stone - you can pick one up at your local pharmacy - keep it in the shower & give your feet a quick scrub while you're in there shaving your legs & washing your hair.

Trim & lacquer your toe nails when you do your finger nails. Do it in front of the television at night, then you don't need to concentrate on sitting still while the lacquer dries.

Once or twice a week treat your feet to a peppermint foot scrub (The Body Shop does an utterly delicious gentle foot cream). Slather it all over your feet before you go to bed & you'll awaken to smooth, supple & delicious smelling toes!

Exfoliating Body Wash
Exfoliating will make your skin look & feel smooth & just generally rather fabulous. A super simple way to remember to replace your normal body wash or soap with a gentle exfoliating body scrub (The Body Shop does exfoliating body wash in a whole range of flavours that smell delicious!). Everyday when you shower, lather your body and gently scrub with your loofah or body glove. An exfoliating body wash is gently enough for daily use and will remove all the dead skin cells that make your body look & feel dry and tired.


Do these simple beauty essentials make an appearance in your daily routine??