Beauty Barre
We’re giving you your MARCHing orders…six ways to look and feel great inside and out, and then you’ll be ready to spring forward (on March 9—don’t forget!).
Inner Work Botox? No. Toki? Yes. In truth, we didn’t believe it, but Toki, which means “skin like porcelain” really seems to deliver. Toki’s slightly citrus-flavored powder stirs up into a twice-daily drink that feeds skin from the inside: the cocktail of collagen, calcium and a special mucopolysaccharide complex goes directly into skin’s second, supportive layer via the bloodstream to smooth, soften and tighten skin all over. One staffer even had her chiropractor comment on how extraordinarily soft her skin felt. $150/30-day supply, at www.888ageless.com, or 800-510-2010.
Mane Manned The adage goes: March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Hopefully we can do that for your hair too. If your mane’s gone wild with frizzies and split ends over the winter, try to tame it with a good shampoo and conditioner: the nutrient-rich Grapefruit & Wild Ginger combo from Nature’s Gate Organics is an ideal choice for the repair of fragile, delicate hair. Plus, the yummy scent is perfect for the season, combining the warmth of ginger for winter’s last gasp with the sprightly zing of spring in the grapefruit. $7.99; at health food grocery stores like Whole Foods or www.natures-gate.com.
Moody Hues March is a great month to work on your attitude adjustment. Sometimes essential oils can help: Golden Earth’s four formulations mix pure, refined essential oils from the heart of exotic plants like neroli and sandalwood to open your heart and heighten your senses. Ideal for de-stressing after an intense workout, or before meditating or going to sleep. The essences come in a woodsy, clarity-enhancing Tranquility, the flirty tuberose of Beauty, Euphoric rose/jasmine for happiness and creativity, and the sensual Desire. $28 for 1/8oz. vial. At www.goldenearth.net.
Cracking up As we transition from dry winter weather to sunny spring (hopefully), make sure your lips are along for the ride with Therapy Systems' new ultra-moisturizing Tinted Lip Balms. Formulated to soothe and repair, they’re loaded with cocoa butter & vitamin E to keep lips from cracking and heal them from peeling—for a soft, smooth bouche with a solid smack of color. In six succulent shades: Nude (Pale nude) Bare (Pale pink) Sunny (Peach beige) Natural (Warm brown) Blush (Rosy red) Flush (Deep red). $22; at Beauty Collection in LA, Beauty Café in Boston, www.therapysystems.com or 800-733-8606.
Make it Pop Debuting this month, the Plexi Pop Collection from CND (formerly known as Creative Nail Design) keeps nails in sheer shades, but with radiant splendor. The super shine, inspired by modernist 60s interiors, makes for high impact, from the nearly naked Clearly Pink on pinkies to twenty-first century toes dipped in Turquoise Tint with its subtle whisper of shimmer. $6 each; available at fine salons, spas and professional beauty stores.
Go Green! Sure, March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day, but there’s reason to go green a day early—it so happens that March 16 is National Artichoke Hearts Day. Artichokes are a great green vegetable to add to your repertoire: they’re packed with vitamin C, folate (which helps develop and maintain new cells), potassium (for smooth muscle contraction) magnesium (for normal muscle and nerve function), and a soupcon of polyphenols, those powerful antioxidants that brought new found fame to cranberries and pomegranates. Plus, their slightly metallic taste adds an interesting flavor to any recipe. But they’re great on their own too. They have no fat, but the dips do, so be careful. Swirl the leaves in olive oil or plain yogurt laced with herbs and spices—you’ll be surprised at how refreshing and filling a snack it is. For how to cook an artichoke check out: www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000262how_to_cook_and_eat_an_artichoke.php; for a video version: www.ehow.com/how_426_cook-artichokes.html www.pcfma.com/. Recipes and info: www.pfma.com. (Hint: You can get them canned; plop ’em on an indoor grill—delicious!)