How To Do A Weekend Make Over
by Missy Steinfeld

We've all seen those TV shows where some lucky lady gets a brand new look overnight.  Who wouldn't want that?  We all deserve it, but we don't have to wait to be the winner of a national contest.  Let's roll up our sleeves, dig in, and do it ourselves!

We know we have to take care of our hair, our skin, our teeth and our nails.  We know we have to update our clothes, accessories and make up occasionally.  A make over is just doing that all at the same time!  Choose a free weekend and schedule some "me" time!  The first day will be for shopping and finding things you'll need at home; the second day will be for the make over.

If you like to buy things on line or use catalogs, you'll have to order ahead of time to allow for delivery.  Find one complete new outfit that will make you feel confident.  It can be casual or dressy or a work outfit.  Choose something that's different from what you have - maybe a new style or color - and find shoes, a bag, jewelry and a scarf (if needed) to go with it.  Get as many items as you can; you will look for everything else in your local stores.

If money is an issue, "shop" at home.  If you want a date night outfit, go to your closet and pull out what you have.  See if you can combine things in new ways.  Does your old dress go with a newer cardigan?  Do you have a necklace you could wear with your skirt and top that would dress it up?  How about wearing boots and jeans with the top instead of the skirt?  Do you have a clutch tucked away that might look cute instead of your shoulder bag?  Look in thrift stores - you might find a bracelet or a jacket for a very reasonable price that would shake things up a little!

If you haven't gotten anything for yourself in a while and want a new outfit, go to your favorite store and find something you love!  Next, look for shoes, a bag, jewelry and a scarf.  Not all outfits require a scarf.  You may need to go to several places to find what you want, but take your time and enjoy it!

You'll need cosmetics.  You may have some of these items at home, but pick up what you don't have:

Bubble bath or shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, a hair mask, body scrub, body lotion or butter, self tanner (optional), facial cleanser and scrub, a facial mask, facial and/or body hair removal cream and/or a razor and shaving cream, facial serum (optional), moisturizer, eye cream, foundation, concealer, bronzer, blush, eyeliner, shadow, mascara, lipliner (optional), lipstick and lipgloss, nail polish remover, base and top coat and nail polish and Q-tips.

The next day, treat yourself to a healthy breakfast and an invigorating walk.  Run a bath and use facial hair removal cream, if needed.  Soak in a bubble bath or take a hot shower.  Wash your face and body, then exfoliate with your facial and body scrubs.  Shave your legs or use hair removal cream.  Wash and condition your hair, use the hair mask.  Rinse completely, dry off and wrap your hair in a towel.  Use your tooth whitener and facial mask.  Relax for twenty minutes or so to let everything work.  Next, apply your facial moisturizing products and body lotion.

Take a break.  Have a bite to eat.  Spread out a towel and get comfortable in front of the TV.  Do your nails and wait an hour for them to get totally dry.

Style your hair, tweeze your eyebrows and apply your make up.  Slip into your beautiful new outfit and shoes, add your accessories, and check out the "new you" in the mirror!  You look great!  Be proud of what you've accomplished!  Go downtown, take a stroll, browse in your favorite boutiques... or meet some friends for a class of wine.  You deserve a toast.  Cheers to you!