Fall Ball

You can almost feel the shift. September rolls around and within the first few days the air becomes crisp, the day’s suddenly become shorter and sandals become replaced with the requisite ballet flats. Inevitably we come to the realization that summer is slipping way and we must usher in fall. As we prepare for the new season with wardrobe updates (side note: was everyone disappointed with the September fashion issues as I was? Total let down after lugging around those 10 pound magazines!) we must also “fall-ize” our skin, hair and nails in an effort to recover and recuperate from the summer damage.

The 5 Ways to Beautify for Fall:
1.Revive lackluster hair color!
Sun, chlorine and sea water breaks down color pigments leaving a brassy or in some cases green tinge. Banish brasiness with Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo (you need blue or purple-toned shampoos to neturalize the reddish tones). Restore color vibrancy with a DIY gloss treatment. Fekkai and Nice N' Easy have great glazes. To enhance color try a color depositing shampoo. Look for one that is in your shade range.

2. Restore softness!
The same culprits mentioned above can also strip and dehydrate hair making your strands feel more straw-like than baby soft. Quench your hair with mega moisture. Apply a moisturizing, strengthening hair mask (I like Kerastase Nutridefense Treatment) on wet, clean hair from mid-length to ends. Wrap hair and cover with a plastic shower cap. Quickly heat hair by running your hair drier over the shower cap. Make sure to leave 2-3” distance between the cap and the nozzle to avoid a meltdown situation! The heat helps “seal” the active hydrators. Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes then rinse.

3. Shed the snakeskin!
Have you ever noticed that by the end of summer your skin starts to take on a leathery appearance? Not only does the sun dehydrate skin but it also causes the skin to thicken (a natural protective mechanism against UV rays). Slowly skin’s natural radiance and glow are muddied away. Not to fear, with some careful exfoliation your skin will be bounce right back. After cleansing, slough off dead cells by using a body exfoliating cream. I like Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish. Up the ante and use a dry brush to help enhance the exfoliation! For the face I recommend Freeze 24*7 IceCrystals Anti-Aging Prep & Polish. On a clean face work the exfoliator in small circular motions. Don’t apply too much pressure or you will irritate the skin and cause microtears.

4. Restore the porcelain! Noticing a few more freckles or even dark spots that were never there? Not uncommon if you've spending time in the sun which causes an increased production of melanin. Break up these unevening clusters with a brightening treatment. I swear by Skinceuticals Pigment Regulator. Apply over dark spots twice daily and use SPF everyday (even if you're office bound!). This will not only prevent new spots but discourage the existing ones from darkening.

5. Buff away!
Just like your skin, your nails need a little resurfacing, brightening action. After soaking your nails in a warm water with lemon juice (half a lemon for hands and a whole lemon for feet), take a nail buffer and exfoliate the top layers of your nails. Keep your fingers polish free for a few days so they can breathe!

Usage tip: You may need to repeat some of the treatments above to get the best results. Use the hair mask once a week, exfoliate twice weekly and of course the step 4 is twice a day for at least 4 week commitment!

The result: Now you're ready for fall!