By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode.com beauty editor

I recently discovered that my toddler has ringworm, a circular, scaly rash. First, I was relieved that it was not an actual worm, despite the name, but, in fact, a skin infection due to a fungus. Okay, still pretty disgusting, but very common and, thankfully, easily treated with an OTC anti-fungal cream.

Summertime is a prime season for different kinds of fungal infections to rear their itchy heads, since fungus thrives in hot, moist environments. Wet swimsuits, public pools and sweaty carseats spell trouble to the delicate skin of your little ones.

And, since most infections are very contagious and kids have no boundaries, there is no shame when your kids show up with a scaly rash (No shame, I tell you…don’t judge me).

Athlete’s foot most commonly manifests as a burning itch between the two smallest toes and can spread to the soles of the feet, an anti-fungal cream is the best treatment (seriously, just start buying this stuff at Sam’s Club in a tub), but prevention is always better.

Wear flip-flops in public showers or the pool bathroom and dry your feet thoroughly before putting on shoes. If your kiddos are keen on going sock-less during the summer, sprinkle foot powder in their shoes to prevent moisture.

The netting in boy swimsuits looks itchy enough without adding a case of jock itch. Symptoms are the typical burning itch in the groin and thigh area with a circular, red raised rash with elevated edges and flaking or cracked skin (ouch!) and can be treated with an anti fungal cream, powder or spray.

Boys are not the only victims of a wet swimsuit. Yeast infections of the skin can cause a red, scaling, itchy rash around the groin or armpits, and often have raised pimple like bumps.

Skin yeast infections respond well to medicated creams. You can mix your own using diaper cream (like Desitin), an anti-fungal cream and a zinc oxide cream.

Vaginal yeast infections, which can also be caused by lounging in wet swimwear, may require suppositories or an oral medication for proper treatment, so consult a physician. In the meantime, lay off of sugar, since yeast thrives on it, and serve plenty of natural yogurt to build up healthy bacteria.

Now that we have sandal weather (finally) you may have noticed that your toenails are thick and discolored and may be painful. Or, you were lucky like me, and the lady doing your annual pedicure announced loudly that you have a fungus on your toes. Awesome.

Nail fungus is not caused by poor hygiene, according to Web MD. Did you hear that, judgy pedicurist? In fact, it is difficult to determine the origin of an infection and they are very common in runners. No that I run, but I could. Unfortunately, they are very difficult to treat and even heavy duty oral medications only cure about 50% of infections.

There are a lot of home remedies that friends have sworn by, including a hot foot soak in water mixed with a few tablespoons of baking soda or hydrogen peroxide. Also, applying apple cider vinegar to your toes may help. Listerine mouth wash can also be applied directly and smells much better.

*When in doubt, a doctor can confirm any fungal infection with a test and stronger treatments can be prescribed.

Did I effectively skeeve everyone out? Well, at least I didn’t torture you with graphic images. There are some things you can never un-see, trust me! Happy Summer!

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama of three? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Click here to read more about Andi.

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode.com beauty editor

I’m not sure how you go about nominating a person for the Nobel Peace Prize, but I know my vote would go to the wonderful designers who have brought the full eyebrow back into fashion.

Lord knows my tortured brows (and forehead and eyelids…really thick brows here) are grateful for the next step in the natural beauty movement. If you are not blessed with a hairy forehead (haha), or you are a tweeze-aholic, you can still get the look:

Step away from the tweezers and wax: It takes six weeks of tweezing abstinence for your eyebrows to complete a full growth cycle and reach their full potential.

Fake it: If you have been plucking since your teens, then you may have  a few stragglers show up over time, but some of the follicles will be permanently damaged and will never grow back  in.

I personally have an inexplicable bald spot in one brow that appeared after I had my first child. Aren’t hormones fun? To cover any gaps or fill in sparse brows, fill in with a powder shadow one shade darker than your hair color. I love the NYC Browser Brush-on Brow Kit (about $3 at Walmart and Target). The wax that comes with it adds a richer tone to the powder and helps to tame longer hairs.

Seek Professional Help: Always good advice, but specifically, treat yourself to a brow shaping session at a spa or boutique. Let the pro’s show you what FULL brow shape best suits you. It should be easy to maintain once you have seen it done, since it takes very little tweezing. Take a picture to save as reference or even trace a template if you can’t  trust your tweeze-happy self.

Okay, that’s it! How often does being considered “high fashion” actually require less work…jump at this opportunity! And just imagine all of the quirky eyebrow waggling facial expressions you will be able to do now instead of always looking surprised and shocked.

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama of three? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Click here to read more about Andi.

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode beauty editor

Is everyone looking forward to Mom Prom this weekend?

As soon as I heard about the event, I started reminiscing about my “sophisticated” prom styles. My junior year, I grew two inches between buying my dress and prom and had to rush out to find a replacement the week before.

Three other girls wore my dress, not to mention the endless parade of french twists with curls on top.

Senior year, I grew a cup size after I bought my dress and was very self conscious of my new-found decolletage. Luckily, I was able to use my waist length hair, done in millions of spiral curls, as camouflage. As far as makeup, since it was a special night, I put on an inch of blush and bright red lipstick and possibly some mascara.

I can definitely tell you, I did NOT have my eyebrows waxed. Holy Unibrow, Batman! Ah, the good ol’ days.

How many times have you Pinned a gorgeous gown or a cool eyeliner tutorial with the caption “Maybe someday I’ll have a place to wear this”? Enter The Mom Prom! Now, hopefully you have a dress, but the night won’t be complete without a little extra time spent on your makeup.

If you are like me and memories of your prom came flooding back and you would like to relive the glory days, try giving a nod to your favorite decade with one of these signature beauty tricks:

Twiggy

1960s: Made famous by the iconic model Twiggy, nude makeup with almost spider-like lashes defines the era. This is a very easy look to make current, since neutral lips and bold eyes are always in fashion.

To embrace your inner Twiggy, apply liner on your top lash line only, starting thinner at the inner corner and thickening as you go. End in a slight wing. Apply several coats of black mascara to both the top and bottom lashes. If you are not blessed with full lashes (I’m raising my hand here), this is the perfect time to try false lashes.

Individual lashes are easiest to apply for a newbie, or you can have them put on at a makeup counter for the cost of the lashes.

1970s: Women of the seventies drew attention to their eyes with eyeshadow, especially blues and greens. Mascara was rarely used, but eyeliner was a 70s girls best friend.

To get the look without getting too costume-y, try a colored eyeliner applied on the top and bottom lash lines and accented with a shimmering powder eyeshadow applied from the lash line to the crease. Fill in your brows a shade darker than your hair for more drama.

1980s: See above, times 10 and add the darkest streak of blush ever below your cheekbone and throw in some neon lipstick, just to be safe. The 80s were the decade of “more is more”.

If you are the kind of girl who dreams of the day Flock of Seagulls has a reunion tour and you have a secret stash of neon legwarmers under your bed, bring back the 80s! Colored mascara will add an extra punch of color and find a true red or fuchsia lipstick to dazzle people as you Go-Go.

1990s: Best known for grunge, it’s hard to translate the “just rolled out of a gutter and found an old man’s flannel” look to formal wear. But if you combine it with the equally popular, and exact opposite, overuse of glitter that was the brainchild of the 90s pop star, I think you come out with a beautiful smokey eye.

Lay on the black eyeliner and smudge the lines with a q-tip dipped in a shimmery coal eyeshadow. Use the same shadow on the lid from your lash line to the crease in your eyelid, lighter toward the inner corner and darkening as you move out. Using a pale shimmer shadow, blend the shadow up until you reach your brow.

Keep in mind, because of the intensity of a black smokey eye, it can make your eyes look smaller, but there are endless variations out there for every eye shape.

Have the babysitter come hour early and pamper yourself. I officially forbid you to do your make-up in the car!

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama of three? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Click here to read more about Andi.

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode beauty editor & mama of 3

Note from the mamas: This is a recycled post from April 2012.

Every year around Earth Day, I start looking for natural or organic options to green my beauty routine. I have discovered so many cool ways to make your own beauty products this way and can spend hours cruising the net.

1. I use the orange juice and baking soda mask regularly. This time I discovered a couple of new kitchen products that can be used for beauty applications as well.

2. A lot of DIY beauty recipes call for olive oil, but I can’t stand the smell. I use it on my kids cradle cap occasionally and I hate the way they stink afterwards.

Coconut oil has a tropical smell and has the same moisturizing benefits of olive oil. It can be used as eye makeup remover, cuticle oil or a body oil applied right after your shower when your still wet (the moisture helps it spread). As far as putting it on your face, it can help with dry skin and flakiness, prevent wrinkles and even protect against sun exposure.

Some people notice an increase in white head pimples, but that is a result in the toxins being drawn out of your pores and should clear up in a few days. In other words, don’t try coconut oil the first time right before a big event. Honestly, the more I read about it, the more I want to go get some coconut oil right now! One thing to note, coconut oil is in solid form until it reaches about 74°, so don’t discard a bottle because you think it’s solidified.

3. Now I had planned on talking about Apple Cider Vinegar as an acne treatment but I found lots of contradicting advice. A lot of people claim that ACV was the miracle cure for their skin problems, but there are some surprising risks.

If you take the recommended 2 tbsp a day you must dilute it, or if you opt for a supplement, make sure you drink it with a full glass of water so the pill gets washed all the way down (the acidic nature of ACV can cause damage to your esophagus). It can also help or cause more problems with diabetes and blood pressure.

Caveat: Always consult your physician before trying home remedies, especially if you are on other meds or have other health problems. I mostly am bringing it up because when I first read about it, I jumped right on the ACV bandwagon and I’m so glad I checked it out first. According to WebMD, the research on ACV is very interesting and promising, but simply not done yet.

4. On that note, I did find a great DIY hair repair treatment using ACV:

• 2 tbsp honey
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Mix well and apply to your hair, root to tip. Wait thirty minutes then wash and condition as usual.

I’m so pumped about these new discoveries I’m almost tempted to take all three kids to the store to buy some coconut oil and ACV. Almost…I already took my bra off, so…

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama of three? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com. Click here to read more about Andi.

By Dr. Cheryl Hull, dermatologist and owner of Hull Dermatology

Most women are concerned about the visibility of their facial pores. There are three main things that cause pores to enlarge: genetics, age and sun damage. People who have thick, oily skin tend to have large pores as well. With age, pore size changes because of changes in the skin.

Of these changes, decreased moisture is a big factor. There’s a lot of research in dermatology focusing on estrogen and the skin. Evidence shows estrogen is important for maintaining the skin’s moisture and thickness. As women age, estrogen levels decline, resulting in the reduced ability to maintain moisture. Reduced moisture seems to affect pore size.

Lastly, chronic sun damage destroys elastic tissue and this causes pores to dilate. When the pores dilate, debris and keratin clog the pores and accentuate their appearance.

To minimize the  appearance of pore size, it’s important to moisturize daily with a facial moisturizer with a SPF of at least 30. Exfoliation to remove the keratinous debris twice a week is important. I highly recommend the handheld Clarisonic for daily use. 

To actually decrease pore size, I have several recommendations for patients. I try to start as many of these patients as I can on a topical retinoind cream every night before bed. Regular and long-term use of retinoinds minimize pores. This class of medications can be very drying and irritating, so proper education of how to apply the creams is important. I also recommend daily use of an alpha-hydroxy acid wash, such as a glycolic acid wash. Glycolic wash helps to exfoliate and has been shown in studies to help shrink pore size with long-term use.

In addition to the nightly application of a retinoid cream, daily use of a glycolic acid wash, at least twice a week exfoliation with a mild scrub, and daily use of a facial moisturizer with a SPF of at least 30, there are other options to help minimize pore size. A series of Microdermabrasions or chemical peels reduce pores. To maintain the results achieved with these procedures, I recommend a daily regimen using a glycolic acid wash, tretinoin cream before bedtime and daily application of a moisturizer with SPF.

Also, to shrink pores in our practice we use a pneumatic (“vacuum”) assisted laser treatment referred to as Isolaz. Isolaz uses a combination of photo pneumatic energy that combines a gentle vacuum with broad-band light. Isolaz removes blockages in the pores, including blackheads, dirt, oil and dead cells. The light destroys bacteria and shrinks oil glands.

Skin is purified from the inside out. Treatments are safe, painless, effective and require no downtime. All skin types can be treated, including those with darker skin.

How does it work? The treatment tip gently pulls up the skin and vacuums pore impurities. The light energy then destroys the acne-causing bacteria. Oil glands shrink, and blackheads/debris deep in the pores are removed. Treatment takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated.

*This post originally published on Motherlode in March 2010. For more info on pores or other dermatology-related issues, contact Dr. Hull by calling her office at 479-254-9662. Hull Dermatology has offices in Rogers, Bella Vista and at the Eureka Springs Hospital. Dr. Hull has published several scientific papers and has received numerous awards and honors for her work in dermatology. For more info, click here to visit the Hull Dermatology website.

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode.com beauty editor

Dry skin is a nuisance for anyone, especially in the winter when we cover ourselves in scratchy, wool outerwear and then come inside to the welcome, but, very dry heat.

If you aren’t exfoliating properly, those little flakes of skin that go flying with your touch (I know, yuck, sorry) will clog your delicate pores, causing breakouts and just make you itch like crazy.

Since I suffer from dry skin, even in the best climates, winter can get quite embarrassing. I’ve had friends recommend microdermabrasion to help, but since I am a typical mommy-martyr, I am reluctant to spend the money and time on myself. I have settled on over-the-counter products like Origins Modern Friction Nature’s Gentle Dermabrasion scrub, which promises similar results.

I was very happy with the results but wanted something for everyday use. I can never keep the tiny granules out of my hairline, so I only use scrubs on my face when I am washing my hair. I am a huge fan of facial wipes for the convenience of cleaning my face in bed, so when I saw the Equate Micro Dermabrasion Exfoliating Cleansing Towlettes, I had to give them a try.

When I opened them I thought it was hilarious that they were basically the same wipes I always use but one side of the clothe was covered in raised dots (like minky fabric). That’s when I realized that the term “microdermabrasion” could include everything from actual surgical procedures to my daughter’s grubby blankie. Ah, more research was needed, surely.

Microdermabrasion is the less invasive grandson of dermabrasion, a surgical skin planing method of removing the top and mid-level layers of skin and require a general anesthetic. Microderm can be performed by non-physician personnel and untrained individuals in their homes and is a procedure to help exfoliate or temporarily remove a few of the top layers of skin.

It’s like brushing your teeth and removing the top layers of plaque and debris for a temporary result. It helps reduce the after effects of sun exposure and minimizes wrinkles, fine lines and shallow acne scars. A typical microderm machine combines the use of a fine abrasive tip or crystals and a vacuum suction to pull up the skin to be treated and remove the crystal particles and dead skin cells.

The procedure has been described as the feeling of a cat licking your skin — a rough but gentle texture. This completely ooks me out, but hey, maybe you’re a cat lover.

Since microdermabrasion is almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance most likely will not cover the cost, which averages $100-$200 per session in-office. New home units are available for $150-$300 but are generally weaker than a professional treatment. There are also many microderm creams available ranging from $10-$100, but since this is a consumable resource, it may be worth it to invest in the longer lasting machine.

If you want to start out with a cream, look for one that contains aluminum oxide crystals or other sand-like debris that manually exfoliate the skin. One kit that has received good reviews and I am going to try myself is Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Rejuvenator for around $35.

I also have noticed that professional products advertise as microdermabrasion (one word and the correct spelling), whilst my cheapy face wipes say Micro Dermabrasion (two words). I can’t say anything definitive about the difference but I will definitely be looking for the distinction on my next shopping trip.

FYI: The FDA classifies microdermabrasion as a Class 1 medical device, which means it can be sold without any demonstration of clinical efficacy and can be operated without medical supervision. With over 100 different machines on the market, buyer beware! Get referrals if you are planning on having it done at a clinic or spa and do lots of research before buying an in-home device.

Whew, that is the most scientific information my poor brain has had to handle in a long time…yes, that makes me sad, too.

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode.com beauty editor

While sugarplums are dancing through little ones’ dreams and quiet streets are aglow with twinkling lights, crazed moms are waking up at 5 am to hit the big sale or bolting out of bed at midnight because the Elf on Shelf is still in the same position as last night (unacceptable!).

It’s one thing to be exhausted (totally worth it for those precious moments) and another to look exhausted, so we need to take care of those under eye circles.

Dark circles or puffiness can be brought on by lack of sleep, seasonal allergies, or a cold. All cause water to pool under your eyes where the skin is thinnest and causes the dreaded puffiness. There are things you can do to avoid them all together:

• Plenty of sleep (Lol, good luck!)
• Taking daily allergy medication, and keeping your nasal passages clear with a saline nose spray
• A neti pot.

Still puffy? Put something cold on your eyes: a spoon, bag of frozen peas, anything moldable works. Also, hemorrhoid cream does work but be super careful not to get it in your eyes. This is one of those things you can learn from someone else’s mistake.

Dark circles are trickier since they are often genetic and become more prominent with age. It is not actually a change in skin pigment that creates the crescent shaped shadow, but the thinning of your skin making blood vessels beneath them more visible. Makeup is very effective in concealing dark circles and you can find products made specifically for under eyes, like Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser for Dark Circles, my personal favorite.

According to WebMD, under eye circles can be treated with a series of about 4 intense pulse light (IPL) treatments. At $200 each, this is a pricey option and results are not permanent. Skin lightening creams can also lighten the circles making them easier to cover and an eye cream that contains caffeine will constrict the underlying blood vessels, making them less visible.

I try to think of my little signs of wear and tear on my once youthful face as my mommy battle scars. The wrinkle between my eyes is from trying to straighten the star on the tree. Helping Elfie TP the Christmas tree last night caused my dark circles, and the puffiness in my cheek is from little Georgi slamming me in the face with a giant copy of The Night Before Christmas because she wanted me to read her a story. Ah, the memories!

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode beauty editor

‘Tis the season to force your family into matching outfits and place them in nauseatingly adorable poses in an attempt to capture the perfect picture to send out with your holiday cards.

Since it is hard enough to get everyone in one shot without any blurry toddler hands or scowling teens, you want to at least start out with the right look.

Gone are the days of a whole family in chambray shirts (admit it, you’ve done this) or all black turtlenecks. Family photographers now recommend bright colors that coordinate but don’t match.

Pick a color theme that works for everyone.

My family looks good in blue, so we usually stay in that family, but reds or greys seriously wash out a few of us.

Adding layers, like scarves and jackets, adds a level of depth to the picture and can provide easy props for some action shots.

When I get dressed up for somethin’ fancy, I dig out my nighttime makeup that has some sparkle to it.

This is a major no-no when it comes to having your picture made, since the camera and flash will magnify every grain of glitter. If you have a teenage girl in your house, it would behoove you to sneak in the day before pictures and confiscate anything that has the word “fairy” in the description or has visible chunks of glitter in it. Remember, those sneaky sparkles like to hide in products like bronzers, blush, and lip gloss.

Enhance your natural features by strategically highlighting your eyes and cheeks. Use a darker shade, like a bronzer, under your cheekbones, under your chin, along either side of your nose and along the outer corners of your forehead. Apply a lighter color to the tops of your cheeks, the corners of your eyes (right by the bridge of your nose) and right under your eyebrows.

Please, please, practice this at home before picture day.

Go outside and take a couple of tests shots in natural light. You will be able to see instantly where you may have over applied or accidentally made your nose look needle thin.

Switch your eyeliner and mascara from the more subtle browns to black. The contrast created with black mascara and eyeliner will make your eyes pop.  Also, use a shimmery gloss on top of your lipstick to create a natural pout.

Don’t forget about the men in the family, especially the poor teenage boys who generally resist wearing makeup to cover the battle with their hormones and the effect it has on their skin. Oil absorbing facial tissues like Clean & Clear Oil Control Blotting Papers will fit discretely in your guys pocket and will keep a shiny t-zone from stealing the spotlight.

For pimples, blemishes or a razor cut, a little concealer will do the trick. But if that’s too “makeup-py” there are several tinted spot treatments that clearly fall under the medicine category.

Remember that the best way to catch a winning photo is to be natural and try to have fun. Oh, and use Photoshop and lots of bribes!

By Andi Douglas, nwaMotherlode.com beauty editor

I was working on a collection of fall trends for you guys (and I’ll get to it, promise) when I was stopped cold by one sentence on MarieClaire.com about the headband trend seen on the runways.

“Those under the age of 30 might want to consider the ultra-feminine black-ribbon headbands that models sported at Valentino.” WHAT? NO! WHAT?

Are you telling me I can’t wear headbands anymore? Or just the feminine ones? Are manly bandanas tied biker-style acceptable?

I’ve never really liked headbands because they either give me a headache or slide off the back of my head, but now that I know I can’t wear them I’m outraged. Should I start converting my old headbands into lanyards to hold my reading glasses like my Nana wears? I decided to prove them wrong by Googling “celebrities in headbands” (very scientific research here).

Yes, I did find a slew of youngsters in headbands and too many pics of Paris Hilton, but I also found some beautiful images of Eva Longoria, Salma Hayek, and Keri Russell, to name a few, accessorizing with the taboo headband. Take that Marie Claire! Whew, rant over, I feel better.

And on that note, the 2012 Fall Trends:

One common thread amongst the designers at Fashion Week was the “beautiful mess” trend. This applies to both hair and makeup.

• Try smudging your eyeliner along the bottom lash line for a sexy, just woke up appearance.
• Also, put down the tweezers because full eyebrows are back and bigger than ever. Literally, giant, heavily filled brows dominated, which makes my bushy eyebrows and me very happy.

To make your hair a “beautiful mess” keep opposites in mind:

• A sleek part pairs well with a teased, messy ponytail.
• Windswept waves look intentional with a preppy headband (oh, yeah, a headband).
• Messy buns, tousled braids and straight parts with fly-aways are some of the wonderfully attainable hairstyles you will see this season.

A natural face never seems to go out of style and a little mascara and a youthful flushed cheek are all that you need to achieve it. I like NYC Color Wheel Mosaic Face Powder in Pink Cheek Glow and you can’t beat the price at around $4.

The temperature has dropped, my boots have come out of hibernation and I’m a football widow again..feels like fall to me! Time to go from hot mess to beautiful mess. 

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.

Dear Andi,

Eek! I am pregnant for the first time and thought I would have a beautiful, healthy glow. Instead, I am breaking out like a teenager. Any tips?

Dear First-Time Mama:

Well, the good news is that the breakouts generally decrease the further you get into your pregnancy and your body adjusts to the flood of hormones attacking your, already, overwhelmed system. Also, it’s one of those pregnancy side effects that you conveniently forget about once you are holding your baby in your arms and you will be just as surprised by your pubescent skin problems the next time around.

For now, the best advice is to drink lots of water and try to hydrate your skin as often as possible. That little bundle of joy is stealing as much fluid from your body as possible, which leaves your skin flaky and dry.

All of those flakes lead to clogged pores and increased blemishes, so exfoliate with a gentle cleanser, or mix a little sugar in with your normal face wash.

If you want to try something stronger to zap a zit, be leery of the usual Retin-A products or anything medicated. Because your skin will be much more sensitive to the sun when you are pregnant, you could end up with giant patches of sunburn on your face, which might distract from the pimple, but not the way you wanted.

When in doubt, call the nurse at your OB or your dermatologist. If you do see a specialist make sure you let them know you are pregnant, even if superstition would normally prevent you from sharing the good news too soon. Not all medications, even topical treatments, are safe for moms-to-be.

A little bit of cover-up and strategically applied make-up might help until the baby-acne fades away. If you don’t usually need cover-up, use the thicker part of your foundation from the lid or rim of the bottle. Dab lightly with your finger and blend.

More good news, we’ve all been there and can sympathize. Good advice also for later, when you are grocery shopping and your new baby has pooped something horrific and is screaming at the top of his lungs. Good Luck!

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? Andi welcomes your questions and feedback to Beauty Buzz. E-mail her at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.

Dear Andi,

During the summer, I hate wearing makeup. How can I look my best with a bare face?

A: With this sticky heat and frequent trips to the pool, I have been taking a vacation from makeup, too. I haven’t worn foundation in over a month and not only have I not missed it, but I haven’t had one blemish or breakout…a pleasant surprise.

1. The natural look is all about the prep-work. If your skin is in good shape, people will notice your natural glow, not your lack of eye-liner. Start by exfoliating away the dead skin that dulls your skin and leaves it uneven. My mom and sister both rave about Origins Modern Friction: Nature’s gentle dermabrasion (Dillards, $37.50) and are so enamored they actually bought me my own so I could try it and they are right…I love the gentle exfoliating and saw an instant improvement in my skin’s tone.
2. Of course, you need to moisturize, but as I’ve gotten older, regular face lotion isn’t enough. BeautiControl’s Regeneration Skin Renewing Lotion tightens my skin while moisturizing, which helps to minimize those pesky lines that are popping up everyday.
3. The common misconception is that foregoing makeup means you don’t care what you look like or don’t try and that just isn’t true. But, nothing will make you look more like a crazy bag lady than rogue eyebrows and without the distraction of make-up, a neglected brow will be all the more obvious.
4. If you are new to this amazing, yet torturous, grooming routine it’s a good idea to go into a salon to have an initial brow shaping and then maintain it at home with tweezing. In the past, I was anti-tweezing and had a waxing about once a month, but there has been a lot of talk about how waxing can cause your eyelids to sag over time so I gave in and have been brow-scaping at home.
5. For slightly less painful tweezing, pluck after a hot shower so the hair follicles are loose. If you have a lot of work to do (like I do right now) a cool new trick I learned is to put a little Orabase mouth ulcer cream on your brow to numb the area first. Most importantly, do not over-tweeze! With no makeup on, a full brow will add much needed color and dimension, where an overly plucked pencil-thin brow will be a stark contrast to you otherwise natural face.
6. Finally, keep your lips hydrated with Softlips Lip Balm, available at Walmart. It is super hydrating, but leaves a matte finish that looks great by itself or over lipstick.

Going bare can take some getting used to, but when people tell you look nice or compliment your glowing skin, it feels wonderful, because it’s all you!

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? E-mail it to mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.

*Photo by Samuel Ronnqvist via Flickr.

Dear Andi,

I know I need to wear it, but I hate the greasy feel of sunscreen. Any recommendations?

I am the same way and tend to avoid sunscreen altogether to prevent that icky grease-slick feeling.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock ($9.94, Target) has a dry finish that is great for people who hate to wear sunscreen. The patented Helioplex technology (which baffles me, but sounds good) protects from both UVB and UVA rays, and the oil-free formula makes it safe to use on your face as well as your body. For the same price, you can get the lotion or the easy to apply spray.

While I’m on the subject, just a couple of sunscreen tips to keep your skin healthy as we spend more time outside.

• Apply your sunblock just before your make-up, but wait on other areas until right before you run out the door to keep from accidentally washing it away as you get ready.
• Reapply every two hours when you are out in the sun.
• Don’t forget your ears and the tops of your hands. Keep a travel size tube of SPF lotion in your purse for after handwashing, to keep your hands looking young.

Finally, if you ignore all of these tips and end up with sunburn, you won’t be alone for sure, but learn your lesson young lady (imagine a wagging finger). A sunblock enriched with vitamin E, like Aveeno Active Naturals Continuous Protection Lotion ($8.99, Target) will help you heal while you protect. You can also take vitamin E pills or actually break open the capsules and rub the oil directly on you irritated skin, which my dad swears by!

Have fun in the sun (cliché, cliché) but be smart and healthy and don’t forget to lather up the kiddos, too.

Have a question for Andi, beauty blogger and fellow mama? E-mail it to mamas@nwaMotherlode.com.