BROWN-SUGAH

"SOS: Saving Our Skin"

By Jonaye Taylor

            Welcome back my Bowie beauties. I Hope everyone had a fantastic summer. With all of the hot weather we've had, I'm sure everyone is walking around with a gorgeous glowing tan and sun-kissed highlights in their hair. With the damaging rays, it is imperative that we use products that contain at least SPF 15. They are definitely not hard to find either. Just check out your local drugstore for your basic products.

Now if you are a fancy diva who is drop dead about your skin as you are gorgeous, then you are probably going to get your items from the lovely Sephora or popular MAC. While darker skin is not as likely to get sunburn or age prematurely, it still must be protected! So you say, "But the sun isn't out as much in the fall and the weather is changing, so I should be fine right?" Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! Skin protection is still important during cold weather as well. Scientist say the sun's rays can still be damaging even when there is overcast. Sounds crazy right? I felt the same way when I initially heard that. However, when you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. So with that being said, remember to rub a layer of SPF 15-something (lotion, foundation, etc.) on your skin ladies (and gentlemen as well). We want to preserve our fabulous skin now, so we can still look fierce when we are older!

            If you didn't have so much of a blast this summer, and you weren't out in the sun laying on the beach or totally going crazy at an amusement park, there is a solution for you too! All you have to do is get the well-known fake bake. What is that you ask? Great question. A fake bake is a man-made tan. There are plenty of products to enjoy out on the market that offer beautiful tans. Also, don't be afraid to dab a little shimmer on! This too looks awesome on tan-dark complexions. It is something about the gold sparkle that looks absolutely dazzling on the skin! Stores like Victoria's Secret and Sephora carry shimmer products. For a cheaper option, try a few Sally Hansen shimmer products. Their products range from $4-$10. Therefore, it definitely would not break your pockets.

            I cannot leave with out speaking on hair care. Now ladies we all know it is hard to get to the hair salon every week during these harsh economic times. Please don't strain yourself, you will go broke! Believe me, I've been there, done that and don't want to go back. Although, things do seem to get a little complex when you want an elaborate hairdo. Whatever you do, when it comes to chemical processes, please avoid them by any means necessary! Ladies, please seek professional services for relaxers/ perms, color or any drastic hair altering process. I have traveled down that disastrous path too. Let me tell you, the money you think you are saving by doing it yourself will not matter because YOU WILL end up spending MORE MONEY on correction treatments. So remember to save up some cash and call up your stylist you haven't seen in two months. She will absolutely ask you, "Hey girl, where you been?" and she will have no problem taking your money like old times!

So at the end of the day, whatever your beauty lust may be, remember real beauty lies within way beyond the skin! Nobody can do you the way you do!