By Christine R. Walsh

Spring is just around the corner and with the new season comes the need for a new look. Here are six must-have items for your tote that will safeguard you against catty friends whispering behind your back, “Someone should tell her that look is SO December!”

ONE TUBE OF LIPSTICK ~ ONLY NATURAL COLORS NEED APPLY
Spring of 2006 demands natural, fresh looking make-up. Think dew-kissed. When you pucker up those pretty lips, make certain that they’re accented with pale pink or soft nude colors. Feel free to add a layer of gloss over the lipstick, but don’t go crazy! There’s no need for someone to see his reflection in your lips.

ONE TUBE OF MOISTURIZER ~ YOUR BEST FRIEND
No matter the season or the year, moisturizer with SPF is perennial. This little tube of lusciousness will not only prevent wrinkles and sun damage in the years to come, but it will give your skin a pick-me-up. Try using tinted moisturizer in lieu of foundation for a smoother skin appearance that’s both beautiful and healthy.

ONE PALATTE OF BLUSH ~ GET THAT ‘JUST PINCHED’ LOOK
Toss the dark blushers of winter in the trash as your shimmy into your Spring look. Stay away from the fake-baked foundation. Save the tan tones and bronzers for the summer. Bring out your apple-licious cheeks by grabbing the light shades of blushes. Cheek bones always need attention. For you daring women, seek out blush that has the slightest hint of glitter for a luminescent look.

NATURAL EYE SHADOW & LINER ~ SOFT, SUBTLE. SENSUOUS
Eyes should be the focus of your new Spring look. For daytime, stick with natural brown, green, and plum hues. Accent the eyes with brown liner and smudge to create a soft look. Sweep those eyelids with earth tones and finish the look with soft brown mascara. Nighttime brings more drama. Add intensity by applying the liner to your upper and lower lids. Smudge and soften. Get daring with some dark chocolate brown eye shadow. And don’t leave home without eye make-up remover. You can’t achieve Springtime fresh eyes if yesterday’s mascara is gunking up your lashes.

SPRAY ON GLOSS FOR HAIR ~ GET YOUR SHINE ON
Don’t forget hair when you’re planning your Spring make-over. Trim off those split ends and invest in some shine spray. Hair should look clean, controlled, and shiny this season. Grab a little to-go bottle and slip it into the pocket of your brightly colored Springtime tote bag! Show your hair how much you care with a deep conditioning treatment that rinses away its winter blues.

TOP COAT NAIL POLISH ~ GLOSSY GOODNESS
Don’t leave your nails hanging! Keep nails on the shorter side this season and come prepared with a bottle of top coat. Chipped nails are never in style. French manicures, using pale pink or natural base colors, will be in high demand. Not only are these elegant manicures the perfect opportunity to give yourself a relaxing treat, but they are versatile and go perfectly with day or night, casual or dressy.

Now you’ve got your sexy seasonal essentials. Now go out there and think Spring!