The 5 Accessories You Need This Spring

Switching up your wardrobe this spring will be a head-to-toe transition. But you don’t have to spend a ton of money on new clothes. Update your look using accessories with bright colors, fun embellishments and interesting textures to take your look from bundled-up-boring to fun and flirty just in time for spring.

Joyas

Now that you’re no longer covered up in bulky sweaters, long sleeves and turtlenecks, make the switch to unique, larger bib and choker necklaces, and colorful geometric bangle bracelets like those seen on the Chanel runways. For still-cool days, necklaces and bracelets can be layered over jackets and cuffs. While the desire to pile on the accessories may be tempting, try to stick to one statement piece per look.

Zapatos

Whether you prefer heels or flats, spring shoes are prettying up los pies. Have fun with fringe, feathers and floral footwear designs that work well with a neutral dress, like those seen at Narciso Rodriguez and Candela. For the early days of spring, cutout sandals are a great option for keeping feet semi-covered.

Bolsos

Clutches are a big trend this season, in styles from the envelope clutch to the snap clutch. Look for bright colors or color blocking, as well as prints such as plaid and floral, like those seen at Christian Louboutin. For women in need of a carryall (calling all madres!), soft and squishy oversized bags are a great option for holding everything without feeling weighed down.

Gafas de Sol

The great sunglasses rule: always keep a classic black pair and mix it up with colorful, oversized shades like those seen on the runways of Rachel Zoe and Jeremy Scott. Mirror-like lenses are also definitely trending (and perfect for hiding those late-night circles in a flash).

Scarves

Ditch the heavy wool neck scarves and pick up light headscarves in silk or chiffon. Brightly colored print scarves are a trendy way to update an ordinary hairstyle, as they’re being wrapped in a bun, braided, or worn functionally in a turban -- perfect for shielding hair from el sol.

Siete Primavera Must-Have Beauty Products

Felicitaciones! You made it through the harsh winter that wreaked havoc on your hair and skin. It’s time to toss those heavy beauty products and welcome beauty bounty that will leave you looking -- and feeling -- radiant.

Color control cream

“A light base is essential for spring,” says María José Ovalle, blogger at Very Busy Mama. “Liquid makeup can get heavy, so look for a CC cream that feels like you’re not wearing much.”

Try: Olay CC Cream – Total Effects Daily Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation

Crème makeup: blush and eye shadow

Crème makeup for eyes and cheeks is a must for busy moms, says Ovalle. These on-the-go products are available in a stick or tube, and leave skin glowing -- a big makeup trend this spring.

Try: CoverGirl Bombshell Shineshadow in popular spring color Ooh La Lilac

Dry shampoo

“As the weather warms, this product will help freshen hair, reduce oil and give texture to finer locks,” says Ovalle. Plus, it will save time normally spent styling just-washed hair.

Try: Pantene Original Fresh Dry Shampoo

Argan oil

To keep warm-weather frizz at bay, look for products containing Moroccan argan oil, which will leave hair soft and shiny. “The oil also helps retain moisture,” says Ovalle.

Try: Pantene Pro-V Smooth Argan Serum -- which boasts 24-hour humidity control

Teeth whitener

More socialization and less hibernation make spring the perfect season to brighten la dentadura. New at-home formulas are customizable for your teeth.

Try: Crest 3D White Luxe Whitestrips -- which compares to laser treatment at a fraction of the cost!

Tampons

Since spring and summer bring a more active lifestyle, look for hassle-free feminine products, which will allow you to get out there and enjoy the sunshine.

Try: Tampax Radiant -- they come with a re-sealable wrapper that makes toilet paper waste a thing of the past.

Celulitis: Top Five Myths

Cellulite, fat deposits beneath the skin, plagues the thighs and behinds of nearly 90 percent of mujeres -- even the most fit among us. And while there is no treatment for eliminating those pesky dimples, certain factors can reduce their appearance. With facts and myths abounding, Las Fabulosas tackles the top five.

1. Cellulite only affects older women.

Cellulite worsens with age, but it typically appears on women between the ages of 25 and 35. Determining factors can include genetics -- take a look at Mami’s hormonal factors -- and the reality is that as women get older, the skin thins and loosens, making cellulite more visible. 

2. Cellulite only affects women who are overweight.

Cellulite can affect naturally thin women who don’t exercise or eat a healthy diet. Cellulite is determined by the structure of skin, so weight is not a direct cause of cellulite. Excess weight and a buildup of fat, however, may make cellulite more visible.

3. Lifestyle is irrelevant.

Cellulite can worsen with unhealthy lifestyle choices. Stress, smoking, a high-fat diet and even overexposure to el sol can contribute to the severity of cellulite. Consume plenty of agua, whole grains, greens like broccoli and asparagus, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids and berries to help eliminate cellulite-causing toxins from the body. Finally, your tans may initially mask the appearance of cellulite, but over time, harmful UV rays can weaken the skin and worsen dimples.

4. Cardio reduces the appearance of cellulite.

Fat-burning cardio is great for heart health and increasing circulation, but other exercise routines may be more beneficial for reducing cellulite. Build lean muscle and tone problem areas with strengthening routines. Short, high-intensity workouts that integrate weights, such as lunges, squats or resistance bands, will build smooth muscle tissue in your back, behind, thighs and hips.

5. Creams will cure cellulite.

Unfortunately, there is still no miracle cream to cure cellulite. In fact, there is no proven remedy for cellulite at all. Creams made to eliminate cellulite can help change the appearance of the skin, however, tightening and thickening the skin to make cellulite less visible. Look for ingredients such as caffeine and vitamin A.

5 Minutes to a Fresh Face

Busy mamis have it all, except for one thing: time. But that doesn’t mean they need to sacrifice their beauty routine. Radiant, glowing skin can be achieved without spending hours in front of the mirror. “The secret to achieving beautiful skin is to stick to basics,” says celebrity makeup artist Stephanie Flor, who has worked with everyone from Mariah Carey to international presidents. Flor helps speed up your daily morning routine and gets you gorgeous in minutes.

La Piel: Begin your day with these steps to achieve a healthy appearance.

1. Start with a morning cleanse. “Exfoliate once or twice a week,” says Flor, “but no more, because you need those oils to keep the skin hydrated.”

2. Use a toner such as witch hazel. “It refreshes the skin, opening the pores and cleaning them,” says Flor.

3. Use a moisturizer and eye cream.

4. This step, says Flor, is optional. Apply a primer, waiting five minutes after moisturizing to let it sink into the skin. “Toner and primer create a flawless canvas,” says Flor.

Maquillaje: Getting a finished look doesn’t require a bag full of makeup. Flor recommends these essentials.

1. Mascara is a must, as it opens the eyes. If you have an extra minute or two to spare, curl the lashes with a lash curler (prior to applying mascara). If you’re lacking time, wiggle your mascara to get the full lash effect.

2. Apply concealer to help the eyes look brighter (which can also be achieved with a little bronzer). “Most women only apply concealer under the eyes, but bring it up to the top of the ear,” says Flor. “It gives you an instant lift without the hassle of putting on foundation.”

3. If you opt for bronzer for your glow, try Flor’s trick of three, instead of just focusing on the cheeks. Start at the forehead and follow your hairline to the ear, then under the jaw line. “This gives you definition, and you’ll look slimmer in minutes,” says Flor.

4. Last trick (time permitting): “For my Latinas, I always suggest mixing a little highlighter with foundation to get a glowing complexion, and to groom the brows because they’re the windows to the eyes,” says Flor.

Additional Beauty Secretos: Flor emphasizes that consuming plenty of fruits, veggies and agua will help you achieve flawless skin without needing the use of too many products. Look for non-alcoholic beauty products, and anything with aloe and vitamin E.

Healthy Invierno Skin

From icy winter winds to harsh indoor heating, our piel often takes a beating during the colder months. However, there’s no need to suffer through the winter with dry, chapped skin. We’ve rounded up some tips from dermatologists and nutritionists to protect your body’s largest organ and keep it moisturized even in the harshest weather.

HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE
Keep your winter skin dewy and fresh by staying hydrated outside and inside.

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Run a humidifier at night to replenish moisture while you sleep.
  • If your skin is especially dry, you may need to switch to a slightly heavier moisturizer. Renee Rouleau recommends taking “the skin cream test”: apply lotion to your entire face and wait five minutes; if you can still feel the cream, go for something lighter.
  • Moisturize before bed with a cream containing hyaluronic acid to help maintain elasticity.
  • Avoid taking long, hot showers or baths -- they may feel fabulous but they can actually dry out your skin.

SPF
While the sun’s rays may not be as bright this time of year, it’s essential to use sunscreen every day, year-round to keep your skin youthful and cancer-free.

EXFOLIATE
Dry flaky skin leaves your complexion dull and makes it harder for your skin to absorb moisture. Skincare expert and best-selling author Paula Begoun recommends exfoliating daily with a product containing AHA, like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel, if your skin is extra dry. For oily or rosacea-prone complexions try a product with BHA, like Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Gel.

FEED YOUR SKIN
Eating healthy is good for your whole body and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, flax or soy are especially good for maintaining that youthful glow.