Spring has sprung and it’s time to freshen up your skin, your look, and your cosmetic bag. Here are my Blooming Beauty Tips for this welcome season of renewal.

1. Have, or do, a facial.

Now’s the time to upgrade your skin care system or make an appointment with a professional to slough away “winter skin.” Book a regular, deep-cleansing facial because that’s all you really need. (Don’t buy into the upgrades of fanciful facials that promise to remove wrinkles, tighten skin, and do your dishes. Your goal is to deep clean, hydrate, and give skin a brand-new start.) The cleansing portion of the facial can be in the form of a chemical peel; these offer a higher concentration of exfoliant than peels bought over-the-counter. Cleansing can also involve extracting stubborn blackheads and deep-rooted blemishes. An aesthetician can usually perform this task with optimum results. Expect steam, massage, a mask--and most likely, some kind of sales pitch for their products. (If you’re offered complimentary makeup, let your skin breathe and return another time.) I suggest booking your spring facial late afternoon or early evening so you can enjoy some leisure afterward. Go home, relax, tune-out and turn off all tech devices! A nice disco nap works for me every time. Remember, too, if you’re on a beauty budget, you can always give yourself a facial.

DIY At-Home Fabulous Facial

2. Skip Primer

A high-quality moisturizer with sunscreen SPF 30 acts as the perfect primer. I recommend Paula’s Choice Daily Moisturizers with SPF 30. These products contain other skin-benefiting ingredients, too.

3. Sunscreen Math

Estimate how much sunscreen you and your family will need to get through the summer and buy some now. Prices for sun care products increase as the weather gets hotter. Check the expiry dates of what you have on hand.

Learn more about sun safety

4. Lighten-Up Your Foundation

Retire rich, emollient foundations and switch to a powder-based foundation that holds up in hot, humid weather. DDB Beauty Powder Foundation If you prefer a liquid foundation, switch to an oil-free, water-based type. It will hydrate and feel lighter than the oil-rich formulas that perform best in winter. MAC’s Face & Body Foundation, Revlon’s Colour Stay Liquid Foundations and Cover FX Natural Finish Oil-Free Foundation continue to get rave reviews.

Featured

NEW! DDB Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation | Bare Beige

CA$49.00

Renowned for its convenience and natural looking coverage, DDB Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation is finely milled pressed mineral formula provides weightless, buildable coverage from sheer to complete with a silk-like, second-skin finish. It smooths, perfects and evens the complexion without looking heavy or settling into fine lines. It is more pigmented than the original so less goes further.

Natural true-to-skin shades adjust slightly to accommodate seasonal skin tone changes. This product is ideal for those with an active lifestyle who want less "making-up time." Suitable for all, but especially kind to individuals with ultra-sensitive skin, such as those with rosacea or who are recovering from surgery or cosmetic procedures.

Even better, it’s formulated with pure mineral pigments, soothing sea minerals and filled with antioxidants to help protect the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Key ingredients: Vitamin C, E and natural minerals. Great for sensitive skin. Paraben and cruelty-free. Vegan.

Your Shade, Beautifully Matched — I’ve carefully matched my former DDB shades to their closest counterparts:

Original Shade Name New Shade Name

Shell Nude - neutral ivory, for the fairest of skin tones

Blonde Bare - warm ivory, for light skin tones

Cream Bisque - golden beige, for medium to tan skin tones

Tender Butter Beige - neutral beige, for medium skin tones

More shade to arrive

As always, I’m here to help you find your perfect match and make the transition effortless.

NEW! DDB Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation | Nude

CA$49.00

Your Shade, Beautifully Matched — I’ve carefully matched my former DDB shades to their closest counterparts:

Original Shade Name New Shade Name

Shell Nude - neutral ivory, for the fairest of skin tones

Blonde Bare - warm ivory, for light skin tones

Cream Bisque - golden beige, for medium to tan skin tones

Tender Butter Beige - neutral beige, for medium skin tones

More shade to arrive

As always, I’m here to help you find your perfect match and make the transition effortless.

NEW! DDB Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation | Bisque

CA$49.00

Your Shade, Beautifully Matched — I’ve carefully matched my former DDB shades to their closest counterparts:

Original Shade Name New Shade Name

Shell Nude - neutral ivory, for the fairest of skin tones

Blonde Bare - warm ivory, for light skin tones

Cream Bisque - golden beige, for medium to tan skin tones

Tender Butter Beige - neutral beige, for medium skin tones

More shade to arrive

As always, I’m here to help you find your perfect match and make the transition effortless.

NEW! DDB Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation | B Beige

CA$49.00

Your Shade, Beautifully Matched — I’ve carefully matched my former DDB shades to their closest counterparts:

Original Shade Name New Shade Name

Shell Nude - neutral ivory, for the fairest of skin tones

Blonde Bare - warm ivory, for light skin tones

Cream Bisque - golden beige, for medium to tan skin tones

Tender Butter Beige - neutral beige, for medium skin tones

More shade to arrive

As always, I’m here to help you find your perfect match and make the transition effortless.

5. A Word on Waterproof Makeup

Stay-put, long-wearing, waterproof makeup is a growing category in the cosmetic market for weepy brides and their mothers (who may also be experiencing hot flashes). As marvelous as these budge-proof formulas are, it’s important to note that they need a dedicated solvent to remove them properly and comfortably. Not removing waterproof makeup completely can dry out lashes and bring on skin disasters.