Introducing the SaniManiPedi

Although we don't do manicures or pedicures at @Ease Spa, we recognize that getting your nails done is part of a normal beauty routine. It is important to choose a clean, safe, reputable nail salon as viral, bacterial, and fungal infections can be an unfortunate side effect from salon tools that are not sanitized. If you are not sure whether your salon is clean enough, there is a new product on the market to help protect you, the SaniManiPedi liquid solution. All-natural, biodegradable, and never tested on animals, this botanical formula sanitizes water without using harsh chemicals. You simply tear open a single-use package into your foot bath, and sit back and relax knowing you are not prone to infection. SaniManiPedi also sells a nail tool kit so that you can bring your own tools to the salon, which is the only way to ensure that they are clean and sanitized. You may also want to read SaniManiPedi's safety tips for visiting a nail salon. If you are in need of something for the girl who has everything, SaniManiPedi would make a great gift for a woman of any age.

Pamper Your Feet in Between Pedicures

For women, nothing signals the summer season more than the need for a pedicure. No matter your body type, most women find baring their toes in sexy summer sandals or beachy flip-flops an enjoyable ritual. Distance alone makes our feet easy to neglect--unless you bend down to tie your shoes each day, you're probably not looking at them too closely--but others are. The feet, like the hands, have no oil glands and the skin can become dry and cracked. Keep your tootsies in tip-top shape in between pedicures by giving your feet some at-home TLC:

• When was the last time you gave yourself a foot bath? All you need is a tub of warm water, a spoonful of salt, and a dash of essential oil, such as rose or lavender, and your feet are instantly pampered. Dry feet completely with a towel.
• Gently rub off dead skin with a pumice stone.
• Give yourself a foot massage. Rub massage oil into the soles of your feet in circular motions for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water. This will help stimulate blood circulation to your feet.
• One night a week, apply a generous amount of lotion or petroleum jelly to feet, cover with socks, and wear them to bed. You will wake up with the softest feet!

Tan-talizing: How to Apply Bronzer

We all know that the safest tan is a fake tan. If you aren't able to get a spray tan, one of the best ways to get a sun-kissed glow is to apply bronzer. However, this can be a little tricky--apply too much or too unevenly, and you won't be fooling anyone. Here are some tips for adding a warm glow without exposing your skin to the sun:

• Choose a shade of foundation that is no more than two shades darker than your skin. If you have a lighter complexion you may want to choose something more peach-colored than bronze. Avoid the shimmery, glittery bronzers and choose the more natural-looking ones.
• After you have washed and exfoliated your face and applied moisturizer, apply a minimal amount of foundation.
• Next, brush a translucent powder over your face--this will ensure that your bronzer does not streak.
• Dab a wide and fluffy brush in the bronzer and shake off the excess. Apply with a light, swirling motion to areas of your face that would normally tan first--forehead, the bridge of the nose, and cheekbones.
• Blend bronzer into your neck and ears, and if you are wearing a low-cut top, apply bronzer to your upper chest.
• Check your bronzed face in natural, bright lighting to make sure there are no streaks and/or the bronzer is not applied too heavily.
• If you have applied to much, gently buff the excess with a cotton pad. Remember, with bronzer, less is always more.

Bikini Beauty: Preventing Razor Bumps

Like it or not, bathing suit season is just around the corner. Whether you prefer one-piece or two, there's nothing worse than calling attention to "down there" than with a rash of red, splotchy bumps caused by shaving. Fortunately, these bumps, aka pseudofolliculitis barbae, can be avoided. If you're looking for smoother skin on your bikini line, here are some tips:

• Before breaking out the razor, wash skin with a gentle antibacterial soap to keep germs at bay and exfoliate with a washcloth to create a smooth surface.
• Before shaving, rinse or soak in warm water for several minutes to soften the hair.
  Next, apply a conditioning shaving gel or cream to the area.
• It should go without saying, but dull blades make for bumpy results. Always use a sharp razor.
• Shaving tips: While you can shave in the opposite direction of hair growth, if you are prone to ingrowns, go with the grain. Try not to go over the same area multiple times or shave each day, as this can cause unnecessary irritation. Also, rinse the razor after each swipe to prevent clogging, and pull the skin taut to get a nice, close shave.
• Splash on some cool water when you are done, and pat dry with a towel. For added protection against bumps, apply a postshaving product to reduce inflammation, like Tend Skin ($16) or Bikini Zone Anti-Bumps, Medicated Bikini Pads ($8).
• If you're having trouble getting rid of razor bumps, you may want to try other hair-removal options, such as waxing. Do not squeeze pick at your bumps, as you can cause scarring. Use Neosporin to help them heal faster.