For dull skin:

You can make rose water by boiling two cups of live rose petals in one liter of water. Chilled rose water lasts for up to a week and can be applied with a cotton ball and used as an astringent.

Try adding lavender to a facial steamer. Steamers are inexpensive and can be bought at many department stores. Be careful using lavender oil, which can add too much oil to your pores. Dried or fresh lavender is best.

Add fresh or dried sage and rosemary to alcohol to make an astringent. If this is too drying try witch hazel.

Add fresh rose petals to witch hazel to make an astringent.

Rub turmeric onto your cheeks to add a golden glow.

Scrub your face with dry oatmeal to remove dead skin.

Mix goats milk lotion with violet oil to make a body lotion.

Vodka and fresh mint can be used as an astringent.

Boil lettuce in water for ten minutes, drain and use as an astringent. Adds extra moisture.

Wash your face with green tea, or add two cups to your bath.

Ylang Ylang essential oil can be put onto your face with a cotton ball to give your skin an extra glow.

Make a body scrub out of sea salt and Epson salt.

Moisturize your face, heals, and elbows with coconut or almond oil.

Drink more water!

For Acne:

Add a spot of toothpaste to a pimple to relieve redness.

Boil 3 tbsp. basil leaves in 1 cup of water, use as an astringent.

Wipe your face with apple cider vinegar, cut 50/50 with water.

Mix 1/4-cup witch hazel, 2 tbsp. Aloe Vera gel, and 2 tsp. tea tree oil. Pat onto face with a cotton ball.

Use a mango facemask to unclog pores. Blend the pulp of a mango and put it onto your face; let dry, and wash off.

For Blackheads:

Add Elmer’s glue to the face, let dry and pull off. This will remove blackheads.

A lemon rubbed over the nose will help remove dirt from the pores.

For Age Spots:

Cucumber juice or puree on the face ca be used as either an astringent or a mask.

Make a facemask out of mashed chickpeas.

Rub the skin with papaya juice and wash normally.

For Wrinkles:

Make a facemask out of two tsp. apple cider vinegar and mashed banana. Let the banana dry and wash off.

Apply Miracle Whip to the face until it dries, wash off.

Simple Facemasks:

Blend 1 banana, 2tbsp. honey, 2 tbsp. sour cream.

Mix cornmeal with water until thick.

Blend ½ a peeled cucumber, 1 tbsp. plain yogurt, 1 tsp. honey, and 2-3 strawberries.

Blend an avocado with plain yogurt.

Puree 1 apricot with 2 tbsp. dry milk powder.

Applesauce and chopped fresh spearmint or mint.

Anti- Itch:

Witch hazel removes itch from burns and bites.

Dry Skin:

Rub a slice of raw potato on the skin.

Rinse your face with buttermilk.

Oily Skin:

Mix ½ cup of cooked oatmeal, 1 egg white, and ½ cup of applesauce into a facemask. Leave on for 15 mins.

Wipe your face with plain yogurt to remove excess oil.

Mild Irritations:

For minor burns add a small amount of tooth gel to the burn.

Use jojoba oil to reduce swelling.

For chapped hands apply glycerin.

Apply a banana or honey to a burn.

Tea tree oil can be used instead of Neosporin to fight infection.

Add lavender oil to a bath to sooth insect bites.

For bee or jellyfish stings use unseasoned meat tenderizer to neutralize the venom.

Sunburn:

Brewed tea in the bath will sooth sunburn as will aloe.

Dark Circles:

Cucumber slices under the eyes remove dark circles and sooth red eyes.

Carefully wipe under eyes with tomato juice.

Massage eyes with almond oil.

Apply a mix of milk and honey under your eyes and then wash off after one hour.

Drink two glasses of cranberry juice a day.

The first question you must ask yourself is: Do I want to be seen naked? For the sake of this article, let’s assume the answer is Yes. If you have never been naked before, now might be a good time to try it out and see what you think. Find yourself a mirror in a room that has curtains, unless you’re already eager for the next step of blatant exhibitionism for all and sundry. Take off your clothes. If you hear any clapping, cheering, or proposals of marriage, you have forgotten to close said curtains. But you may rest assured that you are doing something right.

The first trick of being naked is this: getting naked. And doing it sensuously, willfully, and with the intent to stun. It is the most tantalizing part of the whole show. If you are short on ideas of how to accomplish your strip tease, consult the experts. Burlesque dancers have elevated the act of clothing removal to a fine art. Watch some videos to see how they do it. For example, check out vintage Bettie Page who does it with a wink and a shimmy. If you prefer not to go the dance route, you can at least get some ideas about grace and tease. If you live in a city, sign up for a class or two to learn about putting your best assets forward and get a boost in confidence.

In terms of being naked, consider two things: what do you like best about how you look? And, what do you like least? Try to limit your answers, and until you come up with at least three answers to the first question, don’t bother with the second! If you can’t come up with any answers to the second question, what are you waiting for?

If you do have a few answers to both, see what you can do to work on them.

Skin: Zap blemishes with benzoyl peroxide 10% (the same active ingredient in Proactiv, but much cheaper at the drug store) and moisturize dry skin with products that don’t contain alcohol.

Hair: Condition your hair regularly to keep it sleek and shiny. Only condition the “ponytail” section of your hair, starting from the earlobes, to avoid a greasy scalp. Also, talk to your stylist about what hair styles look best with your hair—if you have a natural wave, avoid over-stylized cuts that rely on ironing to keep your hair straight and try a loose natural wave (think Taylor Swift or Blake Lively) instead.

Body: Whatever the shape your body is in, there are parts of it you love and parts you’d rather not think about. Try a dual approach of really emphasizing what you like while still working on those less-favored areas. If you have a fantastic butt, don’t take it for granted! Keep working on that envied rear, while adding a few exercises for less-defined upper arms or stomach. If you need or want to lose weight, chose a diet and exercise plan that doesn’t cause you to lose sight of the fact that you are desirable. Having specific, attainable goals, rather than a Heidi Pratt “everything must go!” approach can keep your body in perspective, and help you appreciate what is truly special about you.

Personal grooming: Who doesn’t love to talk about this one? Everywhere you turn, there is someone willing to rip out all your hair, eliminate it forever, style it, or tell you what it should look like. Consider your own tastes first, your lover’s second, and the rest of the world’s at your own discretion. If you have a strong preference, stick with it. If you don’t really care, but your lover does, indulge their wishes as a surprise, but don’t be dictated to unless that appeals to your personality. A general rule of thumb: when you look at yourself in the mirror think “Would I go there?” If the answer is a judicious “No,” maybe it’s time for a little maintenance.

Light: Perhaps the most important, as we all know. If you’ve ever been inside a strip club or merely own a dimmer switch, you’ll know that low light is the magic ingredient that turns the merely “good” naked into the spectacular.

For years, researchers have touted the benefits of drinking green tea. It fights heart disease, cancer and other diseases, helps reduce stress levels, and actually increases your metabolism—helping your body burn fat even when you are sitting at your desk or watching TV. The catechins in green tea stimulate the body all day long, allowing you to burn calories and reduce body fat. They also assist in lowering cholesterol. The research shows that drinking four cups a day give you the best results, but even one cup a day show moderate spikes in metabolism—and green tea supplements are also available and effective.

Two other key foods are garlic and onions. These two power bites actually breakdown fatty deposits in the body (again, helping to fight cholesterol as well). The phytochemicals they contain ward off illness while they fight fat.

It has also long been shown that turning up the spices speeds up the metabolism. Things like cayenne pepper, jalapenos, Cajun spices, and turmeric/curry (also known as ‘the skinny spice’) can help increase metabolism while lowering blood glucose levels before the extra insulin can be stored as fat. Curry actually impedes the formation of new blood vessels—and new blood vessels actually push the fat to the surface of the skin (resulting in that lovely cottage cheese look). Turmeric/Curry also helps strengthen your liver while helping your body metabolize fat by decreasing the storage rate in your liver.

Another buzzword lately is flax. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil actually help get rid of fat by attracting fat-soluble toxins and removing them from the body. Flaxseed oil can be used in place of most oils and flaxseeds can be added to nearly anything you bake.

Finally, there is the cinnamon powerhouse. Jerry Seinfeld once said, “When asked what’s in that, the answer invariably comes back ‘cinnamon.’” While that may not be completely true, it should be! Cinnamon helps metabolize sugar twenty times better than foods not eaten with cinnamon. Add it to your tea, your oatmeal…your bread, your oatmeal cookies—you’ll love the taste and the benefits!

So you see, it is not just how much you eat, but what you eat that helps metabolize and fight that fat. Add a few or all of these to your meals and notice a change in your waistline in no time.

1. For those for whom doing nothing can be more stressful than doing too much, walk or run the 5k March of Dimes, or participate in some other activity that expends your nervous energy, does something positive for your community, and takes the focus off your own problems.  That knot of stress will be replaced by a warm glow of accomplishment, and you won’t feel the added stress of having felt you have wasted your time.

2. Sometimes there’s nothing as cathartic as a good cry, and as long as you’re weeping for Darryl Hannah and Sally Field à la Steel Magnolias or similar fare, you can let loose the gates of emotion without wallowing in self-pity.  The movie’s not about you, after all. Equipment:  tearjerker of choice, chamomile tea, a ready supply of tissue. Don’t:  invite roommates or significant other.

3. For the cerebral type, get everything down on paper that’s bothering you. Write out your troubles, accusations of bad faith, and negative thoughts to thereby remove them from your attention where they’ve been stuck on an endless repeating cycle. Just don’t forget to address such papers directly to the circular file (trashcan) or paper shredder to keep their bad juju from haunting you.

4. Meditate or practice yoga. Both relax the body and mind by gently directing your focus, and some yoga stretches are designed to ease tense muscles. Yoga Journal is an excellent resource for finding poses and meditations, developing a daily practice, or healthfully altering your lifestyle as a long-term solution to dealing with stress.

5. Get a massage. This works best if you have a talented masseur at hand, natch, but learning a few techniques you can do yourself is a good starting point. Try this simple self massage at the end of a long day.

6. Spend the day away from technology (phone, computer, car).  Seek a place of solitude out of doors and enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings. Take a picnic. Watch the birds. Swim in the ocean. Leave the complicated world of job and obligation behind you.

7. Give yourself permission to do something just because you feel like doing it, and enjoy the carefree sensation. Wear your Wonder Woman underwear to work under your suit. Play Halo with your brother-in-law (the one who isn’t quite grown up yet).

8. Find someone you can talk to—ideally someone nonjudgmental who is invested in your wellbeing and in a position to offer considered and unbiased advice if needed. If this person does not magically appear in your life, bring your troubles to a close friend whose counsel you value, and don’t forget to reciprocate when they need a listener down the road.

9. For the quickest and cheapest way to relieve stress, simply drink a glass of water.  Water flushes your system stress-inducing toxins, leading to near-immediate relief of at least some of your symptoms. This works particularly well if you are anxious about a particular event (job interview, “it’s not you it’s me” conversation, sample sale) in the near future.

10. Finally, the perennial favorite, have sex. Whether with a partner or solo, sex is a surefire way to reduce stress by releasing chemicals like oxytocin. Stress often negatively affects libido, but giving sex the old college try is guaranteed to make you feel better.

Flats: These versatile shoes come in so many colors and styles these days that it’s hard not to fall in love with them. Most styles go from office to happy hour and wear just as well on the weekends. Their varieties of color make them easy to match and are a perfect way to throw some bright color into your look for the day. They also make travel a breeze as their sleek design makes them super easy to throw into a suitcase or carry on.

Boots: Although boots are usually designated for winter, the new spring styles make them ready for year round wear. Not all boots are comfortable but they’ve come along way recently and are quickly becoming a must-have for any wardrobe. The ease and comfort of the newer styles make them perfect for weekend shopping or outdoor activities.

Sandals: Whether it’s your basic flip flop or something more elegant, sandals are hard to beat when it comes to both style and comfort. Always changing, the looks and different styles of these summer classics are a sure fir way to get a stylish shoe that is also comfortable.

For great selection, check out www.neimenmarcus.com

So once you have done all possible research (or at least some basic scouting around) on flight times, leg room, and fees (of which there are plenty), consider these 6 tips that can help you arrive ready to meet the world—or at least looking like it.

1.  Wardrobe.  Honestly.  Outfit selection is key, primarily in order to look good while remaining as comfortable as possible.  Consider the following elements:

Comfortable, slip-on flats.  They should be easily removable for airport security, provide adequate support for trudging through the miles of airport corridors, and look good enough to wear in the office.  If you must wear heels, stash some in your carry-on to change into when you arrive.

Wrinkle-resistant, wide-leg trousers.  A forgiving material, a forgiving silhouette, and almost as comfortable as wearing sweats.  Without having to resort to sweats.  They will not bind when you twist in your seat to ease your aching back mid-flight.  If you don’t like wide-leg trousers, find a pair that incorporate these elements.

Layered tops.  Wear a stylish button-down or cowl neck sweater that can be removed or donned easily with the changing temperature.

Upon arrival, slip on a single bold accessory from your carry-on to appear put together.  A colorful silk scarf folds flat and reflects vibrantly onto your skin.

2.  And speaking of your skin, in a plane full of recycled air it dries out and invariably sucks all the moisture out of your makeup.  Which leaves your makeup badly caked and in need of repair.  If at all possible, wear only moisturizer on a clean face, or tinted moisturizer, during your flight.  Upon arrival, add powder, lip gloss, and mascara.

Eye makeup in general, and mascara in particular, is the first to show the effects of a long trip, especially if you nod off.  If you simply must wear makeup in-flight, bring a cloth makeup remover along so you can freshen up your face without having to wash in an airport bathroom.

Lastly in the looks department, your hair.  Hair that was bouncy and clean at the beginning of a flight often comes out looking flat, greasy, and defeated.  Again, blame it on the recycled air and zero humidity.  With long hair, try a loose, stylish bun such as this to keep it under control and looking chic.  Eliminate grease with Bumble and bumble’s Hair Powder ($19 for 1 oz.), Aveda’s Pure Abundance Hair Potion ($23 for 0.7 oz), or, in a pinch, apply powder from your compact to the roots.

But enough.  You look great.

3.  Along with your skin and hair, the rest of your body needs to stay hydrated to look and feel its best.  Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up at the water fountain once you’ve gone through security.  And keep filling it up!

Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they are diuretics.  If you cannot live without your coffee, wait until you get there and buy it in the terminal.  It won’t interfere with your chances of resting on the plane, and you’ll be all the more alert for your arrival.

4.  Watch what you eat.  This has little to do with calories or diet.  Avoid heavy, greasy foods like fast food—anything that will sit in your stomach like a brick.  Equally true is that eating too many vegetables will cause a singularly unpleasant bloat, as any vegan will tell you.  There is nothing worse than gastrointestinal distress at 33,000 feet.  Carbs, for once, may be the safest bet.  Be sure, however, to eat enough so you don’t become faint or irritable.

5.  The first-class package.  Sure, you may be seated in coach, but you can always pretend!  A satin sleeping mask blocks out other people’s reading lights, gives your eyes and face muscles a chance to relax, and makes you feel like a VIP—or at least like Chelsea Handler.  Slippers can be a nice touch, keeping you warm and comfy, with the caveat that they ought not to be attempted if you suffer from bad foot odor.  Headphones, either for your iPod or the noise-canceling type are a no-brainer.  Neck pillows are de rigueur, but bear mentioning because a jacket wadded up and used in place of the one you forgot can be deeply unsatisfying.

6.  Finally, and perhaps most obviously, a good attitude goes a long way towards making your journey as relaxing as possible and pleasant for those around you.  Airline employees and fellow passengers alike are more likely to respond to you with helpfulness and courtesy if you offer a smile of thanks and good manners in return.  Good grace and patience in trying situations are valued everywhere, and help keep your own stress levels at a minimum.

And that is how to arrive after a tedious plane ride:  serene, fresh-faced, and ready for whatever happens next.