“Beauty is only skin deep”. We all know what that means, don’t we? That real beauty exists on the inside. That a stunning face can hide a nasty spirit and that kindness, compassion, generosity and empathy can just as easily be overshadowed, or at the very least, overlooked, due to a less-than-perfect exterior. What this theory doesn’t take into consideration is that we don’t live in a black and white world. Internal and external traits are not mutually exclusive. And as much as we hate to admit it, our emotional happiness (or unhappiness) can be, in part, affected by how we, or others, judge us physically. Fair? Hell no. Reality? Hell yes. And here’s the part that very few of us are willing to say out loud: it’s okay to care.

The good news is, there are thousands of definitions of beauty, and (in defense of that old adage), every single one of them has something in common: if you’re happy and healthy emotionally, it will show on the outside…you will, physically, be the best you can be - and to the people whose opinions truly matter, you will outshine a miserable, drunken celebutante any day of the week.

“Why so serious, Nikki? Why such deep thoughts on a Tuesday evening after eating butternut squash for din-din?” It’s simple, really. A few minutes ago, I went into the bathroom to wash my face and I noticed something. There wasn’t one blemish on my face…not a single zit. We’re going on two weeks of clear skin now. TWO WEEKS! To some, this may seem inconsequential. To me, it’s on par with the signing of the Declaration of Indpenedence or the end of religious warfare.

So, what’s changed? A new skincare regimen? Nope. A chemical peel. Eek! No. How about Proactive? Sorry, Jessica…not that either. It’s the same thing that seems to be affecting everything else in my life these days: what I’m choosing to put into my body…and probably more importantly, what I’m not. I’ve all but taken out processed foods from my diet and elimated the bad sugars (while still satisfying my sweet tooth with the natural stuff…I mean, c’mon, I’m not insane…a girl needs her fix). And in addition to the health benefits I’ve discussed in other posts, my skin seems to be replacing its former corpse-ish tone with a softer, rosier (less mountainous) complexion. Isn’t that crazy? I mean, really, all these changes - that have happened in pretty short order - are starting to freak me out a bit.

I’m also a bit perturbed. The nutritional information is there…doctors, nutritionists, industry watchdogs, and many others know about it, but decision-makers in the food and drink industry ignore it completely and stock our grocery store shelves with crap. And not only crap - but crap labeled as gold…with enticing packaging shouting “quick” and “convenient” and “low fat”. And, with great trust, we buy this shit. I know I did. I know I still crave some of it…and there are shady reasons for that urge…reasons the FDA and other governing organizations would prefer you not know. Read “Skinny Bitch”…it will freak you out. And if you enjoy in-your-face, down and dirty humor, you will also laugh your ass off (Kaye: pick it up - you’ll be rolling). But more importantly, it has some eye-opening and extremely useful information on how to start eating right and why it’s crucial that we do. They are vegans, so if you don’t want to go there, that’s your choice…substitute your favorite meats for some of the non-meat choices they provide. It’s possible, though, after reading the harsh realities of meat industry practices (and it is tough to read…I did it with my eyes half closed), you’ll likely decide to cut down on your consumption. I did. Will I cut it out completely? Not likely - demonstrated by my overwhelming need for Taco Bell nachos this past weekend and the feeding frenzy that resulted. But I have, and will continue to pare it down.

Based on my original idea for this post…I’ve gone way off track. So, let me reign it back in. I need your help. I need you to step off the sidelines and spew out some fellow sista knowledge. (I know you’re there - I can see you in my stats). Here’s the deal: after realizing that much of my skin issues were related to poor nutrition, I wondered, is it necessary to spend the GNP of a small country on my skincare regimen? Maybe not. I want to keep up a responsible - and EFFECTIVE - (and preferably somewhat natural) routine, but there is SO much information out there. And the reps at Sephora stick it to me every time. Because we want to BELIEVE - sing it with me parishioners…we WANT TO BELIEVE!! And so we buy the grape-based, liquid gold they sell us and we go home hoping for a miracle. From grapes. Really? What was I thinking? My skin may be improving…but I am thirty-seven. Those little lines on my forehead aren’t going to disappear because I have a piece of fruit. So help me out, ladies! Help out your fellow Anomalous Life readers. What are the tricks of the trade? What really works? If it’s the expensive shit - pass it on - I’ll listen. If it’s not, I’ll listen even closer. If some issues can only be solved with a trip to the dermatologist…I’m no saint - sing their praises and give us the scoop. And if you live in Houston and know where to get the best facial - pass it on (Mom - this is directed at you…what’s her name?).

Okay…I’ll start us off. This isn’t really skincare, but it’s my miracle make-up find: Stila - Illuminating Liquid Foundation. It truly is “illuminating” without looking street corner sparkly. And they have a whole line. I only use the foundation and concealer, but I’m sure the rest of the products are just as yummy. Pick it up at Sephora - but avoid the roving customer reps…you’ve got children to feed.

Okay - now your turn. I mean it. Your turn.

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