But I'm so pastey!!

Try this cheap trick:  add a little sifted cocoa powder (unsweetened) to your body lotion and apply to exfoliated, moisturized skin.  I've found this works well with cocoa butter and the cheaper the better (I think bcs the less expensive brands tend to have a higher oil content).  This technique is tricky to master so don't wear white the first time you try it - but once you get it down it's totally worth it! Best of all it leaves your skin with a very soft exotic fragrance, oposed to that offensive "cheap pancake syrup" smell common to bottled self-tanners.

DLS: Dirty Little Secrets

So, I'd been using the same apricot scrub forever, but I'm reading the label and guess what the main exfoliant is?  Cornmeal!! The scrub itself is relatively inexpensive, but it doesn't get any cheaper than buying one cornmeal box that will last you for years! Add a pinch to your regular face wash to get a great scrub!  I haven't bought an exfoliator in over a year.

DLS: Dirty Little Secrets

Tub Tip:  I have been doing this one for years - while the tub is filling up, add 1/4 cup honey to your water.  Pour honey straight into a 1 cup measure, fill the remaining 3/4 c. with warm water, stir then add to bath.  I also like to add a few cups of whole milk powder.  Sounds crazy I know, but it leaves my skin soft as butter!  (Try Nido brand - available at Walmart in the Kool Aid aisle.)

DLS: Dirty Little Secrets

Know how they say it's damaging to wash your hair every day? Well, it might be true - but who wants to run around with the greasies? Part your hair a little aside from where you normally do and sprinkle a puff of talc on your roots.  Do this on a few places and use a soft-bristle brush to even it out.  I started doing this when I had platinum blonde hair because I knew it wouldn't show, but I do it now that I have light-brown hair and it still doesn't show - just soaks up excess oil so I can avoid overprocessing my hair.  DLS - Bumble and Bumble Hair Powder retails for $35 for a 3 oz. can - Ouch! This method works just as well. 

DLS: Dirty Little Secrets

As I'm in the bathroom stall at Smith's yesterday using a clean seat protector to blot the oil from my face, it occurs to me that this is a little weird.  So glad no one else can see me right now.  I can't tell you how long I've been doing this, but it works as well as those little sheets from Bath and Body works.  If I remember correctly, I was watching Regis and Kelly Live when Kelly Ripa gave that tip to viewers.  Don't know how she came up with it but I love it!

DLS: Dirty Little Secrets

This is the time of year when sunscreens and oils go on sale.  My favorite is Hawaiin Tropic's deep taning oil.  My DLS: I use it allll winter long as soon as I get out of the shower.  The smell reminds me of summer on those chilly days (nix the perfume), plus it's an amazing moisturizer.  Just make sure it's all absorbed before you dress.