It’s nearly the Easter long weekend, Primpers. Four glorious days to relax, spend time with family and perhaps treat yourself to a chocolate egg. Or 17. No matter how you choose to spend the days, chances are chocolate will, at some point, feature. Let’s face it: we need to make the most of the deliciousness that is Cadbury Crème Eggs before they disappear for another year.
However, if you’re trying to be good this year and cut back on the cocoa, why not incorporate a little chocolate goodness into your beauty routine? With four days off work, what better opportunity to treat yourself to a bit of a makeover, without the rush.
Here are four easy ways to infuse the treat into your beauty look – they’re all oh-so flattering and totally guilt free. Plus, with autumn upon us, they might help to give your look a new-season lift, too. What’s not to love?
1. Give your hair a cocoa hit
The onset of cooler weather calls for a new hair colour. It’s practically the law. But a new shade needn’t cost you a fortune. Give your strands a rich, autumnal gloss with a shiny, chocolate-y shade even Mila Kunis would be proud of:
A warm tone is more flattering on most complexions than icy brown and will make hair look thicker and more lustrous. If you choose to DIY over the Easter break, though, it’s best not to go more than two shades darker than your current colour. For big changes, ask the pros.
Get the look: Go semi-permanent with L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss in Brownie, $16.45, Priceline; or for a permanent pick, consider John Frieda Precision Foam Colour in Brilliant Brunette Dark Chocolate Brown, $22.99, Priceline.
2. Coat your nails in chocolate
Last winter, it was all about berry when it came to manicures. This year, though, rich brown tones are staking their claim. Less traditional than their plummy counterparts, these shades are nevertheless chic and easy to wear on all skintones. Pick an opaque milk chocolate hue – hold the shimmer – for an on-trend take on the autumn nail. De-licious.
Get the look: Orly Nail Lacquer in Prince Charming, $18.95, 1300 769 355; or OPI Nail Lacquer in Chocolate Moose, $19.95, from department stores
3. Try a tasty new take on the smoky eye
Yes, I know, we all love grey, sooty eye makeup look for evening. But, come the cooler weather, switching steely tones for flattering browns and bronzes is a smart idea. They’ll add subtle warmth to a paler complexion and give you that sexy, smudged drama you love, without making you look tired or drawn. Invest in a chocolate eye palette and experiment for yourself. Bet you won’t switch back to black when Easter is over…
Get the look: Revlon CustomEyes Shadow & Liner in Naturally Glamorous, $25.95, Priceline; or Rimmel London Glam’Eyes Quad in Smokey Brun, $14.95, Priceline.
4. Lavish your limbs
A few lazy days give you the ideal opportunity to undertake those body treatments you’ve been postponing. Smooth your skin from top to toe (rather than filling it up with chocolate eggs) thanks to delicious products that use the power of cocoa for good. Feel renewed from top to toe with a chocolate infused body scrub – the cocoa butter will ensure supreme sleekness and prevent dry patches. Then massage in a tasty body lotion to top off your Easter pampering session.
Get the look: The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub, $27.95, The Body Shop; and Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Body Butter, $10.99, Priceline.
Which one will you try, Primpers?
Or do you have other beauty treats scheduled for your Easter long weekend?
I’m plumping for the milk chocolate nails myself. I’ll just need to try not to bite them…
Until next week,
Emily xx