Touch Up - facial massages and exercises

3. Take a deep breath in, bug your eyes out, stick out your tongue and spread your fingers, stretching the palms of your hands against your knees. You can either hold your breath the whole time or release it with an "ahhhhhh" sound as you make the lion face. (Imagine how a lion looks when he roars.) Repeat three times and do at least once a day.

Not only is treating your face to do-it-yourself beauty treatments cheaper than pricey creams and less invasive than plastic surgery, but it also helps balance you from within. And isn't that where your mother said beauty comes from in the first place?

Ground Rules

When giving your face a massage, follow these guidelines:

1. Start with clean hands and face.

2. Never stretch or pull at your skin, which can lead to wrinkling.

3. Use the pads of your fingers--not the tips--to avoid scratching the skin. Be extra careful if you have long nails.

4. Don't massage your skin if you have acne, eczema, a sunburn or other inflammation.

Editor's Picks

Essential and Massage Oils

Aromatherapy and carrier oils, by Aura Cacia, (800) 437-3301; www.auracacia.com.

Moisturizers

Jasmine Decollete Creme, specifically formulated for throat and chest with carrot seed, rose hip and sesame oils, by Burt's Bees, (800) 849-7112; www.burtsbees.com

Ultra Light Facial Creme with grape seed oil, by Kiss My Face, (800) 262-KISS; www.kissmyface.com.

MASSAGE OIL

* 2 tablespoons hydrating oil, such as apricot kernel, avocado, sesame or almond

* 2 drops each sandalwood and geranium essential oils

* 1 drop each lemon and cardamom essential oils

Paula Hunt is a freelance writer living in New York City.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Sabot Publishing
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group