This week on Femme Economics: My three favorite beauty investments, all with a new twist. Gentle reminders of what you should already know. If you are slacking in these areas, you could make it a holiday present to yourself to step it up for beauty and health.

Beauty Investment #1:

Sunscreen. Yes. Even this winter! Those UV rays still get through those clouds. There are more options to choose from than ever. Non-chemical ones (using zinc and other minerals to physically block the sun) to ones which will absolutely not clog the pores of oily skin. Sunblock mixed into your regular moisturizing brand too! Cancer is not very sexy. SPF 15 or more should go on your face every single morning. While you’re at it, don’t forget to rub it on the back of your hands to prevent sun spots like grandma’s. Keep a more oily sunscreen in the car as your hand lotion for the backs of your hands during your commute. Saves you money on wrinkle cream and medical bills in the future!

Beauty Investment #2

Eye Cream: And I don’t mean “$200 for two ounces” eye cream. I’m talking something rich and emollient like olive oil, vitamin E or Shea Butter for around your eye area. I full-heartedly believe that the expensive gimicks will not do you better than these chemical-free versions. The point is to keep the skin supple so that it doesn’t crack and create more lines than you’d like an to keep the skin plump with moisture so that you see less of the lines already there. Something with some extra anti-oxidants like vitamins A and C can also provide protection from environmental damage to cells. Saves you money on botox, and surgery in the future. Not that you’d even consider it!

Beauty Investment #3

Dental Health: Nothing like a beautiful smile and good breath! Bi-yearly cleanings and twice daily flossing! Period. The smart dentists I know actually say that glycerin in toothpaste can actually strip the enamel on your teeth and thereby making them more sensitive to staining. I just switched to mint tooth powder which works great (just remember to brush your tongue with it too!) and one dentist I know recommends dipping your toothbrush in Listerine. Massage gums too. The brushes with the silicone side nodules that look like little dildos- do the trick of keeping your gums pretty and pink. Saves you money on future dental bills in the future.

Okay femme boys and girls and everyone else who likes this stuff: I’m off to Hawaii for Hanukah with two bottles of sunscreen, a sexy brimmed hat and lots of vintage second hand sun-dresses! I won’t be writing for a week, I’ll miss you!