GO FOR IT Real

bath & body treat

PAMPER YOURSELF

Now that the kids are back in school, with homework and activities hitting full force, don’t forget to carve out some time to recharge. Veronica Taylor, an aesthetician and owner of SKIN by Veronica in Southampton, New York, recommends a warm bath with Epsom salts and essential oils to relax your muscles and your mind. Her favorite recipe: two to three drops of lemongrass or lavender oil, one cup Epsom salts, and one cup baking soda. After you soak, smooth on a body butter. Just using these super-creamy lotions feels like a treat, and they leave skin extra hydrated. Korres Body Butter in White Grape is steeped with silkening shea and smells lightly sweet, not cloying. $29, hsn.com LOOK-GOOD, FEEL-GOOD IDEAS FOR MOMS

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UPGRADE YOUR PONY

This fall, try our easy and elegant twist on the go-to ponytail, created by mom and Ma Nouvelle Mode blogger, Natalia Simmons.

TOP MARK MASCARAS

Whether you’re heading to your kids’ school or out on a date night, a good mascara can make you look polished and refreshed, even when you’re feeling a little droopy. Here are our faves:

1. OVERALL ENHANCER: bareMinerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara $18, bareminerals.com 2. BEST VALUE: CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom by LashBlast $8.99, covergirl.com 3. ALL-NATURAL: Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara by Tarte $21, tarte.com 4. WATERPROOF: L’Oreal Paris

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1. With the lower third of your hair, make a low ponytail and secure it with a hair tie. 2. Evenly separate your remaining hair into three sections. (Use hair clips, if you have them.) 3. Twist the middle section and pin it above the ponytail with bobby pins. Twist and pin the left section toward the middle, then do the right. Loosen with your fi ngers, then fi nish with hairspray. Blogger tip: This style looks best if your hair has some volume. Don’t have curly hair? Work a dry shampoo into your roots before styling. Natalia uses Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Dry Shampoo. $17.95, sexyhair.com

See a video tutorial at youtube.com/manouvellemode (simple twisted ponytail).

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Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Foundation Primer, our tester favorite. You can’t actually shrink your pores (their size is genetically determined), but this sheer, mattifying formula covers them, plus it absorbs oil for up to eight hours.

Wear it alone, under makeup, or even over makeup as a trouble-spot touch-up during the day. $39, smashbox.com