When I look horrible and I'm feeling less than desirable I realize I'm in dire need of a "Karen's quick lil' California Girl Make-over." It's a little routine consisting of three quick things to make me feel and look exponentially better. The best part…this little routine is foolproof! First I buy one of those home hair painting kits to highlight my blonde hair when it's looking a little dingy or the dreaded "dishwater" color of blonde (applying most of the product around my face). Next, when I'm in the shower rinsing off the highlighting bleach I exfoliate my body using an excellent exfoliator or body peel. My favorite is MD Formulations Face and Body Scrub. The next step is self-tanning. Nothing brings out a glow and a ray of self-confidence like a bronze goddess with highlights. You'll look like you've been on a relaxing exotic vacation. Make sure you use a quality self-tanner manufactured by a cosmeceutical company. You'll spend more; but have a natural looking tan with no worries of that orange look we're all so fearful of. I have a few favorites to suggest, but your best bet is to read customer ratings to be sure that you're choosing the best one for you. Not everyone gets the same results so I've found when I research first I have the best luck. Some of my favorite all-time products have been from reading what others say about them. However, keep in mind, that sometimes people only take the time to go online to rate products when they're upset or have had bad luck with a product. But in general, you can pretty much count on the words of others. For me, I'm madly in love with Institut DERMed Body SolareSlimRX because not only does it produce a natural looking golden tan it simultaneously reduces the appearance of cellulite. That step alone is worth its weight in gold!

Ok; I just realized I fibbed a little about the routine only being three steps because there still is one step left; however, it is required to polish (sorry about the pun!) off the whole "California Girl" look. You need to paint your fingers and toes. The secret here is to not just reach for your favorite red polish, but instead purchase one of those little French Manicure kits. They really are easy to use and your hands and feet will look so clean and manicured with your bronzed skin showing them off even more.

So let's review the checklist:

· Highlight your hair. (This step is only for those who have blonde to light brown hair and who feel comfortable painting or highlighting their own hair. Seek a professional colorist if you do not.)

· Exfoliate your body for a smooth, softer skin and to prime the skin for self-tanning.

· Research and purchase a self-tanning product. Apply evenly and as directed by manufacturer. Some products such as the one mentioned above are not for use on the face. Therefore you may need to purchase a separate self-tanner for your face.

· Give yourself a French Manicure and French Pedicure. Pink and white finger and toe nails against your smooth, gorgeous tan is categorically one of the most effective "California Girl" looks you can treat yourself to.

Lastly, go make yourself a crisp cool salad, pour a glass of sun tea (or a nice Chardonnay) and put on a Beach Boys CD. Now that's California dreamin'!