In addition to the much loved television comedy series based on idyllic country life, this phrase refers to the opening buds that point towards the warm summer season ahead and to the freshness and exuberance of youth as it turns to adult maturity. Coined beautifully by Shakespeare in his celebrated Sonnet 18:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May…
I think that May has to be the very best month of the year. As if, overnight, nature transforms our surrounding world into one of beauty, vibrancy and irrepressible energy. Positively bursting to explode and erupt into new life, showering us with optimism, joy and hope.
This month brings so much happiness and so many bright smiles. People eagerly tend gardens, plan holidays and find excuses to barbeque whenever and whatever possible.
The dark dowdy winter layers are shed to be replaced by crop tops, Capri pants, sheer maxi dresses and lace…
But before you bare all… read on for my top ten tips on how to look and feel your very best in readiness for the unveiling!
1. Exfoliate – Body brushing, scrubs, AHAsanything to get rid of that dry dead flaky layer!
2. Light Self Tans – Go for the sun kissed look of the season to give the skin a delicate blush of colour.
3. Mineral Make-Up – light as a feather, great for your skin and even gives substantial SPF protection.
4. Jessica Gel Fingers and Toes – goes on like a polish, sets like a gel. Won’t harm your nails and available in all the season’s top colours.
5. HD Brows – Try the up to the minute technique for this season’s latest trend– The Perfect Brow.
6. Hair Removal – Be it waxing or IPL permanent, hair reduction – get it under way!
7. Serious Sun Care – Physical, mineral based, sunscreens are safe and non-irritating. Look for Titanium Dioxide and Mexoryl to provide true broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB radiation.
8. Skin Peals and Microdermabrasion – Instantly reveal a luminous younger looking skin, by simply desquamating the dead cells away.
9. Permanent Cosmetics – Hottest beauty must have! Perfect brows, eyeliner or lips. No effort required – run from beach to bar looking perfect all the way!
10. Medical Skin Needling – The latest skin renewal technique, to restore the healthy youthful appearance of your skin; this produces unrivalled results and is perfect for this time of year as it causes no skin sensitivity to UV light.
We all love the sunshine but do please take care, have any suspicious moles checked, and wear your UVA and UVB sun protection at all times, don’t get caught out!
Follow these simple guidelines and I guarantee you’ll score a perfect 10. Life’s there to be enjoyed so make the most of it.
Love, Helen x