Keeping on top of the latest styles and trends is a surefire way to get noticed and admired, but sometimes looking your best goes beyond sporting the latest threads and accessories, and involves flaunting something you wear everyday; your skin. Healthy, moisturized skin is essential for looking and feeling young and sexy, especially in the harsh winter season. And although many fashions come and go, the one thing that is always in style is radiant, glowing skin and a toned, healthy body.

The first step to looking your best is taking care of what lies under the designer labels and logos. Regular exercise is vital for clear skin and fit muscles as well as overall health. Taking care of the body you have should always be your first step, as we only get one in a lifetime. If you were only allowed one pair of great shoes your whole life, you'd take care of them, right?!

It's great to flaunt your stuff once in a while with the latest designs out there; however, true beauty and style starts with the bare essentials, and anything on top of that is gravy.

Buying an expensive face cream or signing up for a gym membership is not always the answer. Most skin products allow you to try it for a few weeks to ensure that the ingredients in their product match the pH balance and chemistry of your skin, so you are able to determine exactly what product is right for you without breaking the bank.

And to keep that moisturizer working its best, you should apply it right after showering, especially in the winter, as the bitter cold tends to try out the your body and facial complexion. Tanning beds and direct sunlight is out, and SPF creams and protecting yourself is in. Aging is inevitable, so if you can slow the process down, opposed to advancing it, than why not do so?

Working out can also help keep you looking and feeling younger and can actually be a lot of fun. For all of you out there like myself who hate the gym, try squeezing in an extra trip to the mall, and burning off a few calories there by walking at a rapid pace to all of your favorite stores, or playing sports with friends to help keep yourself active. And as always, if you are in a committed relationship, getting frisky is always a great way to work your whole body and get that glowing complexion all at the same time. Sex is also proven to ward off headaches and boost endorphins (a chemical in your body that makes you happy).

Some people believe beauty is only skin deep, and personality makes up a large portion of attraction. Bettering your physique is a great place to start, but following through with realism and genuine kindness is really the cherry on the cake.

So just try to remember, that looking fashionable has a lot to do with personal style and clothing selection, however it's what you've got going on underneath it all that really makes you shine.

Want some tips on keeping your skin happy and healthy? eamil Jen at fanshawe_fashionista@yahoo.ca
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.