By Rita Ragone, Celebrity Hair and Makeup Artist and Real Savvy Moms' Beauty Expert

Sure, snow is pretty, and there's nothing quite like curling up next to a roaring fire with a cup of hot cocoa. But let's face it, winter has a way with wreaking havoc with our hair and skin. By late-February, our hair, skin, makeup bags are screaming for spring!  
But there's no need to wait for warmer weather to feel good about you. Treat your hair and skin to any or all of these highly affordable items right now, and you're guaranteed to add a little spring in your step and a smile to your face!
For prettier hair:
1. In colder climates, the indoor air tends to be very dry, which robs moisture from your hair and makes our locks look less than lustrous.  Try what I use myself and recommend to my clients at Astor Place Hair in NYC (www.astorplacehairnyc.com <http://www.astorplacehairnyc.com> ): Extra moisturizing Pantene shampoo and conditioner. Both are chock full of nourishing B- vitamins, and in two days your hair will be as smooth as silk with less static electricity. Bonus: These products are also perfect for protecting hair from the harsh summer sun, so use them all year long.
2. Planning a winter getaway to a warmer clime? Have your hair trimmed, but skip the highlights until you get back.  Highlights plus sun can equal damaged hair. Allow the sun to brighten your base color instead, and you can add highlights when you get back.
3. Maybe you forgot to wear a hat when you escaped to that exotic place, and now your hair is looking a bit frayed and frazzled. Or maybe you've been nowhere near a tropical island this winter, and you just want a little pick-me-up: Try my personal favorite, Pantene Hair Masque. It's packed with concentrated moisturizers—yet it won't weigh hair down! Use it once a week for superbly luscious locks.
For softer skin:
4. Is your skin acting a bit dry, maybe you're noticing a few crow's feet around your eyes and lips?  Try Neutrogena hand cream—yes, hand cream—on those super dry areas. It magically heals and relieves dry skin instantly.
If your whole face is dry and flaky, or is oily and troublesome, try Neutrogena micro-dermabrasion system with disposable pads.  It's available in your local drugstore, and it's like having a professional facial in your home!  Use as directed for glowing, beautiful skin.
5. For glowing skin, try Neutrogena's face peel. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave on for a few minutes.  I tried it last week and now use it once a week for flawless-looking skin.
6. For overall lift and line diminishing, try Burt's Bees new Radiance collection for face and eyes. The line is made with pomegranate extract and it is truly a miracle in a jar. My skin feels happy when I used it.  I have always loved Burt's Bees because of their natural approach, but now it's positively addicting.  (www.burtsbees.com <http://www.burtsbees.com> ). (If you think pomegranate can do wonders for your face, it'll do just as much good for your heart: Available in food and health stores nationwide, pomegranate juice is considered one of our best-tasting heart-healthy antioxidants.)
For an instant pick-me-up:
7. Try a little self tanner!  So many are great—Oil of Olay, Neutrogena, even Banana Boat with a touch of added moisturizer will chase away those winter “palesâ€�.  Apply evenly to face, neck, décolleté and hands.
8. Experiment with false lashes. Ardell strip lashes with a touch of Duo lash adhesive opens up your eyes and make you look like a movie star with the least amount of effort.
9. Add a little powder bronzer to your makeup regimen.  Bronzers by L'Oreal, Maybelline, and Neutrogena will perk up your whole look.  Apply lightly all over your face and neck and enjoy the difference
10. Lip glosses in pinks and peachy red-tones really perk up your face. Try Victoria's Secret lip glosses (www.victoriassecret.com <http://www.victoriassecret.com> ), L'Oreal, MAC Cosmetics, and Maybelline for a sexier you!  Lighter toned ladies should try paler champagne-pinks, and olive and deeper toned ladies should try brighter pinks and coral/reds.  Remember–pick the ones with lots of sparkle! The sheerer the gloss, the more you need to shine.

While we're on the subject of showing yourself a little love, I'm honored to tell you that I've been selected to be part of the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women panel this year. As the sole celebrity beauty expert, I'll be silent-auctioning my services (worth $2,500) for one of their biggest fundraisers, the Go Red for Women luncheon taking place this Friday, February 29th, at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City. (Martha Stewart, among other notables, will be there, too!) In addition, I'll also be doing a live makeover for a heart attack survivor. For more info, check out www.goredforwomen.com <http://www.goredforwomen.com> . Til next time!