Beauty and style for the new black woman: how to look your best during the holidays

You drag your tired body home after battling rush-hour traffic terrible road conditions and a beast of a day at work. You barely catch your breath before your little ones barrel toward you, yelling that they want a GI Mutant Power Trooper with the kung-fu grip or a Baby Wet-Myself, and you still need to finish your Christmas shopping, mail your greeting cards, plan your Kwanzaa celebration and buy groceries to cook for that phenomenal holiday meal worthy to be featured in Date with a Dish.

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With so much to do for so many people in so little time, the holiday season can he very stressful for Sisters, and stress wreaks havoc on a woman's mind and body. The best beauty tip for Black women during this busy season, experts say, is to stop, take a deep breath and relax. Easier said than done, but realize that once the holiday season comes and goes, you will need your physical and mental health to function the next 364 days. With that said, forget--for just a moment--the Christmas dinner; your unfinished gift shopping, and the incessant cries of your kids for every toy on television. Focus on giving yourself something special.

The following will help you celebrate the holidays with beauty, style and peace of mind:

Step out With Style

Whether you step out to that gala bash or entertain at home for the holidays, it doesn't hurt to add a dash of dazz, a jigger of jazz and a pinch of pizzazz to your usual look. Go bolder and brighter with your makeup, clothes and accessories, and dare to he different with your hail: Tanya Woods, a writer- producer for CBS on-air promotions in Los Angeles, substitutes her standard matte-finish makeup for shinier; more shimmering hues and her usual lipstick for richer, wine-toned colors, while Terri Johnson, staff associate for the Human Relations Foundation of Chicago, wears metallic gold lipstick and eyeshadow to highlight her face with just the light amount of sparkle. When dressing to impress for the holidays, Woods prefers crushed- and stretch-velvet apparel' flowing skirts and fitted pants, clothing that she says works well with California's unpredictable climate. Also when choosing accessories, Woods believes less is better: "I like jewelry with more sparkle," she says, "not big jewelry, but matching."

Remember, when searching for that special something to wear this season the right accents Call give any garment glitz and glamour: Johnson, who keeps her clothes simple, dons dramatic accessories to emphasize specific features. "It forces attention upward to my short hair," she says. For drama, Johnson straightens and slicks her cropped coif for holiday affairs. Woods, who keeps her short hair shaped and shiny for everyday wear, livens her locks for the winter festivities with curls and waves. Even if you don't have a short hairstyle, an elegant upsweep, French roll or chignon can be just as striking, especially when set off with glimmering jewelry.

Take A Time-out

For Sisters to truly celebrate the holidays with beauty, style and peace of mind, they absolutely must start saving some quiet, quality time for themselves. Even if it means saying "no" to family, friends or co-workers, so be it. "We focus on everyone but ourselves," says Johnson of the Human Relations Foundation. "We need to let others do something for a change and try to find those moments that are just ours." Sisters can find those private moments by climbing in a quiet, cozy corner--even the bathroom will suffice--shutting the door to the world and spending some time alone.

Woods of CBS, who says the holiday season "throws everything out of whack," restores balance and harmony to her life by seeking a serene place in her home to read, meditate, sip herb tea or simply stare out a window. If you can't retreat to some nook or cranny in your home, then leave. If you have young children, ask your mate to baby-sit or drop off your little darlings with a relative or a good friend. Go for a stroll, take a trip to the local library or bookstore, relax at the neighborhood coffee shop. Drive around town. Attend a church service. See a movie. Write your thoughts and dreams in a journal. Do what ever relaxes you the most. When Johnson of the Human Relations Foundation gets stressed out during the holidays, she spends time watching the mechanical window displays at Chicago's department stores. "I go Downtown, look at the windows and remember the joy of Christmas," she says. "I remind myself it's not about commercialism, and it instantly de-stresses me."

Treat Yourself Right

Sisters also need to treat themselves to something special every now and then. "Black women don't pamper themselves," Johnson says. "We have to remind ourselves to be good to ourselves." Woods of CBS pampers herself with regular visits to a spa. "I really pamper myself," she says. "Once per week I go to the day spa for a manicure and pedicure, and I always exercise, especially during the holidays, because of the food factor." Even if you're short of time or cash this season, you still can enjoy a relaxing rejuvenating spa at home. Johnson, a fellow spa devotee, designates one night a week as spa night. "I light candles, scent my bath, have a facial, maybe a manicure or pedicure, and unwind." A soak in a warm tub filled with scented moisturizing bath oil and some fragrant flower petals for added luxury works wonders for sore muscles and frazzled nerves. Or prescribe yourself some aromatherapy. Surround yourself with scented candles or incense, dim the lights, and play some soothing sounds. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and enjoy the good "scentsations."