All around me are the sounds of a spring storm. The wind elicits groans out of winter-weary tree limbs and throws raindrops against the glass like a desperate lover tossing pebbles at the window to signal his arrival. This is no gentle spring shower, this is a storm.

With all this grey surrounding me, I had to write of something sunnier and I found something gold and gorgeous to light up this dreary day.

L’Oreal’s Wear Infinite Eyeshadow Quartets contain the perfect bronze, gold, amber, copper and cocoa shades to make eyes shimmer and highlight them against the bronze glow we all plan to have this summer. I like the Golden Sunshine quad. For deeper tones there is the Bronze Sunset shade collection.

Rage as it will, the storm will soon give over to warmer, sunnier summer and I may just hurry it along by giving my eyes that summer shimmer today.

Researchers at the Université Lavel’s Faculty School of Medicine have discovered that a common ingredient in many anti-wrinkle creams and products causes a pathological reaction in skin cells.

The substance, DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) first causes a rapid swelling of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts act as reservoirs and interface between the inside and outside of the cell.

But after a few hours there is a noticeable slowing of cell division and a dying off of fibroblasts. The initial thickening of the skin from the swollen fibroblasts is probably what causes the “anti-wrinkle” effect.

Cosmetics are not subjected to the same rigorous testing and safety trials as medications or other regulated products.

The researchers aren’t saying whether or not DMAE poses a health risk. But many compounds used in cosmetics are absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream, they may even be stored in the liver. That’s why Dr. Francois Marceau, one of the authors of the study, thinks it’s time that the possible dangers and health risks of cosmetic ingredients be studied.

Université Laval

I remember that when I was a kid, Avon’s Skin So Soft was used as the mosquito repellent of choice. I don’t know if it was the oily formula or the distinctive scent that kept the bugs from biting, but it worked. I developed a strong aversion to the scent as a child and swore never to touch the stuff again.

So, imagine me recommending a Skin So Soft product here on Beauty on a Budget. Avon’s new formula Skin So Soft products are nothing like the Skin So Soft your mother bought from the local Avon lady.

My sister gave me some Skin So Soft Fusions Dual Softening Body Wash in Light & Lush. I politely put it in the bathroom, but I was wary of trying it.

I was out of my usual shower gel the other day so in desperation I grabbed the tube of SSS. I didn’t realize how much I would love this stuff.

This body wash does it all, from exfoliating to moisturizing. There’s no need to use a body scrub first and then apply lotion for softening skin. The product contains “smoothbrasion” beads that exfoliate dry and dead skin plus an ultra conditioning formula that hydrates and protects skin with jojoba oils.

I could definitely feel the beads doing the scrub work but I was amazed by the silky softness of my skin when I rinsed off. The fragrance is light and barely there, not at all like the heavy scent of the Skin So Soft I knew as a child.

The body wash comes in three fragrances: Light & Lush, Soft & Sensual and Renew & Refresh.

It’s definitely too early in the season to spend a day at the beach or in the tanning booth (not good for your skin, either) and probably a bit early for self-tanning products unless you’re gearing up your color for a special event or a cruise. With no base color your trusty bronzer may not look as healthy and blended as you’d like. Plus, your skin is still recovering from winter’s harsh weather (even this spring is cooler than usual).

How about a moisturizer, sunscreen and skin tint all in one? Sephora’s Tinted Moisturizer is sheer with just a hint of color. It leaves a satin finish to your skin, so you never see or feel anything heavy or caky. On top of that it nourishes your skin with Vitamins A, C and E. The perfect foundation for the transition into spring. Comes in 5 shades from light to deep and bronze.