When it comes to a face or body exfoliator, our aim is to scrub away the dirt and grime of the day, so the rougher the better, right? Wrong! "The exfoliants you pick up at the drugstore can be too harsh," says makeup artist Vanessa Jarman. "Some companies will use any substance as fillers, [such as] pieces of shell. It's like glass, basically, and it can cut the skin." These cuts prevent the face and body from having a smooth appearance. The tiny abrasions can also fill with makeup and lotion, making the skin more difficult to properly clean. If you're having trouble finding a gentle exfoliator that's within your budget, Jarman recommends mixing your own concoction of oatmeal and warm water. "Oatmeal makes the skin really soft and won't irritate or inflame," she says. For lips, try a "larger grain sugar, such as brown sugar, mixed with a little bit of warm water. It's perfect for the winter time because it gets really, really dry right now." For more great beauty tips, visit the Canadian Living Style Desk Blog. Barbie photo by Foxy Belle on Flickr Steel oats photo by Kusine