The Beauty of Bonding with Josie Maran

Zoe & Zac Blackberry Honey Body Lotion-1310569670306.xml

Peter Ardito

Turn your home into a pretend salon with these sweet and safe activities.

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Christa Renee

Model, mom, and cosmetic-line creator Josie Maran and her 5-year-old daughter, Rumi Joon help set the scene.

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A (Mini) Spa Treatment

Christa Renee

Pretending you're at a spa requires one key ingredient you can find in your kitchen: cucumbers! Let your little one place slices on your eyes and her own. Then see who can lie still the longest without the cucumbers sliding off.

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A Basic Makeup Job

Christa Renee

To give your daughter a taste of playing with makeup, why not serve as her model? Some tools to consider: a powder brush with a wide handle (easier for little hands to maneuver), a disposable mascara brush she can use to comb your eyebrows, clear or lightly tinted lip balm that comes in a pot (safer than a wand applicator), and lipstick in a barely-there shade. After she's finished getting you dolled up, you can dab a little balm or gloss on her too if you're comfortable with that.

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Pout Perfector

Peter Ardito

Add sheer moisture with the Josie Maran Argan Lip Treatment, $18; sephora.com

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In The Buff

Peter Ardito

Maran named this nude shade after her daughter. Josie Maran Argan Lipstick in Rumi Joon, $20; josiemarancosmetics.com

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Sweeping Success

Peter Ardito

Teach your kid to be a fan of cruelty-free bristles. Eco Tools Bamboo Finishing Kabuki Brush, $8; ulta.com

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An Appointment With a "Junior" Hairstylist

Christa Renee

The only thing better than brushing a doll's hair is brushing Mommy's! You can use this activity to teach your little one a thing or two about proper hair care for when she starts doing her own. Ask her to dampen your strands with a water bottle before spraying on a leave-in conditioner. Instruct her to brush or comb your hair slowly and in small sections. For more of a salon spin, you can have her put Velcro rollers in your hair. Then ask her to do a simple style, such as twisting a front piece of hair to the side and securing it with a cute accessory. Be sure she likes the finished look. Why? Because now it's your turn to play hairstylist, and matching styles make it more fun!

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Adorable Add-Ons

Peter Ardito

Floral hair accessories are hot for all ages right now. We fell for these Kate's Garden Bobby Slides by Goody, $5 each; exclusively at Target stores.

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Mane Tamer

Peter Ardito

Help strands stay soft and strong by applying a product like Carol's Daughter Tui Leave-In Conditioner before you brush. $12; carolsdaughter.com

Shop All Carol's Daughter Leave-In Conditioners

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A Pampering Pedi

Nothing's sweeter than the sight of little feet, and this abbreviated version of an at-home pedicure doesn't involve any sharp tools or stinky chemicals. Start by applying a lightweight body lotion on your little girl's legs and feet to soften the skin. Sneak in a few tickles while you're at it! Then use a cardboard or foam file (as opposed to glass or metal) to shape her nails. Place cotton balls in between her toes before you apply polish. Choose chemical-free brands such as Priti and Piggy Polish. Then ask her to return the favor!

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Baby Your Feet

Peter Ardito

You'll love the sweet scent of this moisturizer and that it's free of parabens and phthalates. Zoe & Zac Blackberry Honey Body Lotion, $8; zoeandzac.com

Originally published in the August 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

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The Beauty of Bonding with Josie Maran

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