Winter is almost over, but spring hasn't quite sprung. This is when the doldrums can take hold with a vengeance.

If cabin fever has you down, take heart and try a quick fix. We have some tricks that can break that gloomy spell and set you on the path to spring redemption.

There are tons of beauty products that promise results -- in four to six weeks or even months. But two we've tried make a visible difference immediately:

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ($45) has been around for 30 years, and it does what it says. A thin layer of the cream "brightens and tightens" the face instantly, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. It's like a face-lift in a tube (although it's not permanent, of course) and can be used alone or under makeup.

Origins Youthtopia Firming Cream ($48.50) is more of a pearlescent moisturizer that firms the skin but also imparts a healthy glow. It's made with Rhodiola, an herb "that works to provide a rich reserve of energy to the skin ... and helps skin adapt by allowing it to function at its optimal level while helping to correct the appearance of aging." All we can say is it makes you look great, fast!

Latisse and other products promise to encourage lash growth when used over time. But if you can't wait, just get some false lashes. They haven't been this popular since the '60s, and they cost less than $5 in any drugstore. One of the best is Ardell Duralash Naturals, available for $4.49 at Sally Beauty. Just a few of these individual lashes at the outer corner of the eye add instant oomph, plus they're easy to apply, waterproof and comfortable.

Want the skinny on looking fit and fighting cellulite without exercise? Wacoal has just introduced the iPant anti-cellulite shapewear. It's made of Novarel Slim nylon microfibers embedded with caffeine "to promote fat destruction," vitamin E "to prevent the effects of aging," ceramides "to restore and maintain the skin's smoothness" and retinol and aloe vera "to moisturize and increase the skin's firmness." On top of all that, the iPant shapes and sculpts! That would definitely be worth the $60 it costs at Macy's.

No time for a manicure? Take Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips, press them on, file the edges to fit and go. There's no dry time, and they last up to 10 days, after which they can be removed with polish remover. They come in 24 styles ranging from soft solid neutrals to leopard print and retail for $8.99 at most drugstores.

If you've never whitened your teeth, you'd be amazed at what a difference it makes.

Many methods are available, ranging from in-office procedures at the dentist's office to something such as Go Smile, a liquid you just paint over the enamel. But for the money (about $32) you can't beat Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects, which claim to be as effective as the $500 systems.

Once you shape up you may need to tape up, and nobody does it better than Hollywood Fashion Tape. The clear double-sided tape is used on the red carpet to keep things in place and to avoid wardrobe malfunctions ($8.99 for a tin of 36 strips). The Keep Your Clothes on Collection also features temporary hemming tape for "quick tailoring on the go" and a pumice stone for removing pilling on sweaters. Go to www.hollywoodfashiontape.com to see all the products (including the Hollywood Bodacious Breast Collection with silicone breast enhancements for only $39.99!).

The gym-in-a-shoe concept began with MBTs (Masai Barefoot Technology). The strange-looking workout shoe has a built-up rocker sole. The claim is the wearer is constantly engaging muscles to remain stable. It also stimulates the same muscles you would use walking in soft sand. The original shoe was slightly more built up than the sleeker models that followed.

But the newer MBTs, which retail for about $225, have plenty of competition. Skechers Shape Ups, Reebok Easy Tone and New Balance Toning Shoes are a few of the others that are supposed to tone with every step. MBTs are available at Gordon's Shoes and Littles.

If you can't afford Botox or are concerned about the long-term effects of shooting poison into your face, consider Frownies -- Raquel Welch swears by them! They're basically sticky patches of stiff paper you apply to your forehead, between your eyes and at the corners of the eyes and mouth. Wear them while you sleep or around the house for at least three hours.

The box says they are "dermatologist-approved and makeup artist-recommended," with guaranteed results in 30 days. The product is available in two sizes, both $19.95; order online at www.frownies.com.

Hate your house? Change it! Paint is one of the cheapest ways to freshen your home, and with a combination paint-primer it's one of the easiest. Behr Premium Plus is one of the newest, advertised as the ultra paint and primer in one. No more waiting for that coat of primer to dry before you actually paint. One coat is all it takes to get the job done. It's available at Home Depot in flat, eggshell, satin and semi-gloss for $23-$40, depending on the finish you choose.

Don't know what color to choose? Get a copy of House Beautiful's "Colors for Your Home," the best book out there on color. Based on the magazine's popular column, the book features 300 colors chosen by top designers as their favorites, along with swatches and the names and manufacturers. The book is $14.95 from Hearst Books.

Furniture looking as tired as you feel? Re-upholstery is surprisingly affordable and in many cases, all you need to refresh a worn chair or sofa. How do you know if a piece is worth re-upholstering? Mustafa Yumak of Blawnox Upholstery suggests asking yourself these questions: Is the piece well-made? Is the frame hardwood and heavy? Does it have good bones? Does it have sentimental value? Is it an interesting shape or hard-to-find size? Is it an antique? If you answered yes to any of these, it's probably worth the investment. Blawnox Upholstery (388 Freeport Road in Blawnox, 412-826-9080) also stocks a wide selection of fabrics at discounted prices.Don't forget to bring room swatches with you to help make a selection.

Finally, nothing is as easy or effective as buying a flowering plant. Instant spring and no lifetime commitment like there is with a houseplant. Orchids are easy and thanks to those produced by the Bidwell Training Center, inexpensive around here. So are hydrangeas!

Cars take a beating during the winter, especially on the inside. One of the best weapons for all that plastic, vinyl and even leather is the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.

We're not sure how it works, but it does the job on black scuff marks around the door, grimy seats, dirt on the pedal and any kind of spills in the drink holders. Just wet and wipe and follow with a drying rag. Retail is about $8 for a four-pack.

First Published: March 15, 2011, 7:00 a.m.