• Is the hot weather giving you greasy hair? Are you camping and unable to shower? Forget shelling out the big bucks on trendy dry shampoos; some baby powder or cornstarch works just fine. Just sprinkle a little on your roots, leave it there for a couple of minutes to soak up the oil, rub it out with your fingers and voila!
• Is the humidity turning your hair into a frizzy mess? Have no fear,  just head to your kitchen. Rub a few drops of olive oil together in your hands and lightly pat onto dry or damp hair. If your hair tends to be greasy, apply it to the ends of your hair only to smooth any split ends. It may sound gross, but mayonnaise also works wonders on dry, frizzy hair. Apply a small amount of it as you would conditioner, cover your head with a shower cap and leave it on for up to 30 minutes, rinse it out and then shampoo. Or try mixing 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 quart of water and pour it through your hair in the shower in lieu of your regular conditioner, then rinse it out. Do this once a week. Depending on your hair length and your preference, you may have to experiment with the ratio. Another super easy and totally free fix is to simply end your shower with a quick rinse of cool water, which will seal the hairs’ cuticles and leave your mane smooth, shiny and manageable.
• Summer’s heat and humidity can wreak havoc on acne-prone skin. But there’s no need to shell out lots of dough on expensive skincare products or subject your skin to harsh chemicals, perfumes, dyes and preservatives. There are a plethora of homemade skincare options – so many that we couldn’t list them all. But don’t worry, we chose from some of our favorites. Do you have oatmeal and baking soda in your pantry? Grind 2 teaspoons of oatmeal (a coffee grinder will work just fine), mix it with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and slowly add water to make a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your face and rinse well. Or raid your medicine cabinet and take out some aspirin, which is a natural source of salicylic acid, a popular ingredient in acne products. Crush 3-5 tablets (un-coated plain white pills) and mix the powder with water to form a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your skin and leave it on until dry. Now rinse and enjoy your new smooth skin. Feeling a little adventurous? Add a couple squirts of honey to the aspirin powder and then add the water to form a paste. After cleansing, always splash your face with cold water to close the pores.
• Does your skin get super oily in the summer? Try a homemade toner. You’ll have to experiment with the recipe, but start off with 2/3 part water to 1/3 part apple cider vinegar (ACV). If your skin can handle it, eventually move up to a 50/50 concoction. We recommend using distilled or filtered water. Shake the mix well, soak a cotton ball with it, and apply it to the face each night after cleansing. ACV is packed with vitamins and minerals and is, among many things, known to help regulate oil production. If you’ve got some tea tree oil or want to shell out some bucks to buy some, add a few drops to the toner for an added bacteria-killing benefit. Warning: this toner does not smell good. But if you want clear, radiant skin, get over it!
• Make sure your legs are bikini ready by exfoliating for a closer shave, a more even tan and fewer ingrown hairs. The aspirin mask mentioned above does wonders at sloughing off dead skin and eradicating those pesky ingrowns. Great alternatives to store-bought body scrubs (can you believe Fresh sells one made with brown sugar for $65?!) are ridiculously simple. Mix 1 cup of granulated sugar or brown sugar and 1/2 cup of oil – any vegetable oil will do. Sea salt and Epsom salts are wonderful at exfoliating the skin, and can be used all over the body; just mix 1/2 cup of the salts with 1/2 cup of vegetable, olive, or baby oil, or simply scrub your skin with some salts mixed with a little water.
• Got dry legs? Exfoliate them, of course! Also, try using hair conditioner as a substitute for shaving cream.
• Hot summer days equal embarrassing sweat and odor. Forget expensive “clinical strength” antiperspirants that contain aluminum (yuck!) and stick to the basics: Rubbing baking soda or cornstarch onto dry armpits should do the trick. If sweaty, stinky feet are a problem, brew a strong batch of black tea, let it cool, and soak your feet in it for 20-30 minutes. The pore-closing tannins in black tea will solve your problem. Or take Cosmopolitan magazine’s advice and do this routine every night for two weeks: soak a cloth in some strong black tea, allow it to cool, and put it on each armpit for five minutes. If excess sweating has caused some BO and your deodorant just isn’t cutting it, soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to your armpits. Don’t worry, the vinegary smell will disappear within a few minutes.
• Spent too long sunbathing and now you’re paying for it with a sunburn? Don’t distress! As long as your burn isn’t blistering or oozing, try some of these remedies. Apply a cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar to the affected areas, and then apply a moisturizer, preferably one containing aloe and/or vitamin e, since ACV is drying. Add Epsom salts or oatmeal to your bathwater and relax. Soak a cloth in a mixture of warm (not hot!) water and dissolved baking soda and apply it to your skin. Got a cucumber? It’s not just for salads and soothing your eyes; rub your skin with its cool slices. This one is strange, but it works: soak a cloth in cool milk and apply it to your skin, leaving it on for about 20 minutes, then rinse. Plain yogurt can also do wonders. Apply it to the burn, leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse with cool water. Another, less strange, solution is to make some tea (any kind will do), drink it, relax and apply the cooled tea bags to your burn.
• It’s no mystery that chlorine wreaks havoc on your hair. But why spend money on clarifying shampoo when you can use what you already have? Once again apple cider vinegar earns a gold star: rinse your hair with it in the shower to remove product and chemical build-up. Baking soda also offers a solution: mix 1 tablespoon or so of it with your shampoo in your hand, suds as usual, leave it on for a few minutes, rinse and enjoy chlorine-free locks. Another awesome tip? Before swimming, wet your hair and apply your conditioner to it but do not rinse it out; this will prevent the chlorine from penetrating your hair. After swimming, be sure to shampoo and condition as usual.

So, Blast readers, got your own summer beauty solutions? Comment below and help your fellow readers with cabinet-raiding, beautifying, cheap summer tips. And please, if you have adverse reactions to any of the recipes above, discontinue your use of them and see a doctor.

In Saturday’s final round, hosted by MTV Real World Alum Randy Barry and Miss Boston 2008, Alida D’Angona, five Boston natives competed for the tiara.

Miss Boston was put on by FELT in an effort to find the ultimate local model and the pretty face of Boston for the year. The three-week competition gave some beautiful and talented Bostonians an opportunity for exciting exposure, said FELT Marketing director Shannon Finks. Now in its second year, Finks called it one of the “sexiest events of the summer.”

Marciano beat out about 80 entries into the Miss Boston Contest for the title. Through a pre-screening, 12 participants were selected to compete in three categories: semi-formal wear, bikini wear and personality. Only seven advanced to the second round and five lucky ladies participated in the finals.

It was the semi-formal wear competition on Saturday night and Adelina Keshishian, Alexa O’Hara, Carly Marciano, Cyann Ribeiro and Kristin Phelps graced the stage.

“You have to stunt your stuff the best you got and pray it’s enough,” said first-runner-up Alexandra O’Hara. “It sucks that I lost by two votes, but at least I played the game. I’d rather lose by two votes than two hundred. Two votes means I gave Carly a good run for her money.”

When it came to voting, the judges — various local celebrities and personalities in Boston fashion — held 50 percent of the vote while crowd participation held the other 50.

“We all had no clue who was going to win,” said second-runner-up and Somerville native model/actress Cyann Ribeiro. “The crowd was hootin’ and hollerin’ for everybody so loud I couldn’t think up there. I just kept telling myself to smile. That was all that mattered.”

As the judges deliberated and votes were counted, the crowd kept the party going. DJ Freddy B from Las Vegas spun the latest tracks as everyone on the crowded floor took a break from cheering for their friends, tossed back their drinks and showed off their dance moves.

“You gotta show up and cheer for your girl,” said attendee Chantal Keys. Keys had grown up with contestant Kristin Phelps and came to every stage of the competition to support her “homegirl.”

“There’s no way you could get me on stage in a bikini but if anyone’s gonna do it Kristin is the girl for the job. I hate going to the beach with that girl.”

Dean Cleary, a Boston local, also attended. He doesn’t know any of the contestants personally, yet. “Maybe one day one of them will be my lady,” he said of the girls on stage. “A guy can dream. And buy the runner-up a drink. We’ll see how far tonight takes me.”

Finally the lights turned down and the Black Eyed Peas blared from the DJ booth: “I gotta feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good good night.” The contestants entered the stage again to hear who had won the title. A few more jokes were told, and the crowd almost quieted for a second as they waited to hear who had won.

“I didn’t think they called my name at first,” Marciano remembered. “But then everyone pushed me forward and I was just like ‘Oh. I won’.”

Marciano shed a few tears and shook the hands of her friends as she was on the stage at FELT. “Thank you to everyone,” she cried, “you don’t know how much this means to me.”

“The life of Miss Boston is a good life,” said D’Angona in the last hour of her title as Miss Boston. “It’s been a crazy year, of photo shoots and appearances, free Red Sox tickets, and free booze.”

As winner, Marciano won an all expenses paid trip to the Caribbean, a magazine spread in Upscale Living, the title “Face of FELT” for all 2009 campaigns and a fashion shoot with Stewart Smith.

“I don’t know which part I’m the most excited about,” Marciano said, “but I’m sure as hell going to enjoy the next year living it up in Boston. I wonder if this title will get me any free food.”

Blast’s editor was totally rooting for finalist Kristin Phelps, but says he has “nothing but love” for everyone who competed. You’d say that too.

On June 27, Miss Boston 2009 will be crowned at club FELT. Miss Boston 2008, Alida D’Angona and MTV Real World Alum Randy Barry will host the competition in which five Boston natives (seven others were eliminated in round one) will vie for the honor.

The five lovely ladies are Adelina Keshishian, Alexandra O’Hara, Carly Marciano, Cyann Ribeiro and Kristin Phelps. These brave women even donned a swimsuit on stage! One will win, among other things, a tropical vacation, a spread in Upscale Living magazine and exposure as the “Face of FELT” for 2009.

After the show, FELT will host a celebration after-party with celebrity DJ Freddy B from Las Vegas.

The event, which starts at 10:30, is free for you with an RSVP. Tell them you read about it on BlastMagazine.com! We’ll be there. Come say hi!

Needless to say, when we heard of a new bag line claiming to be chic and useful for the things you need the most, we were skeptical. But after checking it out, we found out that these bags are pretty darn good. And fashionable.

Suzanne’s Discreet Chic Accessories has the bag that Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Kate Beckinsale, Leona Lewis, Katy Perry, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Miley Cyrus are all sporting, and that’s a short list.

The line, created by Suzanne Gabos of Tampa, Fla., is the most stylish and subtle way to carry, protect and organize personal products.

With a practical “Hide and Chic” clutch where you can discreetly store tampons, a Fem-Tote case created to go into your bag so you an find special items easily; and a hilarious - but oh so truly needed - Panty Pouch where you can keep a change of clean undies and avoid wearing dirty undergarments the morning after, even your mom would be proud to see you buy one.

The company was established in September 2007. Gabos’ sense of style, fashion and organization inspires the line of classy, yet functional traveling cases to address the needs of females between the ages of 12 and 60. The Fem-Tote and the Panty Pouch were designed to ensure feminine product freshness and cleanliness, with style, dignity and discretion.

The designs simply focus on the active woman, whether she is traveling, working, playing or merely, looking for a way to carry her things.

“In life, women deal with many pleasures; however, the menstrual cycle is not one of them,” said Gabos, in an interview with Blast. “The Fem-Tote will make this ‘period’ of time more pleasant. It is my hope that my designs will connect with women everywhere and provide them with the freedom that comes from being confident and secure in their everyday lives.”

The bags may not bring an end to the bloating, cramps, headaches and moodiness, but they will make things easier to find and prettier to carry. Always have to look at the glass as half full, right ladies?

The bags vary in sizes and come in different colors, designs and fabrics ranging from $42 to $140 and are all available on-line.

Here’s a little help from beauty & hair guru Yves Durif.

1. Lose the gel. “Pastes and Shines are in,” says Yves.  “You want to be able to run your hands through your hair – or somebody else’s – without the drama of being stuck in hair product.”

2.  Go bald gracefully.  Yves says, “Men who lose their hair should cut it as short as possible.  Hiding it is unflattering and indicates a lack of confidence.”

3.  Don’t forget the details. Yves insists, “Sideburns are a man’s most important accessory.  Whether the hair is super short or very long, sideburns are a must.  They add structure and tone to the face.”

4. You DO need product. “Simple finishing products make a big difference. They add texture and style to a good haircut.”

5.  Make the most of Gray. “Structure Pearl Finish ($25) is ideal for creating the very popular ’silver look’ women die for.  Its prismatic formula adds gorgeous dimension to the hair color without looking too shiny.”

Yves Durif began his career at the famed Jaques Dessange Salon in Paris, and has been cutting and styling the hair of celebrities, CEO and influencers all over the world.  Featured in numerous magazines and television programs, Yves is at the center of the style world in his new flagship salon at New York City’s Carlyle Hotel.

However, if you’re not the type of woman that plants a tree or join PETA we have a cute alternative for you so you can look the part. One of our favorite stylists at SalonCapri, Nick Penna Jr., has shared some neat hair tips to create dreadlocks, the easy way.

Start by sectioning off your hair into half-inch sized pieces. Apply a wax to the section of hair smoothly. By using a comb, tease the root area of the hair and begin to twist the hair slowly. Spray with a light hairspray and you twist and use a flat iron to hold the hair in place and move it up and down to create a “dreadlock” look. Not only will this look real but you won’t have to shave your hair afterward.

Now, in order to do something that will actually help Mother Earth, Penna also gave us these earth-friendly beauty suggestions, like skipping on shampoo to conserve hair products and save money on your hair.

Shower daily, but don’t always shampoo. Just wash out hair with water and dry it normally. Three times a week use shampoo and wash hair thoroughly. By reducing the amount of times you shampoo a week, you can also save on fading your color.

“Washing your hair every other or every third day is fine and actually better for your hair. Invest in a good shampoo. While it may cost more up front, it lasts much longer and you don’t need as much,” Penna said.

Now that you got the look part down for April 22, start looking for a charity that will be hands-on protecting the environment so that you can donate some of the money you will save on those hair products.

Spa Week Media Group Ltd.,  an integrated boutique marketing and public relations firm that specializes in the niche spa industry was founded in 2003 by Cheryl Reid of New York. By reaching spa owners directly and offering treatments, regularly costing hundreds of dollars for only $50 the concept of having a website promoting these deals grew at a great rate. At first only having 25 spas participating, there are now Spa Week chapters in more than 21 cities nationwide.   

“In three short years, Spa Week has gone from one of Manhattan’s best kept secrets to a nationwide spa enthusiasts’ dream.  My goal is to have Spa Week in every American city that has a high proliferation of day spas to accommodate eager consumers looking for affordable indulgence and a peek into the future of wellness. I’m confident that the future of Spa Week will assist in educating Americans on the importance of spa as a part of a new and improved healthy lifestyle campaign,” said Reid. 

It is very easy to maneuver through the website, finding your city and spas offering deals near you. After booking your treatment you can check out the giveaways tab and enter to win as many goodies as you like, equally simple. 

This month Spa Week and Rioja wine are bringing you a chance to win a pair of Manolo Blahniks or a case of delicious red wine.  Heroes of the beauty industry like Chris McMillan and Pat McGrath, from Allure Magazine, reveal their secret beauty weapons this month too and give away the fabulous products and tools they speak of.

With the economy slowly settling, and your cuticles probably suffering form those at-home manicures, you are better of booking an affordable treatment at Spa Week that will cheer you up and not leave your wallet empty. And if you don’t want to get a treatment, you should still enter to win those Manolos!

Nicholas Penna Jr., of SalonCapri in Newton Highlands and Hyde Park, Mass., talked to Blast recently with some wicked cool, green hair tips

Create Dreadlocks (the easy way!):

• Section off hair into half-inch sized sections
• Apply a wax to the section of hair
• Using a comb, tease the root area of the hair
• Begin to twist the hair
• Spray with a light hairspray
• Use a flat iron to hold the hair in place and move it up and down to create a “dreadlock” look

Skip Shampoo to conserve your hair products and save $/ stress on your hair:

• Shower daily, but don’t always shampoo! Just wash out hair with water and dry it normally
• Three times a week use shampoo and wash hair thoroughly
• By reducing the amount of times you shampoo a week, you can also save on fading your color

SalonCapri was awarded “Best of Boston 2008″ by Boston Magazine.

Our pal Nick Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri, told us this is a versatile look that can be dressed up or down. He told Blast the steps to realizing this hot-off-the styling chair look. Go ahead and get cooking.

Penna explained that the key to mastering this look is to create a well-defined part. “I’d suggest a side part to draw more attention to your face. A part in the middle of your hair can sometimes appear too harsh, depending on the shape of your face,” the “Best of Boston” stylist said. Use a lightweight styling pomade or texturizer to smooth the hair along your part and create a sleek finish.

To achieve a wavier look like Reese Witherspoon’s for example, skip on the styling pomade and wait until the look is complete to use a finishing spray. Penna suggests Shu Uemura’s Liquid Fabric Texturizing Spray as an easy-to-manage product.

Sweep your hair back into a low ponytail and secure it with an elastic that best matches your hair color. This should be a tight ponytail and it should be securely fastened at the base of your neck. With a firm grip, pull the end of the ponytail clockwise around the elastic, making sure to smooth the hair as it is being wrapped.

After the circular shape of the bun has been created, begin to pin the loose ends with bobby pins. Secure as necessary. “You want your bun to feel secure and cleanly wrapped without flyaways and extra strands of hair sticking out,” added Penna.

To finish the style, use a flexible finishing spray. Don’t be afraid to spray the bun, part and sides of your hair to ensure a sleek look. If you’re aiming for a messier approach, use your fingers to further add texture to your waves and then finish by spraying. If you add sexy smokey eyes you are ready to sport the do with sexy heals and a classy dress.  With innocent light makeup and pink lips you can wear the colorful spring palettes seen in a lot of runways this season to take over the arm weather.

Giuliana Rancic, host of E! News and a red carpet staple, shares some simple beauty tips that are sure to make you look and feel your best all night long — without a celebrity-sized budget.

Hydrate: Give yourself a healthy and glowing complexion by getting plenty of rest the night before the event, and stay hydrated during the day. When water gets too boring, add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice. The antioxidants will add to your glow.

Relax: If you’re prone to getting pre-event jitters, it’s important to find a way to relax beforehand so you can arrive feeling your best. Remember that confidence shows. To de-stress, she suggests meeting a friend for yoga, getting a full body massage or putting on some fun music to dance around to as you get ready.

Be prepared: Try on your outfit the day before to assure that you have the right shoes and accessories. You’ll feel much more relaxed on the day of the big event knowing that you have everything ready. It also pays to have a Plan B outfit in mind, just in case. And while you have your outfit on, pull out your digital camera and snap a couple photos of yourself to practice finding your picture-perfect pose the way models do.

Giuliana Rancic, host of E! News shares some simple beauty tips that are sure to make you look and feel like a million bucks, without spending that much

Say cheese: You can count on there being photos taken at any big event, so your smile needs to be camera-ready. A lip stain is your best bet for long-lasting lip color, and a bold shade will make your smile extra eye-catching. Of course, no matter how bright the color, it can’t hide dull teeth. Giuliana swears by Crest Whitestrips to make sure her teeth are sparkling before the big event. “My latest beauty secret is to use new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal two weeks before my big event. Because the strips mold to my teeth, I can talk, drink water and go about my routine while I’m wearing them! They fit perfectly into my busy schedule.”

Finally, eat right: You don’t want to be hungry during the event, but you also need to look your best in that dress. On the day of a big event, eat a small meal with protein in the morning, like an egg white omelet with veggies and feta cheese. Then, in the afternoon, stick with liquids like a fruit smoothie, which gives you energy without making you feel too full or bloated.

Following these simple steps will help you feel like you had your own personal glam squad for your next big night out.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Laura Albin (aka Jane) founded Chloe & Jane in 2007 after an “aha” moment in the shower with her friend’s, Wendy Viscuglia  (aka Chloe), handmade sugar scrub.  Realizing the importance of taking time to pamper yourself, she created a collection of bath and body products to inspire, renew, and entertain. What started with one scrub is now a five-product line in three delicious but subtle fresh spa scents that has celebs like Debra Messing and Christina Milian singing it praises.

“The idea, the initial idea, started in the kitchen of a friend of mine (Wendy Viscuglia), and she’s totally into going to the spa and I’m into buying soap at Target,” said Albin, co-founder, who started mixing ingredients for scrubs shortly after trying Viscuglia’s. “So Chloe became her image, a more fru-fru gal, and Jane was just plain Jane. We thought about this to show the two sides of the product, it’s a great line with fragrances that don’t overpower and won’t scare the people like me but it has high quality for the high maintenance women who want their spa needs fulfilled. The people I know are either one or the other type of consumer, but everyone likes this spa at home line”

In wanting to bring the products to “spa veterans and spa virgins” alike, Albin thought of possible recipes and packaging ideas. She came up with an eco-chic line made of paraben and artificial dye-free products and went with a recyclable packaging. Plus, she decided to never test on animals.

“It took 9 months to put everything together and we have been in the market for little less than a year. We didn’t expect it to be so well received and be such a great product so in that sense it has been very fun to bring the spa to people who have never been to the spa. We definitely want the brand to grow even more than body care, that’s the launching point for us, but we’d rather stay in the retail market rather than higher end stores. That way we reach more places and have the line be about girlfriends and taking care of yourself,” Albin added.

Each item smells and feels amazing with a choc full of “good for you ingredients;” like grapeseed oil, which helps in cell renewal, or Japanese green tea leaf extract, known to reduce puffiness and is packed with antioxidants.  But most appealing, oddly enough, are the product’s designs. Chloe&Jane prints fun anecdotes on the side of every package. From crazy waxing stories to do-it-yourself nightmare experiences. Once you see those little tales, you know the product is authentic, made and used by women who understand what women want.

Like Albin, also a mother of two, explained, it is always amazing to see how you can be great friends with someone so different from you. The stories added to the packaging help in creating a community amongst women who may be very unalike but can still form strong bonds despite it all.

“From a female perspective there’s this idea that you should exercise your passions and hope, follow your ambitions and that’s what we’re doing as far as the business. There’s a need to have good natural products that are not so serious, though, so we want to connect to our customers and we want to let you know its cool to be green while having fun and having a laugh,” Albin said. 

All the items retail from $12-$26 and are available online. For a limited time Blast readers can also enjoy 20% off the Chloe&Jane product line. Enter the code: Blast48 at the website’s check out, and if you’d like to win a spa kit enter the giveaway by February 28!

Since we can’t seem to help but lash out against our natural born beauty… it doesn’t seem so bizarre to bat our eyes at a new trend that seems to be taking on a view of its own!

Fake eyelashes are all the rage. From the individual ones that you place near the edge of the eye to the full eyelashes, they are a beauty obsession among many women, and in some cases a must-have for nights out on the town.

False eyelashes have been around since 1916, when American film director D.W. Griffith was filming his epic, “Intolerance.” Griffith wanted actress Seena Owen to pop on screen so he invented lashes that brushed her cheeks, so her eyes would appear larger than life. A wig maker wove human hair through fine gauze, which was then gummed to Owen’s eyelids.  They continued to be used in films and were also loved by everyday women looking to enhance their look.

Now fast forward almost 100-years and you will still find women winking over their fake and flirty lashes. Only now they are more practical in design but much more daring in style, and selection. Basic black is the most popular of course, but if you’re looking for a more Glamazon look, you can also find: feathered, furry, glittered and show-girly. It’s all a matter of preference, taste and in some cases how daring you dare to be!

Seeing someone in false eye lashes can make a girl wonder… “How did she get those things on?” It’s not exactly rocket science, but it’s not for the shake-y handed either. It does take a little patience, a good mirror and a little insight on how to apply them.

Here are some suggestions I was given by make-up artists:

• Apply a thin layer of liquid black eyeliner
• Curl eyelashes with an eyelash curler
• Before gluing fake eyelashes, lay them over your natural eyelashes to make sure they are the right length
• If lashes are too long, trim with scissors from the outer edge until you have the right size
• Squeeze out glue (I use the eyelash plastic container, why not)
• I use the back of my tweezers to add glue to the base of the eyelashes
• Wait till the glue is tacky before applying
• Lay fake eyelashes over your eye and slide down as close to the base of your real lashes
• And just like that, you have stunning eyelashes!

As you can see, I have worn lashes before, and I wanted to pass on a little tip I learned. Obviously, I was over joyed at the fact I was able to put them on myself and they stayed on! But one helpful find has made my lash locking a little easier- black glue. I tried the typical white when I first started and you could see I over-used it in fear of them falling off. Even though it said the white would dry clear, when you use as much as I did, there was still little remnants of white caked on the lashes. So even though I have gotten better at application, I still prefer the darker glue. Of course, you can always have a professional put them on for you too.

If you are looking for a long term glue-less solution, you can get eyelash implants. Eyelash implants are hair follicles taken from the scalp and sewn into the lash area. It is considered a surgical treatment, but you will have long thick lashes without the need to apply any fake ones. The only down fall is that the hairs that have been transplanted, may need to be trimmed. I wonder how soon there will be a line item at my salon under Eyebrow waxing that says “Eyelash Trim -$ 25.00?” Implants are also a little pricey, so the drugstore false lashes may have to do for awhile!

If you’re into trying new things, but are a little hesitant about lashing yourself out with false eyelashes or eyelash implants, there are a few liquid alternatives. One hot new product on the market today, that won’t break the bank, is called MaxoLash. If you want the lush lashes, but on a more permanent, no muss no fuss or needle basis, Maxolash can be easily applied to your lashes like mascara. Its patented formula allows your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker within a 4 week period. You just need to plan ahead if that’s the case!

Few! Who would have thought there would be so much to say about eyelashes? Even I am amazed at my findings. So get your fabulous blinkers winking with your new found lash love, it’s something to bat your eyes over!

This month, one Blast reader will win a kit of their choice, worth $140, and, in keeping with a French theme, a $50 gift certificate to Manhattan’s Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club in New York City. No sense in wasting a glowing complexion on Chinese take-out and re-runs of “Sex and the City,” right?

The contest is open to US and Canadian Residents only. Email us your information at Giveaways@BlastMagazine.com by December 31 to enter and please indicate your skin type.

Although not yet FDA approved, the company has been using the products in their international spas and in New York City spas for years. Here’s a break-down of what each kit includes.

For sensitive skin types:

• A new formula used for Sothy’s Immuniscience Crème is said to hydrate and soothe the epidermis, providing a protective shield to combat the everyday elements that can make skin dry and chafed.
• A Clearness Serum gives a concentrated punch of natural polyphenols to help sooth and diffuse redness.
• The Clearness & Comfort Mask softens skin. Throw on some Chopin an close your eyes for the full calming effect.

For regular skin types:

• A Hydra-Protective Crème moisturizes with chaparral extract for extra protection.
• Vitamin Serum with chaparral and eau’thentique of strawberry is said to make a difference in six weeks. Our tester didn’t have quite so long to find out, but did note that the strawberry juices infused into this protective trio leave behind a delightful and light scent.
• A Desquacreme forms a lotion-like barrier as it cleanses, but rinses clean. Active ingredients are said to clear and tone the skin for impurities.

For oily skin types:

• A Hydra-Matt Fluid is a light gel made from biotechnological compounds to reduce shine, moisturize and protect.
• The Clarifying Correcting Serum is a concentrated formula, containing natural polyphenols with properties of regulation, protection, and immediate soothing effect for chafed, red skin.
• The Absorbent Mask goes on creamy, but is enriched with powders and menthol for a clearer complexion and clean, shine-free, healthy skin.

After getting pretty enjoy a night out at the Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club. It features fine cuisine of the French Riviera with the convenience of a taxi ride in New York’s upper east side. Dine until 3 a.m. on chocolate soufflé and Foie Gras. Reservations are suggested and chic attire requested to blend in with the décor that was given the “Best Interior Design” award by Hospitality Design Magazine.

The club has hosted celebrity guests including Billy Baldwin, Joan Rivers, Cindy Adams, Chazz Palminteri and former President Bill Clinton.

You hope it’s the condensation that’s making your reflection look like you left the gym locker room, but no.  You’re forehead is glistening with perspiration.

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ Pore-Revolution-T-zone -Mattifier might be the solution you’re looking for. This beauty treatment is safe for all skin types, and a small dab of the silky cream applied to your forehead and nose, and any other areas that are prone to shine, should do the trick (Experts say to use your ring finger when applying, as this appendage has the gentlest touch). The salicylic acid in the cream stimulates the pores and, at the same time, cooling reliefs like willow leaf oil soothe the skin.  The thin cream dries faster than your first coat of mascara, so there will be no remnants of residue.

The odorless product also works to tighten your pores and refine your skin.  Stop the shine and go through your day with confidance forever more.

Other products available at www.dermelect.com include Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ Detoxifying Oxygen Facial Commisson.  This facial cleanser is designed to awaken the skin with just a dime-sized squirt in the morning. Its natural ingredients, including soy protein and licorice extract, are gentle and soothing to the skin, and the cleanser releases oxygen molecules that instantaneously detoxify the unwanted dirt and residue in your pores.  This product, which was formulated by medical professionals and licensed estheticians, can additionally be used as a quick and easy makeup remover in the evening.

For more information or to purchase, please visit www.dermelect.com.

As a coloring-obsessed, hair tool-addicted female, I am thoroughly excited for a product that actually makes my hair shine. Redken’s Chemistry System Hair Recovery Treatment takes dull hair and makes it glamorous! Don’t believe it? Ask CariDee English, winner of America’s Next Top Model who recently received a Chemistry System Treatment for her American Salon February photo shoot.

Celebrity stylist and Redken Haircolor Consultant David Stanko shares the experience of working with CariDee as well as supplying us with the lowdown we need on this groundbreaking product!

Debuting about two years ago, the Chemistry System was initially launched at a very exclusive level. Since then, it has continued to gain popularity and salon use as more and more dull-haired clients embrace this shine and body inducing product. It transforms the traditional long hair recovery treatment, involving baking and blowing into a quick procedure which often even includes a nice head massage during product application. This makes the total process of hair recovery significantly easier and more convenient for the everyday ‘hot tool addict.’

This Redken line follows the Chemistry System Promise of improved overall hair condition along with longer-lasting color results. “The Chemistry System is one of the biggest breakthroughs I’ve experienced in my career,” said Stanko. “I use the Chemistry System to prepare hair for color services and repair hair from mechanical abuse – and get amazing results every time!” The Chemistry System Promise or the CSP stands for Cleanse, Shot and pHix, which each refers to the different processes done to the hair during the treatment.

Thanks to technological advancement, the pHix stage only taking about five minutes, as opposed to the 25-40 min baking or blowing period of traditional products. The pHix stage delivers ingredients directly to each hair strand, extending the total benefits of the treatment. Stanko explains that with the ceramides and proteins, the treatment is a full system.

On working with Top Model, CariDee, Stanko describes her hair type as being medium textured. He worked with CariDee a few weeks prior to the Treatment, taking her natural blonde hair to another level, adding some rich lowlights. Stanko remarks that CariDee had a big personality and was very easy to work with. He used Redken’s Color Extend products on CariDee’s hair since her Chemistry Treatment was just following her color service. Color Extend products have Vitamin E and Antioxidants, which are used to combat radicals. It is important to use the appropriate shampoo for your hair type to make sure that you get the most out of the Redken products!

Is your hair feeling thirsty for the Redken Chemistry System Hair Recovery Treatment yet? Since it is exclusive to salon-only use, go to www.redken.com or call 1-800-REDKEN8 to find out pricing a saloon using the Chemistry System near you!

Themed Presents:

I am a fan of putting together themed presents and when you find out how easy it is, you will be too! Let’s take the above gifts as examples.

• Cuddle Blanket paired with his favorite DVD, and a box of popcorn … a night at home is complete.
• Charging valet paired with a fun new gadget whether it’s a monogrammed money clip, or the IPod Nano he’s been eyeing, he’ll love the accessory he can store on his new organizer.
• A sexy piece of lingerie paired with a sex toy, box of condoms, Karma Sutra book and deliciously scented candle create a night of seduction at your fingertips.

For both of you:

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spice things up. Show off your inner vixen and have him loving this holiday…and you like never before.

Sexy Lingerie, $40.00 and up

It’s time to show off your body and buy a present that makes you feel beautiful. The delight he’ll take in seeing your confidence and of course hot undergarments will ignite his passionate side. Perhaps surprise him with a tantalizing strip tease, or if you’re daring, come over wearing just your “present” underneath your coat.

Sex Toys, $15.00 and up

Whether you’re a long time fan of sex toys or want to try something new in the bedroom, surprising your man with a new plaything could be the best Valentine’s Day gift he’s ever received. The Internet provides a plethora of toys for anyone’s imagination and it also allows you to remain anonymous.

Show him you can be both naughty and nice this February 14th.

Made of hardwood in a lamination process, YogaChair is a new way to sit for long periods of time without damaging your body. When sitting in a regular chair, the body is constricted, but when sitting in the strange looking YogaChair, one can actually feel an extension from the pelvis upwards. With a curved shape and no back or arm rests, its seat forces the user to lean slightly forward while placing the shins in individual leg cushions, creating a sitting position that is comfortable for hours on end.

“This chair is great for everyone because all the muscles release and it offers and incredible way to sit,” said Donnie Katlan, co-owner of the YogaChair business, based in Maryland. ”For most people the look is hard to understand at first but once they sit on the chair they feel the difference and I just constantly hear, ‘I love it.’”

The idea originated three years ago, after a freak basketball accident left Katlan with a broken hip and several other leg injuries. His wife, Deborah, had an old kneeling chair in which Donnie was able to sit more comfortably after the accident. Regular chairs only placed pressure on his hips and after trying various types of rehab, Donnie realized the simple action of sitting in his wife’s stool helped him more with the healing.

A yogi for about 20 years, Katlan decided he would design a chair similar to the stool he had grown so fond of, thereby skipping all the stressful medical treatments. He revamped the stool’s shape and added leg support, only to be amazed by the results.

“I liked the chair because it was great for balance. I compared it to other ergonomic chairs and, by far, the angle this chair has makes all the difference in elongating the body and decreasing pressure. I sat on it every day and my knee had to bend but it wasn’t painful, very soon I had healed naturally, ” he said.

Thinking he needed to share his new invention with the world, he established a company, found a manufacturer and trademarked the name YogaChair more than a year ago. Today, he has sold chairs across America and around the world to customers in Thailand, Ukraine and Israel, among others. Although he does not disclose profit or sales figures, Katlan says his business is growing.

“You can test this comparison on a regular chair. Sit on the end of your chair, feet flat on the floor with your back not touching the back of your chair. Feel how your spine extends out from your rear end. In a YogaChair you do not have to think about sitting properly. The design accomplishes that…and clients have even said that sitting on the chair has helped them loose weight,” he added.

Usually shipping within two to seven days, the chair comes in six colors, and is designed for people between the heights of 4’10” through 6’2”, and can handle 250 to 300 pounds. Although the original design has no back or arm support, the designs for an “executive line” are being created. As the co-owner explained, back and arm rests will be added to give the look of a regular chair; the colors will be darker, more professional, and the wood will come in a mahogany or natural stain.

Currently, children can also use the chair by placing their feet atop the shin cushions rather than placing their legs over them, but Katlan is also developing a children’s size chair. Not only can people use it at an office or home setting to relax or even meditate, younger clients will be able to sit in it while using a computer, playing video games or reading.

“I’m not interested in following fads and this doesn’t fit into the yoga items must-haves list, the point of the business is to benefit others, to develop healthy posture for kids and up. We’re getting there but there’s not a YogaChair in every home yet,” said Katlan.

The texture of this product felt as though I was placing animal fat on my face. It took about half an hour for the mask to dry, when the back of the container says it takes approximately 15 minutes.

The Abrioné Turquoise Masque left my face and neck feeling sticky, and not very refreshed. It took another half an hour for my face to feel soft again. This product would most likely work better when used with the facial care products from Abrioné, but when used by itself, it basically wasn’t very impressive.

This was not what I expected; I would have expected a natural facial product to feel a bit less fake, smell better and leave my face feeling cleansed, but it did not.

It felt like it had too much oil in it and felt like children’s “play makeup.” The scent wasn’t strong, which is sometimes a good thing, but it wasn’t a refreshing scent that most people would expect from a face masque. My face felt as though it needed to be washed after I rinsed off the facial masque. It also wasn’t very good on the factor of firming. This item is not worth its price.