SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Soap Opera

Dirty girls don't have ALL the fun, you know? Nice and, yes, clean girls can have a blast, too. Matter of fact: they can have a jolly ol' time while they get themselves all freshened up, especially if they're armed with these goodies from LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics.

What exactly are they, you ask? Ahhh, well, at first glance, they look like sweets from a yummy bakery (well, the red one looks like a sprinkled donut, doesn't it?! LOL) But, of course, you already know these aren't meant to be eaten. So are they soaps, you ask? Well, not exactly. Here's the interesting part: they're shampoo bars. Yes, you might have assumed that shampoo only comes in a bottle, but you'd be mistaken. LUSH's solid shampoo bars are deliciously scented and environmentally friendly (particularly since they don't come in any plastic bottles that need to be recycled).

So let me break down what each of these is all about.

The red bar is dubbed the New Shampoo Bar, and it's suitable for all hair types. The New bar both cleanses your hair and stimulates the scalp, encouraging faster hair growth. The ingredients include cinnamon leaf, clove, bay, rosemary and peppermint. The soap has an extremely potent cinnamon scent (kind of like when you pop open a stick of Big Red, except there's a much fresher, purer feel to this aroma).

The blue bar, meanwhile, is called the Seanik Shampoo Bar, and it contains a softening gel made from Pacific Coast seaweed, Japanese nori seaweed and softening salt, as well as lemon oil, and orange blossom extracts. It may not be the fairest of the bunch on a strictly visual level, but it does wonders for softening your hair and adding much-needed volume.

Last but not least is the white shampoo, dubbed the Ultimate Shine Shampoo Bar, which contains ylang ylang, coconut oil, gardenia and sweet violet leaf oil, all of which add shine to your mane. This one's my absolute favorite -- it smells like a freshly picked gardenia, and it brightens up even the dullest locks.

LUSH Solid Shampoo Bars, $9.45 each. Visit Lush.com

Beauty from Down Under

Admittedly, I was once skeptical about all these botanical/organic skincare lines. I figured that, if anything needed to improve elasticity, diminish the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes, and restore moisture to our skin could, in fact, be found in nature, someone would've already figured out the magic formula, bottled it up, and made a big fat bundle. Like most stuck-on-science Westerners, I figured the answers were in the lab, in some unpronounceable chemical compound. In the last few years, however, I've come full circle, discovering a number of alternative skincare lines that utilize natural ingredients and are both effective and gentle on our skins (not to mention mindful of our planet). Chief among these companies that have made me a believer is Jurlique, which utilizes ingedients grown and harvested in South Australia.

Jurlique's new Biodynamic Beauty line is so astoundingly effective you'll actually see results in days (which is a good thing for us impatient types! lol) The collection doesn't contain artificial fragrances, parabens, mineral oils, artificial colors, or any other cooked-up extras. The ingredient list, instead, includes: marshmallow (a key component of the Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion since it hydrates the skin); black elder and licorice (to conceal and combat any redness and discoloration); beech tree buds, blue algae and hibiscus (which can be found in the Biodynamic Beauty Serum and which work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles); and arnica and euphrasia (which can be found in the Biodynamic Beauty Eye Cream and help to soothe the skin and reduce puffiness).

I recommend getting the entire line, as the products do really complement one another well. And trust: in a week, you'll feel like a spring chicken... Okay, well, maybe a chicken isn't the best comparison given how we've integrated the word chickenhead into our lingo, but you get the point!

Jurlique Biodynamic Eye Cream, $45; Biodynamic Beauty Serum, $75; Biodynamic Beauty Night Lotion, $55; Biodynamic Beauty Refining Treatment, $35. Visit Jurlique.com

Princesas

Vera Wang's Princess fragrance has been a smash hit since its launch in July 2006, but now fans of the scent have got much more to play with than the spray perfume. Hey, true princesses are more than a bit demanding, right?

For summer 2008, Vera and the lovely folks at Coty, Inc. have rolled out a convenient Glittery Glimmer Stick (which you can apply to key points (neck, elbows, wrists, etc.) or glide on a larger surface area (like around your cleavage 'cause you KNOW you like to show that off!). You'll not only smell delicious, but you'll literally sparkle (in a great way -- not in that I-rolled-ovr-a-pound-of-glitter-and-Elmer's-glue-way).

Also new is the Shimmer Body Powder Brush, (which is perfect for sticky days when you can't imagine rolling anything besides deodorant on your body) -- the brush is convenient for use on larger areas (arms, back, legs, etc.) and its scent is substantially lighter than the glimmer stick (which is a good thing if you're going to be applying all over your body; otherwise, you may OD on perfume and actually repel rather than attract folks!). To be honest though, the glimmer stick is my jump-off -- it goes on smooth, the fragrance is long-lasting without being overwhelming, and it gives you just the right amount of sparkle (it's like you've been sprinkled with fairy dust).

Those of you not familiar with Vera Wang's Princess, it's really a gorgeous floral fragrance that's feminine but adventurous, with notes of Bulgarian rose, calla lily, wild tuberose, mandarin flower, gardenia, iris, and apricot reigning supreme and hints of vanilla, musk, and amber to balance out the sweetness. A whiff of this, and you'll have men ready to battle fire-breathing dragons just to get into your arms.

Vera Wang Princess Glittery Glimmer Stick, $25; Vera Wang Princess Shimmer Body Powder Brush, $35; Visit Sephora.com

Get Your Shine On

Tell me if this sounds familiar: you pull out your flat iron and, after manhandling yur unruly locks, you put a few drops of whatever haircare product in your bathroom is meant to smooth out any firzzy hais, add definition and maximize shine —and THEN you start getting the feeling that your hair looks oily and that those few drops you put in just messed your whole game up. That's just the friggin' worst!!! And, as much as I've used Fantasia iC Hair Polisher and the Organic Olive Oil Sheen Spray (both big sellers at most 'hood beauty supply stores), those products have to be handled with care if you want to avoid that whole my-hair-is-oilier-than-a-McDonald's-deep-fryer situation.

Which brings me to Nioxin Research Laboratories, Inc. and their new product, the Nioxin Smoothing Reflectives Glossing Color Shield. What's particularly cool about this product is that, not only does it treat dry, frizzy hair, but it also helps to guard color-treated hair (meaning that, if you've dyed or highlighted your hair, this product will help your color last longer and will really bring out the vibrant hues). The Smoothing Reflectives Glossing Color Shield contains a technology dubbed "Glyco-Color Shield," which bonds with your hair's keratin and creates a glyco-protein barrier, thus sealing the cuticle to lock in color. It also contains ingredients like kukui nut oil and silk amino acids for added shine and smoothness, as well as sunflower seed extract to neutralize free radicals from sun exposure.

The product is really effective but it's also really strong, so use sparingly: one drop for short hair, two for long — and make sure to rub it in between your palms and apply with care. It really does bring out all the overtones and undertones in colored hair, so I definitely recommend this for all of y'all with faux haircolor.

Nioxin Smoothing Reflectives Glossing Color Shield, $19.99. Visit Nioxin.com for stores.

Daisy Does... Well, Everywhere...

Marc Jacobs has officially succeeded at everything. Women swoon over his clothing, which ranges from demure (pastel-colored trench coats, playful tulip skirts, Grecian column dresses) to preppy (snug corduroy jackets, sweaters with rugby stripes) to Art Deco-inspired (his Resort 2009 collection features bold oranges, pinks and blues and '80s-flavored pieces like pants with over-the-top heart prints and mini dresses with technicolor, metallic flower designs). His shoes are more coveted than Cinderella's glass slipper -- from his ballet slippers to his funky stilettos and high-heeled Maryjanes. And don't get me started on the handbags -- his 2006 quilted Stam bag is as classic as a Chanel purse but way funkier, and the Mika bag is just stunning (shout out to Purse Blog for always having the latest and greatest MJ bags). But there's more than that -- Marc's got a line of sunglasses, costume jewelry, accessories, a less expensive clothing line (Marc by Marc Jacobs), and several successful fragrances including his eponymous scent and his latest hit, Daisy.

Daisy by Marc Jacobs ranks high on my list of fave fragrances -- it's playful but vibrant, youthful without being childish, elegant but charming. The floral fragrance includes top notes of violet, gardenia, grapefruit, strawberry and jasmine, with underlying vanilla, white woods and musk notes. The end result: a scent that's clean and inviting.

Clearly, most of us don't love hauling a bottle of perfume in our purses so, of course, there's a clever solution: buying this adorable Daisy solid perfume ring. The daisy-shaped enamel ring is adjustable and can actually be worn as an accessory (it looks adorable on if you're rocking a nice sundress, white linen pants, or a white eyelet dress/blouse). It can also be used as a keyring (it comes with a little loop for that purpose). Or, if you just want to keep it tucked in your purse, then place it inside its zip-up mini gold pouch and take it out as needed.

Personally, I like to wear the ring. Think about it: if you have a hot lunch or dinner date, you can just open your ring up while he's looking the other way and re-up on the perfume. See the genius at work?

Daisy by Marc Jacobs solid perfume ring, $30. Visit Sephora.com

Damage Control

Not to sound like a broken record, but if you intend to have healthy hair come September, you better act accordingly because summertime is straight-up brutal on our tresses. Sure, you may go for deep conditionings weekly or bi-weekly, but at the end of the day, as soon as you leave the salon and start walking down the street, your hair will be exposed to the sun's brutal beams, you'll start sweating, and you'll be washing your hair way before you intended (thus drying it out and needing more to replenish it). And if you're somewhat of a beach bunny, then you know all about how straw-like your hair can feel when you leave your sandy nook.

So here's the deal: Warren-Tricomi's Repair collection is designed to address all these summer dilemmas, the Repair Restoring Conditioner, for one, includes ingredients like avocado oil, wheat protein, yucca (I, for one, had no idea that yucca was good for the hair... how dope is that?!), hops, montana flower and more, which coat each strand of hair and help to lock moisture in. It's incredibly calming thanks to the use of sage, lavender and sweet rose notes. Similarly, the Repair Restoring Shampoo cleanses your hair while also nourishing it: hydrolized collagen protein protects your hair against heat exposure (not just from the sun, but also from styling tools like hot combs, blow dryers, etc.). Those with seriously challenged hair can take advantage of the Repair Daily Hair Masque, which packs a helluva a lot of punch (it's like the undiluted, 100% proof formula).

See? Now the temperature can rise more than a Sean Paul song and you'll still be good to go.

Warren-Tricomi Repair Restoring Shampoo, $24; Repair Restoring Conditioner, $26; Repair Daily Hair Masque, $38. Visit TheCosmeticMarket.com or check out WarrenTricomi.com

The Mamas and the Papayas

Happy 4th of July weekend, y'all! I took a day for some R&R yesterday (okay, okay, and for a whole bunch of drinks too! LOL) but I'm baaa-aaack and coming at y'all harder than a G-Unit mixtape in the pre-Get Rich Or Die Tryin' days. Today's lovely topic: finding a good mask for your skin. I've tried clay-based masks, enzyme peels, avocad masks, apricot masks and more, but I must admit I'm pretty fond of this one right here: Zia Treatments' Papaya Enzyme Mask. Zia's got 20 years of experience in making beauty products using all-natural ingredients, so their botanical expertise can fill up a Library of Congress. This mask actually does a bit of mutli-tasking: the papaya component gently exfoliates the skin (i.e. removes old, dead skin cells, as well as any icky substances clogging your pores) while organic honey nourishes your skin and Vitamins C & E repair surface damage.

And here's a little bit of background info on the benefits of papaya. According to some folks (I can't really vouch for the veracity of this info, but it's pretty interesting), Native Americans would often rub the fleshy part of papaya on their faces to refresh and cleanse their skins. Papaya is also believed to have anti-cancerous properties. It helps to quicken the healing of wounds (much like aloe), boosts the immune system, aids in weight loss, eases swelling, and more. In fact, it's not uncommon for folks in Jamaica to extract the juice from the papaya fruit and use that on warts and corns to improve the appearance of their hands/feet.

So, in a nutshell, the tropical fruit is not just yummy to eat (papaya shakes are my absolute favorite, but I digress), it's also beneficial to your health and your outside appearance. Can't go wrong with something that can heal you inside and out, right?

Zia Natural Fresh Papaya Enzyme Mask, $24.95. Visit ZiaNatural.com

Hard to Bare

Unless you're down with the Big Love-esque "compound" fashions, you probably like to spend the summer in skimpy sundresses, cleavage-enhancing tube tops and low-cut halter tops (not that you're dressing like Ice-T's gal pal Coco -- I'm just saying we all do what we have to do to stay cool). So if you're like most of the female population, you're probably faced with the age-old conundrum: bra or no bra? See, unless you're chairing the itty-bitty committee, you're probably trying on outfits and wondering whether you can get away with going commando (on top, at least) or if you really need to withstand the annoyance of a strapless bra just to make sure you don't wind up unintentionally flashing your breasts.

Well, here's the good news Miss Oops! offers a solution to your indecent exposure concerns: the Miss Oops! Misshap Tape, a box of double-sided apparel tape designed so that the fabric actually attaches to your body. Unlike so many other double-sided tapes, the Misshap Tape is designed so that it moves with your body and clothes, so you won't have to worry about your movements being constricted or it coming off if you bend over to pick something up! The tape is available in 2 sizes and 36 pieces are included per box, so that should get you through at least half of summer!

Miss Oops! Misshap Tape, $6.99 per box; Visit MissOops.com

Body Art

That Kat Von D is a badass chick. The Mexico-born star (y'all know I had to throw that factoid in there! And mad props to my homies at Latina for bringing that to light!) has become as known for her rockstar-meets-pinup-gal personal style (the leather halter tops, oversized glasses, midriff-revealing tank tops, cigarette jeans, chunky wedge shows, cut-off tees, animal-print dresses, studded belts, leather cuff bracelets, etc.) as for her top-notch work as a premier tattoo artist. From her sleeves (meaning the tats that cover her entire length of her arms) to the sprinkle of inked stars around her left eye, Von D is showing that tattoos can be sexy and feminine.

On the red carpet, one of the things that always makes Von D stand out is her sultry makeup -- whether she's rocking a smokey eye with nude lips or burlesque-style red lipstick and an understated eye. Which is why she's such a perfect candidate to create a make-up line, a fact that Sephora quickly picked up on when it asked Von D to create her own limited-edition line of lipsticks, eyeshadows and brushes for Sephora. The eyeshadow palettes are spectacular -- there's the Ludwig, which incorporates warm and earth-based colors (yellow (which she dubs "tequila"), brown (which she calls "leather"), copper (or "baroque"), olive green (called "orbi"), etc.) to the Beethoven, which includes darker, moodier colors like dark, metallic blue (which she names "speed blue"), taupe (or "sinner," as she calls it), a light mauve shade (which she dubs "galeano" and more). The shades are really unusual in the best of ways and they're easy to blend for interesting contours and combinations.

Kat Von D for Sephora True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Ludwig and Beethoven, $34 each. Visit Sephora.com

Heal The World (Or At Least Your Skin)

I've tried many a lotion (scented and unscented, shimmering and translucent, thick and creamy or light and silky, with SPF and without it), and I must say I never expected to get some of the best results from a product that can be found at any major drugstore. But woomp, there it is -- after a week of integrating Curel's Natural Healing Soothing Lotion to my after-shower routine, I've officially set my sights on a new item to toss in my basket when I make my Duane Reade runs.

The lotion includes lavender to soften your skin, chamomile to calm and soothe, and oatmeal to reduce any inflamation and irritation (those of you who suffered through the chicken pox already know oatmeal can work wonders on even the most botched-up skin). What I love about this particular lotion is just how light it is -- the texture is somewhere in between baby oil and vaseline, and it glides on smoothly and coats your skin without making you feel sticky and caked up. Just 15 minutes after applying the lotion, you'll actually feel your skin being replenished and hydrated (I sound like a commercial but it really is the case). It's a perfect buy for summer, when the sun's rays take a toll on our skin and we need that extra TLC (but when it's dumb hot out, and we don't want a thick cream that's just going to make us sweat and feel gross). The ingredients are quite gentle and there are no artificial scents so even those with extremely sensitive skin can reap the benefits of this one. Guess Curel can cure all.

$9.99; available at most drugstores