Blog Posts by Marie Claire

Here in the MC beauty department, we're no strangers to getting our brows professionally shaped. Cleaning up straggly brows is one of the quickest ways to make your face look pulled together, and after more than a few overzealous at-home tweezing sessions (resulting in brow sections that never grew back all the way!), we've learned that sometimes it's best to leave certain beauty rituals to the pros. And like going to a hair cut appointment, it's best to go in prepared, so here are a few editor tips we've picked up along the way.

Full is the word. Even the best brow groomer can sometimes get way into the tweezing zone and go overboard, leaving you with overly skinny (though perfectly shaped) brows. The way to remedy this is to clearly state at the beginning of your appointment (and during if you sense a massacre going on) that you want him/her to keep your brows as full as possible. Say this even if you could use some shrinkage - chances are your brow person will still thin them

Men and women don't always see eye to eye - especially when it comes to what makes a lady look amazing. While you might find a blunt and structured 'do incredibly chic, there's a really good chance he just finds it weird. In an effort to demystify what guys find sexy, we polled a handful to find out which hairstyles men really do prefer.


photo credit: Michael N. Todaro/Contributor/Getty Images


Retro Bangs
"I'll always like that sort of late '60s long bangs with longer hair look. Think Mary Jane, Spider-Man's girlfriend. I've noticed that Rose Byrne, who seems to be in every other movie right now, has been wearing her hair this way, and it has certainly captured my attention.
Tom, 33, Book Jacket Designer



photo credit: Julien Hekimian/Getty Images


Vivid Hues
"Good hair will get my attention from across the room. I really like warm, vivid colors. The style itself, and whether it looks good, will change with the times and who is wearing it, but a great color will always get me."
Tim, 35, Software Developer





Want more? Check out our list of the Best Celebrity Hairstyles of All Time!

photo credit: George Pimentel/Getty Images

photo credit: James Whitaker/Getty ImagesAs slick devices take over our home and homes away form home, whispers of techno-health hazards keep flying. We get to the bottom of what's real, what's not, and when to opt out.

Smartphones
The situation: Just as we were chatting on our iPhones about our summer plans, the news broke: The World Health Organization had just classified radio frequency waves - the radiation we know most from cell phones - as "possibly carcinogenic." No new studies were hatched, just a review of existing relevant research, which led to a conclusion of "limited evidence" for certain brain tumors from cell phones - meaning there "could be some risk" and we should "keep a close watch." But alas, the ongoing wishy-washiness stems from the existing studies' being too small, too outdated, and too ill-designed to be definitive, explains Michael Wyde, Ph.D., of the National Toxicology Program. The strategy: Minimize exposure. Read more here.



photo credit: Vstock/Getty Images



iTunes Alert
Now that smartphones have replaced iPods, they're also

From subtle highlights to a comPhoto Credit: Ralph Meckepletely new shade, updating your hair color is a great way to freshen up your overall appearance. Before making any drastic changes to your current color, there are a few things you should keep in mind and do before you get to the salon. Celebrity colorist Sharon Dorram (she's colored the locks of Kate Hudson and Nicole Kidman!) of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger shares a few of her top tips for attaining the hair color you want.

1. Before stepping foot in a salon, "Collect pictures of past hair color or future pictures of the desired color you want. Visuals work the best to ensure you are on the same page." Look online or cut pictures out of your favorite magazines (such as Marie Claire!) to bring along with you.

2. When you arrive at the salon, speak up! "Talk about your lifestyle; budget if applicable; concerns of hair texture, e.g., previous treatments, damage etc." Platinum blonde may look great on celebrities, but the frequent touch-ups

photo credit: Rebecca Greenfield"Despite the sweltering temperatures, summer is still the best time to flaunt a good blowout," says hairstylist Mark Townsend, who also tends to the manes of Natalie Portman and Ashley Olsen. "You aren't fighting winds, snow, scarves, or hat-head." Here, Townsend's salon- and red-carpet-tested styling tips.

STEP 1: Less Is More "Too much product is the number-one enemy of a good blowout," says Townsend. On wet hair (don't rub dry with a towel; it causes frizz), comb a nickel-size amount of your favorite heat-protection gel or styling cream through strands. "You can always use more product later, but you can't take any away," notes Townsend. Avoid greasy buildup - especially if you have bangs - by forgoing sprays and mousses near the hairline.
MC Recommends: Sally Hershberger Style Primer, $12.50; Matrix Biolage Bodifying Spray Gel, $16.50.

STEP 2: Hands-On "You can get 75 percent of the moisture out of your hair by rough drying," says Townsend. "The more you do without a brush, the

Although Manhattan summers are notoriously hot and humid, this year's heat wave floored even lifetime New Yorkers. As an intern in the Marie Claire beauty closet, I learned firsthand which products are essential - and which ones to avoid - when braving the city's airless subway tunnels and crowded sidewalks.





1. Lip Moisturizer
Prevent a messy handbag situation by ditching any lip balms prone to melting, such as softer formulas in tins or jars. Switch them out for a solid stick with SPF to protect against uncomfortable lip burns. Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer SPF 15 (about $3) is a favorite.








2. Solid Fragrance
I like to carry solid or roller-ball versions of favorite fragrances to use on my way in and out of the office. Tocca makes some pretty and portable solid scents ($30) that are light enough for summer, when the hot air seems to magnify all the less-than-desirable scents around us.








3. Blotting Sheets
These sheets are a great way to combat shiny skin, especially when followed

We get it: There's no way you're going to try that albino eyebrow trend (seen on the Prada runway), but that doesn't mean there aren't subtle ways to change your look. Now that summer's in full swing, it's time you at least go for one of these cool beauty trends:

1. Slicked-back bun
Instead of using greasy serum or sticky gel, de-frizz and protect your color by rubbing a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen (or whatever extra you have left over after sunscreening your face and body) into damp hair, then twist locks into a loose bun above the nape of your neck. So glam!

MC recommends: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion, SPF 15; Goody Spin Pins

2. Orange pedicure
This sunny shade will brighten your day and enhance your glow, even if you're just sporting a self-tan (as you should be).

MC recommends: Essie nail polish in Tangerine

3. Smooth legs
Take a vacation from shaving and try a depilatory. Wipe off the hair removal cream with a warm, damp washcloth

Photo Credit: Fabio PettinariTo copy the bevy of celebs sporting smoldering, smoky eyes on the red carpet, stay away from blue hues - which can make you look like you have undereye circles, says Giorgio Armani makeup artist André Drykin. Instead, go for black, gray, brown or if you want "color," dark green shadows and liners. Then, follow these steps:

1. Apply a cream concealer over your eyelid to create a smooth base for your eyeshadow.

2. Use a pencil liner (black or gray looks best) to trace your top lashline from the inner corner to the outer. Then, use the same pencil to dot between your lower lashes. Smudge both lashlines with a cotton swab or an eyeliner brush.

3. Sweep powder shadow (brown, gray and dark green all work with black or gray liner) over your lid and into your crease, blending the color up and outward, says New York City makeup artist Morgen Schick DeMann.Marie Claire recommends: Morgen Stained Glass Eye Wash in Spruce; Shiseido The Makeup Eye Shadow Brush; Cover Girl Perfect Blend Pencil in