Call me a shrinking violet, but the mere prospect of getting my teeth whitened at a mall ranks right up there with sucking face with Flavor-Flav. I'm not doing it. It's not just because you're made to lie down with goggles on as some eerie blue light emanates from within while kids on leashes (what's UP with that, people?) and sundry Hot Dog on a Stick aficionados meander by and stare.

Related: How to Get a Movie Star Smile

It's also that it seems wrong on several levels. Much in the same way that you shouldn't pick your nose in public or, say, shave your legs on the bus, personal grooming matters, like having your teeth whitened, should be relegated to private salons or, here's a novel concept : a dentist's office.

Of course, going to the dentist to have him up the wattage of your whites is expensive and time-consuming and, if you have a sensitive gag reflex, downright unpleasant. Happily, there are ways to fake having a movie star smile that don't involve large

Whether or not bangs are your go-to for a little hairstyle switch-up or you haven't sported them since your Girl Scout days, they are clearly the latest hair trend to hit Hollywood!

Reese Witherspoon opted for the bang to hide a scar on her forehead.

As seen on Rachel McAdams, Reese Witherspoon and Liv Tyler this week, the long, thick, blunt bang is huge this season. But before you make the cut, weigh the pros and cons for this high maintenance 'do!

Top 10 Best Hairstyles with Bangs

Pro: Bangs Glam Up Straight Hair
Rachel, Reese and Liv all have one thing in common: straight locks. Bangs are the perfect solution for adding some edge to an otherwise bland hairstyle. To get the look, celebrity hairstylist and Nexxus Salon Hair Care Creative Director Kevin Mancuso suggests using a shampoo and conditioner that doesn't overly soften hair which can make bangs lok greasy even when they are clean. Try Nexxus ProMend Split End Treatment Daily Shampoo and ProMend Split End

By Alexandra Owens, Allure magazine

February: a month where I'll be paying extra attention to my clothes, hair, and makeup. And no, it has nothing to do with Valentine's Day. It's all about the Fall 2012 fashion shows, and not just because I secretly hope Bill Cunningham of The New York Times will snap my photo. I've found that I put more effort into outfits for events that are populated by other women than for assignations with the opposite sex.

At first, this hierarchy of beauty may seem counter-intuitive. After all, we definitely invest plenty of attention in what to wear for occasions like first dates, second dates, and meeting the parents. But if we're honest with ourselves, guys don't care much about perfect earrings or shades of eyeshadow- and yes, that includes on Valentine's Day.

Related: The 11 Hottest Haircuts Right Now

Speaking as someone who has worked in offices filled with (exceptionally stylish) ladies her entire life, I can vouch for the fact that the most

Platinum Hair
The Look: Platinum Hair
"I felt invisible until I went platinum," hairstylist Marie Robinson says. Although Robinson tints the strands of A-list celebs at her namesake NYC salon, she struggled to find her perfect shade until she tried the near-white hue. "My own dark brown didn't give pop to my skin or eyes," she says. "Now I'm addicted to my color."

How to Get It: The platinum-obsessed alternate their daily shampoo with Clairol Shimmer Lights and Sebastian Color to prevent fading and brassiness. Try Kérastase Masquintense to condition followed by Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso hair oil post-shower to avoid fried ends.

MORE: The Best Short Haircut for Your Face Shape


Nail Art
The Look: Nail Art
"I've been fanatical about nail art for a few years," says NYC-based DJ Harley Viera-Newton, who became "obsessed" with nail designs while perusing Japanese beauty blogs. "My makeup and clothes are pretty tame, so I go nuts with my nails," she says.

How to Get It: Milani glitter polishes don't dry out

tattoosI have a thing about tattoos, especially original ones that are unique to the person sporting them. The idea that a person can alter the skin they are in and make something new our of their own body is really quite incredible. I have one tattoo that I got after the age of 30 and I do not regret it for a second.

That said, many other people do. My husband and I got ours together after talking about it for years. We designed it ourselves. It's our initials split in half so that we each have a tribal design that means nothing unless we are together. Immediately after we got it on our seventh wedding anniversary, everyone asked us if we would hate it in our 80s.

More from The Stir: Are Tattooed Moms the New Black?

My answer: Hell no. But there are those who do regret their tats. But they shouldn't. Here are 5 reasons not to regret that tattoo.

It once meant something: I've heard tattoos described as a "permanent reminder of a temporary feeling" and I think that is

By Meredith Stebbins, Birchbox
Top 5 Concealers
Achieve complexion perfection with these all-star cover ups

Any woman will tell you: diamonds aren't a girl's best friend -- concealer is. Whether you're battling bags, blemishes, or fine lines, the right concealer can work wonders. We've rounded up the best cover-up for every type of skin concern. Read on to find your new BFF.

Blemishes: Miracle Skin Transformer™ Treat and Conceal

When pesky zits pop up (which happens far more frequently than we'd like), hiding them is equally as important as healing them. Reach for Miracle Skin Transformer's™ Treat and Conceal, a creamy formula that blends like a dream and is packed with complexion-improving ingredients like white rose and chamomile. Plus, it's loaded with witch hazel to keep skin clear and prevent future breakouts.

Undereye Circles and Bags: Benefit Ooh La Lift

We've come to terms with the fact that we are perpetually tired, but that doesn't mean we need to look it. Benefit's brilliant Ooh La Lift

Ear-Covering Ponytails - InStyle.comDress up your next ponytail in five seconds flat by pulling your strands over your ears like Sofia Vergara, Hailee Steinfeld, Sophia Bush, and Victoria Justice. The look can vary ever so slightly-Bush and Vergara untucked a few loose waves in the front, while Steinfeld and Justice kept every piece perfectly in place. When you try this hairstyle at home, remember: A drop of shine serum (like Josie Maran's argan oil, $30 at sephora.com) before fastening your ponytail with an elastic will keep strands looking fabulously smooth and in ear-covering place.

MORE:
• More on Easy-Peasy Ponies!
• 100+ Hairstyle Ideas!
• The Hottest New Celebrity Styles
• Top 10 Haircuts Right Now
• Brazilian Blowouts Get Hazard Warnings

- Marianne Mychaskiw