Pretty Lip Balms That Think They’re Glosses Too

ChapStick is great. Cherry ChapStick, better. And when it comes to lip color, I always put a premium on moisture over hue. But why not have the best of both worlds? The balms below each do a great job softening chapped lips, but you'll also get a different lip gloss-like effect from each one, so there's no need to layer. Or carry around two tubes in that tiny clutch.

Shine: I expected Treat Sweet Butter Tinted Lip Balm ($10) to smell sugary and candy-like, but was pleasantly surprised by the more sophisticated rose-petal scent. The balm is moisturizing and super shiny without being sticky.

Color: on10's Dr. Pepper Berries & Cream In Good Taste Lip Conditioner ($9) is a sheer berry color that can certainly hold its own against gloss, and did an outstanding job softening lips – just like you'd expect from a full-time balm.

Shimmer: NARS Lip Treatment in Sabrina ($24) comes in the same sleek tube as the rest of the company's lipsticks, so even if you're a lipstick-avoidant like me, you can still do the uncap and twist up thing – very old-world glamorous – only what you get is a soothing shimmery pink balm, not a chalky super-pigmented red.    

Celebrity Swimwear: Stars Love Ed Hardy--Do You?

Ed Hardy's people are all atingle about the numerous celebrities spotted wearing their man's new Vintage Tattoo designs. Everyone from Christina Milian...to Denise Richards... 

...to Britney, Beyonce, Ashlee Simpson and Lindsay Lohan have donned these colorful, collage-inspired swimsuits. And granted, those ladies look great in Hardy's unusual garments. But I'm pretty sure I couldn't pull off an Ed Hardy suit ($168), and I'm actually not sure I'd want to. To be frank, I don't like these Ed Hardy pieces. Do you? We would love to hear what SheFinds readers think of these trucker-style suits. 

Personally, I prefer a more demure Maya or Lisa Curran. Let us know your thoughts in our comments section below. 

And shop the SheFinds Swimsuit Guide for a variety of swimwear choices. 

Pretend You’re A Laid-Back Californian In Sanuk Sandals

It just takes a few lines of their About Us section to realize that Sanuk is one of those happy hippie California companies where everyone probably goes to work in flip-flops. Case in point: they forgive tardiness so long as you can be seen surfing outside the office window.

It probably wouldn’t hurt to steal some of their sunny disposition, and lucky for us, they make (surprisingly) stylish, reasonably priced shoes. And what better way to appropriate West Coast laid-back chic than with a cute flip-flop? A cute flip-flop…for under $25, that’s how.


The Avalon Flip-Flop ($23.99) is that all-summer-long sandal – the patent straps are super thin and the foot bed is a neutral chocolate color, so they’ll match whatever you’re wearing. And is there anyone who doesn’t love a bunch of smiley faces on the bottom of her shoe?

In sleek silver, the Sydney Sandal ($23.99) can be an airy substitute for ballet flats with skinny jeans or a little black dress.

The Serengeti Flip-Flop ($19.99) keeps the zebra-print pattern earthy with contrast stitching and a canvas upper. And it has just enough of a wedge to keep your feet slightly elevated and free from sidewalk muck.

Click here for ways to get your feet summer sandal ready.  

Solution: Three Steps To Help You Rediscover Your Summer Body

Though it's been frustratingly slow to arrive, spring is definitely in the air. And believe it or not, Memorial Day is just around the corner. But wait, wait, wait--what's this? Cellulite on the thighs? Skin like sandpaper? Overgrown, jungle-esque bikini line? Yikes. Ladies, it's time to start getting that summer body back. Don't don a swimsuit until you tackle these three easy body beauty tasks. Then, and only then, take a look at the swimsuits we think will make you look your best.

PEEL YOUR PEEL. Winter's tough; dry air and cold temps can make you feel like an elephant's foot most of the time. But that's no excuse to look like one--not in April, at least. Scrub those winter patches off your skin with Bliss Hot Salt Scrub ($36).

This NYC spa is legendary for a reason (or forty), and their oil-free, super-softening, self-heating scrub leaves the skin feeling stimulated, soft, and smooth, but not at all irritated. Try it on your legs before shaving, your elbows before bending, and your bum before thonging. Just don't dare put on a bathing suit before you scrub!

CLEAR THE FOREST. OK, so it was cold, you wore lots of layers, and maybe you let the well-trimmed plain become a grassy field become an abundant forest. I understand--been known to let nature take over before myself. But all Cancún doesn't need to see your cha-cha, so for Mexico's sake, hurry up and get a Nair Soothing Wax Kit ($7.80).

I recognize that this is strip wax, which can sometimes disappoint; but I used these ones last night, and in 30 minutes I had found my family-friendly bikini line. The included pre- and post-wax soothing pads helped immensely, preventing pain in the area, and tidying it up afterwards. Added benefit of strip wax - you can do it all in your room, without embarassing re-heating trips to the microwave.

FIRM YOUR DERM. Neutrogena Anti-Cellulite Treatment Retinol Formula ($15.19). Need I say more?

It's no miracle cream--those dimples are not disappearing completely in this lifetime. But most women do notice that cellulite appears much diminished. And when it comes to strutting around the sand in your bikini, a little firming goes a long way.   

Deal Of The Day: 70% Off Cozy Transition Sweaters At Pink Mascara

Today it's cold. Tomorrow it's supposed to be rainy. And then warm. And then cold again. Spring weather can be as unpredictable as Blair Waldorf's next devious move on Gossip Girl, and a girl's gotta be prepared. Keep one of these timeless sweaters handy at all times—you never know when the weather's going to shift on you (or when you might need to protect yourself from a notoriously chilly frenemy).


Indoor scarfs are a topic of much heated fashion debate—are they a do (according to the ladies of American Idol, yes) or a don't? The point is moot when your neck warmer du jour is built right into your wardrobe, as on this neck tie sweater from Jamison ($72.60, was $242). Tie the scarf up to beat a breeze, or leave it loose for a chic, instant accessory.

Demylee's cashmere Ava cardigan ($105, was $350) is such a clean, modern update to the classic cotton hoodie. Pull a jeans-and-tee look together with a touch of class, or keep this heather gray knit at your office desk to pair with dark slacks and a bright button-down.


Cozy up in this chunky knit Sea sweater from Karoo ($115.50, was $385) and read a good book on a rainy day. A luxurious collar, an ultra-warm cashmere blend, and just-the-right-length sleeves will make this wrap something you'll want to curl up in all year long.

More sales and deals:

Get up to 70% off Viktor & Rolf outerwear at YOOX.

Take 15% off all gift cards at True Jeans when you enter the code MOM at checkout.

Spend $65 at The Body Shop and get a free five-piece gift bag.

And click here for more deals posted by SheFinds readers in our forum.  

Style Swap: Sayonara, Shoulder Bags. Clutches Take Control

As Heidi Klum tells us, "In fashion, one day you're in, and the next you're out"—we hardly need to remind you, we're sure. This constant fashion evolution has inspired us to focus in on the little updates you can make to keep your look au courant. If we see a trend that has outstayed its welcome, we'll be the first to let you know. And we'll give you our picks for what you should swap your old stuff with to stay in the forefront of fashion.

We've seen shapeless and slouchy shoulder bags taking a back seat to sleek, structured clutches recently. Sure, it's convenient to tuck a tiny shoulder bag into that crook under your armpit and go hands free, but clutches show confidence and make you stand a little taller (shoulders back, ladies!) Get a handle on your loot by picking a large, slim clutch with a cutout for your hand (like Hobo International's school bus yellow patent Katrina $100). Opt for something oversized if you want your new clutch to hold just about as much as your favorite bag with a strap, but also plan on investing in a slimmed-down cell and wallet if you want to rock this chic look to perfection.

Maxx New York's ombré clutch ($110) in seaworthy hues of blue is both glossy and glam. This pretty patent clutch can hold more than you think—all your beauty gear, and then some.


Lindsay Lohan and Victoria Beckham have both been spotted carrying oversized versions of Dolce & Gabbana's harlequin bags ($875). Downsize a bit (for your wallet's sake, at least) and cop a clutch in the graphic black and ivory snakeskin pattern. You're sure to turn heads when you walk into the bar with this hand candy clutched in your perfectly manicured hands.

 
Expand your horizons with Nine West's Wonton clutch ($35) in so-hot-right-now orange.

Now it's your turn. Tell us what trends you think are getting a bit stale (or were never that hip to begin with) and we'll give you the stylish swaps you can make for an instant upgrade.

And peruse our Guide to Celeb It Bags for more chic arm candy options.  

The Whole Geek Chic Thing Is Back Again - And Glasses Are Now Cool

According to the Wall Street Journal, wearing glasses is cool again. Now, if I were one who had to wear them full-time I would be somewhat offended by this latest fad. Last I checked, wasn't visual impairment a disability? So therefore, isn't wearing glasses when you don't need them a tad bit mocking? And if not mocking, perhaps just plain silly? I can't help but anticipate a conversation between friends:

Friend: Oh, I didn't know you wore glasses.

Glasses Wearing Fashion Victim: Oh, I don't. Well, I do. But I don't. It's complicated. I don't want to talk about it.

Friend: Uh. Okay.  

Hmm. It is confusing. For all of us. But if the style bug has already bitten and you're eager to partake in the latest trend, here are a few fashions you might want to check out. You can order online with either single lenses or as frames only and bring them to your local LensCrafters where they will fit you will clear lenses (and try not to laugh). 

News Updates: Lanvin Explores Denim, New Handbag Charges Your Cell Phone, And More…

Lanvin's Alber Elbaz has announced he will design a line of denim with Acne Jeans to launch in 2009. [FWD]

C'N'C Costume National has come up with a solar-powered handbag that contains a device for recharging cell phones and BlackBerries. [WWD]

Jean Paul Gaultier will launch a line of men's makeup this Thursday called Monsieur. [NYMag]. Fans of the line might also be interested in checking out some male shapewear.

A new type of exercise called Mallercise has become popular across the US and Europe. It involves power walking while window shopping throughout malls. [GuardianUK]