Everyone says blondes have more fun and while this adage may sometimes be true, for us on the fairer side of things, said fun can often not include the ability to tan.

In my two-decades-plus of existence, I’ve been to the beach. I’ve been on cruises. I’ve even left the country. All in the pursuit of color. [Actually, that's a lie. These vacations were mostly in pursuit of shopping and eating, but anyway...] I have turned a variety of shades of pink, red, even at times purple…but never anything that remotely resembles a tan.

Tanning lotions? Try orange. Bed of hot lights? I haven’t had the nerve. (Um, beckon cancer? No thanks.) And don’t get me started on showers of dye.

So, when one of my favorite people on earth, Joanna Vargas, invited me to try her Golden Glow Sunless Tan…I was beside myself. Joanna gave me the best facial of my life, I couldn’t wait to see what she could do with the rest of me.

The treatment begins with complete shedding of clothes and jewels and donning of a paper set of panties (much like us girls are familiar with from our ritual bikini waxes). Joanna then prepped me for my tan with a full-body microdermabrasion treatment, which removes dead skin (and has a lymphatic drainage effect!). This exfoliation is done with a diamond tip wand, followed by a hot towel cleanse.

Tanning foreplay completed, my flesh was smooth, silky, and ready for the main event.

Joanna’s tanning process involves a serum made up of DHA refined from a vegetable source, like sugar cane or beets, as well as antioxidants and vitamins that is sprayed with an oxygen-gun. The process feels sort of like getting caught in one of those chilly spring rains, but is concentrated on one area at a time.

In less than an hour, my skin already has the foundation of a golden glow - one that will deepen overnight and last between 5 and 7 days. Pale girls of the world, our fun is finally here.

Joanna Vargas
501 Fifth Avenue, Suite 707
New York, NY 10017
Telephone: 212-949-2350
Email: salon@joannavargas.com

It’s Fleet Week here in New York City, and single girls are going out in throngs (and thongs) in an attempt to hook themselves a sailor.

The best game plan? Fashion.

“A very sophisticated nautical look is a popular trend this summer, not the sailor pants and sweaters with anchors we’re used to seeing in the past. This summer it’s more about white flat front pants with a slightly flared leg, paired with a navy blue and white striped sweater. For fun, finish this look with red or silver ballet flats and its anchors away!” says Shari Shakun, VP and General Merchandise Manager at SmartBargains.com.

Some of my favorite nautical looks:

From SmartBargains.com, this Helen Welsh Canvas Satchel is just the tool to bag your man.

Also from SmartBargains, check out this flirty Necessary Objects navy dress:

From Venus.com, this bikini has an Enhancer triangle top with molded foam cups to add cleavage and shape, which, of course, will make wooing said sailor an easier task.

From Fredericks of Hollywood, our favorite site for things from naughty to flirty to pretty, this cute sailor top is a must-try. Pair it with the anchor chain, it’ll send the message.

And on your toesies, you want these adorable Rockport sandals, perfect to complement your any nautical look:

I have not given up…seasonal bare skin coupled with my fear of pepetual wax pain (and inability to allow regrowth to avoid such pain), has made me obsessed. The pursuit of a savior who will reveal the answer of laser hair removal for blondes continues, and yet the holy grail remains out of sight.

Below find a Q&A with Dr. Diana Nguyen of Siena Medical Aesthetics based in Newport Beach, California.

1. Who should *not* do laser hair removal?
   Anyone who is actively tanning, via sun or sunless, shouldn’t do laser hair removal. Also, Fitzpatrick skin types V and VI are difficult, especially with the more effective Alexandrite lasers. There are Yag lasers that can be effective for these darker skin types, but they are much more painful and not as efficient. And very blond or gray hairs cannot be affected by the lasers.
   
2. I know that certain lasers work only for certain hair types/colors, and that many do not work for blond/light-haired people (like me!). What are our options?
   Some options for blond and light-haired people include waxing, threading and tweezing.
   
3. Are there any dangers to laser hair removal?
   Potential side effects can include temporary redness, swelling and sometimes, but very rarely, blistering. These side effects can be minimized or avoided if the correct settings are used during the procedure (a reason why it’s very important to have a properly trained medical physician perform these procedures), and if the patient refrains from any tanning procedures, including artificial tans. Also, side effects are minimized with the use of adequate sun protection. Sometimes patients may need to be pre-treated with a bleaching cream, such as hydroquinone.
   
4. Who are the best candidates?
   The best candidates for laser hair removal are people with dark hair and light skin; Fitzpatrick skin types 1-3, and 4 with appropriate settings.
   
5. Any recommendations on how to find/choose the right place to go? And what questions to ask?
   When visiting the location, make sure to ask what kind of machine will be used, as well as who is doing the procedure and if a doctor is onsite, or if a doctor is the one actually doing the procedure – which is unfortunately not always the case. I always stress the importance of having all medical aesthetic procedures, including laser hair removal, performed by a credible medical doctor, who understands the process of hair growth and how skin health evolves. Being treated by a doctor ensures the best possible recommendations and outcomes. Also, an Alexandrite laser works best to remove hair efficiently. Avoid IPL machines.

Dr. Diana Nguye is the owner and operator of Siena Medical Aesthetics in Newport Beach, California. For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diana, please call (949) 631-7020 or visit www.DrDianaForBeauty.com.

Note: Boys, do not read this entry. There’s a nifty piece on Jim Brown a little lower down for you.

Ok then, girls. For those icky times of the month (or, as my friend Brigitta puts it, when “your friend’s friend visits”), we have learned about a way to de-ick you may not be familiar with.

The latest trend among the freedom-seekers and planet-lovers alike are Softcups. These nifty tools collect, rather than absorb your flow, so they can be worn safely and discreetly for up to 12 hours — even during sex!

Check them out here.

For any who doubt the veracity of my claims that I have a ferocious mop of frizzy curls in wait beneath the protective gauze of Keratin and ionic flat irons, I offer the below photographic evidence.

It was taken years ago, when I was still a little girl. My parents and I went out for dinner for Father’s Day, and we randomly ran into football legend Jim Brown. My dad, of course, starstruck, asked for a photo to be taken.

Alas, two decades later, I have proof of my curls. (Everything happens for a reason.)

Recently, I took my brows out to a bar.

Cosmos were not on the menu, but zings and arches were. It was the Benefit Brow Bar at Bloomingdales, the latest branch of Benefit’s cool new trend. If you are seeking a quick makeover in between the cosmetics and accessories departments, stopping by a brow bar lets you shape your upper forestry and keep on going.

The brow bar isn’t a salon or spa, all they do is brows - shaping, trimming, waxing, tinting - and if they aren’t busy, they’ll even do it without an appointment. (Score one for us commitment-phobes!)

I saw Katy, the lead aesthetician during my visit, and we became fast friends. She said I already have a good shape (Thanks, Shobha!) but just needed some regrowth cleaned up. I had been a threading fan of late, so this was my first time near hot wax (on top) in a while - however, Katy informed me that Benefit uses a gentler, softer wax for the face, which will not result in the reddening or ouch-ing prior ones have done. I was excited. I do not like pain.

Katy spoke the truth. She waxed, tweezed, and snipped, and was done in about twenty minutes - no pain at all. My brows are neat and pretty once more, and as an added bonus, Benefit offers their brow customers free mini-makeovers after, so you don’t leave with that tell-tale “just been waxed” redness.

My visit ended with my obtainment of two new brow goodies: “high-brow” - a brow-lifting and defining white pencil that will highlight your brow arch, and “brow zings” - a shaded brow wax for shaping, filling-in and extending the life of your pretty new shape (it even comes with baby tweezers!)

Brow bar, I shall be back. (On June 12, when this location has an event where if you make an appointment, you too can come get your brows done - for free!)

The following are the results of a recent survey by online-dating service Chemistry.com:

• 63% of single adults think that a long-term committed relationship is important for a happy and fulfilling life, a larger proportion than those who value marriage.
• 50% of U.S. adults have a different opinion of marriage than their parents.
• 58% of U.S. adults think couples who live together in a committed relationship don’t need to marry as long as they are happy.
• 78% of U.S. adults say the divorce rate in the U.S. is increasing because people get married for the wrong reasons.
• 76% of single adults disagree that marriage is a top priority for them right now.

As my dry, sad skin scowled at me from my mirror, I knew my actions would be in the nick of time.

Mario Badescu Skin Care, a spa that that has been a city institution since the 1960s and draws in the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Heidi Klum, invited me to try their European facial. Realizing this may indeed be the closed I myself get to Europe in the near future and that said skin needed some loving, I skipped right out the door.

My own skin, while pretty clear, is problematic in that it is exceedingly dry and sometimes prone to Rosacea. What drew me to this Mario Badescu is that all their facials and skin-care regimes start out with an analysis that chooses a treatment specifically designed for your own skin. My own facial started with a deep pore cleansing, including a steaming to rid the skin of impurities and toxins, a soothing face and neck massage, and an application of two masks — the Azulene Calming Mask and the Vitamin C Mask — which are both formulated to be beneficial to my skin’s needs. I even got a warming hand treatment while I was being worked on.

Last night I had a big event to go to, Banyan Tree Spa was having their opening reception, and I went in a little nervous that I would leave my facial appointment blotchy, sans cosmetics. I had nothing to worry about. Thanks to the facial (probably most specifically the hydrating and brightening masks), i left skin aglow, ready for a night of spa-partying.

PS: Rumor has it Paris Hilton swears by some of MB’s skincare products (many of which I have with me at home right now!). Wonder if they’ll let her take them with her to the slammer?

(We’re not talking about money, though that is good as well.)

I’m going to a party tonight at the very eco-friendly new Banyan Tree Spa in New  York City, and it’s inspired me to seek out some ways to “green” up my own life. Larysa DiDio, a certified fitness instructor, nutrition expert, owner of PFX gym in Pleasantville, NY and known Park Avenue fitness consultant offered some tips:

1. Sweat green. Breaking a sweat means you’re working out hard so dry off with an absorbent, organic cotton towel from Eco-Bags. They even have eco-friendly totes that make great gym bags.
2. Recycle and re-hydrate. Don’t buy a new water bottle every time you go to the gym. Bring your own water bottle like the trendy, recycled ones at Sigg.
3. Clean green. If you are lucky enough to have a home gym, don’t forget to clean your equipment. Try these super cleaning, biodegradable wipes from Shaklee.
4. Go local and organic. Local and organic markets sell produce with less harmful preservatives. Reducing your chemical intake will improve your overall health. Find your local farmers market.
5. Get your foot off the gas. Sounds easy enough, but driving to and from the gym releases unnecessary emissions. Walk there (if you can) or get a gym buddy and carpool.
6. Great green garb. Eco-friendly workout attire can be quite snazzy. Check out bamboo/soy clothing from Sahalie and organic footwear from Garmont.
7. Take it outside. Enjoy the fresh air as you walk amidst the flora andfauna. Ask a friend or date to join you for even more fun!

Most of us have an idea of our measurements and body temp, but do you know if you are doing what you need to do to maintain your internal pH? Proper internal pH (4.2 to 5) is essential to good vaginal health. Although a woman’s internal pH changes throughout her lifetime due to hormonal changes; everyday factors such as stress, perfumed soaps and sexual intercourse can also impact pH. If not managed properly, these factors can increase a woman’s risk of improper urinary tract function and yeast infection. Consumer education specialist Deralee Scanlon, R.D. provides tips on how to keep our pH at the right spot:

1. Berry Power Protection: Scientific evidence supports cranberry as a potent and natural way to maintain a healthy internal pH and urinary tract function. If your readers don’t like the bitter taste of the raw fruit or unsweetened cranberry juice, there is now a more convenient option – CranAssure. CranAssure is an easy-to-swallow cranberry supplement that contains the strongest cranberry extract from Ocean Spray®. For more information about CranAssure, visit www.CranAssure.com. Samples are available upon request.

2. To Douche or not to Douche: Researchers have found that women who douche regularly experience more vaginal irritations and an increased number of sexually transmitted diseases. Long story short – don’t douche!

3. Tampons - Go Organic: Commercial tampons may disturb pH balance by hindering normal vaginal cleaning. They also provide a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. Chemical-free, organic tampons made from natural materials are a safer and more hygienic option. Change tampons frequently, as overused or retained tampons can throw off internal pH.

4. Antibiotic Antics: Antibiotics may increase the likelihood of developing a vaginal yeast infection by suppressing the naturally occurring “good” bacteria that keeps yeast under control. To combat this negative effect, eat non-sweetened yogurt that contains active bacteria while on antibiotics and after. A daily dietary supplement containing acidophilus may also help.

5. Avoid Acid Overload: A diet high in acidic drinks and foods such as soda, beer, coffee and red meat can negatively impact a woman’s pH. To stay balanced, eat a colorful diet that consists of 75 percent alkaline foods (i.e. bananas, figs, potatoes, spinach, watermelon, cabbage and celery) and 25 percent acidic foods (i.e. corn, beans, fish, plums, olives, oatmeal and cheese).