Fall Nail Colors
Sumptuous red and shimmering brown polishes let you make a fashion statement without lifting more than a finger. Alternately, try the chic look of shiny beige (and minimize your nail upkeep!) From left to right: OPI Suzy Loves Sydney ($7.50, opi.com
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Skincare Plus
Revitalift UV Daily Moisturizing Cream with Mexoryl SX shields skin from both long and short UVA rays (the kind that cause 90 percent of sun damage), and lasts far longer than other sun filters when exposed to light, which means you can apply it less often.
Now the FDA has approved Mexoryl for use in some moisturizers. New from L'Oreal, is the first cream to be offered at a mass merchandiser or drugstore. This fragrance-free, nongreasy moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated and protected through apple-picking season and beyond.
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Shadow Play
Instantly brighten your eyes by applying silver shadow or liner along the lashes, suggests celebrity makeup artist Brett Freedman: Silver catches the light and gives you a wide-eyes, rested look. ¿ One we like: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in Place ShadowStick in Silver Pearl -- the creamy formula uses silicone to help pigment stay put for up to 12 hours. ($17.50, [OPENWINDOW "http://esteelauder.com" "esteelauder.com"].)
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Pony Up
I've got three daughters, so I make a lot of ponytails. When I pull my own hair back, I want more (actually, less!) than their bright elastics with dangling fake gems or plastic cartoon characters. Luckily, I've discovered grown-up Goody ColourCollection Ribbon Braided Elastics. They come in three versions to match blond, brown, or black hair, and the satin finish makes them chic and polished enough for work or an evening out. Now I stash extras in my car, purse, and office so that I'll never again get caught at school pickup with Hello Kitty in my hair. ($4 for a six pack.)
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Serenity, bottled
There's a fresh breeze blowing into the Gap these day in the form of six new GapBody Eau de Toilette scents. They're modern, versatile, and affordable. Our favorite: Lavender Tea, with a mellow blend of lavender, green tea, and vanilla. ($28 for 3.4 ounces, [OPENWINDOW "http://gap.com" "gap.com"].)
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Instant Roots Rx
Want to cover up stray grays or dark roots? QuickTint, a portable hair-color pen, deposits waterproof color that lasts for up to three shampoos. You comb on the color, wait a couple of minutes for i to dry, and go. Choose from ten shades. ($20, [OPENWINDOW "http://quicktint.net" "quicktint.net"].)
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Treats for Body and Soul
Vaseline's Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil blends Brazilian nut and almond oils to combat skin ashiness -- so it's great for dark skin -- and seal in moisture. The tropical-beach aroma is a cold-weather bonus. ($3)
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Calm One Calm All Stress-Battling Softening Bubble Bath by Soap & Glory is infused with an addictively clean, soapy scent. ($10, sold exclusively at Target stores.)
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Makeup Moves
A brilliant idea -- and fun to use: Flip For It kits from Mark are sleek, rotating compacts that hold fall makeup essentials. Four glosses turn over to two shadows and a blush. The colors were chosen by makeup pro Jillian Dempsey, mom of three and wife of actor Patrick (Mr. McDreamy) Dempsey. Here, the New York palette; also in Paris (romantic pinks) and Milan (natural neutrals) versions. ($18, [OPENWINDOW "http://meetmark.com" "meetmark.com"].)
