Marie Claire articles from June 2005

Marie Claire archives from June 2005

Editor's note.(Editorial)
June 1, 2005... AS WE AT MARIE CLAIRE have learned over and over, when disaster strikes, it's women who suffer most. It's also women who begin the rebuilding. Right after the tsunami struck in December 2004, Abigail Haworth, our writer in Bangkok, began...

Help tsunami victims rebuild their lives! The tsunami may be over, but the offering of countless victims continues. Now you can help with your purchase of this exclusive L.A.M.B. T-shirt, designed specially for Marie Claire readers by Gwen Stefani, for only $14.95.(CHARITY OFFER)(Brief Article)(Cover Story)
June 1, 2005... WE'RE JOINING FORCES WITH GWEN Stefani and L.A.M.B. to support tsunami victims' recovery efforts. "When Marie Claire asked me to design a shirt for tsunami relief, I was inspired by the song 'Long Way to Go' on my album," Stefani says. "It's...

Why wait to wed?(talk to us!)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Cheers to the couples who went from courtship to altar in under a year ("Is Marriage the New Dating?" March 2005). Last October, I reunited with my high-school sweetheart after 15 years apart; by Christmas, we were engaged. When you know, you...

Two sides, one peace.(talk to us!)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Your March 2005 report, "They Killed My Daughter," portrayed both sides of an extremely sad issue with sensitivity and fairness. Many categorize the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as black and white, good and evil. Nadjwa Saadeh was right--"Pain...

Diving for dollars.(talk to us!)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Regarding "Are You Getting Paid Enough?" (March 2005)--it's sad but true that women commonly earn less than men. I'm a commercial diver who works in nuclear power plants, yet the wage for my hazardous job is less than that of the janitor who...

Fat, or just female?(talk to us!)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... "Is Your Wardrobe Making You Fat?" (March 2005) should be renamed, "Is Your Wardrobe Making You Look Like a Woman?" I recently visited Malaysia, where the natural attributes you help women conceal are admired, and where a woman with a boy's...

Big spender, ignored!(talk to us!)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... "Which Look Will Get You Helped First?" (March 2005) hit home. I'm a 36-year-old, size-14 woman who suffers degenerative arthritis. After six hours of shopping I may not look my freshest, and I might as well glue my credit cards to my forehead...

Proud to be cheap.(talk to us!)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Your March 2005 story "Could You Live Off Free Samples for a Week?" reminded me of when I was in college, on financial aid, getting $0 from my parents. After class, I'd walk a two-mile route home just for bread and cheese samples at an upscale...

Marie Claire changed my life!(talk to us!)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... We salute our most inspired--and inspiring--readers, like Katie Schoppe of Ft. Worth, TX: "As a college student, I know I have a wonderful life and many opportunities ahead of me. But many nights, after drinking, I've been driven home by...

Exclusives: take advantage of this month's special offers--just for you!(SUMMER MUST-HAVES)
June 1, 2005... Top and bottoms, normally $59 and $49 MC EXCLUSIVE PRICES: $44 AND $36 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * FREE NAIL POLISH WORTH $750 (40,000 BOTTLES TO GIVE AWAY) Marie Claire and OPI are offering free, full-size bottles of nail polish in...

What's on your nightstand?(YOU & your world: KNOW MORE, LOVE MORE, LIVE MORE)
June 1, 2005... Your bed is your sanctuary, your nightstand a place to hold your most treasured belongings. Three women from around the world talk candidly about what's nearest to their beds--and their hearts. BRAZIL FRANCESCA, 32, store owner "I...

Bono: "u too can change the world": if you feel like you still haven't found what you're looking for in life, maybe it's because it hasn't found you. Musician/activist Bono tells you how to do some good.(CHANGE YOUR WORLD)(Reprint)
June 1, 2005... 1 SPEAK UP FORTHE LITTLE GUYS: "6500 people are dying every day of AIDS in Africa for no good reason. It's a preventable, treatable disease. I now represent them... that imbues you with a power way beyond anything that you might have an...

What's it like to be 30 in Holland? Suzanne has two children with her boyfriend. But she says, unlike American women who have "princess" fantasies of marriage, she's in no rush to get hitched.(SHARE YOUR WORLD)
June 1, 2005... FULL NAME: Suzanne Arianne Maria Heinz AGE: 30 JOB: Interior designer HOME: Heemstede/ Haarlem, Holland, the Netherlands ABOUT ME: I live with my boyfriend and our children--Jip, 8, and Pleun, 4--in Haarlem, a small...

Pretty & quick.
June 1, 2005... DIAMOND SHINE Instantly conditions, plumps and shines lips. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FAST ON YOUR FEET Quickly smoothes dry, rough skin. With Tea Tree Oil and Vitamins. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] QUICK QUENCHER Soothes...

It's a shoe-in.(FYI: For Your Inspiration: News that amuses, facts that fascinate, trends to try ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... They say you can't know someone until you've walked a mile in her shoes. But Meghan Cleary, author of The Perfect Fit:What Your Shoes Say About You, divines the true you by looking at your footwear. Here, her shoe analysis of female world...

The new food lunar-cy.(FYI: For Your Inspiration: News that amuses, facts that fascinate, trends to try ...)
June 1, 2005... What's the latest food trend that has Brit's knickers in a twist? Biodynamics! Biodynamic produce is farmed according to lunar cycles. The theory? The moo's different phases change The way nitrogen acts in the soil. Kate Moss and Nigella Lawson...

Best women's blogs.(FYI: For Your Inspiration: News that amuses, facts that fascinate, trends to try ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Last year, in the U.S. alone, there were 8 million online diarists. How in the name of Google do you choose the right blog? Below, two of our favorite not-to-be-missed Web journals--by fabulous women around the world BRIDGET WHO? Who...

100-women poll: what makes you envious?(FYI: For Your Inspiration: News that amuses, facts that fascinate, trends to try ...)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Wealth? Looks? We asked you to talk candidly about the green-eyed monster "I don't envy a big salary or a great apartment because I have time for that--but what I would give to be a 5'10", beautiful rocket scientist..."--ANTONELLA, 24,...

The best swimsuit for you!(SHOPPING)
June 1, 2005... The new swim designers are talented, stylish and--in the case of model Alessandra Ambrosio, pictured here--already famous. The best part? They all know what you want in a suit. Turn the page for more TIP When applying suntan lotion,...

What's hot: movie stars, models & former news anchors launch sexy beachwear.(SWIMSUIT BLOWOUT)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... ELIZABETH HURLEY BEACH Actress/model Elizabeth Hurley's glamorous new beachwear collection is meant to be worn way after sundown. Her exotic line of itty-bitty bikinis and silk-chiffon kaftans, sarongs, and tunics double as eveningwear:...

What's hot: beauties and the beach.(SWIMSUIT BLOWOUT)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Rosa Cha swimwear creator Amir Slama devised the perfect way to get models into his suits: Ask them to help design. Supermodels Alessandro Ambrosio, Ana Hickman, and Ana Beatriz Barros collaborated with Slama on his new line, called Sais. The...

It's to die for: bright coral & turquoise give luxe gold jewelry a summer flair.(SHOPPING)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... $4415 ANTHONY NAK (800) 365-7989 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $1620 ROBERTO COIN (800) 853-5958 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $1625 KAREN KARCH FOR PUSH (212) 965-9699 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $7320 ...

Obsession possession.(SHOPPING)(jewelry)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... We'd all love to have Holly Sims's elegant yet eclectic style. The best way to channel her crisp beach-chic look? With these cool coral finds $220 ALLEGRA HICKS at Kate Spade: (800) 519-3778 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $108...

Skin secrets of the stars: not born with stellar skin? Try these brands celebs swear by!(SKIN SPECIAL)
June 1, 2005... NORMAL SKIN TRY: Chantecaille FABULOUS FAN: Amy Brenneman WHY IT WORKS: Although Chantecaille is primarily a plant-based line, several products also contain the latest anti-wrinkle hexapeptides (see page 206 for more),...

Necessary luxuries.(promotion)
June 1, 2005... SIMON G Simon G. is the trendsetter in bridal and fashion jewelry for over 20 years. Located in Southern California, Simon G. is an international jewelry designer where fashion is the focus and fine-quality, contemporary, diamond-set...

10 best fashion: give beachy pieces a pretty twist: pair pink & green for under $100.(RECOMMENDS)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... 1 TOTE, $28, St. John's Bay at JC Penney; (877) FIND-JCP for stores. 2 SKIRT, $19.80, Forever 21; www. forever21.com. 3 CAMI, $88, Marciano; (866) 44-MARCIANO. 4 SUNGLASSES, $99.95, Ray-Ban; www.sunglass hut.com. 5 DRESS,...

10 best beauty: MC's beauty editors pick this month's must-have perfumes.(RECOMMENDS)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... 1 TROPICAL TREAT: Try Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Dream Eau de Toilette, $75, a combination of mango and freesia. Buy of the Month * 2 EAU DE DIVA: Celine Dion Parfums Belong, $35, with red pepper berries and hinoki wood, will dazzle...

10 best to do.(RECOMMENDS)(Layer Cake; The Beautiful Country; Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room)(Movie Review)
June 1, 2005... >>SEE IT 1 LAYER CAKE Sienna Miller is buzzworthy--and not just for snagging Jude Law. In this scorching thriller, she turns up the heat with Daniel Craig, a handsome hero trying to exit the cocaine business, while players at all "layers"...

TREsemme, the professional, affordable hair care collection.(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... With TRESemme[R], having beautiful salon-healthy hair is simple. Our professional formula started in salons. Today TRESemme[R] offers a full range of performance shampoos, conditioners, and styling products so you can achieve professional looks...

Brought to you by Joey O.(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... Use this code MCHB05 to receive $20 off your purchase of $100 or more at our Joey O boutique or online at www.joeyofootwear.com for further information call 702.932.8262 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Naturally colored, naturally Aveda.(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... Please join Aveda and Marie Claire for an afternoon of pure relaxation and natural indulgence. Experience the benefits of Aveda's natural hair color line, with Marie Claire and Aveda beauty experts. Complimentary hair and make-up consultations,...

Revlon is coming to a mall near you!(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... Try New Revlon[R] Fabulash[R] Mascara at the 'You Look Fabulash' tour featuring makeovers, prizes and more! Visit www.youlookfabulash.com for more details.

Exclusive offer from trade secret.(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... This summer, get ready for the sun with your favorite professional beauty products. We've got Redken, Matrix, OPI, Tigi, Paul Mitchell and more. If you like free stuff, ask about Style Club while you're here. And our gift cards make the perfect...

Gwen Stefani: "I'm a very different girl than I used to be".(CELEBRITY LIVES)(Interview)
June 1, 2005... Gwen Stefani's own brand of sexy-cool has made her a style icon. With her first solo album and a line of clothes she's designing herself, Stefani races into the future. Here, the songstress talks about staying true to herself through the...

Women of courage: five months after the tsunami, thousands of women are widows, more than 1 million are homeless, and one in three has lost a job. Last December, they were victims of an unthinkable tragedy. Today, they are the faces of survival and hope, and proof of the incredible things women can do.(WOMEN OF THE WORLD)
June 1, 2005... ZAINI YAHYA, 24, SHIELDS her mouth with the corner of her scarf as she walks through the Mata Le refugee camp in Banda Aceh. Clouds of noxious brown dust, whipped up by the breeze, have become a constant menace since the tsunami reduced this...

Would you say "I do" (or "I don't) to your mom's wedding dress?(APPEARANCES)
June 1, 2005... You've got the same build, the same smile--but would you wear the same dress to walk down the aisle? "Absolutely," say some women. Others, "Not on your life!" Here, three generations of women share what finding the perfect gown meant to them,...

Can a wingman help you meet more men? We've all heard about the "wingman"--from Swingers to those Coors Light commercials, they're everywhere, helping their friends hit on you. But couldn't a wingman work for a woman, too? One intrepid writer hit the town with three very different guy sidekicks to find out.(DATING)
June 1, 2005... The players: THE SINGLE GIRL THE GAY WINGMAN THE HOT WINGMAN THE BESTFRIEND WINGMAN Strategy #1: THE GAY WINGMAN Brett, 33, fashion editor Julia says: I figure a gay wingman should help me spot the best-looking...

Powerful. Head turning. One of a kind. A perfect description of the new Ford Mustang and of Brian Perry, the 2005 Mustang man.(Special Advertising Page)
June 1, 2005... You gotta love a guy who's willing to put his dream on hold for the woman he adores. That's exactly what Brian did after spending last year serving as a soldier overseas. His girlfriend Elizabeth entered him in our Mustang man contest to tell...

What happened to these children of war? Thirty years ago, the U.S. pulled its troops from Vietnam and left tens of thousands of children fathered by American soldiers behind. Now, on the 30th anniversary, of the war's end, Amerasian women are speaking out about the pain of abandonment and their dream that one day, we will claim them as our own.(INVESTIGATION)(Column)
June 1, 2005... "MY FAMILY DISOWNED ME" IN THE SPRING OF 1975, U.S. forces withdrew from Vietnam, leaving behind an estimated 50,000 children they'd fathered with Vietnamese women. In the following years, these Amerasians bore the brunt of Vietnamese...

"Why should I wait?" They say that good things come to those who wait. But the truth is, great things come faster to those who don't. What can you do to move your life forward?(REAL LIVES)
June 1, 2005... ... TO HAVE A BABY? NELLIE, 31, senior financial analyst & single mom I'VE ALWAYS HAD WHAT my family and friends refer to as "Nellie's Master Plan"--marriage by 24, first child by 26, second child by 30. Everything else happened the...

15 reasons to be happy! Your world is actually improving! We dug deep for the good news about chocolate, sex, your paycheck, and more.(YOUR LIFE)
June 1, 2005... 1 WHO KNEW? ALCOHOL IMPROVES YOUR MEMORY. Moderate alcohol consumption actually sharpens your mind and decreases the risk of dementia as you age. Warning: Swigging the entire bottle of wine, however, will most likely lead to forgetting the...

Can you break the code? Try and win!(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... Introducing Armani Black Code for men by GIORGIO ARMANI. Experience the undeniable style of Armani in this fresh, woody, sensual fragrance. Sophisticated and masculine, this scent has a compelling attraction and a magnetic presence. It is the...

Splendora.com Queen of Fabulous.(haute happenings)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... You're fabulous and don't subscribe to our fashion and gossip file? Quick, sign up for the most hilarious email newsletter in the Universe! Friday For Play hits your inbox just in time for some weekend dish. Cheeky darlings unite at...

A sneak peak at Stuart Weitzman.(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... Stuart Weitzman trunk show and preview of the Fall/Winter collection is an opportunity to choose your favorite styles in your size. Orders will be taken in sizes 6-12 AAAA, 5-12 AA, 4-12 B, and 5-11 C. April 20-22 King of Prussia (The...

Win a $10,000 luxury weekend for two in L.A.(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... Marie Claire and Sally Hansen bring you the Beauty To Go Contest. Enter to win a weekend of beauty indulgences by telling us, in 100 words or less, your best beauty tip for women on the go and completing the entry form found at participating...

Think I*N*C!(haute happenings)
June 1, 2005... Macy's and Marie Claire Magazine invite you to preview the hottest must-have fashion items for summer exclusively from I*N*C International Concepts[R] at Macy's. Enjoy a runway fashion show with music, models, and more and allow our experts to...

"My dad was a con artist and I was his decoy": for her entire childhood, Oren Siedler was forced to help her dad commit petty crimes. Now, at age 37, she has finished a feature documentary about her crazy upbringing and is learning to love a father who refuses to play by the rules.(FIRST PERSON)
June 1, 2005... MY FATHER'S CRIMINAL behavior was never about the money he gained from stealing. It was about the thrill he got from beating the system. Big heists were beside the point: The game was to match wits and win. When I was 9, Bruce (which is...

Horoscope.
June 1, 2005... gemini (May 21-June 20) HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GEMINI! LOVE: Your restless heart is poised on a launchpad, awaiting countdown, and a romance will either zoom ahead or be canceled altogether. It's your call. WORK: Stress has faded, and a...

On the beach.(FASHION)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Bikinis, maillots, and tankinis--oh my! The new suits are all about choices. Find embellished looks with enough gems to wear for evening or simple: streamlined maillots with color. There's something for every body BIKINI, $140, Inca; www....

Water babes: experts predict it's going to be one scorching-hot summer. Beat the heat in bright and playful, made-for-the-beach suits.(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... THIS PAGE LEFT: Swimsuit, $400, Piedras Swimwear. CENTER: Swimsuit, $112, Calvin Klein Swimwear. RIGHT: Swimsuit, $118, BCBG Max Azria Swim. On him, left: Trunks, Vilebrequin Right: Trunks, Tommy Hilfiger. OPPOSITE PAGE: LEFT: Swimsuit...

Splurge vs. steal: a fashion face-off.(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... IN THE GAME OF SPLURGE VS. STEAL, THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE. THE SPLURGE TAKES THE PRIZE FOR MOST LUXURIOUS FABRICS, RICHEST COLORS, AND "INVESTMENT ACCESSORIES." THE STEAL IS THE LOW-COMMITMENT WAY TO OWN THE SEASON'S BEST TRENDS....

101 ideas: what makes a swimsuit look special now? Ties, rings, belts, or a flirty ruffle.(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... 1 Maillot, $150, Evisu Donna; jade necklace, $350, KEP Designs. 2 String-bikini top, $24.50, bottoms, $24.50, Gap; coverup skirt, $38, Lucky Brand Swimwear; tote, $98, DKNY. 3 Side-tie bikini, $80, Salinas Swimwear. 4 Fruit-charm bikini, $ 115,...

Shop the shoot: where to go, what to buy & special discounts in Punta Cana.(TRAVEL)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... * It is said that Christopher Columbus called the Dominican Republic "the most beautiful land on earth." With waterfalls, wildlife, and more than 800 miles of coastline, it's easy to see why. Punta Cana, located on the eastern part of the DR,...

Figure fixers: our picks for flattering your athletic build.(SWIMSUIT BLOWOUT)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... AVOID A plain bandeau and boy shorts accentuate your angular features. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TRY prints charming A pretty pattern that emerges from the center helps create the illusion of an hourglass shape. ...

Figure fixers: three ways you can look 10 lbs. slimmer.(SWIMSUIT BLOWOUT)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... AVOID Swimsuits without support fail to make you look your best. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TRY it's a cinch The key here? Support in the form of bra cups and a ruched mesh waistband that sucks your tummy in--comfortably. ...

Figure fixers: read on to look sexy and minimize your bust.(SWIMSUIT BLOWOUT)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... AVOID A skimpy bikini with no support really limits Your range of motion. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] support system Aerin Rose creates her suits especially for top-heavy women to be "comfortable and supportive, but sexy." This...

Figure fixers: new and ingenious ways to boost your bust.(SWIMSUIT BLOWOUT)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... AVOID A shapeless, one-piece halter that's skinnier at the top flattens you out. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TRY demi more A padded demi-cup bra with an underwire gently pushes up to create natural-looking cleavage. ...

Best swimsuits under $100: look your best at the beach in these ultra-flattering totally affordable swimsuits designed for real women.(SWIMSUIT BLOWOUT)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Red/Orange $98 MAGICSUIT at Lord & Taylor; (800) 348-6940 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $86 NAUTICA (866) 236-8156 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] top, $29, bottoms, $15 NEWPORT NEWS www.newport-news.com ...

Splurge vs steal: take your pick of this month's best investments & greatest deals.(SHOPPING)
June 1, 2005... Splurge Chanel Eyewear; (800) 550-0005 $200 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Steal Guess? Eyewear; www.guess.com $50 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Splurge Helen Kaminski; (877) KAMINSKI $170 [ILLUSTRATION...

Beauty now at Walgreens: real women reveal their beauty secrets, the products they can't live without and their little luxuries.(PROMOTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... real life, real looks, real results beauty now | sketch beauty sketch OLIVIA PUBLICIST AND VOLUNTEER Being out there every day working with clients, meeting people, it's important that I look "on" even when I'm feeling a...

Secrets to flawless skin.(ESTEE LAUDER SKIN SURVEY)
June 1, 2005... Four months ago, Marie Claire and Estee Lauder conducted a survey (1323 of you participated online) to uncover the truth about how you care for your skin. Some surprising results: You find it easier to file your taxes than to put together a...

Way to glow: how to find your best self-tanner: with so many ways to go faux--from a bottle to a booth--how do you decide what's right for you? By reading the results of our road test of more than 50 face and body self-tanners. It's just that easy!(SKIN SPECIAL)
June 1, 2005... SELF-TANNER ROAD TEST SELF-TANNER SPRAYED ON IN A SALON BOOTH BEFORE Jessie, 23 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] AFTER TESTED BEST: California Tan Sunless Suddenly Sun ($25, call 800-SUN-CARE for six salon locations) ...

Purse-friendly perfumes.(beauty ideas FOR YOU: THE LATEST in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and more)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Traveling light often means ditching the perfume bottle. But not with these limited-edition Bulgari Charms ($30 to $45). Each one's a mini version of one of Bulgari's succulent scents. Shown, from left: Blu, Eau Parfumee au the vert, and Omnia....

Summer sweat-stopper.(beauty ideas FOR YOU: THE LATEST in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and more)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Like the idea of a deodorant but require extra protection against wetness? Check out ADIDAS'S NEW ABSORBENT-DEO FOR WOMEN, which contains an exclusive ingredient capable of soaking exclusive ingredient capable of soaking up more than 100 times...

Direct from Didi.(beauty ideas FOR YOU: THE LATEST in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and more)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... It's no secret that Shu Uemura makes some of the best fake lashes in the biz. So naturally, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the company's new FIBERXTENSION LENGTHENING MASCARA ($23), which gives you fake-like length sans fuss. As the name...

Nonstick lips.(beauty ideas FOR YOU: THE LATEST in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and more)
June 1, 2005... If you'd like to avoid Shake'N Bake mouth next time you hit the beach, try BIOTHERM GLOSSY SHINE LUMINOUS CRYSTAL GLOSSES (shown from top in #36, #43, and #175). They're gorgeous and goop-free. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

What women (worldwide) want.(beauty ideas FOR YOU: THE LATEST in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and more)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Every year an international panel of journalists & beauty pros (assembled by Marie Claire) awards the "Prix d'Excellence" to a few top-tier products. Here, this year's winners: Dior Capture R60/80 (an antiwrinkle line) Estee Lauder...

Splurge vs steal: take your pick of this month's best investments & greatest deals.(BEAUTY)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Splurge Clinique True Bronze Shimmering Tones Bronzing Powder in Golden Bronze $26 50 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Steal Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Powder in Clean $12 25 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Splurge ...

Skin cancer & you: the scary truth: think skin cancer can't happen to you? So do most young women, even though your chances of developing it are higher than any other cancer. Get the facts and avoid becoming the next statistic.(HEALTH CHECK)
June 1, 2005... "I thought it was a freckle--but it was cancer" MELISSA, 30 clothing-company founder I GREW UP BEING cautious about the sun. I have fair skin and strawberry blonde hair, and my mother was ultra-careful about skin cancer. So,...

Sexy, strong abs the easy way: a flat stomach can be yours: our four-part guide to what to eat, drink, and do will have you bikini-ready in no time.(HEALTH CHECK)
June 1, 2005... EAT YOUR WAY TO A FLAT STOMACH * CUT BACK LOW-CARB SNACKS. Many bars and candies contain glycerin or sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating because your body can't fully digest them, says Leslie Bonci, R.D., at the University of...

Serious dark circles? "It's the first product specifically developed for serious dark circles ... not the kind that pop up in the morning and are gone by breakfast, but the kind of serious dark circles that stay around forever ... making you look old, tired and exhausted.".(NEW PRODUCT UPDATE)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2005... Do you know what actually "causes" serious dark circles? I thought I did... but I was wrong. Like most people. I thought dark circles were caused by hard partying, working late, being tired or simple allergies. But according to most research...

Make your eyes come alive.(PREVIEWS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Miljo's Terra-Shadow carries a lot of shimmer to make your eyes alive, awake and sparkle like diamonds. Made in Italy, Terra-Shadow comes in a variety of colors and is 100% fragrance free. Call toll free 1-866-346-4556 to find the closest store...

Get creative!(PREVIEWS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... CustomizedGirl is revolutionizing fashion by making it personal. They believe in encouraging creative expression in every form, including your wardrobe. Fashion is so much more exciting when you become your own personal designer! With that in...

Do you need more energy?(PREVIEWS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... We're expected to deal with all of life's challenges... yet still find time to take care of ourselves. It's easy to get burned out. You need something to relieve your fatigue and exhaustion from everyday stress. Formulated by Dr. Mark Tallon,...

Finally! A gentle hair remover for your bikini area.(PREVIEWS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Say goodbye to razor bumps and irritation! Now there's Bikini Touch, a painless hair remover made just for the bikini area. The angled head and contoured handle give you perfect control, even in hard-to-reach areas. Just $9.99. Visit...

The power to freeze time.(PREVIEWS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... DermaFreeze365[TM], with its patent pending Gaba Biox[TM] formula, delivers results other face creams only promise. Clinical trials on women ages 35-60 showed a 50%-90% reduction in the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles in just ten...

Bye, bye ingrown hairs and razor bumps!(PREVIEWS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Tend Skin[R] Liquid reduces the appearance of unsightly ingrown hairs and razor bumps from women's legs, bikini lines and underarms; as well as men's faces and necks from shaving, waxing, electrolysis or laser hair removal. Visible results--24...

The 8 minute curl repair.(PREVIEWS)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... This revolutionary treatment made Curlisto[TM] Systems the favorite hair care line for curly hair celebrities. Deep Therapy Masque instantly repairs dry, frizzy, or chemically processed damaged hair. It works in 5-8 minutes with no heat...

Kama Sutra road test: the ecstasy ... and the injuries: happily married writer Melissa de la Cruz had questions about hers sex life. To answer them, she literally tried every trick in the book!(YOUR SEX LIFE)
June 1, 2005... I WANT TO HAVE BETTER SEX. Mike and I have been together 10 years and married for three. Long ago, we were experimental in bed, but today we go straight for the missionary position, and fast (can't miss The Daily Show!). Comfortable,...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2005... The T-shirt Britney Spears is wearing on page 118 of the April issue is called ADIQTED TO KABBALAH, costs $39, and can be found at www.adiqshun.com.

"Why we eloped".(ESSAY)(Column)
June 1, 2005... I'LL ADMIT IT: I'M WEDDING-PHOBIC. I have nothing against marriage. It's the shower-gown-gift registry-bouquet-cake nightmare that freaks me out... probably because I was one of the last of my friends actually to take the plunge, so I had a...