I don’t know about you, but I am very, very personal about my hair and who cuts it — more so about who colors it. In fact, I’ll admit that I still make a trip back to Massachusetts these last 11 years of living in New York City just because my genius savant stylist, Tammy, of Studio Hair Designs in Swansea, has been making me look like a natural, sunny, auburn for years (for New Yorkers vacationing in Little Compton, RI, ph: 508-379-1099, ask for Tammy, of course). But now with Jax in my life that trip is just too extravagant. Hauling a baby who hates car seats 3-plus hours for Mama’s gorgeous “do” just felt, well, selfish. So I confronted my demons and started to look around New York for a new hairdresser and colorist. And because Mamas are always trying to make sense of time, I looked for someone who would take both my son and I. This turned out to be a comic tragedy that even Shakespeare would have a giggle at. I think one salon asked, “Is child a country? I don’t care what country you are from?” This just wasn’t working.

Then all of a sudden I remembered passing this lively looking children’s hair salon on Amsterdam Avenue and found “Cozy’s Cuts for Kids” again as the only, yes I repeat only children’s hair salon advertised in the yellow pages. I called and asked if they could take my son, and accommodate me as well. They said yes! Now I just have to take a minute here. In a city like New York where I have done research for a sitcom and found all kinds of crazy, crazy accommodations for poochies including “doggy menus” at some of the most upper-class hotels in the city — is someone other than me in the tiniest bit of shock? Thank you, I heard you out there. Unbelievable. This is just one of the reasons why Cozy’s 2 stores on 448 Amsterdam Avenue and 1125 Madison Avenue are so special.

Cozy Friedman is the owner and President of “Cozy’s Cuts for Kids.” I can’t write this article without first stopping to celebrate this woman of power, beauty, intellect and kindness. Did you know Cozy started this business before she had children of her own? Before she was even married?! A friend of hers took a nephew to one of the adult salons that I was obviously on the phone with, and got asked to leave because the boy was being, “a boy.” So Cozy researched the gap in the market and then spent the next couple years going to barber school and working in toy shops and whoolaaa! “Cozy’s Cuts for Kids”, a combination children’s hair salon and toy boutique opened its first location at Madison Avenue in 1994. In 1996, came the Amsterdam location. And then, Cozy delivered her two precious angelheads, Shane in 1998 and Riley in 2000. Then came her own hypo-allergenic, earth-friendly, not-tested-on-animals haircare product line for children age 2-12, called “So Cozy” in 2002. And her next 2-year installment of ingenue in 2004 has a third location in the works for Manhattan—look out for it mamas. Brava, brava Cozy!

Remember mamas, this was Jax’s first real haircut out of the tub with me and a wild pair of scissors. And my first haircut out of Swansea, MA in years. Nerves were running high. Bases loaded, batter at home plate takes the swing…..and it’s a home run! We got this wonderful hairstylist Christina, who has been in the business for many years. From Denver originally, Christina has done it all. Formal training, big-name salons—the whole enchilada. But Christina found she had a little more heart than chic la chic. So Cozy grabbed her. Cozy is very selective with her hairstylists, they have to be the best of the best. And then have all the love and patience for a child who thinks you are the doctor giving them a shot. Christina won my Jackie boy’s heart immediately. I’m not sure it was her smile or the way she blew bubbles at him, but he was won over. He sat for her like Brad Pitt on a movie set. Jax tilted his head a little bit this way and a little bit that way as if to say, “a little bit more over the ears,” and “ahh, yes that feels nice, mmhh.” Ok mamas don’t hate me, he seems to be an angel for the hairdressers and the doctors, but the car seat and stroller seatbelts are the instruments of the devil and must be fought to the death!

My turn next. Jax began to explore the store, “loogie, loogie’ing” (his first word) it up with everyone and yes, pulling toys from the bins. Oh my gosh, here we go……but no, nothing. Everyone adored him and giggled at his antics. One “Cozy’s” employee, Monica, sweetheart right from heaven, took it upon herself to chaperone my son around, laughing appropriately at all his jokes. I sat back relaxed and with the first sip of coffee all day, enjoyed my new cut. Christina was equally finessed at cutting my hair. She listened attentively to my insecurities and somehow while keeping an eye out for Jax as well, chatted me into happy surrender. She trimmed and wisp’d at my bob. Fantastic. Christina then made a special effort at my style and set. I told her it was girl’s night out and I was going out disco dancing at Culture Club and she dried and styled me into quite the swinging hair ’80s gal. I kid you not, two men danced towards me for a twirl and dip that night and it was the hair, it was the hair. But that’s another story of fashion and fun, mamas, back to “Cozy’s”.

Regardless of the very obvious slew of editorial coverage she has received, Cozy showed up around this time for a visit with us to make sure things were going alright. Besides my great impression of her entrepreneurial spirit, I was touched by her warmth and loyalty. Cozy spoke of her mother’s influence as the #2 Rolls Royce salesperson in America during her own professional heyday—gosh, it’s the millennium and I still don’t know that many women car salespersons?? And there behind her cashier counter were some handcrafted items for sale from her old employer at a children’s playspace that had gone out of business. Her way of thanking someone that helped her with her education for Cozy’s? I didn’t ask but that just seems so Cozy Friedman mamas. Yes, she’s brilliant and full of heart as well. If this company goes public, buy, buy, and buy mamas. It’s got product and marketing savvy, great heart and brilliant management, that is for sure.

Jax and I could not get enough. We lingered on each word of Cozy’s hoping to get some of whatever she’s got through osmosis. We messed up every toy aisle much to the delight of everyone. And finally, could not leave without both haircare product and some toys. That’s been the latest for Cozy since the product launch in 2002. The haircare product line is wonderful. There is tearfree shampoo, a children’s conditioner, a detangler, styling gel, and a swimmer’s shampoo. The swimmer’s shampoo is a product to be shared by both mama and child. It removes impurities from the hair and is enriched with orange extracts and aloe to prevent damage caused by frequent swimming and or exposure to chemicals. Besides “Cozy’s”, you can find these haircare products in stores like Bigelow Pharmacy, Clyde’s, Apthorp, Lester’s, and Fred Siegel in L.A. and White’s Pharmacy in East Hampton. You can also phone in orders or go online.

Well mamas, I could go on forever about “Cozy’s”. But I won’t because I want you to go see for yourselves. Make your own home movie about junior or your little princesses’ first haircut. It’s a special, special place. For more information, call 212-579-2600, toll free 1-866-COZYCARE or go online at www.cozyscutsforkids.com. It’s a chemical-free salon, so for me, I didn’t find a colorist solution and it really was only a timesaver solution. But a brilliantly professional, grateful timesaver solution. For Jax, well, what can I say, he’s in love. And next time mamas, I’m sending Papa bear, because my husband would just love sitting in a truck, getting bubbles blown in his face by a pretty lady while his son watches Elmo. Really, who could deny him? Thanks Cozy, for making a salon that you can send a husband to. And a child. And a mama. You done good!

There’s not a whole lot to look forward to in the winter. The 4:00 sunset, the arctic wind tunnels that make it painful to go around the corner, sweating under your 10 layers of clothes…why continue living? But I’m a glass half-full kind of girl, and I’m calling on all my fellow pasty, chapped ladies to make the best of what this season offers and it entails appreciating the sparse beauty of the season on weekend country getaways. I usually make it up to New England, and there one can partake in the sports of sledding, skiing, ice-skating and, of course, whiskey-drinking, leaving behind the New York City winter sports of slush puddle-avoiding, windtunnel-gusting, delivery-ordering, and, of course, whiskey-drinking. Though I wasn’t planning to ski, sled, or ice-skate, I headed to The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts for some whiskey.

During the four-hour drive to the Inn from New York City, my anticipation built as the landscape rolled out around me draped in beautiful white blankets of snow. I had decided to bring my mother along with me for this girls’ weekend getaway to celebrate her birthday the following day. As we traveled through one small town after another, we finally reached the main strip of Stockbridge, 50 percent of which is seemingly taken up by the (gorgeous) elephant that is The Red Lion Inn.

Founded in 1773, and drenched in American history (the symbolic red lion’s tail has a green tip, which represents American opposition to the British monarchy), the Inn was a tavern, where travelers could stop, drink, and sleep. It continued to expand into a larger inn and was called the Stockbridge House in the 1860s. The Red Lion Inn then burned to the ground in 1896. The Stockbridge community rallied together and rescued the antiques that line the walls of the Inn, but were not able to save the building itself. It was rebuilt in 1897, went through several owners and was finally bought by Massachusetts Senator Jack Fitzpatrick in 1968 and reopened for business in 1969 as the Red Lion Inn. Since then it has achieved fame for its presence in the Norman Rockwell painting “Main Street Stockbridge,” and for its proximity to the modest Berkshire ski mountains and the Tanglewood music grounds. It’s also just a damn beautiful place.

My mother and I checked into our suite, which contained a bedroom that looked like it had survived a floral explosion (but in a good way), a spacious bathroom, and a somewhat charmless but well-equipped living room. However, we never even used that room because our bedroom was so adorable and cozy.

We then bundled up to set out for a stroll around Stockbridge. (By the way, even Berkshire mountain winds have nothing on Midtown Manhattan windtunnels.) It was about 6pm and the town was shutting down for the day, but there were a few open boutiques that sold very original pieces. There was also an old-fashioned soda counter that stays open till 8pm. The center of town also offers a restaurant or two, and some bakeries. However, I soon found out that the main nightlife, even for the locals, was all under the roof of The Red Lion Inn…but I’m not there yet.

After our walk, all I could think about was getting cozy in the Tavern of the Inn, a more casual offshoot of the restaurant and oozes charm, with low ceilings, handsomely-worn wood floors, and cozy wooden booths. But it was time to get ready for our dinner reservation, Haunted by a meal we had at the Inn a few years earlier, my mother and I chose not to eat at the Red Lion again. The dining room itself somehow balances grand and quaint, but our memory of the food is that it was pretty standard. It could very well have changed, and our breakfast there the next morning was very good, but we weren’t willing to take the gamble so we hit the road for Lenox, a town about 10 minutes away. Upon a friend’s recommendation, we ate at Le Bistro Zinc, a French bistro, and had a delicious meal with very professional service. For appetizer, I had a spinach salad with fennel, pomegranate seeds and pomegranate vinaigrette and my mother enjoyed her clam bisque. She then had a rack of lamb and I had my favorite dish in the whole world: duck confit, here served with apple fritters. For dessert my mother had lemon sorbet and I had the delicious tarte tatin with Berkshire vanilla ice cream. And my whiskey was good too.

We then headed back to the Inn, laughing that it was only 9pm and in New York, I would only just begin to think about dinner at this hour. We figured we were in for an early, low-key night, which was fine with us as we’d both brought along plenty of reading material. First we wandered the halls of the Inn, fascinated by the virtual museum of antiques and paintings, and the nooks of the hotel such as a tiny library with the biggest dictionary I’ve ever seen. We found that the hotel was full of these charming details, such as two side-by-side phone booths that were wallpapered, wall and ceiling, with old Norman Rockwell covers for “The Saturday Evening Post.” Scattered throughout the Inn were bowls of gumdrops for us to eat from. I convinced my mother, usually early to bed, to join me for a nightcap at The Lion’s Den, the basement tavern/music venue of the Inn.

We entered and to our delight, the band was excellent. Calling themselves The Sun Mountain Band, they played excellent bluegrass involving a fiddle, banjo, guitars, and even spoons. The Lion’s Den had the same old charm as the Tavern, a fire was burning, and the place was packed with a riotously enthusiastic audience. I met a Stockbridge native named Michael, a former bank VP turned carpenter who sported a shaved head, leather jacket, and outgoing personality. We started chatting and he said that he’s a friend of the band and they were coming over to his uncle’s house afterward, as was most of the audience, for an “after-party” and invited me and Mom.

So when the group gathered and we’d met his uncle John, a Greg Allman look-alike with amazing storytelling skills, we all filed back to the house, which was a few hundred yards from the Inn. A 200-year-old house steeped in Stockbridge history (John gave us all a tour of the antiques and the house’s idiosyncrasies, like a narrow spiral staircase designed for the lady of the house to kill any intruder as he came up the stairs). John inherited the house from his grandmother, who used it is as a beauty parlor. I thought it all tied in very nicely to the theme of this website.

So my mother and I hung out in their basement, kicked back Buds with a group of locals that ranged from their 20s to 50s, the band played and we all chatted. It wasn’t your Norman Rockwell-looking crowd, but it was most definitely Norman Rockwell hospitality. I finally had to drag my mother home around two in the morning because I was exhausted, and as we tipsily walked through a dead-silent Stockbridge, we joked about being the Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie of Stockbridge.

Back at our room, a maid had turned down our beds and left chocolates and nighttime storybooks. I decided on the spot that the storybooks were just about the cutest thing ever, and after we got into our beds, I subjected Mom to what is officially called Story Time. Halfway into the first story I looked over at her and she was fast asleep, however, because frankly the stories sucked. They were fictional endorsements of the Inn. Nevertheless, it was a nice idea.

The next morning (after setting our alarm to make it), we enjoyed a breakfast of endlessly flowing freshly squeezed orange juice, eggs, pancakes, and bacon and I started to reconsider my harsh judgment of the restaurant. We felt incredibly refreshed and grateful to the hotel for not only providing so many services to us under one roof, and great ones at that. And then we rode off into the sunset.

When I moved to Manhattan two years ago to a walk-up railroad apartment on East 91st Street, one of the first things I heard about was the 92nd Street Y. Granted, it was my mother who informed me of this amazing facility. “You’re single…you should go see a lecture or take a class there,” she advised. “Who knows? You may meet a nice Jewish boy or something.” Or something – Ok Mom, whatever. But she was right. I did find something. I found a fantastic place to go when I’m looking to feel beautiful both inside and out. When the dirty slush of Lexington Avenue ends up on my face, I can duck into the 92nd Street Y for some much needed pampering and rejuvenation. I can expand my mind, fulfill my soul and feel ten years younger after just one visit.

Last year, I found myself at the Y at least once a week. I was taking various dance classes using what is known as a “flex card.” After any given Jazz, Modern, Spinal Gymnastics, African or Flamenco dance class I enjoyed, I’d explore the entirety of the Y, and ogle the many other amenities it offered. One stop in the elevator and I’d find a complete health club, rivaling the top gyms of the city, complete with an indoor running track and the only Olympic-sized pool in Manhattan. From there, I could grab a bite in the health café and head to a lecture or concert series featuring the world’s most talented and famous contributors to the arts. And if the search for a Jewish Mr. Right ever got too exhausting, I had the perfect place to escape – InSPArations, the 92nd Street Y’s very own day spa. I am not exaggerating when I say I could live in a place like this!

A spa experience of Biblical proportions certainly describes InSPArations. I received two of their signature treatments – the Sacred Scrub and the Body Quilt. Though not necessary, it is recommended to get both treatments, the scrub followed by the quilt (a type of body wrap) in order to get the most effective results. Having tested the Dead Sea salts first-hand many years ago during a visit to Israel, I was looking forward to experiencing the salts again, this time mixed with essential oils as mentioned in the Bible. For instance, Galbanum is an ancient essential oil for both grounding and meditative effects as are Frankenscense and Murh. Spikenard is a unique anointing oil, which works wonders on severely dry skin. The Body Quilt incorporates Eucalyptus and Pink Grapefruit to stimulate and invigorate while improving the respiratory and immune systems.

Upon entering the quiet, dimly lit, toasty warm room, I immediately felt at ease. Victoria, who was to be administering both treatments, was as much concerned with my mental well-being as she was the physical. With soft music playing in the background to complete this holistic environment, Victoria helped me concentrate on my breathing and talked about my spiritual center as though she were leading me through a meditation. Once I felt centered and relaxed, the Dead Sea salts and oils were gently massaged (not scrubbed) onto each part of my body, slowly and deliberately. The salt felt scratchy (but in a very good way) as it exfoliated and reinvigorated my skin. This treatment lasted a half hour. It may seem like a short while, but I was fully satisfied and could’ve left the spa at that – but the Body Quilt was awaiting me. As I rinsed the salt off in the shower, located conveniently in the same room, I prepared for the Quilt as if in a daze but feeling more balanced and aligned than I have in quite some time. The Body Quilt was very similar in application but the cycle of massage to each body part, applied to both my front and back, occurred several times over the course of an hour. After a second shower to rinse off any remaining salts, as well as the clay mask that covered my entire body, Victoria applied the final layer – an organic moisturizing lotion was massaged into my skin with just the right amount of pressure to seal in the moisture, while leaving me to feel relaxed yet tingling with energy.

InSPArations is a full-service spa catering to both men and women. Along with more conventional services offered, like massages or pedicures, InSPArations offers many unique and exclusive services. The spa also offers 5elements – a complete line of totally organic products, which are used during treatments and available for purchase. As well as being naturally fragrant and mineral-rich, 5elements products are oxygenating, detoxifying and alkalizing. Based on the five elements of the universe – earth, water, fire, air and sky – these products blend modern science with ancestral wisdom to promote balance, beauty and spirituality.

I highly recommend a visit to www.92ndStreetY.org for more information on this facility and to request a catalogue of the year’s events and classes. Definitely check out the spa’s own website at www.inSPArations.com for a complete list and explanation of all available treatments and products. I also suggest looking into their gift packages. With day passes to the wellness center and even tickets to the 92nd Street Y’s evening events included along with several spa treatments, what better way to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of New York City? I’ve since moved out of my 91st Street railroad apartment, but if I’m ever in need of some spiritual enlightenment, a dose of inspiration or just some solid relaxation, I’ll definitely make the trek to this extraordinary oasis of Manhattan.

Finland should be known for more than their Nokia cell phones. Meet Pirkko Vaisanen, the Artistic Director of Paul Labrecque Gentlemen’s Salon & Barber Shop at The Chatham. The Gentlemen’s Salon, which is going on its third year of existence, is located on the second level of the award-winning Paul Labrecque Salon & Spa East on 65th St. & 3rd Ave. With a new year comes the opportunity for us men to learn how to take better care of ourselves. Thanks to shows like “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and role models like David Beckham, today’s average male is starting to realize that pampering is OK! However, he often has no clue how to go about doing such lifestyle changes.

The private men’s suite at Paul Labrecque offers male clientele indulgent grooming and pampering services in a quiet, private room that’s separated from the normal hustle and bustle of the salon’s usual services. Barber shops of old used to be a haven where men could unwind, vent, or just bask in silence away from the usual stresses of a routine life. Under the direction of Pirkko (pronounced Peer-ko), The Gentlemen’s Salon & Barber Shop successfully achieves that third place between work and home where men can literally free their worries under the hands of trained professionals. Services include straight-edge razor shaves, cuts, color, scalp treatments, facial trims, shoe shines, sports manicures and pedicures to name a few. I had the privilege of interviewing Pirkko while experiencing one of her famous triple-treatment scalp therapy and a sports manicure and pedicure. All three grooming treatments took about 45-minutes in total, which is ideal for the no-frills, in-and-out New York male. Finnish born and European trained, Pirkko discovered her passion for the industry while watching her mother run her own salon. She arrived on American soil in 1970 on the streets of Manhattan, not speaking a lick of English. Before long, Pirkko built a reputation as a men’s grooming specialist. When asked why she chose to specialize in men’s hair and beauty, she simply replied that men were less complicated; she saw that men wanted to be pampered and cared for but often did not know how to go about doing so without threatening their masculinity. That might sound a bit trite, but I can definitely affirm that getting a manicure and pedicure for the first time in a huge room full of women who often stare at you can be a bit unnerving for any male. Pirkko’s draws techniques reserved for women and translates them into fashion-forward effects for men while cutting and styling men’s hair.

My experience with the Aromatherapy Scalp Massage was literally a piece of heaven. In essence, think of scalp therapy as a facial for your head. The massage helps to drain away toxins that gather in your scalp and hair follicles while spreading the natural oils produced by the scalp along the entire length of the hair. Think of it as self-conditioning. Massaging the scalp improves circulation, nourishing hair down to its roots, which helps hair feel thicker with a healthy sheen. Attention balders: Regular scalp treatment could result in a decline in hair loss and a slowing of receding hairlines.

Pirkko begins the massage with Paul Labrecque’s Scalp Revitalizer, which contains stimulating peppermint, menthol, and eucalyptus extracts. Lemongrass oil then cleanses the pores and penetrates hair cuticles leaving hair soft, shiny, and manageable. The intense and sleep-inducing head, forehead, and neck massage that follows irons out knots you never knew you had using shiatsu pressure points. I found calling the treatment scalp therapy misleading as I found the process more stimulating and relaxing than previous full-body massages I’ve experienced. My worries about finances, holiday gifts, mundane errands, and the like were literally forced from my mind as the scalp massage eliminated tension and brought me to an ethereal trance-like state of relaxation. Though we really don’t have to worry about smoky bars in New York anymore, regular shampooing won’t rid your hair and scalp of build up and damage from air pollution, sun exposure, and even styling products.

Now I don’t want to downplay the sports manicure and pedicure I received. The sports manicure uses an antiseptic gel to clean your hands and nails. Nails and cuticles are then shaped and trimmed before you undergo a slow pressure massage with oil that helps to loosen knots in your hands and strengthen your digits. Finally, a moisturizing cream hydrates and protects the skin before the manicurist finishes with a final buffing of your nails. The best part of the pedicure would have to be the massage. Like the manicure, the pedicurist first cleans your feet and then trims and shapes your nails and cuticles. However, those nasty calluses that you tend to develop through work shoes, sports, etc. are treated with an intense buffing of your feet. An exfoliant applied to your lower legs and feet removes dead skin cells. The massage literally strips away any tension you might retain from a long, stressful day. From a layman’s point of view, a sports mani/pedi differs from a normal mani/pedi primarily with the intensity of the massage treatment and the oils, creams, and other natural extracts that super-strengthen and maintain your hands, feet, and nails.

Pirkko and her staff specialize in accommodating a hectic timeframe by providing multiple services simultaneously. “Often men want to get in and out quickly, but need it all…my staff can do that without compromising the quality of our services,” she says. In fact, Pirkko often sees 10-15 clients a day without tiring. Under her direction, Paul Labrecque Gentlemen’s Salon & Barber Shop helps its male clients achieve a look that works for their individual lifestyles and that requires minimal effort to maintain. A new menu of services will be available in the new year that’s structured much like a wine list in a language that the generic male New Yorker will understand – what’s the service, what’ll it do, lose the sales pitch, and tell me how it costs. When asked what the most intriguing aspect of the Gentlemen’s Salon was, Pirkko replied, “It allows me to pamper a man – appeal to his feminine side without compromising his masculinity. This is just what men are looking for these days.” With a box of her cookies in hand and feeling twenty pounds lighter when I left, I just had to agree.

Deep Conditioning Lemongrass Scalp Treatment – $60 ($70 with Pirkko) Sport Manicure – $28. Sport Pedicure – $58

Clients may schedule appointments at Paul Labrecque Gentlemen’s Salon & Barber Shop by calling 212-595-0099. For detailed information on all services, visit www.paullabrecque.com. Paul Labrecque East171 E. 65th & 3rd@ The Chatham, New York, NY 10021.

Just when you got used to writing ’03 on your checks, it changed again. Yeah, it’s that time of year. That time when you swear you’ll be healthier, give up stuff and all those other ridiculous resolutions that rarely last a week, no mind a year.

So let me suggest a little boost for ’04 that’s not so hard to stick to. Something to help you rejuvenate your “outer” self after all that boozing, (or whatever you did), over the holidays.

Step 1: Forget the guilt trip.
Step 2: Give yourself a “Fresh” start….literally.

Still don’t get it? I’m talking about “Fresh” – the innovative skincare/cosmetic company that was borne out of the union of two Russian emigrants (Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg) and a bar of soap. They opened their first store on Tremont Street in Boston in the early 90′s. (If you want to learn more about the Russian love story go to www.fresh.com).

After a decade of innovative experimentation and careful study of healing herbs and organic products, the “Fresh” couple continue to combine their wisdom of traditional remedies with an ever-expanding range of natural ingredients and cutting edge technology. And so offers a new, approach to personal care, beauty and well being. Everything from head to toe.

Brown Sugah
I know I should start from head to toe but I’m too impatient. So let me start with the body. Here’s something I loved so much I tried to eat it…well I wanted to but I didn’t actually…anyway it’s called Brown Sugar Body Polish. And it really will leave you shining! This scrumptious exfoliant is a mix of natural ingredients that remove dirt and toxins from the skin as well as 5 oils that completely calm irritated skin, revitalize and moisturize tired skin. Plus, with arnica and passiflora, you’ll also improve circulation and cool muscles. If all of that is not enough, Body Polish is a great way to massage your skin and at least try eliminate cellulite. Not that I can guarantee any results but it definitely makes your skin feel more invigorated. For $58.00 for a big jar (400 grams), you can indulge in Body Polish every day. Though a nice relaxing bath is probably the best way to use it.

Make Headway
Always experimenting with new ingredients and innovative formulas, the Fresh duo, Lev and Alina put their heads together again to come up with Fresh Haircare. This time, they looked at Fresh favorites like soy, milk, rice, rose and Umbrian Clay with new eyes and extracted and exerted their therapeutic actions in cleansing, conditioning and styling all hair types.

Take a roll in the meadows
If you have very dry, parched tresses like mine, try Fresh Meadowfoam Cream Conditioner. It’s the best remedy for a bad hair hangover, if you know what I mean. This ultra-rich treatment really helps to bring the shine back and makes your hair more soft and manageable. Made of resilient meadowfoam seed oil, it seals in moisture and nourishes over-dried scalps.

(Need a new shampoo? Try Fresh Soy or Rice Shampoo before you condition. Amazing!).

Repair and Restore for ’04
Sound too good to be true? That’s what I though, until I tried it. This target age-specific formula is great for dry, wrinkle-prone skin. Let’s start with the face. Repair And Restore Face Balm contains ingredients like Torch Lily nectar & Fresh™ AVRC, to protect your complexion against free radicals. There’s also iris root, oenothera extract that protect collagen synthesis. It’s even got brightening peony that restores radiance and blackcurrant and camellia seed oils to hydrate and nourish. Won’t remember all that? No worries. Just slather it on…your skin will thank you.

Keep your eyes on this And my favorite Fresh product? Repair and Restore Eye Balm. (Brown Sugar is next). After a few applications you can feel and see a difference. Perhaps that’s because it’s a unique blend of highly developed botanicals that smooth expression lines, increase firmness and elasticity – and feel very good on your skin. With natural calming chamomile and cucumber extracts, vital moisture is sealed in as well as green tea and grapeseed polyphenols that defend skin against aging free radicals. In other words, that delicate, skin area will become moisturized and appear less wrinkled. Which is probably a good thing. Because at $65.00 a pop for just 15 ml, you definitely want to see a difference. And you will, believe me. Go try it.

Inspiration – not perspiration
One more. How ’bout a new, more natural deodorant this year? Try Fresh’s Umbrian Clay Deodorant. This all-natural alkaline, non-alcohol roll-on is enhanced with astringent rosemary extract and lemon oil and balancing and soothing lavender and mint waters that add refreshing scent. Not to a mention non-staining, fast-drying deodorant that feels lighter and less irritable on your skin.

Now get Fresh
Dr. Zhivago aside, Fresh is fresh for a reason. It’s always thinking of new ways to create natural products that work. Really work. So there you go. You’re all ready to give yourself a Fresh start. How easy was that!

For more information on all Fresh products, go to www.fresh.com.

Or better yet, visit their NYC stores below. Or go to any Sephora store, as well as Barneys and Bergdorf’s, and you’ll see just how popular they are.

FRESH
1061 Madison Ave.
Phone: 212-396-0344

FRESH
57 Spring Street
Phone: 212-925-0099

FRESH
388 Bleeker Street
Phone: 917-408-1850

Have you ever heard of Trichology or Trichoanalysis? No? Ok, I hadn’t either, but I know of it now…and love it! I set up an appointment with the famous and fabulous Christopher Mackin at Gil Ferrer Salon with no expectations and left with a wealth of knowledge, the shiniest hair I’ve ever seen and a rock-star haircut. I’ll explain it to you as best I can, I swear, and when I’m done you’ll want to know more and get it yourself…yes, really.

After studying medicine, Christopher (not Chris, Christopher) Mackin, in his third year, sat down with a group of friends who explained to him the joys of trichology and the need for it in the states. You see, Trichoanalysis had already hit big in Europe and needed a vehicle to bring it here for us to enjoy. Mackin explained that in Europe, seeing your trichologist was like (in frequency and beyond) seeing your shrink. We can all understand that.

He ventured to London, where for five years, he studied a medley of sciences. Arriving in the states, he found himself working with others, but did not find his niche until he reached Gil Ferrer Salon, where he is known for his excellent methods, hair advice, and awesome concoctions to keep hair at its healthiest. Although he would not divulge the secrets to his wonderful smelling masterpieces on which he and his own chemist worked, he explained the theories from which his recipes originate. All shampoos, conditioners and hair treatments build up on one’s hair from the tips all the way to the root of a strand. His goal is to strip all of the yuckiness, leaving hair the way it should be, not just dead cells, but a mane of your personality. No one wants her first impression to say “dirty.” Ok maybe you do, but for the sake of the rest of this article, pretend that you value cleanliness.

When entering the Gil Ferrer Salon, one’s first and only task is to fill out a questionnaire. No, not about you, about your hair, silly. Is it curly, wavy, or straight? What do you put it in it and how frequently? What about things you digest? All of this ends up coating your lovely locks, you know. After this, you’re in his team’s hands…and what strong and lovely hands they are. While we’re on the cleanliness tip, let me explain to you the importance of a good shampoo. Using eucalyptus to strip your hair of yuckiness for the aforementioned reasons, the man I now call my “scalp massaging/shampoo artist” scrubs your scalp while making you putty in his hands. I’m not one for relaxing easily and by the time I was done, I was dizzy with relaxation. No Joke.

Alright, I was relaxed, my hair was super clean and I was put in a chair to finally realize the magic of Christopher Mackin. As I sat, nervously awaiting what was to come, Mackin began telling me tales of the famous. He was once brought out to fix Meg Ryan’s hair when it was literally breaking off during the filming of French Kiss, you know. With a bottle full of gooey goodness (once again, I have no idea of what was in it, but it did smell like lavender), he began coating my hair. Ok, here’s the best part. Using a vibrating scalp massager, he brought me to near climax (ok, not really, but I’m sure it’s worked for some). Using the massager to work the goo into my scalp, getting it into all of my gross (I’m sure) pores, he became totally in control. After my near intimate moment with Master Mackin, I was put under the dryer for approximately 20 minutes where I read articles about him from various magazines. After he rinsed the goo out of my hair and gave it a splash of cold water to close off the pores, I could immediately feel the difference. Ever felt a friend’s head of hair and asked how the hell she got it SO soft?? Yeah, well, if you felt mine it would’ve boggled your mind.

Ok, to top it all off, I decided that if the Trichoanalysis and Trichology treatment was this amazing, I should definitely inquire about a haircut. Right away I was seated in the chair of Vincent, a man from Brazil who has been styling hair for 17 years and also a stylist to stars. Ask to see pictures of his family. It’s beautiful, I promise. I was so confident with the abilities of this man that I told him to do whatever he wanted with my hair. I know, brave, right? Anyway, he blow-dried my hair (he cuts hair dry) and then went to work. In no time at all, I had the perfect rock-star haircut that perfectly framed my face and fell in just the right position…in a word, it was perfect. Vincent does make-up too! I might have to go back just to see how he perfects that craft as well.

In conclusion, you must go to Gil Ferrer Salon and ask for these men to change your distressed hair and the way you think about it forever. The Trichoanalysis Treatment is $65 and up and the Haircut for women runs $85 and up. Do it….really. Tell Mackin you read about him here and he may give you just a little more time with the vibrator….um, I mean vibrating massager thingy.

www.gilferrersalon.com

P.S. Make sure you read the hair tips on the website (there are 24 of them)!

I remember being a freshman in college on a trip home to see my family. I needed a haircut, so my father said that if I wanted for him to pay for it I would be going to a lovely local chain that shall remain nameless. They cut his hair just fine and if it was good enough for him it was good enough for me. My mother, who normally went to a more upscale salon, also decided to give dad’s hot spot a whirl. I ended up getting every layer imaginable and my mother looked like a greaser from “The Outsiders.” Not quite the look we were going for. We recently forgave dad.

Why are there so many people who think that they can cut and/or color hair? It’s frightening to walk into a new situation and not count rosary beads under your plastic cape. But ladies, there is hope! You know your hair looks good when other people want to know where you got it done. Nicolay Loor and Ken Cranford from the Stephen Knoll Salon, www.stephenknoll.com, in NYC are your new hair gods. These are men with years of experience, incredible expertise, and they actually listen to you.

Nicolay,www.nicolayloor.com, grew up in Ecuador and even at age 12 knew he wanted to do hair. After his mother locked the scissors away because she was against it, he found gardening shears to cut the maid’s hair. At 18 he came to the U.S. to get a degree in Business. Thankfully, he followed his true calling.

After working at a downtown salon that called for punk color dyes and perms he later assisted as a colorist at LePene and then came to Stephen Knoll. “I’ve always been known to choose the most difficult path given to me” and for Nicolay, that meant color. He’s established quite a following and has worked with all kinds of women, from Kristen Davis and Connie Nielson to Edi Falco. Oh, and all those “Nice and Easy” spots Cindy Crawford shoots? Let’s just say they’re very nice, but not so easy. All that being said, “I’m not impressed by money. I want to impress you with my work and I’m very confident with what I can deliver.” And I can attest to that. One afternoon I came in to get my highlights done and heard a familiar voice behind me. Cindy Crawford was on her way out. Nicolay came to me, made no mention of it, and treated me like a little star.

His philosophy on color is “to enhance someone, not make them over.” To him “enhancing” means working with skin tone and eye color to determine what natural hair shades would be most flattering. “Makeovers” are a shift in gears, a big change which should take into account the way you dress as well as actual maintenance of the hair. For example, if someone wants to go platinum blonde but doesn’t want to be at the salon every few weeks, it may not be the best choice for them and he’ll let them know. Nicolay is great for everything from color correction to hand painting hair for extra dimension.

After color you need some styling and that’s where Ken Cranford comes in. He also started out in college, for commercial art and advertising, but by 19 was working at the Richard Stine salon on Madison Avenue. He later went on to open his own salon on the Upper West Side with business partner Jeffery Stine called Les Copains. After a while they moved back to Madison Avenue and later Ken found his way to Stephen Knoll.

Ken’s philosophy is to find the individual’s personality and “make their life easier. I don’t want to fight what their hair does, even if it’s not ‘in style’. Clean, healthy, manageable hair with a minimum amount of work for the client” is his goal. He loves for people to bring in photos and is great at creating “period” looks as well as current. However, if you break up with your boyfriend, don’t expect him to jump on the bandwagon, “I don’t do emotional haircuts? Come back in a week.”

You’ve actually probably seen Ken’s work on the “Montel Williams Show” makeovers, “Good Morning America,” and Clairol’s Blue Chip infomercial as well as styling the locks of Jennifer Lopez, Liza Minelli, Anna Nicole Smith, and Jamie Lee Curtis. He loves doing fashion shows and shoots but prefers them on the side. “The salon is grounding.”

And what do these hair gurus suggest for you to use? Down to the nitty gritty, here we go:

Nicolay’s favorites:
*The Stephen Knoll color line which is currently only available in Japan but will be here soon
*Avocados for conditioning hair
*Back to Basics Sunflower Detangler ? use as a leave in conditioner and shine enhancer
*Herbal Essence ? cheap and good
*Steep 2 bags of chamomile tea, wash hair, condition, and pour the tea over your hair for crazy amounts of shine and do not rinse – this is especially good for sun-damaged hair
*Instead of at home dyes use color enhancing shampoos – less room for error
*Use products with low alcohol levels

Ken’s tips:
*Alternate your shampoo every 2 weeks to reduce buildup
*Dilute your shampoo by 50% with water for a gentler everyday alternative
*Strong fragrance in products = alcohol = drying, stripping of color, and irritation to scalp
*When blow-drying use a protectant like ID Care Heat Silk Lotion Protectant or Infusium 23
*Deep condition once a week
*Light waxes protect against humidity/blowdrying/and moisturize split ends
*Having to use more than 2 products at once means you’re using the wrong products
*Resist trends if they’re not geared for your face shape or lifestyle
*If you want to try out a new stylist but are feeling nervous, go in for a blow dry before you ever make an appointment for a cut.

Needless to say, I walk out of the Stephen Knoll Salon looking sunkissed, beautifully coifed and feeling like a princess. They are genuinely nice men who take time to find out what it is that you want to explore. And hey, it’s probably better than the guy who cuts your dad’s hair, right?

The Stephen Knoll Salon is located at 625 Madison Avenue, 2nd floor, 212-421-0100.

I was skeptical too. Who needs threading when there’s a perfectly capable eyebrow waxer conveniently located in the same place as my neighborhood manicurist? Besides, doesn’t the thought of twisting a piece of thread around one strand of hair and pulling it out from the root sound downright painful? So what if my eyes are red and puffy for a few hours after an eyebrow wax? Who cares if the hot wax once scorched my skin so badly, I couldn’t wear eye shadow for a week? Waxing is fine – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Wrong. Shobha is one of the few, if only, high-end salons working exclusively in threading and sugaring as the most effective means for hair removal. With convenient locations in both Soho (594 Broadway, Suite 403 between Prince and Houston) and Midtown (595 Madison Avenue Suite 1403 @ 57th Street), not to mention reasonable prices, there’s no reason not to try out this new and perhaps, superior technique.

Sugaring and threading are all natural and less irritating to people with extremely sensitive skin types (i.e. people using Retin-A and Accutane). Threading is a gentle hair removal technique using a cotton thread (imported from India) to remove an entire row of hairs or individual hairs by capturing them between the fine twists of the thread and pulling them easily from the root. The “threader” has full control over which hair(s) is removed, thus giving the client the exact shape and look desired. After trimming my eyebrows, the threader shaped my eyebrows using the threading technique. It was an odd sensation to get used to at first but certainly not painful; and the results are terrific and apparently, more long-lasting than waxing and/or tweezing.

The method of sugaring looks a lot like waxing, but the products used are all natural and hypoallergenic. The “wax” is made up of sugar, water and fresh lemon juice. The gel, which is applied warm as opposed to hot, and does not leave a sticky residue, is used in conjunction with a seep-resistant denim to remove the hair. I got my bikini line “sugared” and already, I can totally understand why this method is preferable to waxing. Furthermore, after only a few sugarings, the hair grows back softer, finer, slower and with few, if any, ingrown hairs.

The story behind Shobha is an interesting one and the concept is no doubt a perfect addition to the eclectic New York City beauty scene. Shobha Tummala, the founder of the salon, spent her childhood summers in South India where she was taught various customs and beauty techniques by her grandmother. Although her salon offers what we consider new and up-and-coming alternatives to more conventional hair removal methods, the beauty customs Shobha introduces to us have actually been tried and tested for centuries in their origin – South Asia. With her well-trained staff of threading experts and cosmetologists, Shobha intends to bring to her Manhattan clientele the spiritual beauty rituals of her grandmother in a professional but luxurious environment.

Shobha has also formulated several unique products so that you can bring her South Asian beauty traditions home with you. Indulge in the aromas and botanical remedies of India with Shobha’s face and body products – including a soothing Rose Water toner and a seductively aromatic Sandalwood massage oil. Dedicated to honoring the beauty secrets and traditions of India, Shobha also offers henna tattoos for the ultimate in Ayurveda beautifying experiences. For more information and to purchase products and gift certificates, visit www.Shobhathreading.com and travel to exotic lands without leaving Manhattan!

How do you know it’s time to toss out old makeup? In Angie Young’s case, it was when she learned that her favorite mascara was discontinued after holding on to it for more than three years.

We all do it – we hang on to that favorite color of lipstick, lip balm or blush brush. As you make a list of resolutions for 2004, don’t forget to add cleaning out your makeup bag to your list.

Makeup expires and you shouldn’t wait until your favorite mascara is out of circulation to replace it. But how do you know it’s “out the old and in with the new” time?

I found Ramy Gafni, a makeup artist with his own line of makeup (www.ramy.com), who provided a commonsense guide to how and when to store, preserve and toss makeup.

Mascara has a life span of about three months. Once you open a tube of mascara and use it once, it will begin to develop bacteria, said Ramy. If you hate the idea of tossing out the mascara, like my friend Angie, you can always use a disposable brush. Disposable brushes should only be used once, he added, then tossed.

Other than mascara, said Ramy, lipstick, foundations, pencils, and powder products can last three to four years. Waxed-based makeup can last two to three years. He noted that it is important to store these products in a cool, dry place. “Keep makeup at room temperature and out of the sun,” he said.

While some people like to refrigerate makeup, it can actually cause makeup to turn bad. For instance, refrigerating lipstick will cause it to bead-up “like it starts to sweat- t hat’s a sign of spoilage,” said Ramy.

And even if you have the space in your refrigerator, you should only store fragrance, astringents or gel-based products there. Cream formulas should be kept at room temperature. If you live in a studio, chances are you have a dorm-sized refrigerator, so you might want to save the space for that pitcher of filtered water.

Rule of Thumb
As a rule for any cosmetic,” said Ramy, “any time it starts to smell bad or ingredients look like they are separating, that means they’ve gone bad.”

For instance, self-tanners last two to three years, “MAX.” Tanners generally have an expiration date. Most tanners smell bad to begin with, so in this case, “it will smell REALLY bad and it simply will not work.” Lipsticks will also smell when they go bad, even if they have fragrance added to them.

Aside from odor and consistency, there are other signs that a product has expired. Eye and lip pencils will become hard and dried up. “If you don’t get the color payoff that you’ve had in the past,” said Ramy, toss them.

If powder products, such as pressed powder, eye shadows and blushes, don’t give you an even application or if they are crumbly, toss them. When the bristles on brushes start to fray, toss them too.

Prolonging Life
But wait! There is hope for some products. You can extend the life of brushes—it just takes some tender-loving care. Makeup brushes can be cleaned, and can last a long time if you take proper care of them. Like mascara brushes, bacteria forms on all makeup brushes. Synthetic and natural fiber brushes, often made with squirrel or sable, can be cleaned with a gentle shampoo or cosmetics brush cleanser, then left to air dry.

Powder puffs can also be washed with hand soap or cleanser. “If you are in a pinch, use rubbing alcohol or a conditioning shampoo,” said Ramy.

A makeup artists’ trick for your favorite lipstick scoop it out and put it in a pillbox. If you’re down to the last drops of your foundation, just add a small amount of moisturizer to get that last usage of it.

When All Else Fails
And if you still don’t know if it should stay or go, apply Ramy’s handy clothing rule to your makeup. “Realistically, if you haven’t worn it in over three months, toss it.”

I will remember 2003 as the year I was boring. Somewhere along the way I just stopped putting effort into my appearance, and before I knew what was happening, I became downright frumpy. I’m not too sure how it happened, seeing as how I am a beauty writer and am forever surrounded by overflowing bags full of makeup. My new year’s resolution: when it comes to makeup, I should practice what I preach!

Makeup Artist Danielle Astryd Fonseca

My rut was deep and I knew needed outside help. It was time to call on an expert for a much needed wake up call. For 2004, makeup artist Danielle Astryd Fonseca is my breath of fresh air. Before I could say a word she stated that she was “over the natural look.” She reminded me that makeup is fun by creating three new looks for me to try this year, each one beautiful, yet very wearable and easy to recreate.

Look #1: Winter Queen

In my disturbed mind, spring begins right after the holidays, despite the sub-zero temperatures, snow, and ice. I’m over the deep burgundies and chocolates; give me pastels and shimmers. So, Danielle created a post-holiday, pre-springtime look. It’s the perfect combination of icy and regal with flushed and glowy, perfect for daytime or a casual night out.

This look is all about sheer layering. Danielle started with tinted moisturizer to even out my complexion and used a light pink highlighting cream on my cheekbones. The cheeks are the main focus of this look, so she chose a bright fuchsia cream blush. On my eyes she started with a sheer, shimmery white shadow all over the lid and around the entire eye bone area. A light wash of lavender on the upper lid layered with a frost pigment opens up the eye area. Finish the eye with a heavy dose of black lengthening mascara for that wide-eyed, nymphet look. A light sweep of invisible powder on my forehead and nose kept my T-Zone in check. Finally, Danielle chose a shiny, iridescent pink gloss for my lips. Lovely.

Products to try: Paula Dorf SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer (http://www.PaulaDorf.com), Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #2 (for highlighting, at Saks 5th Ave.), MAC Cream Color Base in Pink Fuchsia (http://www.MACcosmetics.com), Stila Eye Shadow in Chinois http://www.Gloss.com), Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Lilac (http://www.Gloss.com), MAC Frost Pigment, Lancôme Definicils Mascara in Black (http://www.Lancome-USA.com), and LORAC Lip Polish in Amuse (http://www.LORACcosmetics.com).

Look #2: Green Is The New Black

I usually shy away from dark, smoky eyes because I end up looking like a Goth raver kid on St. Marks. But even I still want to look like a badass every now and then. To update this look for 2004, Danielle used several shades of green–instead of the usual black and gray. The color is unexpected and fresh, but in many ways more wearable than black.

She started on the eye area with a shimmery chartreuse green cream color all over the lid. Next, she lined the entire eye with a dark, forest green liner. She blended the liner past the outer corner of the eye and back in over the crease to create depth. Then, she layered an acid green shadow over the liner on top and bottom. Black mascara finished the eye. On the cheeks she brushed a touch of peach blush and golden shimmery highlighter. Lips shouldn’t compete with eyes this intense, but they still need something, so Danielle finished the look with nude/peachy gloss over nude liner. Wear this sultry look when you want to get noticed.

Products to try: MAC Paint in Chartru, Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Acid Rain (http://www.UrbanDecay.com), Laura Mercier Eye Colour in St. Germain (http://www.LauraMercier.com), MAC Eye Kohl in Tarnish, Prescriptives Powder Cheekcolor in China Peach (http://www.Gloss.com), Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer in #1, MAC Lip Pencil in Spice, and Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Soleil.

Look #3: Polished Pinup

Danielle says that the one request she consistently hears from clients is red lips. It is the kind of thing that never goes out of style and, when done correctly, can pull a look together like nothing else. She gave me a porcelain complexion with natural cheeks and precisely lined my eyes with liquid eyeliner to keep me from looking overdone. The idea here is classic, not clownish. To create that china doll complexion, Danielle started with a primer to help set the foundation and translucent powder. Her hint for concise liquid eyeliner is to start by putting the eyeliner on the edge of a very flat, stiff brush. Use the brush to go all the way into the lash line, then use that line as your guide for the liner. As for the lips, try a silicone based mattifying product around the outside of the lip line to prevent bleeding. Then, lightly pat powder over the lip liner. Finally, pick a rich, creamy red lipstick and wear it with plenty of confidence.

Products to try: NARS Makeup Primer (http://www.Sephora.com), Giorgio Armani Luminouse Silk Foundation, Shu Uemura Face Powder in Matte Colorless (http://www.Beauty.com), Paula Dorf Eye Transformer Brush, Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Black (http://www.drugstore.com), MAC Matte Texture, JOEY New York Opti-Brite Lip Pencil #10 (http://www.JOEYnewyork.com), Laura Mercier Lip Colour in Seduction.

Ok, 2004, I am ready for you. Armed with the proper instruction and a plethora of beautiful colors, here I come. Old habits die hard, but I can’t let Danielle’s beautiful work go to waste. I now have a look for any occasion, and zero excuses for going bare-faced this year.

Danielle Astryd Fonseca is a freelance artist specializing in makeup for editorial, theater, and bridal, as well as body painting. Contact her at (917) 468-4669.