Stuff Boston : Beauty

Everyday Experts

Erin Souza — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:17:00 GMT

Beauty advice from people who aren't paid to give it to you

When it comes to your beauty regimen, there are some things you just shouldn’t try at home — like mixing your own concoction of bleach to lighten your jet-black tresses or cutting choppy layers into the back of your own hair. But then there are those seemingly simple tasks that you might be too embarrassed to admit you don’t know how to accomplish. So we called in a few everyday experts to answer some of our most practical — yet pressing — beauty questions. They might man the salon chairs or the makeup counters, but they have beauty tips and tricks that come from their own life experiences.

What’s the best way to apply eyeliner?
Mizery, Boston-based female impersonator and entertainer: The best way is to find a soft pencil — the one I use is “Smolder” from MAC. Keep it very close to the lash line, and then smudge it out a bit with your finger. Put some in the inner corner of the eye, and then glide along the lash line. The process is the same for both the top and bottom of the eye. Some women like to line the inside of the eye versus the outside of the eye; if you do both, it makes the eye look bigger. The “Smolder” eye pencil is so soft and simple. Just sharpen and go, girl.

MAC eye kohl pencil, $14.50 at MAC Cosmetics (112 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.0013).

How do you get the most face-flattering shape when tweezing eyebrows?
Mizery: I draw them on; I don’t use stencils — I hate those things. You need to find the right shape for your eye, and go from the brow bone, up and over. A good eyebrow sets the whole look of your face. A lot of women like that thin-thin look — that is so long gone. A good brow is a little thicker, with a nice base starting at the corner, and then thinner as you come down. A lot of people like to use pencils, and then over the pencil, they use an eye shadow or a brow shadow. It all depends on what you feel like.

How should guys approach their manscaping regimen?
Mizery: I don’t want to be graphic, but men need to shave their nuts. They need to manscape. It’s a cleanliness issue. Men feel that they don’t need to; they think it’s the way of the world to have hair down there. But they need to realize that they want people — men or women — to go down there and do all that madness, so they need to keep it clean! Manscaping is not anything gay — it is not a gay issue or a straight issue. It is just an issue. And it needs to be done. Suck it up, buy a clipper, and just do it. Just get a clipper with various grades, so you can trim. You’ll be able to go up or down a grade, depending on how much or little hair you want. It’s up to you what kind of grade you want to be. [Men] want women to be clean and have a landing strip and all that madness, so they should do the same thing in return. Shave your shit! You can use any type of clippers; they don’t have to be expensive. A good, simple clipper and a razor, and you’re all set.

What’s the best way to get rid of razor burn?
Mizery: Tend Skin is the best thing for that. You have to use it very sparingly, on a swab or a Q-tip, because it can burn your skin. If you’re smart and you buy it by the gallon, it’s cheaper, and it will last a long time. Find it at high-end salons. It is the best thing for razor burns, in-grown hair, any bumps on your skin. I use it on my face; that’s why I never have a pimple.

Tend Skin is available locally at Sephora (Prudential Center, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.4200) and Pour le Corps (224 Clarendon Street, Suite 21, Boston, 617.262.8855).

Quick tricks to get rid of blemishes?
Mizery: Toothpaste works really well, but it feels a little weird, and you look a little weird. It won’t completely take [blemishes] away; it will just take the swelling down. Keeping skin clear is about preemptive measures — you have to be able to keep your skin clean throughout the day. Keep your face hydrated throughout the day. When you come home, make sure you wash your face. Make sure your hands are clean before you touch your face. Money is the dirtiest thing on the planet, so I have Listerine and sanitary hand wipes and sanitary gel in my dressing room. A quick wash of the hands will diminish that from getting on your face.

What’s a simple but effective ski-care regimen for men?
Mizery: The best thing for any kind of skin regimen is sleep, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. When I wash my face, I use the exfoliating gloves you can buy at CVS, and a little bit of lemon juice and vinegar, so when I get out of the shower, my skin is very tight. A little Seabreeze [toner] is your friend. It’s old — people don’t think about it anymore because they’re into the high-end stuff — but I find that it works. And then apply any kind of light moisturizer. My favorite is Lubriderm; it’s just very light.

What’s a foolproof way to apply false eyelashes?
Betty Blaize, burlesque performer with the Boston Babydolls: First, know that there are two basic kinds of lashes: strips and individual lashes. For the girl on the go, lashes built onto a one-inch strip are faster and easier. For the girl who wants her lashes just so, individual lashes are more customizable and a bit lighter on the eye. If this is your first time using false eyelashes, plan about 20 minutes into your beauty agenda.

1) Put on eye makeup first. Pay particular attention to getting a nice line of eyeliner that goes all the way to the base of your lashes, right on the lower edge of your eyelid.

2) Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler.

3) Apply mascara.

4) If you are using new eyelashes, measure and cut them. Hold the lash up to your eye, lining it up with the inside of the eye (the side closest to your nose); measure the length against your eye. Cut as little as possible; you can always cut more after you re-measure!

5) Squeeze a thin line of glue on the base of the lashes. Only use eyelash glue!

6) Wait for 15 seconds. Blow on it a little. The glue should be slightly tacky but still liquid.

7) Hold the lash at either end, one end in each hand. Close your eye about halfway and slide the false lash along your real lashes, putting it as close to your real lashes as possible. Be sure to press the edges into the corners of the eye.

8) Hold in place gently for 10 to 15 seconds. Hum a little tune.

9) Release carefully and slowly open your eye. This is your chance to adjust the lash’s position before the glue has fully set. If you like the position, close your eye for another minute or so. No need to put pressure on the lash; you’re just letting the glue set up.

10) Repeat on other lash, making sure your lashes are as close to the same size, shape, and position as possible. Putting your lashes on asymmetrically can result in you looking like you’re winking all night ... which can result in some unwanted attention.

11) When you’ve finished, re-curl your lashes if they don’t lay the way you wish.

How do you choose the right shade of red lipstick?
Betty Blaize: I think shade is a matter of color and character. Four-alarm-fire red is great if you have pale skin and dark hair, but it can bleach out blondes, make lighter redheads look deathly ill, and it definitely isn’t for shrinking violets! My trick is to look at the base in the red and pick an underlying tone that matches both skin and hair. I classify reds as three types: orange- red, blue-red, or brown-red. Orange-red is great for very pale skin. Blue-red is great for dark skin tones. Brown-red is more neutral and looks great with fairer hair colors that may be overwhelmed by blue-red and flushed with orange-red. Use intense, dark shades for evening wear, and balance them with a simple eye shadow. Use lighter, more natural shades for day wear, or when you have intense eye shadow that draws focus to your eyes. And never be afraid to mix your own perfect shade!

When you’re dealing with a make-up counter, don’t be afraid to ask to try their testers on the back of your hand. Put a small splotch on the back of your hand and hold it away from your face. Look for the contrast between your skin and the lipstick. Does it bring out the reds or yellows in your skin? Then don’t buy it. Does it make your skin glow or glimmer? Then you’ve found a winner.

Also consider lip liner for a solid, long-lasting base, and gloss for a shiny texture. Then choose a compatible lipstick. Remember that differences in the liner and lipstick can blend to create a new color.

How exactly does an eyelash curler work?
Betty Blaize: They bend the lashes away from your eye, making it look bigger and brighter. They’re sold in most pharmacies in the beauty section and last forever.

An eyelash curler looks like very strange scissors. It’s got handles attached to a rubber curl of metal. As you open and close the handles, you’ll see two bars of metal open and close like a little mouth. The goal is to get your eyelash in between these two metal bars, so that the rubber in between them can gently press your lashes into a curl.

1) Hold the curler with your thumb and index finger in the curler handle. When you hold it, the metal bars should be up and the handle should be down. Your palm should be facing you so that your thumb is closer to your face than your index finger.

2) Begin at the base of your eyelash. Close your eye halfway. Open the curler and bring it around the eyelash. The curler should be straight up and down, and as close to the lash line as you can manage.

3) Close the curler by squeezing thumb and index finger together. Do this very gently and slowly! It’s easy to catch your eyelid, and that skin is very sensitive.

4) Continue to press firmly, squeezing the edges of the curler together.

5) Hold for 10 seconds and release the curler. Do not pull or stretch the lash.

6) Slide the curler out slightly, while open, and curl the lash a second time, rounding its shape.

How do you choose the right shade of foundation?
Dennis Cheaney, artist and principal instructor at the New England Realist Art Center: Skin tones are extremely diverse and run the full range of color. Your skin tone will be a particular intermediary color. It will fit between two main colors but will tend to belong to one main color more than another. To determine your skin color, try to determine what it is and not what you would like it to be.

1) Choose a region of your body that is not regularly exposed to sun, such as the inside of your upper arm

2) Look under natural light coming in from a window or outside in the shadow of a building. Do not use direct sunlight, for it is too intense to judge proper color.

3) Look for an evenly lit surface that is turned up to receive light but without any glare or highlights.

4) Determine how dark or light your skin is, regardless of the color.

5) Relax your eyes and look very broadly for the main color. This will be the dominant color of your skin.

6) Determine the intermediary color. Notice how your skin color is shifting toward another main color. The intermediary color is your exact skin color.

7) Assess the chroma [intensity] of the intermediary color. Determine if it’s strong and intense or more neutral.

8) A foundation should match your skin color; it should disappear. A foundation should be very close to your intermediary color. It should remain as a backdrop for the rest of your make-up. You may adjust your foundation by adding bronzers or blush.

9) Apply foundation to your neck and jaw line, and blend it into your flesh.

10) Look at the tone under natural light.

11) Look for an evenly lit surface that is turned up to receive light but without any glare or highlights.

12) If it doesn’t match, you will need to select another tone of foundation.

How do you choose the best hair color for your skin tone and features?
Dennis Cheaney: In order to select a new hair color that goes with your skin color, you want to choose a color that has in a dominant proportion the same main color as your skin. For instance, if you have an orangey-yellow skin tone and want to lighten your hair, then you will want to make sure your lighter tone stays within the yellow family — the main skin color of this example. You do not want the new lighter tone to shift into a new main color of orange or green. Remember, if you shift to a different main color, then your hair color will clash with your skin tone.

How do you give your hair a trim on the cheap?
Kat Cook, student at Boston University’s College of Communication: The most important thing to remember when trimming is to cut inner layers just slightly shorter than the outermost hairs so that it falls straight, rather than the edges bouncing up and looking ragged. Use a comb or two fingers to mark the angle of your bangs or front layers to make sure you cut on one straight line, usually somewhere between a 25- and 40-degree angle. With bangs, after cutting them downward, hold them all in one sheet and make tiny snips backward, toward the top of your head at exactly the opposite angle that they are cut. This makes them fall more naturally instead of in a blunt sheet (if the bangs are straight across instead of angled, then make these tiny snips straight upward). If you don’t trust yourself to cut on your own, go to Blaine [Beauty School]. You have to sign a scary waiver saying you understand they’re students and you promise not to be mad if they mess up, but they’ll give you a trim for just $5 and they do a pretty good job.

What’s the best way to get rid of unwanted body hair?
Josephine Pra, corps de ballet dancer with Boston Ballet: I’ve been using electrolysis for my legs and armpits. Electrolysis takes hair right from the roots, and hair grows more slowly and thinner after each session. I do it every two or three weeks. And for bikini waxes, I recommend going to a professional salon once a month. You can buy at-home waxing kits, too. Doing it at home is a little bit messy, but it does work.

How do you apply self-tanning lotions without looking streaky or uneven?
Josephine Pra: The face [self-tanning lotion] is actually not too hard to use. Sometimes, in the winter, I do the tanning beds. But usually I’ll use Dove daily moisturizing lotion with a bit of tan in it; it’s meant to be used daily, it’s very light, and it gives a bit of a healthy glow in the colder weather. You just put it on like a regular moisturizer and rub it into your skin.

What are the most foolproof ways to get teeth just theright shade of white?
Jenny Johnson, executive producer of NECN’s TV Diner and star of Jenny Cam: I’d love to say cutting out red wine and coffee, but that’s just not realistic. I used to use Crest Whitestrips, but my teeth would become really sensitive to cold air, cold water, and food after using them for a couple of days, so I could never use them for the full 14 days I was supposed to. I just recently started using Rembrandt Whitening Strips, and my teeth are looking pretty pearly white. You wear them for half an hour for five days. I love Crest Scope whitening toothpaste. It definitely gets my teeth feeling the cleanest; it’s a very fresh feeling. If my teeth start looking a little yellow from the red wine or the coffee, I’d rather use the whitening strips for a few days than give that up.

How do you know when to throw out a tube of mascara? How about perfume?
Richard Laursen, professor of chemistry and director of undergraduate studies in chemistry at Boston University: All cosmetics, drugs, foods, etc., are chemicals, and many of them degrade slowly over time. However, they do not suddenly go bad on the date of expiration. If something is five percent degraded by a certain expiration date, it is probably only about eight percent degraded after two expiration periods. With regard to cosmetics, I would say that as long as they still work, one should use them. I seriously doubt that any of them become unsafe. Obviously if mascara dries out it’s no good, and opened bottles of perfume lose their fragrance over time.

Polina Raygorodskaya@Night

Erin Byers Murray — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:20:00 GMT

Model behavior

Modeling since age 10 and running a fashion-consulting and public-relations business since she was in college, Polina Raygorodskaya is nothing if not ambitious. The Newton resident and owner of Polina Fashion produces fashion shows and handles PR for a number of up-and-coming businesses, including photographer David Alsdorf. These days, she does more producing than modeling, though she still embraces the jet-set life and travels weekly. But when she’s home, she likes to keep things low-key, palling around with friends over good beers and a game of pool.

@ 6:15 p.m.: I like to get together with an intimate group of friends, so we may start out near my house in Newton for a little pregame sangria at Legal Sea Foods. They have one of the best sangrias I’ve ever tasted.

@ 7:30 p.m.: I may head over to Kinsale for dinner and a few beers. They have an incredible beer list, so all you have to do is tell them what you’re in the mood for and they’ll pick it out for you.

@ 9:45 p.m.: From there, we might run over to the Foundation Lounge for a drink. We stop there a lot.

@ midnight: I really like going to Felt; I like the fact that there are four different floors and that they each have a different atmosphere. I love to play pool, actually, so you can play pool or if you want to dance, you can go to the dance club on the top floor. It has everything.

@ 2 a.m.: When I’ve had a good night, I don’t want to go home right away, so I’ll stop by Apollo in Chinatown. They’re open late so we can sit down for some sushi and sober up a little.

Coming Clean: A Guide to Summer-damage Detox

Erin Souza — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

My name is Erin, and I am a sun worshipper. I have always been one of those girls who, against my better judgment and the foreboding images of wrinkly-skinned women shown to me in health class, just can’t seem to skip the sunbathing sessions. The younger version of me spent summer weekdays working outside and weekends lounging at the beach. I’ve always been the girl who skips the sunscreen and opts for the SPF-nothing tanning oil instead. As far as I know, there is no known cure or 12-step program for this affliction.

But over the past few years, I’ve become more realistic about the disappearing ozone layer — and more worried about developing crow’s feet by the time I hit 30 — so now I slather on facial sunscreen every morning. When it comes to protecting the rest of my body from sun damage, though . . . I don’t.

So, like a junkie throwing out her smack, I put together a self-created rehab regimen to undo the havoc I wreaked on my body over the summer months. My mission: sample the treatments that some of the city’s beauty havens offer to overhaul sundamaged hair, skin, and feet. What follows is a sun-addict’s detox diary, documented from the top down.

>>Click here for the Gallery.

Free Spirits

webteam — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:13:00 GMT

Summer’s flirty, fun fashions are ready for a road trip.

Click here for slideshow

Man up! 10 ways to be a better guy in Boston

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:41:00 GMT

Yes, we realize you can down 12 tequila shots without puking, score any phone number you desire, and burp the alphabet backward. But how ’bout a little self-improvement once in a while? Keep reading for tips on how to be a better man in Boston (though we certainly won’t frown on the occasional selfish splurge or six-cocktail evening).

1. Learn something. Yes, your comprehensive knowledge of Seinfeld plot lines and baseball stats count for
something, but your material is getting a smidge tired. We’re not suggesting you load up on organic chemistry or advanced calculus classes after a long day at the office. Instead, immerse yourself in a subject you’ve long been interested in learning more about. Always felt you were a budding Picasso? The Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Avenue, Boston,
617.267.9300) offers art classes for guys like you — and yes, there are options for a variety of skill levels. If you’re the wordy type, try a one-night seminar or a weekend workshop at Grub Street (160 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.695.0075). Topics range from “Surviving the Slush Pile” (June 28 and 29) to “Writing Sex Scenes” (June 7). And for a more formal education, there’s always the namedropworthy Harvard Extension School (51 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.495.4024).

2. Volunteer. There are so many opportunities to do good in this city — purchasing admission to some big-ticket charity gala, giving an hour a week through a Big Brother or Big Sister mentoring program, spearheading a campaign aimed at effecting positive change — that it’s difficult for us to single out one worthy group. It’s up to you to figure out what kind of time you’re willing to give (and yes, no matter how crazy your work schedule, you’ve got at least a few hours to spare each month). Then decide what kinds of skills you can bring to the table and how your personal interests and hobbies might translate into doing some good for someone else. Say you turned your English major into a lucrative finance job but you miss dreaming up quirky characters and intricate plot lines. Why not join up with 826 Boston (www.826boston.org), whose mission is to get young students writing? Totally nostalgic for your days as a highschool lacrosse star? Look into MetroLacrosse (www.metrolacrosse.com), which provides innercity youth with opportunities to play the game. If you’re feeling totally overwhelmed and aimless, try connecting with a broader organization like Boston Cares (www.bostoncares. com), which organizes hundreds of different volunteer opportunities each month.

3. Get yourself a good pair of shoes. Hint: girls can tell when your shoes cost under $30 a pair (and even the girls who love a good bargain won’t respect you for wearing them). Think leather, preferably from somewhere in Italy. Looking for some professional guidance? March yourself into the men’s shoe department at Saks Fifth Avenue (800 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.262.8500) and ask for Christopher Harrison. He knows exactly what he’s talking about when it comes to men’s fashion, and if you’re a pricyshoe novice, he won’t lead you astray. You might also peruse Harvard Square’s The Tannery (11A Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.491.0810).

4. Take your mother to lunch. When it comes to appeasing Mom, a little effort goes a long way. Call her up (yes, use the phone) and invite her to lunch some Saturday afternoon. Wear something nice, don’t you dare arrive hung over, and put some thought into where you take her. We suggest peoplewatching from the patio at Stephanie’s (190 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.0990), taking in the fizzy pink-and-green décor of the Monday Club Bar at UpStairs on the Square (91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, 617.864.1933), or tucking into something lovely and French at Petit Robert Bistro (468 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.375.0699; 480 Columbus Avenue, Boston, 617.867.0600). Be sure she orders dessert, and bonus points if you allow her to grill you about your job/finances/ relationship status/eating habits.

5. Remember your pleases and thank yous. Go that extra mile to express your gratitude and people will notice. Your mother will be proud. You’ll start to be known as that really nice guy who always says “thanks.” And knock it off with the f-bombs while you’re at it. This isn’t a pub.

6. Take a break from the weight room. We understand that assuming the Downward Facing Dog pose doesn’t go over well with a lot of men, but for your sanity’s sake, give yoga a shot and prove all the towel-snapping meatheads you usually work out with wrong. Two newish spots where we’d recommend getting your “om” on: North End Yoga (256 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.227.YOGA), a tranquil space you’d never expect in the middle of the city’s carboloading district, and South Boston Yoga (141 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, 617.292.0040), which incorporates green elements (it’s located in the übereco Macallen Building) into its practice. We promise you’ll emerge all calm and refreshed, no matter what your skill level. And worstcase scenario, you just spent an hour in a room full of athletic girls in spandex.

7. Clean up your act. A quick shower, a scratchy shave, and a few swipes of deodorant and you’re out the door. But now that you’re no longer sloshing around in puddles and rooting around in the dirt (on a daily basis, anyway), we think it’s time you step your grooming rituals up a notch. Get the grit out from under your nails with the Sports Manicure ($30) and Sports Pedicure ($65) in the Men’s Club at Emerge (275 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.437.0006). If you’re feeling a bit more daring, give the 60-minute Gentleman’s Facial ($80) at Spa Christine (699 East Broadway, South Boston, 617.269.0019) a go. If you’re not up for the challenge, at least spring for the indulgent Hot Lather Shave ($34) at State Street Barbers (1313 Washington Street, Boston, 617.753.9990), where the professionals surely do it far better than you do. For more tips (nothing scary, we promise), see this issue’s dedicated-to-the-boys Primp column.

8. Surprise her with flowers. And not because you screwed up and forgot some anniversary, like last time. Send them to her office just because. Jealous coworkers translate to a very happy girlfriend. And come the next social eventwith her colleagues, you’re a total hero. Keep Winston Flowers (various locations, 800.457.4901) on speed dial.

9. Learn your way around a nice bottle of wine. Nose-in-the-air wine snobs are a total turn-off, but a guy who knows a little something about wine — or at least expresses an interest and asks the right questions — is markedly more interesting than your average shotslugging dude. A formal education isn’t necessary, though the Boston Wine School (1354 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.784.7150) and the Boston Center for Adult Education (5 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.267.4430) hold unique classes that are as much extracurricular enjoyment as they are higher learning. You can also turn your schooling into an out-of-the-box date night with a wine tasting, like the “Wine Wednesday” dinners held at Sel de la Terre (255 State Street, Boston, 617.720.1300) every week. Or, even more informally, score a quick lesson as you’re grabbing a bottle to bring home for dinner: BRIX Wine Shop (1284 Washington Street, Boston, 617.542 BRIX ext. 1; 105 Broad Street, Boston, 617.542.BRIX ext. 2) is known for its knowledgeable staff, and the North End’s Wine Bottega (341 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.227.6607) is a good go-to when you’re looking to learn a little something about what you’re drinking.

10. Upgrade your frathouse-chic décor. Face it: those tackedup band posters and scratchy, stained sheets aren’t sending the right message to the ladies who visit your humble abode (though if you’re hoping to avoid a second date, maybe you’re on to something). There’s no need to pair floral prints and frilly doilies with your bigscreen TV and Pats memorabilia, but swing by West Elm (160 Brookline Avenue, Boston, 617.450.9500) for some basics. They’re known for classic shapes with an interesting twist, and their frillfree, quasiminimalist style is perfect for men. The arty Design Within Reach (519 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.451.7801; 1030 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.576.3690) and sophisticated Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams (142 Berkeley Street, Boston, 617.266.0075) are resources for larger pieces, and Vessel (125 Kingston Street, Boston, 617.292.0982) stocks accessories infused with quirky style. South End standby Lekker (1317 Washington Street, Boston, 617.542.6464) is the place to score place settings and other kitchen accessories, while men looking to add an ecoelement to their place should buzz over to Greenward (1776 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.395.1338). And remember: it’s all in the details. Go see Doug Palardy at Motley (623 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.247.6969); along with apparel, his store is stocked with all sorts of cool, guyfriendly knickknacks. And yes, we’ll even allow you a maximum of three IKEA (1 IKEA Way, Stoughton, 781.344.IKEA) purchases, okay? Choose wisely.

So you want to date a hot chick?

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:13:00 GMT

Local girl Andria Blackman shares how (and yes, she’s single)

Dress the part. “[Wear] really nice jeans, and you can pull it off with a plain T-shirt or even a buttonup shirt. Really good shoes [are] always a plus. A nice watch, perhaps. Not too much; very laidback,not trying too hard. A T-shirt’s my favorite thing on a guy.”

Check her out. “I don’t really recommend picking up girls at a bar; I kind of like to be picked up outside of the bar. But if you’re going to see me at the bar, I like you to make a little eye contact. Nothing too creepy.”

Make your move already. “Attractive girls get approached a lot. If [guys] are going to come and approach you, they’d better not beat around the bush and take too long if they want to talk to you. Just be straightforward and be genuine.” Forget your lines. “If you want to talk, don’t try to use lame pick-up lines. They really don’t do anything for anybody, I don’t think.”

Cool it with the Sox talk. “[Discuss] interests other than sports. I love sports and all, but girls don’t always want to talk about sports. Maybe a trip that [you’ve] taken, a certain accomplishment — without being too cocky and bragging too much.”

Compensate for the fact that she’s hotter than you. “He’s got to have a great attitude. Be humorous; know how to have a good time.”

Hands to yourself. “Be respectful and don’t invade her personal space too much. Don’t try to be too touchfeely. Don’t try to be too close to her. Feel her out and see what she’s about. If she’s leaning into you a little bit, then you can lean in a little bit more.”

Flex some muscle. “I love going to the gym with a guy. I think that’s a total turnon, when you can both get a really good workout on and sweat a little bit.”

Woo her friends, too. “If you’re pretty straightforward and genuine, that’s what they like. My friends just like someone who’s
nice. You can tell if a guy’s got it together.”

Keep that tongue in check. “Definitely not too much tongue when you’re kissing. Don’t try to lick the person’s face off — that’s totally disgusting in my book. I like sweet little kisses. A little nibbling on the neck’s always nice. Very gentle, and taking it slow and easy.”

Photo by Eric Levin
Styled by Erica Corsano
Directed by Michael Diskin
Model: Andria Blackman Of Maggie Inc.
Styling Assistant: Kristina Welkjovic
Suit: Reiss
Shoes: Intermix

Making the cut: Meet the Boston salon industry's new gaurd

Heather Bouzan — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:40:00 GMT

In the Boston salon world, you recognize all the boldfaced names. You see them emblazoned on storefronts up and down Newbury Street, you stuff their eponymous product lines into your medicine cabinet, and you read their sage advice regarding split ends, blowouts, and trends on these pages. But shouldn’t you be keeping a close eye on the up-and-comers, too? After all, they’re the ones who’ll be defining the hottest looks and cutting the A-listers’ locks in the months and years to come. We rounded up eight of the local salon industry’s new guard; commit these names to memory and you’ll be boasting to your friends, “I knew them when ...” in no time.

Melissa DiTocco, stylist at I Soci Salon (8 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.867.9484)

Age: 28.
Number of years in the business: five.
Training: “I trained with the owner of I Soci Salon, Marco Evangelisti, and it was wonderful. He’s an amazing stylist. I was very lucky to have him be my mentor.”
Specialty: “I definitely work with cutting more; I just have a love for cutting hair. I love doing styles that are a beautiful shape with something that adds an edge.”
Favorite product line: Kérastase.
Can’t-live-without-it tool: “My ghd iron.”
Best DIY trick: “I teach my clients and friends how to use a bobby pin correctly. I always say, if your hair is dirty, don’t wash. Do some teasing and pin it up. I am constantly creating new updo styles that my clients and friends can recreate at home on their own.”
Favorite celebrity cut: “My favorite celebrity haircut is Rihanna. I love the variety in her looks!”
Dream person to style: Kirsten Dunst.
Ideal client: “Somebody who is willing to change their look, who’s not afraid to take risks with their hair.”
Personal style in three words: “Bohemian. Contemporary. Urban.”
Extracurriculars: “I’m a foodie; I love going to restaurants. My favorite restaurant right now is Wings Kitchen in Chinatown.”
Ultimate career goal: “Someday I’d like to own my own salon. I would like to carry a salon that’s similar to I Soci. In Boston, laid back, a cool place for people to work.”

Derek Yuen, senior stylist/educator at James Joseph Salon (30 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.266.7222)

Age: 21.
Number of years in the business: four.
Training: “I trained with one of the top stylists here, one-on-one. She taught me a lot of things that I know now, along with the other educators — that’s why I wanted to give back to the salon [as an educator myself].”
Specialty: “Cutting and coloring curly hair. I just love curly hair; it’s gorgeous. I just love to play with it.”
Favorite product line: “I love the Unite line and the Phyto line.”
Can’t-live-without-it tool: “My shears and my blow-dryers.”
Favorite celebrity cut: Katie Holmes.
Dream person to style: “Britney Spears and Tyra Banks. Although I just fulfilled one of my dreams yesterday; I did Kate Hudson’s hair.”
Ideal client: “I like my clients to be friends with me. I like to talk to them like I would talk to a friend. And I like to feel like, the entire session, we’re just hanging out. Not so business-y.”
Stylist inspiration: “It’s probably really cheesy, but the show on Bravo, Blow Out.”
Career high point: “Yesterday, doing Kate Hudson’s hair for Bride Wars.”
Extracurriculars: “I love music — huge, huge music fan. And going out and dancing and having a good time. And travel.”
Ultimate career goal: “I’m hoping to work in a salon, but also [to style for] top fashion magazines and movies and photo shoots.”

Darren Le, stylist at G2O By Giuliano Spa & Salon (338 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.2220)

Age: 32.
Number of years in the business: seven.
Training: “I spent almost four years being an assistant. It wasn’t tough, but it certainly is mentally challenging.”
Specialty: “Mainly dry-cutting, because I am a very visual person. It’s exciting for me to see the instant change right in front of you.”
Favorite product line: “Right now, I am on Bumble + bumble.”
Can’t-live-without-it tool: “My shears.”
Favorite celebrity cut: “I would combine Demi Moore’s long hair with Katie Holmes’s fringe.”
Dream person to style: Brad Pitt.
Ideal client: “A confident woman. I treat everyone equally in my chair, whether you come in with money or you come in without money. I like the women, or even men, who have confidence, who never stop living, who are always onto the next change in their life.”
Favorite part of the job: “Being able to communicate with clients and listen to their story. Their life story reflects on how they feel about themselves, and that reflects on how they want to look.”
Personal style in three words: “Calm in hecticness.”
Extracurriculars: “I go do magazine shopping for inspiration; I do window-browsing for inspiration. I canoe in the summer. You can find me on the beach every weekend in the summertime. I hang out with my dog.”
Ultimate career goal: “I want to become an international hairstylist. I’d be able to work with a designer team and conceptualize the ideas for trends.”

Edward Tedeschi, stylist at Sassoon Salon (14 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.536.5496)

Age: 23.
Number of years in the business: four.
Training: “Most of my training has been through Vidal Sassoon. I’m from California; I trained there, and I did some other training in the advanced academy in Santa Monica.”
Specialty: “I’m definitely a cutter — I don’t color hair. I would say I specialize in women’s mid-length hair.”
Favorite product line: Kérastase.
Can’t-live-without-it tool: Hai flat iron.
Best DIY trick: “Product, product, product. Especially for the upcoming humid season. Use a spray or a light cream moisturizer. Use those before the blow-dryer, while you’re hair’s still wet. Once it starts to dry, it’s all over from there. Avoid heavy oil-based products and move to a light, silicone-based product. Use a lower level of pressure when drying your hair to avoid the flyaways.”
Favorite celebrity cut: “I loved Sienna Miller’s haircut in Factory Girl.”
Stylist inspiration: “It definitely wasn’t a childhood dream of mine. I started off just trying it out. One of my roommates at the time needed a haircut, and I said, ‘Let me try it out.’ It worked out pretty good. The next thing I knew, I was cutting my other roommates’ hair, their friends’ hair, and I had a nice little business going on the side. After that, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I thought I’d try cosmetology school. From the first day, I loved it. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
Personal style in three words: “Inventive. Precise. Methodical.”
Extracurriculars: “I watch a lot of 24; Jack Bauer is the ultimate bad-ass. I skateboard; I’ve done that my whole life. I’m into cycling. I love to work out and basically just explore the city.”
Ultimate career goal: “I’d like to become a creative director for Vidal Sassoon. It would be the highest level of my artistic ability within the company. And one day, I’d like to open up my own salon back home. We’ll see what happens.”

Hilary McCoy, stylist/colorist at G Spa (35 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.4772)

Age: 27.
Number of years in the business: seven.
Training: Shu Uemura Atelier Forum, L’Oréal Professionals Balayage Preview, Wella Colors of the World, Bumble + bumble Design Studio, Deva Curl-Cutting Workshop, L’Oréal Cutting Workshop.
Specialty: “Giving clients a look/style they can handle on their own.”
Favorite product line: Kérastase.
Can’t-live-without-it tool: “My shears.”
Best DIY trick: “Always blow-dry bangs down and side-to-side.”
Favorite celebrity cut: “I am really liking how celebs are showing the versatility of the classic bob.”
Dream person to style: “The ‘virgin’ hair that has not been chemically altered and has no significant cut.”
Ideal client: “I love clients who have ideas when they come in and are willing to experiment.”
Stylist inspiration: “I was always curious about the industry, but I think that getting really bad haircuts throughout my childhood really sealed the deal.”
Personal style in three words: “Modern, genuine, creative.”
Extracurriculars: “Right now, remodeling my house.”
Ultimate goal in the industry: “Eventually, I see myself in an educational role, but right now I love being behind the chair.”

Brian Rand, stylist/manager/educator at Shag (840 Summer Street, Boston, 617.268.2500)

Age: 27.
Number of years in the business: eight.
Training: “I started at the Mitchell John Salon in the Financial District. The owner, Mitch DeRosa, he taught me a lot. From there, I went to Liquid Hair Studios in the South End, where I spent a lot of time honing the skills that he taught me. Then I left Boston for a while, went up to Portland, Maine, just to get a change of pace. That’s where I got into educating.”
Specialty: “I don’t know if I really would say I have a specialty — I enjoy working with clients who trust me and allow me to do what I feel would look best on them. Whether [hair] is long or short, I don’t really have a preference, as long as there’s something creative for me to do.”
Favorite product line: “I use the Davines line.”
Can’t-live-without-it tool: “I guess, not to be hokey or whatever, but my hands. I couldn’t work without those.”
Best DIY trick: “I always like to tell my clients, just be realistic with what your hair does. I like to stay in the natural realm. If you have curly hair, work with what you have. Hair looks the best when you don’t try to force it to do something that it’s not able to do on its own.”
Dream person to style: Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Ideal client: “Easygoing. Someone who is open to new ideas.”
Stylist inspiration: “It wasn’t really a planned profession. I was going to art school; I was studying painting. I was always cutting my friends’ hair. I have a cousin who’s in the business, and she showed me how well you can do, what the career was all about. She inspired me to pursue it. And no regrets.”
Career high point: “Honestly, I think in the moment right now. I’m really quite happy at Shag. I really like the crew there, and I really can’t complain. Everything’s falling into place right now.”
Personal style in three words: “Old meets new. I definitely favor classic style with a bit of a twist.”
Extracurriculars: “I enjoy painting a lot, being outside, skiing.”
Ultimate career goal: “Honestly, I haven’t thought too much about it. I want to take it as far as it takes me. Whether that’s where I’m at now, if it’s opening my own place … I’ve always gone with the flow, and it’s taken me to this point, so it’s working out well.”

Andrew Light, stylist/colorist at Stilisti (138 Newbury Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, 617.262.2234)

Age: 29.
Number of years in the business: six.
Training: “Advanced training, I worked with the former creative director for Vidal one-on-one, for cutting. Coloring, I’ve worked one-on-one with people who I’ve liked things they did here and there.”
Specialty: “My specialty is thick hair. I never meant it to be, but it just happened.”
Favorite product line: “For styling products and shampoos, it’s Davines.”
Can’t-live-without-it tool: “I guess my ghd flat iron that also curls.”
Best DIY trick: “For girls who want more volume, you can finger-tease [hair] with a little bit of texturizing paste. Use your fingers to fluff it up at the crown.”
Favorite celebrity cut: Heidi Klum.
Dream person to style: “Lindsay Lohan, because she’s always going back and forth with color, and I don’t think she’s found something that really fits other than the red.”
Stylist inspiration: “I was a music teacher before I was a stylist; my last year, I was like, I have to do something [different]. My criteria were: I knew I had to work with people, do something creative, and work with my hands. A lot of my coworkers had hairstyles from when they got their PhDs. I realized that a lot of people need an updated look and are afraid to change.”
Career high point: “The high point in my career so far has been coming to Stilisti and renting my own chair. Being your own boss, you just feel like you’ve made it.”
Personal style in three words: “Sharp. Light. Colorful.”
Extracurriculars: “Music, full-time. I write and produce electronic music and classical. And I’m in the process of starting a social networking site for hairstylists.”
Ultimate career goal: “My ultimate goal would be to get this social networking site kicked off. I think it would be really good for the business, because so many people I work with don’t have that business sense. Also, I would really like to see in the next 10 years the salon industry become integrated. This is one of the last facets of society to be segregated; I’d like that to change, not to have black and white salons.”

Priscilla Corson, colorist/stylist/makeup artist at Avanti (11 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.4027) and president of The Modern Priscilla

Age: prefers not to say.
Number of years in the business: 15.
Training: “I trained in London for cutting, in Milan for coloring and highlighting, and in Paris for makeup. I’m still taking advanced classes for cut and color in New York.”
Specialty: “Dry cuts and natural coloring techniques — that’s what I’m doing right now. It evolves and changes. Sculpture-cutting is also a form of dry-cutting. I teach my clients to recreate the look I gave them [in the salon] at home. I don’t want them to just look good that day.”
Favorite product line: “I prefer René Furterer. It’s really the best product on the market to treat your scalp and your hair.”
Best DIY trick: “It would be one of my blow-dry lessons, so you could learn all of my do-it-yourself secrets. There are just so many to share.”
Favorite celebrity cut: “I would have to say thank you to Victoria Beckham for making short hair popular again.”
Dream person to style: “I would like to do Katherine Heigl’s color, and I wish I could do Heidi Klum’s cut.”
Ideal client: “A client who changes their hair as often as they change their mind.”
Stylist inspiration: “I took an aptitude test, and hairstyling was at the top of the list, so I went for it.”
Favorite part of the job: “When my client tells me she still loves her hair when she gets home, and I’m the first stylist that listened and gave her exactly what she wanted, and that normally she has to go home and redo it.”
Personal style in three words: “Sexy. Classy. Original.”
Extracurriculars: “Snowboarding, traveling, sailing, cooking. And being with my family is important.”
Ultimate career goal: “The first would probably be to continue to build a fabulous clientele. To be known as a stylist who listens and who is always positive and happy. And to educate and help my clients look and feel beautiful and special inside and out. I’m also currently working on a product that will be announced soon.” @

[Photos by Eric Levin]

In Recovery: The holidays are finally over. Here’s how to unwind and chill out, stat.

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:54:00 GMT

ALL THE THINGS we love about the holidays - the expensive bottles of wine, the multi-course meals, the fancy soirées that end with breakfast - are also the things that leave us bleary-eyed, pudgy, and hating ourselves come the season's proverbial "morning after." As much as it pains us to admit it, even we find ourselves craving a few nights in, a simple salad ... in a word, a little detox. So here's a roundup of nightspots, spa treatments, classes, and cultural activities that give our puffy lids time to shrink and our livers a chance to regenerate. Trust us, after a few calm days and quiet nights, you'll be yanking your Louboutins out of the back of your closet rejuvenated and ready to make your re-entry onto the social scene.

raising the bar on relaxing
Yes, we said we wanted to chill out - but we never purported to swear off drinking entirely. Instead of heading to the city's latest hotspot only to endure long lines, cramped bars, and far too many air kisses, we recommend a low-key hangout where you can disappear into a corner with a well-mixed drink and - if you're feeling social - a chatty friend. We love the way the low-lit, bookish Washington Square Tavern (714 Washington Street, Brookline, 617.232.8989) quiets us upon entering; once the bartender slides us a glass of wine from a well-chosen list, we've all but melted into our stool. There aren't many bars in this city where we'd hang solo, but this is one of them. A quick cab or T ride down Beacon Street is Audubon Circle (838 Beacon Street, Boston, 617.421.1910), where we can't help but feel as relaxed and casual as the clientele - no buttoned-up business types here. Cambridge Common (1667 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.547.1228) has always been a comforting spot to grab a post-work beer without the nuisance of eager, chatty singles, and we've always felt at home at Clery's cousin Brownstone (111 Dartmouth Street, Boston, 617.867.4142), with its slightly older, slightly more sober crowd. Another option? Hit your favorite nightspots when it's - the horror! - still light out. Alibi (Liberty Hotel, 215 Charles Street, Boston, 617.224.4000), still new and hot enough to be mobbed at peak hours, envelops us in its basement calm on off nights, and 28 Degrees (One Appleton Street, Boston, 617.728.0728) is an early-evening treat.

lose the booze
If your holiday revelries have left you unable look at another alcoholic beverage without needing to hightail it to the restroom, plenty of local bartenders have created mocktails with you - and your hard-drinking reputation - in mind. Want to enjoy Sushi Teq (InterContinental, 510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 617.747.1000) without indulging in the latter half of the restaurant's moniker? Pair your spicy tuna rolls and salmon sashimi with booze-free margaritas offered in lush, fruity flavors, including Blackberry Mango ($6) and Blood Orange Strawberry ($6). Meanwhile, the doting bartenders at Eastern Standard (528 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.532.9100) have devoted a whole section of their cocktail list to non-alcoholic tipples. The Stormy Monday ($5), a ginger-beer-based beverage, can assuage even the queasiest of stomachs, and the Sophisticated Lady ($5), which melds cranberry and cucumber, is just that. And we love the connotations of the Lemmy Tum Tum ($5), described as a "cure for what ails you." If even those are too close to the real stuff for comfort, find solace in a pot of peppermint tea - or another of more than 25 varieties - offered at the 1369 Coffee House (1369 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617.576.1369; 757 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.576.4600), with locations in Inman and Central squares. They're open later than most coffee shops, too, boasting hours until 10 or 11 p.m. nightly.

weighty issues
If it's sustenance you desire, we can only assume that it's the light, low-fat stuff you're looking for after the gluttony that is December. Forgo rich, creamy dishes for tastes from the raw bar at Neptune Oyster (63 Salem Street, Boston, 617.742.3474) or East Coast Grill (1271 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617.491.6568), and sate your sweet tooth with the super-fresh Watermelon and Feta Tidbit appetizer ($7.95) at Vlora (545 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.638.9699). Eateries like Harvest (44 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.868.2255), Garden at the Cellar (991 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.230.5880), and Craigie Street Bistrot (5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, 617.497.5511) are known for their natural, wholesome takes on fresh, simple foods with big flavors, and we've long admired the merits of the salad selection at the Metropolitan Club (1210 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, 617.731.0600). And as we reported earlier in this issue, keep an eye out for the ultimate in detoxifying dishes with the opening of Alissa Cohen's new raw restaurant, Grezzo (69 Prince Street, Boston).

gym dandies
We've always subscribed to the idea that the best way to cure a hangover (no matter that this one has lasted weeks) is to sweat it out. We all have our favorite trainer - or the neighborhood gym to which we've vowed to devote our lives come January 1 - but there are other ways to supplement those hours on the elliptical machine. To get the booze oozing out of your pores quickly, turn up the heat, literally, with a Bikram yoga class. With the average temperature cranked up to 105 degrees and 40 percent humidity, you won't leave the class dry - but you will emerge incredibly clear-headed and cleansed. A number of classes are offered daily at Bikram Yoga Boston (108 Lincoln Street, Loft 1A, Boston, 617.556.9926) and Bikram Yoga Harvard Square (30 JFK Street, Second Floor, Cambridge, 617.54.SWEAT). If you're in need of a little extra oomph (i.e., you'll talk yourself out of that workout with the slightest provocation), we suggest plunging in headfirst with a session at Ultimate Bootcamp (www.ultimatebootcamp.com; 617.787.1224). The program kicks off '08 with a six-week class held outdoors on Boston Common Monday through Thursday mornings beginning on January 7. For less hardy folk, indoor sessions begin on January 7 and February 25. After a few workouts, you won't even think about sleeping through that early-morning wake-up call. Finally, mixing things up with your gym's group fitness classes is always beneficial. Not only will you work muscles you likely never knew you had, you'll also be less inclined to allow yourself an out when the going gets tough - especially when the post-menopausal woman with Madonna arms next to you is crunching her abs double-time. Each gym has its own roster of offerings, some more creative than others (think stripper-pole workouts, samba dancing, ass-class); one of the more innovative and imaginative of the bunch is Equinox (131 Dartmouth Street, Boston, 617.578.8918), which debuts new classes including "Hardbody Meltdown" (exaggerated step-training), "Red Carpet Ready" (covering cardio and toning, plus confidence, poise, and grace), and "Temple Dance" (sexy, exotic moves to world music) in January.

spaaah!
If your definition of "sweating it out" involves a stint in the steam room after a spa treatment, we have some less active (yet still rejuvenating) options worth exploring. Heat up with a 75-minute Hot Stone Massage ($100) at Inman Oasis (243 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, 617.491.0176) - the rocks work wonders on a fatigued body - followed by a soothing soak in one of the wellness center's hot tubs. If you'd rather scrub away your demons, try the Urban Renewal Exfoliating Facial ($125) at G Spa (35 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.4772), which incorporates cleansing enzymes; exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids; and hydrating cranberry, pomegranate, and green-tea moisturizers. If your eyelids are puffy from too many carbs, too much booze, and too little sleep, head to Pyara (104 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, 617.497.9300) for the Revitalizing Eye Treatment ($35; $25 as a spa enhancement), while people looking for a full-body experience might do well to invest in the Sea Foam Head-to-Toe Body Ritual ($265) at Bella Santé (38 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.424.9930), featuring two hours of re-mineralizing, oxygenizing masques, scrubs, and creams.

it's academic
Don't be afraid to get studious about your detoxing. The Cambridge Center for Adult Education (42 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.547.6789) offers evening and weekend classes in subjects as diverse as "Introduction to Decoupage" (beginning January 15) and "Greek Philosophy" (beginning January 16); visit www.ccae.org to browse the winter course catalog. If you've been itching to put pen to paper and engage in more literary pursuits, enliven your prose with one of the themed writing workshops at Grub Street (160 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.695.0075). Updated listings are posted at www.grubstreet.org. Food and wine education more your speed? The latest addition to the Barbara Lynch empire, Stir (102 Waltham Street, Boston, 617.423.STIR), offers classes with a sophisticated take on both, including an introduction to chenin blanc on January 7 and, on January 8 and 9, instruction on how to assemble Lynch's "No. 9 Classics" such as prune-stuffed gnocchi and steak tartare. And the Boston Wine School (1354 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.784.7150) leaves no bottle uncorked in its quest for vino wisdom.

art attack
If you crave culture's more social side, Boston has a wealth of opportunities. The ICA (100 Northern Avenue, Boston, 617.478.3100) offers date-worthy programming that swaps late nights at the bar for lectures, films, and performance pieces that inspire discussion. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (280 The Fenway, Boston, 617.566.1401) appeals to a young, savvy crowd with its "Gardner After Hours" events every third Thursday of the month; on January 17, attend "People and Portraits," which includes a drawing session, tours of the museum's portrait collection, and, for an additional fee, the Boston debut performance of the International Contemporary Ensemble in "Composer Portraits: Music of Magnus Lindberg." And cultural veterans like the Museum of Fine Arts (465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.267.9300) and the Museum of Science (Science Park, Boston, 617.723.2500) have also stepped it up in an attempt to appeal to more than just big-name donors and grade-school field trippers. The MFA has made a name for itself as an edgy live music venue, and it also sponsors mfafirstfridays cocktail events and "Winesday" wine tastings on the last Wednesday of every month; the scientifically minded can find romance in the Museum of Science's planetarium or rock out to Zeppelin, U2, the Beatles, and Metallica at a laser show. And there's always the cool, dark, hangover-dulling sanctuary of a movie theater: the Somerville Theatre (55 Davis Square, Somerville, 617.625.5700), the Coolidge Corner Theatre (290 Harvard Street, Brookline, 617.734.2500), the Harvard Film Archive (24 Quincy Street, Cambridge, 617.495.4700), and the Brattle Theatre (40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.876.6838) all have eclectic offerings. @

[Photos by Kelly Davidson]

Socked in: Stocking-sized holiday treats for all kinds of people

Heather Bouzan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:10:00 GMT

WHENEVER WE’RE desperately seeking inspired gifts for those random people on our holiday shopping lists, we inevitably settle on the themed stocking — with unanimously positive results. Want to do the same? We’ve put together six stockings for the personality types you’re sure to find on your list. And if you’re tempted to pick up a few of these items for yourself, your secret’s safe with us — and Santa.

preppy girl
lives: on Beacon Hill
shops: at Queen Bee
wears: pink and green
eats: at Stephanie’s on Newbury
drinks: Cape Codders

CK Bradley Change Purse, $58 at Queen Bee (85 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.7999). Vera Bradley Stationery, $13.95 at Copley Flair (583 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.247.1648). Ame & Lulu Tee Belt, $26, and initial ornament, $16, both at Flat of the Hill (60 Charles Street, Bos-ton, 617.619.9977). Shearling Mocs in Wild Berry, $59.50 at J. Crew (Copley Place, 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, 617.236.5950).

party girl
lives: in Back Bay
shops: at Intermix
wears: slinky tops, sky-high heels
eats: at 28 Degrees
drinks: Red Bull and vodka

Benefit “Justine Case” Mini Beautifier Kit, $30 at Macy’s (450 Washington Street, Boston, 617.357.3000). Party Girl Ice Pack, $15 at Queen Bee (85 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.7999). Giant cocktail shaker, $32 at Motley Home (652 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.5566). Flask, $26, and Hangover Survival Kit, $14, both at Urban Outfitters (11 JFK Street, Cambridge, 617.864.0070). Again NYC Clutch made with vintage fabrics, $172 at Envi (164 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.ENVI).

eco chick
lives: in Cambridge
shops: at Envi
wears: rehabbed vintage
eats: at the Beehive
drinks: organic vodka

Christy Fisher Studio recycled-glass earrings, $28 at Envi (164 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.ENVI). Rescued paper notebook, $16, and Envirosax reusable shopping bags, $7, both at Greenward (1776 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.395.1338). ‘e ko logic recycled cashmere mittens, $78 at Fiddlehead (292 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.1120). Josh Dorfman’s The Lazy Environmentalist (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2007), $14.95 at Motley (623 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.247.6969).

hipster guy
lives: in Allston
shops: at LAB Boston
wears: skinny jeans, thick glasses, tattoos
eats: at Alchemist Lounge
drinks: PBR

Cool Jazz Ice Cube Tray by Fred, $7.99 at Newbury Comics (332 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.4930). Rotorcaps necklace made with recycled bottle cap, $52 at Greenward (1776 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.395.1338). Colab Afrika/Islam Sunglasses by Perks and Mini, $180 at Technical (230 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.0003). Painless Tattoo Parlour Body Art, $9 at Motley (623 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.247.6969). Snooze City designer pillowcases, $25/pair at Motley Home (652 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.5566).

outdoorsman
lives: in Brookline
shops: at REI
wears: hiking boots, 24/7
eats: at Henrietta’s Table
drinks: Vitamin Water

Cabin Scented Candle, $15 at Aunt Sadie’s (18 Union Park Street, Boston, 617.357.7117). Sigg water bottle, $19.99 at EMS (855 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.236.1518). Facial Fuel Energiz-ing Scrub, $15, Energizing Face Wash, $17.50, and SPF 15 Sunscreen, $24.50, all at Kiehl’s (112 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.1777). Light My Fire Spork 4 Pack, $9.95, and Back-packer’s Pantry freeze-dried cuisine, $2.60 to $5.90, both at REI (401 Park Drive, Boston, 617.236.0746).

metro guy
lives: in the South End
shops: at Riccardi
wears: Pricey graphic Ts,
designer jeans, Prada shoes
eats: at Stella
drinks: Peroni

Motherboard Coasters, $24 at Fiddlehead (292 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.1120). Ping Pong Paddle Cover, $65 at Jack Spade (117 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.2632). Watch, $200 at Marc by Marc Jacobs (81 Newbury Street, 617.425.0404). Rolf Pilsner, $12 at Motley Home (652 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.5566). The Refinery Face Scrub, $34; Body Wash, $30; Eye Gel, $47; and Shave Oil, $39.50, all at Barneys New York (Copley Place, 100 Hunt-ington Avenue, Boston, 617.385.3300). @

Well worn: 10 years of Stuff@Night fashion

Michael Diskin — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:02:00 GMT

SLIDESHOW: Click here to view photos from the "Well Worn" slideshow.

MP3: Stuff@Night editor Tamara Wieder talks to FNX about turning 10

Perfect 10: Get in touch with your inner pre-teen

Melissa Cronin — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:29:00 GMT

ANOTHER YEAR older, another year wiser, another birthday pub crawl? Nah — we’re so tired of the usual bar-hopping birthday fêtes. In brainstorming ideas for Stuff@night’s 10th-birthday celebration, we found ourselves yearning for the days of cupcakes, candy, and themed table settings. That in mind, here are some places to party like a 10-year-old (a city-dwelling 10-year-old with a fake ID and a wad of allowance cash, that is).

sweet talk
No celebration is complete without cupcakes, but more and more schools are banning the treats, saying they’re just too unhealthy for kids. Good thing we’re all grown up! Somerville is the local sweet spot for fans of the dessert: Kickass Cupcakes (378 Highland Avenue, Somerville, 617.628.CUPS) offers modern flavors like Mojito ($2.75) and Caramel Apple Cake ($2.75), but if you’d rather have a more classic cupcake experience, there’s nothing better than Super Chocolate. Another option just a mile away, Petsi Pies (285 Beacon Street, Somerville, 617.661.7437; also 31 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, 617.499.0801) is famous for Whoopie Pie cupcakes ($2), with chocolate cake and whipped-cream filling. Grab a couple for yourself, and don’t worry about sharing with the class.

get racy
Want to take a trip down memory lane at 45 miles per hour? Anyone who ever tried to hotwire their Power Wheels will love F1 Boston (290 Wood Road, Braintree, 781.848.2300), 20 minutes south of Boston. F1, New England’s only inside track, is modeled on the super-sexy world of European Formula 1 racing. Visitors can drop in, suit up, and head out on either a “city” or “country” course that simulates a wide array of driving conditions. One run of practice and race laps costs $28. After racing, replenish with snacks and cocktails at the track’s on-site restaurant. (Repeat: after.)

dirty little secret
Mud pies were never for eating, so why do kids insist on dabbling in dirt? Well, maybe children’s peachy complexions are a hint that they’re on to something: mud can actually be a purifying agent that stimulates the metabolism as it draws out toxins. Spa Newbury (115 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.262.9464) does the dirty work for you with its Mud Wrapsody treatment ($125), using sterilized mud and peat imported from Europe. Technicians apply the mixture all over your body and wrap you in warm blankets to start the detox process. It’s perfect, they say, for starting a fast. We’d rather take our shiny selves to the club.

late bloomer
Boston lawmakers have stuck us with one of the country’s earliest bedtimes. For the past few years, though, determined partiers have been staying up with strobes instead of flashlights. Behind a nondescript Back Bay doorway, Rise (306 Stuart Street, Boston, 617.423.7473) hosts parties that don’t even start until most people are heading to bed. The welcoming scene, which includes international DJs spinning on two floors, might be a result of the members-only policy, a means of getting around the closing-time restrictions. You won’t get in if you just show up, but we know a bad babysitter who’ll help you stay out late. To get on the guest list, e-mail promoter Tina Snell at club.xtina@gmail.com.

juiced-up drinks
Whole Foods doesn’t stock Capri Sun or Hawaiian Punch, but we haven’t missed them; those syrupy concoctions are too much for our refined adult palate. Instead, Match (94 Mass Ave, Boston, 617.247.9922) offers drinks with the right mix of sweet nostalgia and grown-up naughtiness in a sleek and sexy environment. Mom told us not to swallow our gum, but vodka, peach schnapps, lemon juice, and Champagne go down smooth in the Bubbletini ($11). The Pop Culture martini ($11) features strawberry vodka, Bacardi Coco, and cranberry and pineapple juice, all rimmed with pop rocks. They won’t make your stomach explode, despite what you may have heard from the big kids.

peanut, peanut butter — and jelly!
Who says you have to leave behind your PB&J sandwiches when you graduate from elementary school? The Sunset Grill and Tap (130 Brighton Avenue, Allston, 617.254.1331) serves one that’s no smushed white-bread mess: they accent their fresh-ground peanut butter with honey, before spreading it with strawberry preserves on a Texas toast ($3.99). Marshmallow fluff, banana, and cream cheese are add-in options. Now if only they’d cut off the crust.

the games people play
Double Dare, Guts, Wild ’n’ Crazy Kids: the tragedy of our childhood was that we were never chosen to appear on a Nickelodeon game show. But we’ve finally found a way to live out our earliest fantasies of TV stardom. Tomb (186 Brookline Avenue, Boston, 617.375.9487) is a real-life Legends of the Hidden Temple, tucked right behind Fenway Park. The Egyptian-themed puzzles, obstacle-course challenges, and goofy fake smoke throughout the 45-minute experience are the closest we’ll ever get to Olmec.

grown-up gluttony
One of the best parts of growing up: “big eaters” become “connoisseurs,” and “pig-out sessions” become “tastings.” Our favorite Boston spot for socially accepted adult bingeing is the Chocolate Bar ($35) at Café Fleuri (Langham Hotel, 250 Franklin Street, Boston, 617.956.8751). On Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m., there’s a Wonka-worthy spread of more than 125 chocolate desserts. Leave the candy to the kids while you sample crêpes, fresh-baked cookies, truffles, tarts, and the products of a “donut machine.”

get down from there!
With more than 17,000 square feet of rock surfaces stretching as high as 45 feet, Metro Rock Boston (69 Norman Street, Everett, 617.387.7625) is the kind of place your mother warned you about. Monkey types of all ages are encouraged to scale the walls, and the floors are thickly padded for those who haven’t done that kind of thing for a while. Call before you hop on the Orange Line and they’ll pick you up at the Wellington stop. Just like mom used to. @

[Photos by Joel Veak]

Queen for a day: A transformation

Michael Diskin — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:20:00 GMT

Photographed by Eric Levin
Model: Airline

SLIDESHOW: Click here to view more photos from the "Queen for a day" slideshow.

A stylist walks into a bar: A makeover story

Heather Bouzan — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 17:15:00 GMT

IT SOUNDS like a bad joke, doesn’t it? At least, that was the reaction we got from the majority of unsuspecting partygoers we ambushed at Rumor (100 Warrenton Street, Boston, 617.482.6958) on a recent Tuesday night. With two top hairstylists and one of the city’s premier makeup artists in tow, we scoured the nightspot in search of brave souls willing to try a whole new look. Over the thumping bass, we made promises of drastic hair and makeup transformations. The next night, our team, led by Giovanni Cudia of James Joseph Salon (30 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.266.7222), with help from fellow James Joseph stylist Seth Selman, and Tavi De La Rosa, makeup artist at shu uemura (130 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.247.3500), worked their magic. As you’ll see on the pages that follow, they didn’t disappoint.

Name: Kara Destrempe
Age: 22
From: Bedford, New Hampshire
Occupation: Buyer for a skate shop
Why we chose her: We loved Kara’s long, healthy hair, and her light eyes and good skin made her easy to work with.
Room for improvement: We wanted to accentuate her face with a more face-framing cut, and she was ready to take a risk with color.
Kara before: “It’s just hair, and it’ll grow back. And I wanted a more outrageous hairstyle than my boyfriend [who has a Mohawk].”
Kara after: “I love the look — I feel like a rock star!”

PRODUCTS USED: HAIR: COLOR BY WELLA; GHD MIRACLE MIST DAILY CONDITIONING SPRAY; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE CLASSIC HAIRSPRAY. MAKEUP BY SHU UEMURA: WATER PERFECT SMOOTHING WATER-IN FLUID FOUNDATION 554; GLOW ON BLUSH IN M PINK 31 AND P ORANGE 53; PRESSED EYE SHADOW IN ME BROWN 850; EYE LINER DRAWING PENCIL IN M BLACK 01; FIBER XTENSION LENGTHENING MASCARA; ROUGE UNLIMITED LIPSTICK IN BEIGE 920.

Name: Kelly Bernier
Age: 22
From: South End
Occupation: Student
Why we chose her: Kelly’s a natural beauty with a versatile face structure — there was a lot we could do with hair and makeup.
Room for improvement: The blonde highlights in her red hair drained warmth from her face.
Kelly before: “I’ve had the same look forever, so it will be interesting to see what someone with an outside opinion will change about me.”
Kelly after: “I feel completely different. It’s a completely different look than I’m used to, but I like it!”

PRODUCTS USED: HAIR: COLOR BY WELLA; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE PREP; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE STYLING LOTION; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE TREATMENT STYLING BALM. MAKEUP BY SHU UEMURA: NOBARA CREAM FOUNDATION 584; GLOW ON BLUSH IN M AMBER 82 AND P PINK 30; PRESSED EYE SHADOW IN M BEIGE 800 AND M WHITE 900; LIQUID EYE LINER; FIBER XTENSION LENGTHENING MASCARA; SWEET LIP GLOSS IN CHERRY.

Name: Jessica Postiglione
Age: 26
From: Cambridge
Occupation: Grad student at Harvard Business School
Why we chose her: Jessica had so much potential. We thought we could make some changes while ultimately ensuring she still felt like herself when all was said and done.
Room for improvement: There was nothing daring about Jessica’s look — we wanted to see her edgy and not so “good girl.”
Jessica before: “I’m excited to try out a new look and for the chance to have professional hair and makeup artists working on me.”
Jessica after: “I love my new
look! Thank you, Stuff@night, for everything!”

PRODUCTS USED: HAIR: COLOR BY WELLA; GHD MIRACLE MIST DAILY CONDITIONING SPRAY; GHD THERMAL PROTECTOR. MAKEUP BY SHU UEMURA: NOBARA CREAM FOUNDATION 564; GLOW ON BLUSH IN M AMBER 82; PRESSED EYE SHADOW IN ME BROWN 810, M BROWN 860, P BLACK 990, P BROWN 820, AND M BEIGE 800; FIBER XTENSION LENGTHENING MASCARA; SWEET LIP GLOSS IN ROSE CANDY.

Name: Fabrizio Fantini
Age: 27
From: Cambridge
Occupation: Grad student at Harvard Business School
Why we chose him: Fabrizio has a chiseled facial structure, but it was hiding behind his hair. Plus, his hair had great length.
Room for improvement: His untamed, unpolished curls needed cleaning up, and he needed a more conservative look to fit in with the other corporate types in the business world.
Fabrizio before: “I’m starting a new adventure in the US; there has to be a change in my style to reflect the change in my life.”
Fabrizio after: “I was nervous at first that it might look weird, but I think what we’ve done is absolutely professional. The guys did an awesome job — they’ve helped me come across as belonging more in the serious setting that I’m in. The advice part, too, is worth the day I spent.”

PRODUCTS USED: HAIR: RUSK RADICAL ANTICURL; GHD MIRACLE MIST DAILY CONDITIONING SPRAY; GHD TEXTURE LOTION FOR CONTROLLED STYLES. MAKEUP BY SHU UEMURA: NOBARA CREAM FOUNDATION 545; WARM SUN BRONZING POWDER; LASH REPAIR; DEPSEA THERAPY MOISTURE RECOVERY LIP BALM SPF 15.

Name: Sarah Kaye Drazen
Age: 25
From: Back Bay
Occupation: Works in the restaurant industry but is looking for a job in criminal justice
Why we chose her: She had beautiful curls, and she reminded Giovanni of Debra Messing.
Room for improvement: Sarah’s color was dull, brassy, and washed-out, with no tonality.
Sarah before: “I don’t know how to make myself look hot — I have no idea how to style and do makeup — so I’m excited to learn from the best and meet new people. And when else does someone come up to you when you’re at a bar and offer you a free makeover?”
Sarah after: “I’m really impressed with how I look and with the people I’ve met — they’re awesome. I had the best time.”

PRODUCTS USED: HAIR: COLOR BY WELLA; GHD SMOOTHING BALM FOR HAIR STRAIGHTENING. MAKEUP BY SHU UEMURA: NOBARA CREAM FOUNDATION 564; GLOW ON BLUSH IN P PINK 30; PRESSED EYE SHADOW IN IR GREEN 450, IR WHITE 900Y, AND ME BLACK 990; PRECISE VOLUME MASCARA; SWEET LIP GLOSS IN RASPBERRY.

Name: Molly Aguirre
Age: 23
From: Mammoth Lakes, California
Occupation: Professional snowboarder
Why we chose her: She had a bright personality, but her mousy hair didn’t match it.
Room for improvement: Her hair was dull, with no shine or texture.
Molly before: “I usually don’t spend a lot of money on my hair. I’ve never really taken risks with my appearance, so it’ll be a new experience to have a little change. I think it’s fun to make little changes in life, to step out of your comfort zone, and to learn new things about yourself.”
Molly after: “I’m in shock right now, because I didn’t think it would be this drastic. I love it; I absolutely love it. I just turned 23, and it’s the best birthday present!”

PRODUCTS USED: HAIR: COLOR BY WELLA; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE PREP; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE STYLING LOTION; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE TREATMENT STYLING BALM; BUMBLE AND BUMBLE BB SHINE. MAKEUP BY SHU UEMURA: NOBARA CREAM FOUNDATION 564; GLOW ON BLUSH IN M PINK 31 AND VICIOUS APRICOT; PRESSED EYE SHADOW IN P BLUE 650; EYE LINER DRAWING PENCIL IN ME BLUE 03; PRECISE VOLUME MASCARA; SWEET LIP GLOSS IN SAKURA CANDY.

[Photos by Jeff Smith • Styled by Erica Corsano • Clothing from Habit]

Advice squad: Readers share the best beauty tips they’ve ever received

Heather Bouzan — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:58:00 GMT

WHENEVER WE need beauty advice, we go to the pros: our favorite hair gurus, spa owners, makeup artists, aestheticians. Their tips are usually spot-on; after all, they deal with split ends and monster zits for a living. But some of the best advice we’ve ever received has come from more unlikely sources: sisters, moms, celebrities, that friend who heard from her friend who heard from her great-aunt’s best friend’s mother-in-law. We asked a bevy of city folk about the best beauty advice they’ve ever received. Here are some of our favorite tips.

“I worked as a receptionist at a hair salon when I was in college. The owner always said to wash out conditioner using cool water rather than warm water to increase your hair’s shine and volume. She said, [just as] a hot shower relaxes your body, it does the same for your hair, leaving it limp and dull. I still try to stick to this. Plus, the final cool rinse always helps me to finally wake up in the morning.”

“Cetaphil! The BEST cleanser for facial skin — gentle and yummy-smelling. [And] Preparation H for your eyes! Swear to God, I read that Raquel Welch applied this stuff on her eye bags when she got older before every photo shoot!”

“My beauty advice is from my mother, who swears by egg yolks and mayo. This combination, when combed through hair and left in for a few hours, makes it so soft and seals your ends. As a woman of color who constantly has trouble finding hair products that are natural and made for thick, curly hair, this is my favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon.”

“Heating up an eyelash curler with a blow dryer to enhance the curl! But be careful not to burn your eyelids!”

“Nivea cream. Nan Kempner swore by it and so do I.”

“I studied science at BU, and that involved course loads of nutrition and biology classes. Every female professor advised drinking plenty of water for health reasons and would add that it is good for your appearance as well. Tried and true. Drinking water gives clearer skin, bright eyes with no bags, healthier-looking nails and hair.”

“My mom swears by mixing sugar and hand lotion to exfoliate hands. She also tells me to splash cold water on my face 10 times in the morning to shrink pores, which she really does. It’s so damn cold and I get cranky in the morning, so I only do it once in awhile, but it does work.”

“Oatmeal mask.”

“Beauty can’t be forced. Go with your instincts, [and] trust your own sense of style with hair and makeup. You have to do what works for you.”

“My mother always told me to always go to bed with a clean face and to NEVER leave the house without lipstick and mascara. ‘You never know who you’ll run into,’ she said. ‘And think of how much prettier you look with makeup.’ ”

“A busy working mom I know told me to sprinkle baby powder (or cornstarch) into your hair when you can’t wash it — just fluff it up with a towel, and it soaks up the oil like crazy and leaves no residue. When being photographed, press your tongue behind your front teeth for a better-looking smile that’ll never show gaps, air, or cracks. If your fingernails are yellowed, soak them in fresh-squeezed lemon juice for half an hour.”

“My advice for curly or untamed hair that wants to be straight and healthy: deep-treat your hair by using a flat iron with Kérastase Oléo-Relax. My hair is super-damaged, but when I flat-iron it with this product, it gets a deep moisture treatment and turns from a frizzy lion’s mane into super-straight, soft, and silky hair.”

“Moisturize! That’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten. Makeup doesn’t stay or look good on a cracked, dry face! Also, I always use my finger to apply eyeshadow. I find that the oils in your hands help the color mix better with your eyelid than the brush can do. A brush [makes color look] too loose and powdery.”

“The best trick for tired or hungover eyes is some white eyeshadow along the lower lid. Makes you look all perky even when you want to go back to bed. I don’t buy expensive eye makeup remover. Unscented moisturizer works better, and I swear it makes my eyelashes more lush. For people with curly hair, the most important way to avoid frizz is to avoid touching it. Even though it’s really hard, I try not to touch until it’s dry (after putting product in). Dipping wet nails in ice-cold water (paradoxically) speeds up the drying process.”

“[Don’t dry] your hair with a towel — use a T-shirt or cotton pillowcase; it reduces frizz in a big way, especially if you are air-drying your hair. I swear by this.” “My mom used to have me put egg yolks on my face, as a mask, to clear up my skin. Works like a charm! I was the only teenager I knew who didn’t have wretched acne. Also, for curly-haired girls, here’s a good one: stop shampooing! Use a really thick conditioner every time you shower, but only shampoo one out of every four or five times. It keeps your curls from drying out and getting frizzy and icky.”

“I will tell you what my mom told me: the most important thing to do is moisturize, from forehead to neck. It keeps the skin tight and firm. The only other ‘trick’ I have, my neighborhood hairdresser taught me. This may be one that everyone knows, but the way she taught me to pluck my eyebrows is to line the pencil straight up from nose to brow and pluck outwards. Then the eyebrow is always lined up with the eye, and it is properly spaced.”

“Bend over when you’re trying on a new bra!”

“Here’s the advice. I read it in a magazine; I believe it was Glamour (puke, I know), but whatever. It was a piece on skin secrets, and they had dermatologists debunking myths about expensive cleansers, et cetera. Anyway, I always have breakouts during ‘that special time’ and in the summer, and it’s like my salicylic-acid spot-treatment stuff stops working. I was going to see if I should get something really expensive, but one of the dermatologists in this article said that you don’t need to even use a cleanser unless you’re removing makeup. The secret is to wash your face every day with nothing but a washcloth. You wet it with hot water to get it all steamy and press or rub it around your face to gently exfoliate the grime and lift out whiteheads, et cetera. I started doing it, and my skin’s never been better.”

“A: well-endowed ladies should sleep in a bra. B: wash your hair every other day.”

“I think my recent introduction to a ceramic straightening iron was the best [advice] I’ve gotten in recent memory. I haven’t gone near one since I seared my hair pretty badly with a metal straightening iron, circa 1990 or so. A girlfriend of mine made the introduction, and then I immediately purchased one myself. I use it every day now.”

“One can’t go wrong with lots and lots of mascara: clear to keep the eyebrows nicely in place, a thick lengthening one for eyelashes, and then a mini to get all those baby lashes in between. My roommate told me about this, and I’ve been doing it ever since. Fakes are always fabulous for weekend nights to add some fun, too!”

“If you’re really tired and want to brighten your eyes, line the inner part of your lower eyelid, the part closest to your eye, with a white eyeliner stick — but not a chalky one, a good one that’s subtle.”

“[My former ballet instructor], Mrs. Shanley, told me that exfoliating is the best thing you can do for your skin. She’s so right.”

“Use eye drops as the liquid instead of water [to moisten] dry, powder liner. Spray hairspray directly into hands and smooth over flyaways (as opposed to using a de-frizz gel). After shampooing and conditioning hair, blot — do not rub — your hair dry. Hair is at its most fragile when it’s wet, so gently pat or blot dry with a towel. Then use a detangler if needed before combing out wet hair. Also, begin combing the hair from the nape of the neck and work your way up versus starting at the roots.” @

[Illustrations by Dee D'Amico]

Change up

Heather Bouzan — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:23:00 GMT

THE NIGHTLIFE rut: it’s a common affliction. Your summer spent traipsing all over Nantucket, Kennebunkport, and the Cape — plus Tuscany, if you’re one of the lucky ones — makes your usual haunts in Boston pale in comparison. Instead of giving in and heading to your usual bar stool for the fourth night this week, let us help: we have the tips you need to make over your nightlife in just 30 evenings out.

MP3: Heather Bouzan talks to WFNX about spending 30 nights out in Boston (right-click, save-as)

Night 1: Explore a new neighborhood. So much of your scene is determined by where you live, and it’s easy to forgo traveling in favor of a familiar local spot. But tonight, get out of your comfort zone. If you generally never set foot outside of Cambridge, experience the Southie scene: sip a cocktail at the Playwright (658 East Broadway, South Boston, 617.269.2537), then test your tolerance against the locals at the Boston Beer Garden (732 East Broadway, South Boston, 617.269.0990). Never thought you’d leave Brookline? Explore what the South End has to offer: try the Franklin Café (278 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, 617.350.0010), the Beehive (541 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.423.0069), and, if you can stumble over in time for last call, Clerys (113 Dartmouth Street, Boston, 617.262.9874). If you’ve never hung around for a post-cannoli cocktail in the North End, hop from the Waterfront (450 Commercial Street, Boston, 617.523.0613) to the Sail Loft (80 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 617.227.7280) to the Living Room (101 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 617.723.5101).

Night 2: Dance — no matter how many drinks it takes you. (Our magic number? Somewhere in the vicinity of six.) Have as much liquid courage as you need, then get out there and shake it. Trust us: you’ll have a good time. Some of our favorite spots to showcase our moves include The Estate (1 Boylston Place, Boston, 617.351.7000), Avalon (15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, 617.262.2424), and Rumor (100 Warrenton Street, Boston, 617.482.6958).

Night 3: Splurge for VIP status. It may not be how you roll on a regular basis, but mingling with the pretty people behind the velvet ropes is an experience you should have at least once. The specifics vary by club and by night, but there’ll usually be a table charge, a minimum order, or some sort of mandatory bottle service that’ll get you in. If you can’t swing it on your own, gather a few friends together and split the fee — just think of it as an advance on all the free drinks you’ll score later from the moneyed VIP regulars. For the hook-up, touch base with some of Boston’s nightlife legends: 6one7 Productions (www.6one7productions.com), East Coast Clubs (www.eastcoastclubs.com), or Two35 Entertainment (www.235ent
.com).

Night 4: Host a rager. If your nightlife’s in a rut, might as well take things into your own hands, right? Get a keg of cheap beer, some bottom-of-the-line vodka, and a refrigerator’s worth of boxed wine, and host an authentic college-style soirée complete with flip-cup, beer pong, and plastic cups. Then E-vite your entire address book and prepare to party until the cops come. And this time, you’re old enough to hire a cleaning service to take care of the morning-after mess. (Dealing with the guy you wake up next to is still your problem.)

Night 5: Relive the ’80s. Even (and especially) if you weren’t old enough to party during the day-glo decade, make like it’s 1985 and spend your evening whooping it up to the sounds of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Bon Jovi. A good number of bars and clubs host ’80s nights, but we’re loving local ’80s cover band Fast Times. They often play at the Grand Canal (57 Canal Street, Boston, 617.523.1112), Hennessy’s (25 Union Street, Boston, 617.742.2121), and Paddy O’s (33 Union Street, Boston, 617.263.7771); visit www.fasttimes.biz for a list of the band’s upcoming gigs. Bonus points if you wear something stonewashed.

Night 6: Discover your signature cocktail. It’s like your order at Starbucks — nonfat, no-foam, mocha-frappa-latte, anyone? — only much more fun. Everyone should have a signature cocktail: a drink that you order, exactly to your liking, every time you’re out. It should fit your personality and be equal parts obscure and hip. On a low-key night out, sit down with a bartender you trust, ask him or her for suggestions, and experiment. Soon enough, no one will recognize you without an [insert cocktail here] in hand.

Night 7: Participate in some bar athletics. It could be nothing more than a few raucous rounds of Photo Hunt, but you’ll be surprised what a few “drinking games” can add to your standard night out. If you’re in need of inspiration, try retro-bowling at the Milky Way (403–405 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, 617.524.3740), hitting the pool tables at Jillian’s (145 Ipswich Street, Boston, 617.437.0300), or mounting the mechanical bull at Liquor Store (25 Boylston Place, Boston, 617.357.6800). Burning calories while you booze — what could be better?

Night 8: Participate in a wine tasting. Instead of just guzzling down glass after glass, learn a little something about what you’re drinking. Sommeliers all over the city are just waiting to enlighten you on the ins and outs of a good wine. Wine Mondays begin at 7 p.m. weekly at L’Espalier (30 Gloucester Street, Boston, 617.262.3023), while the Ashmont Grill (555 Talbot Avenue, Dorchester, 617.825.4300) hosts its Monday Night Wine Club in a more casual setting. It’s also worth checking out class schedules at the Boston Wine School (1354 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.784.7150), Gordon’s Fine Wine and Culinary Center (894 Main Street, Waltham, 781.893.1900), and Barbara Lynch’s new demonstration kitchen, Stir (102 Waltham Street, Boston, 617.423.STIR). Another option: host your own wine tasting. Ask guests to bring bottles they love, and sip away.

Night 9: Can you say karaoke? So what if it’s possibly the most cliché drinking activity out there? Nothing says “drunken good time” like belting out “Piano Man” onstage in front of a crowd of strangers. There are plenty of weekly karaoke nights; we like a venue dedicated solely to karaoke: Limelight Stage & Studios (204 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.423.0785).

Night 10: Make out in a bar bathroom. Need we say more?

Night 11: Hit a bar alone. It’s one of those things everyone should try — like solo dining, going to the movies alone, and traveling stag. Settle in with a book or magazine; grab a snack if you need something to do with your hands. Most important, be open to chatting with fellow barflies. After all, you never know who might be lingering on a neighboring stool. A few bars where we wouldn’t mind hanging out sans companions include Bricco (241 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.248.6800), No. 9 Park (9 Park Street, Boston, 617.742.9991), and the Washington Square Tavern (714 Washington Street, Brookline, 617.232.8989).

Night 12: Shots! Forgo the standard salt-tequila-lime combo in favor of more interesting concoctions. The Banderita ($7) at Masa (439 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.338.8884) is taken as a trio: a shot of tequila, a swing of lime juice, and a swallow of tomato-based sangrita. Or peruse the drink list at Eastern Standard (528 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.532.9100), where the selection of nine shots includes the Stardust and the Green Monster ($6 each).

Night 13: Pull an all-nighter. We know Boston is seriously lacking when it comes to options past 2 a.m., but do what it takes to party — literally — until the sun comes up. Once the clubs close, everybody who’s in the know heads over to Rise (306 Stuart Street, Boston, 617.423.7473) for late-night, Red Bull–fueled festivities. It’s members-only, so you’ll need to score an invite, but that shouldn’t be too difficult for a socialite like you. If you’re looking for some sustenance to get you through till morning, we recommend the South Street Diner (178 Kneeland Street, Boston, 617.350.0028) for breakfast fare, and Bova’s Bakery (134 Salem Street, Boston, 617.523.5601) for the sweeter stuff.

Night 14: Slum it. Even the prissiest of partiers has to love a dive bar every once in a while. Feel free to head out in jeans and a T-shirt, and don’t you dare order anything but beer. Our favorite holes-in-the-wall include Bukowski Tavern (50 Dalton Street, Boston, 617.267.5028), the Cantab Lounge (738 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.354.2685), and the Other Side Café (407 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.536.8437).

Night 15: Host a fancy cocktail party. We’re talking trays of signature martinis, passed appetizers (enlist your younger brother to play waiter), and mood music. Roof decks are ideal for these types of get-togethers, but any urban apartment will do — just dress it up with strategically placed pots of foliage and loads of candles or strings of tiny white lights. Be sure to wear something fabulous, and flit from group to group bearing conversation starters and air kisses. Pitchers of pre-mixed cocktails are key, too, along with a cabinet full of back-up booze.

Night 16: Watch the game in head-to-toe team regalia. It doesn’t matter if you’re an actual fan or just a fair-weather one; arrive in all of the Sox/Bruins/Celtics/Patriots attire you can scrounge up and be prepared to get into the game. We expect chugging every time somebody scores, not to mention obnoxious cheering and booing. After a few beers, you’ll forget that you never really understood the rules. You and your crowd will fit right in with the other die-hards at the Cask ’n Flagon (62 Brookline Avenue, Boston, 617.536.4840), Game On! (82 Lansdowne Street, Boston, 617.351.7001), the Sports Depot (353 Cambridge Street, Allston, 617.783.2300), and the Fours (166 Canal Street, Boston, 617.720.4455).

Night 17: Start drinking at brunch ... and don’t stop until last call. We recently ran a story on great cocktail options at brunches around the city (7.31.07), so take advantage of the chance to start early. A few possibilities: the Living Room (101 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 617.723.5101), Tremont 647 (647 Tremont Street, Boston, 617.266.4600), and East Coast Grill (1271 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, 617.491.6568). Make a smooth transition from brunch cocktails to alfresco afternoon drinks to a pre-dinner apéritif, and so on. We dare you to make it straight through to 2 a.m., no naps allowed.

Night 18: Flirt with a bartender. Why not? Worst-case scenario, you could end up with a free drink. Best case, maybe a quickie in the kitchen after-hours.

Night 19: Participate in a sing-along. Feel free to start your own on the walk back to your apartment — though your neighbors might not be impressed. Or, take part in the Friday-night piano sing-alongs — songbooks provided — that are hosted weekly at Jacob Wirth’s (31–37 Stuart Street, Boston, 617.338.8586). Also, stop in at the Black Rose (160 State Street, Boston, 617.742.2286) for nightly live Irish music that inevitably turns into a room-wide chorus.

Night 20: Fake a celebration. So what if it’s not your birthday/bachelorette party/graduation/last day of work? Pretend it is, and let everyone else in the bar join the festivities. (We have a friend who owns a fake — and massive — diamond ring for just that occasion.) Revel in the free drinks, high-fives, and congratulatory words, and let your understanding friends steal the spotlight next time. Just be sure to stick to your story: if you’re getting married tomorrow, don’t expect to “cheat” on the groom with the busboy, or the jig is up.

Night 21: Take advantage of extended salon hours. We wish we could go all Hollywood and employ a stylist to get us ready every night, but unfortunately, that’s just not possible. Many salons, however, extend their hours on certain nights to service clients with tight schedules. Arrive dressed and ready to go, then head to your nighttime destination straight from your stylist’s chair. I Soci (8 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.867.9484) is open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, while James Joseph Salon (30 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.266.7222) celebrates Late Night Thursdays until 9 p.m. The stylists at Shag (840 Summer Street, South Boston, 617.268.2500) can be convinced to hang around until 8 or 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays, and at Avanti (11 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.267.4027), drop by any Thursday for party music and sangria from 8 to 11 p.m.

Night 22: Do it on the roof. If you undertake this 30-day adventure before fall really sets in, you can take advantage of one of our favorite pastimes: rooftop drinking. If you lack roof access at home, we have a few suggestions: Ristorante Fiore (250 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.371.1176), the Black Rhino (21 Broad Street, Boston, 617.263.0101), the Rattlesnake (384 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.859.7772), and the Baseball Tavern (1270 Boylston Street, Boston, 617.867.6526). Too chilly? Search out the next best thing: heated patios.

Night 23: Party crash. Swathe yourself in something fabulous — there’s no way you’ll get kicked out if you’re the best-dressed person in the place — and schmooze your way in with a smile, a compliment, and, if necessary, a well-placed $20 bill. Whether it’s a corporate cocktail party or some VIP-only event, confidence is key. After all, if you can act like you belong, then you probably do. Stick to a simple story, and bow out with grace if you’re denied entrance. If you do make it inside, take full advantage of that open bar and the oh-so-inviting dance floor, and leave the crowd buzzing about the evening’s fabulous mystery guest.

Night 24: Indulge in some late-night fine-dining. Some people crave the grossest of junk foods when they’re afflicted with the drunk munchies, but we recommend taking it up a notch. A number of Boston’s most chic eateries offer late-night menus that rival anything available during the less-bleary hours. Sel de la Terre (255 State Street, Boston, 617.720.1300) serves a few choice dishes on Wednesday through Saturday evenings from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Upscale North End eatery Lucca (226 Hanover Street, Boston, 617.742.9200) offers a late-night menu until 12:30 a.m. And Miel, the “Brasserie Provençal” at the InterContinental Boston (510 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, 617.747.1000), is open for business 24 hours.

Night 25: Play designated driver (or just chaperone), and watch your friends get sloshed around you. Sounds boring, but if you plan for it, it can be as amusing as getting tipsy yourself. Just be sure to initiate a no-puking rule — and take full advantage of your hangover-free self tomorrow.

Night 26: Scorpion bowls! We don’t know what it is about a bowl full of shady alcohols and questionable juices shared (totally un-hygienically, we might add) among a group of friends, but a scorpion bowl always manages to perk up an otherwise drab night out with a little bit of kitsch. We go for the multi-strawed drinks served in fishbowls at the Landing (Long Wharf, Boston, 617.227.4321) — still open, weather-permitting — and the signature bowls from the deliciously gritty Hong Kong (65 Chatham Street, Boston, 617.227.2226; 1236 Mass Ave, Cambridge, 617.864.5311).

Night 27: Wear something out of character. Everyone has their nightlife “look,” whether it’s jeans and flats, simple black dresses, or flowy tops and heels. For one night only, change things up. Go indie-rock chick in skinny denim, or try something super-short or low-cut-down-to-there if you’re normally the conservative type. Purveyors of “disposable clothing” like H&M (100 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.859.3192), Forever 21 (South Shore Plaza, 250 Granite Street, Braintree, 781.843.2509), and, if you scour the clearance racks, Urban Outfitters (361 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.236.0088) make it easy — and affordable — to try something outside your comfort zone. You’ll feel like a new person, and who knows? Maybe it’ll become a permanent addition to your signature style.

Night 28: Become a groupie. Channel Kate Hudson and the Band-Aids in Almost Famous, then choose an up-and-coming local musician as the new object of your obsession. Arrive early to secure your front-row spot, and after the band’s set, flirt, schmooze, or buy your way backstage for a personal meet-and-greet with your new favorite. We suggest starting small at more intimate venues like the Paradise Lounge (969 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.562.8800), Johnny D’s (17 Holland Street, Somerville, 617.776.2004), or Club Passim (47 Palmer Street, Cambridge, 617.492.7679); you’ll probably have more luck, and lesser-known artists will be more appreciative of your affection.

Night 29: Buy someone (preferably attractive) a drink. It can’t hurt, right? Even if you’re attached, at least you’ll have a conversation partner for the time it takes for him or her to suck down that martini. And if you’re single? Well, the possibilities are endless. At the very least, you’ll make someone’s night.

Night 30: Start your own list of to-dos. Now that you’ve spent 29 nights trying new things, meeting new people, and visiting new places, you’ve surely amassed your own mental list of spots you’re dying to check out and events you simply must attend. Now, the next time your friends whine, “What are we doing tonight?”, you’ll have all the chic, fun answers. So what’s up for tonight? Sampling the beer menu at Deep Ellum (477 Cambridge Street, Allston, 617.787.BEER)? A pub crawl around Beacon Hill? Scamming your way past the line at Revolution Rock Bar (200 High Street, Boston, 617.261.4200)? Or all of the above, and then some ... @

[Illustration by C Smigliani]