From microdermabrasion to Botox—one doctor calls it “the middle-aged woman’s cocaine”—nonsurgical or lunchtime procedures are more popular than ever. And yes, one appointment can make a difference in a person’s skin. by Gigi Anders Patrick is 71. He looks 61. Back in February, the retired Alexandria mathematician (who, like most patients interviewed, did not want [...]

Which cosmetics keep you looking radiant in summer—and protect you from harmful rays? We tested hundreds of products to find the best. by Gigi Anders Never let ’em see you sweat. And never let ’em see you burn. In summer, your face faces two challenges: looking shine-free and polished in the heat and getting protection [...]

We test out a new epilator and ask experts how to deal with cellulite. Hair Today? Gone Today: We Put the Bliss Epilator to the Test My friend Elizabeth swears by her epilator. When she first mentioned it, I thought she was referring to a kitchen appliance. “An ep-i-la-tor,” she said, as if by repeating [...]

Wish your teeth were whiter? Want to fix a crooked tooth? New dental techniques are giving patients more reasons to smile. Here’s what to know about whitening, veneers, and other cosmetic options. by Gigi Anders A stale Jujyfruit changed Carlos Carro Duplá’s love life. The DC computer scientist was at the theater five years ago [...]

by Gigi Anders Although cosmetic dentistry is a real term—and there’s been lobbying to make it a specialty like endodontics (root-canal work) and periodontics (gum work)—the American Dental Association doesn’t recognize it as such. All general dentists can call themselves “cosmetic,” and most do cosmetic work. Got a brown spot on a front tooth? Your [...]

A guide to veneers, braces, and other options: What each procedure is best for, what to expect, and what it all costs. by Gigi Anders A pretty smile can cost a pretty penny. Then again, you don’t want to penny-pinch when it comes to your teeth. Here’s the average price range you can expect as [...]

Blow-drying and chemical treatments can dull hair. Here’s how to make hair really shiny—including our test of a $28 bottle of glaze. by Gigi Anders “There is no way that anybody can have naturally shiny hair anymore,” says Bernard Portelli, owner of Okyo Salon in Georgetown. Though healthy hair is shiny hair, Portelli says, several [...]

Two salons teach clients how to blow out their own hair by Gigi Anders lowing out your own hair is hard. Can it ever look as good as when a pro does it? Maybe, if you sign up for Sugar House Day Spa & Salon’s free blow-drying classes. Held every three to four months on [...]

Scarlet, garnet, and other reds are on more lips these days. Like red ties, are red lips a power statement in Washington? by Gigi Anders Fall 2007 looks like fall 1947. and like fall 1997, when Kim Basinger starred in L.A. Confidential. Veronica Lake waves. Satin dresses. Red lips. Very red lips. From Gucci to [...]

Forget pink—the color on trendy fingernails and toenails is black. One polish by Chanel is so hot that there’s a waiting list. By Gigi Anders Lindsay Lohan started it. Or maybe it was Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Helen Mirren, or—really—David Beckham. Black nail polish. It’s everywhere. On celebrities, in fashion magazines, and, believe it or [...]