Gingivitis

get a healthier grin The alcohol in most oral rinses is drying to the mouth, according to an article in a recent Harvard Health Letter. Try one sans alcohol: Crest's Pro-Health Rinse ($8.49 for 1.5 liters; at drugstores). Bonus: It also fights plaque and gingivitis.

beauty diary

post-exercise

breakouts

Q I started working out, and ever since, I've been breaking out on my face and back. What's going on?

A "It's not the exercise that makes you break out, it's the sweat," explains Fran Cook-Bolden, M.D., a cosmetic and laser dermatologist and director of the Ethnic Skin Specialty Group in New York City. And sweat can mix with dirt, oil and bacteria, leading to breakouts. Her suggestions for post-workout pimples:

FACIAL BREAKOUTS Remove all makeup, lotions and sunscreens before you hit the gym; they can combine with sweat and clog pores. Try Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating 2-in-1 Foaming Pads ($8; at drugstores).

VALERIE LATONA

BEAUTY DIRECTOR'S PICK Integrative-medicine expert Andrew Weil, M.D., joined forces with Origins to create a new line, Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins. In it: Mega-Mushroom Face Serum ($65 for 1.7 oz), at right, and Mega-Mushroom Supplement ($35 for 1.7 oz; origins.com for stores), designed to combat inflammation. (For more info on inflammation, see Beauty Rx, page 90.)

THIS JUST OUT ...

WIN IT!

Beginning Nov. 1, log on to jergens.com to enter the "Bermuda Short" sweepstakes that could send you and a guest on an all-expenses-paid extended weekend getaway to an exquisite resort on the beautiful island of Bermuda!

HAIRLINE BREAKOUTS Ditch your oil-based hair products (pomades, oils and styling creams or lotions); silicone-based and/or oil-free ones, such as Aveda's Light Elements Smoothing Fluid ($23; aveda.com), are less likely to clog your pores.

BODY BREAKOUTS Wear moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics, remove sweaty gear after workouts and shower with an antibacterial body wash. Try Murad Acne Body Wash ($35; murad.com).

--Kate Williams

give thanks!

We're grateful for these products that make getting gorgeous easier than ever.

Flirt! Big Flirt Thickening Mascara ($9; at Kohl's stores) doubles the width and length of your lashes with just one coat; it's flake-free and nonirritating. We love Fuchsia Fusion, shown at right.

Guerlain Les Voilettes Matt Touch Voyage Powder in Transparente ($45; at fine department stores) blots T-zone shine instantly, without making you look like you're wearing a powder mask.

Tricoci Match Pre & Post Style Activator ($12; at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas) gives fine hair body and makes styling a snap. It also reactivates the products you applied earlier to keep hair looking fabulous all day.

ONE-KIT WONDERS

3 skin-care systems that work:

ERASE ACNE SCARS Clearasil Ultra Acne Scar Care System ($25; at drug-stores) has a pore-declogging face wash, an SPF 15 lotion and a night repair lotion.

BRIGHTEN DARK SPOTS Nu Skin Tri-Phasic White line ($188; nuskin.com) comes with a skin-lightening cleanser and toner, a serum, an SPF 15 moisturizer and a rich night cream.

CALM ROSACEA AND REDNESS MD Formulations Critical Care Starter Kit ($45; mdformulations.com) contains a gentle cleanser, a glycolic lotion, a gel and an SPF 30 sunscreen.

TREND REPORT

dark blonde ambition

Taking a cue from the latest fall fashions (warm hues and rich textures), blondes are going darker, thanks to a process called lowlighting. To get it, work in a color that's one notch darker than your current base. A simple at-home option: L'Oreal Low-Light Styliste ($12; at drugstores).

a perfect pout

Your lips are about to receive fantastic news: These new formulas help you pucker up in the hottest fall hues.

Like to apply in the a.m.? Bobbi Brown Matte Stain For Lips is the long-lasting ticket, in six shades ($20; bobbibrowncosmetics.com).

Love a liner? Use a fat crayon instead, like Aveda Pearl Essence Triple Accent for Cheeks and Lips, in four shades ($18; aveda.com).

Fan of lip balm? Try hydrating Maybelline New York Moisture Extreme Lipcolor, in 44 shades ($7; at drugstores).

For lush lips:

As the weather gets cooler and skin (and lips) gets drier, opt for lip stains or moisturizing glossy hues; these are more hydrating than typical matte color.

Shown at right:

Maybelline New York Moisture Extreme Lipcolor.

beauty finds

cream of the crop

OUR FAVORITE AUTUMN SQUASH, PUMPKIN, IS FUN TO CARVE, DELICIOUS TO EAT--AND PACKED WITH GOOD-FOR-YOUR-SKIN BENEFITS. By Liz Koppelman

The Body Shop Pumpkin Nectarine Home Fragrance Oil

($7 for 10 ml.; thebodyshop.com) mixes notes of pumpkin and apple with warm nutmeg and clove to create a sweet seasonal scent.

June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Enzyme Peeling Masque ($72; ebodytreatments.com) removes rough skin patches and rejuvenates with vitamin-A-packed pumpkin.

Jaqua Pumpkin Papaya Puree Enzyme Face Masque ($16; jaquabeauty.com) contains kaolin clay to cleanse facial pores, while papaya and pumpkin extracts slough off dead skin cells.

Demeter Pumpkin Pie Pick-Me-Up Cologne Spray ($18; demeterfragrance.com) smells as yummy as the real thing.

* Why use pumpkin on your skin?

* It's rich in antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins C and E; these help protect from wrinkle-accelerators like sunlight and pollution.

* Pumpkin enzymes keep skin radiant. They help "unglue" dulling dead skin cells, allowing healthier cells to shine through.

* Crushed seeds nourish your complexion; they're rich in hydrating and nourishing fatty acids.

the editors recommend ...

Philosophy Pumpkin Pie

($16; sephora.com) is a three-in-one shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Bonus: The bottle boasts a recipe so you can bake your own dessert!

Bath & Body Works Pure Simplicity Pumpkin Body Butter ($10; bathandbodyworks.com for store locations) is a luxurious cream that nourishes skin.

Dibi Nettare di Zucca Soothing Lotion ($28; 800-959-DIBI) uses beta carotene, the antioxidant that gives pumpkin its color, to protect (and repair) skin from the environment.

fashion diary

BY KRISTINA FERRANTE COLEMAN

high and mighty

Footwear designer Ruthie Davis has launched a hot new shoe collection hitting stores this fall. Having previously worked at Reebok and Ugg, Davis knows the importance of sole comfort, so she created a line of shoes that fuses haute couture styles with advanced footwear technology. Davis uses titanium and carbon fiber to create high heels that are extremely durable and lightweight, while the Powermesh Footbed wicks moisture from the foot. Our favorite is the "Pulse" metallic kidskin stiletto (shown, $400; girlshop.com).

fashion Q&A

Q What is the best way to dress up black this season?

A Choose chunky layers of necklaces to make a stunning statement that's anything but basic. Our favorites are Marc Jacobs' gold chain necklaces (small, $890; medium, $950; and large, $1,100; at Marc Jacobs, New York City, 212-343-1490).

Go for gold with bold baubles.

trend report

modern comfort

Sleek body-grazing pieces in window-pane patterns combined with leather and suede detail create an edge that's anything but masculine. If you have a bottom-heavy figure, choose a solid high-waist pant with a fitted patterned jacket to draw the attention upward. Heavier on top? Opt for a patterned flat-front trouser with a solid button-up blouse to divert the eye downward. For a sizzling finish, add a pair of crocodile pumps.

editor's pick get this must-have hobo!

Super-satchels make a daring debut.

Oversized bags

with playful studded details are a wardrobe must to spruce up fall attire. We love Kenneth Cole New York's "Hudson Rivet" ($598; 800-KEN-COLE) bag. It looks especially chic when paired with a winter-white coat and trousers.

style finds

tweed with a twist

DRESS UP FALL'S FAVORITE WOOLEN FABRIC WITH FLASHES OF SHINE, SPARKLE AND SATIN. By Violet Moon Gaynor

Parameter short jacket with faux-fur trim and jewel closure ($240; at Primp, East Moriches, N.Y., 631-874-7475)

Michael Antonio "Hayley" heel ($45; michaelantonio.com)

Trina Turk "Yardley" jacket ($400; at Trina Turk, Palm Springs, Calif., 760-416-2856)

H&M hat with velvet bow ($6.90; go to hm.com for store locations)

Coach pocket satchel ($398; at Coach stores nationwide)

Rafe New York "Yolanda" long-flap clutch ($295; at select Nordstrom stores)

Betsey Johnson skirt ($187; at Betsey Johnson stores nationwide)

Shoshanna "Gold Dust" bustier ($260; at Neiman Marcus)

runway rx

divine dresses

LOOK INCREDIBLY CHIC IN THESE FALL FROCKS THAT HELP ACCENTUATE CURVES, DEFINE A WAISTLINE OR CONCEAL FIGURE FLAWS.

sweater dress

best for: accentuating curves

TSESAY spider hand-knit turtleneck sweater dress ($325; tsecashmere.com)

Free People wool knit long-sleeve sweater dress ($108; freepeople.com)

corset dress

best for: defining a waistline

Shoshanna heirloom lace strapless corset dress ($350; neimanmarcus.com)

Bebe halter corset-style silk dress ($159; bebe.com)

tweed shift dress

best for: concealing figure flaws

MaxMara tweed wool shift dress ($1,270; 866-MAX-MARA)

Ann Taylor Loft tweed belted shift dress ($79; 800-DIAL-ANN)

get this look

elegantly expectant

EMBODY HEIDI KLUM'S GRACEFUL APPROACH AT A LOWER PRICE--STYLISH FOR MOMS-TO-BE AND SAVVY FASHIONISTAS ALIKE (EACH PIECE IS UNDER $100!). By Violet Moon Gaynor

Icing by Claire's three-strand necklace ($8; www.claires.com)

Isaac Mizrahi for Target double-frame handbag ($17; 800-800-8800)

Thoi "Little Kisses" pearl, aquamarine and Austrian-crystal earrings ($95; at Fireworks, Seattle, 800-505-8882)

Rampage Footwear "Amelia" heel ($70; at Macy's)

Kmart cuff bracelet ($9; at Kmart stores nationwide)

Japanese Weekend "Athena" jersey maternity evening dress ($98; japaneseweekend.com)

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO SHAPE, Beauty Q & A, One Park Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016; fax: (212) 725-9228; e-mail: beautyQ&A@Shape.com.

questions?

Send your fashion questions to Shape, Fashion Q & A, One Park Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10016; fax: (212) 725-9228; e-mail: fashionQ&A@Shape.com.

EDITED BY VALERIE LATONA AND KRISTINA FERRANTE COLEMAN

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group