lash bash

Just because summer's over, doesn't mean you can ditch your waterproof mascara. There are still plenty of things to shed a tear over (a breakup!), sentimental movies to sniffle at and a rain storm here or there. So if you don't want to go for eyelash extensions, you need to find the best mascara for you. Sexy Curves Waterproof Mascara ($7.49) from Rimmel. The 100% waterproof formula stays in place until you want to take it off and features the Aquatrap System, a wash-off resistant emulsion with Linseed Oil to promote lash health. The best thing about this lash mascara: The Triple Plump Brush boasts an hourglass shape that reminds me of a caterpillar--thick portions interspersed with thinner portions to evenly distribute the formula and curl and declump lashes. Plus, the case is really lightweight so you can throw it in your purse without feeling a weight on your shoulder. After just one application, your eyelashes will look revitalized, making it a decent volume mascara as well as a waterproof option. Great for everyday or special occasions, it will make your lashes come alive. For more info, go to www.rimmellondon.com.

win free products: from Pureology

If you haven't tried Pureology yet, here's your chance. Just visit the company's website,

http://pureology.com/discover/shampoo, by August 31st, and win one of the following shampoo samples of your choice:

· Pure Volume Shampoo - This extra gentle cleanser offers extraordinary volume with brilliant colour vibrancy and serious colour protection. This ZeroSulfate®, non-colour stripping formula volumizes while adding moisture.

· Hydrate Shampoo - Pamper your hair with this award-winning, moisturizing, super-concentrated shampoo. The extra gentle, non-colour stripping, ZeroSulfate®, salt-free formula enhances colour brilliance and maximizes colour retention.

· SuperSmooth Shampoo (my favorite!) - Gently cleanse and smooth unruly hair without stripping away moisture, and intensify natural shine while protecting colour vibrancy with this concentrated ZeroSulfate® shampoo.

· Essential Repair Shampoo - Renew strength and help repair and fortify against damage while protecting colour vibrancy with this concentrated and gently cleansing ZeroSulfate® shampoo.

Go to http://pureology.com/discover/shampoo and claim your free gift now.

hair that gets noticed

True story: I was waiting on line at the bank and a woman walked up behind me and said: "Wow! You have beautiful hair!" The day before, I had washed my hair with two new hair products, Redken Body Full Shampoo and Light Conditioner, proving that they do offer volume that lasts for 24 hours. The clear hair shampoo provides cotton (softens and detangles), wheat extract (adds texture, volume and body) and soy protein (reinforces hair to prevent breakage) for a fuller, voluminous look. It gives you a rich lather and leaves your hair smelling clean and fresh. The creamy conditioner is an ultra-lightweight detangler which contains soy protein to give hair bodifying strength. Plus, it's safe for your hair color and leaves hair with a natural-looking shine. See for yourself at www.redken.com or a local beauty supply store.

holiday gift guide: give Profound Beauty

Don't let friends ring in the new year without showing off their luxe locks. Just in time for the gift giving season: Profound Beauty introduces its new limited edition Styling Kits ($49 each). Each kit contains three essentials to put hair in the spotlight. Hush controls frizz without weighing hair down, Stylist will accentuate the natural shape, texture, look and feel of their hair to create a style all their own, and atmosphere which is designed to mimic the best weather conditions for their hair (read: no more bad days ahead!) Try the Arctic Straight kit for sleek style and high shine (for my TV-reporter pal), the Desert Volume Kit (for moi!) for root to tip lift, texture, separation and bounce, and the Tropical Curl Kit (my sisters will fight over it!) for lush, dewy, plump curls. Go to www.profoundbeauty.com to purchase.

boost your roots

Growing up, my hair was always flat. Whether I set it in curlers, tried to work my magic with a blow-dryer or attempted to style it with a curling iron, it would usually return to its inevitably flat state soon after. So since then I've always searched for ways to give my hair natural-looking volume. That's why I decided to try TRESemme's new 24 Hour Body line, designed to help create voluminous style that lasts all day. The collection consists of Healthy Shampoo and Conditioner, Foaming Mousse, Sculpting Spray Gel, Root Boosting Spray, Finishing Spray and Weightless Creme (suggested retail price: $4.49 each). To start at the root of the problem, I opted for the Root Boosting Spray, formulated with TRESemme's exclusive Volume Control Complex. This blend of polymers blocks humidity and allows hair to hold its style and volume all day long. After shampooing and conditioning as usual, I spritzed it directly on my roots and blow-dried it to style. (TIP: For best results, blow-dry hair with a vent brush, lifting at the roots for maximum lift). My hair was fuller and more voluminous at the scalp, which is usually the flattest part. I completed the look with the Finishing Spray to set the volume and leave hair sleek and shiny. In addition to a superb, professional formula and a just-stepped-out-of-the-salon scent, the 24 Hour Body line has brilliantly designed packaging. Most products are applied via an actuator, instead of a basic pump or spray, to ensure product placement directly where you want it--in this case, at the roots. Plus, the sleek, plastic bottles are actually shaped like a body so you can grasp the middle (or "waist area") easily and maintain your grip as you style. Go to www.TRESemme.com for expert advice and styling tips, or head to a local retailer near you to make your purchase.

Fashion Week: Rock Star Hair

Fresh on the heels of the latest Grammy's show, models at some of New York Fashion Week's hottest shows sported rock-star locks. To get yours, try Philip Kingsley's Maximizer designed to maximize volume, body and bounce. "It creates volume for limp, flyaway hair," says Kingsley. If anyone can design such a formula, Kingsley is the one. This world-renowned trichologist has been seeing clients, writing books and creating hair treatments for years. "It gives fine hair super volume, and adds body, bounce, control and shine." Got color-treated tresses? Don't hesitate to spritz some on. It's protects color too. "Just spray sparingly onto the roosts of towel-dried hair for lift or throughout hair for all-over volume, then style as usual," says Kingsley. After a recent shower, I towel dry and start spritzing. The spray pump offers easy control and the product lands at the roots, just where I want it. I follow with an all-over application to see the full effect. Like a lightweight hairspray, it offers total volume and bounce that are instantly apparent and doesn't leave hair feeling sticky. And it smells good too! Try it at www.philipkingsley.com for $35 (8 oz).

plump it up

In an age when most of us are searching for a way to slim down, some of us are still hoping to plump up--our lips, that is. Since I'm not exactly considering a trip to the plastic surgeon's office, Angelina Jolie's perfect pout is pretty much beyond my reach. I found I can come close, however, with a little help from glominerals (www.gloskincare.com). The company's gloLip plumper ($16), a unique plumping formula infused with spheres of Marine Collagen Atelocolalgen which trap water and swell to provide volume, is designed to do the trick. Capsicum Extract, which comes from peppers, stimulates lips (not sure how I feel about the tingling sensation but it's pretty mild) and safflower oil softens and conditions (just in time for Valentine's Day). Choose your hue--copper shimmer, sheer berry or natural, or soon-to-be-released plum and cherry--and get ready to pucker up!