Ask a Groovy Gal (Fashion & Beauty)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG DEPUTY EDITOR AND BEAUTY DIRECTOR CHELSEA KAPLAN GIVES YOU
THE GOODS ON GETTING GORGEOUS

Now that it’s sandal season, I need to get my feet open-toe ready. What’s hot this summer in toenail polish colors? — Alicia, Washington, DC
		I’m a huge fan of bright toes—clear pink or even French manicured ones just never look good on me, even in the summer. Particularly hot this summer is coral polish, which is surprisingly neutral. Choose a shade that is punchy, somewhere in between orange and peach. Coral can be tricky to pull off, so make sure you choose a shade that complements your skin tone. If you have fair skin, stick with a color that’s on the lighter, softer end of the coral spectrum, like Chanel Orange Blossom ($18, www.gloss.com) or Duri’s Beachy peachy ($5, www.duri.com). If you’ve got darker skin or a tan, try something brighter like one of my personal go-to faves, Essie’s Clam Bake, a vibrant orangey-coral ($7, www.beauty.com) or Chanel’s Heat Wave ($18, www.gloss.com). If you like reds, try Essie Cherry Bomb, Essie Russian Roulette ($7 each, www.beauty.com) or OPI Red Hot Ayers Rock ($6, www.goddesswithin.com), all of which are bright, summery reds. If you prefer pinks, avoid Barbie nails by choosing shades that are bright, but not too bubble gum. I love Goldie’s Alice in Wonderland Mini Nail Lacquer in Cheshire ($7, www.bathandbodyworks.com) and OPI’s Koala Bear-y ($6, www.goddesswithin.com).

This is so embarrassing, but my nipples are always showing through my bras. Is there anything I can do? I have tried padded bras, but they still show through! — Heather, Utica, NY

To turn your headlights off, try Dimrs, which are reusable, self-adhesive silicone nipple covers. They really work, are totally unnoticeable and are easy to use. You simply moisten the Dimrs and place them horizontally across your nipple -your body heat does the work by activating the silicone material to adhere to your skin. The Dimrs will stay in place until you (painlessly) remove them, so they can even be worn without a bra. The company also makes Nipsticks, which is a similar product designed to be worn under swimsuits. The Dimrs retail for $29.95 and the Nipsticks are $37.99. To order both, go to www.dimrs.com.

What’s the best way to prevent my hair color from fading or getting dull? I’d love to be able to eek out a little more time in between color appointments.—*Hillary, San Diego, CA*
		To keep your color from losing its luster, the experts always recommend waiting two to three days before washing your hair after you get it colored. (I know, I know, it’s a long time, but I promise it will be worth it in the long run). Doing so will allow the color to deeply penetrate your hair shaft and lock in, resulting in longer-lasting, better color. Once it’s finally time to suds up, always use a shampoo developed for color treated hair. I recommend TRESemme’s ColorThrive Shampoo & Conditioner ($5.39 each, www.drugstore.com), which works beautifully and is super-affordable. Before styling, liberally spray hair with a protective color retention spray like Redken’s Color Extend Total Recharge ($14.95; go to www.redken.com for salons), which will prevent your color from getting dulled by heated styling appliances. Keeping your hair shielded from color foes like sun and chlorine is always a good idea, too. Wear hats if you’ll be out in the sun for long periods of time and wear a bathing cap when swimming.

Chelsea and her son Zach

Click here to read all about Deputy Editor/Beauty Director Chelsea Kaplan's life with child in her blog,
“I'm Somebody's Mother?”