Tuesday, July 24, 2001

Latest 'trend' in underwear may be brief

By Joy Kraft

        It's no secret that women often steal their husband's or boyfriend's clothes in the search for a comfy fit. There's nothing quite as comfortable as an oversized T-shirt for sleeping. But it seems some are taking the trend to a new level. More women are buying men's underwear briefs, according to the folks at Jockey International.

        It seems one of the sexpots in HBO's Sex in the City was spotted in the briefs. Then cover model Ali Larter tried them on. And that's how so-called trends start.

        “They're fun. They're sexy and they're very comfortable to lounge around in,” says the underwear maker who started making the classic “Y” front brief in 1935. We're not so sure about the sexy part — or the comfort part for that matter, and it begs the question: Why is it “trendy” for women to cop men's underwear, but when the role is reversed, “trendy” isn't the word that comes to mind?

        Super eyelash curler: Tweezerman makes an eyelash curler with a curling pad that can be heated with a blow dryer for a stronger lash curl. The Super Curl Eyelash Curler is made of clear plastic to make it easier to see what you're doing. $5.50 with $2 refill pads. At Walgreens, Trade Secrets and Sally Beauty stores.

        Grace's curl secrets: Grace from TV's Will & Grace has curls to kill for. And Luke O'Connor, celebrity stylist and Beverly Hills salon owner, is the reason.

        “I use different size curling irons and crimpers to make curls of varying sizes and lengths. And, more importantly, is the use of heat-activated products so I don't damage her hair.”

        Here are his 1-2-3 tips, using ThermaSilk products, for making actress Debra Messing's curls so natural looking:

        1. Wash and condition with ThermaSilk Voluminizing Shampoo and Conditioner.

        2. Prep hair wirh ThermaSilk Control & Condition Cream.

        3. Use a wide-toothed comb to loosen the wave slightly. Dry with diffuser and comb through with fingers with head flipped over, drying from underneath.

        4. Use a 1-inch curling iron around 1-inch square sections of hair.

        5. Use ThermaSilk Root Lifting Spray to add volume to roots. Back-comb at the roots if needed.

        6. When dry, don't use a brush — only fingers. Flip head upside down again and finger-comb hair. Mist with ThermaSilk Flexible Hold spray.