Courtesy of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy © Julienne Schaer

So when I heard about Brooklyn Bridge Park’s annual Movies With a View series I thought this would be my chance to really enjoy the scenery. The free outdoor film series takes place in the Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park section and features a variety of films from Paper Moon to Catch Me If You Can.

Each showing begins with a screening of a short film by an independent filmmaker prior to the feature film. Brooklyn Radio sets the scene at 6pm with pre-movie music from local DJ’s, while RICE provides delicious unique and healthy dishes. There’s even free valet bike parking!

Movies start at sundown, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot with a great view of the movie and of the skyline. The series kicks off tonight with Raising Arizona, the hilarious vintage Nic Cage film and ends with Edward Scissorhands. Oh what I’d give for an evening in the park with Johnny Depp…sans the scissorhands of course!

Movies With a View is every Thursday now through August 27th visit http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org for the complete film schedule.

The daylong event takes place on the Upper East Side and is smaller than most other street fairs. It features samples of the cuisine of France and other French-speaking countries, French-themed market stalls and music and dancing by French-speaking artists. Throughout the afternoon, live Can-Can dancers will be appearing on the festival-stage (between Madison and Park Avenues).

You can participate in sports-based activities with a French twist, along with Arts & Crafts. A raffle, with drawings for various prizes will also be held throughout the day. You’ve got the chance to win a facial and massage, courtesy of Caudalie Spa, Dinner for two at Rouge Tomate or 3 FIAF French Language Sessions, with the Grand Prize of a pair of US-Paris round-trip tickets courtesy of American Airlines.

While my knowledge of the French language extends to the word moi (courtesy of Miss Piggy circa the Muppets), I wouldn’t mind a few round trip tickets to Paris. Could you image all the wine and cheese? Oh and the croissants…

What: Bastille Day
Where: 60th Street between Lexington and Fifth Avenues
When: Sunday, July 12th, From 12 to 6pm

While the most famous piece may be the iconic Catherine Malandrino flag dress, which stands triumphantly before you as you enter, a standout for me was a sequined mini dress with President Obama’s face grazing the front.

The exhibit also pays attention to details, with vintage Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue covers hanging on the wall alongside a Rosie the Riveter jumpsuit and hippie garb. The entire exhibit is not only beautiful, but really makes you want to head to your nearest vintage store in the hopes that you may find anything nearly as chic.

The exhibit runs through November 7th and offers free monthly guided tours available with a reservation and a lecture entitled “Where Fashion & Politics Meet: Staying On Message” given on September 10th.

For more information visit http://ww.fitnyc.edu/museum.

Admission to the Museum at FIT is free.

Back to reality, the most taxing part of my obsession is that it can get pretty costly. Mascara here, moisturizer there, 5 nail polishes later and I wind up spending a fortune since, as I’m sure you all know, beauty products rarely go on sale. Enter Nordstrom, the enabler, er…I mean department store is celebrating their annual Anniversary Sale, where their cosmetic department provides devoted beauty customers the opportunity to snag limited-edition products from a variety of brands (think Chanel, Lancome, Nars), which are only available during the sale.

The Nordstrom team works closely with their fragrance, cosmetic, hair care, skincare and men’s grooming brands to develop compelling and one-of-a-kind offerings solely for this event. Some brands use this opportunity to preview fall product launches while others see it as a chance to get a little experimental with the product development process.

If you’re a true beauty addict like me, log onto http://www.nordstrom.com or stop into Nordstrom stores to pre-order and reserve your favorites now. The actual sale starts July 17th and runs through August 2nd.

If your last attempt at a smokey eye had you look more like the Hamburglar than an Olsen twin, head to your nearest Sephora for a consolation in their newly launched Beauty Studio. The Studio features Express Services with Sephora U trained Beauty Experts that allow you to master any look in minutes. With no commitment to buy, you can take lessons on the daunting smokey eye, the perfect pout and the always-desirable flawless skin.

So if you’re looking to impress try a sexy red lip, for a night on the town go heavy on the black liner and for day-to-day well why not sport that celebrity glow?

Available at all Sephora stores, log on to http://www.sephora.com to find your nearest location and call to book an appointment.

All this beauty talk has me wondering, what’s you’re must have beauty product?

Cowgirl
Who doesn’t love killer margaritas in boot-shaped glasses?! Cowgirl has a great happy hour, themed outdoor seating and a “General Store” of western collectibles and candy. 519 Hudson Street b/w Charles Street and West 10th, 212.633.1133

Morandi
Not only is the food amazing but when the weather is nice, they open up the entire front wall of the restaurant and the tables spill out onto the sidewalk. (It’s also a great people-watching spot!). 211 Waverly Place and Perry Street, 212.627.7575

Sidewalk Café
While this café is legendary for its music nights, their pink frozen margaritas are a favorite for daytime and what keep me coming back. 94 Avenue A and 6th Street, 212.253.8080

Blue Hill
What’s better in the summer than fresh, locally grown food? A hidden outdoor patio of course and it just so happens that Blue Hill’s got both! 75 Washington Place b/w Sixth Avenue and MacDougal Street, 212.539.1776

Dining in Brooklyn? Two of my favorites are Dumont for some serious American food (432 Union Avenue, 718.486.7717) and Aurora for classic Italian (70 Grand Street, 718.388.5100) both in Williamsburg: great food and amazing garden seating!

The 3-in-1 designed by Jillian Dempsey allows for a foolproof application. It also takes the guesswork out of matching lip liner to lipstick or gloss, as it’s fully equipped with liner, lipstick and gloss in coordinating shades. The SpectraColor Lipstick is perfect for moody ladies like myself. The dial allows you to vary your shade on a scale from 1 to 7. Feeling a little down? Turn it up to 7 for some intense color that will surely change your mood. Sporting a smokey eye for the evening? Turn it down to 1 to keep the focus on your eyes. If you’re looking for a little more pout the Plump Lipstick is perfect for you. It’s formulated to increase circulation, boost collagen and intensely moisturize your lips to give Mrs. Brad Pitt some serious competition.

We’ve teamed up with Avon to offer five lucky winners the chance at a perfect summer pout this summer. Simply send an email to Contact@BeautyNewsNYC.com with “Pucker Up” in the subject line and be sure to include your name, email and telephone number by Monday July 13th.

To find an Avon e-representative near you, please visit Avon.com.

Go for the look in Matiko Vaughn’s caged, buckled-leather wedge. Perfect for summer to give a bit of edge to flirty dresses, this shoe achieves the same aesthetic of its couture counterparts for a fraction of the price at only $168 at Urban Outfitters.

Flatten this look out a bit for a more everyday approach with this great Vida cutout oxford. This take on the harsher runway looks will carry you through summer and into fall as you pair it with your barely there frocks to your tweed blazer. And for only $78 at Urban Outfitters, your wallet can breathe a sigh of relief without sacrificing style.

But if you want to rival the fierceness of the runway, don’t go for an interpretation of the trend, dig into the real thing– well, sort of. Luichiny’s Star Bound cage platform bootie doesn’t leave anything to the imagination and is a steel at DSW for only $79.95.

But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some Independence Day fun! If you can’t make it to the Hamptons with the rest of New York, don’t fret! It can really be a treat to enjoy the city when it’s a little less crowded, a bit quieter and when restaurants and bars are offering discounted meals and drinks. Here’s a rundown of some things we recommend trying out during your relaxing holiday weekend:

A Picnic in Central Park
Unless you live near the park it can be hard to find a way to make it up over there as often as you should. What better excuse than the 4th? Starting at 11am, Nonna Restaurant will be delivering picnic baskets to Central Park. Each basket includes bottled water, your choice of sandwich, salad and dessert for only $15. Though smuggling a bottle of wine into the picnic will really get your celebration started. Nonna Restaurant, 520 Columbus Ave., 212.579.3194

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
For what it’s worth this could really be a good time. The contest takes place in Coney Island, which is always fun in itself. Nathan’s hot dogs are pretty good and well, who doesn’t love a little animal-like food competition? Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, 12pm, Coney Island

Independence Day Culture
If you’re one of the more refined New Yorkers and prefer a little culture instead of a hot dog eating contest, head to the Whitney Museum. In celebration of Independence Day and the iconic works of American art that are housed in the museum, the Whitney will be reducing general admission to $4. Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Avenue at 75th Street

Fireworks!
I know I’m an adult now but I still get pretty excited at the chance to lie in the grass and watch fireworks. If you’re still looking for a little suburban inspired celebration then you’ll be happy to know that Macy’s will be holding their fireworks display over the Hudson River this year. At approximately 9:20 pm on July 4th, the 26-minute display will be set off between 24th and 50th Streets on the Hudson River. For the best viewing spots check out http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/nycjulyfourth.htm

That’s where Heidi Klein comes in, see we’ve teamed up with the iconic London based boutique to offer a discount on their swimsuits to all of our loyal readers. Now through August 1st log onto their site and you can save 15% by entering the code “BeautyNYC” at checkout.

My favorite retro inspired piece is the Nautical Bow Bikini, with a white and navy color palate and brass button detailing it makes me want to spend an afternoon at sea. If I weren’t already a little too “blessed” in the chest area, I would definitely opt for the Frill One piece. It’s a perfect retro inspired suit, from the coral color to the halter neckline and the smooth fit.

So now that we’re finally starting to see some summer weather here in New York, it’s the perfect time to splurge on a well-made, classic swimsuit.

http://www.HeidiKlein.com

From Four Wines, comes the first premium wine in an eco-friendly tube shaped box…and a cool looking one at that! The company, dedicated to innovative, alternative packaging has developed the first California wine that comes in a good looking round recyclable container. But this is nothing like the boxed wines of yore. Four Wines is a smooth blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with a little Petite Syrah, that’s been aged in American oak for 14 months. The attractive round tube with a liner holds 3 liters, the equivalent of four bottles, and sells for about $40.00.

Perfect for your summer get-togethers, and will stay fresh and drinkable for a couple of weeks after opening. So, this July 4th, why not celebrate the red, white and blue with a nice red in a green package?

Available: Astor Wines & Spirits, 399 Lafayette Street
For more info go to http://www.fourwinetube.com

New York City is faced with an epidemic. It seems the entire city has come down with wedding fever.

But what can we expect? It’s wedding season!

Blushing brides are around every corner with nothing but flowers, dresses and cakes on the brain. As we become wrapped up in the idea of love and unity we seem to forget about one important part of getting married: THE HONEYMOON!

Weddings are beautiful: the flowers, the bride, the ring. Of course it would be easy to forget about the not-so-glamorous after-party when the two get to spend some serious alone time getting to know one another for the first time as husband and wife. And sadly, brides become so wrapped up in all the wedding details they forget about how important it is to plan their special time to make sure their new lover gets some extra special attention.

The Knot® one of the hottest wedding magazines on newsstands today offers all the advice one could ever need when it comes to honeymoon planning. I navigated the site and the magazine and put together a list of the most important do’s and don’ts to planning the perfect honeymoon.

Do start planning early. You can start accumulating airline miles, looking into pricing and choosing a destination. It will only benefit you to plan ahead.

Don’t let one person do all the planning. This is a time for the both of you to spend together so it should be a mutual decision.

Do have a budget. And stick to it.

Don’t expect one person to take care of the entire cost. This could create some serious tension.

Do work with a travel agent. S/he can help you find great deals and options to fit your budget.

Don’t forget to find out all the means necessary to go to your travel destination. If you are leaving the country you will need a passport and you will need to allow six to twelve weeks to receive it in the mail. If you’re going somewhere really exotic, you may even need vaccinations or other forms of medical preparation so don’t let that surprise you when the time comes and it’s suddenly too late.

Do look into what activities are available at your destination. Many places offer discounts and free activities; you just need to ask around. This will allow you to do more on your honeymoon and keep within your price range.

Don’t book anything on a whim. Do research first to see if it is the right place for the two of you to go. If you are planning on spending all your time in bed you want to make sure you are in a comfortable room. If you want to be outdoors, find a place with activities.

Don’t forget your camera; unlike the wedding, there is no professional photography here. You are going to want memories of this vacation so make sure you have a camera or two and all of the accessories needed.

Do create a checklist/shopping list. Most newlyweds like to escape for a week or two and most of us are not used to packing for such a long trip. Make sure you get everything you need beforehand because once you get to your own little world you are not going to want to leave to run to the store because you forgot a razor or a toothbrush.

Don’t be afraid to get a little kinky. You’re married! You are supposed to enjoy one another’s company in many different ways. This is a time to be in your own fantasyland so make it a fantasy worth remembering. Find sexy lingerie for his eyes only. Use this time to fulfill any desires you always harbored deep in the back of your mind. Order champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Get crazy!

Do make sure you have limited interruptions. No need to take a computer or Blackberry. This is supposed to be your time alone with the one you love so keep all outside distractions to a minimum. A cell phone is OK, but use it for emergencies only. There is really no need to call your friends and give them a play-by-play of what you are doing.

Don’t expect everything to be perfect. There is really no such thing as a perfect…well…anything. If you run into a few snags along the way, no problem. Don’t let it spoil your time with the one you love.

Do remember: you just married the person of your dreams and you are madly in love with them. Enjoy yourself. Relax. Let it be the most amazing start to spending the rest of your life with this person.

Marriage is such a beautiful thing and there is so much that goes into planning a wedding.

Whether it is on the beach of a tropical island or the slopes of the Swiss Alps, when all is said and done, you should know how to take the time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the union you and your spouse just celebrated with each other and your loved ones.

For more tips and ideas on planning a honeymoon, visit http://www.theknot.com.

Hugo Element cologne is inspired by the energy of the four elements of nature: earth, water, fire, and air. The top note features the synthetic material, calone, which represents the water element. The middle note is driven by ginger and coriander leaf, representing the fire element. Finally, the base note is powered by woody scents, particularly cedarwood, which represents the earth element. $49.50 per 2.0 oz eau de toilette 2.0 fl.

Bachelor Pads

MenScience Advanced Acne Pads, feature antibacterial, exfoliating and healing ingredients that remove dirt, oils and acne-causing bacteria. Made with prescription-grade, maximum strength 2% concentration of salicylic acid, the pads prevent breakouts and blackheads. The formula contains glycolic acid, tea tree extract and witch hazel to remove oily residues and buildup, and maintain a clear, acne-free complexion. The alcohol-free, fast-absorbing treatment works well on all skin types. Retails for $22 for a jar of 50 pads.

The Equalizer

Created to fight ageing on all fronts, Nickel Silicon Valley Wrinkle Equalizer contains specific which peptides have a three-dimensional effect on the surface, depth and density of wrinkles. The patented Vitamin E-F complex, enriched with essential fatty acids, reinforces the synthesis of neo-collagen and neo-elastin to firm the skin and give the jaw a sharper outline. The anti-oxidizing and anti-glycation properties alleviate marks and alterations. The cream provides immediate softness and “special effects” that reflect the light and immediately smooth out wrinkles. $80 per 1.7 fl oz jar.

Black & Blue

The Jack Black Jet Set Traveler is a four-piece kit containing daily skin care products in a convenient mesh bag. This ultra-convenient package will meet your face, body and shave needs, all in airline-approved sizes. The travel kit contains four, 1.5 ounce skin care essentials: Cleanse: Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser; Exfoliate: Face Buff Energizing Scrub; Shave: Supreme Cream Triple Cushion Shave Lather; and Moisturize & Protect: Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20. The set retails for $32.

A Cure-All

The first men’s fragrance from Viktor & Rolf, Antidote features a rich, woody-Oriental scent in a classic expression of masculine elegance with a flair for sophistication. Antidote contains top notes of mint leaves and Italian bergamot , middle notes of spicy black pepper and cinnamon, and base notes of sandalwood, ebony, and patchouli. A 4.2 oz eau de toilette spray sells for $90. Antidote aftershave lotion, balm and shower gel are also available.

Cade Youth Concentrate ($36) firms skin and reduces wrinkles. Enriched with a complex of Cade essential oil (purifying and invigorating), birch sap extract (invigorating and firming) and beech bud extract (smoothing and anti-wrinkle), this daily skincare treatment moisturizes for an immediate feeling of comfort, fortifies and protects against the harmful effect of environmental aggressions for a better anti-aging prevention, and provides effective action to fight the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The Cade Anti-Fatigue Gel ($28) jump-starts and strengthens skin. Enriched with Cade complex (purifying and invigorating), larch wood extract (revitalizes dull skin), Shea oil (nourishing) and tapioca powder (matifying), this non-oily gel instantly refreshes the skin, moisturizes, strengthens and protects the skin against harsh environmental elements, improves radiance and fights against signs of fatigue, and matifies the skin.

L’occitane’s Cade Juniper Bark Scrub ($24) exfoliates and preps skin for that perfect shave. The scrub smoothes skin and prevents blemishes. Enriched with Cade complex (purifying and invigorating), CADE wood powder (exfoliating) and olive oil derivative (nourishing), this non-drying gel-cream gently exfoliates dead cells and impurities, purifies the skin and helps prevent blemishes. It also helps to eliminate ingrown hair and prepares skin for shaving.

The Cade After Shave Balm ($29) redefines after-shave comfort. An extraordinary blend of Shea Butter and birchwood sap extract helps resist redness, razor burn and feelings of tightness. A signature Cade complex of juniper, sandalwood, Immortelle and rosemary essential oils, purify skin to clean and soothe nicks and breakouts. Light and fluid texture quickly absorbs without a trace of tackiness. Use in conjunction with Cade Shaving Stick to heal nicks or cuts.

Finally, Shea Butter Ultra Rich Eye Balm ($32) provides immediate action to improve surface hydration and stop feelings of discomfort and tightness. With its rich and silky smooth texture, it acts like a comforting caress on the skin. It smoothes fine dehydration lines, provides the skin with non-stop, 24-hour intensive hydration, and protects the skin against harsh climatic conditions.

The late John Sahag created a one-of-a-kind and continuously-successful hair oasis on Madison Avenue

With such a storied impact on the beauty and hair worlds, BN wanted to check in with the Workshop and see how his history is being perpetuated and what about him made the salon such an NYC staple. Fortunately, Sahag would be happy to find that some of the most talented hair cutters in the city continue to execute with perfection the “dry cut” he made so famous. While it’s oft been imitated, the dry cut was something that Sahag originated in the late 70s after experimenting with different ways to shape hair. He found that when it was dry, he could follow its natural form and carve and structure the hair as an architect does with a building. Sahag thought that the traditional “wet cut” was boring, unimaginative and less like art than what he knew he was capable of. Thus, he found a way to craft a style that looked like it had “grown out of the head,” giving birth to the Sahag Dry Cut Technique. That method is what he taught his stylists – not just to dry cut hair, but to treat it like a work of art, a sculpture that should be shaped, manipulated, formed and reformed.

Not every hair stylist is cut out for (pun alert) such an ambitiously artistic way of cutting hair, but Sahag found a good handful who were. One of those was Karmela Lozina, a senior stylist who has worked at Sahag for the past 14 years and couldn’t be happier with her job. When we were told Karmela would be cutting our hair, we had no idea we’d be in the hands of such a seasoned pro, and such an interesting character to boot.

Karmela is not your average hair stylist. She doesn’t put on airs nor does she try to impress you with her mastery and knowledge of hair. Instead, she talked to us about the guy she’d hooked up with the night before, where her favorite Manhattan clubs were, why she loves New York, and of course, why our hair needed a pick-me-up. She’s real and she’s fun – a refreshing find in a city that sometimes feels overrun with the opposite.

Karmela explained to us a little about the Sahag dry cutting technique as she blew out and straightened our already-dry hair. Sahag felt that getting it into a sort of “neutral” form before cutting would give the stylist the best ability to see where the hair was coming from and where it would be going. She repeated his mantra; “I’m going to give you a haircut that looks like it grew out of your head.”

Knowing that we didn’t want too many inches taken off, she cut in and out of the hair to give us definition and body without drastically changing the length. An entirely new style began to form before our eyes in the mirror and we were able to see the actual look of the cut as opposed to staring at a dripping mop reflection and attempting to imagine it.

When we were through with what seemed like a five-minute process because Karmela kept us so entertained, we went over to the color station where lead colorist Doug Macintosh pumped up our blonde highlights that were in desperate need of some hue revitalization.

Of course the color process forced us to go under the sink, but once we were again dry, we were able to see the dry cut really put it’s best foot…err…strand forward. In the days after leaving the Workshop, having had the chance to really play around with the cut, we realized just why the legendary Sahag became such an industry icon and wondered why it took us so long to prove it to ourselves with a visit.

Thom Priano, celebrity stylist and Rogaine’s new resident stylist/spokesman

Dan: Thom do you use Rogaine?
Thom: I do. I use the foam.

Dan: Does it help your hair?
Thom: I was worried about my hair thinning out. In the first six months I saw a little bit of difference. But now that I’ve been using if for a while I feel like my hair has maintained and it’s given me more than I had before. Now I don’t feel so conscious of the thinness. Do you use Rogaine?

Dan: I do.
Thom: Has it worked for you?

Dan: It hasn’t grown new hair for me. But it’s kept the hair I have.
Thom: That’s a plus.

Dan: It doesn’t work for everyone?

Dan Geiger is a real estate reporter and writer living in New York City

Thom: It works for 85 percent of men. But those margins are pretty good.

Dan: How did you get involved with being a spokesman for Rogaine?
Thom: I’ve had a long career in doing men’s hair. I don’t know if you know me or not?

Dan: I don’t.
Thom: Back in the 80s I had an influence on changing the way men look as far as their hair. I’ve built a big portfolio. I do the hair for Abercrombie & Fitch, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic.

Dan: Like for modeling shoots?
Thom: Yes. Rogaine approached me and I said why not.

Dan: What was wrong with hair in the 80s?
Thom: Men didn’t really have style back then. I got affiliated with this photographer, Bruce Weber, one of the leading photographers in the world of men and what we did, these athletic bodies you see today and the short hair that goes with it, he was one of the people responsible for bringing that to the public eye. And it was a big changeover back then. Now it’s normal to see that.

Dan: Okay, so how did it feel for you to go bald?
Thom: I’m not bald. It’s thinning out.

Dan: To have thinning then?
Thom: It bothers me that I don’t have the great head of hair I used to have. But my hair still looks good because it’s groomed properly. I don’t find people with less hair any different as long as it’s groomed right. If it’s groomed right, you should feel good about your hair. If your hair is just thinning and I called you a bald man, you’d be offended. So I try to categorize that. Most men, if they have hair, they don’t want to say that they’re going bald. They just want to hear that they’re thinning out. It’s kinder. It’s a gentler way of dealing with hair.

Dan: So how did you get to rep Rogaine?
Thom: I’ve worked with men’s hair for over thirty years. I would be pretty good at being a spokesperson for them. I do men’s hair all the time. I see hundreds of men’s’ hair and I have a good perspective on it.

Dan: Did you use Rogaine before you were a spokesman for the product?
Thom: Yes. I’ve been using Rogaine for two years now.

Dan: How do you broach the subject if you see someone is losing their hair?
Thom: I’m sensitive to the fact…to someone’s feelings on their hair thinning, because everyone is freaked out about it basically. Younger guys too, they can start losing in their early 20s; sometimes at 19 I see it, and at that point I usually bring the topic up to them. If you want to try to maintain the hair you have or grow more maybe, use Rogaine. Give it a try, it’s not that big of an investment. It’s a $50 investment for three months.

Dan: You can get it cheaper on Amazon.
Thom: You can get it cheaper at Costco.

Dan: You can? How much do you pay?
Thom: I never bought it there, somebody told me.

Dan: Now I’m going to join Costco.
Thom: The biggest problem I have is that they’re not disciplined enough to use it twice a day. If you can, get in that mold. Use it in the morning and before bed. If you get into a pattern of doing it, it’s not a big deal. You have to have dedication in using this product.

Dan: When did you decide to use it?
Thom: I saw that I was thinning and the choices were use the Rogaine product or have a hair transplant.

Dan: Did you consider that?
Thom: I did.

Dan: Don’t those look weird?
Thom: No. If done properly a regular layman could never tell the difference. But, you know, it’s really expensive.

Dan: How much?
Thom: I have no idea. Probably $5,000 a shot. The Rogaine is a much cheaper solution.

Dan: Does every guy have a moment where they realize they’re losing their hair? I think I had that moment.
Thom: Well I think if you are losing your hair you’ll have that moment.

Dan: I remember exactly what time and place.
Thom: When I saw it I said, I think my hair is getting thinner. I had a really thick head of hair. What am I going to do from keeping this from going further?

Dan: When will they invent an instant scientific solution where they can just beam hair onto your head?
Thom: Your guess is as good as mine on that one. I haven’t heard about anything in the near future about that.

Dan: The styling mantra goes: if you’re losing your hair just keep it short. Is it as simple as that?
Thom: It is as simple as that. I’ll tell guys if they’re going thin, keep it short and close to the head if you have straight hair. If you have curly hair, let it be a little longer, medium length so it can have a little curl formation.

Dan: When do you tell a client, hey it’s time to hit the eject button and shave it?
Thom: When the Rogaine doesn’t work. If the Rogaine isn’t working I would suggest to go as short as you possibly can.

Dan: Any Rogaine horror stories? Unintentional hair?
Thom: Absolutely not.

Dan: Is that an urban legend?
Thom: I’ve never heard of that really happening. If they use the product on another part of their body I would imagine it might grow hair, but it’s not recommended for that and I would never tell anyone to put it on their body some place.

Dan: Sometimes I sweat in the summer. Could I grow hair on my eyelids or something?

Thom: No, by that time it’s probably diluted. When you put the Rogaine on you massage it in lightly. You’re invigorating your hair follicles. Once it dries it’s over with. If it drips down in sweat you wouldn’t have a problem with it.

Dan: Have you met with the scientists?
Thom: I’ve had pages and pages of materials sent to me. I’ve spoken to their dermatologists.

Dan: I have dark hair. There was a press release I read that said lighter hair doesn’t enunciate the thinning as much.
Thom: How thin you are? Depends how thin, I would always suggest lightening it slightly, there wouldn’t be so much of a difference between the hair and the pinkness of the scalp.

Dan: Are there any other products that work for hair loss?
Thom: I only know that Rogaine is the only product that was FDA approved to re-grow hair.

Dan: Do any celebrities use Rogaine?
Thom: I can’t answer that. I don’t know any celebrities who use it. If they did, they probably wouldn’t tell me.

Dan: What do the celebrities do, do they get the transplants?
Thom: I have worked with celebrities who have had hair transplants, but they don’t advertise those things at all. They don’t like people to know these things.

Dan: I normally write about real estate. There is a very prominent guy in the industry, a developer, and if you get close to him, you can clearly see he has hair plugs.
Thom: Depends on when he got them. I’ve been with actors who’ve had them and I’ve said this is one of the best jobs I’ve ever seen.

Dan: How come guys care about hair?
Thom: Everyone cares about hair. It’s a vanity thing. That’s what we see when we first look at someone.

Dan: You know those guys who are losing their hair but they’ll have it long, like really long. They’re probably into the Grateful Dead. It’s super thin, but they keep it super long.
Thom: They’re hanging onto their youth. I think it’s a bad choice but that’s just my opinion. It’s not a good look.

Dan: Do guys go into denial about hair loss? I went into denial.
Thom: You did?

Dan: I said, who cares. But then I started realizing: I think I do care.
Thom: Well you know, I try to express to men, eventually you’ll see it thinning and when that happens you should try to maintain what you have or even re-grow the hair. And get these guys into the gym. I always say you look a lot better fit with thinning hair than unfit with thinning hair.

Dan: Yeah. That’s a double whammy.
Thom: You’re going to look like the way you don’t want to look. If you have thinning hair and you’re fit you’ll look great.

Dan: Is massaging the scalp an old wives tale for re-growing hair?
Thom: Nope. It invigorates your scalp with blood in that area.
Dan: That’s for real?
Thom: Yes. But lightly massage. A light massage.

Dan: I cut my hair short. But I go to a barber not a stylist. Just tell them number one on the side?
Thom: Yeah that’s good. You probably have a groomed look.

Dan: I do. There is another old wives’ tale. That you get baldness from the mother’s side. But my mom’s dad, my grandfather, had hair. My dad is bald. Why wasn’t I guarded from his faulty genes?
Thom: If the gene is in your family, it’s a roulette wheel. It doesn’t matter mother or father.

Dan: Is Rogaine going to come out with something even better than foam?
Thom: They’ve only told me about the foam.

Dan: When you talk to them, are there secret scientists with lab coats on?
Thom: No. They’re really nice people actually. They’re owned by Johnson and Johnson. They have smart people working there.
Keywords: Thom Priano, Dan Geiger, Rogaine, hair loss, men’s hair issues, Johnson and Johnson, hair thinning, hair remedies.

Step One: Cleanse

Launching in August, the Rene Furterer Volumea hair line was formulated to add volume to limp and fine hair. The Volumea shampoo is said to increase hair strand volume by up to 11 percent through a natural Carob extract that coats the hair shaft from root to end and enhances the diameter of each strand to perceptibly thicken and plump each hair. The cleanser is gentle enough to use every day and also has a clean, fresh, non-chemically scent. It will hit Sephora stores in August – but for those of you who can’t wait a month, we suggest another recent intro for an even busier gal like yourself: Furterer’s Travel Size Naturia Dry Shampoo, launched in May. This will get you through July until the Volumea launches – but trust us, it’s worth the wait.

Step Two: Condition

We always like our conditioners to smell better than our shampoos. Of course it’s nice for both to smell delightful, but something about it being the last product we rinse off in the shower makes us long for a lasting, delicious smell. With Klorane’s new Conditioning Cream with Pomegranate, we got our wish. You’ll get it too, come August when this line hits the shelf at Sephora, along with the Furterer shampoo above.

Again, if you can’t wait, one of the company’ standby products, the Oat Milk Softening and Detangling balm, helps moisturize, soothe and protect hair with a French-grown oat milk formula that’s appropriate for sensitive scalps and frequent use.

Step Three: Prime for Frizz

Curly or straight, we all get it: frizz. It’s the one hair care woe that you can be sure every lady has a go-to product to conquer. Here’s a new one for the lineup: Sally Hershberger Shagg Spray. It fights frizz and adds volume and definition to hair. Plus it comes in a small bottle that’s ultra-portable for touching up later on and you can grab it at your local Walgreens for less than $13. Your priming power has never been better.

Step Four: Style and Texturize

After you’ve “pre-styled,” you must style the hair for a final out-the-door state of readiness. New from Eufora, the Piece Works Defining Paste will give your layers just that. The litchi berry, honeysuckle, passion flower and soy protein, provide antioxidant capabilities, botanical extracts and vitamins to strengthen and shine hair. The paste can be used on long or short hair to shape and define looks for a photo-ready finish.

Step Five: Protect and Strengthen

In February, L’Oreal launched a line of Sulfate-Free Color Care to shield and protect hair from damage and fading that hair undergoes via natural causes. The EverPure UV Protect Spray, which you can pick up at drug stores or participating salons for less than $10, has a breakthrough formula that takes out sulfates, surfactants and salts from hair before they have the chance to damage it.

There are two Phyto Universe locations: one in Paris and another in New York City, where nature and elegance meet effective hair science. Once comfortably ensconced at a hair diagnostic station near the 2850 sq-ft. vertical garden wall of 9,000 tropical plant species, your hair and scalp analysis will determine what your hair needs – and which Phyto products will best enhance it. Dry, brittle, thinning, color-treated, aging, lifeless, thin and limp hair are all transformed with 100 percent essential oils in the nurturing Phyto Universe. A scalp cleansing includes a head massage and unique perks such as a Petrossian Bakery cookie and visit to the Caron fragrance room. The relaxing, scalp-cleansing process takes approximately 90 minutes, and leaves your hair stronger, softer and more lustrous.

PhytoSpecific’s Phytogrowth Serum is specifically formulated to help fortify the scalp with vital nutrients and promote hair growth. Skincare treatments are offered at this natural oasis as well. Visit http://www.phytouniverse.com or call 212-308-0270 to book a hair spa appointment at 715 Lexington Avenue at 58th Street.

Another excellent line with scalp-cleansing and enhancing products is Philip Kingsley. This scalp health range features targeted offerings such as Flaky Scalp, Scalp Tonic and Scalp Mask to home in on specific conditions. Trichologist (hair scientist) Philip Kingsley has crafted nuanced and high quality scalp products that render hair silky, clean and glossy. Find them all at http://www.PhilipKingsley.com or at the Philip Kingsley Salon at 16 East 52nd Street.

If you’d rather deep-cleanse your scalp at home, Carita Paris Revitalizing Scrub for Scalp oxygenates, purifies and soothes the scalp while eliminating dead cells. Sunflower seeds, jojoba spheres and menthol exfoliate and impart a pleasing fragrance. Caritrix tones the scalp and activates micro-circulation, reinforcing hair strength with juniper berry extract, rosemary, sweet orange extract, castor oil, and pure sulphur. Find both of these scalp-revitalizing products at http://www.Carita.com.

Hair Rules Daily Cleansing Cream is ideal for swimmers, runners and anyone active in the summer sun. Deeply hydrating and without suds, this scalp and hair cleanser works without the harsh detergents usually found in conventional cleansers. Dirt and grime are dissolved by a blend of honey, lemongrass extract, hops, crambe abyssinica seed oil and emollient panthenol. If the sun has baked your hair and scalp, soothe it with Hair Rules Aloe Grapefruit Purifying Shampoo. Find both at http://www.blissworld.com and Ricky’s NY. Hair Rules contains no sulfates or parabens, which is well worth supporting.

This summer when you wash out the gritty reminders of the beach, don’t forget to target your scalp – the very root of healthy hair.

Nothing brings back memories like the smell of summer, and Bobbi Brown Beach Body Scrub has captured the essence of the season in a softening body treatment. The pumice particles will slough away the top layer of dead cells so the citrus, an industry-standard when it comes to fighting free radicals, can go to work to restore your sun-kissed skin. Also a requisite for any pre-self-tanning treatment. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, or http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

This spot-on, spotless bronzer won’t leave you wanting more. Guerlain Terracotta Spray SPF 10 covers the bases and protects the natural pasty color you’re hiding with a rich glow infused with SPF. Use for the face or body—the continuous spray application goes on evenly, dries quickly, and leaves you looking like you’ve just been airbrushed. Available at Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills, or http://www.sephora.com.

Strands really take the heat driving around LA in those convertibles during the scorching summer months. On top of the usual daily styling, locks are exposed to UV rays and chlorinated or salty water, which can result in an unruly style that resembles something like bedhead gone wrong. Just because you’ve spent the day at the beach doesn’t mean you should look like it come evening. Undo Mother Nature’s mess with Ojon Tunu Elastik Hair Tamer leave-in balm. The silicone-free formula works on any hair type because it doesn’t weigh hair down or dry it out. It’ll smooth everything over in no time. Available at Apothia at Fred Segal or http://www.amazon.com.

Nobody likes working long hours during the summer. Thankfully, Smashbox has developed a powder that works overtime so you don’t have to. Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder packs in 48 minerals, 11 amino acids, peptides and pure gold, all working against time and nature to ensure not one fine line goes unwrinkled. The self-dispensing compact releases shaved pressed powder that finishes like a light, matte loose one—perfect coverage for sticky weather. Available at Bloomingdale’s, Century City, or http://www.beauty.com.

Summer beauty on the west coast is all about getting away with as little as possible. You don’t want to cake on makeup only to have it sweat off by midday. Get back to basics and go (almost) natural. A shiny, sheer gloss will draw attention to your lips and provide enough color to carry you from day to night. Pucker up to Lancôme Juicy Tubes Pure, the new, natural version of the original Juicy Tubes, in Ginger Root, an all-around flattering brown-nude shade. Available at Nordstrom, The Grove, or http://www.lancome-usa.com.

What makes you cringe at your junior high school photos? The hair, the acne or the wardrobe choices? For me, it’s my over-plucked brows. After having sported a mild unibrow for most of my childhood, my grandmother finally took some initiative (despite my mother’s objections) and plucked a few of those suckers out. This made all the difference in the world – or at least it did in my pre-pubescent-unibrow-filled world.

It was all down hill from there really. I got a little too “tweezer happy” in my teenage years, leaving the caterpillars for inchworms. Up until a year ago my regimen was waxing every few weeks, leaving my skin irritated and broken out, and plucking in between or for months at a time when I didn’t have a chance to get to the salon. Still, my brows were in need of some serious love.

That’s when I discovered the wonderful art of eyebrow threading. Essentially a cotton thread is twisted and rolled along the surface of the skin entwining the hairs in the thread, which are then lifted quickly from the follicle. Not only is it more precise than waxing, but it also allows for better lines and is less harsh on skin since it does not pull off the top layers. If you haven’t tried threading yet, I suggest you run to Vert eco-boutique in Venice Beach for an appointment with their brow genius, Marco Ochoa.

In case you haven’t heard, Vert (meaning “green” in French) is a high-end eco beauty boutique owned by makeup artist Renata Helfman that houses the top brands in green beauty. Everything from Josie Maran Cosmetics and Jo Wood Fragrances to John Masters Organics and Hamadi for hair care can be found on their shelves. So it’s really no surprise that the store took on the latest eco-friendly beauty ritual free of harsh chemicals and waxes and enlisted the celebrity brow favorite.

Ochoa has shaped the arches of celebs like the always-ravishing Kate Beckinsale and has been threading for 9 years (oh, by the way…he’s only 24!). Book an appointment today and you’ll have the pleasure of experiencing some true beauty artistry without the fear of coming out looking surprised, sporting uneven brows or donning that lovely red shade your skin turns after hot wax torture.

You get the idea…because sometimes it’s just more fabulous being green.

Vert
1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice, CA
310.581.6126
http://www.vertlosangeles.com