Photo: Thinkstock

As if the scalp massage wasn't reason enough to go to the salon, researchers at Harvard's School of Public Health say that your hairstylist could potentially spot things other than split ends—like skin cancer. Since he/she gets a bird's eye view of your scalp, face, and neck (areas that are frequently exposed to UV rays and where more than 80 percent of the most common types of skin cancers occur, as reported by NPR.org) they could point out suspicious-looking moles or lesions that you may not even know are there or that your doctor might miss during a routine exam. Alan Geller, a senior lecturer at Harvard and co-author of the study, told NPR that most of the dermatologists he spoke with had melanoma cases referred to them by a hair professional and 37 percent of the 203 Houston-based hairdressers surveyed in the study checked their clients' scalps for anything abnormal without any formal training. Geller and his team are now educating Massachusetts-based stylists with the help of the Melanoma Foundation of New England on how to correctly identify the signs of skin cancer. And although I often prefer silence to salon small talk while I'm getting a trim, I hope that this becomes a nationwide initiative so that my hairdresser knows when it's imperative to speak up.

Do you think hairdressers should be trained on skin cancer as well as styling?

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Inspired by the eye-opening effects false lashes had on Gayle King, O's Deputy Photo Director Christina Weber split a big box of them (left) with another staffer to see if she could achieve the same look at home. Following makeup artist Carmindy's instructions, Weber has been wearing false lashes to the office almost every day—and the results are surprisingly natural-looking. Although it took her two or three times to get the hang of it, she says allotting yourself plenty of time to apply (it used to take her up to 15 minutes, she's since narrowed it down to five) and wearing them consistently is key. "One eye is going to be easier to do than the other," she says, "But with practice it becomes less of an event to put them on." We asked Weber (our new resident lash pro) to give us three of her best tips:

• While Carmindy used black lashes on Gayle, Weber (who has light hair and fair skin) suggests brown for a more subtle effect. Her go-to's: Andrea Lashes in #53 and Ardell Demi Lashes in #110.

• Weber prefers black glue to clear. "It's easier to conceal any gaps along your lash line," she says.
  

• Don't peel your lashes off (or risk losing your natural ones). Instead, she dips a cotton ball in makeup remover and soaks each strip before gently taking it off. If you're careful you can re-use them same pair of false lashes more than once.
  

Have you ever tried false lashes? Do you have any tricks for applying?

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Photo: Courtesy of Rimmel London

I often find myself layering five different kinds of mascara to get just the right effect: long, plump, clump-free lashes. But when I tried Rimmel London Glam'Eyes Mascara, which comes with two different brushes in one tube, I knew the search was finally over. The brush with the pink cap lengthens and defines, while the black capped version adds thickness. The best part: I no longer have to be a mix master—this does-it-all mascara allows me to customize my lashes (without cluttering up my makeup bag).

RImmel London Glam'Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara, $8



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Photo: LeSportsac

Inspired by Oprah to create a vision board, Panamanian artist Marisabel Bazan started painting (instead of cutting and pasting pictures) as a way to project her dreams. Fast-forward five years, and Bazan's art is now splashed across LeSportsac backpacks, tote bags, and wristlets. One of our favorite styles (at left) is a screen-printed version of Bazan's Vida Linda butterfly painting (the original incorporates Oprah's name—one of her biggest influences—into the design). And this ultra-bright duffle won't just stand out on the luggage carousel, but it's a reminder to dream big.

Have you ever made a dream board? If so, tell us about what's on it.

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Photo: Thinkstock

I've often felt like the daughter of the milk man—the majority of my family is fair skinned with light eyes, freckles, and fiery red hair. Me: I have an olive complexion with dark eyes and boring brown hair. In the holiday photos I stick out like a sore thumb amongst my cousins, aunt, mother, and brother who obviously got the lion's share of the Scottish genes. My beauty dream is to go Julianne Moore's shade all over so that I can see what it's like to finally fit in at the dinner table.

So...what's your beauty or fashion dream? Want to walk in sky-high stilettos but only wear flats? Spent your life in the sun but wish you had a porcelain complexion? Lucky for you, O is looking for candidates in the New York City tri-state area with a beauty or fashion fantasy. Whether you have the soul of Rapunzel but have never grown your hair past your shoulders or want to embrace your inner glamourpuss but don't know how to wear makeup, we'll pair you with an expert who'll give you the look of your dreams. Tell us why you want to make a change and you could be chosen to be part of an upcoming story.

If you live farther away, we still want to know--what kind of instant-makeover would you want? Tell us below.

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Photo: Bustit

The weekend is within reach...let these little splurges make getting there more fun.

Mustache Mug, $20. Whether you're the handlebar type or prefer the version made famous by Charlie Chaplin, sipping your morning coffee has never looked more hilarious.

Balloon Animal Gelatin Mold, $10. This isn't what your grandmother used to make Jell-O—the dog shape makes this classic dessert feel fresh again.

Vintage Parisian Cat Placemat, $5. Avoid spills (and staining wood floors) by placing this sophisticated placemat underneath your fabulous feline's water bowl.

Retro Ice Bag, $13. Fill these bags with hot water or ice to soothe bumps, bruises, and migraines. Plus, they're small enough to fit into your medicine cabinet when you're feeling all better.

My inner dialogue usually sounds something like this in the morning:

"Ugh. Is it really only Wednesday?" "I'm never buying button-downs that need to be ironed ever again." "Why can't men put a dish in the dishwasher correctly?" "My manicure survived a whole six hours before chipping." "Man wearing the giant backpack and standing in the doorway, please take it off so that other people can actually fit on the bus."

And that's just before 10 a.m.

But what if all my angst was set to music instead of bottled up in my mind? While it would probably give everyone around me something else to complain about (seeing as I can't carry a tune), all that whining might sound good en masse. At least that's what two Finnish artists, Tellervo Kalleinen and Oliver Kochta-Kalleinen, thought when they came up with the genius idea to turn everyday grievances into lyrics for "complaint choirs." Complaints, according to the founders, have the power to generate change and create bonds between people [as reported by BrainPickings.com]. And no matter what language or culture you come from, griping is inevitably a part of it—choirs are popping up all over the globe from Tokyo to Philadelphia. It seems that singing about stress not only relieves it, but it helps both those that take part (and those that just listen) feel a little less alone when dealing with the challenges (a crappy job market, annoying neighbors, rain without an umbrella) that life throws our way on a daily basis.

There are many reasons to rant, but joining a choir (like the Chicago-based one above) might be the best one yet. Click here to listen to more choirs (and complaints).

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Photo: Courtesy of Ann Taylor

Join the fight against breast cancer while treating yourself (or your mother, aunt, or a friend) to something special.While it's not exactly the 12-carat sapphire and diamond number that Catherine Middleton received from Prince William, we think this rose-colored Ann Taylor ANN Cares ring is just as stunning. And the matching glittery necklace reminds us of something you'd find amongst the Crown Jewels. Both will help you sparkle at your next cocktail party and save women's lives by funding research and raising public awareness about the importance of early detection.
 
$58 each, AnnTaylor.com for stores; 70 percent of proceeds goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

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Photo: Courtesy of Beyond Yoga

Join the fight against breast cancer while treating yourself (or your mother, aunt, or a friend) to something special.

Do your reverse-warrior pose in style with these slimming, two-tone yoga pants. The best part: The high waistband will keep your bum covered so you don't end up flashing any skin during downward-facing dog.

$84, BeyondYoga.com; 25 percent of proceeds goes to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer charity walk

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Photos: Courtesy of Sarah Swanson and Diptyque

Join the fight against breast cancer while treating yourself (or your mother, aunt, or a friend) to something special.

Diptyque’s Mini Pink Rose Candle smells just like a real bouquet but lasts a lot longer (it burns up to 60 hours). And it will fill any flower-loving friend's bedroom or bathroom with a romantic fragrance that isn't powdery or overly sweet.

Or try Sarah Swanson's Sealed with a Kiss 3-in-1 Soy Candle. Not only will the blend of botanical oils (including lemongrass, lime, blackcurrant, patchouli, and sugarcane) soothe your senses, but the warm wax can be used as an at-home paraffin treatment. After the flame is extinguished, dip your fingers into the wax to moisturize dry cuticles, or massage it onto dry heels and elbows.

$32, DiptyqueParis.com; 20 percent of proceeds goes to the Pink Agenda or $32, SarahSwanson.com; 20 percent of proceeds goes to Women At Risk Breast Cancer Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center

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