Allure Magazine

With so many magazines on the market today, you really have to find one that's different from the rest, so as to classify it as being better or more interesting than the others. Recently, I found a beauty magazine that's a cut above the rest in my estimation. Its name is Allure.

The reason for that opinion is because Allure is all about beauty, and nothing more. It's not littered with all kinds of unrelated articles and ads. It's dedicated to beauty and fashion.

From makeup to hairstyling to pedicures and bikini waxing, Allure is very knowledgeable about what women want to hear about right now. Like the article on Hot Weather Hair-- no matter what hair problems you encounter, Allure gives you tips on solving your particular hair dilemma, and offers advice on which products on the market today are best to be used on your mane.

I particularly enjoy an article entitled Moonlight Makeup, which focuses on the new makeup to wear in the evening that allows your skin to look sultry and shimmery. Of course the model had flawless skin and to- die- for looks, which drew my eye to the article in the first place.

In the beauty and health section, I found Scalpel News by Joan Kron most enlightening as I am approaching an age where skin changes are becoming a concern. I was most interested in reading about a technique called photo rejuvenation, the latest skin- perfecting technique. The article covered the length of the process, possible side effects, costs, and possible reasons why some people cannot have the process done. In addition, I got the scoop on Botox, the relatively new technique to relax forehead muscles, and some news on what common drugs could become deadly when interacting with certain cosmetic treatments-- very, very good info to know and pass on to others.

Of course, the cover first drew me to Allure, with a very colorful title and very large picture of Sarah Jessica Parker. Then, always looking for a bargain when I shop, one of the headlines said 57 Beauty Deals: What Every Shopaholic Should Know. The magazine had me right there. Inside, I found recommended skin, hair, and makeup products, their descriptions, and their prices. I learned more from the above- named article than if I had gone shopping in 5 different places.

Being a big Sex and The City fan, I liked the article about Sarah Jessica Parker, which revealed her similarities and differences to her character of Carrie Bradshaw, her beauty tips, and how she keeps her body bodacious. She also gave her negative view on plastic surgery and fashion must- haves and have- nots.

In Body News, a regular section, I learned the results of the new study relating to the risk of skin cancer from using tanning beds. In Fashion Statement, Jennifer Aniston was the focus of a 2 page spread, showing her in various ensembles for evening and daytime. Seeing that would inspire anyone to start hitting the gym!

Under A - Z, which is a regular section devoted to a little of this and a little of that, I found a neat little article with photos, showing what hair 'dos will be seen this fall, describing each upswept look as a baked bread. For example, garlic knot, tuscan loof, cinnabon, and challah-- Cute!

For those interested in manicures and pedicures, (who isn't these days?) Directory has a feature called Palm Pilots, which tells where to get the best manicures-- from Buffalo to Beverly Hills. I found the price ranging interesting, as well as the descriptions of some of the salons and their accommodations. You know what they say-- knowledge is power, and you can never have enough of it.

While I can't possible cover every section and article, overall Allure is a very well- organized, well- informed, hip magazine. The advertisements are plentiful, but not so overdone that they consume the whole publication, like some other magazines out there. All 142 pages got my interest, even the convenient pull out section called Beach Beauty 101, with its handy info on makeup, sunscreen, after sun products, and "absolute musts" when going to the beach.

If you want to keep current with what's hot and what's not on the beauty and fashion scene, I would highly recommend Allure. It appeals to women of all ages, and, like myself, I think you'll say you learned a lot after giving it a thorough read.