I’m a big fan of non-powder blushes, including the classic Benetint by Benefit. It’s a rose-scented, red-hued cheek tint that looks great on, well, everyone.

The clever people at Benefit have finally produced a new shade–a flattering bright pink. The transparent formula sinks right into your skin, so you don’t have anything caked on and nothing will melt in the summer heat.

Face it, everybody looks better when they’re blushing (just a little).

Available at Benefit counters and online.

UPDATE: Posie Tint is not yet available at the Benefit counter at Macy’s. It will be there by July 1. However, the overly insistent salespeople will happily give you a faux bronzing–it takes just two minutes. (Uh, no thanks.)

Seriously, if you believe the New York Times, like I do. In this article, they explore those of us trendsetters who like to let our nail polish intentionally chip.

“Over the last few years — since the era of the skull print scarf, let’s say, or the (metaphorical) rise of the Olsen twins — having streaked, chipped or just plain grotty nail polish no longer suggests drug addiction, manual labor or pure laziness. Like untied high-tops, thread-worn jeans and bedhead, it’s now part of a deliberate look.”

Yeah, that’s right…it’s intentional.

Actually, while getting my first pedi of the season at Daisy Nails, the girl sitting next to me got clear polish and then tips (like a French pedi) in a dark purple. Kinda groovy, but definitely a more high-maintenance look than letting it chip off.

Oh, the hair drama on “Split Ends.” When Shauna Raisch, owner/hairstylist from Twiggs Salonspa in Wayzata, arrived at Melissa & Co. in Goodyear, Arizona, she immediately said the salon was “tacky” and Melissa accused her of being unprofessional for bringing her dog Gucci to work. (”Do you have your rabies paperwork?”) Shauna almost cried at the hair extensions she had to use at the salon.

In the end, Shauna didn’t exactly bond with anyone, though she got some respect for her skills. Krisanna, the 21-year old hairstylist, wanna-be Playboy bunny who spent three days at Twiggs, did okay in Wayzata. She learned the “signature” razor-cut and got the staff to wear bunny ears.

Here are some of Shauna’s most memorable lines:

– “Wayzata is a suburb in Minneapolis and it’s the wealthiest suburb in all of the Twin Cities area.”

– “Twiggs Salon Spa is the most edgy fashion-forward salon in all of the Twin Cities.”

– “Everything about Twiggs is perfect and that’s what I am.”

– “My standards for my staff are really high. I’m very selective If you’re fat, you don’t get through the front door. If you look like a slut, you don’t get past the front door. And if you look like a pole dancer, you don’t get through the front door.”

– “I take my workouts really seriously because I never want to be fat. That would be the most horrible thing in the world. Shoot me with a gun if I’m ever fat.”

Fat-phobic, much?

If you missed the episode, it replays on Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 p.m. and Thursday at 1 a.m. , all on the Style Network.

You can get a haircut with Shauna ($165) at Twiggs Salonspa, 785 Lake St. E., Wayzata, 952-258-0200.

Saturday was a beautiful shopping day as evidenced by the crowd on Grand Avenue. There’s a new shop on the strip next to Picky Girl and Siji Kids–Flirt. In the space that was the Vagabond, there is now a very girly destination.
Flirt has lacy lingerie, including a selection of Hanky Panky and Eberjey as well as the very practical supersoft bamboo robes ($70, by Willow Knit) and my personal favorite crisp cotton robes ($96 for a kimono-stye) and nightgowns ($84 by Sophie Golightly). Note: the lingerie selection is fun and pretty, but there are no underwires to be found so don’t expect a fitting here.
You’ll also find a wide-range of bath products–I scrubbed and moisturized with this yummy Pink Butter Cream line ($8.50 for the moisturizer). I even fell for the colorful textured luggage tags ($20 each)–a bright, simple gift idea. Paddywax candles? Check. Locally-designed jewelry (the below bracelets are $40)? Check. Scented drawer liners? Of course! Hours of browsing? Enjoy!

Flirt Boutique, 1330 Grand Av. S., St. Paul, 651-698-3692.

As you’re driving by the Denny Kemp Salon in Northeast Minneapolis, it’s hard to miss the message painted on the walls inside (and visible through the windows): “Beautify America–Get a haircut.”
Simple and direct. That’s how the rest of the the eclectically curated salon and spa. Getting your colored? As you wait for it to process, you can gaze upon a reassembled giant movie poster and kick up your legs on the dog-shaped footrests. The lobby not only has a gigantic goat and an imported life-size horse lamp that also serves as the salon’s mascot.
Surreal? Yes. Fabulous? Yes.
It’s enough to forget why you’re there. (Look to the wall– “Get a haircut.”) Kemp, who has been in the business since 1979, cuts hair along with his team of stylists. You can also enjoy a mani, pedi, facial and massage. The salon uses a variety of products, including a new line by Shu Uemura. I’m looking forward to trying a restorative treatment and having the chance to ponder an artistic rendering of Joey Ramone. “It’s a good hair picture,” Kemp said.
Though he’s lived in Minnesota for over three decades, Kemp grew up in Iowa. He gave his first makeover to a neighbor when he was 11 and she was 16. He transformed her un-cut locks into a mod blunt look with bangs. Kemp will offer you his expertise today for $140 per cut.
“I don’t like hair when it’s so practical that it’s not attractive. It has to be sexy! That’s what it’s for!” said Kemp. “It’s the worm on the hook–it needs to attract attention.”
Scott Anderson, a stylist at the salon ($55 for a cut with him) noted “He uses the idea of sculpture.” It turns out, Kemp does have a background in art. That brings us back to the salon–where art and hair merge in one inspiring space.

Denny Kemp Salon, 605 Central Av. NE, Mpls, 612-676-0300.

Bright pink or coral lips are perfect for spring, especially this spring. A great option? Sonia Kashuk’s Sheer Lip Color and Plumping Glossy Tints.

They pack a lot of product into a leeeettle package. One side of the tube is a sheer lipstick and the other side is a high-shine plumping gloss that’s tinted a lighter shade of the lipstick. There are three shades available for $11.99 each at Target. (Am I the only who thinks if they just made it $12, it would feel a little more Chanel and a little less Maybelline? Not that there’s anything wrong with Maybelline!)

Note: If you go with a bold pout, you can keep the rest of your makeup way neutral.