Ladies, Q-tips are nothing new, eh? Our grandmas were using these suckers way back when to fix little smudges in our makeup. But those fabulous little geniuses over at Q-tips have one-upped our grandmas! In case you haven’t heard the buzz, I’d like to introduce you to NEW Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swabs! Designed with pointed tips at both ends, this latest innovation is the ideal tool for beauty touchups – from precise eye make-up application to perfecting manicures. Made from 100% pure cotton, Q-tips® Precision Tips™ are also soft and gentle, so they can be used as affordable and clean alternatives to a makeup brush or sponge.

Additionally, there are many beauty uses for Q-tips® Precision Tips™ you might not be aware of – from using them to create longer lasting mascara to help maximize the life of your lipstick – the uses are endless.

Q-tips sent me over a pack to test them out and I thought, really? I'm sure they're pretty much the same, but once you start using these you really can't stop. I'm addicted. Every AM after I apply my mascara I use these puppies to go under and remove any missteps. 

Visit the Q-tips® Cotton Swabs Facebook page (Facebook.com/Qtips) where you can stay up to date with the latest news and tips. You can also get in on the fun by followingQ-tips® Cotton Swabs on Twitter at @Qtips!

What are your favorite beauty tricks to make you look fabulous? 

PS-Don't you just love my vintage Q-tips pics? 

Smartypanties received free product and a $25 gift card in consideration for this review.

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If you haven't seen this fabulous compilation of fabulous things from the 90s, you MUST check it out here!

Reasons like Girl Talk, Squeeze its, Clueless, Kelly Capowski

I know I'm a little late on this but this honestly Coke's decision to change its recipe to reduce carcinogens (that of course it insisted for years it did not have) can't come soon enough. To me, I can't believe anyone is even still drinking soda on a regular basis. I guess that sounds preachy but, oh well. Deal with it. 

CBS reported, "The 4-MI chemical, which provides the caramel color in cola drinks, has been shown in lab studies to cause cancer in rats, but not in humans. California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment set a level of 29 micrograms of 4-MI before a product has to bear a cancer warning label." 

Visit CBS for the full article!

Starbucks is jumping on the juice bandwagon! 

According to GrubStreet, Starbucks opened its first juice bar, Evolution Fresh, in Bellevue, Washington.

Baristas are learning to mix cold-pressed juices. They have great sounding combos like Field of Greens, hwich is greens, ginger, apple and cucumber. However, these aren't made from all organic produce. They'll also be selling bottled juices in stores and eventually your local 'Bucks. 

I'm a bit skeptical that these juices will bring the quality of freshness that my local juice bar will but it will be a nice substitute if I'm traveling for convenience sake, right?

What do you think about Starbucks juice?

Most of us steep our tea for its health benefits but now you can go the route of some avant-garde New Yorkers, and smoke it. That’s what Liz Neves suggests. Liz is a Brooklyn-based creator of Vivid Visions, an herbal tea blend that’s meant to be smoked, not sipped. And she can barely keep the stuff on her Etsy shelves since being featured on FoodCurated.com.

“There’s something taboo about smoking things, and people are drawn to that,” says Neves. “It feels like you’re getting away with something.” And given that wholesome Brooklyn foodies were the first to discover her, even healthy types like that.

Smoking the tea lets it get into your bloodstream faster and may be a bit trippier than your average cuppa tea! 

Her tea is called Vivid Visions and it has some properties that are a little trippier than, say, your Celestial Seasons. 

“The main benefit is a shift in your perception. It’s really subtle, but you just see things a little differently,” explains Neves. Don’t worry, the herbal ingredients aren’t going to get you arrested (at least in New York): Damiana is an antidepressant, lavender is a relaxant, and mugwort tends to induce vibrant dreams.

Of course smoking anything isn't a good idea long-term for your health but this is certainly an interesting idea. Not your cuppa tea? Liz also sells non-toxic beauty and cleaning supplies!

WHAT: Lee Angel Sample Sale

WHY: Jewelry is up to 70% off at the Lee Angel Sample Sale. Prices start at $5.

• Hand-enameled brass bangle set: $110 (orig. $145)
• Colorful chain-link necklaces: $175 (orig. $220)
• Swarovski baguette and glass-pearl earrings: $128 (orig. $160)

Stop by on opening night (Tue 20 5–8pm) for an extra 10% off, as well as a buy-ten-get-one-free deal from the $5 room’s selection.

WHEN: 3/20 – 3/23; Tue (5-8), W-Th (11-7), F (10-5)

WHERE: 524 Broadway
at Spring St.
6th floor
(212-334-6573)