Amy Winehouse might have a fighting chance thanks to a new drug called Vivitrol. U.S. government agency Food and Drug Administration approved Vivitrol to treat and prevent relapse after patients with opioid addictions complete detox.

The new drug is an extended-release formula based on naltrexone that is administered through an intramuscular injection monthly. Naltrexone functions by blocking opioid receptors in the brain, thereby blocking the effects of drugs such as morphine and heroin. In 2006, it was approved for use with alcoholics.

A study tested the safety of the drug for six months and 36% of the patients treated with the drug committed to their treatment for the six months, sans drugs, compared with 23% in the placebo group.

Those using Vivitrol must not have any opioids in their system. Those taking the drug are also cautioned about missing a dose or using after the treatment with Vivitrol concludes, as it can be easier to overdose if they start abusing drugs again.

Side effects of the drug include: nausea, tiredness, headache, dizziness, vomiting, decreased appetite, painful joints, and muscle cramps. Serious side effects include reactions at the injection site, liver damage, allergic reactions including hives, rashes, swelling of the face, and pneumonia, depression, suicide, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behavior.

Vivitrol is made by Alkermes.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS -- Pilot -- Pictured: (l-r) Ryan Hansen as Ben, Danneel Harris as Sara -- Photo by: Dean Hendler/NBC

NBC is hoping the countless single heterosexual men and women in America will tune into two new shows that demonstrate the many facets of modern love and what people do to find it. Or should we say lust. Based in Chicago, one new show, Friends with Benefits, stars five young adults searching for love, and satisfying lust cravings, sometimes, all in the same night.

The show comes from Executive Producers Brian Grazer and David Nevins of Parenthood and Arrested Development, Director David Dobkin of Wedding Crashers, and writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber of 500 Days of Summer. The storyline follows the hunt for love by the five protagonists: Ben, Sara, Hoon, Aaron and Riley, who often act as more than friends. If you’ve ever gone on a date, been disappointed, and then texted your friends with benefits partner from the bathroom to plan a post-date rendezvous, you’ll likely cozy up to this half-hour sitcom.

Another new show, with an impressive cast of producers and directors, is Love Bites. However, despite the impressive team and common theme, the acting seems forced and the writing predictable. Based in San Francisco, the one-hour drama from Cindy Chupack of Sex and the City and Working Title Films (Love Actually and Bridget Jones) is a new show about the fibs people make and games people play for love and sex, from fiances learning to use sex toys to pretending to be a virgin. The show stars Becki Newton, Greg Grunberg and Constance Zimmer with Executive Producers Chupack, Marc Buckland of My Name Is Earl and Felicity, Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan of Love Actually and Bridget Jones films, and Shelley McCrory. Both are new for the 2010-2011 season.

Of late I’ve pondered if the “pregnancy glow” might have something to do not just with hormones, but the fact that most pregnant women are more hydrated, consume less caffeine and alcohol, and eat a bit healthier than the average individual. But, most of us are not committed to that long-term and for a solution to pasty skin, self tanners and bronzers are an easy go-to. There are plenty of products on the market, including long-time industry favorites such as products from L’Oreal, Jergens and Lancome, but a few new lesser known brands are offering more subtle solutions. Still, for those that want a deep tan fast, a new celebrity self tanner is the way to go.

Before you apply self-tanner, exfoliating is a must to ensure an even application. There are plenty of options and one can even make their own scrub with olive oil and sugar, or kosher salt, assuming there are no open cuts. But, if DIY is too time intensive, the drug store and beauty counters alike offer options from about $5 to $30. Caudalie products are always luxurious and their placement in the newly renovated Plaza means the upper crust trust them. Inspired by the fruit of the vine, the Merlot Friction Scrub ($29) has a citrus note that accompanies a gentle thick grain comprised of brown sugar and essential oils to shed dead skin cells.

Another option comes from Britain-based Liz Earle, which is known for its essential oil-rich formulations, from scrubs and lotions to amazing masks. Using a similar model, Energising Body Scrub ($24) blends different oils with olive stones and rose water to smooth skin. Following exfoliation, the next step is the self-tanner. Veteran self-tanners know to allow enough time for the product to dry before getting dressed, and to wash hands frequently to prevent staining the palms of the hands. Also, some recommend using a bit lotion on rough areas after scrubbing, such as on knees and elbows.

Elemental Herbology, a boutique brand from the U.K., was a pleasant surprise of a product. At first, the efficacy of Sun Kiss ($39) is questionable but with a little time, it proved the perfect product for naturalists. The consistency is that of a very thin lotion, pale yellow in color. In addition to a number of nature-based ingredients, including aloe, fig extract, macadamia and watermelon seed oils, and lavender, the product features a sugar beet-derived natural self-tanning agent that over time takes skin from pasty and pale to healthy and glowing, with a hint of a tint. Plus, the line does not use mineral oil, fake fragrances or colors, sulphates or parabens.

For those consumers seeking a multi-tasking product, Tarte’s CelluFIGHT ($40) is the answer. The combo gel contains caffeine from green tea extract, among other ingredients, to make skin appear more tight and firm. But, slowly, if used often, the gel also tints the skin to serve as both a mild firming gel and self tanner. Packed with algae extract and a plant-based self tanner, like all of this trendsetting line, it is free of the chemical nasties some buyers try to avoid, from talc and dyes to sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and GMO.

For the ultimate tan, though, one that walks the fine line between a natural medium Caribbean tan and overnight orange, the latest release from the Kardashian sisters is the way to go. No matter what people think of the family, one thing is for sure–those women know style and makeup. Glamour Tan is a clear gel made with a self-tanning agent, lactic acid, and vitamins C, D3, and E. The combination means regular use a few times a week will leave skin smooth, in addition to almost bronzing overnight. Beginners should note that because it is clear, careful application and hand washing is especially important to prevent an uneven application. But, once you are accustomed to using it, it’s natural enough to use to fake a beach holiday even if a staycation was the true vacation.

Finally, the last brand to note for tanning and bronzing purposes is Australia’s Napolean Perdis. Already known stateside for the Target collection, the main collection includes self-tanners, bronzers and shimmer cosmetics that are natural and instantly improve one’s complexion.

The liquid tint item, Liquid Veil, is a beige shimmery color that works well when mixed with a daily moisturizer with SPF. A 1: 4 ratio at most gives the user just enough shimmer to shift the eye away from any blemishes. Follow that with one of the NP’s Mosaic powders, shown below, and you’ve created the perfect base for your daily powder bronzer.

NP also makes a bronzing stick but we did not test it. For powder bronzers, the options are almost limitless. Rimmel makes a decent powder bronzer that sells at Walmart while the drugstore in your area most likely carries a dozen or more options. Milani carries bronzers for darker complexions, while Neutrogena offers a more neutral color palette, and Sally Hansen delivers combo pressed powder compacts, including hues to suit yellow-orange undertones. But, the drugstore brand with the most options is Physician’s Formula. Among their offerings is a line with SPF50, including titanium dioxide and zinc oxide; the Organic Wear line with eco-friendly packaging and no parabens; and the bamboo silk line, which is also free of chemicals such as parabens, a man-made preservative.

Caudalie products are available at Sephora, Nordstrom and Caudalie-usa.com. Liz Earle products are available at www.us.lizearle.com, STUDIO BEAUTYMIX at Fred Segal, Santa Monica and Brownes & Co. Apothecary in Miami. Elemental Herbology is available at SpaceNK stores and at SpaceNK.com Tarte products are available at Tarte.com and Sephora, among other stores. Glamour Tan is available at Sephoa stores. Napoleon Perdis products are available at Ulta stores and his concept stores in California. There is also a NP line for Target.

Genetically engineered babies. A new hormonal treatment is said to be able to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic disorder that can interfere with the development of genitalia. The Los Angeles Times article writes:  “in severe cases, girls are born with male-like sexual organs although they usually have ovaries and a uterus.”
The treatment is extremely controversial because while it aims to cut the “ambiguity” in genital formation, a side effect is the possibility that it might cut the likelihood of a female baby becoming homosexual. Of course this then begs the big question: is there  “gay” gene and if so, is it right to alter it? The Los Angeles Times reports.

I’m Voting Tea Party tees. Hilarious slogans make a mockery of hyped issues. Click here.

If you live in Los Angeles, the rules for lawn watering–no we’re not making this up–have changed. This is due to concern over the aging pipes, not water conservation. Pop the top.

The latest scam online is a fake Facebook application called Dislike. Upon approving the application, the user then gives the scammers access to their profile information, among other info. The BBC reports.

Apparently there is now one more thing knocked up women cannot consume. What can they eat?

Finally, weekly beauty tips from London’s Telegraph.

New York Governor David Paterson has signed a bill (S8227/A11487) that will force doctors to offer patients ages 13 to 64 an HIV test. New York has the highest rate of AIDS in the nation, with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene noting that AIDS is the third leading cause of death for those residents 65 and younger. The disease, which was once most common in the gay community and among IV drug users, is also now prevalent in the black community.

HIV-1 Cynthia Goldsmith, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

According to a City Limits article, the legislation was put together by Democratic Senator Thomas Duane and Democrat Assembly Member Richard Gottfried. The law, which will require physicians to ask their patients if they want an HIV test, will eliminate some of the barriers that require written consent.

The bill allows oral consent for tests and will enable testing of a deceased person. Another bill recently signed amends laws regulating the needle exchange program for drug users, which is aimed at lowering the spread of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

Click here for the press release from the Governor’s office

Click here for City Limits article
Click here for a list of free anonymous testing clinics in NYC. Bring a friend, and while you’re there, grab some free condoms!

Click here for a list of places where you can get free condoms.

The world’s second largest chip maker, Samsung, (Intel is #1) has hired Washington D.C.-based Environ Holdings to conduct a 12-month review of its semiconductor factories after reports surfaced that a number of workers have contracted leukemia, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Earlier this year, a group sued a South Korean government agency seeking classification of cancer-related deaths at the company as a industrial accident, thereby qualifying the victims for compensation. The new review will also be aided by a number of medical schools in the U.S. and South Korea. The company says 10 chip plant workers ave passed away from leukemia or lymphoma since 1998 and 15 others have been diagnosed with illnesses.

Meanwhile, some current and former Samsung chip plant employees claim 60 people have contracted leukemia and 20 died. Jang An-seok of the Guardian of Health and Human Rights of Semiconductor Workers told WSJ that they expected a review but it is long overdue.

Samsung has said that the review will attempt to determine if it is possible to “accurately assess the possibility of past chemical and radiation exposure…” While the chip maker determines this, it has also hired a professor from a medical college in Seoul to run an internal institute that will run continuous research and employee health and safety.

There are plenty of beauty goods on the market, but sometimes minimalist is the best option. Amid a long recovery, budgetary issues remain, so our cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen recommendations are reasonably priced, whether your main concern is price or source of ingredients. Summer means more sweating, the risk of clogged pores, heat rashes, dehydration risk, sun-induced flushes, and the occasional breakout. That means we need lighter cleansers and moisturizers, but sunscreen too and sufficient water, especially when chugging iced tea and coffee and liquor. The question you have to ask yourself is: what is my priority? There are various places to get beauty products, from drugstores to beauty boutiques to department stores. One has to determine if cost, source of ingredients or lack of questionable ingredients (SLS, a foaming agent, and parabens, preservatives) is your priority. Finally, you might want to add a toner to your regimen during the summer. To cut costs, use witch hazel. Another option is rose water, which is available at ethnic grocery stores for a few dollars.

Earthy Skincare

British skincare line Liz Earle, recently acquired by Avon, has always been rooted in nature. The women owned company uses many plant-based ingredients, as well as essential oils, and avoids preservatives when possible. While the company is known for its popular cream cleanser that comes with a muslin cloth, its Brightening Treatment Mask is among our favorites from the brand. In just two minutes, the creamy mask packed with white clay, witch hazel water, aloe vera and camphor oil clears impurities and lifts the skin. Also firming the skin is green mineral silt while sweet almond oil is employed to smooth the skin.

For a summer-friendly facial cream that isn’t heavy or oily, the Skin Repair Light Moisturiser contains echinacea and hops extracts to tone, antioxidants in the form of wheatgerm oil and beta-carotene, and fatty acids via borage and avocado oils

Budget-Friendly Anti-Aging

CeraVe, a skincare brand from Coria Laboratories, a unit of Valeant Pharmaceuticals, makes two cleansers and four moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and made without fragrances. All products employ the company’s MVE technology that claims to release ingredients over a period of time to be absorbed more efficiently.  Their early spring launch was a nighttime cream made with their own ceramide, and hyaluronic acid to help the skin create more ceramides and fatty acids. Their latest launches include a new facial cleanser and a daytime moisturizer.

Safe for normal to oily skin, this new cleanser also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acids to cleanse skin gently. The new daytime facial cream is meant to follow the cleanser, with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, to feed the skin while creating a barrier. It also offers protection from damaging rays thanks to the blend of chemical and physical blockers, the latter of which comes in the form of micronized zinc oxide.

Reliable Drugstore Go-Tos

While the aforementioned items are great, reasonably price skincare options, these tried and true products are worth a mention too.  When in doubt, opt for our drugstore skincare favorites.

• Purpose Dual Treatment Moisture Lotion With Spf 15 has long been a great over-the-counter option for sensitive skin. Their hypoallergenic daily face moisturizer contains physical and chemical blockers, is free of fragrances and oils, and will not clog pores. It retails for about $10.
• Eucerin Everyday Protection Body Lotion Spf 15 is a great everyday body moisturizer for summer because for $10 you get a body lotion and sunscreen in one.
• St. Ives Renewing Collagen Elastin Moisturizing Body Wash. Most St. Ives body washes are now paraben free. St. Ives also offers its famous apricot face scrub for a few dollars.
• Lumene Time Freeze Instant Lift Mask is a bit pricey for the drugstore, at about $22, but it’s a great mask to do before events because it doesn’t take too long and instantly refreshes skin. The mask aims to quell puffiness and sooth skin.
• Blue Lizard makes affordable sunscreen with physical and chemical sunscreens. The SPF 30+ sport variety is water resistant and contains 6% zinc oxide (no white mess), in addition to some chemical blockers. At about $12, it won’t break the bank.

Most Liz Earle products are in the $20-30 range and are available online. The entire CeraVe product line is priced $12-15 and is available at major national drugstores.

It’s a rare talent that has hair like this but can handle all manes equally. The beautiful woman below is none other than Janet Waddell, a haircare veteran and owner of the namesake salon in NYC’s Gramercy Park neighborhood.

A blowout is a simple reminder of how big a role haircare is in a woman’s beauty regime and look. But, when you have anything but a simple mane, finding a stylist that is talented enough to handle length and texture is a feat. Waddell is a pro and as such, has a loyal following at her Gramercy location, but it took years of hard work to get there.

The native of Britain has been in the industry for about 20 years. She began her career at Vidal Sassoon in London and later moved to San Francisco to open a location there. After starting and running the San Francisco location, she moved to NYC, earning accolades from the likes of Allure and Esquire. Later, she moved to the prestigious Bergdorf Goodman to become John Barrett’s education director and senior stylist. But, her most recent creation is not the salon but a range of hair products created with business partner Anna Herceg.

Herceg (pictured above), a native of Australia, and Waddell, formed the company Janna World Productions and introduced their first products in December 2009. The collection is a trio comprised of a shampoo, conditioner, and styling balm that prove haircare is about quality over quantity. The marriage of Waddell’s industry experience and Herceg’s business savvy, thanks to years spent in advertising and development for magazines and media, will likely prove a winning combo. But, part of this venture goes back beyond the resume, tracing back to their roots and traditions.

Any beauty industry veteran knows there are plenty of “miracle” ingredients from nations near and far, but few measure up. Even if there are many, usually they are difficult to work with, often due to strong smells. Such is not the case with emu oil, one of Australia’s best beauty secrets. But, it’s not emu’s smell that usually turns people off, but it’s source. Yes, emu oil is sourced from the emu, a large bird.

Long touted by the natives of Australia, the Aborigines, the oil has healing properties, helps combat dry skin and is reportedly successful at getting through the epidermis to work on the skin and the scalp. Among emu oil’s properties is the ability to strengthen air follicles, help prevent graying via nutrition, and “feed” the hair. The emu oil used in these products is processed in Tennessee and regulated by the American Emu Association and tested by the American Oil Chemist Society.

According to this gorgeous, talented duo, water makes up the bulk of most shampoos. One might assume that water is to shampoo what alcohol is to most perfumes: the filler. Such is not the case with their shampoo, which is less than 10% water, paraben-free and is loaded with emu oil, extracts of aloe, chamomile, ginseng, and comfrey, as well as kanuka and tea tree oils. The paraben-free conditioner, also rich in emu oil, also contains grape seed husks and lactic acid to exfoliate the scalp, and extracts of aloe, mallow, chamomile, and calendula, as well as vitamin B5, and kanuka and tea trea oils.

Waddell was a master when dealing with my kinky curls and imparted a major beauty tip: if you use oil on your hair, a dry wash is key. If there is oil in your hair, as there often is in mine thanks to my Indian hair oil, then the best way to really get squeaky clean is to apply shampoo to dry hair and lather, and then add water and rinse. A second shampoo on wet hair is optional, followed by the light but nourishing conditioner and then the stlying balm, which promises to make hair more manageable without weighing it down, and protect it from the environment. Plus, the grassy citrus-like smell leaves the most subtle scent on the tresses.

The before and after results Waddell and the products created were drastic; my mane went from kinky, full bodied, slightly frizzy curls to the once-in-a-while sleek straight blowout, with the least amount of frizz I’ve ever seen. The entire process seemed effortless to Waddell and the products continued to produce consistent results at home.

Given the range of the products on the market and the quality ingredients, this collection is quite reasonably priced, at $24-28.

To buy the products, visit the Janet Waddell studio at 243 East 18th Street Suite A (basement unit) near Second Avenue in Manhattan, or go to JanetWaddell.com

Anyone that’s ever had a Medusa hair day knows what an important role haircare plays in beauty. About a decade or two ago, before Devachan, Ouidad or Curlisto, there were two haircare lines I turned to for intense moisture: Rene Furterer and Kerastase. Lucky for me I have now these options and many more to tame and nourish the mane that is a confused partial Jewfro. Lucky for all of us Kerastase is about to take one for the team and spend entire days offering free treatments thanks to their partner salons.

Kerastase is hosting their second annual “Our Treat Event” on Wednesday May 26 in the Eastern part of the United States and on June 23 in the Western half of the country. During this time, participating Kérastase Consultant salons will open to the public and offer free treatments and ritual blowouts. The event also marks a partnership with Locks of Love and as such, will encourage consumers to donate $10 to the organization in exchange for the treatment(s). This is a no brainer so get on the horn and book your appointment!

To book an appointment near you, go to www.kerastase-usa.com/ourtreat

Women know makeup is about vanity, but society’s expectations justify our beauty obsessions. That’s why when summer comes, it’s all about nails, hair removal, firming and tanning. Sure, it’s vain, but it’s also about self esteem during bathing suit season. But, with most still on a tight budget, regular manicures and waxing appointments are may be out of the question. Here are a few new products on the market that make DIY fun.

Waxing gets expensive and laser hair removal requires a serious income commitment, but shaving becomes tiresome. Most depilatory products have a smell that is just too pungent to use. This new product from Sally Hansen has a very light scent that doesn’t stink up the bathroom, and with the applicator, is great at removing body hair in less than 10 minutes. The facial products, however, were too strong and can result in side effects for some, such as redness or bumps. Waxing or threading remain better options for facial hair removal.

One facial product from the company that is a winner is their new Lip Blush. It goes on as a subtle pink that develops with time, and plumps lips just a bit. It’s perfect for work because it can be applied without a mirror and it offers an office-safe touch of color.

For the nails, ostentatious colors such as neon should remain in the 1980s and classy yet fun shades should be the go-to hues. Stick to shades of red, pale pink and variations on purple and lavender. Right Said Red is a great blue-tone red with a hint of hot pink that is instantly uplifting. Since it is a shade within the Complete Salon Manicure, it dries quickly in a one-step application includes base, strengthener, growth treatment, color and top coat.  

Plum’s The Word is a mauve medium purple with a gray undertone that is a great fall-spring color. It is professional and would work on many skin tones. But, for a safe nude ballet slipper style pink, choose Shall We Dance? A lighter color is low maintenance because even when it chips, it still appears respectable.

For a racier look, Sally Hansen Color Quick pens come in a range of colors, including a chrome collection. The metal-inspired colors are fun and easy to apply, which make them perfect for a fast application before a night out.

Orly also recently released a few collections, one of which contains pastel colors. The best bets from their recent additions, include Cotton Candy, nude shade Dream Boat and opaque lavender Lollipop. But, one of the best qualities of Orly polish is that they have been free of DBP,  Toluene, Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Resin for years, long before most brands said no to the unnecessary chemicals.

Most Sally Hansen products range from $5-10 and are available at drugstores nationwide. Click here to find a retailer selling ORLY ($7.50)  products near you.