First for Women

7 things making us happy

Bliss in every bite Minty milkshake “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and my family and I always get together to celebrate,” shares Charles Grayauskie, FIRST associate food editor. “My go-to treat: a shamrock-inspired milkshake! It’s subtly sweet, super simple and surprisingly healthy. To make: In a blender, I combine 3 cups of slow-churned vanilla ice cream, 1 3/4 cups of low-fat milk, 1 cup of ice cubes, ½ tsp. of peppermint extract and 10 to 12 drops of green food coloring (optional), then I purée until smooth. To finish, I drizzle chocolate syrup around glasses, pour in the shake and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh mint. It earns rave reviews every year!” Crafting up smiles Too-cute book cover “Despite all…

smart you solutions

Instant aah for painful eyestrain! Next time staring at the computer screen for too long has strained your eyes, making them feel tired and painful, try this easy trick for quick relief: Simply rest the palms of your hands over your closed eyes. Inhale for four counts, then exhale; repeat the pattern for 30 seconds. This calming technique relaxes orbital muscles, which control eye movement, to ease pain so you can continue working without any discomfort! QUICK POLL How do you clean rubber snow boots? After months of winter wear and tear, your snow boots are covered in streaky salt stains. FIRST readers share how to erase the splash marks fast: 60% ♥ this idea!Wipe with cotton soaked…

new ways with lace 3 style secrets

Top Try cropped ✓ Whittles the middleThe fussiness of a billowy lace blouse with a below-the-waist drawstring adds optical waist-thickening inches. But a fitted top that hits at the waist paired with a skirt that flares out right below it cinches the area for a trim-looking midsection. Dress Avoid ruffles ✗ Adds poundsCascading tiers of ruffled lace magnify the body from the waist down. Plus, a bulky bag and busy pumps direct the eye all over, amplifying the effect. ✓ Looks longer and leanerA sleek knee-length sheath with a more linear lace pattern creates an elongating vertical column that slims the silhouette. Bonus: The more structured fit skims seamlessly over trouble spots. Skirt Opt for…

stun in coral lips

Best for fair skin Cate BlanchettPeachy, nude-based corals bring out the rosy undertones in lighter skin for a healthy, youthful flush. Plus, a more muted melon in a matte formula pops against fair tones without looking garish. FIRST pick: Maybelline Color Sensational Inti-Matte Nudes in Naked Coral, $8, Walgreens.com Best for dark skinThe pretty punch of a vibrant red coral adds instant warmth to a deeper complexion. And the sheen of a gloss reflects light to optically blur lip lines. FIRST pick: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Lip Shine in Bright Poppy, $9, Ulta.com Kerry Washington Best for olive skinOrange-toned corals balance any green pigments in skin for a radiant glow. Bonus: Orange’s subtle blue undertones neutralize the yellow in teeth for an instantly brighter smile. FIRST pick: Milani Color…

hair that makes you younger

The secret to turning back the clock without breaking the bank? Making tiny tweaks to your hair cut, style or color! Here, celebrity hair pros reveal the changes that will completely transform your look in an instant Chic cuts SUBTRACTS YEARS A BOUNCY BOB BEFORE: Too much hair hanging heavy on the temples, brow and near the mouth acts like an arrow pointing directly at fine lines and wrinkles around the face, says hairstylist Carrie Butterworth, who has worked with Sigourney Weaver and Mena Suvari. Plus, the weight of overly textured strands tends to cast dark shadows onto skin, adding years to the complexion. NOW: The soft movement of a light, swingy bob directs focus away from any aging facial flaws. What’s more,…

make your ’do last twice as long!

Prolong a haircut with banana The fruit’s biotin and potassium fortify and hydrate strands, keeping the split ends that send us straight to the stylist’s chair at bay. To do: Mash a ripe banana and apply from roots to ends of dry hair. Cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes; shampoo. Use once a week so you can go up to 11 weeks between trims instead of the standard six. Extend color with apple cider vinegar Product buildup on the hair shaft can dull color fast, but apple cider vinegar’s acetic acid dissolves that buildup, boosting vibrance and increasing shine. To do: Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water, pour onto wet strands; rinse. Do twice a…