BeChicMag.com

It’s that time of year again where some of the most beautiful women from around the world can be found on your small screen for the Miss Universe Pageant. And this time, we have an exclusive contest just for you!

For your chance to win $250 worth of products from the New Pantene line, leave a comment below telling us who YOU think will win this year’s pageant! One lucky BeChic reader will receive the following:

• PANTENE’s new Hair Solutions Line- Shampoos, conditioners, stylers ( gel, mousse, hairspray, crèmes, leave-in treatment, ampoules, detanglers)
• Bath robe
• Bathing slippers
• White Terry-Cloth Head turban (towel for head)
• Brush
• Loofahs

And it’s one heck of a line up! Representing the United States is Rima Fakih- the first ever Arab American and Muslim to be crowned Miss America. Running for Dominican Republic is 25-year-old Eva Arias from Santo Domingo. But according to the Miss Universe site, the contestant with the highest rating so far is Venus Raj from The Philippines! Take a look at the ladies here, and let us know who YOU think should win tonight and why by leaving your comments below.

Catch the show tonight on NBC or Telemundo at 9p.m. I’ll announce the lucky winner tomorrow! – Mercedes

By DELAILA C.

Atop the 30th floor of The Metropolitan Towers there is a beautiful panoramic view of the city, a table of assorted cheeses, meats, and fruits, a wine bar serving delicious cocktails and lots of mingling among beauty bloggers, fashionistas, make up artists and businesswomen. I exchange business cards with a few and even get some camera time introducing BeChic. Amidst all of this we are all eagerly waiting to hear what dermatologist Jeannette Graf will share with us about beauty and skincare. Pad and pen on hand and I am ready as she begins…

Remember that old adage, “You are what you eat?” Well, it’s not just a phrase- it’s to be taken literally.

Dr. Graf says that many of the foods we eat are not helping us look our best. Besides leading to break outs and challenged skin, what we consume also compromises our energy level leaving us restless and unable to perform to our full potential.

Why is this?! Well there is a scientific term called pH or potential of hydrogen- it measures the amount of acidity or alkalinity in the body, with an ideal pH being a 7. Everything we eat affects our pH. Our aim is to be as alkalized as possible as doing so promotes healthier skin and a rejuvenated body inside and out. Sugars, processed food and other inhibitors cause for high acidity in our bodies, which we should try to avoid as much as possible.

Become your own antioxidant by choosing the right foods; it’s as simple as getting in your eight glasses of water a day.

Dr. Graf goes on and introduces the Skin Care Challenge, a 2-week regimen geared to give “your cells the ingredients they need to function optimally and at its fullest alkaline potential. In no time will you see vibrant, more youthful skin.”

Are you up for the challenge? Pick up a copy of Stop Aging, Start Living, a straightforward insight as to why living a well-balanced life will help you look and feel your best. Start the challenge today. Come back and let us know about your experience, we would love to hear about your progress!

August calls for smaller bikinis, more sunscreen and of course sunglasses! Michelle Smith has introduced her new collection of eyewear to her amazing line Milly. As we all know- whether on vacation or on a regular relaxing day- nothing is more perfect than the right pair of shades.

If you don’t know about Milly, I suggest looking this fashion line up. Milly has become successful launching in specialty department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. From department stores to worldwide markets, Michelle Smith’s timeless line of clothing, eyewear and jewelry, will catch anyone’s attention.

There’s no doubt that her first eyewear collection will be a great success, for her eyewear designs, as well as her clothing are fashions that never go out of style! Go traditional with classic black and gold rimmed shades, or spice it up with sophisticated fun style all for under $200 each. To find out more about Michelle Smith’s line, Milly, visit MillyNy.com.

Remember, be chic and top that summer outfit with a great pair of shades! - Camlyn V.

A few weeks later, we’re still stuck on Miami Fashion Week! So cut off the Cosmos, avoid the Amaretto Sours and move over the Margaritas… South Beach Raleigh Hotel’s Mitch Magera teaches us five chic cocktails bound to become your next signature drinks!

Cucumber Gimlet

This spa staple used to cool puffy eyes also makes a refreshing cocktail on hot summer days. Magera muddles freshly sliced cucumbers and mixes in lime, Hendrick’s cucumber gin and sugar to sweeten. “You can also use vodka instead of gin if you prefer,” suggests Magera.

St-Germain Cocktail

Want to impress your friends with a unique drink? Order a St-Germain cocktail. Made with St-Germain Elderflower liquor, some champagne, club soda and a twist of lemon it is far from your average white wine spritzer.

Blackberry Caipirinha

This Brazilian import has been making a big impact in the cocktail scene. Switch up the traditional Caipirinha recipe, which calls for Brazilian Cazacha rum and fresh limes with different types of fruit.  “Anything with fresh fruit is always chic- blackberries, blueberries and  strawberries,” says Magera.  “I always try to keep bowls of fresh fruit at the bar to add to my drinks.”

Ginger Mojitos

Like Mojitos? Then you’ll love Ginger Mojitos: White rum, Lime juice, mint and an unexpected sprinkle of minced ginger for the perfect collaboration- healthy too!

Lychee Martini

Lychee fruit is often overlooked as a great cocktail mixer. The fleshy fruit has a light taste that doesn’t overpower any recipe. Use Lychee Liquor in your traditional martini recipe to add an Asian feel to your happy hour.

Whether you’ve never outgrown your Long Island Ice Teas from your college days or can’t quit ordering trendy appletinis, now is the time to add some new alternatives to your happy hour choices. -Shelika Baez

Reporting from Miami… We may be in the last half of the summer, but this past weekend thousands of buyers, stylists, journalists and celebrities were already planning for next year’s bikini season. As the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim un -covered,  next summer’s forecast calls for partly retro with a chance of Amazon prints.

Retro

Amazon

The World Cup in Brazil may still be four years away but, Swim wear designers Mara Hoffman, Trina Turk and Poko Pano are already channeling Rio in their collections. Neon amazon prints, body necklaces and fishbone braids make a splash in Mara Hoffman’s second appearance at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Poko Pano shares an ode to their native Brazil with hearts, vibrant prints and sultry cuts. Trina turk recalls her laid-back Palms Springs summers with bright swim pieces and cover ups.

Glam Cover-ups

Speaking of cover ups… Next bikini season will be covered in luxurious cover-ups! Gone are the days of wearing an over-sized men’s shirt or denim cut off shorts. Designers stretched their creative muscles for 2011’s cover-up collections.  Anything goes in  2011! Whether you prefer a glittery Toucan top like Poko Pano, romantic eyelet frock like Qiss Qiss, Native American-esque fringe vest from True Religion or satiny mini dress from Aqua Di Lara.

If this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim taught us anything it is that vibrant colors, retro styles and unique cover ups are here to stay. 2011’s collection promises to make even the most fearful bikini shopper feel beautiful.

-Shelika B.