[...] before you heat up the wax or take out your tweezers, you need to have a clear understanding of what your eyebrows do (and yes, they do serve a purpose.) "The brow is meant to help define the face and frame the eyes," says Rich Monaco II, owner of Studio Brow Inc. in Trumbull. [...] remember: the first thing anyone should know about eyebrow shaping is that your brows are sisters, not twins! [...] when you're about to strip stray hairs from around your eyebrows, it's always best -- and most natural -- to follow the natural arch of each eyebrow. [...] take into consideration the shape of your face and your features, too, as they can help dictate the shape your eyebrow should be. Skin above the brow bone is slightly stronger than that below it, but both areas should be treated delicately before using any hair removal method, says Marria Pooya, managing partner at The Greenwich Medical Skincare & Not only can waxing stretch and pull the skin (which can increase your risk for wrinkles), but it also can remove the top delicate layers of skin. "If a waxing technician pulls the wax strip off incorrectly it may cause minor skin irritation," Monaco says. "Threading is much gentler in lifting the hair follicle directly from the root without the use of any chemicals, sharp metal instruments or unnecessary tugging on delicate skin," Pooya says. "People who have over-plucked for years will start to notice the hair stops growing back," Monaco says.

A hangout for teens became a photo studio for HealthyLife when we shot the cover of the February issue at Arch Street, the Greenwich teen center. The historical building sits right on Greenwich Harbor, adjacent to Roger Sherman Baldwin Park just off Exit 3 of I-95. The salon's makeup artist, Elena Hristu, played up Baer's features for a polished, natural look. Picking out the clothes Baer wore was a lot of fun at Juleigh's Resale Couture in Pound Ridge, N.Y. The boutique is high-end, with lots of choices that are both vintage and current designers. Aside from its main function -- offering a drug- and alcohol-free haven for local teens to gather, hang out, hear music and play games -- the center is also available for private functions.

According to Dr. William Notaro, chief of Dermatology at Danbury Hospital, dry skin is a common condition characterized by flakiness, redness, itchiness, and in severe cases (xerosis), cracks that bleed. "The lifetime prevalence of dry skin probably approaches 50 percent of the population," says Dr. Mitchell Ross, dermatologist at The Greenwich Medical Skin Care & Laser Spa. "Healthy skin is the body's first defense against infection," Ross says. Not only can it lead to itching, but also skin infections or the aggravation of other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema). A top layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, consists of dead skin cells forming a barrier that prevents water evaporation and keeps moisture in and bacteria/noxious chemicals out. The top layer sheds, exposing the vulnerable epidermis underneath and fluid loss, skin cracks and scratching can cause more destruction. Skin contains sebaceous glands, which are attached to hair follicles and produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin. Because these glands shrink as we age, producing less moisture, it's easier for the skin to become dry, he says, adding moisturizers can go a long way to help restore that barrier. Skin requires moisture to retain its softness and elasticity, so in the winter in addition to your moisturizers, use a humidifier to put water into the air and limit the use of soap. When washing hands or bathing, avoid hot water, which strips the skin of its natural oils and exacerbates the condition if your skin is already dry. For itchy, inflamed skin, he suggests a mild, over-the-counter cortisone cream; prescription-strength for severe cases. If itching isn't responding to simple measures and moisturizers, your skin should be evaluated by a dermatologist to rule out any internal medical cause. Knowing which ingredients offer the best results can be tedious, so Dr. Mitchell Ross, dermatologist at The Greenwich Medical Skin Care & Laser Spa, offers some helpful information. "Natural oils, such as coconut, avocado and jojoba are very powerful natural ingredients," he says, noting shea butter and aloe have no special properties except to act as natural moisturizers.

Color, texture, big weaves, fur, leather, animal prints and metallics -- all are must-have fashion trends for winter according to Paulette Pitt, executive assistant at Saks Fifth Avenue at the Stamford Town Center. An orthopedic surgeon with the Hospital for Special Surgery, Strickland has an office in Greenwich and met HealthyLife at SFA a few days before the cover shoot to get her wardrobe lined up. Pitt, along with Jennie Wright, a sales consultant in SFA's Contemporary department, made strategic picks for what they thought Strickland should wear to look great and feel great. From a textured Theory jacket to a ruffled Eileen Fischer cardigan and a Laundry dress with bold colors, weave and pattern, Strickland was dressed perfectly for a date night with her husband, lunch out with friends or simply to run errands with the kids. The LockWorks, a brand new apartment complex that's part of the Harbor Point development in downtown Stamford, opened its two-bedroom model unit -- including a beautiful outdoor terrace -- for HealthyLife to use for the January cover shoot. [...] although Strickland wanted to keep her long locks, she did let Lanphier colorist and stylist Julia Aslamazi do some trimming to add shape and eliminate any split ends before styling her hair in ultra feminine soft waves.