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msnbc.com News— While the innovations I’ve gathered range from simple solutions like weights and magnets to how-did-they-do-that products like a lipstick that changes color on each person, they’re all bound to make you think twice about technology’s role in modern-day style. From shapewear for him (yes, really) to an interactive, tress-talking Web site, these beauty and fashion items have a decidedly different twist on everyday needs. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY style editor and author of the Buzz column for In Touch Weekly, presents spring’s latest and greatest.
Man molders
You’ve heard of padded underwear and bras for women, but what about padding for men that boosts their behind — and adds a little something extra in the front? Go Softwear ($17-$35; gosoftwear.com) and Undergear’s ($25-$50; undergear.com) briefs with benefits give men a whole new way to look buff!
In addition to underwear with emphasis, brands like GearCom ($39.50-$46.50; compressiongear.com) also boast slimming styles that help conceal a beer belly or unwanted love handles. They say clothes don’t make the man, but these new shapewear products may come close!
Fashionable and functional foundations
Speaking of undergarments, the ladies aren’t being left behind! Lingerie companies have come out with new innovations to help women look slim, seamless and sexy. Commando has introduced slips with tiny weights sewn into the fabric to help keep the garment from riding up. ($48-$88; herlook.com)
Spanx recently launched Haute Contour, a lacy version of the company’s famous shapewear, so ladies can feel pretty even after they peel off their top layers. ($88-$198; spanx.com)
Tools of attraction
Fashion and beauty brands are proving that magnets are good for more than just your refrigerator! Thanks to their magnetic force, Laura Michaels Jewelry Designs can be reworked into endless options. As an added bonus, some health professionals are even using these bracelets to help treat carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, arthritis, tendinitis and other body aches and pains. ($44-$54; lmichaelsjewelry.com)
In addition, Darac’s new TourQuam cosmetic brush uses magnets to pick up and propel the powder like a professional makeup artist, so there’s no need to brush up on your technique anymore. ($40-75; daracbeauty.com)
Nail news
Two cosmetics brands are giving manicures a makeover! Sally Hansen’s new Nail Art Pens can be used over any polish to draw a detailed design. The fine-tip markers come in a broad spectrum of colors, including electric blue, hot pink, black, silver and gold ($7.95; cvs.com).
OPI Nic’s Sticks Paint and Go pens come in more than a dozen different colors, as well as new strengthening, brightening and hydrating treatments. While these thick markers are meant to color the entire nail — rather than painting a small picture — you can still draw your way to a quick-drying lacquer! ($6.99; ulta.com)
Personalized pucker
Everyone knows that fragrances smell different depending on who’s wearing them. Now, there’s a lip color that looks different from one person to the next. Dior’s Lip Glow is a balm in the shape of a lipstick that takes on a different color based on one’s skin chemistry. Forget about not wanting to kiss and tell — you’ll have to kiss someone to tell what this lipstick looks like on them! ($28; sephora.com)
Hair where?
It takes a lot of courage to stop someone with a fabulous hairstyle and ask where she got it done. Now, thanks to Mopshots (mopshots.com), you don’t have to. Brought to you by Citysearch, the Web site lets you sift through photos of real women to find the cut and stylist that suit you best. This girlfriend guide is literally the ultimate ’do!
