When the blackboard started looking more grey than clear white chalk on black when I was in junior high, I knew it was time for glasses. But I refused. Glasses equaled uncool. And in junior high, nothing was worse than uncool.

That sentiment remained with me through college, when I would climb Bruin Walk daily, my eyes to the ground in case I passed someone I knew but didn’t say hi because, well, I couldn’t see them.

Fast forward to today. Today, glasses are my best friend. Though ironically, I don’t wear them today because I need to. (I wear contacts.) Check out model Hyoni Kang in hers for Harper’s Bazaar Korea.

Hyoni Kang in Harper's Bazaar Korea, January 2010 issue.

Bib necklaces? Sigh. Chandelier earrings? So 2003. Statement bag? You and everyone’s mother.

There’s just something I like about being able to hide behind a pair of chunky, nerdy tortoiseshell glasses. It’s another way to accessorize and it adds just enough geek appeal to any outfit. (I won’t even talk about the beauty-slash-self-esteem benefits. Suffice it to say, glasses are to skin issues what a fedora used to be to a bad hair day — they forgive a multitude of epidermal sins.)

Zilzie Wear "Johnny" glasses. Two pairs up for grabs!

Another thing about glasses? You could be wearing the sexiest outfit, but you don a pair of glasses and instantly you’ve got geek cred.

Zilzie Wear "Valedictorian" glasses -- we've got two pairs of these to give away!

Wanna try out your own pair of faux glasses? We’ve got four pairs to give away from Zilzie Wear — they’ve got the cutest glasses around and so wallet-friendly too — so tell me why you wanna try out your own pair of faux glasses. An anti-aging secret? For some hipster cred? Or just wanna look smarter? Talk to me!

You’ve got till September 15, 11:59 pm. You must have a U.S. address to win. Good luck!

Oils have long gotten a bad rap. Oil on the T-zone, oil in the Gulf, partially hydrogenated oil on any ingredient list — all these no-no oils have made us a society terrified of oil.

And yes, while an oil slick on the face or in natural habitats are to be avoided at all costs, there are good oils, just like there are good fats. (Recent studies show certain types of good fat actually help you burn more fat — who knew?!) And a diet high in olive oil and other good oils also helps one keep the weight off.

So oil can’t be all bad. Even on the face.

Hair stylist Ada Garcia used MoroccanOil to smooth out cover model Annie Maki's strands on our summer cover.

We’ve been hearing a lot about MoroccanOil and every hair stylists’ and beauty editors’ obsession with the antioxidant-rich, argan oil-based product. In our Summer 2010 issue, hair stylist Ada Garcia recommended MorocconOil to get the smooth strands featured on our cover model Annie Maki.

Padma Lakshmi.

Padma Lakshmi, the Indian American model, award-winning cookbook author and Emmy-nominated host of the popular Bravo TV series Top Chef, is such a big fan of oils she put out a press release recently in connection with Dial NutriSkin‘s new line of fruit oil-based body washes, spilling her oil-based beauty secrets. (Apparently, she keeps blemishes at bay with a face steam of boiling water and a few drops of pure tea tree oil, then slathers her face with pure honey to suck out impurities from pores.)

After years of avoiding oil-based products on my T-zone like the plague, I’ve become a recent convert, thanks to Marie Louise’s Cleansing Clear Gel. Never have I enjoyed removing my makeup so much — even the stubborn, expensive waterproof mascara that, until now, wouldn’t completely come off unless I pulled it off with my fingertips.

I also recently discovered the joy of oil with Boske Oil-dissolving Cleansing Oil. I know — how ironic. Sometimes it takes oil to get rid of oil, and this little gem not only removes makeup and sunscreen, but it dissolves blackheads with its lipid-soluble solution.

Juara Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel.

My ultimate little oil luxury, though, is Juara’s Candlenut Hydrating Shower Gel. Made with candlenut oil, a traditional Indonesian beauty oil known for its hydrating and skin-healing power and velvety feel, the gel is sulfate- and paraben-free and uses active botanicals for gentle cleansing. And like all their products, the scent of the shower gel is amazing — their signature candlenut scent infused with lush greens, delicate freesia, jasmine, bergamot, rose and a hint of coconut. Mmmm.

Metta Murdaya, one of the four Asian American women behind the beauty and skincare line Juara.

LIMITED TICKET AVAILABILITY, ON SALE NOW!

Tickets are on sale now! Sponsored by Ketel One Vodka, Audrey Magazine is hosting Audrey’s Night Out 2010, a fashion event bringing the Asian American community together for an evening of fashion, fantasy and fun!

Collaborating with some of the most exciting talent in the fashion, entertainment and music industries, Audrey’s Night Out will include hot celebrity and professional models in the coolest fall fashion, amazing musical performances you won’t wanna miss, and a fabulous star-studded after-party with hosted bar.

Get your tickets now, and don’t delay. Not only do tickets sell out fast every year, but fashion show seating is assigned based on order of ticket purchase. Don’t be stuck standing — get your tickets now!

Our Fall 2010 issue is here! Audrey intern Han Cho gives us a sneak peek into our fall cover shoot with stylist Chriselle.

The hair and makeup crew with wardrobe stylist Chriselle (in grey tank), model Courtney Jane, and Audrey intern Han (far right).

At the Americana at Brand in Glendale, Calif., I found myself holding a large styrofoam board to help Audrey Magazine‘s staff photographer Audrey Cho shoot Courtney Jane, our cover model. It wasn’t that hot, but I found myself perspiring in my skinny jeans, standing in the sun for so long.

This was my first photo shoot, and it was cool to see how the issue was slowly being put together. Chriselle had artfully put together standout outfits while Courtney Jane was getting her makeup and hair done. The Americana also had residences surrounding the main plaza, so we found ourselves getting ready for the shoot in one of the homes on the third floor. We had a balcony that had a nice view of the fountain and the surrounding stores.

The clothes Chriselle pulled for the shoot. Photo courtesy of @CHRISELLEtweets.

The dressing area was girl heaven. There was jewelry spread out all over the coffee table in the living room, shoes of all sorts lined neatly against the wall, and a rack waiting to break from the weight of all the clothes hanging from it. Bags spilled over the counter, and I carefully stood back, afraid my klutzy side would emerge and ruin thousands of dollars worth of fashion and accessories.

Girl heaven! Chriselle pulled a lifetime's worth of goodies for our shoot. Photo courtesy of @CHRISELLEtweets.

We shot at multiple locations, all scattered and tucked into the nooks and crannies of the Americana. Many people stopped to take a peek at the production, with Courtney Jane at the center of it all, modeling the clothes. All in all, it was a pretty cool day.

My mother would love this product. Lavere Natural Ant-Aging SOLUTION Facial Toner gently refreshes and cleanses the skin without stripping away natural oils. Ideal for those who have dry/mature skin. The formula has a soothing, anti-bacterial organic aloe vera and pore-cleaning clover flower that purifies the skin. It’s a mild toner designed for skin 45 and older.

If you want to show your mama some love, I think this will do the trick.

Are you excited for the Emmy Awards this Sunday? There are a lot of really great shows competing for the coveted award, like Mad Men, Dexter, 30 Rock and Audrey‘s personal favorite, Glee.

And of course, where there are award shows, there are gifting suites going on all week. Check out a shot of Glee‘s Jenna Ushkowitz at the Jacob & Co. Emmy Fine Jewelry Preview earlier this week. She looks hot!

Jenna Ushkowitz at the Jacob & Co. Emmy Fine Jewelry Preview. Photo by David Aguilera/Buzzfoto.com.

The Korean American star is wearing a Jacob & Co. Diamond Sapphire and Emerald Cuff with a Cabochon Emerald Ring. Will she wear it to the award show?

BooBoo Stewart and Christian Serratos. Photo by David Aguilera/Buzzfoto.com.

Asian American actor BooBoo Stewart, who made his big screen debut in The Twilight Saga: Eclipse this summer, also stopped by the jewelry preview. Apparently a big watch collector, Stewart picked out a Jacob & Co. 5 time zone Stainless Steel Mother of Pearl Timepiece.

Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls was also there, we hear, talking about her new album due out in the fall. She picked up a rose gold Hamsa (Hand of God) bracelet and a nude-tone form fitting “Marcella” dress by Nicole Young.

JACOB & Co. invited guests to peruse and select pieces from the collection for either their attendance at the prestigious 2010 Emmy ceremony or another impending momentous occasion. JACOB & Co. is a prominent jewelry house that counts Kanye West, Tom Cruise and Alicia Keys as fans.

Are you excited for the Emmy Awards? Who are you rooting for?

My hair has been through a lot.  It’s undergone years of perms, highlights, curlers, dye jobs and hairspray abuse. I can go for weeks without brushing it. Sometimes, if I’m not careful, it’ll just sit as a tangled bird’s nest atop my head.

So when I heard of the Global Keratin’s Hair Taming System with JUVEXIN™, a treatment where protein compound that can restore hair back to its youthful state, I had to check it out.

My treatment was held at the swanky Sally Hershberger salon in Los Angeles where the ultra-pro stylist, Kristen and her assistant Jasmine Chang (who is also on the hit reality show, K-town, woot woot) was put in charge of styling my hair.

My "before" hair

Now, I had my hesitations because it would seem that this system seems most effective with those who have giant, wild, unmanageable hair.  As an Asian girl whose stick-straight locks isn’t usually that unmanageable, I wasn’t sure if I would be an ideal subject. I was afraid that the treatment might even make my hair flatter and I just ain’t down with that.  Nonetheless, Kristen and the rest of the Global Keratin team assured me that after the protein compounds start setting in my locks, my hair may actually become fuller.

I want it this full.

The treatment itself was easy enough with a few simple steps.  After applying the treatment on my hair, my stylists blew dry and then hot-ironed the locks to set the formula in. I’m not supposed to wash my hair for the next two days (so, sorry people who have to see my greasy do!) but after that, I can do whatever I want.

Tada! My hair right after

I’ll be checking in over the course of the next few weeks to let you know how it works out. Meanwhile, here’s hoping I won’t have to keep wearing this anymore.

Hat hair for the next few days

Video & interview from Ink’n'Undies

Take a minute to think about the underwear you have on. Think about all it’s done for you, those endless wash cycles and bean burritos. Very few people will see your underwear (unless you are of the mall-crawling crowd that belts up around the lower thigh, in which case you might be considered an underwear activist here), but for one particular group of people, the challenge goes beyond ‘boxers or briefs.’

When Helen Huang told her friends and relatives about starting a non-profit to provide underwear — just underwear — to the homeless, they mostly laughed. When she bought the idea to homeless shelters, they said please.

Helen Huang, founder of Undershare

“It’s not just what you see,” Huang says regarding homelessness. To people struggling to pick themselves up, getting a bra that fits is just as much a hurdle as having an address to fill in on job applications. Women who escape domestic violence situations often don’t have time to pack their underwear. Then there are the babies. “Can I just talk about the homeless babies?” She pipes up during our interview. “Homeless children need new diapers, and pull-ups to be toilet-trained.”

Any parent can attest to how crucial those are.

So with that, Huang founded Undershare, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that relies exclusively on volunteers and donations to provide underwear to the homeless and distressed. They do drop-offs (simple: they just drop underwear off) at Los Angeles homeless shelters and sent undergarments to Louisiana when Katrina landed. Their latest project also involved underwear, but with flair: a skivvy fashion show fundraiser at the Ecco Lounge. Modeled by the Suicide Girls, a punk-rock-flavored girls club that threw all body shapes, tattoos and piercings on a runway, Ink’n'Undies had drawn a full house before 9pm. Clothes, or underwear rather, were provided by Seven ’til Midnight.

Suicide Girls modeled undergarment designs by Seven 'til Midnight

Organizations like hers, Huang says, aren’t solving the problem of homelessness. “We’re lending compassion and dignity.” In the end, she’s just trying to get some money for new undergarments. “And the people who laughed at me at first,” she adds, “they’ve all come and donated underwear.”

The lucky reader, Selena, left, with her manicurist Amy.

Another TGIFree Friday giveaway, another happy reader. This time, it’s reader Selena who lucked out with Manicures R Mobile‘s specialty mani/pedi delivery service. (I am so jealous! Seriously! Hook an editor up!) Selena chose to get the Minx treatment, where a thin tissue-like layer is applied to the fingernails. It lasts longer and gives you a color no regular nail polish could. Here’s what Selena had to say:

I was able to get the mani/pedi service done from Manicures R Mobile. Amy, the manicurist, was wonderful! She was so nice and professional. I enjoyed the special treatment I received. I chose their most popular Minx color: Silver Lightning! It came out so shiny and amazing! Thanks again to Audrey Mag for hooking a girl up! Best, Selena

Wow, check out those nails! She could be a hand model!

Manicures R Mobile bring the manicure to your doorstep! Talk about convenient!

Wanna be a part of The Audrey community? Just comment below and tell us why you’re an Audrey girl. You just may win some goodies … no waiting till Friday!

(Of course, we have another TGIFree Friday coming up in two more days … so check back soon!)

A lot can happen in 28 days. That’s almost a month. In that time, you could find yourself a lover, or be frantically cramming in all the things you promised to do throughout the summer in the remaining week, or even be nursing a hangover from the goodbye party your friends threw you. Would you believe me if I told you that in 28 days, you could find yourself with visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles?

Ladies, I introduce to you the Q 10 Face Cream by Sebamed. This 1.69 fl. oz bottle  may be the cure to the age-old question of old age. Because skin can start to age as early as 25 and become more delicate and sensitive, caring for it is necessary to prolong the vitality of your skin. The co-enzyme in this product works as a catalyst that activates the metabolism of oxygen in cells, which decreases skin aging. Panthenol in the formula helps the regeneration process, and Vitamin E fights environmental free radicals and UV radiation.

You got to love the skin you’re in, and you only get one, so take care of it!