bodylines

Attack of the flying saucers Cosmetics To Go's quirky cosmetics have been sorely missed during their 18-month "resting period". Now they're back in the beautifying business as Lush, selling such goodies as Flying Saucers (a calming bath foam) and Angels on Bare Skin (soap), from their Covent Garden and Poole stores, and, lucky you, by mail order.

Lush: 01202 668545. For a catalogue send two first-class stamps to Lush, 291/2 High Street, Poole, Dorset BH15 1AB.

Word of the week "Qi" (pronounced "chee"). Qi is, according to traditional Chinese medicine, the life force that circulates the body via a network of energy pathways (meridians). Blocks - caused by stress, poor nutrition, trauma or substance abuse - stop the body from functioning well. Acupuncture or herbal treatments aim to clear them away.

I can't believe it's not buttocks New lowslung hipsters have brought the bum cleavage to the catwalk - and, increasingly, to the gay disco. If you feel you haven't got what it takes, never fear: padded buttock- enhancing jeans are coming this way soon. Alternatively, knot your cardie round your waist and put body consciousness, er, behind you.

One finger, one thumb, keep moving If you're serious about improving your tennis, golf or climbing skills, get your hands on the Gripmaster. This springy device offers weight-training for each individual finger and is available in three resistance strengths. Small, easy to carry and surprisingly effective.

Gripmaster, pounds 9.99 from North Country. Tel: 0345 [no number 1 in this code] 573262.

Your hair is beautiful tonight Home hair colouring? Play it safe with one of the many rinse-out colour-enhancing treatments. One wash subtly enhances your natural shade (warms it up a bit), although longer-lasting results may occur on hair that has already been lightened.

Nicky Clarke Hairomatherapy Colour Enhancing Shampoo, pounds 5.50, six shades from Cool Blonde to Mahogany, from Boots. Paul Mitchell Luxury Haircare Creatives Colour Infusing Shampoos, pounds 8.95, eight shades from Midnight Blue to Golden Blonde. For stockists: 01296 696677. Aussie Colour Enhancing Shampoos, pounds 3.99, five shades from Warm Earth to Moonlight Reflections, from Boots.

Monkey business Animal Fun, an artificial colouring and flavouring free supplement for children, doesn't just aim to be nutritional insurance for faddy kids. For every pot sold, 10p will be donated to London Zoo's conservation programme for the rare golden-headed lion tamarin monkey. There's only an estimated 250 remaining on the planet.

Animal Fun Multivitamin and mineral supplement, pounds 4.20 for 30 tablets. Available from selected health stores or free mail order from Larkhall Green Farm, 225 Putney Bridge Road, London SW15 2PY. Tel: 0181-874 1130.

ADELE LOVELL