The number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed last year rose to 5.7 million, according to the most recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. That's, a 25 percent increase over 1999 and a whopping 173 percent jump since 1997.

        The five most popular procedures: lipoplasty, eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and facelift.

        There was a 23 percent increase in the number of procedures performed on men last year.

        So a new book for those curious about going under the knife is timely. The The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cosmetic Surgery (Alpha Books; $16.95) guides prospective patients through every step from choosing a doctor to the healing process. Authors George Semel, M.D. and Jeff St. John, Ph.D, discuss face lifts, eyelid surgery, nose jobs, lip enhancements and various tucks.

        Fall preview: The soft wools, smooth tweeds and brushed suedes of the fall Canvasbacks collection will be previewed Thursday-Saturday at the Acorn on Hyde Park Square. A representative from Canvasbacks will be on hand Thursday. Information: 871-3450.

        Moisturizer minimizes shaving: Jergens, based in Cincinnati, has come up with a leg moisturizer that it says will help women shave less often. Naturally Smooth Shave Minimizing Moisturizer moisturizes skin and gradually reduces the appearance of hair through its formula using herbalsilk extract, a natural botanical also known as Sanguisorba officinnalis root extract. The smoothing properties come from glycerin and emollients, such as petrolatum, mineral oil and dimethicone. $4.99-$8.49 at food, drug and discount stores.

        Bug repellent moisturizer: After sunscreen and insect repellent were combined, we should have known that a bug juice-moisturizer combo couldn't be far behind. Joey New York has introduced Outdoor Activities, a lightly fragranced moisturizer that protects and repels without harsh chemicals. Outdoor Activities also carries an SPF 20 rating to fight UVA and UVB rays, includes Anise essential oil to disguise human scent from critters and Peru balsam to keep skin from chapping. $22 at www.sephora.com, www.beautyjungle.com, www.ibeauty.com or by calling (800) 563-9691.

        Iced tea body spritz: Pure Spring Iced Tea Body Spritz for heat relief is on the shelf at Rite Aid stores. The brew combines green tea's antioxidant and moisturizing properties with ginseng and chamomile to calm and cleanse. $4.99-$7.99.

        Angel-baby: Every button-bursting parent thinks his or her baby or child is angelic. Now, parents who are serious about their child's heavenly looks can win a $1,000 shopping trip at Sears and a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond through the store's “Most Angelic Pose” contest.

        From July 30 through Aug. 20, Sears Portrait Studio randomly will select 12 portraits of children 9 and younger each week and display them at www.searsportrait.com. Consumers will be invited to vote online for the most angelic pose. Weekly winners will get a $200 Sears shopping spree and be eligible for the grand prize. Each of the weekly winners will be featured in a final contest Aug. 27-Sept. 2. So slap a set of wings or a halo on junior and send entries by Aug. 19 to My Little Angel Contest, Dept. 900, 1706 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103. Additional rules available at www.searsportrait.com.

        Contact Joy Kraft by phone: 768-8467; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com.

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