Spwipes, invented by a Northern California mom who probably was tired of carrying a gooey bottle of sunscreen, eliminates the inconvenience excuses for not using sunscreen. The wipes, in totable foil packets, deliver water- and sweat-resistant SPF 30 protection in 5-by-8-inch or 8-by-10-inch sheets that are non-greasy. And the sunscreen is quickly absorbed. 69 cents to $1.99 at Wal-Mart, drugstores and www.spwipes.com.

Suits that stand up to chlorine: Junonia, a catalog for plus-size women, deals with the issue of swimsuit fabric breakage due to chlorine exposure. The Chloroban line of swimwear is made without spandex to avoid deterioration. Instead, the suits are made with an extra-stretchy polyester using a size 18 model (rather than the industry standard size 8), with cross backs with fuller coverage, extra support and easy on/off designs. About $60 at www.junonia.com.

Coming to Kenwood: A Janie and Jack shop, part of the Gymboree Corp. family, is readying a spot at Kenwood Towne Centre for a "late summer, early fall opening." The boutique-like shops cater to well-dressed little ones (preemies to size 3T) with shoes, separates, dresses, hats, blankets and bedding and gift items, including Reed & Barton silver. Typical prices include dresses, $30; mini polo shirts, $18; and sweaters, $38. For a preview, go to www.janieandjack.com.

Traveling gems: Vacationers packing precious gems should heed these tips from the International Gemological Institute: Have jewelry insured, use hotel safe deposit boxes and store in soft pouches to avoid scratching. Put jewelry in carry-on bags until you clear security; consider laser inscription on the side of the stone so it can be traced if lost or stolen.

Back hair be gone: Nearly 90 percent of 1,000 women ages 18 to 44 surveyed find back hair on men to be unattractive. Big surprise when you consider the study was done by Nair for Men. The survey goes on to reveal that women rank the back as the body area on man they want to see smooth (77 percent) followed by the derriere (11 percent) and the chest (7 percent). A little hair on arms and legs was acceptable. Nair for Men, in a gentle or extra-strength fast-acting formula has a masculine scent and a non-girlie gray package and avoids the waxing discomfort and shaving-related wounds. About $6 at CVS and Walgreens.

Goodwill gone cyberspace: The second-hand stores have put their best merchandise online for auction at www.shopgoodwill.com. A recent visit to the site found a rabbit fur coat and hat with the suggested price of $46, a Louis Vuitton bag, $103; Steve Madden shoes, $8, and a Gruen men's watch, $55. Money goes to Goodwill's career services and jobs training programs.

Dippity-do: The mother of hairstyling gels, around since 1965, has gone techno in its updated form. The turquoise gel that many a mom smoothed over rollers in search of bouffant dos is now a clear orange-scented goop muscled up with polymers, botanicals and extracts for moisture and gloss. The new line includes frizz-fighters, a "stretch putty" for spiking, a mousse and a "radical jelly" to help kids defy gravity. $2.99-$4.99 at drugstores.

---

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