THE HUMANHAND

What happens when you mix three handsome designers with Mac computers and a Downtown studio? You get the Humanhand — and the production of some hot visual stimulation.

"Initially, we started Humanhand as a creative outlet. It was a place we could go after our 9-to-5 jobs in the design field; it was where we had space both physically and mentally to do anything, from drawing and painting to playing music," says Warren Daubert, a member of the Humanhand project. It started off as a few boys being creative, but after member Justin Cravalho found himself without a job, the company shifted focus to generating revenue. "We wanted to take a holistic approach to designing. We needed to get to know our clients to provide design solutions based on their needs. But unlike many larger ad agencies, our clients have direct access to their designers. Nothing gets lost in translation," explains Daubert. Its clients have ranged from the Honolulu Academy of Arts to Linus the Band. "Our ideal projects are ones where we have engaged clients who are passionate about their work, since we're passionate about what we do. This cumulative energy helps produce the most successful designs," says Daubert. Want to check out the guys' work? Come equipped, because their Web site is best viewed with a big monitor and the latest edition of Flash Player. Visit www.byhumanhand.com to follow their blog and see what these designers are up to. Humanhand, 1154 Fort St., Suite 403; 333-7492, www.byhumanhand.com.

— Lacy Matsumoto

SAUCY SCENTS

Although Benefit has been bought out by European conglomerate LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton), the loopy cosmetics company based in San Francisco has not lost any of its personality. That's largely because the original founders, twin sisters and former models Jean and Jane Ford, are still very much involved. Now Jean's daughters, Maggie and Annie Ford Danielson, are also bringing their creative spirits to Benefit. It was their trip to Bath, England, that inspired the company's new line of fragrances, Crescent Row. Each has a distinct personality.

Packaged in little fold-out houses, the decor and names suggest the fragrance inside. LeeLee loves to read and bake cookies; she's feminine and flirtatious, a woody floral with top notes of cassis, melon and citrus. Sofia is unpredictable and loves magic and mystery; an Oriental floral, her top notes are mango and freesia. Gina is a sexy temptress who loves champagne and world travel; a woody Oriental, her top notes are pink pepper, bergamot and tangerine. Which one are you?

Crescent Row fragrances sell for $36 each at Sephora, Macy's and DFS.

— Paula Rath

WII-PLAY MONDAYS

You Wii? With the Wii appearing in more and more bars as a party game, Bar 35, O'Toole's and the Irish Rose Saloon are teaming up for six weeks of Wii competitions, starting tomorrow and continuing each Monday at 6 p.m. Wii bowling is the first event on the list, but there'll be different Wii sports each week. At the end of the six weeks, a reigning Wii team champion will be chosen. Let the bar games begin! Bar 35, 35 N. Hotel St.; 537-3535, www.bar35hawaii.com. O'Toole's, 902 Nu'uanu Ave.; 536-4138, www.irishpubhawaii.com. Irish Rose Saloon, 478 Ena Road; 947-3414, www.irishpubhawaii.com.

— Tracy Chan,Honolulu.Metromix.com

SUPERCOOL

You could imagine Slava's Snowshow, brought to Honolulu for a return engagement by Tim Bostock Productions, as kind of like the Blue Man Group on steroids. Instead of faces painted blue, the characters are a bunch of clowns — and more entertaining, with emotional, artsy and extravagant moments. The show, which originated in Australia in 2000, recently completed a successful run on Broadway and has now spawned multiple touring groups.

Audience interaction includes a blizzard whipping through, giant balls getting tossed about and some crazy props you can't help but be impressed with. Tip: Go to http://Honolulu.Metromix.com for a chance to win tickets.

"Slava's Snowshow," 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Aug. 23; $33-$83; www.hawaiitheatre.com, 528-0506.

— Honolulu.Metromix.com

SALES & BARGAINS