Blog Posts by Beyond the Beauty Pages, SELF Magazine

Alexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

Ah, resolution time: That lovely time of year when I make all these lofty attempts at being super human. This year, I'm not making resolutions. Instead, I'm just starting good habits (since we know daily habits can have major payoffs) and hoping they stick. My biggest habit to focus on: not totally forgetting my health when school gets stressful. (I literally did not work out ONCE during finals. Shame!) But, I've also decided I'm going to start some good beauty habits that you should totally do too!

See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

Read expiration dates: I am a little bit of a beauty hoarder [Ed. note: I can relate], so I need to make sure I read expiration dates, aka the number and a letter on some products that indicate how long after a product is opened that it's good. And--if the product doesn't have an expiration date, I need to remember to toss mascara after 3 months, liquid foundation and concealer after six months, nail polish and Read More »from Beauty Habits to Start Now

Courtesy of PaperBlogAlexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

Something about this week makes me feel totally clean and fresh...like all my beauty sins from the past year are absolved and I can take on the world au natural. So, my gnarly, chipped glitter nails have to go, obvs, but it's like an emotional endeavor trying to get all that crap off. I'm pretty sure the nail gurus of the world put super glue in that stuff, right?!?! The good news is, I've been around the glitter-polish block a few times and have mastered removal so you don't show up to the office tomorrow looking like a disco ball shattered all over your nails (and not in that OPI-Shatter way).

See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

You'll need...

• Ten pieces of tin foil (about 3" by 2" rectangles is perf, but it's not an exact science).
• Five cotton balls, torn in half to make ten balls total
• Nail polish remover (my all-time fave is Zoya Remove Plus. Trust.)
• An orange stick
• Cuticle oil (or olive oil)

See more: Yoga Read More »from Ditch Your Glitter Polish the Easy Way

Courtesy of SephoraAlexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

Can we pause and take a moment to enjoy the fact that-for the next six weeks-I am officially on winter break??!!? And I'm not alone! 'Tis the season to kick back and relax (whether you are in school or not) and what better way to do that then escaping to an exotic locale? Whether you are hitting the beach or the slopes, there are three things you should remember to take. The best part: These products are both cold- and warm-weather friendly.

See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

Occlusive Lip Balm: Whether you are racing down black diamonds (well, I won't be) or lounging seaside, there are plenty of super-drying elements around. So, make sure your lip balm is both repairing and occlusive. Now, you may ask, "What the heck is occlusive?" Occlusive lip balm, any lip stuff with a Vaseline-y texture that seals moisture in and blocks wind out. My favorite: Jack Black Lip Balm SPF 25 in Black Tea & Blackberry or Grapefruit & Ginger (get both for

Read More »from Vacation Beauty Essentials

Alexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

There are two totally necessary (or at least I feel are necessary) beauty products I apply everyday: mascara and perfume. But perfume is one of those things that disappears after a few hours. So, when my editor Rachel tweeted "I know my skin is DRY but like why do I use SO MUCH PERFUME and then it just goes away??????", I obvs had to investigate.

See more: Foods That Fight Belly Bloat

So, yes, Rachel-dry skin is a major reason perfume can evaporate. (Also, that bottle over to the left? That's from your fave store, F21.) But let's back up.

See more: Yoga Moves for Flat Abs

Since perfume has an alcohol base, it evaporates quickly and leaves just the fragrance on your skin. But, the oils your skin naturally secretes helps fragrance stay, those with dryness find themselves losing their scent faster than those with slick skin. So, if you're super dry, drep with an unscented lotion (or better yet, a matching lotion) and you'll boost how long your

Read More »from Make Your Perfume Last Longer

Alexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

People ask me constantly whether or not they should be using face oil. People are all like, "Will it make my skin feel greasy?" "Will it cause breakouts?" "Will I be shiny?"

See more: Foods That Fight Belly Bloat

No matter what, I always answer, "No, you won't feel greasy, the oil won't feel greasy and your face will not look shiny...if you use it right."

The first thin to remember: You MUST choose a high quality face oil. Crappy oils are too heavy for your skin, and can cause clogged pores and breakouts. Picking up a light oil like a jojoba- or coconut-based formula is your best bet. The test to see if its light enough? Rub a little into the back of your hand and count to thirty. If it's still greasy after thirty seconds, find a new formula. Oh, and simple is better, too. In general, the more random ingredients there are in a product, the more likely the product is to wreak havoc on your skin. Choose something with only a few

Read More »from Face Oil: What it is and How to Use It

Courtesy of J.CrewAlexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

Holiday part hangovers are hell, amirite? The crazy amounts of sugar, the towering high heels, the complete lack of any food that's not the size of a York Peppermint Pattie and crazy supply of booze that the overzealous host keeps refilling. (Not that you mind.)

So, if you're the type to wake up bright-eyed and ready for yoga the morning after, I want your secrets. But if you're not (like my editor), here are my secrets to at least looking like you're bright-eyed and ready for yoga (even if you want to crawl back in bed for six more hours).

See more: Foods That Fight Belly Bloat

Put DOWN the white eyeliner: The white-rimmed eye thing totally does make your eyes look brighter, but it also is so overdone that everyone who knows goes "Oh, yeah. She's totally hungover." Instead, try a nude-colored liner. It does the same thing, but is way more subtle.

See more: Yoga Moves for Flat Abs

Rock glasses and a bright red lip: Whether I'm spent

Read More »from Hangover Beauty Tricks

Alexandra Samuel SELF magazine

Confession: I got super-judgey on the subway the other day. There were like a million women wearing hats and zero of them looked good. (I know that's mean, but I have a point here.) And, as I looked around, I realized--the hats were cute, the girls were cute, but these ladies' manes were not working out. Because yes, it freaking matters how you hair looks under a hat. And the good news? It doesn't take much effort to do this right. Consider this a PSA for GHA (great hair days!).

See more: Yoga Moves for Flat Abs

It's all about balance, people.

If you're rocking a beanie, big loose waves are the way to go. Think about it: If you're wearing something close to your head, super straight, sleek hair will make you look like a Q-Tip. (That's not cute, guys.) Adding some loose waves will balance the snug-fitting topper. Keyword here is loose, people. No date night stuff. Nothing looks more ridiculous than jeans and a beanie with an over-done 'do,

Read More »from How to Avoid Winter Hat Hair

Alexandra Samuel, SELF magazine

People think my gig is way glamorous, which--let's be real--is not always the case. But when I do have a "Holy crap, this is so insanely cool" moment, it basically makes my life. My latest I-heart-my-job perk? Getting a little one-on-one Skype time with Sarah Tanno, the amaze makeup artist responsible for Lady Gaga and her dancers on tour. I got all kinds of good info from her, but one tip in particular has basically changed the way I do makeup. Because, after all, if anyone can pull off any look, it's clearly Lady Gaga. So how does she make her makeup last?

See more: Foods That Fight Belly Bloat

Spray your makeup sponge with a finishing spray before you apply foundation, then spritz your face after you apply .

See more: Yoga Moves for Flat Abs

Wait, I know that sounds insanely simple, but I'm not kidding, my makeup now goes on smoother and lasts longer. I did my makeup before work at 7:30 AM the other day and it still looked awesome

Read More »from Lady Gaga's Makeup Secret