Blog Posts by Beyond the Beauty Pages, SELF Magazine

Last week I stopped by Dr. Svetlana Kogan's office for a Visia Complexion Analysis. After resting my head in a machine and sitting still while lights flashed, Dr. Kogan printed a sheet of paper with a series of photos that show exactly what is up below the surface of my skin.


Each picture represents something different: everything from acne to texture to blood flow. I wasn't surprised by acne (remember our skin bootcamp article?) or even the amount of pores, but was completely freaked out by the amount of UV spots that popped up. Check it out - all the dark spots are UV damage!

See our tips: 8 amazing antiaging breakthroughs!

Anyone who knows me, knows I'm an SPF addict. I slather it before a day outdoors, my commute to work - even a quick trip to the grocery store! Needless to say I was shocked by the amount of spots. Dr. Kogan assured me that it is much less than other people my age but I'm officially on a mission to find the perect broad-spectrum eye cream and lip balm - theRead More »from Visia: A look at what's going on under skin's surface

Want to turn back the clock naturally? Follow these simple steps and you'll see a fresh, energized face in minutes--no needle required!

Reclaim Radiant Skin

1. Do a double take

You multitask all the time--so why shouldn't your makeup? "Products don't have to simply enhance features or hide imperfections," says Matin, a makeup artist in NYC. "They should treat what you're trying to conceal, too." Look for formulas that contain skin-care-worthy ingredients such as firming peptides, antioxidants and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Try: Jemma Kidd Pro: Skin Rescue Bio-Complex Veil SPF 15 in Nude

2. Enhance cheekbones

Collagen (aka skin's support structure) declines over time, causing skin to sag and therefore making cheeks look hollow. To reclaim youthful roundness, apply a shimmer cream on the outer edge of cheekbones, then sweep it up and out toward your hairline. "The iridescence attracts light, which will bounce off skin to create the illusion that cheekbones are full and lifted,"

Read More »from 5 Ways To Look Five Years Younger

When Sara Austin, our Features Director brought this over to me I laughed:

But, it's for bunions - which I have - so I tried it:

It's made by Alpha Orthotics it won A Medical Design Excellence Award this past June. I'm hopeful it may help because surgery is not an option for me - I'll admit it I don't like elective pain. If you are one of the more than half of American women (as reported by Alpha Orthotics) considering corrective foot surgery wait until AFTER you read the October issue (this is a teaser and it's worth the wait). Did you know each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles and ligaments - there is a lot of room for error - during the surgery and post surgery. For every mile we walk we exert some 100,000 pounds of pressure on our feet. The other nugget of info that SELF recently taught me (I'm lucky because my job is a constant education) Kenneth Cole has a new line of shoes called 925 Technology, we feature a shoe from the line in September's

Read More »from A fix for those embarrassing bunions without surgery!

Essie Nail Polish in Bright Tights, $8 (available in September)

"Nail polish this bright gets a lot of attention--the entire time I had painted tips, I couldn't get through a conversation without someone saying, "Whoa, your nails!" Still, I loved having pumpkin-y claws! The neon color lifted my spirits every time I caught a glance and surprisingly, the shade went with almost everything I wore. (Well, when it clashed, it clashed in a good way.) I felt hip, happy and confident--who knew you could get so much from a bottle of Essie nail polish? This hue isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're into juicy citrus colors, definitely try a splash of orange on your nails!"

Buy or Bag? Buy!

--Andrea Bartz

Related: Richen up your hair color!

MORE FROM SELF:

• Healthy Beauty Awards: 86 top buys for skin, hair and makeup!
• Age-defying makeup: Quick tips for radiant skin, bright eyes and full, rosy lips.
• 11 ways to change your weight fate
• Meltproof your

Read More »from We Tried It: Essie's Day-glo Nail Polish

Just cause they're called MED spas doesn't mean that an M.D. is behind the door. While their premise entices: medical makeovers in the serene environs of a day spa, the reality isn't always so pleasant. Watch out for these warning signs.

1. Be wary of white lab coats. Anything more complex than a facial (i.e., injections of any kind, lasers, etc.) should be done by an M.D., a physician's assistant or a nurse-practitioner with proof of training in the specific procedures you're there for. Remember, looking like a doc is not the same as actually being one.

Check out these 8 amazing antiaging breakthroughs!

2. Avoid a burn notice. The riskiest treatment? Anything that involves a laser (aka extreme heat aimed directly at your skin) such as skin resurfacers and hair removal techs. The disastrous aftermath of a botched laser procedure can include facial discoloration in odd shapes (think checkered or zebra-like patterns) which mimic the shape of the laser imprint or even

Read More »from 5 Ways To Stay Safe At The Med Spa

Hi fellow beauty lovers! I'm Jessica, a summer editorial intern here at SELF, and this week I have ventured over to the beauty department - which is risky business for a product junkie (like me)! Recently I have stumbled into a whole new world of all-natural, do it yourself beauty. Not surprisingly, a lot of the new products I found in the beauty closet are organic. Keeping up with the eco-beauty trend on a college budget only requires a trip to the grocery store! Check out all the items I found at Whole Foods that keep my skin glowing and my hair soft this summer. Plus, the recipe for my favorite Coffee Cocoa Scrub!

Coffee Cocoa Scrub

• 1/2 cup used coffee grounds
• 1/2 cup coarse brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

MORE FROM SELF:

• Healthy Beauty Awards: 86 top buys for skin, hair and makeup!
• Age-defying makeup: Beat the clock with these quick tips for

Read More »from Must-have body scrub straight from the grocery store!

Lately, I feel like my hair has been looking pretty lackluster, dull and dehydrated. (I blame the sun and my much-blonder-than-usual highlights.) So, I've been on a constant quest to get (or at least fake!) shiny, healthy hair. Here are my three new fave products:

Victoria's Secret So Sexy Brilliant Shine Mist, $23
I'm totally not surprised that this product won a beauty award this year. It's a fine, aerosol mist that is ultra lightweight, so you don't have to worry about your roots getting greasy. Its silicone-enriched formula adds the perfect sheen to dull strands, and you can even spray it on damp hair, too.

See our tips: How Hollywood stars get that gorgeous glow!

Fekkai Glossing Sheer Shine Mist, $23
Many of my fellow beauty editor friends have been bragging about this product for years, but I recently tried it for the first time. I have to say: If you want super-shiny hair, this product will be your new go-to find. It's packed with pure olive oil so it gives hair a nice,

Read More »from 3 products that give you shiny, healthy hair!

Freida at the Golden Globes: Picture courtesy of MontroseWhen I interviewed celebrity makeup artist Jeffrey Paul about getting Freida Pinto's stunning makeup, I was blown away by the small a role makeup actually played! Jeffrey tells us how he gets Pinto's complexion to glow after the jump.

"I like to give Freida a hydrating facial while my assistant does reflexology of her legs. I'll massage Kate Somerville Quench and Kate Somerville Goat Milk into Freida's skin. The key to her sun kissed dewy look is to get it really moisturized. The makeup will set better and last longer too!"

"I mix Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Foundation in SX08 with a little moisturizer (most recently, Juara Sweet Black Tea & Rice Facial Moisturizer) and pat it around Frieda's eyes, nose and mouth."

"Light translucent layers are key. Mineral powders like DiorSkin Mineral Powder, has a good color pigment that gives a really light cover while still making skin look radiant."

See our tips: How Hollywood stars get that gorgeous glow!

So how can you get Frieda's

Read More »from The Secret to Freida Pinto's Fabulous Skin