Blog Posts by Allure Magazine

Allure magazine

To really make that booty pop, you'll have to mix up your exercise routine. "The biggest mistake people make is not working this complex muscle group from enough angles," says Gunnar Peterson, who trains Minka Kelly and Sofia Vergara.

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Power Squats. "Squats are essential to building an amazing butt," says David Barton, who has gyms in New York City, Miami, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower yourself to the ground as though sinking into an invisible chair. Once your thighs are parallel with the floor, squeeze your glutes together until you are upright again. Repeat 12 to 20 times.

The Cycle Climb. On your Spinning bike, get the most out of a standing climb by keeping your hands at the ends of the handlebars and your hips pulled all the way back above the saddle, says Stacey Griffith, an instructor at SoulCycle in New York City. "To really get the resistance, try not to move

Rory Evans, Allure magazine

You may not think to look inside your belly button for a mole or suspicious lesion. But it might be a worthwhile peek. San Antonio dermatologist Vivian Bucay discovered a melanoma on her own stomach. Now cancer-free after 17 months of treatment, the doctor suggests regular checks of these often-overlooked areas:

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1. Scalp: "I can't tell you how many squamous-or basal-cell cancers and melanomas I've seen on the scalp," Bucay says. Not just along your part, either: She recommends asking your hairstylist to check every time you get a cut.

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2. Genital area: Since melanoma cells spread via the bloodstream, they really can occur nearly anywhere in the body, Bucay says-even where the sun don't shine. During your pelvic exam, ask your gynecologist if she notices any lesions.

3. Under toenails and fingernails: Unusual stripes or dark spots under the

Be honest with yourself: Eating vegetables alone won't cut it.Courtney Balestier, Allure magazine

An Interview With Stephen Gullo

A weight-loss specialist based in New York City, Gullo is the author of The Thin Commandments (Rodale).

Diets are associated with deprivation, but when you start with a negative attitude, you get negative results. To successfully lose weight, you need to be in the right frame of mind before you've counted a single calorie.

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1. Focus on the broader goals. Before starting a diet, most people have a specific dress size in mind as a goal. And while that can be motivating, you increase your odds of success by seeing the bigger picture, too. Say to yourself, "This diet will help me look and feel better." You're going on a diet because your old habits weren't working for your life. Knowing you're making an effort to fix that is empowering.

2. Be brutally honest. People gain the same weight with the same foods eaten at the same time of day. If you acknowledge that

Lean in for greater impact.Emily L. Foley, Allure magazine

An Interview With LisaMarie Luccioni

Luccioni is a professor of communication at the University of Cincinnati and blogs about etiquette and image for Psychology Today.

Sincere compliments-and the ones that are remembered for years-not only make the recipient feel better, but can also strengthen relationships.

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Be specific. General compliments have less impact than specific ones, because the recipient feels as though the words could apply to anyone. Avoid ambiguity by using descriptive words or details. For example, instead of telling a coworker she did a good job on a project, highlight exactly what impressed you, whether it was her exhaustive research or her sheer creativity.

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Make it personal. Compliments feel more intimate when you start with "I": "I couldn't help but notice how natural you are at public speaking." Take it even further by

CN Digital StudioEmily Hsieh, Allure magazine

An Interview With Rebecca Apsan

Apsan is the owner of the New York City lingerie shop La Petite Coquette.

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Most women wear cups that are too small and bands that are too big. That combination ruins your silhouette and can make the finest clothes look ill-fitting. Recently, I saw a woman whose bra band was practically at the top of her shoulder blades. Her breasts were really low and spilling over the cups. She said she was a 36D, but she was actually a 32F-and when she left, guess what? Her body looked about two sizes smaller. With the right fit, your nipples should sit halfway between your elbow and your shoulder. This can often be achieved by adjusting the straps. If your breasts still aren't lining up, it's time to get resized. You should be fitted every other year or when you've lost or gained ten pounds. Just remember that you could be a B in one brand and a C in another.

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Theresa O'Rourke, Allure magazine

Melinda Minton is the executive director of the Spa Association, which represents day spas, resorts, and medical spas across North America.

Knowing your way around a spa's menu will help you get a massage that's tailored to your needs.

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Start with the right pro. Book your appointment with someone who has the most training. She'll be better able to adapt her moves-for instance, doing ten minutes of craniosacral work to treat your headaches.

Know the basics. Swedish (light to medium strokes) is best for relaxation. Deep-tissue involves intense kneading using the fists, forearms, and elbows, and treats pain, such as neck stiffness. Sports massage works large muscle groups and is beneficial for even weekend runners. Your therapist can blend approaches.

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Trick it out. Aromatherapy can make any massage feel more relaxing. Hot-stone therapy is especially therapeutic for those

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The 6 Most Flattering Haircuts for Round Faces
The 12 Best Eye Creams
10 New Sexy (and Speedy) Makeup Looks
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