7 Sexy Summer Trends: We Tried Them

Monday: Swipe on a bright lipcolor. To balance juicy smackers, keep the rest of your makeup minimalor simply skip it. Abbi’s take:“Ilovethis look. Just check that to keep the lipstick on hand since it’s noticeable when it starts to fade.” Tuesday: Create “Oh, wow!” Finish by combing clear mascara from inner to outer edges. Abbi’s take:“This look took a little getting used to. I ended up trying it again later with lighter shadow and liked it more....

June 19, 2010 · 2 min · 259 words · Michael James

Diagnosed With Lupus

Looking back now, it’s easy to see the signs I missed. But the discomfort always subsided, and my doctors were never alarmed. And best of all, I’d just found out I was pregnant. She sent me to a nephrologist to check on my kidneys to be safe. When he called me at work, I was blindsided by what I heard. “Brynn, your tests are coming back positive for lupus,” the doctor told me....

June 19, 2010 · 6 min · 1140 words · Sarah Rivera

Fine-Tune Your Form

While you hang there, gravity efficiently aligns your head, torso and pelvis. Keep that chin up: Direct your eyes forward rather than looking down at the ground. Instead, keep your shoulders relaxed and swing your arms up to your chest and down to your hip. COPYRIGHT ©2010 THE CONDÉ NAST PUBLICATIONS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All momentum should propel you forward. Heel strikers jam themselves into the ground, risking lower-back problems....

June 19, 2010 · 1 min · 139 words · Jacqueline Smith

Get Your Summer's Worth

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. If you’re hosting a barbecue… SAVEOn tableware. Your guests will never notice. SPLURGEOn quality grill tools, including tongs, a slotted turner, a basting brush and a meat fork. If you’re exercising… SAVEOn shorts and tees. SPLURGEOn double-layer socks and meshy shoes to keep feet cool minus blisters....

June 19, 2010 · 2 min · 286 words · James Mcdowell

Home Safe Home?

I was propelled forward, landed smack on top of Frankie and fractured her tibia. I emerged unscathedexcept for endless guilt over the pain I caused! Clear your way: Hang a bag on the banister for step stuff. Pick up toys that pets or kids leave lying around. Use night-lights so it’s possible for you to navigate when you’re up and about in the dark. Shoo pets away from your path, especially if you’re carrying things....

June 19, 2010 · 3 min · 550 words · Ryan Vasquez

How I learned to...

Something about the teeter-tottery out-of-controlledness of balancing on two wheels scares the bejesus out of me. When I was 29, I went to Block Island with friends. We rented bikes, and I felt paralyzing anxiety. My pediatrician bestie had to talk me down as if she were dealing with a 4-year-old facing a shot. Fast-forward to last month. I was determined not to be the scared girl ever again, so I finally called in the pros....

June 19, 2010 · 3 min · 595 words · Sheila Maxwell

The Plus-One Workout!

Use a chair for support if needed. Reverse back to start. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat. Use a chair for support. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat. Use a chair for support. Raise left arm out to side at shoulder level (as shown). Lower arm for one rep. Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat. Bend forward and place right hand on back of chair. Draw left hand to rib cage, squeezing shoulder blades together (as shown)....

June 19, 2010 · 1 min · 205 words · Jo Stevens

'Sex and the City 2' Premiere Hair!

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Channel your inner Carrie by pairing carefree waves withbright, eye-popping colors! Get the look 1.Spritz a heat protectant spray through damp hair. 3.Shake and tousle your hair with fingers, then finish with a light-hold spray. Kristin Davis You might be used to seeingever-so-chicCharlotte with polished, shoulder-length waves....

June 14, 2010 · 1 min · 192 words · Sara Hill

Amanda Seyfried's Red Carpet Glow

Newcomer Amanda Seyfried wore a short, pale yellow dress to theMean Girlsworld premiere in 2004. Seyfried has said that she did not have the money for a stylist or makeup artist at the time. Even back then, the fresh-faced actress' complexion glowed. Seyfried displayed a little more ladylike sophistication in brown at theBig Lovepremiere in 2006. Her pulled-back hair and dangling gold earrings draw more attention to her face. Chic gold bangles and slingbacks help tie her evolving style together....

June 14, 2010 · 2 min · 366 words · Julie Bell

Confessions of a Tan-aholic

But I don’t really takecareof my skin. Fifteen years ago, at 25, I was diagnosed with a melanoma on my arm. “I could have died,” I said to myself over and over. I felt fragile for weeks. I started wearing sunscreen religiously, at least at first. But the more time passed, the less I felt in danger of a recurrence. Summer by summer, I started thinking of my mole checks as a replacement for SPF....

June 14, 2010 · 3 min · 523 words · Trevor James

Mixed and Matched

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. A statement necklace takes the simple outfit to the next level. Bag,Kate Spade.Necklace,Euforia. Sandal, Gianni Bini,Dillards.com. Pack a fun cardigan for those chilly beach nights. Sandal,Matt Bernson. Add a punch of color with a bold bag. Dress,Lauren Jeans Co. by Ralph Lauren. Blazer,Brooks Brothers....

June 14, 2010 · 1 min · 167 words · Randy Kirk

Try a Trend a Day

Monday: Swipe on a bright lipcolor. To balance juicy smackers, keep the rest of your makeup minimalor simply skip it. Abbi’s take:“Ilovethis look. Just ensure to keep the lipstick on hand since it’s noticeable when it starts to fade.” Tuesday: Create “Oh, wow!” Finish by combing clear mascara from inner to outer edges. Abbi’s take:“This look took a little getting used to. I ended up trying it again later with lighter shadow and liked it more....

June 14, 2010 · 2 min · 258 words · Bethany Williams

Why Breaking Out of My 20-Year Hair Routine Made Me a Happier Person

When I was a kid, my family called me The Girl Under the Bed. Schoolmate’s birthday party? Trip to the beach? Change felt threatening, ominous and awkward. My under-the-bed routine, on the other hand, made me feel safe. My hair is golden red (once naturally, now chemically), extremely curly and very short. It requires a precise cut and curly-hair know-how. In the wrong hands, it can go from tumbly tendrils to electrocuted Chia Pet....

June 14, 2010 · 3 min · 459 words · Billy Hines