Bombarded by images of gorgeous celebrities and flawless models, it's no wonder that women perceive themselves as less beautiful then the people around them do. Dr. Debra Luftman, a Beverly Hills dermatologist, and Dr. Eva Ritvo, a South Beach psychiatrist - friends since medical school - joined their expertise to take a unique look at beauty of the body and mind, creating this inspirational guide to getting gorgeous, inside and out.

They wrote the book after they were on vacation in Jamaica and discussing their clients. Many of their patients were seeing them for the same reason - self-esteem and beauty issues. They both believe that beauty starts with the brain - for both inner and outer beauty.

Tips from Eva and Debra:

• Start by learning that you are 20% cuter than you think you are - because you are what you think. Take a more positive outlook, and that will activate your brain so you feel that what you have is more than good enough.


• "Faith-lift" - holistic solution to the face-lift. Just do small changes inside and out - eat a salad for lunch, take a walk once a day. Make little changes that add up to bigger ones.


• Broaden your vision of beauty - your vision of what is beautiful and living in a more beautiful fashion.


• Beauty Buddies - Great studies that have looked at having a good friend is good for your health. Women with a good social net have more oxytocen - a bonding hormone. Societies with long-lasting social circles live longer. So a good friend can make you feel more beautiful.


• Lighting is important as well. If the places you look in the mirror are lit badly, you'll feel badly. Change your lighting, get a beauty boost!


• Define beauty in a more broad way - it's in our relationships, and in the things we do for others and ourselves. Give up the senseless concept of 'perfect' beauty that no one can live up to.

Skin Care Suggestions:
Use an exfoliator, but with no scrubbers or abrasion such as glycolic acid. Some exfoliators are like sandpaper on your face - too harsh. SPF is vital in a moisturizer, especially for dry skin. Therapeutic moisturizer at night is wise with an ingredient such as retinol - it can help with acne and anti-aging.