Celebrating Soviet Architecture | USSR (Архитектура СССР)

In his new book, Cosmic Communist Constructions Photographed (Taschen, $60), lensman Frédéric Chaubin explores an often-overlooked period of Soviet architecture: 1970 to 1990. Over seven years Chaubin—editor in chief of the French magazine Citizen K—traveled the hinterlands and metropolitan centers of the 15 former Soviet republics to capture 90 jaw-droppingly odd, innovative, and beautiful buildings from the latter days of the Communist regime. Click through our slide show to see highlights from the book.

The Georgian Ministry of Highways in Tbilisi, Georgia, a 1974 structure designed by George Chakhava, Zurab Dzhalaganiya, Temur Tkhilava, and V. Klinberg.

Vladimir Somov’s Fyodor Dostoyevsky Theater of Dramatic Art, built in 1987 in Novgorod, Russia.

The Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow, designed by Yuri Platonov (1988)

The Poplakov Café (1976), built atop the Dnieper river in the Ukraine.

A circa-1985 winter-sports resort in Dombai, Kabardino-Balkaria

The summer residence of the president of Armenia on Lake Sevan, built in 1976.

The Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia, designed in 1968 by architects Artur Tarkhanyan and Sashur Kalashyan.

The Palace of Ceremonies (1985) in Tbilisi, Georgia, by R. Dzorbenadze and Vazha Orbeladze.

A 1985 crematorium by Avraham Miletski in Kiev, Ukraine.

The Monument to the Battle of Bash-Aparan (1979) in Armenia, designed by Rafael Israelyan.

The Lenin Museum (1970) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, designed by Yevgeny Rozanov and Vladamir Shestopalov.

The Chisinau circus (1981) in Moldova, by Semyon Shoikhet and A. Kirichenko.

The Institute of Robotics and Technical Cybernetics (1987) in St. Petersburg, by S. Savin and B. Artiushin.

A 1983 Holocaust memorial by Alfonsas Ambraziunas at the Ninth Fort at Kaunas in Lithuania.

The mosaic children’s pool at a resort in Adler, Russia, designed by Zurab Tsereteli in 1973.

Eva Longoria: Her Allure Photo Shoot

At the shoot, Longoria, wearing Juicy sweats, grabbed an organic burrito and chatted quietly with hairstylist Serge Normant and makeup artist Stephane Marais while flipping through a textbook. (The actress is getting her master's degree in Chicano studies.)

After someone on the set recognized the Mediterranean-style house in Pacific Palisades, California, from an episode of The Millionaire Matchmaker, the conversation turned to reality television. Longoria, a fan of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, said, "Kyle's my favorite housewife."

"We wanted to give Eva that Italian-movie-star bedroom hair," says hairstylist Serge Normant. He misted her damp hair with a volumizer, then blow-dried it. He set the hair in large pin curls, then brushed them out for maximum bounce.

"I wanted to make her look incredibly sexy, like Sophia Loren," said makeup artist Stephane Marais, who focused on her eyes. After filling in Longoria's brows and creating a strong arch, Marais blended a shimmery bronze shadow all over her lids. He combed on a lot of mascara and glued on individual false lashes. "She's a lashes freak—the more I added, the happier she was," he says. Next, he contoured Longoria's cheeks with bronzer and applied an apricot blush before swiping on creamy beige lipstick to finish the look.

With her "Eva's Dance '80s" playlist on her iPod, Longoria provided the day's soundtrack: George Michael, Blondie, and "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)," which she sang along to as she posed.

Longoria has had to adjust to a very different routine since splitting from San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker late last year. "I'm used to always being on a plane and flying to a basketball game," Longoria says. "It's been—every time I talk about it, I want to cry. It's been hard. Very hard. I'm just trying to get through it as gracefully as possible without any drama."

Though the star has been coping well without one man as of late, it is clear that she can't live without women, including her Desperate Housewives co-stars. "Two actors who I lean on heavily for life advice are Marcia Cross and Felicity [Huffman]. We're like sisters," Longoria says. "You know, some people collect plates and stamps and coins. I collect amazing, smart, interesting women."

Currently, Longoria is living in a house with two of her closest friends. "We always say that my house is the female Entourage," says the star. When Longoria is away, her housemates take care of the place, and lately, when she's there, they have been taking care of her. "When you go through something as devastating as a divorce, you just want to be surrounded by people who care for you," she says. "I don't know what I'd do without them." While she may be in recuperation mode, Longoria is certainly not wasting any time career-wise: In addition to Desperate Housewives, she recently finished filming Cristiada, a film co-starring Andy Garcia.

Among other risqué revelations, Longoria once told a magazine that she loved vibrators so much that she gave them as gifts to her girlfriends. "That was, like, seven years ago—premarriage," she says. "It's hard for me to censor myself, because I like to be honest and free and say exactly what I'm thinking or feeling. Unfortunately, so many things are taken out of context, and [now] I'm a little more cautious about what I say."

ongoria is too easygoing to be labeled type A, but in many ways she is a classic overachiever. In high school, she wasn't content just to be in the band. "If I'm going to be in the band, I'm going to be the drum major," she recalls thinking. "I love to be a part of everything, and I also like to be the best at what I do." And she has done a lot. Her résumé gives meaning to the term "well-rounded." Before she was an actress, she was a dental assistant, a headhunter, and a set extra. Now, in addition to being a spokeswoman and model (both for L'Oréal Paris and for her own fragrance, Eva by Eva), Longoria is a restaurateur and an author. This month, she is publishing Eva's Kitchen: Cooking With Love for Family & Friends (Clarkson Potter), a compilation of recipes that she describes as "a memoir of my life with food."

12 Surefire Ways to Get Younger Skin

PUT SPRING IN YOUR SKIN
Here's why you should get acquainted with elastin: The often-neglected cohort of collagen is responsible for making young skin snap back when you press it (a key quality of firmness). Unfortunately, we stop making elastin around the time we hit puberty. But there is some good news: Scientists have figured out how to make more of it: dill extract. And Olay Professional Pro-X Intensive Firming Treatment, DDF Restoring Night Serum, and the Aveeno Ageless Vitality line all contain the ingredient.

MAKE COLLAGEN
Without collagen, your skin is destined to have the same texture as an old leather bag. Fortunately, there's a way to make more of this key building block, too: retinoids. They're the rare family of ingredients that dermatologists agree—across the board—actually work. (We love DermaDoctor Poetry in Lotion and Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream.)

LOOK OUT FOR YOUR EYES
Big sunglasses definitely help shield your skin from damaging UV rays. But dermatologists also recommend wearing a retinoid around your eyes at night (such as Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Intensive Revitalizing Mask or your normal retinol cream diluted with a plain moisturizer, like Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion to prevent irritation). Then, every morning, dab on Relastin Eye Silk, "which is shown to increase elastin under the eyes," says Miami Beach dermatologist Leslie Baumann.

TAKE COVER
The sun really is your skin's worst enemy: It breaks down both collagen and elastin. So slather up with a broad-spectrum formula that contains Helioplex or Mexoryl—which offer the longest-acting protection—and has an SPF that's at least 30. (We like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55.)

FIGHT FREE RADICALS
Antioxidants are the superheroes of skin care, protecting skin from evil forces in the environment—known as free radicals—that break down elastin and collagen. Every morning, protect your skin with a product containing a cocktail of antioxidants, since "they often work best in synergy," says New York City dermatologist Howard Sobel (who recommends those with vitamins A and C and coenzyme Q10, such as Eucerin Sensitive Skin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Lotion SPF 15.

FADE YOUR DARK SPOTS
Wrinkles may get a bad rap, but it's actually discoloration that's most responsible for making skin look older, according to studies—aging it by as much as 10 to 15 years. The most effective nonprescription options: creams containing both skin lighteners and exfoliators, such as Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, Vivité Vibrance Therapy by Allergan, and SkinCeuticals Pigment Regulator. Wear them over your entire face—not just over spots—along with regular sunscreen, and you will start to see some fading in about three months.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MOISTURIZER
Here's one thing we bet you didn't know about moisturizers: They protect skin against free-radical damage. "Dehydration leads to oxidative stress, which generates free radicals," says Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in New York City and Coral Gables, Florida. "Without moisture, your skin isn't able to repair itself and suffers even more damage." You just have to use the right product. Cholesterol, ceramides, essential fatty acids, and niacinamide are among the best ingredients. (Try CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion or Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.)

RELAX YOUR NECK
Go ahead and sweat, pant, and even grunt during a workout. Just don't strain your neck. "I see women do this when they jog," Brandt says. "They're strengthening the muscles that eventually pull down their faces."

EAT SKINNY FOODS
New research shows that low levels of skin-essential nutrients like vitamin C and zinc may slow your skin's ability to repair itself. To keep skin happy, eat more fatty fish (such as salmon), dark green vegetables (like broccoli), almonds, and walnuts. And drink lots of green tea—it's rich in antioxidants.

DON'T SMOKE
Rather than nag you to quit, we are just going to present the facts: "Smoking destroys collagen and elastin," says Brandt, "and it decreases estrogen levels, which are necessary to keep skin firm."

TAKE A PILL
When you can't get all of that good stuff into your diet, take these power supplements:
· Coenzyme Q10. This antioxidant protects skin from free radicals and helps cells repair themselves. It may also play a role in treating skin cancer. Just be sure to take it in the morning—it can be as stimulating as coffee.
· Evening primrose oil. This omega-6 fatty acid helps skin make ceramindes to hold on to water more effectively. It even treats eczema.
· Vitamin C. Without this antioxidant, your body cannot make more collagen. And even though it's available in creams and serums, it's much better absorbed when taken orally.
· Poypodium leucotomos (found in Heliocare Dietary Supplement for the Skin). This fern extract helps protect skin from UV damage and can reduce redness after you've been out in the sun. Take it on days when you'll be spending a lot of time outside.
· Fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids strengthen skin's barrier to keep moisture in and irritants out. They also help reduce inflammation and treat conditions like eczema.

IGNORE YOUR CRAVINGS
It's not much fun to hear, but some experts believe that overindulging in sugar (and corn syrup, dextrose, and fruit-juice concentrate) can prematurely age skin, weakening collagen and elastin as early as our mid-30s.

Allure's 9 Simple Steps to Younger-Looking Eyes

COVER UP
Look for sunglasses labeled "UV 400," and choose large frames for maximum coverage. But before putting them on, load up on sunscreen: At least 30 minutes before going out each morning, apply a broad-spectrum formula with at least SPF 30. (We like Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 32 PA+++ or, for those with sensitive eyes, Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40.)

EMBRACE ANTIOXIDANTS
Every morning, apply an eye cream with antioxidants to fight free-radical damage from the sun and pollution. Some of the best ones: CoffeeBerry, green tea, and idebenone. (Try Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Treatment. or Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Booster Eye Transforming Cream.

USE RETINOL AT NIGHT
It's the one ingredient proven to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles. Look for creams or serums that come in an aluminum tube or opaque pump bottle—they keep retinol stable and strong. (We like RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream, Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Eye Cream, or Quintessence Clarifying Under-Eye Serum Capsules, which have retinol and vitamin K—studies show this combination works especially well on dark circles.)

SLEEP SMART
Tuck an extra pillow under your head—the elevation helps prevent fluid from settling under the skin around your eyes.

DON'T OVERDO IT
Resist the urge to gob on tons of eye cream at night. Too much can lead to itchy eyes the following morning—and it can actually make bags look even puffier.

TRY A SKIN TIGHTENER
Though the results obviously aren't as dramatic as an eye-lift, there are creams that make a noticeable difference. Pick one with argireline, GABA, or DMAE—the most effective ingredients. (We like Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Ultra Lift and Firm EyeCream SPF 15 with argireline.)

PRIME YOUR LINES
Fill in crow's-feet with a primer containing silicone—such as Estée Lauder Perfectionist [CP+] Targeted Deep Wrinkle Filler .

CONCEAL LIKE A PRO
Disguise dark circles using a creamy concealer—one that comes in a squeeze tube or pot. Pick a yellow-based shade if your dark circles have a blue or purple cast; go with a peachy color if you have brown circles. (Our favorites? Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Protective Undereye Concealer or Benefit Boi-ing Industrial-Strength Concealer.

9. Got Puffy Eyes?
Skip bright, dark, or shimmery eye makeup. Instead, pick a matte shadow that's slightly darker than your skin, then sweep it across your eyelids and along your lower lashes—it makes puffiness less obvious.

7 Bad-Skin Mistakes That Add Years

YOU'RE SCARED OF RETINOIDS
Though they once held a reputation as an aggressive ingredient, derms say a pea-size amount rubbed all over your face helps speed cell turnover—and today's formulations are gentle enough for sensitive skin. (If your skin is superfinicky, apply retinols every other night until your skin can better tolerate them.)

YOU DON'T PROTECT EVERY INCH
Make sure to rub two teaspoon-size blobs of SPF 30 all over your face, neck, hands, and chest—but don't forget other oft-skipped spots: "In my practice, I'm seeing an epidemic of skin cancer along the hairline, the jawline, and the ears," says dermatologist Dennis Gross.

YOU DON'T KEEP UP WITH YOUR SKIN TYPE
Skin gets drier, thinner, and more sensitive as you age, which means the perfect moisturizer right now might not always be your go-to. Dry, oily, or combination may be the descriptors on skin-care packaging, but derms recommend thinking in terms of issues (redness, zits, wrinkles) instead.

YOU TREAT ADULT ACNE LIKE A TEEN ZIT
All pimples are not created equal—teen acne is often due to puberty and excess oil, while adult acne stems from stress, hormonal shifts, and increasingly delicate skin. To treat big-girl blemishes, use a moisturizing salicylic acid cleanser with ingredients like soy, and switch your 5 or 10 percent benzoyl peroxide treatment to one that contains just 2.5 percent. "Too much benzoyl peroxide can actually dry out a zit and stop medicine from penetrating," says Jeanette Graf, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City

YOU USE PRODUCTS AT THE WRONG TIME
Get the most out of your skin-boosters by tweaking your schedule: Use antioxidants in the morning to protect your skin throughout the day, and exfoliants (like glycolic acid lotions) and collagen boosters (like retinoids) at night to shed and rebuild cells.

YOU PUT OFF ANTI-AGING TREATMENTS
Start anticipating changes so you can prevent deep lines before they start. If you spot a crinkly or crepey area of skin, start applying serums and lotions containing a mix of peptides ASAP. "Peptides give you the building blocks to make collagen," says Ranella Hirsch, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Boston University School of Medicine.

YOU FOLLOW SKIN-CARE TRENDS
There are so many new, shiny toys on the skin-care market that it's easy to get swept up in the hype—but it's best to go with what you know (or, at least, what's been clinically proven). What's tried and true? Alpha hydroxy acids, retinoids, and peptides are great for fine lines and wrinkles. Salicylic acid works for acne, green tea calms redness, and vitamin K helps with dark undereye circles.