Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 26 mars 2017
2017 Is Already Looking Much Better Thanks to These New Celebrity Couples
Last year was a disastrous year for love in Hollywood, but luckily, 2017 is already looking a lot better thanks to a select number of celebrity couples who have decided to give love a shot. Selena Gomez and The Weeknd have not been shy about flaunting their newfound romance all over the globe, while Lady Gaga and her man have been keeping a low profile. Shay Mitchell and Amy Poehler, on the other hand, both have yet to publicly step out with their new boyfriends, but we're holding out hope that they do so soon.
Four Active Family Weekends to Explore
Whether your family is a set of gold-medal athletes or more of a books-and-movies crew, it is always fun to bond during an active family weekend. All it takes is a little planning (really, very little) and positive energy to get everyone outside and moving. You can stay close to home or venture further afield with these fun ideas. Do four in a row or spread these out to make the fun last. The most important thing? Commit to it, because you have to get your start somewhere.
The Scavenger Hunt Weekend
In a nearby park (or your own backyard), hide small trinkets in trees, under rocks, and near flowerpots. Write a set of clues for kids to follow and oversee a detective day where they hunt for prizes! Kids of all ages enjoy this one - and older siblings can help little ones interpret clues. The big treasure trove might be a set of Under Armour family activewear from Kohl's for next week's activity. A mix of Boys Eliminator Shorts, Girls Dazzle Tanks, and Micro G Motion shoes fits the bill.
The Biking Picnic Weekend
Choose a scenic destination not too far from home and pile onto family bikes (putting little ones in trailers or kid seats) for a ride. Someone's wheels can hold a basket of goodies for lunch because your destination is a picnic with a view. By the water, in the park, on a grassy hill in the center of town . . . any pretty spot will do. Bonus points for choosing a ride that cruises by a sweet shop on the way home - ice cream for everyone!
The Relay Race Weekend
Every good family sitcom has a relay race episode, and that's because they are fun and hilarious. In your local park or your backyard, bring plastic cones and flags, set up obstacle courses, and try three-legged races and potato-sack runs (trash bags work too . . . does anyone still have potato sacks lying around?). Laughter is guaranteed!
The Bear Crawl Challenge Weekend
Kids and adults will get in a fun workout doing the Bear Crawl and from laughing as everyone attempts this fun move. Be sure to snap a pic! Then it's time relax and stay in for a snuggle-on-the-couch family movie night. You've earned it!
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This Incredible Portrait Series of Acid Attack Survivors Proves Bravery Is Beautiful
The next time you walk down a busy city street enjoying the sunshine, consider how, for many women in India, this pretty scene could turn violent in seconds.
According to the BBC, more than a thousand women annually are brutally attacked with nitric or sulfuric acid, leaving many blinded, unable to use their hands, and horrifically scarred. In turn, they are often ostracized and can't find work. Additionally, in communities of women that rely on financial support from their husbands, those attacked by acid rarely get married, leaving them in extreme poverty.
In recent years, campaigns like Stop Acid Attacks have been spotlighting these unbelievable crimes in order to rally support for survivors. (You may remember this heartbreaking makeup tutorial created by one survivor.) Now, Delhi-based photographer Niraj Gera is celebrating their bravery - and slamming discrimination against them - in a breathtaking, deeply emotional portrait series, "Sacred Transformations."
Gera, who has surprisingly only been taking professional photos since 2010, specializes in street photography. But when he met directors and members of the Chhanv Foundation, an organization that creates a safe space for acid attack survivors in 2014, he was seriously moved to help them.
"I wondered how could one be so heartless to be inflicting such inhumane trauma (both physical and mental) on anyone," Gera told POPSUGAR via email. "I had to use my skills as a photographer to bring them out in the mainstream. They needed to be taken seriously, and accepted in the society with the much-required sensitivity."
He added, "sensitivity paves the way for tolerance and mutual respect. It also generates courage to speak up for any wrong in society." In hopes of getting his art's viewers to connect with them, he decided to showcase the emotional journey of the survivors.
At first, it wasn't easy to convince these women to pose for the camera. But Gera worked carefully to create a comfortable environment, and the shoots resulted in some emotional moments. "There were times they laughed and danced around with all their energy, whereas there were also days when they could not hold themselves and cried," he shared. "Overall it was a beautiful journey and all of us lived every moment to the fullest." Throughout the project, he found that he was deeply inspired by their bravery and courage. (Once you see these images, you will be too.)
Like all high-quality art, Gera's series makes the viewer think hard about the topic. He wants viewers of "Sacred Transformations" to understand that the survivors are no different from who they are, and that they deserve equal opportunities in life - career stability, a close-knit family, and marriage prospects all come to mind. "Victimizing them because of the consequences of somebody else's crime only adds to the injustice which has happened to them," he said.
He's also hopeful that by seeing the results of these violent crimes, people will take a stand against them and refuse to normalize discrimination. "Let's not stand still and ignore such injustices," he declared. "Instead, rise up and take a step (no matter how big or small) towards bringing change."
Read on to see 15 of the empowering images from the 42-part series, which are designed to be viewed in the following order ("from darkness to light . . . from misery to empowerment . . . from negativity to positivity," as Gera said). They are captioned in Gera's own words. Then, learn how you can help acid attack survivors here.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes With Household Ingredients
We all know that it's bad for us to use dirty makeup brushes on our skin - come on, you wash your face twice a day, but how often do you actually give your tools the same kind of love? If you've been skipping because you're worried about hurting your brushes, we've got an easy DIY way to clean them all up safely. And don't forget to find the makeup brush that's right for you too!
Ingredients:
Olive oil
Antibacterial soap
Steps:
Step 1: Mix two parts antibacterial dish soap to one part of the extra-virgin olive oil on a clean plate (don't use paper plate, as the oil will seep through).
Step 2: Grab your first brush and wet it slightly with lukewarm water. Make sure the brush stays bristle-side down throughout the entire process. If water gets into the ferrule (the middle tube part that holds everything together) of the brush, it can loosen the glue, causing the bristles to fall out.
Step 3: Dip the damp brush into the soap mixture and coat it thoroughly. Next, work the mixture into the bristles using the palm of your hand and fingers. Continue until the soapy residue is makeup free.
Step 4: Rinse the brushes under lukewarm water until no soap runs from the bristles.
Step 5: Roll a dish towel like you would a yoga mat, and drape a paper towel over it so that most of the paper towel hangs off. (The paper towel should look like a slide coming down from the dish towel). Next, arrange the brush so the top of the handle sits on top of the towel, pitching the rest of the brush down onto the paper towel. This will allow your brushes to dry on a slant, while keeping moisture away from the ferrule.
Repeat with remaining brushes. Some make take two washings to get completely clean, depending on the amount of residue left behind. Allow them to dry overnight, and repeat about once a month.
This 1 Hack Will Ensure You Always Find the Right Foundation at the Drugstore
For over a decade, I've had the honor of working as a makeup artist to some of today's leading supermodels, fashion houses, and entertainers. And throughout this time, I've definitely been put to the test to determine which foundations are best for my clients' skin type. Luckily, the methods that I've developed can also translate to choosing the right complexion product for your skin type - even when you're shopping at the drugstore!
Mass brands have made a huge splash this past year with some of the latest innovations in foundation formulations. They have really become comparable to high-end department store types - and for a fraction of the cost! From Neutrogena's skincare-infused options to L'Oréal's expansive shade range, drugstore foundations are, well, covering all bases.
There are various factors to consider when shopping for the right foundation, especially when you can't exactly try them on in-store. Perhaps you're used to working with a Sephora Pro for guidance, or maybe you shop for beauty in department stores, where testers are available. When you're on your own at a pharmacy (without those handy options), it's easy to end up accidentally choosing the wrong shade. You may select a shade that matches your hand or your arm or just the wrong color altogether, resulting in mask-face (you know, when your face is a completely different color than your neck). So let's get down to business; where do you start?
A Very Smitten Jake Gyllenhaal Reveals How His Bromance With Ryan Reynolds Began
Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds's new sci-fi thriller, Life, has already provided us with quite a few alien-themed nightmares (thanks, guys), but there's something else their movie has given us: a budding bromance between the two hilarious costars. While sitting down with Jimmy Fallon on Monday night, Jake - who once dated Taylor Swift but please don't ask him about it - discussed his friendship with the Deadpool actor. "When we would cut, we just couldn't stop laughing and joking," he recalled about their time on set together. "We wasted so much money! The producers brought us in the corner and were like, 'You guys need to cut it out. We're wasting so much money.'" Please cast the two of them in a buddy comedy, Hollywood executives. Please.
You'll React Just Like These '90s Babies When You Hear the Real Meaning Behind "La Macarena"
Just like you probably sang Beyoncé's "Drunk in Love" loud and proud before you realized what the lyrics really meant (not that you have stopped now), you might be shocked to learn the story behind '90s hit "La Macarena" - the people in this video by Distractify, who grew up listening to the song, certainly were.
We all knew the dance and we all hummed and bopped to the song even if we had no idea what the Spanish group Los del Rio were actually saying, but it's the parts in English that reveal what was really happening in the song. It turns out the girl in the tune was cheating on her boyfriend with not one but two of his friends while he was away; yes, seriously! Watch the explanation of the lyrics above and the hilarious reactions that it causes among a few "La Macarena"-lovers, then check out another video that will bring on all the '90s feels.
This post was originally published on Sept. 3, 2015.
24 Times Jason Momoa Made Other People Look Like Tiny Little Ants
We don't know about you, but we sometimes repeat the three things we always know to be true just to give our lives some consistency: Jason Momoa is sexy; Jason Momoa is adorable; Jason Momoa is f*cking huge. Not only is the actor, who has been married to wife Lisa Bonet since 2007, extremely tall (6'4"), but he also has huge muscles. Whether he's out on a red carpet or goofing around with his pals on Instagram, he's always at least a full head above everyone else. Don't believe us? Keep reading to see all the times he turned other people into pocket puppies.
24 Times Jason Momoa Made Other People Look Like Tiny Little Ants
We don't know about you, but we sometimes repeat the three things we always know to be true just to give our lives some consistency: Jason Momoa is sexy; Jason Momoa is adorable; Jason Momoa is f*cking huge. Not only is the actor, who has been married to wife Lisa Bonet since 2007, extremely tall (6'4"), but he also has huge muscles. Whether he's out on a red carpet or goofing around with his pals on Instagram, he's always at least a full head above everyone else. Don't believe us? Keep reading to see all the times he turned other people into pocket puppies.
20 Delicious New Mom Noms That Boost Lactation
If you're a new mom who's breastfeeding, there are a few ingredients - such as brewer's yeast and milled flaxseed - that are believed to actually boost your milk supply*, and the best news is that these ingredients can be thrown into delicious cookies and smoothie recipes just for mama.
Read through for 20 lactation recipes that are so good, you'll want to make them long after your breastfeeding days are done.
*These recipes are not meant to replace medical advice - if you're having trouble producing milk, or with breastfeeding in general, consult your physician.
The Best New Whole Foods Snacks of the Year, So Far
Keeping up with the best new snacks of the year is no easy feat, but we're always up for a challenge involving snacking. Once you throw Whole Foods into the mix, we're talking about a seriously tasty list of products to check off your grocery list. We're making our way through every new Whole Foods 365 - the budget-friendly store brand - snack the company releases in 2017 and bringing you only the best so that you know what to pick up as you're browsing the aisles of the store the next time you shop. Spoiler alert: plenty of new chips are in your future!
Archie and Jughead Have Nothing on KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse's Bromance
We've been obsessed with Riverdale ever since it premiered in January, but we've also been obsessed with the incredible cast. It's been easy to develop hard-core crushes on KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse, but it's their bromance that really has us head over heels. The two are constantly showing off their quirky relationship by taking photos together on and off set, and they even took a road trip after they wrapped up filming for season one. Let's be honest, their characters Archie and Jughead have nothing on their real-life friendship.
11 Ridiculous Sayings Latina Grandmas Love to Repeat Over and Over Again
Sometimes Grandma's strange sayings are so ridiculous they leave you laughing. Some other times, they ring so true you nod and say "of course." And others, you are just left rolling your eyes. But no matter your reaction at the moment, her favorite advice phrases have all stuck with you. You might even find yourself quoting Abuela's taglines and imparting her wisdom to friends every once in a while. If that's the case, keep reading to add a few more phrases to your repertoire. Otherwise, enjoy the walk down memory lane.
Archie and Jughead Have Nothing on KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse's Bromance
We've been obsessed with Riverdale ever since it premiered in January, but we've also been obsessed with the incredible cast. It's been easy to develop hard-core crushes on KJ Apa and Cole Sprouse, but it's their bromance that really has us head over heels. The two are constantly showing off their quirky relationship by taking photos together on and off set, and they even took a road trip after they wrapped up filming for season one. Let's be honest, their characters Archie and Jughead have nothing on their real-life friendship.
samedi 25 mars 2017
These Were the Top 5 Plastic Surgery Procedures of 2016 - Are You Surprised?
With the influx of Instagram filters and face-smoothing applications, it should come as no surprise that with all that pressure across social media, there were a LOT of plastic surgery procedures performed in 2016. According to data released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there were almost 1.8 million cosmetic surgeries performed last year, with a heavy focus on fillers and facelifts. There's also a growing trend of fat transfers for patients.
The top five most popular cosmetic surgical procedures included:
- Breast augmentation (290,467 procedures, up 4 percent from 2015)
- Liposuction (235,237 procedures, up 6 percent from 2015)
- Nose reshaping (223,018 procedures, up 2 percent from 2015)
- Eyelid surgery (209,020 procedures, up 2 percent from 2015)
- Facelifts (131,106 procedures, up 4 percent from 2015)
The report shows there were also 15.5 million cosmetic minimally invasive procedures in 2016, with the top five including:
- Botulinum Toxin Type A (i.e. Botox and Dysport) (7 million procedures, up 4 percent from 2015)
- Soft tissue fillers (2.6 million procedures, up 2 percent from 2015)
- Chemical peel (1.36 million procedures, up 4 percent since 2015)
- Laser hair removal (1.1 million procedures, down 1 percent from 2015)
- Microdermabrasion (775,000 procedures, down 3 percent from 2015)
In addition to the increase in fat transfer procedures, labiaplasty surgery has increased by 39 percent since the year before. Yup - that's when the surgeon "rejuvenates the labia by lifting and/or injecting fat or filler into the area."
Dr. Debra Johnson, President of the ASPS, explained that the areas of surgery have changed a lot over the years, including down under.
"As cosmetic procedures become more common we are seeing more diversity in the areas of the body that patients are choosing to address," she said. "A decade ago plastic surgeons might have seen a patient every seven to 10 years when they needed a major procedure like a facelift or tummy tuck. Now patients have ongoing relationships with their plastic surgeons and feel more comfortable discussing all areas of their body that they may be interested in rejuvenating."
Check out the full report here.
Your Lips Will Be in Full-On Fairy Mode With Lime Crime’s New Top Coats
A spectrum of holographic "unicorn" and metallic lipstick top coats have surfaced into the beauty world, and we must admit that we aren't mad about the trend at all. Not only is rocking these rainbow-like products just a way to solidify your status as a mythical creature, but it's an equally fun way to give any basic lip color new life.
Lime Crime, a brand known for its incredibly vibrant lip hues, has tapped into the recent trend with the release of its Diamond Crushers collection ($19 each). Now, the brand is extending the range with three new colors that will make your lips bling: Black Unicorn, a shimmering oil-slick hue; Cleopatra, a blush-toned rose gold; and Acid Fairy, an iridescent shade with flecks of lavender and mint. The brand is also launching a Black Unicorn bundle ($40) with all three colors so you don't have to worry about picking favorites.
Unlike other recent top coat launches, Lime Crime's Diamond Crushers are not to be confused with gloss. Instead, the water-based formula functions as a topper that can be worn alone or over your favorite lipstick. Each shade promises superlong wear without drying out your pout. They are also nontransferable so you won't have to worry about your fairy dust lipstick smudging on your clothes.
The exact launch date for these colors is not yet confirmed, but according to the brand website, you can expect them to drop soon. You can also sign up to be notified as soon as they are available. In the meantime, read on to get a better look at the gorgeous shades up close!
Why Kate Middleton and Prince William Broke Up Before Getting Married
Image Source: Getty / Samir Hussein
If you and your significant other have a history of breaking up and making up, you're not alone: there have been a handful of celebrity couples who suffered a split before ultimately getting married, and one of them has royal ties. Yes, Kate Middleton and Prince William called off their relationship before their lavish wedding in April 2011. In 2007, four years after they began dating and four years before tying the knot, the royal couple hit a rough patch and decided to part ways. Clarence House declined to comment about the relationship's end at the time, saying, "We don't comment on Prince William's private life."
"We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters."So why did they split? In late 2006, Kate's family invited William to celebrate New Year's Eve with them. The Middletons booked a house in the snowy Scotland countryside. William had agreed to come, but later changed his mind - which did not sit well with Kate. Spending the holidays in Sandringham with the queen is a strict royal tradition, and Kate was not technically allowed to join in his family festivities unless she and William were married. After the new year, William's military commitments - he was to be stationed with the Household Cavalry at Bovington Barracks in Dorset for three months - kept the couple from seeing each other, and Kate was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the aggressive paparazzi and media attention she was getting as his girlfriend. William was also going out a lot with other guys in the barracks; he was spotted on a number of occasions drinking, dancing, and "being flirty" with women in London, which further angered Kate.
The two secretly reunited at a themed party in June 2010, which was held in William's barracks to celebrate the end of his training. It was during their vacation in Kenya that October that William presented Kate with the same 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire ring worn by his late mother, Princess Diana, and asked her to marry him. "I didn't really plan it that far in advance," William told reporters after the engagement was made public. "I just knew I wanted it to feel comfortable where I did it and I wanted it to mean something, other than just the act of getting engaged."
Image Source: Getty / George Pimentel
As we all know, in April 2011, Will and Kate went on to marry in one of the biggest and most newsworthy weddings of our generation. They welcomed their first child, Prince George, in July 2013, followed by Princess Charlotte, who was born in May 2015. In a joint interview after their engagement, William said of their split, "We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters." He went on: "It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up so it was just a bit of space, and it worked out for the better." See? There's still hope for your own fairy-tale ending.
6 Healthy Foods You May Be Eating All Wrong
We have the best intentions when we choose healthy foods to nosh on. But if you eat them the wrong way, you could be missing out on valuable nutrients or getting more calories than you bargained for. Here are six good-for-you foods commonly eaten in not-so-healthy ways.
6 Healthy Foods You May Be Eating All Wrong
We have the best intentions when we choose healthy foods to nosh on. But if you eat them the wrong way, you could be missing out on valuable nutrients or getting more calories than you bargained for. Here are six good-for-you foods commonly eaten in not-so-healthy ways.
Pick Up This, Not That: Trader Joe's New March Foods
We can always count on Trader Joe's to regularly add new and exciting products to its shelves. This month, it's featuring new items like a green Marbled Mint Crunch Chocolate Bar to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Keep reading to see what new items you must try and which ones you can pass up.
Why Kate Middleton and Prince William Broke Up Before Getting Married
Image Source: Getty / Samir Hussein
If you and your significant other have a history of breaking up and making up, you're not alone: there have been a handful of celebrity couples who suffered a split before ultimately getting married, and one of them has royal ties. Yes, Kate Middleton and Prince William called off their relationship before their lavish wedding in April 2011. In 2007, four years after they began dating and four years before tying the knot, the royal couple hit a rough patch and decided to part ways. Clarence House declined to comment about the relationship's end at the time, saying, "We don't comment on Prince William's private life."
"We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters."So why did they split? In late 2006, Kate's family invited William to celebrate New Year's Eve with them. The Middletons booked a house in the snowy Scotland countryside. William had agreed to come, but later changed his mind - which did not sit well with Kate. Spending the holidays in Sandringham with the queen is a strict royal tradition, and Kate was not technically allowed to join in his family festivities unless she and William were married. After the new year, William's military commitments - he was to be stationed with the Household Cavalry at Bovington Barracks in Dorset for three months - kept the couple from seeing each other, and Kate was growing increasingly uncomfortable with the aggressive paparazzi and media attention she was getting as his girlfriend. William was also going out a lot with other guys in the barracks; he was spotted on a number of occasions drinking, dancing, and "being flirty" with women in London, which further angered Kate.
The two secretly reunited at a themed party in June 2010, which was held in William's barracks to celebrate the end of his training. It was during their vacation in Kenya that October that William presented Kate with the same 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire ring worn by his late mother, Princess Diana, and asked her to marry him. "I didn't really plan it that far in advance," William told reporters after the engagement was made public. "I just knew I wanted it to feel comfortable where I did it and I wanted it to mean something, other than just the act of getting engaged."
Image Source: Getty / George Pimentel
As we all know, in April 2011, Will and Kate went on to marry in one of the biggest and most newsworthy weddings of our generation. They welcomed their first child, Prince George, in July 2013, followed by Princess Charlotte, who was born in May 2015. In a joint interview after their engagement, William said of their split, "We were both very young . . . we were both finding ourselves and being different characters." He went on: "It was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up so it was just a bit of space, and it worked out for the better." See? There's still hope for your own fairy-tale ending.
The Most Common Car Seat Mishaps New Parents Make
Most parents don't like to admit it, but Prince William isn't the only new parent to make a car seat mistake - nearly every new parent has gone through the experience of a car seat mishap. Whether it's improper installation of the seat itself or operator error when buckling in your child, a lot of these car seat no-nos aren't obvious until you've been set straight. So we've rounded up six of the most common car seat safety issues faced by both new parents and parents transitioning their child from one car seat to another.
Click through to make sure your child's car seat is safe.
You Have to See What Jennifer Lopez Wore to the Selena Premiere in 1997
On March 13, 1997, Jennifer Lopez and the cast of Selena made their way down the red carpet for the premiere of the movie. It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since the movie hit theaters, specially because J Lo looks exactly the same - she's aging in reverse!
But one look at the pictures and you'll see it was definitely the '90s. Jennifer was a fresh-faced actress just married to Ojani Noa, wearing a sparkly white dress, faux fur blue stole, and, wait for it, platform sandals! Yep. Scroll ahead to check out more photos of her look and cute moments with her cast and Ojani on the red carpet.
Beyoncé Can't Stop Dressing Her Baby Bump in Gucci
Lest you forgot, Beyoncé is the star who popped open her sequined Dolce & Gabbana blazer on stage at the MTV VMAs, revealing her baby bump to the world. That was 2011, and after posting a sexy lingerie snap to announce twins six years later, it's safe to say there's no maternity look Queen Bey won't try.
Since breaking the news about her second pregnancy, Beyoncé has sat courtside in a luxurious Gucci robe and twirled for the camera in a kelly green princess gown, also by Gucci. While it seems her wardrobe's stocked with pieces from the Italian fashion house, the singer puts her own spin on every outfit she debuts.
Scroll for a look at everything she's worn so far, from her sparkling Grammys dresses to her night-out ensembles complete with thigh-high boots.
Pat McGrath Launches Iridescent Products Zenon Would Love
Remember when smoky eyes were boring? You probably visited a MAC or Bobbi Brown makeup counter in middle school and were told to put a nude base on your lid, a dark brown on your crease, and smudge like crazy. While this look is universally flattering and wearable, it's likely not going to make your selfie go viral. Thanks to Pat McGrath, the 2017 version of a smoky eye is out of this world - literally - as in, galaxy-inspired.
The makeup genius is releasing two new kits (dubbed Dark Star 006) in her Pat McGrath Labs brand meant to give you either a holographic ultraviolet blue or brown smoky eye. The trend was first seen when she did the makeup for the Anna Sui Fall 2017 New York Fashion Week show, where the Ultraviolet Blue set was used.
"The Dark Star 006 kit is all about the infinite blackness of outer space," McGrath said in a press release. "A star before it goes supernova, the iridescence of a raven's wing, a kohl-rimmed punk with smoke curling from their cigarette, but also a refined rebellion."
On April 11 at 12 p.m. ET at patmcgrath.com, you can snag a sequin-filled pack ($130) containing seven products to create this iridescent, dark eye makeup look in either UltraViolet Blue or UltraSuede Brown. The offering includes either blue or brown pigment, Astral White pigment, Mercury pigment, Dark Matter pigment, Cyber Clear eye gloss, Black SmudgeLiner eye kohl, and a Blender Brush. There is also the option to buy the six essentials without the blue or brown pigment for $95.
At an event to showcase the products to editors, she told our reporter that her goal for this this kit was to help people do a "real multi-dimensional smoky eye." McGrath admitted that she's over flat Instagram eye makeup, which is why this hybrid of gels and creams will give you a more textured, layered look.
And yes, she is OK with you wearing '80s blue eye makeup during the day. "Absolutely," she enthused. "People aren't that afraid of makeup anymore."
A standout in the set is the holographic gel, which can also be used on cheeks or lips. When you layer it on the Astral White pigment with the Ultraviolet blue, the color looks like an oily sticker from the '90s. (We're referring to this thing, kids.)
Keep reading to see more images of these chic products and swatches and how gorgeous they look on the eyes! -additional reporting by Kelsey Garcia
25 Shirtless Photos of Dwayne Johnson Guaranteed to Get Your Heart Racing
It goes without saying that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is one swoon-worthy man. Not only is he funny as hell, but he's also easy on the eyes. Fortunately, his Instagram account is overflowing with sexy photos, and his latest film, Baywatch, is full of shirtless scenes. To celebrate Dwayne's immaculate physique, we're looking back at his hottest shirtless moments. Keep reading to see them now, and then let us count all the ways we love him.
25 Shirtless Photos of Dwayne Johnson Guaranteed to Get Your Heart Racing
It goes without saying that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is one swoon-worthy man. Not only is he funny as hell, but he's also easy on the eyes. Fortunately, his Instagram account is overflowing with sexy photos, and his latest film, Baywatch, is full of shirtless scenes. To celebrate Dwayne's immaculate physique, we're looking back at his hottest shirtless moments. Keep reading to see them now, and then let us count all the ways we love him.
If You Experience Hormonal Breakouts, You'll Thank God For This Mask
I've yet to find a woman who hasn't encountered this issue: you're about to embark on that time of the month, and your skin appears to be mirroring just how annoyed, inflamed, and pissed off you feel on the inside. (If you haven't, please DM me immediately so I can paint a full picture.) But I've found something that has helped my skin during this monthly visit - premenstrual, if you will - and it doesn't require removing my uterus. Yay! In fact, it's a face mask, and it's going to be something you will wish they sold at Costco. Someone just get me a giant vat of this stuff.
The mask comes from Renée Rouleau, Demi Lovato's go-to esthetician and Texas native. She has helped me with two major skin care woes in my life, issues that have plagued me. First, she is the one who identified that I had melasma when I was 25. Mid-20s me thought the dark spots on my forehead and cheeks, which could appear to be shadows to the naked eye, were remnants of my self-tanner that I wasn't able to wash off. (To be young and naive.) It was during a facial at her Dallas location that she gently brought up that I had melasma and informed me of what triggered it: my birth control.
This changed my life. Seriously. I got off birth control, something I was able to do without worry at the time. I stopped upsetting my melanocytes - the cells that produce melanin, or pigment, in the skin - with heated, aggressive treatments. (For the most part.) I wore a hat to the beach and aspired to stay out of the heat in general, knowing the temperature could set my melasma off. And although there's a little bit on my forehead, it's less noticeable than it once was.
Then, a few years later, I had a breakout after leaving the Coachella Valley. God help me. My cheeks were ridden with red bumps and pustules, something I knew wasn't normal, and I realized they recurred each time I left Palm Springs. My (since dropped) dermatologist was quick to prescribe me pills to kill whatever it was, but wanting actual answers, I wrote Renée, who is now based in Austin. She asked me a variety of questions about my weekend that helped her pinpoint what I was experiencing: acne cosmetica. Spending long days in the dry climate with heavy winds and an oil-based foundation meant my pores were being blocked by my foundation and increased my oil production, resulting in what looks like a breakout. She made an easy suggestion: wear powder foundation on your next trip. And you know what? I haven't had a breakout in the desert since!
Now you know that I trust this woman. She dug deeper than my dermatologist bothered to in order to find the right solution. This is incredibly helpful when you're trying to fix any skin issue you have; it is invaluable.
Visiting Renée over Golden Globes weekend, I got a chance to receive a facial and learn about her new products. First, she told me I needed to "put the fire out of my skin." It was inflamed as hell, and I had several cysts that I hadn't battled with in some time. And truth be told, it kind of comes with the territory when you're testing skin care products regularly, but she reminded me that I must be gentle. She took a minute to give my skin a chill pill in the form of a rubber mask, then introduced me to her newest baby, an anti-breakout solution for hormonal acne that won't dry out your skin: the Rapid Response Detox Masque ($61).
Is it too good to be true? No. It works. I've tested it for a month, and I'm currently wearing the sheerest foundation I own - a compact from Laneige - if that gives you any indication. It works to help with clogged pores that result from travel, hormones, and even sleeping with makeup on. Renée suggests it for premenstrual acne to help "disrupt the acne cycle." This is mask is lightweight and dreamy; when it dries, it doesn't feel hard, sticky, or taut. Renée suggests exfoliating before applying the mask, so lightly scrub or use a peel to help get rid of dead skin. The mask itself is a golden, shimmery gel. Slather it on and let the following eliminate your future breakouts: tea tree leaf oil is antimicrobial and an anti-inflammatory that helps with acne bacteria. Helping to stop inflammation is key when it comes to getting rid of your breakouts, which is why she also included lichocalchone, or Chinese licorice, which helps soothe the skin. Manuka branch/leaf oil helps with the microbial - or bacteria - count on your skin's surface, and she included a salicylic acid complex to help exfoliate and reduce oil.
This mask doesn't include parabens, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, SD alcohol, or gluten, which my skin was thrilled about. I use it once a week, and it's recommended you leave on for about 15 minutes. (I tend to go over since I get distracted and forget I have it on.) Many masks take a few minutes to get off because they leave patches of product behind. This slides off the skin easily and leaves your with a glow afterward.
Investing in your skin, period, is always a good idea, but especially during that time of the month. My skin will take any help it can get!
8 Grocery Store Policies You Should Be Taking Advantage Of
Grocery shopping on a budget isn't always fun, but these store policies make it easier. Did you know that your favorite stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Costco have company-wide rules that will help you save money? Before you head out for your next grocery shopping spree, read ahead for eight of the best store policies you can (and should) take advantage of, from return policies to coupon-filled apps.
2017 Will Be Extra Exciting For These Pregnant Stars
We're all hoping for good things in 2017, but some stars are expecting more than just success and happiness - they're also expecting babies. Beyoncé announced her pregnancy - with twins - in February, as did George and Amal Clooney, and they join a crop of other stars with buns in the oven. From first-time moms like Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port to stars like Ciara and Princess Sofia, who are on their second bundles of joy, it's going to be a pretty fun year.
2017 Will Be Extra Exciting For These Pregnant Stars
We're all hoping for good things in 2017, but some stars are expecting more than just success and happiness - they're also expecting babies. Beyoncé announced her pregnancy - with twins - in February, as did George and Amal Clooney, and they join a crop of other stars with buns in the oven. From first-time moms like Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port to stars like Ciara and Princess Sofia, who are on their second bundles of joy, it's going to be a pretty fun year.
The Backstreet Boys' Evolution Is Truly Larger Than Life
It's hard to believe that the Backstreet Boys have been together for more than 20 years! The group - AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell - first formed in Orlando in 1993 and has been making our hearts swoon ever since. Over the past two decades the boy band has faced many changes (including Kevin's departure from 2006-2012), but they have also proven how timeless they really are. From a plethora catchy tunes to their out-of-this-world concerts, it's clear to see why the Backstreet Boys are one of the best boy bands around. See their larger-than-life evolution here.
The Backstreet Boys' Evolution Is Truly Larger Than Life
It's hard to believe that the Backstreet Boys have been together for more than 20 years! The group - AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell - first formed in Orlando in 1993 and has been making our hearts swoon ever since. Over the past two decades the boy band has faced many changes (including Kevin's departure from 2006-2012), but they have also proven how timeless they really are. From a plethora catchy tunes to their out-of-this-world concerts, it's clear to see why the Backstreet Boys are one of the best boy bands around. See their larger-than-life evolution here.
43 Style Lessons We Learned From Carrie Bradshaw
If there's one woman who taught us everything we know about fashion, it's Carrie Bradshaw. The headstrong fashionista at the center of the Sex and the City franchise has broken more style rules than we can count and has inspired us to do the same.
From her tulle skirts to her masterful print-mixing, Carrie spent six seasons as the best dressed woman on television, and let's not forgot the epic movie looks too, all thanks to the show's stylist Patricia Field. Sure, years have passed and trends have come and gone in between, but there are plenty of reasons we'll look to Carrie as our style inspiration forever.
Read on for 43 lessons we learned from our style icon, because why wouldn't we take our fashion advice from the woman who said, "I like my money where I can see it - hanging in my closet."
Your Complete Guide to Netflix's 2017 TV Premiere Dates
Netflix has established itself as a major player when it comes to original content, and while we have been enjoying the movies it's been releasing, it's hard to top its TV series. Already this year, we've gotten new shows like A Series of Unfortunate Events and Santa Clarita Diet. We're looking forward to the premieres of 13 Reasons Why and Girlboss, but we may be even more excited for the returns of Orange Is the New Black, House of Cards, and Stranger Things. To help you prepare, we've put together a handy-dandy calendar of premieres, beginning in January (in case you missed anything!) and continuing through to October. Note: There are a few missing months, since Netflix hasn't officially scheduled anything yet.
How Sansa Has Been Becoming Her Mother, Catelyn, on Game of Thrones
Sansa Stark finally comes into her own in Game of Thrones season six. After year upon year of Sansa being victimized, she is finally the victor. After escaping Winterfell at the beginning of the season and rallying Jon Snow, much of the North, and then Littlefinger to take back her home, Sansa finally gets her revenge against Ramsay Bolton. Watching hungry hounds devour her sadistic husband would be satisfying enough, but there's a greater win here: Jon and Sansa are back at their rightful home in Winterfell. It feels right in so many ways, but there's another wrinkle you can't help but realize, if you've been watching this show from the beginning: Sansa is turning into her mother, Catelyn. It may be a thing that all women fear, but for Sansa, there are few female role models she'd be better off emulating. It's almost like Catelyn has been reborn (sorry, Lady Stoneheart fans), so let's go over all the ways Sansa Stark has actually been turning into Catelyn.
Her General Strength
Strength has never been Sansa's, well, strength - not until now. But it's a defining characteristic of Stark matriarch Catelyn when we meet her in season one. She's Ned's equal, and when Ned has to go off and fulfill his role as the Hand of the King, she secretly travels to King's Landing, then takes Tyrion prisoner, then leads her son's army as his adviser. She's not just someone's wife, content to stay behind and run the homestead. When we meet a young Sansa in season one, that probably would have been her main goal in life: be married off to the prince, and make a lovely home. But fate had other plans for Sansa, and thankfully, she starts following her mother's example.
Her Battle Smarts
Remember how Catelyn was Robb's most trusted adviser when the then-living King of the North was plotting his attacks? Catelyn patiently listened to Robb's ideas, then would basically step in to correct and advise his plans. Her specialty was giving the more pragmatic advice - the kind that was never sexy to Robb, but made the most sense in the long run.
Sansa has assumed that same role for Jon, though more gradually. While she incites Jon to attack Ramsay at Winterfell, she's on the sidelines while the men plot their attack the night before. That is, until she gets Jon alone and tells him his plan is flawed, and he should be getting advice from her. I mean, she doesn't really have specific advice at this time, other than telling him that Ramsay is way worse than anything Jon is expecting. But she's trying - and asserting herself as someone whose brain needs to be taken seriously.
That Catelyn pragmatism shows up in Sansa when she reaches out to Littlefinger as a last resort. She doesn't share her backup plan with Jon, but she is wise enough to know they need one, when Jon arrogantly thinks that his little army can defeat Ramsay's. If it wasn't for Sansa, there would have been no victory.
Notably, the men both ignore the biggest piece of advice they're given from the Stark women (Robb still marries Talisa and pisses off Walder Frey, Jon falls right into Ramsay's trap of Rickon-bait), who end up being tragically right. But at least Jon lives to tell the tale.
Her Alliance With Littlefinger
It's clear that Littlefinger's devotion to Sansa is because she resembles her mother, and it's creepy and uncomfortable. However, Sansa at least has figured out how to take advantage of it, at least for now. (Next week, it looks like he'll be trying to make the partnership romantic. Ew.) Though we can thank Sansa and Littlefinger's alliance for saving Jon's army at Winterfell, though, trusting Littlefinger is exactly where Cat had gone wrong in season one. Is Sansa making the same mistake, or will she ultimately be smarter than Cat?
How Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Became the Big Apple's Best Couple
Sarah Jessica Parker may be best known for her role as perennial city girl Carrie Bradshaw, but there's something else in her life that has stood the test of time: her marriage to fellow actor Matthew Broderick. Their love story reads like a Woody Allen movie: Sarah Jessica and Matthew met in 1991 after being introduced at a theater company by one of Sarah Jessica's brothers. They tied the knot in 1997 with a civil ceremony on Manhattan's Lower East Side - she famously wore a black wedding gown! - and have since become parents to son James Wilkie and twin daughters Tabitha and Loretta.
They're not just one of Hollywood's longest-running celebrity couples, though - Matthew and SJP are also widely recognized as famous figures in the Big Apple. They live in the West Village, champion important causes like arts education and music programs, and support the NYC Ballet and UNICEF. They can always be counted on to show up in style for high-profile events on Broadway, glitzy industry galas, and various red carpet ceremonies. Keep reading to follow the pair's journey from cute city kids to the quintessential New York couple.
Things I Am Scared of Now That I'm a Parent
I used to consider myself a brave person. I wasn't jumping out of planes or scaling Mount Everest, but I loved visiting new locales and trying new things. And then I had kids. And in that instant, everything changed.
Now, I find myself scared of EVERYTHING! Every story on the news, every weird post shared by my friends on Facebook, every bugbite, every fall, I'm a nervous wreck. Here are just a few things that top my fear list these days:
- That my kids miss me during the day.
- That they don't miss me.
- That they're not eating enough.
- That I'll get sick.
- That they'll get sick.
- That they'll see the news.
- The big C. Every story I read of a mom battling cancer has me doing a breast exam and having a spot checked.
- School shootings.
- Friends who are bad influences.
- Wayward baseballs that can land in that one spot on their chest that causes instant death.
- That the decisions we are making for our kids aren't right.
- That we're too strict with our kids.
- That we're too lenient.
- That the video games they're playing are rotting their brains.
- That they're not happy.
The list could go on forever. I'm sure it is all just part of parenthood - this whole "wondering if I'm doing it right" mentality. Before we had kids, if we screwed something up, it was really just our lives that were affected. Sure, we had to suffer the consequences, but we got what we deserved. When you have children, your decisions directly affect their lives. And that's a scary thought. Every decision we make inversely affects them.
There are mountains of books out there telling us how to raise our kids right, but what about the things we can't protect them from? The school shooters and the so-called friends who spend more time bringing them down than raising them up? No one ever said this parenthood thing would be easy, but I didn't expect the hardest part to be all this worrying.
When my first son was a mere few hours old, I remember looking up at my dad and saying I was worried that the baby wasn't breathing correctly. My dad grinned and said, "Welcome to being a parent and all the worrying that comes with it." I smiled and said, "For the next 18 years, right?" He chuckled and said, "No, Bec, for the rest of your life." I'm only nine years into it, but I can honestly say wiser words have never been spoken.
How Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick Became the Big Apple's Best Couple
Sarah Jessica Parker may be best known for her role as perennial city girl Carrie Bradshaw, but there's something else in her life that has stood the test of time: her marriage to fellow actor Matthew Broderick. Their love story reads like a Woody Allen movie: Sarah Jessica and Matthew met in 1991 after being introduced at a theater company by one of Sarah Jessica's brothers. They tied the knot in 1997 with a civil ceremony on Manhattan's Lower East Side - she famously wore a black wedding gown! - and have since become parents to son James Wilkie and twin daughters Tabitha and Loretta.
They're not just one of Hollywood's longest-running celebrity couples, though - Matthew and SJP are also widely recognized as famous figures in the Big Apple. They live in the West Village, champion important causes like arts education and music programs, and support the NYC Ballet and UNICEF. They can always be counted on to show up in style for high-profile events on Broadway, glitzy industry galas, and various red carpet ceremonies. Keep reading to follow the pair's journey from cute city kids to the quintessential New York couple.
This Celebrity Ink Might Inspire Your Next Tattoo
We'll admit it: we're kind of obsessed with body art. You, too? The good news: we're not alone. Our favorite celebrities aren't afraid to walk on the wild side, getting ink that ranges from of-the-moment to spiritual and origina to straight-up weird, giving you endless inspiration for your next tattoo - no matter what you're into. Keep scrolling to see how these stars have made their mark and maybe find the ink design of your dreams.
- Additional reporting by Alessandra Foresto
39 of the Hottest Hookups in Pretty Little Liars History
For the past six seasons, the girls of Pretty Little Liars have been fighting off one bad guy after another. Yet, despite the endless number of kidnappings, murders, rogue cops, blackmail, and late-night walks in the woods, the girls have still managed to lead a somewhat normal life. This included everything from family dinners and final exams to many, many, many romances. Before the seventh and final season of PLL premieres, remind yourself of all the flings, flirtations, and couples that you definitely shipped.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminated This Online Troll Who Insulted the Special Olympics
Arnold Schwarzenegger took a break from feuding with Donald Trump to terminate an online troll who attempted to turn an inspirational post into a sour one. The post in question was a Facebook video of the winners at the Special Olympics World Games in Austria. The saved Snapchat video said, "These guys inspire me!" as Arnold gave praise to the athletes. A Facebook user then replied to Arnold's video referring to the athletes as "retards," and Arnold was not having it. The Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Read his now-deleted response below!
Only thing that would have made his response better? If he ended it with "Hasta la vista, baby."
Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminated This Online Troll Who Insulted the Special Olympics
Arnold Schwarzenegger took a break from feuding with Donald Trump to terminate an online troll who attempted to turn an inspirational post into a sour one. The post in question was a Facebook video of the winners at the Special Olympics World Games in Austria. The saved Snapchat video said, "These guys inspire me!" as Arnold gave praise to the athletes. A Facebook user then replied to Arnold's video referring to the athletes as "retards," and Arnold was not having it. The Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Read his now-deleted response below!
Only thing that would have made his response better? If he ended it with "Hasta la vista, baby."
"Halo Eye" Makeup Is Trending on Instagram - and It's Mesmerizing!
First, it was pink eye. Then the red eye. Now, it's rare to get through a day of Instagram scrolling without coming across "halo eye."
More and more beauty-lovers, and especially artists and bloggers, are ditching multidimensional smoky eyes in favor of a cleaner and often brighter (peach and orange are huge right now!) wash of one shadow shade on the lid and along the lower lash line, connected at the sides to create an entrancing "halo" around the eye.
Makeup artist Ashlee Glazer says the key to mastering the look is to go big. "Apply a primer (such as Urban Decay Primer Potion) to help set the shadow and ensure it doesn't wear throughout the day. Then, use an eye shadow brush (like MAC #239) to apply the desired color to the entire lid, stopping just short of or going slightly over the crease line. Finally, using the same brush, sweep the same shade along the lower lash line, connecting the color at each corner," Glazer advised.
If you really want to amplify your look, Glazer suggests adding a touch of highlighter just below the brow line and in the inner corner of the eye. "Complete your look with two coats of volumizing mascara (like Smith & Cult Lash Dance Mascara in Radio Silence). Bonus points if you add false lashes!" she said.
Now that you have the basics down, read through and be inspired by some of our favorite Instagram "halo eye" looks. We suggest you go with a lighter shade for day, then ramp things up with a darker or brighter shade come evening.
Giada De Laurentiis Reveals the 1 Surprising Ingredient She Adds to Pasta
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis is known for celebrating her Italian heritage through her cooking. So naturally, she was the perfect woman to host the New York Wine and Food Festival's Italian Table event in New York City.
Source: Getty / Neilson Barnard
I caught up with her inside the Giada Vegas booth to chat about pasta, the importance of learning how to cook "lemon spaghetti" (which somehow sounds so much more enticing when she says it with her Italian accent), and the basic supplies to keep stocked for quality Italian fare. Giada's booth was swarmed with crowds all night long, where she was busy personally handing out her delicious muffuletta sandwich to throngs of devoted fans. Seriously, I'll be thinking about that sandwich for at least the rest of the week.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Lisa Peterson
On the 1 Surprising Ingredient She Adds to Pasta
"Chocolate! Short rib with chocolate. I'm actually making it tomorrow night for dinner."
On the 5 Staples She Thinks Everybody Should Keep Stocked in Their Pantry
"Pasta, jarred tomato sauce, whatever kind you like. I like Rao's or Mutti, but Mutti is harder to find. Garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes."
On Her Favorite Go-To Breakfast on Busy Days
"I do brown rice, with olive oil and salt. I like a carb for breakfast, and I like a savory breakfast. If you start your day with sugar, you're jacked for the rest of the day. I get up really early in the morning, so I need a carbohydrate. So I'll do 1/4 cup of brown rice, with warm olive oil and salt. At my restaurant I do oatmeal, olive oil, salt, and marcona almonds for protein."
This post was originally published on Oct. 14, 2016.
That Tiny Elvis Impersonator in Honeymoon in Vegas Is Actually Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is a massive superstar who has proven time and time again that he can really do anything. Have an epic Carpool Karaoke session? Sure. Own the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway? No prob. Dance like nobody's watching? Always. While we're familiar with his legendary status now, it turns out that Bruno has always been showing off his talents. You've probably seen 1992's Honeymoon in Vegas starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker (if you haven't, please rush home and do so now). The film, which has become somewhat of a classic over the years, also features a very tiny Bruno Mars. In the scene where Betsy (Sarah Jessica) meets Tommy (James Caan) in the hotel restaurant for dinner and drinks, there is a little boy impersonating Elvis Presley on stage. The camera only offers a quick close-up of the boy, but it's very clear that it's a 6-year-old Bruno. While he's definitely grown up, not much has changed in terms of his hip thrusts and hairstyle.
Image Source: Getty / Kevin WinterImage Source: Warner Bros.
The Dangerous Effects of Waist Training
Our friends at YourTango discuss the dangers of the popular waist trainer trend.
I always wanted a slimmer waist . . . but I did NOT want this.
When it comes to trying to achieve a certain body type, I can honestly say I've tried tons of weight loss products.
I can't even count all the different diets, fitness fads, and products I've tried, in order to have what I thought was the new modern body type - including waist training.
There were lots of reasons why it felt necessary to even try.
I felt that in order to be accepted by others, to be loved by the man I loved, I needed to match up to stereotypical images of health, beauty, and weight.
It didn't take too long to find other women to support me in my pursuit of external happiness.
We all felt shame about our too-thick thighs when thinner thighs were in vogue. Or being too small in the butt department, when being flat in the back was no longer in style.
We shared dieting tricks and secrets, and when we ate too much, we supported each other, determined to push past plateaus and gains to get that perfect body.
Body type is a big deal, and it can be a deal-breaker for what a woman wants in life - especially if she's single - or so I was told by television, magazine covers, and advertisements posting images of celebrity endorsers claiming I could be sexier if I lost a few more pounds.
And it's not a total myth.
The same men who would walk past me and my 20-pound-heavier, postbaby body would hold the door when I was leaner, trimmer, and (apparently) more attractive.
It was that same mentality that led me to corset train to decrease my waistline.
If you haven't heard of waist training, it's when a woman wears a corset around her waist for a period of time during the day.
In time, with a special diet and exercise as part of the entire process, the corset, or waist trainer, helps teach the midsection to reshape itself.
Of course, there are some uncomfortable side effects.
But as you ease into the process, your body adjusts and it just feels snug.
What's amazing about using a corset to shrink your midsection is how fast it works. In a matter of a week or two, a woman can reduce her waistline one to two inches.
If used for a period of several months, a woman can have the waist she's always wanted.
I had viewed pictures of other women celebrities who waist train:
- Kim Kardashian
- Jessica Alba
- Khloé Kardashian and her siblings, Kylie and Kendall Jenner
I reasoned that if they were dangerous, then they wouldn't use them.
After a few months of using my waist trainer, I lost three inches off my midsection.
I couldn't have been any happier.
It would have taken me a year to do that at the gym, and even then I might not have had the same results.
But oddly, just around the same time that I was reshaping my body, another strange phenomenon happened - I started having indescribable pain that debilitated me.
I ended up in the emergency room. They did tests and could find nothing.
The incidents were sparse, but I started to notice a pattern as they became more frequent.
I got the attacks almost always after I had worn my corset. So, I stopped using it.
A week later, I doubled over in pain so massive that death would have felt like a blessing.
Worse than childbirth, I ended up in the emergency room again, only this time, I needed to have emergency surgery.
The doctor on staff asked me to recite the events leading up my pain.
I asked him if there was any chance that the waist training garment I had been using could have caused my problems?
His answer was, "Yes."
Due to their restrictive nature around the midsection of the body, corsets put pressure on vital organs and can even strangle them, leading to permanent body damage when worn for extended periods of time.
From physical disorders such as meralgia paresthetica, blood clots, and gastroesophageal reflux disease to hindering and impacting a woman's menstrual cycle, there's a lot of reasons why waist training can even be deadly.
Here are three reasons why I'll never use a waist trainer again:
1. Experts say spot training does not produce lasting weight-loss results.
It takes time for our bodies to adjust to change.
True improvement takes time, so it's best to do things the right way with diet and exercise.
There is no magic to pushing around body fat or getting muscles to conform to a forced shape.
If you want to have a small waist, then you have to put in the work. Especially if you want to lose weight.
If your body refuses to be pushed past a certain plateau, chances are you are where you need to be.
2. Waist training corsets might be pretty, but they aren't worth the potential kidney damage.
Factoring in the cost and time associated with the long-term damage waist trainers can cause, there's really no denying that it's not worth the health risk.
Sure you get a smaller waist in less time than you would with diet and exercise.
But, as the corset helps you slim down your waist, it is also putting pressure on your stomach and kidneys.
Pressure on the kidneys reduces blood supply to your organs.
This could lead to bladder infections or stomach problems, neither of which are cost effective.
3. You get less oxygen when you wear a corset.
The whole point of looking and feeling better about your body is to have a sense of confidence and freedom in your skin.
But waist training does the exact opposite.
When you wear a corset, pressure is placed on your other vital organs, and your lungs feel the pinch, too.
Even if you wear the garment for a short period of time, the only way to have any lasting effects is to put it back on.
That's no way to treat your lungs.
Although it is rare to pass out while wearing one, shallow breathing creates other health problems such as increased risk of fluid buildup in the lungs.
From now on, I'm sticking to a healthy diet and exercise along with a healthy dose of self-acceptance. I'm OK, no matter what society says my body is supposed to be.
More from our friends at YourTango:
- 13 Reasons to Love Your Small Boobs
- 11 Reasons to Love Your Big Boobs
- This Map Shows Average Penis Size by Country
How to Style That Tricky Corset Trend You've Been Seeing Everywhere
We first saw the corset belt on Kim Kardashian. Sure, we were intrigued by the look, but something about it just seemed hard to pull off. Then we slowly started seeing this waist-defining accessory on what seemed like each and every one of her sisters, as well as close friends like Gigi and Bella Hadid. Each of them added a new spin on the accessory, which made the trend seem way more approachable and easy enough to include in our everyday wardrobes.
Now that's something we can get behind . . . which brings us to our next question: how exactly do we style it? Not all of us are one of the Kardashians and/or want to look like we've been sent to the future from the Victorian era, so we're serving up a bunch of outfit ideas for how to wear one ahead, along with some of coolest pieces you can buy to give this trend a try for yourself.
The Dangerous Effects of Waist Training
Our friends at YourTango discuss the dangers of the popular waist trainer trend.
I always wanted a slimmer waist . . . but I did NOT want this.
When it comes to trying to achieve a certain body type, I can honestly say I've tried tons of weight loss products.
I can't even count all the different diets, fitness fads, and products I've tried, in order to have what I thought was the new modern body type - including waist training.
There were lots of reasons why it felt necessary to even try.
I felt that in order to be accepted by others, to be loved by the man I loved, I needed to match up to stereotypical images of health, beauty, and weight.
It didn't take too long to find other women to support me in my pursuit of external happiness.
We all felt shame about our too-thick thighs when thinner thighs were in vogue. Or being too small in the butt department, when being flat in the back was no longer in style.
We shared dieting tricks and secrets, and when we ate too much, we supported each other, determined to push past plateaus and gains to get that perfect body.
Body type is a big deal, and it can be a deal-breaker for what a woman wants in life - especially if she's single - or so I was told by television, magazine covers, and advertisements posting images of celebrity endorsers claiming I could be sexier if I lost a few more pounds.
And it's not a total myth.
The same men who would walk past me and my 20-pound-heavier, postbaby body would hold the door when I was leaner, trimmer, and (apparently) more attractive.
It was that same mentality that led me to corset train to decrease my waistline.
If you haven't heard of waist training, it's when a woman wears a corset around her waist for a period of time during the day.
In time, with a special diet and exercise as part of the entire process, the corset, or waist trainer, helps teach the midsection to reshape itself.
Of course, there are some uncomfortable side effects.
But as you ease into the process, your body adjusts and it just feels snug.
What's amazing about using a corset to shrink your midsection is how fast it works. In a matter of a week or two, a woman can reduce her waistline one to two inches.
If used for a period of several months, a woman can have the waist she's always wanted.
I had viewed pictures of other women celebrities who waist train:
- Kim Kardashian
- Jessica Alba
- Khloé Kardashian and her siblings, Kylie and Kendall Jenner
I reasoned that if they were dangerous, then they wouldn't use them.
After a few months of using my waist trainer, I lost three inches off my midsection.
I couldn't have been any happier.
It would have taken me a year to do that at the gym, and even then I might not have had the same results.
But oddly, just around the same time that I was reshaping my body, another strange phenomenon happened - I started having indescribable pain that debilitated me.
I ended up in the emergency room. They did tests and could find nothing.
The incidents were sparse, but I started to notice a pattern as they became more frequent.
I got the attacks almost always after I had worn my corset. So, I stopped using it.
A week later, I doubled over in pain so massive that death would have felt like a blessing.
Worse than childbirth, I ended up in the emergency room again, only this time, I needed to have emergency surgery.
The doctor on staff asked me to recite the events leading up my pain.
I asked him if there was any chance that the waist training garment I had been using could have caused my problems?
His answer was, "Yes."
Due to their restrictive nature around the midsection of the body, corsets put pressure on vital organs and can even strangle them, leading to permanent body damage when worn for extended periods of time.
From physical disorders such as meralgia paresthetica, blood clots, and gastroesophageal reflux disease to hindering and impacting a woman's menstrual cycle, there's a lot of reasons why waist training can even be deadly.
Here are three reasons why I'll never use a waist trainer again:
1. Experts say spot training does not produce lasting weight-loss results.
It takes time for our bodies to adjust to change.
True improvement takes time, so it's best to do things the right way with diet and exercise.
There is no magic to pushing around body fat or getting muscles to conform to a forced shape.
If you want to have a small waist, then you have to put in the work. Especially if you want to lose weight.
If your body refuses to be pushed past a certain plateau, chances are you are where you need to be.
2. Waist training corsets might be pretty, but they aren't worth the potential kidney damage.
Factoring in the cost and time associated with the long-term damage waist trainers can cause, there's really no denying that it's not worth the health risk.
Sure you get a smaller waist in less time than you would with diet and exercise.
But, as the corset helps you slim down your waist, it is also putting pressure on your stomach and kidneys.
Pressure on the kidneys reduces blood supply to your organs.
This could lead to bladder infections or stomach problems, neither of which are cost effective.
3. You get less oxygen when you wear a corset.
The whole point of looking and feeling better about your body is to have a sense of confidence and freedom in your skin.
But waist training does the exact opposite.
When you wear a corset, pressure is placed on your other vital organs, and your lungs feel the pinch, too.
Even if you wear the garment for a short period of time, the only way to have any lasting effects is to put it back on.
That's no way to treat your lungs.
Although it is rare to pass out while wearing one, shallow breathing creates other health problems such as increased risk of fluid buildup in the lungs.
From now on, I'm sticking to a healthy diet and exercise along with a healthy dose of self-acceptance. I'm OK, no matter what society says my body is supposed to be.
More from our friends at YourTango:
- 13 Reasons to Love Your Small Boobs
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- This Map Shows Average Penis Size by Country
The Menu at Disney's Pandora Land Will Take Your Taste Buds on an Adventure
We're already counting down the days to the Summer 2017 opening of Pandora - the World of Avatar, Walt Disney World's upcoming attraction modeled after James Cameron's sci-fi film. But with the arrival of yet another look at the food that'll be available inside the fantastical world, we can barely contain our excitement. We already got a brief sneak peek at the menu earlier this month, but Disney just officially announced a cravings-inducing first look at the options, and they're sure to blow your damn mind.
Guests at Pandora's Satu'li Canteen can choose from a variety of "familiar dishes with a twist," such as steamed "pods," or bao buns stuffed with either cheeseburger or vegetable curry filling. Holy sh*t. I've never craved cheeseburger steamed buns before today, but now they're all I can think about . . . These dreamy buns are served with root vegetable chips and crunchy vegetable slaw, which sounds like a pretty darn great lunch to me.
The fast-casual restaurant will also allow visitors to customize their own tasty bowls. The base options include quinoa and veggie salad, red and sweet potato hash, a whole-grain rice mixture, or romaine and kale salad. As for protein choices, customers can choose between wood-grilled chicken, sustainable fish, roast beef, or chili-spiced fried tofu. With either charred onion chimichurri, black bean vinaigrette, or creamy herb dressing on top, these bowls seriously sound out of this world.
Did this rev up your appetite or what? Summer 2017 can't come quick enough.
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