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.
mardi 28 mars 2017
This Is What Nutrition Experts Really Think About Dairy
It's one of the most polarizing, divisive nutrition questions of our time: should you eat dairy? For some, this food group is the ultimate villain - the cause of inflammation, digestive woes, acne, fatigue . . . the list goes on. If you asked a room of people to raise their hands if they've felt personally victimized by dairy, you'd likely get a vehement response.
Conversely, there are those who can't live without it - and dietitians who say it's an excellent protein-packed addition to the diet. Many healthy dieters are ricocheting from the "fat is bad for you" fad of the '90s and reaching for full-fat dairy, whole milk, and more.
So . . . who is actually right?
The answer is unfortunately not so simple. And because we wanted to give you the best, most fair, most well-rounded facts from all sides, we interviewed not one but six nutrition experts with different backgrounds, specialties, and opinions. As you can imagine, we got quite the range of responses; let's break it down.
The Good
The biggest pro-dairy argument is that it's packed with nutrients, and if you're not physically intolerant to it, you can reap a lot of nutritional benefits from incorporating it into your diet. Milk, for instance, is an excellent source of protein.
"Dairy provides a unique nutrition package that helps people of all ages achieve several nutrients, including three nutrients that the USDA Dietary Guidelines deems 'nutrients of concern,'" said Angela Lemond, RDN, CSP, LD. "That includes potassium, magnesium, and calcium."
Kim Larson, RDN, CSSD, CHC, owner of Total Health and a media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, agrees. "Dairy products are a nutrient-rich food group that provide some of the most important nutrients for good health that many Americans simply don't get enough of in their daily diet," she said. "They provide calcium, vitamins, A, D, B12, B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and of course, protein."
Larson also told POPSUGAR that this is an ideal food group for athletes. "The protein in milk products contains leucine, the primary amino acid that turns on muscle building - more than any other [amino acid]. So for athletes, it's a great way to build muscle and recover after workouts and keep protein levels adequate throughout the day."
"Scientific research does not definitively warn against the danger of dairy products."
Dairy also serves as a way to get an even distribution of protein throughout the day without eating meat or taking protein supplements. Larson emphasized the importance of this, saying, "Recent research shows that eating ample protein distributed evenly throughout the day helps maintain lean muscle mass, which is especially important for athletes."
There's also not a ton of research proving that dairy isn't good for you - the pro here is that there's no "official" con. Despite citing "some well-designed studies" that were not in dairy's favor, Dina L. Aronson, MS, RDN, said, "Scientific research does not definitively warn against the danger of dairy products." She took a neutral approach to dairy, and when we asked whether she thought it was good or bad, she said, "It depends, really. It's a food with both beneficial and potentially damaging components." Let's talk about those damaging components . . .
The Bad
Here's the deal: if your body cannot tolerate dairy, you're in for a rough time if you've got plans to polish off a wheel of brie or a pint of Ben & Jerry's. The main problem-causing culprits in dairy include lactose, casein, and whey.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, 65 percent of people in the world have a "reduced ability to digest lactose." Lactose intolerance isn't as black and white as you might think, though, so that 65 percent doesn't necessarily mean that each and every one of those people will have an extreme reaction to a glass of milk or pat of butter. Dr. Robin Berzin, founder and CEO of Parsley Health and functional medicine doctor (who is staunchly antidairy), describes lactose intolerance as a spectrum. "For a long time we talked about lactose intolerance; either you had it or you didn't. It's not as simple as that. Having problems with dairy is more like a spectrum."
She told POPSUGAR, "Here's the science: many people are sensitive to both casein and whey, the two major proteins in all dairy - not just cow's dairy. This sensitivity causes all kinds of problems beyond an upset stomach." This includes skin problems. "Too often your body thinks these things are a foreign invader and [your body] is trying to protect you," Dr. Berzin said. "This immune activation can cause symptoms ranging from headaches, digestive distress, and acne and eczema."
Jessica Flanigan, clinical and functional nutritionist (with a Paleo specialty), agrees. "Dairy is one of the top allergens in our diet," she told POPSUGAR. Here's how the proteins in dairy could cause problems for your body: "Casein, the protein in dairy, can sometimes crossreact with tissue antigens - like the thyroid - in the body. That can be problematic and can keep driving inflammation." She said that some people "have issues with breaking down lactose," but another issue is the "actual immune response to casein." This dairy-specific protein "can actually perpetuate immune issues for some people. That can be serious."
"This immune activation can cause symptoms ranging from headaches, digestive distress, and acne and eczema."
But Larson (who is a dairy advocate) disagrees with the notion of inflammation, saying, "There is no evidence to support the notion that dairy foods cause inflammation - [it's] a common misconception."
Dr. Berzin also admitted that "there is such a thing as healthy dairy." If you choose organic, full-fat, grass-fed, pasture-raised, antibiotic-free dairy from cows, sheep, and goats with no added sugar - and you're not lactose intolerant - Dr. Berzin believes that is a safe choice for your diet.
Making a Decision
Before you come to any personal conclusions, you really need to figure out whether you are or are not dairy-sensitive before making a diet change. Fundamentally, there's no reason to add dairy into your diet if you don't eat it already (there are other sources of the nutrients found in milk - you might just have to try harder to get them). "I tell my clients that there is nothing nutritious in dairy products that you can't easily find in healthier foods," said Aronson. You also don't need to cut it out if it's not affecting your health. Like cheese? No digestive problems? You're cool.
Larson told us that if a person gives up dairy, they need to be "very deliberate" to compensate for nutritional gaps. She emphasized that it is imperative that you get "calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium from things such as dark leafy greens, fatty fish (for vitamin D), and an extra amount of fruits and vegetables."
Despite her knowledge of inflammation and intolerance, Flanigan still acknowledged that "dairy tastes good" and noted that her grandfather was a dairy farmer - "I grew up on raw milk," she told us. But she's allergic to it, and dairy is no longer a part of her diet. "I do not consider it a nutrient-dense food; I recommend sparse use of it for healthy folks, and I highly recommend those with autoimmune disease to get a food sensitivity test to see if it is an immune trigger."
If you do choose to keep dairy in your diet, there are ways to make it healthier. "If you tolerate dairy, it is wise to choose unprocessed, hormone-free, cultured dairy like Greek yogurt or kefir," said Visnic. "In general, goat and sheep's dairy is tolerated better than cow's dairy. For instance, many clients report symptoms to cow's cheese like mozzarella, but not to sheep cheese like manchego or pecorino." She also described factors to consider when choosing dairy for your diet and suggested opting for rBST-hormone-free grass-fed dairy.
Dr. Berzin described some additional warnings and considerations, including processing, added sugar, and more - all of which can adversely affect your health - so keep these ideas in mind when choosing dairy products. "Most dairy is highly processed and has added sugars," she said. "A lot of people don't realize they need to watch out for yogurts with high sugar content, which will sabotage the benefits of the protein they are getting from the yogurt. Many skim milks are actually dehydrated and reconstituted and have added chemicals and preservatives while being devoid of some of the healthy fats in dairy."
As another advocate of grass-fed, hormone-free dairy, Robin mentioned that "a lot of the dairy we eat comes from industrially farmed and raised cows who eat corn and grains, not grass as cows are meant to. The cows are also treated with hormones and antibiotics that then find their way from the dairy and into our bodies." She also advocated for raw dairy, calling it "a living food" with "enzymes and antibodies in it," but said "most dairy we consume is pasteurized (flash heated) to kill germs, also killing off some of dairy's benefits and making it hard for people to digest."
"People often think that dairy is a necessary food group, but it simply is not. It is optional."
If you're lactose intolerant, Lemond and Larson suggested trying an alternative before eradicating dairy from your diet. "The solution is not necessarily to avoid dairy, but to eat low-lactose dairy. There are lactose-free milks and cheeses, and most yogurts are tolerated fine by people with lactase deficiency since the bacteria helps with lactose breakdown," said Lemond. Larson seconded that notion, saying that "even [those who are lactose intolerant] can tolerate small amounts of dairy products low in lactose, like hard cheeses, yogurt, and lactose-free milks [that] are easily found in the grocery store."
Aronson, despite being somewhat antidairy, doesn't say it's a necessity to remove it from your diet either, but she still recommends removing it. "People often think that dairy is a necessary food group, but it simply is not. It is optional. If you like it, enjoy it as you would a condiment or treat. But you're not going to achieve optimal health by guzzling milk or popping chunks of cheese."
Deciding on dairy is personal; you don't have to eat it because the USDA says so, and you don't have to get rid of it because it's "trendy" (and the Kardashians don't like it). We suggest working directly with a nutritionist or registered dietitian who will work with you to see what is right for your body specifically - don't follow a cookie-cutter plan blindly, and don't eliminate a food group just because someone says it's bad (just as you wouldn't start eating something because someone says it's good for everyone). What's right for you? Everyone's body is so nuanced and unique, so find the right foods to fuel you and make you feel amazing.
This Is What Nutrition Experts Really Think About Dairy
It's one of the most polarizing, divisive nutrition questions of our time: should you eat dairy? For some, this food group is the ultimate villain - the cause of inflammation, digestive woes, acne, fatigue . . . the list goes on. If you asked a room of people to raise their hands if they've felt personally victimized by dairy, you'd likely get a vehement response.
Conversely, there are those who can't live without it - and dietitians who say it's an excellent protein-packed addition to the diet. Many healthy dieters are ricocheting from the "fat is bad for you" fad of the '90s and reaching for full-fat dairy, whole milk, and more.
So . . . who is actually right?
The answer is unfortunately not so simple. And because we wanted to give you the best, most fair, most well-rounded facts from all sides, we interviewed not one but six nutrition experts with different backgrounds, specialties, and opinions. As you can imagine, we got quite the range of responses; let's break it down.
The Good
The biggest pro-dairy argument is that it's packed with nutrients, and if you're not physically intolerant to it, you can reap a lot of nutritional benefits from incorporating it into your diet. Milk, for instance, is an excellent source of protein.
"Dairy provides a unique nutrition package that helps people of all ages achieve several nutrients, including three nutrients that the USDA Dietary Guidelines deems 'nutrients of concern,'" said Angela Lemond, RDN, CSP, LD. "That includes potassium, magnesium, and calcium."
Kim Larson, RDN, CSSD, CHC, owner of Total Health and a media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, agrees. "Dairy products are a nutrient-rich food group that provide some of the most important nutrients for good health that many Americans simply don't get enough of in their daily diet," she said. "They provide calcium, vitamins, A, D, B12, B6, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and of course, protein."
Larson also told POPSUGAR that this is an ideal food group for athletes. "The protein in milk products contains leucine, the primary amino acid that turns on muscle building - more than any other [amino acid]. So for athletes, it's a great way to build muscle and recover after workouts and keep protein levels adequate throughout the day."
"Scientific research does not definitively warn against the danger of dairy products."
Dairy also serves as a way to get an even distribution of protein throughout the day without eating meat or taking protein supplements. Larson emphasized the importance of this, saying, "Recent research shows that eating ample protein distributed evenly throughout the day helps maintain lean muscle mass, which is especially important for athletes."
There's also not a ton of research proving that dairy isn't good for you - the pro here is that there's no "official" con. Despite citing "some well-designed studies" that were not in dairy's favor, Dina L. Aronson, MS, RDN, said, "Scientific research does not definitively warn against the danger of dairy products." She took a neutral approach to dairy, and when we asked whether she thought it was good or bad, she said, "It depends, really. It's a food with both beneficial and potentially damaging components." Let's talk about those damaging components . . .
The Bad
Here's the deal: if your body cannot tolerate dairy, you're in for a rough time if you've got plans to polish off a wheel of brie or a pint of Ben & Jerry's. The main problem-causing culprits in dairy include lactose, casein, and whey.
According to the US National Library of Medicine, 65 percent of people in the world have a "reduced ability to digest lactose." Lactose intolerance isn't as black and white as you might think, though, so that 65 percent doesn't necessarily mean that each and every one of those people will have an extreme reaction to a glass of milk or pat of butter. Dr. Robin Berzin, founder and CEO of Parsley Health and functional medicine doctor (who is staunchly antidairy), describes lactose intolerance as a spectrum. "For a long time we talked about lactose intolerance; either you had it or you didn't. It's not as simple as that. Having problems with dairy is more like a spectrum."
She told POPSUGAR, "Here's the science: many people are sensitive to both casein and whey, the two major proteins in all dairy - not just cow's dairy. This sensitivity causes all kinds of problems beyond an upset stomach." This includes skin problems. "Too often your body thinks these things are a foreign invader and [your body] is trying to protect you," Dr. Berzin said. "This immune activation can cause symptoms ranging from headaches, digestive distress, and acne and eczema."
Jessica Flanigan, clinical and functional nutritionist (with a Paleo specialty), agrees. "Dairy is one of the top allergens in our diet," she told POPSUGAR. Here's how the proteins in dairy could cause problems for your body: "Casein, the protein in dairy, can sometimes crossreact with tissue antigens - like the thyroid - in the body. That can be problematic and can keep driving inflammation." She said that some people "have issues with breaking down lactose," but another issue is the "actual immune response to casein." This dairy-specific protein "can actually perpetuate immune issues for some people. That can be serious."
"This immune activation can cause symptoms ranging from headaches, digestive distress, and acne and eczema."
But Larson (who is a dairy advocate) disagrees with the notion of inflammation, saying, "There is no evidence to support the notion that dairy foods cause inflammation - [it's] a common misconception."
Dr. Berzin also admitted that "there is such a thing as healthy dairy." If you choose organic, full-fat, grass-fed, pasture-raised, antibiotic-free dairy from cows, sheep, and goats with no added sugar - and you're not lactose intolerant - Dr. Berzin believes that is a safe choice for your diet.
Making a Decision
Before you come to any personal conclusions, you really need to figure out whether you are or are not dairy-sensitive before making a diet change. Fundamentally, there's no reason to add dairy into your diet if you don't eat it already (there are other sources of the nutrients found in milk - you might just have to try harder to get them). "I tell my clients that there is nothing nutritious in dairy products that you can't easily find in healthier foods," said Aronson. You also don't need to cut it out if it's not affecting your health. Like cheese? No digestive problems? You're cool.
Larson told us that if a person gives up dairy, they need to be "very deliberate" to compensate for nutritional gaps. She emphasized that it is imperative that you get "calcium, vitamin D, potassium, and magnesium from things such as dark leafy greens, fatty fish (for vitamin D), and an extra amount of fruits and vegetables."
Despite her knowledge of inflammation and intolerance, Flanigan still acknowledged that "dairy tastes good" and noted that her grandfather was a dairy farmer - "I grew up on raw milk," she told us. But she's allergic to it, and dairy is no longer a part of her diet. "I do not consider it a nutrient-dense food; I recommend sparse use of it for healthy folks, and I highly recommend those with autoimmune disease to get a food sensitivity test to see if it is an immune trigger."
If you do choose to keep dairy in your diet, there are ways to make it healthier. "If you tolerate dairy, it is wise to choose unprocessed, hormone-free, cultured dairy like Greek yogurt or kefir," said Visnic. "In general, goat and sheep's dairy is tolerated better than cow's dairy. For instance, many clients report symptoms to cow's cheese like mozzarella, but not to sheep cheese like manchego or pecorino." She also described factors to consider when choosing dairy for your diet and suggested opting for rBST-hormone-free grass-fed dairy.
Dr. Berzin described some additional warnings and considerations, including processing, added sugar, and more - all of which can adversely affect your health - so keep these ideas in mind when choosing dairy products. "Most dairy is highly processed and has added sugars," she said. "A lot of people don't realize they need to watch out for yogurts with high sugar content, which will sabotage the benefits of the protein they are getting from the yogurt. Many skim milks are actually dehydrated and reconstituted and have added chemicals and preservatives while being devoid of some of the healthy fats in dairy."
As another advocate of grass-fed, hormone-free dairy, Robin mentioned that "a lot of the dairy we eat comes from industrially farmed and raised cows who eat corn and grains, not grass as cows are meant to. The cows are also treated with hormones and antibiotics that then find their way from the dairy and into our bodies." She also advocated for raw dairy, calling it "a living food" with "enzymes and antibodies in it," but said "most dairy we consume is pasteurized (flash heated) to kill germs, also killing off some of dairy's benefits and making it hard for people to digest."
"People often think that dairy is a necessary food group, but it simply is not. It is optional."
If you're lactose intolerant, Lemond and Larson suggested trying an alternative before eradicating dairy from your diet. "The solution is not necessarily to avoid dairy, but to eat low-lactose dairy. There are lactose-free milks and cheeses, and most yogurts are tolerated fine by people with lactase deficiency since the bacteria helps with lactose breakdown," said Lemond. Larson seconded that notion, saying that "even [those who are lactose intolerant] can tolerate small amounts of dairy products low in lactose, like hard cheeses, yogurt, and lactose-free milks [that] are easily found in the grocery store."
Aronson, despite being somewhat antidairy, doesn't say it's a necessity to remove it from your diet either, but she still recommends removing it. "People often think that dairy is a necessary food group, but it simply is not. It is optional. If you like it, enjoy it as you would a condiment or treat. But you're not going to achieve optimal health by guzzling milk or popping chunks of cheese."
Deciding on dairy is personal; you don't have to eat it because the USDA says so, and you don't have to get rid of it because it's "trendy" (and the Kardashians don't like it). We suggest working directly with a nutritionist or registered dietitian who will work with you to see what is right for your body specifically - don't follow a cookie-cutter plan blindly, and don't eliminate a food group just because someone says it's bad (just as you wouldn't start eating something because someone says it's good for everyone). What's right for you? Everyone's body is so nuanced and unique, so find the right foods to fuel you and make you feel amazing.
Kate Middleton Stuns During Her Glamorous Night Out at a Museum
Kate Middleton looked all kinds of gorgeous when she stepped out for the annual Portrait Gala in London on Tuesday. Kate - who has been a patron of the gallery since 2012 - stunned in a emerald green gown complete with a metallic clutch. The Duchess of Cambridge met with guests and viewed two exhibitions - Howard Hodgkin: Absent Friends and Gillian Wearing and Claude Cahun: Behind the Mask, Another Mask - before attending a dinner at the art gallery. Kate attended the event solo, and has been keeping busy with her philanthropic endeavors following Prince William's controversial ski trip to the Swiss Alps in early March. After celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a cold glass of Guinness during a visit to the Cavalry Barracks, she helped spread mental health awareness the day after the London terrorist attack.
Kate Middleton Stuns During Her Glamorous Night Out at a Museum
Kate Middleton looked all kinds of gorgeous when she stepped out for the annual Portrait Gala in London on Tuesday. Kate - who has been a patron of the gallery since 2012 - stunned in a emerald green gown complete with a metallic clutch. The Duchess of Cambridge met with guests and viewed two exhibitions - Howard Hodgkin: Absent Friends and Gillian Wearing and Claude Cahun: Behind the Mask, Another Mask - before attending a dinner at the art gallery. Kate attended the event solo, and has been keeping busy with her philanthropic endeavors following Prince William's controversial ski trip to the Swiss Alps in early March. After celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a cold glass of Guinness during a visit to the Cavalry Barracks, she helped spread mental health awareness the day after the London terrorist attack.
Ryan Reynolds Has Nobody to Blame For This Fan's Tattoo Except Himself
Ryan Reynolds has a very devoted fan base . . . sometimes too devoted. The Deadpool actor recently inspired one such individual to get a very permanent symbol of his love for him in the form of an ass tattoo (no, we're not joking). In early March, a Twitter user named Dustin reached out to Ryan on the social media site with a huge promise: if Ryan "liked" his tweet, he would get Ryan's name tattooed on his butt. And since Ryan is one of the best people on Twitter (and on the earth), he "liked" it, which caused Dustin to follow through with his end of the deal and get inked. He provided proof of his new body art when he tweeted a photo of "Ryan Reynolds" tattooed on his behind in black and red letters (and Comic Sans font). No word yet on what Ryan thinks of the whole thing, but at least Deadpool would be proud.
@VancityReynolds if you like this i'll tattoo your name on my butt
- dustin (@poolspidey) March 5, 2017
@VancityReynolds your wish is my command http://pic.twitter.com/EluTrtoRYi
- dustin (@poolspidey) March 26, 2017
Ryan Reynolds Has Nobody to Blame For This Fan's Tattoo Except Himself
Ryan Reynolds has a very devoted fan base . . . sometimes too devoted. The Deadpool actor recently inspired one such individual to get a very permanent symbol of his love for him in the form of an ass tattoo (no, we're not joking). In early March, a Twitter user named Dustin reached out to Ryan on the social media site with a huge promise: if Ryan "liked" his tweet, he would get Ryan's name tattooed on his butt. And since Ryan is one of the best people on Twitter (and on the earth), he "liked" it, which caused Dustin to follow through with his end of the deal and get inked. He provided proof of his new body art when he tweeted a photo of "Ryan Reynolds" tattooed on his behind in black and red letters (and Comic Sans font). No word yet on what Ryan thinks of the whole thing, but at least Deadpool would be proud.
@VancityReynolds if you like this i'll tattoo your name on my butt
- dustin (@poolspidey) March 5, 2017
@VancityReynolds your wish is my command http://pic.twitter.com/EluTrtoRYi
- dustin (@poolspidey) March 26, 2017
1 Makeup Artist's Viral Clapback to Haters Who Accused Her of Charging Too Much
At just 18 years old, Mikala Walker has already built her very own business around doing makeup. What started as a free favor for her friends quickly blossomed into a full-on side hustle, as she now does proms and the occasional bridal event.
As her skills and experience grew over the years, so did the prices she charged her clients - and rightfully so! Whereas she initially charged $20 for a full face, Mikala now prices her services at $75.
Take one look at her Instagram, and you'll instantly see that her impressive talent makes her services worth every darn penny. But alas, some trolls in the depths of the internet seem to think otherwise. When the 18-year-old used Twitter to advertise a deal she was offering for prom makeup, she got quite a few mixed responses.
Now accepting Prom Makeup Appointments! EMAIL me for bookings! mikalamwalker@gmail.com 💅🏻 http://pic.twitter.com/HCHcADtvOa
- mikala (@mikalawalker) February 22, 2017
Many people accused her of charging too much money, with one user calling the price "pretty ridiculous for the quality of [her] work" and another labeling it as "total bs." But instead of letting the haters get the best of her, Mikala responded in a subtly sassy get oh-so-fitting way: by crunching some numbers to show her followers exactly how expensive all of her makeup products really are. She tweeted a list of the various items she uses, along with a photo of her calculator showing the whopping total: $635!
The fact that people complain about my price of $75 for full face but don't realize the actual cost behind it 🙂 http://pic.twitter.com/tZHBRMMYSw
- mikala (@mikalawalker) March 2, 2017
Tons of her followers and other makeup artists quickly responded to support Mikala for firing back at the haters.
Fairidescent Sneakers Are What Your Springtime Dreams Are Made Of
We're loving the space-age chic look - think Zenon or the Jetsons, millennium style. Iridescent, foil, metallic, and out-of-this world coloring.
And of course, our favorite iteration of this throwback look is - you guessed it - with sneakers. Running shoes, tennis shoes, and trainers now have little splashes and accents of this supernatural coloring, and some are completely covered in iridescence. Choose your outer-space adventure and find the sneaks to fit your style.
Students aim to cure design flaws in peekaboo hospital gowns
Nova Scotia university students have designed three prototypes for new hospital gowns that aim to preserve a patient's dignity.
Ed Harris Basically Confirmed We're Seeing Samurai on Westworld
The end of March marked the annual Paleyfest in LA, and Westworld was among the many shows that took part. During the panel for the HBO series, we were desperate for any and all new season two details, but we more or less came up empty handed. Even so, that didn't stop us from reading between the lines. In fact, two off-hand comments from Ed Harris and one of the cocreators may have tipped us off to a major component of the next installment. We think we're actually going to see a Samurai World (or, perhaps more aptly, an "Eastworld").
Granted, this supposed Eastworld isn't exactly a secret. After all, we catch a glimpse of hosts dressed as samurai warriors in the season one finale as Maeve stumbles through the various floors of the Westworld headquarters in her attempt to escape. Plus, there are a good handful of alternate worlds in the original movie. That said, the show has diverged quite dramatically, in certain ways, from the source material. Additionally, for all we know, that samurai glimpse may have just been a nod to the original film or a fun Easter egg for eagle-eyed viewers. Taking all this into account, though, there's one moment from the Paleyfest panel that gives us hope.
At one point during the moderated Q&A, Ed Harris talked about how quickly his character, The Man in Black, drew him in. At the end of his sentiment, he dished out a few funny "demands" for his character going forward. "I just don't want to be naked or wearing a samurai suit," he quipped. "I'm saying that publicly. I'm the Man in Black, not the Man in the Samurai Suit." Shortly thereafter, cocreator Lisa Joy offered her own comment, saying, "We won't see him in a samurai suit."
It may seem pretty light and off the cuff, but the exchange makes us think this Eastworld may really be on the brain for both the cast and the creators. As tight-lipped as everyone has been, it's worth noting the actors may be just the slightest bit more clued in than we are. And the creators, well, that's going right to the source. We'll have to wait (until 2018!) to know for sure, but we have a very strong feeling we're seeing new worlds in season two.
Fairidescent Sneakers Are What Your Springtime Dreams Are Made Of
We're loving the space-age chic look - think Zenon or the Jetsons, millennium style. Iridescent, foil, metallic, and out-of-this world coloring.
And of course, our favorite iteration of this throwback look is - you guessed it - with sneakers. Running shoes, tennis shoes, and trainers now have little splashes and accents of this supernatural coloring, and some are completely covered in iridescence. Choose your outer-space adventure and find the sneaks to fit your style.
Students aim to cure design flaws in peekaboo hospital gowns
Nova Scotia university students have designed three prototypes for new hospital gowns that aim to preserve a patient's dignity.
Find Out How Much You Should Really Be Tipping at the Salon
Tipping is a custom that allows you to express appreciation for a job well done. But when it comes to salon, spa, and nail services, it can be hard to decide who and how much to tip - especially on a color job gone wrong. And while tipping is at your discretion, here are a few suggestions on amounts to give in a variety of circumstances. See the guidelines below.
Flaunt Your Hufflepuff Pride With This Adorably Wearable Makeup Look
Between Harry Potter lip art and Harry Potter body paint and just about everything in between, there's absolutely no shortage of Harry Potter-inspired beauty masterpieces out there. But many of these over-the-top designs aren't the most appropriate for every day, especially when it's not October and Halloween isn't a valid excuse . . . well, until now. Makeup artist Karla McEntree has redefined Harry Potter-inspired eye makeup with an adorably wearable look that won't make you stand out like a lightning bolt scar would!
Karla has started a makeup series turning each of the houses into a cute, flattering look and we have to admit, we're totally obsessed. With Hufflepuff being first, the makeup artist incorporated the yellow and black house colors to complete the double-winged eyeliner creation. She filled the liner with a beautiful yellow glitter shade, truly making her eyes pop. Hufflepuff may not have many dark wizards, but it looks like Karla is totally channeling her dark side with this blended look.
Keep reading to see Karla's Hufflepuff-inspired look from all angles.
What I Did to Get (Permanent) Eyebrows on Fleek
It's a beauty woe that's all too familiar. It started in middle school, when I couldn't stand to look at the tiny feather boas sprouting above my eyes. Gwen Stefani was rocking pink parentheses, and I looked like Harrison Ford. I had to tweeze them. Because, you know, when you're in middle school you make responsible and wise decisions. Little did I know that tweezing was a gateway to overtweezing. I ended up looking like Clara Bow when all I wanted was a clean Audrey Hepburn.
Eventually I stared at my superskinny arches and realized that (believe me, I tried) there was little waxing or threading could do to help my already barely there brows. I watched YouTube videos of women filling in theirs like they'd been doing it since the dawn of man. But I wasn't exactly a makeup connoisseur. Probably more like a festival face-painter . . .
But I turned to makeup nonetheless - pencils for sketching my misaligned arches, powders for filling in those sexy bald spots, gels to keep unruly hairs in line, and waxes for building up color. Do you know how much time that takes? If I'm being honest, it takes up most of my morning routine. I could shave my entire body faster than it takes to create one perfectly arched brow.
After all that time each morning, I still found myself catching reflections of them in the rearview mirror. I looked like I'd passed out at a party too early and got attacked by a Sharpie. I had to switch up my morning eyebrow-creating routine. "Eyebrows" and "trial and error" are now so synonymous to me that I fear the bad brow days and cherish the good like loved ones.
While, naturally, perusing #eyebrowsonfleek on Instagram, I discovered microblading. The clouds opened above me, and light poured down on my thirsty arches. My brow-brush-wielding hands prayed for a paid vacation. So I decided to look into the technique.
This alternative tattooing method produces semipermanent results. However, unlike the block-like and harsh traditional eyebrow tats, microblading creates subtle, natural-looking brows by mimicking the strokes of eyebrow hairs.
Microblading requires a manual tool featuring several tiny needles in a row to deposit dye into the dermal second layer of the skin. The pen-like device yields amazingly natural-looking arches because the needles etch hyperprecise strokes that actually look like your brow hairs. Or, in my case, my would-be hairs.
Needless to say, I was intrigued, so when I got the opportunity to visit brow specialist Piret Aava for microblading, I decided to take the plunge and get my eyebrows tattooed. What? Tiny tattoos are in style. It's 2016. And I needed some fly eyebrows, stat.
The Lazy Girl's Guide to Finally Getting Your Dream Butt
Having a toned butt is likely at the top of your fitness goals list, but getting it is another story. I get it: after doing cardio or an intense workout, it's tempting to just throw in the towel and forget about whether or not your booty got enough attention. But this short workout of six effective exercises are all about the tush, and you can do them anytime, anywhere - you don't even have to get up off the floor.
The Workout:
- Advanced bridge tabletop
- Marching bridge
- Clam series
- Side saddle leg lifts
- Donkey kick pulses series
- Pilates swimming series
Do this workout when you're watching TV, winding down for the night, or on the floor next to your bed when you get up, and you'll be on your way to whipping your glutes into shape without a ton of extra effort. Trust us, any lazy girl can do these simple but supereffective moves. Keep reading to learn how to properly execute each rep.
The Lazy Girl's Guide to Finally Getting Your Dream Butt
Having a toned butt is likely at the top of your fitness goals list, but getting it is another story. I get it: after doing cardio or an intense workout, it's tempting to just throw in the towel and forget about whether or not your booty got enough attention. But this short workout of six effective exercises are all about the tush, and you can do them anytime, anywhere - you don't even have to get up off the floor.
The Workout:
- Advanced bridge tabletop
- Marching bridge
- Clam series
- Side saddle leg lifts
- Donkey kick pulses series
- Pilates swimming series
Do this workout when you're watching TV, winding down for the night, or on the floor next to your bed when you get up, and you'll be on your way to whipping your glutes into shape without a ton of extra effort. Trust us, any lazy girl can do these simple but supereffective moves. Keep reading to learn how to properly execute each rep.
A Pregnant Mom Got Help Soothing Her Crying Baby on a Flight From This Unexpected Stranger
When a pregnant mom boarded a plane with her toddler son, she probably knew it was going to be a difficult flight. What she didn't know was that she'd find support in one of the unlikeliest of places: a complete stranger.
Instead of zoning out a crying child like so many passengers try to do, one man got up and helped. And Angela Byrd, another passenger, captured the moment on camera.
"On a flight back to Georgia, this man, who was a stranger to this woman, offered to help her because she was pregnant and alone on the flight and her son was upset and fussy," Byrd wrote in a post on the Everything Georgia Facebook page earlier this week.
So, what connected this man to this woman?
"He told her that he was a dad," she wrote. "He wanted to help her so she could rest. He walked the aisle most of the flight from Minneapolis to Atlanta comforting this woman's son as if he was his own. I was in tears . . . because it showed me today that there are still good people out there in a world full of turmoil."
This post was originally published on Sept. 8, 2016.
How to Get Nail Polish Off Just About Anything
Into every life, a little nail polish must fall. But just because you accidentally lacquered your skirt, desk, or couch, that doesn't mean the stuff has to stay there. The faster you act, the better off you'll be, and most materials respond well to solvents you already have lying around the house. See our easy polish stain fixes now.
Removing Polish From Wood
First rule: don't use nail polish remover on wood. It actually ruins finishes and leaves new, maybe even worse looking, stains. Don't panic, though, because there's actually a really easy way to fix the polish-on-wood problem. Just spritz your polish puddle down with plenty of hair spray (we use Aqua Net), let it sit for about 20 seconds, and then wipe it off. You might need to repeat the process a few times, but it's far, far preferable to having splotchy furniture.
Removing Polish From Cloth
Probably one of the most common polish problems, this is also a tricky one. Nail polish remover can interact with some dyes and fabrics (it'll actually melt acetate), so perform a spot test before you use it. If you use remover on your fabric, make sure to launder it directly afterward. And if remover isn't an option, you can always try hair spray. Dry cleaning solvent can also usually remove polish, so if you can't get it out at home, don't be afraid to run it down to your cleaners.
Removing Polish From Hair
If you were in a rush and ended up both ruining your nails and painting up your hair, the fix is pretty simple. If the polish is still wet, just grab some non-acetone polish remover and run it down the polished strands. If it's dry already, work some conditioner or oil gently through your hair until you can slide the polish bits out.
Removing Polish From Carpet
First of all, what color is your carpet? If it's light or white, using a non-acetone polish remover is probably your best bet. If it's dark and you're not sure about whether the dye might interact with it, try pouring on hair spray or rubbing alcohol and then blotting the polish up with a sponge or paper towels. Don't give up if the polish just seems to keep coming - you want to get every last bit out.
Exercises You Can Do For Better Sex
Our friends at YourTango have the best exercises you can do for better sex.
Pump that iron, girl!
Exercise. It's pretty important to, you know, being a happy, healthy person existing on planet Earth.
Trust me, I wish this weren't this case. I wish that staying in bed binging on Netflix had a positive impact on your brain and its biochemistry, but alas, that is not meant to be.
I'm not a naturally active person, but I know that getting up and going to the gym - even if it's just for 20 minutes - will leave me feeling happier, more energized, and just overall more comfortable in my own skin.
But if that's not incentive enough to get yo' ass moving, here's another one: depending on what workout you choose, there are exercises that you can do that qualify as exercises for better sex.
That's right, prepare to get physical, because I'm about to pump YOU up (and by you I mean the areas of your body that are most integral to having a rip-roaring and athletic session in the sack, sexually speaking.
Behold, 5 exercises for better sex!
1. Lunges
My crotch is sore just thinking about all of the different types of lunges that a girl (or grown ass woman) can do to get in the best shape possible for some freaky, freaky sex.
Lunges are great because they make you incredibly flexible, especially in the region of your upper inner thigh. You want this area to be nice and supple to make it easier than ever for him to find your G-spot and send you to Orgasm City, USA.
2. Hinges
This here position is a lot like doing a sit-up only on your knees and in reverse. Sound complicated? It isn't, words are just hard.
Get on your knees (that's what he said, lol, no time to laugh about it now). Once in that position, lean back as far as you can keeping your abs activated, then return to sitting upright. Rinse, wash, repeat. You'll notice that your core is affected and that the muscles in your back are working, which is good news when you're doing some missionary and need to arch just so to get that hit your clitoris craves.
Related: 17 Sex Positions Men LOVE
3. Bridge
Another easy one that feels good and does good for you.
Get on your back (again, that's what he said, though admittedly this is getting tired). Pull up your knees and plant your feet on the ground. Then, pushing off, lift your lower half into the air, clenching your buttocks.
This is going to also tighten your pelvic floor, making your orgasms even more intense.
4. Happy Baby
This isn't an exercise as much as it's a stretch, but it's an important one if you like to have sex that actually feels good.
Lay down on your back and from that position, hug your knees to your chest. Rock gently from side to side, loosening the muscles of your lower back. Your lower back is responsible for many of the spine-tingling good feelings you have during sex. If you want to keep them in action, make sure to stretch them regularly.
5. Plie
This move ain't just for ballerinas.
Stand with your feet placed slightly wider than your hips. Bend your knees and lower yourself as far as you can. Hold, then come back up to standing. Repeat as wanted. This here move is going to act as a double whammy, tightening your pelvic floor AND increasing your flexibility. Two things guaranteed to make sex hotter than ever.
More from our friends at YourTango:
- Your Guide to Aphrodisiacs
- The Crazy Night My Hook-Up Took It Too Far
- The Best Books For Tantric Sex
- The 8-Day Make-Out Challenge For Couples
- The Woman's Guide to Mind-Blowing Masturbation
Exercises You Can Do For Better Sex
Our friends at YourTango have the best exercises you can do for better sex.
Pump that iron, girl!
Exercise. It's pretty important to, you know, being a happy, healthy person existing on planet Earth.
Trust me, I wish this weren't this case. I wish that staying in bed binging on Netflix had a positive impact on your brain and its biochemistry, but alas, that is not meant to be.
I'm not a naturally active person, but I know that getting up and going to the gym - even if it's just for 20 minutes - will leave me feeling happier, more energized, and just overall more comfortable in my own skin.
But if that's not incentive enough to get yo' ass moving, here's another one: depending on what workout you choose, there are exercises that you can do that qualify as exercises for better sex.
That's right, prepare to get physical, because I'm about to pump YOU up (and by you I mean the areas of your body that are most integral to having a rip-roaring and athletic session in the sack, sexually speaking.
Behold, 5 exercises for better sex!
1. Lunges
My crotch is sore just thinking about all of the different types of lunges that a girl (or grown ass woman) can do to get in the best shape possible for some freaky, freaky sex.
Lunges are great because they make you incredibly flexible, especially in the region of your upper inner thigh. You want this area to be nice and supple to make it easier than ever for him to find your G-spot and send you to Orgasm City, USA.
2. Hinges
This here position is a lot like doing a sit-up only on your knees and in reverse. Sound complicated? It isn't, words are just hard.
Get on your knees (that's what he said, lol, no time to laugh about it now). Once in that position, lean back as far as you can keeping your abs activated, then return to sitting upright. Rinse, wash, repeat. You'll notice that your core is affected and that the muscles in your back are working, which is good news when you're doing some missionary and need to arch just so to get that hit your clitoris craves.
Related: 17 Sex Positions Men LOVE
3. Bridge
Another easy one that feels good and does good for you.
Get on your back (again, that's what he said, though admittedly this is getting tired). Pull up your knees and plant your feet on the ground. Then, pushing off, lift your lower half into the air, clenching your buttocks.
This is going to also tighten your pelvic floor, making your orgasms even more intense.
4. Happy Baby
This isn't an exercise as much as it's a stretch, but it's an important one if you like to have sex that actually feels good.
Lay down on your back and from that position, hug your knees to your chest. Rock gently from side to side, loosening the muscles of your lower back. Your lower back is responsible for many of the spine-tingling good feelings you have during sex. If you want to keep them in action, make sure to stretch them regularly.
5. Plie
This move ain't just for ballerinas.
Stand with your feet placed slightly wider than your hips. Bend your knees and lower yourself as far as you can. Hold, then come back up to standing. Repeat as wanted. This here move is going to act as a double whammy, tightening your pelvic floor AND increasing your flexibility. Two things guaranteed to make sex hotter than ever.
More from our friends at YourTango:
- Your Guide to Aphrodisiacs
- The Crazy Night My Hook-Up Took It Too Far
- The Best Books For Tantric Sex
- The 8-Day Make-Out Challenge For Couples
- The Woman's Guide to Mind-Blowing Masturbation
The Sleek Teak Accessory Will Give You the Best Poop of Your Life
Ever since you saw that crazy pooping unicorn ad, you've wanted to try a pooping stool - especially after hearing about how magical a Squatty Potty really is. But you're still a little skeptical. I mean, what if someone uses your bathroom and sees it? Let's also not forget how unattractive most are.
If you're not ready to tell the world that you happily use a pooping stool (or at least tell the people who come to your home), then try this slim teak version ($80) that in no ways screams, "I use this to poop!" Or maybe you just need something with a more midcentury deign to match your bathroom aesthetic.
It may cost considerably more than a white plastic Squatty Potty ($25), but it looks much classier, more modern, and more inconspicuous. And if you feel less embarrassed and even proud to have this in your bathroom and you actually use it, then it's worth paying over double, because there's nothing like the feeling of a good poop in the morning.
The Sleek Teak Accessory Will Give You the Best Poop of Your Life
Ever since you saw that crazy pooping unicorn ad, you've wanted to try a pooping stool - especially after hearing about how magical a Squatty Potty really is. But you're still a little skeptical. I mean, what if someone uses your bathroom and sees it? Let's also not forget how unattractive most are.
If you're not ready to tell the world that you happily use a pooping stool (or at least tell the people who come to your home), then try this slim teak version ($80) that in no ways screams, "I use this to poop!" Or maybe you just need something with a more midcentury deign to match your bathroom aesthetic.
It may cost considerably more than a white plastic Squatty Potty ($25), but it looks much classier, more modern, and more inconspicuous. And if you feel less embarrassed and even proud to have this in your bathroom and you actually use it, then it's worth paying over double, because there's nothing like the feeling of a good poop in the morning.
11 Seriously Stunning Real-Girl Vanities That Will Make You Lose Your Sh*t
As a beauty-lover, your vanity isn't just where you spend most of your time getting ready, and it's more than just a dedicated spot to keep your products organized. It's a reflection of your personal style and it can be just as over-the-top and luxe as you are.
Before trying out the latest makeup or hair trend, consider revamping your beauty space first. Spring cleaning isn't just a good excuse to transform your battle station, it's also a great time to give some extra love to the supplies you already have. For instance, organize your brushes and tools in chic mugs to add personality to your vanity. For a modern feel, mix bold patterns and your current obsessions (ahem, Lisa Frank, unicorns, and Beauty and the Beast) by opting for playful storage containers, tools, and accessories. The last thing every Instagram-worthy makeup area needs is fresh flowers - even just a single bloom can go a long way!
Whether you get excited about the glam accents or endless storage options, these are envy-inducing "battle stations" to inspire your next makeover in 2017.
12 Ways You're Using Your Beautyblender Totally Wrong
The Beautyblender isn't your grandmother's makeup sponge. There's a reason professional and YouTube makeup artists keep more than one in their kits at all times. Since the brand launched over 10 years ago, it has become an insider favorite and created a new category of edgeless sponge applicators (with plenty of knockoffs available).
The main question we get when someone sees us with the pink egg: "Is it worth the money?" Yes. The Beautyblender will cost you $20 (which is about 19 more dollars than the cheap triangle versions at the drugstore). But you'll get a dewy, airbrushed finish you can't achieve with brushes alone.
There are a few things you need to know before you run out and buy one. Consider this your Beautyblender owner's manual straight from the product creator, Rea Ann Silva. Avoid these 12 mistakes to keep you from getting mold, tears, or stains in your prized beauty tool.
Prepare to Be Mesmerized by These Minnie Mouse Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are already a summer favorite, but what about Minnie Mouse caramel apples? We went behind the scenes at Goofy's Candy Company at Disney World to see how these adorable desserts are put together! For more Disney World magic, check out these Minnie Mouse cupcakes and this Mickey Mouse marshmallow wand!
The 1-Second Trick That Will Help You Ace Every Workout
Sasha DiGiulian knows a lot about conquering fear. She's been rock climbing since the age of six, and in 2012, Sasha became the the first US woman and the youngest female in the world to climb 5.14d. In climber speak that is hard - excruciatingly hard. To this day, there are very few climbers - men or women - who can say they've done a climb of such difficulty.
I had a chance to see the Adidas athlete speak on a Future/Fit panel at SXSW, where she discussed the pressures of competing on a professional level and the lessons the everyday athlete, like you and I, can take from her own trials and tribulations. A week later, I keep going back to a specific tip she offered the audience. Similar to having a mantra that powers you through a workout, Sasha's ritual is something all of us can do when exercising and, really, in any difficult situation.
"The last thing I do before leaving the ground - whether it's 100 feet or 1,000 feet - is I smile," Sasha said. "That puts me in the zone to perform well. Even if smiling isn't your go-to, find what does put you there and create a habit of it."
Sasha's tip goes well beyond a fake-it-till-you-make-it trick. Several studies have shown that a smile is one of the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal. A forced smile can almost instantly improve your mood, decrease stress, and over time, change your tendency to have negative thoughts.
The next time you're headed into the gym, are faced by a daunting long run, or are just wanting to give up, try smiling. It may feel terribly forced and cheesy, but it's likely you'll go into your workout feeling better than you did one minute prior. Excuse us while we swap out our pre-workout smoothie with a smile.
The 1-Second Trick That Will Help You Ace Every Workout
Sasha DiGiulian knows a lot about conquering fear. She's been rock climbing since the age of six, and in 2012, Sasha became the the first US woman and the youngest female in the world to climb 5.14d. In climber speak that is hard - excruciatingly hard. To this day, there are very few climbers - men or women - who can say they've done a climb of such difficulty.
I had a chance to see the Adidas athlete speak on a Future/Fit panel at SXSW, where she discussed the pressures of competing on a professional level and the lessons the everyday athlete, like you and I, can take from her own trials and tribulations. A week later, I keep going back to a specific tip she offered the audience. Similar to having a mantra that powers you through a workout, Sasha's ritual is something all of us can do when exercising and, really, in any difficult situation.
"The last thing I do before leaving the ground - whether it's 100 feet or 1,000 feet - is I smile," Sasha said. "That puts me in the zone to perform well. Even if smiling isn't your go-to, find what does put you there and create a habit of it."
Sasha's tip goes well beyond a fake-it-till-you-make-it trick. Several studies have shown that a smile is one of the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal. A forced smile can almost instantly improve your mood, decrease stress, and over time, change your tendency to have negative thoughts.
The next time you're headed into the gym, are faced by a daunting long run, or are just wanting to give up, try smiling. It may feel terribly forced and cheesy, but it's likely you'll go into your workout feeling better than you did one minute prior. Excuse us while we swap out our pre-workout smoothie with a smile.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day!
Ben & Jerry's fans, rejoice! Free Cone Day is fast approaching and will be here on Tuesday, April 4. Anyone who has ever experienced this glorious day knows it's worth marking your calendars for and planning a trip with a group of your ice-cream-loving friends. This year, Ben & Jerry's will give out free ice cream from 12 p.m. through 8 p.m. in participating scoop shops across the country. That means you can choose you favorite flavor, get a free cone (or cup), and get back in line for a second round - seriously, Ben & Jerry's even encourages it.
While you won't be able to get Ben & Jerry's new Pint Slices for free, there are plenty of sweet flavors to choose from, including a new chocolaty flavor called Truffle Kerfuffle. If you seriously can't decide, Ben & Jerry's even has a Free Cone Day quiz to help determine the best flavor for your personality. Be sure to pencil this into your schedule for the day, because the only the better than ice cream is free ice cream, right?
10 Influencers Just Designed New MAC Lipsticks - and They're Not What You'd Expect
If you take a look back at MAC's collaboration histories, you'll see that among big names like Lady Gaga and Zac Posen are up-and-coming artists, be they in the fields of fashion, music, or makeup artistry. That's why I wasn't surprised that when the brand announced its upcoming 10-piece lipstick collection designed by influencers (which POPSUGAR exclusively revealed earlier this year), MAC's team had selected a healthy mix of 10 world-famous and under-the-radar beauty pros.
According to Catherine Bomboy Dougherty, the senior vice president of public relations at MAC, that progressive attitude is in the very foundation of the brand. "It's what MAC was built on," she said in an interview with POPSUGAR.
The ideology of "all ages, all races, all sexes" is built into MAC's credo, but I'd believe that "all things chic" is written between the lines of that mission statement. I went on a press trip to MAC's official labs in Toronto to meet them and witness the creation of their bespoke lipsticks, so I can vouch that the 10 influencers selected exude an effortless sense of cool. But more importantly, they really know what they're talking about when it comes to makeup.
I viewed all the different levels of the formulation process, which included mood boards, essays about the ideal color, and hand-mixing pigment in a cosmetic chemist's lab. Each person creating their own lipstick was absolutely fastidious, often adjusting tones by practically invisible fractions to craft their perfect shade.
The perfect shades themselves surprised me. All but one of the influencers created their own variation of nude lipstick. The outlier chose red, which she would have liked to name Vic Woo (a combination of her own name and the iconic MAC Ruby Woo lipstick). I had expected the punchy, rainbow hues that many of them wear on their social channels, but when it came down to it, they simply wanted their neutral lipstick dreams realized. I totally respect this. The tones shifted from deep to light, cool to warm, and matte to sheer. While some may look similar to the naked eye, I saw firsthand that many of the amateur chemists had women of a wide range of skin tones test out their shade as they mixed them. It was clear that they wanted their formula to work well on a variety of skin tones.
"That's one of the reasons why we have such amazing respect for them," said Bomboy Dougherty. "They are really well-versed on the products, the textures, the finishes, the ingredients, the undertones." She laughed as she added, "I felt like when we were working with these people that some of them know our product better than we do sometimes."
That understanding of MAC formulas comes from the influencers' long relationships with the products, be they personal or professional. A lot of them started out as makeup artists before shifting their attention to social media. In fact, Samantha Ravndahl - known as @ssssamanthaa to her 2.4 million followers on Instagram - worked at a MAC counter in her early days of makeup artistry. "Our artists at the brand were so excited that we chose her," revealed Bomboy Dougherty. "She's part of that community and our artists internally really support that."
Sadly, you'll only be able to buy the colors made by your country's corresponding influencer(s). For example, if you're based in the United States, you will have shopping access exclusively to Gabriel Zamora and Laura Lee's lipsticks, while Brazilian MAC fans can just get Victoria Ceridono's shade. But believe me when I say that all 10 of these individuals are worth getting to know. Read on for more insight into their creative processes, including their fantasy names for their shades (which include inspiration from Disney princesses, furry friends, and their fans) and a glimpse at the shades before they launch later this year.
Why I Hope Not to See Pretend Pregnancy Announcements on April Fools' Day
The following post was written by Becky Thompson at Scissortail SILK, her blog that speaks on hope, healing, and faith for women. Becky lives in NW Oklahoma with her husband, their three young children, and whatever critters wander in from the wheat field behind their house. Look for her first book scheduled for release this Spring. Here, she writes about disappointment when trying to conceive.
Last year, I wrote this article - and it spread like wildfire. I heard from people all across the globe who agreed, and others who used some pretty strong language to tell me how much they disagreed. But out of all of it, I noticed one thing. It started a discussion. And sometimes? All it takes for change and hope and forward thinking to take place is for one person to say, "Sure lots of people do it, but that doesn't make it right."
And that is why with April 1st here, I feel it necessary to speak about this once again.
We have all seen them - a happy couple posing with a picture of a sonogram or a pair of little shoes, a smiling woman holding her tummy, a shock of disbelief on a man's face gripping a pregnancy test. They are pictures that lead us to believe that there is a baby on the way. We have also seen the status updates on social media. "I'm expecting!" We are to assume that someone we know is pregnant. Only around April 1st, it's not often true. Once we read the comments, we discover that what is expected is actually a tax return, or a great day, or something other than a baby.
And all of these are done for the sake of a few laughs and a great April Fool's Day prank.
But here's the deal. I'm asking you not to, and beyond that, I'm asking you to ask your friends not to either. Because the truth is, we all have friends who are suffering silently.
It's true. We all have friends who would love to have a baby, and month after month, they find themselves still waiting… still hoping. It is what they think about constantly. It is what they hope for endlessly. And deep down, they face the often relentless fear that they might not ever naturally have a child of their own.
See, after sharing a little of our own struggle to maintain a healthy pregnancy, I have learned that those who face infertility rarely discuss it openly in casual conversation. There will be plenty of status updates about babies and toddlers and children. Moms to be will discuss pregnancy cravings and appointments and ailments. It's easy to see the journey of those who are currently or soon will be parents.
But those who wait? Those who have gone for months or years hoping for a baby of their own? Well, let's be honest. You likely have no idea.
After all, you won't see many status updates that say something along the lines of, "Still not pregnant. #whenwillitbemyturn" …because for many, the journey to pregnancy it is a deeply emotional process. It's not something that comes up in everyday discussions. And yet, with each photo of a happy couple who is expecting, those who struggle will fear that they might not ever know that joy.
So, my request is simple. Let's not make a joke of it this year… or ever. Not because I'm trying to censor you. Not because I'm trying to steal away your fun. But because I want to remind you that there are people that you know… people that you care about… people that you love, who you might be hurting with a simple prank without ever realizing it.
I'm asking you to not make a joke of it for their sake. I'm asking you to spread on this message… for them.
So, yes. I do understand that there are many who do struggle with infertility who would not be bothered by this joke. There are many who are walking out this road who are full of hope and joy and laughter, and they might say, "Don't let my story, stop your fun." But I'm asking on behalf of those who aren't in that place. I'm asking on behalf of those that you love, who might be fighting daily for hope… who might be hanging onto hope by a thread.
Let's decide together that this April Fool's Day will be different, and maybe together? We will start a discussion about why we want it to be…
These 13 Lipstick Storage Ideas Are Total Beauty Porn
If you're in search of a little Spring cleaning inspiration or your lipstick collection rivals that of a department store beauty counter, prepare to be amazed and inspire). What you are about to witness is something of an organizational fairytale where piles of lipsticks, lip glosses, liquid lip pigments, balms, stains and the like have been masterfully arranged in ways you never thought possible. Rainbows of lip colors that have been tucked, stacked, and lined so perfectly that they are something of a work of art. Mini lipstick cities propped up on tiered ledges that look so perfect, they are (almost) too pretty to swipe on. Read on to discover a lineup of drool-worthy lip storage creations that are total beauty porn. Enjoy!
This 1 Beauty Product Could Be Making Your Hair Fall Out
The busier our schedules get, the more frequently that seemingly avoidable tasks are dropped from our to-do lists. Somehow, several times a week, a good ol' hair-sudsing sesh was dropped from this list a while back and replaced with that miracle in a can, dry shampoo. We know we're not alone: after casually polling other POPSUGAR editors, we found that many women stretched out a wash two to four days using the product. (Chances are that as you read this, you may have some dry shampoo in your own hair!)
According to Anabel Kingsley, director of communications and trichologist at Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic, replacing true shampoo with a dry formula creates an unhealthy scalp environment. "The health of the hair is strongly reliant on the health of the scalp, and frequent shampooing is vital for this," she told POPSUGAR via email. "If oils, dead skin cells and sweat are left to sit and build up on the scalp, they can negatively impact the function of hair follicles."
Considering that follicles are responsible for new growth, it's not surprising to learn that scalp buildup - including excessive amounts of dry shampoo - can lead to hair thinning and loss.
That's not to say that you can't incorporate dry shampoo into your hair regimen. Kingsley shared that it's safe to use as an alternative to true washing for up to two days in a row. "If you leave more than 3 days between washes, the scalp can get itchy and flaky," she explained. "Flakes are known to worsen hair shedding in certain individuals."
You're not in the clear just yet, though. The way you apply and rub in your dry shampoo could also be causing hair loss. Most tend to concentrate the spritzing at the front of the hairline (this makes sense, as it is where greasiness tends to be most visible). Kingsley insists that you gently work the dry shampoo through this area, as it's where your strands are weakest. Otherwise, you risk noticeable hair breakage . . . or worse. "Very vigorous rubbing of the scalp could also cause hairs to be pulled out from their follicle," she said. "If this is done consistently, patches of hair loss could occur."
When shopping for your next can of dry shampoo, keep scalp-friendly ingredients in mind. We like Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo ($26) (which contains soothing allantoin and bisabolol, an anti-inflammatory ingredient that relieves flaking) as well as Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($20). The oat milk in this formula is soothing and protects the scalp. Just don't use these ingredients as an excuse to overindulge!
Go Behind the Scenes of the New Iron Chef Gauntlet With Alton Brown!
We're counting down the days until the premiere of the new Iron Chef Gauntlet on Food Network, and a new behind-the-scenes video with Alton Brown has made us even more excited. As the host of the show's reboot, Alton Brown takes People magazine on a tour of the new Iron Chef set, and based on the sneak peek, we have a feeling the show will be better than ever. Alton shows off the impressive kitchen stocked with pots, pans, and copper bowls, and gives us a preview of the soon-to-be-used tools like the anti-griddle, the immersion circulator, and - as always - liquid nitrogen. Get a look for yourself in the video above, and read up on all the Iron Chef Gauntlet competitors here. The show premieres on Food Network on April 16 at 9 p.m. EDT/PDT.
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.
Mom's Hysterical "Milk Bath" Wine Parody Gets Life With Toddlers
As a professional photographer, Brit knows all about the milk bath trend for expecting new mothers. But as a mom to a rambunctious 18-month-old, this hysterical mama also knows what happens when your newborn turns into a toddler: it can be a struggle, but wine certainly helps!
Brit explained that while many women are obsessing over milk baths, she's pining for nap times when her little one is asleep and she has a few minutes to herself. As a parody on the milk bath photo shoots, Brit did a unique session dedicated to wine. "My 18-month-old is driving me up the wall. I love the little dude, but I feel a mental breakdown happening soon," Brit told POPSUGAR Moms. "I thought, everyone is over here doing milk baths and showing the sweet side of motherhood, I think it's about time someone shows the REAL side of motherhood."
When her little one went down for a nap, Brit headed to the bathroom with a bottle of wine and called on her husband to snap some photos. "While babies need milk baths to renew their skin, mommas need wine baths to renew their souls," she wrote on her blog.
Amen to that!
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 Photos of This Dad Delivering His Own Twins Will Absolutely Blow You Away
One couple not only had a peaceful home water birth experience, but they were also lucky enough to have a talented birth photographer on hand to capture each breathtaking moment.
While it's estimated that 75 percent of twin births in the United States are delivered via C-section, this couple decided to welcome their babies at home - and the process moved so quickly that their ob-gyn wasn't able to arrive in time. In the stunning series of photos taken by Birth Blessings Photography & Childbirth Services, Robin Baker managed not only to photograph this twin birth but also to assist in it.
Baker told POPSUGAR that she arrived only 20 minutes after initially receiving the couple's call but could immediately tell that it wasn't going to be a long labor. "In between contractions and taking photographs, I was focused on helping them prepare a space to birth," said Baker. "I'm also an experienced home birther, so I knew what needed to be done."
As soon as Baker warmed the water and the laboring mom got into the bathtub, she immediately had the urge to push. Since everything was happening so quickly, Baker and the daddy-to-be spoke with their doctor over the phone to update him on their progress. The unnamed father joined his wife in the bathtub and helped to deliver their twins, a baby boy and girl.
They joyful couple had 30 minutes of bonding time with baby A before baby B made his way into his father's hands while still en caul. "The mom reached down and removed the [amniotic] sac and dad turned the baby to release the Nuchal cord and then handed him to mom," described Baker. "The parents were calm, peaceful, and brought their babies into the world effortlessly!"
Even though Baker has witnessed more than 70 births, she said that this was one of the most incredible moments of her career. "Since so many twins are born in the operating room, this birth was very special," added Baker. "Women are incredible when they follow their body's natural instincts!"
This post was originally published on March 15, 2016.
13 Reasons Why Is the Most Important YA Adaptation Yet - Just Ask Its Cast
13 Reasons Why is just days away from premiering on Netflix, which means that you're just days away from falling in love with the utterly charming, and utterly heartbreaking, Dylan Minnette and Katherine Langford. On top of fantastic writing by showrunner Brian Yorkey, much of the (inevitable) success of the 13-episode-long adaptation of Jay Asher's bestselling YA novel is owed to their stirring performances.
Minnette, who's appeared in movies like Don't Breathe and Goosebumps, plays teenager Clay Jensen, who receives a series of cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker (Langford), a classmate who recently committed suicide. How do you teach a lesson without becoming an after-school special? How do you avoid becoming a PSA instead of a TV show? Part of the challenge of a show about teen suicide is striking the right tone, and by turning the subject into an authentic, haunting, binge-ready mystery, Netflix has not only achieved something great but also produced something that will no doubt start a lot of important conversations.
While Winter Storm Niko raged outside a hotel overlooking Madison Square Park in early March, we went right to the source and to one of those very conversations with the show's young stars. After Langford - a 20-year-old Hollywood newcomer by way of Perth, Australia - was done marveling at seeing snow for the first time, she and Minnette discussed everything from the stigma surrounding mental illness to the therapy puppies they had on set and what it's really like when Selena Gomez is your executive producer.
POPSUGAR: Hearing Selena Gomez speak about the project, it's clear that she's so passionate, and was really dedicated to bringing it to life in the right way. What has it been like to work with her?
Katherine Langford: The actual network test I did over Skype, so I didn't get to see anyone or be super involved in the casting process, but I think Selena and everyone who chose to cast us was so elated. Particularly for me, I had never done anything before. I got a call saying they wanted me, but we only had 10 days to get an O-1 visa. Anyone who's ever tried to get an O-1 visa knows that is not something you can usually get in 10 days, so for me the support was there right away. I truly believe this project is in the right hands and has always been in the right hands, because it's in the hands of people who really care about what they're saying. Selena's lovely.
Dylan Minnette: She makes us feel very loved and welcome. We didn't get to meet her until the very end, and she made us so comfortable.
KL: She's incredibly busy. She flew out while she was on tour after the tragedy with Christina Grimmie. She took time to look after herself, went and won an award at the VMAs with an absolutely iconic speech, and then the next day she was with us in Northern California for a whole day. She stayed with us the whole day on set, and talked to everyone. She took us out to dinner and saw a movie with us, and we hung out with her. I don't think I can emphasize how generous she is, and how genuinely she cares. Time is something that you can't put a price on, and she just gives infinite time to everyone around her. It's joy.
PS: In a lot of shows set in high schools, the characters and dialogue can come off as a little unrealistic for kids that age, but there's something about the show that feels so authentic. Did you guys have any input on making sure the script stayed true to what an actual high school student might say?
KL: I think they took two things into consideration about that. The first thing is that one of the biggest goals of making this series was to keep it as truthful as possible, because we knew that the story we were telling was important. I think everyone was really on board with that. In terms of the language, Brian Yorkey . . . it should just be Brian Yorkey full-stop. I can't even begin to tell you about his writing. These characters are like four or five dimensional. They're so solid and so well-rounded. At the start, you're just getting used to saying the lines and your character, and what Brian would actually do is listen to us through filming. He would pick up on our rhythms, and the language that we used, and even the things that we did. As we went along through the scripts, it became smoother and smoother to read. Things popped up that we were like, "Wait, I said that!" or "Wait, I did that!"
DM: Exactly. That happened to me, too.
KL: It got to the point that it was so snappy.
DM: He had the language down, for sure. If there ever was a time that a line seemed unnatural, I would go to him and say, "This catches me." And it's gone. They trusted the actors, because it's primarily a young cast. We really tried to make it as real as possible.
PS: Did you film in a real high school, or was that all a set?
DM: For the first bit. We were in this school in this small town in Northern California, Sebastopol. It was Analy High School.
KL: The Analy Tigers.
DM: We started in Summer, but then the school year started, so they built the entire hallway you see in the school. The set is huge, and they replicated it. It was awesome, and the coolest set I've worked on. If we needed to film outside the school, we had to switch our work week to Thursday to Sunday, since we could only film when [the students] weren't in class.
PS: Katherine, you're from Australia, so what was it like to play an American teenager in an American high school? Was it jarring for you at all?
KL: This may just be me, but I feel like everyone's dream is to live as an American high school student. [laughs] There are so many teen films set in America that you live vicariously through them, anyway. But it was totally different. I got to experience Halloween, and prom, and cheerleaders . . .
DM: And the Fourth of July.
KL: And the Fourth of July! It was crazy. It was definitely different. For me, personally, it was so weird and bizarre because it actually felt really, really realistic. I think it was partly because we were shooting in an actual school, and the extras we used are actual high school students.
PS: Instead of shying away from darker themes like depression and suicide, which so many teenagers deal with on a daily basis, the show tackles them head-on. What do you hope viewers who are struggling with those issues will take away from it?
KL: I think that because of the issues that we cover, it's going to impact people differently depending on who you are. The issues are so personal that people are going to take away what resonates with them most. What I hope for the show is that it will inspire people to talk about these things, and to continue conversations that need to be had instead of shying away from it. Things like mental illness and consent are things we should be talking about. It's not something people should be embarrassed by. Mental illness is very normal. Growing up in an age where we're starting to acknowledge just how prevalent it is, we need to be matching the rate at which it affects people. There needs to be a proper conversation, and people need to be informed and educated about it.
PS: Were there any times on set where things got emotional to the point where you had to take a step back and catch your breath?
DM: I know there was one scene, I wasn't around, but they had therapy dogs on set. There was a puppy per hour. They really tried to help out. The puppies helped. She had the brunt of the emotional stuff. I mean, we all have very emotional parts, but this is about her character.
KL: We always read a new script at a table read, and once we hit episode nine, there was silence. That's when we realized what we were doing was important. That's the moment that's kind of ingrained in my head as, 'This is really important.' We cover so many intense issues. I also want to reiterate how much support was there for me. When I was shooting with Justin Prentice, who plays Bryce, there's a scene we do in episode 12 which is physically hard to do, just as a human being. I feel like so much of Hannah's life, especially the last five episodes, is so tragic that you just have to put that shock aside and get through it. It's only been after the show and after wrapping that I've gone, wow, we really did handle some really heavy stuff. I'm really proud of how we handle it, because as you said we don't shy away from them.
PS: The music in every scene, especially when Clay and Hannah are at the dance together, is so haunting. Were there any particular bands or artists, or even books, that you read or listened to to get into the right head space for your character?
DM: Music was a huge part of it for me.
KL: Huge.
DM: I had a dialogue with Brian from the get-go about what songs should be on the soundtrack. I love that he was so open and it was very much a collaboration. There are so many artists on the soundtrack that I'm so proud of. And Clay's room is filled with posters of my favorite bands. There are other artists that I would love to have in there, but they aren't artists that I feel Clay would listen to. You'll see there are a couple Arcade Fire posters, Bon Iver, The Cure, The Shins, and some other cool things. I wanted to make sure it all felt very real, and I wanted the vibe to be appropriate. There's also a sense of timelessness to the show, because it feels so modern and it's in a modern day high school, but I think it can connect to adults, too. There's something that feels very vintage about it. Maybe it's Tony in his car, in the Mustang. Maybe it's the music, because Joy Division plays a huge part in the first episode. So there are things that keep it timeless, and make it feel like it could happen anytime, even though it's happening right now. Everyone can connect to it, either by sight or by sound. They connect to it somehow, and feel involved.
KL: The music vibes on set were A-plus. There is this kind of timeless thing, these kind of sensory triggers people will pick up on. It's funny Dylan mentioned posters, because in set design, we decided Hannah and Clay both have the same Arcade Fire poster in their bedrooms, which is kind of cute. In terms of getting into Hannah's character, she goes through a time where she really wants to write, so whether this was a by choice thing or just because I felt like it, I asked props if I could have some of her journals. I started writing some poetry in between takes, I would just be scribbling in the corner. I really hope no one read them, because they're terrible. [laughs]
DM: They were really, really thick journals. She was prepared.
PS: With so many YA adaptations out there right now, what do you think is going to set 13 Reasons Why apart?
KL: Reality. The reality hits so close . . . that's the first thing that comes to mind. I know that there are a lot of incredible series' and novels written for young audiences, but I think what's really interesting and unique about this is that it's not a piece of fiction. This really is a story that happens to numerous people everyday. That's probably the coolest, and also the most shocking thing. It really hits home that this is a harsh reality. This is happening.
DM: If this had been on another network, this easily could have fallen into melodrama, or not get the message across, or not tell the story to the lengths that it should. On Netflix there's no boundaries, and we're able to tell the story as if it's real life. It's been a while since we've seen a show centered around teens that does that. Conceivably it's an adult show centered around teens. Yeah, you'll get a young audience and teens will get attached to this, which is appropriate and what should happen. But really it's an adult show. It's real. The pedigree of the people they hired to do this, from a film making standpoint, sets us apart as well. Who won best picture last year? Tom McCarthy. Well, he's directing this. And Brian Yorkey, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is the showrunner. The cast is so amazing. They didn't worry about getting superstars. It's a lot of peoples' first real jobs, and you'd never guess. They focused on keeping it real and grounded, and did a great job.
Watch 13 Reasons Why when it hits Netflix on Mar. 31.
Here's a Carefree Kurt Russell Just Scooting Through Life
Kurt Russell looked cool and carefree while zipping around on his 3-wheel scooter in LA on Monday. The legendary actor, who stars as Chris Pratt's dad in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, kept things casual in a black t-shirt and jeans as he made his way down the street. While his longtime love Goldie Hawn wasn't with him - though we'd really love to see those two scooting around town together - the couple did recently ring in their 34th anniversary. Their daughter, Kate Hudson, celebrated the special milestone with a cute throwback photo via Instagram. "I forgot to post a note on my parents 34th Anniversary so I figure why not now. A belated happy one my dear parents. Love you madly, deeply, profoundly," Kate captioned the snap. Keep scootin', Kurt!
Here's a Carefree Kurt Russell Just Scooting Through Life
Kurt Russell looked cool and carefree while zipping around on his 3-wheel scooter in LA on Monday. The legendary actor, who stars as Chris Pratt's dad in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, kept things casual in a black t-shirt and jeans as he made his way down the street. While his longtime love Goldie Hawn wasn't with him - though we'd really love to see those two scooting around town together - the couple did recently ring in their 34th anniversary. Their daughter, Kate Hudson, celebrated the special milestone with a cute throwback photo via Instagram. "I forgot to post a note on my parents 34th Anniversary so I figure why not now. A belated happy one my dear parents. Love you madly, deeply, profoundly," Kate captioned the snap. Keep scootin', Kurt!
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