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 7 mai 2017
12 Little-Known Facts About The Great British Bake Off
If you haven't watched an episode of the UK's Great British Bake Off, then I just don't understand what you're doing with your free time. The reality baking competition is hugely popular in the UK and is gaining traction in the US thanks to airing on PBS under the name Great British Baking Show. Led by presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins and under the scrutiny of judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, British bakers create breathtaking masterpieces each week in a kitchen set up in a tent. Yes, they bake in a tent outdoors. Granted, it's a pretty fancy tent, but I've seen my fair share of bakers have issues with their bakes simply because of the weather.
Lucky for all of us, the show is available on Netflix here in the US, so you can get a taste for it yourself. If you're even slightly intrigued, keep reading for 12 fun facts about the show that I'm pretty sure will convince you to give it a try.
- Staff bake a Victoria sponge cake in every oven every day before filming. They do this to ensure the ovens are in perfect working condition.
- Professional chefs need not apply for the show. Entry is restricted to only amateur bakers.
- All the dish washing is done by hand, but not by the contestants. Because a dishwasher would be too loud to run while filming, the show employs extra staff just to wash dishes.
- Bakers buy all their own ingredients, which can get pretty pricey for them.
- Bakers are told to flag down a cameraman any time they want to put something into or take something out of the oven so it can be filmed. Those moments are crucial!
- Paul wasn't the showrunners' first choice to be a judge on the show, and it was Mel and Sue who recommended Mary as the other judge.
- It takes 10 weeks to film the show, but it's typically only filmed two days a week. While often it's shot on weekends, allowing the bakers to keep up their typical lives during the week, that's not always the case. Filming also takes up to 16 hours a day!
- Bakers find out what they need to bake for the show beforehand. They have time to prep and practice and get their recipes approved by the show.
- The application process is extensive. It starts with a multiple-page application form, followed by a phone interview, then followed by bringing a couple bakes to London and having an in-person interview. If you've made it this far, you then have to do a technical bake on camera and bring along a bake from home. If you make it through all that, you have to see a psychologist to be sure you can handle the stress of filming.
- There's little animosity between bakers. The show actually encourages them to be friends.
- Producers are on standby in case a baker gets stuck or needs a little help. The show really wants its bakers to succeed!
- Someone is on standby at a nearby store in case a baker forgets an ingredient. Unlike many American cooking shows, where if you don't have all your ingredients you just have to deal with it, GBBO makes sure its bakers have everything they need to achieve their bakes.
These Murals Dedicated to Selena Are Serious Works of Art
Selena passed away 22 years ago, but her legendary talent still lives today. One way people show their love for the late Tejana singer is by painting murals, some of which are so beautiful that they will take your breath away the moment. Check out 13 of these murals from around the US that show of Selena's spirit and beauty - warning: after seeing these, you might want to book a trip just to take a picture in front of them.
12 Little-Known Facts About The Great British Bake Off
If you haven't watched an episode of the UK's Great British Bake Off, then I just don't understand what you're doing with your free time. The reality baking competition is hugely popular in the UK and is gaining traction in the US thanks to airing on PBS under the name Great British Baking Show. Led by presenters Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins and under the scrutiny of judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry, British bakers create breathtaking masterpieces each week in a kitchen set up in a tent. Yes, they bake in a tent outdoors. Granted, it's a pretty fancy tent, but I've seen my fair share of bakers have issues with their bakes simply because of the weather.
Lucky for all of us, the show is available on Netflix here in the US, so you can get a taste for it yourself. If you're even slightly intrigued, keep reading for 12 fun facts about the show that I'm pretty sure will convince you to give it a try.
- Staff bake a Victoria sponge cake in every oven every day before filming. They do this to ensure the ovens are in perfect working condition.
- Professional chefs need not apply for the show. Entry is restricted to only amateur bakers.
- All the dish washing is done by hand, but not by the contestants. Because a dishwasher would be too loud to run while filming, the show employs extra staff just to wash dishes.
- Bakers buy all their own ingredients, which can get pretty pricey for them.
- Bakers are told to flag down a cameraman any time they want to put something into or take something out of the oven so it can be filmed. Those moments are crucial!
- Paul wasn't the showrunners' first choice to be a judge on the show, and it was Mel and Sue who recommended Mary as the other judge.
- It takes 10 weeks to film the show, but it's typically only filmed two days a week. While often it's shot on weekends, allowing the bakers to keep up their typical lives during the week, that's not always the case. Filming also takes up to 16 hours a day!
- Bakers find out what they need to bake for the show beforehand. They have time to prep and practice and get their recipes approved by the show.
- The application process is extensive. It starts with a multiple-page application form, followed by a phone interview, then followed by bringing a couple bakes to London and having an in-person interview. If you've made it this far, you then have to do a technical bake on camera and bring along a bake from home. If you make it through all that, you have to see a psychologist to be sure you can handle the stress of filming.
- There's little animosity between bakers. The show actually encourages them to be friends.
- Producers are on standby in case a baker gets stuck or needs a little help. The show really wants its bakers to succeed!
- Someone is on standby at a nearby store in case a baker forgets an ingredient. Unlike many American cooking shows, where if you don't have all your ingredients you just have to deal with it, GBBO makes sure its bakers have everything they need to achieve their bakes.
Riverdale's Archie Sounds VERY Different in Real Life
Riverdale is one of our newest obsessions for many reasons: the juicy drama, the talented cast, and yes, the extremely attractive KJ Apa (Archie Andrews). The 19-year-old actor (can you believe he's only 19?!) is an all-American type of guy on the show. His character is an athlete, a musician, and, after going through puberty the Summer before the show begins, is a huge hit with the ladies of Riverdale High School. While he nails his cute American accent on the show, he actually sounds completely different in real life.
KJ, who has formed a cute bromance with costar Cole Sprouse who plays Jughead Jones (he's also real hot, fyi), was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. His father is actually Samoan and is a Matai (chief) of his village in Samoa. Hearing KJ talk in his regular accent is slightly jarring if you're a fan of The CW show, but we definitely aren't complaining.
These Murals Dedicated to Selena Are Serious Works of Art
Selena passed away 22 years ago, but her legendary talent still lives today. One way people show their love for the late Tejana singer is by painting murals, some of which are so beautiful that they will take your breath away the moment. Check out 13 of these murals from around the US that show of Selena's spirit and beauty - warning: after seeing these, you might want to book a trip just to take a picture in front of them.
Get Your Wardrobe Inspiration From the Magical City of Tulum
Tulum, Mexico, has quickly become a hotspot for fashion bloggers and wanderlust travelers looking for a vacation. From its pristine sandy beaches (that serve as the perfect Instagram backdrop) to the amazing local culture, it's no surprise that we're seeing this destination all over our social media feeds. But there's something else we've noticed when double-tapping those 'grams, and that's the amazing wardrobe it has inspired.
We've been seeing the city's love of ruffles, pom-poms, and tassels influence brands halfway across the world. Tularosa and Faithfull the Brand have perfectly captured the laid-back aesthetic with pieces that look like they're specifically made for vacationing on this little slice of beachy heaven. We're talking everything from off-the-shoulder tops, striped rompers, and colorful pom-pom-covered sandals - it's hard not to see the influence Tulum has had on some of Spring's biggest trends. From statement-making one-pieces to wicker basket bags, here's how you can steal the style without having to hop on a plane.
Riverdale's Archie Sounds VERY Different in Real Life
Riverdale is one of our newest obsessions for many reasons: the juicy drama, the talented cast, and yes, the extremely attractive KJ Apa (Archie Andrews). The 19-year-old actor (can you believe he's only 19?!) is an all-American type of guy on the show. His character is an athlete, a musician, and, after going through puberty the Summer before the show begins, is a huge hit with the ladies of Riverdale High School. While he nails his cute American accent on the show, he actually sounds completely different in real life.
KJ, who has formed a cute bromance with costar Cole Sprouse who plays Jughead Jones (he's also real hot, fyi), was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. His father is actually Samoan and is a Matai (chief) of his village in Samoa. Hearing KJ talk in his regular accent is slightly jarring if you're a fan of The CW show, but we definitely aren't complaining.
This Weighted Blanket Is "Like Advil PM For Your Whole Body"
Anxiety and insomnia are common problems these days, and while you could treat the problems by taking one of the many of drugs on the market, you can also try simply wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket. The deep pressure these blankets produce is akin to being embraced in a hug, which is said to stimulate the production serotonin and endorphins, naturally calming chemicals in the body. As a result, you'll fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sounds incredible, right? There are a handful of weighted blankets on the market already (including the Sleep Tight, Mosaic, SensaCalm, and Magic Blanket), but a brand called Gravity just launched a Kickstarter campaign to release the most innovative and luxurious weighted blanket model yet ($279 retail, as low as $179 Kickstarter early order).
"Taking design cues from renderings of gravity planes, we used the same grid-like pattern to evenly distribute the crafted poly pellets to specifically target pressure points throughout your body," the company says. To achieve the perfect 7-12 percent body weight to blanket weight ratio, it's offering three different pound options made from nontoxic, food grade filling. And unlike many of its competitors, Gravity's cover is a plush, ultrasoft fleece. The only downside? Production doesn't happen till this Summer, and you'll have to wait until early Fall to receive your blanket. Until then, soothe yourself to sleep by designing your bedroom to combat anxiety.
Heather Dubrow's New Mansion Will Knock Your Manolos Off
On Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County, viewers are gifted with a front-row view to Heather Dubrow's sophisticated and often enviable lifestyle. We have known her for years as an actress, a mom of four, and the wife to plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow. More recently, though, we have gotten to know her as a California mansion designer extraordinaire. Avid viewers of the show live for the little glimpses of her decadent new digs now that her vision is fully complete.
Heather's shared plenty of sly shots of the over-the-top and exceptionally beautiful interiors on Instagram, though there's yet to be a big reveal. Until then, these social snaps prove that every detail from her aired-in olive tree to the jaw-dropping master bath is going to wow us beyond belief. So grab a glass of Champagne and enjoy this inside look at the Dubrow abode, and we promise, it does not disappoint.
10 Essentials Every Intern Should Have
Whether you're a new grad or are still working toward your degree, internships are great opportunities to get your foot in the door. If you've just landed your first interning gig, you may be wondering what you should bring along. Consider these 10 essentials - from a positive attitude to a workplace wardrobe - before you head into the office.
- Good attitude. This is a new opportunity, and you should make the most of it while you can. With most intern contracts lasting for a semester or so, it's important to not go into a job with a negative attitude. Being approachable will make it easier to network with your co-workers and set the tone for a great internship experience. Who knows, you may just end up getting hired. Everyone had to start somewhere, and it doesn't hurt to start off with some positive vibes.
- Workplace attire. If you've ever held a job at a retail store or restaurant, you may be accustomed to wearing a set uniform. But with internships, it's a whole new game for which you will need to look the part. Plan to be working side by side full-time employees, which means you won't want to come in looking like you just rolled out of bed. Just because you're working in the office doesn't mean there's not a chance to still look fashionable and stylish. You can easily dress up casual items for a workplace setting. Items you should consider adding to your wardrobe include a blazer, skinny jeans, tights, blouses, sweaters, dresses, and a skirt. It's not as hard as you might think to transform a casual item into workplace wear by just dressing it up a bit.
- Notebook. During your internship, you'll need a safe place to keep all of your notes in. While many may prefer sticking to technology, notebooks are a hard copy of everything you want to remember. Your notebook will have just about everything you'll learn and/or need for the duration of your internship, whether it's memos or ideas. Just be careful not to misplace it! You may just reference it again in the future.
- Pens. If you're planning to carry a notebook, pens are the quintessential pairing. You can't take great notes without a good pen, right?
- Reliable bag. One accessory that is vital to any intern is a bag of your choice. Whether it's a handbag, a tote, or even a backpack, you want something that won't rip at the seams during your internship. If you want your bag to carry items such as your laptop, notebook, and lunch, you'll probably want to opt for something a little larger. But if you prefer to keep your bag on the small size, other great options are clutches or satchels.
- Reusable water bottle. While you're in the office, you'll want to stay hydrated to stay on top of your game. Instead of using plastic water bottles, consider investing in a reusable one. It's good for the environment, and you'll have something stylish to keep your H2O in.
- Watch. Keeping an eye on the clock is key, whether you're meeting deadlines or making it to the office on time. Although most people now rely on computers or cell phones to check what time it is, a watch is still the classic option. Besides, when you're in a meeting, it's probably better to glance down at your wrist rather than whip out your cell phone. Bonus: your watch won't nearly need as much charging as any electronic.
- The right shoes. Your workplace attire wouldn't be quite complete without a great pair of shoes. There's a shoe for every taste, ranging from flats to booties. Take into consideration what your duties will be as an intern, and you can adjust your choice shoe. Just be careful to break in your shoes ahead of time - that way you won't be dealing with blisters later!
- Beauty bag to freshen up. Have you ever had to be somewhere right after work? Whether it's a dinner with co-workers or a last-minute meeting, keeping a few basic items nearby is a surefire way that you can freshen up with no hassle. Hair ties, bobby pins, stain remover, mints, and perfume or deodorant are great items to keep handy at your desk or in your bag. You never know when they'll come in handy, but you'll be thankful when they do.
- Willingness to learn. As an intern, you're there to gain experience and pick up new skills. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself with new projects since it's all part of the learning process. Your co-workers are there to assist you, so don't shy away from asking any questions you may have. If you really want to show some initiative, brainstorm some ideas of your own that you want to work on. In the end, if you get to work on a project you're enthusiastic about, your internship will not only be more rewarding, but you'll also walk away with some good memories.
15 Offbeat Summer Date Ideas
Summer is undeniably the season of romance, flings, and love. Maybe it's the warm weather or the availability of more activities; whatever it is, we love it all. One thing we can say though is that the most fun can be had this time of year, especially with a special someone. But instead of wasting the days away with plain ol' dinners and movies, introduce yourselves to unique date plans that will make this Summer one to remember. Get inspired by these 15 offbeat ideas.
A Naked Man Crashed the Met Gala Red Carpet - Yes, Really
There were a handful of celebrities who stayed true to the avant-garde Rei Kawakubo theme at this year's Met Gala, but nobody quite compared to this man. During fashion's biggest night on Monday, Brazilian performance artist Fyodor Pavlov-Andreevich attempted to attend the event encased in a glass box while - wait for it - completely naked. As part of his Foundling series, he was carried by two men to the gala's check-in point before getting stopped by the staff and a guard. After refusing to get out, firefighters reportedly cut open the box and he was arrested. According to NBC, he is facing charges of public lewdness, obstructing governmental administration, criminal trespassing, and disorderly conduct. Even though he didn't make it onto the famed Met Gala steps, he managed to capture the whole ordeal on video.
Why a 7-Year-Old Girl Got in Trouble For Writing Her Name in Cursive
When a teacher reprimands a student, you can safely assume the kid in question did something wrong. Maybe she pushed a classmate in line, or perhaps he called out an answer without raising his hand. Or maybe she wrote her name in cursive.
After turning in a homework assignment focusing on vowels, a 7-year-old girl named Alyssa received some harsh words from her teacher. In red pen at the top of the lesson sheet, her teacher wrote:
Stop writing your name in cursive. You have had several warnings.
Turns out, Alyssa's mom - based in Kansas - had taken the time to teach her daughter to write in cursive and likely never imagined she'd get in trouble for it. After the photo was shared by a friend on Facebook, commenters were outraged, like one who said, "Best of luck to any teacher who writes this on my children's papers!"
We're not sure what this particular teacher's philosophy is on cursive handwriting, but it's a skill still taught in most elementary schools, despite rumblings that there's less need for it with the ubiquitous nature of keyboards and digital communication. And there's good reason all children should learn cursive penmanship:
- Studies show that printing letters and writing in cursive use different parts of the brain, with the latter helping to develop a child's fine motor skills. Not only that, in one study, people who wrote in cursive showed more brain activity than those who printed or typed - and they also generated more words and ideas.
- Kids who learn cursive have been seen to score higher on reading and spelling tests and have a better ability to retain information.
- Some people with learning disabilities, like dyslexia, or severe brain injuries can understand cursive better than print.
- There are plenty of important historical documents that are written in cursive, and children who can't decipher cursive words won't be able to read them. It'd be as if the Declaration of Independence was written in another language.
- As infrequently as adults need to write in cursive these days, they still need to sign plenty of paperwork, from lease agreements to marriage certificates to receipts.
A Naked Man Crashed the Met Gala Red Carpet - Yes, Really
There were a handful of celebrities who stayed true to the avant-garde Rei Kawakubo theme at this year's Met Gala, but nobody quite compared to this man. During fashion's biggest night on Monday, Brazilian performance artist Fyodor Pavlov-Andreevich attempted to attend the event encased in a glass box while - wait for it - completely naked. As part of his Foundling series, he was carried by two men to the gala's check-in point before getting stopped by the staff and a guard. After refusing to get out, firefighters reportedly cut open the box and he was arrested. According to NBC, he is facing charges of public lewdness, obstructing governmental administration, criminal trespassing, and disorderly conduct. Even though he didn't make it onto the famed Met Gala steps, he managed to capture the whole ordeal on video.
Why a 7-Year-Old Girl Got in Trouble For Writing Her Name in Cursive
When a teacher reprimands a student, you can safely assume the kid in question did something wrong. Maybe she pushed a classmate in line, or perhaps he called out an answer without raising his hand. Or maybe she wrote her name in cursive.
After turning in a homework assignment focusing on vowels, a 7-year-old girl named Alyssa received some harsh words from her teacher. In red pen at the top of the lesson sheet, her teacher wrote:
Stop writing your name in cursive. You have had several warnings.
Turns out, Alyssa's mom - based in Kansas - had taken the time to teach her daughter to write in cursive and likely never imagined she'd get in trouble for it. After the photo was shared by a friend on Facebook, commenters were outraged, like one who said, "Best of luck to any teacher who writes this on my children's papers!"
We're not sure what this particular teacher's philosophy is on cursive handwriting, but it's a skill still taught in most elementary schools, despite rumblings that there's less need for it with the ubiquitous nature of keyboards and digital communication. And there's good reason all children should learn cursive penmanship:
- Studies show that printing letters and writing in cursive use different parts of the brain, with the latter helping to develop a child's fine motor skills. Not only that, in one study, people who wrote in cursive showed more brain activity than those who printed or typed - and they also generated more words and ideas.
- Kids who learn cursive have been seen to score higher on reading and spelling tests and have a better ability to retain information.
- Some people with learning disabilities, like dyslexia, or severe brain injuries can understand cursive better than print.
- There are plenty of important historical documents that are written in cursive, and children who can't decipher cursive words won't be able to read them. It'd be as if the Declaration of Independence was written in another language.
- As infrequently as adults need to write in cursive these days, they still need to sign plenty of paperwork, from lease agreements to marriage certificates to receipts.
Everything We Know About the Balmain x L'Oréal Lipstick Collection So Far
Try not to scream (or faint) with excitement, dear makeup addicts. Word around town is that L'Oréal Paris is teaming up with French fashion house Balmain for the capsule lipstick collection we've been waiting for. If it's anywhere near as fabulous as the Balmain x H&M clothing line from a few years ago, this upcoming collab is sure to be the source of our newest lipstick addiction. After all, couture + affordable cosmetics = a literal dream come true.
The highly anticipated line will include 12 new shades that fit into three different color themes, according to WWD. Although we don't have many details on exactly what shades will be included, it seems like Olivier Rousteing, Balmain's creative director, has had a say in the color-making process. Considering the fact that Rousteing is the fashionable genius behind some of Kim Kardashian's and Kendall Jenner's signature looks, our expectations are pretty high.
A L'Oréal Paris representative told POPSUGAR that the collection will be available in select US retailers starting in September 2017, so mark your calendars and start a countdown now! Other than that, both brands are being very mum on the whole thing so far, but the teasers ahead have us itching for more intel. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.
Why 1 Mom Called Out a Sephora Employee After Shopping With Her Self-Conscious Teen Daughter
Even the most seasoned beauty pro can feel a little intimidated by the product-packed wonderland that is Sephora. Add insecurities into that mix, and what should be a simple shopping trip can be a seriously stressful one. A mom in Windsor, Ontario, took to Spotted In to share how a recent visit to Sephora could have gone that way for her self-conscious teen daughter, but the mother-daughter duo left the store with renewed confidence.
"My daughter is 15 years old is having a very hard time with her self-esteem," explained the mother, who disclosed that her child is being bullied for her appearance - including her hair, skin, and eyebrows - at school. "It breaks my heart to say that this bullying has convinced my beautiful daughter that she is ugly, and her formerly outgoing and peppy personality has dimmed."
In order to help her feel more comfortable at school, this mom (reluctantly) took her on a trip to Sephora to buy a few beauty products. "I was against this at first, but if there was a possibility of it boosting her confidence, I decided it would be alright," she said. After a bit of browsing, the two were approached by a petite blond sales associate, Shayna - someone who looks like the girl's bullies in school - who asked if she could provide any assistance.
"Both myself and my daughter sometimes feel intimidated in this store," the mother admitted. "The girls are often made up beautifully, they exude confidence . . . for someone new to makeup, or someone with pre-existing self-esteem issues, it's easy to feel somehow inferior, regardless of their sunny disposition," she said. "This time, I was blown away."
Not only did Shayna help them shop, but according to this one happy mom, she went above and beyond the duties of the average sales associate by making her daughter feel comfortable and confident. "She pointed out the areas that my daughter has been most insecure about lately . . . and expressed how beautiful she thought they were," gushed the mother. "SERIOUSLY girl, are you psychic???"
She went on, "They talked about what had been going on at school, self-confidence, what truly makes a person beautiful, and how makeup is just something to enhance your natural beauty. These are things I've been trying unsuccessfully to convey."
While not everyone can expect to experience such a heartwarming moment during their next visit to Sephora, it inspires us to know that there are sales associates at the beauty retailer that are incredibly helpful, especially in young women's times of need. Read the heartwarming post below in full.
Why 1 Mom Called Out a Sephora Employee After Shopping With Her Self-Conscious Teen Daughter
Even the most seasoned beauty pro can feel a little intimidated by the product-packed wonderland that is Sephora. Add insecurities into that mix, and what should be a simple shopping trip can be a seriously stressful one. A mom in Windsor, Ontario, took to Spotted In to share how a recent visit to Sephora could have gone that way for her self-conscious teen daughter, but the mother-daughter duo left the store with renewed confidence.
"My daughter is 15 years old is having a very hard time with her self-esteem," explained the mother, who disclosed that her child is being bullied for her appearance - including her hair, skin, and eyebrows - at school. "It breaks my heart to say that this bullying has convinced my beautiful daughter that she is ugly, and her formerly outgoing and peppy personality has dimmed."
In order to help her feel more comfortable at school, this mom (reluctantly) took her on a trip to Sephora to buy a few beauty products. "I was against this at first, but if there was a possibility of it boosting her confidence, I decided it would be alright," she said. After a bit of browsing, the two were approached by a petite blond sales associate, Shayna - someone who looks like the girl's bullies in school - who asked if she could provide any assistance.
"Both myself and my daughter sometimes feel intimidated in this store," the mother admitted. "The girls are often made up beautifully, they exude confidence . . . for someone new to makeup, or someone with pre-existing self-esteem issues, it's easy to feel somehow inferior, regardless of their sunny disposition," she said. "This time, I was blown away."
Not only did Shayna help them shop, but according to this one happy mom, she went above and beyond the duties of the average sales associate by making her daughter feel comfortable and confident. "She pointed out the areas that my daughter has been most insecure about lately . . . and expressed how beautiful she thought they were," gushed the mother. "SERIOUSLY girl, are you psychic???"
She went on, "They talked about what had been going on at school, self-confidence, what truly makes a person beautiful, and how makeup is just something to enhance your natural beauty. These are things I've been trying unsuccessfully to convey."
While not everyone can expect to experience such a heartwarming moment during their next visit to Sephora, it inspires us to know that there are sales associates at the beauty retailer that are incredibly helpful, especially in young women's times of need. Read the heartwarming post below in full.
K-Beauty Has Done It Again! You're Going to NEED This Snoopy Beauty Collection
Snoopy stole our hearts with his dance skills, Red Baron fantasies, and big, wet, kisses. So being enormous Peanuts fans, when we saw the Limited Edition Snoopy x SkinFood Collaboration, we almost got on a plane and flew straight to Korea. The adorable collection is filled with skin and nail goodies adorned with our favorite Beagle and his friends Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
The collection, which was released in November 2016, included a Royal Honey Essential Mist and the Royal Honey Moisturizing Cream. It also came with three scented marshmallow hand creams, a hydrating honey mask, and a whipped body cream. If you're a nail junkie, you'll love that the company also released seven nail polish shades and two sets of nail decals.
Unfortunately, adding these cuties to your beauty collection will be tough. They were never sold stateside, but you can scour for one on eBay and Amazon. Until Korean beauty brands respond to our pleas for more cute products, we will have to admire them from afar or deal with searching for them online. Read on to see all of the sweet products.
Priyanka Chopra Looks Like a '90s Grunge Goddess at the Met Gala
This year's Met Gala theme was a tribute to Comme des Garcons's founder Rei Kawakubo, who embraces the avant-garde. Beauty chameleon Priyanka Chopra did not shy away from the challenge, with makeup artist Pati Dubroff re-creating "the glow that comes from being in a humid storm" on the star's stunning face. Dubroff, who used Laura Mercier makeup to craft the breathtaking look, exclusively revealed the details to POPSUGAR.
As you'll notice, there was a strong monochromatic aspect to Priyanka's beauty style (so grunge!), with the centerpiece of the look being her flashy metallic eye. "I thought about desert dunes and the play of light on those tones," Dubroff shared over email. "Her eye is like a bolt of lightning, mimicking her incredible Jennifer Fisher earrings."
Dubroff prepped Priyanka's skin by applying RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream ($150) and RéVive Sensitif Renewal Cream ($215), then massaged in the formulas with frozen Makeup Drop applicators ($20 each), which depuffed and soothed her skin.
To create the "lightning bolt" eye, Dubroff created the shape with a sparkling liner, then topped it with the Metallik Pewter shade from Laura Mercier Editorial Eye Palette Intense Clays ($48). She added extra shine to the very center of the lid using MAC Cosmetics Pigment in Platinum ($22). Dubroff completed Priyanka's look with a cool chocolate lip, using Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Colour in Crushed Pecan ($28).
While Priyanka obviously is flawless, she doesn't have to worry if her makeup melts slightly throughout the evening. Dubroff swears the foundation will last all night, but the highlighter layered on top may wear - and that's a good thing. "The more it wears and get juicy, the better," the makeup artist insisted, reminding us of the "humid storm" theme. (The star's skin will look sweaty and glowy by the time she heads out of her last afterparty, which is damn sexy.) Keep reading to see more shots of this hot look!
K-Beauty Has Done It Again! You're Going to NEED This Snoopy Beauty Collection
Snoopy stole our hearts with his dance skills, Red Baron fantasies, and big, wet, kisses. So being enormous Peanuts fans, when we saw the Limited Edition Snoopy x SkinFood Collaboration, we almost got on a plane and flew straight to Korea. The adorable collection is filled with skin and nail goodies adorned with our favorite Beagle and his friends Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
The collection, which was released in November 2016, included a Royal Honey Essential Mist and the Royal Honey Moisturizing Cream. It also came with three scented marshmallow hand creams, a hydrating honey mask, and a whipped body cream. If you're a nail junkie, you'll love that the company also released seven nail polish shades and two sets of nail decals.
Unfortunately, adding these cuties to your beauty collection will be tough. They were never sold stateside, but you can scour for one on eBay and Amazon. Until Korean beauty brands respond to our pleas for more cute products, we will have to admire them from afar or deal with searching for them online. Read on to see all of the sweet products.
The '90s are Back, and So Are Scrunchies - Here's How to Make Them Look Chic
In the last few years, '90s fashion and culture has exploded in popularity, so it's no surprise that our favorite childhood hair accessory - the scrunchie - is also back in style. However, the new versions of the nostalgic hair accessory come in modern prints and finishes, making them perfect for every beauty maven. Even better, the soft fabric hair ties never leave unsightly creases in our strands.
Whether you've been entranced by mermaid mania, are a holo-sexual, or you can't stop petting velvet, there's a scrunchie that will call to you. Read on to see the new and improved ponytail-holding accessories.
The '90s are Back, and So Are Scrunchies - Here's How to Make Them Look Chic
In the last few years, '90s fashion and culture has exploded in popularity, so it's no surprise that our favorite childhood hair accessory - the scrunchie - is also back in style. However, the new versions of the nostalgic hair accessory come in modern prints and finishes, making them perfect for every beauty maven. Even better, the soft fabric hair ties never leave unsightly creases in our strands.
Whether you've been entranced by mermaid mania, are a holo-sexual, or you can't stop petting velvet, there's a scrunchie that will call to you. Read on to see the new and improved ponytail-holding accessories.
On a Scale of 1-10, Millie Bobby Brown's All-Natural Makeup Routine Is an 11
When Millie Bobby Brown shared her makeup routine on a recent Instagram live video, we were pretty darn blown away. We're so used to seeing the young actress with a fake-blood-stained nose and dirt-covered cheeks for her role on Stranger Things, so it was beyond refreshing to see the star off screen and in her element among some of her favorite makeup products. A self-proclaimed minimalist, the actress was honest and open about her makeup-applying skills in the video, saying, "I'm not amazing, but I can do it." OK, could she be any more adorable?!
Throughout her tutorial, Millie shared a few vital tips we can totally get behind, such as cleaning your brushes every day and eating avocado for healthy skin. The 13-year-old reiterated how she doesn't apply makeup every single day, but when she does, simplicity is key. "Less is more in makeup," she said. "Embrace your features. I have a freckle here and I never cover it up."
While applying her makeup (and singing a song here and there), Millie gave us quick glimpses of a few of the products, and they're surprisingly super affordable! Though we couldn't see every item she used, we noticed how some of the ones she showed on camera are a few of our personal favorites. Ahead, shop the must-have products Millie uses.
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.
Rihanna and Lupita Snap Selfies at the Met Gala After Their Imaginary Movie Goes Viral
After Rihanna completely slayed the Met Gala red carpet, she met up with pal Lupita Nyong'o inside the event. The ladies were spotted snapping selfies - while Aziz Ansari stood idly and awkwardly by - in their avant-garde looks before famed photographer Mario Testino finally stepped in to lend his professional eye.
The last time we saw this power pair together was during Paris Fashion Week back in 2014, but their friendship was at the center of an amazing imagined movie script that made the rounds on social media recently. After a Twitter user resurfaced an image of Rihanna and Lupita sitting front row together at the Miu Miu runway show with the caption "A picture for the history books," someone else mused that "Rihanna looks like she scams rich white men and Lupita is the computer smart best friend that helps plan [them]." Lupita and Rihanna exchanged some epic tweets that ended up involving director Ava Duvernay and Insecure star Issa Rae, who both expressed interest in the "project."
Guardians of the Galaxy 2: What Mantis Looks Like Without Her Antennae
Part of what makes the Guardians of the Galaxy films so great is not only the amazing soundtracks, but also the galactic superhero films' collection of hilarious, unique characters (Baby Groot, we're looking at you). On top of the usual suspects, the sequel features a few new faces. One of the most memorable is Mantis, played by French actress Pom Klementieff. Some of the movie's best moments are between the socially awkward empath, who's introduced as a employee of Ego the Living Planet (Kurt Russell), and Dave Bautista's brutally honest Drax. Wondering where you've seen her before?
The 31-year-old actress is from Quebec, where she got her start on the silver screen in a few French-language projects like 2007's Après lui and the 2009 miniseries Pigalle, la nuit. She continued appearing in French films and TV shows until 2013, when she scored the role of Haeng-Bok in the 2013 remake of Old Boy (below).
Since then, her résumé has favored low-key films (like the 2015 thriller Hacker's Game opposite 13 Reasons Why star Ross Butler) and the recent indie comedy Ingrid Goes West alongside Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen, which is due out this Summer. If you loved her in Guardians (and how could you not?!), there's luckily more Mantis in all of our futures; she'll reprise her role when Star-Lord and company join up with the rest of the Marvel superheroes in 2018's Avengers: Infinity War.
Rihanna and Lupita Snap Selfies at the Met Gala After Their Imaginary Movie Goes Viral
After Rihanna completely slayed the Met Gala red carpet, she met up with pal Lupita Nyong'o inside the event. The ladies were spotted snapping selfies - while Aziz Ansari stood idly and awkwardly by - in their avant-garde looks before famed photographer Mario Testino finally stepped in to lend his professional eye.
The last time we saw this power pair together was during Paris Fashion Week back in 2014, but their friendship was at the center of an amazing imagined movie script that made the rounds on social media recently. After a Twitter user resurfaced an image of Rihanna and Lupita sitting front row together at the Miu Miu runway show with the caption "A picture for the history books," someone else mused that "Rihanna looks like she scams rich white men and Lupita is the computer smart best friend that helps plan [them]." Lupita and Rihanna exchanged some epic tweets that ended up involving director Ava Duvernay and Insecure star Issa Rae, who both expressed interest in the "project."
Tool or toy?: Why fidget toys may be hurting as many kids as they help
The so-called fidget toys making their way into classrooms across North America are billed as a way to soothe restless kids and help them focus. But some experts say they might be harming as many children as they help.
Do You Have a Stomach Bug, or Was It That Food You Ate?
It's that time of year when illness spreads like jam on toast. Have you been hit by a stomach virus? Or maybe it was food poisoning? It's good to know which it is, so you know whether or not you are contagious or if other people shouldn't eat the mystery meat in your fridge.
| Stomach Virus | Food Poisoning | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Passed by a virus that attacks the intestines; you catch it by coming in contact with someone who is infected, or by touching something he or she has touched. This virus can also be passed on through contaminated food or water. | You get it by eating contaminated food that contains infectious organisms, bacteria (like E. coli), viruses, or parasites. |
| Symptoms |
Symptoms appear one to two days after exposure to the virus and usually last for one to two days but can last for up to 10 days. |
Symptoms can show up within hours of eating contaminated food, but exposure to certain contaminants may not cause symptoms until a few weeks later. Sickness lasts from one to 10 days. |
| Complications |
|
|
| Method of diagnosis | A doctor will ask about your symptoms or take a stool sample. If they see bacteria, they know it's not a bug. | A doctor will ask you questions about food you've eaten and how long you've felt symptoms and will perform tests such as checking your blood and stool. She may also check for parasites. |
| Treatment |
|
|
| Prevention | Avoid coming in contact with an infected person or anything he or she has touched. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially before you eat and after you use machines at the gym. Don't share personal items like cups, utensils, or towels. | Keep your hands, cooking surfaces, and utensils clean. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Throw out food that has been sitting out or foods you're not sure about. Cook foods safely and thoroughly. For more tips, check out this post on preventing food poisoning. |
Do You Have a Stomach Bug, or Was It That Food You Ate?
It's that time of year when illness spreads like jam on toast. Have you been hit by a stomach virus? Or maybe it was food poisoning? It's good to know which it is, so you know whether or not you are contagious or if other people shouldn't eat the mystery meat in your fridge.
| Stomach Virus | Food Poisoning | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Passed by a virus that attacks the intestines; you catch it by coming in contact with someone who is infected, or by touching something he or she has touched. This virus can also be passed on through contaminated food or water. | You get it by eating contaminated food that contains infectious organisms, bacteria (like E. coli), viruses, or parasites. |
| Symptoms |
Symptoms appear one to two days after exposure to the virus and usually last for one to two days but can last for up to 10 days. |
Symptoms can show up within hours of eating contaminated food, but exposure to certain contaminants may not cause symptoms until a few weeks later. Sickness lasts from one to 10 days. |
| Complications |
|
|
| Method of diagnosis | A doctor will ask about your symptoms or take a stool sample. If they see bacteria, they know it's not a bug. | A doctor will ask you questions about food you've eaten and how long you've felt symptoms and will perform tests such as checking your blood and stool. She may also check for parasites. |
| Treatment |
|
|
| Prevention | Avoid coming in contact with an infected person or anything he or she has touched. Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially before you eat and after you use machines at the gym. Don't share personal items like cups, utensils, or towels. | Keep your hands, cooking surfaces, and utensils clean. Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Throw out food that has been sitting out or foods you're not sure about. Cook foods safely and thoroughly. For more tips, check out this post on preventing food poisoning. |
Jake Gyllenhaal Reunites With His True Love, Ryan Reynolds, at the Met Gala
Jake Gyllenhaal may have skipped the red carpet at the Met Gala on Monday, but he had numerous adorable moments inside. Dressed in a black tux and bow tie, the actor looked extremely handsome, per usual, as he mingled with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. He posed with Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll, but one of the best moments was when he was reunited with his pal Ryan Reynolds. Aside from mingling with Blake Lively, the Life costars and friends also shared a sweet moment with Hugh Jackman, which is especially fun considering he and Ryan play Wolverine and Deadpool, respectively. Is it just us, or would Jake make a great addition to the Marvel family?
Jake Gyllenhaal Reunites With His True Love, Ryan Reynolds, at the Met Gala
Jake Gyllenhaal may have skipped the red carpet at the Met Gala on Monday, but he had numerous adorable moments inside. Dressed in a black tux and bow tie, the actor looked extremely handsome, per usual, as he mingled with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. He posed with Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll, but one of the best moments was when he was reunited with his pal Ryan Reynolds. Aside from mingling with Blake Lively, the Life costars and friends also shared a sweet moment with Hugh Jackman, which is especially fun considering he and Ryan play Wolverine and Deadpool, respectively. Is it just us, or would Jake make a great addition to the Marvel family?
This $6 Rimmel Liquid Lipstick Is Better Than Most Designer Formulas
Glosses may be getting trendy again, but I'm not ditching matte liquid lipstick anytime soon. Just try to pry it out of my hands! I'm completely sold on the matte moment: it looks both sophisticated and edgy, and usually results in a durable, long-wearing application. So, as a flat-finished lipstick aficionado, I was psyched to get the exclusive first look at Rimmel London's newest formula, Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour ($6).
My first observation was how easy it is to work with. Some matte liquid lipsticks dry lightning fast, leaving you mere seconds to perfect your application before your look sets. However, this mousse-like texture stays creamy and pliable for around five minutes (which I appreciated, as that generous amount of time felt damn luxurious). I used the precise, chisel-tip doefoot to line my lips first, then filled in using the broad side of the applicator.
Because the Stay Mattes don't dry insanely rapidly, its finish is far from being that superflat, dry, crusty finish that too many matte liquid lipsticks have. Instead, this leaves your pout with a velvety look. My lips reminded me of the beautiful silkiness of fresh rose petals when I tried Heartbeat, a fuchsia shade. Though that was my favorite, it comes in 14 hues, including neutrals, brights, and edgier tones like sapphire, slate, and black.
You should also know that even after several hours, this liquid lipstick feels majorly comfortable, a plus in a longwear formula. I have yet to put it to an aggressive test, but Rimmel London claims this lipstick will last for up to 12 hours, ideal for those of us so busy we forget to even brush our hair in the morning. Quite honestly, this is one of the best products of its kind that I've ever tried and outperforms many prestigious products, but at a fraction of the price.
By now, you're likely ready to stock up! Good news: the Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour is officially launching in July, but Rimmel London is doing an early access, online pop-up sale with Ulta Beauty on May 6. At just $6 apiece, buying all 14 shades doesn't seem totally unreasonable. Keep reading to get a peek at them all, then shop the virtual pop-up on May 6 here.
21 Rose Quartz Nail Art Ideas That Totally Rock
Though the practice of using healing crystals dates back to ancient Egypt, it is absolutely having a renaissance in 2017. That's why we are obsessed with the gorgeous rose quartz nail art trend.
Rose quartz is the perfect stone to re-create in manicure form as it supposedly has the power to incite a passion for beauty and creativity (both of which are at play in DIY nail art!). The crystal is also said to attract and promote feelings of love toward oneself and toward others. Hey, you can never have too many good vibes.
The technique itself is easy enough to master. Pick up a sheer rosy-pink nail polish (we like Essie Poppy Art Pink ($9)) and apply one coat, then doodle on little "veins" like a real crystal might have in shades of white, paler pink, or gold using a striping brush. Top with another coat of sheer pink and repeat until you have created a look you love. You can even spice it up with accent stones or half moons, or just use the manicure as a foundation for another artistic masterpiece. Read on to see our favorite examples from Instagram as well as a brief tutorial.
13 Nourishing Oil Treatments That Give Life to Natural Hair
Oils have been coveted by beauty junkies for complexion cleansing, body hydration, and DIYs (to name a few!), but naturalistas especially know how they can work wonders on damaged hair. Tresses that have been tortured with excessive heat styling or suffered from drying products can benefit from these nourishing must haves. Beauties with natural hair can rely on them to add shine, soothe the scalp, tame flyaways, or even use as an intensive treatment.
To save you time, we rounded up our favorite oils for natural tresses. Read on to find out why they are worthy of "holy grail" status.
Brad Pitt Opens Up About the Agony of Watching His Kids See Their Family Get "Ripped Apart"
Since Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt eight months ago, the War Machine actor has remained relatively quiet when it comes to speaking about their split. Not anymore. Brad appears on the cover of GQ Style's Summer issue, and the interview with writer Michael Paterniti offers an in-depth look into how he's coped with the end of his and Angelina's two-year marriage and 12-year relationship, as well as the struggles their six children now face. Fortunately the Hollywood heartthrob is dedicated to making a change for the better. "You know, I just started therapy," he said, noting that the entire family also signed up for group counseling in the aftermath of the split. "I love it. I love it. I went through two therapists to get the right one."
Though details about what caused the divorce have been murky save for an official statement (he said "so little of [the rumors] are accurate"), there was reportedly a violent incident between Brad and 15-year-old Maddox aboard a private plane, which was followed by Angelina's divorce filing five days later. An FBI investigation into Brad's behavior was opened, and despite the fact he was later cleared of wrongdoing, he didn't escape the incident unscathed. "I was really on my back and chained to a system when Child Services was called," he said. "After that, we've been able to work together to sort this out. We're both doing our best. I heard one lawyer say, 'No one wins in court - it's just a matter of who gets hurt worse.' And it seems to be true. You spend a year just focused on building a case to prove your point and why you're right and why they're wrong, and it's just an investment in vitriolic hatred. I just refuse. And fortunately my partner in this agrees. It's just very, very jarring for the kids, to suddenly have their family ripped apart."
The announcement of their split was followed by a vicious back-and-forth in the court system, as well as multiple reports of Brad's alcohol and drug abuse popping up in the tabloids. A divorce is never easy on a child, especially one in the public eye, but Brad says he and Angelina have now agreed to handle their split "with great care and delicacy" to protect them. "There's a lot to tell them because there's understanding the future, there's understanding the immediate moment and why we're at this point, and then it brings up a lot of issues from the past that we haven't talked about. So, our focus is that everyone comes out stronger and better people - there is no other outcome."
Now that the dust has somewhat settled, he's been crashing at the home of friend and sculptor Thomas Houseago, since he can't stand to be alone in his Hollywood Hills mansion without the family. "This house was always chaotic and crazy, voices and bangs coming from everywhere, and then, as you see, there are days like this: very . . . very solemn," he said. The quiet has an upside, though, since it's offered the 53-year-old a much-needed opportunity to examine his life. "I remember literally having this thought a year, a year and a half ago; someone was going through some scandal," he recalled. "Something crossed my path that was a big scandal - and I went, 'Thank God I'm never going to have to be a part of one of those again.' I live my life, I have my family, I do my thing, I don't do anything illegal, I don't cross anyone's path. What's the David Foster Wallace quote? 'Truth will set you free, but not until it's done with you first.'"
There's no doubt he's had the support of his friends during this difficult time, but he revealed he's "really good at cutting myself off, and it's been a problem. I need to be more accessible, especially to the ones I love." He also admitted he has a hard time letting go, which is why he didn't want to divorce Angelina at first. "The first urge is to cling on. And then you've got a cliché: 'If you love someone, set them free.' Now I know what it means, by feeling it. It means to love without ownership. It means expecting nothing in return. But it sounds good written. It sounds good when Sting sings it. It doesn't mean f*ck-all to me until you live it."
His reexamination of his family was not only good for his mind but also his body, since he hasn't had a drink or a smoke for half a year. "I can't remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn't boozing or had a spliff, or something. Something. And you realize that a lot of it is, um - cigarettes, you know, pacifiers. And I'm running from feelings . . . I mean, we have a winery. I enjoy wine very, very much, but I just ran it to the ground. I had to step away for a minute. And truthfully I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good," he said, before adding that he didn't "want to live that way anymore."
"In the end, you find: I am those things I don't like. That is a part of me. I can't deny that," he concluded. "I have to accept that. And in fact, I have to embrace that. I need to face that and take care of that. Because by denying it, I deny myself. I am those mistakes. For me every misstep has been a step toward epiphany, understanding, some kind of joy. Yeah, the avoidance of pain is a real mistake. It's the real missing out on life. It's those very things that shape us, those very things that offer growth, that make the world a better place, oddly enough, ironically. That make us better. By the way, there's no love without loss. It's a package deal."
Brad Pitt Opens Up About the Agony of Watching His Kids See Their Family Get "Ripped Apart"
Since Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt eight months ago, the War Machine actor has remained relatively quiet when it comes to speaking about their split. Not anymore. Brad appears on the cover of GQ Style's Summer issue, and the interview with writer Michael Paterniti offers an in-depth look into how he's coped with the end of his and Angelina's two-year marriage and 12-year relationship, as well as the struggles their six children now face. Fortunately the Hollywood heartthrob is dedicated to making a change for the better. "You know, I just started therapy," he said, noting that the entire family also signed up for group counseling in the aftermath of the split. "I love it. I love it. I went through two therapists to get the right one."
Though details about what caused the divorce have been murky save for an official statement (he said "so little of [the rumors] are accurate"), there was reportedly a violent incident between Brad and 15-year-old Maddox aboard a private plane, which was followed by Angelina's divorce filing five days later. An FBI investigation into Brad's behavior was opened, and despite the fact he was later cleared of wrongdoing, he didn't escape the incident unscathed. "I was really on my back and chained to a system when Child Services was called," he said. "After that, we've been able to work together to sort this out. We're both doing our best. I heard one lawyer say, 'No one wins in court - it's just a matter of who gets hurt worse.' And it seems to be true. You spend a year just focused on building a case to prove your point and why you're right and why they're wrong, and it's just an investment in vitriolic hatred. I just refuse. And fortunately my partner in this agrees. It's just very, very jarring for the kids, to suddenly have their family ripped apart."
The announcement of their split was followed by a vicious back-and-forth in the court system, as well as multiple reports of Brad's alcohol and drug abuse popping up in the tabloids. A divorce is never easy on a child, especially one in the public eye, but Brad says he and Angelina have now agreed to handle their split "with great care and delicacy" to protect them. "There's a lot to tell them because there's understanding the future, there's understanding the immediate moment and why we're at this point, and then it brings up a lot of issues from the past that we haven't talked about. So, our focus is that everyone comes out stronger and better people - there is no other outcome."
Now that the dust has somewhat settled, he's been crashing at the home of friend and sculptor Thomas Houseago, since he can't stand to be alone in his Hollywood Hills mansion without the family. "This house was always chaotic and crazy, voices and bangs coming from everywhere, and then, as you see, there are days like this: very . . . very solemn," he said. The quiet has an upside, though, since it's offered the 53-year-old a much-needed opportunity to examine his life. "I remember literally having this thought a year, a year and a half ago; someone was going through some scandal," he recalled. "Something crossed my path that was a big scandal - and I went, 'Thank God I'm never going to have to be a part of one of those again.' I live my life, I have my family, I do my thing, I don't do anything illegal, I don't cross anyone's path. What's the David Foster Wallace quote? 'Truth will set you free, but not until it's done with you first.'"
There's no doubt he's had the support of his friends during this difficult time, but he revealed he's "really good at cutting myself off, and it's been a problem. I need to be more accessible, especially to the ones I love." He also admitted he has a hard time letting go, which is why he didn't want to divorce Angelina at first. "The first urge is to cling on. And then you've got a cliché: 'If you love someone, set them free.' Now I know what it means, by feeling it. It means to love without ownership. It means expecting nothing in return. But it sounds good written. It sounds good when Sting sings it. It doesn't mean f*ck-all to me until you live it."
His reexamination of his family was not only good for his mind but also his body, since he hasn't had a drink or a smoke for half a year. "I can't remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn't boozing or had a spliff, or something. Something. And you realize that a lot of it is, um - cigarettes, you know, pacifiers. And I'm running from feelings . . . I mean, we have a winery. I enjoy wine very, very much, but I just ran it to the ground. I had to step away for a minute. And truthfully I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good," he said, before adding that he didn't "want to live that way anymore."
"In the end, you find: I am those things I don't like. That is a part of me. I can't deny that," he concluded. "I have to accept that. And in fact, I have to embrace that. I need to face that and take care of that. Because by denying it, I deny myself. I am those mistakes. For me every misstep has been a step toward epiphany, understanding, some kind of joy. Yeah, the avoidance of pain is a real mistake. It's the real missing out on life. It's those very things that shape us, those very things that offer growth, that make the world a better place, oddly enough, ironically. That make us better. By the way, there's no love without loss. It's a package deal."
Blink and You'll Miss This Edgy Detail of Solange Knowles's Met Gala Beauty Look
Solange Knowles is no stranger to sporting head-turning Met Gala styles, but this year, you have to look very closely to see the daring detail she tried.
To go with her puffer-coat-like Thom Browne jumpsuit, celebrity makeup artist Lottie traced a graphic white liner down the side of Solange's cheek and onto her earlobe. The artist used Nars Cosmetics Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Santa Monica Blvd ($26) to create the simple but stunning look, keeping the rest of the performer's appearance minimalist.
We're fairly certain that this is the first time we've spotted the ear makeup trend IRL, and we must admit, we completely dig it. We could totally see this makeup masterpiece looking badass at a music festival in a variety of different colors, like black, cobalt blue, and orange. Keep reading to see more shots of Solange's Met Gala look.
13 Nourishing Oil Treatments That Give Life to Natural Hair
Oils have been coveted by beauty junkies for complexion cleansing, body hydration, and DIYs (to name a few!), but naturalistas especially know how they can work wonders on damaged hair. Tresses that have been tortured with excessive heat styling or suffered from drying products can benefit from these nourishing must haves. Beauties with natural hair can rely on them to add shine, soothe the scalp, tame flyaways, or even use as an intensive treatment.
To save you time, we rounded up our favorite oils for natural tresses. Read on to find out why they are worthy of "holy grail" status.
This Is What It's Like to Live With Birth Marks Covering Your Face and Body
"Ugh, what happened to you?" "You're not pretty like the other girls." "No one likes you. You look like you're covered in dirt." "No one is ever going to like you."
These remarks were the norm for me when I was growing up. Every comment hurt a little bit more than the last. I subconsciously hoarded them until they started to become the very things I was telling myself. I have a rare epidermal nevus condition called Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica, which affects about 1 in 2,000 people. A nevus is the scientific term for birthmark or mole. My case is caused by a genetic mutation, although the specific gene remains unknown. It isn't something you'd see everyday, which was why I garnered this kind of attention.
I might've only been 7 or 8 years old, but I could still understand the magnitude of disgust behind every mean comment. I was constantly bullied in school by my peers. They would make fun of me for looking different. During sixth grade lunch hour, a boy threw food at me and crumpled notes with mean things written on them such as, "You're ugly." The harassment didn't stop with my classmates.
Parents of these kids would tell my mom and dad that I should have surgery to remove them, because I wasn't attractive. Adults walking past me would sneer at the sight of me and take pictures to laugh at. My sixth grade Spanish teacher even publically bullied me in front of class and said, "Why don't you go and connect the dots on your face?" You could imagine the amount of emotional trauma this caused to my self-esteem. I received positive comments here and there, but it was always the negative ones that held more weight to me.
My mom would take many measures to cover me up as best as she could to protect me from the world. I was always outfitted in turtlenecks and long pants. When it got hot, my mom would slather on foundation that was five times too light and too sheer for my skin. I was always running around so the makeup melted off anyway. It was not ideal.
I was taught was to hide and to cover my skin so people wouldn't say anything. But no matter how hard I tried, every negative comment and experience felt like the weight of the world. I hated what I looked like and soon I embodied everything that hurt. I believed that I wasn't beautiful and that I never could be. I briefly contemplated suicide around the end of middle school. If I just stopped everything, I wouldn't have to hurt anymore. I could stop my parents from tirelessly trying to find the best medical care for me, since at the time, most dermatologists didn't know what to do with my case. "Maybe I could stop my parents from having to take the emotional abuse. It would be so easy to end my emotional suffering," I thought to myself. [Editor's note: if you or a loved one feels suicidal, find help here.]
I am now 24 years old, and all I can say is that I am grateful I chose otherwise. It was a painfully slow but steady journey to attain self-acceptance. To this day, I feel like I still have a lot to work on. There are days when I'll cry, but I'm only human, and I need to allow myself to feel emotion. Regardless of those bad days, I know that I will always pick myself up and continue on with my life.
Today, I can't help but tell you how much I love my life and how much I am appreciative for my birthmarks. Not only have they given me confidence in my appearance, but they have also given me the strength and drive to pursue my dreams. I grew up with a lot of negativity, but slowly, I learned to stand up against it. I kept telling myself that they were wrong and that what they said meant nothing to me. I began to apply the mindset of "never taking no for an answer" to all aspects of my life.
Being bullied when I was young made me sensitive. I used to hate that I didn't have tough skin but now, I feel fortunate that I don't. My sensitivity allows me to be compassionate towards people who are hurting and it allows me to pick up on subtle hints that they are in pain. My birthmarks also taught me to be positive for myself and for other people around me. There is enough hate in this world and enough people telling us that we can't do something.
I didn't want to add to that, and instead, I chose to have a positive outlook on my life and to lift up the people around me. When I see the people around me reach success, it's a chain reaction for more great things to come. So I can't help but continue to be positive. I can't express the amount of emotional suffering I went through to get to the confidence level I am at now. I came up with things to remind myself when things were especially difficult, and I hope these tips empower you to believe in your worth and your beauty. You have so much to offer in this world! Without further ado:
1. You have to love you.
This was the most difficult, but most important idea to grasp in my journey to accepting myself. My family and friends were always encouraging about my appearance and say that it's what they love about me. It is what makes me different. What I came to realize was that although the support was strong, I could not accept it until I came to accept myself. Strength at its paramount comes from within. People can be strong for you, but it is meaningless until you truly believe you are beautiful. Once you are confident that you are strong, no one can take that away from you.
What is even more important is that once you love yourself, the negative comments you receive become so irrelevant to you that you barely even notice they exist. You can create your reality. If you bottle up those negative comments and make them a part of you, then they will overcome you. But, if you believe that you are strong and beautiful, then that will in and of itself become your reality.
Something I do to feel strong inside and out is that I go to the gym! I love lifting weights and circuit training. I make sure to work out each muscle group throughout the week. I also rarely eat out, because I love to cook healthy. The combinations of both working out and eating clean make me feel great both physically and mentally.
2. When times get tough, get tougher.
There were many situations in which I found myself behind closed doors by myself, crying because I didn't know what I did to garner such negative attention. I would just sit there and feel so bad for myself. It came to a point when I would be sitting in an ocean of used tissues, dizzy from hyperventilating and unable to squeeze any more tears out of my eyes. I realized that life goes on. It's not going to sit and wait for you to feel bad for yourself. There are things out there to be done. Goals to be reached. Empowerment to be gained. Success to be earned. I bit my bottom lip and redirected my energy into the things I felt made my life worth living.
I channeled this energy into becoming a doctor. I had been exposed to dermatology my entire life and have been fortunate to meet some incredible and inspirational physicians who changed me forever. I also have had over 60 major and minor surgeries, so I have also been exposed to the field of plastic surgery. It's something I want to dedicate my life to because I want to help people through what I am currently going through. Because of my birthmarks and the arduous journey with having them, I feel I am able to relate to my patients and lead them to a physically and mentally healthy life.
So, my lesson for you is that you need to take life by the balls and own it. Find something worth being tough about and run with it. The world is yours. You have to choose to take it.
3. Stop trying to hide it - own it!
My mom insisted that I use makeup to cover my skin when I was younger, but now, all I want to do is show the world that I am proud to be me. I tried to use foundation once, but I looked so silly. The coverage was too sheer and the amount I had to use was ridiculous. I honestly didn't feel authentic. If people look, I say let them look! Let them admire your beauty. In a world where people are dying to stand out, we are lucky to already have that trait.
Though I decided to forgo cosmetics for coverage, I still have products to protect my skin from damaging UV rays. My beauty secret is to use a broad-spectrum SPF moisturizer and body lotion. It'll also prevent premature aging, an added bonus. My favorites include: Jergens Natural Glow SPF 20 ($11) for the face and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock ($7 each), SPF 45 and SPF 100 for my body. I encourage everyone, even to those who do not have birthmarks, to use SPF. I love Jergens Natural Glow for its smell and its self-tanning product. Since I can't go out and tan, this my way of getting some color. Neutrogena's Dry Touch line is amazing because it doesn't feel heavy. I've gone through too many greasy sunblocks and am glad to say that this product line definitely does not disappoint.
4. Be compassionate.
The comments that people make must never define you. Sometimes, people will say mean things that will hurt you to the very core. It's an uncomfortable situation, especially if the topic of your appearance is an extremely sensitive subject. It's important to keep in mind that people are curious. Sometimes they are ignorant. If they are mean to you, it is because they still have more to learn about life. They just don't understand how to process your beauty. Continue to be kind, for they are simply naive.
As I get older, less mean things are said to me, but I still get asked about them. I realize that the questions come from curiosity. It's harder to understand this when it's a sensitive topic, but it's important to be compassionate and to not be defensive to those who question. I get asked all the time if I wanted to get them removed and my answer was, is, and will continue to be: no. My birthmarks made me the person I am today. They gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams in more ways than one. They have given me the confidence and grit to continue my goals of being a doctor. They made me compassionate and optimistic.
I want people out there who are going through what I went through to understand that it's OK to be a little insecure sometimes. I want you to know that you are beautiful and that you are loved, even if you can't see it. You don't have to prove your worth to anyone but yourself. You are already great. You have the potential to be even greater and you have it within you to never stop until you reach success. Believe that your differences make you unique. Be confident that they can change your life once you accept them and love them for what they are and who you can be.
Jenna Lee is currently workong on completing a Masters Degree in biomedical sciences; follow her on Instagram here!
John Stamos Pens a Heartfelt Letter to His Late Mom: "I Felt I Could Not Go On"
It's been nearly three years since John Stamos lost his mother, Loretta Phillips, and he still misses her dearly. In a heartfelt essay for GoodHousekeeping.com as part of its special "Thank You, Mom" series ahead of Mother's Day, the Fuller House actor opened up about a note Loretta left for him to find shortly before her death. "I was sitting at your famous kitchen table, the same table where all the family therapy sessions would happen, and I was wondering how I could possibly get through one single day without you. I honestly felt I could not go on," he recalled. "You meant for me to find that note when I did, and now I'm ready to write you back." Loretta's message read: "Life is an occasion . . . rise to it. Don't be sad because I died . . . be happy because I lived. I had a wonderful life."
"Your whole life was completely unselfish," he continued. "You poured a lifetime of love into me, and that's what I'll remember best too. Two and a half years later, that love still gets me through every single day." Aside from talking about how her life inspired him, he also opened up about how hard it was to say goodbye. "Things got rougher after you passed away. How could it not? You were the most important thing in my life. I allowed outside things to come in and cloud my spirit, but it was your strength that got me through it. Your voice, your beautiful face, your over-abundance of love is always running in the back of my mind and certainly in my heart."
Most of all, he hopes that one day he can be as good of a parent as she was to him. "Maybe someday I'll have a kid or two, and maybe they'll have red hair like yours (although like you used to say, yours came from a bottle)," he said. "Maybe they'll say, 'I love you more' like you always said. But mostly I hope they have your humility and unselfishness and your ability to bring sunshine to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. I miss you madly, mother - until we meet again. And we will!"
John Stamos Pens a Heartfelt Letter to His Late Mom: "I Felt I Could Not Go On"
It's been nearly three years since John Stamos lost his mother, Loretta Phillips, and he still misses her dearly. In a heartfelt essay for GoodHousekeeping.com as part of its special "Thank You, Mom" series ahead of Mother's Day, the Fuller House actor opened up about a note Loretta left for him to find shortly before her death. "I was sitting at your famous kitchen table, the same table where all the family therapy sessions would happen, and I was wondering how I could possibly get through one single day without you. I honestly felt I could not go on," he recalled. "You meant for me to find that note when I did, and now I'm ready to write you back." Loretta's message read: "Life is an occasion . . . rise to it. Don't be sad because I died . . . be happy because I lived. I had a wonderful life."
"Your whole life was completely unselfish," he continued. "You poured a lifetime of love into me, and that's what I'll remember best too. Two and a half years later, that love still gets me through every single day." Aside from talking about how her life inspired him, he also opened up about how hard it was to say goodbye. "Things got rougher after you passed away. How could it not? You were the most important thing in my life. I allowed outside things to come in and cloud my spirit, but it was your strength that got me through it. Your voice, your beautiful face, your over-abundance of love is always running in the back of my mind and certainly in my heart."
Most of all, he hopes that one day he can be as good of a parent as she was to him. "Maybe someday I'll have a kid or two, and maybe they'll have red hair like yours (although like you used to say, yours came from a bottle)," he said. "Maybe they'll say, 'I love you more' like you always said. But mostly I hope they have your humility and unselfishness and your ability to bring sunshine to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. I miss you madly, mother - until we meet again. And we will!"
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