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.
jeudi 8 juin 2017
5 Things to Know About James Comey's Wife, Patrice Failor
James Comey got one of the only chuckles during his otherwise fairly tense Senate testimony on June 8 when he publicly regretted canceling plans with his wife to have his now-infamously awkward dinner with Donald Trump. (You know, the one where Trump reportedly - and repeatedly - demanded Comey's "loyalty.")
James Comey says he had to "break a date" with his wife when Pres. Trump invited him to the White House for dinner https://t.co/oWfQ0jkiXG
- CNN (@CNN) June 8, 2017
Almost immediately after the shout-out, the internet wanted to know who, exactly, Comey is married to. Her name is Patrice Failor - and she's pictured to the right of Comey in the photo below, which taken during his swearing-in as FBI director back in 2013. Read on to learn more about Comey's wife of 30 years:
1. She Says She Met Comey at a "Daiquiri Party" in College - He Disputes This
In a 2014 interview with Flat Hat News, the student newspaper of the College of William and Mary - where Failor and Comey first met - Comey disputes his wife's story about how they first crossed paths. Comey says he doesn't "recall meeting her" at that particular event. He does remember that she nominated him to run for president of their dorm council, soon after which they were introduced by a friend. "She let me talk about myself for three hours," Comey remembered. "Naturally, I walked away deeply in love with her, because she let me talk about myself, a habit which she has since fixed." No word as to whether Failor confirms or denies the fact that this habit has, in fact, been nipped in the bud.
2. She has her own impressive professional credentials
Failor has a master's degree in counseling and has worked as a court-appointed special advocate in juvenile court. In 2016, Comey attended to watch her testify in front of the Connecticut Judiciary Committee about the need for greater support for neglected children. Failor and Comey have also been foster parents to several children over the years.
3. She once wrote a heartfelt op-ed about the death of their son
In 1995, Failor wrote a very personal essay, published in The Baltimore Sun, about the loss of her infant son Collin. The baby died at just 9 days old of a bacterial Group B Strep infection. She penned the article, she said, to help inform other parents of the risk. "I do not want to frighten anyone with my story," Failor wrote. "But I cannot allow the death of my beautiful boy to become just one in a long line of GBS tragedies." Failor and Comey are parents to five other children
4. She's apparently a fan of LGBTQ stories and Broadway . . .
Shortly after Comey was fired by President Trump, he and Failor attended a matinee of Fun House, an acclaimed Broadway show about a woman scrutinizing her identity as a lesbian and her own father's life as a closeted gay man. A producer on the show later told The New York Times that both Comey and Failor were so moved by the play, they were wiping away tears as they headed backstage to greet the cast.
Today James Comey and his wife Patrice joined us at #FunHome in Washington, D.C. http://pic.twitter.com/W5HLrgKaPi
- Fun Home (@funhomemusical) May 13, 2017
5. But she didn't "dig" living in NYC
In a 2003 profile in New York Magazine, Comey said his wife encouraged their move to Virginia in the early '90s. "My wife wasn't digging New York," he said. "We wanted to live in a place where we'd both be happier raising our kids. She knew northern Virginia, because she'd grown up there and in Iowa, but we liked Richmond as a place to live."
Cardio 101: Mountain Climbers
Ready for a classic bodyweight move that every fitness-lover should have in their arsenal? It's time for mountain climbers - drop and give us 20!
This move is about to blast calories with intense cardio while also targeting your abdominal muscles and upper body (yay!). Here's how to do it:
- Start in a traditional plank - shoulders over hands and weight on just your toes.
- With your core engaged, bring your right knee forward under your chest, with the toes just off the ground. Return to your basic plank. Switch legs, bringing the left knee forward.
- Keep switching legs and begin to pick up the pace until it feels a little like running in place in a plank position.
- Continue "running" in your plank for one minute.
12 Times Lea Michele Ditched Her Clothes For the Camera
Lea Michele has no problem flaunting her figure for the camera. The actress is well-known for playing the conservative Rachel Berry on Glee, but since the series wrapped in 2015, she has been amping up the sex appeal with her NSFW photos. Aside from posing nude and revealing her tiny "Finn" butt tattoo - in tribute to her late boyfriend Cory Monteith's Glee character, Finn Hudson - for Women's Health UK, she is constantly shedding her clothes on Instagram. Whether she's lounging in bed or basking in the sun, Lea loves to show off every inch of her body. Keep reading to see some of her most scandalous snaps yet.
Cardio 101: Mountain Climbers
Ready for a classic bodyweight move that every fitness-lover should have in their arsenal? It's time for mountain climbers - drop and give us 20!
This move is about to blast calories with intense cardio while also targeting your abdominal muscles and upper body (yay!). Here's how to do it:
- Start in a traditional plank - shoulders over hands and weight on just your toes.
- With your core engaged, bring your right knee forward under your chest, with the toes just off the ground. Return to your basic plank. Switch legs, bringing the left knee forward.
- Keep switching legs and begin to pick up the pace until it feels a little like running in place in a plank position.
- Continue "running" in your plank for one minute.
12 Times Lea Michele Ditched Her Clothes For the Camera
Lea Michele has no problem flaunting her figure for the camera. The actress is well-known for playing the conservative Rachel Berry on Glee, but since the series wrapped in 2015, she has been amping up the sex appeal with her NSFW photos. Aside from posing nude and revealing her tiny "Finn" butt tattoo - in tribute to her late boyfriend Cory Monteith's Glee character, Finn Hudson - for Women's Health UK, she is constantly shedding her clothes on Instagram. Whether she's lounging in bed or basking in the sun, Lea loves to show off every inch of her body. Keep reading to see some of her most scandalous snaps yet.
5 Things to Know About James Comey's Wife, Patrice Failor
James Comey got one of the only chuckles during his otherwise fairly tense Senate testimony on June 8 when he publicly regretted canceling plans with his wife to have his now-infamously awkward dinner with Donald Trump. (You know, the one where Trump reportedly - and repeatedly - demanded Comey's "loyalty.")
James Comey says he had to "break a date" with his wife when Pres. Trump invited him to the White House for dinner https://t.co/oWfQ0jkiXG
- CNN (@CNN) June 8, 2017
Almost immediately after the shout-out, the internet wanted to know who, exactly, Comey is married to. Her name is Patrice Failor - and she's pictured to the right of Comey in the photo below, which taken during his swearing-in as FBI director back in 2013. Read on to learn more about Comey's wife of 30 years:
1. She Says She Met Comey at a "Daiquiri Party" in College - He Disputes This
In a 2014 interview with Flat Hat News, the student newspaper of the College of William and Mary - where Failor and Comey first met - Comey disputes his wife's story about how they first crossed paths. Comey says he doesn't "recall meeting her" at that particular event. He does remember that she nominated him to run for president of their dorm council, soon after which they were introduced by a friend. "She let me talk about myself for three hours," Comey remembered. "Naturally, I walked away deeply in love with her, because she let me talk about myself, a habit which she has since fixed." No word as to whether Failor confirms or denies the fact that this habit has, in fact, been nipped in the bud.
2. She has her own impressive professional credentials
Failor has a master's degree in counseling and has worked as a court-appointed special advocate in juvenile court. In 2016, Comey attended to watch her testify in front of the Connecticut Judiciary Committee about the need for greater support for neglected children. Failor and Comey have also been foster parents to several children over the years.
3. She once wrote a heartfelt op-ed about the death of their son
In 1995, Failor wrote a very personal essay, published in The Baltimore Sun, about the loss of her infant son Collin. The baby died at just 9 days old of a bacterial Group B Strep infection. She penned the article, she said, to help inform other parents of the risk. "I do not want to frighten anyone with my story," Failor wrote. "But I cannot allow the death of my beautiful boy to become just one in a long line of GBS tragedies." Failor and Comey are parents to five other children
4. She's apparently a fan of LGBTQ stories and Broadway . . .
Shortly after Comey was fired by President Trump, he and Failor attended a matinee of Fun House, an acclaimed Broadway show about a woman scrutinizing her identity as a lesbian and her own father's life as a closeted gay man. A producer on the show later told The New York Times that both Comey and Failor were so moved by the play, they were wiping away tears as they headed backstage to greet the cast.
Today James Comey and his wife Patrice joined us at #FunHome in Washington, D.C. http://pic.twitter.com/W5HLrgKaPi
- Fun Home (@funhomemusical) May 13, 2017
5. But she didn't "dig" living in NYC
In a 2003 profile in New York Magazine, Comey said his wife encouraged their move to Virginia in the early '90s. "My wife wasn't digging New York," he said. "We wanted to live in a place where we'd both be happier raising our kids. She knew northern Virginia, because she'd grown up there and in Iowa, but we liked Richmond as a place to live."
What an American Airlines Employee Did For a Passenger With Autism Will Make You Cry
Air travel is rarely fun for anyone, but for those dealing with difficult conditions, it can be especially stressful. Russell Lehmann, a man with autism who is a "speaker, author, and advocate" shared a touching personal story on Facebook about his recent experience flying. After having a flight delayed and missing his connection for the second time in two days, he succumbed to what he described as "the worst meltdown" of his life at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. David, a man who Lehmann says works for American Airlines, found him curled up behind a ticket counter in a state of extreme distress.
"I was crying my eyes out, rocking back and forth as my muscles convulsed at a rapid pace. Sweating profusely, I was hyperventilating while my body shook in terror. David calmly approached me, and with the utmost compassion, he asked me what was wrong. I was barely able to get any words out. I believe I mumbled the words 'I don't know. I can't think, I have autism,'" Lehmann recounted.
The American Airlines employee assured him that there was a way to get Lehmann to Cincinnati, where he was due to speak the next day.
"During a time of indescribable mental torment and anguish, this man showed me compassion. This man showed that he cared."
"During a time of indescribable mental torment and anguish, this man showed me compassion. This man showed that he cared. Hell, he even offered to buy me a slice of pizza for lunch! David offered to reroute my flight, and he gave me some time to think about it, for I told him that I was afraid of exacerbating my symptoms by boarding another flight, i.e. a tightly enclosed space filled with vast amounts of stimuli," he said.
Then, David went above and beyond to make Lehmann feel comfortable enough to fly. He returned with the actual pilot of the plane that Lehmann had the choice of boarding. David had notified the pilot, along with the entire crew of his situation, and David actually took it upon himself to clear a whole row of seats so that Lehmann could have space to himself for the flight.
"The pilot was also incredibly kind, reminding me that what I was experiencing only added validity to the message I spread. To the lives I touch. I ended up deciding to board the flight. I was the very first to board, and David walked onto the plane with me, introducing me to the flight crew one by one. I was still shaking and crying, but this time I was crying tears of thankfulness. If it hadn't been for David, I would not have gotten on that plane."
Russell Lehmann's story is a snapshot of someone showing compassion through a few simple acts of kindness and proves what a huge difference small gestures can make. "This post isn't about autism," said Lehmann, "It's about doing the right thing. About being a good person. About accepting others and reaching out your hand to someone in need, even if they are a total stranger . . . Show what you're made of. Give a damn . . . Be brave and open your heart. Fulfill your moral duties as a human being. Be like David."
Emily Ratajkowski's Swimsuit Looks Sexy From All Angles - Especially the Back
Emily Ratajkowski is on vacation somewhere beautiful, and you can bet she packed a few swimsuits for the trip. While visiting a hot spring, the star slipped into a black one-piece with a plunging neckline, which she wore with layered necklaces. Though the front of her Peixoto swimsuit was revealing, the back was even sexier. It featured a scooped back and a cheeky thong fit that showed off Emily's assets. Her friend even playfully left a muddy handprint on Emily's buttocks. Scroll on for a closer look at the star's sultry one-piece.
Everything We Learned From the Comey Hearing
This post will be updated continuously throughout Comey's testimony today
The most anticipated day in recent political history - one that appeals not only to news junkies or political pundits, but basically anyone who loves televised drama - has finally arrived: former FBI Director James Comey has taken the stand before a Senate committee to testify about his meetings, interactions, and conversations with President Donald Trump. The Senate is seeking answers in hopes to further their investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, and those of us watching from home (or, sneakily, at work) are looking to get answers to the many, many questions that have been on our minds since Comey was fired back in May.
For those not in DC - where bars opened early to host viewing parties across the city, and the conversations are almost exclusively about the testimony in hand - we're watching and taking notes on what it is exactly that we should be taking away from the hearing and what it is we need to know going forward for the future of the investigation and for the presidency writ large.
So, without further ado, here's what we've learned today:
- Russia definitely interfered in the election, but Comey doesn't think it touched the actual votes. At this point we all agree that there's no question that Russia did something last year, but Comey added today that he was "confident" Russia didn't alter any voting data once ballots were cast by the American people.
- When Comey was fired, Trump wasn't under investigation. This is the point that the Trump team has been harping on and, quite honestly, the reason we've gotten to the point we're at today. When asked explicitly if Trump was under investigation at the time that he was fired on May 9, Comey answered simply: "No." We're probably all ready to move on from this now.
- Comey documented his meetings with Trump because he was afraid that Trump would lie about what went down. Comey had nine meetings with Trump, a number that seems extraordinarily high when put against the fact that he only spoke with Obama twice over the span of three years. But the most damning information came in the form of his reasoning for why he began documenting these meetings, starting from the very first meeting in Trump Tower: "I was honestly concerned he might lie about the nature of the meeting and it led me to document it."
- We finally found out what Trump whispered in Comey's ear back in January.
"I'm looking forward to working with you."
- It's very likely that special prosecutor Robert Mueller is investigating Trump for obstruction of justice. When asked by Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Richard Burr whether he was fired in order to hinder the Russia investigation - i.e., commit obstruction of justice - or to help protect Michael Flynn, Comey indicated that Flynn was already a known issue for the administration and that while he didn't think it was the express intent, it was likely something that would be investigated. "I don't think it is for me to say whether the conversation I had with the president was an effort to obstruct," Comey said. "I took it as a very disturbing thing, very concerning, but that's a conclusion I'm sure the special counsel will work toward: to try and understand what the intention was there and whether that's an offense."
- Comey was just as perplexed by his firing as we were. Initially it was said that he was fired because of his handling of the Hillary Clinton email scandal, but Trump cast doubt on this rationale when he suggested that it was to "relieve pressure" on the whole Russia debacle. "The explanations, the shifting explanations, confused me and increasingly concerned me," Comey said, before confirming that he now believes that Trump's rationale probably was the root cause. "I take the president at his word that I was fired because of the Russia investigation."
- He doesn't know if there are tapes of the Trump/Comey conversations, but he'd be a happy man if they exist.
James Comey better hope that there are no "tapes" of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 12, 2017
"Lordy, I hope there are tapes," Comey said with regard to the now-infamous tweet in which Trump appeared to threaten the former FBI director.
- Comey leaked his own memos in order to get a special prosecutor in place. It feels like it's straight out of a movie: Comey testified that he woke up in the middle of the night and it became immediately clear that he needed to make things happen and get someone in place to take charge of what was going down with Russia, Trump, and the FBI and that leaking the memos was the only way to do it. As to how he did it? "I asked a friend of mine to share the content of a memo with the reporter; I didn't do it myself for a variety of reasons, but I asked him to because I thought that might prompt the appointment of a special counsel."
- Did somebody say Kamala Harris 2020? Senator Kamala Harris of California cemented her role as the rising star of the Democratic party today by once again bringing the straight fire to her questioning of James Comey. A former prosecutor, she pulled no punches today, just as she did on Wednesday with the top intel chiefs, honing in on whether or not there's enough space being put between AG Jeff Sessions and the Russia investigation and what the relationship between Trump associates and the Russians actually is.
- There's something fishy going on with Jeff Sessions. When asked about Jeff Sessions's recusal from the Russia investigation, Comey said there were facts he couldn't share in an open setting that would make his involvement in that investigation "problematic." Continued questioning couldn't get any additional facts out of him, but watch this space, there's something here.
- Michael Flynn is finally confirmed as being in deep trouble. White House officials have repeatedly pushed back on this fact, but Comey confirmed under oath that at the time that he was fired, Flynn was facing a criminal investigation. This raises huge questions about why Trump has continued to side with his former adviser and is sure to be something that we'll be hearing a lot more about over the coming weeks.
- Comey debunked a Feb. 14 New York Times story about contacts between Trump associates and Russian intelligence twice. Sen. Tom Cotton asked, "Would it be fair to characterize that story as almost entirely wrong?" to which Comey simply said, "Yes." There may be a bit more to come on this one, but it will be coming behind closed doors, unfortunately.
- We finally got some rationale for Comey's announcements during the Clinton investigation. Comey says that his comments to the press came as a result of - surprise! - feeling "queasy" about Loretta Lynch's run-in with Bill Clinton in an Arizona airport and her using language very similar to that which was used by the Clinton campaign at the time. It's probably not the best reasoning - but at least we now have a bit of context for his seemingly rash moves last year during the election.
- So let's all agree that the Clinton emails were a bust and should be buried. Period. "We had investigated very, very thoroughly. I know this is a subject of passionate disagreement. But I knew there was no case there," Comey said.
- John McCain's special guest appearance didn't go down so hot. The Arizona senator got to ask questions due to his status in Congress, but it proved to be one of the weirdest parts of today's events. McCain repeatedly tried to get Comey to connect some (misguided) dots between the Clinton emails and Russian interference, which wound up just confusing everyone both in the room and watching from the outside. The general takeaway here: "What?!"
- And finally, some color on what it is that Trump meant by "that thing" that he and Comey had. "What I concluded at the time is that in his memory, he was searching back to our encounter at the dinner,and was preparing himself to say, 'I offered loyalty to you. You promised loyalty to me,' and all of a sudden, his memory showed him that did not happen, and I think he pulled up short. That's just a guess."
31 Songs That Every Latinx Millennial Knows Very Well
Yes, you can sing along to the Backstreet Boys and old school Justin Timberlake like it's nobody's business, but when Celia Cruz's "La Vida Es Un Carnaval" comes on, all bets are off. You reach new level of Latinx appreciation every time a song in Spanish you grew up listening to is mixed into your playlist or comes on the radio. If you're a millennial, scroll ahead for 31 of those tunes. You'll be shocked at how well you still remember every word to them.
31 Songs That Every Latinx Millennial Knows Very Well
Yes, you can sing along to the Backstreet Boys and old school Justin Timberlake like it's nobody's business, but when Celia Cruz's "La Vida Es Un Carnaval" comes on, all bets are off. You reach new level of Latinx appreciation every time a song in Spanish you grew up listening to is mixed into your playlist or comes on the radio. If you're a millennial, scroll ahead for 31 of those tunes. You'll be shocked at how well you still remember every word to them.
Blake Lively Might Just Be the First Celebrity to Wear Olivia Culpo's New Collection
Olivia Culpo can now add designer to her ever-growing résumé. The former Miss Universe recently sat down with us to discuss her new line with the fashion subscription service Le Tote. Olivia created a line of wardrobe staples including a polka-dot cold-shoulder top and a Gucci-inspired bomber jacket that's reversible. All of the pieces in the collection range from $45 to $150.
As for the inspiration behind her collection, Olivia said, "I think the Le Tote Girl is a boss in expressing herself through style and fashion. I feel like these pieces would empower any woman to be the best because they feel the best." She also revealed that she would love to see her designs on Blake Lively because of her amazing sense of style. Scroll to read how Olivia breaks down each piece in her affordable collection and shop your favorites while you're at it.
Why Meditation Is the Best Gift My Dad Gave Me
There's no quiet in a college dorm. Slamming doors, drunk kids in search of late-night food, and Alicia Keys on repeat tested the limits of my neighborly spirit. I remember sitting at my desk, wide-eyed and jittery, rereading the first page of my English paper ahead of my first-semester finals. Nope, I thought, this won't work. I shut the computer, closed the door, and climbed into my bottom bunk. With my hands folded in my lap, I glanced at the clock, gently closed my eyes, and silently began my mantra. Fifteen minutes later: clarity. The frustration subsided, even if the noise had not.
Years later, I know that's exactly how my dad had envisioned me using meditation: my secret weapon. It's been his for more than 30 years. My dad discovered TM, or transcendental meditation, when he was in law school. Like many young adults in the late '60s and early '70s, he joined meditation groups and retreats. You might have called him a hippie, but decades after the "trend," he was a successful attorney, meditating at least once a day for as long as I can remember and long before I knew what it was.
For the better part of my childhood, it kind of was a secret. My dad would come home and shut the door to his office for 20 minutes or so. I would presumptuously tell telemarketers or friends calling for him that he was "meditating" without having any clue what he was doing (I probably should have just said "he's busy"). As far as I could tell, it looked like he was just sleeping, sitting up in his chair. I couldn't wrap my brain around how that could be different from a nap - until I did it.
My senior year of high school, my dad took me to get TM certified. My sister had done it before her graduation the year before, and my brother his senior year, a couple of years before that. It was a gift our father insisted on giving to all of us before we headed to college, some kind of "tool" he promised we would rely on for the rest of our lives. I doubted that; I much preferred the kind of tool I could use in the moment, like maybe a car? Regardless, I made it to my first session with a TM instructor, who gave me my own mantra and the simple steps I would take to meditate. I sat up straight, clasped my hands, closed my eyes, and silently began.
It's going to sound crazy to tell you how it immediately calmed me, changed my breathing and my thought process, and seemed to actually be physically changing the space around my head, but it did. I meditated for only 15 minutes, but felt as if I'd awoken from a deep, satisfying sleep - the kind that doesn't leave you groggy, if you can imagine that.
I've been certified for almost 13 years, and pretty much have that feeling every time I sit down to meditate - though, full disclosure, it's not every day or nearly as often as I would like. Sometimes, I just want to nap or watch TV or sweat it out at SoulCycle, but meditating does something for your body that those things can't. And before internet, Oprah, or all those iPhone apps started touting its health benefits, my dad knew the simple truth: meditation is the greatest stress relief you can give your body.
Stress Reduction
That's a pretty big deal, considering all the health problems linked with elevated stress levels, namely high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, excess cortisol production, and higher risks of heart attack and stroke. I'm not saying meditation is the cure-all, but the benefits are hard to ignore:
1. Slows the Aging Process
My parents are both in their late 60s, but you'd never know it from looking at them. My dad has pretty much looked the same for the past two decades. Good genes? Yes, but meditation counts for a lot. Studies have shown that those who practice TM biologically appear younger than they are.
2. Reduces Rates of Heart Attack and Stroke
Studies have found that practicing TM can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 48 percent. I'm happy to report that neither parent has had any heart-related health issues. In fact, aside from just a couple of very minor things, they're both in excellent health, making the benefits all the more real to me.
3. Aids Weight Loss
Cardio isn't always the answer when you're struggling with stubborn pounds. Stress hormones like cortisol can be the cause, but meditation can help soothe anxiety and calm the body, making a very physical difference.
Meditation has a very powerful effect on our minds and, in turn, a very real effect on our bodies. I could add to this list, how it helps the nervous system and pain reduction and helps promote productivity and strong relationships. It does all of those things, but a study isn't what compelled me to get certified. And while you're probably thinking that I actually didn't have much choice in the matter, it was mine to practice.
I chose to meditate in college on my own for the first time. That decision kept me coming back around the chaos of finals, the depression that came with bad breakups, and the anxiety that came with graduating and starting something new all over again. Every time I sat down to meditate it felt like a decision to heal myself, in some small way.
Five years ago, I watched my mom turn religiously to meditation when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, finding strength in the quiet, restorative practice. I came to regard it as the ultimate form of self care.
Now, I choose it when no doctor seems able to ease the pain of my gut-wrenching cramps that come every month, when I'm homesick and lonely, or when I'm completely overwhelmed by the demands that come with a crazy, busy, awesome job and an equally full plate at home. I close my eyes, say my mantra, and give it 15 minutes till clarity and relief. Now, tell me that's not an extraordinary gift.
The Juiciest New Summer Beauty Trend Is Watermelon Makeup
Watermelon has always been one of our favorite warm-weather snacks, and now it's making its way into our Summer beauty routines. While some companies are seeking out the cooling properties of the ingredient, others are drawing it on their faces.
Allure first reported on this trend, and we were instantly obsessed by how creative beauty junkies are getting with this juicy theme. Some makeup mavens are simply painting their eyelids with a wash of pink and green, and others are using small brushes to paint seeds on their eyes and pout. While this might not be an everyday look, we can totally see this being an awesome festival beauty choice.
Read on to see the delicious looks.
Is Your Sunscreen Safe? You Better Read This Before You Apply
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Thanks to more educated consumers, there's a rising demand for "natural" or "safe" sunscreen. But what does it actually mean? We're here to help you protect your skin from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays and potentially-dangerous chemicals found in sunscreens themselves. Now is the time to get informed and ask yourself: is my sunscreen safe?
To understand what's at stake in each tube, we spoke to various experts, including Tata Harper, the founder of her own safe and natural skincare line. Harper was inspired to learn about safe personal care items after her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer. She realized we all use products with potentially dangerous ingredients. Sunscreen is one of them.
"Make sure the sunscreen you're using isn't actually doing more harm than good."
"Sun protection is so important, but many sunscreens contain ingredients that are absorbed into the skin and have been linked to serious health risks, and their labels can be very misleading," Harper said. "You need to make sure the sunscreen you're using to protect yourself isn't actually doing more harm than good."
Ingredients to Avoid
According to the Environmental Working Group, an organization that researches and educates consumers about toxins in personal care products, there are specific ingredients you should avoid in sunscreens. The most important is oxybenzone. It is known as an "endocrine disruptor," which means it can interfere with our body's normal hormone functions. EWG says that oxybenzone can act like estrogen in the body, and it's been shown to alter sperm production in animals. It is also associated with endometriosis and allergic reactions. The skin absorbs oxybenzone in significant amounts when we use sunscreen that contains it, and a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detected it in more than 96 percent of the US population. Other troubling studies have found traces commonly present in mother's breast milk.
Octinoxate should also be avoided for similar reasons. Like oxybenzone, it is a hormone disruptor commonly found in sunscreen and readily absorbed into our skin with traces also found in mother's milk. When in our systems, it may interfere with reproductive functions and also cause moderate rates of skin allergies.
Those aren't the only two offenders: EWG cautions against retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A often listed as an "inactive ingredient" in susncreens. There is evidence that it could heighten sun sensitivity.
Harper said she also stays clear of methylisothiazolinone, explaining: "it is a preservative that the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety said could not be considered safe in any concentration in any leave-on product, but is still allowed in the US." Research has found that it could cause extreme skin allergies. Unfortunately, methylisothiazolinone is becoming increasingly popular in US-sold sunscreens. Other ingredients homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene make EWG's list of UV filters with moderate toxicity concerns, including organ system toxicity, allergies, skin irritation, or hormone disruption.
There is a debate about whether sunscreens approved by the FDA and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe, even when they include these ingredients. One debate is over retinyl palmitate, a synthetic form of vitamin A or retinol. Dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz, for example, isn't convinced that retinyl palmitate is dangerous. "The allegations of dangerous ingredients, like retinyl palmitate, have been proven to have no basis when subjected to peer review scientific studies," he said.
But EWG says its recommendation to avoid retinyl palmitate is based on results from a one-year skin cancer study performed by the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "It found that experimental animals treated with retinyl palmitate cream and UV exposure had more skin tumors and lesions than animals treated with a cream that had no retinyl palmitate," explained Sonya Lunder, EWG's senior analyst and lead author of its sunscreens guide. She notes the agencies have initiated a follow up study to confirm and extend the findings. If you'd rather be safe than sorry, you'll want to avoid this ingredient until more conclusive evidence is found either way.
"Mineral sunscreens are a better alternative, since they create a physical barrier on the skin instead of absorbing."
In order to air on the side of caution, Harper and Lunder both suggest opting for for mineral sunscreens instead of chemical sunscreens. "Mineral sunscreens are a better alternative, since they create a physical barrier on the skin instead of absorbing," Harper explained. When shopping for mineral sunscreens, you should look for active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation, without the added risks, as there is little evidence that the zinc or titanium particles penetrate the skin.
And don't be fooled by fluffy words that actually don't have any regulatory meaning, including: hypoallergenic, gentle, or natural. The FDA has no control over who can use those labels. In general, Lunder suggests checking EWG's online database for individual product assessments - even for mineral sunscreens.
Quality Is a Concern
Now that you know what ingredients to avoid and which to look for, it's time to learn about quality. According to EWG, a good amount of sunscreens for sale in America are of low quality. But you might not even notice. First, it's important to understand that there are two types UV rays. UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancers, while UVA rays cause wrinkles and other signs of aging, in addition to skin cancers. Poor quality sunscreens may shield you from UVB rays without shielding you from UVA rays - meaning you'll be sunburn free, but not fully protected.
Schultz has this advice: choose a sunscreen that's marked "with UVA protection" or "with broad-spectrum protection." To be labeled that way," he explains, "the manufacturer has demonstrated to the FDA that it will shield the skin from UVA rays and damage, when used as directed."
While the broad-spectrum label is a good place to start, EWG is also advocating for higher UVA standards from the FDA. Lunder explained: "Europe requires stronger UVA protection, and we estimate that half of all US sunscreens would not be sold in the EU." That includes those marked "broad spectrum." So if you want to be sure about full protection, extra research is required. EWG's sunscreen guide can help.
The Truth About SPF
SPF "or sun protection factor" is another label you need to pay attention to (obviously!) - but it may not be as simple as you think. SPF tells you how good a sunscreen is at blocking UVB rays. According to Consumer Reports, SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays specifically. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent. And SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. There's little upside after that. "Anything above SPF 50 is really just a marketing gimmick and can lead you to stay in the sun longer than you should," explained Harper. She notes that the FDA is even considering banning high SPFs because they are so misleading. Ironically, people may be more likely to get a sunburn wearing SPF 100 than SPF 50, because they think they're getting more protection than they actually are.
Application Matters, Too
You can have the safest and most effective sunscreen, but if you don't apply it properly it's worthless. Schultz cautions that protection from a sunscreen is only theoretically unless you use as directed: "If you don't apply enough sunscreen and reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, and otherwise every three to four hours, you won't get the potential protection." Even if a sunscreen is marketed as "water resistant," you must still reapply after time in the water, especially after towel drying.
We've all had a lobster moment. When you end up turning bright red after a day in the sun - even if you wore sunscreen. Schultz explains that most sunscreen failures occur from not reapplying often enough - or from forgetting certain areas. He explains: "That means the tops of ears, back of neck, and tops of feet."
Dr. Amy Wechsler, another dermatologist, offers this tip: "Apply while looking in the mirror so no spots are missed and reapply every two hours or after swimming or exercise." Taking the extra care during application will also help you avoid looking like a ghost. Rub it in!
If reapplying is key, those spray sunscreens that make it easy are probably a good idea, right? Wrong. EWG recommends avoiding sprays, which don't provide a thick and uniform coating on skin and pose inhalation concerns. And of course, sunscreen is only one step in protecting yourself from sun damage. Be sure to wear shirts and pants, while you're out in the sun, and stay in the shade during the afternoon. As Harper said, when it comes to protecting your face "the safest and most effective method of sun protection is still wearing a hat!" It's the perfect excuse to get that wide-brimmed Panama hat you've been eyeing.
Tools to Help You Shop
In time for Summer, EWG has released its guide to sunscreens for the 11th year in a row. Researchers analyzed 1,500 sunscreens, moisturizers, and lip balms that advertise sun protection and found that 73 percent of the products don't work well, or contain worrisome ingredients such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.
To help you find the good among the bad, you can can search its extensive list of sunscreens that do make the cut. The researchers also created a helpful interactive graphic (click below) to help you decode each bottle you encounter.
To recap, here's what you'll want to look for when shopping for sunscreen:
Look For
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Broad Spectrum or UVA protection
- SPF 30 or 50
Avoid
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Retinyl palmitate
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Spray-on sunscreens
We've selected 10 safe sunscreens that get a safe rating of 1 or 2 from EWG. We've either tested them ourselves or they've been recommended by the experts we spoke to. With these, there's no need to be afraid of the sun - or your sunscreen.
Drew Barrymore's New Zine Will Have a Special Place in Your Heart - and on Your Coffee Table
Drew Barrymore does it all: she's a Golden Globe-winning actress, beauty entrepreneur, winemaker, and mom of two adorable daughters - but she is far from done adding to her list of accomplishments. The Santa Clarita Diet star recently launched her own magazine, Flower Press, which harks back to the days of '90s zines and good old-fashioned reading off of actual paper. Remember? In a letter from the editor posted to the magazine's website, Drew wrote, "It's so fun to unveil a big enormous piece of content and then fold it to my choices of size and handheld origami," adding, "It's a ritual that I am proud to display in front of my kids [Olive and Frankie] as we lay in bed together at the start of every day."
On Friday, Drew donned a rainbow-colored dress and wide-brimmed hat to pass out copies of Flower Press to unsuspecting subway commuters at The New Stand in Manhattan's Columbus Circle. It took a few minutes for people to realize that the star of such cinematic classics like The Wedding Singer and Never Been Kissed was handing them a literal gift, but eventually, locals caught on to the magical presence within their midst. The Spring 2017 preview issue of Flower Press features beauty secrets from Drew's makeup line, Flower Beauty, as well as expert interviews, recipes, an NYC city guide, and more.
Image Source: Flower Press
All online orders from Flower Beauty will include a copy of Flower Press's preview issue. The premiere issue will debut later this year, and you can sign up for more info on the site. As Drew writes: "I promise we will do our best to make it something worth holding onto. In this fast-paced world, we certainly have our work cut out for us but if we do it right, I hope you find us worthy of a place on your bedroom wall." We already have a spot ready.
Blake Lively Might Just Be the First Celebrity to Wear Olivia Culpo's New Collection
Olivia Culpo can now add designer to her ever-growing résumé. The former Miss Universe recently sat down with us to discuss her new line with the fashion subscription service Le Tote. Olivia created a line of wardrobe staples including a polka-dot cold-shoulder top and a Gucci-inspired bomber jacket that's reversible. All of the pieces in the collection range from $45 to $150.
As for the inspiration behind her collection, Olivia said, "I think the Le Tote Girl is a boss in expressing herself through style and fashion. I feel like these pieces would empower any woman to be the best because they feel the best." She also revealed that she would love to see her designs on Blake Lively because of her amazing sense of style. Scroll to read how Olivia breaks down each piece in her affordable collection and shop your favorites while you're at it.
A Former Forever 21 Employee Breaks Down Everything You Need to Know
Forever 21 is a girl's dream come true when it comes to fast fashion. I worked there for almost two years, and I learned a lot of insider shopping secrets during my time at the store. It's probably why half of my closet comes from there - I know exactly what to look for.
There are so many strategies for finding standout pieces with small price tags. You should take my word for it when I say that these are genius hacks that will take your shopping experience to the next level. Read on to find out what you need to know.
1. The good stuff is "blended" in the back.
When there's only one size left of a particular item, sales associates are taught to take those onesies and "blend" them into a rack of other clothes. Basically, they hang that product behind a batch of clothes in a similar shade. If there's only one item of a certain style left, that usually means it was very popular and on trend so it sold fast. Look at the back of racks to find cute pieces you wouldn't normally see while walking around. They're literally hidden gems.
2. You can get a 10 percent discount on flawed or damaged products.
If you find something with a stain, tear, or missing button, a store manager will give you a 10 percent discount without blinking an eye. If the damage is too terrible, the store won't sell it to you and will return it back to the warehouse. This is a great way to get a little money off of your purchase if it's an easy stain to remove or button to sew.
3. Shop between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on weekdays.
Most customers think it's best to rush into the store right when it opens (for many locations that's 9 a.m.), but they've got it all wrong. Employees are still unpackaging new products and putting misplaced items where they belong, so 10 a.m. on a weekday is the perfect time to go. There are very few customers, so you'll avoid a long line. Plus, the brand-new items were just put out on the floor. It doesn't get any better than that.
4. No, everything is not out on the floor.
If an employee tells you that all their stock is on the store floor for you to see, they're lying. Forever 21 stores have back rooms with all sorts of clothes and shoes. That being said, if a product is out, all the sizes are probably out. All the inventory of one particular item goes out all at once. But if you're looking for a new product you saw online, it might be hiding in the back, waiting for its debut.
5. Each section of the store is organized by style and targeted to specific women.
If you find yourself gravitating toward a certain area of the store, it's probably because all the clothing in that section falls under a particular style. Every few weeks, Forever 21's merchandising team goes into the store after business hours and organizes each section of the store by trends. The store is changing constantly. One of my favorite lines is called Forever 21 Contemporary. It consists of sleek basics with special details; the fabrics tend to be a higher quality than most of the other clothes.
6. There are online-only pieces that are on trend and well made.
If you're shopping online, keep an eye out for items labeled "web exclusive" right below the listed price. These are limited-edition pieces you won't find in stores. Most of these products are sourced from other brands with great fabric qualities and designs. I always find myself filling up my shopping cart with these products.
7. The store mannequins are changed every week.
One of the downsides of shopping at Forever 21 is that employees are absolutely not allowed to give you clothes off the mannequin. However, the mannequins have a clothing change day that occurs once a week. If you're longing for a product that a mannequin is wearing, you can give a sales associate your name and number, and they will call you when the outfit change is happening. They will usually keep those items on hold for you for one day so you can swing by and make your purchase.
8. Browse the #F21xMe hashtag on Instagram for product previews and inspiration.
Forever 21 partners with many influential bloggers and Instagrammers who feature the brand's clothing on their own social pages. If you search #F21xMe on Instagram, you'll see lots of cool pieces that will be out in stores soon after the influencers are posting them to their accounts. It's also an excellent place to look for outfit inspiration.
9. Look at the accessories last.
If you plan to try on clothes, wait to look at all of the accessories. You're not allowed to bring any jewelry, hats, or purses into the fitting room. Browse through those smaller items after you've tried on your picks. It will make your life much easier.
A Former Forever 21 Employee Breaks Down Everything You Need to Know
Forever 21 is a girl's dream come true when it comes to fast fashion. I worked there for almost two years, and I learned a lot of insider shopping secrets during my time at the store. It's probably why half of my closet comes from there - I know exactly what to look for.
There are so many strategies for finding standout pieces with small price tags. You should take my word for it when I say that these are genius hacks that will take your shopping experience to the next level. Read on to find out what you need to know.
1. The good stuff is "blended" in the back.
When there's only one size left of a particular item, sales associates are taught to take those onesies and "blend" them into a rack of other clothes. Basically, they hang that product behind a batch of clothes in a similar shade. If there's only one item of a certain style left, that usually means it was very popular and on trend so it sold fast. Look at the back of racks to find cute pieces you wouldn't normally see while walking around. They're literally hidden gems.
2. You can get a 10 percent discount on flawed or damaged products.
If you find something with a stain, tear, or missing button, a store manager will give you a 10 percent discount without blinking an eye. If the damage is too terrible, the store won't sell it to you and will return it back to the warehouse. This is a great way to get a little money off of your purchase if it's an easy stain to remove or button to sew.
3. Shop between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. on weekdays.
Most customers think it's best to rush into the store right when it opens (for many locations that's 9 a.m.), but they've got it all wrong. Employees are still unpackaging new products and putting misplaced items where they belong, so 10 a.m. on a weekday is the perfect time to go. There are very few customers, so you'll avoid a long line. Plus, the brand-new items were just put out on the floor. It doesn't get any better than that.
4. No, everything is not out on the floor.
If an employee tells you that all their stock is on the store floor for you to see, they're lying. Forever 21 stores have back rooms with all sorts of clothes and shoes. That being said, if a product is out, all the sizes are probably out. All the inventory of one particular item goes out all at once. But if you're looking for a new product you saw online, it might be hiding in the back, waiting for its debut.
5. Each section of the store is organized by style and targeted to specific women.
If you find yourself gravitating toward a certain area of the store, it's probably because all the clothing in that section falls under a particular style. Every few weeks, Forever 21's merchandising team goes into the store after business hours and organizes each section of the store by trends. The store is changing constantly. One of my favorite lines is called Forever 21 Contemporary. It consists of sleek basics with special details; the fabrics tend to be a higher quality than most of the other clothes.
6. There are online-only pieces that are on trend and well made.
If you're shopping online, keep an eye out for items labeled "web exclusive" right below the listed price. These are limited-edition pieces you won't find in stores. Most of these products are sourced from other brands with great fabric qualities and designs. I always find myself filling up my shopping cart with these products.
7. The store mannequins are changed every week.
One of the downsides of shopping at Forever 21 is that employees are absolutely not allowed to give you clothes off the mannequin. However, the mannequins have a clothing change day that occurs once a week. If you're longing for a product that a mannequin is wearing, you can give a sales associate your name and number, and they will call you when the outfit change is happening. They will usually keep those items on hold for you for one day so you can swing by and make your purchase.
8. Browse the #F21xMe hashtag on Instagram for product previews and inspiration.
Forever 21 partners with many influential bloggers and Instagrammers who feature the brand's clothing on their own social pages. If you search #F21xMe on Instagram, you'll see lots of cool pieces that will be out in stores soon after the influencers are posting them to their accounts. It's also an excellent place to look for outfit inspiration.
9. Look at the accessories last.
If you plan to try on clothes, wait to look at all of the accessories. You're not allowed to bring any jewelry, hats, or purses into the fitting room. Browse through those smaller items after you've tried on your picks. It will make your life much easier.
6 Ways the Newborn Clooney Twins's NYC Home Is Nicer Than You Can Even Imagine
George and Amal only just welcomed their twins Alexander and Ella, but we're already ogling at the babies' over-the-top lifestyle. When they're not being cuddled by their parents or a roster of A-list family friends, these newborns are living in the lap of luxury in NYC. The Clooneys purchased a Midtown condo in one of NYC's most luxurious buildings last year, and it's loaded with amenities that guarantee the twins an opulent lifestyle most full-grown adults can only dream of. We explain what we mean ahead.
Dad-to-Be Ian Somerhalder Is Adorably Attentive to Pregnant Wife Nikki Reed
Have we mentioned lately how adorable Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed are together? The couple, who are currently expecting their first child together, enjoyed a sweet day date on Tuesday as they grabbed a bite to eat at Gjelina in Venice, CA. While Nikki showed off her growing baby bump in a blue jumper, Ian wore a casual gray shirt and jeans as he carried her purse around town. And the cuteness didn't stop there. Like a true gentleman, the Vampire Diaries star helped his wife cross the street by lending his arm and cuddling up to her as they waited for traffic. His beloved character, Damon Salvatore, may be dead, but Ian proves time and time again that chivalry isn't. If you need us, we'll just be flipping through these photos and swooning over Ian and Nikki's sweet, sweet love.
Do-Si-Do to the Best Country Love Songs of 2017 (So Far)
Country-lovers, prepare to have this playlist on repeat. This year's crop of new country love songs are so, so good. There are catchy tunes from up-and-comers, heart-wrenching breakup ballads, and sexy songs for a boot-knockin' good time. Listen to our playlist on Spotify below!
- "Ain't Always Pretty," Logan Mize
- "All on Me," Devin Dawson
- "Askin' Bout You," Blaire Hanks
- "Back Seats & Burnt CDs," Ryan Griffin
- "Back to Us," Rascal Flatts
- "Better Man," Little Big Town
- "Better Now," Jericho Woods
- "Body Like a Back Road," Sam Hunt
- "Call You Up," Charlie Worsham
- "Chills," James Barker Band
- "Church Clothes," Kelleigh Bannen
- "Clean Break," Alyssa Micaela
- "Company You Keep," Maren Morris
- "Craving You," Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris
- "Every Little Thing," Carly Pearce
- "God Made a Woman," Jerrod Niemann
- "Gone Girl," Chris Bandi
- "Hometown Girl," Josh Turner
- "If I'm Bein' Honest," Chase Rice
- "In Case You Didn't Know," Brett Young
- "Love Drunk," Steve Moakler
- "Love in a Bar," Ryan Hurd
- "More Girls Like You," Kip Moore
- "More of That," Kaylee Rutland
- "Never Mine Nevermind," Haley Georgia
- "Next Boyfriend," Lauren Alaina
- "No Such Thing as a Broken Heart," Old Dominion
- "Outta Style," Aaron Watson
- "Shoot Out the Lights," Jessie James Decker
- "Small Town Boy," Dustin Lynch
- "Somethin' I'm Good At," Brett Eldredge
- "Speak to a Girl," Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
- "WD-40," Muscadine Bloodline
- "What I Wanna Be," Jacob Davis
- "What If I Kissed You," Temecula Road
- "Wild Love," Elle King
- "Woke Up in Nashville," Seth Ennis
- "You Broke Up With Me," Walker Hayes
Just remember: you'll need to download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists!
How childhood trauma can have a life-long impact on health
Doctors are realizing that to treat ongoing illness in adults, they need to ask about their childhood.
A little fibre a day can help pounds fly away for overweight kids, Calgary study suggests
Overweight children who took a daily prebiotic fibre supplement shed body fat while those given a placebo kept gaining weight almost three times faster than the average kid, a Calgary study has found.
The Juiciest New Summer Beauty Trend Is Watermelon Makeup
Watermelon has always been one of our favorite warm-weather snacks, and now it's making its way into our Summer beauty routines. While some companies are seeking out the cooling properties of the ingredient, others are drawing it on their faces.
Allure first reported on this trend, and we were instantly obsessed by how creative beauty junkies are getting with this juicy theme. Some makeup mavens are simply painting their eyelids with a wash of pink and green, and others are using small brushes to paint seeds on their eyes and pout. While this might not be an everyday look, we can totally see this being an awesome festival beauty choice.
Read on to see the delicious looks.
Is Your Sunscreen Safe? You Better Read This Before Your Apply
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Thanks to more educated consumers, there's a rising demand for "natural" or "safe" sunscreen. But what does it actually mean? We're here to help you protect your skin from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays and potentially-dangerous chemicals found in sunscreens themselves. Now is the time to get informed and ask yourself: is my sunscreen safe?
To understand what's at stake in each tube, we spoke to various experts, including Tata Harper, the founder of her own safe and natural skincare line. Harper was inspired to learn about safe personal care items after her stepfather was diagnosed with cancer. She realized we all use products with potentially dangerous ingredients. Sunscreen is one of them.
"Make sure the sunscreen you're using isn't actually doing more harm than good."
"Sun protection is so important, but many sunscreens contain ingredients that are absorbed into the skin and have been linked to serious health risks, and their labels can be very misleading," Harper said. "You need to make sure the sunscreen you're using to protect yourself isn't actually doing more harm than good."
Ingredients to Avoid
According to the Environmental Working Group, an organization that researches and educates consumers about toxins in personal care products, there are specific ingredients you should avoid in sunscreens. The most important is oxybenzone. It is known as an "endocrine disruptor," which means it can interfere with our body's normal hormone functions. EWG says that oxybenzone can act like estrogen in the body, and it's been shown to alter sperm production in animals. It is also associated with endometriosis and allergic reactions. The skin absorbs oxybenzone in significant amounts when we use sunscreen that contains it, and a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detected it in more than 96 percent of the US population. Other troubling studies have found traces commonly present in mother's breast milk.
Octinoxate should also be avoided for similar reasons. Like oxybenzone, it is a hormone disruptor commonly found in sunscreen and readily absorbed into our skin with traces also found in mother's milk. When in our systems, it may interfere with reproductive functions and also cause moderate rates of skin allergies.
Those aren't the only two offenders: EWG cautions against retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A often listed as an "inactive ingredient" in susncreens. There is evidence that it could heighten sun sensitivity.
Harper said she also stays clear of methylisothiazolinone, explaining: "it is a preservative that the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety said could not be considered safe in any concentration in any leave-on product, but is still allowed in the US." Research has found that it could cause extreme skin allergies. Unfortunately, methylisothiazolinone is becoming increasingly popular in US-sold sunscreens. Other ingredients homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene make EWG's list of UV filters with moderate toxicity concerns, including organ system toxicity, allergies, skin irritation, or hormone disruption.
There is a debate about whether sunscreens approved by the FDA and Drug Administration (FDA) are safe, even when they include these ingredients. One debate is over retinyl palmitate, a synthetic form of vitamin A or retinol. Dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz, for example, isn't convinced that retinyl palmitate is dangerous. "The allegations of dangerous ingredients, like retinyl palmitate, have been proven to have no basis when subjected to peer review scientific studies," he said.
But EWG says its recommendation to avoid retinyl palmitate is based on results from a one-year skin cancer study performed by the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "It found that experimental animals treated with retinyl palmitate cream and UV exposure had more skin tumors and lesions than animals treated with a cream that had no retinyl palmitate," explained Sonya Lunder, EWG's senior analyst and lead author of its sunscreens guide. She notes the agencies have initiated a follow up study to confirm and extend the findings. If you'd rather be safe than sorry, you'll want to avoid this ingredient until more conclusive evidence is found either way.
"Mineral sunscreens are a better alternative, since they create a physical barrier on the skin instead of absorbing."
In order to air on the side of caution, Harper and Lunder both suggest opting for for mineral sunscreens instead of chemical sunscreens. "Mineral sunscreens are a better alternative, since they create a physical barrier on the skin instead of absorbing," Harper explained. When shopping for mineral sunscreens, you should look for active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both will protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB radiation, without the added risks, as there is little evidence that the zinc or titanium particles penetrate the skin.
And don't be fooled by fluffy words that actually don't have any regulatory meaning, including: hypoallergenic, gentle, or natural. The FDA has no control over who can use those labels. In general, Lunder suggests checking EWG's online database for individual product assessments - even for mineral sunscreens.
Quality Is a Concern
Now that you know what ingredients to avoid and which to look for, it's time to learn about quality. According to EWG, a good amount of sunscreens for sale in America are of low quality. But you might not even notice. First, it's important to understand that there are two types UV rays. UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancers, while UVA rays cause wrinkles and other signs of aging, in addition to skin cancers. Poor quality sunscreens may shield you from UVB rays without shielding you from UVA rays - meaning you'll be sunburn free, but not fully protected.
Schultz has this advice: choose a sunscreen that's marked "with UVA protection" or "with broad-spectrum protection." To be labeled that way," he explains, "the manufacturer has demonstrated to the FDA that it will shield the skin from UVA rays and damage, when used as directed."
While the broad-spectrum label is a good place to start, EWG is also advocating for higher UVA standards from the FDA. Lunder explained: "Europe requires stronger UVA protection, and we estimate that half of all US sunscreens would not be sold in the EU." That includes those marked "broad spectrum." So if you want to be sure about full protection, extra research is required. EWG's sunscreen guide can help.
The Truth About SPF
SPF "or sun protection factor" is another label you need to pay attention to (obviously!) - but it may not be as simple as you think. SPF tells you how good a sunscreen is at blocking UVB rays. According to Consumer Reports, SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays specifically. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent. And SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. There's little upside after that. "Anything above SPF 50 is really just a marketing gimmick and can lead you to stay in the sun longer than you should," explained Harper. She notes that the FDA is even considering banning high SPFs because they are so misleading. Ironically, people may be more likely to get a sunburn wearing SPF 100 than SPF 50, because they think they're getting more protection than they actually are.
Application Matters, Too
You can have the safest and most effective sunscreen, but if you don't apply it properly it's worthless. Schultz cautions that protection from a sunscreen is only theoretically unless you use as directed: "If you don't apply enough sunscreen and reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, and otherwise every three to four hours, you won't get the potential protection." Even if a sunscreen is marketed as "water resistant," you must still reapply after time in the water, especially after towel drying.
We've all had a lobster moment. When you end up turning bright red after a day in the sun - even if you wore sunscreen. Schultz explains that most sunscreen failures occur from not reapplying often enough - or from forgetting certain areas. He explains: "That means the tops of ears, back of neck, and tops of feet."
Dr. Amy Wechsler, another dermatologist, offers this tip: "Apply while looking in the mirror so no spots are missed and reapply every two hours or after swimming or exercise." Taking the extra care during application will also help you avoid looking like a ghost. Rub it in!
If reapplying is key, those spray sunscreens that make it easy are probably a good idea, right? Wrong. EWG recommends avoiding sprays, which don't provide a thick and uniform coating on skin and pose inhalation concerns. And of course, sunscreen is only one step in protecting yourself from sun damage. Be sure to wear shirts and pants, while you're out in the sun, and stay in the shade during the afternoon. As Harper said, when it comes to protecting your face "the safest and most effective method of sun protection is still wearing a hat!" It's the perfect excuse to get that wide-brimmed Panama hat you've been eyeing.
Tools to Help You Shop
In time for Summer, EWG has released its guide to sunscreens for the 11th year in a row. Researchers analyzed 1,500 sunscreens, moisturizers, and lip balms that advertise sun protection and found that 73 percent of the products don't work well, or contain worrisome ingredients such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate.
To help you find the good among the bad, you can can search its extensive list of sunscreens that do make the cut. The researchers also created a helpful interactive graphic (click below) to help you decode each bottle you encounter.
To recap, here's what you'll want to look for when shopping for sunscreen:
Look For
- Zinc oxide
- Titanium dioxide
- Broad Spectrum or UVA protection
- SPF 30 or 50
Avoid
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
- Retinyl palmitate
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
- Methylisothiazolinone
- Spray-on sunscreens
We've selected 10 safe sunscreens that get a safe rating of 1 or 2 from EWG. We've either tested them ourselves or they've been recommended by the experts we spoke to. With these, there's no need to be afraid of the sun - or your sunscreen.
Why Meditation Is the Best Gift My Dad Gave Me
There's no quiet in a college dorm. Slamming doors, drunk kids in search of late-night food, and Alicia Keys on repeat tested the limits of my neighborly spirit. I remember sitting at my desk, wide-eyed and jittery, rereading the first page of my English paper ahead of my first-semester finals. Nope, I thought, this won't work. I shut the computer, closed the door, and climbed into my bottom bunk. With my hands folded in my lap, I glanced at the clock, gently closed my eyes, and silently began my mantra. Fifteen minutes later: clarity. The frustration subsided, even if the noise had not.
Years later, I know that's exactly how my dad had envisioned me using meditation: my secret weapon. It's been his for more than 30 years. My dad discovered TM, or transcendental meditation, when he was in law school. Like many young adults in the late '60s and early '70s, he joined meditation groups and retreats. You might have called him a hippie, but decades after the "trend," he was a successful attorney, meditating at least once a day for as long as I can remember and long before I knew what it was.
For the better part of my childhood, it kind of was a secret. My dad would come home and shut the door to his office for 20 minutes or so. I would presumptuously tell telemarketers or friends calling for him that he was "meditating" without having any clue what he was doing (I probably should have just said "he's busy"). As far as I could tell, it looked like he was just sleeping, sitting up in his chair. I couldn't wrap my brain around how that could be different from a nap - until I did it.
My senior year of high school, my dad took me to get TM certified. My sister had done it before her graduation the year before, and my brother his senior year, a couple of years before that. It was a gift our father insisted on giving to all of us before we headed to college, some kind of "tool" he promised we would rely on for the rest of our lives. I doubted that; I much preferred the kind of tool I could use in the moment, like maybe a car? Regardless, I made it to my first session with a TM instructor, who gave me my own mantra and the simple steps I would take to meditate. I sat up straight, clasped my hands, closed my eyes, and silently began.
It's going to sound crazy to tell you how it immediately calmed me, changed my breathing and my thought process, and seemed to actually be physically changing the space around my head, but it did. I meditated for only 15 minutes, but felt as if I'd awoken from a deep, satisfying sleep - the kind that doesn't leave you groggy, if you can imagine that.
I've been certified for almost 13 years, and pretty much have that feeling every time I sit down to meditate - though, full disclosure, it's not every day or nearly as often as I would like. Sometimes, I just want to nap or watch TV or sweat it out at SoulCycle, but meditating does something for your body that those things can't. And before internet, Oprah, or all those iPhone apps started touting its health benefits, my dad knew the simple truth: meditation is the greatest stress relief you can give your body.
Stress Reduction
That's a pretty big deal, considering all the health problems linked with elevated stress levels, namely high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, excess cortisol production, and higher risks of heart attack and stroke. I'm not saying meditation is the cure-all, but the benefits are hard to ignore:
1. Slows the Aging Process
My parents are both in their late 60s, but you'd never know it from looking at them. My dad has pretty much looked the same for the past two decades. Good genes? Yes, but meditation counts for a lot. Studies have shown that those who practice TM biologically appear younger than they are.
2. Reduces Rates of Heart Attack and Stroke
Studies have found that practicing TM can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 48 percent. I'm happy to report that neither parent has had any heart-related health issues. In fact, aside from just a couple of very minor things, they're both in excellent health, making the benefits all the more real to me.
3. Aids Weight Loss
Cardio isn't always the answer when you're struggling with stubborn pounds. Stress hormones like cortisol can be the cause, but meditation can help soothe anxiety and calm the body, making a very physical difference.
Meditation has a very powerful effect on our minds and, in turn, a very real effect on our bodies. I could add to this list, how it helps the nervous system and pain reduction and helps promote productivity and strong relationships. It does all of those things, but a study isn't what compelled me to get certified. And while you're probably thinking that I actually didn't have much choice in the matter, it was mine to practice.
I chose to meditate in college on my own for the first time. That decision kept me coming back around the chaos of finals, the depression that came with bad breakups, and the anxiety that came with graduating and starting something new all over again. Every time I sat down to meditate it felt like a decision to heal myself, in some small way.
Five years ago, I watched my mom turn religiously to meditation when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, finding strength in the quiet, restorative practice. I came to regard it as the ultimate form of self care.
Now, I choose it when no doctor seems able to ease the pain of my gut-wrenching cramps that come every month, when I'm homesick and lonely, or when I'm completely overwhelmed by the demands that come with a crazy, busy, awesome job and an equally full plate at home. I close my eyes, say my mantra, and give it 15 minutes till clarity and relief. Now, tell me that's not an extraordinary gift.
29 Easy Ways to Upgrade Avocado Toast
Fact: avocado toast will never go out of style. And despite how many times we've eaten it, we're always looking for new ideas to freshen up our typical recipes. If you have a go-to method of preparing your own avocado toast at home but are dying to try something else, we've got you covered with these insanely tasty (and easy) upgrades that our editors swear by. All you have to do is toast your favorite bread, mash or slice a ripe avocado, and grab any of these toppings from your pantry and fridge.
Spicy
- Chili oil, pink sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon
- Red chili flakes
- Pickled jalapeños, salt, and a soft-boiled egg
- Chives and sriracha
- Honey, red pepper flakes, and salt
- Buffalo sauce
- Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and an over-easy egg
Zesty
- Lemon juice and microgreens
- Toasted baguette with sliced avocado, olive oil, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, and Maldon sea salt
- Fresh lime juice, honey, and sea salt
Filling
- Boiled egg and shakshuka seasoning
- A hard-boiled egg or two
- Poached egg and bacon
- Avocado mashed with hummus, plus sliced cucumbers
- Pan con tomate
- Marinated tofu
- Smoked salmon, lots of freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon juice. Best served on a crumpet if you're British.
Italian inspired
- Truffle salt, lemon juice, and olive oil
- Sea salt and olive oil
- Truffle oil
Fancy
- Sliced cucumbers or radishes for extra crunch
- Feta cheese and chives
- Sliced Sungold tomatoes and salted sunflower seeds
- Watermelon radishes, mostly for Instagram purposes
- Chopped tomato, salt, and freshly ground pepper
- Sliced strawberries and sliced almonds
Wild card
- Chia seeds
- Dill pickle slices
- Black olives and cream cheese
Luke Bryan Attempts Some of Jason Derulo's Dance Moves During CMT Performance
Although the CMT Awards made sure to trot out some tried-and-true combinations (Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, we're looking at you), the show also introduced country music fans to some rather unique mashups. After Florida Georgia Line teamed up with The Chainsmokers for a surprisingly catchy performance, Luke Bryan and Jason Derulo reunited to belt out "Want to Want Me" and "Strip It Down." It was the cherry on top for the duo, who took home the CMT Award for performance of the year for their appearance on CMT Crossroads.
29 Easy Ways to Upgrade Avocado Toast
Fact: avocado toast will never go out of style. And despite how many times we've eaten it, we're always looking for new ideas to freshen up our typical recipes. If you have a go-to method of preparing your own avocado toast at home but are dying to try something else, we've got you covered with these insanely tasty (and easy) upgrades that our editors swear by. All you have to do is toast your favorite bread, mash or slice a ripe avocado, and grab any of these toppings from your pantry and fridge.
Spicy
- Chili oil, pink sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon
- Red chili flakes
- Pickled jalapeños, salt, and a soft-boiled egg
- Chives and sriracha
- Honey, red pepper flakes, and salt
- Buffalo sauce
- Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and an over-easy egg
Zesty
- Lemon juice and microgreens
- Toasted baguette with sliced avocado, olive oil, lemon zest, cayenne pepper, and Maldon sea salt
- Fresh lime juice, honey, and sea salt
Filling
- Boiled egg and shakshuka seasoning
- A hard-boiled egg or two
- Poached egg and bacon
- Avocado mashed with hummus, plus sliced cucumbers
- Pan con tomate
- Marinated tofu
- Smoked salmon, lots of freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon juice. Best served on a crumpet if you're British.
Italian inspired
- Truffle salt, lemon juice, and olive oil
- Sea salt and olive oil
- Truffle oil
Fancy
- Sliced cucumbers or radishes for extra crunch
- Feta cheese and chives
- Sliced Sungold tomatoes and salted sunflower seeds
- Watermelon radishes, mostly for Instagram purposes
- Chopped tomato, salt, and freshly ground pepper
- Sliced strawberries and sliced almonds
Wild card
- Chia seeds
- Dill pickle slices
- Black olives and cream cheese
Lush's New Limited-Edition Shark Soap Is Just Fin-Tastic!
Once again, Lush is using it's power to do good. This time the brand is supporting World Oceans Day on June 8 by re-releasing the limited-edition Shark Fin Soap ($6). What's so cool is that 100 percent of sales will go to support the completion of the late Rob Stewart's documentary called Sharkwater: Extinction (the Canadian filmmaker passed away during a scuba-diving incident while filming this piece). Every year, up to 100 million sharks are killed to make shark fin soup, and this raises awareness about that.
The Shark Fin Soap is also beneficial to you - and your skin. It contains hydrating seaweed, exfoliating fine sea salt, and cooling lime oil. Plus, it has aromatic qualities, as the herbal fragrance will remind you of being at the beach. As Lush says on its site, you can now "swim" with the sharks and help protect them, too!
All the Reasons Wonder Woman Goes by the Name Diana Prince
Image Source: Everett Collection
Just like Batman, Wonder Woman has a secret identity. Unlike Batman, the reason behind her alter-ego isn't as cut and dry. Since Wonder Woman is one of DC's longest running comic book superheroes, the Amazonian's identity and origin have gone through a number of changes over the years, both big and small. One of them happens to be why, and how, she acquired the name Diana Prince.
In Patty Jenkins's Wonder Woman, which blends Wonder Woman's origin stories from the comics, Princess Diana (Gal Gadot) gains her civilian identity when she's introducing herself to a stranger in London with her full title ("Diana, Princess of Themyscira, Daughter of Hippolyta"), but Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) cuts her off mid-sentence, leaving her with "Diana, Prince-". In the Earth One and Earth Two iterations of the character in the comics, Diana Prince is actually a nurse in WWII who Wonder Woman happens to bump into, and realizes they share a number of physical similarities.
Image Source: DC Comics
Seeing as how they can pass for sisters and conveniently share a similar name, Wonder Woman offers her a large amount of money to disappear. She happily takes it so she can travel to South America to be with her fiancé, Dan White, whose name she eventually takes so that Princess Diana can officially assume her identity. In that timeline, Wonder Woman even takes over Diana Prince's nursing duties and later gets a job as an Air Force secretary. Fortunately no matter what name she's going by, we can all agree that she kicks a hell of a lot of ass, right?
The 9 Best Texturizing Sprays That Will Give You Model-Off-Duty Hair
If you've always been hesitant to try a texturizing spray on your hair, now is the time to branch out. Summer is great time to experiment with styles without the rain and wind that comes with Winter. Consider the product a marriage between dry shampoo and hairspray - it's meant to revitalize and give your hair a little extra oompf if it's lacking body.
Texturizing spray can be used throughout the day: in the morning to create volume, as a midday pick-me-up to give life to flat hair and even to smell nice (depending on the brand you get, they usually have a perfume-like scent). Just spray it all over (not just at the roots), scrunch or fluff your hair to define it, and you're done. You won't believe how much of a difference it makes - the thickness is visibly noticeable. Take a look at our favorite texturizing sprays and try one for yourself.
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