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 13 août 2017
10 Inspiring Bloggers Who Redefine Society's Beauty Standards
This year, we've been inspired by some incredible beauty influencers who've documented their journeys to self-love on Instagram and YouTube. Whether they've faced a rare disease or celebrated their body hair (or lack of hair!), these 10 bloggers don't let their unique looks let them feel any less beautiful and encourage us to be confident in our own skin, too.
Get to know the new faces defying conventional beauty standards, ahead.
There's a Scientific Reason You Carry Your Kids on the Left Side of Your Body
I've noticed that I have significantly more muscle on my left arm from toting heavy kiddos around, and though I've attempted to even the muscles out by using my right arm and hip, my body just won't allow it comfortably - as it turns out, I can thank evolution for that. If you're one of 70-85 percent of women who are like me and carry your children on your left side, it's because humans are hard-wired to do so in order to keep their babies safe.
According to a study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution, when you carry a child on the left side of your body - called left-side bias - this allows for the right side of your brain to process information, specifically emotions. The authors of the study - which explored humans and other mammals such as orca whales - reported that left-side bias contributes to mother-child bonding because the right hemisphere of your brain helps you to make sense of what you see, allowing you to recognize your baby's expressions and determine what they need.
So if you feel like you need to even out the muscles on the right side of your body, consider some free weights instead of attempting to switch your babies from hip to hip - your emotional connection with your kids will be stronger for it.
These 42 Disney Quotes Are So Perfect They'll Make You Cry
We never realized when we were kids just how deep Disney movies are. We were more concerned with the silly songs, hilarious sidekicks, and princesses finding their happily ever afters. But there are some seriously moving moments in so many Disney movies and lines that are incredibly inspirational. We've rounded up Disney quotes that will move you, motivate you, and make you want even more!
The 7 Most Recession-Proof Job Fields
As much as I wish we could peek into the future like Raven-Symoné in That's So Raven, evolution hasn't allowed for such capabilities yet. So, despite seemingly trustworthy forecasts, it can be tricky to predict when the next economic crisis will hit.
Glassdoor recently compiled a list of jobs that are notably secure even in dire economic situations. Below are seven fields of work that are considered to be the most stable if the economy takes a turn for the worse . . . because it's better to be safe than sorry!
10 Egg Recipes That Are Just Perfect For Brunch
One of the best parts of the weekend is planning and enjoying a special brunch, full of delicious treats and family or friend time. So why not whip up the perfect egg dish at home instead of heading out to a restaurant? These 10 recipes with a little Latin twist are sure to please and impress everyone.
All the Times Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello Looked Almost Too Adorable Together
We can barely remember a time when Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello were not together, but in reality, it's been just over two years since the couple had their first date after Modern Family star Jesse Tyler Ferguson served as matchmaker.
In that short period of time, Sofia and Joe, who just celebrated their first wedding anniversary in November 2015, have shown their love with lots of PDA and longing looks into each other's eyes on as many red carpets as possible. Keep reading to see all the times their love shone through, then check out Sofia's best moments with her son, Manolo.
These Hidden Tattoos Ideas Will Satisfy Your Craving For New Ink
Even if your body is a tattooed wonderland already, there's something fresh and rebellious about getting new ink in a hidden place. On the flip side, if you're still easing into the idea of your first tattoo, getting something undercover could be just the way to make it all seem less stressful. Either way, hidden tattoos are a great way to ink your body just for you (though don't be surprised if you suddenly feel the need to post it all over Instagram). The best part is you can choose to play peekaboo or let it be your little secret depending on your outfit each day. Ready to get your tat? Browse these ideas.
These Are the Top 7 Beauty Benefits of Vitamin E to Your Routine
There are a few life lessons we learned as a child that served us well in adulthood - eating vegetables, looking both ways before crossing the street, and being nice to people. And then there are lessons we should've paid more attention to, like incorporating vitamins into our beauty routine.
Turns out, Mom was on to something. Vitamin E has a host of unexpected beauty benefits that are becoming more and more popular. Did you know that applying pure vitamin E oil can aid in sunburn relief and even help your hair grow? We suggest heading to your local drugstore and picking up a bottle of Jason Vitamin E 45,000 IU Pure Beauty Oil STAT.
But don't get too excited; you should still eat veggies loaded with the vitamin when you can. "I recommend that patients still obtain their vitamin E naturally from foods that are rich in it, like eggs, avocado, almonds, spinach, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, butternut squash, and kale," said Dr. Barbara Sturm, the German aesthetics doctor behind the uberpopular vampire facial.
For best results, we're eating clean and applying pure vitamin E oil whenever possible. So read on for these vitamin E beauty benefits and thank your mom for having your aging skin in mind long before you did.
This Map Shows the Exact Path of This Year's Total Solar Eclipse
Image Source: Flickr user gsfc
If you're already counting down the days until you get to see the biggest solar eclipse of your lifetime on Aug. 21, then you'll want to check out this detailed map immediately. The total eclipse will be viewable in areas from coast to coast in the US, and the map below outlines the path of the moon's umbral shadow, in which the sun will be completely hidden by the moon. Already geeking out? Check out the best places to watch the eclipse, then scope out NASA's downloadable eclipse maps and dive into an interactive map where you can find detailed information state by state.
A Real Estate Pro Shares Her Tips For Downsizing in Style
Whether you're moving out of your parents' house and into your first adult studio apartment or just downsizing to more modest digs, the move to a smaller space can present certain design challenges. Luckily, New York City real estate agent Kemba Buchanan of Triplemint has some insider tips to help you set up your house like a pro. Check out Kemba's tips for downsizing ahead.
Art
When you downsize to a small space, your instinct is probably to store large statement pieces of art and instead opting to hang lots of small pieces, but Kemba said this is a no-no. She advised adding large art pieces to walls instead. "It can help make your space feel more open and less cluttered."
Color
"Adding color to your walls can create any mood or ambiance you're looking for," and Kemba said, adding you can add a pop of color without having to turn to that old standby paint. "Wallpaper has been making headway." In a small abode, she suggested you start with a single accent wall. "I always go for the wall your headboard is up against and recommend wallpaper with some texture, cool patterns, etc."
Furniture
When it comes to furniture, don't be shy about tossing clunky, big pieces. Kemba said you should instead invest in multifunctional pieces, like storage beds, for example. "I love these. They are great in that they have either drawers or cubbies underneath, which allows you to get rid of bulky dressers and wardrobes." She said this seemingly creates spaces and keeps the floor clear, which makes the room feel instantly less cluttered.
Photos
Just because you've downsized your space doesn't mean you need to downsize your family photos. But instead of hanging your picture frames all over the walls, which Kemba said creates unsightly holes everywhere, she recommended layering frames on narrow bookcases or floating shelves. "This can make for a cleaner and sleeker look."
Layout
A common mistake many downsizers make is to push their furniture against the wall, thinking it will make the space seem bigger. "Little do many know, if we pull our furniture away from the walls about an inch, it can make the room feel bigger," Kemba explained. And if you have high ceilings, Kemba encouraged taking advantage of the vertical space by placing items on tall shelves instead of on the floor. In the kitchen, where there's likely to be little cabinet or counter storage, she said you can maximize the layout by utilizing wall space. "Add a shelf above the door for pans, pots, or plants," she advised. "Above the door is one of those forgotten areas that no one really seems to take advantage of."
Plants
Kemba said an easy way to keep a small space fresh (and improve the air quality) is to add greenery. "Throw a few plants in any room, and they'll bring out your color scheme." She recommended easy-to-care-for options that do well indoors like the rubber plant, money tree, or fishtail palm.
Organization
If you thought being organized was important in a large home, then you'll realize it's crucial in a small home. Kemba said you should load up on storage options like baskets and plastic containers of all sizes and shapes so that everything from spare screws to hairbrushes have their own designated space. Her favorite places to shop for these organization items are refreshingly affordable: Ikea, The Container Store, Michaels, and - her absolute favorite - HomeGoods.
You'll Want to Shop Selena Gomez's Sexy Swimsuits
You might think of celebrities on perma-vacations like Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima when you're looking for swimsuit inspiration, but we're telling you right now that Selena Gomez's beach style is the most versatile of them all.
The singer, who, after a short hiatus, made an emotional return to the spotlight at the end of 2016 with her acceptance speech at the American Music Awards, chooses both sexy bikinis and practical one-pieces that flatter her curves and still manage to be comfortable. So if you want to stock up, look ahead for lots of inspiration from Selena.
Wait Until You See Why This Student's Common Core Math Work Was Marked Wrong
View post on imgur.com
There's a Common Core math assignment that's confusing parents more than the kids it is testing. An image - posted in Oct. 2015 - of a worksheet asking students to "use the repeated addition method" to solve 5 x 3. The student wrote 5 + 5 + 5 = 15 and was marked wrong. The teacher corrected it, saying the answer is 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 15, meaning five groups of three. So even though the student came up with the correct answer, and showed his or her work, points are deducted.
A second question on the worksheet asks students to calculate 4 x 6 using an array. This time the student drew an array with six rows and four columns showing that the answer is 24. But the teacher marked it wrong, saying the array should have been drawn with four rows and six columns to come the answer of 24. Again, points were deducted.
So what's going on here? Parents of today's generation of elementary school students were raised on a different math. We memorized multiplication tables and didn't transform multiplication problems into addition. Common Core math is designed to help children do more math in their heads, breaking down problems into "friendly" numbers that will help them. But do semantics like this really matter? The child has arrived at the correct number and even showcased his or her work thoroughly. Should they really be marked wrong for such an answer?
I don't know about you, but I find myself throwing up my hands in frustration over such issues on a nightly basis. Do you think this answer should have been marked wrong?
This post was originally published on Oct. 27, 2015.
This Reddit Hack Will Change How You Wash Your Makeup Brushes
Using a LEGO base plate to wash brushes is an affordable alternative to other methods! from MakeupAddiction
There is a plethora of makeup brush cleaning products on the market, but many of them can come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately for budget-concerned beauty addicts, one Reddit user has found an affordable alternative to the textured silicone gloves and mats sold for washing makeup brushes.
User happyidiot3791 explained in a post that she uses a Lego base plate to wash her brushes as an alternative to more expensive mats and gloves.
The method works because the raised circles on the Lego plate create enough texture for her soap-soaked brushes to be scrubbed, loosening makeup and dirt on her brushes. Using the toy is also much cheaper; a Lego Plate will only run you about $10, while brush cleaning accessories can cost upward of $40.
If you don't already have a Lego mat sitting around the house and aren't too excited about purchasing one, beauty brands are coming out with cheaper alternatives. The AOA Brush Cleaning Egg is only a dollar and is ideal if you only own a few brushes.
31 Latino Stars You Should Be Following on Snapchat
Snapchat was created for us to get a glimpse inside celebrities' personal lives - OK, maybe not exactly. But that's what we're telling you to use it for. Stars are just as obsessed with the app as the rest of us, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, uploading silly videos with their favorite filters, and being just all-around hilarious as they document their whereabouts.
But if you're finding it hard to spot their official accounts, making your stalking a little bit more complicated, we're here to help. Read on to find a list of celebs you should be following - from Selena Gomez to Prince Royce to Thalia. Add these names to your Snapchat friends list and you won't miss one moment in your favorite celebrity's day.
The Doctor-Approved Secret to Clearing Your Hormonal Acne That Actually Works
Image Source: Adriano Russo
When I tell you how I finally cleared up my hormonal acne, it is going to sound so painstakingly obvious that it might even seem . . . annoying. To make a long story short: I met with a doctor who helped me balance my hormones and improve my gut health, and my skin has never looked better.
At the start of Spring, I booked an appointment with Dr. Keith Berkowitz, an MD (internist) located in NYC who worked with Dr. Robert C. Atkins (as in the Atkins diet) for six years and now specializes in how eating affects health. He gave me a glucose test, took my blood, analyzed the lab results, and diagnosed me with reactive hypoglycemia. The latter means I process sugar unusually quickly, so I can't eat much of it (even fruit!). I learned I had high testosterone levels and was iodine deficient.
According to the American Thyroid Association, iodine is an element (not made by the body) needed for the production of the thyroid hormone. You get iodine from your diet and various foods, and if you do not have enough of it, you can't make the thyroid hormone, which regulates your metabolism as well as heart and digestive function, muscle control, brain development, and bone maintenance.
I have not changed my skin care routine or received any new spa treatments.
"Women today are struggling with increased hormonal imbalance causing estrogen dominance, low levels of progesterone, and high levels of testosterone and DHEA [an endogenous steroid hormone]," Dr. Berkowitz told me via email. "This is complicated by the overall decrease in hormone levels as we age. It leads to women having dull, dry skin; a rush of wrinkles; increased pigmentation; and increased acne."
So I began on a journey to balance out what was going on internally by changing my diet and taking supplements. When it came to eating, I had previously spent a year living off of morning smoothies and eliminating gluten and dairy. Though it was technically "healthy," I was eating way too much fruit and spiking my blood sugar.
Dr. Berkowitz tweaked my diet so that I was eating more balanced, portion-controlled meals and snacks that include carbohydrates (including vegetables and fruits) with high-fiber foods and lean protein or healthy fats (like avocado). "It is important that you eat three meals and one snack every day," he explained of his general diet philosophy. "Eating balanced meals will minimize fluctuations in blood sugar and increases in insulin levels."
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jae Payne
He immediately added bread back into my regime, but only low-carb (Alvarado Street Bakery Sprouted Flax Seed Bread), and I can have just one piece at a time to ensure I am not carb-loading. I was permitted low-lactose dairy, such as goat cheese, since it is a great source of protein. In addition, I eat a lot of organic chicken and salmon, eggs, salads dressed with olive oil and lemon (rather than sugary dressing), and low-carb Wasa crackers topped with hummus and avocado. My smoothies were tweaked: instead of blending in four fruits, I can have one (usually low-sugar, antioxidant-rich berries). Any time I do eat fruit, I can have half the amount (such as half a pear) and mix it with protein, such as a spoon of almond butter. Eating this way has stabilized my blood sugar (I no longer get 3 p.m. sugar cravings), and I feel less restless overall.
I expected to debloat (I did!) and lose a few pounds (check!), but what I did not see coming was how these tweaks would significantly affect my skin. Pre-Dr. Berkowitz, I had combination skin, meaning I would occasionally get pimples in places I am greasier (usually my cheeks and chin). And every month a few days before my period, I got a few "lurkers" (below-the-skin pimples) around my chin. These are typically caused by hormones and can't be cured by creams - they have to go away on their own.
After a Summer spent traveling as far as Greece and Prague, wearing tons of gooey sunscreen, and straight-up sweating, I expected to see my usual cluster of whiteheads on my cheeks. I have also waited each month for the arrival of those chin lurkers. But for the past three months, my skin has been completely and totally clear. I have no dryness and no oiliness. The lines on my forehead are naturally smoothing out and the redness around my nose fading. I have not changed my skin care routine or received any new spa treatments.
What had changed was my gut health. "Tiny bacteria in the gut are one of the major control systems in the body," Dr. Berkowitz explained. "These bacteria have a direct role in helping maintain the health of the skin. They help your absorb nutrients needed to protect and repair itself. They protect the integrity of the gut lining. The gut lining helps protect against inflammation (which ages skin), and it protects the skin environmental toxin damage."
He also told me that gut in the bacteria can cause acne, because that area produces something called substance P. This affects sebum production (the cause of oily skin).
My gut bacteria wasn't all that had been regulated after three months of sticking to Dr. Berkowitz's plan: my hormones tested more balanced, my iodine levels were better, and my glucose more stable.
"The gut lining helps protect against inflammation (which ages skin), and it protects the skin environmental toxin damage."
"Your eating plan led to your hormones being better balanced - lowering DHEA and testosterone - and having better balance with progesterone and estrogen," Dr. Berkowitz told me when I asked how this could have affected my skin. "The lifestyle also leads to lower levels of cortisol [a hormone that regulates stress, metabolism, and inflammation] and insulin [the hormone that regulates metabolism and gives your cells energy]." He noted that when these hormones are high, it can cause drier skin and premature aging. This is because there is a connection between stress and the deterioration of cells, and skin is made up of cells.
A hormone imbalance can also cause discoloration of the skin. "Estrogen and progesterone can trigger the melasma, which are brown or light gray patches of pigmentation that most commonly appear on the face," he said. "It usually appears between the ages of 20-50 and is most common in pregnant women or those on an oral contraceptive pill."
In addition, he shared that low estrogen can lead to decreased collagen production and more wrinkling of the skin. Low levels of progesterone are associated with decreased skin elasticity. And a deficiency in DHEA is problematic, because it helps control oil production. DHEA also increases collagen production, which you want for youthful-looking skin.
When it comes to testosterone, having too much can lead to acne through an increased sebum production. So that explains why decreasing my testosterone levels eliminated my breakouts.
Though my situation was very specific, others can benefit from getting their blood tested and tweaking in specific ways that make sense for them (as instructed by a professional MD). While we are in no way telling you to run out and try a bunch of supplements to balance all of this out (please talk to your doctor first!), regulating your hormones and improving your gut health can directly give you clearer skin with better tone and texture. It happened to me!
If you get the OK from your doctor, here is a list of supplements (from Dr. Berkowitz) and what they do:
- Alpha lipoic acid: helps stop the stiffening of collagen fibers.
- Antioxidants: stop free radical production. For example, vitamins A, C, and E help to better hydrate the skin.
- Hydrolyzed collagen: reduces wrinkles.
- Hyaluronic acid: hydrates skin. (Yes, you can take the popular skin care ingredient as a supplement, as well!)
- Astaxanthin: fights free radicals and prevents damage from the sun and other environmental toxins.
Here are specific supplements for acne:
- Zinc: helps accelerate the development of new clear skin cells and reduce the inflammatory response to bacteria.
- Probiotic: promotes healthy or good bacteria and thus decreases the inflammatory response that damages skin.
- Coconut oil: helps replace the protective acid layer that keeps skin healthy and reduces inflammation.
He also shared an anti-inflammatory eating plan:
- Avoid refined carbohydrates, which increase insulin and inflammation.
- Avoid gluten, cow's milk dairy, processed foods, and excessive amounts of omega-6, which are all pro-inflammatory.
- Increase use of spices: turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, and parsley all have anti-inflammatory effects to help keep the skin healthy and slow down the aging process.
What Happened After I Gave Up Gluten For 10 Years? It's Not What You Think
At age 13, I made the connection that chicken nuggets were made from actual chickens and became a vegetarian on the spot. I was also insanely picky, so pasta, bagels, and pizza were my main staples. Sadly, vegetables, fruit, and whole grains hardly made it onto my plate, especially when I went off to college. Going vegan wasn't a big jump, since meat was already out of the picture, and I found giving up dairy eased my ongoing digestive issues. I still wasn't 100 percent though, until the day I gave up gluten.
No lie, the first day I passed on gluten, I felt instantly better. Without all those crackers, cereal, and bowls of pasta weighing down my digestive tract, my belly felt more at ease. Since I was new to the whole gluten-free scene, I ate foods I knew were gluten-free like fruits and veggies. So for the first few weeks, I had no bloating, no gas, no constipation. I felt like a new me, which almost made it easy to give up on all my favorite foods.
But after the first two weeks, I was so, so sad - I didn't realize I was obsessed with gluten until I had to give it up. I found myself daydreaming about stealing muffins from the bakery and swimming in bowls of Honey Nut Cheerios. I became completely focused and utterly upset over all the foods I couldn't have. I mourned for all the times I was hanging with friends and couldn't sling back a beer, grab a slice of pizza, or enjoy someone's adorable birthday cupcakes. It seems silly to get depressed over missing out on Gramma's baked ziti, but it was very real for me.
Before spiraling into a deep, dark, gluten-free hole, I took my first trip to the health food store and discovered all the gluten-free alternatives to my fave foods. I bought it all and ate it all. I even bought foods I never ate like gluten-free waffles and mini pecan pies, just because I could eat them. These foods uplifted my spirit tremendously, but big shocker here - my stomach once again waged war. And to make matters worse, after two months of eating this way, I found my need for elastic waistbands increasing. Isn't going gluten-free supposed to help with weight loss? Uh, not if you eat gluten-free junk food full of empty calories.
I realized I needed to cut back on all the gluten-free crap if I ever wanted to fit into my jeans again - a woman cannot live on French fries and gluten-free cookies alone! It forced me to really take a look at my diet, and I slowly started eating fewer gluten-free alternatives and more actual food. I began branching out, enjoying such a huge variety of healthy foods that I started feeling as good as I did those first couple of gluten-free weeks. And it wasn't because I wasn't eating gluten - it was because I was eating real food and less processed junk.
After 10 years of living without gluten and eating a superhealthy diet, I felt amazing. My new boyfriend at the time (my now-husband) suggested I try eating gluten, just to see if my body had changed. The thought had never crossed my mind, but love makes you do crazy things. On an apple-picking trip in the Fall of 2005, a freshly baked cider doughnut was calling my name. That's me in the photo above, taking my first magical bite, and I couldn't believe it, but I felt totally fine. No tummy issues whatsoever. Even after going back to whole-grain bread, crackers, and pasta - gluten didn't bother me anymore. It took me 10 years to realize this, but gluten wasn't my enemy. This might be TMI, but constipation caused by a crappy diet was. Giving up gluten forced me to get out of the habit of eating bread 24/7, to start branching out to eating more nutritious foods, and to get more fiber into my diet. Now I'm able to enjoy gluten without going overboard, and because my vegetarian and dairy-free diet is so much healthier than it was 10 years ago, I'm also able to maintain a healthy weight. Hooray for gluten! And hooray for whole foods!
I Was Addicted to Bread, and Here's What Happened When I Stopped Eating It For 1 Month
I honestly didn't know I was addicted to bread. Not until I did a two-week fruit and veggie detox, where I ate nothing but fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, and seeds. Those first few days, I realized bread had an enormous hold on my life because soft, chewy buns were all I could think about. I daydreamed about all the avocado toasts, everything bagels, just-baked sourdough bread, and slices of vegan pizza I'd consume the day that stupid two weeks ended.
But by the end of week one, a shift started to happen. I felt amazing! I had zero bloating and so much energy. I didn't have that usual foggy-headed brain that happened after each meal, and my cravings surprisingly began to diminish.
So I kept going. Once those two weeks ended, I committed to four weeks of continuing on my no-bread ways. This included what I referred to as "trigger foods," such as other refined carbs like baked goods, cereal, granola bars, and pasta, as well as whole grains, popcorn, pretzels, and tortillas. I knew if I was going to be successful at sticking with this, I'd have to ditch all bread-like things or I'd want to eat them all.
To be clear, this was not a carb-free diet. I still ate complex carbs like beans, sweet potatoes, and regular potatoes, just not whole grains. And I ate tons of fruit! One day I even ate two juicy peaches, an avocado, and a pint of freshly picked strawberries in one sitting - they were perfectly ripe, and I couldn't resist. And I couldn't believe how flat my belly looked and felt.
After the four weeks ended, I celebrated like a complete idiot with a cinnamon bun from a new local vegan bakery, a hummus and bagel sandwich, way too much homemade challah bread, and avocado pesto pasta. I felt more miserable than I thought I would, experiencing the worst bloating and fuzzy brain I've ever had. It was a sad day. That day my relationship with bread ended. Because I knew in my heart that eating those foods really makes me feel crappy. Because, for me, once I start eating them, I don't want to stop!
This little one-month experiment, as hard as it was, has been life-changing. My diet is so much cleaner now, and even though I occasionally eat oatmeal, a black bean burrito, curry with coconut rice, pancakes, and homemade protein banana bread, I've really cut down on those foods. And it doesn't make me sad. Instead of thinking about all the foods I shouldn't have that make me feel crappy, I celebrate all the foods I can have that make me feel vibrant, strong, and healthy.
Here are some recipes that have helped me embrace this bread-less diet. If I'm craving:
- Pizza: vegan cauliflower pizza crust
- Brownies: three-ingredient brownies
- Pita or flatbread: socca
- Rice and beans: cauliflower rice and beans
- Cookies: chocolate chip cookie dough balls
- Oatmeal: cauliflower "oatmeal"
- Granola bars: DIY pumpkin pie Larabars
- Pasta: carrot fettuccine with mushrooms and red pepper
19 Satisfying Breakfasts Under 300 Calories
Looking for a low-calorie breakfast that doesn't disappoint? These 19 light recipes all clock in under 300 calories and will keep you satisfied and energized until your next snack or meal.
The Surprising Color Everyone Should Be Using on Their Brows
Just like the rest of the world, I have a serious case of eyebrow fever - but I have yet to achieve the brows of my dreams. I've tried a wide variety of arch-filling products to get brows on fleek, but even when emulating a natural look like Kiernan Shipka's, I still end up looking more like Groucho Marx. I turned to pro Brett Freedman, the master behind notable brows like those of Camilla Belle and Taylor Swift, and got a life-changing beauty tip.
"Your one ideal brow shade is actually two," explained Brett. When filling your brows, you first want to create depth with a lighter shade, then add definition to any patchy areas (or your brow's tail) with a darker shade. Finish your look by blending the shades together with your spoolie brush. Just like when contouring your face, you want a dimensional effect so your brows don't look painted on but natural (yet sculpted).
But don't assume that the color of your brows is the best filler shade for you! Brett uses a blond shade like Brett Freedman Beauty Brett Brow Duo-Shade Pencil in Medium Blonde ($18) on nearly all of his clients, including the raven-haired actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. When I asked why he wouldn't use a brunette shade on darker brows, he reminded me of their true purpose. "You don't want people to focus on the frame - you want them looking at the picture."
You Have to See What Kim Kardashian Looks Like After a Barbie-Style Makeover
Kim Kardashian seems to love keeping her fans on their toes by switching up her strands. The reality star stunned us all when she showed up at Paris Fashion Week with a platinum mane, but that wasn't her first stint as a blonde.
In a recent post on her app, KimKardashianWest.com, she revealed behind-the-scenes photos from a shoot for Kurv Magazine from 2009. In one snap, Kim sports an ice-blond wig with bangs like Barbie (or Nicki Minaj). And in another image, she amped up the volume with sky-high golden blond curls and a J Lo-esque spray tan.
"This was the first time I had ever dyed my hair and I was working with [photographer] Clyde Haygood," Kim explained. "He was determined to get this hair color photographed because he knew I was only keeping it for a month - I had to shoot my first perfume campaign and they wanted me back to dark hair."
While we will always be fans of her signature brunette locks, we love when Kim tries new styles. Maybe Kylie's mane-changing mania was first inspired by this shoot! Read on to see the doll-like photos.
Orly’s New Collection Finally Makes It Possible For Muslims to Wear Nail Polish
Many Muslim men and women are not able to wear regular nail polish because it conflicts with prayer practices. The coats of polish are believed to create a barrier over the skin, which prevents water from touching every part of the body during ablutions, but Orly's new polish collection offers a solution. In an effort to bridge the diversity gap in the beauty world, the polish brand has teamed up with Muslim Girl to release a new collection of six halal-certified polishes, all of which let oxygen and moisture pass through the polish.
The Breathable line called #HalalPaint features adorably sassy polish names like Haram-Bae, The Perfect Amani-Cure, What the Fatima?, Ig-Noor the Haters, and more, named by MuslimGirl.com founder Amani Al-Khatahtbeh and the Muslim Girl team.
"This line is important because there are so many girls and young women who aren't represented in mainstream beauty," Azmia Magane, Muslim Girl chief of staff, said in a press release. "They either don't fit that definition or see things about them that are designed without them, instead of for them and by them. This is our way of bridging the gap."
And this collection is exactly that and more. While it's created by Muslim women for Muslim women, all women (or men!) can wear it. In addition to the polishes being made of 100 percent halal ingredients, making them permitted under Islamic law, they are made with great ingredients - like argan oil, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin C - to promote healthy nails.
"Many of us are the girls who could never find our names on a keychain, so we wanted to make sure we provided that experience through the collection," Al-Khatahtbeh said. This collection is an incredible way to acknowledge the diverse religions that also exist in the beauty world. Although the polishes were made for Muslim women, anyone can wear them!
The six-piece collection is available for preorder on halalpaint.com for $49 and will ship on July 1. Keep reading to see photos of the stunning colors.
A Surgeon Found 17 Contact Lenses in a Patient's Eye - Then Things Got Worse
A 67-year-old patient was about to undergo cataract surgery when her surgeon discovered a "blueish mass" in her eye. As the surgeon and her colleagues injected anesthesia into the patient's eye, they removed the object - only to find that it was actually a clump of 17 contact lenses stuck together. As they inspected further, they were surprised to find an additional 10 contact lenses in the woman's eye.
The shocking discovery occurred last year; however, UK-based ophthalmologist Rupal Morjaria is now going public with the story in the hopes that it will encourage people to be more diligent about their eye care. In an interview with Optometry Today, Morjaria said, "None of us have ever seen this before. We were really surprised that the patient didn't notice it because it would cause quite a lot of irritation while it was sitting there."
Due to the possible presence of bacteria in the eye, the patient would have been at risk of serious and permanent eye damage if they would have proceeded with the surgery. As a result, the procedure was postponed. Upon speaking with her afterwards, Morjaria learned that the patient had been wearing monthly disposable lenses for 35 years and apparently didn't realize she was inserting new contacts over old ones that had not been removed.
When the patient heard the news, she was "shocked." Morjaria said, "When she was seen two weeks after I removed the lenses, she said her eyes felt a lot more comfortable. She thought her previous discomfort was just part of old age and dry eye."
Though this particular incident is rare and scary, the team at Solihull Hospital hopes it will encourage people to maintain regular optometrist appointments, which would have allowed a doctor to catch a problem like this before it became so severe. Contact lenses are incredibly common and fairly easy to use, but accidents happen.
23 Brilliant Ways to Use Up Your Candy Stash
We scoured the web looking for enticing and novel uses of drugstore candy bars, perfect for using up your leftover Halloween candy stash. Be warned: these treats aren't messing around. Side effects of flipping through this roundup may include hunger pangs, nostalgia, and an overwhelming impulse to get baking.
How I Got Rid of a Massive, Painful Pimple 2 Days Before My Wedding
The Thursday before my wedding, I woke up at 6 a.m. panicked. The right side of my face was throbbing thanks to a "lurker." We refer to "lurkers" as those painful, cystic acne pimples that live under the skin. I had cut alcohol, gluten, dairy, and sugar from my diet for two weeks and was drinking one dark green juice every day. My skincare game was on point (I only used oil-free products for the last few weeks to avoid breakouts), and I received plenty of facials. My period even ended the day earlier, which is the usual suspect for these hormonal pimples. So why the F was there a massive - and painful! - critter eating away at my skin?
That I can't answer, but likely it was from nerves and stress. What I can tell you is how I successfully got rid of it. After researching the case, I decided to try an at-home product containing sulfer (the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask) and had a Joanna Vargas esthetician zap the area with an antibacterial wand. Yet the pimple did not budge. I had two days until I needed to walk down the aisle, and I needed it gone.
All of the advice I kept receiving from pros was that I needed to get the pimple injected with cortisone. So I called in a favor and made an early-morning dermatologist appointment with Dr. Neal Schultz.
Dr. Schultz is a trusted NYC doctor (another beauty editor recommended him) with an impressive background, being the host of DermTV.com and creator of BeautyRx. Even though he is experienced, I was nervous! I had never done this procedure before. His calm demeanor was soothing as he popped the zit, sucked out the pus (he said there was enough to feed a family!), and then gave me a light cortisone injection (half the amount he normally would as per my request).
He was also honest with me. I had heard that this treatment can leave an indent in your face, and he told me earnestly that it does sometimes happen and there's no clear answer why, but he had not seen it happen in his practice in a few years. The procedure completely worked for me, and in two days - as promised - the skin was completely flattened. The area where the pimple had been was darkened, but makeup easily covered it. You can see in the photo up top of my makeup-free skin that the right side of my face looks clear! About a month later, there was no trace of it (and thankfully, no indent).
When I returned from my honeymoon - acne-free! - I emailed him to find out the science behind why this works.
"If you find yourself with a monster zit on the days leading up to your wedding, go directly to your dermatologist to get it opened, have the pus drained (so it doesn't dilute and thereby reduce the efficacy of the cortisone shot), and have the cyst injected with cortisone (which will shrink the swollen wall of the cyst)," he explained. "That will do the most to improve it in the next 12-24 hours."
Dr. Schultz emphasized that for results this quick, a derm needs to physically extract the pus. Normally the gunk would take about a week or longer to be absorbed by the body on its own. Under your skin there is a hard swollen wall of cyst, and it can clear up naturally, but it takes time. "No oral or topical medicines can work this quickly," he added.
He described the process from beginning to end for me:
"We start by taking an alcohol-soaked pad and wipe the skin to make sure that everything is as sterile as it can be. With a sterile needle, I make a hole in the middle of the cyst. With an instrument called a comedone extractor, I push the pus out of the cyst. To shrink the cyst so it goes away much faster, I inject a tiny amount of cortisone into the wall and cavity of the emptied cyst. A bandaid is then applied (it stays on for an hour)."
After receiving the morning treatment, I was able to get an hour-long facial with Joanna Vargas that afternoon. I felt no pain or inflammation, and she simply avoided the area.
According to Dr. Schultz, you see results from the procedure within 12-24 hours.
"If you squeeze it yourself, you may as well cancel the photographer," he advised. I'm a classic face picker, and I pay the price with acne scars. "Don't take matters into your own hands. Seek out your derm."
I felt relief the morning of my wedding, which you can see below, getting my makeup done knowing my Big Fat Pimple was demolished!
Turmeric Is the Hottest Ingredient to Add Into Your DIY Skin Care Routine
If rubbing a bright orange substance on your face makes you feel like Donald Trump, don't worry - what we're about to tell you has nothing to do with politics. The formula we're referring to is the turmeric spice, and it's a buzzy term in the holistic health community right now. The spice hails from India and has traditionally been used in cooking (it's part of the ginger root family). But these days, people are adding it to everything from their smoothies to face masks. We're going to explore the latter since turmeric has many amazing beauty uses.
"Turmeric is an age-old ingredient used for its internal as well as external health-and-beauty-promoting properties," explained Sheetal Rawal, a scientist and founder of brand Apsara. "It has been used in the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years for its natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and color-balancing properties. Currently, it is also gaining quite some fame in the West for its significant antioxidant properties."
This ability to bring down inflammation translates to skin care by minimizing acne or bringing down a rosacea flare-up. You can also rely on it for antiaging benefits. "It is loaded with key vitamins that facilitate important skin renewal processes, such as the creation of collagen," added Adina Grigore, the founder of S.W. Basics.
Barbara Close, founder and CEO of Naturopathica, explained the science behind this: "Extracts from turmeric, known as tetrahydrocurcuminoids, efficiently quench free radicals on the surface of the skin due to their antioxidant properties. This protects against damage from ultraviolet radiation and environmental irritants."
In fact, it is even incorporated into prebridal Indian rituals, during which the bride and groom are massaged with a turmeric-infused, homemade herbal concoction. "Turmeric in this age-old concoction is supposed to bring out the 'hidden glow' of the skin," Rawal shared.
Those with sensitive skin should not fear turmeric just because it's spicy. "It's wonderful for anyone who has supersensitive skin, but even for normal skin types, it really makes the skin look flawless," said Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and owner of her eponymous brand. "Make sure you are using pure organic turmeric. Some generic store-bought options contain dyes that can stain your skin after application. This is one ingredient where you must go organic."
If you're still hung up on having an Oompa Loompa face, Grigore has more to add on the matter. "And no, to answer your burning question, it won't dye your skin yellow," she mused. "If you're using it in powder form, just be sure to rinse it off thoroughly!"
Keep reading to hear more from these pros and others about how to incorporate turmeric into your beauty routine - DIY recipes included!
All You Need Is 2 Ingredients For This DIY Ant Trap (and You Probably Already Have Them)
If you've ever dealt with an ant invasion, you know how disgusting they are and how much of a pain it is to get rid of them. It's like having an unwanted house party; somehow word gets out and things quickly get out of control. Thankfully, ants are a little easier to kick out than stubborn guests and even easier to lure and trap. Thanks to a simple DIY from the book Natural Solutions For Cleaning & Wellness, you can get a hold of your ant problem without using chemicals or toxins.
All you need is two household ingredients: baking soda and powdered sugar. Put a tablespoon of each onto a lid or saucer - the sweetness from the sugar attracts them while the baking soda kills them. Voila! You've got yourself a homemade ant trap.
This Is What Kylie Lip Kit Colors Look Like on All Skin Tones
Kylie Jenner is a marketing genius. After slowly revealing teases about her much-anticipated Lip Kits, Kylie then challenged her fans to share photos of how they wear the products on Instagram using the hashtag #lipkitbykylie. And if you did a fantastic job, like the folks here, your face could appear on the @kyliecosmetics Instagram feed.
To recap: Kylie created her original three lip kits in Baby K (neutral pink), Candy K (mauve), and True Brown K (chocolate). Each set contains a lip liner and gloss so you can make your pucker look just like the reality star's.
Whether you snagged a Kylie Lip Kit or not, you can certainly draw inspiration from these beauties showing off how to wear neutral and brown pouts. Plus, they prove the '90s pout trend works on all skin tones - and even looks fabulous on men! And don't be surprised when you see familiar faces like model Hailey Baldwin and big sister Khloé Kardashian.
Read on to see how the original three Kylie Lip Kits look on different skin tones!
SNL Alum Says Working With "Moron" Host Donald Trump Was "Not Fun"
Way back when Donald Trump was a presidential hopeful in 2015, he hosted Saturday Night Live - exactly one year before Election Day. Taran Killam, who once impersonated Trump and later joined him on stage when he hosted, was stunningly candid about the now president in a recent interview with Brooklyn magazine.
Killam responded to a host of questions about his post-SNL career and joining the cast of Hamilton right after Mike Pence famously attended the show (and heard a compassionate message from the cast). President Trump was especially incensed by the incident, to which Killam replied with the utmost honesty. "Yeah, well the president is a moron," Killam told the magazine.
Later in the interview, Killam elaborated on what it was like to work with Trump on the show, and you might not be surprised by how difficult he said it was. "It was not fun, and most of the cast and writers were not excited to have him there," Killam said. "I didn't get the feeling that he was excited to be there, and it felt like a move for ratings from both sides."
Perhaps most unsurprising of all, Killam revealed how the president . . . struggled to read his lines. "What you see is what you get with him, really. I mean, there was no big reveal," Killam added. "He struggled to read at the table read, which did not give many of us great confidence. Didn't get the jokes, really. He's just a man who seems to be powered by bluster."
We're pretty sure Trump would write off Killam's account of his time on the show as "fake news."
Amal Clooney's Dress Is the Epitome of Summer Style - But Not at All Typical
It seems Amal Clooney has the right outfit for everything, especially when it comes to dressing for Summer nights in Italy. That's to be expected, given she spends an enviable amount of time there with her husband, George Clooney. But it's looks like this one - Amal's off-the-shoulder floral dress that she wore to dinner in Como - that strike the perfect balance between easy seasonal dressing and her signature elegance.
OK, part of that is clearly just Amal being Amal, but the other part is the particular kinds of pieces she's collected. Dresses like this one pull double duty, making gorgeous statements for special occasions and dinners, or work just as easily dressed down with sandals on the beach. It's the dress you might have overlooked adding to your wardrobe - something long and comfortable, but not too casual. In fact, it may just be the ideal Summer dress you didn't think to shop, till now.
4 Reasons Women Should NEVER Breastfeed in Public
Enough is enough, ladies! It's time to end the is-it-OK-to-breastfeed-in-public debate once and for all. Mother of two Kristina Kuzmic took to YouTube to outline the four main reasons women should never, ever breastfeed in public, and it's utter genius . . . likely because it's nearly three minutes of hysterical, all-out satire.
From the fear that a breast could be exposed for like a second (or, "like two . . . two seconds!") to the fact that moms shouldn't even need to go out in public, she's making a solid case for those who've long been victimized by nursing moms.
And if her reasoning doesn't convince you, she brings up a valid question: "do these breastfeeding moms even want to have children, or did they just have them so they could ruin everybody's day with their exhibitionism?" Think about that.
Transform Your Abs With This 2-Week Crunch Challenge
Show your abs some love and take our crunch challenge! Perfect for those new to strength training, the plan is short and sweet - it takes just a few minutes each day for the next two weeks. At the end, you're sure to notice stronger, more defined abs. Instead of doing basic crunches, this challenge involves five crunch variations to target different areas of your midsection.
Here's the 14-day plan followed by instructions for the five different variations. It's not advised to skip right to day 14 (if you want to be able to laugh the next day without rolling over in pain), so follow the plan and adjust it as needed according to your schedule and ability level. To make things easier, we've created a printable version to help keep you on track.
This post was originally published on June 10, 2014.
15 Facts That Will Make You Even More Obsessed With Sephora
Ever since I was in middle school, I have found inspiration, solace, and my latest beauty essential in the aisles of Sephora. Shopping there has the ability to make me feel like all is right with the world - and I know I'm not alone in this feeling. I can barely walk down the streets of New York City without seeing those iconic striped bags, and there are countless memes devoted to this makeup mecca. But if you're a devotee to the store, ask yourself: are you a true fan? Test your brand savvy! Read on to learn 15 fun facts about Sephora.
A Gay Cafe Owner Had the Perfect Facebook Response to a Homophobic Couple
We've updated this story with comments from Horne.
Homophobia, despite progress toward equality, unfortunately remains alive and rampant. A gay cafe owner in Cairns, Australia, named Jay Horne posted his tale of prejudice (and how gracefully he handled it) on Facebook, and it's since gone viral.
🤔 I'm curious... 🤔
Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned...
Posted by Jay Horne on Thursday, March 16, 2017
In the post shared on March 16, Horne explains that a couple who frequent his restaurant, Paradiso Cairns, recently decided not to return after discovering it was gay owned and operated. "Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned and operated cafe?" Horne hilariously asked in the post.
"One of our regular 'straight' couples have stopped frequenting our cafe because we are gay owned and operated and they had no idea," he went on to detail. "All I can say is . . . their loss!"
POPSUGAR spoke to Horne about the experience and community response via Facebook messenger. "I don't want the world to think that Cairns is a homophobic city, as it's definitely not," Horne said. "I have been living here for eight years and proudly promote the Cairns region as an LGBT hot spot to both national and international travelers."
Horne told us that he's witnessed an outpouring of support from the community in Cairns following his post. "One gentleman came in on Saturday who was so thankful that he broke down in tears," Horne wrote. "Another couple who sat in the cafe in hope the old regulars would walk by so they could confront them. I know I don't stand alone."
He also added that using his profile to fight homophobia is important. "Cairns has one of the highest if not the highest youth suicide rate in Australia, which is often related to fear of not being accepted in the community as being gay," Horne said. "If I have helped one person or saved one person from taking their own life through sharing my experience, I am happy [sic]."
While incidents like this are widely reported in the United States, Horne's experience demonstrates that homophobia is an international issue. It's also an applaudable instance of responding to intolerance with dignity and a dash of humor.
26 Women Who Took Their Disney Halloween Costumes to the Next Level
You grew up dreaming about looking like a Disney princess. And with Halloween approaching, it might be time to turn your fantasy into a reality. Pull inspiration from your childhood by dressing as your favorite Disney character. But if you're going to draw inspiration from the magical kingdom, do it with panache. That's why we turned to the makeup mavens on Instagram to see how they transformed themselves into iconic characters, and the results are mesmerizing. These beauty pros turned to wigs, fake eyelashes, and extreme contouring and face painting to create results so real you would swear you were looking at a cartoon. Keep reading to see for yourself!
Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood's Sweetest Offscreen Couple Moments
Kara and Mon-El's romance (better known by fans as "Karamel") may be at a standstill on Supergirl, but the chemistry between their real-life counterparts, Melissa Benoist and Chris Wood, is currently thriving. Since their relationship was confirmed in March, the costars have gotten more comfortable showing their love for the cameras. While they have yet to make their official red carpet debut, they have had some seriously adorable moments on social media. From their press appearances at Comic-Con to their road trips to Arizona, it's clear that their relationship is just as sweet off screen as it is on.
Cancer lingo: How one person's thoughtful metaphor can be another's cliché
'He's a warrior. A real fighter.' These all-too-common battle metaphors are regularly aimed at people trying to get through a cancer diagnosis. While the words may be well-intentioned, doctors say they can often do more harm than good.
Someone Get This Girl an Award For Her Sign Comparing Viagra and Birth Control
We've updated this post to acknowledge a Facebook user's observation.
Ever since the Affordable Care Act mandated the coverage of birth control in 2010, there's been a fair amount of backlash to the provision. But as one Twitter user named Tammi pointed out in a glorious protest sign, why is the government subsidy for Viagra not contested?
Facebook vs. twitter #iwdla2017 http://pic.twitter.com/rjw7J3xzly
- tammi (@taammiiM) March 6, 2017
Tammi's sign, which she shared on March 5 just days before A Day Without a Woman, has gone viral for saying, "Viagra is gov't funded ($41.6 mil/yr). If pregnancy is God's will, so is limp d*ck."
Her sign refers to how much money the Department of Defense spent paying for active or retired military personnel's erectile disfunction drugs in 2014. The Department's Health Agency did, in fact, subsidize $41.6 million for Viagra in 2014 and $42.6 million on other erectile dysfunction drugs.
It's worth noting that the Department of Defense also covers birth control and other contraceptives, according to the military insurance website. And erectile dysfunction drugs also treat heart conditions; some women even take their equivalents for such conditions.
Similarly - as a Facebook user rightfully pointed out - those against government-subsidized birth control should know that birth control is prescribed to treat other conditions like endometriosis and severe menstruation pain in women.
Tammi's viral sign reveals a systemic issue and striking discrepancy: why is it that birth control coverage is vilified while coverage for drugs whose primary purpose is erectile dysfunction are not?
This Birth Photographer Shares the Most Memorable - and Jaw-Dropping - Photos From Her 100 Deliveries
Birth is one of the most important moments of women's lives, yet many mothers find that after the fact, they only have a few concrete memories of the entire birth experience.
Monet Moutrie, of Monet Nicole, is an experienced birth photographer and has captured an astounding 100 deliveries. From unmedicated home water births to hospital C-sections and stillbirths, she has seen it all - and has taken thousands of mind-blowing photographs in the process.
"I've witnessed and captured moments of intense strength, intense doubt, and intense joy. Quite simply: there is nothing more emotionally evocative than birth," Monet told POPSUGAR. "Having professional birth photographs can help give those memories more shape and power."
During her time observing the most intense hours of a family's life, she's learned that no birth is the same - and that there's immense beauty in the differences. "The more I do birth photography, the more I realize that women need to feel empowered and supported in whatever choices they make," said Monet. "The span of human emotion is often displayed in the hours that surround the first breath of a child."
As Monet reflects on her 100 births, she's shared her all-time favorite photos - and the incredible details that make their stories just as memorable.
How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes With Household Ingredients
We all know that it's bad for us to use dirty makeup brushes on our skin - come on, you wash your face twice a day, but how often do you actually give your tools the same kind of love? If you've been skipping because you're worried about hurting your brushes, we've got an easy DIY way to clean them all up safely. And don't forget to find the makeup brush that's right for you too!
Ingredients:
Olive oil
Antibacterial soap
Steps:
Step 1: Mix two parts antibacterial dish soap to one part of the extra-virgin olive oil on a clean plate (don't use paper plate, as the oil will seep through).
Step 2: Grab your first brush and wet it slightly with lukewarm water. Make sure the brush stays bristle-side down throughout the entire process. If water gets into the ferrule (the middle tube part that holds everything together) of the brush, it can loosen the glue, causing the bristles to fall out.
Step 3: Dip the damp brush into the soap mixture and coat it thoroughly. Next, work the mixture into the bristles using the palm of your hand and fingers. Continue until the soapy residue is makeup free.
Step 4: Rinse the brushes under lukewarm water until no soap runs from the bristles.
Step 5: Roll a dish towel like you would a yoga mat, and drape a paper towel over it so that most of the paper towel hangs off. (The paper towel should look like a slide coming down from the dish towel). Next, arrange the brush so the top of the handle sits on top of the towel, pitching the rest of the brush down onto the paper towel. This will allow your brushes to dry on a slant, while keeping moisture away from the ferrule.
Repeat with remaining brushes. Some make take two washings to get completely clean, depending on the amount of residue left behind. Allow them to dry overnight, and repeat about once a month.
15 Halloween Costumes That Are Really Just an Excuse to Wear Your Kylie Lip Kit
Though Kylie Jenner's fast-growing cosmetics enterprise currently includes eyeliners and shadow palettes, it's the brand's lip kits that are - without a doubt - its most coveted products. For those who have managed to snag one of Kylie Cosmetics's lip kit shades, we'd understand if you'd never want to take it off.
To accommodate that attachment, however, we've found some Halloween costumes that work seamlessly with your favorite lip kits.
'90s Girls Will Obsess Over These Colorful Lisa Frank Tattoos
Like many young girls of the '80s and '90s, I looked forward to back-to-school shopping for one reason: Lisa Frank. Nothing made me happier than prancing down the aisles at the drugstore to pick out my very own brightly colored folder adorned with unicorns, rainbow leopards, and dolphins, which (of course) matched my new neon pencils.
Though I've grown up a lot since then, that doesn't mean that the brand's vibrant, magical illustrations stopped being appealing to me. I was quite excited when I learned I'd be able to buy Lisa Frank clothing! If you, too, never stopped loving the iconic company, why not pay tribute to it via technicolor body art? Here are some amazing tattoos to inspire your very own Lisa Frank ink.
These Are the 10 Best Foundations, According to Celebrity Makeup Artists
If you want to improve your makeup game, the key is to start with a good foundation. For many, that's easier said than done. Shade matching and finding that unicorn formula - the one that looks like a better version of your skin instead of a cakey mask - can seem impossible. To help make the search for Mr. Right Foundation easier, we took these challenges to the pros in hopes of separating the flaky from the flawless. Read on for some of the ones they and their celebrity clients have come to love.
This Device Shows You Exactly What You’ll Look Like After Plastic Surgery - in 3D
People considering plastic surgery often arrive to their initial consultations armed with pictures of the celebrity body parts they aspire to emulate: Kate Middleton's nose! Sofia Vergara's breasts! Halle Berry's chin! And doctors, aiming to manage expectations, are usually prepared with their own photos of successful results from surgeries they've performed. These pictures can be a helpful but imprecise tool when it comes to schooling potential patients on the kinds of results they can realistically expect to achieve. The big problem with this method? None of those photographs - neither the red carpet snaps patients rip from magazines nor the post-op photos taken in the surgeon's office - are of the patient herself.
This is exactly the problem a relatively new tool called the VECTRA XT 3D Imaging System attempts to solve. The device, which resembles a space-age teleportation machine, creates hyperrealistic 3D models of patients' bodies. A person simply stands in front of the tool, which takes six 2D photographs with six cameras simultaneously. The system also takes precise measurements - including of any asymmetries - to almost instantly generate a 3D model of the body. The resulting image is so high-definition, a doctor can see every freckle and pore if he or she zooms in.
Doctors can then show the patient what they would look like with different sizes and types of implants - the tool adjusts for the thickness of a patient's skin and the effect of gravity - to provide a surprisingly canny preview of the post-op results. It even offers a mini wardrobe of virtual lingerie and clothes, including a leopard-print bikini top, so patients can get a sense of what their new bodies might look like in clothing. (As you can see, the wardrobe options still have a little ways to go to be as hyperrealistic as the body imaging itself.)
Product Director Dennis O'Neal of Canfield Scientific Inc. - which developed the VECTRA - says the system can pull up every saline and silicone breast implant on the market for a patient to virtually "try on."
"We're using those 3D models, and inserting them into a 3D model of the body," he says, "and we're altering it the same way the implant would be altered."
O'Neal adds that there are also tools that allow surgeons to walk patients through the intricacies of the surgery itself. "We also have a module that will do breast lifts. That's actually done in the software using the 3D images, just like it's done in surgery. They'll actually cut out the sections of the skin, which is pulled together and sewn, to cause the lifting of the breast. It's a very good educational value to the patient."
When the first VECTRA system was first launched in 2009, it could only be used for breast augmentation consultations. Today, surgeons can use different optional modules in conjunction with the tool to help patients seeking the aforementioned breast lift, rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, and even liposuction. A more recently released product, the VECTRA H1, is a handheld camera that merges three photos from three angles to take images of the face. O'Neal says the device has been helpful for a wider range of surgical uses. "We've seen them used in hospitals or taken overseas to third-world countries [to treat] babies with cleft lip," he notes. "It's the same technology, but in a portable way."
Dr. John Diaz, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, has one of some 1,500 VECTRA devices being used in the United States. Diaz says he is currently working on a paper for medical publication The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal that shares his findings on his patients' satisfaction with the VECTRA XT 3D system, and says the scores he has documented over a three-year span are higher than any scores published in a medical journal before. The median patient satisfaction rate he claims he's recorded since he started utilizing the system? One hundred percent.
The very invention of the VECTRA system, along with Diaz's study, points to a broader trend in medicine: a newfound focus on patient experience and satisfaction. Most measurements of the somewhat fuzzy concept of "patient experience" include confidence that a medical provider can deliver on his or her promises.
Dr. Diaz in his Beverly Hills office. Photo courtesy Lindsay Miller.
"The biggest fear people have about plastic surgery is not knowing what they're going to look like," Diaz told POPSUGAR. "And this eliminates that fear."
Hannah*, a 23-year-old LA-based model who had a breast augmentation performed by Diaz earlier this year, says she wasn't sold on going forward with surgery when she had her first consultation. She was seeking a smaller, natural-looking result and had some hesitations. "It was scary to me," she told POPSUGAR. "It was a big change to make. But when I could see on the imaging system how it would fit my frame, I was like, 'Oh, that looks good!' And to be honest, I think it came out even better than it looked on the imaging system."
There are other, more low-tech ways surgeons have tried to help guide patient expectations in the past. Many doctors gave women seeking breast augmentation rice bags to wear in their bras in advance of surgery, aiming to help give them an idea of the size and feel of their new breasts. But it was a flawed method - not only did the bags feel heavy and awkward to wear, but they didn't really approximate the real look and feel of implants, which don't feel as weighty or look as pronounced once they're inserted under skin and muscle. (Of course, the VECTRA is similarly unable to help a patient gain a real understanding of what their surgery results will actually feel like.)
Diaz says another upside to the VECTRA system is that it makes surgery itself more efficient and precise. Since asymmetries in the body are often exceedingly subtle and they can't always be detected just by sight. Diaz says this often means doctors undergo trial by error in the operating room.
"[Doctors] are still coming in with a pile of implants, and they don't know which ones are going to help the asymmetries . . . . There are implants that are designed to size in the operating room," he says. "And they're literally popping in and out these sizes, trying different sizes, and judging by sight. Frankly, I don't care how great of a surgeon you are, you're never going to be as accurate as this machine."
Because the VECTRA provides such specific measurements that spell out the volume differences - and even nipple asymmetries - between each of a patient's breasts, he says he goes into surgery more prepared than ever. "If I go in the operating room and the computer predicted that [the patient] is going to need 70 ccs more on one side than the other, I'm already prepared with that implant," he said.
Of course, Diaz admits, there is a downside to the technology: sometimes patients with outsize expectations aren't pleased with the realistic results Diaz shows them on the VECTRA system and choose to undergo surgery with another doctor. In that case, Diaz says, he often sees them again for revision surgery. "It's a common pitfall," he admits. "They'll go with the surgeon who shows them what they want to see."
At least, the first time around.
*Hannah's last name has been excluded to protect her privacy.
44 Disney Cruise Hacks You Need to Know Before Sailing
We've all got it wrong, because the happiest place on earth is not a Disney park, but a Disney cruise. Yep, I said it. I love Disneyland and Disney World as much as the next Disney devotee, but there are some drawbacks to the parks (like hordes of people, inescapable heat, and long lines) that you just don't deal with while sailing blissfully on blue seas. I recently took the Disney Fantasy's Western Caribbean trip for seven nights, and while I went in a little hesitant about the whole affair, my skepticism about being on board a ship with thousands of people - many of whom barely reached my waist - was checked at the entrance of the ship and buried deeper as the days went by.
Disney fans, book your cruise ASAP. Non-Disney fans, book your Disney cruise ASAP, because you can embrace Disney entirely aboard the ship or avoid it, and still have a VIP experience either way. Star Wars buffs, book your cruise on the Fantasy and have a special day at sea that biggest fans can only dream of.
This Homemade Drain Cleaner Will Banish Clogs For Good
If your drain isn't flowing as easily as it should, then it's probably a bit clogged. Instead of paying big bucks for chemical-filled concoctions, try fixing the problem yourself with a homemade drain cleaner. It costs basically nothing to make and can be used weekly to help prevent buildup. Safe to use in the bathroom or kitchen, the drain buster will have your sink or tub flowing freely in no time. Have a really plugged pipe? We've even found the solution for seriously stopped drains.
What You'll Need:
- Paper towel
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup cream of tartar
- 2 cups boiling water
Directions:
- Yes, it's a bit gross, but start by removing the drain trap and giving it a good cleaning. Use a paper towel to wipe around the drain of your sink or tub, removing any bits of food or collections of hair.
- Mix together the baking soda, salt, and cream of tartar in a small container. The salt and baking soda work together to help scour pipes and break up buildup, while the cream of tartar naturally cleans metals. Shake the mixture and sprinkle half down the clogged drain.
- Pour in the boiling water and let the drain buster work its magic for about an hour. Then rinse with cool water. You should notice a difference in your drainage.
- If the drain still is still clogged, get serious by pouring one cup baking soda down the drain followed with one cup vinegar. The two create a fizzing reaction, which will attack nasty obstructions. Allow the baking soda and vinegar to work overnight, and then pour two cups boiling water down the drain.
- Still not draining? Don old duds, fill the sink or tub halfway with warm water, and grab your plunger. Yes, it's also gross, but giving your sink or tub a plunging should clear that clogged drain.
- Maintain your free-flowing pipes by using the homemade drain cleaner once a week.
Keep the rest of your place nice and clean with these natural cleaning solutions.
Queen Letizia Wears Outfits No Other Royal Could Pull Off - You'll Want to See Them!
Queen Letizia of Spain, who normally likes to wear the same classic pieces time and time again, has been showing off some new additions to her wardrobe in 2017. It all started with an embellished Felipe Varela teal gown you need to see from the side, moving then to a new office-ready tweed dress and most recently a layered look a fashion stylist would clap for. Keep reading to see those and more outfits the journalist-turned-royal has expertly worn this year so far.
30 Roman Numeral Tattoos That Will Mark Your Most Memorable Date
Even if you consider yourself more of a word gal than a number person, you should definitely consider getting a Roman numeral tattoo. Everyone has a number, date, or time that they find meaningful, whether it's a wedding anniversary, a loved one's birthday, or a lucky number. Why not commemorate it permanently with a sleek and timeless Roman numeral tattoo? It's also easy to incorporate an infinity sign or arrow ink with this style, should you want to double up on trends! Read on for some pretty placement ideas.
Mom's Pregnancy Announcement Shows Her Kids' Real-Life Shock Over Baby No. 6
Announcing a new addition to the family on social media has become so normal over the years that the creativity that goes into the announcement has had to exponentially grow with the trend. Josie Wood, a mom to five kids ranging in age from 1 to 7, stepped up her game when announcing baby number six with a hilarious announcement featuring her five little ones.
"Shut the front door!! There's gonna be one more," the announcement reads. Each child - save the youngest, who's crying - is pictured mouth open, hands up in shock, which Josie says was actually their real-life reactions. "Our older kids were in complete shock," she told POPSUGAR. "'Mom, another baby?' As if five kids isn't enough! Haha."
The mom says her friends and family have loved the announcement, and she's happy everyone is seeing the humor in it. As for her, she's most excited to watch her five children interact with their new baby brother or sister. "In the past it has blown our mind how they accept new siblings into our family like they've know them for years," she said. "It's always scary adding a new baby into the family, but in the past our babies have fit into our family like missing puzzle pieces."
A Pregnant Mom Got Help Soothing Her Crying Baby on a Flight From This Unexpected Stranger
When a pregnant mom boarded a plane with her toddler son, she probably knew it was going to be a difficult flight. What she didn't know was that she'd find support in one of the unlikeliest of places: a complete stranger.
Instead of zoning out a crying child like so many passengers try to do, one man got up and helped. And Angela Byrd, another passenger, captured the moment on camera.
"On a flight back to Georgia, this man, who was a stranger to this woman, offered to help her because she was pregnant and alone on the flight and her son was upset and fussy," Byrd wrote in a post on the Everything Georgia Facebook page earlier this week.
So, what connected this man to this woman?
"He told her that he was a dad," she wrote. "He wanted to help her so she could rest. He walked the aisle most of the flight from Minneapolis to Atlanta comforting this woman's son as if he was his own. I was in tears . . . because it showed me today that there are still good people out there in a world full of turmoil."
This post was originally published on Sept. 8, 2016.
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