Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 6 mars 2018
Mark Hamill Innocently Introducing Himself to Gal Gadot at the Oscars Is Just So Effing Pure
The 2018 Oscars were chock-full of epic celebrity moments (see: Jennifer Lawrence being a seat-hurdling, wine-toting legend and Jennifer Garner fueling a hilarious meme with her facial expression), but one of the purest moments of them all involved two of our favorite actors: Gal Gadot and Mark Hamill.
Both of the heroic stars were involved in Jimmy Kimmel's elaborate mid-Oscars scheme, along with Armie Hammer, Emily Blunt, Lupita Nyong'o, and a handful of other actors. Just seconds before the group of A-listers waltzed into a theater full of unsuspecting moviegoers, ready to hand-deliver them candy and snacks (some via a hot dog cannon), Mark innocently introduced himself to Gal while standing behind the Wonder Woman actress.
You could almost see the wheels turning in the Star Wars actor's head as he stood behind Gal until he finally blurted out, "Hi Gal, Mark Hamill, nice to meet you" and shook her hand with the biggest smile planted on his face. Well played, Mark - well played. Their short but sweet interaction only lasted a few seconds and could have been missed if you were too busy being distracted by Lupita's jaw-dropping beauty or Margot Robbie's gorgeous dress, but you can relive it again and again in the video above, around the 2:15 mark.
Needless to say, sci-fi and comic book fans everywhere were utterly delighted that Wonder Woman and Luke Skywalker met up in real life, with many calling their interaction "the highlight of the Oscars" and totally "adorable." How on earth were these two badasses not friends already?!
Mark Hamill introducing himself to Gal Gadot is pretty much the highlight of the #Oscars pic.twitter.com/86HrCM18Ut
- Red (@SurvivingGrady) March 5, 2018
Best moment of the Oscars so far was Mark Hamill and Gal Gadot meeting for the first time in the background of a shot during that cinema-visit stunt. Adorable.
- Andrew Todd (@mistertodd) March 5, 2018
Amazing #Oscars moment: seeing Gal Gadot & Mark Hamill introduce themselves to each other while waiting backstage to surprise that movie audience. Can we pls get a Gal cameo in Episode IX? Luke Skywalker in Wonder Woman 2?
- Alexis Loinaz (@alexisloinaz) March 5, 2018
"Hi Gal, Mark Hamill, nice to meet you."@HamillHimself is my favorite person in the world. Luke Skywalker just introduced himself to Wonder Woman live on the #Oscars. @GalGadot, please get him a part in Wonder Woman 2. pic.twitter.com/Sa96jmV2Z8
- Chillmonger (@Real_Ice_Berg) March 5, 2018
MARK HAMILL AND GAL GADOT SHAKE HANDS. LUKE SKYWALKER AND WONDERWOMAN MEET I AM FANGIRLING 😱
- Lindsay Salomon (@lindsayshuttle) March 5, 2018
These Photos of a Frozen Niagara Falls Are Absolutely Stunning
Even as Winter approaches its official end on March 20, frigid weather continues to pummel North America. When the East Coast was slammed by a "bomb cyclone" weather phenomenon in the first week of January, it brought snow, ice, and strong winds to the East Coast and Canada.
The weather left Niagara Falls, which lie both in upstate New York and in Canada, looking like a Winter wonderland. The temperatures dove low enough to freeze running water, causing parts of the falls to appear stuck in midair. The stunning photos prove that no matter what time of year it is, this natural wonder is completely beautiful. Read on to see the frozen falls at their finest.
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.
This Campaign Ad Captures Why Women Are Running in 2018 - and Will Make Your Heart Swell
As the only woman running against Paul Ryan in the 2018 race for Wisconsin's First Congressional District, Cathy Myers is an outlier. But in a deeply moving campaign ad featuring women of different races, ages, religions, and careers, she illustrates exactly why no woman running for office this year will be alone.
The ad, called "We Will Not Be Ignored," celebrates women in the many roles they fulfill: as leaders, workers, changemakers, teachers, mothers, and caregivers. "Nothing about my story is unique," Myers says as we watch her enter her classroom early in the morning. "We face down our challenges. We push forward when others dismiss us," she says, as more women and their voices join in the message. The video also calls to mind imagery from the Women's March, which Myers says was a pivotal moment in her decision to run.
"I love the idea that, as women, we have this shared experience. That when things happen, when life throws you a few curves, you just buckle down, you deal with it, and you fix the situation," Myers told POPSUGAR, adding that the spot reflects "women of all shapes and sizes, all races, all ages, all religions, [and] what we bring to the table, and why it is our collective power that is going to change things in this country."
Myers said the response to the video has been overwhelming; she says she has raised $150,000 in campaign contributions since debuting the ad earlier this month. (She is facing a Democratic challenger, Randy Bryce, in the primary.)
While Ryan is a longtime political power player, there are signs his popularity is waning in his home state. A recent story in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that his constituents are "more polarized than ever" over the Republican, and cites a recent poll that shows Donald Trump's approval rating in Ryan's district is also more negative than positive. "I think that over the past year that people have awakened to the kind of person he is and what he really cares about," Meyers said. "For a long time, I think he got a pass on things. People thought he was maybe a nice guy but didn't quite understand what their lives were like. That notion was so brought out into the open this year when we discovered what he would do when he had the presidency and power locked in . . . I think they are starting to rally against him and rally for change."
So, as the sole woman in the race, what kinds of reactions does Myers garner? "Women that are a little older than I am, their response is usually 'You go girl!" she laughed. "Because they get it better than everybody. Women are oftentimes overlooked when there is opportunity. Oftentimes, we are expected to take a back seat to less qualified men. But I think the trend right now is to recognize that women are ready to take their rightful place in Congress."
What Did George W. Bush Say to Barack Obama to Make Him Lose It? An Investigation
Image Source: Getty / Rick Kern
Former President Barack Obama is known for his composed and even-keeled disposition. At an October hurricane relief event hosted by One America Appeal, however, Obama absolutely lost it - and we are still dying to know why all these months later. It all went down when George W. Bush leaned in to whisper something in his ear.
The viral moment - shown in the video below at the 3:30 mark - didn't come at a great time either. At that exact moment, Bill Clinton was speaking about the immense damage caused by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. What is it that Bush could have possibly said to make Obama break his usual professional facade?
Though we're unable to read Bush's lips since he's obscured by Clinton, we have a few ideas. "Calamitous? Now that's a big word," the 43rd president might have said. Perhaps he assured Obama that his speech would kill it following Clinton's. Maybe it was an inside joke. In our wildest dreams, it was a dig at the current president missing from the event. We may never know, but at least we'll always have this clip.
How You Can Join a National Walkout For Parents, Students, and Teachers Sick of Gun Violence
Parents, students, and teachers who have had enough of gun violence in American schools are planning to make a major statement in support of gun safety - by walking out of classrooms across the country. On Feb. 16, the organizers behind the Women's March announced that they are planning a nationwide school walkout to take place on March 14.
The Enough! National School Walkout is scheduled to take place at 10:00 a.m. across every timezone in America on March 14. In a Facebook announcement, organizers of Women's March Youth EMPOWER say they are "calling for students, teachers, school administrators, parents, and allies to take part in a #NationalSchoolWalkout for 17 minutes . . . to protest Congress' inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing our schools and neighborhoods."
The news came just two days after a school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, claimed the lives of 17 students and teachers and prompted the students, teachers, and parents who survived the attack to demand lawmakers' attention to an issue. We watched the grieving mother of Alyssa Alhadeff, slain in the shooting, make a heartbreaking plea to President Donald Trump on national TV. We heard survivor and schoolteacher Melissa Falkowski tell a reporter "our government failed us." And student David Hogg went viral for his emotional demand that policymakers "look in the mirror and take some action" to protect the nation's children from being murdered at school.
The Enough! event announcement makes clear that the protest is aimed at putting pressure on elected officials to institute new gun laws. "Congress must take meaningful action to keep us safe and pass federal gun reform legislation that address the public health crisis of gun violence," it reads. "We want Congress to pay attention and take note: many of us will vote this November and many others will join in 2020, and staff have the right to teach and learn in an environment free from the worry of being gunned down in their classrooms or on their way home from school."
This New Mom Is Applying to Jobs With Her Baby - Here's Why Companies Should Take Her Seriously
On a typical weekday, Meesha Chang is doing what countless other New Yorkers in between jobs do: endlessly perusing LinkedIn and other sites for open positions, her laptop like an inanimate appendage. Her last job, a highly coveted creative consultant position within the cultural department of a tech giant, is almost certain to attract the attention of most hiring managers. However, there is one significant detail in her application that she knows could repel some potential employers: her 5-month-old baby, Lucia.
Lucia is Chang's daughter with her fiancé, John. Round-cheeked and wide-eyed, the infant is a pleasure at home - but what about in the next cubicle over?
For the past two months, Chang has been applying to any and every position that matches her vast qualifications, but unlike her competition, she's applying with Lucia in tow. Her ideal plan is to bring her infant daughter with her to her new office every day. "I'm being very transparent about my situation," she explains. "Lucia's name has equal billing on my résumé." She even lists her daughter's qualifications - "quiet, observant nature and positive attitude" - on her résumé and in her cover letter in hopes that companies will see Lucia as not just a caveat, but an asset. She's even brought Lucia along to interviews, once in person and once over Skype, with the newborn cooing in the background. The hiring managers greeted Lucia awkwardly, unsure of what to make of the mother-daughter duo, Chang recalls.
This may seem like a pretty unconventional, maybe even bizarre, strategy for job hunting, but in Chang's view, there's no viable alternative. She prioritizes her career and motherhood equally, and she doesn't feel it's fair to have to choose between the two. "One of the most challenging things about becoming a mom for me is figuring out what kind of mom I am and can be to my child," Chang says. "I always thought I would be the kind of mom to get straight back to work. Having a child now has changed everything." For her, that means bringing her baby to work, which, to her, is not such an outlandish request.
Chang is fully aware that she is fortunate to work in a field that could accommodate babies at work and senior enough in her career that she feels comfortable making certain demands of potential employers. And she is more than grateful to have John, who helps with both baby and financial duties, while she job hunts. "I know not everyone is in this position," she acknowledges.
"We are told over and over that women can't have it all, can't be present parents and have a great career. This is not because it's impossible; it's because we don't have systems in place to provide that life."
There are parents who don't have the luxury of requesting such policies and who have to shoulder all responsibilities alone, but Chang hopes that her advocacy for babies-at-work programs will be the first step in shifting the standard in favor of more parent-friendly policies in general.
"Part of why I am pushing for companies to accommodate babies at work is so that more parents have choices in the future," she says. "We are told over and over that women can't have it all, can't be present parents and have a great career. This is not because it's impossible; it's because we don't have systems in place to provide that life."
What ends up happening, Chang points out, is women leave the workforce to care for their newborns and oftentimes don't come back for years or even decades (she refers to Lori Hill, a software developer who took a break from her career to raise her kids and reentered the workforce after 22 years). This contributes to what many experts refer to as a "brain drain" in the US workforce and economy. If only companies could see this larger picture, she says, maybe then they would be more open to more parent-friendly policies.
Since Lucia's birth, Chang has applied to a wide range of positions, from established companies to brand-new start-ups, and even a weeklong stint as the mayor of Danzhai Wanda Village in Southwest China. As expected, the responses have been mixed, but some companies have been surprisingly receptive. "I think it opens people's minds and makes them think backwards and forwards, reflecting back on their childhood and mother," Chang says, "as well as envisioning what kind of workplaces will exist in the future." One aspect of a mother-baby team she tries to emphasize to prospective employers is the symbiotic relationship between loving mother and industrious worker. "I feel my new skills as a mom are transferable," she says. "Why not have the next step in my career path work with, rather than against, my new role and instincts?"
Though she has not received an offer just yet, Chang remains undeterred. "I live by the philosophy 'where there is a will, there is a way,'" she says. "And I want to be with Lucia as much as possible during this critical time. I am a better person because of her and with her."
Babies at Work Are Becoming More CommonChang is not alone. For at least the last decade, a burgeoning movement advocating for bringing babies to work has been taking shape and gaining momentum. Though the practice is still very much a fledgling one, forward-thinking companies - such as advertising agency T3 and PR firm Vanguard Communications - are starting to catch on to the value of bringing babies into the workplace.
According to the Parenting in the Workplace Institute (PIWI), which provides resources and best-practice guidelines for implementing babies-at-work policies, more than 200 businesses in the US have adopted such policies. Founded in 2007 by Carla Moquin, the PIWI has helped dozens of companies implement babies-at-work programs.
"There is a disparity between what people expect when they think about having babies in a work environment compared to what well-structured baby programs actually look like in practice," Moquin explains. Once a company observes the overwhelming benefits, she says, "they are typically eager to make the policy permanent."
Moquin knows firsthand how valuable and life-changing these programs can be for new parents - and that many moms and dads don't have the financial and social privileges Chang has when it comes to forcing an employer's hand. In fact, Moquin herself had to return to work when each of her daughters were less than 5 weeks old.
So how does a babies-at-work program work exactly? With PIWI's help, a company starts by implementing a short-term pilot program, a month-long "experimentation" that determines what a long-term policy might look like. "Once a pilot program is in place and companies see how well it works," Moquin says, "it is extremely rare for a company not to move forward with a permanent policy."
PIWI also offers a downloadable template, which outlines a recommended checklist of things to consider, like eligibility parameters, waivers and agreement forms to complete, and rules for the parent to adhere to.
At Badger, a family-owned company that makes organic bodycare products, employees request to participate in the program and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To date, the company has been fortunate to make the program work for every employee who has requested to participate. When an employee is approved, other logistical arrangements are put into place, such as a meeting room designated to easily be converted into an office/nursery, a separate room set up specifically for mothers to breastfeed or pump, and designated voluntary, alternate caregivers within Badger for those times the parent needs a break or needs to attend a meeting.
As for Chang's ideal setup, she envisions a small space in the office not too far from her desk where her baby can play and sleep that would be private enough for nursing or pumping. But since Lucia loves being "in the mix," Chang hopes she can also keep her even closer, perhaps in her carrier under an adjustable standing desk, as she suggests. If there are important meetings where a baby's presence might not be appropriate, having an onsite sitter like the ones at Badger would be the perfect solution. And while Chang believes in the value of working closely with her work team, she also knows that a flexible work-from-home policy would be immensely helpful for any new mom.
In Moquin's experience, these programs are adopted and integrated as seamlessly as any other company policy. It typically takes a week or two of sharing the office with their baby for the parent to find their "rhythm." "This is aided by the emotional and logistical support that most coworkers are eager to provide once they find themselves bonding with the babies," she says.
The Concrete Benefits to Baby-Friendly OfficesWhile parents might be the ones overwhelmingly pushing for baby-friendly policies, data suggest that companies see tangible benefits to instituting those policies, too. According to Moquin, here are some of the ways babies at work can help businesses:
- Increasing retention
- Encouraging employees to voluntarily return to work earlier, which saves the business money
- Increasing employee morale and loyalty, not just for the parents but for their coworkers as well, making employee recruitment easier
- Increasing teamwork and collaboration due to the presence of the babies and the social dynamics they create
Several organizations with similar programs have witnessed nearly identical results. Badger has seen the benefits of babies at work firsthand and cannot envision running their business any other way. "We've seen higher morale, increased engagement, and greater loyalty among employees," says Dee Fitzgerald, Badger's Marketing & PR Manager. "Parents feel supported and come to work knowing they are embraced by a community that sees them as a whole person and cares for their well-being."
While there are inevitably going to be a few downsides, namely the occasional distraction of a crying baby, the list is minuscule compared to the benefits. "Our experience so far has been that the benefits far outweigh the concerns or inconveniences." Plus, Fitzgerald exclaims, "It's the right thing to do!"
The Nevada State Health Division, which first introduced its program in 2009, noted increased productivity, improved morale, and better communication with no formal complaints. The NSHD's program was so successful it inspired other organizations in the state, like the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and Nevada Child and Family Services, to adopt babies-at-work policies of their own.
According to a report by Society of Human Resource Management, who interviewed Virginia architectural design firm Peck, Peck & Associates on its babies-at-work program, the increase in retention is a standout benefit. "We've had people who were offered jobs [elsewhere] but stayed with us because of this," founder Dianne Peck told SHRM.
Curious companies, if you're reading this, perhaps one particular benefit should be underlined: not only do these programs cost very little, or virtually nothing, to implement, they will actually save you money.
"If your company has an open-door policy and is invested in the well-being of its employees," Fitzgerald says, "it is a relatively easy benefit to implement with little cost and a high return." She also emphasizes that such programs are powerful recruiting tools, which saves the company money in the long run. The NSHD made a similar note in its report, calling the program a "minimal investment as long as clear expectations and rules are in place."
But families benefit too, as Moquin notes:
- Parents can be present for those critical first six months of their baby's life
- Parents and babies don't have to experience the trauma of separating in those very vulnerable early months
- Parents face lower daycare costs/more financial stability
- Breastfeeding opportunities for moms increase
Chang hopes to highlight this multitude of benefits each time she applies to a job with Lucia, who she calls "a natural Chief Happiness Officer."
Advice For Parents Who Want to Bring Their Baby to WorkAs of press time, Chang is still job searching for the right position and company that will allow her to fulfill her dual roles as mother and creative whiz. She always knew that it might be trickier to apply as a "package deal," but she remains "hopeful and curious about the outcome." In the meantime, both Moquin and Fitzgerald offer invaluable advice to new moms like Chang.
"For a new mom applying to jobs, we recommend asking the hiring manager or HR representative what kinds of family-friendly benefits they offer and if babies at work would be something they would consider providing in the future," Fitzgerald says. "If the answer is 'yes,' then you know that the company culture is family-friendly and its leadership team places a high value on the happiness and well-being of its employees."
Moquin's advice is more practical. "For new moms who already have a baby and are looking for jobs, we actually recommend that they focus on flexible or work-from-home jobs unless they have a potential employer that is already eager to implement a baby program," she advises, acknowledging that not all moms can afford the luxury of a lengthy job search for an office that fulfills all their asks. "It can take weeks to months to convince a company to implement a program."
But Chang isn't giving up on finding a full-time job in an office environment. She has a newfound tenacity bolstered by her tiny teammate. "Babies are just everything," she says. "Babies represent new hopes, new aspirations." And if that means making the case for bringing Lucia to work knowing most companies will reject the very notion, she will do it, because she genuinely believes in the value of working alongside her daughter.
"As a team," Chang wrote in one cover letter, "we can bring positive energy and change to almost any situation we encounter, and would love to bring it to you."
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 2017 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."
This Black Woman Is Putting an End to the "Mad Men" Era of Advertising
When asked why advertising has remained so exclusive over the years, Jazmin Burrell, a black advertising professional, did not hold back. "Advertising is an industry of rubbing elbows," she told POPSUGAR. "As a minority, they tell you to go through all of these advertising diversity programs to 'get in.' You have to have the GPA and the connections and the look, but on the first day at your dream job, you find out that your white boss got her degree in philosophy and used to babysit the CEO's daughter. The advertising industry is so white because it chooses to be. We shouldn't be treated as prizes and anomalies when, in actuality, we are the culture that inspires these ads and the consumers that follow these brands."
"The advertising industry is so white because it chooses to be."
While Burrell is speaking from experience, the numbers tell a similar story. In 2017, 72AndSunny - a prominent agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Amsterdam - published a playbook that shows the advertising industry is 81 percent white and only 19 percent people of color. According to 2017 Census data, white people make up 63 percent of the country's total population, while people of color make up 37 percent. Without realizing it, 72AndSunny proved that diversity in advertising hasn't changed much at all over the last decade. In 2008, economist Marc Bendick Jr. conducted a study that projected African Americans would make up almost 10 percent of the industry by that time. In reality, African Americans were 5.8 percent of the industry, almost half of what was expected. 72AndSunny's 2017 numbers show that African Americans make up 7 percent of the industry currently, a mere 1.2 percent climb from the numbers collected in 2008.
However, it's not just the numbers that are cause for concern; the lack of diversity is causing tone-deaf ads as well. In April 2017, Shea Moisture ostracized its most loyal fan base - black women - after releasing an ad that featured almost no diversity. During the same month, Pepsi released a short that positioned Kendall Jenner as an activist who solved inequality with a can of Pepsi, and in October of the same year, Dove came under fire for a soap ad that showed a black woman cleaning herself and becoming white.
To say the least, the advertising industry has some work to do. Despite diversity and inclusion campaigns from powerhouses like Leo Burnett, the numbers have barely budged. Burrell, the founder of Lizzie Della Creative Strategies, is determined to redecorate the celebrated "Mad Men" boardroom with a bigger room that offers a seat for new faces who inspire and drive the culture forward.
"My great-grandmother is everything that I want my brand to represent: boldness, creativity, bravery, and authenticity."
During the Summer of 2017, Lizzie Della Creative Strategies, a boutique agency run out of Brooklyn, NY, was born. The agency is named after Burrell's great-grandmother, Lizzie Della Figgous, who had a passion for creating but wasn't able to pursue it as a career - she was a black woman with a sixth grade education in the segregated deep South during the early 1900s. "I knew from the jump that I wanted to name my agency after my great-grandmother," Burrell said. "She always supported me in carrying out my dreams and nurturing my imagination. She's everything that I want my brand to represent: boldness, creativity, bravery, and authenticity."
Jazmin Burrell and her great-grandmother Lizzie Della Figgous.
What sets Lizzie Della apart from the rest is a conscious commitment to diversity and authenticity. The Lizzie Della team - made up entirely of women of color - is spread out across the country in the South, Midwest, and Northeast. In less than a year, Lizzie Della Creative Strategies has landed projects with BET and Loud Speakers Network, home of popular podcasts like The Read and The Friend Zone, along with many minority nonprofits and small businesses.
Burrell isn't new to the advertising world. She got her degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism - the oldest J-school in the country - where she majored in strategic communication. Since graduation, she's gone on to work for some of the most notable agencies in New York City: Spike DDB, 72andSunny, and even a stint at Viacom. Currently, she's working on her master's in advertising and digital innovation at Syracuse University.
"I knew I wanted to use my voice to represent people who look like me."
But the companies Burrell has been able to work for and the brands she's represented are not what keep her moving forward. Her thirst for independence is. "I knew I wanted to start my own agency before I even broke into the business. When I went to college, I knew I wanted to use my voice to represent people who look like me," she says. "After being let go from 72, I had to put into perspective that you really are collateral in this business. It's always convenient for companies to want diversity but not nurture it. Being in corporate America, you see how people can work at a job for 20 years and still get let go due to 'office culture' shifts or political changes. I decided that wasn't going to be my fate. I was not going to be a trend or a convenience."
Burrell had no interest in moving to NYC, but when her dream agency, Spike DDB, called, she couldn't pass up the opportunity.
The lack of diversity and especially the lack of inclusion was also a sign for Burrell that if she wanted this industry to represent her and her peers, she was going to have to forge her own path. "It's always interesting to see the discussion of diversity in advertising, the conversation is always [centered around] white women," Burrell explained. "Look at this year's Agency A-List. I truly believe that we're at the point where we need to stop begging for a seat at the table and make our own. We have the network. We are the talent and almost every one of these top list agencies started off the same way . . . with a vision. No time is better than the present and that's how Lizzie Della came about."
"I truly believe that we're at the point where we need to stop begging for a seat at the table and make our own."
Burrell isn't just trying to be one agency in a sea of many; she wants Lizzie Della to create a power shift within the industry. A shift where the agency producing the work reflects its intended audience. "The world is becoming more culturally diverse and brands are looking for agencies to authentically and truly represent them," she said. "The world is moving forward and the advertising world isn't. They'll have to catch up soon and we set the pace." She's not wrong. In the last year alone, Airbnb, Pepsi, and Verizon have called for more diversity of the advertising staffs they work with. In 2016, General Mills refused to work with agencies that didn't meet its diversity requirements as well.
The driving force behind Lizzie Della is Burrell's passion and determination to create what her great grandmother never got the chance to. She's not just doing this for herself, but for all women of color who have been deemed too "sassy" or "bossy" for a traditional agency. Her advice to women looking to break out and do their own thing: don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and be yourself. "These companies do not care about you. You can sip the Kool-Aid and fit the mold if you want to, but it's not going to get you as far as staying true to your values and beliefs," she said. "You'll be a lot happier and a lot more successful with your own navigation. You'll be known for being you, and at the end of the day, that's your legacy. If a place doesn't like it or accept it, you have the right to move on and make your own table. The time is now."
An Evil Genius Swapped Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un's Hair and We Can't Look Away
President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong-un have remained locked in a war of words ever since the former took office, but it certainly isn't keeping the internet from poking a bit of fun at the two superpowerful men. And if the above photo is any indication, the games have just begun.
A Reddit user posted a diptych of Trump and Jong-un with their hair meticulously swapped on Aug. 10, coinciding with the publication of French magazine Libération's take on the very same idea, and it features an outstandingly blond, Trump-ified version of the North Korean leader. The emergence of these memes is in line with a larger trend of face swapping and hair swapping the men and women we see on TV all the time, which began in earnest in the lead-up to the 2012 election and has evolved as the years have progressed. Here, we see the natural evolution of the swap: making everyone - and everything - look like our wispy-haired, strangely-colored president.
It's only a matter of time before we get a Trump face swap Snapchat filter, but until then, you can work your own magic online in the Trump's Hair tool. And if you're anything like us, you'll be gazing at this downright terrifying yet unbearably fascinating photo all day long.
The 15 Best Independent Bookstores in the US
When it's time to hit the road for a vacation, there are two things that bookworms know to be true. First of all, you can never pack too many books in your suitcase and carry-on (although those overweight luggage fees are definitely not on our side). The other is that, no matter where we go, it would be straight-up sacrilege to not visit any and all renowned independent bookstores in the vicinity.
With no disrespect to chain bookstores, there's nothing quite as magical as an independent bookstore. Each has its own unique atmosphere, decor, selection, and claim to fame, but they all have one thing in common - when a bookworm steps inside, we immediately know that we could spend an entire day there.
Despite the rise of e-readers, there's no shortage of incredible independent bookstores in America. In fact, some of us (*raises hand*) have even planned trips just so we can visit certain indies. Luckily, many of them are located in popular tourist destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. So before you head out on your next trip, check out this list of the 15 best independent bookstores in the country.
21 Ink-credible Science-Inspired Tattoos
The careful line-drawing and stippling techniques of science illustration make them a natural starting point for incredible tattoos. Students and admirers of the sciences are flying their geek flags high with skin art of meaningful molecules, anatomical drawings, and space exploration's most historic events. So in the name of science, we've rounded up some of the best body ink inspired by chemistry, space, and the natural sciences.
7 Healthy Travel Destinations You Should Add to Your Bucket List
Chemicals are out and all-natural everything is in. There's a surging urge to eat, live, and play better these days. However chaotic the world may seem, there's a rising number of us who are yearning for inner peace in favor of healthier physical and spiritual living.
A wellness revolution is in motion, and with that comes the desire to not only eat and live well, but travel well, too. For those healthy globetrotters who have been bit by the travel bug, there is a cure. There is an ever-evolving list of cities to fall in love with, oceans to explore, and mountains to climb. So, what are some wellness destinations that you can add to the list (for now)? All of you yogis, spiritualists, surfers, hikers, and chillers will want to keep reading.
lundi 5 mars 2018
Calling All Master Builders! Legoland California's New Castle Hotel Is Perfect Down to the Last Brick
Looking for the perfect getaway that will please both your knights-in-training and little ones who gab solely about princesses? Then you're in luck because Legoland's California Resort just officially released an opening date for its brand-new Castle Hotel in Carlsbad, CA. And, no, the word "enchanting" doesn't quite cover how amazing it is.
Legoland announced in a press release that guests can stay in one of the 250 LEGO-themed rooms that have adventurous themes, like knights and dragons, royal princesses, and magical wizards. There are also 20 suites to choose from if you're feeling especially royal.
The grounds beyond the rooms are equally as mystical. Families can check out the Grand Hall, a lobby with an enormous model of a wizard and an awesome slide that gets little ones from the second floor down to the first in a jiff. Hungry guests can chow down in Dragon's Den Restaurant, a full-service eatery complete with an open kitchen and LEGO models to entertain impatient diners.
And you can't miss the Royal Courtyard that has a DUPLO play area for younger kiddos, a larger play structure for older children, and a pool and a hot tub. And if it couldn't get any cooler, there are 2,100 different professionally crafted LEGO sculptures on the property that took over three million blocks to make.
The hotel opens its doors on April 27, but you can also book your room in advance. Scroll through to see every nook and cranny of this magical spot.
10 Hotels With Amazing Kid Amenities That Make All the Travel Hassle Worth It
Remember when all you needed to know about a hotel before you booked it was cost, WiFi availability, and distance to the beach or center of town? Us too. But once kids come into the mix, hotel reservations suddenly become a Herculean task. Which hotel offers cribs? Can they recommend a babysitter? Is there a suite setup so everyone can get some sleep? Or will you have to hide out in the bathroom when baby goes to bed? That baby will then turn into a toddler with separate needs, sleeping arrangements, and opinions.
Finding the right hotel for your family can be a tricky undertaking. You want something that can entertain and not overwhelm them, but you also want a room that feels like an oasis for you. To take the guesswork out of your next getaway, we rounded up the best hotel amenities for toddlers, including blanket forts and brand name gear to make your hotel stay as fun and hassle-free as possible.
This Scary Video Shows a Passenger's Portable Charger Catching Fire on a Flight
Image Source: Stocksnap / Rawpixel
There's nothing like a ball of fire in the overhead compartment of your plane to start your flight off on a terrifying foot. Passengers on a recent China Southern Airlines flight were boarding the plane when a piece of luggage that had been placed in the storage bins above the rows of seats burst into flames. Smoke was initially seen in the cabin before things took a turn for the worse.
The suspected cause of the fire is a portable phone charger. Lithium batteries power many electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and even smart luggage, and there have been reports that these batteries can be responsible for fires. In fact, many airlines have banned certain smart suitcases - luggage with charging and/or tracking capabilities - or are requiring the lithium-ion batteries to be removable in order for them to be allowed as checked or carry-on bags.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) already prohibits spare lithium batteries in checked luggage to avoid fire-related problems in the cargo hold. According to officials, there were no injuries and the fire was extinguished promptly. Passengers had to deplane and catch a later flight. Watch the video ahead to the scary incident on board!
Power bank fire on board China Southern CZ3539, Feb 25 2018.😱😱 pic.twitter.com/cby6E62qRv
- ChinaAviationReview (@ChinaAvReview) February 25, 2018
32 Pictures That Prove Britain Looks Even More Beautiful in the Snow
On a seasonal cusp, just as Britons thought it was time to hang up the ear muffs, Great Britain was blanketed in Siberian snow on Tuesday. "The Beast From the East," also responsible for rare snowfall in Rome, continued to coat the United Kingdom on Wednesday, making for some rather scenic shots of London landmarks, country landscape, and a few brisk dog walks. Read on for 33 photos that will remind you just how beautiful Britain can be when coated in snow.
Here's How to Get a Boozy, Sparkling Rose Gold Gelato Float at Disney World
The rose gold gelato cocktail at Epcot is joining my collection of favorite rose gold treats at Disney World (yes, I drank it while wearing my rose gold ears, rose gold spirit jersey, and millennial pink Magic Band after eating a rose gold cupcake). But before you start researching menu items, heads up: it's not actually on the menu!
In preparation for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon at Disney World - and my first trip to Disney World since 2001 - I was all about scoping out the treats in advance. You know . . . to carb load? And while I'm admittedly not a big drinker, I somehow became enthralled in the idea of trying all the different boozy treats around the different parks, particularly Epcot.
Diving deep into listicles and infographics for the best drink from every country, I somehow committed to memory a drink that doesn't actually exist - a sparkling gelato float at the Italy Pavilion. Because of said folly, I ended up creating my own drink.
In reality, the treats I fused together in my mind are both called "frizzante" - but to my intense disappointment, I learned the hard way that it exists in two iterations. The gelato frizzante doesn't have booze, and the boozy frizzante doesn't have gelato. Missed opportunity, in my opinion.
As such, I took matters into my own hands. The result was a more-than-magical sparkling rose gold concoction - an off-the-menu DIY treat that tastes like a fizzy, boozy creamsicle. Mmmm. Here's how you make it.
Head to the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar bar or the bar in Tutto Italia (they're next to each other), and order a frizzante cocktail with no ice. The blend of Prosecco, campari, and blood orange juice creates the rose-colored centerpiece for your float.
Once you've got your drink in hand, take it to-go (yes, you can take your drink to go!) and walk just a few steps over to the gelato cart just at the entrance of the Italy Pavilion. Order a scoop of vanilla gelato in a drink cup, and pour your frizzante cocktail over the gelato. Et voila!
From personal experience, I can tell you this delicious dessert drink made for the perfect nightcap while watching fireworks over the lake. But to ensure that this DIY method was doable for someone else, I told my friend Sarah to give it a shot; she had an equally easy time getting the drink and gelato and also found it to be quite delicious. She even snapped these gorgeous photos so I could share our new hack with the rest of the world. Win-win!
5 Hangover Remedies I Tried in Vegas and How They Stacked Up
It had been nine years and two children since my last trip to Las Vegas, so when an invitation for a weekend getaway to Mandalay Bay with a girlfriend popped up, I knew I was overdue to cut loose a little bit. I also knew that I'd become quite a lightweight since then, and a night of vodka cocktails was sure to leave me hurting. Rather than accept my hangover fate (or pretend like I wasn't going to indulge a bit, let's be serious here), I did some research on the latest science surrounding hangover prevention and remedies, loaded up my Amazon cart, made some appointments, and set out to survive three days in Vegas without incident. Here's what I tried, and how it helped (or didn't).
Dihydromyricetin
I'd read about dihydromyricetin, derived from the Japanese raisin tree, and its supposed capability to improve the liver's ability to metabolize alcohol. I figured my weekend in Vegas was the perfect chance to test its effectiveness for myself. The dosing of this supplement is a little loose ("Take 1-2 capsules before consuming alcohol, and 1-2 capsules each three drinks thereafter"), and since I didn't want to deal with taking pills while we were out and about, I took two pills before we headed out on our first night and I crossed my fingers it would help. After a three-Champagne happy hour at Aureole followed by a three-cocktail dinner at Libertine Social, we were feeling nice and giggly.
We made our way to Jewel Nightclub where we made friends with a bachelorette party that was eager to share their vodka bottle service with us. By the end of the night, I'd consumed as much alcohol as I do during an entire week of my typically very un-Vegas life. I wouldn't say the dihydromyricetin made me feel any less intoxicated than I'd expect to feel with that many drinks in my system, but where I'd typically expect to be on a downward path toward nausea and passing out by the end of the night, I made it to bed feeling OK. More importantly, I still felt mostly OK when I woke up in the morning. I definitely wasn't 100 percent, but I knew that with just a little help, I'd be up for another day and night in Vegas.
Electrolytes and Vitamins
My first order of business after waking up was to mix up a glass of EmergenC, a pantry staple I keep on hand for immunity and electrolyte replacement. The fizziness was refreshing, and I started to feel more awake within a few minutes of drinking it. It's packed with vitamin C, B6, and potassium, all of which are depleted by binge-drinking.
Fruits and Veggies
After chugging our EmergenC and getting dressed, we headed down to the smoothie bar at Citizen's Kitchen & Bar inside Mandalay Bay, where I had a smoothie called Five Alive, a blend of kale, beet, apple, cucumber, blueberry, and grape juices chock-full of hydration and vitamins. Although a typical "hangover breakfast" of greasy bacon and eggs did have some appeal, it was a lot easier to stomach a smoothie I could sip on than a heavy sit-down breakfast, and filling myself with nutrients instead of gravy surely did my body a favor. We double-fisted our smoothies and coffees, popped 400 mg of ibuprofen (honestly for the high-heel hangover more than the actual alcohol hangover), and within an hour of waking up our hangovers were reduced to just a mild tired feeling.
Pamper Yo Self
Not that I need an excuse to plan a spa day, but I strategically booked a massage at the Mandalay Spa for Saturday morning knowing I might be in need of a little TLC. Massage increases circulation, expels toxins, and reduces muscle aches, plus it feels fantastic after a night spent dancing in four-inch heels. Post massage, we spent some time in the jetted hot tub and then ended our spa day by forcing ourselves to take a dip in the cold plunge pool. No joke, I walked out of there feeling like a new woman.
Preparty Like a Pro
We had plans to see Tiesto at Hakkasan Nightclub on our second night in Vegas, and even though we were feeling totally recovered by that afternoon, we headed into the evening with a plan. Low blood sugar can dramatically exacerbate a night of drinking, so rather than "save our calories for drinking," we treated ourselves to dinner at Bavette's Steakhouse, where we got plenty of lean protein thanks to sharing a shrimp cocktail and a petite filet mignon and complex carbs courtesy of a baked sweet potato (OK, we also shared the macaroni and cheese, and it was totally worth it). We also chugged water all afternoon and popped some more preventative dihydromyricetin. The night included another round of countless vodka cocktails that kept us dancing until 3 a.m., feeling buzzed but coherent all night.
We left Vegas on Sunday afternoon tired from staying up way past our bedtime and dancing with the conviction that Tiesto was playing tracks just for us, but aside from the fatigue of pretending we were 10 years younger than we really are, we felt pretty good. Even though I probably won't be drinking Vegas levels of cocktails again anytime soon, I'll definitely add dihydromyricetin and EmergenC into the girls' night out routine to prevent even the mild hangovers that have become more common in my 30s - and I'll consider spa treatments and five-star restaurants part of a healthy approach to weekends where acting my age isn't on the agenda.
Kate's Trick For the Perfect Classic Smoky Eye Is 1 You'll Want to Try at Home
Kate Middleton may be a duchess, but she's the queen of royal beauty in our eyes.
She's got the best hair, at all times, and it appears she's already been giving royal-to-be Meghan Markle her top hair tips. When it comes to Kate's makeup, she takes a classic-yet-chic approach. She favors Bobbi Brown and even used the brand for her wedding makeup!
Kate's first outing of the year, a day after her 36th birthday, saw her greeting very excited children at a London school. While others checked out her outfit, as self-confessed beauty junkies, our eyes were fixed on her beauty look. The heavier eye liner, slight cat eye, and nude lip got us dissecting every part of her makeup. Here's how you can replicate it at home.
Lupita Nyong'o Basically Turned Herself Into an Oscar With Her Gold Beauty Look
Lupita Nyong'o has an Oscar (for 2014's 12 Years a Slave) and, now, she is an Oscar. That's because the Black Panther actress and children's book author just wore a gold-on-gold beauty look to this year's ceremony that resembles the gilded silhouette. And, predictably, Lupita looks perfect.
On the makeup side, I'm pretty sure Lupita's blinding gold highlighter can be viewed from the International Space Station - and I wouldn't want it any other way. She matched that glow with her shiny lip gloss, which has just the hint of bronze to pull the monochrome makeup look together. She contrasted it all with a turquoise eye shadow, which acted as a complimentary color to her honey-tinted makeup.
On to the pièce de résistance of Lupita's winning look - her hair! Lupita wore a strand of faux leaves through her natural strands. Vernon François created the look, which was inspired by traditional Rwandan Amasunzu hairstyles. When seen paired with her beaded Versace gown, the gold-on-gold look was truly hypnotizing.
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.
Okoye - Er, Danai Gurira - Had the Most Badass Hairstyle at the Oscars, Because Duh
We barely had enough time to regain our composure after seeing Danai Gurira utterly kick ass in Black Panther before the actress took our breath away yet again at the Oscars. The star attended the award show with her fellow Wakandans, Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke, and looked just as fierce as General Okoye, her character in the Marvel film.
Danai called attention to her close-cropped hair by adding metallic white coloring to the shaved detailing on the left side of her head. Honestly, it doesn't get much edgier than that, and we're living for her bold choice.
Danai, who wore a light blush gown by Gabriela Hearst, finished her beauty look with a deep rose lip color and smudged eyeliner. Ahead, admire her badass hairstyle from every angle, and you'll certainly understand why the entire internet is now obsessed with her.
1 Woman, 25+ Photoshopped Versions of Global Beauty
They say "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and 24-year-old radio journalist Esther Honig is putting that to the test. The Kansas City girl is working on a photo project called Before & After in which she's examining how beauty standards vary by countries around the world. She sent the above shot of herself to different global graphic artists, and each photoshopped her hair and makeup look to reflect their cultural take on hair and makeup. Scroll through to see how 22 countries (sometimes with multiple looks from each) have taken on the challenge. And then reflect, how do you define beauty?
Source: Esther Honig
Andra Day Is Doing the Most at the Oscars, and We Want to Be Her BFF
It was impossible to miss Andra Day on the Oscars red carpet, because every part of her glamorous beauty look was totally jaw-dropping. The Grammy-nominated singer made it known that she is a certified beauty girl by making sure her makeup, hair, and nails were all works of art.
Andra brought the drama with a voluminous ponytail filled with loose waves and accented with small pink flowers we couldn't stop staring at. When we were finally through admiring her enormous and fabulous hair, we got to lust over her completely flawless makeup. The singer rocked the prettiest plum-hued eye shadow look we've ever seen and paired it with dramatic doll-eyed lashes. She didn't shy away from a strong contour, and she completed her makeup with a glossy-mauve lip.
We would've been won over just by her hair and makeup, but this girl even had the perfect nails. The singer had envy-inducing brick-red tips that were accented with gold charms.
Hopefully Andra continues to raise the bar for glam beauty, but in the meantime, she can hang with us makeup addicts anytime. Zoom in on all the details of her look, and then check out all the stunning looks from the night.
Taraji P. Henson Personified the Fire Emoji With Her Red-Hot Oscars Beauty Look
Taraji P. Henson is no stranger to sexy red carpet beauty looks, but she may have just rocked her boldest one yet. That's because she rolled up to the 2018 Oscars in a metallic smoky eye/berry lipstick combination you'll want to steal for your next night out. We're not sure what stole the show more - Taraji's purple (dare we say Ultra Violet) lip look or her shiny silver shadow. Both worked in perfect harmony to amp up the glam style.
Her stick-straight strands were just as edgy, and we love how the sharpness of her hair contrasted with her pillow-soft lashes. As POPSUGAR learned from a press release, those falsies came courtesy of Kiss Blowout Lashes in Pixie ($4) and were applied by makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff.
Ahead, turn up the heat and check out Taraji's smoldering look from all angles.
Jennifer Lawrence Is Making a Case to Bring Back the Perm
When Jennifer Lawrence stepped onto the Oscars red carpet, our hair envy went through the roof. The Red Sparrow actress rocked tight blond waves that make us want to run out and get a perm as soon as possible and head to the disco.
Jennifer paired her showstopping hair with dramatic brown eye shadow in a cat-eye shape that made her blue eyes pop and a shimmering copper hue smudged beneath her eyes. Her lips were painted a brick-orange hue that complemented her fair complexion and her metallic Dior gown.
Keep reading to see her spectacular look from all angles.
Zoom in on All the Best Manis From the Oscars
Sure, our mouths drop over the sparkling gowns, on-point beauty, and flawless celebrity hair looks of award season, but nothing gets us quite as excited as some fabulous nail art. From muted nudes to out-there neons, A-listers make us stop and stare at their manicures. Read on for some of our favorites from the Oscars and other red carpet events.
Zendaya Looked Like an Edgy Ballerina at the Oscars, and It Was Perfection
In case you needed any further proof that Zendaya is the queen of flawless red carpet beauty moments, her Oscars look should certainly do the trick. The actress and singer attended the award show in a muted Giambattista Valli gown that allowed us to focus on her gorgeous hair and makeup. Zendaya's updo was giving us edgy ballerina vibes, as Unilever hairstylist Ursula Stephen pulled the star's strands into a slicked-back bun directly on top of her head. There wasn't a single hair out of place, and we're dying to know her secrets.
As for her makeup, Zendaya opted for a shimmery and brown smoky eye that matched her dress. The star finished her polished look with a glossy nude lip, eye-catching highlighter on her cheekbones, and perfectly groomed brows. Read on to get up close and personal with Zendaya's stunning hair and makeup at the Oscars, then see the rest of our favorite beauty moments from the evening.
10 Setting Sprays That Will Make Sure Your Makeup Doesn't Budge
The oppressive humidity and scalding temperatures of Summer exacerbate any standard makeup gripes tenfold, but what no one's sharing with you is that there is one single product that cures all these woes for up to 16 hours at a time. Yes, really! Melted foundation, oily skin, vanishing blush, even sun damage - these issues can all be solved with setting spray.
This genius invention isn't new. In fact, it's been around for nearly 50 years but was an insider secret, available only to Hollywood makeup artists and other pros. Skindinavia is largely credited as the brand that made the category more real-girl-friendly. "They had been around since the 1970s as 'hair spray' for the face," explained Allen Goldman, CEO of Skindinavia. "We are the ones who helped blow up the category by making them comfortable to use and nonaerosol."
So how do setting sprays work? Skindinavia's formula actually features a patented cooling technology. Your skin temperature is approximately 90 degrees (which can of course get warmer or cooler depending on the weather). That heat is not conducive to durable makeup - it causes melting, color fade, and oiliness. Skindinavia creates an invisible web on the skin that works to lower the temperature of the makeup on your face, making it last.
Setting sprays also use special polymers to seal your makeup in place, creating a breathable mesh on top. They're super simple to use. Just spritz them across your face just like a standard facial mist. Many brands suggest misting in T or X shape. "This is a way to get a full application with the minimum amount of product," shared Goldman.
If you're convinced that using primer is enough for a long-lasting makeup look, reconsider. "Priming sprays are a bit more skin-care-focused and offer more texture for a smooth surface," Goldman said. "Finishing sprays are about a healthy, luminous look and extended wear."
Once you incorporate setting spray into your beauty regimen, you'll be able to party at a music festival, sweat it out on the tennis court, or work a full day and hit up happy hour looking like you just applied your makeup. Read on to discover some of our favorites.
What I Learned From Not Wearing Makeup For 2 Months
Image Source: Tori Crowther
I've had the travel bug for as long as I can remember; I just can't stay put for too long. Last year, before I'd even finished the last of my university work, I'd jetted off to the USA to stay with family for six weeks. From there, my boyfriend and I traveled around Southeast Asia, part backpacking, part nice (budget) holiday-ing. I'd managed to pack up my belongings in a bag of a similar size to the one I now carry to work every day. I'd also packed less makeup and skin care for the trip than I use in a single day at home.
I packed only six items: cleanser, exfoliator, moisturizer, SPF, shampoo, and mascara. That's it. I'd recently had an HD Brows treatment (which included tinting), so I didn't need to worry about them. I didn't even take conditioner or hair oil (though I later regretted this and bought some on my travels). To say I packed light is an understatement.
Over the first few days, I missed my acid toner, mists, and array of concealers to rid my blemishes and dark circles. But surprisingly, after the initial shock of only having minimal products, I actually forgot about my lack of beauty products and didn't miss having those extra steps in my day.
Although I've been blessed with a quite a good complexion, I still have my skin hangups. Right now I could tell you exactly where all my skin concerns are (two spots by my nose, a scar on my left jaw, and a weird blackhead on my left cheek). I stare at them every time I do my skincare routine, wishing them away. But I actually can't tell you if my skin was particularly good or bad when I was traveling, because I didn't notice it, nor did I care. I didn't have the time (nor energy) for a 15-minute skincare routine, which is one of my favorite things at home.
Image Source: Tori Crowther
My skin has definitely benefited from using an array of products, and I don't think I could ever have such a minimal routine long term. However, I have learned that giving my skin a break also gave me a break from obsessing over every blemish and imperfection. It also made me appreciate makeup. When I did decide to wear a slick of mascara once or twice in the evening, I felt great - like really great. I was amazed what such a tiny amount of product could do as a confidence booster. Never underestimate the power of mascara!
Now, I'm not saying that you shouldn't ever think about skin care again. Although there is more to life than beauty products, I strive for perfect skin and I really enjoy trying different products to find what works for me. But, there are no benefits to scrutinizing your every blemish in the mirror twice (or more) a day, because it probably isn't doing you or your skin any good. Sometimes, the basics are all you need. Embrace your natural beauty and enjoy those no-makeup moments as much as the makeup moments.
Feast Your Eyes on the Most Stunning Beauty Looks From the Oscars
The Oscars is sort of like a victory lap for award-season beauty - it's the culmination of a season's worth of jaw-dropping celebrity hair and makeup. From sweeping updos to glamorous smoky eyes, stars have saved their beauty A game for this moment. See all of the gorgeous Oscars beauty looks ahead.
This $11 Eye Shadow Brush Set Is Up 30,000% in Sales on Amazon - Customers Are Obsessed
If you're in the market for some new beauty tools, we have found a major deal for you. This Real Perfection Eye Makeup Brush Set ($11) on Amazon is currently up a whopping 30,000 percent in sales, and 76 percent of customers who have reviewed the product give it five stars.
So what makes these brushes so great? For starters, the bristles are incredibly soft on your skin, yet they hold lots of product. There is also a variety of brushes for everything you need from blending out eye shadow to applying eyeliner. There's even an eyebrow spool. They work for cream, liquid, and powder-based products, so you can use them with all of your cosmetics.
"Very soft, blend very, very well," one buyer said. "The price for the quality was better than I expected. Easy to use and clean. I am absolutely in love with these brushes! They are really great for contouring also!"
So what are you waiting for? Score these brushes soon before they disappear!
The New Glossier Product Beyoncé Wore to the Grammys Is Finally Here
Last month, the makeup community collectively freaked out when Glossier announced Beyoncé was wearing the brand's new and top-secret product on the Grammys red carpet.
Hours before the Oscars, Glossier revealed that Queen Bey was wearing LidStar, and we can look forward to seeing many other celebrities wearing the new product at the Academy Awards. Among the stars who got the privilege to follow in Beyoncé's makeup footsteps are Allison Janney, Greta Gerwig, Tiffany Haddish, Maya Rudolph, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
A few makeup artists have blessed us with images of cool new product, and Glossier posted glistening swatches of the six new ultrametallic shades on Instagram. We can't wait to see the liquid eye shadow on some of our favorite stars during the Oscars and try it out for ourselves when it debuts on March 5.
Galactic Rose Gold, Pastel Amethyst, and 10 More Nail Shades You'll Want This Spring
Whether or not your feet are ready, sandal weather is imminent. And much like the cute little groundhog that signals Spring, your toesies are about to emerge from their sock hovels to celebrate warmer temperatures. But before you bust out your favorite pair of slide sandals, consider picking up a new nail polish.
Sure, you could opt for a basic ballerina pink, but why not invest in a new statement color? Rose gold remains a favorite, but this season it's gone galactic, with many brands injecting the millennial-approved hue with flecks of shimmer. We'd also happily hail a taxicab-yellow colored manicure, as we've seen the traffic-stopping shade grace the nails of many an Instagram It girl. If you gravitate to more natural hues, you'll swoon over an earthy bronze or muted mushroom.
Keep reading to see the shades you won't want to take off all Spring.
The $10 Eyebrow Pencil I Swear by For My Thin, Light-Colored Eyebrows
If you're like me and fill in your eyebrows every day, you know how hard it is to leave the house without them drawn on. I have light-colored arches with quite a few bald spots; I just don't feel the same without having them filled in. If you can relate, you know how hard it is to find a perfect solution you love that isn't ridiculously expensive.
Needless to say, I've tested many brow products throughout the last 10 years. I often discover that powders look artificial on my skin or can easily rub off. I tried waxes that I applied with brushes as well, but they were just OK and required a lot of effort. I settled on using pencils because they are a simple one-step tool. I can easily throw one in my bag for midday touch-ups.
After using a handful of different options, I realized that this NYX Professional Makeup Micro Brow Pencil in Blonde ($10) is my favorite. It's more like a pen because the formula is softer and silkier than a tradition pencil. It stays on all day without coming off. One application has even survived a entire day and then an evening workout class. It features an ultrasleek applicator tip that is so thin and tiny, it reached every nook and cranny. The other side of the pencil features a soft brush that I use to comb through my hairs in order to smooth them out.
My favorite part about this pencil is the price. I go through these quickly - I keep one in my bag and one at home - and I never feel bad about rushing to store picking up another one if I need to. It's well worth it.
9 Prefilled Easter Baskets That Will Save You So Much Time - All From Amazon
Don't get behind on your holiday shopping this year! Pick up your Easter baskets early so you don't need to scramble for gifts last minute. We looked to Amazon because the site has so much to offer, including prefilled baskets that your little ones will love. You won't need to spend your time stressing over store shopping, either, because it's all delivered right to your door. From Disney-themed picks to candy-filled choices, shop our favorites.
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