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 20 mars 2018
What Mister Rogers Did For This Young Fan in a Coma Will Make You Ache That He's Not Here Anymore
The following story by Beth Usher was originally published on her Facebook page.
When I was five years old, I suffered up to one hundred seizures a day. During my seizures, I would often fall and bang my head on the floor or whatever hard object presented in my descent, and the only way for my mom to shower and dress for work without worrying was to prop me up with soft pillows and place me in front of the TV. One time she turned on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and I didn't have a single seizure for the entire duration of the show. Something in his voice calmed the electrical circuits in my injured brain and allowed my body to rest.
Mister Rogers, my friend, called to ask me about my brain surgery.
My mother and I performed this ritual every work day for two years with great success. I quickly began to consider Mister Rogers a real friend, and would talk back to the TV screen, saying things like, "Yes, I will be your good neighbor!" So it came as no surprise that my sweet mother called Mister Rogers' TV studio in Pittsburgh in preparation for my upcoming brain surgery. My neurologists had determined that I had somehow contracted a very rare brain disease called Rasmussen's Encephalitis. They theorized that a slow growing virus was killing brain cells in the left side of my brain, causing life-altering epileptic seizures. The only cure was an operation called a hemispherectomy, or the removal of one half of my brain. My mother told Mister Rogers' assistant that the show was a sanctuary for me and that I believed Mister Rogers was speaking directly to me when he sang his song, "Won't You Be My Neighbor." She explained about my seizures and upcoming surgery and the fact that that the seizures would subside during his entire show. My mother hoped that Mister Rogers' assistant would send an autographed photo of my TV friend, or even a note from him assuring me that I was going to be OK.
One week before my surgery, the telephone rang. My mother spoke for a few minutes and told me that a friend wanted to talk to me. I remember feeling excited that someone calling themselves a friend was calling me (friendships were difficult for me at the time). I said hello, heard a familiar voice, and immediately felt at ease. Mister Rogers, my friend, asked me about my brain surgery. I told him that I was scared but wanted the seizures to go away; I told him that I wanted the kids in my class to like me and play with me; I asked him about the members of his neighborhood who I had come to love - King Friday, Lady Elaine Fairchild, and Daniel Striped Tiger. We talked for nearly an hour. Before I hung up the phone, I said, "I love you, Mister Rogers."
During our seven-hour drive to Johns Hopkins Childrens' Hospital in Baltimore, my mom and I listened to the many cassette audio tapes sent to me by Mister Rogers a few days after his call. His soft voice discussed so many topics that concerned young children. My favorite cassette was the one where he sang, "I like you just the way you are." While in the hospital, I endured back-to-back medical tests to determine if my body could survive the 12-hour surgery to remove my entire left hemisphere. I was confused and scared, but believed my doctors and parents wouldn't do anything to hurt me. In between the tests, I was able to spend time with my beloved brother. We played games and watched movies. I didn't realize it at the time, but my older brother was worried he might never see me again. He was only ten years old.
The very last thing I said to my parents as I was wheeled into the operating room was, "No more seizures."
My surgery went well, and my doctor told my parents they could see me in the recovery room. I lay swollen with tubes and wires in and all around my head and body. My parents had faith in my surgeon and neurologist, but later that night, for reasons that have never been explained, I fell into a deep coma.
Mister Rogers gently placed his clarinet case on my bed, opened it, and took out King Friday, Lady Elaine Fairchild, and Daniel Striped Tiger. For the following hour, I was the star in his neighborhood.
With the sounds of life-support machines beeping, IV fluids being pumped into my body, nurses and doctors running in and out of my room, and my parents softly sobbing, you could hear Mister Rogers singing "I like you just the way you are" from a cassette player in my ICU room. My mother was called from the room to the nurse's station where she was handed the phone. It was the Mister Rogers, and he wanted to know how I was doing. My mom gave him the bleak news that although the surgery went well, I suffered severe brain stem swelling and was in a coma. They talked a little more and he told her that he would pray for me. What we didn't know was that Mister Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian Minister.
For the following two weeks, Mister Rogers called every day to ask about my status and to pray with my mother. One morning he called and asked her if it would be OK if he visited me the next afternoon. My mother told him that sadly I was still in a coma and wouldn't know he was there. He said he would come anyway. He asked that she not tell anyone he was coming because he wanted it to be a private visit and didn't want the press to be there.
The next afternoon, Mister Rogers flew from Pittsburgh to Baltimore with only a clarinet case in tow. A minister friend from Baltimore picked him up from the airport and drove him directly to the hospital. My parents, brother, grandparents, and many other family members took turns keeping vigil by my bedside, each trying in their own way to wake me from my coma. They immediately recognized the tall man with the kind face as he stepped inside my room. Mister Rogers gently placed his clarinet case on my bed, opened it, and took out King Friday, Lady Elaine Fairchild, and my favorite, Daniel Striped Tiger. For the following hour, I was the star in his neighborhood.
I'd love to end this story by telling you it was in that moment that I emerged from my coma, but that wasn't the case. After his visit with me and several more minutes with my family, Mister Rogers' minister friend drove him back to the airport and he flew back to his hometown in Pennsylvania, taking along an empty clarinet case. What I can tell you, though, is that when I did wake up, Mister Rogers became my real friend and not just a TV friend. We remained close and shared many conversations, birthday wishes, and milestones for the following twenty years until his death on February 27, 2003.
Ree Drummond's Walmart Spring Collection Has Arrived - and Holy Smokes, It's PERFECT
Sorry, Mother Nature, but Ree Drummond is actually the one in charge of the seasons, and when Ree says it's Spring, by golly, it's Spring! The Pioneer Woman is back at it with yet another springtime Walmart collection, and much like last year's lineup, everything is sure to make you swoon and simultaneously grab your credit card, if that's even possible.
The dinnerware and kitchen items are bursting with color and floral motifs, and some are available in multiple different pretty patterns. Standout products from Ree's newest Spring collection include a vintage cast iron casserole pot with a flower-shaped handle, an adorable cutlery set (wow, those are three words I never thought I'd use in succession), and glass goblets with the shiniest pearlized finish. Oh, and did we mention it's all ridiculously affordable? I mean, where the heck else can you snag a high-quality, nine-piece baking-prep set for just $20?!
A handful of pieces, such as the multicolored measuring spoons, some utensils, and the mint-green frying pan set, are only sold in stores, so you may want to schedule a trip to your neighborhood Wally World sometime soon to check 'em out. But if you're more of the online-shopping type, you can read on to shop our 12 favorites below and scope out the rest of the collection on Walmart.com. Act fast! These beauties are selling out quick.
Dad Has 2 Young Daughters and "About Once a Week" Finds His Cat Like This
I have two young daughters. About once a week I find our cat like this. from r/daddit
As the (sometimes) proud owner of two rambunctious kittens, I would never in my wildest dreams imagine that either of them could stay still long enough for me to put any sort of costume on them, let alone stay in it if I were to be successful. Two little girls with a 9-year-old cat, however, don't seem to have that issue. Their dad, Chris, shared hilarious evidence that some cats will let you dress them in the form of a photo of the cat wearing bright pink fairy wings.
"I have two young daughters. About once a week I find our cat like this," Chris wrote in a post to Reddit, adding in the comments, "When he's around our kids, he's so docile. He sits there and takes it and only tries to sneak away when they aren't looking."
At least he's a good sport about it . . . my cats would certainly scratch my eyes out.
My Daughter Is Obsessed With Her Grandma, and It's Becoming a Problem
"Can I puh-lease call Gaga?" my almost-7-year-old daughter asked me this morning at 7:15, 10 minutes before her bus was due to arrive. If this were an isolated incident, I'd definitely agree to a quick call, feeling happy that my daughter and my mother (who also happens to be my best friend) have formed such a tight bond.
Instead, I was just annoyed, mostly because this was the fourth time in the last 24 hours my daughter had made the same request, and that wasn't counting the handful of times she swiped my phone and called her grandmother without asking.
I get that my mom's just trying to help, but it would be nice to feel like my rules are being respected and adhered to.
"Let's give Grandma a break, honey," I replied. "We can call her after school." Then the waterworks started, and because it was 7:15 in the morning and I hadn't had time to make coffee yet, I relented, figuring the phone call was the lesser of two evils and allowing it was the best way to stick to my survivalist parenting philosophy.
They spoke for a few minutes in hushed, loving tones (I could hear both sides of the conversation because my daughter thinks my phone only works on speaker mode) before I forced them off the phone so my daughter wouldn't miss the bus. After I got her out the door, I called my mom back. "I'm sorry she's being so obsessive about calling you," I said. "Oh, I love it," my mom replied. "Please let her call me as much as she wants."
And herein lies the problem. As crazy about my mother as my daughter is, my mother is equally nuts about her. In theory, it sounds like a good problem to have, but in reality, it feels like some invisible boundary is being crossed. It's like my daughter and my mother (who is known to spoil my kids rotten) have placed themselves on one side of that boundary, while I am ensconced on the opposite side. And that side is the "mean Mommy" zone.
I can't tell you how many times my daughter has pitted my own mother against me. We'll all be together for a short visit or a longer vacation, and she'll decide she wants the third ice cream cone or more screen time that I've already said no to. So she'll throw a fit and run to Grandma, who then tries to negotiate a deal between the two of us. What if she just has half an ice cream scoop? Or just 10 more minutes of screen time?
I get that my mom's just trying to help, and really, who wants to see their grandchild upset? But it would be nice to feel like my rules are being respected and adhered to, even when the elder generation is in the building. I am, after all, the mother, and shouldn't what I say go? Of course, my daughter would say no, especially when my rules aren't in line with what she wants, and she knows Grandma's rules are made explicitly to please her only granddaughter.
Next week, the three of us - mom, daughter, and grandma - are going on a girls' trip to the beach for a long weekend. It's the third year we've gone, and I'm sure that once again, I'll feel a bit like the third wheel on their doting, cuddle-filled vacation. There will be multiple times when I'll have to choose whether to put my foot down (and deal with the conflict it will create) or be swayed by my mother's insistence that giving my kid "one more" of whatever she currently wants is a better, kinder choice.
Looking on the bright side, however, at least my daughter's preference for her grandmother means I can take a break from being the one who's always in charge. Let Grandma take the lead. I'll be reading my book. And sure, have all the ice cream cones you want.
Selena Gomez Cuddles Up to a Mystery Guy in Australia Amid Break From Justin Bieber
Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber recently decided to put their romance on hold, but the "Wolves" singer seems to be doing just fine. On Sunday, Selena was spotted soaking up the sun on a yacht in Sydney, Australia, with a group of friends. Clad in a sexy string bikini, the 25-year-old appeared to be in a good mood as she flashed a few smiles, kicked back with a book, and, at one point, was even photographed getting cozy with a mystery guy. No word on whether he's just one of Selena's friends or if this is something more.
Despite famously rekindling their romance after Selena's kidney surgery back in October 2017, Selena and Justin are currently on a break. According to E! News, Selena's mom, Mandy Teefey, was the driving factor that caused Selena to reconsider her relationship. "Justin's family loves Selena, but Selena's family has put her in a very conflicting spot because they still don't trust Justin," a source told the publication. "Selena has tried to convince her family that Justin has changed, but her family just isn't budging right now." Only time will tell if Selena and Justin are really done for good this time around.
Selena Gomez's Sexy String Bikini Deserves 5 Red Chili Pepper Emojis
Selena Gomez has been the talk of the town lately, and not just because of her recent break from boyfriend Justin Bieber. The starlet has been living life to the fullest in one amazing outfit after the next. After showing off her street style chops in a denim-on-denim look and a cozy blue cardigan, Selena took a much-needed vacation in Sydney, Australia.
The singer caught some rays with friends on a luxury yacht while wearing a sexy string bikini. Selena used one of our favorite swimwear hacks by mixing an orange bikini top with a pair of cheeky black bottoms. She finished off her vacation look with a pair of chunky, silver hoop earrings. Read on to see all angles of her scandalous string bikini, and buy similar versions of her swimsuit ahead.
These 2 Moms Are Helping Bilingual Families Everywhere With Their Children's Books
Image Source: Karina Llamas/Lil' Libros
Patty Rodriguez and Ariana Stein loved Coco. The Mexican-American small business owners both took their young children to see the Pixar animated film which made history as Disney's first-ever movie to have a minority character as a lead role. As first-generation Latinas and mothers, it was important their children see themselves on the big screen and that they support the superdiverse film. After all, Rodriguez and Stein, who are the masterminds behind bilingual children's book publishing house Lil' Libros, know too well the importance of supporting Latinx projects.
Four months after Coco made movie history, Lil' Libros added two new picture books to their collection, which spotlight a different Latinx icon or tradition in every book. One book tells the inspiring story of the late Tejano singer Selena, who in the last decade has arguably become one of the biggest role models for Mexican-American youth everywhere. Rodriguez took to Facebook to ask the Latinx community for their support just like how millions of Latinxes came out to see Coco in November.
Her pleas were clearly heard. After a little over 24 hours, the picture book reached the top of Amazon's Hot New Releases list.
It was the first children's book to retell Selena's story, and it was the 12th book for Rodriguez and Stein who first started Lil' Libros in 2014. Both born to Mexican immigrant parents, Rodriguez and Stein grew up bilingual, a feat that was just as challenging as it was rewarding.
Image Source: Lil' Libros
"Growing up with immigrant parents, you always feel this weight on your shoulders of this, 'Am I truly American? Am I truly Mexican?' or wherever your parents came from, and then you feel like you don't really belong based on what society has drilled in your head," Rodriguez told POPSUGAR. "So I think growing up, it just seemed really important to me to stay connected."
While Rodriguez and Stein made sure to speak Spanish at home, they noticed it was difficult for their kids to grasp the language, especially with the lack of representation in TV and film and in school, where the curriculum is all, understandably, in English.
When Rodriguez and Stein looked for bilingual children's books, they were surprised to find little to no selection. While they found books that were translated from English to Spanish, there weren't children's books that used both English and Spanish to tell stories.
After going to a publisher who knocked the idea down, claiming there was no audience for it, Rodriguez and Stein decided to put their savings together and release the books as an independent publishing house.
The books, which the duo wrote themselves (they're illustrated by the artist Citali Reyes) use Latinx pop culture icons, historical figures, and Latinx games and traditions to teach children about history, geography, colors, numbers, and other skills. From Counting with Frida Kahlo to Around the World with Cantinflas, Lil' Libros elegantly uses Latinx culture to teach and entertain children as young as babies. Even adults are loving them.
"We have so many people say, 'I have no kids but I love these books,'" Rodriguez said.
Their first three books were sold on their online store and in independent book stores all over Los Angeles, where they both live. Soon they were popping up at community events, festivals, and on Instagram feeds. Fast forward six months, and the books were on the shelves of Target. To say Lil' Libros' success came from word of mouth would be an understatement, and Rodriguez and Stein totally recognize that.
Image Source: Lil' Libros
"I really believe that, as a community, you can create something very incredible that can be alongside these other incredible entities, other incredible publishers," Stein told me.
Now Lil' Libros is helping make reading time more memorable and educational for children and their parents, who might be learning or relearning their Latinx culture and history.
As for Rodriguez and Stein, the future of Lil' Libros looks as bright as their colorful pages. The two have a children's puzzle in the works and are even hoping to branch out to books for older audiences. But for now, the Lil' Libros team is happy sharing their stories with their community.
"[It's] our responsibility to continue preserving that culture and those traditions," Rodriguez said. "They are very much a part of our identity."
How to Properly Cook Ground Beef, in Pictures
Cooking ground beef on the stove top seems simple enough, but so much can go wrong. Have you ever crowded the pan too much, and found yourself with rubbery, steamed ground beef? Does your beef seep out a ton of liquid, or do you struggle to chop the meat up into bite-size pieces, resulting in "meat rocks" (as one editor's boyfriend hilariously dubs it)? If cooking perfectly ground beef eludes you, have no fear. These pictures will show you how to properly brown ground beef - or any ground meat, for that matter - so that your tacos, tomato sauce, and sloppy joes turn out tasty every time.
15 Life-Changing Cooking Secrets You Can Learn From Italians
The thing about Italian cooking is that it's a lot simpler than Americans tend to believe. If you go to Italy, you'll quickly learn that the country values high-quality ingredients and freshly cooked meals above just about anything else when it comes to food. It's not about overly complex cooking techniques, but about starting with the best ingredients and figuring out how to pair them together, from homemade pasta to sauces and desserts. And once you learn some of the basic practices, you'll soon discover you can implement them in your own kitchen and start making your best Italian meals ever.
If you want to learn how to cook more authentically Italian, look no further than the following helpful cooking tips that I learned firsthand on a trip to Verona with Giovanni Rana, one of Italy's oldest brands of fresh pasta. I ate a whole lot of pasta to be sure, but I also learned just as much about it.
10 Dinner Options That Are Totally Worth It to Meal Prep
Oftentimes when you get home from work, the last thing you want to do is pull out all the stops and make a big, elaborate dinner. Even less so, you're probably not eager to go right back out to pick up takeout. Lucky for you, we've rounded up 10 versatile options that, with a little planning at the beginning of the week, will be totally worth it to just heat up and dish out in the evenings. In fact, we think you'll be counting down the minutes to dinnertime with these in mind. Dig in.
20 Ways to Look Forward to Bringing Your Lunch to Work This Year
Say it with us: 2018 will be the year you bring more lunches to work, and these recipes are here to help. You won't have a sad desk lunch in sight when you've got poke bowls, butternut squash mason jar salads, and quesadilla roll-ups waiting for you in the fridge. Get all the inspiration you need to get out of a lunch-packing rut with the 20 recipes ahead.
9 Incredible Lip Balms That Hydrate, Protect, and Are Available at the Drugstore
Lip balms are so easy to become addicted to. I have one for just about every handbag I own. I'm all about the classics you can find in drugstores because many affordable brands make some seriously addicting picks. To make your life easier, we rounded up a list of our favorite finds, so all you have to do is shop, apply, and hydrate. From staple brands like ChapStick to new vegan choices from Pacifica, it will be hard to decide on just one. Take a look.
Here's Why Makeup Setting Spray Will Change Your Life
Is there anything worse than applying your makeup, confirming it looks perfect in the mirror, only to see your reflection later in the day and feel, well, horrified? We've all been there, thus, makeup setting spray.
This miracle beauty product has been popular among professional makeup artists from years. It's now blessedly become widely available, and it comes in a spray or mist form. Think of setting spray like hairspray for your face - it keeps your entire look in place all day, from your foundation to your liner and mascara to your lipstick.
Let's say your day starts with a cramped, sweaty commute to work, followed by a mega-stressful presentation, and then carries over to a date that lasts and, um, lasts. So will your makeup when you use a setting spray. Many promise to keep makeup in place for up to 16 hours, protect against makeup slide, and minimize every girl's nemesis: shine.
Popular setting sprays contain active ingredients like charcoal to absorb oil and cucumber extract and green tea to calm and tone. You can definitely find formulas that are paraben-, sulfate-, phthalate-, and alcohol-free. And some setting sprays do double duty, acting as primers for under your makeup or boasting vitamins and minerals to nourish skin. You can also snag a spray with SPF!
To find a setting spray that best fits your needs, check out these road-tested, long-lasting options.
The New Thayers Toner Blows Rose Water Out of the, Er, Water
As we find ourselves on the wrong side of Winter - where we're in so deep and we've endured so much for so long that Spring should be budding, but it's not - a perpetual state of longing for warmer days begins to take shape. This yearning is so real that we begin reaching for the Rosé at brunch just to feel something, anything, akin to a midsummer's day spent al fresco, or better yet, at the beach.
Lucky for us, Thayers, purveyor of cult favorites and absolute essential drugstore beauty buys, has introduced a new tropical product. You may already know and love the classic Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner, but the latest iteration on the block features an invigorating new ingredient. You can now scoop up, in addition to the Rose Petal, Lavender, Cucumber, and Unscented formulas, Coconut Water.
The toner is an elevated take on traditional tropical products. It doesn't smell like suntan lotion, in fact the scent is utterly refreshing. Its star ingredient, coconut water, is a built-in skin protector and revitalizing agent. Coconut water also acts to combat acne while hydrating skin. Plus, it maintains a high content of vitamin C, known to increase collagen production to brighten skin and protect against sun damage.
After just one week, I noticed that it had soothed and tightened my pores. Not only does my skin look and feel rejuvenated, but I look forward to the cooling effect it has on my skin. The light coconut scent is also the perfect morning pick-me-up, almost like an essential oil. My preferred application - a lightly doused cotton ball - delivers the just-right dose of moisture my skin craves. Ultimately, the result is entirely thirst-quenching - just like that piña colada I'll be ordering at brunch this weekend.
Find this just-launched beauty essential exclusively at Whole Foods ($11). And brace yourselves: Summer is coming.
The Genius Who Cuts Kate Middleton's Hair Deserves a Royal Title
"I'm not really a fan of Kate Middleton's hair," said no one ever. In fact, most of us strive to emulate the seemingly effortless bounce and shine of her locks. As a fellow expectant woman whose mane has dulled the more my bump grows, I am especially envious that the pregnant princess still sports perpetually glossy and perfectly coiffed and cut hair.
So who is responsible for Middleton's magical mane, other than good DNA? Her stylist/hair wizard is Amanda Cook Tucker. The hairdresser travels with the soon-to-be mom of three to keep her hair looking polished and photo-ready. According to recent reports, Cook Tucker's arsenal of princess-worthy hair styling aids includes no fewer than 13 brushes, six combs, two hairdryers, and a multitude of products.
Of course, if you don't have a great haircut, all the products in the world aren't going to matter. The stylist behind the princess's recent and widely admired lob cut is Joey Wheeler from London's posh and pricey Richard Ward salon. Over the Summer, he chopped off seven inches of Middleton's chestnut-hued tresses. She promptly donated the hair to a UK charity, Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children with cancer. So yes, Kate really is as great as she seems.
Richard Ward himself, who is described as being at the "forefront of British hairdressing" on his website, has also styled the royal's hair for quite sometime. A cut with the master stylist costs upwards of $450 but is so clearly worth every last penny. It's worth noting that Ward also created Prince William's recent buzz-worthy buzz cut, as well!
These Are the 10 Products You Must Try From Milani - All Under $13
If you're not already in love with Milani, you're going to be. The drugstore brand has been making makeup that rivals its luxury counterparts for years and has products that every beauty junkie will love.
The brand's displays are filled with so many cruelty-free, pigmented cosmetics, it can be hard to select what to buy first. Luckily, we've rounded up the 10 products you'll absolutely love and are guaranteed to make you a life-long customer. After trying some of these ultra-affordable products, you might never buy your department store makeup again.
Read on to find out what you should pick up on your next drugstore trip.
25 Blooming, Beautiful Lotus Flower Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Your Next Ink
Lotus flowers are one of the most popular tattoo designs in the world thanks to not only their beauty but their symbolic meaning. The gorgeous bloom symbolizes spiritual enlightenment, purity, and rebirth, due to the fact that the flowers blossom atop of muddy waters. Whether you are brainstorming your next tattoo or just love looking at some fresh ink, prepare to be inspired by these 25 beautiful lotus flower tats.
Sephora Launched 6 Exclusive Products, and This Is The Kind of March Madness We're Into
All I know about basketball I learned from the classic High School Musical song and dance number "Get'cha Head in the Game," so safe to say I don't have any money hanging on this year's March Madness results. If you're not into basketball, however, kindly direct your attention to Sephora, which is doing the most to make March equally as thrilling for beauty-lovers.
That's because starting today, the brand will release six new, exclusive products just for you! Here's each one.
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.
Step Right This Way, Ladies: MAC's Newest Palette Is Inspired by Girl Power
In 2017, MAC released its hilariously but trivially named Basic B*tch Palette, but this year the brand will celebrate a very different type of woman. That's because MAC dropped a MAC Girls Risk Taker Palette ($40), which celebrates badass beauty babes and on-point shadow looks all at once.
This bundle contains eight berry- and shimmer-tinted eye hues, along with one bronze-pink highlighter. We're obsessed with Risky Business, an ultraviolet-gray mix; Fashion Fanatic, an attention-grabbing fuchsia; and Free Ride, a '90s-esque muted mauve.
We're also cheering for the palette's packaging, which is decorated with bold florals and thin, orange-toned stripes. If you've tried any MAC Girls Personality products, you know that the charming palettes contain satiny, pearl-infused powders that glide over your skin like a goshdarn dream. This puppy is sure to be the talk of your vanity, so don't take the risk of waiting to purchase this one.
We Learned Madonna and Kim Kardashian's Best Beauty Advice
Madonna is a legend. Her music has a place in everyone's life, whether they like to admit it or not. She is a style icon, too, having reinvented her look for every album release. The pop star has a career that spans over almost four decades, and even still, she's a hot commodity - she's selling out tours while pushing 60. People still dress up like her for Halloween; they wear vintage concert tees with her name plastered on them.
Kim Kardashian West burst onto the scene in 2007 and is easily the biggest influencer on the planet. Especially in places like Los Angeles, you'll see handfuls of women who could all be replicas of the Armenian star on every corner. Kanye West aptly created a campaign for Yeezy Season 7 in which "Kim clones" took over our Instagram feeds, showcasing new looks from his collection on women with straight, long extensions, a tiny waists, and large derrieres.
Both women have icon status. They're both mothers. And now, they're both beauty moguls: Madonna founded MDNA Skin in 2014, launching last year in Barney's, which includes a patented, mineral-rich thermal water from Italy; Kim launched KKW Beauty online. And it's fitting for both: Madonna, a classic; Kim, always looking for ways to connect. On a Tuesday night at the Youtube Space in Los Angeles, a meeting of the minds took place: Madonna and Kim sat with moderator Kandee Johnson to discuss their beauty inspiration and skin care routines. The night also celebrated the launch of MDNA Skin's new Reinvention Cream ($75), in which a portion of the sales will go to Madonna's non-profit, Raising Malawi. We were there! Here are some of the best moments from the discussion.
Kim on Meeting Madonna For the First Time
KKW: "She, for a period in her life, moved in with her manager, who happened to be our next door neighbor growing up. Kourtney and I would walk - our parents were good friends with her manager - so we'd walk their dog after school. So everyday we'd go over and we'd see Madonna. We were shaking."
Madonna: "I was being moody in the kitchen."
KKW: "It was a moody phase. And I just remember so vividly, her coming in one day, wearing jeans and a white T-shirt and these combat boots, and she had dark short hair, and this leather jacket. And she just walked and was like, 'You know what, girls? I'm over these bracelets,' and took off her bracelets and gave us these black rubber bracelets."
Madonna: "They don't make those bracelets anymore!"
KKW: "She gave us this shoe box full of all this neon jewelry. Kourtney and I went to school the next day and our friends were like, 'That is so cool, where did you get those?' And we were like, 'Madonna gave it to us!' And they were like, 'Yeah, right.' They didn't believe us."
Madonna on Her Daily Beauty Routine
Madonna: "I sleep on my face. So I wake up with puffy eyes. It's disgusting. It's the worst position to sleep in."
KKW: "I'm a side sleeper."
Madonna: "You're smart. So when I wake up, my eyes look like small planets, so I made these eye masks that are filled with serum and I put them in the freezer and then I lay there. Sometimes I use cryo-sticks. And I cannot speak to anybody. I just sip lemon water. I can't function or speak to anybody, or work, or deal with life until my eyes aren't the size of planets. And then people can talk to me. Including my children. (Laughs) Actually, your kids are the only ones who get to see you ugly, right? They don't care. They start to care when they're 12. I've noticed there's a turn. Actually, I was Facetiming with my son the other day, and I had a pimple. And I don't get pimples very often and he's like, 'What's with your skin, Mom?' So that's really my beauty routine. A lot of ice in the morning. A lot of caffeine."
Madonna on Her Beauty Icons
"For me, it was about Hollywood glamour and movie stars and women like Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth. I said all their names in my song, 'Vogue,' but they were the personification of beauty to me. Feminine beauty. They looked like they all took good care of their skin - I don't know what they looked like in real life. They had good lighting."
On Their Best Beauty Advice
Madonna: "I avoided sunbathing and I never smoked. I feel like those two things, until I could afford skin care, saved me."
KKW: "I got so much skin care advice from my mom and my grandma. My mom was a stewardess for American Airlines, so all the girls would save their money for - she's here, so if I'm saying it wrong, Mom, just got with it - it was some beauty class they would teach you tips for. So when they'd stop at their destinations, all they wanted to do was go to this beauty class. So what she learned was that you should exfoliate your face with a hot wash cloth at every washing. So she's lived by that."
Kim on Why She Loves Giving Beauty Advice
KKW: "I love giving advice though. People always come to me. I love analyzing someone's face and going with them to a doctor and being like, 'Wait, a little Botox here.' That kind of advice. That's the advice I love to give. People write me, I will not say who, but some people in the business, people I've never met before will text me and say, 'Hey, this is so-and-so, I heard you give the best advice. Here are my pictures and tell me what you think I should do."
Madonna: "That's a lot of responsibility."
KKW: "Yeah. It's a liability." (Laughs)
Madonna on How the Reinvention Cream Got Created
"I've traveled the world and I've had a long career, thank God. I feel very blessed about that. I've had access to every kind of product, every kind of special treatment, every kind of spa, every miraculous mask. But a lot of it has to do with what I do for a living, performing. These lights that we're sitting under are 1/100th of the heat of the lights on stage. And being on the road eight months to a year at a time for me, being under those hot lights . . . You get up in the morning, you work out, you wash your face. Then you put a little bit of makeup on because you have to go to the soundcheck and there will be cameras there. Then you have to wash your face again. Then you have to put more makeup on for the show. And you're basically being baked in a microwave on stage. Then you finish the show and you've sweated all your makeup into your pores. Then you go home and take a shower. So your face is undergoing this kind of brutal abuse. I'd think, 'What can I do to protect my skin?' I did use a lot of products."
12 Stunning Makeup Looks Inspired by All of the Zodiac Signs
We bet Mercury wasn't in retrograde when makeup artist Kimberly Money transformed herself into 12 characters inspired by zodiac signs. To live out horoscopes IRL, she rocks multiple hair colors, from fiery red to icy periwinkle, and makes over her eyes in mesmerizing ways (seriously, just check out Aquarius's glitter tears).
"I grew up in Vietnam where the zodiac signs are very popular, so I always wanted to make a series out of it since I love doing makeup and photography," Kimberly told POPSUGAR via email on what inspired this stunning project.
Though she is not an astrologer, a lot of thought went into crafting each look. "I choose the looks based on my experience with people around me with the signs," she said. "I also do some research online on which colors fit with the looks most. This series represents how I see these signs in my imagination and bring it to reality."
She looks gorgeous in all of the horoscope looks, but we still had to know which one was hers. "I'm a Libra," she admitted. "I feel like it represents me very well. I always looking for balance in life and love spending time alone working on things that I love, such as makeup. Also, this look I chose especially for this sign is my favorite combo, and smoky eyes are my go-to!"
Keep reading to see every beautiful style, and tell us: does your month represent you?
The New My Little Pony Glamglow Masks Will Add Magic to Your Skin
Your favorite '80s-nostalgia ponies are now taking over your skincare routine with the new My Little Pony Glitter Masks. The shimmer-packed masks have all of the benefits of the original Glamglow Gravity Mud Firming Treatment ($59), but the new hues will make you feel like you're the queen of Equestria while nourishing your skin. The combination of licorice and marshmallow leaf is formulated to make your skin look firmer and more contoured.
The peel-off mask now comes in three sparkle-packed shades inspired by your favorite magical ponies. Princess Luna, the dark co-ruler of Equestria, inspired a black mask; Pinkie Pie, the fun-filled lover of parties, inspired a pink hue; and Twilight Sparkle, the bookworm and loyal leader of the ponies, became a purple mask.
We've loved using the original masks, but we really can't wait to try the new magical varieties and hope that Glamglow blesses us with even more pony-inspired beauty. We'd flip over a pie-scented Applejack mask, a shimmering diamond-inspired Rarity mask, or a colorful Rainbow Dash version. If Pony-lovers are really lucky, maybe Glamglow will even start naming its travel-size masks after the Cutie Mark Crusaders! We can only dream.
Read on to see the current pony-inspired limited-edition masks, which debut in April. In the meantime, you can sign up to find out when they launch and get 15 percent off your order.
21 Unexpected Beauty Uses For Coconut Oil
There are very few beauty products that we can honestly say are cure-alls, but coconut oil comes pretty close. You can use it for everything from healing scars to moisturizing dry knees. Recently, all the talk about relying on this oil for fresh breath got us thinking: what can't coconut oil do? The answer: mattify (and it took us a minute to come up with that one). Celebrities like Emma Stone count it among their favorite natural ingredients, and you should, too. We just stuck to the beauty applications here, but there are tons more tasks it can handle, from starting fires to losing a few pounds. So head to your local health food store, pick up a jar, and allow this list to help you get creative with coconuts.
Did On My Block's Finale Turn You Into a Puddle of Emotions, Too?
Warning: Big spoilers for the season one finale of On My Block below! BIG!
Guys. Guys. Are you OK? Because after watching the final few minutes of Netflix's On My Block, I am most definitely not OK. Just when I thought season one was going to tie things up in a bow as perfect as the one on a quinceañera dress - Monse and Cesar showing off their relationship, Ruby finally kissing Olivia, Jamal finding the Roller World money - the episode ends with a bang. And not in a good way.
The unexpected conclusion to the excellent, hilarious, and diverse 10-episode season sees both Ruby and Olivia taking bullets meant for Cesar. The newfound lovebirds are shot by the same rival gang member Cesar was tasked with killing by Oscar in the previous episode (Cesar can't bring himself to take a life, and lets the guy go), and the last we see of them they're both gasping for breath as they bleed out on the ground at Olivia's quinceañera.
See what I mean about not being OK? What did we do to deserve this, Netflix?! The moment is downright gutting, and has new fans of the show desperately trying to sort out our emotions as we wait for news of season two (which has yet to be announced). If you're in need of a group therapy session, might I suggest turning to Twitter? Because you're definitely not the only one sobbing over Ruby and Olivia.
JUST SAW THE SEASON FINALE OF #ONMYBLOCK NO ONE TOUCH ME pic.twitter.com/5CxrmhUDHm
- dai in revolt 🇨🇦🇨🇴 (@daibyday) March 18, 2018
RUBY MY HEART #OnMyBlock pic.twitter.com/gVoGjeal6n
- sarah ✨ (@iconicsahara) March 18, 2018
Ok @netflix hear me out, you need to renew #onmyblock right now because I need to now what will happen to Ruby and Olivia!!!!! OH MY GOD WHY I LOVE RUBYY!!!
- dani. (@miasthermopolis) March 16, 2018
Just binged watch the entire season of #OnMyBlock and I'm hella mad .... why they gotta do my man Ruby like that @OnMyBlockTv @netflix pic.twitter.com/W1YQtHHxRY
- Horchata Mami (@catchmecriss) March 17, 2018
me at 26:13 vs. 26:55 on episode 10 #OnMyBlock pic.twitter.com/z8MOIa3WCQ
- ari | RUBY DESERVED BETTER (@velvetsinclair) March 18, 2018
OKAY SO HOW TF YOU GANNA HAVE US ALL FRUSTRATED AT HOW JAMAL DIDNT FIND THE MONEY AND THEN HAVE IS CRYING AND PANICKING OVER RUBY AND OLIVIA GETTING SHOT AND THEN ALL HAPPY WITH JAMAL RIDING DOWN THE STREET WITH A BAG GULL OF MONEY. EMO ROLLER COASTER #OnMyBlock
- tay. (@tayspurpose1994) March 18, 2018
I shouldn't have binged in all In 2 days. Now I gotta wait a whole year #OnMyBlock pic.twitter.com/pXDPkrz2HS
- amsie| on the block spoilers (@jayquanpark) March 18, 2018
dear @Netflix see what we're not about to do, is disregard a show with great representation and characters and storylines. we NEED a season two of #OnMyBlock we don't want it we NEED it. i rest my case. pic.twitter.com/E7IaYSjrHQ
- poet #onmyblock (@gambinosweet) March 18, 2018
Omgsh so I just watched the last episode of #OnMyBlock. I'm so emotional, I really didn't expect that. @OnMyBlockTv @NetflixUK when's season 2 please?
- Oggs ن is vibranium (@ChanteJae) March 16, 2018
They still had the audacity to set off the fireworks after that #OnMyBlock pic.twitter.com/pWY4T8kQlO
- brianna. (@notevenloaded) March 18, 2018
When Latrell showed up at Olivia's quince I was shazzaming the song playing and I thought Ruby was just seeing things. I'm floored. I stay up til 4am just to cry myself to sleep #OnMyBlock pic.twitter.com/7t8ooMJKB8
- Super Nova☀️ Marie (@badgyalrika) March 17, 2018
I CAN LIST SO MANY GREAT MOMENTS OF THIS SERIES LIKE HOW HILARIOUS JASMINE IS OR THE MARRY, MAKE LOVE, KILL GAME OR ANY TIME RUBY OR JAMAL HAVE ME IN STITCHES BUT WHAT I WILL NOT TOLERATE IS HOW #ONMYBLOCK EPISODE 10 ENDED 😭
- CHA CHA BINGOS ♡ (@CHERRYBOMBALOR) March 16, 2018
If Cesar had killed that dumbass, Olivia and Ruby would have never been shot. Olivia is clearly dead and Ruby will be heartbroken in season 2. #OnMyBlock
- Dami (@DamzelinEssex) March 17, 2018
Me watching for the 5th time #onmyblock hoping what happened at the end of episode 10 did not and my mind is just actin dumb cuz i love ruby. pic.twitter.com/63eoHg2fHb
- Mystic🎖🗻 (@MysticMood14) March 18, 2018
So I really just watched the whole 1st season of #OnMyBlock and man let me tell you it's a good ass show 💯and I really cried at the end 😭 I'm hurt 😩
- roxanne polanco (@creation_teaser) March 17, 2018
Still cant get over what happened in the last episode of #OnMyBlock had to try and rewatch but skipped to the end because i just couldnt believe it. @netflix you better start season 2 right now ;)
- jojo gunther (@colbybroclickba) March 18, 2018
Well...that's a way to end a season...#OnMyBlock pic.twitter.com/BriN4FbueX
- Walks in the Spirit of "Fuck You" (@madphenixrising) March 18, 2018
Why did #OnMyBlock end like that😭😭😭
- nanda (@nanellena) March 16, 2018
The ending episode of #OnMyBlock my boy Ruby ain't deserve that or Olivia. I need to be consoled now pic.twitter.com/Q1BhLbls0I
- Coco Grey (@calminthecut) March 18, 2018
Me When ruby got shot #OnMyBlock pic.twitter.com/lumpaXYV2m
- julie💄 (@yagirljuliiee) March 17, 2018
37 Messy Buns That Are Glamorous Enough to Wear on Your Wedding Day
Come rain or shine, a messy-but-chic bun will always be a good choice for your wedding day hairstyle. If it's good enough for Meghan Markle, it's good enough for us! The classic style is practical and traditional with a modern twist. Whether you opt to do your own hair on the big day or take these photos as inspiration for your hairstylist, there are plenty of options to choose from.
We've rounded up some beautiful wedding day buns that will inspire your own. And if you aren't getting married, these styles can easily be adapted for almost any occasion.
lundi 19 mars 2018
The 8 New Trends You Need to Make Friends With Before Fall 2018
If you're the type to shy away from new trends out of fear they're too eccentric, welcome Fall 2018 with open arms. Throughout Fashion Month, all we saw were familiar patterns, colors, coats, and layering tricks, perhaps just worn in new ways. The eight most prominent style statements are ones virtually anyone could pull off - and they're all ridiculously flattering, too. Brush up on the standout takeaways from the Spring 2018 season, then read our fresh report from start to finish and prepare for an eye-catching wardrobe this year that's actually remarkably comfortable.
10 Major Fashion Moments You Can Expect to See From the Royal Family in 2018
No matter what event they go to, members of the royal family are always impeccably well dressed. We already know the style rules they have to follow and their special dress codes for important occasions. It's public knowledge that the British royals rarely, if ever, make a fashion faux pas. And with a new member joining the family soon (Meghan Markle!), we'll all be blessed with even more memorable fashion moments from the crew. Just think: we still have Meghan's wedding dress to look forward to and Kate's postmaternity style. On top of that, the royal family will conduct many more public appearances in 2018 in some high-profile looks. Ahead, we rounded up the top 10 style moments you should be most excited for.
Fact: Kendall Jenner Just Wore the Shortest Minidress in the World
You can tell Kendall Jenner's ready for Spring. The model stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show for a friendly visit and wore a flirty Magda Butrym minidress for the appearance. The dress featured asymmetrical sleeves, with one side pulled down to reveal Kendall's shoulder. The polka dot print suited the outfit's retro vibes as Kendall accessorized with a simple black headband, Gianvito Rossi heels, and a bright red lip. Outfit aside, the star was there to chat about her April Vogue cover, babies, and her iconic family. Before you tune into the interview though, take a look at Kendall's dress, and shop similar selections ahead.
Bella Hadid's Sexy Glitter Top Is So Sheer, It Puts Everything on Display
Bella Hadid is definitely not shy when it comes to showing off some skin. Need an example? The supermodel hit up celebrity hotspot Gracias Madre in an outfit that left little to the imagination. She wore a black-and-white plaid suit by Dior and left her double-breasted blazer open to reveal a sheer top underneath.
Rather than styling her suit with a silk blouse or a crisp button-down, Bella dared to go braless and opted for a glitter mesh top. She finished off her '90s-inspired look with a pair of black platform shoes and a white chain-link purse. Read on to get a closer look at her shimmery top, and buy similar versions ahead.
Don't Take Your Eyes Off Chrissy Teigen's Swimsuits - Not Even That 1 From 2012
We love when fashion girls aren't afraid to embrace different swimwear styles. Chrissy Teigen is a prime example. The model and expectant mama (Luna is getting a brother!) has tried every one-piece swimsuit and bikini under the sun - and she has the 'grams to prove it. We followed Chrissy's swimsuit journey from 2012 all the way to 2017, and we noticed one thing: she is willing to wear any color, print, or cut. You'll notice Chrissy's one-piece collection prevails over her bikinis by far, but she's certainly not lacking in either category. She owns a trendy Zimmermann two-piece and, lest you forget, she's also a Sports Illustrated model, which means bikinis are part of her DNA. Read on to see all her greatest swimsuit moments.
Gigi Hadid Makes Her Thoughts About Social Media Known With Her iPhone Case
Gigi Hadid has a complicated relationship with social media. Despite the supportive community of followers that it's granted her - she has 38.9 million Instagram followers, FYI - the 22-year-old model has also spoken out about its harmful repercussions. Gigi is now reinforcing her thoughts about social media with, coincidentally, her latest iPhone case.
"Social media seriously harms your mental health," states Gigi's Urban Sophistication Mental Health Warning iPhone Case ($35). She was photographed with the case during the most recent Fashion Month and has had it on her phone ever since.
If you recall, Gigi actually took a month-long social media hiatus in 2016. "I'm going to take a break when I feel like it, and when I come back and share it with you, if you want to be supportive and still follow me, I'm so grateful for that," she told reporters at a Reebok event. "I'm so grateful for social media because it's given me so much more in my career, but I also really respect my career without the social media aspect."
In December 2017, Gigi tweeted that she would be taking a week-long technology break "cause it's good for the soulll." Though it's ultimately a personal choice, a lot can be learned from Gigi's outlook on social media and the healthy distance she keeps from it.
Holy Moly - We're So in Love With Gwyneth Paltrow's Floral Net Booties
Someone needs to give Gwyneth Paltrow a round of applause for her outfit. Gwyneth attended the 2018 Sun Valley Film Festival Vision Award dinner in Sun Valley, Idaho. For the event, the recently engaged actress showed up wearing a black-and-white tweed shirt that featured shoulder pads. (If you haven't seen her stunning engagement ring, you're truly missing out.)
Gwyneth styled the classic shirt with black trousers and the most beautiful floral boots by Roger Vivier. We were impressed by Gwyn's braving the frigid temperatures - and the snow! - to wear these netted boots. Read on to get a closer look at her gorgeous boots and buy the exact style, as well as more affordable options, ahead.
11 Heels You'll Want to Wear This Spring - All Under $50
Feeding a constant shoe obsession means always finding a reason to treat yourself to a new pair. This Spring is the perfect excuse to ditch the boots you've been wearing and show off your feet in some stylish heels. These versatile shoes come in so many styles it's hard to decide on just one pair, so we rounded up a list of our favorites - and they're all under $50, so you can get more than just one (or two!). From trendy kitten heels to comfortable mules and sexy silhouettes, read on to find your perfect match.
I Bought This $15 Bra on Amazon, and I'm Never Wearing Anything Else Again
I have a bust on the smaller side, and I don't need much support. I often find underwire bras are too uncomfortable and thin camis just aren't enough. I saw this Hanes Convertible Wire Free Bra ($15) bubbling up on Amazon recently and became curious. It had over 1,400 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, so I gave it a try.
This bra looks small and thin but it offers me so much support. The smooth straps are adjustable and don't cut into my skin, and the material is so silky-soft, I feel like I'm wearing nothing. Now I'm officially throwing out all my other ones and buying this in every color. The beige one is perfect to pair with all my light-colored tops, but it comes in four other cute colors, including pink. At this price, you can buy them all!
Engagement Ring Finger Piercings Are a New, Questionable Trend, and . . . Ouch?!
Instagram trends have a tendency to veer into head-scratching territory. We've seen all manner of wacky eyebrows and 3D nail adornments, but the latest social media phenomenon is taking it to a whole new level. Allow us to present engagement dermal piercings, the slightly more permanent and significantly more painful way to display your commitment to your beloved.
Yes, over the traditional ring, couples are apparently now choosing dermal piercings with diamonds that appear to float atop the finger. Now, we're all for unconventional when it comes to weddings, but piercing your ring finger with a piece of metal rather than opting for a band to hold your diamond in place? Well, that's one engagement trend even we never saw coming - and we have to admit, we've got some reservations.
Your hands are arguably the most utilized part of your body, and the idea of snagging this stud on a sweater or a coat pocket just makes us cringe - hard. Injury and infection risks aside, ditching an engagement ring for a dermal piercing also, presumably, limits the size of the stone you can choose. Now that's where we draw the line. (Wink, wink.)
If you're curious about the trend, check out some of the ways early adopters are doing it, then decide for yourself if you'd take the plunge with a piercing. To each her own, but we think we're just gonna stick to putting a ring on it.
11 Chic Travel Pants So You Never Sweat in Your Skinny Jeans on the Plane Again
Every time I pack for a trip, I always end up taking a pair of skinny jeans that I never wear, and I've decided to give up the habit this season. During those hot Summer months, tight pants are the last thing that sound comfortable. Instead of suffering on a long plane ride or walking around a scorching city in unbearably rigid jeans, I'm going to try wearing cropped wide-leg trousers or linen pants. These pant styles can be both professional or paired with sandals and taken to the beach. If you're interested, check out these comfortable options to keep you cool.
These 13 Handbags Are So Chic, You Won't Believe They're Vegan
My fashion-forward, once-leather-loving best friend just became a vegan. It was a lifestyle and diet choice, and she's loving it, but she keeps asking me, "What faux-leather bag or jacket can I wear?" This got me thinking about vegan-friendly pieces that everyone can enjoy. With so many cruelty-free brands, no one should ever have to sacrifice their style.
So how can you spot a vegan leather handbag? Look at the bag. It can be made from several different kinds of materials, such as cork, barkcloth, glazed cotton, waxed cotton, paper, and, most commonly used, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane. These all have different looks, glosses, and textures, but they give off the appearance of leather. Feel good about your fashion choices and try one of these stylish picks.
Could Luke and June Reunite on The Handmaid's Tale? We Just Got a MAJOR Hint
Throughout the first season of The Handmaid's Tale, one pressing question underscores all the action: will June aka Offred (Elizabeth Moss) ever make it to safety? Will she ever escape the backwards, twisted world of Gilead? There are lot of near misses as the episodes roll on: she almost makes it to Canada with her husband, Luke (O-T Fagbenle), in the beginning. Then, she almost pulls off an escape with Moira (Samira Wiley). Even the end of the season offers a bit of ambiguity. But as we head into a much darker second season, June's escape is looking less and less likely. But now, we may have a glimmer of hope.
This year, The Handmaid's Tale planned a panel for Paleyfest in LA, and I spoke with O-T Fagbenle on the red carpet. Fagbenle was able to offer a bit of insight into season two. As a refresher, the first season ends just as Moira arrives in Canada safely. "Luke and Moira are left in a kind of tricky situation of dealing with this post traumatic stress of what they've been through, yet trying to recreate some sense of home and stability outside," he said. "They have a contentious relationship, but they make it work because they have to."
When it comes to June and Luke, though, the waters are a bit more murky. Each knows the other is alive. Obviously, the best case scenario is for June to somehow make it to Canada. But even if she did, there would be a lot to unpack. If Moira is traumatized by her life on the hedonistic fringes of Gilead, how will June be? There's also another question: how will Luke react when he finds out she's pregnant with Nick's baby?
"It's heartbreaking. But the bigger heartbreak is what his wife had to go through."
What's interesting is that Fagbenle insinuated that we would get an answer to that question this season. Somehow, Luke will find out about June's pregnancy. Since Moira doesn't know about it at the time of her escape, Luke will have to find out another way. In this realm, there are a few possibilities. Sure, June could write him a note, but there's also a chance the two could somehow meet face to face. It's highly doubtful that June would make it to Canada anytime soon; but it's possible Luke could go into the bowels of Gilead to rescue his wife. And if they do reunite, what happens next? "You can't be, 'Oh, well, that's the way things go around here.' It's heartbreaking," Fagbenle said. "But the bigger heartbreak is what his wife had to go through. The bigger heartbreak is that someone you love has been raped. Unfortunately, we live in a world where lots of people come to that realization."
And what about Luke and Moira? How will they begin to comprehend this horrible new world together? "There's loads of [tension]," Fagbenle said. But Luke doesn't necessarily blame Moira. "There's enough guilt within Luke for his own failings. You know, before Gilead set out, was he politically involved enough? During that time, did they leave early enough? . . . I think he's kind of crushed by that enough that he's not going throwing shade around to other people. But at the same time, it is kind of tough for him to really cross over and connect."
And as for Moira? "She's had her own experience, which is tough for her to explain to Luke," Fagbenle said. "So it's kind of like this mix between connection and just trying to find ways to connect." Strap in, everyone. The Handmaid's Tale returns April 25.
Articles
