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 12 juin 2018
The 1 Thing Happy People Do Every Day
Growing up with a mother as a counselor definitely had its perks: she was incredibly patient, a supportive listener, and always gave the best advice. Even though my mom is retired, she continues to help others by sharing her years of wisdom on what it takes to be truly happy. She's told me time and time again that while material goods might make me happy in the moment, that feeling is fleeting. I've learned people who are the happiest don't have the most money or aren't the most attractive, but they all share one thing in common:
Happy people practice gratitude every day.
While this may seem simple enough, our minds tend to focus on what we're missing out on instead of being grateful for everything we already have. Our generation has it even harder because we are living in a social world where we are constantly connected. It's easy to feel like you don't have enough when everyone on your social feed appears to be doing cooler things than you.
Good news: there are ways to practice gratitude each day to live your best life. Here's how.
1. Meditate
Starting your day with five minutes of silence has been proven to change your brain chemistry, making you more resilient against life's hardships. However, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to meditation. I used to think you had to think about absolutely nothing (which is pretty much impossible) during your practice. But really, meditation is all about being present and not focusing on what you're going to have for dinner or that you forgot to pick up something at the grocery store. The purpose of meditation is to take time for yourself to set an intention for your day and be grateful in that moment.
2. Create a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is different than a regular journal because it makes you focus on only the good stuff rather than venting about your worries or writing down everything that went wrong in the day. Each day, you should write down at least three things that you're grateful for. By doing this, you can actually rewire your brain to be happier. It's kind of like the "camera effect." When you have a camera, you're constantly looking for interesting things to capture. Instead of hating the graffiti, you might shift your way of thinking and try to make it aesthetically pleasing in your frame. That's how the gratitude journal works for your disposition. Instead of focusing on pessimistic thoughts, you're going about your day looking for positive things to add to your gratitude journal.
3. Surround yourself with positive people
Reflect on your mood and outlook, after you spend time with certain friends. Do you feel inspired and connected or do you feel drained and dissatisfied? If it's the latter, you might want to reevaluate your friendship. We only get one life to live, so why waste any time surrounding yourself with negative influences? It's not easy to cut certain people from your life, but it's even worse to feel unhappy because of the people you're surrounded by. By positioning yourself around inspirational and positive people, you're setting yourself up for a more sunny outlook and successful future.
4. Talk back to your negativity
You know that inner dialogue that says you're not smart enough, pretty enough, or cool enough? While those nagging thoughts are completely normal, the trick is to talk back to them with positive affirmations so they don't get in the way of your happiness. It may seem silly at first, but it works, trust me. If I catch my mind going down a dark rabbit hole, I counter it with logic and positivity. It's OK to have bad thoughts, but what's more important is how you react to them and to make sure they don't take over your life.
5. Focus more on your community and others than yourself
When you're down in the dumps, it's easy to get lost in "me, me, me," which can lead to self-pity and depression. However, when you take yourself out of the equation, you'll start to feel happier because you're helping other people. Try volunteering, writing cards to loved ones, or cooking dinner for a friend in need.
If you practice gratitude each day, you'll slowly start to see a positive change in your disposition and overall outlook on life. It will take discipline and self-control, but really, aren't things you work hardest for worth it in the end?
How to Clean Everything in Your Home and Beyond
Every room in your apartment or house comes with its own cleaning challenges. From air vents to rusty cooking ware, we've rounded up a cleaning guide for every room and item you could ever want to clean! And check out DIY cleaning products here!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
The Most Flattering Swimsuits For Every Body Type
To end stressful and frustrating swimsuit shopping this year, we rounded up a list of stylish and flattering picks that are perfect for you. From curvier frames to athletic body types, we're helping to make sense of the endless swimwear options and narrowing them down to the choices that were made to fit and flatter your frame. Want to know what you should be looking for? Read on to get the experts' dos and don'ts, find your perfect suit, and never hate bikini shopping again!
- Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
Be sure to check out our bikini-body workout plan, too!
For even easier shopping, click below for your needs.
Nina Agdal's Swimsuit Is So Cheeky, It's Nearly Dangerous Without Coverage
Nina Agdal is a face of Aerie just like Iskra Lawrence, so many of the sexy swimsuits she shares are from the affordable brand. When it comes to choosing her own designs though, Nina clearly likes to turn up the risk factor. (Remember that censor strip bikini?) While hanging out at Sunset Beach in Shelter Island Heights, the supermodel posed in her cheeky scoop-back maillot, which is currently on sale at Aerie for $18.
You've got to be bold to bare this much of your bum though, and Nina made that pretty clear as she kept a denim jacket tied loosely around her waist. Ahead, catch another glimpse of Nina's adorable snap, then shop the exact piece she's wearing along with plenty of similar options.
Sisters in Style: The Fashion Brands Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Love
At first glance, the styles of Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle are completely different - Kate mixes English country classics with all-out royal glam and a dash of trendy quirk, while Meghan is all about blending laid-back California chic with sharp tailoring and a handful of experimental edge. However, as their recent DVF-twinning moment shows, there is some overlap between the two, and there are actually a few designers they both favor. We take a look at the lucky designers worn by two of the most photographed women in the world right now . . .
The Dresses at the Tony Awards Were Oh So Extravagant and Plenty Dramatic
What's a red carpet that celebrates Broadway shows without a little bit of drama? You can thank the dresses and pantsuits for all of the action at this year's Tony Awards, which saw the likes of Kerry Washington's crystal-embellished cutout jumpsuit complete with a floor-skimming train and Tina Fey's metallic, feathered number. Sara Bareilles even showed up to play host in the loveliest shade of peach. These looks all made a statement: the Tonys are no casual event. Just scroll on if you need that reminder.
You'll Freak Out When You See These 39 Cute Tops . . . All on Amazon and Less Than $17
With a new season on the horizon, it's time to do a wardrobe refresh. An easy way to start is by treating yourself to some new tops. There are so many cute options on Amazon - seriously! Not only are they insanely stylish, but they're also quite affordable. Whether you want something flowy and boho or sweet and simple, we curated choices you'll find irresistible. They go great with jeans, skirts, and everything else you already own. Shop through them all and add them to your cart before they disappear!
Victoria Beckham Couldn't Decide Between These Amazing Heels, and It's Relatable as Heck
Sometimes, there are moments when celebrities are relatable as heck and we look at them and say, "Omg! I've been there." Victoria Beckham is one such A-lister who made us think that when she asked her Instagram fans for some help with her outfit. The designer struggled to choose between two pairs of sexy heels from her collection, and after seeing how amazing they both are, we kind of don't blame her.
Victoria posed in a gorgeous striped dress, which was also from her line, and asked her followers to choose between a pair of lilac and yellow heels. It looks like her fans came through, because she ended up choosing the bright yellow style. Keep reading to see Victoria's shoe struggles and buy similar styles.
Ashley Graham Only Wears Devastatingly Sexy Swimsuits, and We Have Proof
Ashley Graham only wears sexy swimsuits. Need proof? We took a look at the model's Instagram account, which is full of eye-catching swimwear. Ashley has been spotted wearing everything from a teeny tiny black bikini to a strappy style that features studs.
Clearly, Ashley's smokin' hot bikini style hasn't gone unnoticed since all of her bikinigrams have thousands of likes. Whether the curve model is enjoying a relaxing day by the pool or shooting campaigns for her Swimsuits For All collection, she's always wearing the sexiest swimsuits. Keep reading to check out her steamiest swimwear pieces to see what we're talking about.
11 Curvy Swimsuits That Are Sexy, Flattering, and Totally Affordable
All our favorite brands and designers are releasing hot new swimsuits faster than we refresh our browsers. If you're on the hunt for something on the sexier side this season, we have you covered. From sheer cutout one-pieces to flattering off-the-shoulder bikinis, it won't be hard to find one (or five) that you love. Take a look at our favorites.
Whoa! Hailey Baldwin's Barely There Black Bikini Comes With the Cheekiest Bottoms
We all know that Hailey Baldwin is the designated queen of bikinigrams. The supermodel enjoyed some time off while laying out by a pool in Miami with a friend. The 21-year-old starlet showed off her svelte figure in a teeny tiny black bikini that instantly caught our eye.
Hailey's flattering string bikini top came with a pair of cheeky side-tie bottoms that made our head spin. Her classic triangle bikini from Eres showed off her toned abs and somehow even made her legs look longer. Keep reading to get a closer look at her sexy bikini, and buy similar versions ahead.
I Shop For a Living, and These Are the 11 Must Haves I NEED to Buy For June
It may only be June, but the sun is out in full force; it puts me in a major buying mood. I'm always on the hunt for the coolest products out there as a shopping editor. This season, I'm loving bold swimsuits, effortless dresses, statement sandals, and cool shades. But fashion isn't the only thing I look for - home decor and beauty essentials are also top of mind.
If you have ever wondered what shopping editors add to their wish lists, now is the time to see for yourself. I curated a roundup of the hottest goodies on the internet. Prepare to be enticed enough to whip out your own credit card.
20 Store-Bought Foods That You Can Easily Make From Scratch
Perhaps one of your culinary resolutions for this year is to make more things from scratch. If that is the case, we applaud you: making store-bought items from scratch is a great way to improve basic cooking techniques and understand what goes into the foods we know and love. Not only do you get to control what goes into your food this way, but the flavors are often fresher and bolder than their store-bought counterparts. Here are 20 homemade recipes that we think you should try.
The Science of Happiness, and What You Can Learn From Unhappy People
If you've ever heard of "positive psychology," then you already know the technical term for what is often called the "science of happiness."
Positive psychology focuses on the opposite of what psychology has historically concerned itself with - our negative thoughts and behaviors. Scientists are researching the many various and complex factors that comprise happiness.
But this negative focus in conventional psychology also gives us great insight into what makes a person live a happy life. By better understanding what makes people unhappy, we discover what thoughts and behaviors to avoid to create happiness in our lives.
Unhappy people tend to build up negative thoughts - and dwell on them. That negativity might manifest itself in various ways:
- Constantly complaining
- Gossiping about others
- Being highly critical and judgmental
- Worrying all the time - including about what others think of them
- Constantly feeling regret
- Overreacting to difficult situations
Research in positive psychology suggests that training ourselves by creating new and positive habits is a way to rewire the brain. Just like an amateur violinist or swimmer must practice very frequently to refine her skills and eventually achieve a professional level, a person must practice actions and thoughts that lead to a more consistently positive mindset and attitude in life. This is what you'd usually call a happy person.
So now that you know the habits of unhappy people, it's time to refine your happiness skills by practicing the kinds of thoughts and behaviors that generate a positive mindset.
One way to avoid piling on the negative energy is to find a way to release those negative thoughts. You can keep a journal and write it out, you can get crafty and creative and make some art, you can go for a swim or a walk and sweat it out, or you can go and hang out with one of your most positive friends. Whatever you do, remember it's fine to have negative thoughts, as long as you let them go - the sooner, the better.
Focusing on strengths instead of weaknesses is another important step toward "happy person" mode. And that applies to the people around you, as well as yourself. Make a list of all the positive things about yourself, your life, the people you know. Tape it to your mirror and read it every day.
Not only will nonstop worrying keep you unhappy, but it will definitely take its toll on your health and your memory, and can even adversely affect your closest relationships. To help fight off anxious thoughts and feelings of regret, especially about things in life that you simply cannot control, instill some peace and quiet into your mind. How? Meditation and yoga are simple but powerful methods of calming your noisy mind. Start with five minutes of meditation a day, and slowly increase the duration at your own pace. Take a yoga class with a friend so you can keep each other accountable for sticking to the schedule. Being in a more tranquil state of mind will also help you react to complex and stressful situations in a more effective and organized manner.
Vanessa Van Edwards is a behavioral investigator and published author. She figures out the science of what makes people tick at her human behavior research lab, the Science of People. As a geeky, modern-day Dale Carnegie, her innovative work has been featured on NPR, Business Week, and CNN and her latest CreativeLive class, The Power of Happiness, teaches you how to be a happier person every day.
I Lived Waste-Free For 1 Week - Here's What I Learned
In the United States, it has been reported that Americans generate about 254 million tons of waste annually with, on average, each person accumulating up to 4.4 pounds of trash daily. This same garbage, which eventually gets carted off to landfills, is the culprit behind the pollution of our oceans and even global warming. Living a more waste-free lifestyle not only helps lower these numbers, but also minimizes the negative effects garbage has on the environment.
Leading a waste-free lifestyle has always seemed, to me, equal parts amazing and difficult. But as someone who is more than embarrassed about the amount of waste I generate on a daily basis (hello, shipping boxes, takeout containers, and plastic grocery bags), I knew I was ready to make some changes.
"To us, living waste-free means making the best possible choices every day that are better for people and the planet," explains Kat Nouri, founder of Stasher Inc., a company that creates plastic-free reusable storage bags made from food-grade silicone. "Going waste-free is not something that you do overnight, although kudos to you if you can do it! It can be very overwhelming to go waste-free 'cold turkey' and often leads people to just give up. Instead, you have to take small steps, one step at a time, to achieve a waste-free lifestyle. We like to say, 'If you can't choose perfect, choose better.'"
After experimenting with trying to live waste-free for a week, here are some tips that I have gathered that may also help you on the journey to a more waste-free lifestyle.
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.
15 Mason Jar Salads That Will Transform Your Lunchtime
A crisp, crunchy salad makes the perfect lunch, but here's a secret: packing your meal in a mason jar actually makes it taste better. Why, you ask? Layering your favorite mix-ins and dressings helps keep your meal from getting soggy ahead of time. It's no matter if you prefer a hearty and sweet salad with grains or a refreshing mix that features the flavors of zesty guacamole; these 15 recipes will help you step up your lunches (or dinners) for good.
- Additional reporting by Nicole Perry
The 1 Thing Happy People Do Every Day
Growing up with a mother as a counselor definitely had its perks: she was incredibly patient, a supportive listener, and always gave the best advice. Even though my mom is retired, she continues to help others by sharing her years of wisdom on what it takes to be truly happy. She's told me time and time again that while material goods might make me happy in the moment, that feeling is fleeting. I've learned people who are the happiest don't have the most money or aren't the most attractive, but they all share one thing in common:
Happy people practice gratitude every day.
While this may seem simple enough, our minds tend to focus on what we're missing out on instead of being grateful for everything we already have. Our generation has it even harder because we are living in a social world where we are constantly connected. It's easy to feel like you don't have enough when everyone on your social feed appears to be doing cooler things than you.
Good news: there are ways to practice gratitude each day to live your best life. Here's how.
1. Meditate
Starting your day with five minutes of silence has been proven to change your brain chemistry, making you more resilient against life's hardships. However, there are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to meditation. I used to think you had to think about absolutely nothing (which is pretty much impossible) during your practice. But really, meditation is all about being present and not focusing on what you're going to have for dinner or that you forgot to pick up something at the grocery store. The purpose of meditation is to take time for yourself to set an intention for your day and be grateful in that moment.
2. Create a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal is different than a regular journal because it makes you focus on only the good stuff rather than venting about your worries or writing down everything that went wrong in the day. Each day, you should write down at least three things that you're grateful for. By doing this, you can actually rewire your brain to be happier. It's kind of like the "camera effect." When you have a camera, you're constantly looking for interesting things to capture. Instead of hating the graffiti, you might shift your way of thinking and try to make it aesthetically pleasing in your frame. That's how the gratitude journal works for your disposition. Instead of focusing on pessimistic thoughts, you're going about your day looking for positive things to add to your gratitude journal.
3. Surround yourself with positive people
Reflect on your mood and outlook, after you spend time with certain friends. Do you feel inspired and connected or do you feel drained and dissatisfied? If it's the latter, you might want to reevaluate your friendship. We only get one life to live, so why waste any time surrounding yourself with negative influences? It's not easy to cut certain people from your life, but it's even worse to feel unhappy because of the people you're surrounded by. By positioning yourself around inspirational and positive people, you're setting yourself up for a more sunny outlook and successful future.
4. Talk back to your negativity
You know that inner dialogue that says you're not smart enough, pretty enough, or cool enough? While those nagging thoughts are completely normal, the trick is to talk back to them with positive affirmations so they don't get in the way of your happiness. It may seem silly at first, but it works, trust me. If I catch my mind going down a dark rabbit hole, I counter it with logic and positivity. It's OK to have bad thoughts, but what's more important is how you react to them and to make sure they don't take over your life.
5. Focus more on your community and others than yourself
When you're down in the dumps, it's easy to get lost in "me, me, me," which can lead to self-pity and depression. However, when you take yourself out of the equation, you'll start to feel happier because you're helping other people. Try volunteering, writing cards to loved ones, or cooking dinner for a friend in need.
If you practice gratitude each day, you'll slowly start to see a positive change in your disposition and overall outlook on life. It will take discipline and self-control, but really, aren't things you work hardest for worth it in the end?
How to Clean Everything in Your Home and Beyond
Every room in your apartment or house comes with its own cleaning challenges. From air vents to rusty cooking ware, we've rounded up a cleaning guide for every room and item you could ever want to clean! And check out DIY cleaning products here!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block
8 Sleep Hacks That Will Put You Right to Bed
If you're groggy throughout the day, it might be because you're not getting good sleep. Quality snooze time is important because it sets the pace for the rest of the day. To help you get great sleep, we've found some hacks that you might not know about. Give 'em a shot - you never know what will work for you!
Proof That "Halo Eye" Makeup on Instagram Is Mesmerizing
First, it was pink eye. Then the red eye. Now, it's rare to get through a day of Instagram scrolling without coming across "halo eye."
More and more beauty-lovers, and especially artists and bloggers, are ditching multidimensional smoky eyes in favor of a cleaner and often brighter (peach and orange are huge right now!) wash of one shadow shade on the lid and along the lower lash line, connected at the sides to create an entrancing "halo" around the eye.
Makeup artist Ashlee Glazer says the key to mastering the look is to go big. "Apply a primer (such as Urban Decay Primer Potion) to help set the shadow and ensure it doesn't wear throughout the day. Then, use an eye shadow brush (like MAC #239) to apply the desired color to the entire lid, stopping just short of or going slightly over the crease line. Finally, using the same brush, sweep the same shade along the lower lash line, connecting the color at each corner," Glazer advised.
If you really want to amplify your look, Glazer suggests adding a touch of highlighter just below the brow line and in the inner corner of the eye. "Complete your look with two coats of volumizing mascara (like Smith & Cult Lash Dance Mascara in Radio Silence). Bonus points if you add false lashes!" she said.
Now that you have the basics down, read through and be inspired by some of our favorite Instagram "halo eye" looks. We suggest you go with a lighter shade for day, then ramp things up with a darker or brighter shade come evening.
My Stubborn Acne Refused to Clear Up - Until I Tried This $4 Spray From Trader Joe's
I'm about to say something that's earned me a lot of half-kidding "f*ck yoooou"s from friends since I was a teenager: I don't typically struggle with acne. That's not to say I don't have my own special set of skin issues; I fight a near-constant battle against stubborn dark circles, flaky dry patches, and easy facial scarring, not to mention that my skin is ultrasensitive and thus prone to allergic reactions. But for as long as I can remember, I've never dealt with consistent pimples - so on the rare occasion when I do get a breakout, it's major enough that everybody in my life notices.
I can tell that a breakout isn't just my imagination when my sweetheart of a fiancé asks me if I'm stressed. The most recent example of this happened only two weeks ago, and while my stress level has been a bit higher than normal - I'm planning a rapidly approaching wedding - I couldn't pinpoint the cause. All I knew was, despite concentrated tried-and-true efforts on my part, the stubborn patches of zits on my cheeks would not clear up.
I thought "why not?" when I went grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and saw its new rose water facial toner for only $4. It wasn't going to make my skin any worse . . . right?
I had tried it all: acne spot dots, detoxifying clay masks, drinking massive amounts of water, going makeup-free even on workdays, changing my pillowcase every night. None of my usual methods did a damn thing. So since my skin was already painful (my acne occurs mostly beneath the skin's surface) and uncharacteristically spotted, I thought "why not?" when I went grocery shopping at Trader Joe's and saw its new rose water facial toner for only $4. It wasn't going to make my skin any worse . . . right?
I subbed the rose toner mist in for my usual choice, after my favorite GLAMGLOW cleanser ($32) and before my Farmacy Beauty moisturizer ($45) and go-to Benefit eye cream ($34). I sprayed the mist onto cotton rounds, then applied to my face and neck.
The next morning, I noticed that the stubborn patches of blemishes on my cheeks had begun to fade, and were less painful than they'd been the night before. Not one to question a miracle, I again added the Trader Joe's toner to my morning routine and tossed it into my work bag afterward, using the spritz on my face throughout the day when I needed refreshing. By the evening, the redness of my acne spots had substantially subsided, leaving only a few bumps on my cheek. Within two days, my breakout was gone completely. I'm happily writing this with acne-free cheeks, and I've finally been able to get back to playing with makeup.
Though I know that the Trader Joe's toner isn't solely responsible for my skin improving - I have a full skincare routine, after all - the timing was pretty impeccable, and it certainly played a part. I've already gone back to Trader Joe's to stock up on a few more bottles of the toner, because nothing's worse than falling in love with a product and then having it inexplicably disappear from shelves.
Keep reading for photos of my results and more info on the toner's ingredients. If you're looking for a new, affordable way to mix up your skincare routine, or maybe you're just desperate for a miracle like I was, I suggest giving it a shot! At four bucks, there's not much to lose.
This Is the Only Shampoo That Hasn't Wrecked My Dye Job - and It's Not Labeled Color Care
Image Source: Kendall Price Photography
I get a lot of compliments on my hair color. I'm not being vain, I'm impressed. My natural hair is a lovely shade of dishwater brown - I think, I haven't seen it since my junior year of high school. It's had subtle highlights, chunky blond streaks, rebellious purple-red (a mistake for which I still haven't forgiven my then-stylist), and finally, a natural, warm red. It looks so natural against my pale, freckled skin, in fact, that most people assume it's my real hair color. That's me, above, on my wedding day last year. Vibrant and silky, right?
This is due in part to the skilled colorists who have cared for it, but also to the shampoo and conditioner I use after I leave the salon. I'm obsessive about beauty products, particularly finding the ones that work for me. I've tried so many color care shampoos over the years that you could go to a drugstore, point to one, and I could tell you what it did to my hair. Some are so strong that I've watched in horror as the red color swirled my shower drain. Others have dried out my fragile ends almost instantly. But the biggest issue I have with shampoos formulated for color? They leave my hair feeling gunky, oily, or unclean.
After years of trial and error, I've found my shampoo soulmate: Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo ($24).
I've been using this sudsy potion for two years now, and my hair has yet to experience any buildup, color-stripping, or drying. The sulfate-free formula actually lathers (an unnecessary but appreciated quality that many color-care shampoos lack) and makes my hair feel soft and clean. According to Briogeo, the shampoo features a "coconut-derived surfactants to promote a rich lather and effectively cleanse the hair without stripping color or causing a dull, dry appearance." So what I'm saying is, that's totally true.
I pair the shampoo with a cult favorite from the brand, the Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask ($36). The one-two punch cleans my strands then infuses them with vitamin B, rosehip, and argan oils. Both products are so gentle that my stylists have routinely remarked on how well my color has kept up between sessions.
If you've been having some of the same issues I've mentioned, you may want to put these products in your cart!
You Played a Part in Rebranding CoverGirl - and You Probably Didn't Know It
Senior Vice President of CoverGirl Ukonwa Ojo was tasked with rebranding and diversifying the iconic makeup company's image, which was no easy feat. Now, it's something she can add to her résumé, right under "industry superhero." When she attended POPSUGAR Play/Ground and spoke on a panel alongside designer Rebecca Minkoff, founder of Coveteur Stephanie Mark, and founder of Moon Juice Amanda Chantal Bacon, POPSUGAR'S Executive Style Director Dana Avidan Cohn asked her a crucial question: how did she come up with her own strategy for revamping a well-established, world-renowned corporation?
"For me, innovation is about listening to what your followers and consumers tell you that they need. I'm the crazy one on Instagram who reads every comment. When we launch a new product, I read all the feedback. I watch all the influencer videos. People say, 'You're the SVP, you shouldn't be doing that.' I'm like, no, no, no, that is my job . . . we need more inclusivity in beauty. It sucks when we launch a foundation and all of us can't try it because we only launched 20 shades. When we listen to that and we respond - for example, it's the first time that we just launched 40 shades in our Matte Made Foundation - and everybody's like, 'Oh my god, that's innovation!' It's like, 'No, you told us that you needed us to launch more!' So, for me, innovation is being obsessed with you guys and paying attention. If we do that sustainably, we'll be fine," Ukonwa said.
She also touched on the fear that comes with rebranding an icon and the worry that you'll be the person to screw it up. "We spent a lot of time talking to our consumers, talking to retailers, and one of the things we learned is that you really loved the fact that we were 'easy, breezy, beautiful.' But beauty had moved on. Some of you were wearing 25 different products on your face and you were like, 'This was not easy. It took me like an hour and a half to get this on my face.'"
Ukonwa confirmed that CoverGirl's theme "I Am What I Make Up" largely revolves around the fact that you and your makeup bag work together to create the version of yourself that you want to put out into the world each day, firmly driving home her point that the brand would not be as fresh as it is now without the influence of its customers. If that's not a beautiful thing, we don't know what is.
9 Eyebrow Gels That Will Give You the Best Arches Ever
I take pride in perfecting my eyebrows every day. Whether I'm drawing them on with a pencil or applying powder, the one thing that always pulls them together is using a setting gel. This finishing makeup comes in both clear or tinted choices that you can find to match your hair color. It helps hold and form your shape, keeping brows in place throughout the day. We rounded up a list of popular picks from brands like E.L.F., Glossier, and MAC. Find yours ahead.
Looking For That Perfect "Your Lips but Better" Color? I Found It
Fact: I would rather be caught out naked than with naked lips. In fact, while I am sans clothes quite frequently (three cheers for studio apartment living!), I rarely have absolutely nothing on my lips.
That said, there are levels to lip coverage. You've got your statement colors, power reds, clear glosses, and - perhaps most coveted in this nude-pocolpyse we live in - the barely there "your-lips-but-better" topcoat. If you're in the market for an eye-catching neutral, please allow me to introduce you to one that's hot off the pigment press: Shu Uemura x Yazbukey Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte in Rose Flows ($31).
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alaina Demopoulos
This chestnut-pink neutral is one of the 16 new hues and four liners that make up the J-beauty brand's first-ever lip collaboration with Parisian jewelry designer Yazbukey. Sure, the pop art lip motif that covers this bullet's packaging is adorable, but it's what's on the inside of this lipstick that counts. Pop off the cap and you'll reveal what looks more like a balm than full-coverage color.
Once you slide the applicator over your mouth, you'll start to feel the formula does, indeed, apply like a matte. It doesn't drag, per se, but there is enough grit to the texture that I'd advise slathering on your favorite balm beforehand to keep things feeling smooth as buttah (as my Rhode Island aunt would say). The faded punch color is reminiscent of Kat Von D's universally beloved Lolita shade, except it's just a hint darker.
That makes this a go-to for those Summer days-to-nights when all you want to do to transition to happy hour is slip on a more comfortable pair of sandals. While you might need to reapply a second time during the day, I am happy to report that this lasts through a side serving of Panera mac and cheese - because dreams do come true.
Read on to see every shade in the new Shu Uemura Supreme Matte collection.
1 Former Pageant Queen's Response to Ditching the Swimsuit Competition: "It's About Time"
After what feels like a long time coming, the Miss America pageant has decided to remove the swimsuit competition from the show and stop judging the women on their physical appearances. Former pageant competitor and current curve model Candice Huffine could not be more thrilled with the decision.
"It's about time, honestly," Candice said at POPSUGAR Play/Ground, while speaking on a panel about models breaking the mold. "The structure in general I think is a little outdated, so I'm excited to see that there's changes finally."
Former Fox News host and Miss America chairwoman Gretchen Carlson announced in early June that effective later this year, the swimsuit competition will be removed from the pageant, and the evening gown competition will not longer consider what the ladies are wearing, rather judges will focus on what they're saying. "We're no longer judging women when they come out in their chosen attire, their evening wear," said Gretchen in an interview on Good Morning America. "Whatever they choose to do, it's going to be what comes out of their mouth that we're interested in."
Candice, who competed in pageants as a child and currently has her own activewear line called DayWon, said at POPSUGAR Play/Ground that she's curious what might replace the swimsuit competition and said her personal recommendation is an activewear display. But regardless of what the pageant chooses to go with, she said she wants to see it be a more empowering place for women. "Standing on a stage half naked in a bathing suit to be judged by athletes and celebrities . . . to tell you that you're the most beautiful of this group, I think is still a little odd. We're just not in that time anymore. It doesn't match the world we're living in," she said. "We'll see what's next, but it's a good first step."
The Only 5 Hairstyles You Need to Know About This Summer
Blowouts are a beloved self-care ritual - until June rolls along. Come Summer, when it pretty much rains sweat and people start spending more on their AC bills than they do a new swimsuit, the last thing you want to do is blast the hot steam from a styling tool on your face and neck. Enter air-drying, the season's answer to overheated bathrooms everywhere. But anyone who's ever tried leaving the house with damp ends knows that air-drying can go from off-duty model to Old English sheepdog at an alarmingly fast pace. That's why we enlisted three top hairstylists to give us five of-the-moment haircuts - and one timeless style - that are achievable sans blow-dryer, flat iron, or curling wand.
I Finally Found a Face Mask That Clears My Stubborn Acne in Just 1 Night
From time to time, I suffer from sporadic breakouts that cover my cheeks and chin. I never see them coming, so I like to be armed with essentials that will quickly combat them. There's nothing worse than unexpected skin issues before a big event. I'm a huge face mask fan, but I never found a truly effective option targeted at controlling acne. That is, until my friend gifted me this Tata Harper Clarifying Mask ($68). It's a total godsend.
If I apply this mask the night before an important day, my skin is totally flawless the next morning.
If I apply this mask the night before an important day, my skin is totally flawless the next morning. I can always count on the formula to work fast. You simply put it on with a brush, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. The quartz sand microcrystals in the mask will exfoliate your skin as you wipe it off.
It has an enzymatic peel effect that makes pimples and redness disappear without drying or irritating your face. Additionally, the mask includes an AHA superfruit blend and lactic acid that shrinks your pores for an Instagram filter complexion. The salicylic acid fights acne as well. Basically, the formula includes a combination of really good stuff that works together in perfect harmony.
If you've been hunting for a mask that will give you results, this is the investment you need to make. A high-quality product like this will give you the clear skin you've been longing for. I already need to stock up on another jar!
Is That Feminine Body Wash Doing Your Vagina More Harm Than Good?
Experts have long agreed that there are two kinds of douches to avoid in this world: the ones shotgunning Natty Light and the ones with pretty flowers on the box. (Although, it's entirely true that only one category of said experts have medical degrees.) The reason behind the latter is simply because the human vagina - or, rather, the "vulva" - has been described as a self-cleaning organ, so you needn't flush it out with fancy floral scents to keep it healthy.
Recently, though, the beauty market has seen a spike in cleansing wipes and feminine washes made specifically for your ladybits - perhaps due in part to the rise of the "vajacial," a facial that happens nowhere near the face - the majority of which sprinkle words like "antiseptic," "gentle," and "low pH" onto the bottles to make them sound safer. But are they, really?
In a word: sometimes - but you definitely don't need one. In fact, you don't need anything but a splash of water to keep it clean. "Patients are worried about odor or infection," urogynecologist Maria Canter, MD, FPMRS, FACOG, MSC, told POPSUGAR. "They don't want to feel embarrassed about how they smell. But you only need to wash the outside of your vagina with water, and you do not need to wash the inside at all."
On the contrary, using a feminine body wash may actually be harmful to your health. That's because it throws off your vulva's good and bad bacteria that live together harmoniously to make a healthy environment. "This good bacteria (called flora) protects against infection," she said. "Washes are not recommended because they can disrupt this balance, throw off your pH levels, and even push some of the bacteria further into your vagina. That can then compromise the immune system and cause an infection."
Should you be a glutton for punishment, or just really, really, really want to wash up down there, scan the ingredients list on a product for any red flags beforehand. "Make sure it does not contain harmful chemicals like alcohol, that will potentially irritate your vagina," Dr. Canter said. "Also it should be pH balanced so it won't disrupt the flora in your vagina." If anything seems off, consult your gynecologist. Otherwise, practice good hygiene, use protection, and limit the amount of questionable things you introduce to your vagina.
11 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Lash Lift
Lash lifts are the new buzzy beauty treatment: a cheaper, more natural-looking, low maintenance alternative to lash extensions. Essentially a modern version of the lash perm and tint, the treatment makes the most of your natural lashes. Once you've learned what the process of getting a lash lift is, and seen the incredible results, you'll probably want to give it a go yourself. But there are a few things you should know before going in for the treatment, in order to get the most out of your appointment. Read on for all the info.
13 Brilliant Tech Hacks For Your Next Trip
Ready, set, bookmark! To make your trips as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible, we've rounded up the best tech travel hacks on the web - from how to pack properly to how to share photos once you've returned, you'll find it all right here. How did we ever travel without them before?
11 Sexy Movies Hitting Theaters in 2018
It looks like 2018 is shaping up to be a year full of sexy, confident assassins and superhot superheroes in movies. From Red Sparrow to A Star Is Born, we've compiled a list of the steamiest films out this year. These movies will make your body shiver with anticipation with their lurid plots and beautiful casts.
Here's the Right Way to Repost Instagram Photos
Instagram is among our first-thing-in-the-morning go-to apps. But its almost too simple interface has us wanting functions available on other social networks, chief among them: the repost (also known as a retweet, reblog, or share depending on your social site of choice). Fear not 'Grammers, discover the ways to share a picture you more than just love and give credit to the original poster while doing so.
- Repost for Instagram (free for iOS and Android) - View your feed in this app, then tap on a picture you'd like to repost. The user's account and profile picture automatically appear as a bar on the image that can be rotated. Hit repost to open and share the photo in the native Instagram app.
- Repost on Iconosquare - If you use the web client Iconsquare (formerly Statigram) to view Instagram while on a browser, click on the picture you want to share, and find the repost button below the photo. Select that to preview an image of the to-be-shared pic with a reshare icon in the upper left corner (as seen above). Click "Send me by email," to receive an email from Statigram with the preview image attached. Save that to your phone's photo library and upload to Instagram as normal. Though the original photographer's name appears in the photo, don't forget to give them an extra shout-out in the caption.
- Repost on Websta - Websta (formerly Webstagram) users can apply the same directions as the above Statigram reposting method and have the picture, marked with the original poster's name, emailed.
9 Tips For Having More Intense Orgasms
Orgasms are wonderful, but there is always room for improvement. What do we mean by this? Well, sex is a journey, not a destination. It's about exploring your body and finding new pathways to pleasure. Orgasms come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small, and some are large; some are intense AF, and some are meh.
But did you know that your orgasm potential is (to some degree) in your control? If you're dreaming of more intense orgasms, look no further. POPSUGAR spoke to real women and experts to bring you the best tips for how to have more intense orgasms.
1. Keep it going even after you come
How to do it: "Keep going. Don't stop after your first orgasm, even if your body feels sensitive. My third orgasm is usually the strongest because everything is hyper aroused." - Olive, 30
"If you feel that one part of your body is getting overstimulated - try switching to another for the subsequent orgasm. Listen to your body and reengage after each orgasm to maintain arousal." - Alex Fine, founder of Dame Products
Why it works: "I find if vulva owners can stay aroused rather than completely cooling down after an orgasm, this can be helpful in experiencing multiple orgasms. Think about it like this - the body is already warmed up and in the mode, so it's easier to bring it back to a heightened place than starting all over again." - Alicia Sinclair, founder of B-Vibe and Le Wand
2. Masturbate, masturbate, masturbate
How to do it: Don't be shameful or awkward about your masturbation habits. Take some time to really enjoy yourself. Draw a bath, put on music that turns you on, and grab your favorite vibe. Devote time to the practice. Masturbation is self-care.
Why it works: "Experiencing pleasure is about being connected to your body and your partner. The better you get to know yourself through masturbation, the better you can communicate your desires and guide your partner to help you climax - and help yourself get there during solo sessions. Ultimately, communication during partnered sex is the key to maximized pleasure. It's also imperative to get out of your head and enjoy the experience instead of focusing on an end result. Orgasms are all about the release." - Mia Davis, founder of the sexual education website and app Tabú
3. Utilize the Lap Dance position
How to do it: Have your partner sit on a chair. It'll likely work best if he or she sits all the way back in the seat with their legs wide open. From a standing position, slowly back up to meet him or her, and gently glide his penis/her dildo into your vagina.
Why it works: "I'm a big fan of the Lap Dance position, specifically because the woman is in control, the clitoris is easily stimulated, and both partner's hands are available to stimulate other parts of the body (like your breasts, nipples, or wrap you in a sexy embrace). Also, depending on the angle at which you arch your body, you can stimulate the g-spot or a-spot. This position is also a great form of foreplay - especially if you do wish to start with an actual lap dance. I also like to suggest using a vibrator in this position. Start by teasing your partner with the vibrator before you begin using it on yourself. " - Alicia Sinclair
4. Close your eyes
How to do it: "Close your eyes and really focus on your body! Being aware of everything your partner is doing and touching will make your orgasm 10x better." - Juliana, 25
Why it works: When you close your eyes, you cut off one of your main sensory ports. This will make everything you feel extreme (in a good way). Really lean into everything that is happening to you, and pay attention to each nerve ending.
5. Edging to get you over the edge
How to do it: "Essentially, you slowly bring yourself closer and closer to coming but hold back before going over the edge. The buildup really intensifies the orgasm (seriously, you have to try it), and by prolonging the whole juicy process, it makes everything more fun in general (whether you're solo or with a friend or two!)." - Dr. Nadia Kumentas ND, founder of the holistic wellness site Mingo Health
Why it works: Growing your pleasure threshold will only make the final release that much more explosive. When you become aroused and then let it go, the energy is recycled, waiting just under the surface to be ignited once again. It you keep building toward a finale, the endgame will be unreal.
6. Kegels are key
How to do it: Your kegel muscles are what keep everything tight and strong below the waist. To give them a workout, stop the flow of urine when you're taking a wee. This will help you locate the kegels. Next, hold your kegels in for 30 seconds, twice a day.
Why it works: "Do kegels. Once you've mastered those, you can actually do them while your man is inside of you and your orgasm will be super intense." - BSM Stoneking, erotic author and sex expert
When your kegels are tight, you can feel everything happening during sex more acutely. You're more in control of your body. The stronger the kegels, the more powerful your orgasms. Your partner will love it, too.
7. Breathe into it
How to do it: Utilize all of those techniques you've heard of in yoga and Pilates classes. Breathe deeply and consciously during your entire sexual experience. It's easy to get excited and hold your breath. Avoid doing this.
Why it works: "The breath is of number one importance. It keeps the body loose and receptive, easier to arouse." - Dr. Elayne Daniels, PhD
8. Find a vibe you love
How to do it: A small vibrator can make all the difference during sex. Try something small and easy to maneuver like the Fin from Dame Products or the Crave Bullet.
Why it works: "During penetrative sex, it is difficult to achieve the much-needed clitorial stimulation to get to orgasm. Having a small vibrator in hand will give you the ability to get your clitoris in on the action. If you can combine g-spot and clitorial stimulation during sex, you'll be on your way to the best orgasm of your life." - Maria, 29
9. "Tipping the scales" (for two people with vulvas)
How to do it: Your partner lies on their back and you get on top with your legs framing your partner's face (almost like a 69 position). Prop yourself up with your arms and move your hips back so your clit is in line with your partner's face.
Why it works: "It's super comfortable for your partner and is pretty much a prime orgasm position for you. Your partner can hold your hips steady and pull you towards their face - they have total control, which is super hot. It also feels AMAZING if your partner throws in a little simultaneous vaginal penetration with fingers or a toy. Then you can switch!" - The team at Unbound, a sexual wellness and sex toy subscription company
I'm Mexican-American, but I Won't Call Myself Chicana
Image Source: Natalie Rivera
My family was nothing out of the ordinary when I was growing up. My parents came to the US in their teens from their respective homes in Mexico, crossing the border illegally, only to become US citizens in the '80s under the Reagan administration. I was born in North Hollywood, CA, and was raised in nearby San Fernando. When I was around 4 years old, my mother worked shifts at the McDonald's drive-through at 5 a.m. when she was pregnant with my younger brother. My father worked landscaping and delivered Domino's pizza over the weekend up until I was about 10 years old. Every month was another baptism, communion, birthday party, quinceañera, or wedding with my very large Mexican family (I have roughly 75 cousins. No, seriously. My dad and I counted.). My aunts and uncles all came into this country under similar circumstances; one of my father's brothers also delivered Domino's pizza to make a living.
I still can't seem to bring myself to identify with one specific label: Chicana
My middle and high schools, like the neighborhood, were predominately Latinx, specifically Mexican-American. Most of my classmates were first-generation, and some of them were Mexican immigrants themselves. Friends, bullies, crushes, and even teachers weren't too different from me. We were almost all, in one way or another, a product of the Mexican-American experience, whether that meant having parents who crossed the border or simply growing up with Univision playing in the background 24/7. It wasn't until after college that I began meeting more people who weren't Angelenos. To this day, people who I meet for the first time in the city (I now live in Koreatown, a mere 30 to 40 minute drive from home) still tell me how rare it is that they meet someone who is actually from LA. Little do they know they're unicorns for me, too.
Because so many of the friends, coworkers, and acquaintances I've met in the last several years do not look like me, I've felt I've had a responsibility to share my upbringing with them. I was in my mid-20s the first time I described myself as first-gen, a term that wasn't a thing where I grew up since everyone just assumed you were one. Because of our political climate, I feel more inclined to self-describe as a Mexican-American, first-gen, or - as one of my protest signs once read - "The proud daughter of Mexican immigrants." But while I'm glad to share my family's story, I still can't seem to bring myself to identify with one specific label: Chicana.
The Meaning of Chicano and Chicana
Merriam-Webster defines the word "Chicana" as an American woman or girl of Mexican descent. By dictionary definition, yes, I am Chicana, but growing up the word seemed, at least to me, to have a different connotation.
While historians can't pinpoint the word's exact origins, Chicano - or the female Chicana - has been widely used to describe Mexican-Americans in the US since the early 20th century. For a while, the word was a pejorative, used to describe Mexican-Americans of low social standing. Chicanos reclaimed the word during the Mexican-American civil rights movement in the '60s, also known as the Chicano Movement, which was led by a new generation of Mexican-Americans, mainly in California and Texas, who demanded better labor conditions for migrant farmers, political empowerment, and school reform. Two of the movement's most prominent leaders were Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who cofounded the United Farm Workers of America, the country's first farmers union and a major win for the labor movement.
My hometown is widely proud of its Chicano history. We have a mural dedicated to Chavez, and our local cafes will usually have at least one piece of Chicano art hanging on the walls. My teachers taught us about Chavez's legacy in middle school, and the university I went to - also in the valley - has a Chicana/o studies department. Yet, the word to me meant more than its Merriam-Webster definition; it meant you were a woke Mexican-American, one willing to fight for la raza, or the race. Students at my school who identified as Chicano/a seemed well-versed in the injustices faced by our people, both past and current, and dedicated to combating them. Because of this, Chicano/a seemed more than just a label or term. It was a way of living, and so self-identifying as one meant you weren't just Mexican-American, but a proud, activist Mexican-American.
Whether it was immigrant rights, or just a deeply felt appreciation of Chavez's and Huertas' efforts, proud Chicana/os I've come across always seemed to be self-aware. I was not - or at least not to that extent. I was never involved in any student protest or political demonstrations growing up, and any time I learned something else about the Chicana/o Movement, I merely took in the knowledge without applying it into my daily life. I felt some guilt over this, but like many teens my interests didn't include activism or politics, but mostly music, magazines, Harry Potter and, well, boys (16-year-old me would have done poorly on a Bechdel Test.) Also, because the community I grew up in was predominately Mexican-American, I rarely witnessed discrimination towards Latinxs. In fact, white kids were more likely to be the outcasts. While TV and film told a different story, everyone in the community I grew up in pretty much looked the same. Because of this, I was more or less ignorant about the the Latinx struggle. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't care, it's just that it never resonated with me the way it did with some of my classmates.
While I do now, as an adult, participate in protests, and have created content bringing awareness to immigration rights, I do not feel my political activism can compare to that demonstrated during the Chicano Movement. Therefore I do not feel comfortable identifying as Chicana, and gravitate more to the labels Mexican-American and Latina. Even though I am, by definition, Chicana, I do not feel a personal connection to the word, nor do I feel my experience as a Mexican-American reflects that of the Chicano Movement or Chicano culture.
How Do We Shape Our Own Identities as Mexican-Americans?
I spoke to Gabriel Gutiérrez, department chair of Chicana and Chicano studies at California State University Northridge - which happens to be my alma mater - about the history of the word. Like me, Gutierrez also believes the word is more than its dictionary definition. However, he also believes the evolution of the term extends beyond the Chicano Movement. According to Gutierrez, for some people, the term has cultural connotations. Because we are Mexican-American, there is the expectation of being equally as Mexican as we are American, therefore making some of us desperate for a label that embodies our particular experience.
"You're going to have folks who identify with the term as sort of an alternative between Mexican and American identities," Gutiérrez told me. "In part because of the notion or the idea or the experience of not being considered, or not considering yourself, authentically Mexican or authentically American."
While self-identification can play a huge role in the Latinx community, just because a person gravitates to one label more than another doesn't mean the term itself is more or less accurate. In Mexico, some people choose to identify with their home state as opposed to their birth country. For example, someone might be more inclined to call themselves Michoacána than Mexican, identifying more closely with the state of Michoacán as opposed to just Mexico. Not one label is necessarily better than the other; it's just the way am individual feels more comfortable identifying. Because there are so many layers to a person, there are are multitudes of ways someone can identity, especially if you add heritage into the equation. And as Gutiérrez pointed out, our identity is not always fixed, but is often fluid. "In reality, many people experience multiple identities as they go through life," he explained. "So, the first realization might be a response to something they see in the news ,or a response to a particular law. Basically, the deeper of understanding in that regard, then the more types of identities come to form along those lines."
Gutiérrez also said that while some people do use Chicano/a as a literal term to mean born of Mexican parents, some people call themselves "Chicano/a" as a way to show pride. Like the activists of the Chicano Movement, some people might use the term to reclaim their heritage - something Mexican-Americans have historically been made to feel ashamed of, either by cultural prejudices or institutionalized racism.
"You have folks from kindergarten and on who are being taught to be be ashamed of their parents, or be ashamed of who they were," Gutierrez explained. "[They were taught] to not want to speak Spanish, and so that was inverted in a sense where people were looking at a combination of expression . . . of self-affirmation."
The struggle for self-affirmation and belonging is one I've personally dealt with most my life, and something I still have trouble grasping even in my late 20s. I used to envy the American families depicted on TV, wishing I came from a home that was uncomplicated, that allowed me to see my father on the weekends, and didn't come with the pressure of having to know two cultures and languages equally. I am ashamed to admit this now, but there was a lot of embarrassment that came with growing up Mexican-American - at least for me. Whether it was embarrassing myself with my broken Spanish or feeling left out because I didn't grow up watching Seinfeld or Friends, being a young, Mexican-American woman was so conflicting, I'd sometimes resent my own culture.
Looking back now, I've realized that this pressure, though sometimes enforced by family members and classmates, was really my own doing. Though I won't ever get the years I wasted stressing over the ideal Mexican-American woman I felt I had to live up to back, I can instead live my life subscribing myself to labels and identities I feel most comfortable with. As of now, those labels don't include the word "Chicana," and that's just fine. It should not be taken as an insult or a diss to those who do choose to embrace the term, but for what it is: my own personal, genuine self-reflection. On top of the many rights my people fought for, I have a feeling they also fought for the freedom of proudly and freely determining your own identity - and that's good enough for me.
18 People Who Are in Line For the Presidency If Trump Is Removed From Office
If you're suddenly curious as to who becomes president in case President Donald Trump resigns, dies, or is impeached, take a look at the 18 people in line for succession. Called the Presidential Succession Act, the law has a long history of changes, with the last one taking place in 2006.
The first iteration of the Presidential Succession Act in 1792 stated the Senate president pro tempore would be next in line after the vice president. On July 18, 1947, President Harry Truman signed the Presidential Succession Act of 1947. This act changed the line of succession in two ways; first it reinstated the Senate president pro tempore and speaker of the House to the succession plan. Secondly, it also placed the speaker of the House right after the vice president instead of the Senate president pro tempore. The last change to the act came in 2006, when the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 added the secretary of Homeland Security to the list.
In Trump's administration, here's the full line of succession.
- Vice President Mike Pence
- Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
- Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch
- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson
- Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin
- Secretary of Defense James Mattis
- Attorney General Jeff Sessions
- Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke
- Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
- Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
- Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta
- Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price
- Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson
- Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao
- Secretary of Energy Rick Perry
- Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos
- Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin
- Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly
The only caveat here is that Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao isn't eligible since she was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and is therefore not a US-born citizen. While it's still uncertain whether or not we'll need to refer to this list in the future, at least we know who we can expect.
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