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.
samedi 4 août 2018
11 Stylish Breastfeeding Shirts You'll Still Want to Wear When You're Done Nursing
For many women who choose to do so, breastfeeding can be an important part of having a newborn. But while there are many benefits to breastfeeding, it's rarely convenient - or stylish! Having a cute breastfeeding top or sweater can not only help you feel and look great, but it also means you no longer have to dread the logistics of breastfeeding in public. Keep reading to shop some of our favorite stylish breastfeeding tops!
We Just Can't Get Bella Hadid's '90s Mesh Sandals Out of Our Heads
It's not unusual to see Bella Hadid in a slinky crop top. In fact, we're used to seeing the model's toned abs front and center when it comes to her sexy street style ensembles. Bella was spotted in NYC grabbing some dinner with her friends wearing a sophisticated suit. While styling a red crop top with an oversize suit was an interesting choice, it was her mesh sandals that instantly took us back in time to the '90s. She completed her look with a red ankle bracelet and a leopard-print belt. Keep scrolling to get a look at her amazing mules and buy similar versions for your wardrobe.
Kim Kardashian's Sexiest Shoes Have Us (and Probably Kanye West) Gasping For Air
Kim Kardashian and her sisters have a way of getting everyone's attention the second they step into a room. One thing in particular we've noticed about Kim's style is that she only wears sexy shoes. If you think we're kidding, hold on to your seats, because we've got proof.
Whether Kim is walking the Met Gala's red carpet with hubby Kanye West in custom Balmain outfits or simply running errands in lace-up booties, the starlet knows how to make our jaws drop. Ahead, you can find 10 of Kim's sexiest shoes and shop similar versions for your collection, too.
Shopbop Marked Down Hundreds of Dresses, but These Are Our 10 Favorites
We know and love Shopbop for its designer must haves, but have you checked out the site's sale section? It's really, really good. They mark down tons of items, so we narrowed it down for you and selected the best dress deals you need to see. Shop through the steals, and add one to your wish list.
All the Cozy Sweaters You Can Buy For Less Than $25 on Amazon
It's time to clear your closet and make some room for all your favorite Fall sweaters. This season, don't get stuck wearing the same old ones again and again. You can finally treat yourself to a few new pieces without overspending. We shopped on Amazon because the popular retailer has everything you could ever dream of, including stylish clothes. We rounded up 15 chic and cozy sweaters that you'll want to live in through Winter. The best part: they're all under $25, so you can get more than just one (or five). Keep scrolling to shop our top picks.
These Are the 4 Top-Rated Sandals at Nordstrom - You're Welcome!
Sandals are Summer staples. We wear them any excuse we get, and there are so many different styles, colors, and fabrics, it's so hard to choose a favorite! Luckily, the shoppers at Nordstrom have rated their top four favorites; they're cute, comfortable, and versatile! Whether you're heading to a pool party or a wedding, we've got you covered. Just keep reading to shop!
These 9 Jackets Are Ridiculously Cool - and You Can Get 'em All on Amazon
Believe it or not, it's almost jacket season. Yes, that's right, it's time for jackets, and we're so excited. There are so many styles to choose from, it can feel overwhelming, but we've made it super simple. Whether you're looking for a lightweight topper or a heavier, warmer option, we've got you covered. Literally. Just keep reading to shop our picks!
Our Prayers Have Been Answered - Jessica Lange Is Coming Back to American Horror Story!
The good news just keeps coming! Not only has American Horror Story already been renewed for its ninth and 10th seasons, but our prayers have finally been answered, because Jessica Lange is returning to the FX series. On Friday, Sarah Paulson confirmed at the TCA Summer press tour that Lange will be appearing in the upcoming eighth season of the show. Even though she did not reveal what role she will be playing, we have a feeling it's going to be good.
Lange starred in the first four seasons of AHS, but said she was "done" with the series after Freak Show in 2015. We're happy she's had a change of heart! Catch the eighth season of AHS when it premieres on FX on Sept. 12.
Julia Roberts Catches Pretty Woman on Broadway, and OMG, the Nostalgia
Julia Roberts attended a special performance of Broadway's Pretty Woman: The Musical in NYC on Thursday night, and it brought back so many memories. Not only did Julia hit the red carpet with the late Garry Marshall's wife, Barbara, but Julia wore an orange Laverne & Shirley T-shirt in honor of the late director (Garry cocreated the '70s show). "Julia was super sweet to the cast backstage, and so so approachable and warm," a source told People. "Usually backstage meet and greets are quick, but Julia spent extensive time chatting with everyone and complimenting their performances." One of Julia's most iconic movie roles was in 1990's Pretty Woman as Vivian Ward with Richard Gere. Wow, Julia has come a long way since then.
Related: 13 Photos of BFFs George Clooney and Julia Roberts That'll Make You Want in on the Joke
How Susanna Fogel Hopes The Spy Who Dumped Me Changes Female-Driven Action Films in Hollywood
As I walked out of the theater after seeing The Spy Who Dumped Me, I found myself trying to narrow down what the most outrageous scene in the action-comedy film was. When Kate McKinnon casually pushes a naked man off a balcony to his death? Or maybe when Mila Kunis is remarkably cool with watching her meth-smoking Uber driver having his head blown apart by a rogue bullet? (For what it's worth, I eventually settled on an acrobatic duel and subsequent graphic impalement at the film's climax.)
The film from director Susanna Fogel, who previously directed the 2014 indie comedy Life Partners, can sometimes feel like it can't quite decide what it wants to be: a hardcore action movie, with all the aforementioned shocks? A tender study of the bonds between best friends? Mission Impossible with a lot more toilet humor? But that's also exactly what makes it so entertaining: it doesn't pigeonhole itself into one single category.
"For me, it just came down to the mantra that I repeat when I write and direct," Fogel recently told me when she hopped on the phone ahead of the film's premiere. "What would I want to watch? What would I find entertaining? I love action movies and spy movies, and many of them are very brutal. Meanwhile, obviously I'm a big fan of dialogue-driven, friendship-driven, character-driven comedies that are very small and indie. In thinking about how to make an action-comedy with both action and comedy elements that I would actually want to see myself, I needed a good mix of the two."
The Spy Who Dumped Me follows Kunis and McKinnon's Audrey and Morgan, two best friends who end up going on the run in Europe after Audrey discovers that her ex-boyfriend (Justin Theroux) is actually a spy, and he needs her to get a mysterious flashdrive to a contact in Vienna. With a smoldering MI6 agent (Outlander's Sam Heughan) hot on their trail, Audrey and Morgan get in way over their heads and end up killing a shocking amount of gun-toting assassins on their sudden Euro trip. From watching dudes get smushed into the pavement to blood spurting out from gory neck wounds, the fast, colorful violence sometimes has the effect of making the film seem like one of the video games Kunis's Audrey is constantly playing, not unlike action sequences in films like Kingsman and John Wick, both movies Fogel happily counts as inspiration.
"There's a scene in the gym when Sam Heughan does this insane gymnastics move, which is supposed to be a chuckle for people," she explained. "Like, OK, we're living in this slightly heightened universe where he's basically doing a Super Mario-esque flip. For me, it's about finding ways to let people know that it's OK to laugh or smile or be entertained by something that otherwise would be disturbing . . . It's a lot about analyzing what makes movies that way. What makes a movie like Kingsman entertaining when it's so brutal? How does the audience feel OK laughing at, smiling at, or enjoying watching so many people meet their end?"
Director Susanna Fogel with stars Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis.
To be fair, it's practically impossible not to have fun when McKinnon is on screen. She brings the perfect amount of rambling, frenetic energy to her performance as Morgan, who has a relatably insecure core lurking under all of her eccentric humor. Fogel, who pulled double duty writing the script as well as directing, knew from the beginning that she had to have McKinnon on board for the film to work.
"I had a relationship with Kate from her cameo in my first film [Life Partners], and she was always my first choice for Morgan," she said, noting that she let the SNL alum flex her improv skills during filming. "You can't have someone like Kate on your set and not utilize that genius that she has! But she's also a person who turned out to like the discipline of a more dramatic role as well. When I met Mila, she was so down to earth, such a girl's girl, I felt that there was no way they wouldn't get along. They're both these smart, sarcastic women killing it in Hollywood."
Since the film ends with what Fogel jokes is "shameless ploy for a sequel," could there be more Audrey and Morgan in our future? Fogel says that's definitely something she'd be open to, but for now, she has a simpler hope for how the movie impacts the action-comedy genre: "If this opens up the playing field for all sorts of versions and gradations of female-driven movies, I think that's a great thing."
The Spy Who Dumped Me is in theaters now.
31 Things Only Diehard Beauty and the Beast Fans Know
Image Source: Everett Collection
Beauty and the Beast is one of Disney's most timeless classics, but there's a lot about the animated film that you might not have realized. For instance, do you know exactly what kind of animal the Beast was based on? Or his real name? The reboot is absolutely gorgeous and has a few interesting updates, but for now, let's revisit all of the interesting tidbits that make the 1991 film so great.
- Jackie Chan dubbed the voice of the Beast for Chinese-speaking countries. He provided vocals for both the Beast's speaking and singing parts!
- Chip originally had only one line. The producers liked 9-year-old actor Bradley Pierce's voice so much that they asked to expand the role.
- He also wasn't supposed to be a teacup. Early drawings of the character saw him as a music box who could only communicate by his chiming musical notes.
- Belle's lineage is more important than you think. Belle is one of the few Disney princesses who is not descended from royalty. She's joined by Cinderella, Tiana, and Mulan.
- Belle and the Beast's iconic dance scene was recycled from a different Disney film. As a way to save money, the Beauty and the Beast animators cribbed the animation sequence from Princess Aurora and Prince Phillip's dance in 1959's Sleeping Beauty.
- Julie Andrews was reportedly meant to play Mrs. Potts. The role eventually went to Murder, She Wrote's Angela Lansbury, who knocked it out of the park.
- The Beast doesn't have a real name. If you've been walking around calling him "Prince Adam," you're not alone, but you're not technically right, either. In the movie, his real name is never actually clarified; he's only ever referred to as "the Beast." The first time it was ever used was in the spinoff computer game and then later in the Broadway musical.
- Belle is the only person in her village to wear blue. So she stood out for reasons other than her personality. Even more interesting? The Beast is wearing blue when she meets him.
- The song "Human Again" was supposed to be in the 1991 movie. Unfortunately the song, which was lyricist Howard Ashman's favorite, got cut. That's why it was added to the 2002 rerelease and also the Broadway musical.
- The Beast was more vicious before edits were made. Ever noticed how the Beast's room has what looks like animal carcasses in his room (which you can see in here, bottom left)? His character was going to have a scene where he brings home a dead deer to feast on for dinner, but it was scrapped over fears audiences would find him unsympathetic.
- Belle's character is inspired by Little Women's Jo March. Writer Linda Woolverton used Katharine Hepburn's role in the 1933 film adaptation as inspiration for the strong-minded, independent Belle.
Image Source: Everett Collection
- Gaston doesn't exist in the original fairy tale. Disney got the idea for Belle's suitor from Jean Cocteau's 1946 live-action film, which features a very similar character named Avenant (this is also where they got the idea for enchanted household items, which also don't appear in the fairy tale).
- Gaston's death is confirmed by hidden skull imagery. When Gaston falls to his death after attempting to kill the beast, tiny skulls are reflected in each of his eyes. This is a not-so-subtle way of saying, "Yeah, he's super dead."
- It helped inspire a new Oscars category. Although it didn't take home the award for best picture at the 1992 Academy Awards (it lost to Silence of the Lambs), Beauty and the Beast proved that animated movies should be taken seriously. A best animated feature category was added in 2001, but it wasn't until Up picked up a best picture nom in 2010 that another animated film was given such an honor.
- Walt Disney wanted to make a Beauty and the Beast movie much earlier. He tried to develop the script into an animated film for Disney in the 1930s and 1950s, but the writers thought the story was too complex to adapt for a young audience.
- The studio tried (and failed) again in 1988. The Mouse House hired British animation director Richard Purdum to work his magic on the adaptation, but his vision of a much darker and nonmusical version of the tale was scrapped by then-Disney Chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg. Purdum resigned shortly afterward.
- Bambi's mom has a cameo. In the first scene, a deer drinks from a stream in the forest, and it's none other than the ill-fated mom of Bambi. A popular fan theory suggests that her eventual death (she's shot by a hunter) can be attributed to Gaston. Dark.
- Patrick Stewart turned down the role of Cogsworth. He was playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard on Star Trek: The Next Generation at the time and had scheduling conflicts.
- The Beast is an amalgam of animals, not just one. Animator Glen Keane used several animals as inspiration for the Beast's appearance: a lion (for his mane), a gorilla (his furrowed brow), a buffalo (his head, duh), wild boar (his tusks), a wolf (his legs and bushy tail), and a bear (his bulky body).
- Mrs. Potts was named Mrs. Chamomile at first. Producer Don Hahn revealed the surprising tidbit during a special anniversary screening in September. "The reason they changed it to Mrs. Potts is that Mrs. Chamomile was too hard to say," he explained. "Mrs. Potts was a lot easier."
- Belle is the oldest Disney princess. Paige O'Hara, the voice of Belle, told Vanity Fairthe tidbit: "She's the only one who they ever created to be in her 20s. All the other princesses have been teenagers. So there's maturity about her."
- The castle's gruesome gargoyles are actually early concept art of the Beast. As Belle cautiously explores the West Wing, take a peek at the statues looming over her.
- Angela Lansbury needed only one take to nail "Beauty and the Beast." After being up all night because her plane had an emergency landing after a bomb threat, Lansbury rushed to the studio to record the titular song. "We made it just in time, and I think it was the excitement and the sense of doing it now that helped me sing the song," she explained.
- It was the first animated film to earn more than $100 million at the box office. The movie raked in millions, making it the third highest-grossing movie of that year (Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves were first and second).
- Mickey Mouse has a small, subtle cameo. Hidden Mickeys are a Disney staple, and if you look closely during the scene where the Beast gifts Belle with his library, the outline of Mickey's head can be seen on the top of the middle bookshelf.
- Regis Philbin auditioned for the Beast. He was beat out by actor Robby Benson, who was clearly born to play the role. "Something magical happened," he told Entertainment Weekly about recording the Beast's death scene. I closed my eyes and saw my daughter in a theater. Knowing how emotional she gets, I suddenly felt like I was the Beast. I started performing, and the next thing I knew, it was over."
- Both the English and Spanish versions of LeFou are played by Jesse Corti. The Venezuelan-born actor talked to POPSUGAR about the fact: "As far as I know, I think I'm the only actor in the Disney movie that does the part in both languages."
- Disney World gave the actors a special treat at the theme park. After filming was over, Corti said that a part of Disney World was outfitted to look exactly like Belle's village: "You had the baker, the place with the horses, the carriages, and all the townspeople . . . Lefou and everybody, and the characters came to life."
- A line of scrapped dialogue from the 1991 movie made it into the 2017 reboot. "I love Glen Keane's Beast, that's why I ad-libbed 'Do you think you can grow a beard?'" O'Hara told Insider. "It almost made it in the movie. But Glen's very proud of his prince and I understand why. He really is the most beautiful, I think, of all the Disney princes in history." Funnily enough, Emma Watson's Belle utters that very line to the Beast at the end of the live-action version.
- Much of the movie's music was written in a hotel room. Because lyricist Howard Ashman was extremely sick, composer Howard Menken and producer Don Hahn got a room in a Marriott near his house in Fishkill, NY. There they wrote "Be Our Guest," "Little Town," and more on a small rented keyboard. Sadly Ashman died from AIDS complications eight months before the movie was released.
- There's a very poignant Latin phrase on the stained glass windows. In the 25th anniversary Blu-ray edition of the film, it's revealed that the Latin phrase on one of the stained glass windows reads: "Vincit qui se vincit," or "He conquers who conquers himself." Nothing like a little foreshadowing, right?
19 Sexy '00s Movies on Netflix That Will Have You Saying, "That's Hot"
New-millennium fashion was risqué to say the least, but let's not forget that the '00s also produced some movies way juicer than your terry-cloth tracksuits. In films from rom-coms to musicals to vampire-rock-star thrillers (yes, seriously), you can expect plenty of low-riding jeans and steamy scenes. Here are just 20 of the sexiest '00s films streaming on Netflix now - even if you never took to Von Dutch trucker hats or frosted lip gloss, you're sure to find something among these flicks to love.
This "God Is a Woman" Dance Routine Will Make You Believe God Is a Choreographer
Iconic choreographer Kyle Hanagami just dropped a dance routine video for Ariana Grande's "God Is a Woman," and "I don't wanna waste no time," so please watch it ASAP. This is one of Ariana's sexiest songs to begin with, but these wildly talented dancers just made it even sexier. By the end of it, you'll be praying for their killer skills. We'll be blasting this on repeat while we anxiously anticipate the rest of the music from Ariana's upcoming album, Sweetener. Press play above, and then watch Kyle Hanagami's equally impressive Cardi B "I Like It" choreography.
Hulu Is Adapting This Blogger's Memoir Into a Comedy Series Starring SNL's Aidy Bryant
Aidy Bryant is taking the lead in a new comedy series officially set to premiere on Hulu. The streaming service ordered six episodes of Shrill, a show based on the memoir of blogger Lindy West (Shrill: Notes From a Loud Woman) that is described as "the story of a fat young woman who wants to change her life - but not her body."
The series's production team already boasts a number of well-known names in comedy, including Elizabeth Banks, Parks and Recreation's Alexandra Rushfield, and Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels. Bryant and West are joining together to adapt the book and cowrite the story for the pilot. Banks and Michaels will serve as executive producers, with Rushfield also pulling double duty as cowriter and showrunner. GLOW director Jesse Peretz will helm the pilot episode, with Portlandia's Carrie Brownstein tapped to direct the second.
The series follows Bryant as Annie, a journalist juggling bad boyfriends, sick parents, and a perfectionist boss while the world around her sees her as not good enough because of her weight. When she starts to realize that she's as good as anyone else, she acts on it. Rounding out the cast are Lolly Adefope as Annie's best friend and roommate, Fran; Luka Jones as Annie's boyfriend, Ryan; Ian Owens as Annie's friend and coworker Amadi; and John Cameron Mitchell as Gabe, Annie's boss.
The series has the potential to bring a refreshing perspective to the TV landscape, and with so many funny people working behind the scenes, we can't wait to see what it comes up with! Production for Shrill begins in August in Portland, OR.
Meghan Markle Shares Her Birthday With Another Very Famous Royal
Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh have four children, eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, so keeping up with all those royal birthdays can't be easy. Of course they have private secretaries for that kind of thing, but for the queen, remembering the birthday of the new Duchess of Sussex should be quite easy anyway.
Meghan Markle was born on Aug. 4, 1981, which means she shares a birthday with a very famous and well-loved member of the royal family: Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
Image Source: Getty / Anwar Hussein
Elizabeth was born on Aug. 4, 1900 and lived to the ripe old age of 101. Though the "Queen Mum" - as she was often referred to by the British press - is no longer with us, her memory lives on, particularly in light of the recent popularity of The Crown, in which she is portrayed in all her stoic brilliance by the actress Victoria Hamilton. She was a very popular member of the royal family and was said to be very close to her daughters. The queen allegedly spoke to her mother every single day. When the Queen Mother died in 2002, it was only seven weeks after the loss of her younger daughter, Princess Margaret.
As well as having this sweet connection to such a well-loved member of her new family, Aug. 4 seems to be a very popular birthday for other famous faces. Meghan also shares the date with the likes of Barack Obama, Cole and Dylan Sprouse, and her close friend (and royal wedding attendee) Abigail Spencer.
In the Slender Man Trailer, the Internet's Creepiest Horror Story Comes to Life
It's been nearly a decade since Slender Man first haunted the internet on a viral creepy web forum, and now he's coming to the big screen. The film adaptation of Slender Man stars Joey King and seems to adhere to the same myth that was attached to the monster way back when it was just a scary story: he appears to have some sort of influence over children after they watch a certain internet video (a là The Ring), and is then able to make them do bad things. Like, say, stab themselves in the eye with a scalpel during science class. In a mix of other chilling horror movies that are slated for 2018, this one certainly stands out. Watch the latest trailer above before it arrives in theaters on Aug. 10.
Trailer 1:
The Cast of the Fox News Movie, Fair and Balanced, Is Star-Studded, to Say the Least
The women of Fox News are getting the Hollywood treatment in the highly anticipated film Fair and Balanced. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the movie will tell the story of the women who came together to bring down the "toxic male culture of the news network and chief Roger Ailes."
Ailes ran Fox News from 1996 until he was forced to resign in 2016, after multiple women came forward with claims of sexual misconduct - including Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson, whose careers he helped to launch. The film is described as an ensemble pic about those involved during Ailes's reign at Fox News, with other characters including fired host Bill O'Reilly, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, and former anchor Greta Van Susteren. Keep reading to find out the film's cast so far.
15 Lightweight Horror Movies on Netflix That Won't Scar You For Life
Still cursing the soul who convinced you to watch Hereditary? Horror movies are fun until you find yourself paranoid about encountering the Babadook or the Grady twins in the wee hours of the night. Luckily, there are frothy, funny horror movies out there that won't induce psychologically scarring nightmares. From family favorites like Ghostbusters to hilarious slashers like Tucker and Dale vs. Evil, here are the best scary movies on Netflix that aren't so scary - perfect for low-key Halloween celebrations or for whenever you want a controlled adrenaline rush.
10 Sexy Horror Films Streaming on Netflix That Are Sure to Get Your Blood Pumping
We know what you're thinking: "sexy" and "horrific" aren't exactly as expected a pairing as peanut butter and jelly, but there are more titillating thrillers out there than you may think. Sexy movies and horror movies both get your heart rate going, so it only makes sense that combining the two elements makes for an erotically thrilling film. We've rounded up the 10 hottest horror movies streaming on Netflix now, and believe us when we say watching any of these flicks will have you grabbing for your date's hand (but whether it's out of fright or frisson is up to you).
This Loose Powder Feels Wet on Skin - Like Black Magic in Makeup Form
When I first touched the Becca Hydra-Mist Set and Refresh Powder ($38), I shrieked and demanded my friend standing next to me at Sephora feel the magical powder I had just discovered - because it is an experience you can't describe.
It looks like your regular loose setting powder but imparts a moist, cooling feeling on your fingers when you touch it. It's unlike anything I've ever felt before, and I truly think Becca has been taking Defence Against the Dark Arts lessons from Snape himself.
After reaching out to the company for more information, I learned that the formula is made with 50 percent water and glycerin, giving the fine powder its wet feeling. It feels refreshing - like misting on a setting spray - yet my face stays completely dry after applying it. Plus, it's not just how the formula feels that's cool, but the powder also reflects light and blurs lines to hide imperfections to make your skin look lightly airbrushed. I still don't completely understand how they got a dry product to feel so wet to the touch, but I can't stop applying it and plan on keeping it around all Summer long.
Meghan Markle's Makeup Artist Shares His Wedding Makeup Techniques and They're Surprisingly Simple
It might have been a couple of months since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding but we're still not done obsessing over the magical day and her goddess-like makeup. If you weren't already convinced to go back to basics with fresh, natural makeup after seeing her look, once you learn the simple technique her makeup artist used, you will want to try it out.
We recently learned that Meghan asked her longtime friend and makeup artist, Daniel Martin, to do her makeup via an adorable emoji text, and along with sharing that sweet story, he also let us in on a few other makeup secrets. Speaking with Good Morning America, Martin shared the technique he used to ensure Meghan's freckles showed through (which is always her number 1 request) as well as the very basic makeup techniques he used to create the elegant look. Keep reading to get all the tips and tricks you need to re-create the "lit from within" look at home. And fear not, Martin-and-Markle makeup collaboration fans, this isn't the last we'll seen of his skills because he says "I'll just be spending a little more time in London now."
48 Halloween Makeup Looks That Prove Face Paint Isn't Just For Kids
If you're a whiz with a makeup brush, then Halloween is your time to shine. With the transformative power of makeup, the costume you're wearing basically doesn't even matter - you'll win Halloween thanks to your face alone. Here are 52 awe-inspiring makeup looks to try to nail this year. You'd better start practicing now (and honestly, even if you make yourself look half as good as these photos, we're going to be impressed).
This Delicious Skincare Ingredient Is Up 229% on Pinterest - For Good Reason
There's nothing more satisfying than diving teeth first into a slice of watermelon on a hot Summer day. The fruit is tasty, refreshing, and - given that it's made up of 92 percent water - extrahydrating. Recently, watermelon extract has also been blowing up on social media as the trendiest new ingredient in skin care, thanks to its skin-quenching and brightening properties.
According to Pinterest, there's been a serious spike in curiosity surrounding the ingredient, with searches for the term "watermelon extract" up 229 percent (!) in the beauty category. There has also been a wave of new products featuring the ingredient, with brands using watermelon extract in serums, face masks, and even shampoo to restore moisture and radiance from head to toe. And the boom doesn't come without its merit: watermelon is high in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and B6, to name a few, which are great for protecting your skin against free radicals from the sun and pollution. If you've been looking for new ways to sweeten up your beauty routine, this may just be the treat you've been missing.
Attention '90s Babies: You Can Get 20 Scrunchies For $10 on Amazon
As a baby of the '90s, my hair accessory choices were solely based around scrunchies in every color and pattern. All I dreamed of was to own enough hair clouds to match every outfit I owned, like my friend Vanessa's older sister. Alas, I only had two: a multihued leopard print and a tie-dye variety.
Now that I am of product-buying age and aspire to imitate Ruth Bader Ginsburg in every way possible, my love of the hair accessory has returned with a vengeance. When I saw that I could purchase a pack of scrunchies for only $10, I almost called Vanessa's sister myself to alert her to this great deal.
The Mandydov 20 Velvet Assorted Color Scrunchies ($10) include pastel, jewel-toned, and florescent scrunchies in every color of the rainbow so you'll always look as fly as Kelly Kapowski at Bayside High School. In addition to the incredible variety in the pack, the set has 4.5 stars on Amazon, with incredible reviews commenting on how soft and durable the scrunchies are.
Considering my hair accessory wardrobe will soon be fully stocked, I plan on living out my '90s hair dreams with some cute premillennium hairstyles.
How Rihanna Saved the Damn Day When an Airline Misplaced Her Makeup Artist's Luggage
You know how some celebrities seem like they would make for really good friends - the kind who always have your back? Rihanna is definitely one of them, and she proved it when her makeup artist got into a frustrating situation. Fenty Beauty makeup artist Priscilla Ono called KLM airlines in a panic after the airline lost her luggage, which contained her makeup kits and favorite tools - her "entire work life," essentially. A traveling makeup artist's worst nightmare.
Priscilla shared the news on Instagram and posted a screenshot of her phone call while attempting to get help. She had been on hold for 40 minutes and then was hung up on - talk about a stressful day at the airport. The makeup artist frantically explained in her caption, "I have tools in there I've collected for the past 14 years that are irreplaceable!"
Then, swooping in like the lingerie-clad hero she is, Rihanna commented, "Got you sis." In the end, Rihanna's intervention helped speed up the process of the airline remedying Priscilla's problem and ultimately getting her luggage back. Read on to see how the whole thing unfolded. Moral of the story? Find you a friend like Rihanna.
7 Pro Hair Tools a Hairstylist Thinks You Should Be Using
Peering into a hairstylist's kit can lead to a million questions you're probably too shy to ask. If you've been wondering what all of those different clips, elastics, and pins are, and why your stylist is choosing them over your regular bobby pins and hair ties, we've found out for you.
We interviewed celebrity hairstylist Patrick Kelly Kyle to find out what professional tools we should be using in our own hair at home.
Keep reading to shop the tools.
"Don't Friggin’ Look in the Mirror So Much," and More Self-Care Tips From Camila Cabello
The waves are crashing along the coastline as the sun sets behind palm trees. Salsa music is blaring in the background, and food carts with churros and fresh coconuts surround the hungry influencers. Even though we're in Malibu, it feels like we're in Havana, and that's the whole point: we're celebrating the launch of L'Oreal Paris's partnership with Camila Cabello. The Havana collection is inspired by Cabello's upbringing in both Cuba and Miami, immigrating to the US as a child, with products that are meant to enhance without being too heavy.
Cabello is currently doing nonstop press in the courtyard. The orange streaks in her hair match her pants; of course, she's wearing all the Havana products on her face. You can tell she's starting to lose steam, but she's unwavering in her politeness. She has a lot on her plate, after all: she's currently opening for Taylor Swift, in addition to headlining her "Never Be the Same" tour in Latin America and performing at festivals like Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza. She's been nominated for five Video Music Awards. She's a face of both L'Oreal Paris and Sketchers. For Cabello, business is thriving, so we're not surprised she might be a little low energy.
In case you need a refresher, Cabello shot to fame as a member of Fifth Harmony, the girl group created in 2012 from the now-defunct The X Factor in the US, which she left in 2016. Her first solo album was a smash - she's become the first artist to top the Pop Songs and Adult Pop Songs radio with the first two singles from a debut LP.
Her fans appreciate that she is outspoken about her roots. She recounted her story of immigrating to America for POPSUGAR, saying her mom told her they were taking a trip to Disney World when crossing the border. She's been vocal about child separation at the border. "It's inhumane and cruel," Cabello wrote on an Instagram post from June 19. She is proudly Cuban and proudly Latinx.
Her fan base is driven by this, but also by her relatability."I just like simplicity," she said. She deals with blackheads and an "oily nose." "I scrub it every day trying to get it off. And then the next day, there it is again. I have a lot of blackheads on my nose."
When it comes to questions about superficial beauty - like dolling yourself up and product recommendations, Cabello is a bit more reserved. She doesn't seem as interested or engaged. It's when we start to discuss her family and her feelings that she really starts to open up, like talking about how growing up Latinx has shaped her idea of beauty.
"It really does come from the inside and how you carry yourself," Cabello said. "I live in Miami, so it's superhot. A lot of people don't wear a lot of makeup because it will melt off your skin. And I think in a lot of Latin countries where it gets really hot - actually, maybe not," she pauses. "I don't even know if that's true. But I do know in Miami, it's really hot. Cuban people, too, are not obsessed [with beauty], which is why they're more free, do you know what I mean?" By not thinking about their appearance, they don't have a fear of being judged, perhaps? "Exactly. I think that's especially true of Cuban people. There's a freedom in their own skin, which I think is what makes them beautiful."
With living most of her teen years in the spotlight, there's pressure to look perfect, which she says influenced her when she was younger. She was insecure about her eyes. "My eye shape, I kind of have sad eyes. They tilt downward," she said. This made her particular about how her makeup was done. She also mentions she has crooked bottom teeth. "I don't really care anymore - it adds character."
Now, she's inspired to change things up when it comes to her look as a result of feeling more confident. "I used to literally wear the same makeup everyday," she said. "Any time a makeup artist did my makeup, it was the same kind of eyeliner, same mascara, and eye shadow, same hair. Now, I put orange in my hair if I have an orange outfit on. I used to wear French nails every single day. Now I change it up depending on what my mood is. Same with my makeup. I've just gotten more free to play around, and that just comes from being more confident."
She also changed her tune about her earlier insecurity: "I was like, 'Oh, my eyes are slanted down. I'm only going to wear eyeliner like this, and I'm only going to wear smoky eye.' Now I'm like, 'You know what, I like my eyes without eyeliner.' I like my eyes' natural shape. I don't feel like I need to cheat it or change it all the time."
Cabello wants to emphasize that your own beauty is worth celebrating. "Everybody suddenly is doing the same things, and everybody wants to look like the same person," she said. "It's so much more fun when you just embrace that you have different qualities, and there's no rules. It's not like only big lips are pretty. Or only almond-shaped eyes are pretty. Or only big eyebrows are pretty. Different is fun."
Of course, she understands that the pressure of social media can make it easy to compare yourself to other people, which is why sometimes it's nice to take a break from Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. "There was this quote that I heard, 'Stop comparing your behind the scenes to other people's highlight reel,'" she said. "I really love that quote. When you see people, and they're constantly at their best angles and [posting] their best pictures, then you look at yourself, you feel like, 'Oh, am I pretty?' It's important to have days where you just don't friggin' look in the mirror so much. Cultivate your mind. Monitoring how kind you are to yourself is really important."
The Legal Way to Travel With CBD Beauty Products
CBD - a cannabis extract - has become a trendy ingredient in beauty and skin care products such as lotions, balms, salves, and even mascara. You may have found a CBD product you can't live without, even on vacation. But because nobody wants to end up like Piper from Orange Is the New Black - who got sent to prison for smuggling drugs - you might wonder if bringing your CBD moisturizer can earn you a spot on a no-fly list. We reached out to two CBD experts to get the skinny on how to safely transport your goodies through TSA.
Is it illegal to travel with CBD products?
Even if you're flying out of states where cannabis use is perfectly legal, all airports are subject to federal law. That means it's illegal to travel with marijuana, even if it's for medical purposes. That said, CBD itself isn't considered marijuana, as it's not psychoactive and doesn't contain the extract THC (which is what gets you high).
To determine if your CBD is legal, it's up to you to read the label. "Many CBD beauty products use hemp-derived CBD, which is legal to bring to all 50 states," said Claudia Mata, cofounder of Vertly. "Plus, many CBD products, such as our lip balm, are packaged quite discretely. That means unless you are personally pointing out that it's CBD-infused, it's unlikely anyone will know." Of course, if your CBD products are liquids, you should make sure you're not bringing in anything that's over the TSA's maximum of 3.4 ounces.
Will a sniffing dog know I'm carrying CBD?
For the most part, that dog keeping us all safe while we wait at a security checkpoint won't notice your rose-scented CBD lotion. According to the New York Times, canines who guard domestic US flights are searching for bombs and other explosives, which have a different scent than marijuana. As Mata put it, "I live in Northern California, so if dogs could sniff out cannabis, they would be really busy here!" However, if you're flying into the US from another country, dogs who accompany customs and border protection agents can be trained in sniffing out all forms of illegal drugs.
What else should I know about traveling with CBD products?
While your CBD products will make it through TSA unharmed, you want to make sure they survive your trip, too. "CBD-infused products shouldn't be treated any differently than any other natural, clean products," Mata said. "Since CBD is plant matter, I don't keep it in direct sunlight, and I store it in a cool place." So if you're a lucky soul headed off to a beach vacation, be sure to keep your balm or moisturizer out of the sweltering heat. If you don't, the products could melt away. In Mata's words, "Why would you want to waste all that wonderful CBD?"
How 12 Female Beauty Entrepreneurs Found Funding For Their Brands
We throw phrases like "Girlboss" and "She-E-O" around so often that it can be tough to appreciate the actual blood, sweat, and tears it takes for a woman to start a company. You know what else it takes? A whole lot of money, which, if you haven't heard, doesn't grow on trees. That's why we asked 12 female beauty brand founders to spill the tea on how they really got the cash to fund their dreams. Keep reading for some executive realness.
The 9 Best Texturizing Sprays That Will Give You Model-Off-Duty Hair
If you've always been hesitant to try a texturizing spray on your hair, now is the time to branch out. Summer is great time to experiment with styles without the rain and wind that comes with Winter. Consider the product a marriage between dry shampoo and hairspray - it's meant to revitalize and give your hair a little extra oompf if it's lacking body.
Texturizing spray can be used throughout the day: in the morning to create volume, as a midday pick-me-up to give life to flat hair and even to smell nice (depending on the brand you get, they usually have a perfume-like scent). Just spray it all over (not just at the roots), scrunch or fluff your hair to define it, and you're done. You won't believe how much of a difference it makes - the thickness is visibly noticeable. Take a look at our favorite texturizing sprays and try one for yourself.
I Found a Concealer That Instantly Erases My Under-Eye Bags
When it comes to concealer, I've always had trouble finding a product that truly covers my under-eye bags. Most options crease, come right off, or just don't have enough coverage. Then, a makeup artist applied Lancôme Effacernes Waterproof Undereye Concealer ($31) to my face. I was in total awe. With a few taps of the product, those pesky bags instantly vanished.
The long-wear waterproof formula stays on from morning till night - I never have to reapply. Its silky consistency melts right into my skin for a natural look that isn't cakey or drying. Still not sold? Just check out the amazing reviews on Nordstrom. Of the 375 customers who reviewed the product, almost all of them give it a perfect five stars.
"To date the best full coverage concealer I've found," one buyer wrote. "Does not crease or get blotchy as the day goes on. I have terrible undereye circles and this covers them almost perfectly. I have tried just about every high-end and drugstore brand concealer and this is by far the best."
Consider your hunt over. Once you get your hands on this formula, you'll never want to try anything else again. I promise.
The 1 Beauty Look Princess Diana Always Kept the Same
Princess Diana was known as the people's princess. Before her tragic death in 1997, she was consistent in her work with various charities, her special relationship with the public, and her family.
She also had timeless style and often experimented with her makeup (blue eyeliner, anyone?), but the one thing she never changed was her hair. The late royal even had a sneaky way of cutting it so that the public wouldn't notice: her hairstylist Richard Dalton once said, "we had to do it one-fourth of an inch at a time over several weeks" so that the attention by the press wouldn't take away from her work.
Unlike Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, who have changed their hair on various occasions and have both refined their signature style since joining the royal family, Princess Diana's approach was much more understated. She preferred to get swept-back blowouts with her pixie cut that had lots of volume, and she kept her hair an ashy blond.
You'll see exactly what we mean ahead.
Drink Up! These 9 Hydrating Beauty Products Are All Infused With Cactus
Think of a desert. Most of us picture open spaces, tumbleweeds, and a cactus. Since they're basically the only plant that can survive the driest climate on earth, it's safe to say they've got serious hydration capabilities. That makes cactus extract the perfect skincare ingredient; it's a natural way to add some moisturizing power into your products. We're not the only ones who think that cactus is a miracle ingredient - shop these nine products infused with cactus extract and get ready for your most hydrated skin ever.
Jo Malone on Her "Warrior" Comeback in Fragrance and Going Back to Basics
There's confidence, and then there's defiant confidence; the kind of rock-solid self-assurance that comes as a result of being put through the ringer and coming out stronger on the other side. Jo Malone, unofficial patron saint of the fragrance world and trailblazing entrepreneur, certainly possesses the latter.
Though Malone has spent 24 years (and counting) with her name at the forefront of the fragrance industry, that impressive span of time hasn't been without its trials. She made her official exit from the Jo Malone London brand in 2006, relinquishing full control of the company to cosmetics juggernaut Estée Lauder. Suddenly, Malone found herself facing a five-year hiatus from the fragrance industry as a result of a noncompete agreement, unable to participate in the world she'd dedicated much of her life to. When she was finally free to return in 2011, Malone jumped head first into her next endeavor: building an entirely new fragrance brand called Jo Loves. "It didn't take an entrepreneur to come back," Malone tells POPSUGAR. "It took a warrior."
From an outsider's perspective, it seems that Malone was battle-ready long before her career in fragrance began. Her struggle with dyslexia and a difficult home life (she's spoken openly about her father's gambling habits and her family's serious financial troubles) meant that Malone's childhood was far from idyllic. But despite those early hardships, Malone credits her upbringing, particularly her mother's work as a manicurist for Revlon, with instilling "an appreciation of creativity" that emanates through the work she produces today. We were able to chat with the fragrance maven, where she shared words of wisdom on creativity, trusting your gut, and the highs and lows of life as an entrepreneur.
POPSUGAR: When did you know you were interested in making a career out of fragrance?
Jo Malone: I didn't set out to make a career in fragrance. I'm very dyslexic, so my sense of smell is very predominant, and it's probably my main sense. I have something called synesthesia, which means my senses are slightly muddled, but I thought at a young age [that] everyone could smell like I could. And then as I got older I realized I actually had something pretty unique and pretty different. I could smell what no one else could smell, and I could create fragrance in my head and make it reality. I don't think you set out to create a global brand; that often happens in time. You just set out to survive in business, and then you set out and create something, and then the world follows you. I think that was very much my story and what has happened to me.
PS: The fragrance industry has changed in the 24 years since you launched Jo Malone London. Do you think today is a better or worse time to be a fragrance entrepreneur?
JM: Has the industry changed? Of course it has. Every industry changes in time. We add good things in it and bad things. It's a bit like politics - you get what you're given, and then you make it the very best that you possibly can. Distribution has changed phenomenally. Social media has changed the way we advertise a product, market a product, PR a product, and the influencers. But if you break everything back down to basics, which is always what I'm about, it's about a good product. It's about an authentic story, and it's about creativity. That for me is what fragrance is about. I don't want gimmicks.
If you look at Chanel and House of Guerlain, they are still so successful because they never moved far from the heartbeat of their founders. Look at Pat McGrath. You can see that woman's heartbeat through her brand. That is a very powerful, strong message. Stay true to who you are. There [are] lots that will come and go and earn millions and lose millions, but people that stand the test of time are the people that listen to the heartbeat of their brands.
PS: How would you describe the heartbeat of Jo Loves, and how does it differ from that of Jo Malone London?
JM: Jo Loves is about delving into my imagination and the "what if." The "what if" of What if I could change the way people make candles? or What if I could change the way the whole world wears fragrance with a paintbrush? Disruptors often walk a very lonely road for a bit, and suddenly the world goes, "That is really clever, and I like that, and I want to be a part of that movement." So [with Jo Loves], I'm going to challenge the way we do everything.
"You have to build something that makes you feel fulfilled as a human being. That's where true happiness comes from."
PS: How do you get your creative juices flowing when you are feeling less than inspired?
JM: Inspiration doesn't land on your doorstep. You have to work at it. You have to activate your imagination, and that's what I do. I might get inspired by other people's entrepreneurial journeys. When I read them, it makes me think, How can I do that? What can I do? I take different industries - everything from tech to interior - and I see how I can lock my world and their worlds together. What can I create out of a twist of those two worlds? That's how my mind thinks. I like to take two different worlds and collide them and create something. But I have to work incredibly hard every day.
PS: Aspiring beauty entrepreneurs look to your story for inspiration. What entrepreneurial advice would you share with them?
JM: I feel very honored that other people look [to me] for inspiration. I think I'm a girl that had nothing but a dream and made it happen. And if I can do it, so can they. I never quit. And I'd say to never quit on a bad day. The reality of that is you never quit on a good day, either. Sit down and take the pieces of your business on the table. Look at the parts that are working and failing, and work it out like a puzzle. Normally, the solution to everything is there if you simplify it. The three ingredients that make an entrepreneur are passion, resilience, and creativity. If you can incorporate those three things into your business and make them the focal point, you will succeed. It doesn't mean that everyone's going to be a billionaire, but you will succeed. Ultimately, it's not just about being successful, it's about being happy. You can make billions and still not be happy. You have to build something that makes you feel fulfilled as a human being, because that's where true happiness comes from.
PS: What was the biggest entrepreneurial lesson you took away from running Jo Malone London that you applied to how you run Jo Loves?
JM: I learned to trust my instincts. I learned the "big boys" - as in, big corporations - don't have all the answers. When I grew up, I never heard the expression "indie brand." Now it's used all the time. Indie brands, your moment is now. Go make it happen. Don't overcomplicate things. The world needs to go back to simplicity and the heartbeat of what things are really about.
"I think of a girl that had nothing but a dream and made it happen. And if I can do it, so can they."
PS: Is there any singular achievement from your career that you are the most proud of?
JM: I've learned to be a warrior of retail and not quit. I felt I came back to this industry for a purpose. I hadn't known what the overarching purpose was, and I think I do now. I'm ready for that challenge. And not just for this business to be successful but to have the courage to go on a new journey. That's what Jo Loves is about - a new journey and a new adventure. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
vendredi 3 août 2018
20 Things That Women Should Stop Feeling So Guilty About
I am the kind of person who will say sorry upon bumping into a pole. I will also follow up an assertion of my opinion with a "sorry" if someone disagrees with me even slightly. My frequent use of the word "sorry" comes from a deeply rooted fear of being an inconvenience to anyone or imposing myself where I feel like I don't belong. In other words, it comes from guilt.
A few years ago, I came across Joan Didion's essay "On Self-Respect," which changed my relationship with guilt. In her piece, Didion writes, "Character - the willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life - is the source from which self-respect springs." Reading her words forced me to realize that feeling guilty about the things that made me myself was not only self-defeating, but also self-denying.
I am not alone. Countless women express feelings of shame over not meeting up with social expectations when it comes to their careers, looks, relationships, opinions - the list goes on and on. Guilt is a toxic emotion, and much less forgiving than remorse or acceptance. While it's pervasive, you can tame it with self-awareness. From saying no to wearing makeup, here is a list of things that should never make women feel guilty.
Apple Hits a Trillion Dollars in Value - With a Gay CEO Who's More Vocal Than Ever
The Love Loud Fest descended with bravado on Salt Lake City in the final weekend of July. The festival boasted a big-name lineup, including Imagine Dragons and Zedd, with proceeds going to causes like The Trevor Project and The Tegan and Sara Foundation. But there was one impactful and unexpected moment that made perhaps the biggest ripple at the flashy event: a speech by Apple's CEO Tim Cook.
"I stand before you tonight as an uncle, a sports nut, a CEO, a lover of the beautiful Utah outdoors, and a proud gay American," Cook said as he stepped on stage to a roaring crowd, his powerful words echoing through the Rice-Eccles Stadium.
When it comes to his sexuality, Cook's public openness is relatively recent. He came out less than four years ago, via a 2014 essay for Bloomberg. In the time since, he's been relatively quiet about the topic. But at the Love Loud Fest, his message reached 30,000 individuals in the arena alone, and likely millions more across the world.
"I've come to deliver a simple message that I want every LGBTQ person to hear and believe. You are a gift to the world, a unique and special gift just the way you are," Cook said. "Your life matters. Today, I say find your truth, speak your truth, live your truth. My heart breaks when I see kids struggling to conform to a society or family that doesn't accept them, struggling to be what someone else thinks is normal. Let me tell you, 'Normal' just might be the worst word ever created . . . there is nothing wrong with you."
In the days after the event, Apple hit an incredible benchmark. As of Aug. 2, the company reached $1 trillion in market valuation. It's hard to understate the message that having an LGBTQ+ leader at one of the biggest companies in the world sends. With more than 1.3 billion customers globally, Tim Cook has the power to embolden a new generation of ambitious LGBTQ+ pioneers.
Should You Consider an Open Marriage? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions First
Open marriages aren't for everyone, and that's completely OK. But if you've ever felt eager to break away from traditional relationship norms with your spouse, just know that you're not alone. Research published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy found that one in five Americans has been in an open relationship and open marriages are something that more and more people are opening up about diving into with their partner. So if the idea of hopping into bed with just one person for the rest of your life feels suffocating, but the idea of marriage has always been something you've been gung-ho about, perhaps it's time to sit down and chat with your spouse about keeping things in the bedroom more open. Before you make that joint decision, here are five questions you should ask each other and fully agree on first.
1. What Do I Want This to Look Like?
Just like any major life change, it's best to map out your plan of action when it comes to how you envision your open marriage working. Jotting down instructions and rules might truly be the best way to make sure that you and your partner are on the same page.
"Each partner should consider the fantasy scenarios they have in their head, as well as the nightmare version of what an open marriage could look like."
Saba Harouni Lurie, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in relationships and sexuality, said that people should be really honest with themselves and with their partners about their expectations of the relationship and how it would change if they were to open their marriage.
"Each partner should consider the fantasy scenarios they have in their head, as well as the nightmare version of what an open marriage could look like," Lurie told POPSUGAR. "Too often, we just think about fantasies, and while it's a good idea to consider how we can invite some of that into our lives, it is also wise to consider the other side of the coin and to take that into account while we are making this type of decision."
2. What Are Our Attachment Styles?
While the thrill of an open marriage might get you all riled up inside, Lurie suggested taking a step back and truly thinking about what your attachment style is like.
"Attachment styles influence the ways that we engage in relationships, often subconsciously," Lurie said. "It could be worthwhile for both partners to consider their own attachment styles, how those attachment styles are activated in the relationship now, and how they would manifest in an open relationship."
3. Why Is This Appealing?
If you're going to have a conversation with your spouse about wanting an open marriage, be sure to back up that thought with reasoning. What about it interests you? Why do you want to give it a try?
Stefani Shaffer-Pond, a licensed master social worker and kink-affirming sex therapist, suggests getting down to the root of why an open relationship appeals to you.
"What about the idea of an open relationship appeals to you? Is this coming from a desire to enhance an already-strong relationship or are you trying to 'fill gaps' in a relationship that is struggling? The purpose of an open relationship should not be to resolve unmet needs within the primary relationship," Shaffer-Pond said to POPSUGAR.
4. Is My Relationship Stable?
David F Khalili, LMFT, a private practice mental health therapist, recommended giving the current state of your relationship with your partner a really good look.
"This is a solid place to start so that couples can determine if they feel like they have a strong foundation," Khalili told POPSUGAR. "Opening a relationship can be incredibly exciting, but it can also offer significant challenges which can harm a relationship if your relationship is not strong to start off with. If you and/or your partner feel like you have one foot out the door, it's a good time to go to a couples therapist and work on strengthening your relationship before considering opening up."
5. How Will We Know This Is Working?
If you get to the point where trying an open marriage is what you and your partner agree on, before you head out and give it a try, have a plan in place so that you can check in with each other to make sure your relationship is still strong and both of you are still OK with this decision.
"Ask yourself, how often do we want to check in about what is and isn't working for us? The transition into an open marriage can be difficult, as most transitions are, and it could help the individuals involved to have conversations around how they are feeling and what is or isn't working for them, and to be prepared to continue to make changes as they move forward," Lurie said.
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