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 25 mars 2017
That Tiny Elvis Impersonator in Honeymoon in Vegas Is Actually Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is a massive superstar who has proven time and time again that he can really do anything. Have an epic Carpool Karaoke session? Sure. Own the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway? No prob. Dance like nobody's watching? Always. While we're familiar with his legendary status now, it turns out that Bruno has always been showing off his talents. You've probably seen 1992's Honeymoon in Vegas starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker (if you haven't, please rush home and do so now). The film, which has become somewhat of a classic over the years, also features a very tiny Bruno Mars. In the scene where Betsy (Sarah Jessica) meets Tommy (James Caan) in the hotel restaurant for dinner and drinks, there is a little boy impersonating Elvis Presley on stage. The camera only offers a quick close-up of the boy, but it's very clear that it's a 6-year-old Bruno. While he's definitely grown up, not much has changed in terms of his hip thrusts and hairstyle.
Image Source: Getty / Kevin WinterImage Source: Warner Bros.
If You Thought Your Quinceañera Was Lavish, Wait Until You See This Teen's Insane Party
It's such a bummer that MTV's My Super Sweet Sixteen no longer exists, because San Antonio native Maya Henry's $6 million quinceañera would've definitely been worthy of an episode.
The 15-year-old, who has quite the Instagram following, threw the ultimate coming-of-age party complete with celebrity entertainment (Pitbull and Nick Jonas), a Rolls Royce motorcade, and a beautiful wedding-style cake decorated with dainty butterfly detailing that matched her pretty blush-toned Rolando Santana and Ports 1961 dresses. She even had a glam squad moment with makeup artist to the stars, Patrick Ta, who gave her a stunning (yet age-appropriate) beauty look. Prepare to wish you were one of the 600 people on the guest list, and read on to see even more pictures from Maya's bash.
This post was originally published on March 10, 2016.
Mom's Devastating Message to Every Parent Who Has Ever Buckled a Car Seat
Taking little ones in and out of their car seats is something that can become a monotonous daily task for parents. However, months after her little girl died, one mom strapped her infant into her car seat for the last time and didn't take that moment for granted.
In a chilling photo that is going viral, a heartbroken mom shared what it was like driving her 4-year-old home in an urn. After Ellie Walton was diagnosed with a brain tumor at just four months, she underwent 17 surgeries, 28 rounds of chemo, and 42 days of radiation before losing her battle. "Driving you home the other day, I was scared, but buckling you in felt normal. Even though none of this is normal, none of this is right," she wrote on Facebook. "You should be here."
Along with the photo of her toddler's remains in the car, Ellie's mom explained why it was a cardboard box strapped into the car seat. "We made you a custom urn, you would love it baby girl," she wrote. "Unfortunately temporary urns are just boxes, that wasn't good enough for you, so I decorated it, until your perfect urn comes in."
Ellie's mom shared this intimate and devastating moment as an important reminder of what childhood cancer can do to families. "This will change baby girl, I will make it change. I never want another mom to feel this way, and I will fight for these other kids so that no other mom has to buckle in ashes of their babies," she wrote.
Despite the seemingly endless hospital visits and painful chemotherapy appointments, this mom knows that the agony was worth it and wants other parents to cherish what she no longer can.
Death is so selfish baby girl. My heart is broken. I'm literally hurting and torn, I know you're in a better place, and yet no place is better than in my arms. I know you're happy and pain free, and yet I want you here. It's been two months since I last kissed your cheek or played with your hair. It's been two months of pure torture, agony, and despair. All I want back is our daily life, whatever that entailed, I want it back. I want hospital visits back and chemo back. I want your laughter and your joyous heart back. The things that brought my heart so much pain, only a few months ago, I so desperately want back today.
Life's not fair baby girl, you know that better than anyone. I do know that your life brought me so much joy, and looking back, I'm thankful that I made sure to tell you every single day just how much I loved you. I will forever be grateful to have been your mommy.
Baby girl I don't want you watching over me thinking that your passing only causes me pain. You see baby girl, I would gladly take this pain over and over again, if it meant that I got to be your momma. Because had I never known you, I would have never known pure happiness, I would have never known to live every moment as your last, and I would have never known what true bravery, strength, and courage looked like.
Exactly How to Wear Orange Eye Shadow So Your Eyes Are on Fire
Orange you glad you now know about this eye makeup trend? (Sorry, had to!) On a more serious note: we're seeing orange as the fiery new shade everyone will be wearing for Summer 2017. Warm eye colors started gaining traction last year with pink and red taking the lead, and peach following suit. Orange is the next color craze, and it's already a favorite look for YouTubers and beauty bloggers.
"Bright saturated colors were seen on the runway (pops of color at Marc Jacobs, Sportmax, Anna Sui), so it's no surprise that orange is hot right now!" GlamSquad Director of Makeup Artistry Kelli J. Bartlett told us via email. "The look is a unique blend of elegant and edgy. It's a perfect way to add an extra festive or flirty flair to an otherwise chic and sophisticated barely-there beauty look."
But don't overdo it, she warns. "It's important to let other features find balance by sticking to neutrals on the lips (nudes look great!) and adding a touch of the orange you used on your eyes to your cheeks to coordinate the look without appearing too dramatic," Bartlett added.
You may still be feeling intimidated, especially if you don't think orange works with your complexion. Well, we have good news . . .
"Orange looks amazing on all skin tones and eye colors," Bartlett confirmed. "For deep skin and brown eyes, go for a rich tangerine that will pop. For fairer tones, choose a soft peach. Orange is especially complimentary on blue eyes."
OK, so now you're convinced and ready to DIY it. Try these tips from Bartlett: "For a fully saturated orange stare, the key is to be sure to blend it well. Apply the shadow on the lid and close to the lash line on the top only, using a small fluffy blending brush to bring a soft diffusion of color. The result is a subtle yet statement eye. Avoid rimming the entire eye in orange - it looks much better to splash it on the brow bone or lid for a flash of color!"
To execute this look, try Barlett's favorite pick - Makeup For Ever Artist Shadow in Tangerine.
Keep reading to see how mesmerizing orange eyes look on Instagram users!
This Eyeliner Trick Is the Ultimate Lazy-Girl Lash Hack
Traditionally, Spring makeup looks use formulas with dewy or satin finishes. After all, it's refreshing to let a bit of skin peek through after covering it up all Winter! But in this beauty tutorial, YouTube vlogger PrincessMei eschews tradition in favor of all matte products - and the result is stunning.
This flawless finished face gives off a vintage vibe thanks to the subtle pops of color. PrincessMei used a light dusting of TheBalm Instain Long-Wearing Staining Powder Blush in Argyle ($22) and NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes ($6) to add hints of muted rose to her complexion without overwhelming it.
What we're especially enamored by in this tutorial is how PrincessMei draws on her lower lashes. It nicely counteracts the bold effect of her cat eye, balancing the look out. She finishes her eyes by applying mascara exclusively to the fringe on her lower lid.
"It's a hassle to come home after a long day and wrestle off my mascara," she explained. The light touch of product she uses on her lower lashes (plus the faux, drawn-on ones) makes her eyes appear extralarge with minimal effort!
Watch the video to discover how to re-create the look at home and which products PrincessMei used, and then shop more Spring beauty products here.
MAC Is Launching 5 New Lip Kits That Will Totally Pop on Brown Skin
When MAC Cosmetics launched lip kits, we collectively lost our sh*t. The brand gave Kylie Jenner some tough competition with the release of seven duos of its bestselling bullets and lip liners. Now we have to make more room in our beauty collection, because MAC is adding five more hues to its lip kit lineup - and they are perfect for all the grunge goddesses out there.
Unlike the first round of pale nudes and pinkish mauves, MAC's new set of lip kits is all about achieving a sexy, vampy pout. The range includes some of our favorite edgy colors, including Film Noir and Sin, along with coordinating lip liners like Chestnut and Nightmoth. With each of the new shades, you can create custom takes on burgundy, vino, and purple-toned pouts.
Ladies of all complexions can get in on the grungy vibes of these kits, but we especially love that these are an exceptionally flattering match for brown girls. We are also excited that MAC is diversifying its duos for people who simply prefer to rock edgier lipstick.
You can snag the new kits in store and online from March 23 through March 27 at maccosmetics.com for $29, but given the popularity of the previous launches, we suggest you act fast. In the meantime, get a closer look at each lip set ahead to see which one(s) you'll be adding to your cart.
35 of the Funniest Sex and the City Moments
Sex and the City has been off the air for 13 years, but we remain as obsessed with Sarah Jessica Parker's portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw and the show in general as ever. The character has the best quotes and the best style, but one of the reasons we fell for her is how funny she is. She's not the only one; all the ladies of the show have some of the greatest one-liners - and some of the funniest, if NSFW, gestures. In Here are some of the most hilarious moments ever on Sex and the City.
This Woman's Makeup Looks Date-Night Ready, but She's Actually in Labor
While we've heard of some women getting delivery-room blowouts and prelabor lash extensions, we've never seen someone give birth looking as glam as Instagram user makeupbyalaha. The New York-based makeup artist shared images of herself propped up in a hospital bed surrounded by palettes as she applied a full face of product . . . despite contractions.
"I was pausing during contractions and picking up where I left off once the contractions passed," she explained to her followers. She even revealed which of her favorite makeup items made the cut into her hospital bag. You'll notice that there are at least 15 brushes, a 35-pan shadow palette, contouring products, Beautyblenders, and more.
While not all moms would go this far with their prebaby beauty routine, we have to applaud Alaha's dedication to her craft - and her ability to create such a gorgeous makeup masterpiece while in pain! Read on to see all the photos.
This post was originally published on March 15, 2016.
Hannah Bronfman Shares Her Secret For Looking Detoxed at Your Wedding
Few people could juggle being a full-time DJ, fitness guru, jet-setting entrepreneur, and beauty aficionado at the same time, but Hannah Bronfman manages them all with impeccable swag and class.
We've long been fans of scrolling through Hannah's Instagram page for workout inspiration, for health hacks, and (to be perfectly honest) to swoon over her flawless, sun-kissed skin and badass nail art. Recently, she's been feeding our obsession with her lifestyle website HBFIT and her Hannahgram series for POPSUGAR, further proving that she has evolved from merely an Insta-crush to an all-encompassing resource for style-lovers. Her recent engagement to her longtime beau, fellow DJ Brendan Fallis, also has us patiently waiting for her to dominate the bridal beauty scene.
At The Body Shop's #EnrichNotExploit event showcasing the limited-edition Hemp Hand Protector ($20), we got to chat with HB about her beauty secrets. During our talk, it was apparent that Hannah is more than just another self-proclaimed "beauty guru." The girl knows her sh*t and uses her wealth of holistic health knowledge to fuel her daily regimen.
From her favorite at-home DIY hack and wedding prep to the current state of diversity in the style world, Hannah gave us some seriously thoughtful insight into not just her routine but also how to upgrade ours. If you haven't already declared her your ultimate celebrity BFF soul mate, read on to find out why she's about to skyrocket to the top of your girl-crush list.
This post was originally published on March 1, 2016.
The Best New Grocery Store Snacks of 2017 - So Far
If you're anything like us, you're constantly thinking about food . . . especially snacks. That's why we've already put 2016 behind us and officially begun the quest of finding the best new grocery store snacks of 2017. Last year's best new snacks included plenty of spicy chips, artisanal pork rinds, and pickle-flavored everything, but we're looking forward to even more creative and irresistible creations filling the aisles this year.
We've already found plenty of new products that made the cut this year, from vegan "beef" jerky to pasta-inspired chips and more. Read on to discover all the best new snacks we've discovered so far, and be sure to check back as we update the list with more snacks that deserve a spot in your shopping cart this year.
Amber Heard Recalls Coming Out as Bisexual: "I Became Attached to a Label"
Amber Heard has been openly bisexual for years now, but many warned her about the negative effects "coming out" could have on her acting career. While speaking at The Economist's Pride and Prejudice Summit panel in NYC on Thursday, the Danish Girl actress revealed was "was never in." "I was in a relationship and I never hid it and then my career and my life started to change," she explained. When asked about her 2010 interview with Ellen DeGeneres in which that she talked about her sexuality, she responded, "I just answered honestly. I could tell by the look on this person's face it was a big deal. My poor publicist. Then I realized the gravity of what I had done and why so many people - studio execs, agents, advisors - did not want this coming before my name. I became attached to a label. I've never seen myself defined by the person I'm with. I saw myself being in this unique position and having a unique responsibility. So, I bit the bullet."
Amber - who recently finalized her divorce from Johnny Depp - was also told that having the word "bisexual" attached to her name would damage her career. "As a leading lady, there's a certain amount of wish fulfillment. I was asked 'How is anyone going to invest in you romantically if they think you're unavailable?' I said, 'Watch me do it.'" She then ended her discussion by talking about how the world would be a lot different if every gay man in Hollywood came out publicly. "If every gay man that I know personally in Hollywood came out tomorrow, then this would be a non-issue in a month." Despite the progress that's already been made, she said, "We have a long way to go."
15 Problems Only People With Invisalign Understand
Invisalign is not for the faint of heart. It will challenge your commitment, stamina, and self-confidence. It takes what feels like a bazillion years to complete. It has a million annoying components . . . and yet, it does offer one huge payoff: perfectly straight teeth. Those with Invisalign will agree that these 15 problems come up on the regular during your treatment. And you know what makes suffering through something a tad bit better? Knowing you're not alone.
Amber Heard Recalls Coming Out as Bisexual: "I Became Attached to a Label"
Amber Heard has been openly bisexual for years now, but many warned her about the negative effects "coming out" could have on her acting career. While speaking at The Economist's Pride and Prejudice Summit panel in NYC on Thursday, the Danish Girl actress revealed was "was never in." "I was in a relationship and I never hid it and then my career and my life started to change," she explained. When asked about her 2010 interview with Ellen DeGeneres in which that she talked about her sexuality, she responded, "I just answered honestly. I could tell by the look on this person's face it was a big deal. My poor publicist. Then I realized the gravity of what I had done and why so many people - studio execs, agents, advisors - did not want this coming before my name. I became attached to a label. I've never seen myself defined by the person I'm with. I saw myself being in this unique position and having a unique responsibility. So, I bit the bullet."
Amber - who recently finalized her divorce from Johnny Depp - was also told that having the word "bisexual" attached to her name would damage her career. "As a leading lady, there's a certain amount of wish fulfillment. I was asked 'How is anyone going to invest in you romantically if they think you're unavailable?' I said, 'Watch me do it.'" She then ended her discussion by talking about how the world would be a lot different if every gay man in Hollywood came out publicly. "If every gay man that I know personally in Hollywood came out tomorrow, then this would be a non-issue in a month." Despite the progress that's already been made, she said, "We have a long way to go."
10 Annoying Struggles Avocado Fans Experience
Avocados are one of life's great treasures. They've given us delicious guacamole, innovative new versions of toast, and all kinds of health benefits thanks to their vitamin-rich nature packed with essential fatty acids. When it comes to fruit, does it get any better? Ask any avo fan (aka me), and they will tell you it certainly does not.
However, as with anything amazing, avocados do have their downsides - not taste-wise, of course, but they do have a tendency to make life more difficult for fans. Read on to discover 10 struggles faced by those with a love for the trendy seeded green produce. Then, find out all the ways you can incorporate them into your beauty routine, too.
20 Chapter Books to Read Aloud With Your Kids
Reading with your child is a great way to increase her interest in books and create a bonding experience. But sadly, 250 million children aren't learning basic reading skills, and today's International Literacy Day is shining a light on the issue. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reading aloud daily to children helps build language acquisition and literacy skills. With every passing paragraph, you connect with your child through new worlds, crazy characters, and shocking plot twists. When they start to progress from picture books to more complex stories, the themes found in literature become even more vital to your kids' personal development. To ensure an amazing time during your readings, choose books that entertain both you and your child; when both reader and listener are fully engaged, the valuable lessons found in literature become much more captivating! Here are the very best chapter books to read as your kids grow.
10 Influencers Just Designed New MAC Lipsticks - and They're Not What You'd Expect
If you take a look back at MAC's collaboration histories, you'll see that among big names like Lady Gaga and Zac Posen are up-and-coming artists, be they in the fields of fashion, music, or makeup artistry. That's why I wasn't surprised that when the brand announced its upcoming 10-piece lipstick collection designed by influencers (which POPSUGAR exclusively revealed earlier this year), MAC's team had selected a healthy mix of 10 world-famous and under-the-radar beauty pros.
According to Catherine Bomboy Dougherty, the senior vice president of public relations at MAC, that progressive attitude is in the very foundation of the brand. "It's what MAC was built on," she said in an interview with POPSUGAR.
The ideology of "all ages, all races, all sexes" is built into MAC's credo, but I'd believe that "all things chic" is written between the lines of that mission statement. I went on a press trip to MAC's official labs in Toronto to meet them and witness the creation of their bespoke lipsticks, so I can vouch that the 10 influencers selected exude an effortless sense of cool. But more importantly, they really know what they're talking about when it comes to makeup.
I viewed all the different levels of the formulation process, which included mood boards, essays about the ideal color, and hand-mixing pigment in a cosmetic chemist's lab. Each person creating their own lipstick was absolutely fastidious, often adjusting tones by practically invisible fractions to craft their perfect shade.
The perfect shades themselves surprised me. All but one of the influencers created their own variation of nude lipstick. The outlier chose red, which she would have liked to name Vic Woo (a combination of her own name and the iconic MAC Ruby Woo lipstick). I had expected the punchy, rainbow hues that many of them wear on their social channels, but when it came down to it, they simply wanted their neutral lipstick dreams realized. I totally respect this. The tones shifted from deep to light, cool to warm, and matte to sheer. While some may look similar to the naked eye, I saw firsthand that many of the amateur chemists had women of a wide range of skin tones test out their shade as they mixed them. It was clear that they wanted their formula to work well on a variety of skin tones.
"That's one of the reasons why we have such amazing respect for them," said Bomboy Dougherty. "They are really well-versed on the products, the textures, the finishes, the ingredients, the undertones." She laughed as she added, "I felt like when we were working with these people that some of them know our product better than we do sometimes."
That understanding of MAC formulas comes from the influencers' long relationships with the products, be they personal or professional. A lot of them started out as makeup artists before shifting their attention to social media. In fact, Samantha Ravndahl - known as @ssssamanthaa to her 2.4 million followers on Instagram - worked at a MAC counter in her early days of makeup artistry. "Our artists at the brand were so excited that we chose her," revealed Bomboy Dougherty. "She's part of that community and our artists internally really support that."
Sadly, you'll only be able to buy the colors made by your country's corresponding influencer(s). For example, if you're based in the United States, you will have shopping access exclusively to Gabriel Zamora and Laura Lee's lipsticks, while Brazilian MAC fans can just get Victoria Ceridono's shade. But believe me when I say that all 10 of these individuals are worth getting to know. Read on for more insight into their creative processes, including their fantasy names for their shades (which include inspiration from Disney princesses, furry friends, and their fans) and a glimpse at the shades before they launch later this year.
The 1 Thing You Should Never Say to a Woman Over 30
Image Source: Giafrese
Last week, I struck up a conversation with my Uber driver. As the conversation continued around politics, he made an assumption that we were close in age, saying as someone in her late twenties/early thirties, surely I could relate. I pointed out that I'm actually in my mid-forties (I'll be 45 in June), at which the driver abruptly adjusted the rearview mirror with shock and said, "There is NO WAY you're that old! You don't look your age!"
This situation happens to me often. I know he meant it as a sincere compliment, but I'm troubled by the concept that somehow I'm winning at life because I don't have more visible, external signs of aging. It seems after a certain age, "You don't look your age!" is supposed to be the Mother of All Compliments, feathered in a soft nest of "I would never have guessed!" and "OMG, are you serious?" While I appreciate the flattery, I'm always left with a very uneasy feeling: what does that say about how we feel about women and aging?
What makes this well-meaning compliment so unsettling is it implies there's something wrong with looking middle-aged or older. We live in a youth-obsessed culture. It's almost as if we have invisible expiration dates on our skin, and any sign of wear and tear sets off an alarm. The catalyst makes us feel suddenly shamed and expendable.
Our societal thirst for youth is undeniable. Entire magazines dedicated to "The Age Issue." Intense media scrutiny on the appearance of every woman in the public eye, as parodied by Amy Schumer, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and others in "Last F*ckable Day." And the beauty business wages a full-scale war on time, complete with antiaging weaponry meant to eradicate, decimate, and bury all evidence that a woman might be getting older, like "age-defying lasers" and "miracle worker" eye creams. Every day, I watch women battling time with everything they've got, attempting to stay in the same jeans from high school while pushing foreign matter into their faces in order to literally freeze everything right where it is today, forever and ever more.
The fear of being seen as anything less than sexually viable, the palpable threat of being traded in for a younger model, the intense messaging that we're going to die alone if we show a crack in the armor of our skin - all of it is crushing, pervasive, and punishing. We treat women like the newest release of the iPhone: just wait a minute, because we've got a hot newer model coming, and she's so much sexier than your old one that we've made the old model obsolete.
I find this incredibly disturbing. The lines running across my forehead mimic those of my father's. And I can't imagine doing something to get rid of them. Recently, I discovered the magical power of rainbow-colored hair, and I defy someone telling me I'm too old to have it. My jawline and breasts are slowly descending, and outside of exercise, good bras, and products, I'm letting them continue on their path. I truly find softness truly sexy. But I am worried about the women my age (or older) and for the young impressionable girls who are imprinted with an unnecessary fear of aging.
My age is awesome. I know so much more than I have ever known before. The light that shines within my skin is knowledge of how amazing life can be if you just hang in there. I laugh more easily, and I'm so much better in bed because I know my body. My soul, wit, intelligence - the very spark of life within me makes for my vibrancy. I feel like I've done a pretty damned good job taking care of myself. I come from a long line of extraordinary black women who take incredible pride in appearance, and we all have daily rituals that reinforce that sentiment.
"The less you do to your face, the less you will ever have to do to you face," is a mantra my mother once said. I swear by it. I don't wear a lot of makeup, I cleanse, I treat, I moisturize; repeat daily. Outside of that, I've never had anything "done" (re: cosmetic dermatology). The only needles near my face have involved piercing my ears and dental work, and the only surgery has been wisdom teeth removal. No fillers, no nothing. It's real, and it's all mine.
That said, I did start using products at the young age of 9 years old, when my Olay-obsessed Aunt Bert used to slather my face with the legendary cream. I would stand on the stool in her bathroom as she performed her nightly beauty ritual.
Image Source: Courtesy of Kristin Booker
At first, I used moisturizers as a teenager to offset the drying effects of cleansers and astringents. And that routine has now evolved into a twice-daily regimen of cleansing, serums, and moisturizers. My regiment has guest-starring appearances from other products weekly, because I test so many things. But the mainstays remain SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser ($34), Simple Cleansing Micellar Water ($7), Kiehl's Since 1851 Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($72), and, you guessed it, Olay Moisturizing Lotion For Sensitive Skin ($10).
I also admit to spending a ridiculous amount on night creams (my desert island products would be Erno Laszlo Luminous C10 Night Treatment ($135) and SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair ($102).
Since there's no beauty cream or cosmetic procedure that can cure our obsession with youth, I'd like to propose a different solution: awareness. Instead of telling a woman she doesn't look her age, just tell her she looks good. Really good. "Wow, you're beautiful," is something every single person on the planet recognizes as sincere currency, and we can live off that bank of positive energy for days.
Also, accomplishments, goals, dreams, and intelligence are incredibly beautiful. Women living unapologetically, like Angela Bassett, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Lauren Hutton, Meryl Streep, and Rita Moreno, are vibrant, exquisite beings. Smart brands are starting to recognize the sensuality that comes from a life of experience. Marc Jacobs embracing Jessica Lange, Joan Didion in a Céline campaign, NARS featuring Charlotte Rampling, and most recently Lancome signing on Isabella Rossellini are all steps in the right direction.
The childish fear of the inevitable end of our lives is forcing us to take extraordinary measures that don't celebrate women. Ladies, if you're with people who don't see the sum of your beauty, ditch them and find your tribe of women who are as juicy and amazing as you. Same goes for the men in your life. Someone out there will love you right as you are . . . no further assembly required.
It's time for a new standard of beauty. Let's all look amazing, regardless of our age. The ultimate compliment is to recognize all of what's in front of you, inside and out. Every single woman has something to bring to the party, and it's time we celebrate that in all its glory.
This post was originally published on March 2, 2016.
Vampire Fang Nails Are the New Grunge Trend You'll Want to Try
When you think of grunge, you probably associate the trend with the '90s, but the popular style is making a comeback for all the right reasons. Take for instance these razor sharp claws, which we're officially calling vampire fang nails. Not only are they sleek and moody, but they're also a fun and fashion-forward way to switch up your go-to nail shapes the next time you visit the nail salon. Apply a burgundy matte lipstick and a dramatic smokey eye, and you should be ready to try any of these vampy nail art designs ahead.
Want to Balance in Forearm Stand? A Yoga Sequence to Get You There
If you've already mastered how to do a Headstand, it's time to tackle the amazing Forearm Stand. What you need are a strong upper body and core, as well as open shoulders and hamstrings. Keep reading to learn how to target these areas so you'll be balancing in this Cirque du Soleil-like inversion in no time.
How Supreme Leader Snoke Could Be the "Last Jedi" in Star Wars
Now that Star Wars: The Last Jedi is officially in a galaxy not so far away, we're revving up our engines and trying to figure out what will happen next. In January, the official title reveal for the film sent us into overdrive. Upon initial inspection, eagle-eyed fans have noted that the titles form a sentence. Then, of course, there's the larger and simpler looming question: who, exactly, is this last Jedi? Even though we've mostly been looking at the good guys as candidates, one internet theorist has turned to the dark side. Enter Reddit user AnakinKardashian (lol). According to the theory, Supreme Leader Snoke is the last Jedi.
The Strange and Recent Focus on Jedi History
Recent installments of the franchise have been drawing our attention to Jedi history. In Rogue One, we see the planet Jedha, which is where the nature of the Force was first explored and where the Jedi religion was essentially started. In The Force Awakens (this includes the movie and its novelization), we learn that Luke is in search of the original Jedi temple.
OK, So, What Does That Have to Do With Snoke?
It's no secret that Snoke is very, very ancient. In The Force Awakens, he says he witnessed the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire. This means he's been around since the Anakin Skywalker trilogy (Episode I - Episode 3), at the very least. But hey, there's nothing confirming or denying that he's older. It's aso worth noting that Kylo Ren's lightsaber is of a very ancient design. And guess where it came from? Snoke himself. If Snoke's aware of ancient lightsaber designs, his experience could stretch farther back than we think. Plus, his knowledge of lightsabers also would tie him, even if tangentially, to the ancient Jedi Order.
How This Could Tie Into The Last Jedi
AnakinKardashian posits that we could be venturing into Jedi history because the ancient order of the Jedi is much, much different from the Jedi as we know them in the present. "What if what we know as Jedi are not really Jedi after all?" the post asks. "What if Snoke is the last Jedi, in its original form?" If Snoke really is that last living member of the original Jedi order, it connects this new obsession with Jedi history, Snoke's age, Kylo Ren's ancient lightsaber design, and Luke's quest for the first Jedi temple. What's more, if the theory that Snoke appears in Rogue One holds up, it strengthens the argument even more. In the Star Wars universe, anything is possible, right?
Want to Balance in Forearm Stand? A Yoga Sequence to Get You There
If you've already mastered how to do a Headstand, it's time to tackle the amazing Forearm Stand. What you need are a strong upper body and core, as well as open shoulders and hamstrings. Keep reading to learn how to target these areas so you'll be balancing in this Cirque du Soleil-like inversion in no time.
Prepare to Lose Your Sh*t Over These 9 Unreleased Kat Von D Products
You may have seen Kat Von D's recent video calling out Makeup Revolution for "ripping off" her own eye shadow palette. But what you might have missed is that in the course of those 20 minutes (during which the makeup maven shared her creative process!), Kat revealed a whopping nine new products that she's been working on. That's right - nine!
She's already teased some of the upcoming launches on Instagram, such as the Saint & Sinner eye shadow palette and new liquid lipstick shades. But others were complete surprises. Did you know that Kat's working on a new mascara? Or that she's in the process of creating blush? Discover all these items and more when you read on, and stay tuned! We'll be sharing updates on all these launches as they become available.
Oops! Ed Sheeran Forgets the Words to His Song During Red Nose Day Performance
Ed Sheeran is gearing up for his North American tour, and on Friday, the English singer performed his new track "What Do I Know?" during the Comic Relief charity event on Red Nose Day. The song is off his new album, Divide, and Ed must have been a little nervous because he stumbled over a couple of words around the 0:24 mark. However, being the pro that he is, Ed managed to laugh the whole thing off and carried on.
I'm Hopelessly Addicted to Magnetic False Lashes (and Never Turning Back)
Guys, we need to have a talk about magnetic lash extensions. And by "a talk," I mean that I need to tell you how they're a f*cking godsend. I use them most times I wear makeup; basically, if you see me post a selfie anywhere, I'm probably wearing a pair of my magnetic falsies. I keep a pack of the lashes at my desk at work, I care for mine religiously at home, and I estimate that I've convinced at least 15 friends to buy their own pair. Considering the fact that many salons charge between $100 and $200 for lash extension treatments that only last a month, I feel obligated to share my experience with these reusable, easy-to-wear lash boosters. I've become something of a magnetic lash disciple.
Basically, if you see me post a selfie anywhere, I'm probably wearing a pair of my magnetic falsies.
When the producer of my weekly POPSUGAR Snapchat series, First Impression Friday, told me that I'd be trying magnetic eyelash extensions, I was nervous; I'd never even heard of magnetic lashes, let alone whether they were safe to use! But to make a long story short, the magnetic lash extensions from One Two Cosmetics ended up being my favorite product ever tested on First Impression Friday in over a year of shooting the Snap series - and I refused to part with them after we wrapped. I brought home the package of magnetic lashes and proceeded to wear them every single day for two weeks.
Like any self-respecting millennial, I took to social media to spread the word about the magnetic lashes, posting a blurb about them on my Instagram story. I received TONS of questions from friends and followers about the lashes, so I figured this review might be a good place to answer them! Read on for images of the lashes in action and answers to all the questions I've been asked since I began wearing the magnetic lash extensions.
You May Be Buying “Fake” Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - Here’s How to Stop
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Annie Gabillet
As consumers, we have to stay vigilant about the food products we buy. Take honey: did you know that most bottles, including those labeled as pure honey, are diluted with high-fructose corn syrup? Unfortunately, extra-virgin olive oil is another common grocery item at risk of deceptive labeling.
The Problem
Sixty-nine percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled.
The news has been filled with reports suggesting we can't blindly trust the extra-virgin olive oil on our store shelves. Recently, Italy increased its penalties for olive oil counterfeiting after investigators leaked details of a massive olive oil fraud. Around 7,000 tons of extra-virgin olive oil were labeled 100-percent Italian, though they included oil from other countries like Syria, Turkey, Morocco, and Tunisia. And you might have caught the 60 Minutes investigation of olive oil fraud in Italy, which looked into how the mafia helps perpetuate the food crime.
Extra-virgin olive oil is made by simply crushing olives and retaining juice. In order to get that designation, the olive oil must be manually pressed and no chemicals can be used. The oil must also maintain its complex flavor profile. The unprocessed and unrefined olive oil is called "virgin" because it is the most pure form.
In 2010, Researchers at the University of California, Davis, published a devastating study that found that 69 percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled. Dan Flynn, the executive director of the UC Davis Olive Center, explains: "we found that often the quality of the olive oil did not meet extra-virgin standards."
You may have heard of this study when it was featured in a widely-shared New York Times infographic about olive oil fraud in 2014. It's important to note that the New York Times piece inaccurately sensationalized the study's findings by suggesting that 69 percent of olive oil sold in the US was cut with cheaper oil or doctored with chemicals. The paper released an extensive correction. Imported olive oil brands also took issue with the fact that the study was funded in part by the California olive oil industry.
What the UC Davis researchers did find was that 69 percent of imported olive oil labeled "extra virgin" had been compromised. Issues included samples that were oxidized, adulterated with cheaper refined olive oil, or made from olives that were damaged, overripe, or improperly processed. Some samples had a combination of these problems. The Times piece originally implied that all 69 percent has been adulterated with cheaper oil, which was not the case, but the actual results should cause you concern. In their summary, the study's authors state that "sensory tests showed that these failed samples had defective flavors such as rancid, fusty, and musty."
While there are instances of outright and sophisticated olive oil fraud, a consumer is more likely to find a bottle with such poor quality that the oil inside does not live up to the extra virgin label. Maia Hirschbein, oleologist at California Olive Ranch, who points to the UC Davis study, as well as investigations from Consumer Reports and the National Consumers League. "If the oil is old, was made from bad olives, or was bottled in clear glass that exposed the oil to light, it can be of poor quality."
California Olive Ranch meets high standards and is growing rapidly in popularity.
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Why It Matters
Getting ripped off isn't the only thing at risk when you buy substandard olive oil - it could also have health effects. Many of us know that extra-virgin olive oil is better (or at least more expensive), but not why. Because it is less processed than other olive oil, extra virgin olive oil retains more of the original flavor and healthy properties of olives. You'll recognize it by its fruity, bitter, or pungent flavors.
"The primary health benefit of extra virgin olive oil is the antioxidant property which we call polyphenol," explains Hirschbein. "Those reduce oxidation in your body and will help prevent things like cancers and heart disease."
If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Flynn agrees with that assessment: "The health benefits from quality extra-virgin olive oil come from two things: antioxidants and high monounsaturated fat. Studies indicate that these elements are associated with benefits for reducing blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, some cancers, and obesity." If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Quality olive oil has so many health benefits that the FDA actually recommends eating two tablespoons to reduce the risk of heart disease. Looking at past research, it almost seems like a wonder drug. Olive oil can reduce the need for blood pressure medication. It can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes. It can prevent osteoporosis by helping the body absorb calcium. It can ward off obesity thanks to its nutrient-dense, satiating nature. The antioxidants help counter oxidation from the sun and thus prevent the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It can counter free radicals in your body that eventually cause other types of cancer. According to one Spanish study it can also help reduce the risk of mental illnesses, like depression. And another in France found that it reduced the risk of strokes.
When you're eating an oil that is older or isn't actually extra virgin, Hirschbein says, you'll be using an oil that "doesn't have those extra benefits that extra virgin does." You wouldn't want to take expired or damaged medicine, so you shouldn't settle for substandard olive oil.
Who Can You Trust?
Since the UC Davis findings came out, Flynn says "there has been increased awareness among professional buyers." The people stocking our grocery shelves now pay more attention to quality problems and their ability to acquire legitimate product. One such vigilant professional is Lauren Winstead, global Buyer for Whole Foods Market's private label brands. "We test 365 Everyday Value oils for their pH levels, peroxide value, UV extinction, fatty acid composition, sterol composition, wax content, steroidal hydrocarbons, and pesticides to ensure it meets our requirements," she says. And the brand also packages oils in dark glass or tins to protect the oil from light, which can negatively affect the quality of oil.
California Olive Ranch is also committed to authentic extra-virgin olive oil, and has seen a rise in demand as consumers become educated. "Half of the retailers in the US have transitioned to stocking California olive oil. That wasn't the case when we first started in 1998," Hirschbein tells us. Today, she says, California Olive Ranch is the number-four brand in the US and the fastest growing olive oil brand in America. Brands like California Olive Ranch are certified by the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), which uses stricter standards than international requirements. If you see the COOC seal, it means the oil has been submitted for a blind tasting by the board and meets high chemical and sensory standards to qualify as authentic extra-virgin olive oil.
What You Can Do
"Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable."
In addition to choosing certified brands with a proven track record, there are other tell-tale signs that an extra-virgin olive oil is legit and things you can do to keep it that way. "Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable," explains Hirschbein. If too much time passes from harvest to consumption, it will lose its extra-virgin luster, she says. To makes sure you don't let that happen, here's what Hirschbein suggests:
- Look for a fresh fruit smell: Give your oil a smell and if it reminds you of fruit and herbs that's good. If it smells like band aids or crayons it is of poor quality.
- Never buy oil in a clear bottle: Instead, go for oils that come in dark or opaque bottles so the light can't damage it.
- Try to find a harvest date: Oils in the northern hemisphere are produced at the end of each calendar year. Oils from the southern hemisphere are made around May and June. Olive oil is good one-and-a-half to two years past the bottling date.
- Look for seals of certification: Third-party certifying agencies should give your bottle the stamp of approval. You can find a list of producers who certify their oil with the California Olive Oil Council here.
- Opt for single country of origin: You want oil that comes from one place, not oil that is blended across multiple countries. Often, labels have confusing two letter codes on the back that stand for the four or more countries that the oil came from.
- Don't go for the cheapest: Often, a low price is a sign that the oil may be old or of poor quality. The average price of olive oil is $4 to $5 per half liter. To get quality, you should double that. Expect to pay $8-$10 for a half liter for a good, everyday olive oil, and up to $25 for nice finishing oil.
- Keep it stored in a dark cool place: Try keeping it with your flour and other dry baking goods.
- Resist the urge to savor your favorite olive oil: When you splurge a fancy oil it's tempting to save it for special occasions. Once opened, aim to finish your bottle of olive oil within 30 to 60 days, as it begins to oxidize like wine once exposed to air. If stored correctly and unopened, you can keep for up to two years.
- Buy smaller bottles: If you know you go through olive oil slowly, purchases smaller bottles that you can store unopened.
The Beauty of Buying Local
The easiest solution for avoiding doctored olive oil may be right here at home in the USA. You can be more certain about the quality if you ditch imports for California-grown extra-virgin olive oil. In the UC Davis study, nine out of 10 California samples were confirmed authentic, a much better rate than the imported oils. You had a one in 10 chance of getting a bad oil when you bought California-grown, versus an almost seven in 10 chance for the international oils. Since the study, a proactive American olive oil industry has stepped up pressure to make sure domestic oil is held to appropriate standards. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted chemical and sensory standards for olive oil.
You don't have to sacrifice taste either. "California supplies only about 5 percent of domestic consumption," Flynn notes, "but California has been recognized in international competitions as being capable of producing very high quality." A recent blind tasting of supermarket olive oil by Cooks Illustrated magazine, gave their top prize to California Olive Ranch's Everyday Extra Virgin. Some popular import brands were described as "nothing special" or similar to vegetable oil.
Just like the California wine industry in the 1970s, the California olive oil industry could be poised to take on the European establishment. Grapes and olives grow in similar climates, so if California has been conducive to producing fine wine, it should have no problem with olive oil. There are already signs of a boom: there were four million gallons of California extra-virgin olive oil produced during the 2015–16 harvest, compared to just 2.4 million gallons during the 2014–2015 harvest.
Brands like California Olive Ranch want to make sure that their products remain affordable, too. A half-liter bottle of basic extra-virgin olive oil is stocked at Wallmart for less than $8 and can also be found at Costco. Hirschbein explains: "One of our priorities at California Olive Ranch is to offer good extra virgin at an affordable price, so you can use it every day." When you realize how good the real thing is, you'll want to do just that.
The Best Type of Bikini, According to a Victoria's Secret Angel
I first spotted my favorite bikini bottom on a friend of mine. She's got awesome curves and stands at 5'5" tall. But me? I've got short legs and a petite, slightly athletic frame. I never imagined her suit, complete with ruching at the back, would look good on me. But that's the thing about Victoria's Secret's ruched bikini bottom: it flatters every booty on earth - I swear.
Victoria's Secret Angel Romee Strijd - a supermodel who's tried on and posed in countless swimsuits in her career - swears by it too. When I caught up with her during lunch in New York for the launch of the new Dream Angels collection, she called out my beloved bottom:
"For swimsuits, I really like a triangle top and a cheeky bottom. I still have Victoria's Secret swim that I wear all the time. The suit with the ruching is so good for the butt. Anything that looks good on the butt, I will wear," Romee told me.
I described the design in detail, just to make sure we were referencing the same piece (we were). Unfortunately, with Victoria's Secret discontinuing its swim line, the exact bottom is no longer shoppable. But Victoria's Secret Pink offers four more just like it.
Scroll to see Romee rocking her favorite two-pieces, including a triangle top and cheeky, bootylicious bottom, then shop similar options with ruching detail you're bound to fall in love with. Trust, Romee and I wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.
Your Favorite Memes Inspired an Eye Makeup Trend Because It Was Only a Matter of Time
The latest eye makeup trend is drawing inspiration from ubiquitous viral memes from Salt Bae to Kim Kardashian's famous crying face and a whole lot of Kermit the Frog. While makeup artists and bloggers with larger followings quickly hopped on the trend, more social media users are now trying it out to hilarious results. This trend definitely isn't for beginners, however, as many of the looks manage to fit complex characters and scenes all onto the relatively small size of an eyelid. Ahead, we've listed some of the internet's finest examples.
What I Did to Get (Permanent) Eyebrows on Fleek
It's a beauty woe that's all too familiar. It started in middle school, when I couldn't stand to look at the tiny feather boas sprouting above my eyes. Gwen Stefani was rocking pink parentheses, and I looked like Harrison Ford. I had to tweeze them. Because, you know, when you're in middle school you make responsible and wise decisions. Little did I know that tweezing was a gateway to overtweezing. I ended up looking like Clara Bow when all I wanted was a clean Audrey Hepburn.
Eventually I stared at my superskinny arches and realized that (believe me, I tried) there was little waxing or threading could do to help my already barely there brows. I watched YouTube videos of women filling in theirs like they'd been doing it since the dawn of man. But I wasn't exactly a makeup connoisseur. Probably more like a festival face-painter . . .
But I turned to makeup nonetheless - pencils for sketching my misaligned arches, powders for filling in those sexy bald spots, gels to keep unruly hairs in line, and waxes for building up color. Do you know how much time that takes? If I'm being honest, it takes up most of my morning routine. I could shave my entire body faster than it takes to create one perfectly arched brow.
After all that time each morning, I still found myself catching reflections of them in the rearview mirror. I looked like I'd passed out at a party too early and got attacked by a Sharpie. I had to switch up my morning eyebrow-creating routine. "Eyebrows" and "trial and error" are now so synonymous to me that I fear the bad brow days and cherish the good like loved ones.
While, naturally, perusing #eyebrowsonfleek on Instagram, I discovered microblading. The clouds opened above me, and light poured down on my thirsty arches. My brow-brush-wielding hands prayed for a paid vacation. So I decided to look into the technique.
This alternative tattooing method produces semipermanent results. However, unlike the block-like and harsh traditional eyebrow tats, microblading creates subtle, natural-looking brows by mimicking the strokes of eyebrow hairs.
Microblading requires a manual tool featuring several tiny needles in a row to deposit dye into the dermal second layer of the skin. The pen-like device yields amazingly natural-looking arches because the needles etch hyperprecise strokes that actually look like your brow hairs. Or, in my case, my would-be hairs.
Needless to say, I was intrigued, so when I got the opportunity to visit brow specialist Piret Aava for microblading, I decided to take the plunge and get my eyebrows tattooed. What? Tiny tattoos are in style. It's 2016. And I needed some fly eyebrows, stat.
A New Study Finds a Concerning Link Between Breast Implants and a Rare Cancer
The Food and Drug Administration found a concerning link between breast implants and a rare form of cancer that affects the surrounding lymph nodes. In a press release shared on March 22, the FDA said a total of nine people have died as a result of this strain triggered by implants.
The particular cancer is called anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or ALCL. According to the report, women with implants had an increased risk of developing the disease. In addition, textured implants present an even greater risk than implants with smooth surfaces. It is important to note that despite the connection to breast implants, ALCL is not a type of breast cancer as it affects the lymph nodes.
Why exactly do implants increase the risk? The FDA doesn't appear to have a solid answer on that yet. It may have something to do with the materials used to make implants, but so far any research into that has been inconclusive.
If you do have implants, no need to panic: ALCL can be effectively treated if it's detected early on. The FDA is now instructing women with implants to simply educate themselves on the risk. Again, ALCL is still extremely rare but being alert on any changes that may occur in your body is a good habit to form regardless.
These Are the 11 Best Sephora Brand Products We All Need For Spring 2017
In addition to the amazing line Sephora carries, the deals and steals, and the experience of getting your makeup done in the store, it also has a kickass eponymous brand. The Sephora Collection offering includes uniquely scented wipes, savvy travel goods, and affordable tools that actually work (plus cool ways to clean them!). Keep reading to discover 11 of our favorites that you need to add to your Spring makeup wardrobe.
Storybook Cosmetics Is Launching Liquid Lipsticks - and They're Vegan!
Storybook Cosmetics has experienced the kind of runaway success that many brand founders can only dream of. By making beauty products inspired by pop culture obsessions like Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Hunger Games, the company has tapped into a seemingly unlimited group of savvy and stylish superfans. Now, Storybook Cosmetics is expanding its beauty empire from wand-like tools and magical eye makeup to include liquid lipsticks.
The brand recently announced this upcoming launch on Instagram. "Our first 4 shades are done and in production! They will be available for purchase in the coming weeks (we will not be doing a preorder)," a caption said. Even better, they're all vegan! Each shade is matte, but two are metallic. You can choose from sparkling pale pink, metallic yellow gold, matte cool greige, and a classic red. We can't wait to hear what inspired these hues.
Keep reading to see more shots of the new products, then stay tuned! We'll be sharing updates as they become available.
Ed Sheeran's Intense Makeout Session With Comedian Greg Davies Will Make You Blush
Ahead of his North American tour, Ed Sheeran showed his philanthropic side at the O2 Arena in London on Friday night. In honor of Red Nose Day, a campaign dedicated to raising money for children living in poverty, Ed treated fans to a special surprise. After performing his new song "What Do I Know?," the English singer was informed by actress Miranda Hart that he had to kiss the tallest host of the night. As Ed leaned in to kiss Miranda, comedian Greg Davies popped up on stage, pushed Miranda out of the way, and proceeded to passionately make out with Ed. Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield better watch out, because these two are giving them a run for their money!
Ed Sheeran's Intense Makeout Session With Comedian Greg Davies Will Make You Blush
Ahead of his North American tour, Ed Sheeran showed his philanthropic side at the O2 Arena in London on Friday night. In honor of Red Nose Day, a campaign dedicated to raising money for children living in poverty, Ed treated fans to a special surprise. After performing his new song "What Do I Know?," the English singer was informed by actress Miranda Hart that he had to kiss the tallest host of the night. As Ed leaned in to kiss Miranda, comedian Greg Davies popped up on stage, pushed Miranda out of the way, and proceeded to passionately make out with Ed. Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield better watch out, because these two are giving them a run for their money!
Kat Von D to Makeup Revolution: "There's a Difference Between a Dupe and Straight-Up Plagiarism"
While everyone might know her for her incredible tattoo artistry and pigmented product line, the top characteristic I associate with Kat Von D is her unbridled passion for creativity. I recently had the opportunity to chat with her about her new Artistry Collective, and it was during that conversation that I became a superfan.
You see, Kat is not here to half-ass anything in life, and doesn't respect those who are. Above all, she works hard because her love of art and creation is what is motivating her. When I asked her to give advice to aspiring makeup artists on Instagram, she told me that above all, it's important to be yourself. "It's OK to be inspired by others," she told me, "but there's a difference between being inspired and being ripped off." She added, "It's important to do your homework and get better and better. A lot of people want to have direct results of success without actually doing the work. That's something I'm definitely turned off by."
That's why I was not even remotely surprised that she called out beauty brand Makeup Revolution on Instagram, accusing the company of ripping off one of her eye shadow palettes. However, after fans called her out for being so negative, she decided to make a lengthy follow-up video that not only explained her frustration, but gave deep insight into her creative process.
"I just think that there's a difference between a dupe and straight-up plagiarism."
Kat was personally offended by the dupe, because she puts her heart and soul into every product. "I wouldn't be so offended by that company if they just took the concept and called it inspiration and then created something on their own," she explained in the video. "I just think that there's a difference between a dupe and straight-up plagiarism." She pointed out that everything from the color selection and palette layout to the actual name of the product is almost identical.
"When we start normalizing something that is unjust," she said of the copycat brand, "that's not good. That's not how we should treat each other, whether it's a brand to another brand or a person to a person. We should treat each other with kindness."
Kat went on to explain that each thing she works on is her "baby." "I don't have children," she noted. "I don't have kids that I come home to and be like, 'I made you.' My products, my art, those are my babies, so I do feel I have a valid reason to be offended by that company."
From there, she went on to show her creative process, starting with a tour of her office. This included a peek at her vault of artwork that she's worked on for the brand, which houses many of the logos she's illustrated. "Everything is hand-drawn, not computer-generated at all," she said as she rifled past lettering of "Everlasting," "Serpentina," "Shade & Light," and other familiar text from her brand's packaging (in multiple drafts, showing the hard work she puts into each step).
She then revealed her testing station - her kitchen counter - which was covered with tubes, palettes, and vials of both initial prototypes and final products. (We even get sneak peeks at a bunch of new Kat Von D products coming down the pipeline!) Kat concluded her creative tour with selections of images from photo shoots, which she does for every single product in her range.
"It's not just like, 'oh, I get to play with lipstick!'" she said of the process. "No, dude, there's intensive involvement that goes behind every single product. I just pour myself into everything I've ever created for you guys."
Kat acknowledged that many fans recommend she lowers her price points so that other brands stop copying her, but she doesn't believe that will prevent imitations. But she fairly pointed out that there's "a certain price to pay for a certain quality," and that she works really hard to make her products accessible, changing the packaging or other features of an item to make it as affordable as possible.
"I know what it's like to not be able to afford makeup," she said. "People want to sit there and be like, 'Oh, your white privilege is showing.' First of all, I'm not white, I'm f*cking Latina, so those kinds of comments are obnoxious, and also, as far as being privileged, there's a difference between growing up in luxury . . . I was born in Mexico with like, dirt floors." She went on, "I know what it's like . . . I couldn't even afford drugstore brands when I was a kid." She appreciates those who take time to save money for items that they really want because she can relate.
I find it extremely satisfying - and empowering - to hear a brand founder speak about her products like this. It's not rare for someone to own a makeup company to be an artist, but not many would defend their creative process in a 20-minute YouTube video like this. Yes, Kat is dedicated to producing quality formulas for her fans, but it's clear to me that she works even harder for herself and for the satisfaction of creating excellence.
In our chat, she told me, "If you actually stick to something and work hard and really dedicate yourself to something so holy, you have no idea what's around the corner." That is basically the description of Kat's career, as her success is self-made.
Kat wants you to know, though, that this video doesn't come from a spiteful or petty place. It's more out of a hope to inspire change. "My intention is never to inspire negativity," she said. "Ultimately, my goal is to inspire people and to stand up for what I think is right." After all, only good can come of Kat's call for competitors to be more creative! More innovative concepts on the market mean more exciting makeup options at every price point, which is something any beauty junkie can get behind.
Stay Healthy, Eat Clean! 1 Month of 400-Calorie Lunches
Counting calories and planning out your meals is a surefire way to drop pounds. To help, we've created a plan that maps out healthy lunches for an entire month. It maps out four weeks, Monday through Friday, with each day's meal consisting of 400 calories or fewer. There's a theme for each week to keep your taste buds from getting bored, complete with simple recipes you can whip up the night before. Skip the takeout, and by the end of a month, your midday meal will be the reason you're dancing on the scale.
Stay Healthy, Eat Clean! 1 Month of 400-Calorie Lunches
Counting calories and planning out your meals is a surefire way to drop pounds. To help, we've created a plan that maps out healthy lunches for an entire month. It maps out four weeks, Monday through Friday, with each day's meal consisting of 400 calories or fewer. There's a theme for each week to keep your taste buds from getting bored, complete with simple recipes you can whip up the night before. Skip the takeout, and by the end of a month, your midday meal will be the reason you're dancing on the scale.
Why It's OK to Care About Celebrity News and "Real Issues" at the Same Time
We've all been there - you scroll through Facebook, you stumble upon an article, and before you can even click in to read and judge it for yourself, you spot it: the inevitable "Who cares?" sitting atop the list of comments like a harbinger of hostility. It's typically followed by an effusive reply: "You, since you took time to comment!," which feels like vindication but really just opens a whole new can of worms. This trifecta of passive aggression is finally rounded out with some variation of "This is news?," "Focus on the real issues!," or "There are more important things going on in the world right now."
This bothers me for a few reasons, none of which involve the fact that it's literally my job to care about and cover those so-called "unimportant" things. It is, of course, entirely possible to care about more than one thing at the same time. Our brains can process, store, and maintain an incredible amount of information; that's why you can walk and chew gum at the same time, or worry about world hunger while also wondering what you're going to eat for lunch that day. But this sentiment also implies that only hard, serious news is "important," and ignores the reality: that it's just really, really exhausting to be focused on the "real issues" all the time.
It implies that only hard, serious news is "important" and ignores the reality: that it's just really, really exhausting to be focused on the "real issues" all the time.
The past two years have been pretty rough, both mentally and emotionally, where the news is concerned: I personally am simultaneously stressed out about everyday life things like succeeding at work, paying bills on time, and maintaining personal relationships while also dealing with the added anxiety of mass shootings, police brutality, rape culture, climate change, and Donald Trump being president. On top of dealing with street harassment and the possibility of being hit by a Muni bus while walking in the city, I also have to consider the chances of my family members being racially profiled by police and my friends traveling abroad being caught in a terrorist attack. There are "real issues" that plague us every day in our families, our friend groups, our romantic relationships, and our neighborhoods. I'm well aware of the "real issues." I'm fully caught up on the "actual news." And like many other people, I'm f*cking drained.
That is precisely why, when a famous couple gets engaged or divorced, a superhot actor goes shirtless on the beach, or Beyoncé announces that she's pregnant with twins, we should let ourselves care about it. We should give ourselves (and each other) the freedom and space to get excited and express enthusiasm about celebrity news, because it offers a respite from all the completely depressing things going on - at least until another completely depressing thing happens.
As Cheryl Strayed once wrote: "There are so many things to be tortured about, sweet pea. So many torturous things in this life." Life isn't easy, and we all need something to help us through it. For some people, it's yoga and meditation; for others it's reading about all the women Leonardo DiCaprio has dated, poring over photos of Prince George, or watching the drama unfold between Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift. The best part is that there's room for all of it; you can support the Black Lives Matter movement while also hoping that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner get back together, and you can follow this trash fire that is a Trump presidency with the same fervor as you follow Chrissy Teigen's Instagram account.
The next time somebody tries to make you feel bad for essentially taking a break from the "more important things going on in the world," calmly remind them that as a living, breathing, human person, you are fully capable of grasping both world news and pop culture headlines. When it comes to what you turn to for self-care (especially in trying times), you just need to do you. At the end of the day: who cares?
How to Wear a Sheer Outfit Once and For All
So you finally decided to give the naked dress a try, or you picked up a fishnet bodysuit on your latest shopping trip. Hopefully you've got the right underthings to complete the ensemble. With a high-waisted brief, a nude slip, or a supportive bra, see-through styles can appear sophisticated - modest, even - and not at all skimpy.
Since it can be tricky to navigate the world of lace and floaty chiffon, we've rounded up the latest sheer trends and suggested the appropriate lingerie to accompany them. Scroll to become a master before you hit the street in this bold look.
Bones: Every Heartbreaking Picture From the Series Finale
Bones has been entertaining us with, well, literal bones since 2005, but it's all about to end. Fox chose to cancel the show after a shortened 12th season (a pretty long run, if you ask us) and the series finale is airing at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28. The network has posted pictures from the finale, "The Final Chapter: The End in the End," and if you count yourself among the show's many fans, you'll no doubt get emotional at the sight of Brennan (Emily Deschanel) and Booth (David Boreanaz) in one last embrace.
What Happens in the Walking Dead Comic Books After Carl's Visit With Negan
Carl is growing up before our very eyes on The Walking Dead. Rick's son has gone from a pudding-loving little boy who we kind of hated to a teenager who we, well, still kind of hate. It's complicated, and it's only getting more confusing now that we've seen Negan take a shine to the kid. Theirs is an interesting dynamic, and if the show follows the comics, they're only going to get closer. While we're still figuring out how we feel about teenage Carl, let's take a look at how his storyline plays out in Robert Kirkman's comics, since that story is so much further along.
Just like on the show, comic-book Carl becomes colder and more callous after losing his eye. His encounter with Negan makes Carl hate the Saviors even more, but he struggles to be useful during the war against them. When Rick has the opportunity to kill Negan, Carl begs him to do it, but Rick won't, refusing to stoop to Negan's level. The books skip ahead two years into the future, when it's revealed that Rick has been keeping Negan imprisoned in a basement, and Carl has been chatting with him like a buddy - but he still wants Negan dead.
Eventually, Carl moves to the Hilltop community to learn the blacksmith trade. While hanging out with Sophia (Carol's daughter, who is still alive in the comics), two boys attack and Carl beats them half to death. Maggie puts him in a prison cell, where he meets Lydia, the girl who takes his virginity. It turns out that Lydia is the daughter of Alpha, the leader of the Whisperers, notable villains in the Walking Dead universe. Carl goes with Lydia, Alpha, and their group, but Alpha gets Rick, who convinces Carl to leave. Carl insists on taking Lydia, who has been raped by members of the Whisperers, and Rick agrees to take her in. Upon returning to their camp, the group realizes that while they were out, Alpha's people murdered several of their friends, putting their heads on spikes in front of the camp. War is on.
Rick sends Carl and Lydia to the Hilltop to keep them safe, where they continue sleeping together. Though it's safe for them to return to Alexandria, they choose to stay at Hilltop, where they've begun a life. They are in charge of watching over Hilltop and protecting it from the Whisperers, when Lydia chooses to tell Carl that she doesn't love him. They fight, and Lydia insists they can still spend time together, but she doesn't love him. When the Whisperers wage battle on Hilltop, they try to take Lydia with them, but Lydia retaliates, shooting one and saying Hilltop is her home.
And that's all she, er, he wrote!
Why It's OK to Care About Celebrity News and "Real Issues" at the Same Time
We've all been there - you scroll through Facebook, you stumble upon an article, and before you can even click in to read and judge it for yourself, you spot it: the inevitable "Who cares?" sitting atop the list of comments like a harbinger of hostility. It's typically followed by an effusive reply: "You, since you took time to comment!," which feels like vindication but really just opens a whole new can of worms. This trifecta of passive aggression is finally rounded out with some variation of "This is news?," "Focus on the real issues!," or "There are more important things going on in the world right now."
This bothers me for a few reasons, none of which involve the fact that it's literally my job to care about and cover those so-called "unimportant" things. It is, of course, entirely possible to care about more than one thing at the same time. Our brains can process, store, and maintain an incredible amount of information; that's why you can walk and chew gum at the same time, or worry about world hunger while also wondering what you're going to eat for lunch that day. But this sentiment also implies that only hard, serious news is "important," and ignores the reality: that it's just really, really exhausting to be focused on the "real issues" all the time.
It implies that only hard, serious news is "important" and ignores the reality: that it's just really, really exhausting to be focused on the "real issues" all the time.
The past two years have been pretty rough, both mentally and emotionally, where the news is concerned: I personally am simultaneously stressed out about everyday life things like succeeding at work, paying bills on time, and maintaining personal relationships while also dealing with the added anxiety of mass shootings, police brutality, rape culture, climate change, and Donald Trump being president. On top of dealing with street harassment and the possibility of being hit by a Muni bus while walking in the city, I also have to consider the chances of my family members being racially profiled by police and my friends traveling abroad being caught in a terrorist attack. There are "real issues" that plague us every day in our families, our friend groups, our romantic relationships, and our neighborhoods. I'm well aware of the "real issues." I'm fully caught up on the "actual news." And like many other people, I'm f*cking drained.
That is precisely why, when a famous couple gets engaged or divorced, a superhot actor goes shirtless on the beach, or Beyoncé announces that she's pregnant with twins, we should let ourselves care about it. We should give ourselves (and each other) the freedom and space to get excited and express enthusiasm about celebrity news, because it offers a respite from all the completely depressing things going on - at least until another completely depressing thing happens.
As Cheryl Strayed once wrote: "There are so many things to be tortured about, sweet pea. So many torturous things in this life." Life isn't easy, and we all need something to help us through it. For some people, it's yoga and meditation; for others it's reading about all the women Leonardo DiCaprio has dated, poring over photos of Prince George, or watching the drama unfold between Kim Kardashian and Taylor Swift. The best part is that there's room for all of it; you can support the Black Lives Matter movement while also hoping that Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner get back together, and you can follow this trash fire that is a Trump presidency with the same fervor as you follow Chrissy Teigen's Instagram account.
The next time somebody tries to make you feel bad for essentially taking a break from the "more important things going on in the world," calmly remind them that as a living, breathing, human person, you are fully capable of grasping both world news and pop culture headlines. When it comes to what you turn to for self-care (especially in trying times), you just need to do you. At the end of the day: who cares?
17 Things Your Kids Should Learn Before Going to College
There's no foolproof way to prepare for the emotional roller coaster of your children leaving for college, but there are practical skills you can share with them before they fly off on their own. Basic tasks like cooking and laundry may seem like foreign concepts to kids, especially without Mom or Dad's help. Since no parent wants to see their children struggle with even the simplest tasks, we compiled a list of 17 things they should learn before school starts. Read on to see how to help them navigate the college-bound life.
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