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.
lundi 1 janvier 2018
Why a Women's March Cofounder Says Every Feminist Should Care About Gun Control
It has been a big year for Tamika Mallory.
A lifelong social justice activist, she also happens to be one of the four women who created the Facebook event which would eventually become the epic Women's March and later evolve into a movement in and of itself. In June, Mallory took the stage at the BET Awards to receive the Shine a Light Award for her fearlessness, and presenter Solange Knowles praised her for all the work that she's done in drawing attention to essential causes and for raising the voices of women of color around the world.
But Mallory is just getting started. Her next project, #NRA2DOJ, will take her to Washington on July 14 to protest the NRA. The effort is a direct response to a viral - and frankly, despicable - marketing campaign from the gun rights advocacy group, but gun control has been an issue close to Mallory's heart for a long time. She's been active in changing the policy and discussion around guns since the death of her son's father by shooting in 2001, and this new project seeks to bring even more national attention to an issue which has reached a crisis point.
Mallory took some time out of her busy schedule on July 7 to speak with POPSUGAR about the new initiative, her history with activism, and why it is that gun control should be front and center for all feminists.
POPSUGAR: Let's talk about #NRA2DOJ and the origins of that, what you see coming after the actual march and how it connects back to Women's March generally.
Tamika Mallory: I think the Women's March has taken the position that we are going to - along with partners and many voices - ensure that in this time people feel that they have a place to go to get organized, to really push back against so many things that are concerning everyone. And we want to sort of be a hub, a space particularly for new activists, people who have not been engaged in the movement in the past and are looking for avenues, sort of ways to get involved. And then we saw the ad.
We believe that we have a moral responsibility to speak out against any threat to people of color and protesters, people who are exercising their First Amendment right to protest. The NRA will be the first to say to cite the Second Amendment as a right of every citizen, but the First Amendment is also a right. They are touting themselves on their website as being one of the oldest civil rights organizations - in the spirit of what it means to be a civil rights organization, we ask the question "What are you doing to protect and defend black and brown lives?"
With women of color really helping to lead and hear the efforts of Women's March, what better group of people to really sound the alarm? We do not believe - and I think that this is really, really, really important - we are in no way claiming to be the group that has the answers or to be the most prominent organization. We are saying that we will add our voices and our resources to organizations that have existed before us, organizations that have come after us. Because we want to work in communities; we want to be unified with the movement in general and what this resistance looks like from a unified standpoint.
There are many gun violence organizations that work to end gun violence and to address the issues of gun violence in urban communities in pockets across this country, and we want to support them. We want this fight that we have taken on with the NRA to be in support of those organizations. I say that because the NRA is directly in the way of getting things like a responsible and sensible gun legislation passed in this country. They have been blocking that.
And therefore the blood of children in Chicago is on their hands, because those guns - that are not being made or manufactured in the Chicago area - are getting into the hands of young people. Because people are purchasing guns without having any necessary background checks in different states, traveling over state lines. And those guns are making it into the hands of people who are living in situations that many of us cannot even understand. This is not just about the advertisements. It is about the fact that the ad represents the war against people of color that exists in this country, and they basically have given license to people to continue to kill us and for us to continue to have the use of weapons to kill ourselves.
"I think that young women need to know that gun violence is not, in any way, isolated to men."
PS: What would you say to the young women who read POPSUGAR to help them understand how important this issue is?
TM: Well, I think what a young woman needs to understand is that our lives are in danger - everything from domestic violence to violence that may be happening in your community. When people have access to guns and they are receiving messaging from the organization that represents them as a gun owner telling them that [people] do not have the right to protest, they don't have the right to speak against any particular views that they don't necessarily agree with, your life will be in danger.
The NRA's rhetoric allows for more incidents to happen. And we cannot sit by and watch that happen. I think that young women need to know that gun violence is not, in any way, isolated to men. It can happen to you - and it has. We've seen domestic violence incidents over the years where people who are mentally troubled are allowed access to guns and have taken the lives of young women and children, families. This is an issue that concerns us all.
PS: I know your parents were founding members of National Action Network and that you started there at an early age. I'd love to hear a little bit about what that was like.
TM: Being a part of National Action Network when I was a small kid wasn't necessarily something that I considered to be cool at the time. That's the honest truth. You know, I was a young kid and going to protests and having to read all of the books and sort of being around the movement wasn't necessarily bowling and hanging out. (laughter) I'm just laughing because I'm thinking about my mom. If she was on the phone she would say say, "Yeah, you hated it," but you know, I was a young kid who really wanted to just do things that I was thought was sort of like a normal kid's life, and for me growing up in the movement, we were always engaged in some type of community activity. So I was never a kid who didn't have an understanding of how important it was to be a part of uplifting other people and working within my community.
PS: So what led you to join and ultimately work your way up there?
TM: As I got older and other young people were in the same situation that I was in, they had no choice but to be at rallies and to be involved and, you know, there were types of us activists - we found a way to make our work fun. We started to find ways to bring sort of youthfulness to the activism world, and we grew together as a family. But it was still me following in my parents' footsteps, being a part of the movement because they wanted me to be there. And it wasn't until my son's father was killed - when my son was 2 years old and his father was shot and killed - that the movement sort of became my own. I began to own what it meant to be an activist and to be involved in the movement.
PS: Correct me if I'm wrong on this - you left there to work for Joe Biden and Bill de Blasio?
TM: I think it was immediately following the Newtown shooting. The vice president started a task force to look at the nationwide crisis of gun violence, and I served on the task force as a representative for the National Action Network in my role as executive director. Our position at the time, or the perspective that I was bringing at the time, is that gun violence isn't just mass shootings - it is also shootings that are happening every day in communities, particularly in places like Chicago and Brooklyn and other urban markets across the country. So we wanted to bring that perspective to the task force and we did. It wasn't something that we did for long, you know, it was a few meetings that took place to try and talk about all the different factors of the issue and how to address gun violence. Let me put it this way: they were a few meetings to discuss how we have to approach the issue of gun violence from many different perspectives, and that is definitely the part I was involved in.
As it relates to Mayor de Blasio, I served on his transition team, specifically around criminal justice, looking at his appointees for criminal-justice-related departments in the city and also for different law enforcement agencies, the fire department - all of that was covered underneath the committee that I worked on. I have supported Mayor de Blasio - when he was running for office, I was a big supporter for him, raised money for him from young professionals, and had been a doorknocker for him.
PS: I have to ask, on a different topic: is there anything you'd like to say about Linda Sarsour's comments that the protests against Donald Trump should be a sort of jihad against the president?
TM: The only thing I have to say is that if anyone listens to the full speech and reads everything that she said, they would know that there was nothing in her speech that she said that calls for violence or harm, physical harm, to be done to anyone. And that's just the truth.
I think that some people want to say that her words are being taken out of context. I wouldn't say that her words are being taken out of context. I would say that she is purposely being demonized. It was happening before the Women's March, but it really started after the Women's March, that people have been trying to use her words against her. I hope that folks understand that just like the NRA, when the response is to create a new video and to put my face in a new video, these people are trying to expose us, and we could get hurt.
Now, we have decided that we are prepared to lay our lives down for what we believe in. We have decided that. At the same time, the question has to be "Is it worth it to other people, that one of us may be harmed because you are so tied to the idea that the rest of us don't have the right to disagree with you?" Our families also become targets when people expose us in that way. The NRA uses the language that we, as protesters, are violent, yet we are constantly dealing with the violence being inflicted upon us.
An Improbable Friendship Between a Dog and a Duck Is the Good News Story We All Need Right Now
Sick and tired of only hearing about the bad things going on in the world? We're right there with you - and, thankfully, we've got the cure for exactly what ails you.
Meet the unlikely pair of Max, a 12-year-old Husky, and Quackers, a 4-year-old duck. Against all odds, the two animals - both owned by Patrick and Kirsten Riley - are inseparable best friends, and they're the pride and joy of the teeny-tiny town of Strout, MN. The town boasts a population of just 25 people, so Max and Quackers are well-known to all the residents and can frequently be seen out patrolling their domain. "Sometimes on my way home, I actually hope they're out there because they're just too precious to look at," Strout resident Alisa Godejahn told CBS affiliate WCCO-TV.
In the interview below, the Rileys describe how they adopted Max when he was 5 and he became fast pals with the couple's other dog, Sasha, and after she died, he was left without a friend. "He was without any friends, and Max would sit next to his pen all the time, and I think they just bonded that way," Patrick Riley says, adding, "after we let him out, they just never left each others' side." Kirsten Riley goes on to say that "they sleep together, they eat together, they drink together, they go for walks together down the road . . . everything is together."
The improbable friendship between a dog and a duck provides a poignant reminder that kindness and compassion transcends all that which may traditionally divide us and that it's not impossible to buck tradition and create a bond with someone who may not be exactly the same as you. As such, the pair is often used as a symbol of how to "put aside differences" among the residents of the town in which they reside.
Symbolism aside, it's hard not to have your heart melt at the sight of these delightful animals trotting along in unison. And you can bet that we'll be bookmarking this video of Max and Quackers and be watching it all year long, because it's exactly the kind of thing that we need a little more of in our lives right now.
I Was a Smart-Home Skeptic - Until I Fell Head Over Heels For This 1 Smart Lamp
When I was growing up, I really loved this one Ray Bradbury short story called "There Will Come Soft Rains." It's set around a futuristic (at the time) smart home, that outlives the humans that once inhabited it and continues to function long beyond the end of the human race. While that may sound slightly morbid, it's hard to explain just how beautiful the story really is - or the lasting impact it's had on me as an adult, most notably in the aversion I've had in giving in to having my very own smart home. I've always been one of those people that needs to be on top of every single tech trend, spending thousands of dollars on things I absolutely must have at that moment in time and will spend more time looking at in awe than actually using. But thanks to that one short story, as far as I was concerned, the closest thing to giving my home the power to exist without me was investing in The Clapper to turn the lights on and off when I was feeling exceptionally lazy.
Here's the thing: I finally found the one thing that convinced me that yes, a smart home actually is something that makes my life easier, regardless of what future a 20th-century author once predicted. And that thing happens to be one very smart lamp.
The C by GE Sol not only made me a believer in voice assistants and smart home technology; it also opened the floodgates for a tricked-out home that communicates with itself in ways that actually wind up saving me money, skipping potential headaches, and helping me to enjoy the devices I already own even more. But don't just take my top-level word for it; here are a few very good specific reasons why this one lamp might just be the best starter product for anyone looking to dabble in making their home more intelligent, too.
First and foremost: it's the ultimate upgrade from The Clapper
The Sol isn't just a tech product - it's a damn good lamp. I've used it next to my bed for a calming, warm glow I can turn off once I'm drifting off to sleep. . . but also in my kitchen, where I need the harshest white light imaginable in order to see what I'm slicing and dicing. It's awesome to be able to control the level of light in a room without having to fiddle with a dimmer or stop what I'm doing, and thanks to the Alexa integration (which gets smarter each and every day I use it), it's easier than ever to do just that. Goodbye Clapper, hello Sol.
That Alexa integration also means I can control my Sonos
Yes, you read that correctly! Thanks to the recent Alexa on Sonos update, my lamp can literally control what music I'm playing on the Sonos speakers throughout my home. I can't even begin to describe how much of a game-changer that has been for me (and, honestly, has led to me buying a few more devices to be able to do it in other rooms, too), but being able to get incredible sound when I'm cleaning or hanging out with my friends by just saying a few words is truly the ultimate luxury.
My Sol is the center of my new smart-home ecosystem
Being able to easily link together my devices through my phone is amazing. It means that I can get smart light bulbs and other doodads and link those up with Sol - and basically have a whole room that turns on and off when I want it too without having to be concerned that I've left something on. In other words, the lamp has become the perfect centerpiece of my newly smart living room ecosystem - and the perfect centerpiece of any conversation about why the smart home setup is, in fact, totally worthy of the hype.
A New Shave Club Called Billie Is Here to Free Us From the Pink Tax Forever
If you're anything like me, you've spent the last couple years wondering why nobody had ever attempted to launch a Dollar Shave Club for women. Think about it: the so-called "pink tax" makes everything slightly more expensive for women, and there's no possible way to deny the straight-up racket that is the razor industry - so why not tap into that already-captive audience? Thankfully, there's now a brand that's willing to step up and take on the existential challenge - and it goes by the name of Billie.
Like Harry's and the aforementioned Dollar Shave Club, >Billie is a "female-first body brand built on providing premium-quality shaving and body care products through a convenient subscription model at affordable prices." And when they say affordable prices, that's really what they are - we're talking a mere $9 for the first order of two razor blades, a handle, and a holder. All of your subsequent refills (which come with four razor blades a piece) remain at that lovely price, as well - though it's totally up to you how often you get them sent right to your door.
Billie isn't just limited to razors, though. You can also add in additional products like shaving cream and body wash at an additional cost, based on how much you're willing to shell out. Given the prices listed on the website, it's probably safe to say that you're going to get a better deal on toiletries in your subscription than you would from your local drugstore, but you don't have to make a firm commitment up front, and the service is practically built for dabbling.
"We created Billie because women deserve to have a great shave experience at a fair price," cofounder Georgina Gooley told POPSUGAR. "Most shaving companies are created for men, and, unfortunately, women are an afterthought in this category. We're still overpaying for pink razors and subjected to the "pink tax." Our goal is to provide a shave experience that puts women first - we're delivering razors and bodycare products that are designed for the way women shave and pricing them at half the price of the competition and definitely without the pink tax."
And that sentiment isn't just a talking point. Billie's Nov. 14 launch is being celebrated with a very special "Pink Tax Rebate" program, which lets you earn credit that you can use toward a purchase simply by sharing a referral code with your friends and family. And like the service itself, there's no nonsense built into the way it works: for every 5, 10, or 20 people you get to sign up for the rebate, you get a $5, $10, or $20 credit added to your account.
Ultimately, it's hard not to be excited that there's finally a service like Billie that recognizes the disparity in pricing and the severe gap that's opened up between men and women's products. You can bet that I'll be signing up for the service starting today - and here's hoping that Billie is the first in a long, successful line of companies that help us banish the pink tax for good.
Cory Booker Has a Plan For Making Weed Legal in the US - Here's Why It Just Might Work
The United States has an incredibly complicated relationship with marijuana. More than half of all drug-related arrests in the US are related to cannabis, and we're not talking about a small number of people. Between 2001 and 2010, there were a staggering 8.2 million marijuana-related arrests, and almost all of them were for mere possession of the drug. This would be understandable if we took a common stand or had a national policy in place, but instead the rules and regulations vary from state to state, from full-on legalization to complete criminalization. As a result, we've got a patchwork of laws across the country that are often murky and always inconsistent. It's a recipe for disaster, and it should come as no surprise that there are millions who have suffered overzealous punishment in the hands of our nation's criminal justice system.
The Plan to Finally Fix Our Pot Problem
New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, however, has a strategy. On Aug. 1, he announced a long-teased piece of legislation: the Marijuana Justice Act.
"Our country's drug laws are badly broken and need to be fixed," Booker said in a statement. "They don't make our communities any safer - instead, they divert critical resources from fighting violent crimes, tear families apart, unfairly impact low-income communities and communities of color, and waste billions in taxpayer dollars each year." The best way to deal with this systemic pattern of damage, therefore, is to stop doing what we're currently doing - and try something else.
How This Law Could Fix Our Broken Drug Policies
What this new act proposes is to completely legalize marijuana on a federal level. This would enable the fair trade and regulation of the drug on the open market. It would also work retroactively, giving individuals who are currently serving prison terms for pot-related crimes the ability to petition a court for a resentencing. Booker emphasizes the particular strain current marijuana laws have put on minority communities. "Descheduling marijuana and applying that change retroactively to people currently serving time for marijuana offenses is a necessary step in correcting this unjust system," he says. "States have so far led the way in reforming our criminal justice system and it's about time the federal government catches up and begins to assert leadership."
The bill doesn't purport to be the answer to all the problems facing America right now. It does not address harder drugs like opiates - which are fueling a nationwide health crisis - but it does look to fix some things we have the ability to change. It also isn't blind to the fact that we need to invest not in the War on Drugs, but in rebuilding the communities most damaged by the failed policies of the past. The bill would hold back criminal justice funding from any state that failed to bring down its incarceration and arrest rate. That funding would then be funneled into a larger national program supporting job training, reentry programs, community center investment and other programs targeting minority communities hardest hit by an unprecedented rise in pot-related criminal arrests.
Why This Particular Bill Matters So Much
Booker isn't the first to concoct radical legislation aimed at turning drug statistics around, but he is certainly the most hopeful. In a Facebook Live video announcing the bill, he spoke to how well the states that have legalized weed are doing, which is a far cry from the current state of affairs on a national level. The senator is well aware that he will face skepticism, pushback, and legal hurdles from those who aren't as sold on the possibilities as he is - including from the extraordinarily marijuana-averse attorney general, Jeff Sessions. But that hasn't deterred Booker, who stated thoughtfully in his video announcement, "I believe the federal government should get out of the illegal marijuana business." And if anyone can do it, it's Cory Booker.
Milana Vayntrub Opens Up About What It's Like to Star in an Interactive TV Show
Milana Vayntrub is probably best known as the amazingly quirky and oh-so-lovable Lily from those AT&T commercials, though you've also probably caught her as Sloane Sandburg in This Is Us or when she guest starred as Gilfoyle's girlfriend Tara in Silicon Valley. This year, however, she plays the lead role in That Moment When, a completely innovative and fascinating interactive TV show from streaming site Eko. "Jill is a hot mess. It's up to YOU to navigate through a series of awkward moments that either leave her somewhat dignified or even hot-messier," the series description reads, but what's amazing about the series is that it really is up to you to choose what happens - it's the very first of its kind to offer viewers the chance to decide what happens to the characters on the screen.
Vayntrub's Jill is, as advertised, a hot mess. But she's one hell of a relatable mess, and by the time you've chosen your own adventure throughout the series, it starts to feel like she's someone you know in real life - and that's a definite indicator of just how wonderful an actress she truly is. I spoke with Vayntrub by phone in early December to talk about her role in the show and the groundbreaking technology that drives the series from beginning to end.
POPSUGAR: How would you describe Eko as a platform?
Milana Vayntrub: Eko is an interactive platform, so they make shows that you can play. [laughter] Our show is a sitcom where you get to choose if a character marries the guy or breaks up with the guy. I mean, maybe not those exact examples, but you get to take initiative in the lives of your favorite characters.
POPSUGAR: And how did you first get involved with it?
MV: Sandeep [Parikh], who created the show, is one of my best friends. We used to be roommates. We perform together. So he's definitely one of my creative soulmates, and when he asked me, I was like, "Yeah, I would do anything that you wanted to do."
POPSUGAR: Tell me, in your own words, what That Moment When is.
MV: First of all, I'd say insane comedy. And insane because the situations are totally grounded and real. They're going to a party and not remembering somebody's name, or getting dumped at a restaurant (which has happened to me), or asking their parents for money. And then, ultimately, the whole thing leads to this big high school reunion, which is also something that we've all had to deal with or opted out of dealing with. I think if Jill was a little bit smarter, she probably would have also opted out because she was definitely setting herself up for disaster. But sometimes we learn the most from the most disastrous situation. So that was definitely Jill's calling. But ultimately, Jill's character - I think that she's somewhat of a version of me. She's maybe a little braver and a little louder, but I think the thing that makes her relatable is that she's in all of these situations that we've been in. She's not always the best person; she gets lonely and leans to the selfish. And I think that's what makes her appealing, because she's someone we all know.
There's one situation in the roommate episode where, if you play it a certain way - sidebar: that's also the most fun part of the show, that you can play it a different way and get a different set of jokes and situations every time - but in this one, the roommate character asks her if she thinks she's pretty, and because Jill can't lie, she just kind of nods uncomfortably . . . and I love that. I love that Jill is so blatantly obvious, and it's interesting to be on the side of Jill because you know when she's manipulating and you know what her tactics are, and it's kind of situations that you - like me, as a person, I would not be brave enough to explore, but it's nice doing it through this platform where everything is really playful, truly.
POPSUGAR: How much of what happens in the show is scripted and how much is improv? It's all so tight, it's hard to tell.
MV: Most of it is scripted, and then we improvise on top. There's always a script - and it was always stellar and totally carried itself - but because Sandeep and I are both improvisers and I have a problem where I can't not improvise, they cast other improvisers in the show so there were also a bunch of extra lines, too. But it doesn't feel like a mumblecore movie where it feels really improvised because they only have a loose outline. We had a much tighter script, and then we more improvised jokes rather than scenarios or full character pieces.
Finding and hiring improvisers was key, though. When you have people who are actively creating their own content, they know the dimensions to which they can improvise. They know when you've added so much content that now it's not editable. Knowing your outs and understanding, for example, not talking over other actors - that's a very basic improv tool that you get through practice, and you get also through watching and making your own stuff. Because a lot of the actors were also writers and creators, it was mostly really seamless to kind of support other people's jokes or to set them up. Also, I can't give enough credit to the editor, because that's really what makes improv work.
POPSUGAR: Do you feel like you created another level to Jill's character by doing improv on top of the script?
MV: I think I get closer to these characters when I can improvise. As an actor, you don't step into other people's words, but you get to add your own words, so you need to speak as a person because it gives the role character. It does become easier to understand them or to imagine over time. Especially when it worked. When the writers or the director laughs at your improv, that's just a sign to me as the actor that I'm hitting on the notes that they want for that character. That's the goal that I have. I like adding the improv because I'm also adding more to the project. I feel like I'm contributing and carrying my weight.
POPSUGAR: There are so many paths in the show. Did you have scripts for each and every potential path? Or was it all written and shot in pieces?
MV: For every six-minute episode, there's about 30 pages of script. It's usually there's a page per minute. So there's about 30 minutes of content for every episode even though you only see six. We would shoot multiple setups and different lines and different opportunities every time. And that's also a huge credit to our producer and director, who were able to organize all of those shots in their heads in ways that it's probably not easy.
POPSUGAR: Did you have favorite outcomes or did you just kind of approach it as completely separate scenes?
MV: You know when you are planning an important meeting or you're about to hang out with someone you want to impress? There are situations you play out in your head, if you're like, "If I get it this way, this might happen. If I get it this way, this might happen," and that's kind of - we got to play out all the situations. In a way, it was an acting exercise in not making a choice, which a lot of acting normally is figuring out what your character would do, and in this one, it's "Well, if this character could do it all." It's actually very freeing. But at the same time, I didn't fully understand how it comes together until the very end, and I'm so impressed with how it has, but now that I've seen it, I definitely have these routes that I hope people will take because I'd love to see - I want them to experience one take over another, but that's the past, man. [laughter]
POPSUGAR: Do you think you can experience the full story in just one viewing? Or do you need multiple variants?
MV: I hope that people watch it more than once and take entirely different experiences every time. Because all the jokes are worthwhile, and I think you'll also get to experience different sides of the characters depending on what choices you make, so I think it's worth it to go back more than once.
POPSUGAR: Which scene did you think was the most awkward scene you shot?
MV: There's a moment in episode seven where you have to dodge a creepy teacher from hitting on you at the reunion and that's - how many times have we tried to dodge an older man putting his hands on you when you don't want that? That is really relatable. In a way, I kind of hope there's a teaching moment there for the men that play, like, "Hey, this happens." You have to step into this woman's shoes and protect yourself from unwanted touching. It was an awkward thing to shoot, but also really professional, and then I got to have a conversation with that actor and we got to figure out where all of my boundaries are and where all of his boundaries are. That's not always what life is. But even when I play it now, I'm like, "Oh, f*ck, don't touch her. Don't touch her."
POPSUGAR: How would you compare the experience of doing the AT&T commercials to doing That Moment When?
MV: This was far more challenging because there's so many more lines. This was, like I said, 30 pages of dialogue a day - whereas the AT&T spots were one page of dialogue a day, and often, camera didn't have to move too much on the AT&T spot, so we kind of had a day of just shooting new 30-second spots in every different iteration. Like, I wish that in the AT&T spots, they showed all of the improvised versions that we came up with, but they're dead now and you'll never get to see that. The beauty of this is that you do get to explore all of the other improvised versions that we came up with. That's why movies have deleted scenes, and that's the beauty of digital reels that are dug up on the internet.
POPSUGAR: What did you like best about doing the show overall?
MV: One of the things that I think is really fun about this character, and something that I see coming up more in TV and film, is dynamic female characters who are not about being sexy and are not about being attractive or liked by men, and in fact, they may be downright unlikeable, just like human beings are in actuality, and I capitalize human beings. With shows like this, get to be this multidimensional mess of a human and experience this difficult and hilarious situation. So I'm really proud of how likable this - maybe not likable [laughter] but watchable - this otherwise mess of a person is. And we didn't ever have to worry about making her digestible. But, in fact, you get to play these situations for fun. Do you know what I mean? I think I kind of rambled there. It is totally liberating as an actor, and I think really fun to see as a viewer.
The 10 Most Popular Reddit AMAs of 2017
One of the best things about Reddit is the amount of exposure you can get to strong, important voices that perhaps don't have the proper platforms to get themselves heard. As a result, Reddit AMAs make for some of the most fascinating reading material available on the internet today – and, of course, finally give Redditors the chance to turn the tables on those who do have a platform to speak on and ask the questions that they may not have otherwise answered in a public setting.
Luckily for us, Reddit's gone ahead and pulled together the 10 most popular AMAs of this year as part of its annual year in review, and it makes for the best kind of after-the-fact reading when you're traveling or looking for something to lazily read as you relax on your time off. Ahead, from Bill Gates to a local weatherman to the man who played Goofy at Walt Disney World for more than 25 years, you'll find the best AMAs that Reddit had to offer in 2017.
The 5 Features That Make Upgrading to iPhone 8 Totally Worth It
Agonizing over whether or not to upgrade your iPhone has become a ritual of Fall. At first, it was all about timing your two-year contract period to end right at the moment the new one came out. Now that we've (generally) moved past that in phone plan land, however it's all about whether or not you think the newest features are worth shelling out for. As a result, scrolling through endless reviews with your Autumn-flavored latte in hand is just about as common as apple picking or being caught off guard by the sun setting far too early for you to catch any rays on your way home from work. So let's just cut to the chase: I've spent a whole lot of time with the iPhone 8 over the past few weeks, and I can absolutely, unequivocally say that it's totally worth it to make the switch.
My iPhone 6s has treated me well - we've spent a full two years together, after all - and while it's definitely on its last legs, the perfect case-and-screen-protector combo (found after years of intense trial and regrettable error) enabled me to skip last year's upgrade cycle. Full disclosure: I wasn't completely sold by the 7 and hadn't really been able to muster the enthusiasm needed to drag myself to the store to get a device that was eerily similar to the one that I had spent hours Candy Crushing on as I waited in line. But the 8, however. . . the 8 is worth that waiting and that line. Don't just take my (evidence free) word for it, though. Below, I've pulled together the five features that truly swayed me after getting the iPhone 8 into my hands - and, bonus, I promise you won't encounter any of that overly technical reviewspeak that tends to hijack even the most helpful of guides.
The Price
First, some real talk: anyone who says that they're totally OK with throwing down hundreds of dollars for something they don't actually love is probably lying. Second, with a starting price of $699, the iPhone 8 definitely still costs a lot - but it doesn't cross into that over-a-thousand-what-am-I-doing territory. The biggest selling point for me was being able to more effectively use the features that were introduced with iOS 11, like augmented reality (see below), but didn't quite run right on my older-model phone. In other words: you can get a whole hell of a lot more memory and a stronger processor with the 8, and it actually feels like an upgrade - so that makes the price tag worth it. And again, as much as we all desperately want the gorgeous beauty that is the X . . . the 8 feels like a different enough phone to make you feel pretty good about not spending all your savings in one fell swoop.
Augmented Reality
As I mentioned, as soon as iOS 11 rolled out, I was ON IT. But with my 6s, I wasn't able to get the sort of magic that I was expecting. With the 8, it actually makes AR feel natural and part of your everyday life - something I've never quite felt with VR. From games to home design to the most incredible photo and video editing that makes you feel like you're living in the future, the iPhone 8 has the processor that makes it feel like something that truly could be the future technology (at long last!) To get a sense of what I'm talking about, check out this rundown of my favorite apps and games that I dug into with my trusty iPhone 8.
Wireless Charging
I'll be honest: I was one of those people who figured that there was a good reason behind why wireless charging took so long to roll out and had kind of accepted that it was not an essential feature. Consider me schooled, though. Saying goodbye to annoyingly rooting behind my couch, beside my bed, and in drawers full of cords to find the right one that hadn't frayed and fit the current model - that has been one of the most cathartic things about the whole experience. Being able to calmly place my phone on a delightfully space-aged disc to bring it back to life has made me a much calmer person on a daily basis - and means that I'm not always fighting with my boyfriend for custody of the one Lightning cable in our living room. Bonus: being able to choose to charge things manually is great, too.
True Tone
I have no clue how it is that Apple was able to get this feature to be so damn perfect, but my eyes are eternally grateful for the fact that looking at my phone is now so much more pleasant. True Tone at first is somewhat disorienting - it looks totally different than what you're used to, and you keep wanting to change it back - but it means that I'm finally looking at a Retina screen with the level of brightness that it's supposed to have (and not just guessing based on some Yahoo! Answers response I read like four years ago). Reading has never been so pleasant on a mobile device - full stop.
The Camera
As someone who has always had relatively jittery hands, it's always been a bit of a challenge to get the perfect shot on the first try. As a result, I'm constantly having to go back and delete the 249 other versions of the photo that are slightly blurry before I'm able to isolate the perfect photo. No longer! The image stabilization definitely comes in handy (especially when I'm on the run, or want to take video) and let's be honest: every iPhone camera is successively better. The colors are brighter, the light is handled better, and frankly, I'm using a whole hell of a lot less memory. This is the one point on which I knew I'd be sold (I always am!), but it was still a pleasant surprise that I was as impressed with this latest camera upgrade as I was.
The Top 10 YouTube Videos of 2017
Every year, YouTube releases a list of the top trending videos from across the platform. The reason why I love it so much? It doesn't just capture the obvious moments of the year that was; instead, it shows the things that people around the world loved so much that they couldn't help but watch again, things we may have never known about, things that transcend the current events and popular culture that we know oh so well.
In 2017, the list was no exception. Ahead, click through the top 10 videos - all of which went viral, due to the astronomical number of views each one got - and journey from Britain to Thailand to an animated wonderland. All of these videos represent the passion with which the internet consumes its content and the unique cultural touchstones that reached a level of virality this year that earned them a permanent position in the YouTube hall of fame.
With Just 5 Tweets, Obama Has Restored Our Faith in Humanity and Cured Our 2017 Blues
There's no denying that 2017 has been one hell of a roller coaster. Between devastating hurricanes that left thousands displaced from their homes, numerous ISIS-linked terror attacks, and the outing of countless public figures for their grotesque acts of sexual assault and harassment (oh, and the inauguration of one of the most controversial presidents in American history), it's been a tad difficult to find a silver lining amid the madness. Thankfully, Barack Obama just swooped in to save the day like the freakin' superhero he truly is.
On Dec. 29, the former POTUS shared a series of tweets highlighting a few positive stories that may have gotten lost in the shuffle this year. He prefaced them by writing, "For all the bad news that seemed to dominate our collective consciousness, there are countless stories from this year that remind us what's best about America." Leave it to Obama to restore our faith in humanity and simultaneously give us hope for a better 2018.
If you're seeking a much-needed dose of positivity as you close (see: slam) the door on 2017, reading Obama's tweets and the stories he shared should do the trick.
I Tried This Easy Car Rental Service That's All App-Based - and I'm Never Turning Back
To describe my relationship with car rental services as unhealthy would be an understatement. I cannot even begin to tell you about the number of awful experiences I've had with traditional kiosks like Hertz and Enterprise because I get heated just thinking about it. But let's just say they've ruined enough trips to make me avoid renting all together. So, when I was offered the opportunity to try out Silvercar, a premium app-based, on-demand car service that promises a seamless user experience each time, I was intrigued.
The entire process - from reservations and pick-up/drop-off to the receipt - is all done via the Silvercar app. You also get a silver Audi A4 every single time, as Audi recently acquired the company. I've got to admit that when I first heard "no hassle, no lines, no paperwork," I was a bit skeptical. There's no way it can be that easy, I thought. Fast forward to when I got the car in front of me, and damn was I proven wrong. The entire process, from check-in to driving off, took a total of 10 minutes compared to the usual hour-plus it takes me at other kiosks.
So, How Does It Work?
Silvercar is available from 17 major airports and cities in the US, including Los Angeles, Austin, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and New York. Pricing starts at $49 per day and depends on availability (can increase by $10 to $20 during busier times of year). Because Silvercar is an on-demand service, it's best to reserve as far ahead as possible before your trip to snag the lowest prices.
To reserve your car, download the Silvercar app (available on iOS and Android) or visit the website. After you choose your city and dates/times, you'll need to provide your credit card information, driver's license number, and insurance info if you choose to opt out of Silvercar's coverage (starting at $15). You're all set! You won't have to do another thing until the day of your reservation.
On the day of your reservation, you'll be given directions or shuttle instructions to get to the pick-up location through the app. For example, if it's at the airport, you'll be provided with all the information you need to hop on the correct shuttle that will take you on a short ride to the parking structure where the car and Silvercar attendant are waiting.
Once you're greeted by an attendant, they'll have you open your Silvercar app and guide you through the process. All you have to do is scan the QR code on your car, accept the agreements on your screen, and unlock the car from your phone. All A4s feature keyless entry for convenient access. The attendant will then walk you through the car's amenities and even help you set up your GPS and Bluetooth. If you're not new to Silvercar, you can also request to skip the introduction and hit the road ASAP.
At the end of your trip, simply drop off your car at the same location and you're good to go! You start the process, and they'll take care of the rest.
What's Great About Silvercar?
- Every rental features onboard Wi-Fi, GPS navigation, car seats, roof racks, and SiriusXM satellite radio, all included at no additional cost.
- You get the same premium experience every single time, which means you won't have to guess if your requested car will be available at the time of pick-up.
- If your car breaks down, Audi roadside assistance will take over if you're far from a Silvercar location.
- Each car comes with fair toll tracking and a fuel plan.
- The only age requirement is that the user has to be at least 18 years old; no additional daily fees if the user is under the age of 25.
- Expect no lines and no paperwork throughout the entire reservation process.
Why I'll Be Using Silvercar Again
The Silvercar experience, from start to finish, was truly as seamless as it claims. The fact that I didn't have to deal with long lines and hidden fees was enough to hook me, but its competitive prices on top of that truly make it worthwhile. For example, if you were to rent a premium/luxury car from a traditional kiosk, a Chevrolet Impala 200 would typically start around $49 per day on a weekend while a Mercedes C300 would cost you around $70. But the major selling point for me was that I didn't have to pay an additional $20 to $25 every day on top of the rental costs for being under the age of 25, like most companies require. Oh, and the fact that I was able to drive an A4 during my entire trip was pretty awesome, too. You can probably guess by now that I'm never turning back to traditional rental companies, and you probably won't either.
Ta-Da! The Real Meaning Behind Those Vague Emoji
Rule number one of emoji: there are no rules. You can use those cute little symbols as much as you want. The only caveat is that sometimes they're a little . . . confusing. What's with the guy on his stomach, for instance? To get the meanings behind the most head-scratching characters, we looked to Emojipedia. Yes, it's a real thing, and all the names listed are official emoji character names. The meanings and descriptions, however, aren't necessarily accurate because Emojipedia isn't affiliated with the emoji makers. But it's better than nothing, right?
Source: Emojipedia
I Was a Smart-Home Skeptic - Until I Fell Head Over Heels For This 1 Smart Lamp
When I was growing up, I really loved this one Ray Bradbury short story called "There Will Come Soft Rains." It's set around a futuristic (at the time) smart home, that outlives the humans that once inhabited it and continues to function long beyond the end of the human race. While that may sound slightly morbid, it's hard to explain just how beautiful the story really is - or the lasting impact it's had on me as an adult, most notably in the aversion I've had in giving in to having my very own smart home. I've always been one of those people that needs to be on top of every single tech trend, spending thousands of dollars on things I absolutely must have at that moment in time and will spend more time looking at in awe than actually using. But thanks to that one short story, as far as I was concerned, the closest thing to giving my home the power to exist without me was investing in The Clapper to turn the lights on and off when I was feeling exceptionally lazy.
Here's the thing: I finally found the one thing that convinced me that yes, a smart home actually is something that makes my life easier, regardless of what future a 20th-century author once predicted. And that thing happens to be one very smart lamp.
The C by GE Sol not only made me a believer in voice assistants and smart home technology; it also opened the floodgates for a tricked-out home that communicates with itself in ways that actually wind up saving me money, skipping potential headaches, and helping me to enjoy the devices I already own even more. But don't just take my top-level word for it; here are a few very good specific reasons why this one lamp might just be the best starter product for anyone looking to dabble in making their home more intelligent, too.
First and foremost: it's the ultimate upgrade from The Clapper
The Sol isn't just a tech product - it's a damn good lamp. I've used it next to my bed for a calming, warm glow I can turn off once I'm drifting off to sleep. . . but also in my kitchen, where I need the harshest white light imaginable in order to see what I'm slicing and dicing. It's awesome to be able to control the level of light in a room without having to fiddle with a dimmer or stop what I'm doing, and thanks to the Alexa integration (which gets smarter each and every day I use it), it's easier than ever to do just that. Goodbye Clapper, hello Sol.
That Alexa integration also means I can control my Sonos
Yes, you read that correctly! Thanks to the recent Alexa on Sonos update, my lamp can literally control what music I'm playing on the Sonos speakers throughout my home. I can't even begin to describe how much of a game-changer that has been for me (and, honestly, has led to me buying a few more devices to be able to do it in other rooms, too), but being able to get incredible sound when I'm cleaning or hanging out with my friends by just saying a few words is truly the ultimate luxury.
My Sol is the center of my new smart-home ecosystem
Being able to easily link together my devices through my phone is amazing. It means that I can get smart light bulbs and other doodads and link those up with Sol - and basically have a whole room that turns on and off when I want it too without having to be concerned that I've left something on. In other words, the lamp has become the perfect centerpiece of my newly smart living room ecosystem - and the perfect centerpiece of any conversation about why the smart home setup is, in fact, totally worthy of the hype.
25 Awesome Experiences Today's Kids Will Never Understand
Some children alive today have never used a phone with buttons or a bulky computer. The internet has been available to the public for more than 20 years.
If those facts don't make you feel old, think about this: most of your favorite childhood activities have become completely obsolete thanks to modern technology! Today's kids will never experience the glories of Game Boy, a VCR, a boombox, or even a physical encyclopedia. Whether they're better off gone or you'll think back with fondness, let's remember these 25 childhood experiences that technology has made extinct.
11 Free Organizational Apps to Help You Get Your Sh*t Together
It's not easy staying on top of all your to-dos, errands, and files, but luckily, there's an app for each of those. If you're looking to stay organized or get a grip on your busy life, you've come to the right place. For anything from prioritizing projects and scheduling tasks to storing all your brilliant ideas, we've found the best mobile apps that make managing your day-to-day a bit easier. The best part? The features mentioned here are free! Make life seamless on and offline by downloading these 11 helpful productivity and organizational apps ahead - you'll wonder how you ever surived without them.
A New Shave Club Called Billie Is Here to Free Us From the Pink Tax Forever
If you're anything like me, you've spent the last couple years wondering why nobody had ever attempted to launch a Dollar Shave Club for women. Think about it: the so-called "pink tax" makes everything slightly more expensive for women, and there's no possible way to deny the straight-up racket that is the razor industry - so why not tap into that already-captive audience? Thankfully, there's now a brand that's willing to step up and take on the existential challenge - and it goes by the name of Billie.
Like Harry's and the aforementioned Dollar Shave Club, >Billie is a "female-first body brand built on providing premium-quality shaving and body care products through a convenient subscription model at affordable prices." And when they say affordable prices, that's really what they are - we're talking a mere $9 for the first order of two razor blades, a handle, and a holder. All of your subsequent refills (which come with four razor blades a piece) remain at that lovely price, as well - though it's totally up to you how often you get them sent right to your door.
Billie isn't just limited to razors, though. You can also add in additional products like shaving cream and body wash at an additional cost, based on how much you're willing to shell out. Given the prices listed on the website, it's probably safe to say that you're going to get a better deal on toiletries in your subscription than you would from your local drugstore, but you don't have to make a firm commitment up front, and the service is practically built for dabbling.
"We created Billie because women deserve to have a great shave experience at a fair price," cofounder Georgina Gooley told POPSUGAR. "Most shaving companies are created for men, and, unfortunately, women are an afterthought in this category. We're still overpaying for pink razors and subjected to the "pink tax." Our goal is to provide a shave experience that puts women first - we're delivering razors and bodycare products that are designed for the way women shave and pricing them at half the price of the competition and definitely without the pink tax."
And that sentiment isn't just a talking point. Billie's Nov. 14 launch is being celebrated with a very special "Pink Tax Rebate" program, which lets you earn credit that you can use toward a purchase simply by sharing a referral code with your friends and family. And like the service itself, there's no nonsense built into the way it works: for every 5, 10, or 20 people you get to sign up for the rebate, you get a $5, $10, or $20 credit added to your account.
Ultimately, it's hard not to be excited that there's finally a service like Billie that recognizes the disparity in pricing and the severe gap that's opened up between men and women's products. You can bet that I'll be signing up for the service starting today - and here's hoping that Billie is the first in a long, successful line of companies that help us banish the pink tax for good.
16 Books That Every Introvert Needs to Read
If you're an introvert, one of the best ways to recharge is with a good book. There's nothing better than a storyline that really speaks to you, so we rounded up 16 books with themes and characters that introverts will really appreciate. Read on for literature real introverts need to read.
22 Farm-tastic Decorating Ideas Inspired by HGTV Host Joanna Gaines
Even if country chic isn't the first phrase you'd use to describe your decor taste, we're guessing you've sat spellbound through at least one episode of HGTV's Fixer Upper. And while the on-air chemistry between hosts Chip and Joanna Gaines may be what initially draws you in, it's the breathtaking reveal at the end of the show that convinces you to set a DVR recording or sit though a rerun marathon. Joanna's soulful, vintage-loving style is balanced by her admiration for airy color palettes and clean lines, proving that modern farmhouse style can appeal to a wider audience. We've rounded up 22 examples that capture Joanna's signature decorating style. How many of these Fixer Upper design staples resonate with you?
13 Jobs to Satisfy Your Wanderlust
If you have endless wanderlust, you can get the best of both worlds by getting a job that requires you to travel. Traveling for a living is a way to make money while doing what you love, so it's a win-win! Here are some career options that may be the perfect fit for you.
This Hack Will Make Your Cold-Weather Morning Commute So Much Easier
There's nothing worse about commuting to work in the Winter than running out your front door to discover a thick, impenetrable layer of ice blocking your view through the front windshield. It slows you down, makes you late, and starts your day off on an irritating note.
Luckily for us, Ken Weathers, a weatherman from Knoxville, TN, showed us an easy way to defrost our windshields quickly and without frustration. He revealed that a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water squirted onto your windshield will melt away the frosty layer. Ken goes on to explain that rubbing alcohol freezes at 128 degrees below freezing, so you can keep a bottle in your car all Winter long.
Watch the video above to see the time saver in action.
The Twitter Response to the FCC's Vote to Repeal Net Neutrality Is Anything but Neutral
For some Americans, the reaction to the FCC's Dec. 14 vote to repeal net neutrality was asking "what's next?" - but for others, the natural response was to crack jokes. So amid much of the chaos, frustration, and confusion about what the repeal vote actually means for us all, there were a few bright spots to laugh about despite the discouraging vote news. And since we likely won't feel the effects of the repeal for quite a while, there will be plenty more opportunity for Twitter users to roast the FCC over the next few months - so strap in, because it's sure to be a wild ride.
Read some of the best reactions to the vote, then make your voice heard to oppose the FCC's decision and put up a fight for net neutrality.
This Math Problem Will Make You Question Everything You Ever Knew About Algebra
Math isn't everyone's best skill - and even those who are good at it are questioning everything after trying this algebra problem.
The question originally went viral in Japan, after a study discovered that only 60 percent of 20-somethings could actually solve it. Are you already feeling frustrated and hopeless at trying to know what the answer is? Watch the video below, posted by YouTube user MindYourDecisions, a popular math puzzle channel. In it, Presh Talwalkar, the mastermind behind this question, will guide you to the right answer.
As you can see, not even a calculator can help you, as it will read the problem wrong and arrive at the answer of 9. To solve it correctly in a calculator, you need to write it out like this: 9-3/(1/3) + 1, which will lead you to 1 as the correct answer. The problem tests your knowledge of PEMDAS, the order of operations formula, which says you must get to the answer by following these steps in this order: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction. In this question, that means dividing 3 by the 1/3 first, which is the same as 3x3. That will then lead you to 9-9+1. From there, 9-9=0 + 1 = 1. Ta-da!
If you arrived at 3, 7, or 9 as your answer, you're not alone. Most people have forgotten how to use PEMDAS or interpret the fraction of 1/3 the wrong way. Still not feeling much of a challenge? Try this other math question that not even parents could solve.
11 Supersimple Ways to Make Your Home Smell So Fresh and So Clean
Have you ever come home from a long day of work, stepped through your door, and noticed that your home smells a little musty? Between lingering food smells from the kitchen, damp towels in the bathroom, and other day-to-day activities, there are lots of things that contribute to your home smelling a little less than fresh. It happens to the best of us, but luckily it's an easy fix! DIY air fresheners, houseplants aplenty, and some essential cleaning tips are some of our favorite ways to get a fresh home that smells amazing.
17 People Who Emoji Better Than You
Reason 3,937 we love emoji: they tell a story. Whether that's a story about what's wrong with your life or a story about how you danced your butt off last night, those little symbols capture so much significance.
But if you thought you were good at using emoji to tell your story, think again. Once you see these 17 examples of perfect emoji use, you'll realize your emoji game is pre-tty weak. It's OK though because you can just copy them.
The 5 Features That Make Upgrading to iPhone 8 Totally Worth It
Agonizing over whether or not to upgrade your iPhone has become a ritual of Fall. At first, it was all about timing your two-year contract period to end right at the moment the new one came out. Now that we've (generally) moved past that in phone plan land, however it's all about whether or not you think the newest features are worth shelling out for. As a result, scrolling through endless reviews with your Autumn-flavored latte in hand is just about as common as apple picking or being caught off guard by the sun setting far too early for you to catch any rays on your way home from work. So let's just cut to the chase: I've spent a whole lot of time with the iPhone 8 over the past few weeks, and I can absolutely, unequivocally say that it's totally worth it to make the switch.
My iPhone 6s has treated me well - we've spent a full two years together, after all - and while it's definitely on its last legs, the perfect case-and-screen-protector combo (found after years of intense trial and regrettable error) enabled me to skip last year's upgrade cycle. Full disclosure: I wasn't completely sold by the 7 and hadn't really been able to muster the enthusiasm needed to drag myself to the store to get a device that was eerily similar to the one that I had spent hours Candy Crushing on as I waited in line. But the 8, however. . . the 8 is worth that waiting and that line. Don't just take my (evidence free) word for it, though. Below, I've pulled together the five features that truly swayed me after getting the iPhone 8 into my hands - and, bonus, I promise you won't encounter any of that overly technical reviewspeak that tends to hijack even the most helpful of guides.
The Price
First, some real talk: anyone who says that they're totally OK with throwing down hundreds of dollars for something they don't actually love is probably lying. Second, with a starting price of $699, the iPhone 8 definitely still costs a lot - but it doesn't cross into that over-a-thousand-what-am-I-doing territory. The biggest selling point for me was being able to more effectively use the features that were introduced with iOS 11, like augmented reality (see below), but didn't quite run right on my older-model phone. In other words: you can get a whole hell of a lot more memory and a stronger processor with the 8, and it actually feels like an upgrade - so that makes the price tag worth it. And again, as much as we all desperately want the gorgeous beauty that is the X . . . the 8 feels like a different enough phone to make you feel pretty good about not spending all your savings in one fell swoop.
Augmented Reality
As I mentioned, as soon as iOS 11 rolled out, I was ON IT. But with my 6s, I wasn't able to get the sort of magic that I was expecting. With the 8, it actually makes AR feel natural and part of your everyday life - something I've never quite felt with VR. From games to home design to the most incredible photo and video editing that makes you feel like you're living in the future, the iPhone 8 has the processor that makes it feel like something that truly could be the future technology (at long last!) To get a sense of what I'm talking about, check out this rundown of my favorite apps and games that I dug into with my trusty iPhone 8.
Wireless Charging
I'll be honest: I was one of those people who figured that there was a good reason behind why wireless charging took so long to roll out and had kind of accepted that it was not an essential feature. Consider me schooled, though. Saying goodbye to annoyingly rooting behind my couch, beside my bed, and in drawers full of cords to find the right one that hadn't frayed and fit the current model - that has been one of the most cathartic things about the whole experience. Being able to calmly place my phone on a delightfully space-aged disc to bring it back to life has made me a much calmer person on a daily basis - and means that I'm not always fighting with my boyfriend for custody of the one Lightning cable in our living room. Bonus: being able to choose to charge things manually is great, too.
True Tone
I have no clue how it is that Apple was able to get this feature to be so damn perfect, but my eyes are eternally grateful for the fact that looking at my phone is now so much more pleasant. True Tone at first is somewhat disorienting - it looks totally different than what you're used to, and you keep wanting to change it back - but it means that I'm finally looking at a Retina screen with the level of brightness that it's supposed to have (and not just guessing based on some Yahoo! Answers response I read like four years ago). Reading has never been so pleasant on a mobile device - full stop.
The Camera
As someone who has always had relatively jittery hands, it's always been a bit of a challenge to get the perfect shot on the first try. As a result, I'm constantly having to go back and delete the 249 other versions of the photo that are slightly blurry before I'm able to isolate the perfect photo. No longer! The image stabilization definitely comes in handy (especially when I'm on the run, or want to take video) and let's be honest: every iPhone camera is successively better. The colors are brighter, the light is handled better, and frankly, I'm using a whole hell of a lot less memory. This is the one point on which I knew I'd be sold (I always am!), but it was still a pleasant surprise that I was as impressed with this latest camera upgrade as I was.
This Foam Makes Your Hair Holographic, So We'll Take 1 In Every Color, Please
FOMO is never a fun feeling, but Foamo on the other hand is something we want in every color. That's because it's the name of IGK's upcoming hair mousse. But this isn't your average styling paste - not by a long shot. Instead, Foamo is a whipped wonder that instantly turns your strands holographic.
In the video above, the cotton candy pink color is applied to a model, and, well, just look at how pretty it is! All you need to do for immediate hair tzjujing is slather a few pumps on a comb, then run it through your strands.
Image Source: IGK
The superthin metallic highlights look totally chic paired against a wide range of hair colors. And, Pantone-philes, there's even an Ultra Violet option. We love that color applied in sections on brunette hair, as seen on the model below. The peekaboo hue is a foolproof way to turn your everyday updo into a cool-girl style.
Image Source: IGK
These babies will drop in January, so be sure to start saving up now - if you're like us, you'll want to buy the whole rainbow.
Endless Gorgeous Celebrity Wedding Hair Ideas Every Bride Needs to See
It's peak wedding season, so we've looked back at the red carpet for some style inspiration. Whether you are a bride-to-be or bridesmaid, have a wedding to attend in the near future, or are just looking for a hairstyle with a little something special, you've come to the right place. Here are a plethora of gorgeous wedding coifs to spark your creativity.
Too Faced Founder Jerrod Blandino Says Ditch These 5 Bad Beauty Habits ASAP!
Jerrod Blandino is the founder of Too Faced Cosmetics.
I've been in the beauty industry for over 20 years, and I've seen it all. I love breaking "the rules" - you know, those ridiculous things people say like you can't wear a dark lip and a dark eye look together, or that you have to ditch shimmer shadows over a certain age, or the idea that your hair or eye color has to determine what makeup colors you wear. However, even a rule breaker like me has a few nonnegotiables. I love self-expression, putting your own spin on things, and all things modern, creative, and fabulous, but here are the rules you just can't ever break - because they'll hurt your health, age you, or just make you look bad.
Micellar-Water-Infused Hair Care Is Going to Be Everywhere in 2018
Micellar water is a wildly talked-about skincare category. Cliffs Notes: it's essentially a water-based makeup remover and face cleanser that requires no rinsing off. So it's optimal for those of us who are a bit lazy with our routines or just looking for a gentle product. Oh yeah, and it's a "French girl" beauty secret, since the French brand Bioderma put it on the map.
Now, the category has grown beyond skin cleansing to hair care. In 2018, we predict it will be a buzzy ingredient for hair. But is the micellar water you use on your hair similar to what goes on your face?
"From a gentle cleaning standpoint, they are similar," said Herbal Essences R&D Expert Rachel Zipperian (Herbal Essences has a micellar water shampoo line hitting stores in January). "Micelles are tiny cleaning ingredients that are designed to gently remove dirt and oil and easily rinse away in water. The main difference is how you use the products. You don't need to rinse micellar water products in skin care because the micelles are already activated in the product so they can effectively work on a cotton ball or wipe. In hair care, you do have to rinse micellar shampoo out when you're done lathering. The rinse water is needed to activate the micelles to carry the trapped dirt and oils from hair."
Hair pro Philip Berkovitz's Philip B. products have a Conditioning Water Spray. He breaks down the science of why the ingredient works for both skin and hair: "Much like micellar water for the skin - that are tiny spheres of oil suspended in water - for the hair, it is also the same principle. But it is more refined nanospheres of plant extracts." He noted that when micellar water is combined with glycerin, the formula can act as a natural humectant. This attracts moisture to the hair for a more rejuvenating effect. I often use his spray as I would a dry shampoo (from midlength to ends) to fix limp or second-day hair.
Though it is called water, it won't make your hair greasy. In fact, it should have the opposite effect. "Want to know the magic behind the micelles?" Zipperian questioned. "It can be tough to wash away oil because oil repels water. The tiny but powerful cleaning micelles work so well because they are essentially bipolar. One side of the micelle is attracted to oil, the other end is attracted to water. During use, the micelle is activated so it can trap the oil and suspend it in water that is then rinsed away."
Convinced and ready to start using micellar water on your hair? Keep reading to discover five unique haircare products that all contain it!
What Flamingo-Pink Eye Shadow Looks Like on Different Skin Tones
Hot pink is no longer a color to save for your lips and nails. This Summer, "flamingo pink" - as we've dubbed it - is going to be the shade you'll see on everyone's eyes. It's already popping up in tutorials from major YouTubers like Nikkitutorials and James Charles.
"As part of the blush bomb trend, neon pink has traveled from the cheeks to the eyes - think Lea Michele at the 2017 Grammys and Sophia Bush at the 2017 SAG Awards," said Kelli Bartlett, director of makeup artistry at GlamSquad. "The result is both electric and dreamy at the same time. We also saw the trend on the runway, so neon pink eyes are definitely having a moment."
When searching for your perfect shade, keep this in mind. "There is a wide range of pinks that can be worn on the eye, from neon pink to blushing berry," she said. "Pink shadow is especially complimentary on green and blue eyes. Darker skin tones should choose richer colors to ensure they pop."
Try Bartlett's picks: the shades Venetian Red and Love Letter from the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette. She also recommends priming the eye before applying pink shadow to prevent the pigmented hue from staining the skin. For this, MAC Paint Pots are your best friend.
That said, there are rules for what to avoid. "The trend focuses on more vibrant pinks so stay away from anything too icy or precious, like baby pink," she explained. "Dialing up the drama with a rich pink hue is the way to go. Making sure the saturation is even and blended is the key to looking chic. For those who are nervous to rock the pink eye, focus on a wash of color on the brow bone to ease you into the trend. When in doubt, wear matching blush, eye, and lip color."
Keep reading to see how stunning flamingo pink looks on different skin tones!
1 Man Launched a Non-Gender-Specific Beauty Brand - and It's Not What You Think
Before you call B.S. ("beauty products were always made for everyone, dammit!"), hear Andrew Glass out. Glass previously ran the global business at EvolutionMan, a skincare line for guys, for five years before launching his own brand. His latest venture, dubbed Non Gender Specific (or NGS), is about to simplify and neutralize the beauty marketing world. Glass is entering the market with just one product - The Everything Serum ($65, available for preorder in January and ships late Spring) - and that's part of the mission.
"While running the global business at a men's skincare brand, I realized how segregated the industry had become, and it became my mission to change that. As a minimalist at heart, I was frustrated feeling like I needed 10 different products to 'get the job' done and make my skin look good," he told me via email. "That is when I started visualizing a brand that had no gender boundaries, and had products that covered a wide-range of skin concerns. Non Gender Specific is for all people and all gender identities - not just male or female (binary gender is a thing of the past). The beauty of NGS is that we believe in and encourage individuality. Who cares if someone identifies as male, female, or one of the other 71 known gender identities? Non Gender Specific is the brand for all humans. We're strategically launching one hero product at a time."
This hero product is a paraben-free serum that promises to give you brighter, smoother skin. It is made with natural ingredients, including antioxidant-rich grape seed oil, pore-reducing mushroom extract, and rejuvenating vitamin E. There is also soybean extract to nourish, antarctic seaweed extract to improve elasticity, lactic acid to help with hyperpigmentation, and good old caffeine to make you look and feel more awake. This lineup seems pretty rock star for those who favor mostly natural ingredients.
Here, I chatted with Glass more to get into WTF makes this a gender-neutral product - if that category even exists.
POPSUGAR: What makes this a nongender product? Aren't all products essentially nongender even if they don't spell it out?
Andrew Glass: That is a great question, and also showcases what makes Non Gender Specific different. Yes, technically anyone can purchase any product, but they don't. Why is that? The marketing behind a brand and its products are just as important as the product itself. The industry is segregated into male and female categories, 90 percent of which are female. This isn't because these products only work on male or female skin, it's the marketing used by the brand to reach a specific consumer. Not to mention, binary gender is a thing of the past. At NGS, we are boldly marketing ourselves to all gender identities, not just male or female. We want everyone to feel comfortable purchasing our product.
PS: Was there ever a time you wanted to buy a product but felt it was too female?
AG: As a male, there have definitely been times where I've felt uncomfortable in stores looking at products surrounded by advertisements of women using the product. I've even noticed other customers staring, wondering why a guy is looking at highlighters. I don't blame the customer, it's the industry and how brands advertise their products that creates a specific mindset for the consumer.
"The industry is segregated into male and female categories, 90 percent of which are female."
PS: Why do you think minimalism in beauty will be a bigger conversation next year?
AG: Visually, I think that minimalism appeals to a wider range of people and keeps things on "neutral" grounds. As far as minimizing the amount of products needed to get great looking skin, I don't know anybody who would say no to using one product instead of five or six! Additionally, people want to be less wasteful and do better for the environment, and buying less product means putting less in the trash! This new segment in beauty, Gender-Neutral, is essentially asking the consumer to erase what they've been told their entire life, and look at products without associating a gender to them. Non Gender Specific plans to blaze the trail in this new segment.
PS: How does this serum, essentially, do it all? What does it replace in someone's routine?
AG: The Everything Serum is specifically formulated to tackle all major skin concerns in one formula. It is your anti-wrinkle treatment, it is your brightening treatment, it is your pore-size reduction, it is your under-eye treatment, it is your dark spot/post-acne hyper-pigmentation treatment, and it's a great moisturizer! It takes each treatment category and puts it all in one bottle! As the name suggests, it is and will be your everything!
PS: What did you learn at EvolutionMan skin care that you will apply to launching this brand?
AG: At EvolutionMan, I learned the trials and tribulations of starting a brand from nothing, and how much hard work it takes to keep it going! You have to be completely self-reliant and be OK with being your own cheerleader in the beginning. I've also learned with passion and commitment, anything is possible!
PS: Where do you see NGS going? What plans do you have? What products will you take on next?
AG: I see Non Gender Specific blazing the trail in this new segment in beauty, paving the way for gender-neutral branding, and being a part in creating an industry that is inclusive of all genders. We also care deeply for the environment, and plan to use low environmental impact processes wherever possible. Our boxes are made from recycled materials, and our bottles are completely recyclable. We plan to strategically hit the market with retail partners that share our same beliefs: equality, innovation, and progression. We hope to have a very exciting retail announcement first quarter of 2018! For future innovations, we will be expanding The Everything line with two amazing formulas that I can't share too much about right now.

Tiny Wedding Tattoo Ideas Every Inked Bride Should Consider
If marriage is forever, then making a long-lasting commitment to your partner via a tattoo is one way to pay homage to your love. Sure, you can step outside of the typical bridal beauty look with an unexpected hairstyle or nail art, but an edgy tattoo makes more of a statement. What makes the tattoos ahead so special is the minimalism. A motif as simple as a tiny heart or script phrase can have meaning but is not distracting. Plus, you can strategically place your ink inside of your ring finger or on a not-often-exposed part of your shoulder.
Whether you choose to do something solo in ode to your love and big day, or team up with your partner on an engagement ink, there are many ways to interpret this. Keep reading to see gorgeous bridal tattoo ideas!
We Don't Mean to Be Dramatic, but Too Faced's White Peach Palette Is a Holiday Miracle
Oh, you thought that you were done buying peach-themed products from Too Faced? How cute! No, no, no, it appears that there's a whole new launch that you'll be scrambling to buy as soon as it hits US shelves, because it looks that freakin' good! Thanks to a special YouTube unboxing sneak peek from French beauty influencer Marie Lopez (aka EnjoyPhoenix), we now have our hopes set ridiculously high for a "White Peach" palette sometime in the near future.
Around the eight-minute mark in her unboxing video, Lopez shows off the palette, a white peach-shaped compact, and several other products received from Too Faced, so we're expecting an entire minicollection! The new palette seems to be a seasonal addition to the brand's crazy popular Peaches & Cream collection and features cool-toned shades that complement those in the "Just Peachy Velvet Matte" palette. Yes, please!
Watch the unboxing above, then keep your eyes peeled on our site for any updates on the launch. We're feeling ready to give our entire beauty stash a peachy makeover, aren't you?
Palette Packaging
Inside the Palette
These Sparkly Beauty 'Grams Prove 2017 Was the Year of Kirakira
It seems no feed can escape Kirakira+, the Japanese app that enhances everything to look extra sparkly. It first launched in 2015, but only started taking over Instagram in the Fall thanks to its popularity during the Spring 2018 runway shows in September.
One of the earliest adopters we saw was makeup legend Pat McGrath, whose glittery collection of makeup was perfect for the filters. Other celebrity makeup artists, like Patrick Ta and Mario Dedivanovic, have also been known to utilize the app to enhance their already-gorgeous creations. Nail artists and beauty bloggers have joined in, too, so it's one "extra" shimmering party over on Instagram.
Ahead, find some of 2017's best Kirakira beauty moments to inspire your holiday looks. If you haven't already downloaded the app, what are you waiting for?
Why Snapchat Filters Are More Problematic Than Pretty
If I nailed a perfect cat eye, I couldn't resist photographing it for Instagram. The sun couldn't shine without me flipping on my front cam to test out the lighting, and I wouldn't dare take a bite of my Sunday brunch before documenting it first. To say I was an avid selfie taker was an understatement. But when I landed my first full-time job, my dedication to snapping these pictures diminished.
Waking up every morning for work with only a few minutes to get ready left no time to find my light and snap 50 photos from my best angle. Thus, my interest in Instagram and selfies began to dwindle. It was then that I decided to make a Snapchat account.
Joining Snapchat sparked my love for social media all over again. It was there I flaunted my most authentic self. I was comfortable recording my makeup-free trip to the grocery store or happy hour with my girls without the pressure for overly filtered faces or the fear of not getting any "likes." I posted what I wanted, not caring who was watching or what I looked like. The platform felt refreshingly real.
Not too long ago, Snapchat released a variety of facial-distorting filters that further solidified my love for the app. I would spend minutes hysterically cracking up at the sight of my face transformed into a frightening bunny - and don't even get me started on the sight of rainbow vomit when I opened my mouth. However, some filters were a little more troubling.
I have nothing against the use of Snapchat faces, but certain filters are more like instant retouchers instead of playful add-ons, becoming similar to the Facetune and Photoshop filters I personally despise. Makeup artists use apps like these to enhance their features in ways a standard camera probably wouldn't capture. However, they have gone from artistry-emphasizing tools to essentials for many everyday women, who blur out their faces until they no longer look real.
One filter in particular, which I refer to as the "catfish filter," instantly alters your entire face to create a more flawless version of you. At the press of a button, my rounded cheeks and nose are suddenly contoured and chiseled. Every pimple and imperfection vanishes - and I am no longer me. Instead, I'm transformed into a thinner, more refined version of myself . . . the more "socially desirable" me.
A variety of filters also exaggerate select facial features. Certain Snapchat enhancements can widen your nose, enlarge your lips, and even fabricate a double chin. As I hold my phone to my face, I wonder what someone who is actually self-conscious of his or her nose, lips, and weight feel seeing these features being altered.
Filters can be fun. But like any perfect photo on Instagram or on Snapchat, they are not reality. Celebrities and social media personalities like Lena Dunham and Kerry Washington have recently spoken out against retouching and photoshopping, and more women are making the choice to take a natural approach to beauty. But it seems like the more society vocalizes loving the skin you are in, the farther away from it we become. When I sign onto my social media profile, it's impossible to escape the overly contoured, "Botox Instagram faces" we are trying to move away from.
I always find myself thinking about the people using the catfish filter who would prefer to look like their retouched self. Or those who would think twice before showing off their filter-free face because it just doesn't look as good as it would enhanced. We all have insecurities, and many of us would change them if we could. But because we are constantly fed dosages of unrealistic perfection, our insecurities consume us. Instead of celebrating the traits that make us unique, we are constantly given new ways to hide them . . . and now one of those ways is through filters.
It is important to remember that while certain enhancements might give you a boost of confidence in a three-second story, you don't need them to be beautiful. Makeup and contouring are forms of artistry that can enhance what you naturally have and serve as a form of self-expression. Instagram, Snapchat, and their filters are another way to tell your story. But don't use them as a crutch that prevents you from being proud of what you see when the filters go off. Instead, celebrate who you are - made up or stripped down. You might be surprised at the way the "real" you will be received.
While I will find it hard to not excitedly transform my face into an alien-like creature or into an animated puppy at the press of a button, I will always remember my reason for joining Snapchat in the first place: to be the most raw, authentic (filter-free) version of me.
10 Beauty Commandments to Follow Before You Turn 25
Ah, to be a millennial! If you're of this class, you're probably already an overachieving social media star and winning at life, so it makes sense that you'd also have an A+ beauty regime. Thus, as I reach the end of my late 20s, I am looking back at my grooming hits and misses of the last decade. Here's what I learned and what I wish I'd known . . .
The 1 Foundation That Covered My Hives After an Allergic Reaction
A few weeks ago, I had an allergic reaction to a medication and woke up covered in hives from head to toe. I was completely freaked out that my usually clear skin had been taken over by large, red, splotchy bumps. I cried on the phone to my mom, sulked, and hid from the world.
When I realized I could no longer be a hermit (I'm a busy woman!), I panicked. I didn't want anyone, even my roommate, to see me like this. Eventually, I knew I had to stop being dramatic and accept my fate: I had to go out into public. In an effort to look less like a leper, I turned to Huda Beauty Faux Filter Foundation ($40), which promised to cover hyperpigmentation and redness, and prayed that it would cover my rash.
I grabbed my trusted Beautyblender ($20) and started dotting the liquid on my face, trying not to cry. To my surprise, it completely covered the hundreds of hives that had conquered my complexion. Although I still had a skin texture I can only describe as lumpy, I felt so much better. I thanked the makeup gods (and Huda Kattan) that this had worked, put on a hoodie, and went out in public for the first time in days.
Since then, my hives have thankfully gone away and I am no longer sick. However, my devotion to Huda's foundation is still going strong. The formula is silky-smooth, packed with pigment, and doesn't fade throughout the day. If it can cover hives, it can definitely handle my ordinary breakouts. I recently wore it for a photo shoot, and my skin looks incredible in the photos.
While I hope I never have hives again, at least I now know what product I can turn to in a skin emergency.
15 Ash-Blond Hair Ideas That Will Give Your Winter Look an Icy Edge
Rather than having to make your Instagram cooler every time (and we mean literally cooler), dye your hair ash blond. The blue-toned blond is edgy, and it definitely works for Winter with pale skin, lots of of mascara, and a grunge lip.
While this double of bleaching often entails double processing and a lot of maintenance, it's worth it if you want statement-making hair. Just ask your colorist to use a product like Olaplex to keep your strands healthy.
Keep reading to see how women on Instagram are showing off the It dye fad.
Literally Everything You Could Ever Want to Know About Double Process Hair Dye
Save for one balayage two years ago, I am a hair-dye virgin. For the past few years, I've lusted after denim hair. I'm talking full on Britney & Justin 2001 VMAs hair that matches the denim-on-denim I'm prone to wearing. But there was one glaring issue that kept me from swan-diving into a vat of blue dye.
I'm a brunette, and to lighten my hair would mean that I'd have to undergo the dreaded "double process" and bleach my entire head. Quite a few times, I'd pick up my phone to book a dye job, only to back out when the salon's receptionist asked me what process I wanted. Single? Double? I only know how to answer that question in regard to ordering an espresso.
So that's how I ended up actually sitting down to Google "What Is Double Process?" Alone at my kitchen table, illuminated only by the light of my MacBook Air (and the Fenty Beauty highlighter I tried at work), I shame-searched my questions away. I read everything I could about the process - and I was still confused.
My main qualm was that, while there are plenty of informative pieces on hair-dye techniques, many of the stories only show the "after photos." I am the type of person who won't go to dinner without obsessively Yelping the restaurant. I need the down-and-dirty, no-holds-barred explanation of a process - not just cute, curated Instagram pictures of a blowout.
I'd pick up my phone to book a dye job, only to back out when the salon's receptionist asked me what process I wanted. Single? Double? I only know how to answer that question in regard to ordering an espresso.
So with POPSUGAR's blessing, I booked a photographer, and a session at Seagull Salon with Jeanise Aviles in hopes of basically writing the post that I wanted to read before undergoing the process myself. With her electric green hair (and matching eyebrows!), Jeanse is known and loved throughout New York due to her ability to turn her clients into living, breathing rays of rainbow-haired sunshine. Indeed, her vibrant Instagram feed is honestly better at cheering me up than a thousand cute dog pictures.
I came in to what was supposed to be a five-hour appointment with chestnut-brown hair and left eight hours later with '80s-acid wash coloring all over my head. Ahead, here's everything I learned about the process, because knowledge is power, y'all!
Mariah Carey Returns to the New Year's Eve Stage For "Take 2"
Mariah Carey, queen of the holidays, returned to the stage for Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve With Ryan Seacrest in NYC on New Year's Eve. Following last year's awkward performance, the singer announced this year's return on Instagram, writing, "Take 2." The big moment came on Sunday night, when she stepped into the spotlight to sing some of her biggest hits. After showing off her vocals with "Vision of Love," she spoke to the crowd and wondered aloud about the whereabouts of the hot tea she'd been promised, saying, "They told me there would be tea . . . we'll just have to rough it." Cue the opening notes of "Hero," which she went on to perform. What an icon.
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