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.
dimanche 10 juin 2018
10 Secrets About Dirty Talk a Shy Person Should Know
So, you've found a sex partner who really lights your fire. You snag yourself some sexy lingerie, sweeten your skin with your favorite perfume, leave them breathless with your seductive gaze, but when you get to the bedroom, things suddenly feel . . . quiet. How could this be? The buildup to this moment was going so smoothly! How can all that sexual confidence go right down the drain the second things get real?
If you're a little on the shy side, you're probably all too familiar with this. Sex, something movies portray as the most graceful act in human nature, suddenly feels more like having stage fright in front of a harsh audience. Well, it doesn't have to. In fact, it doesn't have to feel stressful at all. Dirty talk can bring you and your partner closer, help you explore what turns you both on, and, most importantly, make sex so much more enjoyable. These 10 tips should definitely help ease you into it.
1. Relax - it's not a performance
Sex is vulnerable and often has all our insecurities flaring up at once. We're worried about the way our bodies look, whether our moans sound more like nails on a chalkboard than sexy, and a million other debilitating things. It's no wonder it can be hard to get a word out. Remember that truly intimate and satisfying sex is never a performance. No one is sitting there judging every word you say and every move you make. Try things out. Say a few silly things. Take some risks. The bedroom is meant for exploring and making discoveries about each other. How boring would sex be if we stuck to some artificial script? Sex is silly and awkward, and if you say a few silly and awkward things, laugh it off and keep going.
2. Be yourself
Maybe you're afraid your partner is expecting you to be a porn star in bed, saying all the nastiest and raunchiest things imaginable. Unless porn is your thing, this is not the case. Dirty talk has nothing to do with being a wanton sex maniac and you shouldn't feel pressured into emulating one. The beauty of sex is how different it is with everyone, how unique an experience it is with each person. Be yourself! Trust that your partner wants to pleasure you, not someone else. If you're feeling demure and gentle, go with that instinct. If you're feeling a bit naughtier than usual, play with that. There is no right or wrong path to take, unless it's not true to your needs.
3. Think sexy thoughts
It's the most frustrating thing in the world when your mind starts wandering during sex. You're trying to focus on bringing you and your partner to climax and suddenly you're thinking about drama at work or how you need to go to the DMV in the morning. This usually happens when you're already nervous. How can we dirty talk with conviction if we've got stress on our minds? Take a step back and get in your sexy zone. Think about what turns you on. Maybe it's something your partner did over dinner that really got you going. Maybe it's a fantasy you've always had. When you're really in the zone, the words will flow from you. You won't have to worry about it. Say the first thing that comes to mind, whenever you're ready to say it.
4. Focus on your partner
If you try too hard to conjure your sensuous side, it could have the adverse effect of feeling more like work than pleasure. If you just can't seem to tap into your erotic center, focus all your energy on your partner. Take them in. Bury yourself in them. Think about how attractive you find them, how good it feels to be connected to them, or how badly you want them. Tell them about it. Let them know what it is you love about them. It will get you both going so fast, you'll probably forget you were worried in the first place.
5. Ask them questions
Don't forget to invite them to be part of the conversation. Ask them what they want you to do to them, what they love about you, or how long they've wanted you for. Ask them what their hottest fantasy is. Hey, your partner might be nervous about dirty talk too! They might need a little help through the process as well. Ask them to tell you what you want to hear about yourself. There's nothing wrong with asking your partner how sexy they think you are. Feeling sexy is what it's all about!
6. Tell them what you want
Sometimes we're so nervous about impressing our partner, we forget about our own sexual needs. Don't worry about being perceived as too demanding or audacious when telling your partner what it is you need from them. First of all, being told what to do in bed is dangerously sexy and they'll likely feel inspired to blow your mind even further. Second of all, if they don't care about your needs in bed, they're selfish and that's probably not someone you want to be sleeping with.
7. Reminisce with each other
Another way to dirty talk with your partner is to bring up a memory you share together. Maybe you have been dating for a while and the first time you met you were wearing a slinky dress that caught their eye. Why not bring that dress up? Perhaps you met earlier that evening and it's a one-night stand. Bring up how jealous they were when they saw you dancing with someone else. This will drag all the sexy imprints you've left on each other out of your minds and right into the bedroom, deepening the hunger between you.
8. Enact a fantasy
It might seem horribly cliché, but some of the most intense and adventurous sex happens when you free each other from the boundaries of real life. If you're coming up empty, why not try a little role play? It can get you out of your head to pretend things between you two are different than they really are. You could pretend your partner is a police officer who would rather have sex with you than give you the speeding ticket you deserve. Maybe you could pretend your partner is your lover and you only have an hour with them before your husband or wife gets home. The possibilities are endless! This may not be for everyone, but it's a great thing to try if you feel like there's not enough juice in your sexual material at the moment.
9. Less can mean more
Dirty talk has so many exhilarating qualities, but at the end of the day, it's not the most important thing. Every sexual encounter is different and has its own special tone and feeling. Let the mood of the experience inform you whether or not it's time to talk. Sometimes the hottest sex can be devoid of words. Maybe you're in a place of such deep pleasure, all you can do is moan. You're feeling so alive in your body and stringing together a sentence is nowhere on your mind. Remember that dirty talk is never a necessity. It's more of a very tasty cherry on top.
10. Try sexting
If you don't even know where to start, sexting is amazing practice. Why not start the conversation long before you guys even have sex? Send your partner a naughty text while they're at work, letting them know how badly you want them. Describe everything you wish they were doing to you. This is your opportunity to test things out and gauge what kind of dirty talk works between you two. If anything, it'll turn them on to the point of insanity. They'll be desperate for you and want to see you as soon as possible.
Get Ready For Your Big Day With This Prewedding Playlist
Feel the love on your big day while you get ready with this wedding day playlist! With something for everyone, it will keep prewedding jitters at bay and start the party off right as you and your bridesmaids are getting dressed. It will have everyone singing along!
- "Happy," Pharrell Williams
- "I Gotta Feeling," The Black Eyed Peas
- "I Do," Colbie Caillat
- "Dancing in the Moonlight," Toploader
- "Rude," Magic!
- "Boom Clap," Charli XCX
- "All My Life," K-Ci & JoJo
- "Drunk in Love," Beyoncé and Jay Z
- "Dreams," The Cranberries
- "(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You," *NSYNC
- "I Love It," Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX
- "What a Feeling," Peter Lus featuring Dominico
- "Just You and I," Ricky Blaze
- "We Found Love," Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
- "Everybody in Love," JSL
- "Stuck Like Glue," Sugarland
- "Teenage Dream," Katy Perry
- "Mine," Taylor Swift
- "Walking on Sunshine," Katrina & The Waves
- "Feel So Close," Calvin Harris
- "Best Day of My Life," American Authors
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," Whitney Houston
- "River Deep Mountain High," Ike & Tina Turner
- "All of Me," John Legend
- "Love and Marriage," Frank Sinatra
- "Everything," Michael Bublé
- "(You Drive Me) Crazy," Britney Spears
- "The Time (Dirty Bit)," The Black Eyed Peas
- "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," Taylor Swift
- "Kiss Me," Sixpence None the Richer
- "Lucky," Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat
- "Wishin' & Hopin'," Dusty Springfield
- "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," Elton John
- "Home," Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- "Kiss You," One Direction
- "I Could Not Ask For More," Edwin McCain
- "More Than Anyone," Gavin DeGraw
- "Friday I'm in Love," The Cure
- "Ten Feet Tall," Afrojack
- "Chapel of Love," The Dixie Cups
- "Marry You," Bruno Mars
To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app.
I Masturbated Every Day For a Week - Here's What Happened
Growing up, I went to Catholic school. Do you remember the scene in Mean Girls where Coach Carr, the sex-ed teacher, basically tells them if they even think about sex, they'll die? Yeah, welcome to my world.
As I got older and became more rebellious than my parents would have liked, sexuality wasn't lost on me, and I began dabbling in sexual activities with some very cute (and some not-so-cute) boys. However, from an early age, I realized that masturbation would be the key to my own satisfaction.
Always a fan of pleasuring myself for the sake of the greater good - and I'm between relationships, so why the hell not make myself happy? - I spent a week masturbating to better inform you on what it's like, because, you know, science. Before I got down to business, I consulted Kate Thomas, PhD., APRN, an instructor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, to make sure I wouldn't be, um, fatiguing myself, for lack of a better word.
"People have varying sexual drives and appetites, so where we draw the line on how much is too much is unclear. The cutoffs . . . are more a matter of opinion."
"People have varying sexual drives and appetites, so where we draw the line on how much is too much is unclear. The cutoffs that sometimes are suggested by people in general, as well as health care professionals, are more a matter of opinion. Essentially, these are social or value-laden positions rather than an actual line that is backed by science and careful research," she said in an email interview with POPSUGAR. "There are many known benefits. It is an absolute safe sex behavior. It is an alternative to someone who does not have a partner. It is a way of experiencing and expressing one's sexuality. It is satisfying and relaxing. It can help an individual learn about their body and how they respond."
So, now that I was cleared to go, I asked her what would happen if I liked this change to my regularly scheduled programming a bit too much and continued it after my week was over. Honestly, I was concerned here that I would have less fulfilling orgasms the next time I did have partnered sex.
According to Thomas, "We believe that, generally speaking, masturbation and the accompanying benefit of knowing your body is helpful when having sex with a partner. If this is the case, it would demand that we teach our partners what is pleasurable for us. It can actually be helpful in stimulating this conversation. We think that masturbation has no downsides in human sexual interactions despite what is often promoted. It has the capacity to improve that relationship if both people accept that they want satisfying sexual experiences for both of them."
She also gave me the go-ahead to use toys - which I didn't ask about and was definitely going to use anyway - because while some people have a masturbation style that works for them, some like to change it up for a different feeling.
During the week, I tried my best to change up the timing depending on my mood and to see if I felt differently depending on when the act happened. In brutal honesty, I still have (really good) flashbacks of my most recent ex while I'm getting in the mood, which helps a lot during the process, but is an issue at the end. So, because I didn't want to mess this up, I instead tried to focus on the physical feelings and effects instead of the emotional and mental ones. I switched up the toys, too, from my favorite go-tos - the mini-wand and my newest fun toy from LELO, the GIGI 2 - to just my good ol' reliable fingers.
After a week of letting my fingers call the shots, I realized that the overall effects were minimal and were more noticeable after a morning masturbation session than an evening one. After getting a little action in the morning, I felt a bit more focused and determined throughout the day, but only to the point of getting one or two more tasks completed. Another surprising side effect? I found myself making better choices for my body. I chose workout classes over wine glasses and I ate more moderately. Getting off in the morning probably just made me feel sexier, and I am sure coupling that feeling with my recent weight loss just subconsciously helped.
However, I didn't see a difference at night. It didn't help me sleep better. I didn't feel more calm, less stressed, relieved . . . nothing. This was a little disappointing, because I'm pretty sure that in Catholic school they teach you that you should only have sex quietly at night with the lights off. Just me? OK.
I can tell you that I will keep on touching myself, because no matter what it does or does not do for me in the overall scheme of my life, for a few minutes, it makes me feel amazing. And everyone deserves to feel amazing every day.
Happy touching!
10 Secrets About Dirty Talk a Shy Person Should Know
So, you've found a sex partner who really lights your fire. You snag yourself some sexy lingerie, sweeten your skin with your favorite perfume, leave them breathless with your seductive gaze, but when you get to the bedroom, things suddenly feel . . . quiet. How could this be? The buildup to this moment was going so smoothly! How can all that sexual confidence go right down the drain the second things get real?
If you're a little on the shy side, you're probably all too familiar with this. Sex, something movies portray as the most graceful act in human nature, suddenly feels more like having stage fright in front of a harsh audience. Well, it doesn't have to. In fact, it doesn't have to feel stressful at all. Dirty talk can bring you and your partner closer, help you explore what turns you both on, and, most importantly, make sex so much more enjoyable. These 10 tips should definitely help ease you into it.
1. Relax - it's not a performance
Sex is vulnerable and often has all our insecurities flaring up at once. We're worried about the way our bodies look, whether our moans sound more like nails on a chalkboard than sexy, and a million other debilitating things. It's no wonder it can be hard to get a word out. Remember that truly intimate and satisfying sex is never a performance. No one is sitting there judging every word you say and every move you make. Try things out. Say a few silly things. Take some risks. The bedroom is meant for exploring and making discoveries about each other. How boring would sex be if we stuck to some artificial script? Sex is silly and awkward, and if you say a few silly and awkward things, laugh it off and keep going.
2. Be yourself
Maybe you're afraid your partner is expecting you to be a porn star in bed, saying all the nastiest and raunchiest things imaginable. Unless porn is your thing, this is not the case. Dirty talk has nothing to do with being a wanton sex maniac and you shouldn't feel pressured into emulating one. The beauty of sex is how different it is with everyone, how unique an experience it is with each person. Be yourself! Trust that your partner wants to pleasure you, not someone else. If you're feeling demure and gentle, go with that instinct. If you're feeling a bit naughtier than usual, play with that. There is no right or wrong path to take, unless it's not true to your needs.
3. Think sexy thoughts
It's the most frustrating thing in the world when your mind starts wandering during sex. You're trying to focus on bringing you and your partner to climax and suddenly you're thinking about drama at work or how you need to go to the DMV in the morning. This usually happens when you're already nervous. How can we dirty talk with conviction if we've got stress on our minds? Take a step back and get in your sexy zone. Think about what turns you on. Maybe it's something your partner did over dinner that really got you going. Maybe it's a fantasy you've always had. When you're really in the zone, the words will flow from you. You won't have to worry about it. Say the first thing that comes to mind, whenever you're ready to say it.
4. Focus on your partner
If you try too hard to conjure your sensuous side, it could have the adverse effect of feeling more like work than pleasure. If you just can't seem to tap into your erotic center, focus all your energy on your partner. Take them in. Bury yourself in them. Think about how attractive you find them, how good it feels to be connected to them, or how badly you want them. Tell them about it. Let them know what it is you love about them. It will get you both going so fast, you'll probably forget you were worried in the first place.
5. Ask them questions
Don't forget to invite them to be part of the conversation. Ask them what they want you to do to them, what they love about you, or how long they've wanted you for. Ask them what their hottest fantasy is. Hey, your partner might be nervous about dirty talk too! They might need a little help through the process as well. Ask them to tell you what you want to hear about yourself. There's nothing wrong with asking your partner how sexy they think you are. Feeling sexy is what it's all about!
6. Tell them what you want
Sometimes we're so nervous about impressing our partner, we forget about our own sexual needs. Don't worry about being perceived as too demanding or audacious when telling your partner what it is you need from them. First of all, being told what to do in bed is dangerously sexy and they'll likely feel inspired to blow your mind even further. Second of all, if they don't care about your needs in bed, they're selfish and that's probably not someone you want to be sleeping with.
7. Reminisce with each other
Another way to dirty talk with your partner is to bring up a memory you share together. Maybe you have been dating for a while and the first time you met you were wearing a slinky dress that caught their eye. Why not bring that dress up? Perhaps you met earlier that evening and it's a one-night stand. Bring up how jealous they were when they saw you dancing with someone else. This will drag all the sexy imprints you've left on each other out of your minds and right into the bedroom, deepening the hunger between you.
8. Enact a fantasy
It might seem horribly cliché, but some of the most intense and adventurous sex happens when you free each other from the boundaries of real life. If you're coming up empty, why not try a little role play? It can get you out of your head to pretend things between you two are different than they really are. You could pretend your partner is a police officer who would rather have sex with you than give you the speeding ticket you deserve. Maybe you could pretend your partner is your lover and you only have an hour with them before your husband or wife gets home. The possibilities are endless! This may not be for everyone, but it's a great thing to try if you feel like there's not enough juice in your sexual material at the moment.
9. Less can mean more
Dirty talk has so many exhilarating qualities, but at the end of the day, it's not the most important thing. Every sexual encounter is different and has its own special tone and feeling. Let the mood of the experience inform you whether or not it's time to talk. Sometimes the hottest sex can be devoid of words. Maybe you're in a place of such deep pleasure, all you can do is moan. You're feeling so alive in your body and stringing together a sentence is nowhere on your mind. Remember that dirty talk is never a necessity. It's more of a very tasty cherry on top.
10. Try sexting
If you don't even know where to start, sexting is amazing practice. Why not start the conversation long before you guys even have sex? Send your partner a naughty text while they're at work, letting them know how badly you want them. Describe everything you wish they were doing to you. This is your opportunity to test things out and gauge what kind of dirty talk works between you two. If anything, it'll turn them on to the point of insanity. They'll be desperate for you and want to see you as soon as possible.
Get Ready For Your Big Day With This Prewedding Playlist
Feel the love on your big day while you get ready with this wedding day playlist! With something for everyone, it will keep prewedding jitters at bay and start the party off right as you and your bridesmaids are getting dressed. It will have everyone singing along!
- "Happy," Pharrell Williams
- "I Gotta Feeling," The Black Eyed Peas
- "I Do," Colbie Caillat
- "Dancing in the Moonlight," Toploader
- "Rude," Magic!
- "Boom Clap," Charli XCX
- "All My Life," K-Ci & JoJo
- "Drunk in Love," Beyoncé and Jay Z
- "Dreams," The Cranberries
- "(God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You," *NSYNC
- "I Love It," Icona Pop featuring Charli XCX
- "What a Feeling," Peter Lus featuring Dominico
- "Just You and I," Ricky Blaze
- "We Found Love," Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris
- "Everybody in Love," JSL
- "Stuck Like Glue," Sugarland
- "Teenage Dream," Katy Perry
- "Mine," Taylor Swift
- "Walking on Sunshine," Katrina & The Waves
- "Feel So Close," Calvin Harris
- "Best Day of My Life," American Authors
- "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," Whitney Houston
- "River Deep Mountain High," Ike & Tina Turner
- "All of Me," John Legend
- "Love and Marriage," Frank Sinatra
- "Everything," Michael Bublé
- "(You Drive Me) Crazy," Britney Spears
- "The Time (Dirty Bit)," The Black Eyed Peas
- "I'm Only Me When I'm With You," Taylor Swift
- "Kiss Me," Sixpence None the Richer
- "Lucky," Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat
- "Wishin' & Hopin'," Dusty Springfield
- "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," Elton John
- "Home," Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- "Kiss You," One Direction
- "I Could Not Ask For More," Edwin McCain
- "More Than Anyone," Gavin DeGraw
- "Friday I'm in Love," The Cure
- "Ten Feet Tall," Afrojack
- "Chapel of Love," The Dixie Cups
- "Marry You," Bruno Mars
To listen to the playlist below, download the free Spotify software or app.
12 Cult Products From the Body Shop That You Need to Try at Least Once
Ever since it was founded in 1976, The Body Shop has made a name for itself by offering a wide range of high-performing, budget-friendly hair care, skin care, body care, and cosmetics. But perhaps even bigger than its offerings - and another draw for consumers - is its heart. It was the first global beauty brand to take a stand against animal testing in cosmetics and takes measures to ensure products stay 100 percent cruelty-free and vegetarian (a portion are also vegan!).
The Body Shop also has a vested interest in preserving the environments from which its ingredients are sourced, using proceeds to help restore rainforests and habitats and striving to be the world's most ethical and truly sustainable global business. (Did we mention that the products are also really good, smell delicious, and are completely habit-forming?)
From the liquid peel that sold out everywhere at launch to the lip and cheek stain celebs can't get enough of, read on for some of the brand's most innovative and beloved products. Once you try them, you'll see what all the brand's hype is all about.
I've Spent a Year Searching For My Forever Mascara - Here's Everything I Learned
Up until a year ago, I had been wearing the same drugstore mascara that I discovered in high school. I purchased tube after tube for over a decade, trusting the formula to make my stick-straight Asian eyelashes look long, thick, and, most importantly, dramatically curled. Accompanied by a good dose of eyeliner along my top and bottom lash line, the mascara looked fantastic. I had no complaints.
But when I hit my mid-20s, my approach to makeup shifted - I grew more comfortable and confident in my own skin and started to appreciate a less-is-more beauty look. As someone who previously balked at the thought of leaving the house without wearing a full face of makeup, I found myself going out more and more frequently with just my lashes and eyebrows done. And I soon discovered that without the buffer of eyeliner, my previously trusty mascara would end up tragically transferred onto my lower lash line (where I would normally apply eyeliner) by the end of the day.
Disappointed, I set out to find a new everyday mascara - one that would still hold an aggressive curl, minus the raccoon eyes. Little did I know, it was a process, and one I wasn't exactly prepared for. One year and 10 tubes of mascara later, I still haven't discovered a worthy replacement, but I have discovered some eye-opening (literally) things along the way.
If you're on the hunt for your own forever mascara, learn from my mistakes and read on for seven tips I picked up that'll help make your search easier than mine.
1. Take product reviews, testimonials, and suggestions from others with a grain of salt
Nothing will derail a meeting faster than telling a conference room full of beauty editors that you're looking for a new mascara. As soon as I casually mentioned it to my colleagues here at POPSUGAR, the suggestions came pouring in. And with plenty of impressive before-and-after photos to go off of, I had a running start.
But after trying the third tube that came highly recommended, I realized that what was working for my fellow mascara-lovers was definitely not working for me and I couldn't rely solely on word-of-mouth, popularity, or photos, no matter how jaw-dropping. Now, I do my own extensive research on a potential brand and product and remind myself to give every product a fair chance, whether or not it's been highly touted by others.
2. Don't write off a mascara after the first try
Whether it's the way you wield the wand, the passing of time, or even the formula's exposure to air, your second experience with a mascara can differ drastically from the first. When I first applied a popular mascara, I found that the formula weighed down my lashes and deflated the curl. A few weeks later, I decided to give the same mascara another try and was pleasantly surprised to see that somehow the formula held a curl much better the second time around. With every new tube, I now make a point to apply the product on at least three different occasions before formulating a definitive opinion on it.
3. Standard and waterproof formulas are different, even for the same mascara
The name and packaging may be the same (save for a small "waterproof" label), but that doesn't mean the formulas are. After interrogating my sister on how her lashes always look so amazing, she suggested I use her go-to mascara. After trying a tube for myself, I was disappointed to discover that what delivered long and thick lashes with an impressive curl on her fell completely flat on me.
The one small, but significant, detail? She uses the waterproof version. Sure enough, after swapping my standard formula for the waterproof one, my lashes held a curl for longer. If you think about it, standard mascara formulas need to be chemically altered to withstand water, so there's a high chance they're developed differently - which means they'll most likely interact with your lashes differently as a result.
4. Ensure everything else in your makeup routine stays consistent
Don't follow my lead and start experimenting with a new liquid liner at the same time that you're experimenting with a new mascara. Since your lashes can be affected by everything from the eyelash curler you use to the order in which you apply your products, you'll want to keep the makeup you're wearing around your eyes the same in order to quickly determine whether the mascara is right for you.
5. A coat is not created equal across mascaras
With my previous drugstore go-to, I was used to swiping on coat after coat after coat in rapid succession to achieve the mega volume I liked. Once I started wielding different wands, it quickly became clear that I needed to change up my application technique depending on the mascara. Sometimes all I needed was one lighthanded coat, while other times, the mascara called for three coats (along with drying time between each) to achieve the same effect.
6. Don't assume mascara will look the same once it dries
You'd think that the eyelashes you see in the mirror directly after applying mascara would be the same eyelashes you see an hour later, right? Not necessarily. After applying a new mascara for the first time, I was happy with the results. But a mere few moments later, I glanced in the mirror and was disappointed to discover my curl had completely deflated as the formula had dried.
7. It takes a lot of time, money, and patience
Patience is really the key word for me here. I'm not one to let beauty products go to waste, so over the course of the year, I found myself trying to finish a tube of mascara before moving on to the next one, even if I didn't love it (or even like it). But that just means that once I finally discover The One, I know I'll appreciate it that much more. After all, confidence-boosting lashes are worth it!
These Are the 15 New Hair Products You Need in 2018
If you're looking for ways to up your hair game in 2018 (maybe make it your beauty resolution?), you're going to need the right products. Luckily, this year is going to be packed with new launches to eliminate frizz, give you silky-soft strands, and heal your overprocessed and damaged hair. Whatever your hair goals are, we've found your new go-to, can't-live-without-it product.
We've rounded up the best hair launches from Sephora to the drugstore so you can stay perfectly styled all year long, regardless of your budget. Make 2018 the year you get daily compliments on your mane! Keep reading to shop the life (or hair) changing products.
Your Hairstyle Could Actually Be Aging You - Here Are 11 Ways to Avoid That
We worry a lot about keeping our skin youthful, but have you ever considered how your hairstyle might be another culprit that's aging you? See: wispy bangs, limp locks, or chopping all your hair off once you've hit a certain age just because you think it's your social obligation to do so. The truth is, you can make simple hair changes that instantly leave you looking fresh-faced and, more importantly, give you a confidence boost. Ahead, we show you exactly how with the help of celeb hairstylists like Etienne Ortega, Franck Izquierdo, and more.
17 Stunning Sleeve Tattoos That Are Prettier Than Clothing
Sleeve tattoos, which cover either your whole arm or very nearly the whole thing, are for people who aren't afraid of commitment. They take time, money, and a talented artist who can create large masterpieces for you to love forever. If sleeves sound enticing to you but you're not sure if you can fully commit, start with getting a shoulder tattoo that could some day be expanded into a larger piece of art. Ahead, you'll find full, half, or in-progress sleeves that might jump-start your planning process. If not, they're at least stunning art to admire.
How I Got Rid of a Massive, Painful Pimple 2 Days Before My Wedding
The Thursday before my wedding, I woke up at 6 a.m. panicked. The right side of my face was throbbing thanks to a "lurker." We refer to "lurkers" as those painful, cystic acne pimples that live under the skin. I had cut alcohol, gluten, dairy, and sugar from my diet for two weeks and was drinking one dark green juice every day. My skincare game was on point (I only used oil-free products for the last few weeks to avoid breakouts), and I received plenty of facials. My period even ended the day earlier, which is the usual suspect for these hormonal pimples. So why the F was there a massive - and painful! - critter eating away at my skin?
That I can't answer, but likely it was from nerves and stress. What I can tell you is how I successfully got rid of it. After researching the case, I decided to try an at-home product containing sulfer (the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clarifying Colloidal Sulfur Mask) and had a Joanna Vargas esthetician zap the area with an antibacterial wand. Yet the pimple did not budge. I had two days until I needed to walk down the aisle, and I needed it gone.
All of the advice I kept receiving from pros was that I needed to get the pimple injected with cortisone. So I called in a favor and made an early-morning dermatologist appointment with Dr. Neal Schultz.
Dr. Schultz is a trusted NYC doctor (another beauty editor recommended him) with an impressive background, being the host of DermTV.com and creator of BeautyRx. Even though he is experienced, I was nervous! I had never done this procedure before. His calm demeanor was soothing as he popped the zit, sucked out the pus (he said there was enough to feed a family!), and then gave me a light cortisone injection (half the amount he normally would as per my request).
He was also honest with me. I had heard that this treatment can leave an indent in your face, and he told me earnestly that it does sometimes happen and there's no clear answer why, but he had not seen it happen in his practice in a few years. The procedure completely worked for me, and in two days - as promised - the skin was completely flattened. The area where the pimple had been was darkened, but makeup easily covered it. You can see in the photo up top of my makeup-free skin that the right side of my face looks clear! About a month later, there was no trace of it (and thankfully, no indent).
When I returned from my honeymoon - acne-free! - I emailed him to find out the science behind why this works.
"If you find yourself with a monster zit on the days leading up to your wedding, go directly to your dermatologist to get it opened, have the pus drained (so it doesn't dilute and thereby reduce the efficacy of the cortisone shot), and have the cyst injected with cortisone (which will shrink the swollen wall of the cyst)," he explained. "That will do the most to improve it in the next 12-24 hours."
Dr. Schultz emphasized that for results this quick, a derm needs to physically extract the pus. Normally the gunk would take about a week or longer to be absorbed by the body on its own. Under your skin there is a hard swollen wall of cyst, and it can clear up naturally, but it takes time. "No oral or topical medicines can work this quickly," he added.
He described the process from beginning to end for me:
"We start by taking an alcohol-soaked pad and wipe the skin to make sure that everything is as sterile as it can be. With a sterile needle, I make a hole in the middle of the cyst. With an instrument called a comedone extractor, I push the pus out of the cyst. To shrink the cyst so it goes away much faster, I inject a tiny amount of cortisone into the wall and cavity of the emptied cyst. A bandaid is then applied (it stays on for an hour)."
After receiving the morning treatment, I was able to get an hour-long facial with Joanna Vargas that afternoon. I felt no pain or inflammation, and she simply avoided the area.
According to Dr. Schultz, you see results from the procedure within 12-24 hours.
"If you squeeze it yourself, you may as well cancel the photographer," he advised. I'm a classic face picker, and I pay the price with acne scars. "Don't take matters into your own hands. Seek out your derm."
I felt relief the morning of my wedding, which you can see below, getting my makeup done knowing my Big Fat Pimple was demolished!
The Best $8 I Ever Spent on a Beauty Product
Image Source: StockSnap / kinkate
Since I was a wee child spending Summer watching daytime TV, I have been fascinated by infomercial products. I love to watch contraptions slice vegetables with ease, viscous liquids overpower stains, and tiny grills fry meats to greasy perfection. But my favorite products of all were the beauty ones. Among those, one item reigned supreme: the Turbie Twist.
While you dry your body with a big ol' bulky towel, the lightweight, terrycloth Turbie Twist was developed solely for your hair. The ad promised so much! Turbie Twist would stay on your head if you're sunning by the pool, upside-down, probably even if you're on a roller-coaster. It protects your hair from the dangerous rays of the sun, and you could even put a deep conditioning treatment on while you're getting dressed; Turbie Twist would ensure that none of that gunk gets on your clothes. It's dryer-safe, and as the ad promised, a great gift idea.
To my disappointment, no one ever gifted me a Turbie Twist. Years later, I bought a simple, blue-and-white polka dot one on a whim at a drugstore for $8. I was emotionally prepared for it to be something that I used once, then never again. But guess what?
I f*cking love it.
After I shower, I usually tousle my hair with a regular towel before securing on my Turbie Twist. Sadly, the product doesn't magically dry my hair. (I always imagined I would take it off and my hair would tumble out, perfectly styled like in an Herbal Essences ad.) What it does do is lightly dry my hair, and keep it perfectly in place while I put lotion on, go through my skin care routine, apply makeup, and get dressed. But, as they say in the world of infomercials, that's not all!
I use the Turbie Twist all the time, sometimes when my hair isn't even wet. For a while, my hair wasn't long enough to put into a ponytail, and I would put my handy Turbie on while making dinner. I've left it on for hours while I watch TV after a shower. I've slept in it to prevent my pillow from getting damp. I put it on whenever I take a bath. I brought it with me on my honeymoon. When I moved to a new state, I made sure that I knew where my Turbie Twist was at all times.
See this? This is the face of a satisfied customer.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Maggie Panos
I can't tell you what to do with your $8. But if I could, I'd tell you to drive down to the pharmacy and pick up one of these babies. You won't regret it.
I Didn't Know I Needed a Lip Scrub, Until I Tried This One
Having dry lips is one of my beauty pet peeves. I won't leave the house without some kind of moisturizing lip gloss or balm, and I try to stay away from matte liquid lipsticks because I hate the way they feel on my mouth. Looking to take my beauty game to the next level, I recently started exploring lip scrubs. After a DIY disaster (don't ask), I knew I wanted something portable that wouldn't get messy. Whenever I talk to fellow POPSUGAR staffers about their favorite Beauty by POPSUGAR products, everyone seems to come back to the Beauty by POPSUGAR Be Smooth Sugar Lip Scrub ($22), so I gave it a whirl, and let me tell you, this is the real deal.
At first, I was excited about this scrub for the sole reason that I could throw it in my bag, swipe on the clear formula, and stay moisturized forever. It also smells great and adds a nice touch to my morning and nighttime skincare ritual. The chubby stick is large enough to ensure no surface area of your lips goes untouched - if that's not smart and beautiful, I don't know what is.
You might be thinking that all sounds too good to be true, but I have to tell you, this stuff WORKS. It starts off feeling like a cross between a balm and a scrub, and it gets more granular as you continue to use it. The lip scrub relies on natural sugar (obviously) as its exfoliator, so the grains are fine enough to be used on sensitive skin like mine. Within a few weeks of consistent use, my lips really were softer, and it made applying lipstick so much easier. The product is formulated with vitamin C + E extract, which hydrates and brightens, and olive oil to keep the lips nourished. So basically, it's a dream!
I Got Cate Blanchett's Infamous "Penis Facial" - and It's Not What You Think
Image Source: Getty / Pascal Le Segretain
I'll do a lot of things to get a complexion that's as clear as Cate Blanchett's. I'm a fairly adventurous lady, so I'll subject my skin to needles, prodding, serums, or anything else the 49-year-old recommends. But I must admit even I took pause when I read this POPSUGAR headline: "Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock Got 'Penis Facials,' and We're as Confused as You Are." I wasn't really confused - a quick 4 a.m. search of PornHub proves that penis facials are totally a thing - I just didn't want to resort to such behavior for vanity's sake. (Though if you choose to indulge, more power to ya!) Luckily, Cate's ritual isn't what it sounds like.
The actress and a slew of other celebrities hit up the British-born facialist Georgia Louise, who owns a very chic New York City salon. She offers a Hollywood EGF Facial, and that acronym stands for epidermal growth factor. As Cate told Vogue Australia, "It smells a bit like sperm because of an enzyme, so Sandy [Sandra Bullock] refers to it as the penis facial."
First off, I volunteer to play third wheel on Cate's girl dates with Sandra. Second, Cate's juicy quote is a wee bit misleading. The ingredient isn't sperm. As the friendly folks at Georgia Louise were quick to clarify in a press release, "EGF is derived from the progenitor cells of the human fibroblast taken from Korean newborn baby foreskin - which helps to generate collagen and elastin."
After cleansing my skin and applying the exfoliating peel, it was penis o'clock.
How do you get said foreskin? It's taken from real, live Korean babies during circumcision (mazel!). Those stem cells are then harvested and multiplied through a machine called a centrifuge. Louise always likes to stress that the cells that end up in your skin aren't the OG infant ones but instead are clones made in a lab. A mixture of those stem cells and peptides goes into a microneedling wand that zaps the concoction into your skin, stimulates collagen production, and makes you look like Cate. I had to try for myself.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alaina Demopoulos
Louise's team was kind enough to squeeze me into a 9:30 a.m. appointment at the Upper East Side location. I was able to try this $650 treatment for the sake of journalism, and it began by meeting my facialist, a lovely Brit named Sarah Smith. She began by asking me if I had used retinol the night before - and I hadn't, because I am a responsible nugget. You're not supposed to use any products that contain this vitamin before the facial, as it can counteract with the TCA chemical peel that's used in this process. So fans of Sunday Riley's Luna, or any other trendy retinol cream, take note - you should put down product in the week leading up this treatment.
After cleansing my skin and applying the exfoliating peel, it was penis o'clock. I'd never microneedled before, but I'd read Kirbie Johnson's review of the procedure, which included a lot of blood and succeeded in scaring the sh*t out of me. The only thing I remember from AP Euro was what Queen Victoria supposedly told her nervous daughter on her wedding night: "Just lie on your back and think of England." So I did the same, thinking of my English rose Cate as the dick needles approached my face.
Queen Victoria told her nervous daughter on her wedding night, "Just lie on your back and think of England." So I did the same as the dick needles approached my face.
What followed was an experience I would never describe as "pleasant" but wasn't totally terrible, either. I felt some minor pricking from the device as Sarah dotted my entire face and neck with it. I felt some uncomfortable ticking around my décolletage, and it hurt around bonier parts of my face like my forehead, but nothing felt excruciating. Sarah told me that I had an impressive "tolerance" for microneedling, which made me very happy because it is a competition. One thing to note is that I'm prone to hormonal acne flare-ups on my left cheek, so Sarah stayed away from that area to prevent scarring.
After the poking, Sarah applied a gooey, soothing mask to my face, which felt like heaven over the chapped parts of my skin. Just when I thought the questionable part of the procedure (stabbing baby peen into my pores) was over, Sarah zipped a microcurrent through the mask. This weirdly relaxing process supposedly speeds up the healing process, but IMO, the true bonus is it makes you feel like a robot taking some "me time."
With that, I'd popped my penis facial virginity and was heading back to my office after playing celebrity for an hour. Sarah let me know that my face would be red for at least a day and instructed me to not wear any makeup for 24 hours, which sort of sucked because of the first part of this sentence. As you can see in the unfiltered, makeup-free (if you don't count my three-day-old eyeliner) photo below, there was a bit of peeling around my forehead, and my cystic acne came up to the surface.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alaina Demopoulos
All I did that night was cleanse, and I woke up with substantially less redness. Just in time for a weekend trip to Vegas, my face had a soft flush, my pores were practically invisible, and I could fool the world into thinking my diet isn't just an endless rotation of string cheese and German beer.
If you can't burn one month's rent on an hour-long treatment, Bioeffect's EGF Serum ($155) contains the same skin-plumping ingredient - with a slight catch. It's a vegan product that's made from plants, not baby clones. Maybe that takes away a bit of the fun, but all that fun will come right back when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Alaina Demopoulos
See ALL 80+ Products in the Beauty by POPSUGAR Collection!
You've heard the news, you've seen the sneak peek, and now the moment is finally here. We're revealing every single one of the products in our Beauty by POPSUGAR line.
To create our first-ever line of beauty products, we've worked with you, our loyal fans, and partnered with beauty veterans to create 80-plus products made with incredible, good-for-you ingredients. Our goal: to create a product line for you to become obsessed with!
Over the years, POPSUGAR has always wanted to help you live a happier, healthier life. We feel like your trusted friend, whether we're keeping you up to speed on today's news, recommending our favorite new products, or doing a workout video right along with you.
We listened to you! We tapped into our network of 100 million beauty junkies and asked what you wanted. We created a line that has healthy ingredients such as Hawaiian kukui oil and blueberry and hibiscus extracts, which are loaded with antioxidants. We've made packaging that is clean and portable for the girl on the go, because we want you to have products that can fit in your clutch, gym bag, or coat pockets. The products are also buildable, so whether you want just a hint of color or a high-impact, bold lip or eye, our products deliver on both! (For even more details, check out the WWD article on Beauty by POPSUGAR here.)
Beauty by POPSUGAR is made for your happiest, healthiest face. Beauty by POPSUGAR is now available at Ulta.com and BeautybyPOPSUGAR.com. It's also coming to Ulta stores near you soon! This is where smart meets beauty.
Over 200 Trendy Ideas For the Cutest Summer Manicure Ever
There's something about Summer that makes painting nails way more exciting. Perhaps it's the shorter hemlines and open-toed shoes that gives one the desire to schedule biweekly pedi appointments so ragged tips aren't cramping your style. Whatever your reason, warmer weather seems to open the doors to bright and extravagant fingertips without feeling overdone.
We've rounded up over 200 colorful, Summer-ready nail designs - from intricate lines and shapes to barely there nail art - so you can get some major nail inspo with ease.
12 YouTube Tutorials That Will Convince You to DIY Your Bridal Makeup
Once the initial excitement of planning a wedding wears off, most brides are faced with a tough reality: the wedding they've seen all over Pinterest may be out of their budget. But with some adjustments, any girl can have her dream day without forking over her life savings - with a little thriftiness, that is.
One of the best ways to save money without compromising on the ceremony or afterparty is by doing your makeup yourself (or convincing a trusted friend to do it for you). While choosing - and applying - bridal makeup yourself may sound daunting, it's much easier than you may think. Every bride wants makeup that feels classic, makes her glow, and will stand up against flash photography and a day of festivities, so it's really just finding the products and techniques that will help you achieve these makeup goals. Plus, you know your own face better than anyone!
To cover your bases, we've rounded up our favorite bridal tutorials aimed at those looking to DIY their big-day makeup. With these videos as your secret weapon, any bride can complete a look that she will love both the day of and for years to come.
Jada Pinkett Smith Opened Up About Hair Loss in the Most Empowering Way
Each week, the women of the Pinkett Smith family (Jada, Willow, and grandmother Adrienne Banfield Norris) gather together for their Facebook Watch series, Red Table Talk. They don't shy away from addressing controversial or painful topics - for instance, Willow discussed her experience with self-harm. On May 21, it was Jada's turn to open up, as the actress revealed that she is dealing with hair loss.
In Jada's words, it started with a "terrifying" moment in the shower, where the mother of two discovered that "handfuls of hair" were coming out. Jada said she was "shaking in fear" at this realization. "That's why I cut my hair and continued to cut it," she revealed.
While doctors haven't pinned down a definitive cause for the hair loss yet, Jada believes it might be due to stress. Like it is for so many women, Jada's hair is important to her, so her alopecia has had a huge impact. "Hair has been such a big part of my life," she said. "Taking care of my hair has been such a beautiful ritual."
Luckily, after some time, Jada said she has come to terms with her condition. In an emotional moment of the interview, she said, "The higher power takes so much from people. People have cancer. People's children are sick. I watch the higher power take things every day, and, by golly, if the higher power wants to take your hair - that's it?"
Jada has begun to wrap her hair more and used the talk show as a way to show off a turban tutorial. "When my hair is wrapped, I feel like a queen," she said. You can watch the moving video above.
Let Us Now Praise Meghan Markle's Natural, Curly Hair
Image Source: Getty / Chris Jackson
While we await the royal wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in May 2018, beauty girls are left dreaming of all the ways the actress could wear her always-gorgeous hair. While Meghan's go-to is a soft, straight blowout (much like her future sister-in-law, Kate Middleton), the Daily Mail dug up some old high school yearbook photos of Meghan that are making us hope that the soon-to-be royal will wear her naturally curly hair down the aisle.
Yup, back in 1998, the (likely) future duchess was known as Rachel Markle, a 17-year-old student at LA's (all-girls!) Immaculate Heart High. While the thought of the entire world seeing your junior year class picture might make you break out in hives, our girl was predictably working it with a fresh face and voluminous natural curls. And Twitter is LIVING FOR IT.
"We got curls in the royal palace y'all!!!" Twitter user Kamie Crawford wrote. "Starting a petition to get Meghan to wear a fresh wash & go around the palace." Where do we sign?
SOLVED MY OWN CASE! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 We got curls in the royal palace y'all!!! ➰➰➰➰😩😩😩🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 Starting a petition to get Meghan to wear a fresh wash & go around the palace. #MeghanMarkle pic.twitter.com/5QyRed0VDJ
- Kamie Crawford (@TheRealKamie) November 27, 2017
Safe to say, we're f*cking thrilled that the royal family will soon include a woman with beautiful, natural curls. We're crossing our fingers that Meghan reps them next Spring while walking down the aisle of St. George's Chapel, even if she's pretty much always seen in public with straight hair. Perhaps it's a long shot, but hey, so is marrying a prince.
The Best Concealer I've Ever Used Isn't Even a Concealer
Not too long ago, a makeup artist introduced me to a product that would change my daily routine forever. While I have normal-to-combination skin, my eyelids would consistently get oily, causing any eye shadow (no matter how pricey) to cake up in the crease of my lids. I got so used to this that I had just stopped wearing eye shadow entirely - then I found the MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot ($22).
I had been doing taped segments for POPSUGAR three times a week, and eye makeup was a must. Whatever the makeup artist was using on my lids was a miracle; everything was staying put until the evening. When I asked what she was applying, she revealed the Paint Pot. She had been using the Painterly shade as a primer, but it also serves as a standalone eye shadow.
I bought one for myself immediately and was so impressed by the product (and the fact that it matched my skin tone so perfectly) that I soon started using it under my eyes, in the outer creases of my nostrils, and over blemishes. The product is initially sturdy, but becomes creamy as soon as you rub it into your skin. It smooths over anything, stays put all day, and layers well under and above other products. You can use it with your finger, but I opt to use a brush for fuller coverage.
Because it's meant to be a shadow, it comes in a range of nine shades, from nude to deep purple. Some of the shades are more shimmery than others, but there are four shades that mimic natural skin tones relatively well. Take a look!
10 Top-Rated Drugstore Beauty Products That Are Truly Worth the Hype - All Under $13
If you haven't delved into the world of drugstore makeup, your beauty game is seriously suffering. There are so many affordable brands out there that deliver high-quality products. I am always on the hunt for the very best cosmetics that are easily accessible, so I test items on the regular. If you want to know which products are truly worth the hype, we have rounded up the top-rated options, all under $13. We have tried all of these formulas ourselves, so we guarantee you'll be impressed. Shop through these popular picks and buy yourself a few essentials.
Did Meghan Get the Traditional Post-Wedding Haircut?
It may have been a few weeks since the spectacular royal wedding, but we're still obsessing over Meghan Markle's chignon and beautifully natural makeup, which has everyone embracing their freckles.
But it seems Meghan has taken tips from sister-in-law Kate Middleton when it comes to her Trooping the Colour beauty look. The Duchess of Sussex stunned in a pink off-the-shoulder dress and styled her hair in chic curls. The bounce in these curls led us to believe that Meghan may have followed royal tradition and gotten a post-wedding trim. It definitely looked like her hair was a few inches shorter than it was before the wedding. However, later pictures seemed to show that she was simply hiding those longer layers in the back as she sat in the carriage: when she was spotted on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, you could see the length once more.
While we didn't think it was possible for her to look more radiant than she did at the wedding, Meghan just proved us wrong. Although the new royal opted for a bit of a change-up when it came to her hair, she stuck to her natural makeup choosing to wear minimal eyeliner, sheer foundation, a slick of lip gloss, and some glowing shimmer on her decolletage.
This Is What It's Like to Live With Birth Marks Covering Your Face and Body
"Ugh, what happened to you?" "You're not pretty like the other girls." "No one likes you. You look like you're covered in dirt." "No one is ever going to like you."
These remarks were the norm for me when I was growing up. Every comment hurt a little bit more than the last. I subconsciously hoarded them until they started to become the very things I was telling myself. I have a rare epidermal nevus condition called Phacomatosis pigmentokeratotica, which affects about 1 in 2,000 people. A nevus is the scientific term for birthmark or mole. My case is caused by a genetic mutation, although the specific gene remains unknown. It isn't something you'd see everyday, which was why I garnered this kind of attention.
I might've only been 7 or 8 years old, but I could still understand the magnitude of disgust behind every mean comment. I was constantly bullied in school by my peers. They would make fun of me for looking different. During sixth grade lunch hour, a boy threw food at me and crumpled notes with mean things written on them such as, "You're ugly." The harassment didn't stop with my classmates.
Parents of these kids would tell my mom and dad that I should have surgery to remove them, because I wasn't attractive. Adults walking past me would sneer at the sight of me and take pictures to laugh at. My sixth grade Spanish teacher even publically bullied me in front of class and said, "Why don't you go and connect the dots on your face?" You could imagine the amount of emotional trauma this caused to my self-esteem. I received positive comments here and there, but it was always the negative ones that held more weight to me.
My mom would take many measures to cover me up as best as she could to protect me from the world. I was always outfitted in turtlenecks and long pants. When it got hot, my mom would slather on foundation that was five times too light and too sheer for my skin. I was always running around so the makeup melted off anyway. It was not ideal.
I was taught was to hide and to cover my skin so people wouldn't say anything. But no matter how hard I tried, every negative comment and experience felt like the weight of the world. I hated what I looked like and soon I embodied everything that hurt. I believed that I wasn't beautiful and that I never could be. I briefly contemplated suicide around the end of middle school. If I just stopped everything, I wouldn't have to hurt anymore. I could stop my parents from tirelessly trying to find the best medical care for me, since at the time, most dermatologists didn't know what to do with my case. "Maybe I could stop my parents from having to take the emotional abuse. It would be so easy to end my emotional suffering," I thought to myself. [Editor's note: if you or a loved one feels suicidal, find help here.]
I am now 24 years old, and all I can say is that I am grateful I chose otherwise. It was a painfully slow but steady journey to attain self-acceptance. To this day, I feel like I still have a lot to work on. There are days when I'll cry, but I'm only human, and I need to allow myself to feel emotion. Regardless of those bad days, I know that I will always pick myself up and continue on with my life.
Today, I can't help but tell you how much I love my life and how much I am appreciative for my birthmarks. Not only have they given me confidence in my appearance, but they have also given me the strength and drive to pursue my dreams. I grew up with a lot of negativity, but slowly, I learned to stand up against it. I kept telling myself that they were wrong and that what they said meant nothing to me. I began to apply the mindset of "never taking no for an answer" to all aspects of my life.
Being bullied when I was young made me sensitive. I used to hate that I didn't have tough skin but now, I feel fortunate that I don't. My sensitivity allows me to be compassionate towards people who are hurting and it allows me to pick up on subtle hints that they are in pain. My birthmarks also taught me to be positive for myself and for other people around me. There is enough hate in this world and enough people telling us that we can't do something.
I didn't want to add to that, and instead, I chose to have a positive outlook on my life and to lift up the people around me. When I see the people around me reach success, it's a chain reaction for more great things to come. So I can't help but continue to be positive. I can't express the amount of emotional suffering I went through to get to the confidence level I am at now. I came up with things to remind myself when things were especially difficult, and I hope these tips empower you to believe in your worth and your beauty. You have so much to offer in this world! Without further ado:
1. You have to love you.
This was the most difficult, but most important idea to grasp in my journey to accepting myself. My family and friends were always encouraging about my appearance and say that it's what they love about me. It is what makes me different. What I came to realize was that although the support was strong, I could not accept it until I came to accept myself. Strength at its paramount comes from within. People can be strong for you, but it is meaningless until you truly believe you are beautiful. Once you are confident that you are strong, no one can take that away from you.
What is even more important is that once you love yourself, the negative comments you receive become so irrelevant to you that you barely even notice they exist. You can create your reality. If you bottle up those negative comments and make them a part of you, then they will overcome you. But, if you believe that you are strong and beautiful, then that will in and of itself become your reality.
Something I do to feel strong inside and out is that I go to the gym! I love lifting weights and circuit training. I make sure to work out each muscle group throughout the week. I also rarely eat out, because I love to cook healthy. The combinations of both working out and eating clean make me feel great both physically and mentally.
2. When times get tough, get tougher.
There were many situations in which I found myself behind closed doors by myself, crying because I didn't know what I did to garner such negative attention. I would just sit there and feel so bad for myself. It came to a point when I would be sitting in an ocean of used tissues, dizzy from hyperventilating and unable to squeeze any more tears out of my eyes. I realized that life goes on. It's not going to sit and wait for you to feel bad for yourself. There are things out there to be done. Goals to be reached. Empowerment to be gained. Success to be earned. I bit my bottom lip and redirected my energy into the things I felt made my life worth living.
I channeled this energy into becoming a doctor. I had been exposed to dermatology my entire life and have been fortunate to meet some incredible and inspirational physicians who changed me forever. I also have had over 60 major and minor surgeries, so I have also been exposed to the field of plastic surgery. It's something I want to dedicate my life to because I want to help people through what I am currently going through. Because of my birthmarks and the arduous journey with having them, I feel I am able to relate to my patients and lead them to a physically and mentally healthy life.
So, my lesson for you is that you need to take life by the balls and own it. Find something worth being tough about and run with it. The world is yours. You have to choose to take it.
3. Stop trying to hide it - own it!
My mom insisted that I use makeup to cover my skin when I was younger, but now, all I want to do is show the world that I am proud to be me. I tried to use foundation once, but I looked so silly. The coverage was too sheer and the amount I had to use was ridiculous. I honestly didn't feel authentic. If people look, I say let them look! Let them admire your beauty. In a world where people are dying to stand out, we are lucky to already have that trait.
Though I decided to forgo cosmetics for coverage, I still have products to protect my skin from damaging UV rays. My beauty secret is to use a broad-spectrum SPF moisturizer and body lotion. It'll also prevent premature aging, an added bonus. My favorites include: Jergens Natural Glow SPF 20 ($11) for the face and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock ($7 each), SPF 45 and SPF 100 for my body. I encourage everyone, even to those who do not have birthmarks, to use SPF. I love Jergens Natural Glow for its smell and its self-tanning product. Since I can't go out and tan, this my way of getting some color. Neutrogena's Dry Touch line is amazing because it doesn't feel heavy. I've gone through too many greasy sunblocks and am glad to say that this product line definitely does not disappoint.
4. Be compassionate.
The comments that people make must never define you. Sometimes, people will say mean things that will hurt you to the very core. It's an uncomfortable situation, especially if the topic of your appearance is an extremely sensitive subject. It's important to keep in mind that people are curious. Sometimes they are ignorant. If they are mean to you, it is because they still have more to learn about life. They just don't understand how to process your beauty. Continue to be kind, for they are simply naive.
As I get older, less mean things are said to me, but I still get asked about them. I realize that the questions come from curiosity. It's harder to understand this when it's a sensitive topic, but it's important to be compassionate and to not be defensive to those who question. I get asked all the time if I wanted to get them removed and my answer was, is, and will continue to be: no. My birthmarks made me the person I am today. They gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams in more ways than one. They have given me the confidence and grit to continue my goals of being a doctor. They made me compassionate and optimistic.
I want people out there who are going through what I went through to understand that it's OK to be a little insecure sometimes. I want you to know that you are beautiful and that you are loved, even if you can't see it. You don't have to prove your worth to anyone but yourself. You are already great. You have the potential to be even greater and you have it within you to never stop until you reach success. Believe that your differences make you unique. Be confident that they can change your life once you accept them and love them for what they are and who you can be.
Jenna Lee is currently workong on completing a Masters Degree in biomedical sciences; follow her on Instagram here!
9 Fake Plants to Add Greenery to Your Home, Because We Kill Every Real One
Keeping plants alive can be a serious hassle and responsibility that many of us just aren't ready for. If you're fed up killing plant after plant, now's the time to look for an easy solution with faux greenery that will add some life to your space while not risking droopy leaves.
Ahead you'll see some trendy and realistic choices you'll never have to water, feed, or move around your apartment for the best sunlight. The affordable choices are all available on Amazon so your new flora can be delivered straight to your door. Now you can look like you have a green thumb, even if you secretly have a brown one.
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Jeju Loveland: A place in Korea where sex-themed art and eroticism meet. The Loveland Theme Park opened up in 2004 and boasts 140 works of art that may make you blush - but are undeniably interesting to look at. The park also runs sex-education films and has some interactive pieces as well. And of course, there are ample photo opportunities featuring various phallic sculptures and depictions of people in moments of extreme pleasure.
All penis jokes aside, Loveland is pretty remarkable in that, being the only sex-themed park in Korea, it aims to break down traditional taboos about sex. While sometimes graphic, the overall experience is one of a kind. Visitors must be 18 to enter, and admission is just a little under $10 USD. Take a look at the kinky photos of the park ahead.
30 Easy and Delicious Summer Lunch Ideas - Bring on the Pasta Salad and Avocado Dressing
In need of a little summertime lunch inspiration? When you're not hanging outside or filling your plate at family BBQs, you'll want to reach for one of these tasty recipes perfect for the warm-weather months. We're all guilty of resorting to sad desk lunches that don't involve much more than carrots and hummus, but these enticing meals guarantee you'll look forward to making lunch for any day of the week. With veggie-packed pasta salads that can be served warm or cold, salads drizzled with avocado dressing, and meal-prepped chicken with cilantro rice, this list of 30 recipes has something for everyone.
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