Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
samedi 16 juin 2018
My Dad Was an Undocumented Immigrant - and My Biggest Inspiration
My father's story proves timing is everything. Whether it's falling in love, or just looking for a parking space on the busy streets of Los Angeles, timing can be the one ingredient that can alter a situation for better or worse. But what if I told you that timing can truly change lives? And that it can also destroy them?
My dad was only 14 years old when he crossed the Mexican border, or as Latinos like to joke, when the "border crossed him." Coming into the country with almost nothing, my father juggled multiple jobs as a busboy before attending night school to learn English at 18. A sharp student by nature, he learned English fairly quickly. By the time he was 20, he could converse with his American-born co-workers fluently, with little-to-no accent.
My father worked two jobs while I was in elementary school, one in construction, and a weekend job delivering pizzas. He worked many hours, all of the money going towards a private school my younger brother and I attended. I remember the most popular girl in my grade coming up to me to tell me that my father had delivered a pizza to her house over the weekend. I knew she did this to embarrass me. It didn't work.
It wasn't until I was in middle school that my father started reevaluating his life and what he wanted to do - not just as a father and husband, but as an individual. We had many conversations about his passions and interests during my childhood. While he always insisted that I pursue a college education, I couldn't help but wonder what my dad would have wanted to be if his home country had granted him the same opportunities mine did. Once, I asked him. "A doctor," he told me.
Two weeks shy of my 12th birthday, my father took the second biggest risk of his life and bought a Mexican restaurant. It was his first career move, and it was quite a big one.
What followed was a collection of many wins, losses, and, in 2008, one of the worst business years the restaurant would ever see during the economic rut. But even after all of the good days, slow days, and slower days, my dad still managed to successfully run a business for 13 years, bringing culture to the city he immigrated to and creating jobs - and damn good mole - for his community.
Yet, it still never really occurred to me just how successful my dad was, not by means of money, really, but by means of hard work.
I once dated a Caucasian guy whose father had been a rocket scientist. We were talking about college one day, and he proudly told me all about his father's alma mater, asking me where my father attended college. I told him he didn't. In fact, my father had only a sixth-grade education. My boyfriend's jaw dropped.
My dad is actually the epitome of the American dream.
I realized then and there that my dad was actually the epitome of the American dream. He not only created a home, became a businessman and sent his daughter to college, but he also became a beloved member of his community.
But as much as my father's success is credited to his sacrifices and hard work, my father was only really able to fulfill his dream because of one very critical element: the government.
In 1986, my father - along with 2.7 million undocumented immigrants - was granted a green card. This was thanks to the Reagan administration's Immigration Reform and Control Act, which made any immigrant who'd entered the country before 1982 eligible for amnesty. It was one of the largest immigration reform sweeps in this country's history, and it was great news for my father, who had entered the country in 1981.
My dad was allowed to apply for citizenship six years later; something that would help him greatly during his business loan application process years later.
It was hard work, sacrifice, and ultimately this country's immigration policy in the '80s that helped my father achieve the American dream.
It was hard work, sacrifice, and ultimately this country's immigration policy in the '80s that helped my father achieve the American dream. It was timing. Yet, if President Donald Trump's deportation efforts and his threat of an executive order to block federal funding to sanctuary cities are proof of anything, not every immigrant who enters the US with the goal to work will be granted the same aid my father received. Not every undocumented immigrant who comes here to work long hours, doing the jobs nobody wants to do, will be given a break by the country they gave their labor and life to.
In fact, some will actually be deported even after spending decades here, like Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos. The mother of two US-born children, who was living in Arizona for 20 years, was sent back to Nogales, Mexico days after Trump issued an executive order changing deportation priorities.
Yes, my father came into this country illegally. Yes, he lived in the US undocumented for several years; but he also cleaned your dishes, delivered your food, and helped build your buildings. He got to live out his American dream thanks to a reform that, though it was slightly flawed, helped situate many immigrants. He came into this country at arguably the right time. I wish I could say the same for everyone else.
30+ Songs in Spanish For Your Father-Daughter Wedding Dance
If you were one of the lucky ones (or unlucky ones, depending on your outlook) to have had a quinceañera, your wedding won't be the first time you have a father-daughter dance in front of a hall full of the people you love. Nonetheless, this is a special time! It has the makings to be one of the most beautiful, shared moments between you and your dad (or just a loved fatherly figure).
The perfect song will add to the already magical backdrop. That's why we've put together the list of all lists with Latin music classics like "Es Mi Niña Bonita" by Vicente Fernández and modern tunes like "Tu Guardián" by Juanes. Keep reading to surely find the right tune for your father-daughter wedding dance.
What It Was Like to Be a Teen in Tijuana During the '90s Drug Wars
While teenage girls in San Diego struggled with peer pressure, my biggest concern on the other side of the border was never knowing if I was dating a narco. This was my life as a teen growing up in Tijuana, Mexico, when partying among drug lords was normal. But growing up in that tough and violent environment made me a better woman and a better mom.
I grew up along the Mexican border, and like any girl my age, I would sometimes sit by the phone, waiting for a call from a boy I liked or was dating. But I'll never forget the one phone call that was like no other I've ever received. The guy called to say he wasn't going to be able to make our date on Saturday, simply saying, "I'm away." That was the last time I spoke with him. A few months later, I found out he had been killed. That last phone call had come from prison.
My experience dating or partying with narcos wasn't unusual in the '90s. This was the decade of the Arellano Félix brothers, or Tijuana Cartel, which the US government once considered one of the biggest and most violent criminal organizations in Mexico. The Mexican drug cartel brought violence to what had been a very peaceful community: my hometown. In a matter of two years, El Cártel de Tijuana had covered the streets of the border city with blood. Seeing people killed was as common as seeing a taco shop in Mexico.
I was still like any other 17-year-old girl who wanted to party with her girlfriends and meet boys. In the '90s, the place to be was Baby Rock, a megasize club that attracted big names and people with lots of money, and I was there almost every Saturday, dressed in high heels and a Lycra dress, and wearing lots of hairspray. (Yes, I said Lycra. After all, nothing shows your curves better when dancing!)
At Baby Rock, it was common to see the richest people in Mexico, celebrities as well as drug lords. It wasn't unusual to see members of the Arellano Félix Cartel in the best seats at the club, drinking champagne. The Arellano Félix brothers were very popular among Tijuana society, and pretty girls were dazzled by the expensive cars and VIP treatment. I was actually invited more than once to sit at the Arellano Félix brothers' table at Baby Rock, but I never accepted.
I wasn't even a big fan of drinking; as a teenager, my quest was to find the love of my life - a task difficult for any girl my age, but for me almost impossible! Don't get me wrong: I was a catch, if I do say so myself. My obstacle was that any guy I dated had to pass my dad's "background check."
I have three sisters, and my dad always gave us freedom about who we dated. But in the '90s, he faced the most difficult task of his life: to protect his girls from dating drug lords. As a Latinx family, we had lots of family time, and on Sundays, it was our tradition to have breakfast together. Over breakfast, my dad would always ask me the same question: "Tania, how was Baby Rock?" I knew that what he really wanted to know was, "Who did you meet?"
I would tell him the names of the guys I met, and he would do his background check . . . meaning he would ask around who knew this or that guy, what he did, and if he was a drug dealer. At that time, it wasn't very difficult to find out who the narcos were; everyone knew where they lived, what cars they drove, where they liked to eat, etc. A few days after our Sunday conversation over breakfast, my dad would give me the results of his background check, and the answer was either "Tania, he's fine," or "Tania, you can do whatever you want, but he is a narco." I always listened to my dad. He wasn't a dictator; he was protecting me. So unless he said, "He's fine," I wouldn't date the guy; narcos were never my thing.
But it wasn't always easy to say no to dating a narco. One time, an extremely cute and charming guy (think Brad Pitt in his younger years) knocked on my door. My mom opened the door, told me I had a visitor, and said, "I don't like him." My mom's sixth sense never failed, but I dated him anyway, even though my own instincts told me to be careful. I'd heard rumors that he was a narquillo, which is someone who works for a drug lord. But every girl in Tijuana wanted to date this guy, and I felt like I was living the dream.
However, my dream didn't last long; he left me for my best friend, and they ended up getting married because she got pregnant. But at the age of 21, she found herself a widow with a child to care for because her husband, the narquillo, was kidnapped in Tijuana and killed in the most horrific way. At the time, I was working as a TV news anchor at Univision, and I learned the news before she did; I was the one who told my friend about her husband's murder. Looking back, I'm glad the narquillo left me. I was lucky.
Growing up in this very tough and violent environment taught me many lessons, one of the most valuable being that communication is the key to good parenting. My boys are only 8 and 9 years old, but just like my father asked me about my Saturdays at Baby Rock, I ask my kids very specific questions about their day at school: Who did you eat lunch with? Who did you play with? Did anyone get in trouble? Like my dad, I try to have a friendly conversation with my boys about their day, while my task is to find out if there are any "bad boys" in their school. That old saying "Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are" definitely applies here, and I want to make sure my kids can extract positive lessons from their friends instead of learning bad habits. I hope they'll do the same with their own children when they grow up.
Being raised in such violent atmosphere - where I heard gunshots and police sirens while trying to concentrate on a math test or hugged a devastated friend when her boyfriend was shot in the head - made me extremely vigilant, and I'm always aware of what my kids are doing. My family and I live in beautiful San Diego, but we spent a lot of time in New York City, so I'm always aware of my surroundings, and I teach my kids to do the same. I explain scenarios in which they could possibly be in danger and what they should do, such as: if you're lost and a stranger tells you they know where I am, it's not true. Run and scream for help.
Between the ages of 15 and 25, I saw it all: friends who smuggled drugs in their underwear into prison in the name of love, another who had her car "stolen" so her boyfriend could pay a debt. Some of these women learned from their mistakes and are good moms today, but I consider myself one of the lucky ones, thanks to my mom's sixth sense and my own. I'm not a widow or single mom; my husband isn't a drug dealer, in jail, or dead.
Being a border girl means being fearless. I'm a survivor of Narco Tijuana.
If There's 1 Thing Jennifer Lopez Loves More Than Naked Dresses, It's Her Bikinis
Jennifer Lopez is never one to shy away from wearing swimsuits, whether she's hanging out on a yacht in Paris or spending time poolside with her twins, Max and Emme, and her boyfriend, Alex Rodriguez, at her Hamptons home.
It's no secret Jennifer loves to stay very healthy by eating clean and working out a lot. That shows whenever she posts a sexy photo on Instagram. It's like the 48-year-old superstar has discovered the fountain of youth or something. Her beauty and rock-hard abs are a perfect combination to have people drooling when she's in a bikini.
Now, after you wipe that drool off your face from looking at the photos ahead, make sure to check out all the dresses she's worn that were meant to be seen from the back, OK?
The 1 Experience That Made Me Redefine Being a Catholic Latina
When I saw my Puerto Rican grandmother after returning from a trip to Thailand last Fall, I showed her the bracelet a monk had blessed and tied around my wrist. She wrinkled her nose and shook her head. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree: After telling my mom about spending time in Buddhist temples during the trip, she seemed perplexed. I quickly gave up talking to them about that aspect of my getaway, realizing that in their minds, as a Catholic, participating in anything remotely connected to another religion is essentially blasphemy.
This was a familiar narrative throughout my life. Despite the fact that we mainly just went to church on holidays, it was always ingrained in me - like it is in many Latino children - that I had been baptized Catholic and would always be Catholic. It never even occurred to me until after college that I had a choice in my own beliefs, that just because my mother practices something doesn't mean I have to.
The majority of Thai people are Buddhist, a creed I wasn't very familiar with before visiting. Throughout the trip, I paid close attention to their religious practices: amulets on a cab driver's dashboard, covered shoulders while entering a temple, bows of reverence in front of Buddha images. It was worlds away from the rosaries and crucifixes of my upbringing. I found myself curious, wanting to learn more about this belief system. But I also felt guilty, imagining God or (almost as bad!) my grandmother could hear my thoughts. Knowing that more than half of Latinos in the US are Catholic, I wondered: Would considering another faith make me less Latina? How do you know what you believe, vs. what you've been told to believe?
Inside the 150-foot tall Big Buddha temple in Phuket, I saw people approaching a monk on their knees. Instinct led me to follow suit. As I kneeled before him, he smiled, whispering something as he tied a bracelet around my wrist. I walked away in a daze, climbing the stairs to check out the temple's 360-degree views of the island. The panorama left me breathless; I pulled my shawl tighter around my shoulders to cover the goose bumps forming on my arms. And then, I heard the lightest whisper, so quiet I was sure I'd imagined it: "Peace." I looked around, but I saw what I already knew. My friends were on the other side of the shrine, and I was alone. I closed my eyes and held the gold cross around my neck - the one my grandmother gave me when I was a baby - and thanked God for that moment.
Since, the word peace keeps nudging its way into my brain, whether I'm in mass or running 20 minutes late to work because of subway delays. For now, I still consider myself Catholic, and I 110 percent believe in God. But exploring a completely different culture taught me that my beliefs don't have to be so black and white. I can be a practicing Catholic who receives Communion, meditates, and accepts messages of peace from monks. That doesn't make me any less Catholic or Latina. It just makes me, me.
Why Dark Spots Are More Common Among Latinas - and How to Finally Get Rid of Them
Whether you have fair, olive, or dark skin, you've probably dealt with small dark spots or patchy discoloration at some point. Latin skin is programmed to produce more pigment in response to injury, which can be anything from a pimple you picked to sun damage, explains Alicia Barba, MD, a dermatologist in Miami. Because the way our skin develops hyperpigmentation differs from non-Latin skin, the treatment to get rid of it should be different too. Keep reading to find out what you can do to fight those pesky spots.
11 DIY Beauty Remedies Your Abuela Always Talked About That Actually Work
Every abuela has one: that wild concoction she whips up from ingredients in her kitchen and swears by every time you have a pimple, dry skin, unruly hair - you name it. As kids, most of us rolled our eyes and went along with it, but we've done a little digging, and it turns out maybe Grandma wasn't so crazy after all. Many of those beauty recipes actually work! Warning: do try these 11 practices at home for smooth skin and silky hair - or get these beauty buys that are also grandma-approved.
1. Using mayonnaise as a deep conditioner for healthy hair.
According to hairstylist Nathaniel Hawkins, this old-school method works because of the fat to protein ratio. "The oil softens the hair, making it shinier - and the protein in the eggs will make strands stronger." He recommends applying the treatment to dry hair, and leaving it on as a mask for 15-20 minutes. Shampoo twice, and condition afterwards. But, Hawkins notes, this treatment works best for hair that isn't fine or limp.
2. Dabbing nails in olive oil for a healthier look.
Nail expert Stephanie Stone debunked the myth (common in Dominican culture) that rubbing garlic on nails will make them strong (according to studies, it has no benefit). But, she says, applying olive oil (a popular DIY beauty ingredient in Puerto Rico) on nails and cuticles throughout the day is a great way to improve their health. "Keeping your hands and nails moisturized is key, especially if you're trying to repair damaged nail beds. I'd also recommend applying it lightly throughout the day instead of a full on soak. But consistency is key!"
3. Coconut oil as a body moisturizer.
"This one 100% works," says dermatologist (and Sofia Vergara's derm!) Dendy Engelman, M.D., of coconut oil for soft skin, a popular technique in many Latin American countries. "Coconut oil is mostly made up of saturated fats and medium-chain fatty acids, which help repair the skin barrier, trap water to hydrate skin, and also reduce inflammation. And recent studies show it's also a great treatment for eczema."
4. Adding honey to hair conditioner for softer tresses.
A custom common in Caribbean Latin America, honey is a natural moisturizer, which Hawkins says does work to help rehydrate your locks. And using unprocessed honey will give you an extra bonus: it's full of enzymes that will help create a healthy scalp and prevent dandruff.
5. Agua maravilla to fight blemishes.
Also known as witch hazel, this is common in many Latino families, especially from Puerto Rican and Dominican backgrounds. Engelman says it works because the mixture contains anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antibacterial properties. Engelman also recommends Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Refreshingly Clean Towelettes ($6) to control blemishes and calm bug bites.
6. Washing hair with Coca-Cola for shine.
This is a long-time favorite technique among not just Latino families, but celebrities like Suki Waterhouse. Hairstylist Nunzio Saviano gives this traditional trick the thumbs up: "The acidity closes the hair cuticle, which makes it look healthy and shiny. But be careful: the sugar can leave your hair sticky, so you might need to rinse it out quickly. Apple cider vinegar is an alternative that might not be as messy!"
7. Beach sand as a skin exfoliant.
"Sand is essentially finely granulated rocks, so it's perfect to remove excess dry skin cells," Engelman says. "But because it's so abrasive, I'd only recommend you use it to exfoliate feet. It might be too harsh for other parts of your body."
8. Manzanilla grisi shampoo to lighten hair.
Saviano says that this traditionally Mexican and South American product - which contains Flor de Manzanilla and claims to both wash and lighten hair - does work, but he would use it sparingly. "This will maintain your tone and even lighten it at times, but if you use it too much, your color might become dull or even fade."
9. Grape skin paste for glowing skin.
Grapes are a gold mine, says Engelman. "They'll have a brightening effect over time because they contain vitamins B6, C, and A, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, selenium, and flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and remove toxins from the skin."
10. Sugar and lemon juice as an antiaging exfoliant.
According to Engelman, the sugar crystals act as an exfoliator, sloughing away dead skin, while the lemon juice helps peel away dead skin cells because of their content of alpha hydroxy acid (which is found in many antiaging treatments). Exfoliating is important, Engelman says, "because as we age, our skin doesn't shed as effectively. Plus, getting rid of dead cells helps your moisturizers penetrate better."
11. Avocado for healthy cuticles.
"Actually, rubbing avocado oil on cuticles is more effective than actual avocado," says Stone. But good news for avocado lovers: "Avocados in a healthy, balanced diet will help you see overall improvement in your hair, skin, and nails, too." Bring on the guacamole!
These 10 Zumba Videos to Daddy Yankee's Hit Songs Will Make You Break It Down
Daddy Yankee's music is notorious for making anyone want to break it down, so why not work out while you do it? These Zumba videos make it easy to break a sweat while getting down to Yankee's music. Certified Zumba instructors upload their own routines to YouTube and make it easy for anyone to follow along, and these will have you moving and grooving like there is no tomorrow.
55 of Jennifer Lopez's Most Jaw-Dropping Outfits Through the Years
Grab a cold beverage because you're about to see a lot of Jennifer Lopez's crazy-strong abs, toned legs, and, ahem, cleavage. The singer, actress, and producer's name is basically synonymous with the word hot, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that she's given us a fair share of revealing and sexy outfits through the past 20 years in the spotlight. Of course, there are the naked dresses (including that original Versace down-to-here Grammys dress) and '90s crop tops and low-rise pants, but there are plenty of miniskirts and backless looks as well. Keep reading to see them all.
I'm Black and Latina: How I Embrace Both Sides
Living in the melting pot of New York City, I don't often have to give much thought to my racial identity. Passersby on the street or the cashier at the bodega aren't really paying much attention to where I'm from or why my hair curls the way it does - unless, of course, the bodega man is trying to get my phone number.
That diverse bubble can make me forget about the challenges of growing up the product of an African-American father and a Puerto Rican mother in white suburbia. But watching an episode of The Real Housewives of Potomac recently (don't judge me, I'm a proud reality TV junkie), transported me to high school for a moment. When a black housewife pressured a fellow cast member, whose mother is African American and father was Jewish, to identify her race, I had flashbacks of the black kids in school telling me I wasn't black enough or joking that I was Mexican. It reminded me of explaining to my white classmates that yes, it is possible to be both black and Puerto Rican, and that no, they could not touch my hair.
A few days later, a work associate said she had no idea that I was Puerto Rican because I'd previously simply said I was mixed. I clarified that yes, I'm mixed, with both black and Puerto Rican. The conversation was quickly over, but I couldn't help feeling like I was in that same hot seat at the Real Housewives table, struggling to find the answer: had I answered wrong the first time around? How do I identify? Biracial? Multiracial? Mixed? African American? Black? Latina? Hispanic? Afro-Latina? There are a ton of options in my case, and I wondered if maybe it was time for me to have a go-to response ready for these situations.
But being biracial and figuring out the answer to "What are you?" is more complicated than you might think, all because of one emotion: guilt. When someone asks me my race and I say African American before Puerto Rican, is that a betrayal to my grandmother, who came to the Bronx from Puerto Rico with little to her name? And when an online job application doesn't allow me to check both Hispanic and African American - seriously, people? It's 2016! - is simply selecting Hispanic disloyal to the grandmother who regularly took me to the Blacks in Wax Museum and taught me to be proud of who I am?
To figure out the answer to "The Identity Question," I looked to both sides of my family for inspiration. Despite some major bumps along the way, they were somehow able to blend two cultures and redefine what family meant to them. Holidays have included mac and cheese, pernil, collard greens, platanos, and plenty of hot sauce for both sides. And while my dad's family might stumble over Celia Cruz anthems, everyone knows the words to Michael Jackson songs. If my family can create their own unique racial identity, then so can I.
So to all future employers, guys I will date, or reality stars, here's how I identify: I am Arianna. I'm a writer with big hair, a passion for travel, and an obsession with Drake. I also happen to be black. I also happen to be Puerto Rican. I am Latina, I am African American. I raise my fist just as proudly during Black History Month as I do during Hispanic Heritage Month. I don't have to put myself in a box, and I sure as hell don't have to check just one box on a job application or dating app. I am the sum of all the things that make me who I am, from mac and cheese to platanos, with a hot sauce on top.
30 Styling Tricks We're Stealing From Queen Letizia and Never Giving Back
There's a reason Queen Letizia's fans scour the internet for the exact details on her outfits. To start with, the Spanish royal often mixes high-end designer pieces worthy of a ruler with fast-fashion items from brands like Zara, so you can actually steal her exact look. Then, there's the fact that she manages to find new and fun ways to wear classic pieces repeatedly without looking dull. But above all, there's the queen's ability to take risks and show us that when it comes to fashion, there are no rules. Straight ahead, you'll find 30 times her outfits held an important lesson. These are the basics to mastering her signature style.
vendredi 15 juin 2018
Don't Waste Any More Time - Experience These Amazing Adventures Right Now
Life's short, so don't waste any time checking things off your bucket list. There are so many amazing experiences that everyone should have at least once, and now is your chance to start a new adventure.
Hillary Clinton Just Served a Diss So Sizzling Hot, Our Eyes Are Watering
Throughout the 2016 election cycle, "but her emails!" became both a right-wing argument against presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and a left-wing meme from liberals who were sick of hearing it. The phrase, of course, refers to Clinton's use of a private email server while serving as secretary of state . . . and the FBI's subsequent, widely publicized probe into the issue, which was reopened by then-Chief James Comey mere days before the election (and ultimately resulted in no charges filed against Clinton).
On June 14, the Department of Justice Investigator General report on the investigation was released. The report, in which James Comey is described as "insubordinate" while leading the charge for the probe, also reveals several surprising details about the investigation . . . including the fact that Comey himself used a personal Gmail account to conduct FBI business while serving as chief.
In a response so sizzling it might make your eyes water, Hillary Clinton took to Twitter and replied to the news with only three words.
But my emails. https://t.co/G7TIWDEG0p
- Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 14, 2018
Ouch.
Since he was dismissed by the president in May 2017, James Comey has since declared that Donald Trump is "morally unfit" to hold the office. Comey has also referred to his own decision to reopen the email probe as "extreme carelessness," because his own "insubordinate" crusade against Clinton's emails likely factored into Trump's eventual election.
Despite the irony of its findings, the Department of Justice Investigator General report reports no evidence of bias in the FBI's probe against Clinton. Read the news in full at The New York Times - once you recover from Clinton's roast, that is.
Call Me Old Fashioned, but I Wish Guys Still Picked You Up For a Date
Back in the good old days of actual phone calls, romance, and real dates, when a guy would ask you on a date and you accepted, the next thing he would say would be along the lines of, "Great, I'll pick you up at 8." The call would end, and you would have nothing to worry about besides getting ready before the said date and time.
My, oh my, the times have changed. The lovely scenario listed above has become extinct.
In today's world, we get asked out on dates over text, and more often than not, we get asked for "hangouts," aka hookups before an actual meal-eating date comes into play.
Should a guy actually shoot for the romantic gesture and ask you on a real date, the conversation normally ends with a text along the lines of, "I'll meet you there at 8."
Based on a recent experience of mine and upon the hundreds of date invitations sans pickups my girlfriends have received, I have one big question for the gents out there: when did you stop picking us up?!
I understand that in today's world, we have about 1 million options for how to get from point A to point B. We have cabs, buses, Uber, trains, driving, and even good old-fashioned walking. However, if you don't pick your date up, you are missing one key element of the traditional old-school date.
Not the initial pickup and not the date itself, obviously, but the most telling part of all dates: the drop-off. If you meet your date out vs. picking them up, you rob yourself of the perfect opportunity for a goodnight kiss, and maybe even more than that. The way the date ends solidifies to both daters how the date actually went.
It's a scenario often played out time and time again in rom-coms and sitcoms. The night ends, and when the drop-off happens, goodbyes are exchanged, and that is when there's the classic jingle of the keys or maybe a hand lingers before the walk to the door. This is prime time for a first postdate kiss to happen.
When we go on a date where we meet at a bar or restaurant, the time to call it a night is just straight-up awkward. Who calls an Uber first? When does the second date invite happen if it is going to at all? Do you hug? Shake hands? Between a busy street, mapping out exactly where your Uber driver is, all while being stared down by the valet attendant who is waiting for his next patron, there is really no opportunity to seal the date with a kiss, nor would anyone want to in that situation.
I feel awkward even describing this because this is the exact scenario that occurred in my most recent date.
The date was great, and I had already gotten a second date invite, and I felt like we were truly vibing with each other. But, like I said, that above awkward scenario was the close to my great date. If I had been picked up and dropped off, I definitely would have given this guy a kiss. But instead, the night ended while I was calling my Uber and people were pushing their way in and out of the restaurant entrance.
Any good vibes I had from the date seemed to disappear for me, and I think on his end, too. When it came time to say bye, the awkwardness was pretty palpable, and then the least-romantic thing of all happened: we hugged.
Not only does a pickup guarantee a great opportunity for a kiss when the night ends, but it also shows your date you are genuinely interested in spending every minute of the date with them. Additionally, it ensures the date is void of any awkward moments, especially goodbyes. That is how you close the date - after all, shouldn't it be on the best note possible? Guys, if you really like your date, effing pick them up!
Editor's note: This piece was written by a POPSUGAR contributor and does not necessarily reflect the views of POPSUGAR Inc. Interested in joining our POPSUGAR Voices network of contributors from around the globe? Click here.
11 Flicks With High School Romances to Stream Stat
We can't help but reminisce about notes passed between friends, the days of lockers and recess, and, of course, our teenage crushes. If you're feeling nostalgic about bleacher make-out sessions and prom-date jitters, then check out these movies streaming on Netflix. We promise they're chock-full of all the cliquey drama, backstabbing friends, and awkward first-date moments that made high school equal parts exhilarating and nightmarish!
The Best Sex Positions For Some Major G-Spot Orgasms
When it comes to having a G-spot orgasm, a lot depends on the state you're in as well as the positions you're doing to really hit that sweet spot. A big part of really maximizing G-spot stimulation is making sure you're in the mood for better arousal and natural lubrication. That way, you can really experience the pleasure. Take some time to do whatever feels best for you in terms of foreplay - candles, baths, nipple play, and more. Then, head to the main event: actual sex, and make sure you or your partner are giving the attention to the area that's needed.
Luckily, there are a few positions that increase your chances of G-spot orgasm more than others. Here are the best ones to choose from.
If You're Flyin' Solo
If you're going for G-explosions of the solo variety, you might be your best tool. "Using only your fingers is a fun switch, and it even teaches your body to orgasm more easily from multiple kinds of stimulation," Alicia Sinclair, certified sex educator and CEO of Le Wand, b-Vibe, and The Cowgirl, told POPSUGAR. "Start by putting a finger or two inside your vagina and curving your finger to meet your front vaginal wall or tapping and swirling a finger pad or two around the G-spot," she said. Play with different kinds of pressure and stimulation to figure out what feels the best for you, and when you do find it, you'll know.
"If you want some extra help pinpointing your G-spot, Le Wand has a Curve Attachment Cover, which best matches the curve of your vagina's front wall where the spot is found. The Ripple Attachment also works great, as the bumps massage your G-spot as you move it in and out," she said. Start with low vibrations, brush them against your special spot, and then pull back out again to graze your clitoris. As you get more and more aroused, you can pump up the vibrations, she said, increasing the intensity.
Done too soon? Don't worry. "If you finish too fast, remember the bliss of being a vagina owner - your refractory period is super short, and you can come again and again in completely different ways within minutes," she said.
Cowgirl
"If you're ready to give G-spot stimulation a go with a partner, riding is a great - and fairly easy - position to help you reach that spot," she said. This works regardless of whether your partner has a penis or is wearing a strap-on dildo, because you can take advantage of that upward curve in either their skin or silicone member that targets the G-spot's location, she said. This is about three inches into your vagina, right where your front wall feels round and puffy. "Try gyrating and moving in different rhythms and angles to find the position that strikes that spot," she said.
Doggy
"Not only is doggy style a fan favorite, but believe it or not, when your partner enters you from the back (with penis, dildo, or fingers), they're actually poised to slide right up against your secret spot as they move back and forth," she said. To make sure you're getting the most out of this position, try angling your body in different ways to hit your G-spot. "For example, start off on all fours and see how that feels, and then lower your chest all the way to the bed while arching your back and pushing your pelvis toward your partner's movements," she said. Let your partner know what feels good and what's working so they can be sure to be an active partner in the experience and give the most amount of pleasure.
Missionary With Legs in the Air
This position is a twist on missionary that is meant to really angle your partner toward your G-spot. "Rather than getting into standard missionary partner, pick your legs up and put them over your partner's (the penetrator's) shoulders. They can situate themselves on their knees," she said. This angle helps your partner reach your G-spot more easily because of the angle at which your hips are propped, she explained.
Spooning
For a more intimate way to reach the G-spot, get snuggly on your side with your partner around you. "Coming from behind, the giver will be able to reach your G-spot directly (with either a penis or dildo)," she said. Bonus points: spooning will give your partner plenty of access to stimulate your nipples, clitoris, and other fun spots on your body at the same time.
X Marks the Spot
To hit your G-spot, "lay on your back (even better if it's on a flat surface like a table or counter) and have your partner enter while standing up. Lift your legs and cross your ankles in an X so they lay on opposite shoulders," she said. "This plays up the natural curvature of an erection or curved dildo, making it super easy to reach the G-spot," she explained. The "X" will create a tighter fit for a little extra friction, too.
Fusion
"Have the giver sit up with their legs straight out, while you straddle them and lean back on your arms. By leaning back, you'll be able to easily grind against your partner at the right angle to stimulate the G-spot for the whole ride," she said. This way, you have some control over the position and can get a sweet G-spot orgasm.
The 12 Products a Beauty Editor Can't Travel Without
I don't know if it's harder to pack my clothes or my makeup when I go on vacation. Even getting ready for work at the gym in the morning feels like a challenge; I inevitably end up leaving the lip color I want to wear at home. When I travel, I like to go carry-on only, which means my makeup bag can't be too large or too heavy. Talk about a challenge. After a lot of flights and multiple overstuffed cosmetic cases, these are my picks for on-the-go beauty. Your suitcase will thank you.
The Wizard J.K. Rowling Said Dumbledore Was in Love With Will Shock You
Harry Potter is a story of bravery, friendship, magic, and adventure. But above all else, the series is a story about the power of love. It's a theme that runs deep in each book, and the importance and strength of the sentiment is a lesson Albus Dumbledore more than anyone else emphasizes countless times. It is because of a mother's love that Harry Potter is the Boy Who Lived, and it's because of love that Dumbledore watches over that boy and tries to protect him from his terrible fate. He once reminded Harry not to pity the dead but to "pity the living and above all, those who live without love."
If love meant so much to one of the greatest wizards of all time, what did he really know of it? What about Dumbledore's own personal love story? Until The Deathly Hallows and the release of Elphias Doge's Daily Prophet obituary, as well as Rita Skeeter's The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, much of his past remained a mystery.
One thing we do know from the beginning is that he defeated the Dark Wizard Grindelwald, but it was a shock to later learn that Gellert Grindelwald was a close friend of Dumbledore's before turning down a darker path. During an ill-fated Summer in Godric's Hollow, the teenage boys fostered a friendship that bordered on fanatic; the two became obsessed with finding the Deathly Hallows and mastering Death.
"Dumbledore fell in love with Grindelwald, and that added to his horror when Grindelwald showed himself to be what he was."
Both geniuses and both full of youthful ambition, they came up with wild plans about a revolution where wizards ruled Muggles, but their friendship abruptly ended when a duel with Dumbledore's brother Aberforth led to his young sister Ariana Dumbledore's death.
But according to J.K. Rowling, there was more to the short-lived friendship than it seemed. Years ago at a Carnegie Hall event, Rowling revealed that Dumbledore was gay, but the revelations didn't end there. A fan posed the question, "Did Dumbledore, who believed in the prevailing power of love, ever fall in love himself?" To which Rowling responded:
"My truthful answer to you . . . I always thought of Dumbledore as gay . . . Dumbledore fell in love with Grindelwald, and that added to his horror when Grindelwald showed himself to be what he was. To an extent, do we say it excused Dumbledore a little more because falling in love can blind us to an extent? But, he met someone as brilliant as he was, and rather like Bellatrix he was very drawn to this brilliant person, and horribly, terribly let down by him. Yeah, that's how I always saw Dumbledore."
In many ways this explains so much about Dumbledore. Ariana's death and Grindelwald's betrayal shook him to his core and was a turning point in his life. After the end of his relationship with Grindelwald and his heartbreak over that and the passing of his sister, Dumbledore set out to become the Dumbledore the wizarding world knew him to be: moral, wise, great, and kind. His radical views softened, and maybe at first as penance and later because it was his true self, he recognized the error of his ways and sought to be just, to better the world, and to encourage equality among all people, Muggles and wizards alike. In the end, loving Grindelwald made him who he was, and he was an undeniably good man at heart.
Most importantly, he still didn't let the loss of this love stop him from loving again. He may have been more hesitant, and he may not have given it as freely as he would have before, but his relationship with Harry is proof enough that his heart was open and vulnerable despite, and perhaps even because of, what transpired with Grindelwald. Can we blame him for being young and in love?
And after all, as Professor McGonagall once said after his tragic passing, "Dumbledore would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world." I'd like to think the sentiment applies to the man himself, too. For all the wonderful things he did, he certainly deserved that much.
36 Zodiac Sign Tattoos That Will Make You Go Starry-Eyed
Do you read your horoscope every day? Are you always judging people based on their astrological signs? If you're looking to get new ink and totally into studying the stars, chances are a zodiac tattoo would be perfect for you. We have selected three beautiful designs for every sign in the year. Check them out to get inspired!
9 Crystals From Amazon That Will Invite Happiness, Relaxation, And More Into Your Life
Many people are starting to incorporate crystals into their home decor, accessories, and self-care practices. While some like to hold them in their hands to feel the stone's benefits, others place the crystals around their meditation space for a visually calming environment.
If you're eager to start integrating some of these beautiful stones into your routine, it's important to find out which crystals are suitable for your needs, hopes, and ambitions. Once you've decided what kind of energy you're craving, it's time to purchase some crystals of your very own.
We've searched Amazon for the most beautiful crystals and combinations of stones so you can start or add to your collection.
21 Infinity Sign Tattoos You Won’t Regret Getting
For anyone who has ever wanted a tattoo, you know that picking out the design is a difficult task. Should you go with what's trendy, like arrow motif inks, or a more lasting image, such as some stellar stars? And if it's your very first ink, then the possibilities may seem endless - not to mention overwhelming. So when we came across infinity sign tattoos on Instagram, we couldn't help but notice how versatile they are. Quotes, images, and a combination of both can be infused into the loop. It's like getting two tattoos for the (slight) pain of one! Read on to see which infinity sign combos you should get, and then show us yours.
50 Magical Disney Tattoos That Will Inspire You to Get Inked
We're a huge fan of the House of Mouse around here - we've bought something from nearly every Disney beauty collaboration, and Disney GIFs totally explain our lives. Once we saw our fashion colleague's heartwarming Frozen tattoo, we immediately scoured the Internet to see what other Disney-themed tattoos were out there. Read on for whimsical ink inspiration featuring your favorite childhood characters.
Source: Instagram user jasmiin158
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.
If Your Mascara Has Reached This Point, You Should Have Tossed It Long Ago
Mascara is kind of like dairy in the sense that one day it seems perfectly fine, and then - poof! - all of a sudden it's crumbly and weird and definitely needs to be tossed. The truth is that if your mascara has reached this point, well, it's probably been bad for a while. Curious about just how long mascara lasts - and signs that it's time to let it retire - we hit up Georgi Sandev, a celebrity makeup artist who's worked with Victoria's Secret Angels and international brands such as Givenchy, Chanel, and Dior.
"The typical shelf life of mascara is six to eight months from opening it for the first time. If you are using all natural mascara, pay attention to the labels as that shelf life could be shorter," he said. "The easiest way to find out if your mascara is near the end of its life is when the product simply starts to under perform. For example, it feels dry, clumps too much, or just doesn't apply as easily any longer, or [if] the smell of it changes."
Sometimes your mascara may start to go bad before its expiration date, especially if you use it a ton or aren't using or storing it properly. Sandev shared a few tips for extending its life and keeping it in top notch condition.
- Don't pump the mascara wand into the product when trying to pick it up from the tube. "This causes a lot of air to enter the tube and dries the mascara overtime. Instead try swirling the wand inside the tube," he noted.
- Wash the wand once every couple of weeks with soap and hot water. He explained, "Overtime, the wand accumulates dry product and when that mixes with the fresh mascara inside the tube, it causes clumps on the lashes and little bits of product falling onto your skin."
- For non-waterproof mascara, add a couple drops of generic eye drops, then close and shake. "This method works even better if you place the tube in hot water for four to five minutes before you add the drops. Make sure to wash the mascara wand with soap and hot water first."
6 Ways to Make Your Butt Look Awesome in a Bikini
Lately there has been a lot of talk about backsides, rear ends, and derrières. Whether you're lacking in that department or generously blessed, there are ways you can get your best bum without hitting the gym. We're tackling issues like sweat and saggy seats, so we can't promise these tips will be glamorous. But if you follow our ultimate butt guide, your rear end will look firmer, rounder, and smoother without the need for a butt pad or squats. You'll finally look better going rather than coming.
If I Were Stranded on a Desert Island, This Is the Lip Gloss I'd Bring
I'm a lip gloss girl, through and through. Even though lip gloss has gone in and out of style, it's a constant staple in my makeup bag. In fact, I have one in every purse, so I'm never without my go-to lip product. However, when my favorite shade was tragically discontinued, I panicked. I needed a new lip gloss that was shiny but not sticky, didn't have an overpowering smell, and wouldn't give me those dreaded white lines on my lips. I was on a mission to try everything, but I couldn't find a product that checked every box on my list.
Working at POPSUGAR, I was lucky enough to try some of the new Beauty by POPSUGAR products, and was immediately drawn to the Be The Boss Lip Gloss ($18) because it comes in a tube that reminded me of my favorite childhood lip glosses. The applicator is unlike anything I've used before; it's fully flexible so you can really hit all the contours of your lips. And when I tried it on, I knew I'd found my perfect product. Artificial scents give me a headache, and this is sweet without being overpowering. I picked up the shade Time After Time, a dusty mauve, and it looked like my lips had gone through the pretty filter. This was the closest match I had found to my beloved discontinued lip gloss, and I was excited to see how it would wear as the day went on.
Lip gloss isn't historically the longest-lasting makeup product, but I was surprised by how moisturized my lips stayed throughout the day, even as emails piled up and I forgot to reapply. The gloss is formulated with green tea extract, which helps protect from free radicals while also brightening the skin, and hibiscus extract, which improves skin elasticity. It's also gluten-free, paraben-free, and not tested on animals. And I can confidently say that there are no white lines on my lips. Now I've just got to get more for all of my purses.
I Tried the $5 Face Moisturizer Everyone Is Raving About on Amazon - I Love It!
I've spent over a decade perfecting my skincare routine. While I have a number of more luxe items that I keep top shelf in my bathroom, I can't seem to shy away from reliable drugstore items. Whether I'm using my favorite affordable face wash or cult-classic toner, some products just don't need that big-ticket price tag. One of my all time favorites is this St. Ives Facial Moisturizer ($5).
When it comes to lotions, I'm pretty picky. There are so many consistencies and textures that make me feel greasy or just dry me out within a few minutes. Since I was a teenager, there is only one body lotion I've ever used: the St. Ives Skin Renewing Collagen Elastin Body Lotion ($12). I lather it on my whole body, literally from head to toe. After realizing it had a facial lotion from the same line, I had to have it.
The brand is all about being transparent with its ingredients, so you know where it comes from. This cream is 100 percent natural moisturizer made from safflower seed oil that was picked from safflowers in Argentina and Australia. Its also packed with collagen and elastin proteins, which help keep your skin soft, firm, and always looking fresh.
While I use a handful of other moisturizers, this one is the one I always turn to when my skin is feel dry and flaky. I love lathering it on my neck and rough areas right before applying my liquid foundation. It helps me achieve a smooth, all-over finish.
It has over 3,800 positive reviews on Amazon. See what all the hype is about for yourself! It will cost you less than a smoothie.
This Micellar Makeup Remover Actually Made My Lashes So Much Fuller and Stronger!
What's the one beauty product you can't live without? If your answer is mascara, I can relate. As a natural blonde, my eyelashes (and brows) are extremely blond aka not visible. As result, I've become completely addicted to wearing superdark mascara, and I also dye my lashes darker from time to time. While this routine makes me feel pretty, it has taken a serious toll on my lash health. I'm constantly suffering from bald spots and falling lashes that take weeks (if not months) to grow back. This isn't a sad story, though, because I discovered this RevitaLash Micellar Water Lash Wash ($36). It surprisingly changed my lashes for good.
The powerhouse micellar technology helps attract and draw out oil, dirt, and impurities without leaving behind that annoying sticky residue. It's formulated with aloe and chamomile, which soothe, hydrate, and condition your skin and hair. It's a great choice for those with sensitive skin because the oil-free, dermatologist-reviewed wash is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrances. It's even vegan and cruelty-free!
Within just a few weeks of use, I noticed my lashes feeling fuller, healthier, and stronger. My favorite part: it's so refreshing! Simply spray the soothing mist on a cotton pad and wipe away. Or if you have eyelash extensions, you can spray directly on your closed eye and rub with water.
If you feel like your eye makeup remover is burning your eyes or is harsh on your skin, try this clean miracle wash. You won't regret it!
9 Products That Will Make Your Body Glisten, Shimmer, and Shine
The days are (finally) heating up, and the warm weather is a perfect excuse to show off more skin and experiment with the new influx of body glitter, shimmer, and luminizers saturating the shelves of our favorite beauty boutiques.
If you don't know where to start, we're here to help. We've tested a variety of products promising to add shine and shimmer to your skin and picked out the best choices. Whether you are seeking a subtle bronze gleam that will make you look like a Grecian goddess or want to pack on a holographic purple hue in honor of your next music festival, we have a pick you're sure to love.
Keep reading to find the best option for you, arranged from most subtle shimmer to most iridescent glitter.
21 Pretty Peony Tattoos That Will Be Blooming All Year Long
There's just something about a peony. What's not to love? They're pretty, they're luxurious, and they're a symbol of good fortune - when it comes to both money and love. They instantly make coffee tables look chic, wedding cakes crave them, and when you need to spice up a bouquet, a peony or two usually does the trick.
Peony tattoos are also pretty dang adorable, so we sorted through Instagram to bring you the best of the best! If you can't stop dreaming of peonies, check out these new ink ideas.
Etsy Sells Ridiculously Cute Makeup Brush Holders - Here Are Our 7 Favorites Under $16
It's time to get your makeup collection organized! A great way to start is with brush holders, and luckily, Etsy has tons of options. These cool, handmade picks will keep you sorted out and make your space look cute. It's the best of both worlds! Shop through our affordable favorites, and buy a set for yourself.
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.
How to Successfully Shave 1 of Your Trickiest Body Parts
One could argue that shaving the back of your thighs requires the same level of deftness and agility as a professional ballerina. First, you've got to make sure the shaving cream is adequately lathered and smeared in a place you can't see, and then you must pivot almost a full 180 degrees while wielding a sharp razor. The potential for missing a spot - or worse, an accidental slice - is pretty damn high. We reached out to a few pros about the best ways to master this tricky spot.
I've Switched to This Powder Exfoliant, and I'm Never, Ever Looking Back
I'm obsessed with exfoliation. The feeling of sloughing off dead cells on the surface of your skin is thrilling in a way that only fellow skincare aficionados can appreciate. But ever since I scrubbed too hard with my mom's mail-order exfoliant in seventh grade and ended up beet red at school the next day, I've been on the hunt for a gentle product that won't inflame my sensitive skin.
After trying scores of viscous gels with now-banned microbeads and thick creams with mashed apricot and walnut shells, I found my solution in an unexpected form: powder.
Éminence's Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant ($48) was recommended to me years ago by an esthetician at a spa that carries the organic line. I'd long been a fan of their island-scented Tropical Vanilla Day Cream ($68), so I took her advice and picked up the powder.
The Dermafoliant is mainly composed of a trio of powders: rice, chickpea, and oat. Together, these gently buff and smooth the skin, absorbing excess oil. Meanwhile, the salicylic acid contained in the strawberry component works as an astringent, shrinking pores and brightening your complexion. Rhubarb's ascorbic acid and vitamins reduce wrinkles, and the added lactic acid improves overall skin texture.
I use it every other day, and I have a special technique. Éminence recommends combining a dime-size amount with half a teaspoon of water. While this works just fine, I've found that my skin gets really smooth if I mix that dime-size amount with a gentle cleanser rather than water. My go-to has become the Calm Skin Chamomile Cleanser ($38). It's a cream cleanser, and combined with the Dermafoliant, the concoction buffs my skin while simultaneously calming it.
Yes, I am a genius.
In care you're still balking at that $48 price tag, let me assure you that one bottle lasts me roughly an entire year. If you've been struggling to find an exfoliation routine that works for you, this might be the key to smooth skin success!
Hallelujah! I Finally Found the Perfect Foundation - It Covers My Blemishes and Stays on Forever
I'm incredibly particular about my liquid foundation. I have spent over a decade searching for the perfect option that ticks all my boxes, and had very little luck - until now. When I was out of my own usual choice, I asked my sister if I could use some of hers for the day. She's a total beauty junkie, and I knew she'd have something great for me to use. She gave me just one pump of her beloved Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation ($40), and I thought she was being stingy, but it was all I needed for full coverage on my face.
The formula is creamy and smooth, yet it covers every blemish with just one layer.
After one day of wearing it, I ran out and bought a bottle of my own. The formula is creamy and smooth, yet it covers every blemish with just one layer. I use shade 0.5 because I have very fair skin. Fortunately, the product comes in a wide variety of hues, so there's an option for most skin tones.
One of the many reasons why I'm obsessed with this foundation is that it diffuses light to blur flaws as it mattifies and absorbs oil. Basically, it's the ultimate multitasker. I use a powder cover-up to set the product, and I'm good to go. After one application in the morning, my face looks flawless well into the evening.
If you're in the market for a new liquid foundation, I'm begging you to give this one a try. Just one bottle lasts me months, so it's an investment you can feel good about. I will certainly be running back for more!
How to Break Up With Your Hairstylist - the Right Way
Paul Simon sang that there are "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover," and there are about a million more ways not to break up with someone. For example: try to avoid dumping someone over the phone or via text, and for the love of God please don't communicate the news via Post-It notes. Yes, dumping an SO is hard enough - and it's not the only kind of relationship that ends. There may come a time when you have to call it off with a hairstylist, too. How the heck should that go down?
Know When It's Time to Move On
"There are some really obvious telltale signs that it's time to break up with your hairdresser, Devin Toth, stylist at Salon SCK, told POPSUGAR. "If you never like the hair they give you, then you should move on, even if you really do like them as a person." Toth also recommended giving them the boot if you're bored with your hair and they never give suggestions for ways to spruce it up. Another red flag? Toth said you should be getting "regular compliments" on your look - and if you're not, that's on your stylist. "No compliments generally means that your hair isn't flattering or current, so you need to see a stylist who cares more," the pro said. "When all of your friends and family are recommending you to see their hair person, then just take the hint." Noted.
"When all of your friends and family are recommending you to see their hair person, then just take the hint."
While we all hope for that movie script ending where our stylists become our best friends and we bend and snap while the credits roll à la Legally Blonde, don't feel deterred if you have a strictly professional relationship with yours. "We don't have to be best friends, and we don't even have to talk while you're in my chair," said Stephanie Brown, a colorist at Nunzio Saviano Salon. However, "Getting your hair done should always be a pleasurable, not uncomfortable, experience. Break up with your hairstylist if you just don't like them personally."
Tyson Kennedy, founder of Fatboy hair products and stylist at Cutler, said it's "not so black and white." For instance, if you're dying to get a cut while your normal stylist is unavailable or out of town, don't feel like you have to wait for them. "I love it when I see clients of mine getting cut by other members of my team," he said. "Those stylists can add another dimension to my clients' cuts, and I may move it forward when cutting their hair again. This keeps the romance alive."
How to Do It
Real talk: we're all flighty millennials with pathological fears of confrontation . . . so your best breakup bet might actually be pulling a disappearing act. "Ghost them!" said Brown. "It's never nice to hear that you are losing business." So: put the boom boxes away wannabe John Cusacks, and save the dramatic breakup speech for an actually dramatic breakup.
If you decide to flake, you can do so in a polite and respectful way. "You can still follow them on social media, and the relationship can endure," Toth said. Throw their posts a like every once and a while, maybe do a #TBT of your own featuring a past cut of theirs as an olive branch, and keep in touch. "Anything you want to do to keep the relationship going is very sweet and will be appreciated," the pro said.
"Any hairdresser who is overly concerned about you leaving is probably not confident enough in their own abilities."
It's also important to keep in mind that your goodbye might end up being more of a see you later. "Never put a line in the sand and say you're leaving," Kennedy said. "It's a long life with lots of hairdressers, and it's cool to try new stylists. We understand that some things are not forever." Plus, it's unlikely that your stylist will lose sleep over your departure. According to Kennedy, "Any hairdresser who is overly concerned about you leaving is probably not confident enough in their own abilities."
Cheers to the easiest breakup of your life.
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