Here’s the Real Reason Charlize Theron Stopped Smoking Weed

No matter how hard they try to keep up their squeaky-clean personas, it’s common knowledge by now that weed is a recreational favorite of many celebrities. (And people, for that matter.) But not everyone is the same. While some stars can smoke marijuana their entire lives, others react differently as they get old and have to wean themselves from the drug. Case in point: Charlize Theron.

In a recent interview with “E! News,” the 42-year-old actress opened up about her experience with weed and her days as “wake-and-baker.” Theron, who didn’t start experimenting with weed until she was “much older,” revealed that she preferred the drug over other substances, such as alcohol.

Though Theron spent most of her life loving and smoking pot, she noticed a shift in her reaction to the drug when she hit 30. The actress revealed that she started becoming less fun and more lifeless, which led her to quit.

“I really appreciated marijuana way more than alcohol or anything else,” she said. “My chemistry was really good with it when I was younger, and then it just changed one day. Like, in my early 30s I just became boring on it and I would just stand in front of my fridge, so that’s no good.”

MORE: Miley Cyrus Quit Smoking Weed Because She Was Afraid of Dying

However, don’t rule out Theron’s weed days just yet. The actress revealed that she’s willing to reintroduce marijuana into her life, now that there are more strains and she can find one that works better with the chemistry of her body. She especially wants to retry the drug to help her insomnia and replace her sleeping pills.

“I’m open to retrying it again because now there’s all these different strains and you can be specific with it,” she said. “And I’m actually really interested because I have really bad insomnia, and I’d much rather get off sleeping pills and figure out a strain that helps me sleep better. So when I have a moment, I’m actually doing that with my mom. My mom has really bad sleep too.”

MORE: Gigi Hadid Slammed for Her Comment on Zayn Malik’s Smoking Selfie

As of yet, there’s no conclusive research that proves that the effect of marijuana becomes stronger as you age (like Theron pointed out, everyone’s body chemistry is different), but it’s always fun to hear from a celebrity who loves getting high just as much as us regular folk.

The Real Reasons Couples Stop Having Sex

New relationships are exciting, getting to know the person intellectually, emotionally and—let’s not forget—physically. At the beginning, you don’t have to deal with downers like meeting each other’s families and shared household expenses—you’re simply enjoying learning more about the other person.

But as we all know, that phase doesn’t last forever. Sure, you probably still have sex, but maybe not at the same frequency as when you first met. The thing is, that’s completely normal and not something to be too concerned about. But why, exactly, does it happen?

New research by DrEd (an online doctor service based in the U.K.), which involved surveying 1,000 men and women from both Europe and the United States, has some surprising answers. And to clarify, in this survey, “sex” wasn’t defined—it was left up to the person responding—and participants included all sexual orientations and identities.

MORE: These Things Could Be Behind Your Low Libido

What’s not surprising is that 71.5 percent of couples reported that one of the reasons they don’t have sex is being too tired. Around half of respondents said that work or being too busy in general also keeps them from hitting the sheets.

One aspect of sex that isn’t mentioned frequently is the impact of pain. In reality, it’s pretty significant, with 12.8 percent of people surveyed saying they avoid sex because of some sort of pain. Whether that’s pain directly resulting from penetrative intercourse—common for people who suffer from conditions like vulvodynia, vaginismus and vaginal atrophy—or other types of discomfort, like a bad back, knees or arthritis, knowing sex will hurt doesn’t exactly make it enticing.

Other people prefer sex with someone who knows exactly what they want—themselves. The survey found that 9.1 percent of couples don’t have sex because one or both partners prefer to masturbate instead. That’s completely understandable and more efficient, but also not a total deal-breaker because masturbation could be incorporated into sex with a partner relatively easily.

MORE: What Exactly Is Involved in an Erotic Dinner Party?

But it isn’t all doom and gloom: There are also many reasons sex in a long-term relationship can be even more satisfying than with a new partner, including being able to be more open with each other about sexual desires and experimenting with new experiences. Better yet, the survey found that the more couples talked to each other about sex, the more sex they ended up having.

Communication really is key regardless of the stage of the relationship, and since it can lead to a more fulfilling sex life, you might as well get that conversation started now.

 

Originally posted on SheKnows.

5 Women on the Thrills and Challenges of Working in Tech

Women’s History Month starts tomorrow, and as far as we’re concerned, it’s never too soon to start celebrating the brilliant women making history—so we’re highlighting some of the most badass, boundary-breaking women we know. At the top of our list are ladies, like the five below, who have pushed the envelope to achieve major success in traditionally male-dominated fields, including technology.

The tech boom has simultaneously simplified and complicated our lives in massive ways—our smartphones insta-deliver news, entertainment, communication, food, and even dates, but basic systems like the presidential election are now vulnerable to digital hacks. Another gripe people have with a tech-fueled world is that it’s not creating the number of jobs you might expect, given how it rules our lives.

No matter how you feel about the tech revolution, there’s no avoiding the challenges and opportunities it presents on a daily basis. I talked to five women about the careers they’ve created in the tech space. Jobs at Tinder, Candy Crush, and other digital mainstays might not be easy to come by, but the people who do them drive our everyday experiences. And to hear them tell it, tech is becoming increasingly friendly to ambitious women who are determined to break in. Below, find out more about how they did it—and how you can, too.

It sucks that women in the gaming world get targeted by trolls on a larger scale than men.

The Game Designer

Yonna Ingolf, 26, Narrative Designer at King for Candy Crush Franchise, Stockholm, SE

“I’ve always played and loved games, but didn’t think about it as something I could work with until I was around 20. I found a school focusing on game design and everything fell into place. My days can look very different, since I work with a couple of different games and a lot of different teams. In a week I can work on stories for new episodes, themes for different live events in the games, and new gameplay features. My office has a very relaxed vibe. There are definitely stressful periods, like any job, but there is a lot of playing around and fun events surrounding the industry. My biggest challenge has been, and still is, to not become my job. Working in a creative environment you constantly put yourself out there, and feel a personal attachment to the work you deliver. I’ve learned is that if I have an off day, that’s OK—and normal.

While I’m outnumbered by men in my industry, I’ve never felt underestimated by the people I work with. Where I have felt underestimated is rather in some toxic communities surrounding gaming. It sucks that some ‘dudebros’ doubt that I work in the industry, that I like games, or say I should be a ‘booth babe’ instead of a designer. It sucks that women in the gaming world get targeted by trolls and hate on the internet on a much larger scale than men who say or do the same things. It can be hard, but there’s no better way of fighting that toxicity than from inside the industry. If you’re interested in going into gaming, make sure the school you go to has an internship period—that way you’ll experience the industry and get to know people. See if there are any game dev meetups in your area and get to know people in the industry. Learn a little about everything! Make some art, try out 3D modeling, write some code or script, create some sound effects. If you don’t have the opportunity or tools to do it, then you can at least read about it.”

It’s not as simple as ‘build a website and they will come.’

The Virtual Assistant

Michelle Mangen, Virtual Bookkeeper at The Virtual Assistant, LLC, FL

“I first learned of virtual assistants as a result of reading a romance novel. It was a few years later before I explored it in more detail. I started as a general administrative virtual assistant and have, over time, evolved and now I only offer bookkeeping services to small businesses. Most of what I do in a day is bookkeeping related-paying team members, reconciling bank statements, preparing financials, etc. I work at home, so most days I’m in comfy clothes. The biggest challenge was getting my first client—it’s not as simple as ‘build a website and they will come.’ I often considered throwing in the towel and finding a corporate America position. My best advice, if you want to be a VA, is to get tech savvy and don’t ever quit learning! Be brave and reach out to established virtual assistants and see if they’d be willing to hire you as an intern.”

MORE: 5 Successful Women on How to Actually Have a Work-Life Balance

Pambakian with at Tinder HQ with Communications Manager Evan Bonnstetter / @rosettep

We all need to do our part to mentor and encourage other women.

The Tinder Exec

Rosette Pambakian, 33, VP of Communications and Branding at Tinder, Los Angeles, CA

“Growing up, I always aspired to make a difference somehow. It may be cliché, but I believe creating connections across the world is making that difference. Experiencing friendship and love is so powerful, and I’m proud to work at a place where I get to help people do that. Every single day at Tinder is different. Our company and product is constantly evolving, which is what makes my job so exciting. One day I’ll be in Europe meeting with reporters, the next day I’ll be discussing branding strategy with other Tinder executives, and the next day I’ll be in the office planning product releases for the upcoming year. The tech industry can be difficult, though. People work long hours and pour their hearts into products that may not work out in the long run. Instead of letting that intimidate us, we use it to push ourselves to be our best. I often spend more time in the office than I do at my own house, so the people I work with really feel like family. 

I think the tech industry is a great place for women to succeed and stand out, and the Tinder workplace is such a creative, fun environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. It’s empowering to work in a male-dominated industry and come to the table with results and ideas that are just as impactful, if not more so, than what the men are doing. The industry is evolving, and more and more women are thriving in tech, but we all need to do our part to mentor and encourage other women. If you’re looking to go into tech, my best tip is that if there’s no risk, there’s no reward. I said yes to a few huge moves in my career that propelled me to where I am today. I knew there were risks when I joined Tinder, but I also knew that there was a possibility for a great reward.”

When you can work from anywhere, you end up working everywhere.

MORE: 5 Questions to Help You Figure Out if You’re in the Right Career

The Digital Entrepreneur

Michelle Dale, 35, CEO of Virtual Miss Friday & 1nSourcing, usually in Greece

“I quit my job and left the UK when I was 23 on a one-way ticket to Egypt, which was when I realized I wanted to live abroad full-time and be able to travel the world whenever I wanted. I started looking for how I could work online and I came across virtual assistance, which became my source of income and passion, and led me to create a virtual assistant assistant training program. An average workday for me involves working through items that my team needs assistance with; planning and implementing projects for clients; devising new ideas for online launches and products; blogging and vlogging. For me, it’s all about the lifestyle: working online, living the dream, breaking away from the 9-to-5, being your own boss, earning more money, doing what you actually enjoy. It’s about working around your lifestyle, rather than the opposite. In any service-based industry, particularly when you have your own business, the challenge is to make plenty of time for yourself. When you can work from anywhere, you end up working everywhere, so it’s not unusual for me to check emails in the middle of the night, work on weekends, and hours just roll into other hours. You have to find the right balance.

Virtual assistance is one of the fastest-growing online industries, mainly because the demand is growing so much. I don’t think anyone, man or woman, can make you feel outnumbered or underestimated unless you allow it. It’s about focusing on yourself, developing your skills, delivering value, and having the confidence to go out there and do your best because you know you’re worth it. My best advice is to find a role model, someone who you can look at and say, I like what they’ve done, I like their lifestyle, and I want to learn from them. So many people offer online courses, training, and mentorship—myself included!—so take advantage of resources, hold your head high, and go for it. Never wait for everything to be perfect—there will never be a perfect time, place, circumstance, financial situation, family situation. There’s now, so work with it!”

As a woman, you’re naturally outnumbered.

The Engineer

Anna N. Schlegel, 48, Senior Director, Globalization and Information at NetApp and author of Truly Global, Silicon Valley, CA

“I never set out to be in Engineering! I fell into it through different high-tech job assignments in Silicon Valley, and taking risks within these companies. I started working with Cisco in the 90s, and from there I went on to working at Xerox, VMware, and NetApp. I have been a general manager and CEO for two globalization companies. An average day at my current job entails a lot of global calls with Europe and Asia to align, evangelize, and monitor our program goals; talking to our suppliers and agencies; and reporting back to executives on progress, or escalations and wins. NetApp has repeatedly been ranked as a great place to work which is hugely important to be able to work within a respectful environment. There’s a lot of room to innovate. 

High-tech engineering environments have low numbers of gender diversity. As a woman, you’re naturally outnumbered. The key is to work in groups where all participants value your opinion and prepare yourself to be part of environments where you will be the minority. Unconscious Bias trainings can help. Find out who’s leading gender diversity in your company and try to volunteer to help change with our companies. For women looking to become engineers, my advice is to learn how to present in public; communicate succinctly in writing, calls, and presentations; join forums of your craft to hear how others resolve similar issues; and find mentors and talk to them regularly.”

A version of this article originally appeared in January 2017.

The Beauty Routine of a French Perfumer

In our series, “Beauty Routine of a…,” we talk to women from all walks of life about the hair, skin, and makeup products that help them get the job done.

Fragrance plays a huge role in all of the beauty products we use, beyond perfume and cologne. Smell evokes memories, wakes up the senses, and more often than not, convinces us to buy something. That’s why Frederique Terranova takes her job very seriously. Perfumery is a niche field that you don’t hear a lot about, but it’s an important one. There are only a couple hundred notable perfumers throughout the world, and all of them are equipped with the chemical engineering background needed to invent the unique scent combos found in virtually all of our products.

Source: Instagram

Terranova herself has worked with a who’s who of beauty royalty, but today, she’s carefully crafting bespoke fragrances for the newly launched hair and skin brand ApotheCARE Essentials. While most would assume it’s nearly impossible to dream up smells that are actually one-of-a-kind, Terranova’s secret weapon is courtesy of her very own garden, located in Grasse in the South of France.

During a recent sit-down with the fragrance pro, we were surprised to learn that her own beauty routine is pretty low-key. Ahead, she shares why she almost never shops for products and whether the “French girl beauty routine” is actually a thing.

MORE: 13 New Fragrances That Are Almost Too Pretty to Use

On Her First Perfume Memory

“My first perfume memory is the perfume of my grandmother. I remember when we were coming back from the weekend at Champagne, I was sleeping on her shoulder and the memory of my nose smelling her fragrance…. It’s a very nice memory for me.”

MORE: The Beauty Routine of a Record-Breaking Winter Olympian

On Her Personal Routine

“As a beauty perfumer, I am covering all the different categories; skin care, deodorant, shower gel, shampoo. All those products that we use in our day-to-day life are giving pleasure to people. And it’s not showing other people that you smell good. It’s showing that you smell good for you.

It’s a bit difficult for me because as I am creating new fragrance, I have to test my fragrance to know how it is. But my grandmother, she used rose water to clean her skin. For me, it’s something that’s very good. I also use allepo soap from Syria. It’s very old, but the recipe is still alive. It’s a special, very traditional soap, made with only lye essential oil.”

MORE: The Beauty Routine of a Busy Ballerina

On ‘French Girl’ Beauty

“I’m not sure that there is a French routine for beauty. I think that’s not really the reality. We are able, everyone in the world, to access the same product. If you compared people that are living in Paris, in Britain or in the Mediterranean, I think that our lives  aren’t very different. I think everyone has their own, but there isn’t a general one.”

*Fun fact: Terranova’s favorite scent from the ApotheCARE Essentials range is lavender. Check out all of the products here.

7 Creative Remedies Celebrities Swear By for Shrinking Pimples

Let’s face it: Everyone gets pimples. No matter how many high-end skin-care products line your vanity or how many times you visit a facialist a month, zits are bound to appear on your face at some point in your life. And though there’s nothing wrong with having acne, as seen by the many celebrities who have embraced their “problematic” skin, it’s also perfectly fine if you want to tone down the appearance of your blemishes as well. (You do you.)

MORE: 11 Celebrities Who Opened Up About Learning to Embrace Their Acne

Because we always wonder what celebrities such as Kaia Gerber and Nicole Richie do to treat their zits, we’ve rounded up the most creative at-home celebrity pimple remedies. Some stars claim that their pimple-zapping methods work overnight, while others argue that their remedies will take time to see effects. Still, who doesn’t love a good celebrity-recommended remedy? Check out these celebrity-approved ways to get rid of your pimples ahead.

 

Cara Delevingne Has an Ear Modification and We Can’t Stop Staring

Cara Delevingne‘s transition from an in-demand model to burgeoning actress seems to have happened at warp speed. A couple of years ago, the 25-year-old walked nearly every runway from New York to Milan, but today, you’re more likely to catch her sitting pretty in the front row.

MORE: Everything to Know About Hand-Poke Versus Machine Tattoos

Such was the case earlier this week when she sashayed her way to Christian Dior’s Paris Fashion Week show, where she rubbed shoulders with other members of the fashion elite.

Getty Images

It’s obviously worth noting that she looked every bit the supermodel in a head-to-toe Dior ensemble, but prying eyes noticed something a little more exciting: her ear (hear us out). At first glance, it looks “normal;” accessorized with a ball earring and teeny bird-shaped piece in her cartilage. But look a little closer and you’ll see that her skin is actually lifted and ridged.

Getty Images

Getty Images

While it is possible that this could be some seriously impressive HD makeup, it’s more likely to be a modification. There are tons of different ones you can get–pointed ears being the most popular–but we can’t stop staring at this super subtle variation.

MORE: 21 Pairs of Cute Earrings to Shop Right Now

According to Metro, Delevingne may have done it for a role in the upcoming Amazon series “Carnival Row” which will also star Orlando Bloom.

We’ll be staring until more deets arrive.

5 Easy Steps to Develop Your Personal Style

To me, shopping and dressing directly from store mannequins signifies the death of personal style. Yes, these outfits are convenient, artfully put together from talented people at J. Crew or whatever store you’re at—but they’re not a reflection of your personal style: it’s the brand’s projected style for the current season. So, how do you develop your own personal style rather than just slapping on whatever trend you’re seeing on social media? Ahead, we give five easy steps that will help you discover your personal style.

I would best describe my personal style as your grandmother’s vintage floral couch meets a rock concert. It’s a little feminine, even more edgy, and there’s a hint of vintage throughout my wardrobe. I love floral dresses and lace, I wear oversized rings on every finger—including a skull, lion and spike—and I thrive in 80s suits and dresses with shoulder pads, sequins, and pleats.

Fashion is an industry, but personal style is what you do with the clothing, the trends, and your own creativity to make it into something for yourself. While fast fashion stores do a great job churning out popular trend pieces, they don’t always help the shopper develop their own look. We know everyone’s personal style is more than just “trendy,” “girly,” or “modern”—so what defines you as a dresser?

What Makes You Feel Happy

First and foremost—what makes you feel happy? What stands out to you at a store, what colors pop, or pieces look cool? What items in your closet do you wear the most? This should be the easiest step because it’s all about what you really like the most.

MORE: 30 Things Every Woman Should Own by Age 30

What Makes Your Feel Good About Yourself

You know that dress that perfectly hugs your curves and makes your feel like a model? Or those jeans you literally cannot live without? What are the pieces you consider your safety net when you don’t know what to wear or the clothes that make you feel and look like a rock star?

For me, oddly enough, I feel sexiest in a graphic tee. That’s right—an oversized, shapeless Harley Davidson or ACDC tee that I thrifted for a few bucks. It’s my go-to for work, date night and anything and everything in between. I also have a handful of pieces that make me feel great, if not fantastic, about myself. These are in my “main clique” of my wardrobe. They’re the pieces I wear the most and constantly have on rotation. It’s a mix of vintage finds, graphic tees, dresses, cool outerwear, and statement shoes.

What Don’t You Like

This one should also be somewhat easy. For me, I know I am not a preppy person, I am not a minimalist, I don’t wear dainty jewelry, I don’t like super tight fitting clothes, etc. Not that any of these things are bad, but I’ve decided that they don’t fit into my personal style and have moved on.

MORE: How to Figure out (and Fix) Your Fashion Blind Spots

Define Your Signature

Think of Iris Apfel, the queen of accessories, whose signature involves oversized, round glasses and an armful of bangles. Or Kim Kardashian with body-con dresses and neutral tones; Ariana Grande with the half-up, half-down ponytail; or Diane Von Furstenberg with her famous wrap dresses. All of these ladies have one thing in common—they have a signature item. It could be an accessory, a color palette, or a theme that stands out enough that people associate it with the person who wears it.

My personal style features a few signatures: Rings, leather jackets and graphic tees. You can try making one color your signature color, or pick a nail color, lipstick color, etc. Having a signature piece can help you tie your look together and help you feel more put together—but if you can’t pick one, don’t force it.

Don’t Follow Trends—Integrate Them into Your Personal Style

Trends can actually really hurt your personal style. If you’re constantly trying to chase trends each season and only wearing the “hot” pieces on social media (a.k.a. OTK boots, baker boy hats, and fur coats), is that really your tried-and-true personal style for the next two, five, or 15 years? Instead of looking like a walking trend report for the previous runway season, integrate trend components into your personal style. If you really don’t like the trend, skip it. It’ll be gone before you know it, and you can always wait 15 to 20 years for it to circle back around… seriously.

This Uncanny Hailey Baldwin Doppelgänger Is Taking Over the Internet

As a close friend to Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin runs in the Kardashian-Jenners’ inner circle, so it was only a matter of time until the internet discovered a doppelgänger for her, too. Haley Anderson, a 24-year-old publicist from New York City, is going viral for how much she looks like the 21-year-old model.

Now, with how many celebrity doubles look-alikes are around on the internet these days, we can understand your skepticism. But aside from their near-identical first names, Anderson and Baldwin actually have several uncanny physical similarities.

Both ladies sport steely, almond-shaped eyes, straight noses, and plump, pouty lips—a physical characteristic that has become a signature in Baldwin’s modeling career. The two also have an affinity for tight, high ponytails, allowing them to show off their sharp, modelesque bone structures, as well as have similar street styles. One look at Anderson’s Instagram and you know that she has the same passion for risk-taking fashion that Baldwin has. (If only her hair was a smidge lighter.)

Source: Instagram

MORE: 12 Celebrities Who Look Identical to Younger Versions of Other Celebrities

Of course, like all celebrity doppelgängers, Baldwin and Anderson don’t look exactly the same (contrary to the many fans who commented that they’re twins), but they look more alike than most famous doubles out there. To make your own decision on Anderson’s look-alike potential, we rounded up some of the double’s most uncanny selfies below. Take a look and decide for yourself.

Source: Instagram Source: Instagram Source: Instagram Source: Instagram

MORE: This Kylie Jenner Doppelgänger Will Fool Even the Biggest ‘KUWTK’ Fans

Source: Instagram Source: Instagram

 

 

How to Replace Your Heavy Foundation With Concealer

What isn’t there to love about a full-coverage foundation during the winter season? It’s essentially a blanket for the face that also happens to conceal random breakouts and even out our skin tone. Unfortunately, it carries a couple downsides. There’s clogged pores if you’re not priming correctly underneath and the looming threat of it transferring to your clothes or worse–someone else’s.

Also, it can just feel heavy when using day after day. If your skin needs some breathing room, but you still want the same benefits of a foundation, most will recommend swapping it out for a concealer. And while that is the obvious and correct fix (besides going makeup-free when we feel like it), there are some caveats for ensuring that it works with instead of against your complexion.

MORE: The 7 Best Concealers Makeup Artists Swear By

Choose Your Coverage

Like foundation, concealers are available in different finishes; from sheer to full-coverage. The type you use will depend on the condition of your skin. For instance, if it’s free of blemishes and you simply want to even things out, a sheer formula–similar to one you’d use on the under-eye area–will serve you best.

Natalie Soto, Global Makeup Artist/Educator for jane iredale cosmetics, stresses the importance of how to apply whatever it is you choose. “As the consistency of concealer can be a lot richer than foundation,” she says, “you should use a damp sponge in a tapping motion if applying it all over the face in place of foundation.”

Now, if you want to get fancy with a highlight and contour effect, know that you will need to utilize more than one shade.

“For contour, choose a concealer like Mehron Celebré Pro-HD Conceal-It and apply a shade that’s three shades darker than your foundation and on the cool side of the color wheel,” says James Vincent, Mehron Makeup Artist. “Use this in place of contour powder for a more natural shape and shading that looks realistic and more elevated.”

And If you’re looking for a more bronzey and beachy effect, you can find something two shades darker and on the warm side of the color wheel.

But again, if you want to keep it simple, be sure to color-match your concealer to your skin tone. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a face that’s shades lighter or darker than the rest of your body. Awkward!

MORE: The Best Contouring Kits for Every Skill Level

Spot-Treat, Don’t Spread

This is perhaps the biggest difference between foundation coverage and concealer coverage. Whereas the latter is typically applied all over the face and blended out, concealer should instead be concentrated to the blemishes you wish to disguise.

For instance, if you have a pimple or dark spot on your cheek, instead of covering the entire area with concealer, you should dot each blemish and blend or build until it’s covered. The overall effect is skin that “no makeup” makeup look that tricks people into thinking you’re wearing nothing at all.

“A great way to sheer out concealer for all over coverage is by mixing a small amount of concealer with a pearl size amount of your daily moisturizer or a facial primer (try jane iredale Smooth Affair® Facial Primer & Brightener).

If you’re going for that contour/highlight effect we talked about earlier, your concealer should be applied to the parts of your face that are hit most by sunlight.

Vincent says, “use a powder brush to sweep it over the forehead, down the center of the nose, on the chin and the highest part of your cheekbone. You can’t believe how easy it is to get the most beautiful beachy effect.”

 

MORE: How to Enhance Your Eye Color With Makeup

Blend, Blend, Blend

So what does one do when you need two types of coverage in the same area? Well, you’ll need either two different concealers–sheer and full–or you’ll have to apply the same concealer in two different ways. Again, a heavier consistency is best for disguising blemishes, but blending out the surrounding area with a sheerer formula (i.e. a moisturizer blend) will ensure that the treated area doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb on your face. And like foundation, you’ll also want to seal in your coverage with a setting powder or spray.

If you have no idea where to start your concealer search, start with this list of makeup-artist approved brands.

Why This Victoria’s Secret Model Just Shaded the Hell Out of Taylor Swift

By now, you probably know the main celebrities who Taylor Swift is feuding with: Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Karlie Kloss (that one is still a question mark.) But did you know that the 28-year-old singer has been embroiled in a heated, torturous feud with a Victoria’s Secret model since 2013?

Confused? Let us break down the drama. On Tuesday, ex-Victoria’s Secret model Jessica Hart posted an Instagram of her modeling a cropped pink sweatshirt with the phrase, “FOUR LETTER BAD WORD,” and underneath it, “TAYLOR SWIFT.” (We assume the “four letter bad word” is fuck.)Hart proudly modeled the sweatshirt in three Instagrams, leading fans to wonder what Swift did for Hart to throw such savage and blatant shade.

Source: Instagram

Here’s the backstory: In 2013, the “Look What You Made Me Do” singer performed in her first-ever Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which Hart also walked in. Swift became an instant favorite among viewers and the Victoria’s Secret crew, so she was invited back to perform the following year. She was reportedly happy to do it, under one condition: Hart not walk in the show.

You see, in 2013, at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Afterparty, Hart was asked by Women’s Wear Daily if Swift had what it took to be an actual Victoria’s Secret model.

Source: Instagram

MORE: Zayn Malik’s Ex-Girlfriend Might’ve Shaded Gigi Hadid with This Instagram

“No,” before continuing: “I think, you know what, God bless her heart. I think she’s great. But, I don’t know, to me, she didn’t fit. I don’t know if I should say that. I think what you find is that for a lot of us, we’ve been working for 14, 15 years; what it takes to make it here comes from experience and confidence and knowing how to be confident with yourself. I think it comes with age. It’s definitely the benchmark of all jobs.”

Trying to do damage control, Hart told Us Weekly a week later, “I adore Taylor Swift and I was so excited to be with her at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She is a true rock star and she absolutely killed it the other night.”

Photo: Getty Images

MORE: Taylor Swift’s Neighbors Slam Her for Drawing Paparazzi, Fans to Their Homes

However, the damage was done. Not too long after, a source close to Victoria’s Secret told the New York Daily News that Swift agreed to perform at the fashion event, only if Hart didn’t walk.

“It’s not been announced that Jessica is not walking, but it was a direct request from Taylor that this be the case if she were to go,” the source said at the time. “No one can know that Taylor requested Ms. Hart not be in the show; they want to keep that under wraps but that’s the facts.”

Victoria’s Secret’s president, Ed Razek, has denied that Swift had anything to do with Hart no longer walking in the televised lingerie event. But judging from Hart’s shady Instagrams, the two definitely have bad blood. No response yet from Swift, but considering that she has bigger, A-list fish to fry, Hart is likely only a blip on her radar.

 

Ashley Graham’s Husband Trolled Her by Drawing Pubic Hair on Her Bikini Photos

Ashley Graham knows how she likes her pubes, and how she likes them is full. The 30 year-old model has never been shy about her body hair, such as when she told Glamour last year, “Honey, I have a full bush. Period. It’s about your preference and your partner’s preference.”

That being said, not everyone pro-bush. So, it’s no surprise Sports Illustrated has yet to hop on Graham’s bush train, as seen in the recent shoot for the magazine’s swimsuit edition. In the photos, Graham is featured tugging at her bikini bottoms—revealing almost everything—when it becomes clear she’s hair-free from the belly button down.

Instagram/@theashleygraham

MORE: Ashley Graham Gave Her Thigh Crease This Empowering Nickname

The missing bush wasn’t forgotten in Graham’s family group chat, though. Recently, the model posted a screenshot of the conversation on her Instagram story and it’s the kind of family convo we wish we could have.

It started with her husband, Justin Ervin, who sent a photo from the shoot with drawn-on black pubic hair adding, “Needs a bush to make this photo better!” Graham quickly chimed in with, “You wish your bush looked like mine” followed by sister, Abigail, remixing Sir Mix A Lot’s “Baby Got Back” with, “I gotta big bush & I cannot lie. You other brothers can’t deny…”.

Instagram/@theashleygraham

MORE: Ashley Graham Showed Off Her Cellulite to Encourage Fans to Flaunt Theirs, Too

As the three cheered on the return of the bush, Graham’s mom clapped back with, “I have no bush and it’s divine. Be jealous.” Damn, Mama Graham, tell them how it is. All we can say is, we wish our family was this fun and as open with our grooming habits as theirs.

Khloé Kardashian Reveals that Kendall Jenner Was Thin-Shamed Growing Up

Whether they’re attacking her or a member of her family, Khloé Kardashian has no time for body-shamers. The 33-year-old reality star recently opened up about the body-shaming and weight-related self-esteem issues that her siblings, Rob Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, have experienced on an episode of her reality show, “Revenge Body.”

The episode, which airs on Sunday, March 4, follows a married couple, Allison and Chad, who drastically differ in size. Allison, who fears weighing more than 300 pounds, worries that she won’t be able to have a healthy pregnancy if she doesn’t concentrate on her health. On the other hand, Chad, her husband, opened up about the lack of masculinity and strength he felt from being called “super-skinny.”

The couple’s different experiences with body-shaming led Khloé to open up about her own family’s struggles with being on opposite ends of the body-shaming spectrum. To sympathize with Allison, Khloé explained the “debilitating” feeling that her brother Rob experienced after gaining a significant amount of weight.

“You feel trapped in your own body and I feel that way for my brother, who has gained a lot of weight,” Khloé said. “It’s debilitating.

MORE: Nastia Liukin Opens Up About Body-Shaming and Being Seen as ‘Bitchy’

The youngest Kardashian sister then used her sister Kendall as an example to comfort Chad. She revealed the Kendall was bullied throughout her childhood for being “too thin.” Khloé then tackled the stigma around people whose feelings are often minimized when they’re body-shamed for being “too skinny.”

“People don’t sympathize when people are body-shamed for being ‘too thin,'” She said. “My sister, Kendall, when she was growing up, she was very skinny. She used to get bullied all the time for being ‘too skinny.’ Body-shaming of any kind is still bullying and not acceptable.”

MORE: People are Body-Shaming Kendall Jenner for Her ‘Weird’ Feet in This Picture

There is a lot of controversy around how body-positive “Revenge Body” actually is. But in this circumstance, Khloé is 100-percent right. There is no definition to body-shaming. Whether someone is being attacked for weighing too little or too much, it’s still body-shaming. Cheers to Khlo for sharing her family’s stories.

Does Intermittent Fasting Actually Work?

Intermittent fasting is the latest fad diet to dominate headlines, complete with endorsements from the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Hugh Jackman. To be fair, reputable medical journals have also speculated there may be certain benefits to intermittent fasting—research has suggested that in animals, the practice can slow the aging process, enhance the ability to cope with stress and improve memory functioning. Proponents of fasting point toward these studies, but the major caveat is that very few have been conducted on humans.

Doctors don’t deny that in the short-term, intermittent fasting will result in weight loss. Dr. David Friedman, author of Food Sanity: How to Eat in a World of Fads and Fiction, refers to it as the “starve yourself thin diet.” “Obviously, [intermittent fasting] will cause you to lose weight. It isn’t rocket science,” Friedman told SheKnows. “However, when you don’t eat food, the body uses its own fat storage as fuel [and] your body cannibalizes itself. This self-eating state is called ketosis.” He explained that when your body goes into ketosis, you’ll begin to lose muscle and become extremely fatigued.

Dr. Susan Besser, a primary care provider specializing in family medicine with Mercy Personal Physicians at Overlea, pointed out that any diet works in the short-term because caloric restriction leads to weight loss. This weight is almost always regained when a person returns to their normal eating habits. But Besser is especially wary of intermittent fasting. “The variability in calorie intake ‘confuses’ the body,” Besser explains. “The body prefers a stable intake. If you fast, your body thinks there is no food available and will go into energy-conservation mode, such as slowing the metabolism and storing food. Then, when you reintroduce food, the body, now thoroughly confused, hordes the food unsure if there will be another famine soon.”

MORE: How to Be Healthy Without Obsessing Over the Scale

Friedman and Liz Weinandy, a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, also pointed out that our bodies naturally fast for shorter, healthier periods of time. “I believe we already fast enough during the day,” Friedman told SheKnows, “from the time you finish eating at night until the time you wake up, which ranges between 10 to 12 hours.” “Almost anyone can fast for 10 to 12 hours overnight,” Weinandy said—for example, it’s normal to eat dinner at 7 p.m. and breakfast at 7 a.m. “A benefit here is less time eating late at night, which is typically better for our waistlines.”

When patients approach Weinandy about fasting, she suggests the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. strategy. Then she recommends a diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean protein and dairy. “[Patients] are getting in many nutrient-rich foods and at the same time, fueling their body during the day when we need energy the most,” Weinandy explains.

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Another simple fact is this: Restrictive diets simply don’t work in the long-term. Approximately 97 percent of dieters regain the weight they lost (and often a few extra pounds as well). Rather than dieting, Besser suggests making healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes, “such as increased exercise and reduced portion sizes.” She advocates for “all things in moderation” rather than imposing restrictive eating rules upon ourselves.

“Although many foods aren’t very nutritional, no food is inherently bad for you if you only eat a little,” Besser told SheKnows. “So, feel free to give into the cravings in moderation. That will actually keep you from bingeing.”

 

Originally posted on SheKnows.

Are Millennials Less Open to Interracial Relationships Than They Think?

Ever the progressive dating app, Tinder just published a study that found when online dating, people feel more comfortable dating outside of their ethnicity or race. Though it’s great to hear that the study affirms racial acceptance, it’s also based on what people believe they’re open to, rather than what they’ve actually done, leaving us to wonder—do people’s actions validate their words?

The study was spurred by a separate 2017 Cornell study, which found that the rise in interracial marriages may be linked to the rise in dating apps. And as Buzzfeed mentions, a 2017 Pew study found that 91 percent of Americans believe interracial marriage is neutral or good for society. So, the numbers are looking good—at least in terms of how people think.

According to Business Insider, Tinder’s own study involved 4,244 participants (both users of the app and not). The results landed at 63 percent of 24 to 25 year-olds in the US, UK, Australia, and France feeling more confident about dating people from different races or ethnicities when online dating. Almost 80 percent of respondents who used Tinder said they’d been a date with someone of a different race or ethnicity. 

MORE: Are People in Open Relationships Happier Than Monogamous Couples?

However, according to another dating app, OKCupid, it’s only our thoughts about interracial relationships that have changed over the years—not the reality. Between 2008 and 2014, its data shows that the percentage of people who would want to date solely inside their own race at OKCupid dropped from 40 to 30 percent. Yet, in 2009, Asian men on OKCupid rated black women 16 percent less attractive than the average woman, and in 2014, that same statistic rose to 20 percent, which isn’t exactly encouraging. Not to mention, the data from 2009 to 2014 found that all races of women preferred to date men within their own race.

Source: Instagram

The stark truth of non-acceptance and ignorance in 2018 is clear when told by a black woman, Ari Curtis, and her online dating struggles. She talked NPR in January and recounted some of the baseless things white men had to said to her: “He was like, ‘Oh, yeah, my family would never approve of you,’ and ‘Oh, so we have to bring the ‘hood out of you, bring the ghetto out of you!’”

MORE: How a Dry Spell Helped Me Heal From Sexual Trauma

It’s not surprising to see people think that they’re being more accepting than they actually are. In reality, biases and prejudices run deep—consciously and unconsciously—and they can be hard to shake. However, it’s also important to point out that there’s no shame in being attracted to a race or ethnicity, unless you’re fetishizing them for those qualities and attributes.

Ultimately, for single millennials who consider themselves woke, it seems it’s time to take a hard look at your history and ask if you’re truly practicing what you preach when it comes to inclusivity and acceptance in dating.

The Oil Keira Knightley Uses to Combat Dry Skin While Traveling

As she prepares for the release of her latest project, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms,” Keira Knightly is making the obligatory press rounds and sharing plenty of low-maintenance beauty advice along the way. In an interview with British Vogue, the 32-year-old kicked things off by saying that she isn’t a fan of caking on the foundation.

“I like to see skin through make-up,” she said, while also adding that moisturizer and concealer are her go-tos. “I think less is always more.” And although she prefers a smoky eye over a stand-out lip, the latter definitely saves face — literally. Knightley’s inspiration for wearing it stems from her mother who said, “lipstick is for when you’ve had a sh*t day and you need red lipstick to face the world.”

MORE: The Best Type of Oils for Your Skin Type

“I think it’s really true,” she said. “The other day, I wasn’t feeling great, and I thought, ‘yes, this is a red lipstick moment.'” As someone who doesn’t go crazy with the makeup, Knightley has also learned to leave her skin alone “as much as possible” when she’s not working.

“I put my skin through a lot, so it makes me want to not do anything when left to my own devices.” The same goes for her perfectly crafted eyebrows where she advised to “let them well alone.” Knightley confessed that until age 24, she had very bad skin and tried everything to try to rectify that problem. She then tried doing as little as possible to her skin since then and realized that the little-to-nothing regimen worked for her. That is until she had her first child and realized her skin was drier than usual.

MORE: How to Layer Your Skin Care Like a K-Beauty Pro

Now, she’s grown to love moisturizers overall, but depends on one in particular while traveling.

“I completely fail to keep myself on an even keel with my skincare when traveling, but I have just discovered rosehip oil, which a friend of mine recommended,” she said. “Flights are so hard on your skin and they make it so dry, so I gave this a go and it really worked. Now I always travel with it.”

MORE: The Product-Free Skin Care Advice Experts Swear By

While it’s important to remember that certain oils won’t work for everyone, we aren’t surprised to hear that rosehip is such a hit with Knightley. It’s chock full of fatty acids that not only moisturize, but are also inflammatory for potentially clearing breakouts. It’s also not as heavy as coconut oil or shea butter, for those who are concerned about clogging pores or fighting oil with oil. If you want to learn more about incorporating oils into your face routine, here’s a helpful guide for getting started.

Every Celebrity Baby Who Has Been Born in 2018 Thus Far

As many of you know, babies are a big deal in Hollywood. They represent the next class of celebrities, especially if they have two famous parents. (Just look at astronomically famous kids like Blue Ivy Carter or Luna Stephens.) That’s why it seems like the world stops when a celebrity baby is born. And when it’s twins? Well, need we remind you of the Beyoncé baby apocalypse of 2017?

MORE: Every Celebrity Who Announced Their Pregnancy in 2018 Thus Far

To keep track of who’s joining the next A-list class, we’re keeping a running list of celebrity couples who welcomed newborns in 2018. For some celebrities, this newborn will join a big clan of siblings. For other celebrity couples, this baby will be their first. Whatever their story is, we’re still excited to see a new pint-size face in Hollywood. Check out every celebrity baby who has been born in 2018 thus far.

Easy Hacks to Make Your Kitchen Feel More Modern

The first hint of spring brings the itch to completely redo your closet, your hair, and your home. But since not many of us have the time, money, or patience to do all of those things (at least, not well), we turn to simple changes that feel like major overhauls, but aren’t. The first room to work on: The kitchen, of course.

MORE: 17 Ways to Fake an Organized Kitchen

Since you’ll be cooking your way through all the delicious spring recipes this season, you’ll want to have a kitchen that makes you feel comfortable and excited to spend time in, and there are plenty of ways to do that. From adding new colors, patterns, or textures to swapping out your boring light fixtures for some fresh picks, there are quite a few small changes that can make your kitchen feel instantly more modern.

Ahead, check out 20 super-inspiring photos that will make you want to start DIY-ing ASAP.

13 Subscription Boxes Made for and by Black Women

Back in the early 2010s when Ipsy and Birchbox were born, it seemed subscription boxes were the future of beauty. After all, what isn’t there to love about a curated group of products sent to your front door every month? The craze around this niche business has died down a bit, even as the amount of subscription services has gone up.

MORE: Why Target Shoppers Love This Hip-Hop-Inspired Hair Brand

However, we’re still game for trying new ones, especially the kind that cater to underserved groups. Black business owners continue to leave their mark everywhere, but as of late, they’re taking over the subscription box industry, with services dedicated to everything from hair care to self-care and more. Ahead are 13 options we’d recommend giving a shot.

Beyoncé Hinted that She Has a Secret Snapchat, and Fans Are Going Wild

With all the celebrities on Snapchat, like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and Gigi Hadid, there’s one star who has fans begging for a handle: Beyoncé.

Queen Bey has kept her private life, well, private, for quite some time, but after a post on her Instagram story on February 18 featuring the Snapchat-exclusive fire-emoji filter over her and 6-year-old daughter Blue Ivy‘s heads, fans have been going wild over a potential, secret Snapchat account.

Source: Instagram

MORE: 10 Sassy Blue Ivy Moments That Prove She’s Beyoncé’s Daughter

This isn’t the first time the BeyHive has speculated that the singer has a secret social media life, either. In February 2017, the 36 year-old singer once again posted a photo to her Instagram with a Snapchat-exclusive filter. This time, it was the deer-face filter on her and Blue Ivy’s faces. Almost exactly one year later, people are still searching for the hidden handle.

https://twitter.com/MommaKarma/status/968261881797529600 https://twitter.com/Lyynnnn__/status/968515862956212224 https://twitter.com/arollingbeauty/status/964252855900221440

MORE: Beyoncé and Jay-Z Might Be Going on Tour According to This Major Clue

As of now, there’s no real answer to whether the singer has a secret snap or not. And as much as we applaud the hackers trying to find her handle, we also applaud Bey for keeping a secret just as well as Kris Jenner. We can confirm that this is a case for the F.B.I.

7 Necessary Rules for High-Low Style Mixing

Mixing high-end designer duds with fast-fashion affordable items is a secret weapon for every fashionista who’s on a budget. Before, you would never imagine pairing your Chanel bag with a $20 dress or thrifted coat, but high-low mixing is really having a moment, and we’re on board. There’s an art when it comes to mixing drastically different price points—how do you make your outfit seem cohesive, styled, and chic when the pieces come from such different backgrounds?

Ahead, check out seven rules to follow when you’re looking to mix high- and low-priced pieces.

Rule 1: Invest in Long-Term

Determine what you want to be your investment pieces. Are they your wardrobe staples such as jeans, a coat, shoes, or a handbag? Whatever you want those staples to be, make sure your investments can get you some long-term mileage. You’ll be wearing these pieces repeatedly, so make sure they’re high-quality, durable, and won’t need to be replaced after a couple of wears.

Rule 2: Don’t Spend on Trends

If you have a hankering for seasonally trending items (think fanny packs, intense embellishments, or baker boy hats), look at a fast-fashion store like H&M, Zara, or Forever21. Don’t invest a ton of money in looks that might feel stale in six months to a year. We suggest that you try out these trends first with a low-cost item, and if you end up liking the trend and wearing it a lot, then invest in a higher quality item. You can mix these trend items with your high-end pieces, and it will be a great aesthetic balance.

MORE: 6 Style Rules Every Woman Can Learn from Male Musicians

Rule 3: Shop Savvy

If you’re looking to invest in a staple item that you’ll be wearing for many seasons to come, shop smart. Buy at the end of the season or off-season. Check designer third-party retail websites like Net-a-Porter and Gilt and resale websites like TheRealReal or Tradesy, and make sure you shop around to find the best deal before taking the plunge. With high-end items, you don’t have to buy only neutral colors or black, you can buy a fun color or something with embellishments, just make sure you can wear it for multiple occasions and truly love it.

Rule 4: Know When to Break the Rules

It’s OK to break the rules. You can mix an expensive dress with cheap trendy shoes, or an expensive coat with mid-tier shoes and a $10 bag—it’s all about mixing and matching items that coordinate and don’t stand out too much on their own and cheapen the entire look.

MORE: How to Figure out (and Fix) Your Fashion Blind Spots

Rule 5: Seek Expensive

Now, this rule is important when looking at low-price items. Think and seek expensive-looking items. Check the fabrics to make sure they won’t instantly fall apart, pill ,or tear or easily stain. Most fast-fashion stores still offer good-quality items if you look hard enough, so make sure to check everything, and if it looks cheap at first glance, it’ll be even worse when paired with your other clothes later—so skip it.

Rule 6: Make It Your Own

Remember that you’re not tied to the way an item looks when it comes from the store. You can take off the attachable belt, replace cheap plastic buttons, or have an item tailored. The art of making a low-price item your own and more unique includes personalizing it and, if it’s an item you think is worth it, reinvesting in it. It’s all about vision!

Rule 7: No Knock-Offs

Our final and most important rule: no knock-offs. Almost every fast-fashion or mass retailer makes designer dupesof bags, shoes, and more, and you can also buy wannabe designer items online or places like Chinatown. These items stand out and will cheapen your true high-end items. When in doubt, keep things simple, source unique items that can pass as high-end, avoid pieces with visible branded labels, and monochromatic outfits always win.