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Model calls out makeup artists on racism, done apologizing for blackness

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Paul, who has modeled designs for Vivienne Westwood, Balenciaga and Rick Owens and posed in editorials featured in i-D, More and Elle South Africa, is tired of apologizing for her blackness. According to the Sudan-born beauty, makeup artists fail to supply dark foundation for black models.

“Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don’t have to do anything but show up?” she asks in a public letter captioning the black-and-white photo.

“A good makeup artist would come prepare and do there research before coming to work because often time you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologizing.”

More: Cosmo's 'racist' beauty guide has a much deeper message

Generally speaking, the act of apologizing signifies a person has recognized his or her mistake and is willing to correct it in the future. Makeup artists who acknowledge the necessity to have a variety of foundations for different skin tones and knowingly choose to not make the purchase are in the wrong. Just as models come prepared for their jobs, so too should the makeup artists hired to work with the models.

Nykhor Paul on racism in fashion

Nykhor Paul on racism in fashion

“I'm tired of complaining about not getting book as a black model and I'm definitely super tired of apologizing for my blackness!!!! Fashion is art, art is never racist it should be inclusive of all not only white people.”

When it comes down to it, whether in regards to body type or skin tone, what women and men alike are searching for in the fashion industry is diversity. As Paul states, fashion is art, and art knows no limitations. It embraces all colors, shapes, sizes and forms. It is a form of art that is created as a result of a group effort. To take an idea and form a masterpiece, all members of the project must work together to create a satisfying end result.

No model, nor anyone, should have to feel as though they must apologize for who they are. Until the fashion industry can put a stop to such prejudices and racism, it will continue to teeter on the border of true artistry.


Woman's selfie in Old Navy goes viral for a great reason

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Well, simply put, she is a body-positive rock star. Rachel Taylor is also a photographer from Louisiana who was just looking for an outfit for the Fourth of July weekend. While she was shopping, she overheard comments between a mother and her daughter by which, while not exactly directed at her, she could not help but feel extremely targeted and hurt.

MoreChrissy Teigen gets real about her stretch marks, and it's so refreshing (PHOTO)

After taking some time to deal with her emotions over the situation out in her car, she posted the offending incident on Facebook. "Today I was shopping in Old Navy, standing in between a teenage girl and her mom. The girl picked up a plus-size tank top, showed it to her mom and said, 'Look! Me and So-and-so can fit in this tank top!' Her mom laughed and said, 'Yeah, you could! That thing is huge!'" The post was not meant to point fingers at the mother and daughter for their rude, body-shaming comments, but rather show how she chose to handle them. She decided to buy the tank top in question and post a bold picture of herself rocking it in the dressing room.

Old navy body

Old navy body

She posted the photo to the Old Navy Facebook page, and it has since gotten over 260,000 likes, 13,000 shares and almost 25,000 comments. Most of the comments were supportive and affirming of the way she chose to handle the situation as well as her positivity, but there were also a number of negative comments directed at her size and her emotionality about the comments. However, Rachel refused to be brought down by the shamers and trolls. She responded eloquently but also stood her ground. Here are some highlights of what she said.

"First, thank you so much for all the kind words and for sharing your stories in turn[...] However, posting a photo on social media is NOT an invitation to criticize, ridicule, or judge someone[...] Sitting behind a keyboard commenting on someone else's life doesn't make you superior; it makes you a troll[...] Obviously I didn't handle the situation well, but I worked through it and I'm a better and braver person because of it."

The massive response to her post shows that many people in the world have felt her pain and that our society is still in the midst of an ongoing battle concerning how we see ourselves and others. Her post is a lesson to anyone who's been hurt by body shaming or has done the hurting themselves. Rebecca put it best under her fierce photo: "Be kind. Think about others before you speak. And if someone hurts you, you have to move on."

More21 Moments that helped redefine beauty this year

Caitlin Moran's book signing belly flash causes a stir, but it shouldn't

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This was what she was promoting at Strand Bookstore in New York City on Tuesday, but her lively, engaging, insightful talk has been somewhat overshadowed by her stomach.

Yes, her stomach. At one point during her talk, Moran lifted up her shirt to reveal her bra had a pair of eyeballs drawn on it, and she also grabbed her tummy and did that squishy thing. You know, the thing us women do when we're moaning to our mates about putting on a few pounds over the holidays. (Or, in my case, what my kids do whenever they see me naked, exclaiming "What's that, Mummy?!" as they grab hold.)

More: Woman publicly calls out Tinder date who criticised her body

The media response to Moran's belly-grabbing has been mixed. One outlet, unbelievably, captioned an image of the writer making reference to her "huge belly fat". Others have taken the high road and praised her for "proving body confidence is everything".

I agree, body confidence is everything. Or at least, it's a very important — and sadly rare — asset in this day in age, when women of all ages are subjected to a continuous stream of images of women who have bellies nothing like Moran's. Tight, taut, all-fat-sucked-out-of-them bellies, splashed across the pages of every magazine, newspaper and media website.

So in that respect, of course it's good that Moran is proudly flashing her not-so-tight, not-so-taut, completely normal belly. It's not huge, it's not fat, it's just what the vast majority of normal women see when they dare to stand naked in front of the mirror.

But maybe we should be making less fuss about seeing a famous woman's completely normal belly. Because, you know — it's just normal. And Moran has a bloody good book to promote, which is far more interesting than the size of her stomach.

How To Build A Girl is available at Amazon.

More on body acceptance

Allowing some nudity on Instagram would help us all be more body positive
10 Reactions your sig-o has when you're negative about your body
100 Women bare all to show the reality of breasts

Why you should reconsider how often you use dry shampoo

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Read the ingredients on a typical brand of dry shampoo, and you might see some ingredients you previously thought you would only need to light a barbecue, like propane and butane. This is a little alarming, as you're spraying these chemicals directly onto your skin and perhaps even breathing them in.

However, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel confirmed that butane and propane are safe in shampoo, as they vaporize very quickly and are only used in small amounts.

Dr. Alan Bauman, board-certified hair restoration physician, confirms that the propane is nothing to worry about, although too much dry shampoo can leave hair dry if the hair isn't getting enough natural oil.

If you use dry shampoo routinely, you may want to rethink the amount of exposure you're getting to these chemicals, even if the risk is very small. Having the product sit on the scalp for long periods of time increases the likeliness of the chemicals absorbing into the skin, which can cause irritation.

To avoid these potential risks, opt for a brand that boasts more natural ingredients, or perhaps even consider making your own dry shampoo at home. Dr. Bauman also suggests to make sure to wash your hair regularly with shampoo and conditioner so the powder does not build up on your scalp, limiting your dry shampoo use to about one to two times between washes.

Your current dry shampoo is harmless if you're using sparingly, although it might be worthwhile to avoid the brands containing chemicals until more is known about the effects. In the meantime, stay away from open flame to avoid any "Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial" drama and check your bottle for hazardous ingredients before causing an unnecessary scene in airport security.

7 Ways to color your hair without traditional hair dye

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We hear so many mixed messages about where, when and how to dye hair that I decided to go straight to the source. Jill Crosby, celebrity stylist and ROGAINE Spokesperson, was happy to let me pick her brain.

When asked how often to dye hair to prevent damage, Crosby said, "How fast hair grows and what your base color is plays a big part. Out-growth may need to be touched up every three weeks (depending on how high the contrast between natural base color and hair color are). For example, a fully gray base, which is dyed to even light brown, will require much more maintenance than if it were dyed to blonde."

More: Sand art hair is the coolest thing you'll see this summer

"If someone is dishwater blonde and dyes to a golden blonde, then typically, they can go much longer in between. To save hair from as much damage as possible, only dye regrowth without breaking the dye line. At the very final stages of color, pull dye through to break the line only (not all the way to the ends). Only pull color through to the ends if the ends have faded substantially."

According to Crosby, it is possible to have a long-term love affair with your colorist if they know what they are doing. But every so often, you still need a break from the hair salon — to save some cash and give your follicles a rest.

Salon downtime doesn't mean you have to hide your head under a paper bag. Try these at-home chemical dye alternatives instead:

1. Chalk

Moms of small children, you're in luck. According to Sandi Arensman, master hair colorist, stylist and makeup artist featured in Modern Salon Magazine, children's chalk and a little elbow grease make for one of the best natural DIY hair color treatments. Arensman tells SheKnows, "Grind up children's chalk, place in between paper towels and rub into hair. Or, place on two sides of a makeup sponge and apply the same way. The lighter the hair, the more vibrant the color will show up."

More: The best pastel and neon hair color for your skin tone

2. Clip-ons

For those who want to skip the muss and fuss of DIY dye altogether, Diana Bernard, owner of Salon Panache and founder of the Virgin Hair Products line, has a simple "color pop" solution, "To pump up hair color without using dye, buy clip-in pieces of hair to clip half an inch to an inch lower than your part for peek-a-boo color."

3. Cocoa powder

Erica Harriss, founder of Saving Grace Beauty, shares, "A popular method for DIY dark hair powder on Pinterest is to mix cornstarch (to absorb oil) and cocoa powder. When I tried this particular mixture and didn't personally love the results, I came up with my own product."

Harriss' take on the DIY concoction, Saving Grace Hair Powder designed to instantly absorb oil and cover gray roots, was featured on Yahoo!Beauty as a new "Beauty Product To Have On Your Radar" in 2015. (SavingGraceHair.com, $15)

4. Color enhancing products

If you want to extend the life of your last color treatment without a chemical touchup at home, an at-home color enhancer is your best bet. PRAVANA's new NEVO Color Enhancer Treatments come in five different color-enhancing shades for most hair colors and types. And speaking of natural, all PRAVANA NEVO products are 100 percent biodegradable, 100 percent vegan and free of sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride, phthalates, gluten, animal byproducts and animal testing. (Pravana.com, $20)

5. Food coloring

Arensman shares her insider trick for a color-boosting "beach spray" made of food coloring and salt water. She explains, "Make a beach spray: 1 tablespoon salt, 8 ounces water. Put as much food coloring into the mixture as you would like (more food color produces more intense color)."

More: What you should know about dyeing your hair violet

6. Henna

In the natural dye world, customers just can't get enough of Lush henna hair dyes. The 100 percent vegetarian, handmade henna hair dyes offer natural "enrichments" in red, rich brown, deep chestnut and dark black. (Lush.com, $26)

7. Juice

C.J. Legare, proprietress of Functional Girl, says, "My favorite DIY trick for punching up your color without dye is to use juice! For red highlights, cranberry and beet juice are great options. Sound weird? Think of it this way: If it will stain your carpet, it will stain your hair. If you're looking to brighten your hue, lemon juice is your go-to. Keep in mind that the acidity can be drying to your strands, so mix in a moisturizing component like coconut oil, olive oil or honey. Warm the mixture until lemon and oil are mixed, saturate your hair, throw a plastic bag over your hair and let your body heat do its thing for a few hours. When you're ready, rinse, shampoo and condition!"

Getting your hair to hold without inhaling a hairspray cloud (VIDEO)

Hair burning technique gets rid of split ends without sacrificing length

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Velaterapia can be translated to “candle-cutting.” In other words, rather than using a scissor, stylists use a candlestick to literally burn off your split ends. I highly recommend not trying this at home, ladies.

More: How to keep long hair healthy

Apparently burning the ends of your hair allows hair follicles to open and retain moisture. So while it may sound a little out there — and plenty dangerous — there is a science to this madness. First, the stylist will divide your strands into small sections and twist it until the dead ends are clearly visible. She will then take the lit candlestick and singe off the breakage. Simple enough, right? A conditioning treatment will follow the line of fire, reviving the hair with a bunch of healthy vitamins, proteins, amino acids and keratin.

More: Bring damaged hair back from the dead

Still skeptical? Listen, if the angels are in favor, I say let there be fire, and clearly I am not alone in this. The technique has been popping up all over social media feeds as of recently, and if it’s on the internet, it must be legit, right?

OK, so maybe not. However, in a recent interview with Marie Claire, Fernanda Lacerda of the Maria Bonita Salon in SoHo assures, "It's more effective than a normal haircut when client wants to keep hair length and get rid only off the split ends. With the hair twisted, only the split ends are burned off, so pretty much all length is kept."

More: 10 Tricks and tips to avoid split ends

Note: Not all salons specialize in this treatment. Do your research. This alternative to the old-fashioned trim is also not as speedy. You're looking at up to four hours of twisting and burning, so make sure you've got the time and come prepared with magazines on hand and a fully charged cellular device.

Sacrificing hair length in order to rid yourself of split ends has always been one of those necessary evils the beauty gods have bestowed upon us. It is a universally known beauty irony. So while the idea of burning our hair may not exactly sound appealing, its benefits certainly do.

Lululemon misses the mark with their Ghanaian-inspired collaboration

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Lululemon's recent collaboration announcement with fashion brand Osei-Duro is definitely a major look for the popular Vancouver-based fitness apparel brand. These designs are heavily inspired by textiles and patterns that are rich and housed from diaspora. What's troubling is the lack of models of color to reflect the foundation of Osei-Duro as a West African-based design line that hints at Lululemon's lack of cultural I.Q.

Lululemon and Osei-Duro collection

Lululemon and Osei-Duro collection

I thoroughly researched all of the properties for Osei-Duro on their Facebook and their main website. Their models are diverse in nature and in style. So for Lululemon to continue this practice of mainly featuring white models even when collaborating with an African-influenced brand stings even more than the lack of representation of African models in the fashion industry overall.

oseidurofacebook

Image: Facebook/Osei Duro

I really want to support this collection but I am tired of brands co-opting African culture without reflecting any of its influence when it comes to physical representation.

This practice needs to stop and women of all races, cultures and ethnicity should be free to hold companies to this task. Yogis come in all shapes and sizes. This whitewashed, skinny-girls-only club needs to recruit new and diverse members.


5 Natural acne remedies that actually work

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Although prescribed medications are available to help with this condition, some people’s skin may prove to be too sensitive for harsh chemicals, or some simply want to try to remain natural in their beauty regime. Luckily, our ever-growing scientific community of researchers have tested some natural remedies and have found success.

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are living bacteria that are good for your health and gastrointestinal system. When probiotics are low in your system, infections and inflammation are more likely to occur in your body. Research has found that probiotics can help decrease sebum content, which can lead to less bacterial formation and decrease inflammation. Small trials have also shown up to 80 percent improvement in acne patients that were using the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus (found in yogurt and some types of cheeses) and Lactobacillus bulgaricus (found in sauerkraut, cheese, pickles and also yogurt). By increasing your intake of some of these foods, or by taking a supplement, you can help relieve your acne flare-ups. If taking a supplement, try to purchase one with a high amount of CFU’s, and always keep it in the refrigerator.

2. Vitamin C and vitamin E

Vitamin C in your body is necessary for growth and development. It plays an important part in building healthy skin and helps promote wound healing (think faster recovery from a popped zit!). Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that levels of these two vitamins are lower in those who have acne. By making sure to include foods that contain vitamin C (think citrus fruits) and vitamin E (sunflower seeds and almonds) in your diet, you can help reduce the amount of pimples you get. If wanting to take a supplement, 1000mg of vitamin C and 400-800 IU of vitamin E per day has been recommended.

3. Green tea

You know that green tea has many health benefits that include improved heart health and feelings of fullness, but did you know if applied directly to the face, it can help your acne? Studies have shown that green tea can help reduce sebum production, which in turn lowers your chances of getting acne. Try using it as a face rinse after washing your face (make sure that it is completely cooled first).

4. Honey

Honey has been credited to the reduction of acne because of its anti-inflammatory properties, a high level of antioxidants and its humectant activity (it helps attract and retain moisture). By applying honey to your affected areas for 20–30 minutes, one to three times a day, for two weeks, you may see an improvement.

5. Echinacea

This flower has known antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which have been shown to be useful in controlling your acne. In clinical trials, echinacea killed strains of bacteria that cause acne and helped bring inflammation down. You can use echinacea in your acne fighting routine by using a brewed and cooled echinacea tea as a face rinse after washing your face, or by taking a daily supplement.

Try this homemade facial scrub recipe to get you started.

DIY exfoliating acne scrub

Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brewed and cooled green tea
  • 1 tablespoon brewed cooled echinacea tea
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

  1. Place two tablespoons of the brown sugar in a bowl.
  2. Add cooled green tea, cooled echinacea tea, lemon juice and honey and stir.
  3. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. If the mixture is not thick enough, add a bit more brown sugar.
  4. Place on fingertips and gently rub in a circular motion on your face. Remember to only use your fingers when exfoliating, never the palms of your hands.

For more great health tips, visit my website.

7 Fashion trends that make every woman an instant fashionista

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Fashion trends come and go as quickly as the seasons, but a true fashionista doesn't let that fluster her. She knows how to take bits and pieces from those iconic trends, and make them work for her unique style. If you fancy yourself a fashionista, you probably already know it's about embracing the looks that fit you best, then adapting them so they accentuate all your awesome attributes. It's about self-expression, not making yourself look like the model who wore the clothes first.

Here are seven trends to try out that you can easily make your own. Remember, the key to being a great fashionista is taking a simple trend piece, and adapting it so it shows off your personality.

1. The fitted blazer

Image: Express.co.uk

Fitted blazers, especially cropped ones, are an excellent way to style up any summer outfit for a night on the town. You can make them unique by adding a cool pin to the lapel, or getting one in a bright color. Personally, I'd go for black, but that's because my wardrobe is already stacked with color.

2. White jeans

Image: Free People

White jeans will probably never go out of style, but I'm loving how versatile they've become these days. The '70s are back again this year, but you could totally go boyfriend-style, or ripped long shorts if you like a looser fit. Offsetting them with a dark or colorful belt or top is key.

3. Gingham anything

Image: Anthropologie

I cannot express to you how much I love gingham. It's such a great way to highlight that country chic look without overdoing it. The best part about it is that because it's a structured pattern, it looks great with florals, and other less structured patterns.

4. Jumpsuits

Image: Free People

I know, I know, it's all about the romper these hot, summer days, but I'm faithful to the jumper. It has a classier look, but still breathes, because the pants are wide. The greatest part is you can dress up the look with a long necklace and heeled sandals, or dress it down with flip flops and a summer scarf.

5. Gladiator sandals

Image: Free People

And while we're taking sandals, let's talk gladiator sandals. They're the warm weather answer to the boot, and look killer with shorts, as well as long dresses. The sky's pretty much the limit with these statement-making shoes.

6. Light kimonos

Image: Anthropologie

Kimonos, much like funky blazers, jazz up any ensemble. They're also great for those steamy months, because they're super light and breezy. Try a patterned one, and pair it with your white jeans and a simple tee, or wear it over a maxi dress when you head out for dinner. Either way, you'll be looking effortlessly chic in one quick step.

7. Stripes on stripes

Image: Whatiwore/tumblr

Those who are nautically inclined are probably cheering right about now. Yup, stripes on stripes is a super stylish look, and one that's very easy to master. You just have to have some variation in the stripes — either big on bottom and small on top, or two different colors — just something to break them up so you don't give people seizures when they stare at you (which they will).

This post was brought to you by Mattel.

More on style trends

Get the look: Zooey Deschanel's geek-chic style
Top 5 ageless style trends
Vintage-inspired looks for summer

The next color debate to break the internet: What color is this shoe?

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The question was posed on Twitter on Wednesday by curious 14-year-old Ava Munro. Little did she know her color query would infect the minds of Twitter users and effectively break the internet once more. Soon enough, people were having all-out battles about it, using #theshoe. However, the funny thing about this debate is how over it people already seem to be despite the fact that the arguments continue. Here are some of the best responses to date.

theshoe

theshoe

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microsoft

MoreSalvation Army follows up #thedress tweet with another powerful image

Even Ava, the 14-year-old creator, felt bad about taking the world down another color trend spiral. She told BuzzFeed News that she was just trying to match nail polish to an outfit for an event on Sunday hosted by the nonprofit 15-40 Connection, which raises awareness for cancer. Well, at least this social media torture was all in the name of a good cause. When her friends didn't have a good answer, she asked Twitter and was not at all prepared for the response.

Ava

Ava

To rein in some of the madness, news outlets surveyed their readers to find out which nail polish color was the favorite match. BuzzFeed's results found that 65 percent were sure it's the one on the right (the more magenta-ish-looking polish), while 35 percent said it was the one on the left (the more purple-ish-looking polish). So that seems like a pretty overwhelming majority, right? Well, it would be, if people would just stop changing their minds!

More9 Optical illusions that will leave you mystified

So why is this happening to us? According to Nina Frazier Hansen, the creative director of Breaking Media, it's a basic trick our eyes play on our brain. She told Bustle, “It’s a well-known optical illusion. Our brains interpret the shadows we see (in this case caused by the camera flash) and depending on whether our brains focus on the highlight or the shadow, it determines which color they perceive the 'true' color to be. It also explains how people can switch back and forth, sometimes seeing one color as the match, then the other.” OK, I suppose that makes sense — it's like those 3-D shapes that look like they're jumping out at you one second, then going into the page the next. However, that essentially means the debate is unsolvable. Thanks, Nina Frazier Hansen!

Sadly, this brain trick has also made Ms. Munro's decision on what to wear this Sunday that much harder. However, she made the choice to inflict this debate on the public, so I think she deserves a little extra indecisiveness.

More: Dutch woman's photo hoax proves that 'fake-cays' are the new 'stay-cays'

Women share beautiful selfies to prove anyone can wear a crop top

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More: Oprah Magazine fat-shames curvy women for wearing crop tops

You know what they say, hell hath no fury like a woman body-shamed, and beauty and tech blogger Sarah Conley was not going to let O off easy for their careless comments.

"Not only is the answer they give to their reader body-shaming," Coney tells The Huffington Post, "but it's totally inaccurate! Crop tops come in all silhouettes and can work for everyone. It's just a matter of finding the perfect one for your body."

O mag

O mag

When the crop top initially became fashion's number-one it-item, I shied away from the half-a-shirt craze. College girlfriends of mine threw one on effortlessly before our weekly frat party ritual or occasional night out, and I couldn't stop thinking about just how skinny they all were and the serious muffin top that would protrude if I were to wear one.

Recently I've given the trend a fair try and Conley is absolutely right. Crop tops are for every body, not skinny-specific. It really is all about finding your fit.

More: Crop tops for every body shape

The social media queen reached out to her 22K Twitter followers, asking them to post photos of themselves in their crop tops, using the hashtag #RocktheCrop. Clever.

The #RocktheCrop movement has since flourished. Even plus-size model Ryan Maegen Hoven, also knows as Tess Holliday, who recently became the largest plus-size model to sign with a mainstream modeling agency, has joined the cause. Holliday got her two cents in by tweeting directly to Oprah herself, "anyone can wear a crop top. #effyourbeautystandards."

Tweet

Tweet

RocktheCrop

RocktheCrop

RocktheCrop2

RocktheCrop2

It's amazing that these women fight back against the well-known and generally respected publication. Because every body is a crop top body.

More: Crop tops for every body shape

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RocktheCrop3

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Lorraine Kelly dancing in her bikini is the perfect example of pro-ageing

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A massive high-five to you, Lorraine, for having the guts to strip to your skimpy swimwear in front of millions of viewers, proving that the over-50s have got it and can flaunt it.

On the banks of the Thames, 55-year-old Lorraine introduced her three "Bikini Promise" volunteers — who followed Lorraine's healthy eating and exercise plan in order to feel more confident in their bikinis — wearing a chiffon robe, but she quickly ditched it, and by the time the show's credits rolled she was dancing with her arms in the air to Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger".

More: U.K. women are comfortable with ageing process reveals Lancôme survey

Lorraine launched her "Bikini Promise" campaign in June with an untouched cover shoot for Woman magazine, and told the magazine how much more confident she is in her body now than she was in her younger years. "What you see is what you get," she said. "I'm 55, I've got a scar on my leg and a bit of a mum tum, but I am fine with that."

"I struggled with my weight over the years and I would never have felt good enough to pose in my bikini in my 20s or 30s," she added. "But you get to the stage in life where you accept your flaws."

Lorraine Kelly bikini

Lorraine Kelly bikini

Video: Lorraine/YouTube

More on body image

Caitlin Moran's book signing belly flash causes a stir but it shouldn't
Allowing some nudity on Instagram would allow us all to be more body positive
10 Models changing how we view women's bodies

Serena Williams sparkles at Wimbledon Champions' Dinner

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Anyone daft enough to try to body-shame the sporting legend would be lost for words at the sight of her on the "purple carpet" in her show-stopping embellished gown.

The 33-year-old six-time Wimbledon champion, who lifted the Wimbledon ladies' trophy on Saturday after beating Garbine Muguruza in straight sets, was joined by men's champion Novak Djokovic at the Guildhall to celebrate their achievements.

More: Stylish stars stay cool in the Wimbledon heat

Djokovic was fresh from his victory over Roger Federer, following a four-set final on Centre Court. The Serbian — and World Number One — sealed his win in the fourth set of the game, after losing the second set to Federer, and gained his ninth Grand Slam title.

Djokovic was accompanied to the lavish party by his wife Jelena, on what also happened to be the couple's first wedding anniversary. However, it was Serena who took to the stage with Djokovic for a winners' dance, which Jelena hinted at on Twitter before the party, posting: "Hey @serenawilliams Novak just asked me for a permission to ask you for a champions dance tonight. Get ready!"

More beauty

Mastectomy lingerie inspired by breast cancer survivor is beautiful
Lorraine Kelly dancing in her bikini is the perfect example of pro-ageing
Caitlin Moran's book signing belly flash causes a stir but it shouldn't

Big boobs in summer — the struggle is real

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But, I'm having some serious issues with summer fashion and I'm pretty sure all my equally endowed sistas can relate. Sundresses? Bikinis? Ugh. No, thanks!

I love lying back in the sunshine in a cool cotton dress as much as anyone. But when you have big boobs, your inch-and-a-half thick bra straps are poking out underneath those spaghetti straps on that cute summer dress. For better or worse, it really takes a toll on the confidence. Rocking that sundress with big boobs and a supportive bra just isn't as carefree and pretty as it is for women who can go braless... or at least get away with thinner straps.

The same can be said for bikinis. Praise be to the people working hard to promote bikini wearing rights for all girls, thick or thin. I love it! And, for once, Target gave me some real, supportive and pretty bikini options this year. But it's not always easy. These DDs aren't meant to be held up by quarter-inch straps. Yet, when you hit the regular sections of stores, even bathing suits that go up to sizes 16 or 18 come with dental floss straps. It's a "Dear Seventeen" waiting to happen. My breasts are never going to be contained by those straps. Ever. My default is almost always halter tops. The straps are a little thicker and way more adjustable. I can tie these puppies up practically to my chin. And I feel hot.

...and also a little like I'm doing permanent damage to my neck. But, whatevs. Beauty is pain. Amiright?!

More: Dear Victoria's Secret: Why don't you support my breasts?

Halters aren't nearly as torturous as trying to go strapless, though. What vile creature came up with the strapless bra and where can I find them? We need to have a talk. Once I began filling up D cups, strapless bras began to feel like medieval torture devices. Even if the bra never flops over, as dreaded, the weight of larger breasts begins to push down on the underwires so that they dig into your rib cage. It feels terrible and seems virtually impossible to take a deep breath. That can't be healthy.

Last time I wore a strapless bra to a wedding, I went back to my hotel room before the reception to change into something, anything else. I stood in the bathroom and unhinged the pretty black strapless bra that I bought at a store that specializes in bras for larger chest sizes. I turned slowly in front of the mirror and stared at myself in disbelief of the dark purple line that went all the way around my body. So sexy, right? Let me tell you about how badly I wanted to drag a groomsman back to my room so I could explain the hideous markings on my body all in the name of summertime style.

What's my point in all this? I have a solution.

Let's just stop being heinous b****es to ourselves. I'm embracing summer. My big thick bra straps are out and, yeah, I have crazy tan lines. But my breasts are sitting comfortably where I like them. Let's take back summer, cleavage buddies! Let's be nice to ourselves and nice to others. And maybe next summer Luke Bryan will sing a song about how cute he thinks it is when my turquoise bra peeks out from under my purple dress.

More: Women try on vintage bras, make hilarious observations (VIDEO) 


Blogger's makeup video proves you can't make the internet happy

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They actually hated her face.

Em Watson, You look Disgusting

Em Watson, You look Disgusting

Em Watson, You look Disgusting

Then she posted photos of herself all done up with perfect makeup.

Em Watson, You look Disgusting

And they still hated it.

Em Watson, You look Disgusting

Em Watson, You look Disgusting

Em Watson, You look Disgusting

Images: My Pale Skin/YouTube

So Watson created a video to share her experience with people who have struggled with acne, self-confidence or insecurities. On her blog, My Pale Skin, she writes, “I wanted to create a film that showed how social media can set unrealistic expectations on both women and men. One challenge many face today, is that as a society, we're so used to seeing false images of perfection, and comparing ourselves to unrealistic beauty standards that It can be hard to remember the most important thing — You ARE beautiful.”

The video is also a powerful reminder that you can’t please everyone, especially the weird and wonderful people of the internet. So stop trying.

Watch the fill video here:

YOU LOOK DISGUSTING

YOU LOOK DISGUSTING

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6 Magic makeup tricks for longer-lasting eyeshadow

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Basically, to make any product last longer on your face you’ve got to moisturize. In other words, create a smooth base without any creases so that the makeup can stay put instead of slipping and sliding. There’s lots of ways to do this so listen up!

Tip 1: Primer

Start with a primer. It’s the same concept of applying primer on your face before foundation, but for eyelids. You may think it’s not worth it to spend
money on a primer, but trust me. It really works! Primer will smooth your eyelids and help the eyeshadow to adhere to it without creasing. And actually, good primers don’t have to be expensive. Want proof? Check out e.l.f.’s super cheap eye makeup.

Tip 2: Concealer

If primer doesn’t do the trick, try applying a concealer base. Reason #1 to do this is because it’s a lighter shade than your eyelid and will make the eyeshadow pop. Reason #2 is that it will force the eyeshadow powder to stay put until you decide to take it off.

It works best if you top off the concealer with loose powder so that it sets properly.

Tip 3: Cream eyeshadow

OK, don’t panic. I’m not saying replace all your beloved eyeshadow palettes with cream pots. But since we need a smooth, even-colored base to start with, investing in a pale cream eyeshadow is a good idea. You can use it as an eyelid base for all your powder eyeshadows. It will definitely help your eye makeup last longer and look prettier.

Tip 4: Water

Water solves a lot of problems when it comes to skin and eyeshadow is no exception. Before applying any eyeshadow, spray your makeup brush with some water. Don't overdo it. You want just enough to help the eyeshadow spread smoothly. As an added bonus the eyeshadow color will look even better because the water makes it more vivid. Translation: your eyes will look more gorgeous!

Tip 5: The right brush

makeup brushes

Image: Vstock/Getty Images

Obviously, you can’t use a giant powder brush on your eyelid. The eyes are a tricky area because of the small corners and delicate eyelids. You have to have the right brushes to apply the eyeshadows correctly and EcoTools is a great place to start looking for them. Even though there are tons of eye brushes out there, there are two basic ones you need for eyeshadow: A brush to apply and spread, and a brush to smudge.

An eyeshadow “C” brush is the one used for applying because it’s fluffy but eyelid sized. A small, stiffer brush is used for smudging to create looks like the smoky eye.

Tip 6: Setting Mist

Setting spray is for when you really want your makeup to stay put, and it works for all facial makeup. With one spray of stuff like Clarins Fix’ Make-Up, your makeup is sealed in place, the colors look brighter and your face feels refreshed. It’s a really easy way to keep your eyeshadow and other makeup on all day long.

If your eyes don’t look gorgeous all day by following these tips, you can hold me personally responsible! (But I’m 99 percent sure you’ll see the difference.) These were the tips I gathered from some trials and many errors, but do you have any more to add to the list?

Intel's Spider Dress lashes out when words are not enough

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Dutch "fashiontech" designer Anouk Wipprecht understands the innate power of spider legs. In a recent collaboration with tech company Intel Edison, Wipprecht designed a piece of smart wearable technology called the Spider Dress. Made entirely with a 3-D printer, the dress uses "wireless biometric signals" to detect the wearer's breath pattern, and from there infers the wearer's emotional state. Intel IQ's managing editor, Ken Kaplan, explains that the dress' system can "differentiate between 12 states of behavior" thanks to the microsensors.

More: 18 Futuristic products that prove real life is just like sci-fi

In other words, if the person's breath quickens, the legs react as if the person is afraid, and lash out instantly. The legs are also programmed to do this if someone approaches the wearer too quickly. Wipprecht describes this use of technology to Intel IQ's managing editor, Ken Kaplan, as such: "Spider Dress acts as the interface between the body and the external world. It uses technology and the garment as a medium of interaction."

intel-spider-dress

intel-spider-dress

As much as this dress captivates me, even seduces me, the fact that our society might need such a contraption is devastating. We live in a world where our words are often never enough; we have to prove that these are our feelings and desires. If a woman does not want sexual attention, she can't just say "no;" she has to verify her conviction until there is absolutely no doubt that she might mean otherwise. The problem is, with the prevalence of rape culture, our society puts more faith in that doubt than a woman's word.

More: Mom of 4 shows off her 'perfect' post-baby body

Wipprecht knew what she was doing when she designed this dress. She uses the terrifying elegance of the design to mesmerize us, and then she uses the strength of her work to call attention to the words that we so easily dismiss. Anouk explains: "Fashion and tech are merging at the moment, beyond blinking dresses or cute skirts. I'm showing how fashion can be thought provoking, something that pushes people to think and share their feelings."

The true power of the Spider Dress, however, is not what it pushes the wearer to do, but what it pushes us as a society to reflect upon. If we respect robotic arms more than a woman's words, then we have some serious problems.

spider-dress-small-web-jason-perry

Image: Courtesy Jason Perry

J. Crew's budget-friendly line is finally here

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It was rumored earlier this spring that the brand was developing a budget-friendly line, and finally a rumor we want to come true, has.

J Crew Mercantile1

During an interview with Women‘s Wear Daily in December of 2014, CEO Mickey Drexel expressed little surprise in the label’s dismal sales, claiming the market for women’s clothing has been suffering as a result of fast-fashion retailers. Most women's clothing stores have initiated heavy discounts in order to just barely reach their goals.

So, while I highly admire J. Crew — their sweaters are perfection — I can only do so from afar. It doesn't make much sense to pay $60-$150 for one item when I could easily rack up 15 finds at a fast-fashion retailer like Forever 21 on that same budget. But that requires sacrificing quality.

J Crew mercantile 2

Thankfully, J. Crew Mercantile has officially launched and your credit card is about to love you for it. For those of us shopping on a budget (shout out to my college grads just trying to be trendy in the working world), J. Crew Mercantile allows us to continue representing the brand’s signature preppy aesthetic without the cringe-tastic prices. Cue happy dance because now I can splurge on one of their signature merino sweaters without crying away my paycheck! Yes, I will be channeling my inner Blair Waldorf without sacrificing the entirety of my bank account.

J Crew Mercantile 3

J. Crew Mercantile is now available on the brand’s factory website and in select outlet stores. Its first brick-and-mortar location is set to open in late July in Dallas (you lucky Texans, you.). But for a discounted J. Crew line? I'm thinking it's time I booked a trip to Texas, care to join?

'Power of Makeup' selfies show women don't need makeup — they enjoy it

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More: Tyra Banks' makeup free selfie is the one to see

It is extremely important for women to recognize the beauty of their natural selves behind the cosmetic mask and this is definitely a movement I support. However, wearing makeup does not signify an insecurity, nor does refusing to post a photo makeup free. There is power in makeup and beauty vlogger Nikkie of NikkieTutorials posted a video that's helping end the makeup shaming.

And women are getting on board. I have left the house bare-faced and lived to tell the tale. However, I became a beauty writer for a reason. I enjoy makeup and continue to be blown away by the ways it can transform someone’s overall look. But that doesn't mean I'm afraid to go without it.

Yes, there are probably many women who do hide behind beauty products as a result of their insecurities but it should not be conventional wisdom that women who choose to wear makeup are insecure.

Make up Selfie instagram

Make up Selfie instagram

"Nowadays, when you say you love makeup, you either do it because you want to look good for boys, you do it because you're insecure or you do it because you don't love yourself," Nikkie states in her video. "I feel like, in a way, lately, it's almost a crime to love doing your makeup."

Power of makeup selfie

Power of makeup selfie

There are far worse things in the world than a woman who chooses to wear makeup to feel good about herself. And there's no harm in it. So, makeup lovers are taking a stand across social media platforms by posting selfies using #PowerofMakeup to create an archive of women’s photos showing their faces half dolled up, the other left untouched.

The power of makeup

The power of makeup

Makeup selfie

Makeup selfie

More: Newest in-your-face makeup trend is actually no makeup at all

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