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5 Bad habits you need to break if you want clear skin

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A lot of things that can contribute to acne, and the last thing you want to do is make the problem worse. Unfortunately, I see a lot of people do just that without realizing it.

To help you avoid making similar mistakes, here are five of the most common skin care habits to break.

Using too many products

Many people think acne is a topical problem, so they rely solely on topical products. Products can help, but more doesn't mean better.

Acne-prone skin is often sensitive to products and ingredients. The more you use, the more breakouts you're likely to cause.

My tip: Keep to the basics. Use a gentle cleanser, a toner and a simple moisturizer. Use a spot treatment on occasion, and try to find products with as few ingredients as possible.

Constantly using harsh products

Still clinging to a topical solution, many people use harsh, aggressive products to fight acne.

Unfortunately, many of these products can cause inflammation in the skin, which triggers acne. These products leave skin vulnerable and less able to fight infection, and some products potentially causes as much acne as it treats.

My tip: Use milder products that promote healing, and save anything aggressive for occasional spot treatment.

Over-exfoliating

The upper layer of your skin protects your skin and maintains the water and oil balance. Constantly stripping away that outer layer can lead to skin vulnerability, irritation and inflammation — which won't help your acne.

My tip: Exfoliate no more than twice a week if you use a buffing exfoliator. If using a product that chemically exfoliates — such as with enzymes — use it for a few weeks, then take a week off. Always be extremely gentle if you have active acne.

Picking

Popping pimples has a lot of potential problems — and zero benefits.

The pore is already in a very delicate state, so popping it is likely to cause more damage and increase the likelihood of scarring. You may rupture the pore lining, pushing that "gunk" into the bloodstream, making the infection worse and irritating other pores around it. You could also permanently damage the pore opening, resulting in a larger pore that is more likely to have problems in the future.

My tip: Whenever you feel the urge to pop, try distracting yourself and doing something else with your hands. No joke, I used to kept bubble wrap in my bathroom so I could pop it instead of my pimples!

Analyzing every pore on your face

Another common habit for those with acne is constantly looking over every inch of skin. It's the first thing you do in the morning and the last thing before going to bed.

You may think it's helpful trying to decide if your skin is better or worse, counting how many new pimples showed up, debating if that pimple on your chin is bigger — but it's not.

Over-analyzing your skin can create stress and anxiety, and stress leads to breakouts. So in a way, by constantly paying attention to your acne, you're keeping it there.

My tip: Set a timer when you go into the bathroom that gives you just enough time to wash up. You'll be less likely to hang around the mirror and analyze your skin. If you cannot resist the urge, seriously consider covering the bathroom mirror for a while. I had to do that!

Breaking these habits and following my suggestions will go a long way in letting your skin heal and prevent you from sabotaging your skin care efforts.


Orange Is the New Black cast crushes the Emmys red carpet

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It didn't take Laverne Cox long during her red carpet interview with Ryan Seacrest to rave about the show, everything it stands for and what it means for other young, aspiring actors who think they don't fit in.

"I’m a black transgender woman from a working class family... and I’m here at the party," she said. The show may be about prison life, a risqué setting to most, but that doesn't mean it isn't full of positive lessons and inspiration for women everywhere — especially with role models like Cox behind it.

And let's be honest. The cast also looked amazing, which further proves that beauty is just as diverse as we are as people.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox Emmys dress
Image: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks Emmys dress
Image: Larry Busacca/Getty Images Entertainment

Taylor Schilling

Taylor Schilling Emmys dress
Image: Mark Davis/Getty Images Entertainment

Natasha Lyonne

Natasha Lyonne emmys dress
Image: John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images

Laura Prepon

Laura Prepon emmys dress
Image: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Entertainment

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba Emmys dress
Image: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment

Dascha Polanco

Dascha Polanco
Image: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Entertainment

Lea DeLaria

Lea DeLaria emmys dress
Image: John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley Emmys dress
Image: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment

See all the Emmys dresses:

Emmys Fashion Slideshow
Image: John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images

Unisex makeup is about to make a big splash

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According to 17-year-old Harry, makeup is like fashion, and he uses it to “express himself.” The line is comprised of four products: a cream-colored base, brow finisher, concealer and correction palette that the brand assures are “effortless, yet deliciously chic touch to simple, clean, glamorous products ideal for recreating their flawless visages in men and women alike.”

As of late, the beauty industry is seeing a steady increasing interest in cosmetics from men. Top YouTube beauty vloggers include Manny Mua, Jordan Liberty and Paolo Ballesteros — men who are passionate about makeup artistry applied to others as well as to themselves.

MAC Collab

MAC Collab

We’re living in progressive times, friends. What would have been considered obscene only a few years back is now accepted by a vast majority of people. While I personally would not date a man who wore beauty products like lipstick or eyeshadow, I support the efforts being made to expand the beauty industry and to have beauty products specifically adapted to the needs and desires of males.

Beauty, like fashion, is universal. We all want to feel attractive and comfortable in our own skin, and through this collaboration, the industry is taking a step in a very open and accepting environment for both genders.

“I don’t think a lot of men would think to use some of our products, and they should.,“ Harry tells MAC, discussing the relationship between men and makeup. “But it’s not really pointed out to them. Eyebrow gel, highlighter... these are all things that would look really great on guys, and it’s not 'girlie' to use it on them. It changes the way you look.”

More: 10 Beauty questions men would really like to ask you

We're all accustomed to the concept. Makeup transforms the face and creates a separate, illuminated self. I think men and women alike share memories of watching our mothers put on their makeup before taking on her daily routine. From the perspective of a millennial, it was not common to come across a household where the father figure openly applied makeup in front of his family.

Peter and Harry's collection with MAC is undoubtedly further advancing gender-neutral products. There is a strong chance that the next generation will see both parents pampering their skin at night and applying cosmetics in the morning. This is one small step for cosmetics, one large leap for gender equality.

H&M has launched the most diverse fashion campaign of all time

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The latest campaign from the high street giant is a super slick video that promotes diversity and celebrates all that is fun about fashion, while delivering a serious message about sustainability.

"Close The Loop" features no less than 69 models of all shapes and sizes, from different backgrounds and with very different personal styles. It is, without a doubt, the most diverse fashion campaign we’ve ever seen.

We've got dapper Sikhs.

H&M diverse campaign Close the Loop
Image: H&M/YouTube

We've got underarm fuzz.

H&M fashion campaign Close the Loop
Image: H&M/YouTube

More: Fashion Week makes moves to be more inclusive

We've got a glamorous older lady rocking turquoise hair.

H&M diverse fashion campaign Close the Loop
Image: H&M/YouTube

We've got a transgender princess.

H&M fashion campaign Close the Loop
Image: H&M/YouTube

More: Addition Elle is hosting only plus-size show at NYFW

We've got a redhead wearing red.

H&M fashion campaign Close the Loop
Image: H&M/YouTube

And we've got Iggy Pop in all his topless glory.

H&M fashion campaign Close the Loop
Image: H&M/YouTube

More: Retailer uses trans creatives to "broaden the view of gender in fashion"

Watch the full video below and remember that there are no rules in fashion but one: recycle your clothes.

Close the Loop by H&M

Close the Loop by H&M

“Close the Loop” is part of H&M’s drive to make fashion more sustainable. Join in by taking a bag of old clothes or fabric to your local H&M — they’ll recycle it and give you a £5 voucher off your next purchase. You can also shop from their Conscious collection or Close The Loop recycled denim collection.

What shaving her head taught one woman about hair, society and herself

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Samantha McGraw doesn't have cancer. She's isn't trying to make a social statement. She isn't into extreme looks. And yet a year ago she shaved her head bald. Why? She was inspired after hearing that Shailene Woodley, the actress who played Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars, really took the clippers to her own scalp to film the scene where cancer patient Hazel shaves her head.

"That just got me wondering how big of a change could shaving your head really be?” McGraw, who works as an event planner and substitute teacher, said in an interview with HelloGiggles. "How did that affect Shailene's life, and how was she treated?"

From red carpets to photo shoots, Woodley rocked short hair like a boss, but would it be so easy for your average girl to go bald? McGraw decided to find out by donating every inch of her shoulder-length hair and then buzzing her head. (She said it felt almost like breaking a nail — all sensitive, exposed skin.) To complete her project, she then documented her hair with a picture every day for a year, which she made into a video.

She was prepared for how it might change how others saw her but was surprised at how it altered how she saw herself. "Doing this really changed how I felt about myself,” she said. “I looked in the mirror and didn’t really feel pretty, I guess. I felt like I couldn’t hide behind my hair anymore. I felt naked.”

Hiding behind our hair is a sentiment I'm sure many of us can relate to; I know I've totally used my hair as a shield or distraction! But she quickly got past that and on to the daily business of living. She handled criticisms from strangers like a pro: When one woman said she must be a lesbian now, she promptly quickly fired back that hair doesn’t define sexual preference, and got used to styling it through the growing-out period.

It wasn't all social justice and sparkly headbands, though. And she wanted to make sure she shared the downs as well as the ups: "There were also some days when I would go to take my picture, and I didn’t feel like taking it because I kept looking miserable in the photos. But I didn’t want to fake a smile or anything. Those ended up looking worse. So I kept the grumpy or sad looking ones too, because not every day we have is a good day. We have some really awful days."

Experts say the average person's hair grows 1/4 to 1/2 inch a month, so somewhere between 4 and 6 inches a year. So by the time the year was up, McGraw's beautiful curls were just past chin length. But the real growth was inside. "I definitely without a doubt feel more confident with the way I look now. Like, out of this world more confident!" she explained, adding that she's considering cutting it all off again because she liked it so much.

In the end, I love this experiment for the reminder that we are not beautiful because of our hair (or any other feature), but because of the light inside each of us. And if cutting off your hair lets more of that light shine through, then that is an experiment worth trying. Here's to no more hiding behind hair, no matter what the length!

Vlogger uses makeup to make important point about female empowerment (WATCH)

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"I decided to wear every derogatory word you can possibly call a woman because people call us that all the time," Rose said of why she and friend Blac Chyna wore the dresses. "We're mothers and we're entrepreneurs, and we're beautiful and we're young and we're sexual beings and we're not scared of that. So we decided to just kind of bring that message of awareness."

More: Heidi Klum unfairly attacked for her Emmys look (PHOTOS)

Incredible makeup artist Jordan Hanz was inspired by Rose's strong message and created her own video, "Unattainable Woman," which further explores the labels women face on the daily.

Unattainable Woman

Unattainable Woman

"These ideals are unattainable and impractical. How dare you tell me who to be and what is wrong or right?" Hanz asks in the video as she paints the nasty words women hear every day. "If a woman shows confidence, defends herself, shows a differing opinion than what someone else may have, she's considered a bitch.

“If a woman is plus-sized or has even a larger body type, she's viewed as lazy," she continues. "If we have emotional baggage, depression, anxiety, scars, we're nothing more than just damaged goods."

More: Watch the startling changes to Miss America's body over the years (VIDEO)

The stop-motion video makes the point that though others may label us, we don't have to play by other people's rules. We can be whomever we want to be and "we are more than the labels that the society we live in gives us."

Basically, do you and offer no apologies.

And that's a message every woman — no matter our age, color, weight or sexual orientation — needs to hear and absorb.

More: Beauty vlogger shares moving video about overcoming her disability (WATCH)

7 Fall nail trends anyone can master

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Nail trends make us happy because they are accessible to every single woman on the planet — and can be achieved whether you choose to shop for shades at a luxury beauty boutique or your local drugstore. As we learned way back in February, when designers and makeup artists unveiled their fall '15 inspirations, nearly anything goes this autumn when it comes to nail designs and color — from the deepest, sexiest wine shades to metallic blue and teeny, tiny geometric nail appliqués. It's going to be an exciting season for nail polish lovers, so let's get started and have a peek at what we have to look forward to wearing.

1. Metallic blue nails

Blue nails 1a

Blue nails 1a

All shades of blue are having a major moment, but summer's Tiffany blue will be replaced by a deeper metallic blue and a moody navy shade this autumn — the perfect complement to all of those gorgeous gray separates and denim-everything pieces that kept popping up on runways. Jump right in by trying a seductive shade like OPI Russian Navy.

More: New Frozen-inspired nail polish collection is happening

2. Nails inspired by red wine

wine nails 1a

wine nails 1a

There's a good reason why Marsala is the Pantone shade of the year: It's dramatic, sensual and earthy enough to work with everything in your autumn wardrobe. Take your look one step further by pairing a nail polish like OPI Marsala Much Set with a '90s throwback lip shade — Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Bahama is particularly gorgeous.

3. Mauve nails

Mauve nails 1a

Mauve nails 1a

It's soft, pretty, feminine and adds a delicate touch to all of those luscious, weighty fabrics and deep colors we'll be sporting come September and October — mauve (defined as a cross between light purple and deep pink) feels thoroughly modern, yet classic, right now. One to try: Essie Lady Like.

More: DIY stiletto nails without acrylic

4. Black accents

Black nails 1a

Black nails 1a

Although straight-up black wasn't a common color on fall runways, several models sported colored polish with black stripes or chevron details. A hint of black comes across as classy, yet edgy, and provides a spectacular contrast to romantic Victorian pieces that are all the rage this season.

5. Nude nails

Nude nails 1a

Nude nails 1a

There's nothing like a goes-with-everything nude nail polish to save you time and help you look understated, but glam, no matter what you're wearing that day. When choosing a nude polish this fall, veer toward those that have a darker, richer brown base  — Dolce & Gabbana The Nail Lacquer in Caramel is perfection.

6. Gritty silver and gold nails

Sliver nails 1a

Sliver nails 1a

Metallics are major this season, with everyone from Nanette Lepore to Creatures of the Wind sending models down the runway with intense gold or steely silver nails. The best hues are gritty and will look amazing when paired with head-to-toe black (another great fall trend). Butter London Chimney Sweep Nail Lacquer is sexy — and just a little dirty.

7. Little details

Nails details 1a

Nails details 1a

This isn't about in-your-face designs that take up the entire width or length of your nail (though there were plenty of those on the runway, as well). This is about the unexpected pleasure of looking down at pale, sweet nails and noticing the teeniest, edgy detail — like a small square, splattering of sequins or thin stripe of glitter. Be creative and have fun this season.

Rainbow colored eyebrow trend looks surprisingly stunning

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First it was dying underarm hair every color of the rainbow. Now? Well, it still involves every color of the rainbow, but the hair is on your face, not your armpits. That's right: The most daring are dyeing their eyebrows from their natural color to ones that are little more eye-catching, like blue, red, and purple.

More: Vlogger uses makeup to make important point about female empowerment (WATCH)

And yes, they're all on fleek.

Dyed eyebrows 3

Dyed eyebrows 3

We love the look. Anything that helps you show off your individuality and personal style is something we're always 100 percent behind.

More: How to remove hair dye from skin

That said, please go to a professional if you're ready to dye your arches. Oxidative dyes (like those found in most hair coloring and brow dye, require an oxidative agent (like hydrogen peroxide) to work.

Pink colored brows

Pink colored brows

This means there's a possibility for serious allergic reactions or even blindness if you get some of the dye into your eyes.

More: New mom Kate Middleton steps out with bangs (and they look amazing!)

A professional understands the risks and will be able to apply in a way that avoids your eyes while still giving you the color you desire. Plus, many hair colors require a clean slate (of sorts) for it to stick, meaning you'll have to bleach your brows before going bright. This brings with it even more risk, so it's better to leave it to the pros.

Colored brows

Colored brows

Be prepared, though: The average lifespan of eyebrow hair is about four months, meaning you'll be doing a lot of upkeep to keep your color bright.

But it'll be totally worth it for eyebrows like these.


Woman born without legs breaks fashion barriers as lingerie model

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The 23-year-old Oregon native is pulling in $1,000 a day as a lingerie model — and she's proving that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes and body types.

Sesser was born without legs, but what some might view as a disability made her into the determined, accomplished woman she is today.

More: Woman shamed for 194-pound weight loss shows off body after skin removal surgery

And she's absolutely stunning.

"I was mainly doing athletics shoots then as I got older I got into lingerie modeling," Sesser said, according to the New York Daily News. "It's something fun and it shows my story — I'm different and that is sexy, I don't need legs to feel sexy."

Kanya Sesser

Kanya Sesser

She started modeling for sports brands like Billabong when she 15, but lingerie allows her to show her "strength" and expand society's view of "what beauty can look like."

More: Vlogger uses makeup to make important point about female empowerment (WATCH)

Mission accomplished.

But posing for cameras isn't the only thing Sesser excels at: She's currently prepping for the 2018 Winter Paralympics in the mono-ski event. Until then, she'll continue to inspire through modeling, though she prefers to go natural when she's not in front of the camera.

More: Woman strips in central London to send message about body acceptance

"Outside of work I don't wear makeup," she said. "I can be girly and I don't mind wearing it — I like getting my makeup done when I am on a shoot.

"But people say I'm beautiful whether I'm wearing makeup or not."

We 100 percent agree, Kanya!

Why white tattoos are a terrible idea

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Sported by celebrities like Kate Moss and Lindsay Lohan, white tattoos are the gateway ink for the tattoo virgin. My first thought before getting my first tattoo was — isn't there a less, um, permanent way to do this? I quickly got over that when I realized everything they say about tattoos is true: They hurt like a bitch, but they're surprisingly addicting. Now I have two more.

More: 15 Emotional stages of getting a tattoo

White tattoos vs. black tattoos

Somewhere between a temporary tatt from a quarter machine and a lifelong commitment, white tattoos toe the line. Maybe that's why they've become so popular. Rudimentary tattoos have been around since Neolithic times, but white tattoos started popping up at the turn of this century. The concept is nothing new: White tattoos use only white ink, without a black outline or additional color. This means white tattoo art is basically an outline without shading, creating a subtle, scar-like tattoo in the skin.

White tattoo 1

White tattoo 1

Compared to traditional black or color ink, white tattoos take longer to create, says Josh Squires of Richmond Tattoo Shops. Squires explains that it takes multiple passes to get white ink to show up under the skin — which is perhaps why white tattoos have a reputation for being more painful. White tattoos also fade quicker than regular tattoos and may yellow over time as the ink is broken down by the body.

The big problem with white tattoos

Forget what your Facebook feed is telling you for a minute. Sit down with any reputable tattoo artist, and they'll tell you a different story. Jules Bodenchuk, tattoo artist at As You Like It Custom Tattoos and Fine Arts in Boulder, Colorado, points out the biggest issue with the white tattoo fad (and any other Internet trend for that matter): What you see is not what you get.

"White tattoos are increasing in popularity, but unfortunately from a pretty under-informed perspective. Although I see the value in any loved tattoo, this trend leaves a lot to be desired, particularly over time. Many pictures of white tattoos floating around on the Internet were taken directly after the tattoo was finished, which is misleading for a few reasons," says Bodenchuk.

White tattoo 2

White tattoo 2

She explains, "First, the skin is raised, which puts any highlight from light sources on the tattoo itself, making it more visible. Also, the skin around the tattooed area is usually a little red from irritation, which adds contrast in the moment, but will not be there once the skin is no longer irritated. Finally, in the process of healing, layers of skin cover the tattooed area, meaning your bright white tattoo will end up just being a highlight of your own skin tone (usually a version of yellow, as most people have a yellow base to their skin tone)."

More: 7 Steps to cover your tattoo with makeup

Don't waste your money, says Jake Johnson, 20-year tattoo artist currently working at Tigger's Body Art in Dallas. "You might as well just tattoo with water. It's not painting a wall. It's staining your skin. I get asked about these a lot because people see them on Pinterest and other Internet sites." He continues, "I tell them: Just because you see it on Pinterest doesn't mean it will work. Those photos are right after they're done, but they usually don't look like that a week later."

When to get a white tattoo

Right about now, the outlook is pretty bleak for fulfilling your tattoo dreams inspired by your "White Ink" Pinterest board. Tattoo artists will still do white tattoos — since it is a rising trend, after all — they just want you to know what you're getting into.

Johnson doesn't pull any punches when meeting with a new client who has that white tattoo gleam in their eye. He'll take their money, but he warns, "I tell them, 'If you really want it, I'll do it but it's a waste of money.' It won't show up the way you think it will. It's very rare that it works, so you're wasting your money."

White tattoo 3

White tattoo 3

It's possible to see some success with a white tattoo when you have realistic expectations and when you choose the right location. White tattoos fare better on areas of the body where the sun can't reach, like under the upper arm, and are likely to fade within a couple of weeks to a few years — which Bodenchuk considers a big waste compared to black ink. She adds, "Any time I do a white tattoo, I require people come in for the tattoo twice to really get as much pigment in as possible, and I do not offer my usual free touch-ups (which, of course, doubles the cost and the pain — so you really need to want it!)."

Celebrities love them, and tattoo artists hate them. Can't we all just get along? Even I can see that the white tattoo trend doesn't make any sense — because I'm not in the practice of flushing $200 down the toilet — but white ink does have its purpose in the tattoo shop. White ink was never supposed to be used as a stand-alone color, but within larger artwork, it can really make your tattoo pop. "The best way to use white, outside of just mixing into other colors, is to use it as a highlight in a tattoo," says Bodenchuk. "It won't be white, but it will give you the lightest light possible, which is desirable in any piece of art to create dynamic contrast."

Models skate down the catwalk at London Fashion Week

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The Delhi-born designer, who’s known for his love of slogans and sequins, is also partial to a spot of boarding it seems. On the final day of LFW some of his models showcased his SS16 collection on skateboards.

Before the show the models looked pretty happy about their unique accessories/mode of transport: 

Models on skateboards at LFW
Image: Stuart C. Wilson/Stringer/Getty Images

More: 11 Times Zandra Rhodes made us feel really dull

And the only problem they had was keeping their clothes on while concentrating on the task at hand: 

Models on skateboards at LFW
Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images

More: 7 Homeless shelter residents rock the runway at NYFW

"A skateboard is the new handbag" announced Vogue.co.uk in the wake of Ashish's show. We're not so sure — it's not the most practical accessory when you're out and about doing your usual daily errands. (Although it could be pretty useful if you need to get somewhere in a hurry, provided you've had a few lessons first.)

The skateboards were cool but even they didn't take away from the outfits: typical Ashish with sparkly tutus, sequins everywhere and garments emblazoned with "shut up, shut up."

Ashish's show marked a decade of showing at London Fashion Week. Next up is a retrospective show as part of the Victoria and Albert museum’s "Fashion in Motion" series in October.

More: H&M has launched the most diverse fashion campaign of all time

Check out skateboarding hitting LFW below: 

Ashish skateboarding models

Ashish skateboarding models


New cosmetic procedure offers women temporary 24-hour breast lift

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This is a significant amount of cash for a (very) limited time offer, and I have my suspicions that the procedure in question might not be worth your buck. At a fraction of that price, a woman could easily buy herself a push-up bra, guaranteeing her the same results, not to mention zero side effects.

More: The pros and cons of breast implants

Granted, sterile saline is only a salt water solution, but the “how” rather than the “what” in terms of this procedure raises a potential issue. Consultant plastic surgeon at Cosmetic Surgeons London Nilesh Sojitra told the Daily Mail that, “A procedure like this would involve being injected with a significant-sized needle, which could cause bleeding. It could cause a large bruise and could potentially cause a large pool of blood inside the body. Because it's an unregulated procedure, there are no studies showing how the saline solution might interact with breast tissue and cells.”

Of course, like any plastic surgery or body transformation procedure, there is risk. However, because this concept is so new, there is little research to support whether the amount of saline solution being injected will affect the body negatively and/or to what extent.

More: Cosmetic infidelity: Why women are getting secret boob jobs

At first glance, the pros seem to fall short of the cons here. For celebs attending award shows or hosting events, I could maybe understand their being in favor of this new development. After all, what’s 2K when you’re making a million every time you blink? But for the everyday woman, I have my doubts.

After all, Cinderalla taught us to find those who love you even after the clock strikes midnight and you're just your everyday self. We are so willing to undergo these ridiculous procedures for an attempt at an image that we don't have to buy into, even if it's just for one night. We are beautiful every hour of every day and do not need temporary, surgical enhancements to prove it.

8 Beauty tips for busy women

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Find makeup that does more than one job

Go for the makeup with two — or even three — uses. Multi-function makeup helps when a person only has a few minutes for makeup application. Purchase mascara that lengthens and curls. Find a tinted moisturizer. You can look glamorous with the use of little time and fewer products — perfect for busy women.

Use eye whitener drops

Whitening eyedrops help you look and feel fresh and less tired. Busy people tend to get less sleep, so the drops can help. Looking less tired makes you feel more attractive.

Choose tinted moisturizer over foundation

Tinted moisturizers are more effective than foundation for busy women. They generally offer protection against the sun while moisturizing and providing coverage. Foundation only does one thing! Find a quality tinted moisturizer for beautiful skin in less time.

Eye lashes

Consider dying your eyelashes if you don't have a lot of time for makeup application. It is fantastic to wake up and not need mascara because your eyelashes look great already. This beauty tip definitely saves time.

Get your eyebrows shaped

Go to a professional and find a shape that works for you. It doesn't take much time, and you look groomed — even with little or no makeup.

Go for a quick hair style

Your hair may not always cooperate. A simple style helps save time. A smoothening serum can tame uncooperative hair and save time.

Trim your nighttime skin routine

Skin care should be a priority for everyone. Avoid sleeping with your makeup on — no matter how busy you feel. Makeup removal can be part of a simple routine. Use a makeup remover and then wash your face. Moisturize your skin with a sleeping serum. Cleaning and moisturizing at night can actually save time in the morning because you have a fresh face!

Organize your makeup

Putting all your beauty products in order saves time. Arrange them in the order you use the products, and make sure to throw away empty — or old — makeup containers.

Busy girls can look fantastic — and glamorous — with a few simple beauty tricks.

How to exfoliate your skin

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Many women exfoliate their faces but forget about other body parts. As the weather heats up and you get bikini-ready, you should exfoliate all over. Exfoliation is also important before applying tanning products or when rejuvenating winter-weary skin.

How to exfoliate

Supplies:

  • Exfoliating cleanser
  • Loofah, body brush or exfoliating gloves
  • Pumice stone
  • Body lotion

Instructions:

  1. Before stepping into the shower, brush your dry skin with your loofah, body brush or exfoliating gloves. This will help remove the loose skin and prepare your skin for the exfoliating process. Begin with the soles of your feet, working your way up your body.
  2. Get into the shower and wet your body from head to toe. Don't exfoliate your skin if you are sunburned or have any open cuts or wounds.
  3. Use a pumice stone on your feet to eliminate rough spots and calluses. If your feet are extremely rough, soak them in a basin of warm water mixed with a cup of milk for 30 minutes before getting into the shower.
  4. Apply your exfoliating cleanser to your loofah or gloves. Begin scrubbing your body in a circular motion starting with the bottoms of your feet and working your way up. When you reach the bikini area, don't scrub too hard because the skin is very sensitive.
  5. Use a body brush to exfoliate your back and other hard-to-reach places.
  6. Be gentle on your face, particularly around your eyes and mouth. Use an exfoliating product especially formulated for the face, which is gentler than products designed to be used on the body.
  7. Don't forget about your hands. You want them to look and feel soft and smooth too!
  8. Rinse your body with lukewarm water, and follow with the coldest water you can stand. Apply a shower gel to soften your skin, if you'd like.
  9. After stepping out of the shower, apply a moisturizing body lotion all over. Body lotions and facial moisturizers containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids are ideal choices because these acids continue to remove dead skin cells.
  10. Use body moisturizer once a day. Exfoliation is drying to the skin, so you must keep your skin hydrated.

Exfoliating products

Select exfoliating cleansers that contain sea salt and/or sugar. They key is to select an exfoliator with regular, round grains because exfoliating with square or irregular grains can cause skin lacerations. These abrasions may not be visible to the human eye, but they can cause serious damage.

Karen Asquith, aesthetician and national director of education for G.M Collin Skin care, explains, "[When] they are damaging the skin, they activate the repair mechanisms. If the repair mechanisms are activated regularly for a long period of time, they are unable to keep up, they become exhausted."

She continues, "This 'burn-out' of the skin’s fundamental functioning causes pre-mature skin aging."

Exfoliating once or twice a week is usually enough to achieve silky skin; however, women with oily skin should exfoliate more often than those with dry skin. If your skin becomes excessively dry or irritated after exfoliation, don't scrub so hard. Cut back on how often you exfoliate, and explore the possibility that you may be allergic to the products you used.

"Over-exfoliating is also a concern," says Asquith. "The skin needs time to recuperate, therefore 2-3 times per week is sufficient. Following exfoliation, a body cream should be applied. Depending on the treatment, a slimming, firming, or hydrating cream will penetrate better following an exfoliation and the results will be increased."

So, it's not just about properly removing dead skin. It's about what the new skin gets to soak in. So, Asquith suggests exfoliants that contain other active ingredients. "[Look for] hydrating, anti-septic, soothing and nourishing components thereby addressing more skin concerns and achieving multi-functional actions."

Here are some of our favorite exfoliating products:

More: Find out how to find the best exfoliator for your skin

More skin care tips

12 Steps to smoother skin
Smooth operator: 20 Ways to exfoliate in 5 minutes
The fresh face look at Fashion Week

7 Splurge-worthy beauty products that really deliver results

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1. Chanel’s Soleil Tan De Chanel

Chanel’s Soleil Tan De Chanel
Image: Chanel

Soleil Tan De Chanel ($48) is a universal bronzing makeup base taking the place of foundation, contouring cream, primer and bronzer. Think of it as an all-purpose BFF.

This jar of goodness will become an instant favorite on “rotation” in your beauty routine! You’ll love that the extra-large serving of product lasts forever and once you’re done, the designer jar can store bobby pins or tiny jewelry. That’s classy with a double C!

More: 6 Decades making a retro beauty comeback

2. Lancome’s Belle De Teint

Lancome’s Belle De Teint
Image: Nordstrom

Belle De Teint by Lancome ($43) is a revolutionary, natural glow sheer illuminating powder — just too delicious and practical to not use on the daily. The multi-use item works great as a natural looking bronzer, blusher and/or beauty powder.

For a real barefaced look and feel, you can skip the foundation and just roll with this! The silky, luxurious feel will have you at the first application! Shade 03 Belle De Jour is great for light to olive complexions.

3. Tom Ford’s Extreme Mascara

Tom Ford’s Extreme Mascara
Image: Nordstrom

Extreme Mascara by Tom Ford ($44) is the most amazing mascara ever! It makes the flimsiest of lashes really pop with lift, length and fullness. Think of it as a miracle in a tube.

A must-have if you’ve given everything else a try — this one is pretty fail proof. The brush and formulation is just everything for making the most of every lash.

4. Chanel’s CC Cream

CC Cream by Chanel
Image: Chanel

CC Cream by Chanel ($55) is another fabulous multi-use product — making the value a win-win. This amazing broad spectrum SPF 50 takes the place of foundation and your daily SPF. Akin to a tinted moisturizer, this CC cream completely corrects and protects.

Great for running out the door — a little goes a long way, so be sure to only use a smidgen at a time. Comes in three versatile shades.

5. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Beauty Flash Balm by Clarins
Image: Nordstrom

Beauty Flash Balm by Clarins ($46) is a cult favorite because it moisturizes, brightens and tightens. Trust us, when you run out of this delicious buttery balm, you’ll be out looking for your second tube.

This addictive balm makes makeup application super easy — with the scent and formulation truly being one of a kind!). The 1.07-ounce tube is also excellent for travel or carrying around in your bag.

More: It's time to ditch your old makeup-before it makes you ill

6. Oribe’s Thick Dry Finishing Spray

Oribe’s Thick Dry Finishing Spray
Image: Neiman Marcus

Thick Dry Finishing Spray by Oribe ($39) is a magical mist that will not only envelop every strand to create full volume — it will enrapture all your senses. This is not your ordinary volume spray — it delivers like no other and the scent is super sexy! Plump up the volume with this high-density finishing spray — worth every cent!

You can also opt for the travel size to test out its goodness. Spray this product over and under strands for amazing fullness and delicious smelling hair.

7. Oribe’s Signature Moisture Masque

Signature Moisture Masque by Oribe
Image: Neiman Marcus

Signature Moisture Masque by Oribe ($59) is guaranteed to be your most indulgent, ultra-hydrating at-home moisturizing experience! Exceptional for detangling and softening your strands. This crème de la crème deep-hydrating masque transforms even the driest hair — worth the splurge for the colder months ahead.

Buy this mask treatment over the brand’s signature conditioner — it’s a better buy for your money.


12 Fall hair trends from Instagram to know and love

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It doesn't even have to be drastic. As the weather changes from boiling hot to crispy cool, so can your hair — from blond beachy waves to buns and braids in rich shades of brown.

And if you're as addicted to the 'gram as I am, you're in luck. Instagram is not only the place to find out what your friends are eating for dinner or what their adorable children are doing, it's also the hot spot for the latest trends. That's right — Instagram is the hub for what is hot and fresh with the change of each season, whether you're talking hair, makeup or clothes. Even in the wake September's New York Fashion Week, The New York Times pointed to Instagram as the best place to find beauty inspiration. Instagram has become so trend-centric that some fashion bloggers are making up to $15,000 per post — just for promoting brands and hashtagging new looks.

But even for the expert-grammers — those who were born to double tap — hair trends can be hard to find if you don't know where to look. If you're not already following creative hairstylists on Instagram, you may completely miss these new fall hairstyles on your feed:

1. Autumn ombré

Fall hair 1

Fall hair 1

Fantastic news for every woman who has a summer ombré staring back at her in the mirror: After all your hours (and money) spent at the salon to get your hair just right, you don't have to give up your trendy two-toned hair for the fall. You'll only need to update the beachy blonds in your ombré with darker fall tones to rock this season's #autumnombre trend.

More: How to create an ombre nail design

2. Braided topknot

Fall hair 2

Fall hair 2

Back-to-school also means back to work for most of us. It's time to comb out that beachy summer hair and make your workday bun a little less "basic" with a trending fall topknot by Innersense Organic Beauty, a Certified Green Brand. The seemingly intricate topknot is actually deceptively simple when you start with hair in a loose braid.

3. Chocolate waves

Fall hair 3

Fall hair 3

Innersense has their ear to the trending hoofbeats of Instagram. As a top women's hairstyle for the fall, Innersense says it's all about cascading bohemian waves in rich chocolate shades — made possible by a flawless blowout.

4. Fishtail braid

Fall hair 9

Fall hair 9

Keep your hair nice and neat as the first cool front rolls in with the modern interpretation of the traditional fishtail braid. It should go without saying that autumn is also the perfect time to go auburn -- make your braid even bolder by transitioning to red from medium to dark brown.

5. Hair charm

Fall hair 4

Fall hair 4

If you're not ready for a big fall hair change, dip your toes in the water with an adorable autumnal hair accessory. Hair jewelry, like the kind of fun and funky handcrafted stuff you can find on Etsy, is booming on Instagram this fall, making it easy to dress up your look without too much morning prep.

6. Hint of gray

Fall hair 5

Fall hair 5

#GrannyHair was the Instagram rage earlier this year, but the shocking hair trend hasn't died off completely. Just in time for fall, Natural Root Sista debuted the most attractive way to go gray — instead of the full Granny — with a kiss of gray to complement your natural color.

7. Long angled lob

Fall hair 6

Fall hair 6

Long angled lob are the only words you need to remember when you visit your stylist for your seasonal trim. Michelle Forst, celebrity stylist at George the Salon Chicago, calls this the "hot cut" of the season, moving from summer into fall. She says, "To recreate this trend cut, make sure that you ask your stylist to maintain length and keep the front slightly longer. This works really well with the bang because it elongates the face instead of shortening it."

8. Old-fashioned updo

Fall hair 7

Fall hair 7

Every flirty fall fantasy you've ever had of picnicking on the lawn with Mr. Darcy can finally come true. With the change of the seasons, the hair classics are back — Mary Brambila of Brambila Salon in Santa Monica recommends the romantic, loose updo for weddings or a special night out.

9. Purple/blue enhancements

Fall hair 8

Fall hair 8

Toni Washington of Atlanta's Toni Washington Hair Salon predicts colorful changes in the fall of 2015. If Washington's Instagram feed is any proof, we can expect to see more bright hues, like hints of blue and purple, woven into rich brown fall tones.

More: 7 Ways to color your hair without traditional hair dye

10. Rich brown color

Fall hair 10

Fall hair 10

If you've been waiting for permission to darken your hair for the fall, the time is now. Washington posted a picture of rich brown tones interspersed with golden highlights as the ideal fall hair color combo.

11. Sleek side braid

Fall hair 11

Fall hair 11

If Twitter is any indication — where, like Instagram, you can find new fall hairstyles with hair tutorials and pro tips posted in real-time — fall braids are trending. Twitter's top three braid hashtags for the season are ranked as #FrenchBraid, #FishtailBraid and #WaterfallBraid. With such a variety of braid styles out there, ranging from simple to complex, you can be as creative as you want to be. Start by trying Washington's side-swept side braid as part of your regular hairstyle, as seen on her Instagram model shot by Zina Franklin.

12. Tinker Bell topknot

Fall hair 12

Fall hair 12

If you identify as an everyday bunhead, then this hot fall hair trend may make all your dreams come true. Inspired by Disney's Tinkerbell, #TinkStyle on Instagram is a fresh reinvention of the traditional topknot, most recently spotted on actress Bella Thorne on the red carpet at the VMAs.

LFW designers say the hijab has a place on the catwalk

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More: Models skate down the catwalk at London Fashion Week

The brand has a flagship store in Bangsar, is sold in boutiques across Singapore and, following the official launch at LFW, the sisters are reportedly now in talks with online fashion giant ASOS.

The images from the LFW Mimpikita show are beautiful: impeccable craftsmanship, exquisite detailing and chic, modest style, but perhaps what made the most impact was the picture of the Zulkifli sisters walking the catwalk after the show in their hijabs.

In an age where nothing on the catwalk really shocks us anymore — we barely raise an eyebrow at nipple slips, bejewelled faces or contorting models — isn't it curious that what gets us talking is a headscarf signifying modesty and symbolising religious faith?

More: H&M has launched the most diverse fashion campaign of all time

Talking to HuffPost UK Style after their LFW debut, the Zulkifli sisters revealed that they are keen to start a positive conversation about the hijab in fashion. They all wear hijabs and so do some of their models, something that hasn't been well received by Asian fashion media, particularly when models in hijabs are featuring in publications aimed at a non-muslim demographic.

"For my sisters and I, it's all about removing the old ideologies and stereotypes that prevent us from having it all," said Mira Zulkifli. "For us there is no stronger illustration of our pride in our faith than us as designers taking to the runway in our hijabs after the models."

The women acknowledge that considering the hijab as a fashion accessory as well as a religious symbol may be seen as disrespectful by some.

"Primarily, as muslims — there is an obligation for us to be modest in all that we do and that includes what we wear," said Mira. "Choosing to wear the hijab isn’t supposed to create more stress on (sic) women, and nor is it the climax of our spirituality. For us sisters, our commitment to wearing the hijab is a big part of our lives — it grounds us and helps us to maintain our modesty.

"Our hijab styles are also fairly simple; sticking to neutrals and a simple ‘pin & tuck’ style to compliment (sic) our outfits and personal style," she continued. "The many hijab styles out there can be tapered to match someone’s own style reference and although there is incessant debate on the hijab as fashion item, we view it as providing an opportunity for women to partake in fashion trends, while creating a niche market for those who choose to cover up."

Mimpikita 1

Mimpikita 1

Courtesy: Mimpikita/Instagram

Mimpikita 2

Mimpikita 2

Courtesy: Mimpikita/Instagram

Mimpikita 3

Mimpikita 3

Courtesy: Mimpikita/Instagram

More: 11 times Sandra Rhodes made us feel really dull

11 Annoying suggestions acne sufferers don’t want to hear

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I know I have. You name it: cleansers, prescriptions, diets, meditation, injections, pills, vitamins, facials, masks, birth control, lasers — I've tried it all. The only thing that really works for me is Proactiv... but not Proactiv Plus, because that makes me break out. Go figure.

In any case, for those of you with crystal clear, bright and glowy skin (that you have no idea how much we envy), please, please, please stop telling us how to win our acne battle. We think it's super amazing that you believe just one tiny change will totally get rid of our acne forever. But believe me you, our lives are not like Clearasil commercials — and those stupid spot treatments don't vanish a pimple in 24 hours.

Here are some of our favorites:

1. Just stop eating so many greasy foods

Amanda Bynes slap

Image: Giphy.com

Excuuuse me! Do you realize what you are saying? Not only am I embarrassed that you brought up how bad my face looks, but now you think I eat like a greasy, slimy slob too? Thanks.

More: Amanda Bynes looks amazing after all her legal troubles (PHOTOS)

2. It's probably your makeup

Emma Stone thumbs up

Image: Giphy.com

Oh, gee. I never thought of that one before. Gosh, I'm so lucky to have a friend as smart and as clever as you!

3. Your hormones must be out of whack

Taylor Swift annoyed

Image: Giphy.com

Your hormones are out of whack. Yeah, take that!

4. How many times a day do you wash your face?

Sarah Michelle Gellar not amused

Image: Giphy.com

Hmmm... let's see. I wash my face about one to three times a day. How many times a week do you shower? Oh, what's that? You don't like being judged about your hygiene? Weird.

5. Have you tried Accutane?

Newspaper crinkled

Image: Giphy.com

Wow, you just made taking Accutane seem as side-effect-free as eating an ice cream.

6. It's just stress

Raven-Symoné stressed

Image: Giphy.com

You telling me that makes me more stressed, because then I start to think that I really am stressed, and then I get triple stressed, because I don't know how to de-stress my stress, and I think this stress ball will just keep rolling around in my stressed body forever and...

7. I use this cream and never get acne

Judge Judy eye roll

Image: Giphy.com

Let's think about this one. Do you think that maybe — just maybe — if your miracle cream worked to cure everyone's acne that I would know about it already?

8. Do you get enough sleep?

Anna Kendrick mind blown

Image: Giphy.com

OMG! You figured it out! I don't get enough sleep because I'm up all night Pinteresting ways to get rid of my spots. Silly me.

More: This is why we love Anna Kendrick and her candid tweets

9. You must not be eating enough vitamins and minerals

angry head turn

Image: Giphy.com

Again with my diet! Jeez! If I've been desperate enough to get injections in my face to calm my acne, then you can be pretty sure that I've considered less invasive options — like amping up my intake of multivitamins.

10. My friend stopped eating meat and hasn't had a pimple since

eye roll

Image: Giphy.com

Been there, done that. Sorry, didn't work. Thanks for your awful suggestion.

11. You should do yoga

table flip

Image: Giphy.com

I could do yoga until I move around town like an octopus, but I'm telling you... It. Will. Not. Cure. My. Acne!

Woman was fired over her tattoo right after landing her 'perfect' job

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Claire Shepherd got an intricate hand and wrist cuff tattoo 18 months prior to interviewing for the retail merchandiser position at Dee Set — a shopping logistics company in the United Kingdom. She felt it was the "perfect" job for her, and obviously Dee Set thought so too, because they offered it to her during her phone interview.

More13 Creative semicolon tattoos that prove punctuation can be beautiful

Naturally Shepherd was thrilled with the news — that is, until she received an email from the company outlining its dress code policy. She wrote on her Facebook page, "As I read it I was gutted as they noted that all tattoos must be covered up as they are likely to cause offense." Shepherd also detailed that she has worked for six years in similar managerial positions, with several visible tattoos, and had never run into a problem like this before. Thinking the policy might be outdated, she contacted the woman who had offered her the job and told her about her tattoos. Shepherd was shocked when the woman replied they could no longer offer her the position if she couldn't cover them up.

Outraged, she took to Facebook to share her discrimination experience. She posted a picture of her tattoo along with a paragraph explaining what happened and why she felt like how she was treated was so wrong.

Claire tattoo

Claire tattoo

Within the post she wrote, "I'm shocked that people still discriminate against visible tattoos. I just didn't think this happened any more. I'm totally disgusted." It seems the world is very much in agreement with her, as her post has already been shared over 2,000 times. It was also retweeted by plus-size model and body positive activist Tess Holliday. Holliday has over 50,000 followers on Twitter alone, so no doubt this advocacy against tattoo discrimination in the workplace will go far.

More20 Tattooed women challenging the taboo against ink in the workplace

It already reached her former employers over at Dee Set who, after they saw the post, called and offered Shepherd her job back. However, she felt the concession was too little too late. She told Daily Mail, "I feel if I hadn't gone viral they wouldn't have offered me the job back." While it's admirable that they tried to right their wrong, it looks a lot like a company trying to save face now that the social media microscope is on it.

As such, Shepherd decided to decline their job offer and now works for a different retail company. However, her experience has made her realize that there's work to be done on today's office job policies. It's a hard line to draw when you think about it — if companies can impose dress codes on their employees, is it fair to include things like makeup, body art and piercings? And who's to say which tattoos are appropriate and which aren't?

MoreWalmart forces workers to buy something the company should provide

The unfortunate truth is that there is still a stigma around tattoos, especially ones that cover large areas of one's body. And since tattoos are something you get voluntarily rather than something with which you were born, companies often get around it being called discrimination. However, that doesn't make such policies any less hurtful toward qualified individuals who also happen to be inked. As Shepherd succinctly put it, "If the police force are allowed to show tattoos then why are some companies still not allowing to show tattoos. We are all individuals and someone's skin shouldn't affect their employment."

20 Tattooed women challenging the taboo against ink in the workplace
Image: Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Sheknows

The sweet reason why Stella McCartney designed this bra for breast cancer survivors

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To honor her mother — and raise awareness during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month — the British designer created a beautiful compression bra to make the world a bit brighter for women going through the painful healing process after a double mastectomy.

Louise Listening Bra
Image: Stella McCartney

And the best part? She named it after her mother. The rose-colored Louise Listening bra is her way to "bring something feminine and beautiful into a bra that is taboo,” she said in a statement, according to People.

More: H&M has launched the most diverse fashion campaign of all time

“There are so many different emotions attached to the tragic realities of having had a double mastectomy, many cultures are unaccepting and terrible things happen to women both physically and emotionally," she added. "And we just wanted to make something that allows women undergoing this to have something to be proud of, something with no shame attached.”

More: 'History of the bra' is an eye-opening trip down memory lane (VIDEO)

The $125 bra will go on sale October 1 on her website with all of the proceeds going to the Hello Beautiful Foundation.

Most of all, McCartney wants women dealing with this awful illness to know that "you can still be feminine, have your sensuality, have all of the things that are attached to being a woman and that part of your body can still feel beautiful on the outside, as well as the inside.”

More: Beauty vlogger shares moving video about overcoming her disability (WATCH)

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