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These awesome guys let their girlfriends give them bikini waxes (VIDEO)

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The Egyptians were the ones to originate this painful beauty ritual thousands of years ago, except they took it one step further and removed all the hair from their head as well as their body. They actually did this one hair at a time using tweezers made of seashells. At least waxing's come a long way since that arduous torture! After that time, hair removal became a habit of upper class women, even though it was perfectly acceptable for upper class men to grow long beards and complicated mustaches.

MoreWatching dudes get their pubes waxed is oddly satisfying (VIDEO)

However, bikini waxing didn't come back into fashion until the 1970s (likely due to the appearance of more risqué bathing suits). Now, keeping it bare down there is common practice for women, despite the fact that it never ceases to be agonizing.

Women often comment to their male counterparts about how awful it is to get a bikini wax, and as a result, very few men choose to experience it. This may also have something to do with the fact that society doesn't demand well-kept undercarriages from them, but I digress. Thankfully, two brave gentlemen decided to step up to the waxing table and see what all the complaining was about in the name of science, and frustrated girlfriends everywhere. Here's what they learned.

Waxing boyfriends

Waxing boyfriends

That's right, guys. Waxing is just as bad as we've been saying all these years. Now, at least two of you know the blinding pain of thick hair follicles being ripped unceremoniously out of your delicate, genital adjacent skin. It's a good thing most of your swimsuits are long enough to cover all that hair down there, so you don't have to keep doing this every month in the summertime in the name of beauty.

MoreWhy you should quit waxing and get laser ASAP

I love that one of the girlfriends in this video actually said, "I think it's going to be less painful than you think it's going to be." That's called a false setup, everyone. She was getting him to lower his guard so that the discomfort would be all the more surprising.

Also, can we just talk about how awesome that couple is who've only been dating for two months?? I've been dating my fiancé for almost eight years, and I still don't think I'd be comfortable ripping his pubic hair out with wax. That takes a serious amount of comfort and trust, not to mention gag reflexes. I suppose it's like an ultimate relationship test. If you can survive letting your significant other wax your private parts, you can survive anything.

Favorite moments — when baseball tee-wearing boyfriend said, "This is going to be worse than meeting your parents," and, "To anyone who does this, bravo, because this is insane." Yes sir, it is, and yet for some reason women everywhere (including myself) keep doing it.

More8 Ways to groom your bikini area without hot, painful wax


42 Halloween costume & makeup ideas you can create yourself

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Halloween costume and makeup photo gallery

Halloween costume ideas
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

More: See all Halloween costumes here

Our top list of Halloween costume are featured in this Halloween Photo Gallery! From a spooky witch to our famous minion costume and creative ideas like a Barden Bella, there's an ensemble for everyone.

Costumes should be easy to make and, better yet, cheap! Below you can browse some of the silliest and most affordable homemade Halloween costumes, all made for under $30. You'll find DIY gems like Where's Waldo and Rosie the Riveter and some extra-clever ideas such as the Fruit of the Loom grapes and a gumball machine you'll love.

Homemade Halloween costume ideas

Make your own Halloween costume for under $30

Easy bat halloween costume
Image: Merrick White/SheKnows

DIY Disney Princess Halloween costumes
Image: Merrick White/SheKnows

easy homemade Halloween costume ideas
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Halloween costumes from SheKnows
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Halloween costumes from SheKnows
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Halloween costumes from SheKnows
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Halloween costumes from SheKnows
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Halloween costumes from SheKnows
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Halloween cupcake costume from SheKnows
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Editor's pick: The sweetest costume ever! Click here for the full cupcake costume tutorial.

Halloween makeup tutorials

Halloween makeup ideas
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

Completing your Halloween costume with flawless makeup — it's easier than it looks but it can make or break the costume. Re-create these makeup looks with simple tutorials from our makeup expert. You'll get ideas from an ooey-gooey nasty scar with stitches to a knock-'em-dead pinup girl, and even the futuristic makeup stylings of the Hunger Games' Capitol.

Watch our Halloween makeup tutorials here

Step-by-step photo makeup tutorials to follow

More Halloween goodies

Halloween printable party pack
Image: Sheknows

More: Get the Halloween printable party pack here

Once your Halloween costume is all set to go, take a look at our printable party pack to ensure your party planning is a breeze!

Vampire breast lift claims perky results without surgery

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That is, as long as you're not afraid of a little blood.... mwahahahaha! Yes, the vampire breast lift involves using your own blood to rejuvenate your breasts, much like it does during a vampire face lift. Kim Kardashian originally made this blood-centric skin treatment famous when she took a selfie drenched in a thin layer of her own blood. Or at least the platelet-rich plasma that has the magical restorative powers.

MoreWeird Halloween spa treatments offered around the U.S.

Dermatologist Charles Runels who invented this sinister-sounding procedure, has now taken that same basic principle and applied it to women's breasts. The vampire breast lift does virtually the same thing as the vampire face lift — it makes everything look plumper, rosier, and best of all, younger. In terms of breasts, that essentially means it gives you back your youthful perkiness without the help of a push-up bra.

Dr. Norman Rowe, a well-renowned New York City-based plastic surgeon explains, "It involves taking the patient's own blood (about half a coffee cup full), extracting the platelets from the blood (the platelets help our blood clot and also release healing factors when we cut ourselves), activating them so they release the healing factors, which in turn attract stem cells, which cause a variety of effects."

Stem cells are known to produce more collagen, so the idea is to lift the breast resulting in more perkiness.

MoreNew cosmetic procedure offers women temporary 24-hour breast lift

Dr. Runels told Cosmo he can increase cleavage, get rid of stretch marks and even improve nipple sensitivity with this procedure. However, according to Dr. Rowe, there is currently no scientific evidence to prove Dr. Runels' claims — just several before and after photos.

If you've been considering getting breast augmentation, this might be a good preliminary procedure to try because it's much less invasive. According to Dr. Rowe, recovery from this procedure is very quick. There's little to no downtime because it's not full-fledged surgery, and you don't have to be anesthetized. However, that being said, there's very little information available on what injecting stem cells into the breast tissue could do to the body over time, so you may want to wait until some scientific studies have been done.

MoreA surgical bra you wear under your skin — worth it?

According to Dr. Runels, the procedure takes as little as 15 minutes, and the effects can last a year or longer (but it takes up to two months for your breasts to reach their full, perky potential). While it won't necessarily give you an added cup size, according to Dr. Runels, you'll look like you're wearing a push-up bra even though you're not. However, for an impermanent procedure, it is quite pricey at about $1,800 a shot...

Why you should pamper yourself with artisan soap

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A history of soap

Historically speaking, moisturizing and conditioning products for the skin were not part of the psyche. Daily survival was the focus, and the soap had one definitive purpose only: to clean.

In 1916, a young German scientist named Fritz Gunther developed the first detergent. The shortage of fats during World War 1 motivated him to find an alternative material that could be used as a cleanser instead of fat and lye-based soaps. Fat shortages continued during World War II, which further supported detergent development.

The marketing and use of detergents soared. They were inexpensive to produce and found their way into every industry, including skin care. Early detergents could not be broken down by bacteria and created foams in rivers and streams. The addition of phosphates solved this problem while simultaneously improving the cleansing power. The dark side arose when it was discovered that phosphates over-fertilized plants — namely algae, which polluted rivers and streams, consuming oxygen and decimating fish populations.

Detergents continued their evolution and are now found in the majority of commercial brands of body washes, hand soap and beauty bars marketed today.

The problem with harsh skin cleansers

Today, we know more about our own skin, its purpose and its needs. Medical science allows us to understand the structure of skin. It is multi-purpose, and we now know what it needs to function properly.

Our skin is made of epithelial tissue which protects us from the harmful rays of the sun and certain chemicals. Epithelial tissue protects underlying tissues, acts as a cushion, absorbs nutrients and excretes waste, such as sweat. The top epidermis layer is comprised of epithelial tissue.

Dermatology research has shown that the drying effect of commercial detergent based soap actually damages the stratum corneum layer in the first level of the skin. Detergents remove all the natural lipids in this layer, including the glycerin and all nourishing triglycerides. The stratum corneum is meant to be your shield against the environment, defending you daily from microbes, viruses and bacteria. It is your first layer of defense against injury and illness. This layer also stretches, expands, bends and flexes in a myriad of ways.

We actually strip the skin of moisturizing nutrients by using products containing copious amounts of detergents, salts, artificial surfactants and degreasers. The skin begins to thin and weaken. It may crack or split, opening the door to inflammation, which then allows recurrent skin conditions to develop. With that, dryness, itching, flaking and peeling find a new home.

Finding soap that works with your skin's needs

Properly made, handcrafted artisan bars of soap offer consumers a healthier option for bathing and overall skin care. Premium natural soaps are made from a variety of highly nutritious oils (olive, almond, castor) and butters (shea, cocoa, mango), botanicals (blueberries, pumpkin, teas) and skin-loving ingredients like undiluted honey and naturally-occurring glycerin.

Cold process soap-making preserves the vitamins, minerals, lipo-proteins and enzymes from the soap's premium ingredients. Soap is cured, like cheese, allowing the water to evaporate naturally.

Some handcrafted soap is produced by the hot-process method, which uses many of the same premium ingredients. This soap is cooked, and the applied heat assists a rapid cure time of a couple days, so the soap is ready for market. Heat has been proven to destroy nutrients, so I believe in the superiority of cold-process soap in terms of skin loving benefits.

Your skin is worth a premium, handcrafted bar that protects your barrier layer in the epidermis. Make the move away from detergent-based, commercial soap and actually start feeding your skin. Isn't your skin worth a few extra dollars each month?

How to make a DIY whipped pumpkin spice sugar scrub

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DIY Whipped Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

Supplies

  • 1 cup organic coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup brown or white sugar (I used both for the scent of the brown sugar)
  • 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap (recipe here
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Dash of nutmeg
  • Wide mouth mason jar
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer

Directions

  1. In your stand mixer or in a metal bowl, whip the coconut oil with a hand mixer. I used my stand mixer and the whisk attachment, starting on medium and working my way to high and then letting it whip for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the soap in a slow stream and mix on low.
  3. Add the olive oil slowly and mix on low.
  4. Finally, add the cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and nutmeg.
  5. Turn off the mixer and add the white or brown sugar. Your sugar scrub will probably be foamy because of the Castile soap, but it will settle down.
  6. When the bubbles are gone, pour it in to a mason jar.

To use, scoop a few tablespoons into your hair and rub in circles on your hands, arms and body. Don't use this scrub on your delicate facial skin. Use once a week to exfoliate your skin and keep your skin soft and smooth.

The addition of the Castile soap helps cut down on the oily feel. If you use it before going to bed, don't wash your hands and let the oil nourish your hands all night.

Inspiring letter from bearded woman is a testament to true beauty

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Harnaam Kaur started growing hair on her face when she was just 11 years old. And this wasn't just a stray chin hair — it was, well, a beard. Thanks to a medical condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), the British elementary school student had an overabundance of male hormones coursing through her body. At a time when girls are sprouting up and told they're growing into women, she was sprouting hair and growing what quickly became a full beard.

Bearded Lady 1a

Bearded Lady 1a

As one would expect, her peers and even some adults were not understanding and she was taunted and bullied for her appearance. Eventually it got so bad she said she considered suicide. Thankfully, instead of that tragic ending, she found a happy beginning when she was baptized as a Sikh at age 16. As part of the religion is not cutting one's hair — any of it — she decided to stop fighting her facial hair.

More: 5 Ways to treat your face right

"I would never ever go back now and remove my facial hair because it's the way God made me and I'm happy with the way I am," she said.

Bearded Lady 2a

Bearded Lady 2a

And now, at 24, she finally feels at home in her own body and said she feels more feminine than ever, enjoying dress shopping and manicures with her girlfriends. A far cry from her early days hiding in the shadows, now she's a popular beauty blogger and model, sharing stunningly beautiful images on her Instagram. (Go follow her, now!) 

Bearded Lady 3a

Bearded Lady 3a

But her journey to self-acceptance was not easy, and as a way to reach out to other women and girls with PCOS — it's a heartbreakingly common syndrome, affecting one in every 10 to 15 women — she penned a letter to her younger self. Addressing herself as "Little Me," she gives her child self the encouragement, love and hope she wished she'd had then. And what she writes about her body, her femininity and her life will inspire you, no matter what challenges you're facing!

More: Historic women with true inner beauty

"Dear Little me, I have not spoken to you in such a long time. It's your older self here writing you this letter. I hope you are well. I can see the struggles that you are facing; I can see it in your eyes that you feel like you don't belong. I feel it in your soul that you are struggling and you need some guidance. You quiver at the sight of people, you shudder at the touch of a stranger, and you drag your lifeless body everywhere that you go. If only you could see your own self worth and the gems that you have embedded inside your own beautiful heart. You have a heart of gold and you will empower many one day. Don't you see it? Can't you see just how amazing and beautiful you are? You drag yourself through life in the shadow of an unconfident girl. When will the spark inside you flame up and thunder across your body? When will you realise just how wonderful you are? How long before you actually stand up for yourself and shout out your inner voice? You need to make it heard. You don't see your self-worth, you don't love yourself, and you haven't embraced the compassion inside you that your soul is waiting for you to unleash. When will that time come when you unleash the real you? You need to speak louder, hold your head higher, make yourself be noticed, show people that you have a voice. You need to take strides with confidence; you need to be a bit prouder. Be proud of the beauty that you hold inside your body. Be proud of the strength that you have inside you that you will one day unleash.

I promise you that the world will one day read your story. You have no idea of just how many people will be inspired by your self-love, your strength, your self-empowerment. So baby sister, 'Little Me', find the inner strength to carry on living your life with pride. I know you want to end it all, I know you carve the sadness into your skin. Don't you realise that your body loves you, can't you see tears that your body is crying? Your body is telling you to stop as it sheds tears, tears of blood. Your body is such a blessing; your body carries your precious heart and your wonderful heart. If only you could see, if only you could hold your head up high. Open your big beautiful brown eyes and see; see what you have to life (sic) for, see what you are giving up and see the life's (sic) that you will later safe (sic).

I can feel you self consciously quiver when you try to speak up, your eyes, your beautiful big eyes hide even before they lay eyes on another. Use your voice to speak of your difficulties, be brave and tackles (sic) your issues head strong. The strength that you have inside is enough to shake mountains. Use it; use it to help yourself and others. Focus on your bright future which I promise that you will definitely have.

You will grow up to be a gorgeous young woman who will shake the normal societal standards of beauty. You will grow to be an activist, and you will mature to help men and women all over the world. Your self-love, your beauty, your self-esteem, your confidence will help empower the masses to love themselves and their bodies. You will show people what beauty truly is, and yes dear little sister it is YOU who has the power to do that; you will do it with all of the strength and love inside of you!

Your soul will shine, your aura will flourish and your self-love for your future diverse body will win the hearts of compassionate people. I promise you, that you are a survivor and you will conquer all of your battles that you will face growing up with might. You have the inner power to do all of this, so I am positive that you are able to overcome all problems that you are facing right now. Be positive, know that you are able to fight against life's battles and give it all that you have got, because Little Me you are fabulous, you are strength, you are confident, you are empowered and you are beautiful. All these qualities are embedded in you. Delve deep into your soul, reach for them and embrace them whole heartedly.

Dear Little Me.

Here I write you this letter hoping that you will read it and implant all the necessary lessons and messages into your heart and soul. This letter will be most important to you as you travel into the world of adulthood.

Dear Little Sister, little me,

I write to you this letter only to realise that you are now me that have (sic) Grown up into a beautiful self empowered young woman, and I can tell you one thing, you have done a very good job growing up. Thank you for going through all those battles and hardships with strength. Thank you for making me the woman that I am today.

I love you whole heartedly.

Kindest Regards

Harnaam Kaur"

A glow-in-the-dark Halloween nail design anyone can do

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Supplies:

Spooky glowing eyes Halloween nail design: Supplies
Image: Kara Endres/Sheknows

  • Small brush
  • China Glaze's Liquid Leather
  • Essie's Blanc
  • Sinful Colors' Innocent
  • Glow-in-the-dark polish

Directions:

Step 1

Spooky glowing eyes Halloween nail design: Step 1
Image: Kara Endres/Sheknows

Begin with 2 coats of black for a super-dark base.

Step 2

Spooky glowing eyes Halloween nail design: Step 2
Image: Kara Endres/Sheknows

Using the small brush, paint on a variety of eye shapes with the white polish.

Step 3

Spooky glowing eyes Halloween nail design: Step
Image: Kara Endres/Sheknows

Wait for the white polish to dry, then follow up with a coat of green over the white area and let dry.


Step 4

Spooky glowing eyes Halloween nail design: Step 4
Image: Kara Endres/Sheknows

Paint 2 coats of glow-in-the-dark polish on the eyes, waiting for the first coat to dry before applying the second.

Step 5

Spooky glowing eyes Halloween nail design: Step 5
Image: Kara Endres/Sheknows

Using the black polish, paint the pupils on each of the eyes. Some you can make look scary by painting them at the top of the eye, others you can turn into cat eyes by painting a slit down the center, or you can make them look like they're spooked by something off to the side by painting the pupils on the left side of the eyes.

Step 6

Spooky glowing eyes Halloween nail design: Step 6
Image: Kara Endres/Sheknows

After they dry completely, finish with a top coat. Now the fun begins: testing out how they look in the dark! Expose them to a bright light for a minute and then turn out the lights and see the eyes glow!

Pin for later

Glow-in-the-dark nail design
Image: Kara Endres, Illustration: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows

Beauty blogger provides the most scarily awesome Halloween inspiration

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More: African, Chinese and Indian makeup sets spark heated racial debate

Hedman, who hails from Stockholm, Sweden, is quickly gaining popularity on social media and already has over 5000 followers on her Instagram account. What's most impressive about her work is that she has no professional training whatsoever, and every single one of her looks is created using only makeup.

According to Daily Mail, Hedman's makeup artistry juices started flowing merely as a way of passing time on her maternity leave, but they have since evolved into some serious masterpieces.

This look is definitely going to scare the pants off everyone on Halloween. Yikes.

Emma Hedman Instagram

Emma Hedman Instagram

Who knew mermaids could be so terrifying?

Emma Hedman Instagram 2

Emma Hedman Instagram 2

Hedman reportedly spends up to two hours completing each piece of work, before immortalising it in a photograph.

Emma Hedman Instagram 3

Emma Hedman Instagram 3

The age transformation with this makeup is remarkable.

Emma Hedman Instagram 8

Emma Hedman Instagram 8

We seriously think she could have a career on set of some of the goriest horror films.

Emma Hedman Instagram 4

Emma Hedman Instagram 4

More: A glow-in-the-dark Halloween nail design anyone can do

True Blood vampires meets The Walking Dead?

Emma Hedman Instagram 7

Emma Hedman Instagram 7

Andy Warhol would have been proud.

Emma Hedman Instagram 5

Emma Hedman Instagram 5

Seriously, we're going to have nightmares tonight.

Emma Hedman Instagram 6

Emma Hedman Instagram 6

This doll could give the Bride of Chucky a run for its money.

Emma Hedman Instagram 9

Emma Hedman Instagram 9

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

Are you impressed? Or just simply terrified? Let us know your thoughts on Emma Hedman's looks in the comments below.


Breast cancer survivor designs swimsuits for double mastectomy patients

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That's what 52-year-old mom Teresa Stone from Coulsdon in Surrey, England, was dealing with after she had a preventative double mastectomy when she found out she had breast cancer. Her sister Rita, 65, who received the same diagnosis a week prior, also opted for the difficult procedure, because their mother had died of the disease. Both sisters went into surgery a month after their respective diagnoses and came through with clean bills of health.

MoreWoman posts raw photos of her double mastectomy for breast cancer awareness

While both sisters decided to get reconstructive surgery post mastectomy, their doctors had them each undergo unique procedures. "I opted for breast implants that you gradually pump up over time because my skin is quite thin and my surgeon said that it needed time to stretch gradually," Stone told the Daily Mail. Rita's doctor suggested he bring her back muscles around to the front to help construct her new breasts — a procedure that had a much longer recovery rate than Teresa's.

However, despite the fact that Stone's procedure had a shorter recovery rate, the pumping took longer to create her desired breast fullness, because it had to be done gradually. Thus, she was still mostly flat-chested when she went swimsuit shopping for a two-month vacation with her family post surgery.

The trip was supposed to be a celebration for making it through such difficult times, but the shopping experience left her feeling rather discouraged. She told the Daily Mail, "I didn’t think it would be so difficult getting swimwear for me, but not only was mastectomy swimwear frumpy and big, it was also very expensive." But rather than let that get her down, Stone decided to do something about it. So she started brainstorming her own affordable bikini line for women who've undergone double mastectomies.

More11 Women turn their mastectomy scars into beautiful tattoos

Since she had no experience in the fashion industry, it took Stone 18 months to get her swimsuit idea off the ground. However, with the help of Jill Godfrey, a sample maker and designer, and good friend Aoife Ward, she finally launched the line Brave Ladies this year.

The line's website features friends of Stone's as the models, several of whom have also undergone double mastectomies. There is no airbrushing, and the women are all different sizes and ages, so you can actually see what real women look like wearing the bikinis. Most of the tops are adjustable so you can change their shape to fit whatever stage of reconstruction you happen to be at.

Image: Brave Ladies

"Most of our tops are ruched at the top, which means you can pull them in and out for depth and coverage," notes Stone. She believes her extensive experience searching for the right suit post surgery gave her a major leg up in the development of her line. "I needed full coverage at the beginning of my reconstruction, as I wasn't very confident with the scarring and the flatness of the breast area."

The suits are much more affordable than the average double mastectomy swimsuits on the market today. The tops go for around $55 (£40) and are meant to look like ordinary swimsuits rather than ones specialized for women recovering from surgery. "We don't want a divide of 'mastectomy swimwear' and 'normal swimwear.' I wanted to make them fashionable and vibrant so they would attract everyone," says Stone. She sincerely hopes her line gives all women the confidence to flaunt their stuff, whether or not they're battling or have battled cancer.

Image: Brave Ladies

More: Young breast cancer survivor bares her scars and her soul in powerful photos

7 Classic makeup trends that were basically made for fall

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I wish I were joking. But all of these compelling reasons make fall absolutely, undeniably my favorite time of year. As silly as it is to admit that I'm looking forward to the smell of crisp leaves and wood-burning stoves just so I can rotate my summer makeup to the back of the drawer, it's true. Updating my autumnal look is one of the finer fall festivities you'll find mixed up among the Halloween door decor and DIY Thanksgiving cornucopias on my Pinterest boards.

We can all agree that fall makeup is exciting — until we get hung up on the execution. Trying a new makeup trend poses a major risk, which is why most of us keep our faces firmly stuck in the fall makeup styles of yesteryear (muddy brown lipstick, I'm looking at you). Playing it safe may be the best way to avoid looking like a fool on your daily Starbucks run, but it also means you'll miss out on all the fun new fall makeup trends popping up in 2015.

More: 6 Decades making a retro beauty comeback

Trying a new makeup trend doesn't have to be intimidating. With my years spent working as an aesthetician and makeup artist and the input from several top beauty professionals, I'm here to guide you through the treacherous process. There's only one season where you get to try fresh, new makeup whilst drinking a pumpkin spice latte, and it's happening right now:

1. Bronze eyeshadow

Bronze eyeshadow

Bronze eyeshadow

This first one is easy — and it gives you the opportunity to gently transition from summer to fall without making any drastic changes to your makeup routine, says Hillary Kline, beauty and lifestyle vlogger at Haute Hills. Kline recommends updating your fall look with a new eyeshadow in a bronze or copper tone, applied as an allover lid color.

2. Cat eye

Cat eye

Cat eye

While the cat eye is far too formal to rock poolside, it pairs perfectly with gothic-inspired fall makeup shades like berry and copper. Liz Evenson, professional makeup artist at Pyara in Massachusetts, says cat eyes are making a comeback as the weather cools, merging modern and classic into one eye-popping fall trend. She explains how to take the basic cat eye to the next level: "Give the traditional cat eye a straight edge with swiped or smudged eyeliner. To add more intrigue, give the edge a double-wing."

3. Dark lips

Berry lips

Berry lips

If you, like me, have been waiting for years for your favorite heavy-handed '90s makeup trends to resurface so you can finally wear that dirty flannel lurking in the back of your closet, you're in luck. This fall, it's all about grunge meets glamour with a vintage '90s twist, says Evenson. She recommends "darker lip colors [to] give a quick pop to a bare face — great for the minimalist on the go!"

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

4. Flushed cheeks

Flushed cheeks

Flushed cheeks

You know that sexy flush you get after coming in from the cold? You can replicate that just-been-kissed effect without ever stepping foot outside, with a few well-placed strokes of your makeup brush. "As that summer glow and bronze look fades, I always say that flushed cheeks are the way to go. Add a deep plum color to the apple of your cheeks or a peach tone to brighten your cheeks and provide a nice fall glow," says Kline.

More: Flushed cheeks are finally trendier than contouring — how to get the look

5. Long lashes

Lashes

Lashes

As Wendy Solomon, makeup artist and owner of North Carolina's Flawless Day Spa, puts it so well: "This fall, the eyes have it." If you try even one fall makeup trend this year, don't skimp on your lashes. "This season, long and lush are the way to go," says Solomon. "There are many lash growth serums on the market that are a terrific way to give you that long lash look without much time investment. Apply a serum each night before bed, and after about six weeks, you will have longer, thicker lashes. With or without long natural lashes, a couple layers of dark black lengthening mascara, then a layer of black thickening mascara, can work magic on your eyes."

6. Pale skin

Pale skin

Pale skin

This trend is a big win for those of us who take on near-dead status in the colder months when sunlight is scarce: Embrace the pale face and pair it with a bold, '90s lip, while you're at it. Solomon advises, "Put the bronzer aside and concentrate on the beauty of perfect winter-pale skin. Don't have perfect skin? Use a small amount of foundation over the whole face for an even look. Or just dot concealer or foundation on problem areas and blend."

7. Warm browns

Brown makeup

Brown makeup

OK, so maybe I was wrong about the horror that was muddy brown fall lipstick from 10 years ago. Lena Sgambati, makeup artist and skin care expert from Just Good Skincare, has all but changed my mind. Sgambati insists that along with a dark lip for the season, sexy brown tones are "super hot" right now. She suggests dipping your toes in the water with "soft cappuccino neutrals, creamy deep chocolates, velvety matte coffee colors that, yes, are little reminiscent of the '90s." Sgambati adds, "I think the twist is with the cheek color — I'm seeing a really cool look of using these tones on the cheeks, as well as the lips! I first spotted it on Jessie J, who wore a mustard-toned blush on the finale of The Voice Australia."

A deadly sweet Halloween nail design tutorial for the girly girl

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Supplies:

Ribcage Halloween nail design: Supplies
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

  • Essie's Blanc
  • Essie's Lovie Dovie
  • SquareHue's Lincoln Road
  • Small brush
  • Dotting tool

Directions:

Step 1:

Ribcage Halloween nail design: Step 1
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

Begin with a gray base coat.

Step 2:

Ribcage Halloween nail design: Step 2
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

Using the small brush, paint a white stripe down the center of the nail. Then make a swooped line off either side of the center line, coming up a bit toward the side of your nail. This is your "rib." Continue making these lines all the way down the nail. Repeat for each nail and let dry.

Step 3:

Ribcage Halloween nail design: Step 3
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

Using the dotting tool, make three pink dots in a triangle just to the right of the "spine" on your ring finger. Fill in the rest of the heart shape with either the dotting tool or the small brush. Let dry and follow with a top coat.

More: How to make the perfect heart in your nail designs

Ribcage Halloween nail design: Finished
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

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Rib cage Halloween nail design
Image: Kara Endres, Graphic design: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows

Microbeads found in beauty products are harmful to the environment

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More: The history of anti-aging products will surprise you (VIDEO)

These tiny plastic beads are used in several personal care products for exfoliation and scrubbing purposes, and they do a great job. The problem is that they aren't biodegradable and can stick around for decades, almost inevitably ending up in our oceans, where they're eaten by marine life and also slowly release their chemicals into the water.

According to a 2008 study, mussels were found to contain traces of plastic particles 48 days after ingesting them, and the same study also theorized that as plastic particles break down into smaller pieces (which they naturally do, over time), they become more likely to accumulate in living organisms' body tissues.

More: Woman suffers serious chemical burns after using DIY tattoo removal kit

The chemicals released by these plastics can cause damage to DNA and even death in marine life, writes Time magazine.

This is why many companies have pledged to stop or to phase out the use of plastic in their products as soon possible, and these include L'Oréal, Unilever (pledged to remove plastic from all products by 2015), Colgate-Palmolive, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson and Crest, says NBC News.

More: Beauty blogger provides the most scarily awesome Halloween inspiration

It's recommended you avoid personal care products that contain plastic, and if you want some digital assistance in that regard, then luckily there's an app to help you. Download Beat the Microbead, which will advise you on which products currently contain plastics and which are safe to buy.

Beat the Microbead also lists many other companies that are committed to eliminating these harmful substances from their products and our environment.

Adorable ghost nails that are easy to create yourself

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Supplies:

Spooky faces nail design
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

  • Nail dotter
  • Essie's Blanc
  • China Glaze's Liquid Leather

Directions:

Step 1:

Spooky faces nail design: Step 1
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

Start with a white base coat.

Step 2:

Spooky faces nail design: Step 2
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

Using your nail dotting tool, make various eye and mouth shapes on each nail and let dry. You can make large oval eyes with a small circle mouth for a spooked look, and small eyes and a large oval mouth for a screaming look, etc. Let dry.

Step 3:

Spooky faces nail design: Step 3
Image: Kara Endres/SheKnows

With white polish on the dotting tool, put a white dot on each eye of a few of the faces to add some personality. Have them on the edge of the black eye to make them look to the side, or place the white dot in the center to make them look forward. Let dry and follow with a top coat.

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Ghost nails
Image: Kara Endres, Graphic: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows

The newest way to get the 'perfect' butt will shock you (literally)

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It's enough to inspire you to get your own booty into a gym to do about a million squats. Squats will do a body good, but NYC salon SB Skin wants to eliminate the need for that with its latest offering.

More: Woman suffers serious chemical burns after using DIY tattoo removal kit

According to Cosmopolitan, the pros there are now using electrocurrent technology to help lift and contour the body with just a few jolts. For $150, the founding aesthetician of SB Skin, Shamara Bondaroff​, will cover you in stick pads and connect you to the microcurrent machine, known as the CACI Quantum.

But no, you won't feel like you're being electrocuted, according to Bondaroff. Instead it'll feel like a mild vibration that stimulates the muscles to contract, just as if you're doing squats. Apparently one treatment is like doing 360 squats.

More: How to exfoliate your skin

Microcurrent isn't only for your butt, though. According to Bondaroff, it's good for improving lymphatic drainage, decreasing acne and treating sun damage, among other benefits.

"You can see a 5-7 year reduction in facial aging after just one treatment. A series of microcurrent facials can take 15-20 years off your appearance, with no risks or side effects, and with those results being long lasting," reads the SB Skin website.

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

Blogger Hannah Bronfman is a fan — and she's doing something right, judging by her Instagram feed.

Hannah Bronfman Instagram

Hannah Bronfman Instagram

That said, we're not sure that this 100 percent works. The only surefire way to get a squat booty? Do squats.

The galaxy hair-color trend is out-of-this-world amazing

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The latest iteration of the rainbow hair trend is known as galaxy hair — and yes, it involves hair that looks like you took the whole universe and plopped it on top of your head.

Galaxy Hair 4

Galaxy Hair 4

Well, kinda.

More: How to braid twists into Afro hair without going to a salon

Basically, you take deep hues of blue, purple and red, and apply them so they extend outward from the root.

Jamie Muniz, a Pravana stylist, told BuzzFeed that "[t]he head is a globe, and color should expand out from this, like it would around a sun. I also pulled inspiration from the concept of rings around planets."

Galaxy Hair 1

Galaxy Hair 1

Getting the look can take hours of sitting in a salon chair, but it's worth it to get such a head-turning look. Plus, you want to make sure your stylist knows what he or she is doing, so you get the celestial color you're craving.

More: The 'oil slick' is the new hair-color trend perfect for brunettes

"If you want it to look good, do your research on stylists and go to someone who can do it right," Muniz told BuzzFeed.

Galaxy Hair 5

Galaxy Hair 5

So no store-bought color for this one!

More: Hand-pressed highlights trend is like screen printing for hair


The dirty truth tattoos reveal about us

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Just when you thought all the old stereotypes about people with tattoos had been extinguished, a new study reveals that folks with body ink are more aggressive and rebellious. Wondering if that rule applies to new moms who tat their children's names on their bodies as well? Well, it remains to be seen whether a distinction can be made between those with "sweet" tats and those with badass ones, but the fact that it's now rare to find someone who hasn't been inked doesn't seem to make an iota of difference.

A professor at Anglia Ruskin University tracked 378 adults, including 181 women between the ages of 20 and 58, and found that 97 of them who have tattoos are more verbally aggressive, angry and exhibited "higher reactive rebelliousness" than those who don't sport tats. Angry behavior also seemed to increase with the number of tattoos a person has — the more you ink, the more likely it is you will curse someone out when they take your parking spot.

More: 20 Celeb tattoos and the stories behind them

"One explanation is that people who have higher reactive rebelliousness may respond to disappointing and frustrating events by getting tattooed," said Professor Viren Swami of Anglia Ruskin University. "That is, when these individuals experience a negative emotional event, they may be more likely to react by pursuing an act that is seen as defiant. The act of tattooing is perceived as rebellious, or more generally tattoos themselves can signify defiance or dissent."

Of course, the problem with studies like this one, which rely on observational data, is that behavior that one researcher deems violent or aggressive might not be seen that way by another researcher. For example, I'm from New York City — yelling at other drivers is a favorite pastime. If I were given the task of observing people, behavior like this probably wouldn't even make it onto my "obviously warped" radar.

There is also the strong possibility that a researcher already has a bias against people with tattoos and is quicker to interpret that person's behavior as rebellious when compared to someone without tattoos.

More: 16 Tattoos you'll want for spring and summer

Add to it the fact that the study doesn't distinguish between women and men who have the words "Kill everyone" tattooed on their necks and those who sport teeny, tiny Minnie Mouse tats on their hips or a lotus flower on their shoulder, and you can see why a more in-depth look at tattooed subjects might be necessary before making a sweeping generalization about all people with body ink.

The small black sun I have on my right foot might have made me feel like a rebel for about five minutes when I had it done at 18. But I can assure you I blew my badass cover the second I stepped outside the tattoo parlor and began cooing at a puppy on the street.

There are simply far too many people with tats these days to make a solid, conclusive argument about their temperaments.

7 Printed pieces for your fall and winter wardrobe

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1. Clover Canyon Patchwork Drawstring Pants

Clover Canyon Patchwork Drawstring Pants
Image: Clover Canyon

Mikhail Bulgakov of Clover Canyon describes his Fall 2015 collection as having "elements of the uncanny": blurred folkloric prints on velvet, womblike polar fleece, rubbery textures and webbed lace. This is a haunted bohemia, a dream world of peasant dresses, bibbed and pin-tucked blouses, ponchos, paisleys and sequined rainbows. His gothic-romantic vision is seen in these patchwork paisley drawstring pants, a combination of both modern and Victorian elements (Clover Canyon, $216). Dress them up with a formal blouse and booties, or keep them casual with a T-shirt and basic jewelry.

2. Sam & Lavi Christel Dress

Sam & Lavi Christel Dress
Image: Revolve Clothing

Pair this bright bohemian-chic, printed dress with heeled boots and a hat. Co-founder, Lavi Mirzak says Sam & Lavi's Fall 2015 collection was "evoked from the nostalgic pictures of popular icons of the late '60s and '70s, from music legends like the Beatles to beauty icons like Brigitte Bardot. Throughout the collection there is an emphasis on taking the fashion of the era and revitalizing it with on-trend styles and playful prints." (Revolve Clothing, $385)

3. Threads 4 Thought Scarf

Threads 4 Thought Scarf
Image: Threads 4 Thought

The Black Hills Wrap features southwestern-inspired artwork and tassel fringe. Available in three colors — sand dune, mood indigo, and blue agave — the print can pair easy with jeans and a white tee. (Threads 4 Thought, $36)

More: 7 Things celebs wore that you can buy right now

4. LK Bennett Kensal Floral Skirt

LK Bennett Kensal Floral Skirt
Image: LK Bennett

LK Bennett recommends mixing prints with similar color tones for a striking, modern look that doesn't overwhelm. The A-line look never goes out of style, and this full-length skirt is embossed in a beautiful floral print. The effortlessly feminine look can be paired with a basic sweater and pointed pumps. Or, for a more edgy look, pair with a black fur vest. (LK Bennett, $425)

5. Sanuk Siena Boot in Natural Navajo

Sanuk Siena Boot in Natural Navajo
Image: Sanuk

A little rugged goes a long way, and Sanuk's Siena Boot has a versatile Native American print that can transition from cabin to coffee house. The warm boot, perfect for fall, comes with a padded foot bed and durable outsole. According to Vanessa Pflug, Women's Footwear Designer, "Sanuk uses monochromatic styling, prints and patterns while maintaining a simple, sophisticated casual look. We're known for fun and colorful prints — especially urban tribal prints." These are perfect for dark skinny jeans and any favorite top. (Sanuk, $125)

6. Fossil Preston Crossbody

Fossil Preston Crossbody
Image: Fossil

The Preston Fossil bag has a hold-it-all functionality. The bag is designed with zippered gussets for easy expandability, along with a one-size-fits-all flap in colorful leather patchwork, reminiscent of cut paper patterns. (Fossil, $228)

7. Squiggle Music Bag

Squiggle Music Bag
Image: The Cambridge Satchel Company

Just in time for fall, The Cambridge Satchel Company has unveiled a collection of bags, a stunning collaboration with the Brit fashion icon, Vivienne Westwood. Her iconic pattern of squiggle prints is a mixture of rich navy and yellow, first used in her autumn and winter "Pirate" collection in 1981. The design of the bag is built to last: 100 percent leather, branded nickel hardware and a steel bar closure. (The Cambridge Satchel Company, $373)

See 100 years of Halloween costumes in just 3 minutes (WATCH)

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At least, that's what Mode makes it seem like with its latest video exploring the past 10 decades of Halloween garb.

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

The Web site's latest video first takes us back to the early part of the 1900s when witches and a very creepy Minnie Mouse were the costumes du jour. As time wore on, hemlines got shorter and costumes got more flirty.

100 years of Halloween costumes

100 years of Halloween costumes

It wan't until recent years that costumes went from traditional to timely. In 2005, the costume was Britney Spears' "Baby One More Time," which seemed a little outdated for that time, but OK. But 2015's costume of Kim Kardashian's Internet-breaking pose is definitely timely — and I'll admit, it's a pretty ingenious costume idea.

More: Wedding dress fashion has changed a lot over 100 years (WATCH)

Much better than, say, Donald Trump.

Most of the all, the video shows that the idea behind Halloween is having fun and taking time out to be silly and transform into someone else.

And if you're reading, Mode, we have a new idea: 100 years of Halloween makeup. Vloggers are killing it with their intricate Halloween transformations right now and we'd like to see how it's evolved over time.

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

8 Etsy beauty brands that will make you reconsider mainstream products

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Once only favored by true beauty fiends, indie beauty brands are getting a lot of attention lately. Small-batch, all-natural and truly unique beauty products are finding their way into the hands of the public much more frequently.

Thanks to online marketplace Etsy, one-of-a-kind, handmade and all-around quirky beauty products are accessible with just the click of a button. Your beauty cabinet will never be the same again thanks to these eight Etsy beauty shops.

1. Vice & Velvet

Image: Vice & Velvet

Australian-based Vice & Velvet is the brainchild of creator and founder Mei, who uses natural, sustainably sourced ingredients to make her homemade soaps and body products. Garnished in wonderfully simple packaging, any Vice & Velvet product would be a welcome addition to our bathroom. However, we must admit we're scoping out the Jewel Soap Gift Set, $27, specifically.

2. Fat and The Moon

Image: Fat and The Moon

After leaving Brooklyn, New York, Fat and The Moon owner Rachel headed to secluded California to pursue making handcrafted, plant-based personal care products. Products include everything from lip and cheek stain to deodorant and tooth balm, but expecting moms will especially enjoy slathering on the Growing Belly Balm, $16, a rich cocoa and shea butter cocktail.

3. Glory Boon

Image: Glory Boon

In case you're looking for a more natural alternative to your drugstore foundation, look no further than Glory Boon, a beauty shop with the mind to create "wholesome, handcrafted cosmetics." These paraben-free, phthalate-free and 100 percent cruelty-free products can just about take over your beauty bag with concealers, mascaras, contouring sticks, and our personal faves, the Natural Liquid Foundation, $18.

4. Mullein & Sparrow

Image: Mullein & Sparrow

Based on founder Anit's love of herbal medicine, Mullein & Sparrow boasts a line of products meant to soothe, calm and bring a sense of balance and simplicity to consumers' lives. It's hard to pick a favorite among the array of finds, but we can't say no to a de-stressing Organic Herbal Facial Steam, $14.

5. Black Widow Balm

Image: Black Widow Balm

Founded in 2011, Black Widow Balm stems from founder Shareta's wish to find moisturizing lip color while still staying true to her beliefs of respecting nature. Today, the brand remains cruelty free, uses recyclable packaging and offers a rewards program for customers to recycle empty tubes. We're coveting the handmade Kiss of Death Color Balm with aromatic basil, clove and cinnamon oils, $10. Not only do you get rich color, but thanks to a mild blend of fragrances, you get spicy pucker too.

6. So Gloss

Image: So Gloss

Nail art no longer has to be so elusive. With So Gloss nail wraps, decorative nails are as easy as can be. Run by one-woman-show Jesse, So Gloss uses heat to adhere vinyl wraps to nails for a perfect-every-time mani. Although there's just about a design for every occasion, we hardly think you can go wrong with the White Modern French Manicure, $8.

7. Whiskey Ink & Lace

Image: Whiskey Ink & Lace

This beauty brand isn't just for the ladies. Men can also find some stellar products from handcrafted Portland-based Whiskey Ink & Lace. The Lumberjack Beard Kit, $32, will make an excellent addition to any beard buff's collection, while the Espresso Face Cream, $18, will be hard for caffeine addicts to turn down.

8. Xplosive CosmetiX

Image: Xplosive CosmetiX

There's no other word to describe Xplosive CosmetiX other than fun. These handmade luxury bath goodies bring a smile to our faces — not to mention make our mouths water with their good-enough-to-eat flavors. Just in time for fall, we're eyeing The Fluffy Whipped Soap in Pumpkin Spice, $7.

Woman with 36C bra size learns she's been wearing bras 6 sizes too small

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If you're rolling your eyes at this already, that's probably because you've worn the same (or similar) bra size all your life, and think you're perfectly comfortable in it. That's what Daily Mail writer Caroline Garnar thought too before she met with a "bra whisperer."

MoreOur bras are getting bigger... but our breasts aren't

What in the world is a bra whisperer, you ask? Well, I'll tell you. It's a bra expert who specializes in just looking at you and figuring out whether or not you're wearing the right size bra for your body. Spoiler alert: You're probably not.

Garnar was convinced she was the bra size she's been wearing ever since her breasts reached their full size — a 36C. She had always felt fine in her bras, so when she heard that a bra whisperer company called Curvy Kate was claiming 90 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size, she wanted to put them to the test. All she did was send them a picture of herself fully clothed from the front and the side. When she heard what size specialist Chantelle Crab suggest she try, she was floored.

Crab said Garnar was actually wearing a bra six sizes too small. That's like saying a woman who thinks she's a cup size A is actually an F! Well, maybe not that extreme since they're talking her chest width as well as cup size, but you get the idea. Just by looking at a picture of Garnar in a sweater, Crab declared her to be a [drumroll].... 30G!

Garnar was, of course, somewhat dubious about this suggestion, considering she actually thought she might need to go up a chest width size rather than down. However, in the name of science, she decided to take her at her word and try the 30G. What she discovered was pretty amazing.

MoreTop 10 tips for buying the perfect bra

While the bra was a bit snug at first (she's used to straps that are much looser), Garnar quickly got acclimated to it and immediately noticed some exciting differences. She stood much straighter in a properly fitted bra, and her boobs looked a whole lot perkier.

See, what happens when your bra is too loose is the chest band starts to rise up in the back as the weight of your breasts pulls on it throughout the day. When that happens, your breasts begin to sag, and you get that all too familiar cutting feeling in your shoulders from the bra straps.

Image: giphy

According to Curvy Kate, a well-fitting bra should not curve up in the back at all. It should fit snuggly against your rib cage, including all of the underwire. As far as cup fit goes, there should be no skin bulging over the tops, or gaping of fabric. If your underwire digs in or chafes you, it's not because the bra is too small, but rather too large, and therefore has room to move and poke you in places.

If you're suffering from any of these bra problems, email a picture of yourself to blog@curvykate.com, and let a bra whisperer diagnose you. Your boobs will definitely thank you for it.

MoreRed flags that you're wearing the wrong bra size

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