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Women's Fashion

Meet Tina Chen Craig (a.k.a. Bag Snob), an OG Fashion Blogger Turned Skincare Brand Founder

Photography via instagram.com/tinachencraig

“If you’re not a person of Asian descent and you don’t credit our culture [with creating certain beauty rituals], you’re whitewashing these old traditions and essentially saying ‘We can do it better.’ That’s when it becomes offensive.”

When Tina Chen Craig launched her blog Bag Snob with Kelly Cook back in September 2005, she set the wheels in motion to become one of the original fashion bloggers. The bags and accessories blog, of course, took off and later transformed into a multifaceted business that includes advertising, consulting, e-commerce and a handbag line. Today, Craig is the proud founder of another venture that pivots away from fashion — a new luxury skincare line called U Beauty that counts Chiara Ferragni, Nicky Hilton and Joanna Czech as fans.

As part of our series of profiles in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we caught up with U Beauty founder Tina Chen Craig to chat all things beauty, including how her grandmother shaped her appreciation for skincare.

On her lifelong relationship with beauty

“Beauty was [always] a huge part of my life. My first memories are of my grandmother shoving chicken feet, bone broth, bitter melon and snow fungus in my face for good skin. With Chinese people, it’s all about having good, healthy skin so I wasn’t allowed to wear makeup until I was 17. I would sneak my makeup out of the house, of course. But I was taught beauty starts from the inside — what we ate. My grandmother also taught me about sunscreen, which I rejected as a teenager in the ’80s in California. I was like ‘No, I want baby oil.’ Overall, though, growing up, my relationship with beauty was not about hiding my face or hiding my skin; it was about showing it off. As a college kid, I couldn’t afford the La Prairie eye serums but I’d hang out at Neiman Marcus to get the free samples. I befriended all the people working behind the skincare counters. And then I would watch them eat a grapefruit and put the peel on their face afterward and I always thought that was so embarrassing. My mom would also ferment rice water to make this fermented rice wine dessert with little mochi balls, and then the other half she’d put on her face and her hair. It was with these things that I learned about acids. They were doing an alpha-hydroxy peel with their grapefruits, and getting enzymes from the rice.”

On the influence of her grandmother’s home remedies

“I took the lessons I learned about simplicity with me. My grandmother and my mom didn’t use 50 things. They had a few favourites, like Clinique and Estée Lauder, and that was it. They were very simple.”

On appreciation vs. appropriation in the beauty industry

“There are appropriate ways of highlighting the source of certain practices in the beauty industry, like gua sha and 12-step routines, and that’s by crediting Asian cultures. If you’re not a person of Asian descent and you don’t credit our culture, you’re whitewashing these old traditions and essentially saying ‘We can do it better.’ That’s when it becomes offensive. Another example is cupping. I used to be embarrassed and cover up my [cupping marks] and when I see people [recommending but not mentioning the history of the practice of] cupping now it’s like, ‘Oh my god, that was once my source of shame.”

On launching her new beauty brand, U Beauty

“I never thought I’d launch my own brand. There are so many skincare brands and I was working with some of the top brands in the world like Clé de Peau, Charlotte Tilbury, Augustinus Bader. I’ve always had a deep obsession with skin, which was fuelled by my Chinese grandmother. I was boasting about my 13-step skincare routine before Instagram was even a thing. But after about a decade and a half of doing that, I was like, ‘Holy shit I have cosmetic confusion and so does everybody else.’ I was like ‘Why do I have to put on retinol at night on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, then lactic acid on Tuesdays and Thursdays…and then my face blows up anyway with a rosacea flare-up.’ So I started working with skincare brands that were more minimal, but the next thing you know, they’ve come out with 50 different products they wanted to hire me to talk about. So I set out to really simplify my routine. I only used Aquaphor for two weeks.

“One night I had dinner with an old friend who’s a seasoned beauty brand developer and she said she’d been thinking the same things. She later introduced me to this clinical lab in Italy she’d partnered with. We met and I spent hours talking about my dreams. Instead of saying no, they said ‘Yes, it’s possible, but nobody has wanted to do that because it’s expensive.’ Every brand wants to sell consumers 30 different products, obviously. Like, why would you combine everything? There’s no business plan for that. But we formulated a sample anyway, and that became our proprietary technology. It’s engineered to interact with skin as if it’s an actual skin molecule. So the capsule mimics a healthy skin cell and lures free radicals, which materialize as vulnerable damaged areas in our skin. So when you apply the product, it releases the active ingredients only onto the damaged parts of your face. It interacts with the skin as if it’s an actual healthy skin cell.”

On beauty advice for her younger self

“Lay off the blue eyeshadow and hairspray.”

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Culture

All the Most Shocking Moments From The Handmaid’s Tale Season 4

Spoilers for The Handmaid’s Tale season 4 below.

It’s been nearly two years since season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale ended, leaving viewers in limbo wondering about the fate of series lead June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss). In case you forgot, the last we saw, Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) and Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) were both under arrest in Canada, and June had just been shot by a Guardian after successfully getting dozens of children onto a plane and out of Gilead.

Now, with season 4 starting up, there are sure to be even more shocking plot twists ahead, and we’ll be compiling all the most important moments right here. Read on—or turn back now, if you don’t want spoilers for episodes 1-5.

Episode 1: “Pigs”

handmaid's tale season 4 episode 1 mckenna grace as esther

Hulu

First things first: June is alive. Though she’s received some subpar medical care from the other Handmaids, June is now recovering at a safe house, a farm run by Mr. Keyes and his teenage wife, Esther (Mckenna Grace). One day, after June calls out Esther for being cruel to Janine (Madeline Brewer), we learn the awful truth behind Esther’s life at the house: Her husband isn’t able to procreate but still wants a baby, so he brings in other men—including Guardians, Commanders, and Eyes—to routinely rape her. When a drunk Guardian is then found trespassing on the farm, Esther reveals he’s one of the men who assaulted her. June instructs Esther to kill him in the barn, and she does.

Episode 2: “Nightshade”

handmaid's tale season 4 episode 2

Hulu

Perhaps the most shocking moment of the episode occurs in Canada, where we learn that Serena is pregnant. But back in Gilead, Guards have shown up at the farm asking questions, and June knows she and the other Handmaids must leave at risk of being caught. She goes to speak with a worker at a nearby Jezebels who’s also part of the resistance group Mayday, and learns about a new safe house for the women. While there, June also discovers that members of the Gilead military will soon be at the Jezebels house for one last party before heading to fight in Chicago. When June discovers Esther has been poisoning her husband, she asks Esther to teach her to make more in order to sneak in and help the Jezebels poison the military men. She ventures to the Jezebel house and plans to come back by nightfall to escape with the Handmaids, but when she returns, she discovers she’s too late. While the Handmaids have escaped, Gilead forces—including Nick (Max Minghella)—have infiltrated the farm. They capture June.

Episode 3: “The Crossing”

handmaid's tale season 4 episode 2

Hulu

June is now back in Gilead custody, where she’s being tortured into revealing where the other Handmaids are hiding. She refuses to do so, even as she’s waterboarded and forced to sleep in a steel cage. At one point, June gives a fake location and, as punishment, is made to watch as two other Handmaids are pushed off the side of a building to their deaths.

Nick, who wants to keep June alive at all costs, then threatens Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) into helping manipulate June. Lawrence does so by telling June that Gilead will hurt her daughter Hannah if she doesn’t cooperate. June still refuses, until she’s brought face-to-face with Hannah, who doesn’t recognize her—and, in fact, fears her. Horrified, June relents and gives up the Handmaids’ secret location. The Handmaids are captured and, along with June, are sent off to a Magdalene Colony, where they will work during the day and be delivered to Commanders to be raped at night. But on the way, all hell breaks loose: First, June somehow reunites with Nick on a bridge, and they kiss a lot. Second, while the driver steps out to use the bathroom at a train stop, June and the other handmaids overtake Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) and attempt to run away. In their escape, two are shot, and Alma (Nina Kiri) and Brianna (Bahia Watson) get hit by the train. Only June and Janine make it out alive.

Episode 4: “Milk”

After escaping from Aunt Lydia, June and Janine find a train heading to Chicago, where Gilead soldiers are still fighting and June hopes to connect with members of Mayday. The fugitives conveniently find an open train car (filled with milk, which they also, conveniently, drain), and while traveling across the country, June reveals to Janine that she told the Eyes where to find the Handmaids. The train is then overtaken by Chicago rebels, and June convinces them to take in her and Janine. The Handmaids go with the rebels to their hideout—located in an old rock climbing gym—and talk with the group’s leader, Steven, who offers to let them stay in exchange for sex. June relents but ultimately can’t go through with it, and it’s Janine who steps in. The two women stay.

In a flashback, we learn that after Janine had her son Caleb, she got pregnant again and visited a crisis pregnancy center, where a worker tried to manipulate her into keeping the baby. Ultimately, Janine finds a legitimate clinic to help her obtain the abortion.

Back in Canada, Rita (Amanda Brugel) finds out that Serena wants to see her. When Rita goes to visit, Serena shares that she’s pregnant with a son and won’t be telling Fred. The two have a genuine moment together, but afterwards, Rita discovers that Serena now wants Rita to defend her in court. In response, Rita goes to see Fred and tells him about the baby.

Episode 5: “Chicago”

handmaid's tale chicago episode

Hulu

As the title would suggest, much of this week’s episode takes place in Chicago, where Janine is continuing her relationship with Steven, and June is itching to fight back against the Gilead soldiers. Eventually, June decides to leave the camp to try and find the Nighthawks, another rebel group that’s been confronting Gilead forces. At first Janine chooses to stay behind, but then catches up to June, telling her, “I feel safer when we’re together.”

In Gilead, Aunt Lydia is being forced into retirement and, naturally, isn’t taking it well. She goes to see Commander Lawrence to make a deal. Lawrence agrees to arrange for Aunt Lydia’s reinstatement, if she’ll give him dirt on the other Commanders so Lawrence can get his seat back on the board.

Meanwhile, Lawrence is trying to convince the other Commanders to impose a ceasefire in Chicago to allow in international aid, all under the guise of trying to improve Gilead’s economy. (In reality, Lawrence tells Nick a ceasefire could help June escape.) The Commanders agree, with a catch—they instruct Nick to coordinate a bombing right before the ceasefire deadline.

In Chicago, June and Janine are in the streets when the bombing begins. When June wakes up, she can’t find Janine. Instead, Moira (Samira Wiley), who’s there with a Canadian NGO, finds June.

Watch The Handmaid’s Tale now on Hulu

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Fitness

Want to Ditch the Alarm? Here Are 5 Tips For Waking Up Naturally

Like most working professionals, I consider my alarm to be a necessary evil. While I don’t particularly look forward to being jolted out of a blissful slumber to Apple’s radar sound, I don’t know any other way to ensure I’ll get up in time for work. But many people — Oprah included — have somehow figured out how to wake up without an alarm. And a 2021 survey revealed that people who ditch the alarm tended to be in a more positive mood, and feel more well-rested, motivated, focused, productive, and clear-headed throughout their workday. Not only that, but they were actually less likely to be late for work than those who relied on their alarm. There seem to be physical health benefits, too: a 2005 study found that people who were suddenly forced awake had higher blood pressure and heart rate than those who woke up in their own time (no surprise there).

“The main benefit of waking up naturally is that you know you’ve gotten your adequate quantity and quality of sleep,” Sujay Kansagra, MD, a neurologist board-certified in sleep medicine, told POPSUGAR. “For the average adult, this is between seven and nine hours. Anyone should be able to wake up naturally without an alarm clock so long as you’re getting the proper amount of quality sleep every single day.”

This approach isn’t for everyone, however — some people work shifts with odd hours, for example, and may find it difficult to wake up without an alarm. That said, if you have a consistent work and sleep schedule, it may be possible to train yourself to wake up on your own. Ahead, experts share their top tips for waking up naturally.

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Women's Fashion

Winnie Harlow in Miu Miu + More Top Looks From the MTV Movie & TV Awards 2021

Photo courtesy of Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Other happy-making moments included Yvonne Orji’s fringed frock by Mimi Plange and Chase Stokes in a fiery Fendi ensemble.

Avid award show fans experienced quite a treat this week with the recent MTV Movie & TV Awards 2021 being broken up over two evenings. There was Sunday night’s ceremony for “Scripted” story-telling, and the last night’s event for “Unscripted” shows including reality, talk and music docs.

In addition to the typically laid-back format and unexpected moments (see: Scarlett Johansson getting slimed by husband Colin Jost while accepting the Generation award from home), there was no shortage of fabulous fashion fare for those of us seeking out any glamour we can these days. Many stars chose to amp up the wardrobe wattage for the festivities, including Canadian model/series judge in the upcoming season of reality fashion design show Making the Cut Winnie Harlow who was decked out in a chic, cheery crystal-embellished two-piece by Miu Miu. Super stylist Law Roach took his own turn on the red carpet in a floor-length custom Vera Wang ensemble; Cherie Chan of Bling Empire wore a sumptuous gown by Turkish brand Haleia Couture; and Lana Condor was in head-to-toe Giorgio Armani sequins. Kathryn Hahn was a winner of two awards for her villainous portrayal of Agatha in WandaVision, and she also stole our hearts with a simple, saucy all-black look by designer Gabriela Hearst.

In major love-to-see-it moments, Leslie Jones (who took home the award for Best Comedic Performance for Coming 2 America and also hosted the “Scripted” portion of the Awards) donned a dramatic orange frilled dress by Bishme Cromartie as one of her many outfit changes; Insecure’s Yvonne Orji rocked a rainbow fringed look by Ghanaian designer Mimi Plange; and Bling Empire’s Jaime Xie wore one of the most fashion-forward pieces of the entire affair, a Spring 2021 ‘Tassel dress” by Didu. Here’s hoping for more of these brilliantly bold choices to come in light of other recent award shows’ lack of diversity with regards to red carpet designers.

But it wasn’t all glitz galore — some attendees took a more glam-meets-casual approach to their attire in a perfect fusion of the lounge-y vibe we’ve all been feeling over the past umpteen months. Black-ish/Grown-ish star Yara Shahidi glowed in a semi-formal-yet-sporty ensemble from her recently released collab with adidas Originals — take a styling tip here as we look forward to emerging from lockdown by elevating comfy outfits with pointy heels and dramatic jewellery.

Speaking of sporty, there were more than a few sneakers spotted on the red carpet too, from a pair of classic Chuck Taylors on Eric André to the bright red kicks worn by Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes (which perfectly complemented his red suit and sheer shirt from Fendi).

And showing some true style savoir faire, Drag Race’s Symone brought down the house with an archival homage to the tuxedo by Jean Paul Gaultier. Who else made our list for favourite looks from the MTV Movie & TV Awards 2021? Scroll through to find out!

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Culture

Inside Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez’s ‘Emotional’ Backyard Wedding: Guests, Decor, and Why Now

In the hours since Ariana Grande’s rep confirmed that the 27-year-old singer quietly married her 25-year-old real estate agent fiancé Dalton Gomez over the weekend, multiple outlets have gotten detail about what the nuptials were like themselves—and why Grande and Gomez decided to wed now, less than six months after they got engaged. The two were first seen together publicly in February 2020.

Here, what E!, Entertainment Tonight, People, and TMZ learned from sources about the wedding location, decor, guest list, and how the day went. No photos have been shared yet of the day, but that could change with time.

ariana grande and dalton gomez

Instagram

Grande and Gomez planned their wedding together quickly after they got engaged. They got married now because their schedules were starting to get busy again.

E! was told by a source close to Grande yesterday that the couple wanted the same things: particularly, a small wedding and for it to be in the summer.

“They always wanted an intimate ceremony,” E!’s source explained. “They decided to have the wedding this past weekend because their schedules are picking up and neither wanted to wait. They both agreed there was no point in waiting. [It] was always in the cards for summertime.”

Grande and Gomez had a backyard wedding at her Montecito house with white floral decorations.

E! was told the couple was surrounded by “hundreds of white florals” when they wed in her backyard. “It was beautiful but not over the top,” the outlet’s source said. “Ari wanted it to be simplistic and tasteful. All they cared about was having family there and to be able to enjoy the special moment together.”

A source explained to People why Grande and Gomez chose her Montecito home as their venue. “Both Ari and Dalton love Montecito. They spend a lot of time there,” People‘s source explained. “It seems only natural that they would get married at Ari’s beautiful and historic house.

Grande and Gomez kept their guest list small, inviting less than 20 close friends and family.

TMZ reported there were less than 20 people at the wedding and that there was no real “ceremony,” just an intimate vow exchange. Grande’s rep confirmed that detail to People too, saying, “It was tiny and intimate—less than 20 people. The room was so happy and full of love. The couple and both families couldn’t be happier.”

E! reported that both Grande and Gomez’s families attended the ceremony along with a few of Grande and Gomez’s close friends.

The wedding day was “emotional,” with both families giving toasts.

Not a lot is known yet about what happened during the wedding. But E! was told that there was a dinner where each of Grande and Gomez’s family members made a “special toast” to the newlyweds. “It was an emotional day,” E!’s source said.

Entertainment Tonight was told by a source that “the couple wanted the ceremony to be private and took precautions to make sure that happened. The ceremony started in the afternoon and went into the night.”

Gomez helped design Grande’s diamond pave and platinum wedding band.

While Grande hasn’t shared any photos from her wedding yet, People and E! got detail on Grande’s new wedding band from her husband. Gomez had Solow & Co design the band. A spokesperson for Solow & Co told the outlet that “They worked with Dalton on this. It’s a beautiful, tasteful platinum and diamond pave band. Dalton was very happy with it.”

Grande’s mom and brother are overjoyed that Grande married Gomez.

Entertainment Tonight was told by a source that Grande’s mother and brother are big fans of her husband and thrilled that Grande married him. “Ariana’s brother Frankie and her mom are so happy for her,” the source said. “They think Dalton really balances Ariana out and allows her to be her true self. Ariana appreciates that Dalton accepts her and loves her for who she is. He’s a little nerdy and hardworking and she loves that about him. He’s also very protective over her and goes above and beyond to make her happy.”

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Beauty

Glossier Finally Drops The Olivia Rodrigo-Approved Lip Hybrid

Last month, Glossier recruited Gen Z darling Olivia Rodrigo to reveal its newest lip product sneakily. “It just emphasizes what you got,” she said of the product at the time. Emphasizing your natural beauty has been Glossier’s mission from the start. Today, Glossier finally drops the product they describe as “the (cashmere) sweatpants of lipstick.”

Ultralip

Glossier
glossier.com

$18.00

Meet Ultralip. Think of everything you could ask of a lipstick, and it’s packaged in Ultralip’s bite-sized powder pink tube. While most lipsticks can be a bit drying and require layering of moisturizing products, Ultralip skips the fuss and presents itself as a lip balm and lipstick hybrid. Ultralip is a buildable formula that nourishes the lips like a balm would, thanks to ingredients you would likely see in your favorite skincare product. It features a blend of four molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, combined with meadowfoam, jojoba, and watermelon oils.

Like most products in Glossier’s lineup, the Ultralip provides a subtle tint on the first swipe and a more pigmented finish with a few extra coats. Plus, you have nine shades to choose from:

  • Villa (dusty rose)
  • Portrait (cherry blossom pink)
  • Fête (watermelon red)
  • Lucite (sheer peony pink)
  • Vesper (rich fuchsia)
  • Trench (toffee brown)
  • Ember (deep mauve)
  • Cachet (walnut brown)
  • Coupe (blood orange)

    Glossier called upon Liberty Ross and her daughter Skyla Sanders, Intisar Abdul-Kader, Aurora James, and Zinnia Kumar for the Ultralip campaign to showcase the beautiful shades.

    Ultralip is available now for $18 on glossier.com.

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    Categories
    Fitness

    Curious Why Olympic Swimmers Wear Winter Coats Before a Race? We’ve Got Answers

    RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 08:  Michael Phelps of the United States prepares for his Men's 200m Butterfly heat on Day 3 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on August 8, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

    When it comes to uniforms — even Olympic uniforms — swimming lacks glamour and aesthetic. It’s the truth, and as a former competitive swimmer, I can attest to this. Race suits are typically a solid color (usually black) with your team name or logo splashed across the front, and that’s about it. The same can be said for swimmers’ fleece-lined coats, commonly referred to as “parkas” in the swimming community.

    Parkas are far from fashionable, but they’re a swimmer’s best friend, especially before a race. Like other winter jackets, swim parkas are fleece-lined, zip-up coats with a hoodie and pockets. Most parkas fall below the knee, though some athletes opt to wear coats down to their mid-calf.

    Olympic swimmers rely on a parka’s warmth to help get them that much closer to securing a spot on the podium. Call it superstition, but there’s science behind it. Warmth leads to looser muscles, which can translate to cleaner strokes and a smoother glide in the water, as well as a faster time. Muscles that have not been warmed up are stiff and can feel heavier in the water. This can limit an athlete’s range of motion and flexibility, and increase drag, a swimmer’s worst enemy. Essentially, without a parka or some type of thermal warmup attire, a swimmer may not be able to perform their best.

    Categories
    Women's Fashion

    Naomi Campbell Announces the Arrival of Her First Child

    Photography by Getty Images

    The model shared a sweet picture of her holding her baby’s feet on Instagram, writing, “There is no greater love.”

    Naomi Campbell is a mom! The 50-year-old supermodel shared the news on Instagram on May 18 with an adorable photo of tiny baby feet, writing, “A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother, So honoured to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you my angel. There is no greater love.”

    The post — which shows her hand cradling her baby’s feet — was met with love and support, with friends like fashion designer Marc Jacobs commenting, “Oh my God!!!!! Today is the day?? How absolutely incredible. How lucky she is and how lucky you are! What a wonderful Mother you will be. Blessings all around.” The model’s announcement sent shockwaves through the internet, and fans have taken to Twitter to share their excitement.

    The model has never been married and has been relatively private about her relationship status in the past; she is believed to have welcomed her daughter solo.

    The announcement comes just days before Campbell celebrates her 51st birthday on May 22. Since her runway debut in 1986, the legendary supermodel hasn’t stopped working — her most recent runway appearance was in Michael Kors’s 40th Anniversary fashion show this past April.

    Campbell has spoken about wanting to be a mother in the past. In May 2017, she told Evening Standard magazine that even though it was something she thought about, she wasn’t in a rush to become a mom. “I think about having children all the time… But now with the way science is I think I can do it when I want,” she said at the time.

    In 2019, Campbell spoke with WSJ Magazine about the possibility of becoming a mom one day, saying that she often sees herself as a mother figure to young models. She’s spent years carving out space for herself in the fashion industry through her modelling and philanthropic endeavours, notably with her annual charity gala Fashion for Relief, which raises money for environmental and humanitarian causes. Having spent so much of her career as an established icon in this industry, this is an exciting life pivot for Campbell. We have just one question… can she adopt us next?

    Categories
    Culture

    Naomi Campbell Announces She Welcomed a Daughter and Shares First Photo

    Naomi Campbell is now a mother. The legendary model revealed on her Instagram this morning that she welcomed her first child, a baby girl, at the age of 50.

    Campbell posted a photo of her holding her newborn’s feet. “A beautiful little blessing has chosen me to be her mother so honored to have this gentle soul in my life there are no words to describe the lifelong bond that I now share with you, my angel. There is no greater love,” Campbell captioned the picture. She also tagged her mother in the celebratory post.

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    Campbell did not provide information about the date her daughter was born or what her baby girl is named.

    The announcement post already has over 300,000 likes so far, along with congratulatory comments from her celebrity friends and fans. Campbell’s longtime collaborator and friend Marc Jacobs commented, “Oh my God!!!!! Today is the day?? How absolutely incredible. How lucky she is and how lucky you are! What a wonderful Mother you will be. Blessings all around. ❤️❤️❤️.”

    While Campbell kept the news of her expecting a daughter secret until after the baby’s birth, the model has been vocal about her interest in someday having children.

    In a 2018 interview with Vogue Arabia, Campbell discussed whether she would like to have kids, saying she was open to in the future: “I’d love to have kids. I don’t discount anything in life. I love kids and always will. When I’m around children, I become a child myself. That’s the little girl I don’t ever want to lose.”

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    Beauty

    Meet Rice Water, The Ancient Beauty Practice You’ve Been Seeing All Over TikTok

    Long before rice water went viral on TikTok and YouTube and ended up on Kardashian blogs, the beauty practice had been used for centuries by women in Asia. According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Chemists, court ladies during Japan’s Heian Period (794 to 1185 CE) used Yu-Su-Ru (a.k.a leftover water from washing rice) on their floor-length hair.

    The method was then popularized by a village in China called Huangluo. The Yao women, who inhabit the town, are famous for their long hair that averages six feet long. According to Medical News Today, the Yao women credit their strong strands and dark color to washing it in rice water.

    While most of rice water’s proof of effectiveness is limited to history and tradition, there is scientific reasoning behind its benefits.

    To dive into this further, ELLE.com tapped two hair pros, Dr. Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist, and Richy Kandasamy, a colorist and R+Co Collective Member, to explain the benefits of rice water—plus how you can create rice water at home.

    What are the benefits of rice water for hair?

    Will rice water turn you into Rapunzel? Not exactly. But it does have properties that restore and promote hair growth. “Scientifically, 18 amino acids have to come together to create the protein to grow hair. Rice water contains eight of these amino acids,” Kandasamy explains. “So when rice water is used on hair, you experience more hair regeneration. The vitamins in rice water (B, C, and E) also boost hair growth. Though there is limited scientific evidence that proves hair growth.”

    Dr. Liu echoes the importance of these acids. “We have limited studies, but few out of Korea demonstrate it may help with male pattern hair loss,” she adds. “Rice bran, in particular, has lots of fatty acids—linoleic acid and oleic acid that have been proposed to possibly inhibit the 5-α-reductase enzyme that is the cause of male pattern hair loss.”

    How do I make rice water?

    Washing your hair with rice water is easy to achieve at home. All you need is one cup of uncooked rice, a large jar or bowl, and a filter.

    1. Put water in a bowl and use a strainer to rinse your rice. You want to make sure all impurities are removed from the grains. Some videos suggest rinsing multiple times, until the water runs clear.
    2. Fill your jar or bowl with one cup of water and add the clean rice. Stir the rice in the bowl. If you have a jar, you can secure the lid and shake the rice. The water should look milky.
    3. Let the mixture rest for 24 hours.
    4. After 24 hours, strain the liquid from the rice. Store the liquid in a jar, empty shampoo bottle, or container.

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      How do I apply rice water?

      Treat rice water like your typical hair mask or treatment. “First, you should wet your hair with the rice water, especially your scalp area, and massage it for five minutes,” Kandasamy says. “This step targets your follicles, which stimulates growth and strengthens your hair.”

      Wait five minutes and wash the rice water out using your favorite shampoo.

      Is rice water safe for all hair types?

      The short answer is: yes. Rice water will work on different hair types but consider your hair porosity before using. “All hair types are the same structurally, including African, European, and Asian hair types, but all absorb moisture in different ways,” Kandasamy explains. “It is rich in amino acids which strengthen hair roots, add shine and make it smooth and silky. It also contains a carbohydrate known as inositol, which repairs damaged hair and protects hair from further damage. Since it is a natural remedy, it is safe, and there are no side effects of rice water on hair.”

      Hair provides more room for experimentation and trial than our skin. “In general, I would say yes, [rice water is safe for all hair types]. It’s not like moisturizers where greasy moisturizers are less ideal for oily skin,” adds Dr. Liu.

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      Categories
      Fitness

      Brie Larson Held a Pull-Up With a *Weighted Chain,* and I Think My Shoulders Just Gave Out

      Remember when Brie Larson just casually held a pull-up for one entire minute? Well, Larson and her trainer Jason Walsh decided that wasn’t quite intense enough and upped the ante again in a clip the Captain Marvel star shared on Instagram today. This time, Larson jumps up into a pull-up position, bends her knees towards her chest, and places a weighted chain across her legs to add extra weight. As Walsh says, as he’s piling the chains onto her lap: “Why not?” (I mean, I can think of several reasons.)

      That’s not even the toughest part. No, that would be when Walsh tells Larson to lower down in increments, first dropping so her arms are at 90-degree angles, then down a little bit more, then straightening her legs to drop the chains, before dropping back to the floor. You can even see Larson’s arms shaking as she tries to stabilize on the bar. “Not so bad!” Walsh says at the end. Yeah, OK, speak for yourself, because my arms were shaking just watching! I’m with Tracee Ellis Ross, who said Larson is “unreal” in the comments section of the post. Yep, that about sums it up. Check out the Larson’s arm-burning variation above, and if you’re inspired to start holding some pull-ups of your own, here are a few beginner exercises to get you there, no weighted chains involved.

      Categories
      Women's Fashion

      A Complete History of Ariana Grande’s Relationship With Dalton Gomez

      Photography via instagram.com/arianagrande

      Grande’s romance with her new husband (!) has been a whirlwind.

      Ariana Grande is a married woman! Fans were shocked on May 17 when TMZ reported that she and Los Angeles-based real estate agent Dalton Gomez wed in a small ceremony over the weekend. Since Grande and Gomez began dating in January 2020, their love story has unfolded almost exclusively during quarantine and has therefore been decidedly more private than her previous relationships. In contrast to her 2018 engagement to actor Pete Davidson, the milestones of her and Gomez’s romance has not been publicly announced or shared on social media. The singer’s decision to keep this relationship private is totally her choice, and it’s pretty badass to pull off an entire wedding without the public finding out.

      Despite Grande’s less-is-more attitude when it comes to sharing her current relationship with her fans, there are some key details we have to get you up to speed on the newlyweds’ journey. Here’s a timeline of Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez’s romance, leading up to their recent secret wedding.

      February 11, 2020: Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez are spotted together for the first time

      Just a few weeks before COVID-19 forced most of the world into quarantine, Grande is spotted with Gomez for the first time, kissing him in a bar in Los Angeles. A source close to the star later told People they had been dating since January 2020, adding that Ari didn’t want the relationship to be public and that “she is trying to keep this one quiet.” That, she did!

      March 2020: The couple cozies up in quarantine

      A source confirms that Grande and Gomez have been living together since the start of the pandemic and that the relationship is blossoming quietly but surely in quarantine.

      May 8, 2020: Grande and Gomez make their first online appearance together

      Capturing the lockdown vibes we’re all feeling, Grande and Gomez appear together for the first time in the music video for Grande and Justin Bieber’s song, “Stuck With U.” The video features clips of different people in quarantine, with a wholesome moment between Grande and Gomez slow dancing together at the end. So sweet!

      June 27, 2020: Grande and Gomez share a birthday kiss

      Ariana Grande celebrates her 27th birthday with a Midsommar-themed party, flower crowns and all. In an Instagram photo dump of the night, she included an adorable snap of her sharing a kiss with her then-boyfriend.

      August 7, 2020: Ari gushes over her man on his birthday

      Grande wishes Gomez a happy birthday on Instagram with a post that featured adorable kissing videos, couple selfies and a hilarious meme poking fun of what their future kids could look like. She captioned it, “hbd to my baby my best friend my fav part of all the days 🙂 i love u.” We’re not crying… you are!

      October 30, 2020: Grande releases her Positions album… and there’s a lot to take in

      With her signature bubblegum pop sound, Positions is filled with upbeat songs about love and lust. Fans were especially taken with “34+35” — which adds up to 69 (if you know, you know) — and “nasty” where she doesn’t hold back about her sex life with her new boo. Go off, Ari!

      December 20, 2020: Grande and Gomez get engaged!?

      Grande shocked fans yet again with an Instagram post announcing her new engagement to her nearly year-long boyfriend. Captioning the post, “forever n then some,” she shared pictures of the couple snuggling, as well as some up close shots of the unique ring designed by Gomez — a simple band that features a diamond and a pearl next to each other.

      December 25, 2020: The couple spend their first Christmas together as fiancés

      The newly engaged duo spend a cozy Christmas together with Grande’s family, and she shared some adorable pictures of the festivities on her Instagram.

      April 2021: Grande and Gomez reportedly start planning their wedding

      Grande and Gomez reportedly start planning their big day. Though most details are kept private, the couple is reportedly planning a small, COVID-safe wedding to be held in early summer.

      May 17, 2021: We now pronounce you husband and wife!

      And just like that, Grande and Gomez are married. The intimate wedding took place at their home in Montecito, California, with a guest list of less than 20 people. Since the news broke, the internet has been in a frenzy. Keeping with her ongoing pursuit of privacy, Ari has still not acknowledged the wedding on her social media, but a rep for the singer confirmed it to People, saying, “The room was so happy and full of love. The couple and both families couldn’t be happier.”

      Now, we (patiently) await wedding pictures!

      Categories
      Women's Fashion

      Moschino Heads To Sesame Street With a New Collaboration

      Jeremy Scott is fashion’s ultimate nostalgia merchant. Barbie, My Little Pony, SpongeBob SquarePants: He’s put them all on a runway at some point. A regressive mood has predominated during the pandemic—we’ve found ourselves swaddled in sweatsuits, tie-dyeing and coloring our way through quarantine as though we’re back in the recess yard. But the Moschino creative director was, as always, way ahead of us—even when it comes to looking back. As a ’90s raver, he remembers the scene’s proudly juvenile aesthetic, including Sesame Street character clothing: “I was already nostalgic for it at 20.”

      kacey musgraves wears moschino x sesame street

      Kacey Musgraves wears a hoodie from the collaboration, shot exclusively for ELLE. 

      Courtesy of the subject.

      kacey musgraves wears moschino x sesame street

      Musgraves wears a sweatshirt from the collaboration, shot exclusively for ELLE. 

      Courtesy of the subject.

      Our collective desire to return to a more innocent time inspired a 28-piece collaboration between the beloved kids’ show and the Italian fashion house, launching in June and designed for an ageless audience. The face of the capsule is country superstar Kacey Musgraves, who clearly shares Scott’s appreciative eye for all things retro-kitsch. (He once dressed her up as a life-size Barbie for the camp-themed Met Gala.) “I got wind that she was a Sesame Street fan, and was able to make this magical moment happen,” he says.

      kacey musgraves wears moschino x sesame street

      Moschino x Sesame Street backpack, $1,155. 

      Courtesy of the designer.

      moschino sesame street t shirt

       A T-shirt from the collection, $325, 

      Courtesy of the designer.

      Speaking of magical moments, Scott is hoping he’ll also get to fulfill what he calls “one of my lifelong dreams”—actually going to Sesame Street. “I was like, ‘Oh, I need to go on set. I need to be up in this.’ So that’s my hope and prayer: that I get to get on Sesame Street for real.” And it certainly doesn’t sound like he’ll need instructions on how to get there.

      This article appears in the May 2021 issue of ELLE.

      Special thanks to Polaroid.

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      Categories
      Culture

      Only Murders in the Building: Everything We Know About the Hulu Series

      Selena Gomez is making her TV comeback. The actress and singer is starring in Hulu’s new series Only Murders in the Building with comedy icons Steve Martin and Martin Short. This is Gomez’s first recurring role on a TV series since playing Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, according to Billboard.

      Martin, Short, and Gomez play true crime obsessives who band together to solve a murder in their own apartment building. Martin and John Hoffman co-wrote and created the series, and will co-executive produce alongside Gomez, Short, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman, and Jess Rosenthal. The official teaser trailer is here, and it promises secrets, intrigue, and enough true crime for any level of obsessive.

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      Read on for everything we know about Only Murders in the Building.

      Season 1 will premiere in August.

      Hulu confirmed Only Murders in the Building will drop on Tuesday, August 31. Billboard also reports the series consists of 10 episodes.

      This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

      “It’s really special, surprisingly emotional,” Craig Erwich, the head of Hulu originals, told Deadline when the show was first announced in August 2020. “It’s really modern and self-referential about podcasts and murders, it’s got some great surprises. When they pull this off, it’s going to be really special.”

      Gomez herself is a huge true crime fan and even attended CrimeCon Chicago with her mom in February 2020.

      Expect a mix of true crime and comedy.

      During an Instagram Live in February, Gomez opened up about the tone of the show and what it’s like working with Martin and Short. “The show is actually really fun,” she revealed. “It’s kind of a dramedy, so there’s moments that are real and then there are other moments that are complete chaos and hilarious. I’m working with Steve Martin and Martin Short and if you don’t know their work, by the way, they’re pretty amazing people to be around.”

      celebrity sightings in new york city march 30, 2021

      Gomez, Short, and Martin on set on March 30, 2021.

      James DevaneyGetty Images

        Short gave a full breakdown of the series to The Daily Beast during a wide-ranging interview last August.

        It’s about three people who live in one of those upscale apartment buildings in New York. They see each on the elevator, they kind of nod, but they never really speak. They don’t even know each other’s names. And then you find out that each one of them goes to their individual apartments and just turns on true crime and obsesses. And then one time they’re in the elevator with this fourth person. And they find out that fourth person is killed and they’re determined to solve it. But they make a pact: only murders in the building will they solve. Because they can’t be bothered to go outside.

        For Gomez’s April Vogue cover, Martin opened up about the choice to cast her. “You get a list of names, you know, you’re thinking, Sure, they’d be good, they’d be good, and then they say, ‘What about Selena Gomez?’ and it’s just—yes, of course. There was no question except ‘Can we get her?’ We knew she would enhance the show in so many ways, the number one being talent,” he explained. “Her performance is rich and adult. She’s learned to underplay when necessary. Marty and I are pretty manic, and she’s this solid, solid rock foundation. She’s nicely, intensely low-key.”

        Gomez will have an onscreen love interest in Aaron Dominguez.

        Paparazzi photographed Gomez and Dominguez filming in NYC in February; Gomez was snapped cuddling alongside Dominguez as the two shared a sweet smile.

        celebrity sightings in new york city  february 24, 2021

        Gomez and Dominguez on set on February 25.

        James DevaneyGetty Images

        Gomez’s fan base went wild after seeing the photo, assuming the pair were dating and spamming his Instagram. Gomez later addressed the situation in a March interview with the L.A. Times. “We had just started working together,” Gomez said. “I honestly thought, ‘No wonder guys don’t want to date me!’ I think people only care because I’m young, and the older I get the less they’ll care. For now it’s a part of the job that I don’t really like. I’m actually grateful that I’m not involved with anyone right now.”

        Dominguez also joined Gomez’s IG Live in February, and the pair’s chemistry was apparent.

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        The cast and crew are currently filming in NYC.

        On December 3, Martin shared his excitement about the first day of filming on Twitter. Sporting a masked selfie, he took the opportunity to celebrate Gomez and poke fun at Short.

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        Paparazzi captured Gomez filming with Martin and Short many times in December, January, February, and March. Her covetable costumes include a chic all-black suit, a preppy plaid miniskirt, and a ton of great coats. Most recently, she wore a navy checkered trench and bright yellow pants while filming in the Bronx.

        The cast is loaded with famous faces.

        Nathan Lane will play a recurring role as “a building resident and owner of a popular New York City grocery chain,” Deadline reported on January 13. Amy Ryan is also set to star in an undisclosed role.

        new york, ny   november 18  actor nathan lane attends 92nd street y presents at 92nd street y on november 18, 2015 in new york city  photo by mireya aciertogetty images

        Mireya Acierto

        new york, new york   march 05 amy ryan attends the sag aftra foundation conversations amy ryan at the robin williams center on march 05, 2020 in new york city photo by dominik bindlgetty images

        Dominik Bindl

        Martin tweeted about Sting’s involvement in the show in January.

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        And Jane Lynch also made an appearance with Martin—complete with matching costumes—on his Twitter feed in March.

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        Only Murders in the Building will premiere on Hulu in 2021.

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        Categories
        Beauty

        You Can Now Look Like The Cast of Euphoria Thanks to Make-Up Artist Donni Davy

        Long live the Euphoria effect. HBO’s Euphoria-inspired makeup has become wildly popular since the airing of the show in 2019. And now, you too can adorn your eyes like Jules and Kat, thanks to a new limited-edition line of face decals from the show’s lead makeup artist Donni Davy.

        Davy launched the face decals earlier this year, which sold out immediately. Now, set your clocks because the face decals are back with two new designs launching today, May 18th, at 11 am est at donidavy.com.

        Meet the New Decals

        Eye-Lectric

        donni davy

        Eye-Letric

        Donni Davy

        Electrify your eyes with these new Lightning Bolt-inspired designs. Use the mini lightning bolts as a finishing touch, or wear them alone for a minimal look. Wear together with makeup or alone. Each set comes with one sheet of magical iridescent holographic and one sheet of subtly sparkling black glitter. Eye-Letric decals are $17.50 per set.

        Spiked

        donni davy

        Spiked

        Donni Davy

        These new spikey designs serve up some major graphic eyelash energy. These decals are designed to sit above your eyelid crease — not along your lash line. For the most intense look, wear the larger sets on your eyelids and the smaller sets below your eyes. Combine with makeup for a more dramatic look or wear alone for an easy, instant “makeup” look. Each set comes with one sheet of magical iridescent holographic and one sheet of subtly sparkling black glitter. Spiked decals are $17.50 per set.

        The Holographic Fantasy

        olympus digital camera

        Holographic Fantasy Set

        Donni Davy

        The holographic fantasy set includes Eye-Letric, Spiked, and Head in the clouds decals. The entire collection of magical iridescent holographic face decals! This set of easy-to-apply face decals comes with three sheets, each in a different design. The Holographic Fantasy set costs $25.00 per set.

        The OG Decal

        Head in The Clouds

        donni davy

        Head in the clouds

        Donni Davy

        Use the cloud-inspired decals as a finishing touch, or wear them alone for a minimal look. Combine decals to create an infinite number of unique looks. Wear together with makeup or alone. Each set comes with one sheet of magical iridescent holographic and one sheet of twinkling silver glitter. The Head in the clouds decal is $17.50 per set.

        10% of profits from each purchase of the Head in the Clouds set will be donated to Trans Lifeline through December 31st, 2021.

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        Categories
        Fitness

        Tips to Help You Live a Happier, Healthier Life

        Whether you’re new to working out at home or you’ve been doing it for years, your home gym must be equipped with the right fitness gear to support your goals. Figuring out what workout equipment to buy can be stressful, so POPSUGAR went straight to the experts to solve this dilemma. These are the pieces of equipment personal trainers say are well worth the investment.

        Read More

        Categories
        Women's Fashion

        How to Achieve Radiant Skin Just In Time For Summer

        With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take our skincare routines up a notch to achieve a more hydrated, dewy and refreshed complexion! To help us achieve all our radiant dreams we tapped skincare expert and Crabtree & Evelyn Innovation Manager, Ivy Lin for her top recs to help us get prepped, buffed and ready for the warmer months ahead.

        From a super hydrating moisturizer to a gentle exfoliating bar to a hardworking cleanser, we’ve got you covered with all the best goodies to keep your skin hydrated and glowy all summer long:

        Evelyn Rose Soft Touch Face Foam

        Gentle enough to use both morning and night, this cleanser, which removes makeup, dirt and grime, is the perfect solution for those hot and humid summer days. Kick start your skincare routine with this refreshing cleanser, packed with cottonseed oil, coconut water, and Crambe Abyssinica seed oil, that leaves your skin feeling soft and clean without stripping away your natural moisture barrier.  Simply, “use your hands to gently cleanse and activate foam for more control over the areas you’re cleansing,” says Lin, and enjoy a satisfying lather. And if you’re looking to up the ante for a more squeaky clean, Lin recommends double cleansing with The Gardeners Cultivated Cleansing Oil.

        Bali Lemongrass Tonic

        Begin to hydrate your skin before applying moisturizer with this energizing lemongrass tonic. Enriched with bamboo water, aloe vera and a light lemon scent, this highly effective skincare staple actually wipes away excess oil and soothes redness. Plus, lemongrass is known to aid in the reduction of enlarged pores, so we’d say this tonic is an absolute win-win.

        “Using a tonic helps retain moisture especially after you have just washed your face. Keeping your face balanced and feeling fresh. Additionally, it enhances the skin’s surface and preps your face for the next step in your skincare routine,” says Lin. For best results, use after cleansing and swipe across your face with a cotton pad to wipe away any breakout-inducing bacteria.

        Evelyn Rose Hydrating Glow Face Moisturiser

        Whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, this moisturizer is for you. Packed with nourishing ingredients such as rosewater, niacinamide and micro-algae, the formula works to reduce the look of fine lines, redness, and uneven skin tones while delivering hydration like no other. So much so, 89 per cent of participants in a clinical study agreed that this glowy moisturizer left their skin texture feeling smoother and softer after 28 days of use—essentially a facial in a jar.

        Mixed Berry Oil Booster

        To maintain healthy skin, you’ll want to nourish it with this ultra-rich formula that’s packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals and increase luminosity. This Mixed Berry Oil Booster is made up of Kakadu plum, Camu Camu, acai and goji, and can be added to your daily moisturizer for an extra vitamin boost and layer of protection.

        “The texture is light and absorbs quickly so you don’t have that heavy, ‘weigh down’ feel,” shares Lin. Just add 3-4 drops to your cream or use solo post moisturizing for a glowing complexion all day long.

        Coconut + Sandalwood Body Balm

        If you have sensitive skin, you’ll soon swear by this soothing Coconut + Sandalwood Body Balm. The non-greasy, gentle formula is made with murumuru seed butter which restores moisture and the skin’s natural elasticity, hydrating coconut oil and sandalwood for a light and indulgent scent. “It has a lipid composition similar to natural skin and forms a protective film that retains natural moisture,” notes Lin.

        You’re going to revel in how wonderful this makes you look and feel. And for best results, Lin recommends using right after your shower to lock in moisture.

        CT Buff + Invigorate Body Bar

        Radiance in the shower? Sign us up. This CT Buff + Invigorate Body Bar is your first line of defense to really eliminate that summer sweat and keep your skin refreshed. Enriched with flecks of body-buffing bamboo stem, apple fibre and shea butter, this 3-in-1 formula cuts down on shower time by simultaneously exfoliating, hydrating and cleansing your skin, to help you achieve radiance from head to toe.

        Categories
        Culture

        Emma Watson Breaks Silence on Engagement and Retirement Rumors

        Emma Watson made a rare return to social media to set the record straight definitively on where she stands in her personal and professional lives. Her tweets come shortly after The Daily Mail ran photos of her with her boyfriend, Leo Robinton, taken Thursday and described him as her “rumored fiancé” despite Watson giving no indication she’s engaged.

        Watson wrote:

        Dear Fans,
        Rumours about whether I’m engaged or not, or whether my career is “dormant or not” are ways to create clicks each time they are revealed to be true or untrue. If I have news—I promise I’ll share it with you. In the mean time please assume no news from me just means I’m quietly spending the pandemic the way most people are—failing to make sourdough bread (!), caring for my loved ones and doing my best not to spread a virus that is still affecting so many people. I am sending so much love to you, hoping you’re ok and as well and happy as you can be in these strange times. And again, thank you to everyone working so hard to keep us safe and well.

        E
        Xx

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        Watson has kept a low profile over the last year. But she was photographed out with her boyfriend leaving a CVS in Los Angeles last week. It was one of her rare photographed appearances this year:

        emma watson and leo robinton

        London Entertainment / SplashNews.comSplash News

        Previously, she spoke candidly to British Vogue in its December 2019 issue about how she felt about turning 30 in April 2020. She said, “I was like, ‘Why does everyone make such a big fuss about turning 30? This is not a big deal…’ Cut to 29, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I feel so stressed and anxious. And I realize it’s because there is suddenly this bloody influx of subliminal messaging around. If you have not built a home, if you do not have a husband, if you do not have a baby, and you are turning 30, and you’re not in some incredibly secure, stable place in your career, or you’re still figuring things out… There’s just this incredible amount of anxiety.”

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        Categories
        Fitness

        How Dancing Hula and Honoring My Hawaiian Heritage Helped Me Learn to Love My Body

        My grandma, a beautiful hula dancer.My grandmother, a beautiful hula dancer.

        Hula runs in my blood. When my Papa saw my Grandma Becky dancing hula one night in a dance hall, armed with her ukulele, mu’u mu’u, and beautiful smile, he fell in love. She passed on her grace to my mom, who’s a beautiful hula dancer as well, and the story goes on.

        I grew up on the island of O’ahu, Hawai’i. Like every local girl, I started hula lessons at a young age — for me, it was age 5 — and continued all the way up until moving to California at 15 years old. For a decade, I toured the island with my halau (group) and danced for audiences at Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana Mall, and the Shorerider Hotel — iconic landmarks of the island that were frequented by visitors. We loved giving tourists our lei after a performance.

        Even as little girls, we were confident and had a purpose. We grew up learning about our culture and identity through our ancestors’ way of storytelling. We chanted in Hawaiian words we probably didn’t even know in English yet. We were bonded, and looking back, it’s truly amazing to me how dedicated we were at such a young age. We were taught by our hula kumu (teacher) that when we dance, we channel the spirit of the person we’re talking about. Back then, it gave me goosebumps. I truly felt a presence whenever I danced.

        My mother at my age right now (25) getting ready to dance.My mom, around my age (24), getting ready to dance hula for guests.

        As graceful and fluid as hula dancers make their movements appear, hula is an extremely demanding art form. We spent countless hours perfecting our ami, with our hips swaying, knees bent low, shoulders perfectly still, and chins up with pride. As I grew older and went through growth spurts, I always had a thick layer of muscle around my legs. This is the trademark of any hula dancer: our bodies are trained to be powerful and hold us through all our dances without faltering.

        Because of this, I always felt strong. I believe that hula was essential in shaping my body image. I loved my legs for carrying me through Hawai’i’s jungles and mountains and kicking powerfully through the ocean when I surfed. Of course, I had insecurities, too — especially when my adolescent mind convinced itself that my muscular thighs didn’t look cute in skinny jeans. But I felt grounded when I danced, and I was always went back to hula to make peace with how I looked.

        It wasn’t until I stopped dancing and moved to California at 15 that I started to notice my self-esteem take a turn. My insecurities had been growing since I learned about the move. I had never moved away from my childhood home or left the friends I’d had since elementary school. I began to retreat to a very dark place in my mind, far from the joy I experienced when dancing hula.

        I was lucky that I moved to such a gorgeous place. Humboldt County was its own sort of paradise, absolutely lush with redwoods and amazing coastlines. The air is always cool, even in the summer, so most people wore jeans or tights with jackets year-round. In the midst of my plunge of self-confidence, I absolutely loathed how I looked in skinny jeans and refused to wear them. I no longer used my legs for dancing and carrying me through performances. I no longer saw the beautiful, proud dancer in the mirror who was connected to her culture.

        Without the vital connection to my Hawaiian culture, I lost sight of my identity and all the confidence I had spent years building.

        Instead, I resorted to diets I found online, with calorie limits far too low for someone going through one of the biggest growth spurts of their life. I was hyper-vigilant about what I was eating and barely exercised. My body did the opposite of thrive — it weakened, and although the numbers on the scale were the lowest I’d seen, my confidence continued to sink even lower. Without the vital connection to my Hawaiian culture, I lost sight of my identity and all the confidence I had spent years building. More than a year went by — until one day, finally, a light appeared.

        When I was a junior, a Samoan classmate moved to town. We instantly connected over our mutual Pacific Islander background, and she founded our high school’s first Polynesian Culture Club. I joined and, for the first time in years, I rediscovered the joy of dancing. We would perform at school rallies and theaters around town, and I began to reclaim that confidence. When Michelle moved away senior year, I became president. My friends stayed in the club, and I was able to share my love for my culture through the dances I taught them.

        My body noticed the difference. As I reconnected with my culture, my heart grew stronger and I left behind the fad diets and lack of exercise for good. Now, my body and spirit needed to be fit and strong not only to carry me, but also to lead my new halau.

        Me dancing for my brother's wedding.Me at my brother’s wedding, dedicating a hula to him and his wife.

        When I moved on to college, I danced a few more times here and there: for my brother’s wedding, for my host family in Japan, at parties, and whenever a friend was curious and wanted to learn. Whenever I was going through a challenging time and felt like I was knocked off my feet, I’d dance a number in my dorm room, work, or wherever I was, just to ground myself and come back to that safe, strengthening place.

        This month, for the first time in so many years, I joined an official hula halau in San Diego to get back into dancing consistently. I wanted to get back to the discipline of attending lessons and continuing to learn.

        Our first practice, quite frankly, kicked my butt. We trained like athletes, all while wearing our pa’u skirts. I deeply regretted going to a hot yoga class that morning, because my thighs were screaming at me halfway through hula practice and my shoulders could barely muster another pushup. But my body, which remembered all the familiar movements and craved the motions, carried me through. And looking at myself in the mirror — surrounded by strong, confident women, all sweating, focused, and filled with joy to be dancing together — I felt that overflow of appreciation for my culture and for how beautiful I felt in that moment. The beauty I could only feel by connecting with my Hawaiian heritage.

        Through hula, I was able to build a lasting and loving relationship with my Hawaiian identity. I’m so glad to be dancing again and will forever be thankful to my culture for making me see a beautiful reflection of myself in the mirror now. One that is strong, proud, and full of aloha.

        Image Source: Chesiree Katter

        Categories
        Video

        Former Jewel Thief Reviews Famous Heist Movies, From ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ to ‘Heat’

        Former jewel thief, Larry Lawton, reviews scenes from famous heist movies including ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ ‘The Italian Job,’ ‘Heat,’ ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High,’ ‘The Thomas Crown Affair,’ ‘Come Hell or High Water,’ and ‘Snatch’ and analyzes their probability, craft, and execution.

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        Former Jewel Thief Reviews Famous Heist Movies, From ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ to ‘Heat’

        Categories
        Women's Fashion

        Model Grace Mahary On Navigating the Evolving Nature of Activism

        Photography by Kjohn Lasoul

        The Edmonton native shares her biggest learnings leading the non-profit Project Tsehigh, an organization that provides developing communities with clean-energy solutions, and how you can make a meaningful difference in the sustainability space.

        “Solar energy activist” and “supermodel” aren’t the commonest of paired titles. But that’s the magic of Grace Mahary. Thwarting expectations, she says, is kind of her thing. In the midst of a flourishing career — her client roster includes fashion’s heaviest hitters, such as Chanel, Givenchy and Balmain, and she was recently one of the stars of Mejuri’s Golden Together campaign (for a collection that has a philanthropic angle, naturally) — the Edmonton native founded Project Tsehigh, an organization that provides developing communities with clean-energy solutions. “I don’t know what a renewable energy non-profit founder is supposed to look like, but I don’t care,” she says. “That’s just how I lead.”

        Mahary’s motivation to effect change came after travelling from the Paris couture shows in 2012 to her parents’ home country of Eritrea, where 70 per cent of the population is completely off the electrical grid. The now L.A.-based model witnessed the negative consequences of this circumstance first-hand: diminished study hours for schoolchildren, community-spread disease caused by evening animal bites, and the plumes of toxic black exhaust that would fill the homes of those fortunate enough to own a backup generator. Her bright solution? Introducing solar panels—a sustainable alternative with the potential for big impact. After a successful first implementation in Eritrea following fundraising initiatives and the creation of a donor base, Project Tsehigh (meaning “sun” in Tigrinya, the language spoken in her ancestral country) has since gone on to outfit a primary school in Tanzania with solar-powered accessories while equipping locals with the tools and resources to maintain the new infrastructure for years to come.

        Engaging the bevy of high-profile contacts accrued during her modelling gigs and using her platform, which includes a hearty 140,000+ Instagram followers, to bring about real good was a no-brainer for Mahary. “It’s hard to separate human justice from what you do for a living,” she says. “There was something inside of me that always wanted to even out the playing field.” Here, Mahary shares her biggest learnings leading a non-profit and how you, too, can make a meaningful difference in the sustainability space.

        Find your “why” and then constantly revisit it

        Experiencing Eritrea’s energy poverty herself was the wake-up call that Mahary needed to make the leap into sustainability. Discovering your raison d’être, she says, doesn’t mean you have to pledge to support one cause forever or strive to be an activist. Even Mahary admits that she has trouble with that philanthropic label. “What I do is what I want to do,” she says. “It’s not because I’m an activist per se; it’s that this is what I feel we should be doing anyway.” In that sense, she looks at giving back as a long-term investment — a commitment to constant self evaluation: “You will always be checking in with yourself about how you’re contributing to the world and to others.”

        Do your research (and do it often)

        With no institutionally recognized credentials to her name, Mahary knew her lack of experience in the non-profit world would raise eyebrows. “As a Black woman and model, I realized that no matter what I do, I’ll always be undermined by some people,” she says. To ward off imposter syndrome — a psychological blight that, Mahary admits, still crops up from time to time — she equipped herself with enough knowledge and skills that she couldn’t be questioned. At the start of her undertaking, Mahary turned to free resources and grant opportunities that explained the ins and outs of non-profit life, like proposal writing, management and transparency. Building a tight-knit team around her who could fill in the gaps helped, too. Being an effective leader, she says, is recognizing that you can’t be an authority on every piece of the puzzle. “Everyone on the Project Tsehigh team isn’t an expert in everything — nobody is,” says Mahary. “But everyone has a strength, and they come in and share what they can. I find it really humbling, actually.”

        Follow those who are already doing the work

        See an inequity; sow your own solution — seems like a surefire formula, right? While it may be tempting to launch a do-good endeavour — an all-too-common reaction in our entrepreneurialism-fixated culture — Mahary says it’s critical to first offer your skills and assistance to the pioneers who are already on the ground. “Ask how you can help them and what they might need from you,” she suggests. “The issue right now is that some are asking the people who are doing the work to do more work — to teach them how to do it.” Exhausting those already burdened resources, especially those who are BIPOC-identifying, only impedes progress. Get yourself up to speed by fundraising, volunteering, asking questions and really listening. “Being more selfless — that’s how you learn what it’s like to be in those positions,” she adds.

        Always be willing to pivot your plan

        When the pandemic grounded Project Tsehigh’s mission to bring a third solar energy instalment to East Africa, Mahary didn’t slow down her give-back efforts. Instead, she zeroed in on the racial injustices in North America and teamed up with two established organizations, Grouphug and Trap Garden, to deliver community-based gardening boxes and window solar panels to BIPOC neighbourhoods in the U.S. facing food insecurity. Wielding this kind of flexibility is key in the non-profit sector, she says, where the best-laid plans — and most virtuous of intentions — can quickly go awry. “When you go into these communities, you want to serve them in one way, but they might ask for another thing,” she explains. It’s why Mahary has employed a no-ego policy to her non-profit’s mission: Find the most ideal solutions and know what true success looks like, despite your early definitions.

        Categories
        Culture

        All About Leo Robinton, Emma Watson’s ‘Serious’ Boyfriend of Over a Year

        Emma Watson has purposely kept her love life out of the public eye for years, but earlier this week, the Daily Mail reported that Watson was rumored to be engaged to Leo Robinton, her boyfriend of over one year, after the two were photographed out together on May 13, 2021. Watson spoke out against the outlet’s report, saying explicitly that she is not engaged currently.

        It comes after the couple was photographed together in November, where Watson gave a small hint that things were still going strong between her and her California businessman boyfriend. Robinton and Watson were photographed out in London’s Primrose Hill after grabbing coffee. Both wore masks in most photos on the Daily Mail, though at one point, Robinton took his off, as seen below.

        emma watson and leo robinton together in primrose hill

        TheImageDirect.com

        The two were first photographed kissing in London last October, although Robinton wasn’t identified by any outlet until April 2020.

        Here, what to know about Robinton and his relationship with Watson.

        Watson made it clear that she is not retiring from acting or engaged to Robinton in May 2021.

        While Watson and Robinton were photographed out together on May 13, 2021, making it clear their relationship is still on in spring 2021, Watson shut down engagement rumors on May 17, 2021. She wrote on Twitter:

        Dear Fans,
        Rumours about whether I’m engaged or not, or whether my career is “dormant or not” are ways to create clicks each time they are revealed to be true or untrue. If I have news—I promise I’ll share it with you. In the mean time please assume no news from me just means I’m quietly spending the pandemic the way most people are—failing to make sourdough bread (!), caring for my loved ones and doing my best not to spread a virus that is still affecting so many people. I am sending so much love to you, hoping you’re ok and as well and happy as you can be in these strange times. And again, thank you to everyone working so hard to keep us safe and well.

        E
        Xx

        Watson and Robinton’s relationship became public with a PDA photo in fall 2019.

        At the end of October 2019, the Daily Mail ran photos of Watson kissing a “mystery man” while out at lunch in London, sparking speculation Watson had a new boyfriend. (You can see them here.)

        Watson would go on to describe herself as single in her December 2019 British Vogue issue interview, which was conducted in late summer, seemingly before she met or began seriously dating Robinton.

        The actress spoke candidly about turning 30 to the outlet, saying, “I was like, ‘Why does everyone make such a big fuss about turning 30? This is not a big deal…’ Cut to 29, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I feel so stressed and anxious. And I realize it’s because there is suddenly this bloody influx of subliminal messaging around. If you have not built a home, if you do not have a husband, if you do not have a baby, and you are turning 30, and you’re not in some incredibly secure, stable place in your career, or you’re still figuring things out…there’s just this incredible amount of anxiety.”

        She added then that she was seeing “not one specific person, but I’m going on dates.”

        But honestly, she was fine with being single: “I never believed the whole ‘I’m happy single’ spiel,” she said. “I was like, ‘This is totally spiel.’ It took me a long time, but I’m very happy [being single]. I call it being self-partnered.”

        Watson hasn’t spoken about her love life since, but it would appear, based off the timeline of the interview, that whatever she and Robinton had going on when they were shot kissing was fairly new.

        Watson and Robinton likely didn’t meet on a dating app but rather through friends.

        Watson explained to British Vogue that she doesn’t use dating apps, in part because of her celebrity status. “Dating apps are not on the cards for me,” she said. “I’m very lucky in the sense that because I went to university and because I’ve done these other things outside of film, my friends are really good at setting me up. Really good. And what’s really nice is some of my best friends are people I got set up on a date with and it didn’t work out.”

        Watson added that initially, she doubted she could make friends with someone she went on a first date with: “I didn’t think it was possible,” she said, “And it really is possible. And it’s actually great.”

        Robinton has no social media and reportedly deleted his accounts after pictures of them kissing came out.

        Robinton was revealed to be the man Watson was kissing in April 2020 by the Daily Mail. He is believed to be about 31, with a 1989 birthday. According to Daily Mail, when the news became public, Robinton got rid of his Instagram and social media accounts to protect their privacy. The Sun additionally reported that Robinton is a Los Angeles businessman who used to work for a company that specialized in legal cannabis there. He left his role in June 2019, before he met Watson.

        Robinton is from a big family and participated with one of his sisters in the 2017 Women’s March.

        Robinton is from a big family, with two older sisters (Daisy and Lily), a twin brother named Archer, and an older brother named Charlie. His sister Daisy, a cell and molecular biologist, tweeted a photo of Robinton with her at the Washington D.C. Women’s March in 2017. “Proud of my little bro for trekking across the country to support women’s rights @theresleo #EmpowerWomen #WomensMarchDC,” she wrote.

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        Robinton and Watson were “serious” in April 2020, according to Daily Mail’s insider.

        Not much is really known about Watson and Robinton’s relationship now, the way the couple would prefer it. But an “insider” spoke to the Daily Mail in April about their bond.

        “Emma and Leo did everything in their power to keep their relationship private,” that source said at the time—a practice that has seemingly continued.

        The source added that Robinton had met Watson’s parents. “Emma introduced Leo to her parents; she was really serious about him,” the source said. “They went for a meal together back in December at The Ivy restaurant in St John’s Wood not long after Emma and Leo first met.”

        Robinton and Watson were still going strong in February 2021—and may even be settling down together, according to Daily Mail’s source.

        Updates on Watson and Robinton’s relationship remain very rare in 2021, as the two have successfully kept things between them private. But amid Watson’s rep telling Daily Mail that Watson’s acting career is “dormant,” and the actress “is not taking on new commitments,” a source spoke to Daily Mail about what Watson’s life has been like.

        “Emma has gone underground; she is settling down with Leo,” that source claimed. “They’re laying low. Maybe she wants a family.” The Daily Mail reported they’ve been living in Los Angeles. Watson, for what it’s worth, has made no statement on her relationship with Robinton. Her social media (Twitter and Instagram) has been inactive since August 2020.

        Watson’s agent would later clarify that Watson isn’t retired. Entertainment Weekly got a statement from United Entertainment manager Jason Weinberg, who said “Emma’s social media accounts are dormant but her career isn’t.”

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        Categories
        Fitness

        Why You Should Consider Talking to Your Doctor Before Ordering a At-Home Hormone Test


        If you’re interested in learning more about your hormone levels, you might be tempted to just order an at-home hormone test and get the ball rolling for yourself without even leaving the house. Depending on your specific health concerns, at-home hormone tests can sometimes be very helpful tools, but using one doesn’t necessarily take the place of an actual in-person visit to your doctor.

        Ahead, why it’s important to have a firm understanding of the function of at-home hormone tests, why you need to be discerning when shopping for one, and more.

        How Do At-Hormone Tests Work?

        Google “at-home hormone tests” and you’ll find a variety of options that are designed specifically for testing hormones related to fertility, stress hormone levels, thyroid function, and more.

        Most of the tests you’ll find online, like those made by the company Everlywell, either collect blood via a finger prick or salvia.

        According to Sanaz Ghazal, MD, FACOG, a double-board certified fertility specialist, some at-home fertility hormone tests even analyze hormone levels in urine. Therefore, how your test works really depends on the specific hormones that are being assessed.

        Most at-home hormone tests outline exactly what happens to the specimen when it’s sent on its way. For example, Everlywell notes that its tests are sent to certified labs and results are returned to you with information on what they may mean or indicate.

        Are At-Home Hormone Tests Ever Recommended by Doctors?

        If you have any questions or concerns about your health, one of the best places to start is by scheduling an appointment with your doctor first.

        Linda R Peitzman, MD, lead physician in primary care at K Health, a data-driven digital primary care platform, said that home testing does provide some benefits, including having more control over your health and generally being convenient. However, you should speak with your doctor to determine what type of testing is best for your specific condition or issue. This will help ensure that the test you do has meaning and is appropriate.

        Likewise, speaking specifically to at-home fertility hormone tests, Dr. Ghazal said they are best used in conjunction with counseling and guidance from a board-certified fertility specialist. In addition to helping explain the results and what they mean for your health, this specialist can guide you to additional tests you might need to provide a full understanding of what’s going on within the body. In the case of fertility, Dr. Ghazal said that many factors, like age, genetics, lifestyle, and medical history, can affect one’s ability to conceive.

        One of the other main concerns with self-ordering at-home hormone tests, Dr. Peitzman said, is the potential of false positives. “Most lab tests are meant to be ordered for patients that are having specific symptoms, or are in specific risk categories. The ranges of results on non-symptomatic, or lower risk patients have not really been studied and are not understood,” she said. “So, if a person who does not have symptoms and is not at high risk for the problem gets an abnormal test result, the meaning of that result may not be clear. It can lead healthy patients to getting other, more invasive testing or treatment done that could then cause harm.”

        If you do order an at-home test, you’ll also need to ensure it’s being sent to an accredited lab to ensure accuracy. So, no matter why you’re interested in hormonal testing, speaking to a medical professional seems to be one of the best places to start.

        Categories
        Women's Fashion

        Ink The Diaspora Founder Tann Parker Wants to Decolonize the Tattooing Practice

        Photography courtesy of Tann Parker

        Darker skin tones have long been under-represented in the tattoo world. Brooklyn-based artist Tann Parker founded Ink The Diaspora to change that.

        I got my first tattoo before heading off to college. I had a job at McDonald’s and didn’t have to get permission from my parents since I was 18, so I thought, “Hell yeah, I’m going to get a tattoo.” It was very impulsive. You know the shoe brand Steve Madden? It was their logo from the early 2000s: a peace sign, a heart and a stiletto — but I changed the stiletto to a slouchy boot because that was popular at the time. I remember that the tattoo artist called me before the appointment to clarify that it was what I wanted.

        Tann Parker - Ink The Diaspora
        Photography courtesy of Tann Parker

        That tattoo has since been covered up with something more meaningful: a family tree that represents each of my older siblings and my parents. The most meaningful tattoo I have, though, is a portrait of my grandmother on my right leg. It’s the only photo my mom has of her. I’m also getting a tattoo of my dad’s mom on my left leg. It’s my way of connecting with them since I never got to meet either of my grandmothers. Many of my tattoos are inspired by my being Black; I have a Harriet Tubman tattoo, a Buffalo Soldier on one leg, Black cherubs playing the violin and Black Jesus on my shoulder.

        I started Ink The Diaspora in 2018 because I wasn’t seeing people with my skin complexion getting heavily tattooed. I wanted to build a community where we could have conversations about what’s happening in the tattoo space. Ink The Diaspora has many faces, but it’s mainly an archival resource on Instagram and a place for decolonizing the tattooing practice. Because of colourism in the tattoo space, representation of darker-skinned Black and brown folks just isn’t there. Or if it is, we only see tattoos on a very specific type of Black skin. There’s very little diversity.

        Tann Parker, founder of Ink the Diaspora
        Photography courtesy of Tann Parker

        I also do consultations and tattoo-artist referrals for Black tattoo collectors who are looking for a Black artist. I want to be really sincere about referrals, which can be difficult if I haven’t been to a certain state or city. So I tap into the Ink The Diaspora Instagram and ask “Does anyone know a Black tattoo artist in this location? Has anyone gotten a tattoo from this person and enjoyed their experience?” That is my top priority. I’m also a non-binary person, so I always try to refer Black trans tattooers. I want to give money back to my community, whom I’m inspired and driven by.

        My next intention for Ink The Diaspora is to create silicone tattoo sheets in shades of brown, for darker skin tones. If you think about the tattooing process, it always starts with a white sheet of paper  — showing you what a tattoo would look like from a white perspective. Changing the medium and your visual starting point, by doing something as simple as not using white paper as your canvas, can change your creative process.

        —As told to Amanda Demeku