5 Ways to Deal With Random Facial Hair

Peach fuzz and dark, coarse stragglers don't stand a chance!

Kim Kardashian isn't afraid to try unusual beauty treatments (remember when she had a vampire facial using her own blood?). Most recently, she admitted to having laser therapy to remove baby hairs along her hairline. "I have the hairiest forehead you could ever imagine," she told People magazine.

We all have some unwanted facial hair—and sometimes it can sprout up in awkward places like your cheek or your chin. Not sure how to remove the unwanted fuzz without irritating your skin? Here are five hair-removal techniques to consider.

Waxing
Waxing is a good option for any area of the face—and you can count on hair-free skin for four to eight weeks for anywhere from $9 to $20. Just make sure to prep properly and take care of your skin afterward. "We use organic jojoba oil before and after [a wax]," says Holly Green, a hair-removal specialist and the owner of Norabloom Botanicals & Beauty Lounge in Ithaca, New York. "After the treatment, we recommend no harsh chemicals or exfoliating products and lots of sunscreen because you lose part of the top protective layer of skin."

Whether you're visiting a professional or DIYing it, make sure you choose a wax that's formulated for sensitive skin. "For those sensitive areas, it's important to use an all-natural elastic wax applied on the skin at body temperature," says Noemi Grupenmager, the founder and CEO of Uni K Wax Centers. "This makes for a more comfortable experience."

Threading
Threading is similar to waxing in that it pulls hair from the root for long-lasting results. "If you have a really good threading specialist, they can get all of the unwanted hair and even the fuzzies," says Green. The treatment has similar results to waxing, but it may be less painful since it doesn't take the top layer of skin off. If you've ever experienced sensitivity to waxing, you may want to try this option next time. "People who have had a bad experience with wax tend to try threading," says Green. Results last for four to eight a weeks, and a session will put you back anywhere from $5 to $40.

The Best Drugstore Stand-Ins for High-End Makeup Favorites

Saving money has never looked so good.

Who can resist a good beauty bargain that will get you glam without costing you the big bucks? We scoured drugstore shelves and consulted the industry’s top makeup artists and experts for the ultimate list of inexpensive dupes for your favorite high-end makeup products.

Mascara
Just a few flicks of Boots No7 Extreme Length Lash mascara will give you the same luscious, sky-high fringe as its high-end counterpart. “It adds a ton of length, and the formula is soft and clump-free,” says Kerry Cole, style director of Becca

Liquid Liner
Wet n Wild’s intensely pigmented formula and simple brush applicator make it just as easy and effortless to create precise lines as the Lancôme cult classic. “The royal blue and teal are super rich shades,” says Lauren Cosenza, a professional makeup artist and founder of DIVAlicious blog.

Eyebrow Pencil
Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, a veteran beauty editor and author of How to Look Expensive: A Beauty Editor’s Secrets to Getting Gorgeous Without Breaking the Bank, loves Sonia Kashuk Brow Definer’s perfect texture, which isn’t too soft or too hard. For a natural look, she applies quick pencil-like strokes to just the areas that need filling in but scatters some strokes throughout her brows to blend in the color. Lustig recommends going a shade lighter than your actual brow color for the most natural effect.

Obvious Signs a Guy Is Flirting with You

Ever wonder if that nice guy is flirting with you? There are a few proven ways that can tell you if he is interested in you. While it’s difficult to read body language at times, it’s possible if you know where to start. Here are 10 ways that men unconsciously and even consciously let you know that they like you. Take a look, see what you see and maybe you will find your love right now.
1. Lovely smile

A lovely smile is actually a good sign and, when it comes to flirting, it’s one of the surest signs he is interested in you. If you notice that he is smiling at you, there’s a good chance he likes you and wants to approach you. Maybe he is shy, so why not show him your confidence and courage by approaching him first? Of course, if you like him. After all, there is nothing to be ashamed of if you approach a man first. Just smile back, initiate a conversation with him and don’t try to play hard to get. Playing hard to get is a great boost, but often it’s a big turn off for guys.

2. Shy blush
Perhaps you know how it’s difficult to flirt with shy guys, but it doesn’t mean that you should avoid such type of man. If you notice that a guy blushes around you, this is one of the most obvious signs he is trying to flirt with you. However, not only do shy guys blush, any guy can actually blush when he sees a beautiful girl. Blushing is a bodily function that we can’t control and if he blushes around you, he certainly likes you.

Eyebrow Extensions Now Exist

Find out how they work, how long they last, and how they could completely change your look.
Eyelash extensions revolutionized the beauty world, eliminating the need to curl, volumize, and lengthen lashes. Now, eyebrow extensions promise to make similar waves: They mean you could kiss coloring in and applying brow gel goodbye. It sounds like a no brainer, right?

But what exactly are brow extensions? And could they ever look natural? We caught up with Charity Engebretsen, owner of Master Lash By Charity, who offers the exclusive service to her clients in Santa Monica, California. Here, the lowdown on this truly innovative process that is just picking up traction in the U.S.
WH: Why did you decide to bring eyebrow extensions to your salon?
Engebretsen: My mother is in the entertainment industry, and when she came back from Asia when she was on a tour there 11 years ago, she said "They’re doing these really amazing things over there. They’re called eyelash extensions." And I was like, "Of course, why not?" We have amazing hair extensions. Why not create a micro-version for the eyes? So if we can do these on the eyes, which are so sensitive in nature—they don’t like being poked or prodded—then we can definitely find a way to do these on the eyebrows. So I’ve been doing it for the past few years. I actually went to Japan for my training.

What It's Like to Make More Than Your Husband

One woman opens up about the reality facing more and more women.

When my now-husband Chris and I first met, I was a poor grad student who waited tables to make ends meet. My rent was ridiculously cheap, and thank goodness, because I had negative dollars to my name.

I eventually got a full-time office job, but the salary was so bad I had to work at a coffee shop on weekends to pay my bills. While I was working my way up the ladder, Chris already had a successful career as a chef—and his salary reflected it. He wasn't rolling in it, but he was definitely making more money than me. He never made a big deal about it, he just chipped in a little more than me sometimes on things like rent and utilities.

Eventually, my career grew. I got promotions and new jobs and the salary boosts that came with it. My salary surpassed Chris's before we got married and continued to grow. His grew, too, but not at the same rate since chefs, unfortunately, make a fraction of what they deserve.

Now, between career advancements and side projects, I make significantly more than he does. For the most part, it's awesome. I've always wanted to make money for my family, and I love being able to make a decent impact on my family's finances. But there are definitely some drawbacks.

For one thing, I feel pressure to make a certain salary in order to maintain our family's status quo. If my career suddenly went to hell, we'd have serious financial issues. If Chris's did, we'd have to tighten our belts, but we'd still be okay. That doesn't mean his job is less important—it's just the reality of the situation. 

For the most part, Chris could care less that I make more, and he's always been supportive of my career. But occasionally he'll say things like "my job is important, too" when we're discussing something like who has to take time off when our son is sick and has to stay home from daycare. It breaks my heart that he would even think he has to say that.

My Mom Told Me Not to Marry My Husband...And Now She Loves Him

How one woman's hubby finally won her mother over

My mom wasn't exactly thrilled when I started dating my now-husband, Chris.

Despite the fact that I was clearly into him, she'd change the subject whenever I mentioned him and encouraged me more than a few times to "see what else is out there." She was subtle about it at first but cranked up the heat once we became more serious.

It was weird: Chris did everything right. He was polite, kind, and, most importantly, treated me well. But she couldn't get past his long hours as a chef, the gauges in his ears, and the fact that he didn't have the same level of higher education that I did.

When Chris and I moved in together after a year of dating, it was on. She refused to set foot in our apartment when she came to visit, even though she lived hours away, and even once asked my brother-in-law to set me up with one of his friends—right in front of me.

Chris was aware of my mom's issues with our relationship but didn't let it faze him. He was incredibly patient with her comments in a way that I'm not sure I would be if roles were reversed. But while he didn't seem to care, I did. And it bothered me more as time went on.

Things finally came to a head at my cousin's wedding, of all places. After my mom made a few loaded comments about Chris over the passed hors d'oeuvres, I pulled her aside and told her she needed to stop. She refused, and I stormed out. It was beyond dramatic, and our relationship was strained for months after that.

Eventually, the criticisms stopped, mostly because my mom realized we weren't going to have a good relationship if they continued. She slowly warmed up to Chris over the years, but I could tell she still wasn't convinced that he was the one for me.

I came home one day to find my mom in my apartment, cooking with Chris. They laughed and chatted, and when she hugged him, I nearly passed out.

What had happened? Earlier that day, Chris had asked my parents if he could ask me to marry him. Apparently seeing that Chris was serious about a future with me was what it took for my mom to finally see how great he is.

My mom's 180 isn't uncommon, according to licensed clinical psychologist Kelly Tonelli, PsyD. She says that parents typically come around on their child's significant other after that person shows a big commitment like a proposal. "The concern might have been that the partner would never commit," she explains. Time can also help resolve any issues they had with an S.O., as well as just create a general acceptance that they're part of the family now, she says.

I have a lot of friends who have struggled with the same issue, and apparently we all failed on one major factor: We tried too hard to bring our parents around. Tonelli stresses that it's important to not force things, which I definitely did. I would often slip little factoids about why Chris was so great into conversations with my mom and set up opportunities for them to be alone, even though she clearly wasn't feeling it. "You cannot make your parents like someone," says Tonelli.

Thankfully, it did. The proposal definitely helped, but now that we're married, my mom treats him like her own son. She makes big gestures, like going to events at his restaurant and talking up his accomplishments to everyone she sees. But I really notice the little things she does for him now, like how she stocks her fridge with Chris's favorite beer when we come to visit, invites him to swing by for coffee on his way to work, and calls him to chat when I'm not home. Little gestures like that are what my mom always does for my sister and me, and it means so much that she does them for Chris now, too.

How Getting Really Sick Can Impact Your Marriage

As if the illness itself weren't bad enough...

Better bolster your immune system, ladies. According to a study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, when a wife becomes seriously sick, her marriage is more likely to end in divorce.


 Using raw data from the University of Michigan’s Health and Retirement Study, researchers at Iowa State University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis examined 2,701 couples over the age of 50 and found that chronic illness in the wife meant divorce was six percent more likely. When the husband got sick, though, there was no greater risk of the marriage ending.

Unfortunately, the general causes of resulting marital discord are predictable: Caring for a sick spouse is super stressful, and the income lost when one half of a couple is out of commission—or if both have to forego work—can take its toll. In short: Marriage quality plummets with the female spouse’s health.


But that doesn’t explain why marriages in which the husband falls ill seem to weather the storm better. Although the data doesn’t illustrate which spouse filed the divorce papers, researchers think that women might be generally disappointed with their husbands as caregivers. It’s also been found that women seem to experience chronic illness with more pain and depressive symptoms than their male counterparts.

There are limitations to the research: The analysis looked at just four chronic diseases: cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and stroke, so not all illnesses were considered. The couples examined were all in a later stage of life, and of course certain qualities of their union up until that time couldn’t be measured (and even factors that were measured were self-reported, which isn't the most reliable form of data collection). Also worth noting is that since the couples were all over 50, they were probably more likely to adhere to gender norms than younger couples may have been.

Thankfully, women are less likely to contract a serious illness than men, and research shows that marriage may help make you healthier. But if you do become sick, don't hesitate to ask your husband to step up and take care of more things than normal—including you.

How Much Sex Should You Have When You’re Trying to Get Pregnant?

Find out the sweet spot.
Kim Kardashian has been pretty open these past several months about how she and husband Kanye are hard at work trying to create a second bundle of joy. She even told sister Khloe that she’s having sex 500 times a day in a promo for the new season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, which starts on March 15.

That’s obviously an exaggeration, but her comment made us wonder: Will getting it on several times a day increase your odds of conceiving?

The answer, surprisingly, is not exactly. “The general guideline for couples with no known fertility issues who are ready to become parents is to have frequent sex, which is defined as sex every day or every other day,” says Elizabeth Fino, M.D., assistant professor of ob-gyn and reproductive specialist at the NYU Fertility Center in New York City.

Knocking boots at this rate means that a guy’s sperm will be fresh and healthy, ideal for fertilization. “More frequent than that puts a lot of pressure on couples to get busy, and we don’t want to make it too stressful,” says Fino.

The advice changes, however, if a couple sees a fertility specialist and the guy is diagnosed with issues (which is the case with approximately 40 percent of fertility-challenged couples). “If there’s a problem with a man’s sperm count or his ejaculate, it’s advised that the couple only have sex once every two or three days, which gives a man the opportunity to build up the best quality and quantity of sperm,” says Fino.

On the other hand, going without action for more than eight days can backfire; at that point, a man’s ejaculate will contain a higher percentage of older or even dead sperm—which are useless when it comes to conceiving. We don’t know what Kimye’s doctors are advising, but even five times a day is clearly too much of a good thing when it comes to making babies.

Finally, a Scientific Answer to Why Guys Love Round Butts

This explains a lot.
This article was written by Markham Heid and provided by our partners.
It's no secret that many men love a full tush—but why? It may be because women with curvy behinds made better nomadic child-bearers back in the day, according a new study from the University of Texas.

You’ve probably never thought about "lumbar curvature" or "vertebral wedging." But the study authors have. And their research shows men tend to go gaga over a woman with the type of spine curvature that makes her butt seem to pop out or protrude.

If you're like the average man, you're especially attracted to a woman with a spine that curves roughly 45 degrees above the top of her butt, the research shows. "This degree of curvature would have enabled ancestral women to shift their center of mass back over their hips during pregnancy," says study coauthor David M.G. Lewis, Ph.D.

Back in hunter-gatherer times, human beings were constantly on the move. Staying still was a death sentence. So women who could keep walking long distances even while very pregnant had an advantage in terms of reproduction and survival.

Lewis says a 45-degree lumbar curvature allows a woman to carry the weight of her unborn baby in a way that makes her less vulnerable to spinal injuries than women with more or less curvature. Thousands of years ago, this would have helped her to keep moving and foraging during the later stages of pregnancy—a huge plus, says Lewis.

Apparently, modern man hasn't lost his taste for curvaceous, baby-bearing derrieres—at least according to this research.

What Each Sex Position Feels Like for Guys

Take a wild guess at which one makes him scared for his penis.

It’s highly likely that you have a ranking of your favorite sex positions. Maybe girl on top makes you feel like the hottest cowgirl-goddess hybrid at the rodeo but doggy style just ends with your cervix feeling like one giant bruise. It’s the same for guys; here’s a glimpse inside a man’s mind when you’re getting it on.

Missionary
“It’s classic. I like starting this way the most, so it has the added benefit of being associated with the feeling of first entry. There's nothing like slipping into her warm wetness down there. It makes me think there's a reason humans evolved to have sex this way. Plus, if I get too close to coming early, I can just think about the name of the position, and it keeps me from going over the edge. Missionary: sexy position, unsexy name.” —Sam J.

 “Good old faithful. Though I think missionary is over-used, it serves several good purposes. It's the position where I feel most in control of what is going on, probably partially due to my familiarity with it since it’s over-used. When I have that control, I’m more capable of making myself orgasm, and I'm all for orgasms. It's also a good go-to position when you are working with inexperienced girls. They feel more comfortable when you’re on top doing the work. The drawback is that women sometimes feel like their role here is to just lie back and enjoy. As much as I love seeing a woman's face as she experiences pleasure, so much more can be done while you're on your back. Just because you're on your back doesn't mean you're out of the fight. You have hands, lips, a voice, etc.” —Adam K.

Eat These 5 Fruits To Get Healthy And Glowing Skin

Simple lifestyle changes like incorporating fruits in your daily diet can give you glowing skin. Fruits help with Clear complexion; Skin rejuvenation, Natural hydration; Improvement of Skin texture and making the skin appear youthful and glowing. Fruits are safe with no side effects and are cost-effective at the same time. They are free from toxins and have a host of skin and health benefits.

Let us look at a few fruits to get fair and glowing skin.
1. Bananas:
bananas for glowing skin

Bananas, being rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin E, act as an anti-ageing agent. Opt for a facial using a freshly mashed banana mixed with honey to get glowing skin. It is a rich source of fiber, minerals, magnesium and potassium; they help in proper blood circulation in our body and build immunity from within.They are a great substitute for unhealthy snacking in between meals.

2. Lemons:
lemon benefits for glowing skin

It has high Vitamin C content and natural bleaching properties making it a good cleanser that lightens blemishes, acne scars, spots and skin tone. Start your day by drinking 1 glass of warm water mixed with a dash of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach. This fights cellulite and clears your skin from within.

A mixture of lemon juice and honey reduces blemishes and acquire glowing skin.

Effective Home Remedies To Treat Gum Diseases

Have you experienced bleeding gums? Are you troubled by sore and swollen gums, toothache and bad breath? Though these ailments don’t appear so serious, they can cause complications if ignored.

So, are there any simple remedies that can treat gum diseases? Well, there are! And this post deals with the top remedies that can help you fight and prevent gum ailments. Want to know what they are? Read on!
1. Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated and inflamed gums. A study published in the Australian Dental Journal in 2008 found that topical application of a tea tree oil gel helped reduce gum bleeding and gingivitis.

All you need to do is add a few drops of tea tree oil to your toothpaste or buy toothpaste with tea tree oil as an ingredient in it. Make sure to brush twice a day, and this should be done for several weeks. The antiseptic and antibiotic properties of tea tree oil help cure localized infections.

Amazing Health Benefits Of Orange Peel Tea

Orange peel tea, like the name indicates, is the tea prepared using orange fruit peels. The peel of an orange is leathery in texture and has several oil glands. Orange peel has been used in many cultures for its medicinal benefits. A popular way of using orange peel is to add it to your bath water so that you can enjoy an aromatic and calming bath.
Preparing Orange Peel Tea:

Now that you know what orange peel tea is, let’s look at how you can prepare it.

Ingredients:

• Peels of 3 to 4 oranges

Directions:

Once you have removed the peels from the oranges, cut them into smalled pieces. Place the pieces of the peel in a cool and dry place, and leave them to dry. Once they have dried out, you can use them for preparing the orange peel tea.

1. To make the tea, add some water to a pot and bring it to a boil.
2. Proceed to add the peel pieces and let them steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Remove the orange peel pieces from the pot and enjoy your tea.

Now that you know how to prepare orange peel tea, let’s check out what its benefits are!

How to Wear Lingerie for your Boyfriend or Girlfriend (Or Other)

Now, I know  I’ve talked a lot about wearing lingerie for yourself. And how lingerie can be about what you want and you need and how you feel about yourself. But there are definitely aspects of lingerie that have to with other people and I think that it would be sad to neglect the way in which lingerie can be part of a connection between partners. The reason I’m writing this article, is that a question I often hear from people not as enmeshed in lingerie as I am is, “But, how does wearing (complicated) lingerie for your boyfriend/girlfriend actually work?”
This guide is really for those people who want to wear lingerie for a special occasion, but just aren’t sure exactly what you need to consider to actually pull it off, a mix of the spiritual and the practical. In this case I’m going to address lingerie in relation to an actual long term relationship– in the case of a hook-up, there are other considerations vis-a-vis not knowing where you may spend the night or how you’ll need to get home in the morning, which adds a whole ‘nother layer of complexity. So, here I will give 8 tips to keep in mind if you’re going to wear lingerie for your partner:

Rachel Jean & Ania by Zoe Hiigli

1. Wear what makes you feel sexy. The whole point of this adventure is for both you and your partner to have a good time! Confidence is the most important part of this whole experience– and the key ingredient in feeling beautiful and desirable. If you feel supremely confident, you don’t really even need the rest of these tips– but I know for some people, having lots of ideas and instructions just help bolster your lingerie courage.
2. Forget the trenchcoat. I view the whole trenchcoat + lingerie as an “advanced” lingerie skill, that requires a lot more confidence than might be doable for the lingerie neophyte. Especially because it really only makes sense when the journey is just point A to point B, as the outfit of trenchcoat & lingerie won’t make you feel particularly comfortable if you realize you forgot something and have to drop by the pharmacy or the supermarket. Plus, if you’re feeling nervous, suddenly dropping a trenchcoat to reveal your entire lingerie outfit might make you feel more simply exposed than seductive.

3. The act of discovery is sexy. I’m quite fond of wearing lingerie under regular clothes because I love the moment when my girlfriend realizes that I’m wearing something a little out of the ordinary. The fact that you look “normal” on the outside can be a boon if you are planning on going anywhere (such as dinner) or you just want to feel confident that only you know your secret until things are already getting a little more intimate. Then, the act of undressing becomes more like an adventure. Besides, it definitely has that “plainclothes superhero” thing going for it. Clothes that go well over lingerie: structured dresses, pencil skirts, blouses.
4. Set the mood. If this lingerie unveiling is taking place in your home, take advantage of it. Creating a “mood” can definitely help you feel more comfortable and less awkward. Just wear a robe to answer the door (if you wish to avoid letting your neighbor catch a glimpse) and you can be in charge of exactly how everything goes down, whether it be with mood music or candles or red wine

Toccara in Vogue Italia

5. Don’t dress in a hurry– prepare beforehand. Making my partner wait when I’m getting dressed stresses me out– and often lingerie can be a complicated affair. I hate trying desperately to clip my stockings in the bathroom when it just isn’t working. It’s so much nicer to have a calm, meditative dressing-up experience before you see your partner, which just makes you more excited about showing yourself off. Enjoy the ritual.

6. Panties are optional. Sometimes panties just don’t make sense with a garter dress or slip. ‘Nuff said.

Julia Turenkova by Andoni and Arantxa

7. It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone. This may seem contradictory to tip #1, but it’s not. What I mean is, don’t be afraid to try something exciting or different– wearing lingerie is allowed to be a fantastical experience that isn’t necessarily grounded in the “practical.” Let your imagination or your desires take you wherever you want to go and there is plenty of room for experimentation.
8. This is about having fun. If anyone makes you feel like you’re doing the wrong thing or you aren’t completely gorgeous in your lingerie, there is something wrong with them, not you. And if you’re wearing lingerie because you felt pressured into it, that’s a problem too. Only do what makes you feel comfortable and amazing and special, whether that includes lingerie or not.
I hope these tips are helpful to anyone who wants to try to wear lingerie for a significant other! And if there are any other tips I forgot or you think something I said doesn’t make sense, leave it in the comments.

3 Effective Homemade Face Packs For Clear Skin

Having clear and beautiful skin is every woman’s dream but with today’s busy schedules, polluted environment and harsh rays of the sun it becomes very hard to maintain a healthy and clear skin. Pimples, blemishes, spots, tanning and other factors stop us from having that clear flawless skin we always have looked forward to.  With the growth of the skincare industry this problem can be taken care of but there are lots of other easy ways to achieve a clear and glowing skin too. Here are some homemade face packs for clear and glowing skin which can be made easily to get  flawless skin in the natural way.

1. Neem, gram flour and curd face pack:

face pack using gram flour

Things you will need:

    Some neem leaves/neem powder
    1 tablespoon of gram flour
    1 teaspoon of curd


Method:

1. Put the curd in a bowl.
2. Then add gram flour and make a paste
3. Take some mashed neem leaves/neem powder, and make a mixture of all three ingredients.
4. Use this mixture on the clean face for 10-15 minutes (till dry) and wash off with cold water.

The yogurt keeps the skin soft and moisturizes it and the neem leaves help in providing a glowing skin. Neem uses in the face packs to act as an antiseptic as well. It also helps soothe eruptions and boils or acne if any. It is great natural agent and is known to provide clear skin from a long time in the past.

Neem,gram mix face pack

Dead Sea Mud Mask- How To Prepare It And What Are Its Benefits?

Did you know that a Dead Sea Mud Mask can help you get rid of acne and soothe skin ailments? Well, it’s true! The mud found around Dead Sea, one of the biggest salt lakes in the world, is especially therapeutic, and it has many uses in soap and other cosmetic products around the world.

So, would you like to know how to use this mask to get glowing and flawless skin? Continue with your read!
Benefits Of Dead Sea Mud Mask:

Dead Sea mud has many amazing health benefits, which help refresh and revitalize your skin. Dead Sea mud reduces wrinkles, has emollient and anti-acne properties, and it is also used to ameliorate conventional medical therapy.

Apart from these amazing healths benefits, Dead Sea mud has some essential properties that help reduce and treat conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne. Soaps made with Dead Sea mud help cure itching, while they also cleanse the skin and remove dead skin.

Usually, you can add any essential oil to the Dead Sea mud face mask, but this recipe will use lavender, chamomile, and peppermint essential oils. Let’s look at why these ingredients are the best possible additions to this face mask.

Other ingredients that make up Dead Sea Mud face masks include:
Lavender Essential Oil:

Lavender essential oil has a calm and soothing effect. It has been used in many cultures as a sleep aid. The especially alluring scent of lavender essential oil enchants most people. It is used widely by chemists and beauticians as an ingredient in lotions, gels and other body and face packs. Lavender oil not only helps reduce and relieve tension, but it also disinfects your skin. Lavender essential oil has been known to treat respiratory problems.

Prom Makeup Tips And Ideas To Inspire You

Dress. Check. Date. Check. Plans for later in the night. Check. But the question remains; how do you bump up your makeup from ordinary to extraordinary? Don’t worry, we pulled the top ten amazing prom makeup tips and ideas to help you deal with your nightmare.

Continue reading!
1. Flawless Skin:

You don’t want to look like a gloomy weather on the big night, right? So, wash your face and get rid of dead skin, oils, blackheads and dirt. But make sure you don’t clean your face with a harsh cleanser. Use a cleanser that will soothe your skin. And for any further advice, go to your dermatologist.
2. Perfect Base:

For the perfect base to your makeup, moisturize with SPF before you apply makeup. You can use jojoba oil, which is fragrance-free and gentle, and let it sink in to the complexion. But for those who are afraid of sticky oils, remember that foundations need a supple base in order for them to look natural.

Next, apply a light layer of foundation to cover, but if you feel it’s too thick, add a little moisturizer and mix it together. If covering up is needed, you can mix concealer with an eye cream, and then set it with translucent powder for a flawless finish.
3. Use Setting Powder:

Yes, you can stretch something as simple as setting, transparent, translucent powder to finish the look. Choose a powder and dab it on the concealed parts of your face with a soft, light brush. Make sure you leave out the powder where you have excess shine, which is generally the T-zone area.

Secret Details of Your Personality and Future Revealed?

I never know what I’m doing with my life so I’m always looking for an answer. Why am I always broke or looking for a guy? What’s my truth? What am I supposed to be doing? Numerologist just blew me away with such amazing answers to these questions that I have to tell you about them.

No matter what aspect of life I asked about—love, money, career—the reading I got on Numerologist literally made my jaw drop. Will these tips FINALLY show me what to do with my life and how to be happy?

I bet your name and birthday have always been important to you, but did you know that according to Numerology, they also define you as a person? That there are elements of your personality that are hidden in the names and numbers you’ve been using your entire life? Numerology is a method that goes back 4000 years, but if you are skeptical (as I was), go to Numerologist now and try out the free reading. Because it’s free, you don’t have anything to lose. You get a personalized numerology reading that will decode your personality so that you can understand your life today and what you’ll be capable of tomorrow. There are secret meanings that have been playing a part in your life all along, guiding you and shaping you. Now you can find out what they are.

2 Simple Ways To Prepare Egg Mask To Treat Hair Loss

Do you suffer from excessively oily hair? Or is your hair too dry? No matter what hair type you have, and whether your locks get too oily or too dry, an egg mask is the best thing that can solve your problem.

Why Eggs? Well, they are known to be excellent for all types of hair. Eggs contain around 70% keratin, and eggs are probably one of the richest protein sources among foods. Conditioning your hair with eggs enhances hair growth.

Egg protein helps repair damaged hair by filling up weakened spots along the hair strands, which also helps straighten your hair.
Egg Yolks And Egg Whites:

We talked about how different hair types need different components of the egg.

If you have extra oily hair, the best treatment for you will consist of egg whites; egg whites help remove excess oil from the hair. If, on the other hand, you have dry to normal hair, then a hair mask consisting of yolks is probably the best treatment for your hair. Egg yolk helps moisturize dry hair and has emollient properties as well.

There are two types of egg masks for the two types of hair we talked about. Check them out!
1. Egg Yolk Hair Mask:

This hair mask is an intensive protein hair treatment. Egg yolk is crammed with protein, vitamins, and fatty acids. Egg yolk also contains high amounts of vitamins like A, D, and E. These vitamins promote hair growth and prevent hair fall. Olive oil is the other ingredient of this mask, which helps strengthen and softens your hair. Olive oil helps exfoliate your hair, while strengthening the hair color and preventing premature graying. The presence of nutrient-rich egg yolk and olive oil make this hair mask ideal for curbing hair loss.

Best Anti Ageing Recipes You Must Try

Do you often worry that you are ageing too fast? Have you ever wanted to slow down ageing so that you can look much younger than your peers? As humans, we all want to stay young forever! Though that is not possible, we can actually slow down the ageing process and stay young for long!

And how can you do that? This post deals with some super foods and recipes that have such properties that they can make you look younger and radiant for long! Want to check out what those are? Then read on!
Anti-Ageing Foods:

Some of the best anti-ageing foods have antioxidant properties and contain healthy fats, minerals, vitamins and phyto-nutrients. Following are some of those!
1. Anti-Oxidant Teas:

Green tea and other herbal teas like white tea, oolong tea, rooibos tea, and black tea contain antioxidants called polyphenols. These protect body cells from free radical damage.
2. Fish:

This provides anti- inflammatory Omega 3 fats which slow down the body’s clock.
3. Green Leafy Vegetables:

Like Spinach, Kale, Swiss chard, beet greens and cabbage provide important nutrients to support our health and slow down ageing processes.

7 Effective Tips To Get Rid Of Cellulite Fast

Every woman hates to have cellulite! Those hideous looking fat deposits attack those points that are clearly visible –thighs, hips, and lower abs. However, there are women who have cellulite in their arms as well. Is there an effective, yet quick way to get rid of the cellulite? The answer is definitely a big YES! Before guiding you through the 7 techniques to get rid of cellulite quickly, let’s understand what causes cellulite in the first place.
Causes Of Cellulite

This is a question you need to answer. And, if you really don’t know its answer, let me tell you. The actual reasons behind the cellulite are two:

     Water retention.
     Reduced blood flow to the fat cells.

And, this happens majorly due to the structural composition of a woman’s skin. Men also have this issue, but the only thing is that it goes unnoticed.

A study conducted by Quincy, MA at South Shore YMCA, suggests that a diet rich in whole grains, lean protein, low fat dairy, healthy fats, veggies, and fruits along with 120 minutes of exercise a week will help you improve the blood flow, reduce water retention, reduce fat, and build lean muscle. In short, it will help you get rid of the cellulite effectively.

10 Tips To Look 5 Years Younger

Everyone wishes to look younger than their actual age trying hard to maintain it. As we grow older with time, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots etc start appearing on the skin. It’s not possible for us to go back in time but it is possible to make the skin look younger with proper care and correct makeup techniques. There are a few techniques using which we can look 5 years younger than we actually are with some limitations. It shouldn’t be overdone else it may make you look odd. So below are a few regular skin care routine ideas and a few makeup tips to look young. Most important thing is to practice it regularly for best results.
Tips To Look Younger Naturally
1. Exfoliate:

Your first step to a younger looking skin is to exfoliate. Remove all the dead cells accumulated on your face and lessen the sun damages. A facial scrub with alpha-hydroxyl is best to make you look fresh.
2. Face Lift Mask:

A face lift mask or a facial mask specially made to reduce your facial wrinkles can help you a lot in looking younger. If you’re applying makeup after the face pack, then it is advisable to apply this face mask a few hours before.
3. Moisturize:

Don’t forget moisturizing your skin daily. As you grow older, your skin lacks required oils slowly. So it is very important to moisturize your skin regularly.
4. Avoid sun:

Don’t let the sunrays touch your skin as much as possible. Always wear a sunscreen or a sunblock whenever you go outdoors between 10am to 4pm. Reapply the sunscreen lotion every four hours.

10 Best Anti Aging Supplements Worth Taking

Do you often feel worried that you are aging too fast? Have you ever dreamt of some magic pill which can slow down the aging process and keep you young for long? Be it the pollution in the environment or the type of food we eat every day, we are only aging faster than ever.

So, how can you combat this issue? Are there any anti-aging supplements that you can use? Well, there are! And this post talks about ten such supplements, which are known to be the best when it comes to slowing down the aging process.

Want to know what those supplements are? Then you better read this post!
1. Coenzyme Q-10:

As we grow older, an enzyme named CoQ10, which is produced by the body, decreases eventually with the passing years. In fact, low production of enzyme CoQ10 is linked with various age related disorders like Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and diabetes.

How Does It Work:

Researches have shown that the supplement CoQ10 helps in preventing the blood from clotting in an efficient way. This feature of the supplement helps in containing the chances of heart attack and other heart related diseases.

This supplement also acts as an antioxidant. The presence of these enzymes in our body protects our cell from damage, thereby resulting in healthy skin, hair and overall health.
2. Resveratrol:

This is a polyphenol that is found in grapes and berries. The effectiveness of this element is often linked with the old notion that wine is the secret behind long and healthy life. Daily dose of this supplement is recommended for a longer life span.

3 Amazing Anti-Aging Benefits Of Green Tea

Ever wondered if there is some magic ingredient in nature that can actually reverse your aging process? Do the signs of aging trouble and worry you? In an attempt to get back to the 20s sculpted look, you check out everything on the shelf to hide those fine lines and wrinkles. But you never quite realize that you’re just bombarding more of chemicals in the garb of wearing a mask.

So, what can be done? Can’t we ever fight aging and retain that youthful look? Isn’t there any cure for this? Well, there is one. And it is the all powerful green tea.

Want to know more about aging and how you can slow it down using green tea? Go ahead with your read!
Why The Japanese Live So Long?

The Japanese are comparatively known to have the longest life spans in the world, having the largest percentage of octogenarians with many of them hitting the century. Having said that, it happens to be more than just a coincidence, to know that Japan also stands first in the highest consumption of green tea.
How Aging Happens?

According to a free radical theory, aging happens as a consequence of chemical reactions within cells. As part of these reactions, toxins, namely free radicals, are generated. This is the reason a person happens to age. These radical molecules damage healthy cells by depleting them of oxygen and cutting down on the levels of collagen – that plays a vital role in keeping the elasticity and radiance of the skin alive.

How to Forget Him

At the end of a relationship, it often seems like life is incapable of moving forward. This person is everywhere and moving on right now just isn’t an option. However, that’s not how things have to be. By modifying your environment, taking a hold of your thinking, and busying your life, they can easily be a thing of the past. Follow the steps below to forget this person and move on to a happier, healthier, complete you.

Part 1 of 3: Escaping Negative Reminders
     Cut off physical contact. You cannot forget someone if you still see him or her all the time, or constantly hear about his or her activities. Consider these strategies:
        Make sure you won't run into this person during your day-to-day activities. If you go grocery shopping at the same time, or take the same route home from work, tweak your schedule slightly so a chance meeting becomes more unlikely.
        For right now, avoid social gatherings where you know he or she will be present. Politely explain to the host that you hope the event goes well, and that you are staying away only because you want to avoid a painful encounter.

    2
    Remove him or her from your electronic life. In today’s day and age, the people we associate with are more often than not through a screen. Even if you don’t see the person, it’s far too easy to see what they’re up to. Though it may seem harsh, remove him or her from all the forms of social media that you use.
        Delete his or her contact information from your phone and email account
        Block his or her Facebook profile, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
        Take any other measures to prevent unwanted contact. If necessary, change your email address.
      

Wheat free chocolate brownies

Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Serves: makes 12-16

These wheat free brownies are perfect if you are on a gluten free diet, the rich and gooey brownies are studded with pecans for extra crunch

Ingredients

    200 g dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa solids, roughly chopped
    100 g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
    200 g caster sugar
    125 g ground almonds
    4 eggs, separated
    100 g pecans, roughly chopped

Skin Problems & Treatments

Got Skin Problems?

Is your skin itchy, broken out, or covered in a rash or strange spots? Skin inflammation, changes in texture or color, and spots may result from infection, a chronic skin condition, or contact with an allergen or irritant. If you think you have one of these common adult skin problems, have your doctor check it out. Most are minor, but others can signal something more serious.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

A rash of raised dots that turns into painful blisters, shingles causes your skin to burn, itch, tingle, or become very sensitive. Shingles often shows up on your trunk and buttocks, but can appear anywhere. An outbreak lasts about two weeks. You’ll recover, but pain, numbness, and itching might linger for months, years, or even the rest of your life. Treatment includes creams for your skin, antiviral drugs, steroids, and even antidepressants.

Hives (Urticaria)

Hives look like welts and can itch, sting or burn. They vary in size and sometimes join together. They may appear on any part of you and last anywhere from minutes to days. Causes include extreme temperatures, infections like strep throat, and allergies to medications, foods, and food additives. Antihistamines and skin creams can help.

10 Natural Depression Treatments

Being depressed can make you feel helpless. You're not. Along with therapy and sometimes medication, there's a lot you can do on your own to fight back. Changing your behavior -- your physical activity, lifestyle, and even your way of thinking -- are all natural depression treatments.

These tips can help you feel better -- starting right now.

1. Get in a routine. If you’re depressed, you need a routine, says Ian Cook, MD. He's a psychiatrist and director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA.

Depression can strip away the structure from your life. One day melts into the next. Setting a gentle daily schedule can help you get back on track.

2. Set goals. When you're depressed, you may feel like you can't accomplish anything. That makes you feel worse about yourself. To push back, set daily goals for yourself.

"Start very small," Cook says. "Make your goal something that you can succeed at, like doing the dishes every other day."

As you start to feel better, you can add more challenging daily goals.

8 Signs It’s Definitely Time to Break Up

For those times when nothing big and horrible happened—but nothing is feeling right either

Sometimes relationships end after a huge shouting match. Sometimes one person cheated. Sometimes one partner is moving or is ready to get married or wants to have kids. And sometimes, a relationship just runs its course. That last scenario, though, can be hard to interpret: How do you know when it’s time to call it quits, versus when you’re just going through a rough patch? We spoke with relationship experts to get a list of eight crucial signs to look out for. If several of these apply to you, and if you’ve worked on them to no avail or if it just feels too late, it could be time to cut the cord.

You’re Fighting Over EVERTHING

Fact: Fights happen. And some couples just naturally fight more than others. But if your argument pattern is changing and you’re starting to pick fights over the littlest, most insignificant things, that could be an indication that something’s awry, says relationship therapist Rachel Sussman, LCSW, author of The Breakup Bible.

You’re Staying Later and Later at the Office

“The whole essence of being in love is that you always want more,” says Jane Greer, Ph.D., New York-based relationship expert and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. If you’re not feeling any desire to hurry home after a long day at work, ask yourself why.

How to Make Boring Button Downs Look Crazy Stylish

How to Make Boring Button Downs Look Crazy Stylish
You style maven, you

Okay, Okay, we’ve all done it before. You go to your closet, grab a button down shirt to wear, finish getting ready, and when you look in the mirror you think, “Wow—this looks so boring.” A button down shirt can be such a mark of cool sophistication (think Audrey Hepburn on a day off) or carry an easy-breezy “I just threw this together, but it still looks great” vibe (think Lauren Conrad). But if you don’t style it right, these shirts can also look pretty dull. To avoid an uninspired result, I have three ways that I like to style mine:

The basic button down: The basic solid button down is the style most in danger of becoming boring or frumpy. First, make sure that your shirt is a good cut for your body—tailoring goes a long way with wardrobe basics. Roll up the sleeves a few times for a more relaxed look since a plain button down can sometimes appear a little stiff-looking. The other key to a basic shirt like this is in the accessories. A cropped skinny jean with heels and a casual clutch take this look from basic to polished in a few seconds flat.

The loose flannel button down: This shirt is something of a staple for the younger half of Hollywood on their days off. While this look can sometimes swing a bit too casual and look a little truck stop, a few key details can bring the look to a more stylish place. Go for an oversized loose fit on the shirt, but don’t go so big that the shirt is wearing you (this is a great choice). Add some classic details like a streamlined heeled boot, classic sunnies, and a modern clutch or purse. For an extra nod to the ’90s grunge era, opt for a skinny jean with a bit of wear and tear to complete the look. Your shirt and jeans say “cool and casual,” but your other pieces say, “I totally have a real job and contribute to my 401k.” A balance of both worlds is key.

7 Ways to Double Your Winter Wardrobe

Just hold on to these warm-weather pieces.

It's that time of year—when the leaves fall and the mornings become a little (or a lot) chillier, the start of winter is officially all too real. But before you pack away your summer staples and realize you have no cold-weather clothes, keep a few choice pieces in your closet. With some slight tweaks, you can turn these seasonal styles into year-round must-haves.

Denim Shorts
Yes, cutoffs are the quintessential summer staple, but they also look amazing—and appropriate—in the fall when paired with opaque black tights. A thick wool pair will keep you toasty and make them weather-appropriate. To complete the look, add a blouse and tailored blazer or oversized sweater, then finish off with knee boots, lace-ups, or a sleek pair of pointy loafers.

White Jeans
Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day? Fashion rules are totally made to be broken, which makes styling yourself all the more fun! Pair your skinny white jeans with a fitted nude or black turtleneck, camel overcoat, and a bronze pointed heel or cropped boot for an effortless, modern look.

How to Make a Thrifty Wardrobe Look Expensive

How to Make a Thrifty Wardrobe Look Expensive
You brilliant shopper, you!

Everyone wants to look like a million bucks. But not everyone is able to drop a cool mill for the latest trends—so it’s a good idea to have a thriftier game plan. Buying lower-cost clothing at places like Forever 21, Target, and H&M can save you a considerable amount of change in the long run, and if you keep a few tips in mind, your finished look will appear just as expensive as all those fashion blogger outfits you’ve been pinning.

Go for Sturdier Bags
Buying a thrifty bag in a similar style to a designer handbag can save you hundreds of dollars, but be choosy about which one you settle on. More structured bags and clutches with crisp, clean lines tend to look more expensive than their slouchier counterparts (this bag is a great example). Plus, the stiffer inner boning of those bags will hold up better over time.

Keep It Classy with Black and White
I would say that about 90 percent of my lower-priced items are black, white, gray, or a mixture of those colors. There’s just something about a black and white scheme that makes any piece look a little more upscale than if it were a splashy color (love this monochromatic top). A black and white scheme is sometimes (wrongly) accused of being dull, but in reality, it’s timeless and always a chic choice.

Look Younger in 60 Seconds

Let the countdown begin.
Michele Promaulayko is the former editor-in-chief of Women's Health and author of 20 Pounds Younger, which is published by Rodale, Women's Health's parent company.

Big goals can sometimes seem overwhelming. I’m a big fan of incremental tweaks, small changes that add up to make a serious difference. A while back, for example, I vowed to eat breakfast at my table rather than at the dishwasher while emptying dishes. Now I choose healthier food, I eat more slowly, I enjoy my meal more, and I eat less. What tiny changes can you make today that will pay off big down the road? Here are some healthy life hacks to get you started.

Build a bonfire to burn more calories. Two simple facts: Muscle burns more calories than fat does, and firm glutes look good in jeans. To get the most bang out of your exercise time, then, focus on the largest muscles in your body first—your legs and butt. Do it with one simple exercise that can be done anywhere: the air squat. Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, arms straight in front of you and parallel with the floor. Soften your knees, then slowly push your hips back and drop your buttocks toward the floor, until your thighs are parallel to the ground or lower. Pause there for two seconds, and then quickly return to standing. Repeat 11 more times. The slower you lower, the harder and more effective the exercise will be.

6 Types of Skin-Care Treatments So Gross You'll Gag

...But do they actually work?

In the eternal quest for unclogged pores and a gorgeous glow, some people will slather any product on their face. But it takes serious guts to give these six revolting remedies a try. Some have roots in cultural traditions, while others are DIY concoctions straight from your kitchen or medicine cabinet. But one thing is for certain: All are pretty foul. Here, find out if any of these gross treatments actually work.

1. Bird Poop
Nightingales supposedly produce an enzyme in their excrement that exfoliates skin—and strangely, it's not the bacteria carnival you'd think. "The bird dung is UV irradiated to make it sterile," says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. While you could get pooped on by a bird for free just about anywhere, the facial version using powdered nightingale droppings will cost you $180 at Shizuka New York Day Spa in New York City (Victoria Beckham and Tom Cruise are reportedly fans). But does it improve skin? That's iffy, says Jaliman.

2. Semen
Sperm's anti-aging benefits: rumor or real? A powerful antioxidant found in spunk called (appropriately enough) spermine is supposed to smooth skin and get rid of wrinkles. Spermine facials are even offered at some upscale salons, including Graceful Services in New York City. Jaliman says it's a toss up: "Semen does have vitamin E, so it may be beneficial." Bottom line: If you really want to try it, it can't hurt.

Why Is My Hair Too Dry? Get Some Instruction

Having dry hair is the biggest problem and you want to get rid of them by applying some understandable and affordable ways. But you don’t get something like this because it is too hard to get applicable things as you like to shiny hair. Rough massy and dry hair is the biggest problem especial in winter season, so if you want to get rid of roughness and dryness then apply these hair care tips on your hair, I assure you that you will be able to get beautiful and dandruff free hair. Read the given tips as you want something to be careful and applicable.

Why Is My Hair Too Dry? Get Some Instruction

Avocado Oil as a Best Hair Care Product:

It is the best hair care product and will help you to prevent your hair from roughness and dryness. It is full of vitamins and proteins which will help you to get healthier hair as you want to get shiny and straight hair. Make the mask of avocado oil, egg and banana, when the mixture is get ready then apply this mixture on your hair. You have to blend these things in a blender until they get the shape of cake better.

Then apply this mixture on your hair, this mask will help you to get shiny hair and you will also be able to get rid of all the hair problems, it is the biggest hair cure mask. You have to apply this mixture on your hair for ten minutes, and after it washes your hair with some shampoo which you use regularly to wash your hair.

Anti-Aging Hacks That Make Your Products More Effective

Wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines? You have tons of creams and serums to treat it all, but you want to get the most bang for your anti-aging buck. Make your anti-aging products work miracles with tips from Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist in New York City.

 Start With a Clean Slate

Always cleanse and use a toner on your skin before applying products to make sure dirt and grime aren't affecting absorption. Layer moisturizers on top of your medicinal products.

 Don't Dry All the Way

Apply products immediately after you wash your face with warm water. Contrary to popular belief, your skin doesn't need to be totally dry before you apply a product. In fact, a little moisture makes your skin more absorbent.

Don't Go Overboard

Retinols are the gold standard of topical skin care, treating everything from wrinkles to acne, but use this anti-aging ingredient sparingly. "More isn't better in this case," says Nussbaum. Opt for a pea-size amount on your entire face. More will cause inflammation, dryness, and flaking. (Dry, flaking skin doesn't absorb products very well, which is why you should apply products after washing with warm water.)

Benefits of Wine: 8 Reasons Wine Is the Best Thing Ever

Feeling guilty about your nightly glass of vino? We give you full permission to drink up—for your health. Cheers to these many awesome (surprising!) benefits of wine.

 Benefits of Wine: It Makes You More Attractive

Drinking just one glass of wine makes you more attractive to others, according to a study published in Alcohol and Alcoholism. Researchers think low doses of alcohol (more does not help) may give you a healthy glow and subtle smile—who doesn't want that?

 Benefits of Wine: It's Good for Your Heart

While researchers have found an association between wine and heart health, many past studies only looked at white populations. But a new Nutrition and Aging study looked at almost 3,000 ethnically diverse women, and found some good news: Moderate wine consumption may reduce your risk of heart disease, possibly because of the polyphenol content.

 Benefits of Wine: It May Help Maintain Muscle

French researchers set out to discover whether resveratrol, a component of wine (which has been linked to lower levels of bad cholesterol and protecting the lining of blood heart vessels) could help preserve muscle mass in astronauts. Why? Astronauts experience lots of health issues from the zero gravity inactivity. To replicate the weightless state, researches hung rats by their back legs. Half received a dose of resveratrol and the other half didn't. Those that didn't experienced reduced muscle mass, strength, and bone density while the resveratrol group was spared.

Low-Carb Desserts You'll Fall in Love With

Sweet tooth got you hangry? Us, too. Good news: These five low-carb desserts all contain fewer carbohydrates than the combined protein and fat counts, an easy way to determine whether or not your low-carb grub is really what it claims to be. "It's good to keep insulin as low as possible, since this hormone can promote the storage of fat and stops your body from using stored fat as energy," says nutritionist Jenny Westerkamp, RD. Consuming protein and fat with carbohydrates will save you from that crazy blood sugar spike you can get from carbs alone, so you won't need as much insulin to metabolize your treat. And considering all of these recipes are delicious and low-carb, we're arguing that yes, you can now have your cake and eat it, too.

 Low-Carb Desserts: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

Forget Reese's. These peanut butter cups are the real deal—gluten-free with just two grams of sugar. Go ahead: Grab another.

The Crazy-Simple Way to Eat Less

Smart eating isn't always about choosing vegetables over fried food and skipping dessert. Sometimes, the smallest, easiest habits can make a big difference, especially when it comes to this super-simple strategy that helps you cut calories without switching up your food.

No, it's not by skipping a meal. We've got a strategy that is much easier and less likely to make you hangry: Chew your food more thoroughly. Sounds obvious, but science shows it works.

On two different days, researchers at Iowa State University in Ames fed a pizza breakfast to volunteers, instructing them to chew each mouthful 15 times on one day and 40 times on the other. When subjects chewed 40 times instead of just 15, they had lower levels of ghrelin, the hormone that triggers your brain to tell you it's time to eat. They also had higher levels of cholecystokinin, a fullness hormone found in the gut. In real life, this translated to less hunger all the way up to lunchtime, three hours later.

While there's nothing magical about chewing your food exactly 40 times, noshing more thoroughly is a simple way to keep your appetite in check. Three ways to eat more mindfully: Put down your fork between bites, don't eat in front of the TV or at a desk, and turn on some relaxing tunes while you dine.

Oats and Chocolate Hot Smoothie

Notice that refreshingly cold smoothies don't have the same appeal during wintry weather? Give your smoothies a winter makeover by serving them hot and toasty. (It's not as strange as it sounds—promise!) These ice-free, warm smoothie recipes will warm you up after a chilly morning jog.

 Oats and Chocolate Hot Smoothie

It only takes six simple ingredients to whip up this outrageous oats and chocolate smoothie from Kitchen Sanctuary. Safety tip: Don't fill your blender or smoothie maker with boiling liquid! The steam creates pressure that can cause the lid to blast off, literally. Add the hot ingredients at the end.

Did I ever tell you how much I love chocolate for breakfast? If I didn’t, you may have worked it out already based on those pancakes with white chocolate, or maybe those Nutella Sweet rolls . Unlike the zillion calories and liberal sprinkling of sugar in those examples, today I’m presenting you with a healthy chocolate recipe.

It can be done.

Taking a break from the fruity smoothies in weeks one and two of my Hot Smoothie series, I went for something creamy, oaty, filling and delicious. Six simple ingredients (ok, 7 if you include the splash of water, but really? I’m ignoring that one) and you’ll be enjoying a warm healthy breakfast at just a little over 300 calories.

3 Reasons Your Pores Look So Damn Huge

Plus how to tighten 'em up ASAP

Honestly: How far would you go to change the look of your pores? According to a Harris Poll/L'Oreal survey, 56 percent of women would give up booze, dessert, even social media (#firstworldpores) for an entire year to downsize those eyesores. The national obsession has reached such a fervor, dermatologists even coined the term "porexia"—which is exactly what it sounds like.

Buzzy names aside, there's unfortunately still no miracle treatment to permanently shrink the suckers. (Get on it, derms!) Of course, regular exfoliation helps make them look smaller (clogged pores = large pores). But we've discovered a few unexpected reasons why they could be freaking out—in some cases, at the hands of the products used to fight them. So, if any of the following things describe you, find the smart fix that'll help you whittle your pores...and have your merlot (or whiskey, or Hoegaarden), too.

You can't get enough extractions.
Facials can clear out pores—if done by the right hands. "Make sure the aesthetician is cleaning out only the clogged pores—not every pore," says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, M.D., Ph.D., a New York City dermatologist and consultant for Lancôme. "If you manipulate those that don't need extraction, they may stretch out permanently." Traumatized pores can develop scar tissue that creates an indentation deeper than the pore itself, adds Sonia Batra, M.D., M.P.H., a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the USC Keck School of Medicine.

The Biggest Winter Skin-Care Mistake You're Probably Making

Skipping this step in your routine could seriously hurt your complexion.

Be honest: How often do you really wear SPF in the winter? While you might think you can skip it on frigid or snowy days, that's not actually the case.

"Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can stop protecting your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun," says Sejal Shah, M.D., a dermatologist at Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York City. "Ultraviolet radiation reaches the Earth every day, even when it's cold or cloudy, so you need to protect your skin year-round." In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, 80 percent of the sun's UV rays can still penetrate your skin on a cloudy day.

But what if you're cooped up at home or in the office all day? "You need to wear sunscreen even when you're outside for a short amount of time," says Shah. "[And] ultraviolet radiation can penetrate window glass, so you need protection when you're indoors as well." A new study published in the journal Science even found that some sun damage (which can lead to skin cancer) continues to take place hours after you've gone inside.

7 Skin-Care Ingredients You Might Be Allergic To

Plus, how to deal if your skin freaks out

Ever used a new scrub or moisturizer—only to be left with red, itchy skin? The ingredients in your products could be to blame. "Most ingredients that exfoliate, cleanse, or strip the skin can be potentially irritating," says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of BeautyStat.com.

What’s more, some people are much more sensitive to certain allergy-inducing ingredients than others, says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "It's nothing the patient is doing wrong,” she says.  “Most often it's genetics or what they were exposed to—or not exposed to—during their childhood."

Before you try a new skin-care product, be aware of these common irritants.

The 13 Worst Things About Being Pregnant

Baby = awesome. Disturbing sex dreams? Not so much.

Just remember: At the end of the day (or one very, very long night), a billion annoyances lead to one cute baby. Totally worth it.

Elizabeth Natoli


FIRST TRIMESTER

The "What Do I Drink at Happy Hour?" Problem
It's before you can take a test but after the sperm might have met the egg. Do you go for the pinot or keep it safe and order a soda? Wait, are you even allowed to have caffeine?

Two Words: "Morning Sickness"
Which should be called "all-day sickness." Or "hell." You wake up, you throw up. You go to lunch, you throw up. You go to bed...and get up to throw up.

The Only Food Odor That Doesn't Make You Wanna Hurl Is That of a Tuna Sandwich
Or of sushi. Or of a turkey sub. Or all those things that the baby books say you aren’t supposed to be eating.

Sex Dreams About Judge Judy
They are disturbing, and they happen. Pregnancy hormones cause all sorts of weird, extremely vivid dreams that are impossible to forget—even though you definitely want to.

The 14 Best Things About Being in a Relationship

Because some things are just better with a buddy (who you happen to be dating)

There's no doubt that being a single lady is definitely fun, but that doesn't mean that you turn into some boring twosome when you enter a relationship. In case you need some reassurance while your single girlfriends are busy going on Grouper dates, check these out:

Real-talk: Being "Facebook official" is kind of awesome. Going from single to in a relationship with one little click feels as good now as it did when you were in college. Plus, all those "likes" and comments on your new relationship status totally give you warm, fuzzy feelings.

You know those times when you want to be alone—but not completely alone? That's when your sidekick comes in. Whether you're bingeing on Netflix together or taking a nap outside in the park, it's totally normal to just enjoy each other's company in silence.

The 6 Most Common Makeup Mistakes—and How to Fix Them

Why didn't anyone help you out YEARS ago?
No matter how good you are at applying makeup, mess-ups do happen.

Whether you accidentally swipe your mascara too quickly or dab on one too many coats of bronzer, these tiny flubs can have a big effect on your final look—and cost you major time when you’re getting ready. But don’t fret: You don’t actually have to redo your entire face. Here’s how to do damage control when you make a makeup boo-boo.

The mishap: Uneven eyeliner. We all have those off days—when our cat eye looks more squiggled than flicked.

The fix: Use a pointed cotton swab dipped in makeup remover, says Rick DiCecca, global makeup artist for Artistry. After squeezing any excess makeup remover onto a tissue, carefully swipe the cotton swab over the uneven area that you want to erase. “This technique will help you create a more perfect line so you don't need to remove all of your eye makeup," says DiCecca.