Raphael Stevens

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    in beauty and fashion

    Every Coat We Need to Discuss From “Emily in Paris”

    OK, confession time: The plot of Emily in Paris wasn’t exactly my thing. I scoffed every time yet another perfect French man strolled into Emily’s life and rolled my eyes at her rapid Instagram growth with little effort. So what made me finish all 10 episodes in a mere weekend? Her clothes.Emily’s wardrobe is, in a word, perfection. It’s eclectic and fun and colorful and everything unexpected that we actually wanted this year. And my personal favorite part of all of it? Her coats and jackets. There is absolutely nothing that can steal the show like a fabulous jacket can, and Emily proved that in just about every scene in the show. I didn’t know I needed a metallic green jacket, but hell, I guess she showed me that I do now.
    Sit back, enjoy the show, and leave the frantic Googling to us—these are the closest dupes on the Internet to Emily Cooper’s swoon-worthy coat collection (all at price’s that are a lot less than her Chanel habits). 

    1.

    Of course Emily was on the shacket trend before anyone else. This red, plaid one is perfect to cozy up in for the holiday season.

    2.

    A classic blush coat is something you’ll never regret having. For extra Emily points, pair it with something bright underneath.

    3.

    Never did I think I’d want something turquoise in my wardrobe in 2020 (the same exact color as my senior year homecoming dress), but leave it to Emily to show us how fun and different it can be.

    4.

    One of Emily’s more classic looks, this plaid blazer pairs well with just about everything—and the beret to top it off is icing on the cake.

    5.

    This coat was, arguably, my favorite of the entire season and made me want to toss my black coats out the window immediately. If you ever needed inspiration to have fun with your outerwear, this is it.

    6.

    Mindy’s chic python blazer dress steals the show here, but we also can’t deny how fabulous this metallic, emerald look is either (again, who would’ve thought?). You can’t go wrong with either of these for a go-to for a statement look.

    7.

    Can you imagine walking into a Christmas party in this? Enough said.

    8.

    When Emily walked on-screen in this coat, I stopped what I was doing and searched “green coat” on every site I could think of. While this Chanel one is a liiiiiittle out of budget, you can get a similar look with these:

    9.

    This slouchy, black denim number captures that effortless Parisian vibe with little-to-no effort.

    10.

    A leather blazer was already on our 2020 wish list, and this solidified it near the top of the spot. Mindy also looks incredible in this out-of-the-box number, proving how fabulous bright patterns can be.

    11.

    Of all the blazers I’ve seen frequently, a classic red one isn’t on that last, and after seeing this one, I can’t figure out why that is. Wear it for the holiday season and beyond by pairing it with all your neutral pieces (or if you want to channel Emily even more, with something bright).

    12.

    While the leather beret is an obvious talking point here, this mid-toned green jacket checks a box that few other things can: it somehow is both classic and fun.

    13.

    A red, plaid blazer is the investment piece that will have you patting yourself on the back again and again. Pair it with one of this season’s out-of-the-box collared tops to capture this look seamlessly.

    14.

    When you’re covering your entire outfit with a coat, the coat might as well do all the talking; and what talks more than this bad boy?

    15.

    This classic coat would look just as amazing with black or white underneath, but Emily shows how versatile it is with these fun, bubblegum pink pieces.  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    10 Ways to Orgasm That You Haven’t Thought Of, According to Sex Therapists

    It’s centuries too late if you ask me, but our culture is finally starting to embrace the female orgasm and acknowledge the fact that women feel, want, and need pleasure too (shocking!). Scientists are researching determinants of female orgasms, women are singing about feelin’ themselves, and people wouldn’t bat an eye if Sally pulled her orgasm-in-public performance in 2020 (well, maybe they would, but you get the point).All of this is amazing progress for long-overdue gender equality (and we still have a lot of work left to achieve it), but all this “O” talk can put pressure on women to reach an orgasm, whether they’ve never had one, can only have one by themselves, or only know one way to have one (news flash: there are lots of ways). So for the betterment of your sex life (and because pleasure is your human right), here are 10 ways to orgasm that you might not have thought of, according to sex therapists and experts.

    1. Indulge in other self-care practices 
    Megwyn White, a certified clinical sexologist and director of education at Satisfyer, suggested practices like dry brushing and scalp massage to increase sexuality and pleasure. “Dry brushing is a great way to stimulate circulation and detox the skin,” White said. “You’ll feel refreshed, and your tissues will feel soft and satiated. It’s a great self-care practice that can add a sensual start or end to your day. Likewise, giving yourself a scalp treatment at home with essential oils can reduce stress and activate your senses. You’ll feel refreshed, invigorated, and sexier.” Bottom line: find the indulgent practices that connect your mind with your body and stimulate the senses. You’ll feel heightened awareness that can translate into more sexual pleasure (and the chance to check out yo’ bad self in the mirror will be an added sexy bonus). 

    2. Explore blended orgasms
    Here’s the good news: from clitoral orgasms to nipple orgasms, there’s no shortage of orgasms to be had. And better yet, they don’t necessarily have to be independent of one another. A blended orgasm is two (or more) simultaneous orgasms, resulting in an intense, full-body response. While this may sound difficult and you may be thinking great, even more pressure in the climax department, know that our bodies are meant to experience multiple different sensations.
    “If you stimulate multiple regions, you create more intense sensations, and multiple nerves communicate the sensation of pleasure at the same time,” said Dr. Jess O’Reilly, founder of Sex With Dr. Jess and Astroglide’s resident sexologist. For example, the vagus nerve is believed to communicate signals from the cervix, uterus, and vagina, bypassing the spinal cord. Crazy, right!? Bottom line: there’s more to your sexuality than just the vagina. Explore, experiment, and try multiple different forms of pleasure at once. 

    3. Get creative juices flowing
    That’s right: that pottery class you took in college could have been increasing your chance to orgasm. “Sexual energy and artistic expression are not mutually exclusive,” White said. “Creativity will naturally stir the pot of your sexual nature and also invite you to think out of the box and invite new experiences into your world.” No matter if your favorite form of creativity is singing, dancing, painting, or scrapbooking, it doesn’t necessarily have to be erotic to help boost your pleasure when it comes to sex.
    Being creative in whatever way feels expressive and enjoyable to you can tap into your sexual energy, but will also get you into a creative and open mindset that will encourage you to try new things (see #6 below). You can tell your significant other we told you to sign up for that painting class or dance lesson (and I’m sure when they know the benefits, they’ll want to join too). 

    4. Talk about sex
    Looks like Salt-N-Pepa were onto something! Kamil Lewis, AMFT, believes getting comfortable talking about sex outside of the bedroom can help encourage a healthy sex life. “Talking about sex with friends is a great way to normalize sex and provides a space to ask questions and hear about other experiences,” Lewis said. “The more comfortable you feel talking about sex, the more empowered you will feel when it’s time to get into it.”
    Yes, it’s important to have a support system outside of your relationship or sexual partner (Sex-and-the-City style) to talk openly about sex and normalize a lot of the subjects that have been taboo for far too long. But it’s equally just as important to communicate openly and honestly with your sexual partner, whether you’re in a committed relationship or not. “Give yourself permission to talk with your partner or partners about orgasms,” Lewis said. “If this is something you want to change in your relationship, it’s important to bring it up.”

    5. Build sensuality outside of the bedroom
    Sexuality is an equal mix of physical and mental. It’s not going to immediately switch on when you walk into the bedroom, nor is it reserved for the bedroom. Hani Avital, clinical sexologist and sensuality expert, said it best to S Life Magazine, “Sexuality is our life force. The more we cultivate that energy in everything we do, the more alive we will feel. Period.” Remember that your sexuality is powerful and life-giving, not shameful. Build sensuality in your day-to-day life by indulging in self-care that feels good (like massaging in body oil after your shower or taking a decadent bath) and making decisions based on what would feel more pleasurable for you. 
    Not only will this help you feel more vibrant in your day-to-day life, but it might also help you experience more pleasure in the bedroom. Lewis recommended using mindful moments throughout the day, like paying attention to the temperature of the water in your shower or the smells of your food, to feel more connected to your body and improve sexual connection. Dr. O’Reilly agreed. “You are not a light switch. You likely can’t transition from talking about your kids and taxes to indulging in sexual pleasure and orgasm,” she said. “Take time to indulge in all things pleasurable throughout the day to cultivate more presence in your body and remind yourself that pleasure is your birthright.” 

    6. Try new things
    If you’re not reaching climax, it might be because whatever you’re doing is not working. Even if you are orgasming but are hesitant to try something new, you could be missing out on an even more intense and enjoyable climax. Dr. O’Reilly recommended getting creative with sex toys and lube, which are both associated with heightened pleasure and orgasmic response.
    Mia Sabat, the sex therapist at Emjoy, agreed that trying new things is important. “You don’t know what’s going to get you going until you try,” Sabat said. “Sometimes, we forget that there’s more to our body than our vulva, and we’re surprised to see how much a specific place or type of stimulation can help us reach our orgasm end-goal.” Bottom line: try new things, whether it’s positions, toys, body parts, or even the routine, for the sake of enjoyment and getting to know your body better. An orgasm will just be a welcomed bonus. 

    7. Make masturbation a part of your self-care routine
    So you already know that masturbation can help you orgasm, but it might not be easy to reach climax if you only think of the ménage à moi as a must-do when you’re in between partners (thank you, quarantine). Exploring your own sexuality and pleasure should be just as much a part of your self-care routine as a face mask or a bubble bath (and, FYI, can be done simultaneously with both!). “Stop thinking about masturbation as a dirty little secret. It’s a perfectly healthy thing to do, with a myriad of health benefits. It can be used to ease pain, boost your mood, and even help with period cramps,” Sabat said. “By framing masturbation as part of your self-care routine, you can explore your body with comfort and confidence instead of something to feel embarrassed about.” 

    8. Fantasize
    Dr. O’Reilly calls the brain the most powerful sex organ, and for good reason. Remember how sexuality is a mix of physical and mental? The physical component might be stimulated, but the mental component needs to be stimulated too in order to achieve mind-blowing pleasure. Fantasizing can help you explore your sexuality and find different ways to feel pleasure, rather than getting caught up in achieving an orgasm and the dreaded performance anxiety.
    Luckily for us, there are multiple ways to fantasize besides imagining shirtless Ryan Gosling or watching Rihanna’s “Pour it Up” music video (though both are great if they do it for you!). “There are many ways you can stimulate the brain, like listening to erotica, engaging with pornography created for a female audience, or simply taking the time to gently let your mind and body ease into a sexual state through sensual massages, candlelit baths, or self-pleasure,” Sabat said. 

    9. Don’t over-hype the climax
    OK, back to that pressure to orgasm. Yes, there is a huge orgasm gap, and yes, you deserve to orgasm as often as you want every single time. But we often hype up the climax so much (I mean, it is called “the climax”) that so many women struggle to get there because of the pressure to achieve it. We look at our ability to orgasm to determine whether it was “good sex” or even whether or not we’re “normal.” Here’s the truth: it’s good sex if it felt good, and anything is normal if it’s normal for you. Instead of focusing on the end-goal, focus on the pleasure you feel before and during sex. Not only will it be more pleasurable overall, but you might be more likely to orgasm. The destination is better when you enjoyed the journey, right?
    In fact, Gigi Engle, certified sexologist and award-winning author, suggested delaying orgasming instead of focusing on achieving it. She said, “Slowly bring yourself closer and closer, but hold back before going over the edge. When you become aroused and then let it go, the energy is recycled, waiting just under the surface to be ignited once again. If you keep building towards a finale, the endgame will be unreal.”

    10. Romance yourself
    No, this is not some cheesy self-love advice; it’s truly the most effective way to increase pleasure, sensuality, and orgasms, whether you’re solo-sexing or with a partner. When we take time to make ourselves feel special like we would a romantic partner, we increase confidence, comfortability, and just feel hotter; to quote my queen Lizzo, “No, I’m not a snack at all. Look, baby, I’m the whole damn meal.” FYI, Lizzo definitely knows how to romance herself. No matter your relationship status, we can all afford a little more self-romance.
    “Even if you’re going solo, it doesn’t mean that you have to skip the romance,” Sabat said. “Don’t be afraid to light some candles, put on some perfume, and dim the lights to set the mood. This is your own personal adventure and something to enjoy, not rush. Don’t rush it or sell yourself short; this is about treating yourself in exactly the way you want to be treated, and you deserve the best.” As Lizzo would say: “‘Scuse me while I feel myself.”  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    I Washed My Face With Only Honey for Two Weeks

    Hey guys, Josie here. I know I already have the infamous reputation of the crazy Will-Try-Anything-For-Good-Skin Lady, but hear me out on this one…Your favorite natural sweetener and Prince Charles’s favorite tea add-in is actually the secret to the skin of your dreams. That’s right, honey is truly the Taylor Swift of the beauty world — it’s been around forever, and, though there’s been some controversy, it remains the queen of DIY face masks and soothing body lotions (okay so that’s not really Taylor Swift related, but you get where I was going with that analogy, right?).
    Note: not all the sweet stuff on the shelves has the same outcome. Stick to Manuka honey or raw honey — the other stuff (including the cute teddy bear shaped bottle) has loads of added sugar (which will clog pores and lead to breakouts) and less antioxidants. But when you stick to the natural stuff, it’s a game changer. Read on to find out about my experience washing my face with nothing but honey for two weeks.

    Benefits of Honey on the Skin
    It has antibacterial and anti-septic properties, so it gets rid of dirt and bacteria, perfect for both preventing and treating acne
    It’s full of antioxidants and boosts collagen production—two things that are MVPs in preventing aging and boosting glow
    It’s extremely moisturizing and hydrates even the driest of skin.
    Honey is naturally soothing and has healing properties (it was traditionally used on wounds to aid healing!). It also nourishes damaged skin to fade scars (like those pesky acne scars!).
    It works as a clarifying agent because it naturally opens up pores, making them easier to unclog.
    The enzymes work as a gentle exfoliator, sloughing off dead skin cells and leaving you with a radiant complexion.

    My Experience
    So I’ve never had troubled skin per se, but I’ve always been on a constant journey for the glowiest, clearest skin ever (because we all should be dreaming big, right!?). Hormonal acne, pesky blackheads, and dark under eye circles have been the extent of my problems. That is, until this year — as Chicago’s brutal winter arrived, so did the worst skin woes I’ve EVER experienced (not to be dramatic…). It started when I woke up with severely itchy skin, which I innocently blamed on the changing weather. It then became red bumps all over my face, and a puffiness that was definitely not normal.
    I knew it must be an allergic reaction, and, after talking to my dermatologist, got a prescription to keep the inflammation down. It momentarily helped, but the bumps, itchiness, and puffiness still came back every week or so. The worst part was I could not figure out what was causing it — I changed pillowcases, stuck to oils instead of retinoids in my nighttime skincare, and used sensitive wash instead of standard. And still, despite all my efforts and tears, it kept coming back like a Disney Channel theme song that gets stuck in your head. This was my Everest.
    I decided I needed a massive lifestyle change. As someone who believes natural is always better (unless it’s Oreos or Kim Kardashian), I wanted to get rid of everything that might be harmful to skin — which included my trusty face wash. Even the supersensitive replacement I’d been using didn’t count as “natural.” So what could I replace it with? Enter: honey. I’d actually heard a lot of buzz (pun intended) about the stuff made by bees and its benefits for the skin. Face wash had been my security blanket for so long that it felt like a ginormous leap of faith to go without it, but I was excited to test out something so drastic (read: would try anything for good skin).

    I planned to simply splash my face with cool water in the morning, and wash with honey at night. I also used Summer Fridays as an overnight mask (also natural) and massaged it in with a Clarisonic for extra hydration. The honey cleanup was way easier than I thought it would be. Raw honey is much thicker than the regular kind, which made it easy to spread on my skin. I rubbed it in for about a minute, and then kept it on like a mask for another minute or two as I got ready for bed. The first time, I was ready with a roll of paper towels and backup face wash, but with just a splash of water, the honey melted away and washed off like a piece of honeycomb cake.
    The only change up was when I wore makeup — the honey wasn’t enough to take off all mascara and eyebrow gel galore, so I opted for a natural cleansing oil as the first step, followed by the honey. Two weeks and a jar of honey later — my skin has NEVER. BEEN. BETTER. I repeat — I HAVE ALMOST ACHIEVED SKINCARE NIRVANA.

    Let me break it down: the honey did not clog my pores or cause acne as I had worried. I’ve actually remained fairly clear-skinned with a few smaller zits popping up here and there, but not as many as I normally would during a period week, especially, which was a #miracle. But the biggest shock of all… after washing with honey, the pesky, horrible, seemingly permanent blackheads I’ve struggled with on my nose FOR. FREAKING. EVER. popped out so easily, just like that! (not to be graphic)
    Overall, my skin just looks more even-toned, glows, and has actually survived winter, dryness-free. *Knock on wood* but my red bumpiness and itchy skin has not come back since I started washing with honey. To be clear, I don’t think using face wash was the problem. I just think honey is that good that it helped heal and soothe my poor, sad skin. Plus, it came with a lot of other perks too. It truly was a miracle product, and to be totally transparent, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to standard face wash again. Not all heroes wear capes — sometimes, they come in a jar.

    Would you try washing your face with honey? Tell us in the comments below.

    This article was originally published on January 2, 2019. More

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    in beauty and fashion

    October Empties: Honest Thoughts on The Products Our Team Finished This Month

    We’re big fans of the YouTube Beauty Community here at The Everygirl. We’re constantly talking about our favorite creators, their best looks, and buying pretty much everything they recommend. The YouTube beauty world is honestly what we have to thank for some of the biggest trends in beauty—we’d never be baking our undereyes or curling our hair with straighteners or using men’s post-shave balm as a primer if it weren’t for the beauty YouTubers who taught us how. Alongside the various techniques YouTube has taught us, the phenomenon of the ever-so-popular “empties video” has truly taken over our subscription feeds. Every beauty YouTuber has made an empties video (if not five), and everyone who even knows just a glimpse of beauty YouTube has seen one. The concept is simple: show everyone what’s in your trash and talk about if you loved it, if you’ll buy it again, and how long it took you to use up. 
    So being the beauty-lovers we are at TEG HQ, we decided to create our own empties series. Every month, all of our editors will share a few of our own empties—from skin, hair, and makeup products to candles and vitamins and home items—and give our unfiltered review on each of the products. Some of them we’ll love and need to repurchase ASAP … and some we’ll celebrate finally finishing them up. If you’ve ever wondered what our absolute favorites (and not-so-favorites) are, this is the right place to be. It’s finally time for our trash cans to shine!

    TATA HARPER
    Illuminating Moisturizer

    Living in a cooler climate with combination skin requires me to be very diligent about the moisturizers I use on my face. I am a huge Tata Harper fan and have been using this product for 2+ years as my day moisturizer. While pricey, I mix two pumps into my tinted moisturizer daily and find that my skin is both well hydrated and glowing! A little goes a long way and it’s so worth the investment.

    Primally Pure
    Lavender Deodorant

    I made the switch to natural deodorant back in 2017 and haven’t looked back. Primally Pure is the most effective that I have tried, and I set up the automatic subscription so I get a discount while making sure I never run out! The lavender scent is my favorite, but all of them are lovely.

     

    Alchemy Body Shop
    Luna Body Butter

    The season has come where just applying lotion to my dry skin isn’t enough. Having another layer of moisture on my skin will definitely help this fall and winter, and this body butter from Alchemy Body Shop is the perfect first line of defense. Once I hop out of the shower, I apply this vegan body butter while damp and it compliments my lotion so well. It’s so moisturizing, you might want to be beware of sliding out of your towel! It even came with a cute personal note from the owner, which was a great touch. This is definitely a new staple product in my arsenal.

     

    Luminous Ceremony
    Cream Cleanser

    Finding the right cleanser for my skin is a lot more complicated than one would think. The wrong face wash means breakouts and tight, irritated skin, which makes me wonder why I don’t stick to my cream cleansers with calming ingredients. Ranavat’s cream cleanser removes makeup and oil while keeping my skin balanced. Each time I have a breakout or over-exfoliate (which is at least once a month), it’s Ranavat to the rescue. This cleanser will always be in my medicine cabinet.

     

    Original Skin Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay

    The amount of oil my skin produces routinely shocks even me, so I have to frequently suck some of it out with my beloved clay masks. Of my collection, this Origins one is a fave and frequent repurchase. I slather it all over my face on Sundays, wait 20 minutes, and then hop in the shower and I notice such a difference in the softness and glide to my skin. It’s also great for a quick spot treatment for a really oily blemish you’ve got living rent free. Highly recommended.

     

    Embryolisse
    Face Cream

    At the end of 2018, I went through quite a thing with sir Harry Styles. I mean, I’ve always loved him, but “Fine Line” attached to my soul in ways I can’t even describe. The whole album is rumored to be about his ex-girlfriend, model Camille Rowe. So, I went on a deep dive watching dozens of interviews and videos with her, all to discover that she is a lover of classic French pharmacy products and brands, like Embryolisse. I bought this immediately in an effort to have gorgeous Parisian model skin, and I’m not going to lie, it fits the bill. This is a thick moisturizing cream in a squeeze tube. It has dozens of uses, but my favorites are as a makeup primer (it really grips onto your skin and holds foundations well), a nighttime moisturizer, and as a sleeping mask when applied in a thick layer. I haven’t repurchased yet because I’ve been loving my Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream, but it’s on my list to reorder for the wintertime.

    Gold Pumpkin Scented Candle

    It’s rare that I want a sweet, pumpkin-scones-straight-from-the-bakery scent, but now that I’ve tried this, I know I’ll likely never need another (except ”Pumpkin Chai” by Nest , which I love describing as the most sophisticated pumpkin scent on earth… which might also explain the price tag). This is a pretty small candle, but it actually burned well and for a long time considering. I like sweet scents in my kitchen to make it always smell like baked goods when I step in to fill up my water bottle or peruse for a snack, and this little candle was the perfect treat to light during the day.

    Bath & Body Works
    Leaves Candle

    It is candle season, y’all, and I blew through this guy in a matter of a few weeks. I know there are some Leaves haters out there, but this candle is the most quintessentially fall scent there is. I love a fancy candle as much as the next girl, but when I just want my apartment to smell like there’s an apple pie in the oven (with freshly-picked apples from the orchard, of course) as I’m doing arts and crafts at the counter with cinnamon-scented pinecones, all while a campfire is blazing behind me, I’m going with Bath and Body Works’ “Leaves.”

    L’Oreal Paris
    Wonder Water

    I picked this up at Target after reading Maddie’s rave review on TEG. I absolutely love this product and think it rivals expensive deep conditioners and leave-in treatments on the market at half or a quarter of the price. However, I’ve suggested this to dozens of my friends with thick and even medium hair, and they’ve all hated it and felt like it did nothing. My hair is baby-fine and thin, and I don’t have a lot of it, so if you have a similar hair type, this might be the perfect conditioning treatment for you that won’t weigh hair down but leaves it silky and shiny. I will also note that I go through this—as the name would suggest—like water, but at the price point, I don’t mind reupping my supply every couple of months.

     

    Facial Sunscreen SPF 40

    This is my fourth bottle of I can confidently say I will never go without this in my skincare arsenal. I’ve sung its praises before, but this product makes me actually want to wear sunscreen. It’s non-greasy, goes on clear, and sits perfectly under makeup while keeping my skin hydrated. It also doesn’t hurt that my actual dermatologist recommended it to me and you can buy it on Amazon. If you’re trying to get yourself to be in the habit of wearing sunscreen every day, try this out—you won’t regret it.

     

    Silk Scrub

    I never knew I needed a scrub specifically for the areas I shave, until I tried this Silk Scrub. This exfoliating treatment is gentle, soothing, and smells delicious, and using it has become the moment I look forward to most when I shower. I put it on my underarms and leave on as a mask throughout my shower and then keep it on for a shaving cream when I shave at the end to avoid razor burns and get smoother skin. It has also helped me avoid bad razor burns, nicks, and irritation I’ve always gotten on all ~sensitive areas.~ After years of awful razor burns, it really shouldn’t be this easy to have silky-smooth hairless skin, but alas, Fur Silk Scrub is here to save us all. It’s gentle enough to use on sensitive areas (even after shaving!), buff dead skin cells before shaving for a smoother shave, or it can be used as a scrub and mask underneath hair if you do feel your best with some body hair. I will absolutely be purchasing again because I ran out a week ago and am already missing this amazing scrub. My underarms are just not the same!

     

    Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet

    This Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet perfume has been there for me over the last two years during some of my favorite outings. It’s not cheap (as with most high-end, potent perfumes), so I used it sparingly but, whenever I did, I’d get so many compliments. I’m quite melancholy to see this go because it’s such a perfect light, floral perfume, but I’m still deciding if I’m going to use my money to replace it (which would be a safe option knowing that I love it) or to invest in another scent. Stay tuned!

     

     
    Want more empties? Check out the previous months below! More

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    in beauty and fashion

    The Best Sales to Shop This Weekend

    So money doesn’t buy happiness and all, but is there anything better than a little retail therapy after a stressful week? What about finally finding that one product that will totally brighten up your home or transform your beauty routine? The answer: retail therapy, envy-inducing clothing, and life-changing products on sale.Because you deserve to treat yo’ self, but you also are a hardworking #boss taking over the world, and saving a few extra $$ here and there adds up. That’s why we’re big fans of sale shopping — all your favorite brands at a fraction of the price, because why not get yourself something new? Shop our top picks below from the very best sales this weekend, and get ready for the high that comes with saving so much money on amazing pieces:

    use code GOODBUY

    use code LAYERUP

    prices as marked

    prices as marked

    use code HOLIDAYFUN More

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    in beauty and fashion

    6 It-Girl-Approved Ways to Dress Up Your Plain Grey Sweater

    While wearing something brand-spankin’ new can make you feel like a million bucks, there’s a more budget-friendly alternative that’s underrated as far as joy goes: making old, tried-and-true (and sometimes lackluster) pieces work in new ways.An example? That grey sweater you’ve had sitting in your closet forever
    Just because it’s a basic doesn’t mean it needs to look basic, and by pairing it in new ways that you ordinarily wouldn’t, you can make it feel completely brand new (and different every time you wear it). Put your skinny jeans down and try wearing yours in these new and improved ways—we promise, you’ll trick yourself into thinking you’re wearing it for the first time.

    1. Layered over a maxi dress

    sweater / dress / boots / bag

    2. With mom jeans and a shearling coat

    jeans / coat / sweater / sneakers / bag
     
    3. With a plaid skirt

    sweater / skirt / boots / coat

    4. With plaid pants and a shacket

    pants / sweater / chelsea boots / shacket

    5. With skinny jeans and statement boots

    jeans / boots / sweater / coat 

    6. With wide-leg jeans and a blazer

    blazer / jeans / sweater / boots (currently 50% off!) / bag

    GET THE LOOK

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    in beauty and fashion

    3 DIY Products for Natural Hair

    In 2005, I decided to cut off all my relaxed hair and go completely natural. I didn’t have the patience to grow out my natural texture, so I immediately did a big chop. I went from shoulder-length, relaxed hair to two inches of natural hair in a matter of a couple of hours. I actually had no idea what my hair would look like without a relaxer, but I knew I was tired of my dull, lifeless hair. I was unwilling to get a relaxer every 4-6 weeks; to burn my scalp and spend the next few weeks trying to cover up the burn scars. I was ready to explore what was naturally given to me and all that came with my new hair journey. 
    On the day of my big chop, the hairstylist took such good care of my new hair, but now it was my turn to figure out how to maintain my new healthy, natural hair. I was living in Philadelphia at the time, so there were tons of Black hair stores for me to grab some new products. I naively thought I would go in, head to the natural hair sections, and grab what I needed. Who was I kidding? It was 2005, and the only products I saw on the shelves were Carol’s Daughter. I bought what I could and began experimenting to see what worked and what didn’t work on my hair. 
    Those initial products served me well, but as I learned more about natural hair, I knew I needed more from my products. I had spent all my life relying on other peoples’ products to take care of my hair. I wasn’t getting the results (growth, moisture, minimal frizz) that I was looking for, so I began to make my own products with ingredients in my kitchen. I heard from a hairstylist once that “if you can’t eat it, it doesn’t belong on your skin and hair.” I wanted to take care of my hair in the most natural way possible, so I took her statement to heart and began creating simple recipes to support my hair journey. 
    Experimenting with creating my own products allowed me to really get to know my hair. I learned what I needed and how to take care of my natural hair on my own terms. Each week I would spend time creating products to see how they would work on my hair. One week, I would try something for moisture; another week, I would create a styling product; and then another week, I would create something for growth. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but it was important to spend time with my hair. I spent so much time in my younger years manipulating my hair to be something that it wasn’t. When I began to wear my natural hair out and proud, I didn’t want to miss out on experiencing my hair in all of its shapes and forms. Creating DIY haircare products was and is an act of love for me. If you’re like me and feel like you’ve tried every product out there and still aren’t reaching your hair goals, it might be time to try your hand at these DIY natural hair recipes:

    Deep Conditioning Banana Hair Mask
    Bananas are so helpful for your hair. Whether you are looking to add moisture into your strands or trying to grow your hair past your shoulders, bananas have you covered. This is the banana hair mask that I use, but feel free to mix it up to suit your needs. 
    What you need:
    1 Banana
    Water
    Optional add ons—pick 1 or 2: egg, honey, coconut oil, avocado
    Bowl
    Fork or hand mixer to mix
    Directions:
    Take a ripe or even over-ripe banana and put it into a bowl. 
    Mash banana completely so there are no chunks left. 
    Add enough water so that the mixture is easy to apply to hair. You will want a loose paste consistency. 
    If you are adding in any of the bonus add-ins, put them in the bowl and incorporate them. 
    Apply the mixture on dry or slightly damp hair and coat the hair completely
    Put on a shower cap to cover hair and protect your clothes
    Pro tip: add a heated bonnet or wrap your hair in a warm towel
    Let the hair mask sit on your hair for 15-20 mins. 
    Rinse thoroughly before you begin your wash day routine
    I’m obsessed with how much moisture and shine bananas give my hair. Not only does the moisture last for the week, but this DIY treatment costs me less than $1!

    Bentonite Clay Wash
    OK, so you might not have bentonite clay in your kitchen, but this natural shampoo swap was a game-changer for my wash routine. I found most shampoos still left a film or residue on my hair. I have low-porosity hair and need my strands to feel really clean, and bentonite clay was the only product that truly cleaned my hair and scalp. 
    What You Need:
    ¼ cup of bentonite clay
    ½ cup of water
    Applicator bottle
    Apple Cider Vinegar (optional)
    Directions:
    Combine clay and water together in the applicator bottle
    Shake to combine completely
    Apply to your hair as you would a traditional shampoo
    Softly massage your scalp to remove any product residue
    Rinse and moisturize with your conditioner of choice
    Bentonite clay can be a bit drying, so make sure you follow up with a deep conditioner to help balance out your strands. After a clay wash, I know my hair is beautifully clean. If you’ve noticed that your shampoo isn’t really cleaning your hair all the way, you may want to try and swap your shampoo for a simple clay wash. Having a styling gel that actually works for me opened up so many new styling options. Today there are tons of flaxseed gel options on the market, but you will often find tons of ingredients that your hair probably doesn’t need. This three-ingredient gel is as natural as it gets.  

    Flaxseed Styling Gel
    I have such a hard time with gels and styling creams. I find that they either make my hair hard as a rock or super frizzy, and neither of those results is a good look on me. Making flaxseed gel has become a staple routine in my house. Flaxseed gel is the perfect combo of control and softness that keeps my wash ‘n go style looking good for the whole week. Below is my recipe and if you would like a bit more help making your DIY flaxseed gel use this link.
    What you need:
    ¼ cup of flaxseed
    2-3 cups of water
    Small saucepan
    Pantyhose
    Bowl or glass measuring cup
    Optional: Rosemary essential oil (5-10 drops)
    Directions:
    Add water and flaxseed into a pot
    Turn on the stove to medium-low heat
    Bring mixture to a simmer and continue to stir
    Simmer until the mixture becomes similar to a gel consistency
    Take off of the stove and let it cool 
    Drape stocking over bowl or glass measuring cup
    Pour flaxseed gel into the stocking
    Release stocking from the bowl
    Squeeze the liquid out of the stocking until only the flaxseeds are left inside of the stocking
    Discard flaxseeds
    If doing so, add the rosemary essential oil and stir to combine
    Pour in a mason jar or any jar with a lid
    Store in fridge
    Since my big chop 15 years ago, the Black natural hair market has exploded. You can find complete aisles dedicated to natural hair. I have tried most brands on the shelves today, yet I still come back to my DIY haircare swaps. We as Black people have fought for the right to wear our hair as we wanted. So whether you buy commercial products or decide to use some of these DIY swaps, your hair is beautiful in any length, texture, or style. To my natural hair community: all hair is good hair. Wear it out, wear it proud.  More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Dubai authorities issue guidelines for gatherings as long weekend arrives

    While an extra day off from work is always welcome, Dubai authorities have issued a statement reminding the public to be mindful of COVID-19 guidelines over the long weekend.
    In a statement issued via the Dubai Media Office Twitter account, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management for the emirate outlined precautionary guidelines for social gatherings and celebrations ahead of Halloween, Diwali and other festivities.

    The authority urged the public to avoid crowded places and reminded that the use of face masks and social distancing is mandatory.
    It was also highlighted that those who are at heightened risk to COVID-19 – the elderly and those with chronic health conditions – “are advised not to attend social functions”.

    #Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announces precautionary guidelines for social gatherings and celebrations. pic.twitter.com/fVNBDx6Bei
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 28, 2020

    And finally, the authority reiterated that precautionary measures must be followed in order to avoid violating the guidelines which would result in penalties.
    Most of all Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management outlined that the wellbeing of the public is the “top priority”.
    “The health and safety of the community is a top priority –please strictly follow preventive protocols and safeguards in place to protect all community members from any health risks,” the statement read.
    Wear a mask, wash your hands, keep socially distanced and most of all stay safe!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More