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      ‘Filter vs Reality’: The influencer changing the narrative of Instagram filters

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      Beauty

      by Olivia Morris
      1 minute ago

      Social media was once a space where the fourth wall was broken down and transparency and relatability were at the helm. However, over the years platforms have grown and developed as have the millions of daily users on them. What once was used as a space to connect with people all over the world has become a booming business and arguably a place of thwarted reality.
      Social media, particularly Instagram, is often used as a highlight reel, showcasing curated tidbits of people’s lives showing only the very best. Along with this, we have seen a boom in the use of filters on platforms.
      In various different ways, users are now able to warp their appearance – some in funny ways, others so realistic you’d be mistaken what people look like which, in turn, are creating unrealistic beauty standards. In a bid to bring back transparency to social media, UK entrepreneur Faye Kingston took a stand in 2020. Launching her own filter on Instagram, ‘Filter vs. Reality’. This filter, in short, aims to show people what you look like with or without a filter, with half the face airbrushed and porcelain and half the face normal.
      “The idea behind my split-screen filter, ‘Filter vs Reality’, was to create something unique to show people how these dramatic beauty filters rid selfies of skin textures, tones, scars, everything that makes you and how it’s affecting our mental health,” she tells Emirates Woman.
      A little over two years after launching, the filter has had nearly five billion impressions to date, with even celebrities like Jessie J and Jen Atkin jumping on the bandwagon. Below, Kingston tells us the inspiration behind launching the filter and how she’s bringing transparency back to the internet.

      You’re now a well-known content creator on Instagram. What has your relationship been like with editing photos and using filters over the years?
      I have been on a self-love journey for a long time and at this stage of my life I am in the best place I have everbeen, I have never been happier and it’s all down to self-love. I tend not to edit my body shape however I do edit my photos to brighten up the lighting and makeup etc. I have always been open about the edit as I got nothing to hide and like I said, ‘Social Media isn’t real life’.
      What inspired you to launch ‘Filter vs. Reality’?
      The idea behind my split-screen filter, ‘Filter vs Reality’, was to create something unique to show people how these dramatic beauty filters rid selfies of skin textures, tones, scars, everything that makes you and how it’s affecting our mental health. Don’t let these filters fool you; you’re unique, beautiful, strong, powerful, loved & worthy without any filter.
      It’s now had nearly five billion impressions. What has the feedback been from the campaign?
      I have been blown away by the positive response I had, and I never knew we all needed this reality check in our lives. So many people have reached out to me to say how my ‘Filter vs Reality’ filter has made a positive change of self-acceptance in people’s lives. It’s a reminder that social media is fake, and textured, pore-filled, and discoloured skin are all a natural occurrence.
      How has using filters/Instagram over the years affected your mental health?
      I was addicted to using filters until I realised social media is fake and what you see online simply isn’t real or achievable. The beauty filters can do more harm than good, altering self-image and pressuring young girls to try and be the way the filters make them look on the apps. And such pressure can cause depression or even eating disorders in some cases.

      In what way do you think it contributes to unattainable beauty standards?
      The problem with these filters is you see a side of yourself with dramatic filters that doesn’t exist, which corresponds to an unnatural and inhuman ideal of beauty that you can now achieve with filters. It’s the unhealthy obsession we all have with that perfect look. A 2017 study in the journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications found that people only recognised manipulated images 60 per cent to 65 per cent of the time. With the prevalence of filters and airbrushing on social media, it is terrifying to think of how it will be possible for young people to grow up with standard, realistic images of what is beautiful.
      What is your relationship like now with using filters on Instagram/social media?
      I have a love and hate relationship with filters as all the playful filters are fine, but the ones that can be damaging are those with dramatic changes to the face – which can cause mental health and self-esteem issues. It’s easy to feel insecure, seeing how so much of the content we consume daily is filtered and photoshopped, and everyone looks picture-perfect; it’s hard not to point out your flaws, but REAL Is always beautiful.
      How can we move forward in a world of social media to be transparent with the way we look/without filters?
      I think it’s time to “break that habit” of overthinking how we look in pictures because nobody is perfect, and everyone has “bad photos” we choose what and what not to share on social media to put out a good image of ourselves. We all should move towards the powerful place of self-acceptance.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      June’s – The Clarity Issue with Lala Diamonds

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      Fashion

      by Amy Sessions
      1 minute ago

      Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotographer: Greg AdamskiMakeup & Hair: Ania PoniatowskaProduction: Olivia MorrisFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephVideographer: Ahmed AbdelwahabModel: Farnoush HamidianAll fashion available at bloomingdales.ae
      Welcome to The Clarity Issue.
      This issue focuses on clarity of mind, body and most importantly vision.
      One call-out for this month and with clarity of vision in mind, is the launch of the new version of emirateswoman.com 2.0. The new website is designed to deliver an enhanced reader experience to match the appetite of our ever-growing regional and international audience. We are grateful to be growing this community and this was the vision from the outset, to have both a global and local viewpoint.
      Aligning the standard of digital aesthetics to that of the content produced and with the execution level of the print issues important focus as this allows digital to reflect the incredible work the team produces on a daily basis, showcasing it in the best light. I couldn’t be prouder of what the team have achieved – huge congratulations!

      For our cover shoot Elevated Cool we partnered with Lala Diamonds, a fine jewellery brand dedicated to crafting timeless pieces with an added edge and from stones with optimal clarity.
      We have exclusive interviews with Chaumet’s CEO Jean-Marc Mansvel in An Emblem of Distinction, Suzanne Santos, Co-Founder & Chief Customer Officer AESOP in The Invisible Details and Ann-Caroline Prazan, Guerlain’s International Artistic Director in Natural Clarity.
      Beauty and lifestyle-wise, we look at purifying from the inside to see clarity on the outside. In Nourish we compile an edit of the best smoothie and juice recipes for clean skin and a clear mind, A Clear Path to Beauty looks at how Gua-Sha contours and refines and Refuel gives us the full lowdown on how to hydrate, invigorate and rejuvenate with vitamin IV therapy.
      We spend time in the office with Julie Lemke, Founder of Julie Lemke Skin in Personal Space and speak to some of the most incredible women we know about how they find clarity in their lives in Finding Clarity.
      Finally, The Wanderlust enchants us with global bolt holes that feel next-level calming designed to deliver you to a place of clarity of thought.
      When it comes to clear vision, if in doubt take a step back and give yourself some peace. You always know.
      June’s – The Clarity Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      Welcome to the new era of Emirates Woman digital

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      Fashion

      by Olivia Morris
      1 minute ago

      Leading contemporary luxury lifestyle and fashion publication Emirates Woman has launched the 2.0 version of its website.
      Emirates Woman thinks globally and supports locally. As the region’s leading women’s fashion and lifestyle brand and with over 40 years – originally established in 1981 – at the forefront of publishing in the Middle East, it remains dedicated to providing editorial excellence. Emirates Woman delivers high-end fashion, beauty, luxe lifestyle and travel content as well as in-depth features with both a global and local focus.
      It pushes boundaries and leads the field with its international and local editorial content, bringing its readers innovative, inspiring and intelligent coverage. Committed to representing the many faces and nationalities of women in the Emirates, it continually seeks to celebrate, support and inspire.
      The new look of the website is in line with the rebrand of the print magazine which occurred in February 2020 and has seen growth in global luxury brands partnering with the title across all platforms from digital to print, social and now with a view to web 3. The new website is designed to deliver an enhanced reader experience for our audience with dual language across Arabic and English to match the appetite of the ever-growing regional and international audience.
      Two new additions to the digital platform include ‘The Hero Buys’ which feature dedicated, curated must-have pieces to shop and ‘The Most Incredible Women We Know’ that champions the female leaders in the region and globally with whom the brand has close relationships.
      Amy Sessions, Editor/Associate Publisher of Emirates Woman and Emirates Man said: “I am beyond proud of what the team produce across all platforms on a daily basis. Aligning digital with print in terms of aesthetics was important, as the quality of the content has been aligned since the team came together in February 2020 and now the look and feel match the tone of voice. We are very proud to be championing not only homegrown talent and incredible women of the GCC but also the global luxury partnerships we have grown and will continue to foster. We are all about quality content and real, long-term, win-win relationships.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      in health and weelbeing

      What is Gua Sha? Everything You Need to Know About the It Skincare Tool of 2022

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      I know a thing or two about stress, and I’m (unfortunately) pretty well acquainted with the toll stress can take on the skin and body: acne, texture, dullness, and so much puffiness. My mom says it’s all the french fries I eat, but I certainly wouldn’t eat (as many of) the fries if I was relaxed!
      So I went on the hunt for products that could both help my skin and help me destress. I tried the spoon in the fridge (OK, TBH, that was painful!), tons of eye creams, and cutting out dairy (didn’t work for me, but it might for you!). My first obvious choice was a jade roller (how could you go wrong!), but the more I researched (AKA stalking all my favorite beauty bloggers on Instagram for hours), I decided to get in on a trend early.
      An Amazon Prime delivery and a month or so later, my gua sha stone and I are basically BFFs. Because I’m so obsessed with my nightly gua sha massage ritual, I’m giving you all the details about what it is, what it does, and how you can do it at home. 

      In this article

      What is Gua Sha?
      Gua sha (pronounced gwa-shah!) is a tool (or tools) used to scrape the skin to promote circulation. Ancient Chinese medicine utilized the gua sha tool thousands of years ago to increase blood circulation and heal the body. 
      When you give yourself a gua sha massage, you’re essentially scraping all of that water and lymph under your skin to the edges of your face and pulling it down your neck to drain. It’s kind of gross but also super cool, huh? It moves all the blood around under your skin, so after a gua sha session, your face is plump with fresh, new blood to the surface.
      In Chinese medicine, gua sha came in the form of soup spoons and other items (which isn’t exactly what all the gua sha stones you see on Instagram look like). Generally, gua sha is made of either jade or rose quartz stones (jade is known for purifying and healing your energy).
      Here, I’m discussing gua sha as a facial tool for massage. However, there are larger tools that can be used for gua sha on the body. I’m dying to find an acupuncturist to see all the amazing things gua sha could do for my body now that I’ve seen how it helps my face!

      Benefits of Gua Sha

      Improves circulation
      Gua sha is the tool if you want to increase blood flow in your face. Circulation in itself has so many benefits, from decreasing inflammation, adding a glowy look to the skin, anti-aging, and more.

      Aids in lymphatic drainage
      Suffering from extra fluid in your face? Gua sha can help with that. Lymphatic fluid is basically all the fluid coming from your lymph nodes that hasn’t quite made its way back to the cardiovascular system. Massaging the skin helps drain that fluid from your face (yuck), and gua sha is the best tool to get that all to come out.

      Source: Pavel Danilyuk | Pexels

      Relieves muscle tension
      As you scrape the gua sha across your skin, you’ll start to feel your face instantly relax. For years, everyone thought I had TMJ because of my jaw issues, but it turns out, I clench my jaw while I’m sleeping when I’m stressed (so basically all the time). As soon as I started using gua sha, I immediately noticed that my jaw felt less tight, and I was able to relax it more than ever.
      The scraping motion you do with a gua sha stone breaks up the muscle tissue, called fascia, which brings circulation and causes the muscles to relax more. If you are dealing with stress and can feel it in your face, gua sha is a super-easy way to bring some relief while adding some awesome self-care to your day.
      An added benefit: fewer headaches!

      Can help with skin dryness
      Stop the presses—gua sha might save all of you dry-skin gals! Yet again, when you push all of those toxins out of your face, your skin begins to plump up with moisture since it isn’t weighed down anymore.

      Reduces breakouts and helps with anti-aging
      Yep, gua sha is basically a miracle worker. All that lymphatic drainage lurking in your skin is bound to cause some buildup, which is what can lead to acne, texture, and dullness in the skin. The massage, therefore, brings elasticity and brightness to the skin. Using firmer pressure can even help you tackle fine lines and wrinkles.

      Adds facial contours
      No need for expensive contour powders with your gua sha! As you scrape your gua sha stone across your cheeks, you’ll start to notice facial contours you never knew you had. While this slimming effect is only temporary, over time, getting the blood circulating and moving around all that lymphatic drainage can only help if you’re trying to slim down your face.

      How do I do it?
      [embedded content]
      You can do gua sha massages after either the serum, moisturizer, or oil step of your routine. I prefer to do my gua sha after I’ve applied all the products to my skin because it helps the stone glide across the skin effortlessly.
      Each gua sha tool is shaped differently, so find the side that works best for the different contours of your face. I first use the side with the divot on mine to fit the contours like under my eyes, on my cheeks, and on my chin, and then I take the curved side for my forehead and down my neck and chest.
      Because you’re about to push all these toxins out of your face (sounds amazing, right?), I like to make sure my neck is decongested before I start pushing all the gunk down it. In three different sections (both sides and directly under my chin), I run the tool toward my face for about five to 10 strokes.
      Then, in a sweeping motion, I scrape the gua sha tool from the middle of my chin to right under my ear on my jawline and repeat five to 10 times depending on how excited I am to hop into bed. I do the other side and then continue up the face, scraping the gua sha from the corner of my mouth to my ears, under my ears, and just above my eyebrows. It sounds like a lot, but it’s so relaxing that you’ll be wishing you could rub that thing over your face for hours (If you can’t tell, my gua sha and I are in a serious, committed relationship right now).
      If you need a visual, the video above is a great tutorial! Once you start gua sha-ing away, you’ll get into your own groove of how you like to do it.
      As you’re massaging, don’t be afraid to add some firm pressure. Obviously, we’re not trying to bruise ourselves, but if some redness or little red dots appear, that’s normal. Redness means that the gua sha is bringing blood to the surface, so it’s doing its job!

      I already have a jade roller. Do I need both?
      Depending on your needs, both a gua sha stone and a jade roller can be beneficial. In my experience, a jade roller is amazing for helping products like serums and oils sink more deeply into the skin. I love using a jade roller to apply my eye creams at night as well as on top of sheet masks to help all that goodness soak in (one of my fave skincare hacks!). Gua sha, on the other hand, is more for massages than products. It helps you pull out all those toxins in your skin at a deeper level than the jade roller.

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      I’ve Tried Hundreds of Beauty Products—and the NuFACE is the Real Deal More

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      12 Reasons Why Your Lips Are Always Chapped

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      Having chapped lips is one of those health annoyances that’s technically survivable, but can still make your life miserable. After all, dealing with dry lips is the opposite of fun — especially if they reach bleeding point.
      Here’s the thing: There’s a reason behind your super dehydrated lips. While it could be something as simple as not drinking enough water, licking your lips too much, or eating salty foods, the root cause can sometimes be an underlying health condition like sunburn, allergic reactions, or skin cancer. If that’s the case, no amount of lip balm — yep, even the really good stuff — is going to fix that.
      Before you panic, know this: “Most cases of chapped lips can be treated in just a few weeks without a dermatologist’s intervention,” says board-certified dermatologist Ife J. Rodney, MD, the founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics and Professor of dermatology at Howard University and George Washington University. And sometimes peeling is just a side effect of the physiological makeup of your lips, according to Doris Day, MD, and Adam Friedman, MD.
      But it’s always a good idea to know how to tell if you’re dealing with your average dryness or something else. Dermatologists break down some of the biggest reasons for all that peeling and dryness and how to fix the situation ASAP.
      Why are my lips peeling so much?
      Lips are naturally dry. “Your lips don’t have oil glands,” says Dr Day. So, it can be very difficult for your lips to retain moisture (that’s why they don’t ever get pimples, btw!). The absence of oil glands also means that your lips do not produce natural moisturising factors, or elements that keep your skin’s outer layer protected and hydrated.
      In fact, your lips don’t have much of an outer layer at all. Dr Friedman points out that, unlike the rest of our skin, many areas of the lips do not have a stratum corneum (a.k.a. the top layer of skin). “This is kind of like our armor,” he says. “It’s an intricately woven barrier comprised of fats, proteins and dead skin cells.” This barrier is used to help protect the skin when it’s dry, and is also responsible for some of your body’s built-in UV protection. “It has an SPF of roughly five,” says Dr Friedman. (Who knew?)
      You can usually fix the situation in two weeks with the right lifestyle changes. “However, if you see no improvement or if your lips get progressively worse, you should consider seeing a dermatologist,” says Dr Rodney. If your lips are naturally dry, she recommends being on the lookout for consistent signs of bleeding, large cracks, fissures, pain, and peeling that don’t get better for several weeks. If you find yourself constantly peeling off the skin on your lips or the dryness does not seem to stop with a medicated balm, you may need to check in with your doctor.
      That said, there are other factors that could be contributing to your lips peeling — from diet to dire health conditions. Let’s talk through each one.
      1. Your diet consists of a lot of salty or spicy foods
      Big fan of snacks like pretzels or chips? They could be the reason for your peeling lips. Salty foods, particularly those that have a lot of salt on the outside that can end up on the lips, can definitely affect the skin in that area, says Dr Day. “Salt holds water, so it can absorb the water away from the lips and just dry them out,” she explains. Another food trigger? Spicy snacks. They can also cause skin irritation and water loss, adds Dr Day.
      Treat it: Steer clear of salty foods for a while and let your lips heal by using a paraffin wax-based lip balm.
      2. You’ve been licking your lips a bunch
      This is probably the worst thing you can do for dry lips, says Dr Friedman. “Saliva is comprised of enzymes that are meant to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, which are what your lips are made of,” he says. “You are literally digesting your lips when you do that.”
      Treat it: Easy with the lip licking. Keep a lip moisturiser with you (in your pocket, gym bag, etc.) so that when you have the urge to lick, you swipe instead.
      3. You fried your lips in the sun
      Remember: Your lips are already missing that top later of skin with built-in UV protection. So if you’re out in the sun without an SPF lip balm on, chances are the skin on your lips will peel. “Sun cooks the water out of your skin and that can leave it drier in areas that are already naturally on the drier side,” says Dr Day. Plus, the inflammation from a sunburn can leave your lips peeling as skin cells turn over and try to replenish.
      Treat it: You can rely on some of your typical sunburn remedies for chapped lips as well (think: aloe and anti-inflammatory meds).
      4. You’re dehydrated
      Because of the quick turnover of skin cells on the lips, you’re more prone to dryness if you aren’t properly hydrated, explains Dr Rodney. Technically, this can happen any time of year, but it’s more common in the winter, when dry indoor air can zap your skin (including the one on your lips) of natural moisture.
      Treat it: Drink more water. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that women get about 11.5 cups of fluids a day, both from liquids and foods. Water is best, but other beverages count too.
      5. You’re constantly exposed to dry air
      Whether you live in an area with low humidity year round or you’re just sensitive to drops in moisture that can happen with the changing seasons, dry air could be why you have chapped lips. “The lack of moisture in the air, particularly in the winter, can cause dry lips,” says Dr Rodney.
      Treat it: You can only do so much about the air around you, but Dr Rodney recommends a humidifier — which is specially designed to infuse your surroundings with moisture. She suggests running one around you, especially at night and during the winter months, to get relief.
      6. Your medication is drying out your lips
      Certain medications can easily cause dry, peeling lips. Dr Friedman says this is a common complaint for many of his clients using acne meds. “I tell my patients who are on Accutane that that’s the number one side effect—dry, cracked lips,” he says. “I tell them that they should be using a lip balm so often that their friends should be asking them, ‘What the heck is in that stuff that you’re using it so much?’”
      It’s not just Accutane that can mess with your lips, though. These medications can also screw things up, according to Dr. Rodney:

      Chemotherapy drugs
      Common skincare ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, retinol, or salicylic acid
      Antidepressants
      Antihistamines
      Antibiotics
      Some OTC pain meds

      Treat it: First, talk to your doctor about whether the meds you’re taking could cause dry lips. If that’s the case and you can’t stop taking your medication, be sure to follow DrFriedman’s advice to apply a moisturising lip balm to combat the side effects. If the peeling gets more severe, a trip to your MD might be worth it to make sure you’re not allergic to something you’re using.
      7. You’re experiencing yeast overgrowth
      Do you have an underbite? Or maybe you drool in your sleep? These factors can cause yeast overgrowth (and in turn, a yeast infection in the mouth area). This type of infection can lead to dry, flaky skin around the mouth — and sometimes even fissuring (small cracks on the corners of the mouth), says Dr Day.
      Treat it: Like yeast infections anywhere else, a prescribed anti-fungal medication is your best bet. Consult a dermatologist.
      8. You have actinic cheilitis
      “This is a condition where the skin has been damaged from chronic sun exposure so much so that it can’t repair itself,” explains Dr Friedman. Actinic cheilitis is more common among older individuals.
      It’s this sort of long-term sun damage and inflammation on the lips that can lead to skin cancer. “In this kind of dry, cracked area, it’s very easy for skin cancers to emerge, and so we do see a lot of squamous cell carcinomas in older individuals on the lower lip because of that,” notes Dr Friedman. Actinic cheilitis is characterised by dryness and scaly patches or plaques, typically on the lower lip, as mentioned.
      Treat it: Treatment involves topical field therapy, or photodynamic light therapy, to either produce an immune response or kill off damaged skin cells. But first, your doctor will need to diagnose you via a skin biopsy.
      9. You have a vitamin deficiency
      “Various vitamin B deficiencies can result in dry, cracked, angry, red lips,” says Dr Friedman, and these are usually accompanied by a similar looking rash around the mouth. Dr Rodney points out that most cases come down to a B12 deficiency. This vitamin helps your body with cell growth, healing, and cell turnover — and a lack of B12 causes dryness and slows down healing, she explains.
      “A vitamin C deficiency can also cause chapped lips, but this is rarer since most diets contain the recommended daily intake of vitamin C,” adds Dr Rodney.
      Treat it: Through a blood test, your doctor will be able to determine what your exact vitamin deficiency is and prescribe necessary supplements (or suggest dietary adjustments) if you require them. If you’re lacking in B12, a B12 or B complex supplement can help get your levels back on track over time.
      10. You’re having an allergic reaction or irritant contact dermatitis
      An allergic reaction won’t only cause peeling, but also diffuse redness and swelling around the lips, says Dr Day. An allergic reaction is usually also itchy, rather than scaly. It could be caused by ingredients in your makeup, skincare, or even your toothpaste. “Cinnamic acid or cinnamon derivatives are a common allergen in toothpaste that people can get irritated lips from,” explains Dr. Friedman.
      Irritant contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is caused by friction on the lips, brought on by metal mouth implants like retainers. “Metal implants or various composites of dental implants can be a chronic source of lip peeling,” notes Dr Friedman.
      Treat it: A topical steroid or oral medication will usually do the trick for either issue.
      11. You have lichen planus
      Lichen planus is an inflammatory skin condition. It usually shows itself in the form of itchy, purple bumps on the body. “But it can also appear on the lips,” says Dr Friedman. And when it does, it usually shows up as purple or brownish cracked areas on the lips.
      Treat it: A prescribed anti-inflammatory or topical steroid will help.
      12. You have paraneoplastic pemphigus
      This is a *very* rare condition, but we’re covering all the bases here! Paraneoplastic pemphigus is an “autoimmune blistering disease associated with underlying cancer,” says Dr Friedman. While it can appear in the form of a skin rash, the hallmark of this condition is erosive oral disease. Ttalk to your doc if you think your lips are showing signs of something more serious and blistering. With this particular condition, your lips will typically crack open and bleed, causing sores, redness, and swelling around the mouth.
      Treat it: If you are diagnosed, your doctor will likely prescribe steroids and topical antibiotic ointment for the actual skin lesions and blisters and guide you through any other treatment necessary to address the underlying cancer if there is a malignancy. More

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      The Holy Grail Treatment That Has Made My Sore Muscles Disappear

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      While I’ve had quite the run of working out from home (thanks to Obé Fitness and a well-stocked cabinet of workout gear), since I got back in the gym, my workouts have been a complete step above. I’m lifting heavier, going longer, needing fewer breaks—to say I’m thriving would be an understatement. But what comes with harder, more intense workouts? Feeling sore AF. I won’t complain that my body feels sore from my workouts because we all know that bittersweet feeling that we actually accomplished something when we wake up with shaky legs after a day of heavy squats or a long run. But when you get really sore, it can make even the simplest of tasks (like sitting on the toilet) feel like the most laborious chore.
      If you’re looking for a quick fix, massaging your body with a gua sha tool is probably the highest on the list, and it’s the only method I’ve found useful for both relieving and preventing soreness. 
      Gua sha is the act of scraping at the skin to promote circulation. “Gua means ‘scrape’ and Sha means ‘petechiae’ (tiny, flat red or purple spots) in Chinese,” said Dr. Ervina Wu, PhD, LAc, co-founder of YINA. “It’s commonly used in Chinese medicine to scrape the skin (mostly on the upper back) to invigorate blood flow, release heat-toxins, stimulate lymphatic drainage, activate various points of the body, and stimulate an immune response bringing helpful cells to the area.” If you haven’t tried it yourself (likely with a jade or rose quartz stone on your face), you’ve probably seen it on TikTok labeled as a natural way to sculpt and massage your face. It’s been used in ancient Chinese civilizations for centuries to bring out redness and treat ailments all over the body, using sharper objects like coins or scrapers. In Western culture, we’ve seen jade and rose quartz-shaped stones to lightly massage the face, moving around lymphatic drainage and sculpting the face.
      However, most of us are forgetting that one of the best ways to utilize our gua sha tools is on the body. I’ve added body gua sha to my nightly routine for the last two months. Here’s how I use it, what I use, and the Equilibria CBD products that have totally changed my gua sha routine.

      In this article

      Meet the expert
      Dr. Ervina Wu, PhD, LAc
      DOCTOR OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, FOUNDER OF YINA
      Dr. Ervina Wu is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and registered TCM Dermatologist and the founder of YINA, a beauty and wellness brand by two AAPI founders and doctors.

      Using Gua Sha With CBD
      When I want to really help my sore muscles, I pair a gua sha body massage with Equilibria’s CBD products, specifically the Relief Balm and Daily Treatment Oil. To get the gua sha moving around the skin, you always have to apply some kind of slippery product so you’re not tugging at your skin, and opting for CBD doubles the sore muscle-fighting powers. The Relief Cream is already my favorite product from Equilibria for relieving menstrual cramp pain and treating migraines, but it quite possibly works its best when used for sore muscles. It massages very deeply into your skin, and you can almost immediately feel it making a difference. When I use it with a gua sha stone, it glides beautifully. The stone itself is great for massaging the skin and relieving some of that soreness, but the Relief Balm actually feels like it’s taking away the soreness rather than just treating it.
      When I don’t use the Relief Cream, I’ll use the Daily Treatment Oil. Since my soreness is pretty prevalent right now, I’m trying to use my gua sha every other night before bed in my nighttime routine, and for the sheer sake of saving every last drop of my Relief Balm, I turn to this oil for everyday treatment. It’s a lot lighter obviously, so it goes a long way. A tiny bit of this covers practically my entire body. It’s definitely not as strong as the Relief Balm, but for an everyday massage, it still makes a bigger difference than using a regular body oil. The added benefit of this oil is that it makes my skin feel so soft and supple after I use it. I haven’t even been using my usual body lotions since I added this to my routine.

      Source: Equilibria

      Shop My Favorite Gua Sha Tools

      Bian Stone Body Gua Sha Tool
      This is the body gua sha I’ve been using, and it’s a game-changer. Don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to invest in a bigger gua sha to use on your body if you already have a stone you love for your face. But I love the rippled edge on this and also love that it’s a little bit bigger than a gua sha stone you’d use on your face so you can cover a lot more surface area in one swipe. Plus, it was developed by doctors of Chinese medicine and the brand’s founders are AAPI, and when buying a product that is so focused on a practice in Chinese culture, it’s important to support them.

      Gua Sha Body Scraping Tool
      For a less expensive alternative that you can use to really get into your muscles (especially your legs and calves for runners), this stainless steel tool will be your best friend.

      Benefits of Body Gua Sha
      I’ve seen so many benefits since I added this practice to my nighttime routine. “Gua Sha is especially effective at relieving muscular tension and breaking down fascia adhesions, [making it] perfect for those with tight muscles, sluggish circulation, and tech necks,” Dr. Wu said. Here’s what I’ve experienced so far:

      Better Sleep

      Because I do my body gua sha at night, I feel so relaxed that I fall asleep easier. But what I really love is how much deeper, longer, and more comfortably I sleep after using gua sha. Because I’ve relieved some of the tension in my muscles, I’m not tossing and turning all night trying to find a comfortable way to sleep.

      Softer Skin

      Thanks to my nighttime oil from Equilibria, my skin feels softer and smoother. It’s a reminder to use a moisturizing oil before bed, when I otherwise would scroll on my phone and avoid spending some extra time on myself, and my skin is thanking me for it. 

      Less Soreness Over Time

      Using gua sha on my sore muscles has actually made me get less sore over time. Because the gua sha increases circulation to those areas, they heal faster and are more prepared to recover on their own after a workout.

      Releases Tightness

      The gua sha massage breaks up tension because you’re massaging out those muscles and moving that lymphatic drainage around your body. When I use it on sore muscles, I notice an immediate difference: Those muscles feel energized and recovered. Dr. Wu also suggested trying gua sha on your legs and ankles for long flights to reduce swelling or keeping it at your desk to relieve shoulder tension, text thumbs, and achy keyboard hands. 

      More Relaxed Nighttime Routine

      Rather than feeling the scaries or anxiety before starting my night routine, I feel relaxed and excited to get into my gua sha massage.

      If you’re pregnant or menstruating, you should avoid using gua sha on your abdomen. If you tend to bruise or are on blood thinners, Dr. Wu recommended using lighter pressure. Also, you should avoid broken skin, wounds, scrapes, and any sensitive areas. 

      Source: Stocksy

      How Often Should You Gua Sha?
      You can gua sha anywhere from daily to once or twice a week. When I first started, I was only doing it as needed when my muscles felt a little sore, but I’ve started doing it just about every night before bed and have noticed the most results that way.

      How to Gua Sha on Your Body
      You can gua sha your entire body or just the areas you’re feeling sore and tight. Here’s my routine:
      Apply Relief Cream or Treatment Oil to my skin. I do this section by section so the oils don’t absorb into the skin before I can make it to that area. I don’t rub this in too much—just enough to get it spread out.
      Start at the top of your body and go down the rest from there. You can even gua sha your scalp like you’re combing your hair to feel extra relaxed. Follow this by doing your neck, chest, arms, abdomen, legs, and feet. Don’t forget the soles of your feet, ankles, and palms of the hands. According to Dr. Wu, you should move to another area once it starts to turn pink or warm. 
      Start with minimal pressure, and tailor your experience using all sides of the gua sha. When I want something more intense, I’ll use one of the sharp edges. When I want a larger surface area, I use the longest edge. My gua sha has a rippled edge as well, which I like to use on bigger muscle areas, like the tops of my arms, the shins, hamstrings, and top of the back.
      Do anywhere from 10-20 swipes for each section. This is pretty intuitive, so I focus on where I need the massage most and what feels most effective for me.
      Finish the massage by running your hands over each area, rubbing in any excess oil or balm.
      If you experience any redness from your gua sha, that’s normal! Especially if you use a firmer pressure, gua sha can bring up lots of redness and inflammation in the body, but it should go away in a few hours.

      This post is sponsored by Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      12 of the best hair salons in Dubai

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      Whether you’re looking for a totally new look, simple cut or an amazing blowout, you always want to ensure you look your best.With that, these hair salons in Dubai are sure to make the cut (no pun intended…) with their exemplary services offered.Willow Lane Having only opened in October 2020, British-owned salon Willow Lane has already built up an impressive clientele for itself. This Instagrammable salon, located in JLT Cluster C, provides an array of services including hair, nails, lashes, brows, waxing and more and is the ideal place to give yourself a little TLC. The salon also comes complete with a coffee and juice bar. Also keeping in mind that many people are on the go working at different times of the day, Willow Lane has its very own ‘Work from Salon’ room, dedicated to those needing laptop time whilst getting their hair done. Clients are given their own laptop rest and are free to take calls in peace from the rest of the hustle and bustle of the salon.To book contact the salon on +971 52 584 8201. Pastels SalonThis award-winning hair, beauty, nail and spa salon offers the complete works with a friendly yet professional atmosphere so you can relax yet be confident enough to leave the salon with beautiful show-stopping hair with state-of-the-art styling areas and treatment rooms for some of the most covetable looks each season.For more information visit pastels-salon.comSisters Beauty LoungeWith a comprehensive menu that provides a holistic approach to hair and beauty, the salon continues to provide bespoke treatments for customers to get the most from their time. With a world of luxury pampering, Sisters Beauty Lounge is located at seven different locations around Dubai and Abu Dhabi. They deliver world-class services including haircuts, spas, manicures and much more in interiors that exude elegance.For more information visit sistersbeautylounge.comNStyle Beauty LoungeFor every modern woman that wants to be treated in style, this ultimate beauty destination offers a luxurious environment using the highest quality services while adhering to all the hygiene standards.For more information visit nstyleintl.comLaloge Beauty SalonOffering a luxurious atmosphere for all your beauty needs, Laloge delivers services according to each client’s desires to allow their distinctive features to shine. From professionally delivered services to a comfortable experience, each client always comes back for more, whether haircare, makeup, nails or simply a massage.For more information visit laloge.comTrevor SorbieWith its first branch in the entire Middle East opened in The Dubai Mall’s fashion avenue extension last year, this ladies-only salon has been equipped with 20 styling sections along with a separate lounge for refreshments, beauty treatments and a one-stop location for all your beauty treatments.For more information visit trevorsorbie.comCHALKThe first of its kind hair salon that offers services for creative thinkers, rebels and an exclusive set of tailored services for the ultimate pampering experience. This home-grown UAE concept is located at Alserkal Avenue in a lively atmosphere while offering quality services in interiors with a minimal aesthetic for something a bit edgier and is open from 9am to 9pm daily.For more information visit chalk.aeMane Salon DubaiNestled in the heart of Jumeirah Lake Towers, this sophisticated haven is known for its calm interiors complemented with a host talented hairdressers in the industry. Whether a fresh blowout or a new hair colour look, the team is expertly trained to use techniques in order to achieve a look that’s exclusive to you. It’s open daily from 9am to 7pm in cluster N, JLTFor more information visit manehairandbeauty.comThat Hair Tho – THTFrom bold whimsical nails to exclusive treatments for hair, nails, brows, lashes and more, the salon offers a range of vegan treatments that help you look the absolute best version of yourself with fun surroundings to let you enjoy yourself while being treated. Besides being closed on Sunday, the salon is open from 10am to 9pm daily and 9am to 8am on Friday.For more information visit thathairtho.meJetSet Hair SalonPicture perfect hair has never been such a must-have! Located at Grosvenor House and Emirates Tower, this is salon is the perfect after-work haven offering a range of treatments to transform you completely as you relish some well-deserving treatments after a long day.For more information visit jetsetuae.comSnob SalonFounded by former beauty editor Haneen Odeh, you know you’re going to get the best of the best. Located in the heart of Jumeirah, Snob is a full-service ladies salon that offers hair, nails, waxing and more. With a chic interior featuring millennial pink and soft mint colours, you’ll feel totally relaxed in this space when pampering yourself.For more information visit snob.ae. Salon InkFounded by Australian hairdressing duo Kelly Cyndrowski and Sharon Anderson, Salon Ink has been firmly on the Dubai scene for over 13 years. With an extensive team, it’s the place to go for hair, nails, facials and other beauty treatments.For more information visit salonink.com.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram, Feature Image: Willow Lane More

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      in health and weelbeing

      The Amazon Products Our Editors Bought and Loved This Month

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      Me: “I need to stop buying things on Amazon.” Also me: *hits “Add To Cart” for the fourth time today* 
      What can I say… I’m a sucker for two-day shipping, having everything I could possibly need on one website, and being able to stock up on my favorite essential/not-so-essential items without having to leave the comfort of my bed. But with a quick review of my ever-growing list of great Amazon finds, I am reassured and once again question, “Why ruin a good thing?” 
      This month, I surveyed some trusted Amazon stans (my fellow coworkers) to bring you all some of the best Amazon finds that we treated ourselves to this month. From chic furry slipper slides to resistance bands that’ll help you get fit AF, we’ve got your next impulsive “Add To Cart” moment covered. 

      Water Resistant Tote
      I really wanted a medium-sized tote bag that I could bring around to all of my summer activities—whether that be a picnic, a day of running errands, a trip to the beach, or something where I might need a quick change of clothes. I scoured Amazon for far too long before landing on this one, but it has been everything I was looking for. It’s perfect for packing up a picnic blanket, book, snacks, and wine, and it’s easy to carry on my shoulder. I got it in a solid light purple color, but there are tons of cute colors and patterns available.
      — Jessica, Junior Graphic Designer

      Tub Stopper
      As someone who lives in an apartment, I don’t have the luxury of a super fancy bathtub where I can take the baths that I dream about. However, I did want to be able to take baths in general, but my tub does not have a way to stop the drain. I did a quick search on Amazon to find something that could plug the drain and found these, which have thousands of five-star reviews. They work great and are perfect for apartment-dwellers like me.
      — Jessica, Junior Graphic Designer

      Clear Shoe Organizers
      I kept my shoes on a rack in my closet for YEARS. My shoes collected dust like no one’s business, the rack always fell apart, and I was stuck in an endless cycle of organizing my shoes on the rack, getting annoyed, just tossing them in the closet, and then reorganizing. I finally decided to do something about it and got these clear shoe boxes from Amazon. They stack neatly and open from the front, so my shoes stay dust-free AND it’s super easy to keep them organized. I’m very much not exaggerating when I say these shoe boxes are my favorite quarantine purchase.
      — Garri, Managing Editor

      Laptop Lap Desk
      Listen: I love my desk. I have a small vase I put flowers in, a bunch of little knick-knacks, a sweet monitor setup, and a light I can set to any color I choose. But I probably only sit there about 60 percent of my work day. I like to migrate. I’ll sit at my dining table, in my reading chair, on my couch, wherever the wind takes me. I had been wanting a lap desk for quite some time and finally decided to just go for it. I truly don’t know why I waited so long, but this lap desk seriously makes my days so much better. I no longer have to deal with my laptop overheating on my lap and it also has a nifty holder I can put my phone in so I don’t constantly lose it between couch cushions or in the black hole that is my favorite chair.
      — Garri, Managing Editor

      Scuba Slide Sandal
      When I tell you that I did some serious damage beefing up my summer wardrobe this month, I mean it. I purged old items I didn’t want and made a list of what I wanted to replace, and one of the items on that list was poolside slides that I could wear while running errands during the summertime. I originally found these slides on DSW’s website where they didn’t have my size but luckily, Amazon pulled through and had the exact same pair in the correct size in stock. They’re wildly comfortable and will be the perfect go-to slide for short walks around town and when I’m chilling at the beach or pool.
      — Ashley, Contributing Writer

      Pasta Bowls
      Are you really an adult if you don’t have every type of bowl under the sun? Under this theory, up until a month ago, I wasn’t. My previous go-to bowls were a lot deeper but, at the same time, pretty damn small. AKA, mixing my salads in said bowl was a nightmare (picture: shreds of kale and sweet potatoes hopping out without warning) while my surface area for cheese on my pasta was little to none. I didn’t know that I needed these bowls so much until I actually started using them. They’re shallow but have a larger diameter, which makes them the perfect plate/bowl combo I didn’t even know I needed.
      — Ashley, Contributing Writer

      Workout Top
      I was inspired by our editor Ashley and my newfound appreciation for the one-piece workout top to try this, and I am loving it so far. I don’t have time to grab a sports bra AND a top before I do a workout, but I really don’t feel comfortable just wearing a sports bra (beyond the body image of it all, it’s just annoying to constantly pull down!). This solves all of those issues while looking really cute, and it just so happens I already had leggings in a few of these colors, so they look like sets!
      — Beth, Beauty Content Manager

      Rolling Laundry Cart
      I just moved to a new unit in my apartment building, which is a high-rise with a big laundry room on the top floor. In my previous apartment, I had the ratty, old hamper I’d used for years that made me never want to walk upstairs to do my laundry. And I mean it… never. So when I moved, I knew I had to opt for something that would be easy to take up and down, even if I had a hefty amount of clothes in it. Plus, my closet is totally visible, so I needed it to look somewhat presentable. I opted for this because the wheels would be easy to pull down the hallways, and I was right! I’ve done my laundry more in the last month than I did in the last six at my old place. Success.
      — Beth, Beauty Content Manager

      SweatBlock Deodorant Lotion
      Summer is my least favorite season for one reason, and one reason only. Once the temperature creeps above 75 degrees my entire body melts into a sweaty mess reminiscent of the 1980s classic character Swamp Thing. I’ve tried really cute solutions like body powder or deodorizing sprays to no avail. One thing that HAS shown promise is an aptly named body deodorant called Man Parts. It’s a talc-free lotion-to-powder formula that you can apply… wherever. Initial results have been strong, but I’ll have a better sense of how it performs when Manhattan returns to sweat lodge status in August. Note: Apparently they make a “Lady Parts” version, but I’ve already committed.
      — Elle, CFO/COO

      Letter Print Tee
      This oversized boxy tee is the perfect dupe for an Anine Bing tee. Anine, if you’re reading this just know I find you impossibly chic, but I have a mortgage. Bonus: this shirt feels nicer than your standard $20 tee, so it feels like a great value. As for sizing, they mean it when they call it oversized. I would say for a slightly-loose-tuck-in-your-jeans moment, go true to size. If you want an oversized-halfway-to-your-knees-TikTok-youth moment, go up a size.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      Jolly Egg
      I saw this toy on TikTok and immediately purchased it. Like all good TikTok trends it was sold out and I had to wait a few weeks for it to come in. If you’re in the same position when you click over, let me just affirm that IT IS WORTH THE WAIT.
      So, what makes this dog toy so special? The hard plastic material and shape means that if you purchase the correct size, it’s impossible for them to pick up—but that doesn’t stop them from trying. Our 16lb dog goes nuts chasing it across the floor and we have to eventually take it away so she doesn’t collapse from exhaustion. The only downside? It’s incredibly loud. Not the kind of toy you want them playing with if you’re on a zoom call in the other room. But if a little noise doesn’t bother you, 30 minutes can equal complete exhaustion so afterwards you can watch Real Housewives in peace.
      We purchased the medium and have been over the moon with it, but I don’t know that bigger dogs (90lb Labrador size) would have the same enjoyment with this toy since they could potentially fit their mouth around it which defeats the fun of not being able to pick it up. Most of the dogs I saw loving it on TikTok were Goldendoodles, so I can confirm this is worthwhile entertainment for small to medium breeds. If you have a large dog, I’d advise reading the reviews thoroughly.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      The Laundress Fabric Fresh
      The most simple description of this product is “bougie bitch Febreeze”. The bougie aspect comes from the scent which is a light clean laundry smell that’s not overly-chemical like other fabric refreshers. Yes, it’s a light scent but I personally think that’s what makes it fancy lady and not air freshener explosion. I like to spray it on sheets before guests arrive, on a shirt that I probably shouldn’t be rewearing for the fourth time, or on our couch when I can tell our dogs have been lounging on it.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      Jute Beach Tote
      We are frequent beach goers in the summer, so I purchases this as an upgraded tote to take with me. It’s very cute and incredibly easy to get sand out of. I also just appreciate any item that makes me look put together when I’ve been sweating and swimming. I went with the large and it’s definitely smaller than our normal beach bag that can hold supplies for multiple people. This is very much a one human bag or a two low-maintenance human bag. Alas, I am one high-maintenance lady so I use it as more of a purse replacement than a large catchall. I would also be worried about overfilling it because the construction is on par for the under $20 price.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      Queen Beach Cup Holder with Pocket
      Speaking of the beach, these are another favorite at my house. They may look like a simple cupholder, but the size and spot for your cellphone make these revolutionary for a day in the sand. I don’t know why Amazon insists on selling them in a six pack, but it does give you backups for when your friends inevitably swipe one because they love it as much as you.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      Loctite Mounting Putty
      I cannot speak to the mounting quality of this putty because I use it to clean my Airpods. Yes, you read that correctly. Without getting too graphic, you warm the putty up in your hands and then roll it over the speaker part of your Airpod. It magically pulls out the dirt and earwax in those tiny spots that you can’t get with a wipe. The magic can only be compared to the Oxyclean commercials that would run at every ad break when you were home sick from school and watching daytime television. I’ve since used it to clean out my cellphone charging port and it works just as well.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      FAVORITES FROM LAST MONTH

      Motivational Water Bottle
      Other than coffee, my Brita filter is the only beverage source I regularly keep in my fridge. My water intake has never really been a problem, exactly, but I wanted to make sure I was drinking at least two liters each day, rather than sipping on the same glass for hours at a time and forgetting to refill. Enter: one of my favorite recent purchases. I love having this bottle to help keep me accountable and, most importantly, hydrated.
      — Garri, Managing Editor

      Fabric Resistance Bands
      Fabric resistance bands have been on my “to buy” list since I hastily ran to the nearest Target at the beginning of the pandemic looking for workout equipment. I snatched up a set of rubber resistance bands and a pair of pink dumbbells, ready to adapt my workout routine for the stay-at-home order. Unfortunately, I realized almost right away the rubber booty bands weren’t going to cut it. After approximately one (1) use, I knew I simply could not deal with them constantly rolling up during my workouts. After not touching them for a year, I finally upgraded to these fabric bands and I could not be happier. The fabric prevents them from rolling up in the middle of my workouts and I love the different resistance levels. Bonus: they also come with a small case to help keep your workout-from-home setup organized.
      — Garri, Managing Editor

      Marble Foam Roller
      One of my most fatal flaws in life is that, despite knowing the benefits of foam rolling, I avoid it like the plague. Part of the reason that I dislike it is that, after an hour or more at the gym, I don’t necessarily want to stick around for an extra 20 minutes to get the job done. Before this purchase, I didn’t have one for myself and, naturally, I sustained a minor injury to my right hip that kept me from my gym routine for a few days. And what did my physical therapist urge me to do? Rest, foam roll, and let my body heal. So, I opened my Amazon app, pulled the trigger on this cute, apartment-friendly, marble-colored foam roller, and am vowing to make foam rolling a priority in my future routine.
      — Ashley, Contributing Writer

      No Slip Claw Clip
      I finally hopped on the rebirth of these claw clips and, let me tell you: These ones boast the perfect size, color assortment, and grip. I almost always have one in my hair and it’s the quickest way to pull myself together before any Zoom meeting or Trader Joe’s run.
      — Ashley, Contributing Writer

      Rectangle Retro Sunglasses
      Spring is finally here and after a few months of gloomy skies, I’m looking forward to sunny days ahead. This season, I’m opting for these super trendy sunnies that are impressively affordable. If there’s one lesson that I’ve learned after about 15 times of making the same mistake, it’s that designer sunnies and I just don’t mix. Cue me sitting directly on my Ray-Bans, hearing a devastating crunch, and stating, “This is why we can’t have nice things.” If any damage is done to these Amazon ones, I won’t feel as much shame because 1) they come in a pack of two and 2) they are inexpensive AF.
      — Ashley, Contributing Writer

      Athletic Running Shorts
      I have never been a huge fan of shorts and that dislike also applied to exercise shorts until I ordered these. Not only do they not pinch me anywhere but they truly do not ride up! The longer layer compression piece stays put while the outer layer is a bit flowier so you don’t feel hugged in any of the wrong places. I was extra excited to see that the tech pocket in the compression shorts held my phone in place without any discomfort. Win-win in my book and 5 stars for these shorts.
      — Ally, Chief of Sales and Marketing

      Straw Visor
      With warm weather upon us and the damaging effects of my teen years spent in a tanning bed rearing its ugly head, this visor checks all of the boxes for me in my quest to achieve sun safety this season. I love the packable feature (it rolls in the tiniest crease-free ball), the wide brim that fully covers my entire face, and the sweet bow detail at the back makes it feel more grand millennial vs. plain granny. If you are looking to keep the sun off of your face without the consequence of hat head this visor is for you!
      — Ally, Chief of Sales and Marketing

      Facial Massage Ice Roller
      I’ve always been obsessed with ice rolling the face for a variety of benefits. After a good ice rolling, my skin immediately looks glowier, less puffy, and I swear my pores seem smaller (oh, and any breakouts seem less noticeable too). Plus, I love using a roller on my neck and shoulders to relieve any neck tension and help with headaches. Sure I already had an ice roller, but when I saw this one that was way cuter (and super affordable) I knew it was time for an upgrade. Plus, the hinges don’t freeze like with other ice rollers I have, so even if you keep it in the freezer 24/7, it will still roll easily.
      — Josie, Wellness Content Manager

      Furry Slipper Slides
      Full disclosure: I have very few shoes that slip on. My closet is full of booties, sneakers, or even lace-up sandals, but I have never owned many slip-on shoes. As soon as slides became cool again, I knew I had to invest in a pair, both for fashion and my own convenience. There is no shoe better for running errands or taking the dog outside (AKA grabbing the leash and running when you know it’s an emergency). I stumbled upon these of-the-moment trendy slides with fur and I knew I had to have them. They are now officially my go-to pair of shoes for any OOTD or occasion, and they’re under $20, which means I got them in multiple colors.
      — Josie, Wellness Content Manager

      Neoprene Dumbbell
      I first purchased these weights in the 10 lb. variation in the middle of a workout when I realized I would absolutely perish if I didn’t get a new set of weights, and these were practically the only 10 lb. weights available on the Internet. Then a few weeks later, I ordered the 2 lb. set to use in pilates, barre, and yoga sculpt classes. I can’t say too much about these because they are simply weights, but they’re hella affordable and actually available to ship for the first time in one full year.
      — Beth, Beauty Content Manager

      16-Piece Cookware Set
      When I moved into my first apartment, I was all about budget. I bought the absolute cheapest version of every single thing someone might need because I was in college and had approximately $76 to my name at all times. Well, this past January, I realized I somehow was still using the cheapest pots and pans known to man, three years later. I found these on Amazon (admittedly because I was looking for pink pots and pans), and I love them. They were still quite budget-friendly for how many pieces it comes with, but the quality is eons better than what I was using before. I also love the colorful look—it gives me an excuse to leave pots and pans on my stove at all times in the name of ~aesthetics~ instead of pure laziness.
      — Beth, Beauty Content Manager

      Dishwasher Magnet
      For some reason, we’ve all just accepted that if you live with another human then you’ll constantly find yourself asking (or being asked) if the dishes in the dishwasher are clean or dirty. I spotted this $7 find at a friend’s house, and even after pressing purchase I had a pang of guilt that this wasn’t really needed. Well, five months later and I am ready to shout my love for this little gadget from the rooftops. It comes in black or silver so it blends seamlessly in with your appliances which helps it look more expensive than it is.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      Adhesive Mount Cabinet Storage Organizer
      You can also file this purchase under “lame things that make me incredibly happy”. My husband and I live in a historic home with approximately one closet, no pantry, and limited cabinets. This means we have to get incredibly creative with our storage solutions. Even though I’ve already done the full Home Edit treatment on most of our house, these little containers are a new touch of happiness for me. They have adhesive strips so you can add them to almost any cabinet or door. I added one under the sink for dishwasher pods and the second close to where we keep our vacuum cleaner so I could easily access the charging cord and attachments. After only a week with them, I got back on Amazon and bought three more sets.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief

      Mini Dress with Ruffle Sleeves
      I live in the south so summer is absolutely BRUTAL. Until November 1, you just accept that you’ll be covered in sweat anytime you leave the comfort of air conditioning. When I saw this dress on Jacey Duprie’s instagram a few weeks ago, I immediately added it to my cart. It hits my most important qualifications for summer clothing: light fabric, loose fit, hides sweat, and looks like you’re dressed up but with maximum comfort. I’m a size 8, so I ordered a medium (the size range listed for medium was 8-10) and I found it to fit perfectly loose. If you’re more on the small/medium size (like a 6-8), I would suggest sizing down as the dress has little to no shape. Some of the reviews note that it can be a bit short, so if you’re taller than 5ft 6 in, diligently check the dimensions before purchasing. Let’s be real: this is a $27 potato sack dress from Amazon. I’m not here to tell you it’s high quality by any means. But it’s easy to throw on with a pair of sandals and I’ll likely purchase this in a few more colors.
      — Allyson, Editor-in-Chief More