Keepin’ It Classy: $90 Off Lisa Curran’s Chic (Not Skimpy) Swimwear
Just because it’s swimsuit season doesn’t mean you have to resort to a barely-there bikini. Don’t get us wrong — you…Read More
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The Solution To Achieving The Ultimate Beach Body Is Simpler Than You Think
Deviating from their usual barrage of snark, Gawker ran a story yesterday about a topic that we've all been beating to death: beach bodies. However, instead of the usual exercises, diet switch-ups, and hair and makeup tips, they've provided advice that's a whole lot easier on your nerves: Do nothing.
No exfoliating your dull spots or juicing off five pounds. No week-long gym marathons before your weekend at the beach, or cutting all the fun out of your meals for a month. Just. Do. Nothing. The reasoning behind this is simple: No matter what you look like, as long as you're not allergic to a little sun and water, anyone can enjoy the beach (and whoever's judging you while you're having fun is a big ol' asshole). Going to the gym, eating healthy, and all that grooming should be part of your lifestyle anyway, and not a last-minute effort to fit in, shoreside. "Never let some asshole tell you you're not beautiful enough to have fun." Amen! (Gawker)
Cellulite Solutions — Oh Yeah, We Went There
Orange peel, cottage cheese—call it what you will, but cute descriptors alone don’t sugar coat the fact that the vast majority of women (almost 90 percent) have some degree of jiggle in the thighs and hindquarters. Yes, we’re talking about cellulite, that corporeal scourge that affects women — not men, jerks — and all the evidence you need to prove that the fairer sex is the butt (literally) of one big cosmic joke. Both lean and full-figured ladies exhibit the trademark lumps and bumps, which is your first clue that diet alone doesn’t determine the amount of dimpling you’ll get. No, that honor goes to your mother and genetic destiny.
“Cellulite affects so many women, you can almost say it’s normal,” says Neil Schultz, a Manhattan dermatologist and the creator and host of DermTV. The cause of all the puckering: the fat that pokes through the connective bands (called fibrous septae) that run between the skin and muscles. Think of the buttons on a chesterfield; the fibrous septae are the anchors, while the stuffing (fat cells) push through any open apertures.
So, now to the bad news: Despite all the marketing hoopla, there is no permanent cure for cellulite — yet. But there are plenty of temporary fixes that (briefly) improve its appearance. The results may be modest and the changes minimal, but for many of us, we’ll take what we can get. Before investing in any gizmos, gunk, or procedures, take the time to ferret out the regimen proven to deliver the biggest dent to your dimples. Fortunately for you, we've done the hard part for you and scored all the deets on the latest skin-smoothing treatments. From a handheld body buffer to an in-office machine all the derms are raving about, read on to learn what works and what's just a waste of money.
“Cellulite affects so many women, you can almost say it’s normal,” says Neil Schultz, a Manhattan dermatologist and the creator and host of DermTV. The cause of all the puckering: the fat that pokes through the connective bands (called fibrous septae) that run between the skin and muscles. Think of the buttons on a chesterfield; the fibrous septae are the anchors, while the stuffing (fat cells) push through any open apertures.
So, now to the bad news: Despite all the marketing hoopla, there is no permanent cure for cellulite — yet. But there are plenty of temporary fixes that (briefly) improve its appearance. The results may be modest and the changes minimal, but for many of us, we’ll take what we can get. Before investing in any gizmos, gunk, or procedures, take the time to ferret out the regimen proven to deliver the biggest dent to your dimples. Fortunately for you, we've done the hard part for you and scored all the deets on the latest skin-smoothing treatments. From a handheld body buffer to an in-office machine all the derms are raving about, read on to learn what works and what's just a waste of money.
Get In Shape For Summer With This Trainer-Approved Cheat Sheet
Are you months overdue on starting that New Year’s workout regimen? Well, don’t freak out just yet. Sure, the new-year-new-you ship may have sailed, but it isn’t too late to bust your booty just in time for the fast-approaching beach days, outdoor soirées, and pool hangs—trust. The upcoming months are chock-full of festivities that require a lot fewer layers, so you’re going to need to update more than just your wardrobe. It really snuck up on us, no?
So, to help get your physique looking fly, well, on the fly—we turned to celeb trainer and fitness connoisseur Stephanie Vitorino at Equinox. She’s offering up seriously easy-peasy moves to get the exercise ball rolling on our new rock-hard bod plan. Ready to get your heart rate going? Here are 16 workouts you can do right at home to get you in tip-top shape, stat. Plus, she’s thrown in a few healthy eating and living tips for good measure. So, basically, we worked out with a trainer so you don't have to. Ready, set, sweat.
Photographed by Miha Matei
So, to help get your physique looking fly, well, on the fly—we turned to celeb trainer and fitness connoisseur Stephanie Vitorino at Equinox. She’s offering up seriously easy-peasy moves to get the exercise ball rolling on our new rock-hard bod plan. Ready to get your heart rate going? Here are 16 workouts you can do right at home to get you in tip-top shape, stat. Plus, she’s thrown in a few healthy eating and living tips for good measure. So, basically, we worked out with a trainer so you don't have to. Ready, set, sweat.
Photographed by Miha Matei
Juice Cleanses: Fad Or For Real?
Every few years, a new wellness trend comes down the pipeline and suddenly everyone and their mother is on board. Remember the açai days? Or Atkins mania? Some of these health crazes have some actual science behind them, so they stick around for more than a hot second, while others blaze bright only to fizzle out underneath the harsh scrutiny of a fickle public.
Our latest obsession is the juice cleanse and it's one of the most polarizing wellness trends yet. For those of you who have managed to escape the deluge of magazine editorials and blog posts, a juice cleanse consists of giving up soild food in favor of drinking fruit and vegetable juices for a series of days. The goal behind a cleanse is to reset your system and flush out any toxic build-up in your livers and kidneys.
One of the major questions posed by detractors is if our bodies actually need a cleanse. According to Meg Richichi, an integrative women's health practitioner, that answer is a resounding yes. "In 2003,The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York conducted a study with the Environmental Working Group on the toxins found within the fetal umbilical blood. This study sadly indicates that most Americans have stored measurable levels of six major toxin groups that have been linked to everything from type 2 diabetes to cancer," she says. "As I say to clients considering a detox — when the pool is murky, it's time to clean out the filters!"
But while Richichi says cleansing can be good for you, that doesn't mean they are all created equal. "Over the last 75 years, juice cleanses have been highly regarded as a simple and effective way to clear the body of toxins that can lead to an array of symptoms ranging from fatigue and headaches, to skin conditions like psoriasis. But the latest research has shown some major flaws in this approach. I don't endorse juice detoxes beyond a few days — being on a juice cleanse for more than three days can significantly increase a wide variety of toxic symptoms, including headaches, gastro-intestinal problems, and skin breakouts. Unfortunately, most programs lack sufficient amounts of amino acids and enzyme-activating nutrients needed to excrete toxins from your body."
Photos: Via Ritual Cleanse, David Kirsch Wellness, Cooler Cleanse, Organic Avenue, The Juice Press
Is Not Shaving Your Armpits A Form Of Protest, Or Just Laziness?
There are few things that can cause a general response of revulsion quite like body hair, something an Irish grad student is learning firsthand after making the decision to let her body fuzz be au naturel. Emer O'Toole told
The Daily Mail
that she stopped shaving 18 months ago to protest the pressure on women to "adhere to artificial gender norms."
On the one hand, we applaud Emer for taking a stand against what she believes is the unfair expectation that women look a certain way, but on the other hand — and we're being totally honest here — all that furriness is really freaking us out. And we suppose that's the whole point. To recondition our understanding of beauty. But we just don't know if we could take that plunge ourselves. Sure, it'd be nice not to have to deal with the daily monotony of whipping out the razor, or the awkward experience of getting our below-the-belt follicles ripped out by a total stranger, but there's just something about smooth, fuzz-free skin that makes us feel slightly more well-kept and — we'll say it — hygienic. That can probably be attributed to some deep-seated gender conditioning regarding how a woman "should" look, but that doesn't change the fact that we just feel better after we've jettisoned all that extra fuzz.
That said, we don't think Emer deserves any of the vitriol that is being directed at her. Scrolling through the harsh comments, it's really depressing to us that the majority of the detractors appear to be female. Can't we all just get along? (The Daily Mail)
But you tell us: Is untamed body hair totally disgusting, or totally not anyone else's business?
Photo: Via The Daily Mail
On the one hand, we applaud Emer for taking a stand against what she believes is the unfair expectation that women look a certain way, but on the other hand — and we're being totally honest here — all that furriness is really freaking us out. And we suppose that's the whole point. To recondition our understanding of beauty. But we just don't know if we could take that plunge ourselves. Sure, it'd be nice not to have to deal with the daily monotony of whipping out the razor, or the awkward experience of getting our below-the-belt follicles ripped out by a total stranger, but there's just something about smooth, fuzz-free skin that makes us feel slightly more well-kept and — we'll say it — hygienic. That can probably be attributed to some deep-seated gender conditioning regarding how a woman "should" look, but that doesn't change the fact that we just feel better after we've jettisoned all that extra fuzz.
That said, we don't think Emer deserves any of the vitriol that is being directed at her. Scrolling through the harsh comments, it's really depressing to us that the majority of the detractors appear to be female. Can't we all just get along? (The Daily Mail)
But you tell us: Is untamed body hair totally disgusting, or totally not anyone else's business?
Photo: Via The Daily Mail
A Pressing Question For The FLOTUS: How'd You Get Those Guns?
Anyone with decent eyesight knows the First Lady has a rockin' bod — but now that it's almost beach season, we're paying closer attention than ever, trying to glean some tips to whip ourselves into equally good shape.
During a campaign trip to Las Vegas yesterday, Michelle Obama brought out the big guns — literally — in a black sleeveless top, and we're guessing that it takes more push-ups than we're willing to do to snag that physique. The First Lady divulged that her routine involves weights, jumping rope, and kickboxing, but we'd love a true step-by-step of those 4:30 a.m. workouts. What about you: Would you adopt the First Lady's fitness program? Or do you have a better way to get biceps like these? (Huffington Post)
9 Healthy Ways To Lose Those Last Few Pounds
We’re all about healthy self image here at R29, and we consider ourselves to be pretty satisfied with our bodies overall, but even the healthiest among us will admit to having trouble spots we wish were just a little more trim (hello love handles!). The problem is, if you are already pretty in shape to begin with, it can be so tough to lose those last few pounds — they don’t call it a plateau for nothing.
We wanted to see if there were any new, smart ways to rev up your system to ditch those last few lbs. for good, so we asked fitness expert David Barton and nutrition guru Dr. Oz Garcia to share some of their little-known tips for pushing your body past that weight-loss wall. From the best type of workout to outsmarting your appetite for overeating, read on for their best-kept diet and exercise secrets.
We wanted to see if there were any new, smart ways to rev up your system to ditch those last few lbs. for good, so we asked fitness expert David Barton and nutrition guru Dr. Oz Garcia to share some of their little-known tips for pushing your body past that weight-loss wall. From the best type of workout to outsmarting your appetite for overeating, read on for their best-kept diet and exercise secrets.
That Muffin Might Give You A Muffin Top: Get Skinny With A Smart Breakfast
Mom always told us that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, but as we've sped our way into the working world, we've become less concerned about the food pyramid in the a.m. and more focused on ensuring solid caffeination (and perhaps grabbing the occasional pastry). Sound familiar? Turns out, your busy morning schedule could totally be your downfall.According to the research of Richard Mattes, Ph.D., R.D, professor of nutrition science at Purdue University, what you eat in the morning could make or break your efforts not to scarf everything in sight later on in the day. A high-glycemic food in the morning (like that bagel) can make you hungry for hours, no matter what you eat for lunch. Awesome. So, what is safe? Foods that take longer to digest due to proteins or complex carbs. You might think you don't have time to eat healthily in the morning, but our friends at YouBeauty beg to differ — check them out for more info on why you need to choose your breakfast wisely, some delicious menu ideas, and more. (YouBeauty)
Image Via: YouBeauty
16 Hangover-Helper Beauty Cures For Post-Coachella Relief
Oh man. Who else is in all kinds of pain today? We joke that every Coachella ages us six years — and even though our inner hippie is currently pleased as (spiked) punch, our bodies are crying major mercy. There's no turning back now (no regrets, right?), but we can help you rewind the desert damage, Benjamin Button style.
Go from haggard to healed with a magical first-aid kit that'll banish bleary eyes, scaly skin, dark circles, and strung-out strands — in a flash. So, pound a Kombucha, crawl back to civilization, and start this regimen, stat. Happy rehabbing, and sayonara until next year!
Photo: Via iStock
Go from haggard to healed with a magical first-aid kit that'll banish bleary eyes, scaly skin, dark circles, and strung-out strands — in a flash. So, pound a Kombucha, crawl back to civilization, and start this regimen, stat. Happy rehabbing, and sayonara until next year!
Photo: Via iStock
Working Out And Addiction: The Scary Connection
Could being devoted to exercise make it harder for you to break an addiction? Researchers think so. A new study at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign injected mice with a chemical that tracks newly created brain cells and then divided them into two groups — sedentary and those that used running wheels. After thirty days, the mice were introduced to cocaine. All mice liked the drugs, but the researchers discovered that once exposing the sedentary mice to running wheels, it was easier for the rodents to kick their cocaine habit. In fact, they soon preferred running to the drugs. However, the active mice were not as lucky: they never lost their taste for cocaine.
Why? Researchers believe that exercise strongly affects learning. The mice that had been running from the start of the study had twice as many brain cells as the sedentary mice – and in this case, those brain cells had been used to form a cocaine addiction. “Fundamentally, the results are encouraging,” says Justin S. Rhodes, a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois and an author of the study. “Exercise improves associative learning.” The mice that started exercising after being introduced to cocaine learned to kick their habit with their new cells. This may be because of multiple studies that have suggested that exercise stimulates reward centers in the brain that can fill in for drug cravings. “It’s a no-brainer,” says Dr. Rhodes. “Exercise is good for you in almost every way.” (NYTimes)
Photographed by CJ Isaac
You Now No Longer Have To Kill A Whale To Smell Like One
Nothing like a spritz of whale puke on your wrists and neck to start your day. Thanks to a misleading name, many fragrance enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that ambergris, a major perfume component, doesn't come from a rock or a tree: it's found in the intestines of sperm whales. Our massive underwater friends vomit out said substance, where it floats around on the ocean until it’s found.Though freshly hurled ambergris is said to have a strong fecal scent (so alluring), after extended periods of time, it takes on a sweet, earthy scent. It's also commonly referred to as a fixative in fragrances: "With cheap perfumes, half an hour later all the good stuff is gone and it’s evaporated before the night gets interesting," says biologist Joerg Bohlmann. "Compounds like ambergris are able to retain fragrance on the skin in a complex form over a long period of time."
Besides the fact that ambergris is just straight-up gross sounding, what’s the big deal? First off, a measly kilogram of the pukey product can fetch up to $20,000 — and, since it’s so hard to find (the ocean’s a big place), searching for it could encourage poaching of an endangered species. To avert some of these issues, many fragrances now use a synthetic alternative to ambergris. Derived from balsam fir trees called cis-abienol, the creation of the pretend puke has been hit-or-miss in the past. However, researchers from the University of British Columbia have fixed this by digging deep into the genome of the fir tree to find the gene responsible for cis-abienol. This very cool technology can also be applied to other products that are dependent on limited natural resources, helping us save the environment and keep using the stuff we love.
Now we can smell delicious and inadvertently save the whales at the same time! We’re definitely behind that. (Ecomagination)
Photos: Via Ecomagination, Nordstrom
Say What? Yup, The Brozilian Is Exactly What You Think It Is
If you thought Tim Tebow hitting up the nail salon was whack, then you’re really going to be thrown by this one: male bikini waxing is seeing a spike in popularity — and we're including the services that take it all off, here. We've heard of male waxing before, but it has never been nearly as accepted or prevalent as it is right now. So, what's causing this below-the-belt boom? While many brozilian (yes, really) waxees just like keeping it fresh and clean down there (just like us ladies), many dudes see waxing as reciprocating. Evan Scott, 32, interviewed by The New York Times, has been getting his situation taken care of for more than two years now. “If I have that expectation of someone else, I probably would want to return the favor,” he said. However, not all men are as democratic about their man parts — many see waxing as an opportunity to accentuate the main event, an optical illusion of sorts. (Nice try, but we know what we’re looking at.)
We can't pretend we're not intrigued by guys taking the opportunity to de-fuzz (or in some cases, de-shrub — but we’re not judging!) what they’ve got going on in their trousers, but there is one down-there service that we are not on board with: penazzling. Like its sparkly or feathery vajay-jay counterpart, some spas offer post-wax crystal application. For men. We like that you’re willing to keep it clean, guys, but steer your jewel-covered junk elsewhere. (NYTimes)
Photo: Via New York Times
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