December 30, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC As a beauty editor, I frequently find myself having to tell people: “Please, don’t put that on your skin.” Case in point? Kombucha. But one freaky thing that actually might be worth slathering all over, particularly during the colder months of the year? Urea, which is a nitrogen-rich compound that’s naturally excreted through urine, folks. Before you freak out (or worse pee in a cup for an au naturel skin remedy), it’s important to note that while urea is excreted when you go number one, the stuff that’s used in cosmetics to help with dry skin and keratosis pilaris (aka chicken bumps) is synthetic and manufactured in a lab. I repeat: It’s not like someone is actually extracting it out of the toilet (and neither should you!). The best way to describe urea is that it’s a moisturizer and a chemical exfoliant wrapped up into one. “Urea is a great winter ingredient,” says board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD. “It’s a moisturizing humectant, which helps keep skin hydrated, but also a keratolytic, which means it can get rid of dry skin (particularly thicker buildups), and is really good for softening the skin in general.” And there’s science to back it all up: One study discovered that urea can help with the permeability of other topical ingredients (aka: it can help make the serums that you use alongside it more effective), and research has also found that it can help with conditions like dermatitis, excessive dryness,
Year: 2019
How to change your attachment style to improve your relationship issues
December 30, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC One of my exes used to tease me that I had no sense of “object permanence” when it came to him, meaning that if a text message went unreturned or a date had to be canceled, I felt as though he no longer existed in my life and would immediately be overcome with anxiety. I’d then reach out for reassurance until he inevitably granted it, and over the course of our three years, the process became exasperating to him. While I’ve certainly felt shame about this behavior (and have also been shamed for it), understanding that it’s reflective of the different attachment styles we form in childhood has helped me better understand why it happens in the first place. That understanding, in turn, has helped me cut myself a break. Not to point fingers at my caretakers, but largely as a result of my earliest interactions, I’ve developed an anxious attachment style, which is sometimes understood to take shape as “abandonment issues.” So, I began to wonder whether it might be possible for me to shift to a different dominant attachment style. First, some background: In psychology, attachment theory describes the ways we typically react in relationships when things aren’t going according to plan. “Attachment styles are behaviors and beliefs about relationships that we learn from the family we grow up in,” says psychotherapist Aimee Daramus, PsyD. “That’s why a lot of people have adult relationships that are similar to the ones they
Bralette sizes are limited—here’s how to get the perfect fit, according to lingerie experts
December 30, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC I think anyone with boobs will agree with me on this: bralettes are a godsend. They’re lightweight, cute, and so much more comfortable than any bra you’ll ever find. There’s really only one downside. Unlike bras where there’s a pretty standard sizing system, it can be hard to get the perfect fit with bralettes. But don’t fear—that’s where expert advice comes in handy. When shopping for a bralette, the key is paying attention to more than just the size listed on the tag. “Size matters, but shape matters more. It’s important to understand how to explore styles and silhouettes tailored to your body,” says Sapna Palep, MD, board-certified dermatologist and the CEO of the online lingerie retailer Journelle. “Not all bras or bralettes are created equal, and no two women are alike. That’s why when it comes to the simple S/M/L sizing of many bralettes, it can feel limiting for certain size ranges and breast shapes.” Before putting on a bralette, take a minute to first figure out your breast shape. “If you notice that your bralette is digging into your breast tissue, this may mean your breasts are fuller on top. On the contrary, if you notice gaping in your cups, you may be more shallow on top,” Dr. Palep says. “These are just two variations in breast shaper and it’s important to know your own.” Once you know your shape, you can look for the bralette styles and qualities that work for
The cosmos predict you’re going to have a relaxing and inspiring first week of the decade
December 29, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC As we bid adieu to 2019 this week, we do so astrologically with celestial momentum and support. Coming off last week’s solar eclipse and Jupiter conjunction with the sun, 2019 wraps on a seriously positive note. Yet with the sun, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, and Pluto in tough-love Capricorn, the cosmic weather also calls for a sober look at what you most wish to create in your life. Now’s the time to evaluate the structures of your life and see where you need more support to create your desired outcomes. To support you with this, Mercury in Capricorn makes a few supportive moves: Kicking off the week on Monday, Mercury forms a helpful trine to Uranus in Taurus. This Earth trine encourages grounded thinking, but also inspires creativity. (Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds?) Lean into structure and discipline, but also open your mind to consider out-of-the-box options, because the universe might just surprise you in ways you didn’t anticipate. Later in the week, Mercury, the planet of communication, will conjoin Jupiter, the planet of growth. This rare and remarkable combination and exchange of energy perfects on Thursday, January 2, which means that come the first of the year, when you step your best forward into the new decade, you do so with this applying conjunction. This auspicious combination elevates intentions and helps you reach a higher octave of thinking. What does that mean for you? Stay positive, because this
10 healthy lasagna recipes that serve as the ultimate comfort food
December 29, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC Lasagna is the quintessential comfort food. Traditionally served piping hot and oozing with cheese spilling out from layers of pasta, the Italian dish is a cold-weather classic. For eaters who either can’t or choose not to consume dairy, meat, or gluten, there are many alternative homemade lasagna recipes out there. Rounded up here are 10 takes on the classic dish, full of tweaks to give eaters of a wide range of dietary restrictions something to dig into. 10 healthy homemade lasagna recipes for a delicious dinner Photo: Hummusapien 1. Vegan zucchini and tofu ricotta lasagna If you’re craving a lasagna dish but stick to a vegan diet, this is the recipe for you. It’s still dripping with marina sauce and you still get that cheesy taste you’re after, but the ricotta is made with a smart mix of tofu, roasted garlic hummus, nutritional yeast, basil, garlic, and sea salt. There’s also lots of spinach and zucchini tucked between the noodles, so you’re getting a good serving of fiber, too. Photo: The Spruce Eats 2. Very easy vegan lasagna This recipe is a good one to start with if you’ve never made a healthy lasagna recipe before or get stressed out in the kitchen easily. The recipe is simple, just nine ingredients, and the steps are straight-forward. Almond milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan ricotta cheese are used to keep the recipe dairy-free. Photo: Food Faith Fitness 3. Paleo zucchini lasagna Gluten-free, grain-free, Paleo, Whole30-approved,
10 yoga tips that have us better stretched and more mobile than ever before
December 29, 2019 at 06:00PM by CWC Yoga has been around for eons, but that doesn’t mean it never changes. Within the past decade, we’ve seen the rise of hip hop yoga, shorter yoga flows that you can stream on your phone, and, well, even horseback yoga. Needless to say, although it’s an ancient practice, we’re still learning new things about it (and new ways to practice it) all the time. Take downward dog, for example. It’s one of the most foundational and basic yoga poses in pretty much every yoga class, but in 2019, a yogi revealed that simply shortening your stance can completely alter how the stretch feels. Whether you’re totally new or have been flowing for years, we can guarantee that the following #yogafacts will bring new light to your mat. Keep scrolling for the 10 most surprising facts about yoga we learned this past year. 1. Your downward dog can morph into a dreamy hip stretch Downward dog is one of the most fundamental yoga poses. But by shortening the stance of your dog, your hips and always-tight IT band will get sweet relief. 2. “Leg flossing” can help with mobility after sitting all day Our yoga instructor friend Kylie Miller of Love Yoga in Los Angeles taught us a feels-so-good lower body-opening sequence that melts away muscle tension by moving your legs in all different directions. 3. Half frog pose is the most relaxing yoga pose of all time Plenty of yoga poses fall into
8 ways to strengthen your vulnerability muscle and tap into your inner power
December 29, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC We have author Brené Brown’s wildly popular TED Talk to thank for the knowledge that vulnerability is not a weakness but rather a superpower. The standard dictionary definition of vulnerability is to make yourself susceptible to physical or emotional harm, which let’s be honest, sounds a little harsh (read: terrifying). I prefer Brown’s interpretation of it. She explains vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” Still, vulnerability is not for the faint of heart. It requires an enormous amount of courage to share personal things about yourself, allow yourself to be fully seen, and put yourself out there. The benefits, however, are well worth the risk, which is why we were eager to learn more about how we can learn to be more vulnerable in our lives and the actual steps in doing so. Keep reading for tips from a couple of experts, plus the benefits of being vulnerable and some tangible examples of how it can look IRL. The benefits of being vulnerable As scary and uncomfortable as it is, why even be vulnerable? Well, it comes along with many benefits. For one, vulnerability doesn’t make you weak, it makes you stronger. “Vulnerability is a paradox because the more vulnerable you allow yourself to be, the more powerful you will feel,” says Karen Anderson, a master certified life coach and author of Difficult Mothers, Adult Daughters. “When you are no longer afraid of what others will think, you’re more willing to put yourself out
Infuse your 2020 travel itinerary with these 7 transformative experiences
December 29, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC For many, travel experiences exemplify the reward portion of the “work hard, play hard” continuum—and evidence abounds to support the notion: Both solo travel and soloish travel are growing in popularity; engaged couples are opting for honeymoon funds as part of or even in place of more traditional registries; and celecations aren’t going away any time soon. Even if a sense of wanderlust isn’t currently nipping at you, perhaps that’ll change upon learning about the meaningful travel experiences so many had in 2019. Allow them to spark some inspiration—and don’t worry, these are far more exciting than hearing your friend drone on about her study-abroad experience in Denmark. (It’s been 10 years, Jessica, we’ve gotta move past it). So, allow the seven transformative travel experiences rounded up to inform your 2020 itinerary. Photo: Getty Images/Allard Schager 1. Why the most magical way to see a Greek Island is to run on top of it If for some reason you weren’t already drooling over the cerulean waters of Greece on Pinterest, that’s about to change, thanks to Hydra Island, an authentic off-the-mainland paradise where one writer weaved through the small fruit markets and white stone houses on a grand runner’s tour. True to Greece’s mythical reputation, she even spotted a unicorn…well, okay, kind of. Photo: Stocksy/Juri Pozzi 2. How crying cathartic tears of joy in an Australian Koala sanctuary set me free Not all of us are professional public criers (ahem) and thus can only find
The 10 most surprising gut health facts we learned this year
December 29, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC One of the major perks of writing about wellness for a living is that I literally learn something new every single day. Sometimes the intel is merely amusing, but other times it can be life-changing—especially when it comes to improving gut health. Nothing dominated the wellness conversation in 2019 quite like gut health. At Well+Good, we’re on a first-name basis with some of the best gastroenterologists in the country because we call them up so often asking for their insight. We’ve scoured dozens and dozens of studies offering up information on what foods help with “leaky gut.” We’ve tried at-home microbiome tests first-hand. We’ve consulted registered dietitians who work specifically with clients with irritable bowel syndrome asking for their best food tips to improve gut health. As a result, we’re ending the decade armed with a lot more gut knowledge. Improve gut health with 10 surprising tips we learned this year 1. BROCCOLI SPROUTS ARE THE GUT-HEALTHY ADD-IN YOUR SMOOTHIE IS MISSING Broccoli sprouts are so great for gut health that Will Bulsiewicz, MD, a gastroenterologist and author of Fiber Fueled, adds them to his smoothie every morning, calling them his “secret weapon.” “Broccoli sprouts release a phytochemical called sulforaphane. It heals the gut, reduces inflammation, and [could help] fight cancer,” says Dr. Bulsiewicz. Talk about an amazing ingredient we’ve all been sleeping on! 2. EATING A WIDE RANGE OF PLANTS IS KEY A team of scientists looked at 11,000 people’s gut microbes and their
The best biodegradable glitter makeup that will have you sparkling well into the new year
December 28, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC The 1980s may have been known as “the glitter days” (in the words of Joey Ramone, at least), but the 2020s are about to take hold as the biodegradable glitter days. As we look towards sustainability in all of our beauty products, brands have begun to rethink the way they manufacture glitter. Traditionally, sparkly makeup has been made of plastic, which anyone with access to the Internet knows is not good for the environment. But the new wave of products is made from materials that break down in nature, and won’t hang around in our oceans and landfills from here until eternity. Thanks to makeup artists like Pat McGrath and Doniella Davy (and the entire cast of Euphoria), glitter makeup is no longer reserved for teenagers and Halloween costumes. There are plenty of sophisticated ways to make glitter appropriate for adults, any day of the year. Read on to find out why biodegradable glitter will be taking over your makeup bag (and not our water supply) this year, plus makeup artists’ favorite ways to use it IRL. What is biodegradable glitter? Biodegradable glitter is different than regular glitter in that it, well, biodegrades or over time decomposes in the environment. “Regular glitter is made up of thin sheets of copolymer or PET plastics that are cut up into tiny pieces, whereas biodegradable glitter is made from plant-based cellulose,” explains Detox Market makeup artist Merrady Wickes. “Regular glitter is basically microplastic which ends up in our water, and