July 02, 2019 at 05:00PM by CWC It feels like everyone I know is buying houses, getting married, going on vacation, and having babies. My life is pretty happy, but it is a nothing season for me, and so by comparison it can feel tough to enjoy the little things that definitely do fill me with joy. I dread talking weekend plans with my co-workers, because while everyone else gets to dish about their beach-weekend getaways and exotic honeymoon preparations and tacked-on trip to their friend’s destination wedding in Europe, I’ve got bupkes. And don’t get me wrong—my musician boyfriend may not be whisking me away to Tuscany, but that doesn’t mean he’s not fantastic. He baked me two key lime pies and a plate of chocolate chip cookies last week just because. And when I’m not subjected to FOMO sustained from hearing about everyone else’s super-cool goings-on, it’s easy to enjoy the little things like this. Because even if all we have going on in our mutual social calendar right now is wide open spaces—and by that I mean zero plans, not a Dixie Chicks concert—we’re still able to make memories. ad_intervals[‘404537_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘404537_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); This reality extends to my life outside my relationship, too. For instance, this very morning, I sat in the park and genuinely relished my iced coffee and bagel with cream cheese and avocado. Other times, my Facebook feed is buried in streams of high-gloss wedding
Category: City
The 7 best foundations under $15 that you can score at the drugstore
July 02, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC I’ve always been really grateful for the beauty selection at drugstores. There have been way too many instances in my life in which I’ve had to dart directly into the nearest CVS or Duane Reade or whatever to grab an emergency concealer/mascara/lip balm/brow gel… the list goes on. Because you just never know when an impromptu monster zit will decide to show up, or you lose your chapstick and are suddenly empty handed yet in need of something from the shelves immediately. In terms of foundation, I’ve actually been really impressed by the vast array of solid finds that are lurking in the drugstore aisle. A lot of people shy away from getting decent cover-up at a place where you can’t try things on or swatch the color out, but we’ve tapped makeup artists for how to get around that (hint: natural lighting and the inside of your wrist!). First off, many drugstore cosmetics brands have expanded their shade ranges (it’s the Fenty effect, y’all) to match a broader range of skin tones. Which is absolutely key. Then there’s the fact that you can get so many amazing drugstore foundations for less than, like, two days’ worth of oat milk lattes. Behold, our fave drugstore foundations that don’t cost over 15 bucks. ad_intervals[‘403306_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘403306_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Photo: L’Oreal L’Oreal Paris Infallible Matte Foundation, $8 This foundation is almost like a CC cream—it’s got a
How a 5-euro yoga class in Paris helped me feel at home while living abroad
July 02, 2019 at 05:00AM by CWC Very few sob stories begin with, “I moved to Paris.” Mine doesn’t either, but when I arrived in the city’s 11th arrondissement (aka, neighborhood) as an 18-year-old college freshman, I’d never felt more lonely. While unpacking the contents of my childhood life into my new adult (!) apartment, I could practically feel the miles of ocean separating me from my family and the only life I’d ever known. Over the first few weeks, I learned the ins and outs of the metropolis. Paris was gorgeous and enchanting; it somehow outshone its own dazzling reputation. Still, I spent that first August like a stranger in a strange land. When I wasn’t in class learning how to conjugate French verbs, I would explore Paris’ tangled streets—wondering how to connect who I’d been in my hometown (Charleston, South Carolina) with the person who had packed her suitcases and moved to the romantic epicenter of the world. ad_intervals[‘402209_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402209_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’);}); } }, 100); My answer arrived one evening while I was eating dinner in my itty-bitty Parisian kitchen. Both my windows were open, my building’s resident opera singer had taken up her nightly tune, and I was googling “American meet-ups in Paris” with the hope that my future friends were doing the same in their own neighborhoods. I scrolled past potlucks and philosophy clubs, group outings to the Seine river and fromage (cheese) parties and then, finally, one activity caught
Hairstylists reveal how to get enviable beach waves, no matter your hair texture
June 29, 2019 at 03:00AM by CWC There are certain beauty techniques that feel like they require a PhD to get right. Creating the perfect cat-eye flick, for one; applying red lipstick without getting it all over your teeth, for another. And my personal (least) favorite, curling your hair. No matter what type of hair you’ve got, creating the perfect “effortless” beach waves requires a deceptive amount of work. You need to have the right products, technique, and—let’s be honest— a little power from the universe on your side. But the good news is, it is possible to get the perfect beach waves of your California dreams… it just might take some work, and a whole lotta hair product. Read on for best practices, care of the pros. Understand what your texture means for your curl process First things first: Everyone’s hair reacts to a curling iron differently, and it all has to do with your history. “Virgin [un-dyed] hair can have a harder time curling and the temperature needs to adjusted based on how well the hair holds the curl,” explains Beachwaver founder Sarah Potempa. “Color-treated hair tends to be easier to curl, so you can start off with lower heat setting and adjust accordingly.” ad_intervals[‘402864_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402864_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); Eugene Toye, senior celebrity hairstylist at Rita Hazan Salon, adds that the easiest type of hair to curl is that which has has a natural curl pattern and more moisture, while
I whittled down my beauty routine to 10 products that get me out the door in 5 minutes flat
June 25, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC “Getting ready” is one of my favorite activities. There are truly few things in life I love more than luxuriating on a Saturday afternoon and spending, like, three hours cycling through my shower, skin-care, hair, and makeup routines in front of my fancy (and legitimately life-changing) SimpleHuman magnifying mirror ($400). By the time I’m ready to go out, I have upwards of 95 products on my head, face, and body, but man do I feel good. Unfortunately, the inconvenient thing called “life” tends to get in the way of me carrying out my dream routine on a regular basis. As much as I would love to treat myself to this type of #extra-ness consistently (which, for what it’s worth, I totally recognize is completely ridiculous), I just don’t have time. So instead, I’ve had to pare things down to a 10-step, five-minute routine that will get me out the door in the morning while also keep me looking my best… and a lot of those steps happen to take place in either the SLT bathroom or the backseat of a taxi. ad_intervals[‘398039_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘398039_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); The trick, as I’ve learned after much trial and error? Find products that serve double duty, like tinted sunscreen, which acts as both SPF and foundation, and that are quick and easy to use. Keep scrolling for my picks. Photo: Bioderma Bioderma Sensibio H2O ($15) Look: I don’t always have
An inspiring new event tells people with chronic illness: “You are not alone, you are loved”
June 20, 2019 at 10:37AM by CWC Nitika Chopra knows first hand the feelings of isolation that accompany chronic illness. Having been diagnosed with severe plaque psoriasis and arthritis, the certified life coach knows too well what’s it’s like to miss out on social events due of fatigue. She knows the disappointment that follows the failure of a promising new treatment. She knows the frustration of asking the waiter a dozen questions about how the food is prepared. But she also knows that an estimated 157 million Americans are personally affected by chronic diseases, and that there is no reason to feel alone. With the launch of Chronicon, a summit to be held October 28 in New York City, Chopra seeks to help people with chronic illnesses foster meaningful connection. “There are two major reasons for the conference,” she says. “I want to break the cycle of isolation and bring people together. And I want to celebrate the fact that we are so much more than our conditions. The conversations in the media around chronic illness are all really sad. The women I know with chronic illnesses also have PhDs, or are mothers, or entrepreneurs.” ad_intervals[‘402470_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402470_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); Additionally, the wellness industry has earned a reputation for being inaccessible to certain groups of people—people who don’t fit into a white, able-bodied, affluent mold. With Chronicon, Chopra seeks to join the ranks of women who are creating more inclusive events, like
The under-$15 drugstore eyelash serums that are better than falsies
June 20, 2019 at 04:00AM by CWC The pursuit of your dream lashes has traditionally felt like a pricey endeavor. You can spend a few hundred dollars to get them lifted or tinted, or invest in a luxury serum that promises some sort of miracle result. And then there’s always the option of slapping on some falsies or mascara, but those aren’t exactly perfect, either, considering they need to come off before bed. But recently, a crop of lash serums have been popping up at—wait for it—the drugstore, making longer lashes an accessible option for anyone. Yes, drugstore eyelash serums are a thing, and yes, they really do work on par with some of the pricier options on the market. Even if you aren’t looking to up the oomph factor on your lashes, adding a serum into your routine may still be a good idea. Considering you condition the hair on your head on a regular basis, shouldn’t your lashes get the same treatment? Serums can help nourish the hair and prevent fallout, and though making wishes on lost lashes is admittedly a fun activity, most of us are looking to hold onto as many of them as possible for the long haul. Here, five options to help you do it—all for under $15. ad_intervals[‘392597_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘392597_div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7520022-3’);}); } }, 100); L’Oréal Paris Eyelash Serum with Lash Caring Complex ($15) Women who tested L’Oréal’s (brand new!) eyelash serum reported seeing longer, thicker lashes in
Is your sex life feeling blah? Here are the words to get you unstuck
June 13, 2019 at 03:30AM by CWC What happens when you want to have sex…but just aren’t that excited about the possibilities in front of you? Fortunately, the common (but rarely discussed) relationship issue of a boring sex life *can* be solved. Here, in her latest for the Well+Good Council, sex expert and relationship coach Lila Darville outlines a step-by-step communication plan to help you and your partner get “unstuck” and back into the groove. The feeling of desiring sex—but not the sex that is on offer—is more common than you think. This is often expressed as feeling stuck, bored, or even suspecting you’re suffering from low libido. But the main culprit is often routine. I liken it to a trip to Paris. Imagine that every time you went to Paris, all you did was go from the airport directly to the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is gorgeous and glittering and a great experience, but after the tenth or the thirtieth time making that exact same trip, the idea of going to Paris becomes less exciting. ad_intervals[‘399164_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘399164_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); Sex is best approached like any other pleasurable activity or hobby. Gather inspiration from your environment. Create your own adventure. Modify it. How can we make this the best experience possible for both of us? I’ve already laid out ways to tackle communication in sex through prioritizing your pleasure and getting on the same team. But now, let’s dive into
Noise pollution is everywhere—and it’s stressing you out
June 12, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC Several months ago, I awoke at midnight to the grating sound of a jackhammer. The construction crew at a building across from my New York City apartment had received a special permit to work late into the night. As a result, my sleep and overall health suffered. And I’m not alone. Of the approximately 8.6 million people residing in the city that never sleeps (you know, because of jackhammers!), most suffer the ill effects of noise pollution on a regular basis—some without knowing it. Noise pollution is “regular exposure to elevated sound levels that may lead to adverse effects in humans or other living organisms,” according to the Environmental Pollution Centers. In the U.S., more than 30 million workers are frequently exposed to hazardous noise pollution, defined by The World Health Organization (WHO) as exposure to sounds measuring at least 85 decibels for more than eight hours at a time.For reference, 85 dBs is equivalent to a kitchen blender or a hair dryer. ad_intervals[‘400686_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘400686_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); On an average day, those who live in metropolitan areas are almost constantly exposed to external stressors at or above tolerable levels of intensity. Subway trains, construction, loud music, fireworks, and even washing machines create hazardous noise pollution. But according to the organization’s definition, one sounds off above all the rest: traffic. “As New York City residents, we don’t experience noise in an isolated condition. We’re often
The easiest way to relax during a workout, according to fitness experts
June 12, 2019 at 07:00AM by CWC In the middle of a recent run, my instructor told the class to unclench our fists. Suddenly I realized that my hands were both actually balled into hard fists, as if I was ready to pick a fight with the treadmill or jump off and start working on my boxing skills. Supposedly, having unclenched—aka relaxed—hands takes away some of the stress of a workout, leaving you with more energy to do the hard work. When I consciously unfolded my hands, I did feel a subtle, newfound zest to run even faster. After asking some fitness pros, I learned that there is some biological magic that happens when you let go of stress via your hands in a workout. “Most long distance elite runners—marathoners or ultra marathoners—want to stay loose in the hands to not expend extra energy,” says Emily Kiberd, DC, chiropractic physician and founder of New York’s Urban Wellness Clinic. “Clenching in the fists works its way up the kinetic chain and creates tension in the arms, shoulders, and neck, which can throw a runner’s gait off. The goal for long distance is to not expend any additional energy that doesn’t need to be expended, like clenching your fists.” But even if you’re not a marathon runner, this tip helps in any run that you may be doing. ad_intervals[‘397697_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘397697_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); The thing about a clenched fist is that that tension works its