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The 12 Most Outrageously Expensive Skin Care Creams
I think the romance and magic of cosmetics is worth the price for some women, you know, like an expensive perfume or designer outfit that makes her feel confident and happy. If you have the money and you need the lure of the name, then go for it. If the ingredients are good, then they will improve your skin, but not take the place of surgery or dermatological procedures. I say have fun, but don't break the bank!
by KyPow Monday, September 3, 2012 at 08:23PM Report as inappropriate
Source: https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/most-expensive-creams
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BoxyCharm Subscription Box Review – September 2018
BoxyCharm is a full-size beauty and makeup subscription box. They always provide a great value compared the cost of the box. (If you are a makeup addict – I HIGHLY recommend this box!)
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: BoxyCharm
The Cost: $21 a month
The Products: 5-6 beauty items that will include nail care, skin care, makeup, haircare, fragrance and more. (At least 4 of those items will be full-sized).
Ships to: US and Canada
Check out all of our Boxycharm reviews!
Each box comes with a card detailing the items included. This month is a “Wild Flower”!
And on the back of the card are coupons from some of the brands featured in boxes:
Now, on to the items!
PRETTY VULGAR Nightingale Eyeshadow Palette – Retail Value $35
All subscribers will receive this item.
This palette includes a mix of mattes and shimmers, mostly brown shades, with some silver and charcoal, too. I found the formulas to blend well, and I was impressed with the pigment, too.
Here are the shades swatched:
(All swatches are one heavy-handed swipe)
The Ojitos Brush Trio by Alamar Cosmetics – $18
All subscribers will receive this item.
This brush set is made with soft, synthetic bristles.
The brush on the left is perfect for blending out shadow, the middle brush is for getting a close application for lining your lash line with eyeshadow, and the right brush is perfect for applying shimmery shades.
Butter London Stroke of Wow Roll-On Eyeliner – Retail Value $19
Subscribers will either receive this OR Butter London Glazen Lustrous Liner OR Luscious Angel Eyes Eyeshadow Primer.
Normally, black eyeliners aren’t too exciting (I get a lot of them in subscription boxes), but this one is unique! Instead of a felt tip, it’s a mini wheel that you roll along the lash line. It took a few tries to get the hang of it, but I like it, and the formula is budge proof once it sets.
(Swatched in lower photo.)
Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten in Tropic Hues – Retail Value $28
Subscribers will either receive this OR Girlactik Skin Glow Duo.
This is a shimmery blush with shades of pink and peach. It blends out beautifully, and the pigment is fab, too. (Swatched in lower photo.)
Lorac Pro Liquid Lipstick in Deep Burgundy – Retail Value $19
Subscribers will either receive this OR a liquid lipstick from Hank and Henry OR Violet Voss Liquid Lipstick OR Grande Cosmetics HydraPlump.
First, I love that this formula smells like chocolate cake! It’s a highly pigmented liquid lipstick with great staying power. And it dries down to a matte finish.
Here it is swatched beneath the eyeliner and the blush:
Verdict: The total retail value of this box is $119! As usual, I think that’s amazing for a $21 box – Boxycharm never disappoints! I really like every item in this box, and who knew I could still be delighted by a black eyeliner after all these years reviewing subscription boxes?
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes! The Boxycharm waitlist is temporarily lifted!
Check out all of my BoxyCharm reviews and the Beauty Subscription Box Directory!
What do you think of the September 2018 Boxycharm Box? Which variants are you getting?
Written by Liz Cadman
Liz is the founder of My Subscription Addiction. She’s been hooked on subscription boxes since 2011 thanks to Birchbox, and she now subscribes to over 100 boxes. Her favorites include POPSUGAR Must Have, FabFitFun, and any box that features natural beauty products!
All views in this review are the opinion of the author. My Subscription Addiction will never accept payment in exchange for a review, but will accept a box at no cost to provide honest opinions on the box. This post may contain affiliate/referral links. If you buy something, MSA may earn an affiliate commission. Read the complete My Subscription Addiction disclosure.
Source: https://www.mysubscriptionaddiction.com/2018/09/boxycharm-subscription-box-review-september-2018.html
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The bizarre 2019 dating trends you need to know - and what they mean for your love life
From pocketing to cookie jarring: The bizarre 2019 dating trends you need to know - and what they mean for your love life
Every year there's a new set of dating trends that singles need to know about
2019's dating behaviours include pocketing, cookie jarring and orbitting
New dating language currently in use includes the terms BDE and kittenfishing
By Emilia Mazza and Billie Schwab Dunn For Daily Mail Austrakua
Published: 04:44 GMT, 14 January 2019 | Updated: 04:44 GMT, 14 January 2019
These days, if you're single, there are countless ways to meet someone new - which means the modern dating world can be tricky to navigate.
Making things even more complex is the fact a new word or phrase seems to emerge on an almost daily basis to describe all manner of unique romantic arrangements.
To help, Yahoo has compiled a list which reveals the dating terms you need to know for the coming year.
From pocketing to cookie jarring and orbiting, here FEMAIL elaborates on each and reveals new dating language currently in use.
These days there are countless ways to connect with a potential partner which means the modern dating world is no longer a straightforward place (stock image)
1. Pocketing
According to Eugénie Legendre, a representative for dating app Happn, this term explains the behaviour of when a person hides you away from others they're close to.
While you might see the person on a regular basis if your interactions tend to be away from where you might be seen publicly, consider yourself 'pocketed'.
'If you aren't being introduced to his or her friends and family within months of spending time together, then it might be time to open your eyes because you have been pocketed,' Mr Legendre told Yahoo Style.
2. Cookie jarring
This term refers to the practice of dating a person you've put in a reserve position while you're dating someone else.
It's disingenuous in so far as the person you have designated as your back-up option is unlikely to know this.
While it might seem safer to keep your options open, Mr Legendre said its always better to allow yourself time to get to know another, without the influence of others.
And to accept, if things don't work out as planned, that's okay too.
3. Prowling
Prowling describes behaviour that might see a person you're dating to be interested and available for a period before they disappear entirely.
However, they will of course resurface but only once you've given up.
Mr Legendre explained this kind of 'toying' behaviour will play with your emotions, and the prowler is always 'more hassle and hurt' than they are worth.
Singles dating are now able to search out partners over a range of sites and apps - Tinder, Bumble and Hinge to name just a few (stock image)
4. Orbiting
In modern dating parlance, the act of orbiting is one where a person still engages with you despite the fact you're no longer an item.
Potentially they will interact with you on social media. This might take the form of likes or comments.
In essence, they are out of your life but still have some presence in that they orbit your social sphere.
5. Kittenfishing
There's nothing wrong with wanting to look your best when uploading a photo to your dating profile.
But if you're purposely using images of yourself as a younger person or lie about your age, weight, height or job then you're kittenfishing.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, dating expert Debbie Rivers from Dare2Date this kind of dishonesty doesn't ever bode well when people meet in real life.
'The lying about age varies from a couple of years to ten years with many singles coming clean on the date where it is often too late as their date feels lied to.'
What other dating terms should you know?
Ghosting: The term 'ghosting', which was coined in 2014, is when someone suddenly vanishes into thin air to avoid the awkward break up conversation.
Zombie-ing: This is when a person who ghosted their date suddenly reappears and acts like nothing has happened and continue where they left off.
Benching: This is when daters are not 'into' someone enough to commit but they want to keep them on the side lines as an option.
Breadcrumbing: This is when somebody gives people just enough attention to keep someone around and keep the hope of a relationship alive.
Cushioning: 'Cushioning' is the dating move that sees people that are in a relationship flirt and chat with other people on the side.
Catfishing (similar to kittenfishing): This happens when someone pretends to be someone they are not on online dating or social media with the intent to scam.
6. Big D**k Energy (BDE)
This term can be described as confidence without the cockiness - and it's not exclusively limited to men either.
'You don't need to have a big penis or even have one it is about the energy you give off,' Debbie said.
One of the biggest complaints the dating coach said she gets from women is that guys stand back, are passive have no clear intentions, no plan and they make dating hard work instead of fun.
'I would say when it comes to dating, women are a sucker for the guy with BDE,' the dating coach added.
'It's like dating the bad boy but better, he is confidence and assurance and knows it. If a guy is direct and confident he is a clear winner.'
7. Slow fade
The 'slow fade' is a lot like ghosting as someone may think their relationship is going really well and is going to reach the next step but suddenly it changes.
'Instead of saying "Hey, this is moving too fast. Can we slow things down?" the slow fader takes the chicken's way out,' Debbie explained.
'They become less available, will send half-hearted messages through social media or texts and then stop seeing them altogether.
'I see examples of the slow fade from men, basically, they have been excited about someone they have met and then got freaked out.'
Debbie said her clients have said they do this for multiple reasons, some of them being because they don't want to hurt the person and they don't know what they are actually feeling and want to take the time to find out.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6588181/The-bizarre-2019-dating-trends-need-know-mean-love-life.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490
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Modern New Year’s Eve Wedding with a Cool Blue Color Palette
Every New Year’s Eve, the ball drops and loved ones share kisses around the world – but this traditional moment was made even more special for Sutton and Lee as they celebrated a whole new season of LIFE with one another when the clock struck twelve in their modern New Year’s Eve wedding. Soft, icy blues and velvety grays were the name of the game for their winter wedding color palette, and there’s endless “frosting” to be seen across the centerpieces, chargers, bridal shoes, and of course, the ring! S+L have given us a pretty good reason to put a pause on our day and admire their NYE celebration in the heart of Texas. Ready to be amazed?!
Stephanie Brazzle will forever and always capture our hearts with the raw, authentic moments caught amidst beauty in soft frames. Keep ’em coming, Stephanie!
And prepare yourself now to be dazzled by the story Lindsey Zamora Events tells through design. She didn’t miss a beat from the cool color tones to the champagne tower to the celebratory balloon drop!
Their modern invitation suite from Scribbles and Swirls has romance written all over it – how gorgeous is that copper ink?!
Playing host to Sutton and Lee’s day was The Hall at Dragon in Dallas’ design district. And we’re obsessed with every inch.
If you’re looking for more modern wedding venues in Dallas, check out this sculpture garden wedding we recently shared.
Don’t these winter white bouquets from Abelia Floral just whisk you into a trace?
Lee looks ever so dashing in his navy tuxedo from The Black Tux.
Gosh, Sutton’s hair and makeup by WZ Beauty Studio is a marvel. A natural look with exceptional beauty.
From the photographer, Stephanie Brazzle Photography: Sutton moved into an apartment complex not knowing her future husband was going to live a few doors down. He opened the door, and she immediately noticed how cute he was. They were shy around each other until they finally started dating! When they started planning their wedding they wanted a big celebration. What better way than New Year’s Eve! They hired Lindsey Zamora Events, and together they refined the art of a new years eve wedding incorporating lunaria, lily of the valley, copper and grey tones. It was a big party with a balloon drop when the clock struck 12!
With furniture + tabletop pieces from Beautiful Event Rentals, their winter vision came to life, and we are thrilled with the result!
All the praise from this lunaria-climbing confection brought to us by Panini Bakery!
Wedding Vendors:
Photography: Stephanie Brazzle Photography
Event Planning: Lindsey Zamora Events
Floral Design: Abelia Floral
Reception Venue: The Hall at Dragon
Accommodations: Hotel Crescent Court
Hair and Makeup Artist: WZ Beauty Studio
Groom Attire: The Black Tux
Catering: CN Catering
Wedding Cake: Panini Bakery
Band: Ice House Band
Invitations and Paper Goods: Scribbles and Swirls
Rentals: Beautiful Event Rentals
Linen: La Tavola
Source: https://ruffledblog.com/modern-newyearseve-wedding-texas/
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37 Low-Heel Boots You Can Walk in All Day Long
Boots are one of the few shoe types that I rarely find a reason to discriminate against. Tall, short, suede, leather, studded, buckled—I simply love all styles all the time. However, on the days that I'm required to walk any distance further than the 50 steps from my desk to the office kitchen, I have to leave my heeled boots at home in replace of my favorite flat options. Luckily, there is no shortage of stylish low-heel (I'm talking under 1 1/2 inches), ankle, calf-height, and over-the-knee boot styles on the market. As Nancy Sinatra sang, these (37!) boots are made for walking, and that's just what they'll do… once you shop them below.
Source: https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/low-heel-boots
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Patio Projects for the Win!
Patio Projects for the Win!
Wow, you guys! July was such a busy month that seemed to both crawl and fly by. We spent so many evenings working on our patio makeover— it was quite exhausting! But I’m happy to report that the project is finished! Check out my patio planning blog post I wrote before setting out on the project. Kind of crazy how the result actually turned out how I planned! Ha! I’ve shared two posts at A Beautiful Mess about the first steps of the project:
How to Build an Inexpensive Slat Wood Privacy Fence
How We Refinished Our Old Wood Deck
The grand reveal is coming soon, along with a post about the slat wood pergola we build. But for now, I’d love to show you some of the process and results right here at my own blog.
This is the lovely view we had from our sunroom door, which has since been transformed to the view below. We spent a grueling weekend stripping the deck, and another entire week putting up the privacy fence. I can’t even believe it was this bad before! Mostly the floor was in super bad shape, but the overall darkness of the space has been dramatically improved.
Here’s another great before and after scene! Above is the original dining area, complete with a grill which we moved out of the way to better position the dining table. We extended the fence posts so the roof in here would be enough height to add the slat wood pergola. What a difference all of that white makes! And now we can enjoy dining al fresco without baking in the hot afternoon sun.
Before we refinished the deck, it was pretty chippy and scratched. Some boards were so chewed up that we had to pull them up and replace them. Phil and I would’ve loved to replace all of the deck boards, but that just wasn’t in the budget. But I’m pretty happy with how it turned out, even though it took soooo much effort to make this old deck shine again!
Here’s how the deck looked before we finished staining, fencing, and adding the slats above the pergola area. It was so exciting to see it com together!
Below you can see what it looks like from the outside. I have since planted sweet autumn clematis up here, which will climb up fishing line that I’m string long the posts of the fence, to keep the clematis off the actual fencing. I hope it fills out how I would like! I’ve been reading a lot about caring and pruning clematis, but any extra advice you have for me would be more than welcome!
We’ve definitely been over-indulging in s’mores since the patio completion, but I know that winter has a way of sneaking up on us here in Ohio, and then we’ll be longing for this warm summer evenings with toasty sugar sandwiches! haha!
I’ve included a list of all of the products I’ve used in this space down below. Article gave us all of the outdoor furniture to be used in the project (except for the umbrella and fire pit). We’re really happy with the quality, and I’d definitely recommend their furniture to anyone who is looking! Feel free to ask me questions and I’ll check back in to answer.
Product Sources:
furniture: Article
umbrella: Wayfair
fire pit: Wayfair
outdoor pillows: Article (sold out, similar here)
striped outdoor pillow: Pier One
wall planters: Amazon
pendant lights: Pier One
outdoor rug: Wayfair
curtains: World Market
floor planters: HomeGoods
Categories: home, our home
Source: http://makingniceinthemidwest.com/2018/08/09/patio-projects-win/
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A New York Getaway
You're probably overdue for some time off, but might need a little push to make it happen. That's why we've partnered with some of our favorite brands to give one winner a weekend in the city that never sleeps along with a some swag to ensure you're stocked up for the trip. Included is a two night stay at Ace Hotel New York, with dinner for two at the hotel's Breslin restaurant. Since no well-deserved time off should go without a proper reset of body and mind, you'll also have a personal consultation with Dr. Tiffany Lester, medical advisor to The Nue Co., along with a one year supply of their products and a one year supply of products from Nécessaire. A $2,000 Uncrate Supply Black Card prior to your trip will ensure you can stock up on any luggage, travel & tech accessories, or grooming gear you may need to restock your Dopp kit. Native Union is throwing in some travel gear to ensure your devices stay charged up along the way, and AG and Garrett Leight Optical will have some garb and shades for you to roam the streets in. Grown Alchemist rounds out the list with a customized selection of their plant-based grooming products. It all rounds up to a total package in excess of $7,000 that will provide you with a much needed break in the big city.
Source: https://uncrate.com/a-new-york-getaway/
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The Best All-Purpose Sock to Wear to a Wedding and the Gym
Streamline that cluttered-as-hell sock drawer with some timeless class that's convenient, comfortable, and cool as hell.
Nike Performance Cushion Crew training socks
Admit it: your sock drawer is a mess. At best, it’s a sloppy—and possibly smelly—historical record of all your past lives—a couple of saggy soccer socks here, a pilled, dressier pair there. At worst, it’s like a townie bar circa last call—everyone a little washed up, desperately searching for his or her mate. But even if you’ve kept your socks paired and in pristine condition through years of washing and drying, chances are that you have different socks for different occasions. That’s a pain if you’re packing to go away for the weekend, or if you’re just packing to get a gym session in after work.
The solution to all of your problems? One sock to rule them all. The Swoosh. Specifically, the Nike Performance Cushion Crew. Or, in bro-ese, mid-calf black Nike’s. It's the only sock a man really needs—cool enough for Michigan’s famed Fab Five in the early ‘90s, and, since there's been no cooler quintet since, cool enough for all of us non-dunking mortals since.
But if Chris Webber and Co. kicked the ball onto the hill, it’s the sock’s versatility that has it still rolling a quarter century later. You can wear this sock everywhere. It's the Swiss Army Knife of the chaussette world, which is especially useful when days are long, and full of events requiring different shoes. Wear 'em to the office (depending on the dress code, you may want to hike 'em up high enough to hide the swoosh), then head to the gym without swapping socks (and, most importantly, without allowing your bare feet to come in contact with a locker room floor). From that hypothetical weeknight workout you could wear them with some black derbies to a wedding (but think hard about changing into a fresh pair). Like the Fab Five, Nike’s versatile ankle wrapper thrives in the transition: corporate lunch to happy hour, pants to shorts, hot date to...sex with your socks on. Not saying you should—just saying that if you do, these are the socks to do it in.
The Cushion Crew has ribbing to mimic a dress sock, but enough cushioning to keep you comfortable through four hours of open-bar-fueled bad dance moves. And though it’s thin enough to slide into sleeker shoes—your loafers or drivers—it’s thick enough to keep your toes warm should your fancy footwear carry you to freezing locales.
$14, Amazon
Buy Now
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/nike-cushion-crew-sock
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Naomi Watts In Valentino – Venice Film Festival Closing Ceremony
Naomi Watts graced the red carpet for the final time for the award ceremony that closed the 2018 Venice Film Festival on Saturday (September 8) in Italy.
The actress wore a Valentino Resort 2019 tulle gown featuring a butterfly which somehow felt symbolic, as a butterfly marks the end of a journey.
And what a journey this has been for Naomi, who has taken risks, and left us in awe of her grace and beauty during this festival.
Did she leave the best to last?
Credit: Instagram & Getty
Source: https://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2018/09/10/naomi-watts-in-valentino-venice-film-festival-closing-ceremony/
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15 Statement Earrings Under $15 at Amazon
I'm currently embracing warm weather in full force, which means I'm on the hunt for warm weather styles and accessories. It's no secret that I love statement earrings, but since they are so memorable, I like to have a lot of pairs. I fell down the rabbit hole of Amazon last week, and saved these 15 pairs of earrings that are all under $15 each (prices may change, you know how Amazon does!)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click through a link and make a purchase, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. These commissions go towards website maintenance, hosting fees, and other expenses that come with keeping this site running.
Faux gemstones, acrylic, beaded, raffia, and more! I should have known they had a ton of earrings, but I hadn't really looked before. Most of these styles linked come in multiple colors.
Pineapple Earrings
Green beaded teardrop earrings
Red beaded earrings
Gold leaf earrings
Pastel acrylic disc earrings
Lilac raffia earrings
Leopard print earrings
Black and gold disc earrings
Green disc beaded earrings
Black beaded drop earrings
Colorful gem earrings
Rattan drop earrings
Half hoop acrylic earrings (set)
Teal 3 tier raffia and bead earrings
Pink and gold resin earrings
As I find more, I'll add them to my Amazon storefront here.
Any of these strike your fancy?
Source: https://authenticallyemmie.com/2019/04/15-statement-earrings-under-15-at-amazon/
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How to Apply Makeup When You Have a Sunburn
Out of all the poor life choices you can make during the summer, getting a sunburn always feels the most shameful. Maybe it’s because the importance of wearing sunscreen has been drilled into my head from every possible direction (parents, friends, doctors, internet strangers, you name it) and I really, really should have known better. Maybe it’s the knowledge that I could be paying for that extra 30 minutes of sun in dark spots, wrinkles—even skin cancer. Or maybe it’s because I’ll have to walk into the office on Monday morning with patchy, cakey makeup that I tried (and failed) to apply over my sunburn.
Listen, I’m not here to make you feel guilty about getting sunburned (okay, maybe a little bit). I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit, and along the way I’ve picked up a few tricks for makeup that actually disguises the redness and flaky, peeling skin. Below, how to apply makeup to your sunburn—even when your skin is evacuating your face in sheets.
(Writer’s note: In researching this article, I came across a lot of claims that you shouldn’t wear makeup over a sunburn because your skin needs to “breathe.” While skin doesn’t actually breathe—pores don’t have tiny lungs—I can see the benefit in reducing the number of possible irritants you put on damaged skin. With that in mind, it’s probably best to skip makeup for as long as you can while your sunburn heals. However, if you have an important event or a job interview and want to wear makeup, read on.)
Start with a simple, healing skincare routine
Before you even think about picking up your concealer, focus on healing and hydrating your damaged skin with a simple routine. Start by cleansing with a ridiculously gentle, non-foaming cleanser (Pai Skincare Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a personal favorite). Next, mist your skin with a gentle, alcohol-free face mist (plain rosewater works too). Then, apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel (straight from the plant if you can get it), which helps soothe sun damage. Apply a nourishing moisturizer with skin-identical ingredients (aka ingredients that mimic your skin’s natural lipid barrier), like ceramides, squalane, and phospholipids. And, just in case it’s not obvious, finish with a good broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Gently exfoliate flaky skin
If your sunburn has reached the peeling stage (i.e., you’re past the point where your skin feels painful and/or hot to the touch), you can use gentle physical exfoliation to create a smooth canvas for your makeup. To loosen any flakes that your makeup can cling to, exfoliate with a damp washcloth or konjac sponge using very light pressure. Stay away from scrubs and chemical exfoliants until your skin heals completely—the most important part of any post-sunburn skincare routine is repairing your skin.
Use a green color corrector
The color wheel tells us that green cancels out red, so if your skin is a startling shade of crimson, applying a green color corrector will help neutralize some of that surface redness. Since sunburns usually cover large areas of skin, it’s best to opt for a formula that you can spread across your entire face, such as a color-correcting primer. You can also add a few drops of a liquid or cream green color corrector (like this one from Make-Up Atelier) into your moisturizer for an all-over redness-reducing tint.
Mix a drop of oil into your foundation
Applying foundation to sunburned skin often leads to a patchy, splotchy finish as pigment cakes to flakes and uneven texture. Try mixing a drop of face oil into your foundation before applying. The oil moisturizes dry, damaged skin while adding emollient properties to help your foundation spread smoothly.
Use a makeup sponge or extra-soft brush
When you drag a makeup brush across your skin, the bristles cause microexfoliation—that is, they loosen dead skin cells. Especially noticeable on dry or damaged skin, microexfoliation can cause flakiness and cakey, patchy makeup. Try applying your makeup with a damp beautyblender or makeup sponge in a gentle bouncing motion to minimize microexfoliation. For powder foundation, blush, or bronzer, opt for an extra-soft makeup brush that will deposit product without disturbing dry flakes, like Wayne Goss The Air-Brush.
Source: https://www.beautylish.com/a/vzyig/how-to-apply-makeup-when-you-have-a-sunburn
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August Update
hudson tee + joggers + shoes || harper top + leggings + shoes + headband || hunter dress + shoes || houston joggers + tee + shoes || hayden top + leggings + shoes || my top + jeans + slides + hat
Somehow this Summer seems to have come and gone in a flash, so I’m sitting here wondering how in the world we are wrapping up August?! We are in full on Back to School mode but also wrapping up as many things as we can on our Summer Bucket List! While I’m actually pretty bummed to see my older 3 little people head back to school all day, it will be nice to get back in to a routine and have a little more structure in our day! Since we have been so busy cramming in as much fun as possible the past month, I thought it would be a great time to do an August Update!
tank | leggings | tennies || hudson top | joggers | tennies
First up in this months update, was celebrating because our sweet Hudson turned NINE! But I can’t believe how fast he has grown up! He is honestly the best kid a mom could ask for. He is looking for ways to help others and is so much fun to be around! I shared some of my favorite things about him here. He is loving be a little older and more grown up!
hayden romper | shoes | fanny pack || my jumpsuit | shoes | sunnies | fanny pack || hunter jeans | shoes | tank | fanny pack
We’ve also been trying to squeeze in as many items as we can from our Summer Bucket List. You can see last years bucket list here for some fun ideas. Looking back, I think this has been my favorite summer with my people, because of their fun ages. Their personalities really shine and they are so fun to be around. We’ve spent our days at the pool, top golf, cowabunga bay, and just around the house soaking up allllll the time we can! The girls and I have been loving having these new Fanny Packs for all of our adventures. It has been so great to have the necessities and not have to carry around a bag! Plus I love the pop they bring to an outfit. Hayden is obsessed and feels like one of the big girls for sure.
houston joggers | tee | shoes || my jumpsuit | shoes
Like I mentioned, August is a busy month with birthdays for us, and one of those is mine! As you are reading this, I am currently on a surprise vacation with Joe to celebrate! He is so good at making people feel special and loved, especially me! I couldn’t tell you where because I’m writing this a few days early. But really anywhere with Joe + I is the best! All I know is I am soaking up the sun somewhere! haha!
hayden top | shorts | sandals || my tank | leggings | tennies | bag | phone case (kailee10 = 10% off)
houston top + pants + shoes || hayden dress + cardigan + boots || hudson top + pants + shoes || harper dress + shoes + headband || hunter dress + jacket + shoes
Last but not least in our August update comes Back to School time! My little people have actually started to get really excited the last week or so since we started our Back to School Shopping. I know that is something we as moms sometimes dread, so I shared some of my top tips here too! I’ve also been prepping for some fun Back to School Traditions, both old and new. We really look forward to our one on one shopping dates that I shared about here, along with some fun new ones this year!
joe top + shoes | houston tee + joggers + shoes || hudson tee + shoes + backpack || my top + jeans (similar) + shoes + hat || harper dress (similar) + shoes + headband || hunter tank + shorts + shoes + backpack
So I think that about wraps it up for this months update! I hope you have had the best summer soaking up all the time with your people! We can’t wait to share all the fun new things we have in the works for this space in September!
Source: http://www.kaileewright.com/august-update/
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A Bag of Tricks to Help Shift Your Mood
Is it type A of us to plan out our downtime? Maybe. But we’re so much more pleasant to be around when we make space on our calendar to do nothing. And we’re not talking anything elaborate (unless you are). Maybe a favorite scent, ten minutes of quiet, a little bit of adaptogens, the only robe we want in this life…we did a little digging and found just the things to fill our bag of relaxation tricks.
1
Stoned
Just look at it. The sleek, ceramic design of vitruvi’s stone diffuser. We feel calmer already. Add in a few drops of your favorite essential oils, let the steam rise, and boom—you’re in a different room. (If you don’t have a favorite scent, we’d go with citrus, ylang-ylang, or clary sage. We’re biased, but the four blends in the goop x vitruvi bundle are completely transporting.)
Just look at it. The sleek, ceramic design of vitruvi’s stone diffuser. We feel calmer already. Add in a few drops of your favorite essential oils, let the steam rise, and boom—you’re in a different room. (If you don’t have a
favorite scent, we’d go with citrus, ylang-ylang, or clary sage. We’re biased, but the four blends in the goop x vitruvi bundle are completely transporting.)
vitruvi
Stone Diffuser
goop, $119
2
WARRIOR POSE
When all else fails, stretch. This slip-preventing mat from Manduka is built to get grippier the more you sweat. We picture ourselves doing a headstand on it at the beach this summer. In the meantime, we bring it with us to hot yoga.
Manduka
GRP Yoga Mat
goop, $98
3
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED
When you’re emailed out, fill the tub, add a cup of “The Martini”—a mix of Himalayan sea salt, chia seed oil, and valerian root—and sink in for twenty minutes. We designed this refuge for when life gets a little wild.
goop Beauty
“The Martini” Emotional
Detox Bath Soak
goop, $35
4
OIL WELL
As the name suggests, UMA’s oil blend of chamomile, evening primrose, lavender, jasmine, sandalwood, and geranium is a ready-made potion for sensory bliss. Instructions are simple: a dab here or there on wrists and temples. Now inhale.
UMA
Pure Calm
goop, $85
5
WRAP IT UP
Your next move is this rose-colored robe from Skin spun from superfine jersey cotton. Light and soft. Plus: pockets.
Skin
Double Layer Wrap Robe
goop, $168
6
EYEBALL IT
Cashmere, for your face? We’ll bite. Bodha’s aromatherapy eye pillow is filled with a blend of lavender, chamomile, and organic buckwheat. Suggested use: morning meditations, evening naps, and airplane mode.
Bodha
Cashmere Aromatherapy Eye Pillow
goop, $58
7
SLIDE SHOW
These bedroom slippers are made of a custom Japanese leather that is soft, sleek, and hand-washable. It’s the chicest way to be lazy.
Morihata
Washable Leather
Room Shoes Slippers
goop, $196
8
FINE TUNE
A stick of palo santo and two custom-blend incense sticks, wrapped up with a traditional Thadobati singing bowl, cushion, and mallet. Your meditation practice could practically start itself.
Incausa
Large Standard
Singing Bowl Set
goop, $185
9
SIT TIGHT
Crafted from wild cherrywood, Bluecony’s meditation bench is ergonomically designed to help you find perfect posture in a comfortable position. What does this even mean? It looks good, it feels good, and so do you when you’re on it. This travel version breaks down to fit into a cotton rucksack. Why? Because you’re going to want to take it with you.
Bluecony
Ikuko Original
Meditation Bench
goop, $135
10
ADAPTATION
Sure, you can’t sprinkle ashwagandha on all your problems, but how about some stress-reducing magic dust for your smoothies, yogurt bowls, and late-night beverages? Best make a habit of it: Adaptogens get better with time.
Sun Potion
Ashwagandha
goop, $43
11
OG TOOLKIT
Inner noise is a real you know what. Psychotherapists Barry Michels and Phil Stutz give us the tools to quash negative self-talk in their phenomenal book Coming Alive. Don’t think of it as a quick fix. Once you add the (simple) techniques Michels and Stutz recommend into your daily routine, you’ll have considerable skills to take on whatever pops up next.
Penguin
Random House
Coming Alive
goop, $28
Source: https://goop.com/wellness/mindfulness/how-to-shift-your-mood/
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Glamorizing Sleep Deprivation Ruined My Health in Every Way
I knew early on that no one was actually listening to my answer when they asked, “How are you?” Not that I could really blame them; I always said the same thing, like it was a reflex. “Oh, I’m tired,” I would sigh on autorepeat. I didn’t consider it a problem that needed to be fixed; it was just a fact, the result of nights spent crossing every single thing off my to-do list instead of going to bed at a reasonable hour. Maybe this was the result of teenage anxiety, or maybe it was a reaction to what one music teacher told me when I made the mistake of complaining about being too exhausted to practice.
“You don’t need that much sleep,” she said. “You can sleep all you want when you’re dead.”
Thinking back, that was definitely a joke, but it also became the rationale for my daily routine. For a long time, things were fine. I yawned a lot during the week, but coffee fixed that. Besides, staying up late wore me out, so I could pass out instantly when I climbed in bed. And I slept in on weekends. It wasn’t a problem—yet.
Five years ago, an editor asked me to research the importance of beauty sleep for Teen Vogue. I stayed up all night reading through studies and putting together interviews. I wrote about the dangers of sleep deprivation, the importance of getting a full night’s rest, and better ways to drift off. By then, I was very well-versed in the concept of sleep debt, a term that describes the cumulative effects of continuous sleep deprivation. (This, by the way, is a debt you cannot pay back by sleeping in just one or two days per week — it's a more involved process than that.) I was also a few years into a relatively new habit—being unable to fall asleep without medication. It had begun gradually, with a few restless nights here and there, feeling my mind relentlessly fight against my body’s need for rest. But with time, it got increasingly worse.
I’m a hypocrite, I thought, as I doled out wellness advice. But, I didn’t do anything constructive to change the situation; I just kept pushing through. When melatonin stopped working, I doubled, then tripled the dosage. When that started giving me vivid nightmares that woke me up in the middle of the night, I switched to Lorazepam and Xanax, hating how groggy they made me feel when I woke up. When doctors prescribed bottles of promethazine for coughing, I continued measuring out doses after my symptoms had passed, just so I could get enough rest to continue functioning the next day. On my lists of problems and priorities, sleep barely even registered.
One year after I waxed eloquent on beauty sleep, I drove my car straight into a concrete pillar in an underground parking lot. It wasn't even lunchtime and I didn't have a single drop of alcohol in my body. I had been up since 5:00 a.m. working and woken up multiple times the previous night, finally giving up. I was just that tired. And I was very lucky that day that no one was hurt because I couldn’t take my own health seriously.
While the exact amount of hours that constitute “enough” sleep varies by individual, I wasn’t even close to reaching my personal quota. Research has shown many links between long-term sleep deprivation and worsening mental and physical health. A 2018 study in Cureus found that sleep debt could lead to feelings of anger and aggression. The same study also highlighted the wealth of evidence that links sleep deprivation to the exacerbation of “pre-existing mood disturbances,” including depression, anxiety, and confusion. According to The National Sleep Foundation people experiencing insomnia are 10 times as likely to have clinical depression and 17 times as likely to have clinical anxiety. There are physical consequences as well; one study cited the importance of sleep on the functioning of metabolic, immune, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems.
Source: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/glamorizing-sleep-deprivation-ruined-my-health-in-every-way
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You've OverIndulged on Sweets...Now What?
Although I don't have as much of a sweet tooth as I used to, overindulging on sweets is still very much a concern for me. I noticed that, as I get older, my body doesn't respond to sugar the same way it used to. Once upon a time, I could feast on sugar confections without having to worry about gaining weight, enduring any sugar crashes or headaches. Nowadays, I really feel the effects of consuming too much sugar.
My theory is that, as we get older, our cells aren't as efficient at properly removing the high levels of sugar from the bloodstream. Simply put, the older we get, the more obvious the consequences from a sugar overload. I'm not ready to give up all sugar just yet, so I asked myself if there's anything I can do to minimize the negative impacts of sugar on the body.
I came up with a few strategies that can really help word off some of the worst side effects of too much sugar.
When we overindulge on sweets, we raise our blood sugar level. Typically, our body begins the slow process of trying to eliminate some of the sugar in our blood by moving it to muscles, liver and storing it as fat. Problems arise when our diet consist of meal after meal of refined carbs and sugary snacks. This causes our bodies to constantly release high levels of insulin (the hormone that causes our bodies to store fat). If you have any extra fat on your body (especially in the midsection), that's probably a sign that your insulin levels haven't been optimal.
The antidote to this problem is to reduce/eliminate sweets and processed carbs from our diet.
If you aren't ready to give up your sweets just yet, you can try these alternatives that help lower our post-meal blood sugar.
Go for a walk
Once upon a time, I would consume a large meal and immediately want to head for the couch. Sometimes I would grab something sweet to avoid for a quick afternoon pick me up and fall victim to the post-sugar crash. Wanting to lay down might be my first instinct but I've since learned that the best thing to do is to stay active. Simple activity like going for a walk after eating dessert will force your body to move some of the sugar away from the bloodstream into your muscles to provide energy for the walk. Light to moderate physical activity can really help to neutralize some of the negative effects of a high blood sugar. I try to do some light housework or bounce for a few minutes on the trampoline to engage my muscles. There's also evidence to suggest that walking/moving immediately after a meal could promote more weight loss than if you performed physical activity hours after eating. So after your next big meal, try staying active to avoid the insane sugar spike.
Drink ACV
If you don't have time to walk after eating, the other option you have is to sip on some ACV water prior to eating your high carb meal. I've discussed how a friend of mine easily lost weight by following this method. There have also been studies that further support how powerful apple cider vinegar is at lowering the potential blood sugar spike of food. Lower blood sugar means less insulin secretion which means less fat stored and more fat burned. Who wouldn't want that? Lately, I've been filling up my little 8 oz juice bottles with ACV and water. Before I eat something indulgent, I drink one in hopes of managing my blood sugar levels. I've only been doing this for a couple of days and so far I notice an improvement in digestion and increased energy. Can't wait to experience the long-term impact of a flatter tummy.
Drink Water
I heard someone say "when you pollute, dilute!" That was her way of encouraging us to drink water to counteract the effects of too much salt or sugar intake. Water may not be as powerful for lowering blood sugar as walking but it certainly helps if you can't get active or if you don't have ACV nearby. When we consume enough water, our kidneys will help bring down blood sugar levels by excreting excess sugar through urine. Basically, water helps to dilute the amount of sugar in our blood.
Now that you have three different options for managing your post-meal blood sugar levels, you have no excuse. It doesn't make sense to allow our blood sugar levels to run rampant when we have options to manage it. Give it a try, your waistline will thank you.
Source: http://www.bellemocha.com/2018/09/youve-overindulged-on-sweetsnow-what.html
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What Net-a-Porter’s Alibaba Deal Says About the Luxury E-Commerce Opportunity in China
Hello BoF Professionals, your exclusive 'This Week in Fashion' briefing is ready, with members-only analysis on the key topic of the week and a digest of the week's top news.
This week, Alibaba scored a major coup by signing Net-a-Porter onto Tmall’s Luxury Pavilion platform. The Richemont-owned e-commerce portal, the biggest online luxury fashion website by sales, will sit on the Luxury Pavilion, which is available through Tmall, and Alibaba will take over operations of Net-a-Porter’s Chinese app and help launch a Chinese version of Mr Porter, the luxury retailer's menswear sibling. To date, customers in China have only had access to an English-language version of the men's site.
The latest move signals several truths about China's fast-moving online luxury market. For one, the already powerful e-commerce platforms operated by Alibaba and JD.com are further consolidating their power in the luxury space. For Alibaba, scoring a deal with what is arguably the world’s most prestigious online luxury player is a big victory in its ongoing battle with arch-rival JD.com, which pumped $397 million into luxury fashion marketplace — and Net-a-Porter competitor — Farfetch last year.
The deal also puts pressure on the few remaining sceptics who refuse to partner with China’s e-commerce giants. Luxury executives like Gucci’s Marco Bizzarri — who earlier this month at the BoF China Summit remained steadfast in his decision to stay away from platforms like Alibaba’s Tmall — could start to feel more isolated. Going it alone increasingly looks like a tough sell in China’s fast-growing online luxury market. And while there are very legitimate concerns about counterfeits and ceding control to Chinese conglomerates, for more and more luxury players, the motto now seems to be: "If you can’t beat them, join them."
Yoox Net-a-Porter chief executive Federico Marchetti was quick to take to social media in the minutes following the announcement of Richemont’s Alibaba deal. “Winning in the Chinese luxury market means thinking big,” Marchetti posted on Instagram. But the bigger story seems to be that even the established e-commerce giants of Europe now have to plug and play into a much bigger digital ecosystem if they are to reach their potential in the Chinese market.
China’s major e-commerce platforms have made major strides in luxury e-commerce over the past 18 months. And since Richemont acquired YNAP for €2.7 billion (a little over $3 billion) in May of this year, the e-commerce group has made no secret of its desire to partner with a local player in order to grow its China business. YNAP has long seen great potential in the Middle Kingdom, but it hasn’t managed to break through with great success, despite several efforts at entry and revitalisation.
Yoox made its first foray into Chinese e-commerce in 2010 via the launch of Emporioarmani.cn, and followed with other own-brand sites and Yoox.cn in 2012. That same year, Net-a-Porter acquired Chinese luxury e-commerce player Shouke.com, which was relaunched as Theoutnet.cn, a Chinese-language version of Net-a-Porter’s discount sister site. That site was then integrated as a Chinese-language section of the global Theoutnet.com site in 2015 to the dismay of Chinese consumers, who complained the global site lacked integrated customs tariffs clearing and local payment options.
Of course, 2015 was also the year of the merger between Yoox and Net-a-Porter, creating the world’s largest fashion e-tailer. But even being the world’s biggest online luxury player didn’t seem to give the group a leg-up in China, where it struggled to localise and lure consumers away from dominant Chinese e-commerce platforms.
As e-commerce sales in China topped $1 trillion in 2017, international luxury brands still remained underrepresented on the country’s big digital platforms, which were driving much of the momentum in the Chinese online luxury market. According to Gartner L2, only 24 percent of luxury brands had official stores on Tmall (Alibaba’s B2C e-commerce platform) and only 10 percent operated them on JD.com as of June 2017.
The big shift in luxury e-commerce in China occurred when the two dominant B2C platforms, Tmall and JD.com, turned their attention more aggressively to the space with the launch of specialised platforms Toplife, a standalone app launched by JD.com in June 2017, and Luxury Pavilion, an “app-within-an-app” accessed by invite only through Alibaba’s Tmall platform, first launched in August last year. YNAP is the latest of more than 60 partners to align with Luxury Pavilion in its 14 months of existence.
The attraction for these brands is obvious: Alibaba’s pool of 600 million potential customers, closer alignment on anti-counterfeiting efforts across its platforms and access to the tech giant’s famed big data operation.
On the flip side, the move into luxury is, in many ways, a sensible evolution for Alibaba and JD.com, which already have dominant positions in the wider consumer market. In 2018 Alibaba’s platforms, which include Taobao and Tmall, will account for 58.2 percent of all retail e-commerce sales in China, while JD.com will capture a 16.3 percent share, according to Emarketer. But the blockbuster quarterly growth now expected by shareholders could only be sustained by growing average spend per transaction.
Conveniently, this pivot came not only as Chinese consumers were re-embracing luxury with a vengeance — figures from Bain & Company put luxury market growth in China up 20 percent last year — but also as the central government, which had been central to the country’s luxury downturn, following President Xi Jinping’s 2012 crackdown on conspicuous consumption, encouraged consumers to “upgrade” their consumption, in order to help move the Chinese economy away from its traditional manufacturing and exporting base towards a consumer-led model.
The scene is certainly set for blockbuster online luxury growth in China, with more than $20 billion of luxury goods sold in the country last year and e-commerce currently accounting for more than 28 percent of retail sales (and growing) in the country. What also now seems certain is that international players are increasingly positioning themselves to capitalise on this growth by aligning with dominant Chinese technology players — the only ones with meaningful market share, local knowledge and the logistical networks to make it happen.
THE NEWS IN BRIEF
BUSINESS AND THE ECONOMY
Source: Gucci
Strong sales growth at Gucci helps Kering beat forecasts. The French luxury conglomerate said revenue reached €3.4 billion in the third quarter and increased 27.5 percent on a comparable basis. Sales growth had been expected to slow more sharply from 31.5 percent a quarter earlier to the 22.5 percent rise forecast in a poll of analysts by Inquiry Financial. Shares in the group, which had been particularly hit in the past three months over worries Gucci was running out of steam, were up 8.2 percent.
Puma lifts outlook as basketball launch goes well. Third quarter sales rose a currency-adjusted 14 percent to €1.242 billion ($1.42 billion), while operating profit was up 28 percent to €130 million, beating average analyst forecasts for €1.2 billion and €119 million respectively. Puma saw sales rise almost 16 percent in the Americas in the quarter and 23 percent in Asia, showing little of cooling in the region even as concerns grow that a trade war will curb spending by Chinese shoppers.
Ferragamo shares jump as widow's death sparks takeover talk. The death of Wander Ferragamo has prompted speculation that her heirs may eventually sell their stakes in the Italian luxury shoemaker. The shares, which peaked in 2015, rose as much as 8.8 percent. She was a key member of the family shareholders who controlled the company, opposing any sale after the company was floated on the Milan stock exchange in 2011. While the brand has struggled to keep up profitability, it might still be attractive to buyers.
PEOPLE
Philip Green | Source: Shutterstock
Sir Philip Green named in Parliament as the businessman at centre of Britain's #MeToo scandal. The Topshop owner was identified by Lord Hain, the former Leader of the House of Commons, after two days of speculation over the name of the man behind the injunction. The former Labour cabinet minister said that he had been contacted by someone “intimately involved in the case” and felt a “duty” to reveal the name using parliamentary privilege. Following Lord Hain’s comments, there were calls for the billionaire to be stripped of his Knighthood and for a crackdown on the use of non-disclosure agreements by “serial offenders.”
Christopher Raeburn joins Timberland. He joins the VF Corporation-owned brand as global creative director. Raeburn, who also helms his namesake label, will share his time equally between his own brand and Timberland. He will be based in his London studio and his first collection for Timberland will be Autumn/Winter 2020.
Giles Deacon joins Aspinal of London. The accessories brand has named Deacon as design director, effective immediately. The appointment comes after a well-received collaboration on Giles x Aspinal capsule accessories. Deacon will continue to helm Giles Deacon Couture as creative director.
Marine Serre, Richard Quinn and more nominated for Fashion Awards 2018. The nominees have been revealed ahead of the December 10 ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall. They include household names such as Alessandro Michele for Gucci and Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga to emerging designers like Craig Green, Martine Rose, Rejina Pyo and Samuel Ross for A-Cold-Wall*.
MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY
Amazon shares dip after sales miss. The e-commerce giant reported sales that missed analysts’ estimates, and issued a disappointing revenue forecast for the busy holiday quarter, suggesting it may be reaching a saturation point in the US. Revenue gained 29 percent to $56.6 billion in the third quarter. Analysts’ projected $57.1 billion. Sales will be from $66.5 billion to $72.5 billion in the current period, falling short of analysts’ average estimate of $73.8 billion.
Mytheresa launches kids. The Neiman Marcus-owned e-tailer is kicking off children’s clothing sales with 35 brands, including capsule collections from Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. The new offering is targeted at existing Mytheresa customers, 40 percent of whom have children.
BoF Professional is your competitive advantage in a fast-changing fashion industry. Missed some BoF Professional exclusive features? Click here to browse the archive.
Source: https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/professional/what-net-a-porters-alibaba-deal-says-about-the-luxury-e-commerce-opportunity-in-china
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How much sugar are you REALLY eating? Three women were put to the test - with shocking results!
Are you a sugar addict? Three women keep food diaries to track their daily consumption - including one Haribo-loving caffeine junkie our expert described as 'thin on the outside, fat on the inside'
Expert dietitian Helen Bond analysed the eating habits of three women
They had varying levels of 'sugar addiction' and were asked to keep food diaries
The recommended intake is no more than 30g of added sugar a day
The sugar and caffeine junkie had the worst sugar intake at 200 grams a day
By Chloe Morgan For Mailonline and Vanessa Chalmers For Healthista
Published: 07:25 GMT, 9 January 2019 | Updated: 13:47 GMT, 9 January 2019
We're all aware that eating sweets and chocolate will push up our sugar consumption, but many of us have no idea just how much of the sweet stuff we're really getting through.
While expert dietitian Helen Bond says we shouldn't be eating any more than around 30g (seven teaspoons) of sugar a day, the average British adult is getting through almost double that at 57g.
She analysed the eating habits of three women with varying levels of ‘sugar addiction’ to show how easy it is for excess sweetness to creep into your diet.
Healthista asked London-based Kirstie Johnson, 22, Laura May, 39 and Anna Magee, 49, to keep an honest week’s food diary for Helen to analyse - and the results may shock you...
THE SUGAR AND CAFFEINE JUNKIE
Name: Kirstie Johnson
Age: 22
Week total sugars: 1440g
Average day: 200g
Kirstie Johnson, 22, had the most shocking results according to dietician, Helen Bond. In just one day alone she consumed eight times the recommended amount
Speaking of Kirstie's body, Anna said: 'What’s worrying is that she appears lean or slim, but her body is thin on the outside and fat on the inside. Someone might look well, but on the inside it’s not so healthy'
FOOD DIARY
‘On a normal day I’m on my feet for about 8-10 hours as a Head Veterinary Nurse and I rely on sugar and caffeine,' said the self-confessed sugar and caffeine junkie.
'Within the day, I have bursts of extreme energy and then all of a sudden I’ll be crashing and half asleep. I don’t sleep very well either.’
She added: 'I’m on a prescription at the moment to control acne. My diet was discussed, but due to my work life, it wasn’t something I felt I could change. Picking at sweets and having drinks is a lot easier for me.
‘I am currently 55kg (8.6 stone) but I would like be leaner. I’ve got bits of fat on my tummy and hips and I think that’s a lot harder to shift because of my diet.’
Kirsite admitted that while her diet was discussed, due to her acne, her job as a Head Veterinary Nurse made it hard for her to change. Picking at sweets and having drinks seemed like the easier option
HELEN'S VERDICT
‘Kirstie’s sugar diary was the most shocking. If she has a 190g bag of Haribo’s in one sitting, that alone is three times the recommended maximum limit of free sugars in a day (30g).
Kirstie's fondness for sweets and eating cereal instead of a proper dinner puts her average daily consumption at 200g of sugar a day
'On Saturday, she has 250g which is eight times the recommended amount. Her habits include having lattes with four pumps of caramel syrup and whipped cream. Every pump is an extra teaspoon of sugar.'
'Kirstie is obviously very busy and fuels herself with sugar and caffeine. These spikes in blood sugar levels will affect her mood and skin. A high sugar diet can aggravate the balance of sex hormones which then causes spots.
'Luckily for her, Kirstie has youth and good genes on her side. She has a high metabolism and is running around all day burning calories. But things will slow down and things will catch up on her over time.
'What’s worrying is that she appears lean or slim, but her body is thin on the outside and fat on the inside. Someone might look well, but on the inside it’s not so healthy.’
Helen's tips
· Start slow and steady with small steps
· She can start with using diet drinks instead of fizzy drinks [one can of coke contains 33g of sugar] or a Splenda Mini in her coffee or tea
· Low calorie sweetners do get a lot of bad press but they are completely safe and hugely help people who eat a lot of sugar
· Instead of 2tbsp of Nutella for breakfast, peanut butter would provide protein and make her feel fuller.
· Low GI diet: These are foods that release energy slowly instead of spiking blood sugar levels. I would recommend wholegrains, such as wholemeal bread and rice [instead of white], buckwheat and quinoa.
· Kirstie needs more fruits and vegetables in her diet. Enhancing the nutrients in her diet would benefit her skin, B vitamins, and regulate blood sugar levels.
· Introduce more good fats - oily fish and omega 3 will dampen down inflammation in the body
· Be organised: Try and get healthy snacks pre-prepared and avoid buying sweets that lie around that are tempting
THE WEIGHT WATCHER
Name: Laura May
Age: 39
Goals: Weight loss and pain management
Week total sugars: 365g
Average day: 50g
Laura described her relationship with sugar as 'mostly reliance and denial.' She doesn't sleep much and so turns to things full of sugar to get an energy spike
Laura May, 39, changed her diet just six weeks ago when she decided to go gluten and dairy. It took away 60-70 per cent of her Fybromyalgia and IBS symptoms. Above, with her 14-month-old-daughter, Frankie and her partner
FOOD DIARY
‘My relationship with sugar is mostly reliance and denial. I work full time and have a 14 month old daughter, Frankie.
'Having a baby and being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia changed a lot for me. It’s a chronic pain disorder which makes me feel very fatigued. It can feel like I’m carrying extra weight, trying to run through a swimming pool.'
She added: 'Six weeks ago I went gluten and diary free. It took away 60-70 per cent of my Fibromyalgia and IBS symptoms, as well as clearing up my skin. At the moment this is more of a priority for me than my sugar intake.
'I lost a stone after having my baby but I’m struggling to lose another stone and feel ‘myself’ again. I don’t know how to approach it without eating rabbit food.
‘I don’t sleep much, on average six hours a night because of the baby. Then I’ll turn to things full of sugar to get an energy spike. I never ate so much chocolate before I had a baby.’
While Laura managed to lose a stone after having her baby, she admitted to struggling to lose another stone and feel herself again
HELEN'S VERDICT
‘Laura has had a tough time. But she is well within the 90g recommendation and that’s mainly because she’s clearly substituting some processed foods.
Although Helen likes the occasional sugary bar to start the day, she's within the daily limit
'Her free sugars are creeping in with biscuits and I worry about the coffee shop treats like the Pret popcorn bar. However, her choices aren’t all bad.
'For example, she has a KIND Caramel Almond and Sea Salt Bar which has almonds in and is low sugar.
'The glasses of Prosecco on a Friday night stood out to me. Even as a lower sugar drink, each glass has 1.5g of sugar, which is a teaspoon after three glasses.
'Alcohol contributes to 9 per cent of our sugar intake. Laura is choosing red wine, with no sugar, over sweeter wines. This is good, but there are still a lot of calories in there. Sugar is only part of the picture.’
Helen's tips
· Get adventurous with grains: Laura is lacking in wholegrains with fibre. It’s great she cooks from scratch and she can try gluten free grains such as pulses, teff, brown rice and quinoa to get more nutrient variety. A portion should be the size of a tennis ball, as too much can make you sleepy
· Rather than getting her sugar fixes from bars and popcorn, she might find she’s OK with oats which aren’t gluten free. Oatcakes with avocado or nut butter would be a good snack
· Home baking: Working in an office can be dangerous as temptation is often laying everywhere. I would recommend Laura makes gluten free biscuits at home as you can use sugar substitutions to cut down free sugars and calories
· Improve sleep quality: Not having enough will affect her hormones and it will stimulate her hunger signals. Light exercise and carbohydrates in an evening meal will make her feel more sleepy. If she decides to have dairy again, a glass of warm milk helps to boost serotonin, which at night time turns to melatonin which makes you sleepy. She should also be careful to avoid caffeine up to five hours before bed
· Mediterranean style diet: This is low in sugars and has a lot of healthy fats. It encompasses a lot of the food groups that are good for overall health and well being. It can dampen inflammation in the body from free radicals and wouldn’t aggravate her symptoms
THE HEALTH-AWARE SUGAR ADDICT
Name: Anna Magee
Age: 49
Goals: More energy, better ageing, stable mood
Week sugar total: 520g
Average day: 75g
While Anna Magee, 49, realised she was a 'sugar junkie,' Helen believed her overall diet was healthy and her daily sugars were under the limit
FOOD DIARY
‘Writing this diary has made me realise what a sugar junkie I am and how erratic my eating is. I can’t live without fruit and little bits of sugar every day.
Smoothies and fruit have pushed Anna's sugar consumption up to an average of 75g a day
'I like to snack on fruit – I can have five pieces in one sitting – but I don’t have things like dessert, cookies or cake unless it’s a celebration.
‘I don’t feel restricted, but I do have a sweet tooth, especially after and between meals, and will find ways around it with things like grapes, sweetcorn in my salad, sweet chilli on kale, or oat milk in my coffee.
‘I’ve given up sugar entirely before – it was hard for three weeks but then I didn’t even think about it.
'It really improved my mood. I hope the solution isn’t to eat more things like cheese – I don’t like cheese and I’m mostly vegan!’
Anna said she 'can’t live without fruit and little bits of sugar every day.' While she can snack on five piece of fruit in one sitting, she rarely has dessert, such as cookies or cake
HELEN'S VERDICT
‘Anna’s overall diet is very healthy, and her daily free sugars are under the limit (30g) at roughly 18g, apart from a slice of cake at the weekend.
‘The rest of her sugars come from natural sources such as fruit and salad bowls, totally under 90g. I’m not worried about Anna’s sugars at all.
‘Her calorie intake is lacking sometimes and she does a lot of high intensity workouts. Her lunch is averaging about 470 calories, which is probably why she snacks.
‘Anna doesn’t always have conventional lunchtime meals, but on average, her ‘lunch’ intake for the week is 472 kcals and on Thursday it was just 339 kcals – falling short of PHE’s 600 calorie lunch recommendation. Underfuelling by 128 kcals + may contribute to her mid–afternoon energy lows.
‘Although Anna doesn’t want to overload on food at lunch (as it can contribute to a ‘postpandrial dip’ after a heavy meal), she exercises regularly so does needs to eat more carbohydrate calories to replace the fuel that she has burned in her morning exercise, so I would suggest adding in a portion of wholegrain carbs, such as a small serving of brown pasta of brown rice or quinoa, or a small wholemeal pitta or tortilla wrap.
‘On days when Anna is less active, she will need fewer carbs but again going too low, may leave Anna feeling very tired.
‘The recommended daily calorie intake for women is 2000 kcals but in reality our calorie requirements are very individual and depend on how old, big, tall and active we are, among other things.
'This is just a guide but it is also useful for Anna to keep an eye on her weight – Anna is already lovely and slim, so if her weight is falling, then her body is burning more calories than she is consuming and may need to up her calorie intake.
‘On a good note, her protein intake is well within, almost double, the benchmark. This is from her plant based sources such as beans, nuts seeds and protein powder. Her fibre intake is also excellent.’
Helen's tips
- One of Anna’s main sources of free sugar is from the honey in her smoothie, A tbsp. is about 12g of sugar which is almost 3tsp of sugar. Try swapping for a sugar alternative such as Splenda Granulated
- To improve energy, upping carbohydrates will steady Anna’s levels and balance her mood and psychological wellbeing
- Anna should check her iron and vitamin B12 levels as she is mostly vegan. Often you need a supplement or fortified foods.
- Vitamin D and omega 3 supplements help healthy ageing. I'd recommend eating oily fish as it is good for heart health and skin
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-6569965/How-sugar-REALLY-eating-Three-women-test-shocking-results.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490
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