Makeup basics from a makeup artist: the 6 best sunscreens that you should definitely be using
We all know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen, but do we? In parts of the country where it’s not as constantly sunshiny as my home in California, it’s easy to think you don’t need it until summer rolls around. Well, study after study says that we do. Now is the time to develop the habit of wearing sunscreen regularly. Here are some of my fave sunscreens as well as some interesting newcomers…
Saying “bye” to labels: I’m not sure of my sexuality anymore, and that’s okay
There was a time when having a label to my sexuality was very important to me because it helped me name what I was. I’ll tell you now: I still don’t have a nicely labeled answer for what I am. And I don’t care.
Makeup basics from a makeup artist: The top 10 mascaras (both new and classic)
Without. A. Doubt. the number one product I am asked about is mascara. All the folks who ask about it — laypersons and fellow makeup artists alike — seem to be on the eternal quest for the perfect mascara. All I can do is offer my advice as someone who — because of my work as a makeup artist — has tried a lot of different mascara on a lot of different eyes. In no particular order, here are the top 10 best mascaras…
Pickles, pirates, and busty ladies: what to expect at a Renaissance fair
As a huge fantasy geek, dressing up in period costume, eating giant dill pickles on sticks, and watching sexy people joust is my happy place. I also wrongly assumed that everyone else in the world was attending their own local Ren fairs/fests and huzzah-ing along with me. But after posting a shot of my recently acquired new garb online, I came to find out how wrong I was. Fellow editor, Chris, started asking me all these questions and was worried she’d be ridiculed for her lack of knowledge of olde-y world-y things (spoiler: hell no!). We decided that I should write up a primer for preparing to embark on a geeky trip back in time. Here’s what to expect at your first Renaissance fair.
How do I allow myself to take breaks at work?
Lately I’ve been pulled so many different directions that I end up working during my lunch breaks. Because I always make myself accessible to others, I inevitably became the “go-to person” to fix problems, troubleshoot the copier, direct phone calls, greet clients, etc. Does anyone have suggestions for avoiding workaholic tendencies? What are some ways to set boundaries with co-workers, and allow myself to take breaks so that I don’t burnout?
My pregnant battle with Body Image Demons
Like a lot of people, I have a complicated relationship with my body. My body is wonderful. But due to not unusual hang-ups and high school experiences, I don’t treat my body as a friend of any sort. My body and I are were getting to a good place though. And, then I got pregnant. Though I was (and am) very excited to be pregnant, I was also now in full combat with the Body Image Demons™.
How dare you enjoy your own culture
Remember that one time when Nicki Minaj wore a feathered headdress to announce her PinkPrint tour? A lot of people said, “Whoa, girl, why are you wearing a Native American headdress? Not cool, that’s not yours.”
Then other people said, “Simmer down, that’s not Native American, that’s a carnival headdress; it’s cool because she was born in Trinidad.”
It’s the Tumblr trap of trying to stop cultural appropriation in its tracks — but accidentally giving people flack for enjoying their own culture.
Finding pants for big bellies, or: Why I rock maternity pants when I’m not pregnant
No pants ever fit! Everyone thinks I am pregnant! Where can I find pants that accommodate a big belly? Then it struck me: Well, maternity pants. Duh. So I have been wearing this Target pair for a few months. But I’m wondering… Do any Offbeat Mamas or Homies with Non-Baby Bumps have more recommendations for belly-accommodating stores or styles that are comfortable and go a step above yoga/sweatpants?