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Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Isn’t Competing in the Olympics to Be Remembered for Her Hair

She’s known as the “Pocket Rocket” because of her 5-foot-tall stance and power-packed race starts, but Jamaican track and field sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is gaining fame for something else this Olympics: her bolt of green and yellow hair. And she’s getting tired of it.

Considered by many industry insiders to be the greatest female sprinter ever, Fraser-Pryce has already captured two gold and two silver medals in the London and Beijing Olympics, and holds a staggering seven World Championship wins. 

Yet coverage has focused on her hair since the start of the games — from declaring her winner of “best opening ceremony hair,” to athletic introductions that lead in with the color of her strands before mention of her speed. Other outlets, like CNN, have focused more on the pain of the 29-year-old runner’s toe injury than either her past resumé or future potential at these games. 

After capturing the bronze medal in her signature 100-meter event Sunday in a well-fought showing against fellow countrywoman Elaine Thompson, Fraser-Pryce took to Facebook with a message that accompanied a smiling medal podium photo: “Because SFP [referring to herself] did not come this far to be remembered for her ‘ombre’ hair and injured toe, but for resilience and faithfulness. This bronze was the hardest to earn but like my gold and silver, it’s equally ‘Pryceless’ :)” 

Why do female athletes get physically critiqued in a way that male athletes don’t seem to? It has a lot to do with what our culture thinks it means to be a woman, says Kjerstin Gruys, PhD, postdoctoral scholar at the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University. 

“When women become very successful in areas often associated with masculine traits, such as athletics or anything involving competition, you often see intensified scrutiny on whether or not the woman is adequately feminine,” Gruys tells Yahoo Beauty. “You might say that successful women are held to an even higher standard of beauty as a way to make up for the traits that are viewed as masculine,” she adds. 

The reduction of women of accomplishment to a focus on their changing hair styles isn’t new — but the way we respond to this kind of coverage is now changing, says Lauren Dawn, co-founder and executive director of Hillary Clinton PAC, Humanity for Hillary. Like Fraser-Pryce, Clinton has had her share of hairdo explications over the decades.

“That era is over, folks — women frankly are just simply not going to take this BS anymore — media need to learn that degrading a woman’s accomplishments by focusing on her looks is no longer acceptable,” Dawn tells Yahoo Beauty.

Rumored to be a multi-million-dollar business woman with investments in a hometown cafe, as well as the Pocket Rocket Foundation she created to provide academic scholarships to underprivileged Jamaican children (having overcome severe hardship herself), Fraser-Pryce, interestingly, also owns a local multi-ethnic hair salon — Chic Hair Ja.

So how did the salon choose to negotiate the delicate balance of celebrating its Olympian owner’s extraordinary speed talents, along with the green and yellow hairstyle that she no doubt had done there? With a photo of Fraser-Pryce and the double entendre-inviting caption: “BE BRAVE, TAKE RISKS. You are only confined by the walls you build yourself.” 

A photo posted by Chic Hair Ja (@chichairja) on Aug 2, 2016 at 10:37am PDT

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When the Olympics Happen in the Land of Nip and Tuck

Brazil is not only the home of the Rio Summer Olympic Games, but it is also a top destination for plastic surgery medical tourism. (Photo: Trunk Archive)

Rio: It’s the place to watch the best athletes kick serious butt this month — and it’s also the most popular place in the world to get a new butt of your own.

Brazil currently follows the United States as the second most-popular hot spot for cosmetic surgery and is a top booked destination for “plastic surgery medical tourism” this year — a term used to describe travel outside of a home country to undergo medical procedures.

Why schlep for surgery? People are primarily drawn to the lower price tag. The Brazilian Butt Lift, a popular procedure that liposuctions fat from one area of your body to then augment your bum, costs about $14,000 at a private clinic in the U.S., as compared with $4,000 in Brazil, according to Medigo, a Berlin-based medical tourism agency. 

Americans make up the largest percentage (20 percent) of patients traveling to Brazil for plastic surgery according to Medigo’s records, followed by the French (18 percent) and British (6 percent). The most popular procedures for these patients include butt augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, breast implants, and face-lift.

The land of legendary beaches is more culturally open to going under the knife than virtually any other place. Celebrities and those with means tend to nip and tuck in the U.S., but cosmetic surgery is more democratic in Brazil, where it’s essentially available to every income level of the population and where people feel freer to discuss and undergo procedures, says Renato Saltz, MD, a native of Brazil who is contributing plastic surgeon at RealSelf.com, as well as the president-elect of Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

However, this isn’t drive-through surgery; medical tourism agencies we consulted say that Brazilian butt lifts and other common plastic surgeries are typically booked about three months in advance for optimal availability. Any clinic purporting to be a walk-in option is a blaring red flag for a seedy place — good surgeons are in demand and are typically booked out a couple of months at least, says Medigo.

There’s no shortage of savvy surgeons though. Brazil has the highest per capita number of practicing cosmetic surgeons in the world; according to the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery, more than 5,200 are qualified with the appropriate credentials, says Wendy Lewis, a longtime cosmetic surgery consultant and editor-in-chief of Beauty in the Bag. “Brazil has a wealth of world-class plastic surgeons and dermatologists, and well-established clinics and hospitals, most notably in São Paulo,” she says.

And in the past few years, the Brazilian love for a plump rump has gone international. Culturally, Brazilian women have always tended toward smaller breasts and an ample bottom as the ideal. Meanwhile, in the United States, the opposite aesthetic of big breasts and a small butt have always been the desired look — but that’s changing. “Even in conservative areas like my practices in Utah, I see a lot of patients coming in — not for large breasts now — but for fat injections to their buttocks,” says Saltz, whose patients often view his Brazilian heritage as a plus in that department.

Blame the ample bottom obsession on Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian, says Saltz. He credits these American celebs — and not Brazilian culture — with making big booties a desirable trait around the world. “It also has a lot to do with Internet and globalization — everybody’s now sharing their bodies through selfies, and it [big butts] has become a global look that has grown exponentially,” says Saltz. 

If cheap plastic surgery sounds too good to be true, that’s because it often can be. Medical tourism nightmares have sickened, disfigured, and even killed patients in South America, where regulations are often nonexistent, and waiver forms can bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “proceed at your own risk.” 

Evita Sarmonikas, a 29-year-old Australian woman who traveled to Mexico to get butt implants, died soon after the procedure from complications related to internal bleeding. And after four patients (including a 35-year-old Hawaiian woman) died after receiving liposuction at a Dominican Republic clinic and 19 women were sickened by infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel warning against medical tourism in the Dominican Republic. 

Even celebrities aren’t immune to the dangers of medical tourism. Usher’s ex-wife Tameka Foster (who was 38 years old at the time) suffered cardiac arrest while getting anesthetized for postbaby liposuction in Brazil and was put into a medically induced coma to survive. Doctors say the biggest surgical risk is actually the anesthesia, and there has been no shortage of malpractice cases that have resulted from botched jobs like this one. 

“Doctors in New York, Florida, Texas, and California have seen some of the worst complication cases of off-shore surgery, often taking place in Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Ecuador,” says Lewis. The reasons are various, including unskilled surgeons, major infections due to poor hygiene standards, and complications related to traveling and exertion too soon after surgery.

Patients who have had “vacation surgery” go wrong and who are seeking help are not an unusual occurrence in Norman M. Rowe’s New York City office. Most times, treating them is a guessing game — and doctors are not fans of playing that type of game. “If the patient manages to get any records, there is often very little information presented,” says Rowe, who adds that what meager details can be turned up usually have to be translated first. 

There is also the regular risk of complications following any surgery — no matter how responsibly done — that has to be considered. “As a surgeon we want to see our patients during the postoperative period,” says Rowe. Plastic surgeries entail follow-up visits to the doctor to make sure everything is healing correctly. “Speaking with a surgeon on the phone or via Skype is not the same thing as seeing the surgeon who operated on you face to face,” adds Rowe.

If saving cash is your primary motivation, Lewis says that trekking across the globe is rarely worthwhile once you factor in all the extra costs. While the most expensive markets are the New York City and Los Angeles areas, another option to consider is exploring possibilities within the U.S. “If you’re on a budget, you may find you’re better off traveling to the Midwest or Southeast, where you can identify many experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons whose fees may be more affordable,” she suggests. 

Or perhaps you can settle on watching those Olympic athletes kick butt while learning to appreciate your own caboose — whatever its size or shape may be. 

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Where Are All the Beauty Sponsors for the Rio Olympics?

Gillette Venus Swirl is teaming up with Olympic all-around gold medalist Gabby Douglas this summer, to celebrate how, as an accredited female gymnast, she “moves like no other.” (Photo: Business Wire)

Beauty brands have a long history of partnering with female athletes in the spotlight, touting everything from lipstick to shampoo to face cream. But if you’ve been paying attention, you’ve likely observed that there are noticeably fewer sponsored athletes at the 2016 Rio Olympics — a trend that is reflected in beauty brands and all other sponsors in general. 

“I think today’s Olympic athletes are being hurt by other Olympians who have lost endorsement deals over their off-the-field behavior — namely, Lance Armstrong and Michael Phelps,” says Bob Williams, the CEO of Burns Entertainment and Sports, a firm that matches advertisers with celebrities for endorsements. 

Armstrong is currently in a legal nightmare with the U.S. Postal Service, which is suing to get back money invested in him before his very public doping scandal, which led to a strip-down of titles and medals. “It’s truly a first and could set a precedent,” says Williams of the lawsuit. Usually, when an athlete's behavior puts a brand in jeopardy, ads are immediately halted and a quiet fade-out ensues. Not this time.

“Advertisers are watching the USPS case closely — depending on how it turns out, [the ability to sue] may be something they add to damage-control options in future contracts,” says Williams. He adds that moral clauses now allow brands to gracefully exit if a celebrity brings unexpected trouble, with terms that have eased considerably within the past five to 10 years.

As it is, Olympians are a high-risk endorsement. Their viability peaks in the small window of time leading up to the competition, during the Games and right after the Olympics end, unlike a traditional celebrity deal that has one or two years of high visibility. “You’re trying to catch lightning in a bottle — it’s difficult enough to pick athletes who fit your brand and campaign, and then you have to take a chance on them coming through and winning the gold medal,” says Williams. 

Procter & Gamble has been the biggest beauty player to take that chance in recent history, blanketing the 2008 and 2012 women’s gymnastics team with ads for a slew of its most popular brands, including CoverGirl, Olay, Secret and Pantene — and highlighting Gabby Douglas in particular across all platforms at the last Summer Olympics, in 2012, when she magically went on to capture the gold. 

This time, P&G featured just one brand with a gymnast, and Douglas is that golden girl. While fellow competitor Simone Biles may be giving her a run for her money on the mat, Biles doesn’t yet have the name and face recognition that still makes Douglas the most coveted endorsement prize. The one-brand partnership between Douglas and Gillette Venus Swirl pairs her with its latest marketing innovation. The razor operates with a multidimensional “Flexiball” to help get around tricky areas like the knees and ankles, and the “Moves Like No Other” campaign with Douglas is intended to emphasize her own legendary ability to, well, move like no other. 

A video posted by Aussie (@aussiehair) on Jul 21, 2016 at 7:02am PDT

Meanwhile, P&G’s Aussie hair care brand has partnered with women’s volleyball players April Ross and Jennifer Kessy as a way to illustrate its marketing message that on-the-go women can use the products for great hair that fits into an active lifestyle — including high-performance Olympians.

Other athletes have picked up smaller-scale partnerships reflective of how influential social media has become. These deals pair elements like an athlete’s Instagram posts with products that tackle skin and makeup issues related to perspiration. American gymnast Aly Raisman is one such example, as brand ambassador for Revision Skincare, which she touts for keeping her skin clear in spite of sweaty, intense training sessions six days a week. Track and fielder Natasha Hastings is a brand ambassador for Sweat Cosmetics, a line of natural oil-free mineral foundation with SPF protection that claims to last through drenching workouts. 

A photo posted by Natasha Hastings (@natashahastings) on May 2, 2016 at 2:05pm PDT

Female gymnasts remain the top endorsement candidates at the Summer Olympics, since they’re an ad model that is most proven to work in this context, says Williams. (Swimming and track and field round out the most coveted sports.) “Brands love to associate their products with overall winners, and we’ve seen female gymnasts like Mary Lou Retton and Kerri Strug win and maintain positive images through long periods of time, so advertisers tend to be more comfortable with female gymnasts — there’s just less of a risk of them behaving badly or getting arrested, like with an NFL player,” says Williams. 

On the male side, P&G is again promoting razors. Its Gillette brand debuted a “Perfect Isn’t Pretty” campaign with USA decathlon star Ashton Eaton, Brazilian soccer player Neymar Jr., Chinese freestyle swimmer Ning Zetao, and U.K. cycler Andrew Tennant. The short film takes viewers on the journey of these Olympians — from injuries and aches to ensuing relationship drama when dedication comes at an expense. The aim is to show that the “thrill of victory” has no shortcuts — and neither did the precision that went into the razor design.

The overall decrease in endorsements may also have to do with the fact that consumers tend to be swayed less by mere celebrity these days than by a personal connection to individuals — who they are, what their beliefs are, and how they live, says Dave Wakeman, the principal of Wakeman Consulting Group, who advises sports brands and teams on revenue generation. As such, brands are investing in more targeted partnerships, like those with social media influencers.

Another contributing factor is the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 40, which allows athletes, coaches/trainers, and officials participating in the Olympics to appear in generic advertising or promote nonofficial sponsors on social media provided that it doesn’t mention the Rio Games outright or contain Olympic intellectual property. Advertising that doesn’t adhere to these guidelines during the blackout period could result in athletes losing their medals.

And last, gymnasts are in competition with the endorsement jewels of the Winter Olympics — figure skaters — who, experts say, will predictably pull more beauty advertisers. Now that the Summer and Winter Olympics are just two years apart, beauty brands tend to allocate more sponsorship dollars for the ice queens.

“The entire culture of figure skating centers around aesthetics. Skaters use music, choreography, costumes, makeup, hair, and jewelry to tell a story on ice — the potential for sponsorships is so obvious, and it makes more sense for a top skater like Ashley Wagner, Gracie Gold, or Meryl Davis to enter the beauty and fashion world,” says Dave Lease, co-founder of The Skating Lesson, a figure skating blog that covers gymnastics in the off-season. While gymnasts also use music, they wear the same leotards at competitions and there is less emphasis on individuality and creativity in appearance, adds Lease. 

So who’s the one to watch at these games? While Douglas commands the most stardom going in, it’s Biles who will be the name on everyone’s lips by the end, predicts Lease. 

“I believe Simone Biles has the crossover potential of Dorothy Hamill and Mary Lou Retton. Her unique athletic ability combined with her vivacious personality are a dream — she could sell ice to an Eskimo, given her smile, talent, and charisma,” says Lease. “Once the public actually sees Simone and what she is capable of, [her sponsorships] will surely grow if she performs up to expectations.”

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5 New French Beauty Brands You Need to Know About

In honor of Bastille Day, Yahoo Style and Yahoo Beauty are examining what it means to be a "French girl" — the myths, fantasies, and realities that all help define that certain je ne sais quoi. What's vrai, what's faux, and what's a total faux pas? Read on.

Sure, we’ve all heard of Caudalie and Vichy, but French women (and those who love French beauty) are currently coveting a new crop of chic scrubs, salves, and maquillage. From the land that brought us beauty icons like Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, here are the latest must-have brands atop every belle de jour’s list. 

IXXI Sublixime Anti-Ageing Absolute. (Photo: IXXI)

IXXI

It’s all about the pine. Located in the heart of the lush Landes evergreen forest in southwestern France, IXXI labs boast pine polyphenol as its secret sauce. The powerful antioxidant is extracted from the bark of trees and is formulated into a skincare line that targets the signs of aging and is known for using bioavailable ingredients. In studies, the extract has been shown to have 30 times more antioxidant power than vitamin C, and it increases production of collagen (a building block of youthful, elastic skin) by 36 percent. With products that range from Micellar Cleansing Water to Milky Hydrating Lotion and Fine Daytime Emulsion, the line is gentle and elegant — and in keeping with what French skincare is known for. The four letters of the brand name — IXXI — convey the serenity of trees and the mystical allure of the woods while visually celebrating nature’s harmony and balance. 

Star product: Sublixime Anti-Ageing Absolute. Made with extracts from the bark, seed, and needle of pines, this lightweight beauty oil dispenses through a dropper and has become a gold accent on the vanity tables of mesdemoiselles in the know.

Where to buy: Duane Reade and Walgreens Look Boutique stores

Nailmatic Nail Lacquers. (Photo: Nailmatic)

Nailmatic

You’re in on the scoop — the French are going crazy for this new natural nail polish brand that is popping up in custom vending machines everywhere. (Oui, oui, you read that right — queue up now!) And cool fact: The dispensing machines are air-conditioned to the perfect polish-preserving temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit, so formulas stay fresh and silky. All of the polishes are “5 free,” or made without popular chemicals toluene, dibutyl phthalate, two types of formaldehyde and camphor. Instead, the brand fills its darling bottles with toxin-free, juicy hues bursting with fun. There is even Nailmatic Kids, the first water-based polish line formulated just for les enfants, which can be removed with warm soapy water. It’s true — the French never run short on imagination!

Star product: Nail Lacquer. Full coverage and superhigh on shine, the polishes are known for their extraordinary pop on nails. If you’re more demure, the BB Nail line is a vitamin-enriched treatment that adds a hint of coverage for healthy-looking nails — and is a favorite among men. 

Where to buy: There’s talk of a USA debut in 2017; for now, Nailmatic is available at international locations.

Acti-Labs Diamond Dust Face Powder. (Photo: Acti-Labs)

Acti-Labs

Prepare for a knock on your door; this could be the French Avon of tomorrow. Independent sellers are just beginning to offer this popular brand stateside that is known for its eco-friendly line of relatively affordable French skincare products that are free of animal testing and all boast a low carbon footprint. From skincare to haircare, the focus is on merging science with the sophistication of French anti-aging expertise, with ingredients like stem cell technology and marine collagen. Body treatments come straight from the slimming, shaping, and sculpting menus of traditional French spas, and the makeup is big on natural ingredients like green tea, chamomile, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, which bring radiance and glow back to tired complexions. And if you haven’t already seen this brand pop up in your social media feeds, expect to soon; the company is big on arming reps with tools to create eye-catching selfies and tutorials.

Star product: Diamond Dust Face Powder. Created to impart a gentle glow and to diminish imperfections on any skin tone, this multipurpose mosaic mineral powder can serve as all-over corrective compact, blush, bronzer, or highlighter, depending on the color family you pick. 

Where to buy: Acti-Labs.com

Studio 78 Paris Eyeshadows. (Photo: Studio 78 Paris)

Studio 78 Paris

Organic and sensitive-skin types, this one’s for you: Studio 78 Paris is a new Ecocert-certified makeup line from the fashion capital of the world that was created by a former Guerlain exec in search of a natural alternative for supersensitive skin — “a chic makeup line for allergic women.” Adding the distinctly French touches of beautiful packaging, sensual fragrance, and savoir-faire in color, the brand merges the seeming paradox of green products with a fancy cosmetic feel. Every item is free of common agitators and synthetics like parabens, mineral oil, rosin, and formaldehyde, and is instead filled with plant extracts and fine oils like avocado, apricot, and chamomile. All shades are derived from 100 percent natural mineral pigments. Baked clay is at the heart of the brand’s technology, which gives the powder the ability to be applied wet (for more drama) or dry (for a more natural look). 

Star product: Ombre à Paupières No2. Easily irritated eyes will appreciate these nurturing eyeshadows that easily double as eyeliner when applied wet. Organic and filled with chamomile and apricot oil, the pressed mineral powders are instantly soothing.

Where to buy: Ecocentric.com

Thalion Focus Cellulite Control. (Photo: Thalion)

Thalion

French women have long loved and used seaweed as an anti-aging ingredient, and thalassotherapy — or the use of seawater in beauty treatments — has always been a traditionally popular choice in French spas. Thalion harvests seaweed from what is known as “the international capital” of the nutrient-dense plant, the Iroise Sea, off the coast of Brittany in northwestern France. There, the combination of strong currents, high tide, ideal water temperature, and salinity all result in superseaweeds that are especially rich in antioxidant properties. The minerals are preserved and transported into a line of facial, body, tea, and supplement products offered at spas, and are incorporated into signature facials and body rituals. Unlike many women in the U.S., who think of spa time as an indulgent treat, most French women consider the spa — and popular spa products — an integral part of any beauty routine.

Star product: Focus Cellulite Control. French women take cellulite treatments seriously, and this pink cream-gel has become the latest go-to in fighting the three types of cellulite: fat, water, and fiber. Marine AHAs transport a patented cellulite-busting ingredient, along with caffeine, to areas like the hips, thighs, and behind. Kneading and rolling movements are essential to applying the product for the best results.

Where to buy: Thalion is not yet available in the United States, but if you travel to other locations, including Canada, Mexico, France, and other spots in Europe and Asia, you can find the products at select spas.

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Lion Babe’s Jillian Hervey and Her Incredible Curls Are Bringing Diversity to Hair Ads

Jillian Hervey joins bold names such as Gisele, Selena Gomez, and Zooey Deschanel as a brand ambassador for Pantene. (Photo: Courtesy of Pantene) 

When you think of a Pantene ad, a model with long, straight hair likely comes to mind — but the brand’s newest face is about to change that.

Jillian Hervey, the 27-year-old daughter of actress Vanessa Williams and member of the neo-soul group Lion Babe, was announced today as the iconic hair brand’s newest brand ambassador.

Her mane of lush, natural curls is a departure from Pantene’s traditional campaign heritage and signals a significant, and welcome, expansion in the way a mainstream hair brand speaks to American women today.

Yahoo Beauty sat down with Hervey at the London NYC to discuss everything from how being raised in an affluent, white community shaped her relationship with her hair to what she plans to do with her platform as an influential young voice today.

A photo posted by LION BABE (@lionbabe) on May 17, 2016 at 6:22pm PDT

Yahoo Beauty: What have been some of your hair struggles — as a child and even today?

Jillian Hervey: I think the main struggle was being naive about how to treat it and what to do with it. I grew up in a very predominantly white neighborhood and had long, sleek, straight hair as a reference point of what I saw all the time. It’s what I tried to achieve as a way to fit in. I had no idea how to handle my curls. I was using products and techniques that I was learning from friends who had very different hair from me.

Did that make you feel different, or an outsider?

Yes, I always felt like an outsider — though for many different reasons. But mainly, I didn’t know if I would be accepted if I wore my hair the way it naturally was. It took me a long time to figure that all out, and to learn how to own my hair. 

A photo posted by LION BABE (@lionbabe) on Jun 3, 2016 at 2:45pm PDT

Jillian Hervey in a promo shot for her music group, Lion Babe. (Photo: Courtesy of instagram.com/lionbabe)

How did you feel growing up, looking at hair ads that mostly featured women with straight hair?

I felt confused and out of place; I never identified with those women in hair ads. It made me feel less confident, because it sent the message that — if this is the desirable trait to have: straight, smooth hair — I didn’t have that. And for a while, that’s all I wanted. However, having all of these powerful women in my family, and going to the hair salon — which is such an important part of the African American cultural experience, and really to other cultures as well — I was able to see women who had my kind of hair, and to see that there was a whole other world of women I wasn’t necessarily seeing in media. It was very comforting.

A photo posted by LION BABE (@lionbabe) on May 8, 2016 at 8:22am PDT

You have a famously talented and beautiful mom, Vanessa Williams. Did she pass any hair secrets on to you?

She always had my sister and I sleep on silk pillowcases, so it would be gentler on our hair. She taught us to braid or wrap our hair at night and tie a scarf over it, so that it stays tame. My older sister was always into taking care of her hair, but I was a tomboy growing up, so I didn’t always wrap — but the silk pillowcases really helped in that case, so that my hair wouldn’t get knotted or break off.

I think anytime with your mom, whether she’s famous or not, you’re watching what she’s doing when you’re growing up. She also taught me the basics: Make sure you use a good moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and then use a detangler to comb through your hair. And don’t overdo the heat styling. 

Have you ever had a hair disaster?

Once I learned that some hydrating oil or cream was good for my hair, I thought I should use a lot. So I poured practically a bottle on my head once and learned real fast that more isn’t always better. I was so greasy, and it ruined my texture!

You’ve said that an African safari trip was the turning point when you truly embraced your natural hair texture. What happened?

I’ve always been an animal lover, and I was in college and going through that period of time where you’re beginning to find yourself. In light of this, my mom decided to arrange an African safari trip for the family, and it gave me time to think about who I was, and what I wanted to do in the world. 

One day on the safari, we closely approached three lionesses sleeping. One woke up and looked right into my eyes. Something about her spirit and lioness aura really resonated with me. It was exactly the message I was looking for about how to carry myself. I think the way that lionesses are — majestic, strong, yet super protective of their family and bloodline — it affected me, and ever since then, I’ve never been able to shake off lions. I’m obsessed; I love looking at pictures, watching videos of them. Ever since then, lions are my spirit animal.

And it’s the name of your band, Lion Babe.

Yes, and my hair, which I wear like a lion’s mane, has practically become another member of the band!

A photo posted by LION BABE (@lionbabe) on May 2, 2016 at 12:10pm PDT

Photo: Courtesy of instagram.com/lionbabe

What does becoming the face of an iconic hair brand like Pantene mean to you, as a young black woman?

It’s surreal. When you grow up thinking that you would never put yourself in that circle of belonging — to become the face of such an influential hair brand and what hundreds of thousands of people turn to for hair care — to me, it means that my hair journey has manifested into something really great.

What advice do you have for women who don’t like their hair?

Identify what specifically it is about your hair that you don’t like. For me, when I was younger, I didn’t like my hair because I didn’t know how to relate to it, or care for it. I was scared of what it would mean to really embrace it. Once you understand what the issue is, and then tackle it, it’s amazing how you can feel really comfortable in your skin. Challenge yourself to look into what your hair means as it relates to your history, look to other women who have hair like yours, and find the beauty and connection that you share.

Do you have any hair icons?

I love the disco-glam divas from the 1960s and 1970s! Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer — even Cher, she gets wild. I also love George Clinton and Sly Stone. They’re all people whose hair made them seem so fun, free, and artistic. They embraced their look, wore whatever they wanted, and inspired so many other people by just being who they are.

A photo posted by LION BABE (@lionbabe) on Mar 30, 2016 at 7:15am PDT

Photo: Courtesy of instagram.com/lionbabe

What’s your favorite way to wear your hair?

My go-to style is just wearing it down, wild, and free. I love Medusa as a reference because my hair can take on a life of its own. I always keep it moisturized. And I’ll sometimes tighten the curl with a tightening iron and then finger-piece it apart for even more volume and finish with hair spray to lock it in. I don’t use heat every day because it can be very damaging to curly hair, so I limit that.

What’s your favorite Pantene product?

I love the Moisture Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner and the 3 Minute Miracle Moisture Renewal Deep Conditioner. You should always have a really good hydrating shampoo and conditioner for curly hair. And the transformation from those three minutes with the deep conditioner is actually visible — I feel like I went to the salon and got an hour-long treatment! I love that I can get those results at home or when I’m on the road really easily.

What’s your favorite workout, and how do you deal with sweating with your hair?

I’m a dancer, and I always love dancing to workout. I’ll just put on music and dance, or take a dance class. Sometimes I’ll switch it up with yoga or Pilates videos at home or in my hotel room.

When you wear your hair naturally curly, sweating actually adds more curl and texture. Look at Tina Turner! She’s always working it out on stage, and her hair only gets more crazy and wild and bigger as her show goes on. I love that! Sometimes I’ll just spray some detangler after class and brush through to freshen up, or you can even wet it a bit and sleek it back with conditioner.

What’s your usual breakfast?

I love a cup of black or herbal tea. And then I’ll do eggs and toast with avocado or turkey bacon. I also love oatmeal and fruit.

Tell us more about your music group, Lion Babe.

What’s really special is that we have both young and old fans! It’s soul music mixed with some hip-hop, pop, alternative. It’s very much reflective of my personality and of growing up with so many cultural influences in New York.

We’re going on our first headline tour that will start in July at Essence Festival — and I’ll be doing a beauty talk as well there. You can find the schedule at TeamLionBabe.com. We’re so excited to share our music on tour and connect with fans.

[msgracegold]

Trending Now: Hair Stenciling — and It’s Easier To Do Than It Looks!

A photo posted by Janine Ker (@janine_ker_hair) on Apr 21, 2016 at 8:10am PDT

Looking for your next fun hair experiment? According to Instagram, hair stenciling is where it’s at right now. 

Combining vibrant temporary spray hair color with any stencil design your heart desires, the jaw-dropping final result is artistic and whimsical.  

A photo posted by Janine Ker (@janine_ker_hair) on Apr 21, 2016 at 6:49pm PDT

And while we’ve pictured adults with the eye-catching art form here, hair stenciling is a total hit with kids, too. With endless cool graphics to choose from, it’s the perfect party activity for both girls and boys. And don’t worry, mom - this stuff washes right out in the shower.

Among the most viral hair stencilers of the moment is Janine Ker (@janine_ker_hair), a hairstylist out of Salon Aguayo in Pasadena, California. From fun pop art prints to intricately-layered patterns, her work looks painstakingly created — but she says it's way easier than it looks to do on someone else. “The great thing about stencils is that no artistic skill is necessarily required,” Ker tells Yahoo Beauty. Basically, you spray color over the patterned guide — and voila!

A photo posted by Janine Ker (@janine_ker_hair) on Apr 21, 2016 at 8:01am PDT

Another popular stenciler is London hair stylist Brad Baker, whose playful designs are big on happy imagery, like smiley faces, hearts and dreamy clouds. While hair stenciling has been around for awhile, he says the current resurgence online has to do with the ease of making such a strong visual statement that looks amazing both in person and in photos. “It’s a quick way of funking up your hair for a party, event or festival,” Baker tells Yahoo Beauty. 

A photo posted by Brad Baker (@bradbaker) on Feb 27, 2014 at 6:53am PST

For inspiration, the artists look to everything from nature to fashion prints, graffiti, tattoos and iconic popular culture. Animal prints like leopard and zebra are popular accents on both genders. “There is no right or wrong when it comes to hair stenciling, there is only expression,” says Ker. 

A photo posted by Brad Baker (@bradbaker) on Aug 27, 2013 at 5:47am PDT

If you’d like to give hair stenciling a go, the expert stencilers suggest these steps.

1. Get temporary spray hair color from a beauty supply store and gather your stencils of choice from a craft store.

Try: Beyond the Zone Color Bombz ($6 each, sallybeauty.com)

2. (Optional) Prep hair with a smoothing spray for a sleek canvas.

Try: Ion Frizz-Defying Foundation Spray ($6, sallybeauty.com)

3. Hold stencil to hair and spray.  That’s all! You can get creative by contrasting with an edgy base color sprayed all over first, and layering multiple stencils on top. Or experiment with finishing accents like glitter gel and metallic leafing. 

4. Spray all over your design with hairspray, which helps set the stenciling to stay. 

If you decide to give it a try, get ready to turn some heads — and don’t forget to snap that selfie for Instagram. 

[msgracegold]

Trending Now: Blackish Lipstick And Nail Polish. Would You Wear It?

Taylor Swift rocked a deep, dark hue on her lips at the Met Gala (Photo: Getty Images)

It may be time to discover your inner Marilyn Manson.

According to the social commerce app Polyvore, there’s been a 67 percent surge in searches for black lipstick after Taylor Swift and Katy Perry rocked grungy shades on the Met Gala red carpet this week — and it’s indicative of a larger trend. 

Once reserved for gothic goddesses and the punk fashion and rock ‘n roll crowd, blackish shades are actually making a mainstream splash this spring in both lips and nails. 

“Dark colors can look very chic,” actress Kerry Washington tells Yahoo Beauty. “Women want to set their own style and not have to adhere to rules,” she adds, of choosing non-traditional hues to wear. 

Washington is partnering with OPI on a nail polish line launching in August that is inspired by the nation’s capital and will feature several dark, moody hues. 

Kerry Washington models a dark color from her upcoming OPI nail polish line (Photo: Instagram/kerrywashington)

Meanwhile, Katy Perry’s new CoverGirl Katy Kat ($8) lipstick line includes a full-on black “Perry Panther” shade, and The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder line fronted by Kendall Jenner features “Turn Down” ($22) — a black satin-matte shade intended for applying over and deepening any other lip color. 

A video posted by Kristie Dash (@kristiedash) on May 1, 2016 at 9:53pm PDT

Allure Digital Beauty Editor, Kristie Dash, tries Katy Perry’s new black lipstick. (Video: Instagram/kristiedash)

In June, Urban Decay will roll out their biggest lipstick launch ever, a Vice collection of 100 shades that includes a stand-out black “Perversion” bullet. Not for the faint of heart, the hue is a saturated matte rendition for those daring enough to go all in.

Urban Decay’s new Perversion lipstick is a total black-out. (Photo: Courtesy of Urban Decay)

If it’s a trend you want to try, taking the full plunge is the only way to go, says celebrity makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor. “Choose a fully pigmented lipstick — a sheer lipstick will look grey and just tired,” he says. 

Sotomayor’s trick for a super pro finish: Layer two coats of black lipstick, using an oil-blotting strip in between to remove excess oils for a vivid, lasting look. "Think punk rock, dark glamour, and in this case, futurism — black works like a plum lipstick, but with more intensity,” he adds.

Katy Perry sported the on-trend black pout at the Met Gala - the shade is her CoverGirl Katy Kat lipstick in Perry Panther. (Photo: Getty Images)

It may seem odd to see so much black at a time of year when cheery peaches and pinks typically make a warm weather resurgence, but some say it may be a reflection of both popular and political culture at large.

“With shows like Game of Thrones and all of the turbulence around the world, a sense of mysticism is coming back,” Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, co-founder of OPI, tells Yahoo Beauty. 

Indeed, New York Fall 2016 Fashion Week echoed the undercurrent, with bold black lips on the runway at Rihanna’s Fenty x Puma, Marc Jacobs and Rodarte. The darkness seeped into London shows as well, with black-burgundy lips at the Gareth Pugh, Mary Katrantzou and Sibling shows.

So how does one make it all look more mod than Manson? 

“Keep the nails short and filed square with oval edges (”squoval”) — and the lips sharp,” advises Weiss-Fischmann. "Vampy — not gothic — is what it’s all about.” 

Read More: How to Pull Off the Dior Runway’s Black Lips in the Real World

Let’s keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

[msgracegold]

Marc Jacobs Is Making #MalePolish a Thing

Is the new bad boy wearing blue? (Photo: Instagram/themarcjacobs)

Ultra-hip designer Marc Jacobs, whose streetwise clothes and accessories are among the most coveted in fashion, is jumping on an Instagram trend: men wearing nail polish. 

In celebration of what he calls “Mani Mondays,” the designer has been showing off his weekly polish shade with the hashtag #MalePolish — and like everything the designer seems to conjure, the concept has gone viral, with male followers adapting the hashtag to show off their own glossy manicures.

But make no mistake about it: Men aren’t lining up for pretty pastels or classic reds that many women flock to. This trend takes a rock ’n’ roll cue from counterculture celebs like Dave Navarro, Steven Tyler, Jared Leto, and Johnny Depp, who have all long experimented with moody hues for an alternative vibe.

Men are flaunting moody polish on social media. (Photo: Instagram/mastercamdrag)

And over on Reddit, there’s a sub called MalePolish, which has been running since 2013. The more than 1,900 members share their looks daily — and they range from a single black nail to some seriously over-the-top manis. The users also discuss the challenges of gender stereotypes for men wearing polish and share tips for getting the perfect mani. They ask one another questions like “Decided to use a file for shape. What do you think ... too sharp for a guy?”

This is some serious style. (Reddit/elfishchimera)

Jacobs gets polished by famed manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINsoon and longtime confidante. “He chooses colors depending on his mood — I don’t suggest anything because he’s a very artistic person and knows what he wants,” Soon Choi tells Yahoo Beauty.

And while male professionals have long come in for basic manicures with a finishing buff or clear polish, Soon Choi says that the designer’s foray into color is inspiring more male customers in her New York City salons for a taste of something edgier. 

Blacquer is the hue most chosen by men in New York City, says Jin Soon Choi. (Photo: Marc Jacobs Beauty)

According to Soon Choi, the most popular shades among men at her salon right now are: Black (Marc Jacobs Blacquer), Navy (Dolce & Gabbana Peacock), Black Red (JINsoon Risque), and Dark Purple (JINsoon Debonair). 

Obviously not a clear polish. (Photo: Reddit/ullrsdream)

Male manicures also require more precision and steadier hands than when working on a female client, says Soon Choi. Men’s nails are wider and shorter, so it takes extra care not to touch the skin underneath the nail tip with the polish brush.

Is this urban trend going to spread nationwide? “I see a gradual trend toward more men wearing nail polish, but I think it will continue to be limited to men who are self-confident and in the fashion, beauty, and art worlds,” predicts Soon Choi.

A pedicure is one way of stepping into the trend. (Photo: Instagram/male_polish)

If you’re a dude who is intrigued by the idea but who thinks it may be a bit much to paint all your nails, there’s a charity that may be of interest to you. Soon Choi suggests Polished Man, which challenges men to raise awareness and funds to support children globally who experience violence by men, by wearing polish on just one nail to help spread the message.

Read This Next: Get a Man Glow: 10 Facial Tips From the Stars

Let’s keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

[msgracegold]

How Sunblock Might Create Fertility Problems

It might be safe for her, but may not be for him. (Photo: SuperStock/Corbis)

Hot summer days are almost here, but a new Danish study suggests that men who reach for the sunscreen might have less of a chance of having children. 

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen tested 29 of the 31 UV filters in sunblock that help keep out the sun’s harmful rays, and which are allowed in products in the U.S. and European Union. 

“These results are of concern and might explain in part why unexplained fertility is so prevalent,” says Niels Skakkebaek, the study’s lead investigator and a professor at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

Live sperm cells taken from several healthy donors were exposed to the UV filters, and then the sperm cells were examined in a buffer solution made to mimic the environment of fallopian tubes. 

Researchers honed in on calcium signaling inside the cells, which is essential to fertilization. They found that 13 of the 29 UV filters interrupted the process by changing the concentration of calcium ions.

The findings ultimately suggest that 45% of UV filters are endocrine disruptors that may hinder sperm’s healthy reproductive functions, say the researchers — who conclude that regulatory agencies should more closely study the effects of UV filters on fertility before approving them.

Related: Feel The Burn: The Best Infrared Saunas And Why They’re So Good For You

However, a lead dermatologist disagrees with the findings, saying no conclusive evidence was presented, and he urged men to continue to slather on sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and signs of premature aging. 

“Despite what may be observed when the chemicals are mixed directly with sperm at high levels, conditions in the real world when applying sunscreen to the skin are very different – minimal, if any, concentrations penetrate the skin into the blood stream, which translates to minimal exposures of the testicles to sunscreen,” Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital Department of Dermatology, tells Yahoo Beauty.

So what’s a man who wants strong sperm — but who doesn’t want to get skin cancer — left to do? 

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit environmental research organization that scrutinizes ingredients in a cosmetic database, lists the natural physical UV filter of zinc oxide as completely safe (or a “0”) for reproductive health.

Familiar to most as the white stripe many lifeguards wear on their noses, zinc oxide fortunately now comes in more elegant sunscreen formulas that blend into skin and aren’t visibly white.

We suggest Badger Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion SPF 25 ($18) or Kabana Organic Sunscreen SPF 32 ($18) for body, or Zeb’s Organics Sunscreen SPF 20 ($22) for face. 

And for the little ones, All Good Kid’s Sunscreen SPF 33 ($16) combines certified organic ingredients in a gentle, hypoallergenic formula that dads can use, too.

Read This Next: 20 Times J. Lo Was Flawless on ‘American Idol’

Let’s keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

[msgracegold]

Is Hillary Clinton’s $600 Haircut Really So Outrageous?

Twirling on the haters. (Photo: Getty Images)

ICYMI, the woman with the world’s most scrutinized hair decided to get a haircut yesterday. Page Six reported that Hillary Clinton and her “entourage” hit up John Barrett at Bergdorf Goodman first thing in the morning, where the renowned celebrity stylist routinely charges $600 for a coif. 

Whether or not Clinton actually paid that for the cut hasn’t been confirmed, but it mattered little – the fact that she strolled into such a high-end establishment in her practical inch-high pumps drew withering criticism from every corner of the Internets. Shouldn’t a self-professed champion of the people be hitting up that $34.95 Supercuts special? Would Bernie ever be caught at Bergdorf’s? 

Maybe the corner shop is good enough for you and me – but here’s the thing. No one really cares what our hair looks like – or what Bernie’s hair looks like, for that matter. Clinton has had to be camera-ready every single day of the past 18 months. Is it really so crazy for this woman to make an investment in her hair when she has been living in the spotlight day in and night out? 

And, when it comes to New York City beauty treatments - a $600 haircut isn’t even so crazy.

Just injecting blood in someones face, nbd. (Photo: Alamy)

Take, for example, the popular vampire facial. The $1,500 treatment draws blood from a spa-goer’s arms, and then separates the platelets into plasma that may then be combined with dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm, before being re-injected into the face. Manhattanites are lining up for the plumper, more youthful face it promises. If you think you’ve heard of it before, that’s likely because it’s been featured everywhere from The Rachael Ray Show to The Doctors and is available all over Manhattan.

Or may a White Caviar Facial be more your speed? At the La Prairie spa at the Ritz-Carlton on Central Park South, up-towners love to indulge in the trending $1,250 facial that smoothes and brightens the complexion with crushed-up diamonds and fish egg extract. Some even call it “spring cleaning” for the face.

Yum. (Photo: Getty Images)

If your butt needs some TLC, you can try the Fanny Facial at Smooth Synergy in midtown, where for $130, your tush gets lovingly exfoliated by an esthetician with a fine scrub and then microcurrent therapy is administered to lift and tone your derriére. Locals think of it as a “must” before bathing suit season hits.

Truly, a $600 haircut with one of NYC’s leading stylists isn’t that crazy - and experts say it isn’t even the top of the line anymore. “For the average person, $600 is a lot to spend on a haircut, but most celebrities and people in the public eye pay similar or more to have talented stylists and salon owners cut and color their hair,” says Joanna Douglas, longtime beauty editor.

When it comes to hair, many of us experience deep feelings of loyalty to a salon or stylist. NYC salon owner Mark Garrison, who used to work at Bergdorf’s in the 1990s, recalls the then-first lady coming in to her hair done way back then. And while he says three digits are par for course in Manhattan, he says she can get a better deal. “She should be more budget-conscious and come see me, I only charge $385 for a haircut,” he quipped.

At the end of the day, hair-gate is just another catch-22 for Clinton. “If she cut her own hair, they would say she’s taking jobs away from hairdressers,” says beauty industry publicist Jayne Morehouse. “She can’t win.”

So how about we just let the woman get her hair cut in peace?

Let’s keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

[msgracegold]

Why the Skin of Presidential Candidates Is a Mess

Why is Bernie’s skin as irritated as he is? (Photo: Getty Images)

If you’re thinking that Hillary, the Donald, Bernie, Ted, and John are looking a bit worse for wear lately, you’re not imagining it. 

Campaigns are unrelenting in demands on energy, stamina, and brain power — but experts involved in keeping politicians looking sharp say that while a cup of coffee or power nap can help mask these ceaseless hazards to help politicians carry on, their skin is what takes the most visible toll of all.

Related: This One Thing You Do Every Day Is Worse for Your Skin Than Smoking

“It’s that drawn-out redness — maybe they’re not eating so well so their skin is kind of ruddy, or they’ve got dark circles, or dim spirits,” makeup artist Kriss Soterin-Blevens, who has worked on every current candidate except for Donald Trump (who prefers to always do his own makeup and hair), told Racked. Might Trump be turning more orange to cover up that red?

More orange as the campaign trail drags on? (Photo: Corbis Images/AP/Getty Images)

Redness is an indication of inflammation, which is very common when people are stressed, have poor diets, and are exposed to the extremes of high altitudes and dry forced air that come with constant plane travel. “In an election year, all of these elements play a key role in a politician’s life,” Tina Alster, MD, the founding director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Surgery who treats many of Capitol Hill’s biggest names, tells Yahoo Beauty. She tends to the issue with in-office laser and light treatments and insists her clients keep their skin well moisturized and protected with sunscreen every day to help soothe redness.

Related: Why Water Creams Are the Moisturizer You’ve Been Waiting For

But appearing on television doesn’t help matters, with a red nose exacerbated by all the stress factors suddenly made more obvious by the lights — and the camera, which not only adds 10 pounds but can also cast shadows to make skin look saggy onscreen in a way it doesn’t in person. So for more aggressive, in-office treatments, dermatologists often rely on advanced laser, radiofrequency, and injectable techniques, all of which come with minimal or no recovery. “In fact, I’ve been able to provide quick fixes to several candidates within hours of a rally or TV appearance,” notes Alster.

Hillary appears to be using more makeup lately, and it’s no wonder. (Photo: Getty Images)

Eyes are another hotspot for candidates. Dark circles and puffiness can make a candidate look tired — or worse, beaten and downtrodden. “The rigorous travel and schedule of the campaign trail is exhausting and fraught with exposure to environmental allergens like pollen and dust,” says Alster. When more sleep isn’t an option (and it rarely is), she advises daily use of oral antihistamines, like Claritin or Zyrtec while campaigning, in order to minimize puffiness and vascular congestion, which often contributes to dark circles.

Drinking more water than usual to flush out toxins from the body and avoiding salty and processed foods to minimize swelling are also key — though it can be hard for a candidate to turn down that greasy-spoon diner breakfast or chili corn dog at a state fair when surrounded by the hospitality and watchful eyes of potential voters. If eye-area puffiness, darkness, and sagging is really bothersome (or is catching attention and ridicule), Alster can quickly get a candidate in to treat eyes with lasers like Fraxel, Clear + Brilliant, or PicoSure to rejuvenate on a deeper level.

Ted Cruz is getting redder. (Photo: Corbis Images/AP/Getty Images)

On the body, an otherwise overlooked area — the armpits — often becomes a prime issue during election years. “Never let them see you sweat!” isn’t just a catch phrase, as clients come to Alster to seek serious help, especially before the debate circuit begins or before an onslaught of TV interviews. She uses Botox or Dysport injections to significantly reduce underarm perspiration so candidates can keep their cool under the bright lights and even more heated questions. (Perhaps Sen. Marco Rubio should have sought Alster’s expertise.)

And it’s not just the candidates who request ongoing cosmetic tweaks during a busy campaign schedule: Journalists, including familiar TV faces and even those who write for print (the latter because they’re not normally in the public eye, but in an election year, suddenly join the ranks of on-air personalities), seek improvement for all of the above issues as well, Alster says.

Kasich: Pinker by the week? (Photo: Corbis Images/AP/Getty Images)

By the time a campaign cycle and election year is over, the demands often cause the type of changes that even a restful couple of weeks away in the country can’t fix. All of these stressors can eventually break down skin collagen — the building blocks responsible for skin’s foundation. The reduction of collagen and elastin (which is important for skin’s ability to bounce back) leads to skin wrinkles and visible sagging. Meanwhile, a constant state of inflammation leads to a reduction in skin’s ability to repair itself after any injuries and makes it more vulnerable to the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Indeed, the change in the mirror can be as shocking as the transition to gray that many presidents see in their hair.

To the candidates: We wish you good luck, Godspeed, and a really good dermatologist and makeup artist in your arsenal.

[msgracegold]

Trending Gold for St. Patrick’s Day

Let’s face it: Not too many of us look good in green makeup. (Concerned friends might even ask if you’re feeling OK.) Please forgo the green and go for the Irish pot of gold instead — and take metallic inspiration fresh from the runways and red carpet. 

Whether it’s Lady Gaga, Rooney Mara, Kerry Washington, or Chrissy Teigen rocking gold at the Oscars, it’s clear why the universally flattering shade is everyone’s treasure at the end of the rainbow. Here are some easy ways to incorporate this lucky color into your look. 

Votre Vu Palette Play Eyeshadow

Score the “halo” look that model Gigi Hadid wore at Tommy Hilfiger’s New York Fashion Week fall 2016 collection. Simply sweep a medium gold shade from lid to crease, blending out toward your brow bone. Then use your brush in the same shadow to draw a line from corner to corner under the eye to create the halo effect by connecting the elliptical from top to bottom of eyes, instructs celebrity makeup artist Mickey Williams. You’ll look as though you’re lit from within. 

($19, votrevu.com)

NYX Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Gold

Black and brown eyeliner will always be mainstays for definition, but switching to a metallic gold liquid liner on top of your lash line will bring out the flecks in every eye color, making your peepers appear more multidimensional. Or, if you’re feeling daring, layer the gold liner over your gold eyeshadow to get the color-block effect that was all the rage at Fashion Week, says Williams.

($4.50, nyxcosmetics.com)

Nars Dual-Intensity Blush in Jubilation 

“Champagne-hued highlighters are the staple for catching the perfect bounce of light for a youthful glow,” says Williams, who uses everything from multipurpose creams to eyeshadow to create the look on clients. Apply blush to the apples of cheeks as usual, and then blend golden highlighter along the top ridge of your cheekbone to reflect a beautiful candlelit glow. 

($45, sephora.com)

Hourglass Extreme Sheen High-Shine Lip Gloss in Imagine 

Amplify your pout by first applying a nude lip color and then following with a topping of gold-toned lip gloss, advises Williams. Not only will your lips shine and appear hydrated, but the gold light will brighten up your face and energize your eyes.

($28, sephora.com)

Beachfront Bronzer Self-Tanning Spray From Younique

Try this trick Williams uses on clients before special occasions: Apply a light golden self-tanner to your face to create the ideal glowing canvas before makeup application. Then choose shades in the gold, taupe, and bronze family to look radiant yet perfectly natural and to garner compliments on your skin all night long.

($25, Younique)

Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil

Shimmer like a star by stealing one of the top red carpet secrets — massage on a shimmering body oil to instantly conceal imperfections and lackluster skin with a brilliant glow. Apply to your shoulders, décolletage, legs, and anywhere else you’re showing some skin.

 ($48, moroccanoil.com)

Morgan Taylor Lacquer in Give Me Gold

Don’t want to commit to gold makeup but still want to have fun with the trend? Get your nails did with gold. Try a molten variation of the shade for a look you can wear to a party or weekend brunch — or even get away with at the office. 

($9, loxabeauty.com)

[msgracegold]

100 Years of Legendary Lips

It’s National Lip Appreciation Day and we’re strolling down memory lane to revisit the famous lip moments that changed our world. From beloved cartoon characters to Hollywood’s sexiest sirens, we could hardly take our eyes off these indelible lips. Go kiss your face in the mirror and love your lips!

Helena Rubinstein

Before this cosmetic magnate opened her first New York City store in 1915, lipstick was thought to only be for prostitutes and stage actresses – the latter of which harbored the same reputation as the former (things had swung in a different direction than the days of Marie Antoinette). Suffragettes seeking the right to vote began wearing red lipstick in rebellion. Helena Rubinstein took advantage of the opportunity, showing how to apply and wear rouge in her shop. Soon, even “respectable” women were openly experimenting with makeup, paving the way for lipstick to go mainstream in the U.S. by the 1920s.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Clara Bow

Silent film star Clara Bow – whose wavy hair, sleepy-sad eyes and stenciled eyebrows defined roaring flapper beauty – was perhaps most known for her lips. In a style that became known as the “cupid’s bow,” her lips were painted small, delicately lined with sharp peaks and filled in a deep crimson red. During this time, a petite pout was sought after, with many women underdrawing their lips.

(Photo: Courtesy of MPTV Images)

Betty Boop

Emerging during the 1930s Depression Era, Betty Boop was the first sexualized animation with a female figure that wasn’t simply a counterpart to a male character with a bow in her hair. However, after production morality codes passed in 1934, Boop went from wearing a mini dress and garter belt with gold hoops and heels to fuller housecoats and less curls. One thing did remain, no matter the law: her much-loved tiny red pout that punctuated her signature line, “Boop-Oop-A-Doop!”

(Image: Courtesy of Everrett Collection)

Elizabeth Arden

Americans rationed nearly everything during World War II, but lipstick was not one of them. World leaders, including Winston Churchill, declared the cosmetic a morale booster and necessary to keep spirited hopes alive. In 1941, the Marine Corps partnered with Elizabeth Arden to create the storied “Victory Red” lipstick, which it required women to wear (along with red nail polish) to set off the red chevrons and cap accents of their green uniforms.

(Courtesy of Elizabeth Arden)

Lucille Ball

The country learned how to laugh again – after a long World War ll –  when I Love Lucy debuted in 1951, and the headliner took us on a journey through her weekly comedic predicaments. Integral to Lucille Ball’s look was a wildly overdrawn red lip, which appeared almost clownish when she delivered her lines – whether it was, “Ohh, Ricky!” or a hilarious facial reaction to her latest woe. In black and white, Ball wore a deep matte red. When color came a decade later, she switched to bright coral reds.

(Photo: Courtesy of MPTV Images)

Marilyn Monroe 

Forever Hollywood’s most glamorous face, Marilyn Monroe’s full red lips brought to life her beaming white smile, tousled blonde curls and sensually downturned eyes. Her makeup artist and close confidante, Allan Whitey Snyder, would painstakingly paint layers of lip color on – he was a contouring pioneer – with a fine brush before adding her signature beauty mark. From rich blue-based reds to radiant tangerine-red, Monroe could pull off any shade on the red spectrum with stunning ease.

(Photo: Gene Kornman/MPTV Images)

Jean Shrimpton

A decades-old cultural obsession with red lipstick promptly came to an end when every young girl in the 1960s began to lust over Vintage Yardley of London ads, featuring model Jean Shrimpton. Her pale pink lip suddenly felt so refreshing, daring and bold – all the things red lips had meant in the 1920s. Soon, iconic English model Twiggy took on the pale “mod” lip, pairing it with her whimsically painted-on eyelashes and androgynous chopped hair for an unforgettable look.

(Image: Courtesy of Yardley)

Brigitte Bardot

TIME magazine declared her the “Princess of Pout,” and it’s easy to see why this Parisian actress became the silver screen’s vixen of choice in the 1960s and 1970s. With pillowy lips that always looked ripe for a bedroom romp, Brigitte Bardot made the nude lip a standard of boudoir scenes with that hard-to-define, but ever-so-French je nais sais quoi. Usually photographed with her lips lusciously parted, her gap-toothed smile captivated an entire generation.

(Courtesy of MPTV Images)

The Rolling Stones

Big lips defined Mick Jagger’s free-spirited bad boy image, and turned iconic when The Rolling Stones commissioned their legendary lips and tongue album artwork. Rubbery and unrestrained, the rock ‘n roll lips went on to become one of the most recognized logos ever created. The original print is preserved for fans to see at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Steven Tyler boasts similarly large lips, making the look quintessential for the rebellious rock star.

(Photo: Gunther/MPTV Images, Courtesy of the Rolling Stones, Getty Images)

Naomi Campbell

The 80s saw the rise of the true supermodels, and Naomi Campbell was front and center from the age of 15. Campbell dominated the modelling scene in the late 80s and early 90s, but her lip-syncing star turn in the George Michael video for “Freedom 90” cemented her lips as iconic.

(Photo: Getty Images)

The Black 90s Lip

Rebellion – or the latest way to drive your parents nuts – was reinvented with the gothic black 1990s lip that swept in as a trend for teen girls looking to live on the edge (or to at least create the appearance of doing so). From pure pitch black to velvety dark burgundy, the hue became a mainstay, owing its roots to street culture and alternative icons like Marilyn Manson. For those looking to dip their toes, Clinique Black Honey lipstick (still in production) offered a sheer blackened raisin option that mom might actually let you leave the house in.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Angelina Jolie

Before cosmetic fillers made full lips attainable for anyone and everyone – from Hollywood star to small town office workers – actress and sex symbol Angelina Jolie drove the screen mad with her enviably-sized pout. Suddenly, lips seemed a more seductive feature than even cleavage. Distinctively cracked and perpetually puffy, Jolie’s lips are the kind that draw school yard jeers long before they garner public infatuation. In other words, these lips are a true original.

(Photo: Corbis)

Kylie Jenner

These lips don’t lie. After the Kardashian clan member’s naturally thin lips went to prolifically bee stung proportions, Kylie Jenner admitted to using cosmetic fillers. Not to be outdone, the “Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge” swept high schools cross country to emulate the plumped effect - and to many disastrously bruised results. The reality star has since launched lip kits that teach the art of lip lining and coloring for fuller lips, a look that many are clearly looking to keep up with today.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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12 Coconut-Oil-Infused Beauty Products Celebs Swear By

Mindy Kaling swears by it as a hair mask, Emma Stone removes her makeup with it before bed, and Mandy Moore slathers it on like body oil after a shower. We’re talking about coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier, hydrate hair, and strengthen nails. It’s no wonder all of Hollywood is obsessed with this ultimate beauty workhorse.

Want to add the magic ingredient to your own beauty routine? Here are the beloved must-haves celebs are toting close at hand.

Read This Next: The 4 Best Uses for Coconut Oil

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Madonna

If it’s good enough for Madge, it’s good enough for us. Vita Coco Coconut Oil ($16.99) is the Material Girl’s multipurpose pick that you can keep in the kitchen for cooking and also use to resuscitate dry hair, skin, and cuticles.

(Photo: Getty Images/Vita Coco)

Rosario Dawson

Actress Rosario Dawson loves Kopari Coconut Sheer Oil ($44), which contains non-GMO coconut in a light formula that’s ideal for moisturizing your face, removing makeup (including that stubborn mascara), or even temporarily mending split ends.

(Photo: Getty Images/Kopari Beauty)

Jessica Alba

Coconut oil combines with avocado oil, aloe, shea butter, and chamomile in one of Jessica Alba’s favorite hand creams, TOCCA Crema da Mano ($10-20), which comes in eight of the brand’s signature scents. (Our favorite is Cleopatra, with notes of grapefruit and cucumber.)

(Photo: Getty Images/TOCCA)

Gwyneth Paltrow

The discerning purveyor of all things wellness, Gwyneth Paltrow indulges in Herbivore Coconut Bath Soak ($18) that softens skin with a delicious vanilla scent featuring all-natural ingredients that are food-grade organic.

(Photo: Getty Images/Herbivore Botanicals)

Mandy Moore

After enjoying some sun, Mandy Moore applies Yes to Coconut Cooling Lip Oil ($4.99) to soothe her lips without the gummy texture some ultra-hydrating balms leave behind. The songstress says she loves that it’s paraben-free and 99 percent natural.

(Photo: Getty Images/Yes to Carrots)

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen’s favorite The Leaders 7 Wonders Caribbean Coconut Calming Mask ($6) doesn’t play: it’s infused with 10 times the amount of coconut found in most wash-off masks, and calms irritated and red skin with bio-cellulose fibers.

(Photo: Getty Images/Leaders)

Alicia Silverstone

The hydrating and naturally disinfectant properties of coconut oil even make it great to use on your pits. Alicia Silverstone sure isn’t clueless — she swipes on Schmidt’s Deodorant Sticks ($8.99) for all-natural protection based on coconut oil.

(Photo: Getty Images/Schmidt’s Deodorant)

Kristen Bell

For super soft and luscious lips, Kristen Bell says she keeps Ilia Lip Gloss ($24) in her makeup bag. The traditional lip wands combine coconut oil with shea butter and vitamin E to deeply hydrate your pout while dressing them in glossy color.

(Photo: Getty Images/ Ilia Beauty)

Lindsay Ellingson

Victoria’s Secret model Lindsay Ellingson glides on the Wander Beauty Flash Focus Foundation ($40) conditioning stick to treat skin with coconut oil and antioxidants for a flawless coverage finish that protects against dryness all day.

(Photo: Getty Images/Wander Beauty)

Christy Turlington

To keep her trademark pout plush, supermodel Christy Turlington slips on Drunk Elephant Lippe balm ($22) that naturally moisturizes, volumizes, and rejuvenates lips with coconut oil as the first star ingredient. (Actress Kristin Davis is also a fan!)

(Photo: Getty Images/Drunk Elephant)

Alicia Vikander

Known to slay red carpet style, Alicia Vikander, actress and star of The Danish Girl and Ex Machina, counts on RMS Beauty Living Luminizer ($38) that makes her eyes sparkle with a satin-pearl glimmer for the camera (with the help of coconut oil).

(Photo: Getty Images/RMS Beauty)

Sophie Turner

Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner turned to Smooth Sexy Hair Smooth & Seal Anti-Frizz & Shine Spray ($18.95) for her red carpet hairstyle at this year’s Emmy Awards. The spritz utilizes coconut oil to soften and relax dry and coarse hair by adding manageability and shine.

(Photo: Getty Images/Sexy Hair)

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Skip the Juice Cleanse (and Consider One of These 3 Programs Instead)

If you’ve ever attempted a juice cleanse, you know it’s one of those ideas that might sound nice in theory, but is actually terrible in practice. 

“My husband and I decided to do our first-ever three-day juice cleanse together — we lasted eight hours and then ate a whole pizza,” Tori Gregson, a Barre3 instructor who also moonlights as a Radio City Rockette, tells Yahoo Health.

But it’s not lack of willpower that led Gregson and her beau to snarf down that pizza, experts say: it’s the fact that many popular juicing programs set the body up for failure. By alternately dropping and skyrocketing blood sugar levels and launching the metabolism into starvation mode, some cleanses can lead you to crave exactly the type of foods you’re trying to eliminate, doing more harm than good. (To clarify: We are referring to ingesting only juice for multiple days, and not to that single, occasional green juice you may grab with breakfast or after your workout for a pick-me-up.)

When consumed without other foods that contain protein, fruit juice and veggies that contain higher amounts of sugar (like carrots) will combine into a big sugar dump into your bloodstream, nutritionist Denise Garbinski, RDN, who specializes in plant-based nutritional therapy, explains to Yahoo Health. The roller coaster can result in headaches, severe cravings, and brain-fog-inducing slumps. “If you continue to drink juice for a few days, your body will begin to break down muscle to get the amino acids it needs,” Garbinski adds — which means that you’ll be losing muscle, and not the fat that is likely your goal to trim.

While you may lose some body fat while juicing, consuming calories below your metabolic needs will also cause your body to hold on to whatever calories and fat it can for self-preservation. Any pounds you’ve shed will quickly come back on once you go back to eating normally again, warns Garbinski. “Sustained weight loss comes from adopting a sensible whole-foods meal plan, combined with fitness, stress management, and improved sleep,” she recommends.

Related: 27 Foods Nutritionists Are Obsessed With

If you still want to join a cleansing program because you like the idea of regimen and not having to think about what you should eat, Garbinski recommends looking to programs that incorporate whole foods (and the delightful pastime of chewing) to help stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day and give the body the nourishment it needs. 

However, don’t head into any cleanse with the mindset that this is temporary; Garbinski says that will only set you up for failure and fleeting results. Screen programs by keeping in mind what is realistic for you in order to adopt longer-term habits, so you can experience real, lasting results.

Here are three approaches that incorporate whole foods with long-term results in mind.

Barre3 Challenges

Chicken tikka masala, one of the meals you can prepare using the Barre3 menu plan. (Photo courtesy of Barre3)

Combining elements of ballet barre, yoga, Pilates, and cardio strength, Barre3 has over 90 studios in the USA, and also offers streaming workouts at home. As part of the brand’s “reset” challenges — including the January challenge currently running — these programs incorporate detailed cleanse menus and workouts curated by nutritionists and fitness experts. The menu and shopping lists that guide shopping on your own emphasize a balance of whole foods, fiber from vegetables and some fruit, protein from legumes, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and coconut butter. 

“Our goal is to show people that you can cleanse your body and find great joy in food,” says founder Sadie Lincoln. Expect a satisfying smoothie for breakfast, a hearty soup or salad for lunch, and a flavor-packed dinner that includes protein and veggies, as well as energy-boosting snacks. “I personally test these recipes with my whole family, including picky 10- and 11-year-olds! I don’t want cooking to be a drag — you can prep a big batch and enjoy it for multiple meals if you need to,” adds Lincoln.

Price: Budget-friendly; monthly membership ranges from $10-$15 per month and gives you access to a full menu plan, accompanying workouts, affordable shopping lists ,and a digital community of other members; you must purchase your own groceries.

Related: 16 Healthy Eating Rules You Should Always Follow

DL revAMP

(Photo courtesy of DL revAMP)

This do-it-all-for-you, USDA-certified-organic company provides everything you need for a plant-based diet revamp. It’s free of the most amount of potential allergens of any cleanse we encountered, and the menu is vegan and contains no nuts, gluten, dairy, wheat, grains, onion, garlic or nightshade plants. With tasty salads, energizing snacks (the raw cacao truffles are to die for!), super fresh juices, and juice power shots, this is a program that’s both doable and engaging to follow. Even the creamy dinner soups were surprisingly satisfying, considering they are “liquid” food.

“People are looking for a way to cleanse other than juice or shake programs that leave you feeling cranky and hungry,” explains founder Scott Harris. "I saw a void in the market and wanted to solve the problem.” The program also comes with instructions that urge a 10 p.m. bedtime and 7 a.m. rise (meant to prevent pesky late-night snack cravings). Bonus: a beauty kit that makes skin glow with goodies like bath salts, a dry skin body brush for lymphatic stimulation, and herbal bedtime tea all come complimentary. 

Price: Moderate for a cleanse of this nature; starts at $125 a day, with three-day, five-day, seven-day, and 10-day plans offered; everything you need is fully prepared and included.

Nykki’s Cleanse

(Photo courtesy of Nykki’s Cleanse)

Popular among beauty and fashion editors, Nykki’s Cleanse is a 14-day program that comes with a personal coach (and unlimited email support) who designs a menu plan customized to your specific goals and challenges. “Most people are caught in the chemical and psychological addictions that have been created by food choices they have made,” founder Nykki Hardin tells Yahoo Health. A proper nutrition regimen “breaks cravings to help them form new concrete habits by retraining the palate to crave healthy foods.”

Your menu is filled with meticulously chosen salads, soups, fruits and veggies, and it’s your job to get the ingredients and cook according to plan so that you truly learn how to create a healthier kitchen. While some people who go on the program report weight loss, even more report increased self-esteem, greater confidence, and positivity due to their forming a healthy relationship with food. Nutritional supplements are a cornerstone of the approach (not the kind marketed for weight loss — rather, to promote gut health, etc.).

Price: Luxury; starts at $425 for a 14-day program that includes supplements, custom meal plan, and shopping lists, over 100 recipes, unlimited email support and coaching.

Read This Next: This Trick Will Make Your Green Smoothies Perfect Every Time

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EOS Lip Balm Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Claims It Causes Bleeding, Blisters

EOS lip balm. (Photo: Flickr/chedderfish)

Kim, Britney, teens, and beauty junkies may all be enamored by the ball-shaped balms known as EOS that line checkout registers across the country, but one woman is decidedly not a fan — and is filing a class-action lawsuit against the brand with claims that the lip salve gave her a serious skin reaction.

The plaintiff, Rachael Cronin, said that she bought an EOS balm from Target, applied it, and felt her lips become even drier, according to TMZ. After continuing to swipe the lip balm on, she experienced blistering and cracked and bleeding lips that she says took 10 days to completely clear. 

Cronin then posted raw-looking pictures on Facebook, TMZ reports, of her inflamed and sandpapery rash. Comments began pouring in from others who claimed to have had similar reactions. Soon, news spread rapidly on social media. 

Tens of thousands of consumers have had “devastating adverse reactions to the product, consisting of mild to severe rashes, dryness, bleeding, blistering, cracking and loss of pigmentation,” claims the lawsuit, also accusing EOS of knowing of the problems but not doing anything to address them.

Related: Your Toilet Paper Might Be Secretly Injuring You

Yahoo Health reached out to EOS for comment. The company provided the following statement:

We firmly believe this lawsuit is without merit. Our products are made with the highest quality ingredients and meet or exceed all safety and quality standards set out by our industry and validated by rigorous testing conducted by an independent lab. The health and well-being of our customers is our top priority and millions of satisfied customers use our products every day, many of whom take the time to share their experiences with us.

Internet complaints about the lip balm aren’t new. Earlier this year, a photo purporting to show an EOS lip pod with black mold growing inside the balm went viral, even prompting urban legend investigator Snopes to look into it and confirm the allegations as true. The site says online complaints of mold date back to as early as 2013.

Big beauty brands have been taking a hit lately. Just last month, WEN Hair Care by Chaz Dean was sued by 200 women in 40 states with the claim that the shampoos and conditioners intended to hydrate hair actually makes it fall out. Similarly to the EOS situation, online complaints poured in about WEN, and a lawsuit formed.

Do these lawsuits have merit? Courts will decide that soon - but for now, we can advise this: if you have a reaction to a beauty product, stop using it immediately.

Read This Next: 3 Simple DIY Recipes to Heal Chapped Lips

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How This Household Salve Is Helping Heal Syrian Refugees

A Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, where dermatologist Samer Jaber, MD, traveled to lend his care. (Photo courtesy of Samer Jaber/Vaseline)

Imagine walking hundreds of miles on shifting desert sand in sandals, or not having access to lip balm or hand lotion for months at a time in the gnawing cold. Could you even make it a couple of days?

These challenging situations are daily realities for millions of refugees who have been displaced by humanitarian crises, as well as victims of natural disasters and extreme poverty. While we often hear about the dire need for basic essentials like food, water, and shelter, medical care for skin can be just as urgent. However, it’s too often looked over or not deemed important.

A recent survey found that 75 percent of relief health workers say that skin problems are “regularly a complaint,” while 67 percent say they’ve even seen preventable skin conditions cause such suffering that people are unable to carry out day-to-day functions and responsibilities.

In the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, where New York City dermatologist Samer Jaber, MD, recently traveled to in order to lend his expert care to Syrians, he met a woman in her 20s whose home consisted of a one-room tent that she shared with her three young children, husband, and in-laws. She had waited four hours with her little ones to see an American doctor. Her condition had become unbearable.

Related: 4 Skin Conditions That Can Signal Other Health Problems

“She had developed severely dry, cracked, and painfully bleeding hands due to the harsh living conditions in the middle of the desert,” Jaber tells Yahoo Health. “Her hands were so cracked that she couldn’t do the simplest of tasks, like changing her baby’s diaper or cooking food for her family.” 

The dermatologist prescribed a steroid ointment combined with Vaseline petroleum jelly to heal the woman’s hands. It did more than just that, though; it allowed her to get back to her responsibilities and a semblance of normalcy. And the cheap and ubiquitous skin salve continued to be needed among refugees Jaber treated, from healing wounds to dressing gauze and mending excruciating foot blisters.

Jaber treating a patient in Jordan. (Photo courtesy of Samer Jaber/Vaseline)

Yet while 80 percent of clinics surveyed see patients affected by these type of conditions, as well as issues like eczema, scabies and burns, more than half of the clinics don’t have the supplies to treat these distressing diagnoses that can also eat away at the dignity of patients.

Vaseline is now partnering with Direct Relief, an international medical aid organization, to launch The Vaseline Healing Project, which aims to provide dermatological care, medical supplies, Vaseline, and health worker training. Its goal is to heal the skin of 5 million people living in the aftermath of crisis and disaster, both here in the USA and abroad, by 2020. (For more information or to get involved, click here.)

The initiative has already traveled to Jordan, treating over 1,000 patients a week — most of whom were Syrian refugees fleeing violence. The Vaseline Project has also treated people in the Philippines devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, and rural Kenya. In 2016, missions will be held in India, South Africa, and Nepal.

Unlike the political climate surrounding so many of the world’s humanitarian disasters, this is a situation with a simple solution, says Jaber. “Sometimes simple measures, like compassion and listening, are what is most vital to a human being,” he writes. And basic, inexpensive remedies that we take for granted can literally help heal the world.

Read This Next: Dermatologists Want You To Start Paying More Attention To Your Pores—Here's Why

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