When TVs were first invented, people had to walk up to the screens to change channels. Then, remote controls let us accomplish this from the comfort of our couches. And now, Netflix engineers may have propelled us toward the next stage in the evolution of lazy TV watching.
A smart headband called Mindflix claims to let you control your Netflix menu with your mind. It detects your brain waves so precisely that you can select a show just by thinking about it. To flip from one option to the other, you simply shake your head. The device achieves all this by measuring your frontal lobe activity, according to Mashable.
A funny video from Netflix shows a viewer who's been watching Care Bears for hours because he's too lazy to reach the remote a few feet away. Then, voilà: He liberates himself from the Kingdom of Caring without moving an inch.
It maybe not be the most needed technological innovation of our time, but if it's legit, it just may be one of the coolest.
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Miranda Lambert's sixth studio album, The Weight of These Wings, has been the subject of much speculation. That's only natural, she's a country singer and she's going through the most country of all possible situations: a shocking divorce. So, as people do, we wondered how much of the album was about ex Blake Shelton's new romance with Gwen Stefani.
Now, Lambert has answered at least some of those questions. She spoke during a special performance at Chicago venue Joe's Bar.
“I got divorced so I started drinking a little extra,” she said according to a Fox News report.
That habit change showed up in the writing of her track "Ugly Lights."
“Anyways, I found myself in Midtown in Nashville three nights in a row at last call and with the lights coming on, and I’m still sitting there. So I wrote a song about it,” she reportedly said of the song.
Makes sense. Hopefully the track can replace "Closing Time " as the bar closing staple. Like, please. I'm done hearing that song.
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What with his time spent fighting Trump-inspired hate crimes and xenophobia, offering free tuition to low-income students, and protecting birth control access for all, there's no doubt that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has heard the people's voices loud and clear. And his latest announcement is no exception: Cuomo stated that he is planning to make Roe v. Wade part of the New York State constitution.
New York Magazine reports that Cuomo spoke at tonight's rally led by Family Planning Advocates (an organization that lobbies for Planned Parenthood) about his proposed amendment to include Roe v. Wade in the state constitution. This would mean that, regardless of whether President Trump fulfills his (or rather, Vice President Mike Pence's) promise to overturn the historic abortion ruling, those seeking abortion services in NY state would still have access to them.
“As Washington seeks to limit women’s rights, we seek to protect them,” Cuomo said in his rally speech. “We will not allow the progress of the women’s movement to be stopped, and we must seize this opportunity to bring the state and the nation forward and stand up for women’s health.”
The bad news? This proposed amendment would need to be passed by two separately elected legislatures, The NY Daily News reports. Which means the earliest it could show up in front of voters is 2019.
Ladies, let's keep those post-election IUD insertions going strong.
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Better late than never, Boy Scouts of America. Just months after 8-year-old Joe Maldonado was asked to leave the Boy Scouts because he was born a girl, the Scouts have now announced plans to admit any child who self-identifies as a boy. It's about time.
Reuters reports that this change marks the end of the Scouts' "century-old practice of using the gender stated on a birth certificate to determine eligibility."
"Starting today, we will accept and register youth in the Cub and Boy Scout programs based on the gender identity indicated on the application," Effie Delimarkos, communications director for the Boy Scouts of America, said in a statement.
It's hard to believe it's been only four years since the Scouts began including openly gay participants — and only two years since the organization lifted its ban on gay adult leaders. The Girl Scouts, however, have supported queer and transgender members for some time now.
As for Joe, AP reports that he has been re-invited to join his old troop. However, he and his mother, Kristie Maldonado, are waiting to decide based on whether Joe's previous scout leader (the one who kicked him out in the fall) will step down. "I'm so delighted that they finally called and they did say this," Kristie told AP, "but I'm still angry."
“It made me mad,” Joe told The Record this fall, after he was asked to leave his troop. “I’m way more angry than sad. My identity is a boy. If I was them, I would let every person in the world go in. It’s right to do.”
Letting people in because it's the right thing to do? Sounds like Joe's onto something.
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Paris Jackson may be best known as Michael Jackson's daughter, but she's becoming a celebrity in her own right.
The 18-year-old is soon to appear in Star, a Fox drama about a young singing group, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Rolling Stone reported last week that Jackson had won over producer-director Lee Daniels with her personality in a meeting.
Her character is hired to promote the girl group on social media, and she makes the members go to extremes for publicity. It's only one episode, but it's a promising start to her acting career — if she chooses to go down that route.
Jackson also sings and plays her own songs on guitar, though she told Rolling Stone her passion was modeling. She explained that her father told her, "If you wanna be bigger than me, you can. If you don't want to be at all, you can. But I just want you to be happy."
Star also promises guest appearances by other celebrities including Naomi Campbell and Lenny Kravitz. You can catch it at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesdays, though there's no word yet as to which episode Jackson will be in.
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It looks like the youngest SAG Awards nominees had the most fun this weekend.
Videos on social media show the kids from Stranger Things, Black-ish, and Modern Family tearing up the dance floor at the Entertainment Weekly SAG Awards Party.
Black-ish 's Miles Brown shared one of himself dancing to the song "It's Tricky" with his castmates Saniyya Sidney and Marsai Martin, Modern Family 's Rico Rodriguez, and Stranger Things ' Caleb McLaughlin. "I had so much FUN on the dance floor," he wrote.
A video posted by Miles Brown - BABY BOOGALOO (@mrbabyboogaloo) on
At the awards ceremony, Stranger Things won Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a TV Drama Series. Black-ish and Modern Family were nominated for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a TV Comedy Series, but that honor went to Orange Is the New Black.
But if there were an Outstanding Dance Performance By an Ensemble award, all three casts would win.
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We know you've got more than enough Death Eaters in your life right now... but could you make room for one more?
Lucius Malfoy is back on the scene, and he's brought his son and partner-in-peroxide, Draco, with him. Actually, it's just actors Jason Isaacs and Tom Felton, who played the sleazy Slytherins in the Harry Potter films, reuniting for a good cause: a Q&A for fans at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida.
Isaacs, who has ditched his long blond locks and somber wardrobe, shared a photo of the reunion. Judging from the pic's caption, he's also adopted a very anti-Death Eater attitude.
"Me and the wizarding blond bombshell reunited and wandering around Universal's #wizardingworldofharrypotter extremely cognate," the British star wrote. "A welcome escape from the horrors of the world until we answered questions on stage and were reminded what the stories were all about: fighting fascism, embracing diversity, and never giving up hope. Suddenly seemed a lot less fantastical. Still, huge love and thanks to all the Potterites who made it a glorious weekend. You're all brilliant — even the tragically unSlytherin."
A photo posted by Jason Isaacs (@therealjasonisaacs) on
Tragically UnSlytherin is our new band name, by the way. The Universal trip also reunited the Malfoys with Professor Flitwick and Neville Longbottom, a.k.a. actors Warwick Davis and Matthew Lewis. (The blonde woman appears to be Angela Jones, Lewis' fiancée.)
It's been a rough week. Maybe you could use an adorable baby photo right about now?
We've got just the thing: the precious photo Katherine Heigl posted of her infant son, Joshua Bishop Kelley Jr. The kid is only a month old, happens to be ridiculously cute, and likes naps. A lot.
Here he is snoozing on the shoulder of that other Josh Kelley, his musician father. Kelley Sr., incidentally, just had a birthday.
A photo posted by Katherine Heigl (@katherineheigl) on
"How @joshbkelley is finishing off his birthday, with sleepy snuggles from his namesake!" Heigl, who also has two daughters with the singer, wrote on Instagram. "Could not be more grateful for this extraordinary man and for this extraordinary day that he was born! Happy Birthday to the sexiest, funniest, smartest, most talented, charming man I have ever met! Oh and he's not too shabby in the Dad department either... is there ANYTHING the man can not do??!!!"
We'll assume that's a rhetorical question. As Heigl says, it looks like he's got this Dad thing down — which is good, considering he'll probably be stuck in that position for quite a while.
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It's difficult to follow in the formidable footsteps of Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion. Not as hard as trying to break a spell that's turned your hunky love interest into a hairy beast, but still.
So, how did John Legend and Ariana Grande, who have taken on the task of reinventing Bryson and Dion's 1991 "Beauty and the Beast" duet, do? As a certain Gallic candlestick might say, " sensationnel."
Legend and Grande's take on the old "tale as old as time" theme can be heard in the just-released final U.S. trailer for Disney's live-action film starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens. The expanded trailer also delivers much more detail in terms of plot and character development, from Belle's do-gooder nature to Gaston's vanity. Chip, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and Lumière get more face time, and there's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it shot of Luke Evans and Josh Gad dancing on a table.
It's all very magical, and the song, as performed by Legend and Grande, is gorgeous. The pressure now shifts to Emma Thompson, who, as the new Mrs. Potts, must actually follow original star Angela Lansbury's lead and sing the song all by herself in the film. What's the teapot version of "break a leg"?
Beauty and the Beast hits theaters on March 17. Watch the super-dreamy trailer below.
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ABC has received criticism for years for only casting white Bachelors and Bachelorettes over the course of 21 Bachelor seasons and 12 Bachelorette seasons. And while the show's gotten a little better about including people of color among the competitors, those contestants rarely make it far.
Former Bachelor Ben Higgins, however, thinks that could soon change.
Nick Viall's season features a more diverse group of frontrunners than usual, and he's shown a particular affinity for Rachel Lindsay. She was the first contestant of color to ever receive the coveted "first impression rose" during the premiere, and she got another highly sought-after honor — a one-on-one date — this week.
After watching the two deepen their relationship in New Orleans, Higgins predicts that the attorney from Dallas will either win or become the next Bachelorette.
Let's hope it's the latter. We desperately need somebody to make that show less white. Plus, the kind, intelligent lawyer deserves far better than Nick.
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Not so long ago, facial acupuncture seemed completely fringe. But Eastern medicine-based skin care, including cupping on the face, has been gaining traction and acceptance as an all-natural approach with the added oomph of thousands of years of practice behind it (i.e. it really works) — and the latest practice on the verge of going mainstream in the U.S. is facial gua sha.
Pronounced gwa sha, the treatment involves scraping or pulling a flat jade or rose quartz stone along the skin to relieve pain and stiffness and flush out tissues. Like acupuncture and cupping, gua sha is another body treatment interpreted for your visage to help fix dryness, breakouts, and even aging. (Before you Google Image search, know that while body gua sha leaves bruise-like, often startling marks, facial gua sha is done using a light hand and therapeutic oils, leaving zero marks.)
But why now, in 2017, is gua sha having its big moment? Likely because it combines the current beauty trends of all-natural remedies, Eastern medicine, at-home, DIY treatments, and the crystal and precious stone craze.
“Facial gua sha moves lymphatic fluids, releases the fascia so skin can function better, and breaks down adhesions and hardness in muscles, like in the jaw,” says acupuncturist Sandra Lanshin Chiu, owner of Treatment by Lanshin in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “The net effect is a significant boost of blood and qi to the skin, and an increase in the circulatory flow of blood and fluids.” Studies have shown an increase in circulation from the technique and, says Chiu, better flow improves natural hydration, gives a glowy skin tone, and aids skin’s ability to purge the dirt, sebum, and general buildup in the pores that leads to acne.
Part of the secret is starting with the neck and working up to the forehead. “It's like releasing a funnel at its lowest point for what's above it to drain downward,” says Chiu. “As you open circulation and free up the tissues of the neck and then the jaw, then when you get to the eyes, there is a place for the excess fluids to go and drain out to.” Not only does that translate into less puffy eyes and more prominent-looking cheekbones, but devotees have seen major improvements in chronic acne, in particular, after 8-10 weeks of weekly professional facial gua sha. Plus, relaxation of the facial muscles can help relieve headaches, neck pain, and even ward off wrinkles. “Think of a bunchy rug pad under a rug,” she explains. “If you smooth it out, the rug lays flatter and this helps circulation and the skin function more normally.”
Courtesy Sandra Lanshin Chiu.
Other gua sha gurus are equally evangelical. “Gua sha has quickly become my favorite facial tool,” says Laurel Shaffer, founder of cult favorite skin-care brand Laurel Whole Plant Organics based in Sausalito, California. “Muscle tension, inflexible fascia, and stagnant lymph are three primary causes for aging which clinical skin care products do not address.” Manhattan celebrity facialist Cecilia Wong, whose clients include Uma Thurman and Zac Posen, has used facial gua sha on her clients for years. “What I love most about gua sha is that results are immediate, and you can’t say that about everything,” says Wong, who started gua sha on herself at the age of 10. “After gua sha, my skin is lifted, tightened, and any puffiness is gone.”
The fact that gua sha, unlike facial acupuncture and cupping, can be easily done at home, is another reason it's poised to become one of the biggest beauty obsessions of the year. Personally, I've been doing gua sha on myself for about three months, not only because I find it ridiculously relaxing (what is more resplendent than spending 10 minutes every morning stroking pretty jade and rose quartz stones all over your face?), but because it makes my puffy eyes and cheeks go down instantly, my jaw less tight, and my breakouts clear much faster. In fact, since starting gua sha, I have fewer, less intense acne breakouts than ever before. While daily at-home practice gives the best results, Chiu says, even two to three times a week is helpful.
Clearly, I'm not the only one catching on: Gua sha tools are popping up on the Instagrams of holistic facialists from New York to L.A. and Shaffer has begun to train estheticians on the practice. She may even start selling the tools herself. My jade tool came included at one of Chiu's tutorial workshops (which fill up quickly), but she suggests this one on Amazon for those outside of New York City. Cecilia Wong also sells her own rose quartz gua sha tool. (Note that although a cheap one can cost less than $5, experts say those that start at $15 are usually of more reliable quality.)
Watch the video below for a quick lesson in the proper gua sha facial technique. This is one trick you're going to want to have in your bag the next time you wake up hungover next to an empty pizza box.
The Gau Sha Facial
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In what was already a very witchy episode of The Bachelor — voodoo, tarot cards, and ghosts, oh my — last night's group date to a haunted mansion in New Orleans was the perfect centerpiece. Activities included messing with potentially possessed dolls, wandering the halls with nothing but a lantern and a glass of wine, and attempting to reach the other side through a Ouija board.
While using the Ouija board, the women asked if the house's famous ghostly resident could give them any clue as to the outcome of the upcoming rose ceremony, and they felt the planchette move, perhaps toward the letter "D." Low and behold, at the end of the night, Danielle M. won the group date rose and immunity for the rose ceremony next week.
If this mildly spooky scene stoked your curiosity about the mysterious talking board, you're not alone. Sure, the creepy board may not seem as complicated as "planned dancing," but there's actually a scientific explanation for how it works, and it may just demystify the Ouija board once and for all.
The thing is, there's a very clear desired outcome when playing with a Ouija board: You're looking for an answer to your question. And if we want something bad enough, we'll find a way to get it — or we'll convince ourselves that we got it. A 2007 paper found that, if we don't remember an event perfectly, we tend to pepper in details that we wanted to be there in our retelling, even if they weren't there in reality.
So, if we manage to move the planchette, we'll later tell ourselves that something magical happened. But, of course, there's a little more to it than that.
The ideomotor effect refers to people making unconscious or unintentional movements because they want an object to move, and it's often used to explain how Ouija planchettes glide across the board. Researchers put this claim to the test with a study that had blindfolded participants sit at a Ouija board and answer factual questions. They were each paired with another person and told that they had their hands on the planchette, too — but their partners would remove their hands as soon as the test started.
As they answered the questions, the participants indeed moved the planchette on their own, though they said they didn't feel themselves moving. Beyond that, they answered more questions correctly while using the Ouija board than they did when asked the same questions without the board. The researchers took these findings to mean that, yes, unconscious movements do play a role in how Ouija boards work.
But don't let that ruin the magic for you. For all we know, the board that the group played on the group date was imbued with the spirits of Bachelors past, sending urgent messages straight to Nick. Either way, we can only hope that Chad is trapped in a crystal ball somewhere, unable to exert his malevolent energy over our dear, sweet Beard Hunk.
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Sometimes getting motivated to exercise can be harder than the workout itself. That’s why it helps to think of your gym time as a middle school dance: You’re going to feel awkward and hug the wall until a really great song comes on.
With that in mind, we’re rounding up our favorite workout tracks, from fresh remixes to old favorites. Get ready to catch yourself humming through your jog, training circuit, or yoga practice. And, don’t worry, Beyoncé makes an appearance.
Don't be surprised if you end up keeping a steadier pace while listening. Music with a strong beat has been found to help people's movements stay consistent during exercise. Today, we've added five our favorite new hip-hop tracks.
This is the playlist to get you moving — the gym's never been so much fun.
Check out our past seasons' playlists below.
Here's last summer's playlist, if you're yearning to return to Summer '16.
And don't forget to check out our playlist from Spring '16, too.
Check back in the following weeks for more of your favorite tracks.
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There are plenty of ways to shake up your sex life, whether it's by trying out a new sex toy or consulting the Kama Sutra. But what if you're in an especially playful mood? That's where sex games come in. You're probably familiar with some of them — sexy truth or dare, dirty dice — but have you ever given a sensory-play card game or a role-playing app a whirl?
Whether you're looking to try something new with a long-term S.O. or getting adventurous with a new partner, sex games can be just the thing you need for inspiration. Just dim the lights, turn off your phones (or keep them on if you're using a sexy app), and see how things start to heat up.
If you end up in bed before you finish the game, don't worry. In that case, everyone's a winner.
Click through to browse some of the steamiest sex games available.
Strip poker is plenty fun, but if you're looking for something a little different, give strip blackjack a try. Each card comes with a "foreplay" and "strip" suggestion, so it's up to you how fast or slow you undress.
Lovehoney, $6.00, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
With fantasy cards that start with "What if he" or "What if we," this game allows couples to explore new things in a low-stakes, fun setting. The best part? The set comes with six blank cards so you can add your own fantasies to the deck.
Little Genie, $17.00, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
With this steamy calendar, every day is an opportunity for a new bedroom adventure for you and your partner. Of course, if you'd rather spend the month focusing on yourself, may we suggest our 30-day masturbation challenge?
Adam and Eve, $12.00, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This adults-only twist on Connect Four has players challenging each other to different foreplay activities, all while trying to get four pieces in a row.
Lovehoney, $19.00, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
You and your partner tease and tempt each other around the board until one of you wins the grand prize, which is — you guessed it — oral sex.
Adam and Eve, $12.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This set boasts — count 'em — 105 exciting and "moody" seduction suggestion cards. This is one game that will keep you busy.
Trystology, $14.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
Thinking about exploring your kinkier side? This deck of position cards will show you how to add a little bondage to your normal routine. Get ready for a wild learning experience.
Lovehoney, $6.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
This set of "sexploration" vouchers can either be "raunchy" or "romantic," so whether you're interested in cuddling the night away or heating things up, there's something in the deck for you.
Lovehoney, $7.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
Instead of betting money in this game of poker, you're wagering erotic favors that you'll do for your partner or receive from them. If you ask us, it's a win-win either way.
Adam and Eve, $22.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This set of dirty dice is actually customizable. Take your pick of stickers to add to the three cubes for a one-of-a-kind gambling experience.
Bijoux Indiscrets, $10.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
Gift your partner a couple of Bedroom Bucks the next time you're in a giving mood. These coupons entitle the holder to a sensual massage, oral sex, and more.
Adam and Eve, $6.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This best-selling game has you exploring your partner's body in a variety of ways, with varying levels of intensity. Draw "Mm" cards to get warmed up, "Ooh" cards to try out role-playing scenarios, and "Aah" cards to end the game with a bang.
Nookii, $24.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
On paper, the object of this game is to get to 50 points before your opponent. Really though, your goal is to tease your opponent with restraints, sensory play, and more. And it comes with all the props you'll need.
Adam and Eve, $19.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
Nothing like a straightforward pair of sexy dice — one has body parts, the other has actions, and it's up to you to connect the dots.
Babeland, $7.00, available at BabelandPhoto: Courtesy of Babeland.
Feeling adventurous? The 69 Places app helps you brainstorm new locations (and events) where you can have sex. You can even check off your accomplishments.
Photo: Courtesy of iTunes.
This game gets physical from the get-go: Place color-coded stickers on your partner's body, roll the dice, and place your hands on the colors you roll.
Trystology, $15.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
This set of cards is a major source of inspiration, and each idea is framed as a vow or promise ("I vow to perform oral sex on you while you are standing"), in case you have a flair for the dramatic.
Lovehoney, $8.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
Think of this card game as a truth-or-dare starter kit, minus the "truth" part. Simply draw a card and do what it says, like "Kiss the player others will be the most surprised to see you kiss." Did we mention this game is great for groups?
Lets Fool Around, $9.95, available at The Pleasure ChestPhoto: Courtesy of The Pleasure Chest.
This jar of different sex position ideas will look great on any bedside table.
Craftformers, $7.52, available at EtsyPhoto: Courtesy of Etsy.
You can play all 50 I.O.U. cards at once, or draw the game out for days, swapping cards with your partner and performing the naughty acts as a surprise.
Lovehoney, $7.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
The KINDU app is essentially a role-play idea generator, and it places you and your partner in a choose-your-own-adventure-style scenario where you can you select the exact fantasy you'd like to play out.
Photo: Courtesy of KINDU.
Use these question cards as flirty ice-breakers at a party or as a way to get to know your partner more intimately.
Good Vibrations, $14.95, available at Good VibrationsPhoto: Courtesy of Good Vibrations.
This game is just the thing you need to take things slow. The massage oil candle quickly melts into a sensual lotion, and the seduction cards tell you how to use it.
Adam and Eve, $22.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
Download this "hot truth or dare" app and have the largest collection of dirty truth and dare prompts at your finger tips.
Photo: Courtesy of iTunes.
What you and your partner do to each other depends on where you land on the board. Can you guess what you get to do when you reach the final square?
Adam and Eve, $12.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This is about as straightforward as it gets: Each card has an article of clothing printed on it. Every time you draw a card, your partner must remove the corresponding piece of clothing.
The Pleasure Chest, $7.95, available at The Pleasure ChestPhoto: Courtesy of The Pleasure Chest.
Live out your wildest affair fantasies with your partner in this intense role-playing board game.
Lovehoney, $32.99, available at LovehoneyPhoto: Courtesy of Lovehoney.
These cards are basically dirty Mad Libs: Fill in the blanks in these sex scenarios to make them steamier or sillier.
Trystology, $14.00, available at trystologyPhoto: Courtesy of Trystology.
With dice, cards, and props, this game will keep things hot for hours.
Adam and Eve, $24.95, available at Adam and EvePhoto: Courtesy of Adam & Eve.
This role-playing game hits all the classics, with scenarios featuring "cops and robbers" and "doctors and nurses."
The Pleasure Chest, $19.95, available at The Pleasure ChestPhoto: Courtesy of The Pleasure Chest.
With a simple slot-machine interface, the Pleasure Machine app is guaranteed to kickstart your evening, whether you're feeling romantic, playful, or wild.
Photo: Courtesy of iTunes.
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We've said it before and we'll say it again: Reactions to The Bachelor are nearly as entertaining as — if not more than — the show itself. My Monday night Twitter feed reads like a play-by-play narrative of the episode. I hardly even have to watch my screen. With all these reaction GIFs and snarky quips, who needs to actually enjoy the show? (I do. I need it very much.)
Last night's episode took the remaining contestants to the Big Easy, where they played around with a Ouija board, encountered a spirit named Mae, and endured the show's traditional two-on-one date. Nick took attorney Rachel on a one-on-one date, and most seemed to agree that she should be the next Bachelorette. (Even Ben Higgins, a former Bachelor, cast his vote.) The uncomfy double date featured "I have a master's degree" Taylor and "you do you" Corinne, and the internet couldn't decide which one deserved to get the rose. In the end — spoiler alert — Corinne got the rose, and Taylor, the mental health counselor, headed home. Or so it would seem.
A lot of the Twitter ire leaned in the direction of Mr. Nick Viall himself. Our Bachelor, it seems, is being a bit of an idiot. (To be fair, idiocy is practically a prerequisite for this show.) Ahead, find the shining stars that, like the North Star, led me through last night's morass of an episode.
The major debate of last night's show was whether or not Nick deserved someone like Rachel.
Photo: via @bigkidproblems/Twitter.
Roxane Gay, author of Bad Feminist, makes a good point. In fact, is Rachel not only too good for Nick, but for the show itself? (I would argue that as much as we love to hate The Bachelor, it would be awfully lovely to have more people like Rachel represented on the show. We don't have to treat reality television like a cesspool where we drop off our good-for-nothings.)
Photo: via @rgay/Twitter.
Ah, Taylor. She might have won the internet over if it weren't for her fatal flaw: She has a master's degree, and she's not afraid to flaunt it. And talk about it. And lord it over Corinne.
Condescension ain't a flattering color on anyone, I'm afraid.
(Taylor got the boot during the two-on-one. And some say she's still in the swamps.)
Photo: via @kimmyt0/Twitter.
Nick's poor decisions have relatively minor ramifications compared to those of, er, other important guy, but still. It's an interesting comparison.
Photo: via @mattbellassai/Twitter.
Okay, we've all tried to manipulate a Ouija board before in our lives, right?
Photo: via @mitchoski/Twitter.
And the award for the best screen grab goes to...
Photo: via @BachelorBFlive/Twitter.
One thing that united Twitter last night: Alexis is by far the best contestant. She's rarely featured in the actual episode. Instead, the dolphin lover from New Jersey appears in the fringes of the show and during the end credits sequence. This week, Nick donned an Nicolas Cage mask to scare Alexis, who previously stated that she was scared of the actor. That is what we call television gold.
Photo: via @maxgongaware/Twitter.
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News broke in September that Pharrell Williams' wife Helen Lasichanh was pregnant for the second time. Then, unbeknownst to us, she gave birth to three kids earlier this month.
Williams’s representative confirmed to Vanity Fair that he's now the proud father of triplets. The new additions, whose names haven't been revealed, are the little siblings of the couple's eight-year-old Rocket Ayer. They're all "healthy and happy," according to the rep.
You've probably heard Williams in Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," Daft Punk's "Get Lucky," or his own hit "Happy." Lasichanh is notable in her own right: She's a model and a designer, according to The Huffington Post. The two tied the knot in 2013 with a Miami yacht party featuring Usher and Busta Rhymes performances.
It seems fitting that the glamorous, unconventional couple's second birth became an event of epic proportions, too.
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You know what they say: everybody poops. (Or, at least, everybody needs to eliminate waste products from their bodies at some point.) At the same time, though, pooping is one of the most private things you can possibly do. So since most of us aren't running around chatting openly about our bowel functions, it's tough to know what's "normal" in the broader sense. Luckily, there's a lot of variety when it comes to normal, healthy pooping habits — and no one's perfect all the time.
First off, if you've ever Googled any question about your number two (oh, come on, we've all been there) you've probably come across the Bristol Stool Scale, which lists seven different types of poo. The first two may indicate constipation, while the last three suggest there's some intestinal inflammation resulting in diarrhea. That means that, ideally, we should all be somewhere between the third and fourth types most of the time.
This handy chart was developed in the early 1990s through research conducted by doctors based at the Bristol Royal Infirmary in the U.K. For instance, using an early version of the scale for a 1992 prospective study published in Gut, they found that women tended to report stools that reflected constipation more frequently than men.
Then, in a 1997 paper published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, the authors reformulated the chart into the version we all know and love and proposed using it as an actual clinical tool. This one uses everyday language (e.g. "like a sausage or snake") to really drive the points home.
Although we know that it's not always surefire way to diagnose a GI issue (e.g. having a Type 2 poop doesn't always mean you're suffering from constipation), the chart remains pretty much omnipresent. It's easy to read and, generally, a good way to keep track of what's going on down under. However, it's important to note that everyone has slightly different plumbing. So what's normal for your friends may not be normal for you. The most important thing to keep track of, then, is when things change.
Have you always been a once-a-day kind of person but now you're on day three and still waiting? Or do you notice the consistency of your poop changes when you're especially stressed? Or do things just feel off for no obvious reason? All of those are good things to bring up with your doctor. And she may send you to a gastroenterologist if necessary.
But, before all of that, you've gotta know what to look for. Read on for a look at the Bristol scale — and what it means for your health.
Type 1: Constipated
Separate hard lumps, like nuts.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
Type 2: Constipated
Sausage-shaped but lumpy.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
Type 3: Normal
Like a sausage or snake but with cracks on its surface.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
Type 4: Normal
Like a sausage or snake, smooth and soft.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
Type 5:Inflamed
Soft blobs with clear-cut edges.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
Type 6: Inflamed
Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
Type 7: Inflamed
Watery, no solid pieces.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
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We'll be the first to admit: We watch the Super Bowl for the commercials. And though we're used to relying on soft-drink brands to tug right at our heartstrings or elicit any type of emotional reaction through a 30- to 60-second ad spot, this year, we're looking to the work of one iconic fashion brand.
Lady Gaga wearing Tiffany & Co. earrings, $2,500. Photo: Courtesy of Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. will be premiering its first Super Bowl commercial, ever, during the 51st championship game. Now, "football" might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the heritage jewelry company, but the brand tapped Lady Gaga, the show's halftime headliner, to front the ad spot. Plus, Tiffany & Co. has actually been making the iconic Vince Lombardi trophy awarded to the Super Bowl's champion for the past 50 years. So, the company's connection to the game runs deep.
The campaign is for its new Tiffany HardWear collection, a contemporary range set to drop this spring that was inspired by a unisex bracelet from the company's archives, according to a statement. Lady Gaga's shoot, which was creative directed by Grace Coddington and shot by David Sims, falls under the brand's Legendary Style series, which sees powerful, creative women modeling some of its most standout pieces.
"In New York, you're born knowing that Tiffany is the best, and that it's where the magic happens," Lady Gaga said in a statement, noting that the brand, to her, "represents timeless American jewelry."
A 15-second preview of the commercial was shared on People. (Hey, Tiffany & Co. can't spoil the whole thing just yet). "I always want to be challenging the status quo," Lady Gaga says in the black-and-white film. "I love to change. It's pretentious to talk about how creative you are. I don't feel that way at all — I think it's empowering and important. And I'm coming for you."
We're ready for it, Gaga.
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Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar. (Thanks,New York mag, for the inspiration.)
This week a non-profit attorney who makes $20 an hour and spends it on Girl Scout Cookies.
Industry: Non-profit
Age: 26
Location: Colorado
Salary: $20/hour
Monthly Expenses
Monthly Housing Costs: $0, I share a home with boyfriend and his job provides him with housing!
Monthly Loan Payments: $0 right now. Law school loans are deferred, since my income is low right now. Sometimes I pay $100-200 when I am able.
Hulu: $8 (boyfriend pays Netflix)
Car insurance: $195/every 6 months
Gym: $25 (Boyfriend pays for my membership pre-tax on his paycheck, and I buy him something each month to even out)
Day One
8:45 a.m. — I'm moving slowly this morning because of a stomachache (likely from eating hot wings last night) and dry throat (from Colorado's arid climate). I'm able to take it easy this a.m., as most of my company's permanent employees are on a retreat. (I am working on a short-term contract.) So instead of rushing out the door, I drink some coffee with my boyfriend, throw cereal and milk into a Mason jar, and grab some random snacks for lunch.
11:45 a.m. — Snack on a banana that I brought to work, but half of it is too mushy to eat. Now I know I NEED to stop for groceries on the way home.
1 p.m. — I consider going out for a bowl of soup, but decide to get by on the snacks I brought. I have snap pea crisps (amazing), some cheese, and a Fiber One brownie. As I'm eating lunch, I peruse job boards and send off some networking emails. My job contract is ending soon, so I need to figure out what to do next.
5 p.m. — I'm crashing hard today, so I make the decision to hit up Costco first on my grocery trip. (Free samples!) I quickly visit the sample stands, and get to shopping. Much easier to navigate this store on a weeknight than on the weekend. I try to only purchase $50 worth of food, but I end up with a few extras. $68.45
5:45 p.m. — I head next door to Target to fill in the gaps. I use a Redcard and Cartwheel to make grocery shopping at Target as reasonable (if not slightly more reasonable) than the traditional grocery stores. My boyfriend and I usually split groceries pretty evenly, but lately it has made most sense for me to stop on my way home from Denver. Either he will cover the next round, or more likely, he will spring for some meals and drinks when we go out. $54.39
6:30 p.m. — Finally arrive home! I had told my boyfriend how exhausted/hungry I was before I did the grocery shopping, so he brought home some meals from his work cafeteria. He gets them subsidized and deducted from his paycheck each month, and he is behind on using them because of the holidays, so, its a win-win to use them up tonight. I have a small salad and half of a mini pizza, and there are leftovers for the next couple lunches I need to pack.
8 p.m. — As I unwind on the couch watching Top Chef reruns and chat with my mom, she tells me that I should book a hotel for my Grandma's birthday trip to Vegas this summer. They have a block reserved and she wants to make sure I'm in the block. I book for the whole weekend, but they charge a one night deposit immediately. At least I put it on my Chase Sapphire card, so I'll get travel points. $147.55
Daily Total: $270.39
Day Two
9:30 a.m. — I get moving pretty late this morning. It is Friday, my coworkers are at the retreat, and I'm working from home since I have an appointment this afternoon. It is Inauguration Day, so I will surely get more done from home with the TV on mute than I would have at work, constantly checking social media and news sites for updates. Boyfriend brewed coffee hours ago when he got up, so I microwave it and eat cereal with milk again for breakfast.
12:50 p.m. — I have a 1 p.m. appointment at Planned Parenthood. I'm on Medicaid (I qualified as a student, and my income hasn't gotten high enough to require reclassification), and PP is one of the few providers I can see for an IUD. I scheduled my appointment for today on purpose. Once I am taken back, we decide on Paragard and I also get my third Gardisil shot, which I'd been neglecting to do for years. The procedures are slightly painful, but I feel great that I checked these items off my to-do list.
2:30 p.m. — As I get back from the appointment, the pain sets in a bit. Watching the Inauguration and getting back to work doesn't really help! I quickly remember to make my donation to Planned Parenthood. I donate $35 for today, and set a recurring $5 donation for following months. I had considered doing this at the office, but the girl at the front desk was on a phone call and I didn't have cash. $35.00
4 p.m. — Still haven't had lunch. Boyfriend is home a bit early, and he is willing to make me what I'm craving — avocado toast with poached eggs. I supplement this "lunch" with some of the snacks from yesterday's cafeteria haul.
8:20 p.m. — Still on the couch. I'm feeling the cramps, and we've both had a long work week, so we decide to stay in tonight, crack open some wine, and make some grilled cheese as a late dinner (while watching more Top Chef reruns).
Daily Total: $35.00
Day Three
10 a.m. — French press coffee at home to start off a lazy Saturday. We had friends in town last weekend, so this weekend is about recharging (and mitigating the cramps I still have). I turn on coverage of the Women's March. I feel a bit of guilt for not going to the Denver March, but it has been a long week and I plan to contribute in other ways. As I check out social media, I'm proud to see so many friends participating.
12:30 p.m. — Friends stop by to borrow our skis and discuss plans for tonight. We catch up a bit while they're here, and decide on a late dinner. Knowing that we'll be eating late, I whip up a larger brunch — english muffins with avocado, fried eggs, and turkey bacon. The rest of the afternoon is spent working on the job search while binging on more Top Chef on Hulu. I'd planned on getting things cleaned up around the house, but I still feel very accomplished for a Saturday.
5 p.m. — Can't make it to dinner time without a snack! Top Chef has inspired boyfriend to add garlic powder and parmesan cheese to a bag of Smartfood popcorn... it is surprisingly good!
7:15 p.m. — Head downtown for dinner to meet the friends. We decided on a place that I have a Groupon for, and the other couple bought one too. Once we get there, we remember that most places only allow one Groupon per table. We ask the server to treat us as two separate tables, and she agrees! Our bill is almost entirely covered by the Groupon. We only owe $6.47 pre-tip. Since the other couple bought the wine, I pay their tip to even it out. $26.91
9:30 p.m. — We head to one more spot downtown for another glass of wine. We have a "passport" for buy one, get one drinks around town, so we pick a spot where we can utilize it. My boyfriend treats as a way to further even out the spending between the us and our friends, and to celebrate our friends' engagement. The walk home is uphill, and it has gotten colder, but we decide to count this as our exercise and forego taking a Lyft. Once home, we finish the night with a little more wine and this week's This is Us.
Daily Total: $26.91
Day Four
10 a.m. — I am so not a morning person. I'd scheduled a cycling class for 10, but I justify missing it. The gym is closing at the end of the month, and I have more classes than I know what to do with. Another morning of french press coffee, job applications, and TV.
12 p.m. — Breakfast/lunch at home is an english muffin with peanut butter and jelly, and a banana.
3 p.m. — Haircut at Ulta. I like to go here since I haven't found a standby hairdresser yet in Boulder, and I can earn points at Ulta. My hair is so dry and damaged (thanks, Colorado weather), so I decide to chop it! My mom had nothing nice to say about my hair when I was home for Christmas, so she offered to pay for the cut. It costs $57, and I charge it to a credit card that we share for occasions like this, and send her a selfie to say thanks.
4 p.m. — Meet up with boyfriend at the Target at the other end of the shopping center. Our cat needs food, and we've been wanting to make some other larger purchases with gift cards from Christmas. We stock up on a lot of cooking supplies. I am able to use a Cartwheel reward to get one piece of bakeware for free! Boyfriend pays the amount not covered by the gift cards, since I've covered the last few trips to Target.
5 p.m. — Back at Costco, again. We just got the membership for Christmas, so boyfriend needs to get his membership card, and we are in the neighborhood. We decide to open Costco Citi cards while at the membership desk to earn cash back on our Costco purchases. Another real reason we came here is to get a snack before cooking dinner. No sample carts are out, so I get us a hot dog and pop to share. Boyfriend buys himself a few things while I'm at the food counter. $1.62
6:30 — Real dinner time. A basic meal of chicken breasts and Brussels sprouts. I also throw together some cookies from a mix while the oven is hot. Boyfriend will bring some to his office tomorrow for a coworker's birthday, and it gives me a chance to use some of my new baking tools.
Daily Total: $1.62
Day Five
8:15 a.m. — Keurig coffee and a quick breakfast (granola bar and banana) before heading out to work. It is a Monday.
12 p.m. — I eat the collection of random snacks I brought as a lunch (cup of soup from last week's cafeteria haul, veggie straws, carrots/hummus, Fiber One brownie) while working through lunch. I need to make up some hours that I missed last week.
5:15 p.m. — I head straight from work to a networking event south of the city. My gas light had gone on on my way to work, so I stop at a gas station on the way down. I pay for gas as needed instead of working it into my budget, since it can really vary depending on how many days I actually work in the office. Since Discover is currently giving 5% Cash Back for gas purchases, I make sure to use my Discover Card. $27.34
6 p.m. — I paid $25 to attend this networking event a few weeks back, so appetizers and a glass of wine are "free!" I quickly find my friends that are attending, we load up on apps, and order our wine. We all want to meet new people, but it is nice to chat amongst ourselves first. Throughout the night, we divide and conquer a bit, but I don't find anyone with my specific career interests. Still a good experience in meeting new people.
8:15 p.m. — As I'm driving back home, I see a cop shooting his radar gun at my car. I'm sure I am only going a few miles per hour over the limit, but I know my car stands out and that there is a speed trap on the highway. Rats! He signals for me to pull over, and I tell him that I was sure I was only going 5 m.p.h. over. After checking my ID and insurance, he lets me go with a warning. I did not want to have to pay a ticket. Luck works in my favor today.
9 p.m. — I'm a little startled when I get home, so I decompress and eventually realize I'm still hungry. I just snack on a few more appetizer-y foods (carrots and hummus again, snap pea crisps) and call it dinner.
Daily Total: $27.34
Day Six
8:30 a.m. — Coffee and cereal at home before I get on the road, with an extra dose of coffee to-go.
11:30 a.m. — Snacks for lunch again today. I'm really trying to resist the urge to dine out, since I did so much of that over the holidays and in early January. Boyfriend brought my favorite soup home from his work cafeteria yesterday — carrot ginger. The microwave is super far from my office, so I keep putting off heating it up and get by on snacks.
4 p.m. — So hungry, but it feels too late to make my soup. Luckily, a meeting in the conference room left some chips behind, so I grab some to hold me over.
6:20 p.m. — I get home a bit late, still without having eaten a proper lunch. Boyfriend is working late tonight screening a movie. These events always have extra pizza,. I have a few snacks while I wait for him to get home, and pizza is served shortly after.
8:50 p.m. — As I'm cleaning out my inbox, I remember that my cousin emailed out an order form for her daughter's Girl Scout cookie sales. I was a Girl Scout through high school, and love this time of year. They will visit in a few months and bring the cookies with them. I order five boxes. For the rest of the night, I continue to get organized and watch some late night TV. $20.00
Daily Total: $20.00
Day Seven
8:20 a.m. — Coffee and cereal at home again. I can't believe I've made it the whole week without stopping at Starbucks, but today might have to be the day. We're out of half and half, so my coffee is black and "bleh."
11:45 a.m. — Already hungry for lunch — I finally heat up yesterday's soup, and it is delicious but not as filling as I'd like. I have a couple snacks to help hold me over.
4:15 p.m. — I left work a bit early, since my boss had left the office and I have yet another professional event tonight. I stop in the suburbs for a treat that cannot be found in Boulder: Chick-fil-a. I don't like to frequent this place, but I really have a taste for those little chicken nuggets. $8.49
4:40 p.m. — Next to Chick-fil-a is another place that does not exist in Boulder: Walmart! I really do not like to frequent Walmart either, but I have a $10 gift card that I got for signing up for E-bates a couple months back. I grab a couple things I need/want: half and half, Nivea in-shower lotion, and Elf liquid liner. This comes out to $11.70, but I have the gift card! $1.70
5:30 p.m. — This professional event is free for me, since I am still considered a "recent grad." It is a Q&A format with some appetizers and networking afterwards.
8 p.m. — I meet boyfriend for a quick dinner after the event. We are able to make it in to his work cafeteria for a last minute dinner, since I am in the neighborhood. We've taken advantage of this a lot lately since he didn't use many of his meals during the earlier part of the month. It is a great perk when we don't feel like cooking.
Daily Total: $10.19
Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women's experiences and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29's point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.
The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more money diaries, click here.
Anyone who has spent a weekend reading Marie Kondo or watching Minimalism on Netflix, all the while surrounded by chairs hidden under piles of clothes and a medicine cabinet filled with expired products, spills, and lipsticks only worn once, knows how tempting the idea of hauling over a dumpster and going to town is.
But going to the other extreme causes just as much of a headache. So here's the plan for tackling your overflowing beauty supply: Take a deep breath, maybe do a stretch or two, and head into the bathroom with this guide open on your phone. Forget about asking yourself if the item sparks joy, don't try to remember exactly how many times you used it in the last year — just allow yourself to let these 15 things go.
We've all gotten the memo loud and clear: Cleaning our makeup brushes is very, very important. So, we're certainly not saying this is now a step to skip, but we are giving you permission to never re-purchase that $20 brush cleanser. Use gentle baby shampoo, Zote laundry soap, or dish soap mixed with olive oil — they all work just as well for next to nothing.
If you have extra time, oily eyelids, or are going for a super-pigmented look, eyeshadow primer is great insurance. But you don't need a dedicated one if you've got concealer and setting powder in your kit already. Blend your concealer across your lids with a sponge, tap loose powder on top, then go to town with your palette.
The explosion of the Kylie Lip Kit onto the scene meant the explosion of lip liners in our makeup bags — one for every shade of liquid lipstick we own. Yes, they make everything look a little cleaner and more precise, but how often do we really use 'em? Hardly ever.
If you have a great nude that matches your natural lip color, you're set. If you want to play it safe, hold on to a true red, too. But ditch the green, navy, and five variations of burgundy taking up space.
We're going to go ahead and bet that you have at least one heavy-duty body butter and gritty body scrub in your collection. (If you don't, why are you here? Get to shopping!) And if you do, and you're not using them on your dry, scratchy winter feet, ask yourself why the hell not. The only difference we've found in scrubs and creams marketed toward feet is that they contain menthol for that tingling sensation, which is nice, but far from necessary.
You can never have too much of a good thing, right? Eh, not so fast. Wearing sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do for your skin, but guess what: You don't need more than 30 SPF to effectively protect against damage.
“When applied properly, there is little difference between a product with SPF 30 and anything higher,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “However, in the real world, we do not apply as much sunscreen as we should and we do not reapply as often as we should. As a result, that SPF value gets diluted out.” If you're swimming or sweating, you're going to need to reapply every two hours; you can take it easier if you're just sitting in the office all day. (Oh, and here's how to re-up on the stuff without messing up your makeup — because that's always top of our mind, too.)
We love lip scrubs, but we love saving money more. So instead of throwing down for a tiny jar of honey, sugar, and fruit seeds, make your own at home, then use a washcloth or toothbrush to gently buff it away along with all the dead stuff.
That mascara you've had for an entire season? The nail polish that's thick and bubbly when you paint it on? The moisturizer you got two years ago? Toss 'em all. Expired beauty products serve no purpose in your life, so take an inventory by checking the packaging for the little jar symbol with the monthly time frame inside it.
It’s true: The skin on your neck and décolletage is thinner than the skin on your face, and it does benefit from some TLC, but it's not so needy that it requires its own cream or sheet mask. Your regular moisturizer, plus a lot of sunscreen, will keep it looking firm and spot-free.
Don’t get duped by those teeny-tiny brushes that promise better results on your lower lashes. With a steady hand, your regular mascara (unless it's truly jumbo-sized) can coat the little guys without making a mess. Just look up when you go to apply it.
Hate to break it to ya, but Santa isn't real and neither are split end sealers. If you're in a bind, they can temporarily make your ends look smoother (just as an oil you already own can), but they aren't magically fusing the hairs together. Your best bet? Call up the salon and book yourself a trim.
Pore strips are fun, but your money and time is best spent elsewhere. "For long-term blackhead removal, using a product with salicylic acid is much more effective than a pore strip. Salicylic acid gently helps skin turnover, unclogging your pores,” explains dermatologist and director of Minneapolis-based Zel Skin Clinic Brian Zelickson, MD. “It works by penetrating the inside of the pores and all of the sebum that has accumulated within them, versus just the top layer.”
Let us count all the ways to soak up facial oil in a pinch: toilet seat covers, toilet paper, tissues, pressed powder, rolling papers...
When it comes to your pores, there’s good news and bad news. The bad first: The size of your pores has more to do with genes and aging than anything else, and they cannot be shrunk. The good: There’s a way to keep them from getting any larger in the short-term. “Pores are really unable to be reduced any more than we can grow taller,” says dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD. “As we age, we start losing collagen, which keeps our pores nice and tight. Therefore, using exfoliating and collagen-stimulating products, such as retinoids and peptides as well as broad spectrum UV protection, can help ‘diminish’ pore size.”
Health experts and manicurists agree: When it comes to cutting your cuticles, just say no. Of course, trimming rough skin that's sticking out is fine, but cutting your cuticles weakens the nail's protective barrier, leaving it more susceptible to germs and infections. Instead, rub some cuticle oil on and gently push them back before brushing on a nourishing base coat.
Loofahs are, quite frankly, gross as hell. Dermatologist Whitney Bowe, MD, explains: "Loofahs have porous structures and contain nooks and crannies, which can become filled with germs, fungus, and bacteria, which can be transferred to the skin, potentially causing infections." Stick to bar soap if possible, but if you insist on keeping your pouf, Dr. Bowe recommends shaking it out and letting it air-dry outside of the bathroom. If you aren't replacing yours every three to four weeks, make the switch to this new Olay product we love, which forces you to toss it after 30 uses.
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