The holidays are usually when there's a proliferation of narrative commercials that reduce even the most angsty holiday shoppers to tears. (In 2016, the contenders for top cryfest were Allegro's "English for Beginners" and Amazon's "A Priest and Imam meet for a cup of tea.") But one ad, which Samsung posted on YouTube on December 30, took a little longer to pick up steam, and is now making a late-season play for the top spot.
The commercial, first brought to our attention by CNET, originally aired in India and promotes Samsung's service vans and their promise to "go to every corner of the country to ensure that we are with you when you need us." As with the most meaningful holiday ads, though, this one stays with us not because of the service it's advertising, but because of the touching message it sends.
We won't give away what happens, but the most basic plot is this: A woman needs help fixing her TV.
After you watch, you'll understand why, given the current political climate, this commercial has garnered so much attention, with 37 million views on YouTube — and counting.
Watch it below, with at least one box of tissues nearby.
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While Hogwarts certainly had its wild adventures, I preferred tales a little darker than the ones J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series could offer.
Enter: A Series of Unfortunate Events. Lemony Snicket's (real name: Daniel Handler) novels celebrated the macabre in a way few other kids' stories would dream of. The books, about three orphans shuffled from guardian to guardian while attempting to learn the truth about their parents' demise, were as delightfully dreary as the title of the series would suggest.
The books weren't just bleaker than bleak — they were wonderfully, delightfully weird.
Though A Series of Unfortunate Events was adapted to film, it didn't receive a major franchise a la Harry Potter — and I always hoped a better version than the singular, average-at-best 2004 Jim Carrey film would come along to save the day.
Now that Netflix is attempting to right that wrong, it's worth going back and exploring some of these more bizarre plot lines. Will Netflix make good use of the books' strangest plot points? Here's hoping that the series remains true to the special weirdness that Snicket infused in his work.
Click through to read about the strangest plot points from each of the 13 books in A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Count Olaf stages a play in which his "character" marries Violet's. However, it's not really a play, but a ploy to snatch away the Baudelaire fortune by marrying the 14-year-old for real. Ick.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Reptile Room,Book 2
The Baudelaire children finally meet a nice guardian, a herpetologist named Monty. However, when Count Olaf learns of their whereabouts, he kills Monty with poison and blames the death on one of the reptile lover's most precious vipers.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Wide Window,Book 3
Welp, this should give you nightmares. The Baudelaire's fearful guardian Aunt Josephine is eaten by the leeches who live in the ocean beneath her home. The reason? The leeches can smell anyone who ate less than an hour before taking a dip.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Miserable Mill,Book 4
A fight between baby Sunny and one of Count Olaf's henchman, Orwell, ends with Orwell accidentally killing himself on a buzzsaw. More or less disturbing than death-by-leeches?
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Austere Academy,Book 5
The orphans are taken to a boarding school, where they are placed in a fungus-filled house called "The Orphan's Shack" because they do not have a guardian to sign for dormitory housing,
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Ersatz Elevator,Book 6
After Count Olaf kidnaps the Quagmire orphans, the Baudelaires find their friends locked in a cage at the bottom of an empty elevator shaft. It's basically the plot of a Lifetime movie.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Vile Village,Book 7
Count Olaf, disguised as a detective, arranges for three of the Baudelaire children to be burned at the stake for the "murder" of Count Olaf (which, obviously, didn't really happen.) Olaf then tells the Baudelaire orphans that they must decide who lives, as he needs at least one orphan alive as to inherit his fortune.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Hostile Hospital,Book 8
Violet is captured by Olaf and his diabolical crew, who decide that they are going to perform a craniectomy on the orphan. Fortunately, Klaus and Sunny stall the procedure long enough to escape.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Carnivorous Carnival,Book 9
Count Olaf, disguised as a circus performer, declares that one of the performers in the freak show will be thrown into a pit of hungry lions as part of a new act. However, in a freak accident, one of Olaf's henchmen gets tossed in the pit instead, and is devoured by the lions.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Slippery Slope,Book 10
The Baudelaire children are able to trick Count Olaf by telling him that they know where a certain "sugar bowl" is, which is mysteriously important to their frequent torturer.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Grim Grotto,Book 11
In this marine-centric book, Sunny is poisoned by a mushroom. The Baudelaires look for a cure, only to learn that the antidote is horseradish. When they can't find that, Sunny tells them to seek out wasabi. (All that sushi you're eating? Yep, more likely than not, it has actually been paired with horseradish, not wasabi.)
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The Penultimate Peril,Book 12
In this novel, the Baudelaire orphans are placed on trial. However, it's not your typical law-and-order situation: Here, the court takes the phrase "justice is blind" literally, and therefore blindfolds on all of the jurors.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
The End,Book 13
Count Olaf finally meets his demise when he is harpooned in the stomach. However, in doing so, the harpoon hits a container of poison, which infects the entire population of the island. Because of the island's strict rules, the leader, Ishmael, won't allow his people to eat the antidote — apples.
Photo: Scholastic Inc.
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I don't get to sing karaoke often — less than once a month, for sure. But I still have a karaoke playlist on my phone that I frequently add to. Karaoke is just plain fun — even if it's not a regular pastime.
If going into a dark room with a group of other people to sing classic hits makes you feel terrified, don't be! Karaoke bars are a super-relaxed way to have fun with your friends in a closed setting — and it's way less intimidating than getting up to sing in front of a crowded bar.
The key to having a fun karaoke night is choosing songs that the majority of people will recognize. Karaoke night isn't the time to show off your love for cool indie bands. (And chances are, the lesser-known songs might not be available to sing, anyway.) Singing cheesy songs is often more fun, too, because there's no pressure to perform them well.
We've rounded up some of the best songs to sing on your next trip to a karaoke bar. Check back often, because we'll keep adding more to the list.
"Let It Go,"Frozen
If your friends insist on singing a Disney song, "Let It Go" is exponentially better than "A Whole New World." (Or, worst of all, "I'll Make A Man Out Of You" from Mulan.)
"All Star," Smash Mouth
Who doesn't want to think of Shrek while singing karaoke?
"Girls Just Want To Have Fun," Cyndi Lauper
For all of your bachelorette party karaoke needs.
"She Bangs," Ricky Martin
Channel your inner William Hung.
"Who Let The Dogs Out," Baha Men
My husband may be the only person whose go-to karaoke song is "Who Let The Dogs Out," but it never ceases to be entertaining.
"Valerie," Steve Winwood
This '80s classic is super fun to belt out with your friends.
"Sweet Caroline," Neil Diamond
Who hasn't drunkenly yelled "So good! So good!" into the chorus of this song?
"Hello," Adele
Hello, it's me — your new go-to karaoke song.
"You're Still The One," Shania Twain
The perfect power ballad to sing with your S.O.
"Drops of Jupiter," Train
Is there any song more worthy of a mocking karaoke performance?
"I Just Had Sex," The Lonely Island feat. Akon
If there are Lonely Island fans in your friend group, they'll look to see which of the group's songs are available to sing. I recently found this surprising option at a karaoke place in Toronto.
This song's lyrics are pretty heteronormative — but maybe that's part of the joke about the guys' general cluelessness?
"Never Let You Go," Third Eye Blind
Everyone knows this song, and no one likes it, making it a perfect karaoke choice.
"Lucky," Britney Spears
No karaoke trip is complete without several Britney Spears choices.
"Dreams," The Cranberries
Take things back to the '90s with this classic tune.
I haven't seen this song at karaoke bars in the United States, but when I found it in Toronto, I flipped. This song is everything. (Mika, I'm sorry for doing your accent such a disservice with my terrible rendition of this beautiful work.)
"The Sign," Ace of Base
Everyone knows the words — and even though this song makes no sense, that doesn't mean it's not fun to sing.
"Centerfold," J. Geils Band
To be fair, the lyrics to this song are pretty sexist/offensive/generally creepy. But if you can put that aside...well, who doesn't start bopping around when this song starts playing?
"Don't You (Forget About Me)," Simple Minds
Whether or not you're a child of the '80s, you'll love singing this hook.
"Super Trouper," ABBA
Somewhere in the crowd, there's you and your friends, belting out this classic ABBA hit.
"Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen
So what if no one uses cell phones to make calls anymore? Everyone will join in on singing this one, even if they protest at first.
"Dangerous Woman," Ariana Grande
To ease into the karaoke fun, start off with a song everyone (no matter what age) knows. Most of Ariana Grande's songs lend themselves to karaoke, but everyone will recognize "Dangerous Woman" and want to join in on your rendition.
"New Romantics," Taylor Swift
Swifties and non-Swifties alike will love singing the hits off her 1989 album.
"Cake By The Ocean," DNCE
Everyone from your roommate to your parents will want to sing along to this song.
Karaoke buddies from your bro-y college friends to your teen cousins will want to sing this.
"Everytime," Britney Spears
It wouldn't be a karaoke trip without at least one Britney song. Why not throw it back with "Everytime"?
"Yoü And I," Lady Gaga
Even the original version of this song sounds like Gaga's singing it at a bar's open mic night.
"Single Ladies," Beyoncé
Everyone will love singing (and dancing) to this one, even the guys.
"Price Tag," Jessie J featuring B.o.B
All of your friends know this song. They may hate it — but if you force them to sing along, they'll be smiling by the end.
"Modern Love," David Bowie
"Modern Love" is perfect for karaoke — even your shy friends will want to join in on the chorus.
"Some Nights," Fun.
Whether you love or hate Fun., there's no better way to bring a group of people together than by singing the opening "Oh, oh" chorus repeatedly.
"Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)," Backstreet Boys
Every '90s kid will love singing Backstreet Boys songs at karaoke night. The backup vocals on this one are perfect for a group performance.
"Dog Days Are Over," Florence + The Machine
Even if you're not a good singer, Florence + The Machine songs are ridiculously fun to perform. You'll have everyone clapping along to the beat with this one.
MIKA attracts a certain type of fans — not everyone's heard of him, but the people who have are devoted. Literally all of his songs lend themselves to karaoke and you can't go wrong with a classic like "Happy Ending." When you find a friend who loves MIKA, make them your karaoke buddy for life.
"I'm on a Boat," The Lonely Island
Yes, it's cheesy — but everyone knows this song. You'll be singing along by the end of it, even if you weren't the one who added it to the karaoke queue.
"Sugar," Maroon 5
It's almost more fun impersonating Adam Levine's falsetto if you're hilariously off-key.
"Everybody Wants To Rule The World," Tears For Fears
When everyone gets tired of upbeat hits, slow down the mood with this classic, but still fun, option.
"Love Story," Taylor Swift
This is especially fun when the performers are all male (and a few drinks in).
"Save You Tonight," One Direction
Okay, the lyrics of this song are a little problematic — you probably shouldn't think of a romantic interest as someone who needs "saving." But the song is so fun and upbeat that it's a blast to sing with a group.
"Stay With Me," Sam Smith
If you want to show off your singing chops — or just to butcher a Top 40 song — "Stay With Me" is the perfect choice.
"When You Were Young," The Killers
You might not like them now, but you definitely had at least one Killers song on your playlists back in the day. And everyone else did, too.
"I Hate Myself for Loving You," Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
For when your karaoke trip is also a night out to get over your ex, you can't beat this rock classic.
"Girl Crush," Little Big Town
This song isn't as upbeat as most of the others on this list. But sometimes, you just need to belt out a ballad about unrequited love.
"Enjoy The Silence," Depeche Mode
If your friends love the '80s, they'll get a kick out of imitating Depeche Mode's accents in this hit.
"Roar," Katy Perry
Everyone's got a little Katy Perry in them, just waiting to bust out at a karaoke bar.
"Tah Dah," MIKA
Remember what we said about MIKA songs lending themselves to karaoke? This one's almost too perfect.
"One Thing," One Direction
Okay, so this list is a bit heavy with the 1D. But everyone knows this song.
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But on Thursday Swift posted a still from what appears to be the real video to Instagram, E! News reports. We see the singers facing away from each other in a room filled with dim blue lighting.
From the looks of Malik's Instagram, the singers got in some quality time with Swift's cat while working on the single, which was co-written by Swift, Bleachers' and Fun's Jack Antonoff, and hip-hop artist Sam Dew.
Last year I bleached my hair one too many times. Then I bleached it again.
No shock here: My normally very-resilient strands became more damaged than they'd been in years. It was own fault — and it's a common story in our era of icy and pastel hair color trends.
I called in the big guns for rehab — Olaplex, masks, pre-shampoo treatments — and they all made a major difference. But, as we all know very well, you can't really fix split or fried ends; you have to cut 'em off before they get worse. So, what's one to do when you need to lose the dead, fried, split weight, but aren't looking to go much shorter? Enter: Hair dusting.
L.A. hairstylist Sal Salcedo introducing me to the technique — and he literally saved my hair in one dust.
What Is Hair Dusting?
"Hair dusting is a technique in which you don’t get rid of any hair length, but only the damaged hair tips," Salcedo explains. "This can be done by snipping the very bottom of each hair strand."
So how does that work? "Think of it in terms of removing fuzz from clothes," he says. "You want to smooth the hair out the best you can first, because you need to allow the bad hair to pop up. That's what you will be getting rid of."
Here's the reason why many hairstylists don't do it: It's really time consuming. In fact, it's almost like a second haircut after your strands are shaped and trimmed. "It's more of a grooming technique, rather than an overall haircut," he says, noting that it's by no means new. "It's been done for ages, some cultures even use different techniques, like fire or razors."
"I hold smaller strands of hair in my hand, then slowly open and close my shears perpendicular to the hair strand, letting my shears catch the damaged hair," Salcedo says. "Then, I proceed to cutting the perimeter of the hair, if the ends are bad there, too."
Salcedo does this to most of his clients, which is why every look he shares on Instagram is so damn enviable. To achieve healthier hair, without going shorter, ask your hairstylist for a "dusting — not a trim!" Salcedo says. "Less than half an inch of a snip in most cases — and sometimes even less throughout the surface of the hair, the layers, and the ends. If it's dead, let it go."
Salcedo says the technique works on any hair type or texture — but you do need to smooth the hair out to see the damaged ends that should be removed. And no, it won't thin the hair — quite the opposite. It actually stops the damage by removing it, so you won't have split ends creeping up your strands. That said, make sure you go to a stylist that knows what they're doing — the dusting should be very minimal.
Photo: Courtesy of Sal Salcedo.
"The point is to get rid of hair that no longer serves you," Salcedo says. "Hair gets damaged because of weather, coloring, bad haircuts, hot tools, and most of time, just the age of the hair."
Want to see it a few more times in action? Keep on scrolling...
Now that kids are back at school after winter break, they're probably getting back into the grind of homeroom, hall monitors, and homework. But it also seems like things are a little off-topic. Blame it on vacation brain, but assignments are getting a little out of hand. Earlier this week, we told you about a Utah high school that instructed students to go on a date. Today, CBS Philly is reporting that a set of math problems included a word problem addressing sexual assault.
The math problem was assigned at Pennridge High School in Perkasie, PN, and read: “Angelou was sexually abused by her mother’s ___ at age 8, which shaped her career choices and motivation for writing.”
By substituting y, fiddling with the distributive property, and solving for x, the students were supposed to figure out if Angelou's mother was assaulted by her boyfriend, brother, or father.
Understandably, parents were upset and reported the offensive assignment to the Pennridge School District. The PSD swiftly apologized, releasing a statement that clarified the origins of the math problem. It was "downloaded from a website that allows teachers around the world to share educational resources." The district assured parents that the problem was not part of the approved curriculum. As if this wasn’t already problematic, it seems like the problem is addressing Maya Angelou’s mother's sexual assault.
While we're at it, take a look at the question below it. While it's not fully visible, the responses include "bookie," "drug dealer," and "night club dancer." Pencils ready, kids?
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The moment when you suddenly realize you're an adult can come amid a seemingly random activity — depositing money in your newly formed 401k, making dinner that consists of something other than almond milk and cereal, leading your first department meeting at work. For us, though, that moment came when we finally mastered the fine art of applying sunscreen.
Finding your perfect SPF number and knowing exactly when you need to reapply, and how often, made us feel like we had become true, responsible grown-ups. Now, we can spend a weekend by the pool and not have to deal with the judgy looks of our coworkers on Monday when they catch sight of our lobster skin! But, along with that newfound diligence and lack of sunburns came something troubling — zits.
According to dermatologist Jennifer M. Segal, MD, two things can cause sunscreen-related breakouts: occlusion of the pores by comedogenic materials, or a sensitivity reaction to chemical UV-blocking agents. Basically, the mineral sunscreens can sit on top of the skin and gunk up your pores, while the chemical ones can irritate the skin.
Yep, hell hath no fury like acne-prone skin after a thick coating of zinc oxide. Your pores look at SPF like you might look at a big vat of Crisco: You can't seriously be considering putting that on, right? It's a cruel cosmic joke of damned if you do, and damned if you don't. Apply sunscreen and wait for the pimples to start cropping up, or ditch it and risk melanoma and wrinkles. The choice on that one is pretty clear for us — so we had resigned ourselves to a summer full of blemishes.
Until now. Thanks to some forward-thinking developments in formulations, all of this is starting to change. "Traditionally, mineral 'blocks have been very thick, but newer micronized formulations of zinc and titanium dioxide are smooth, cosmetically elegant, and very light," says Dr. Segal. Hallelujah.
Ahead, we've rounded up tried-and-R29-tested mineral and chemical (for those of you allergic or unable to get on the mineral-SPF train) sunscreens that we've spent the last month slathering on our faces and bodies. Not one of these caused our skin to go ballistic, so we feel confident giving them our no-pizza-face seal of approval. Click through to see which sun-protection products made the cut.
You've never seen beauty quite like this before. Check out ourBeauty Innovator Awardsfor the smartest, funkiest, most fresh to death products of the year.
A sunscreen that doesn't irritate sensitive skin or clog pores? That's a winner in our books. Add a light tint and it's the only thing you need on rushed mornings.
Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $19.50, available at Sephora.
Even if anti-aging products aren't normally your go-to, this fast-absorbing formula protects your skin from future damage with SPF 50+. Bonus: It's oil-free, so you won't need to amp up your acne routine.
Lancôme Bienfait UV SPF 50+ Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen, $39, available at Sephora.
This lightweight spray not only contains an SPF of 50, but it also helps to control oil and shine. Since it's a mist, it's easy to reapply over makeup.
Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50, $28, available at Sephora.
This spray sunscreen is biodegradable, waterproof for up to 80 minutes, and doesn't contain coral reef-destroying oxybenzone. All this, coupled with the fact that it doesn't break us out, makes it a clear winner in our book.
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Fragrance Free Clear Spray, $8.81, available at Walmart.
On the hunt for a new day cream? You can't go wrong with this formula. It's lightweight, has an SPF of 30, and plays well under makeup.
CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with SPF 30, $14.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Sure, this tinted cream won't replace your full-coverage foundation, but it will help even out your skin tone while providing sun protection.
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Tinted, $68, available at SkinMedica.
This super-lightweight formula absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white, chalky residue behind despite its 23% dose of zinc oxide — which protects from UVA and UVB rays.
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Indoor-Outdoor Skin Cover SPF 30, $50, available at VMV Hypoallergenics.
For the days we just can't be bothered with makeup, but need to run those errands we've been putting off all week, this tinted moisturizer doubles up as a bit of coverage and protection.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $44, available at Sephora.
This pick is the sole SPF we've been slathering on since the sun decided to make a permanent appearance recently. Not only does it protect your visage, but it leaves you with a subtle hint of shimmer.
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day UV Illuminating Sunscreen SPF 36, $34, available at Sephora.
This pricey pick is worth its weight in gold — if dropping extra dough for a high-performance hybrid SPF is a priority for you. Functioning as a sunscreen, makeup primer, and pore-tightener in one, it's skin protection on steroids.
The primer benefit is a standout — the problem with most sunscreens is that while they shield from the sun, they pill up under makeup or cause blending issues. Not so here — everything from the lightest tinted moisturizer to the heaviest full-coverage foundation blends in seamlessly.
One word of caution: It does feel sticky upon first application, but give it some time to absorb and you'll be rewarded with a powdery-soft finish.
Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $68, available at Tatcha.
Most mineral sunscreens tend to be a bit heavy, but this sensitive-skin SPF has a fluid texture (with a light tint), which means the titanium dioxide sun filter doesn't feel (or look) chalky on the skin. It's safe for both those with hypersensitive skin (redness, flaking, scaling) and for those prone to pimples. No grease, no stinging, no burns, no problem.
Kiehl's Dermatologist Solutions Super Fluid UV Mineral Defense Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen SPF 50+, $38, available at Kiehl's.
With a name like Your Skin But Better, it's hard to resist snatching up this tube. Based on the rave reviews on every corner of the internet, you'll be glad you did. The full-coverage CC obscures pigmentation issues (like acne scars, the bane of any breakout-prone person's existence) and protects your face from UVA and UVB rays. We love a good quick fix that also has long-term benefits — especially when it means we don't have to sacrifice a clear complexion in order to get it.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ SPF 50+, $38, available at It Cosmetics.
You don't often see a proper sunscreen that can also replace two other integral steps in your skin-care routine. But improbably, this SPF from rock-star derm Dr. Dennis Gross — a true guru of all things acne — does just that.
We can personally attest to the magic of the Dark Spot Sun Defense cream. As evident in its name, it prevents dark spots by intercepting the sun's rays before they can cause the overproduction of melanin that causes them in the first place. Which, to be fair, is what any sunscreen does.
But what makes this cream special is that it also functions as a repairing treatment in addition to a preventative. Melatonin, vitamin E, and three forms of vitamin C help reduce existing pigmentation issues, as well as fine lines and uneven skin texture.
And if that weren't enough, it's also a pretty boss moisturizer. Smooth some on post-cleansing and toning, and it's all you need on your skin for the day — really.
Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, $42, available at Dr. Dennis Gross.
As anyone who's ever suffered from body bumps knows, sunscreen-induced pimples aren't just a problem on your face. When you're applying and constantly reapplying SPF on your back, you wind up with a slip-and-slide situation that clogs pores and encourages "bacne" to spring up like weeds in your flower garden.
That's because most body sunscreens aren't as concerned with the pore-clogging effects, since skin on your body tends to be less sensitive to breakouts. If you're lucky enough not to have to worry about this, well, good for you.
For the rest of us, there's this lotion from Sun Bum. And it truly is a lotion in every sense of the word — it glides on effortlessly, sinks in within minutes, and softens the skin almost as well as your regular body hydrator. All that without riling up the p. acnes bacteria that causes your skin to freak out. So feel free to reapply it over and over again with confidence. No, seriously, did you reapply? Don't make us come over there and do it for you.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Original Sunscreen Lotion, $15, available at Sun Bum.
Grease-prone girls, take note: This little beauty not only packs a protection punch of SPF 50, it also mattifies oily skin and leaves your complexion looking powdery perfect. It has a light tint and goes on a bit like a makeup primer. We used it for both our regular daytime protection and sitting poolside, and our skin stayed oil-free, zit-free, and, most importantly, burn-free in both scenarios.
Skinceuticals Physical Matte UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $34, available at Skinceuticals.
When they say "light," they aren't kidding — this Korean import sinks into the skin almost on contact, leaving your face feeling fresh and residue-free.
Amarte Ultra Veil Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, $56, available at Dermstore.
This unassuming bottle contains one of the legit best SPF moisturizers our skin has ever come in contact with. The ayurvedic formula combines organic neem, shatavari (an herb), and rose — plus non-nano micronized zinc oxide — into a silky, hydrating cream that magically manages not to feel heavy or sticky on your skin.
Pratima Neem Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30, $32, available at Pratima.
While the Sunscreen Innovation Act has formally passed, it will still be years before we start to see new SPF ingredients hit the market — the FDA has to exhaustively test every new entrant before they'll be allowed into the marketplace. Tough luck for those of you hoping to get your hands on the futuristic SPFs our European friends have easy access to.
Until then, this new sunscreen from Avène is the next best thing. The French brand tells us this is as close to its European formula it can legally come right now, and while the ingredients are familiar (hi, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide!), the formula is unlike any other mineral SPF you may have tried.
Infused with antioxidant vitamin E and the brand's famous thermal waters, it goes on lightweight, won't clog pores, and doesn't leave behind an annoying white cast on the skin. We wore it for a week straight during a close-to-the-Equator tropical vacation and didn't encounter a single slice of red skin — or a blemish — the whole time.
Avéne Ultra Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion, $28, available at Drugstore.com.
This overachieving cream pulls triple-duty for the skin, protecting it from the sun, fading existing dark marks, and imparting a soft luminescence to your visage. All of that without feeling greasy or tacky — we had to pinch ourselves mid-application to make sure we hadn't dreamed it up.
Shiseido White Lucent All Day Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 22 Sunscreen, $57, available at Nordstrom.
This beauty brand specializes in products that address scars, but its SPF is also a workhorse for the acne prone, too. The milky formula is made without chemical actives, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a white residue — or greasy sheen — behind.
Dermaflage ScarScreen SPF 30, $25, available at Dermaflage.
Leave it to a laser clinic to come up with one of the most effective, skin-friendly SPFs we've ever tried. Skin Laundry's SPF 35 moisturizer has been in heavy rotation in our routine ever since we first got it smoothed on our faces after trying SL's laser facial.
The rich cream gives sensitized skin the perfect hit of soothing, non-greasy hydration, plus that much-needed SPF. It pulls off the tricky task of calming, moisturizing, and protecting without making your pores feel claustrophobic. A must-try for anyone with sensitive or dry skin — hell, a must-try for everyone.
Skin Laundry Advanced Protection Essential Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 35, $25, available at Skin Laundry.
Another tinted wonder, this schmancy SPF from La Mer comes in five shades (sadly, the darkest is Tan) and features a weightless formula chock-full of skin-loving ingredients that promotes anti-aging benefits as it protects.
La Mer The Reparative Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $95, available at Nordstrom.
Eco-friendly beauty brand Coola has always been an R29 favorite, and we'd argue it has some of the best organic SPF around. So, when we saw it had partnered with Target to create the exclusive line Bare Republic, we got pretty excited. This mineral sunscreen has all the great stuff we love about Coola — healthy ingredients, non-clogging formulas, gorgeous textures — at a much more wallet-friendly price.
Bare Republic Natural Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $14.99, available at Target.
Residue-free and feeling like a soft whisper on the skin, this lightweight SPF fluid from Laura Mercier goes on sheer and features technology that helps skin adapt to different temperatures — meaning you don't have to retire this innovative sunscreen once autumn rolls around.
Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Daily Face Shield SPF 40, $45, available at Sephora.
A favorite of derms for patients post-laser treatments, this tinted mineral SPF keeps your complexion safe without irritating or aggravating delicate skin.
Elta MD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Facial Sunscreen, $29.50, available at Dermstore.
If you have allergies or sensitivities to physical sunscreen ingredients, try this chemical SPF cream from Eve Lom. The oil-free formula is also free of zinc and titanium dioxide, and uses a potent mix of firming and brightening ingredients to tone, smooth, and clarify your complexion. The addition of lactic acid also ensures breakouts won't be a problem — it might even help you fight off the ones you already have.
Eve Lom Daily Protection SPF 50, $90, available at Space NK.
This sunscreen has a cult following for a very good reason. It's fast-absorbing, finishes like a matte dream, and feels essentially non-existent on your visage.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid, $29.99, available at La Roche-Posay.
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This just in: The sneakerheads over at Highsnobiety have formally crowned their standout brands from the very bad, no-good year that was 2016. Of the many superlatives given out and voted on by the site's readers, the website named last year's Most Relevant Brand. And can you guess what it was? Drumroll, please...
Adidas! That's right — from the reboot of the Gazelle to the rebirth of one Yeezy sneaker after another, the German brand that continues to dominate street style shots was dubbed the year's most relevant label. It beat out top contenders like Gucci, Gosha Rubchinskiy (who just paired up with Adidas, in fact), the omnipresent Vetements, and Nike (which got seven times less votes than Adidas). And while that's some stiff competition, we're not all that surprised. Aside from Nike, Adidas' price point is undeniably more accessible to a broader range of consumers than most of the other Most Relevant Brand hopefuls, which inevitably lands the sportswear staple's kicks on more paris of feet.
As for who came in second place? Sk8er Boi brand Supreme, followed by Alessandro Michele's fairytale-like transformation of Gucci, which we kind of expected, too. (C'mon — you know you've seen that shirt all over your Instagram feed.) Now, if you're unhappy with these results and demand a recount, then make sure you vote next year. Unlike our own democracy, Highsnobiety works on the popular vote system: its editors shortlist the year's most influential brands and leave the rest up to its audience to decide. So, you know the drill — vote, baby, vote.
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You don't need us to remind you that makeup products can be expensive as hell. Sure, there are a ton of amazing drugstore options, but when you fall in love with a pricey foundation or eyeshadow, it's hard to not keep coming back to it.
You could always wait (and wait and wait...) and hope it goes on sale one day — or you could get creative. But how? Let us introduce you to the wonderful world of cosmetic refills.
The concept is simple: Many brands offer refills for items like eyeshadows, foundations, and lipsticks — and those refills cost significantly less than if you were to buy the product in its original compact or package. Are you picking up what we're putting down? Is your mind blown?
This method won't just save you money — it will also cut down on the amount of cosmetic waste that ends up in our landfills. According to an EPA fact sheet published in 2014, roughly 30% of the items rotting away in our landfills in 2014 were containers and packaging. While not all of this was cosmetic packaging, every little bit helps.
That being said, we won't deny that there's a certain luxury in having a product in its original form — the heft of a well-made compact, the magnetic "click" that a brand-new lipstick makes as it snaps shut — but for those of you looking to save some cash, buying refills instead of the original product is a great option. Ahead, check out 10 refillable makeup items that will make your makeup bag and your wallet very happy.
ColourPop just had a major launch: pressed powders that are available in a palette or sold individually. While the brand is known for its unbeatable prices, you can skip the packaging all together to score a powder for only $5.
ColourPop Matte Pressed Powder, $5, available at ColourPop.
Eco-chic brand Kjaer Weis makes some of our favorite hydrating lipsticks. Instead of throwing away each bullet once you've hit the bottom, save it — because the brand offers refills that snap easily into existing packaging. Plus, buying the refill is a whopping $20 cheaper than buying the original.
Kjaer Weis Lipstick Refill, $36, available at Kjaer Weis.
Turns out you can replenish your supply of MAC's popular Studio Finish Concealer for less than what it costs to buy some drugstore foundations. Total win.
MAC Studio Finish Concealer Refill, $13, available at MAC.
Raise your hand if you hate buying eyeshadow singles because they take up so much space? Refills like this one make it easy to buy your favorite shades, then stick them in an empty palette.
Nyx Cosmetics Hot Singles Pro Shadow Refills, $4, available at Nyx Cosmetics.
We go through eyeliner fast. That's why refillable pens, like this one from Surratt Beauty, come in handy. Rather than throwing away a tube every three months, we can simply replace the ink cartridge.
SurrattBeauty Auto-Graphique Eyeliner Refill, $18, available at Sephora.
At $59, this refill is by no means inexpensive, but considering the fact that it costs a steep $179 in the compact, we're willing to take the blow. The multi-colored powder color-corrects and leaves a sheer, luminous finish on the skin that doesn't veer into sparkly territory.
Guerlain Météorites Voyage Pearls of Powder Refill, $59, available at Nordstom.
If you're a theater geek, chances are you're familiar with Ben Nye products. The brand has been the go-to stage makeup brand for years and is even used on the characters at Disney parks. Even at full price, the products are pretty affordable, so their refillable counterparts are that much more of a deal.
Inglot's Freedom System was made for beauty lovers who like to mix and match. Invest in an empty palette (Inglot sells its own) and fill it up with all the blushes and eyeshadows your heart desires. Or simply buy the refills on their own for a fraction of the price.
Inglot Freedom System Face Blush, $14, available at Inglot.
Finished your last cushion compact? Many brands make foundation refills which can be used alone or popped into old compacts.
Lancôme Miracle Cushion Liquid Compact Foundation Refill, $39, available at Sephora.
Clé de Peau sells its four-pan eyeshadows sans packaging, which saves you $25.
Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad Refill, $55, available at Nordstrom.
Jane Iredale's pressed foundation is another product that was made to be refilled (the compact and foundation are sold separately), which makes it easy to re-up when you've hit pan.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation Refill, $42, available at Jane Iredale.
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Back when she competed for Chris Soules' heart on The Bachelor, Becca Tilley became known as the token virgin. In a recent interview with UsWeekly, she addressed why it was important for her to make her commitment to abstinence known, and why she supports current contestant Christen Whitney's decision to do the same.
"I think people make a big deal about people being overly sexual or whatever, so I think it’s important to bring both aspects of it, to show there are people on both sides of it who are normal and not sitting in a room by themselves... not a complete and total freak," she said.
The former Bachelor contestant also confirmed that she's maintained her intention of remaining a virgin until marriage. She's currently dating Robert Graham, who was on Desiree's season of The Bachelorette, and could easily be mistaken for a Hemsworth.
"He is very respectful in every aspect of our relationship, so you know, that’s something I was obviously very vocal about on the show," she said.
"We've talked about it," he added. "It was an open discussion, so there was an understanding."
Good for her for withstanding the pressures of the Fantasy Suite, and sticking to her values.
"My entire family was put on a registry...our constitutional rights were taken away from us." This is the story of Haru Kuromiya, an 89-year-old survivor of the U.S. government's mass incarceration of Japanese-Americans in the 1940s. But, if President-elect Donald Trump gets his way, it could also be the story of so many Muslim-Americans forced to endure a tragic reprise of one of America's hugest mistakes.
Kuromiya's story is part of a new PSA with a powerful twist. The short film was directed by Aya Tanimura, stars actress Hina Khan, and was executive produced by singer Katy Perry. The L.A. Times reports that Perry gave Tanimura a blank check to fund the PSA's complicated prosthetics.
“Katy has always been a champion of the underdog, of minorities, of the people who are kind of left of center, and she’s become more politically involved in the last few election cycles,” Tanimura told the Times. Perry campaigned for Hillary Clinton and has also been an avid supporter of UNICEF; she even received the nonprofit's Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award in November (presented, fittingly, by Clinton herself).
“I think like a lot of us who are terrified of Trump’s ideals and policies, she is too," Tanimura said of Perry. "And this is one instance where she’s able to help educate someone — even one person — on the horrors of the past and what could potentially be repeated.”
The risk of history repeating itself is frighteningly real: Trump is aiming for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States," according to his website, which also claims that Muslims bear "great hatred towards Americans."
Props to Perry and the rest of the film team for doing what they can to fight this xenophobic messaging — offering fellow Americans a valuable creed (in hashtag form, of course): #DontNormalizeHate.
Watch the full PSA, below.
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Is anything better than plugging in your headphones, firing up your music app of choice, and jamming out to that brand-new song you're obsessed with?
Don't get me wrong; I love my go-to playlists. The classics are great. But something amazing happens when I hear an awesome new track for the first time. I am filled with anticipation, enthusiasm, and pure bliss as I wonder to myself, Will the chorus be as good as the hook? or Wait — did I just discover my new favorite artist?!?
New music is one of the best mood-boosters ever to me, and I want to share it with you. So each week, I'm pulling together the most popular (as in, they have over 100K listens within the first few days of their release) and most exciting new music out there for you to turn on, tune in, drop out to.
Let's get listening. If you have any new pieces of musical gold, leave a link in the comments below. And be sure to check next Friday for a whole new slew of songs.
"Bad & Boujee" — R3hab vs No Riddim & It's Different Remix
It's the week of Migos' "Bad & Boujee" so of course we had to include a new high-energy remix of the popular song. Shout out Donald Glover.
"No Lie" — Sean Paul feat. Dua Lipa
Together Sean Paul and Dua Lipa have made the first clubby dance track of the year. As the track promises, "It's gonna be lit tonight/ No lie."
"(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano" — Sampha
Sampha's voice is incredibly heartbreaking in the most romantic way. Paired with his impressive, soothing piano skills, I could listen to this song on repeat.
"A Violent Noise" — The xx
Happy xx day! On Friday, the indie-electronic group released a synthy 80s-inspired album. The last time the group released an album together was in 2012, five years ago, and their latest is already essential xx listening.
At its best, social media is a great way to keep up wit all your friends — and it can be a source of motivation and inspiration. But if you've ever felt drained and disheartened by the seemingly perfect lives people display on their Instagram accounts, you're not alone.
That's why fitness blogger Sara Puhto wants you to know that all the "perfection" you see on your feed could simply be a trick of the camera angle. In a side-by-side comparison of one photo taken directly after the other, Puhto explained that the ideal "beach body" can sometimes just come down to a well-angled pose.
"These were taken a few seconds apart while I was at the beach the other day, the photo on the left is what I look like relaxed and not posing, basically how I look 99% of the time in a bikini!" she wrote on the caption. "And the one on the right is how I look in good lighting, flexed and posing."
Puhto also wrote that she was inspired to share the photos after realizing how easy it is to get caught up in other people's photos.
"I wanted to share this because I know how it feels to go through Instagram and see photos of people looking amazing on the beach — which are usually planned and not candid, that's why they look so good," she wrote. "So don't get caught up on how they look and compare that to your everyday relaxed body."
Her photos make a great point about social media, as well as so-called "beach bodies." (If you have a body and you're at the beach, congrats! You have a beach body.) Puhto's post makes the point that no matter how pressured we may feel to have an ideal body, even the bodies that are celebrated as "ideal" aren't always real. That doesn't make those bodies any less beautiful, but either way, it's important to know that we don't have to strive towards perfection.
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Kirsten Dunst's love life is beginning to imitate her art. The actress is engaged to Jesse Plemons, who played her husband on the FX series Fargo.
Entertainment Tonight confirmed the news of Dunst's engagement. This will be the first marriage for both Dunst and Plemons.
It was initially reported that the two got engaged over the weekend of the Golden Globes, but Dunst was spotted wearing a diamond ring shortly after the new year at the Palm Springs Film Festival.
It's no surprise these two were able to keep their engagement a secret, since most didn't even know they were dating. After Dunst ended her four-year relationship with actor Garrett Hedlund in May, rumors swirled that she and Plemons were dating, something the couple never confirmed.
What Plemons did confirm was how much he loved working with Dunst on Fargo. Plemons and Dunst played married high school sweethearts Peggy and Ed Blumquist on Fargo, an experience Plemons called "a gift" at Paleyfest in 2015.
"I loved Kirsten's work for a long time," Plemons said. "And I was really excited once I'd met her, and she's a great person, and we're both actors that just...have fun with the material."
Turns out, they had more fun than any of us knew.
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Our avocado love is so powerful that it can travel across the wide expanses of time and space; no matter the season, time of day, or place, we crave it. Without it our toasts would be bare, our salads sadder. That strange-looking little fruit holds the possibility of a perfectly creamy-dreamy green spread — but it also holds the high probability of a under or overripe nightmare.
Let's face it, finding the perfect avocado feels like one in a damn million. But before you grow weary and start to let your avo-love fade, don't worry! Because we've rounded up eight fool-proof hacks to ensure that every little oblong fruit you pick will have the promise of greatness. From establishing ripeness levels, to speeding up the ripening process in a pinch, and even proper slicing techniques, we've got them all (plus a few more) covered below.
1.Avocado Ripeness Test
Think of the all the underripe avocados that will be saved!
2.Speed Ripen
Life equals changed.
3.The Correct Way To Cut
We've been doing it wrong all along...
4.Peel An Avocado With A Glass Cup
Fast, easy, AND clean.
5.Keep Avocado Fresh
Never let that glorious green turn brown again!
6. Avocado Sushi Slices
Avocado like a pro.
7.Make An Avocado Rose
For your avo-toast, of course.
8. Egg-In-An-Avocado
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served.
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What is it about Miley and Liam? They put iconic NYE kissing photos to shame. They bring joy to the sick. And just when you think they can't get any more adorable, they lay it on thick.
Today, Miley posted a sweet message to her beloved Liam on Instagram.
"Happiest birthday EVER to my favorite being EVER EVER EVER! You have been my best friend since the day we met..... I am beyond lucky to share sooooo animals with you!!! I love you @liamhemsworth "
The caption appeared under a quirky photo of the two with Miley being Miley — tongue out and all. Hearts are melting. Commenters are swooning. "Beautiful couple," one user noted. "Aww so precious," said another. And then there were the many commenters for whom only 10-15 cry-face and heart emoji will do.
Pornhub's 2016 Year In Review revealed the most popular genres and search terms behind the world's sexual desires. And since more than 4.5 billion hours of porn were watched in 2016, that means that over 4.5 billion hours of hard work were put in by the professionals who make it. Porn performers are responsible for bringing many people's deepest desires to life, thanks to the varied, unique spaces they take in the industry.
We took a look at the 20 most popular porn performers as listed in Pornhub's Year in Review. Each performer's claim to fame is widely different. For some, their popularity hinges on a specific video or character, while others have made a name for themselves either by domineering a certain genre or appearing all over. They're good at what they do, and so time and time again users searched for them and their work.
In addition to their popularity, we found out how each performer got their start and who they are when it comes to their career, passions, and relationships. Ahead is everything you need to know about the most popular porn performers of 2016.
Lisa Ann
Lisa Ann secured the top spot on Pornhub’s list of most searched porn performers, thanks in part to her most iconic role: Sarah Palin. Hustler Video’s Who’s Nailin’ Paylin? Was released on election day 2008. Lisa Ann (as Sarah Palin) has sex with parodies of Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, and Bill O’Reilly. The role made her a pop culture phenomenon that she’s still recognized for to this day.
In addition to her on-screen work, Ann was also one of the only female talent agents to open her own agency back in 2006, although she shuttered it after four years to focus on her solo efforts. In 2014, she retired from the adult film industry and transitioned to her new role as a fantasy football guru. Now, you can find her hosting the Lisa Ann Does Fantasy show Monday nights on Sirius XM Fantasy Sports Radio.
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.
Mia Khalifa
Mia Khalifa ’s rise to fame was as fast as it was short-lived. The 23-year-old was the first prominent Lebanese porn star, moving to America at the age of 10 and getting a B.A. in history from the University of Texas at El Paso. Her popularity on Pornhub, where she was ranked the most popular porn actress in 2015, caused a stir back in her hometown, in part because she proudly displays her Lebanese tattoos (the opening lines of the Lebanese national anthem on one arm, the Lebanese Forces Cross on the other) while on camera.
“They’re embarrassed I’m ‘claiming’ them,” the performer toldNewsweek. “As if I had a choice. I was born there.”
Now, Khalifa has moved away from porn and contributes to Fansided.com. The self-proclaimed “DC Sports Girl” is a social media personality whose current goal is to promote the Maryland and D.C. sports scene.
Photo: AFP/Getty Images.
Kim Kardashian
Unfortunately, Kim Kardashian's name continues to be searched in the porn realm, even though her sex tape with ex-boyfriend and singer Willie “Ray J” Norwood was leaked without her consent in 2007, which was a complete violation of both of their privacy. Kardashian sued the distribution company, Vivid Entertainment, before eventually settling.
“You know, I think that’s how I was definitely introduced to the world,” she later toldPeople. “It was a negative way, so I felt like I really had to work 10 times harder to get people to see the real me.”
Photo: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images.
Riley Reid
After starting as a stripper during her time off in college, Riley Reid entered the adult film industry as an extra for In The VIP for Reality Kings in Miami. In 2011, she shot her first sex scene for Bang Bros in their College Rules section. She quickly made a name for herself, moving to LA and pursuing the industry full time.
“I have this very weird energy about myself,” she said in an interview. “I have this high sexual drive, and it brings it out of other people, too.”
In 2016, she brought home a record-breaking number of awards from the Adult Video News awards, including Performer of the Year. She was also the newest 2016 Fleshlight Girl, having her very own sex toy modeled off her genitalia.
Photo: Renard Garr/WireImage.
Sunny Leone
Sunny Leone began her career in 2001, starting as an erotic model. She officially transitioned to hardcore pornography in 2005. She was the first Vivid Girl of Indian descent and began working with Vivid Entertainment. In 2008, she announced the launch of her very own studio, SunLust Pictures, along with her partner Daniel Weber.
"We are releasing Vivid type quality films, so everyone who is watching will get something that is high quality but created by myself and my partner,” she explained. “I plan to direct, create, write and produce all the movies we make.”
In 2013 she announced her retirement from adult films, instead choosing to focus on mainstream acting.
Brandi Love is best known for her work in MILF- and Hot Wife-branded videos, but she actually got her start in the wine business. While designing her website, she met two adult webmasters who asked if she’d be interested in learning more about the adult entertainment industry.
“We literally decided to abandon ship on where we were going with the wine labeling,” she said in an interview. “We went 100% on the adult side and the rest is history!”
She and her husband, Chris Potoski, also created Parents In Adult, an organization that provided resources for parents in the adult entertainment industry, from chatrooms to lawyers. Love also authored the 2008 book Getting Wild Sex from Your Conservative Woman.
Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images.
Asa Akira
Asa Akira’s Twitter bio begins with “I have an award-winning asshole,” and that’s just the beginning. She’s also the author of two books, co-host of KFC Radio, works for Barstool Sports, and has her own line of candles (“Daddy Issues” and “Strip Club Locker Room” are some of the scents). The 30-year-old got her start as a dominatrix when she was 19, moved onto stripping, and then shot her first sex scene with Gina Lynn’s production company.
In 2013, she signed a contract with Wicked Pictures to appear exclusively in their movies, and in 2015, she became host of The Sex Factor, a TV show where eight men and eight women compete for one million dollars and a three-year porn contract.
Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images.
Madison Ivy
Madison Ivy got into the business when she was 18 after adult film performer Shy Love “took her under her wing.” Since then, she’s worked for companies like Hustler, Pure Play Media, Brazzers, Elegant Angel, and Bang Productions. She interacts with her fans most frequently on Snapchat (MadisonIvySnaps) as well as Instagram.
Ivy grew up in a religious household and struggled not just with the taboo of porn, but also her sexuality. The actress is openly attracted to women and is in a relationship with fellow porn actress Heather Starlet. The two have been together since 2013, and currently live together.
Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic.
Alexis Texas
“I was a college student in Texas, where I grew up and a company called Shane’s World contacted me about a scene,” Alexis Texas says of her start in the industry. “I didn’t even know it was porn at first. I thought it was a TV dating show.”
The actress then moved to LA to pursue porn full-time and has gained a significant fan following that she calls Team Texass. In 2015, she signed her first directing contract with Elegant Angel, and she has her own radio show called Alexis Texas: Booty Talk on Vivid Radio.
Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images.
Dillion Harper
While working multiple jobs, Dillion Harper decided to start webcamming on the side to help make rent. On the advice of commenters, she starting thinking about porn, and after doing research, it was decided.
“I really just felt a gut feeling and something telling me I should do this,” she said in an interview.
She sent her photos out to AMA Adult Modeling in Fort Lauderdale, and after they expressed interest, she headed to south Florida and dove right in. The 25-year-old is active with her fans on Twitter, and produces exclusive content for her website.
Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic.
Mia Malkova
This California native made the leap to porn on the encouragement of her best friend and fellow performer Natasha Malkova.
“I really had no idea what it was going to be like,” she confessed in an interview. “It's a lot more professional than I thought it would be, though.”
“After my first scene went well, I thought this is something I can do,” she continued.
August Ames burst onto the scene in 2014, later winning the AVN Cutest Newcomer in 2015. Her reason for getting into the industry? “I was honestly bored,” she said in an interview. “I'm a very impulsive person, and I decided to try out the industry, just to see what it's like, in Canada.”
Now, she’s based in LA, working in the industry full time and staying in touch with her fans on Instagram and Twitter.
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.
Nicole Aniston
"I had never watched porn before the industry,” Nicole Aniston told Fleshbot.com. “I was a very inexperienced person sexually."
However, that didn’t stop her from amassing over 340,000 Twitter followers and becoming a Fleshlight Girl. According to the brand, Aniston ditched her nine-to-five in 2010 to pursue the adult film industry. Now, she has her own website where she posts exclusive content, and was named the Penthouse Pet of the Year in 2015.
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.
Sasha Grey
Sasha Grey moved to LA with the intent of becoming an adult film actress, and just after she turned 18, she appeared in the film Fashionistas Safado: The Challenge. Her standout performance in the 12-person orgy made waves, and she was booked that summer.
After her success in the porn industry, she began branching out into more mainstream acting. She starred in Steven Soderbergh’s The Girlfriend Experience, and the New York Timeswrites that Grey’s “career in pornography has been distinguished both by the extremity of what she is willing to do and an unusual degree of intellectual seriousness about doing it.”
Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images.
Sara Jay
“I have been in the adult business since I was 18 when I started dancing in the Midwest,” Sarah Jay writes on her website. After moving to Las Vegas at 23 years old, she participated in her first hardcore scene through connections with photographers.
Since then, the performer has appeared in over 300 DVDs and hundreds of different websites. She is also the CEO of Wyde Syde Productions, and regularly performs live shows on her website.
Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic.
Dani Daniels
Dani Daniels came up with her stage name as an act of revenge against her ex-boyfriend, which sets the tone for the playful way she approaches her work. Her first scene was with three other women for Reality Kings, and she says it took a year of being in the industry for her to develop her confidence.
“I started modeling at 18, then moved into fetish films at 19,” Christy Mack explained in an interview with Barelist. This opened the door for opportunities in the adult film industry, where she made a name for herself with her unique and bold tattoos. She opened up about the designs and what they mean to her in a profile for InkedMag.
Piper Perri joined the industry in 2015, first living in New Orleans before making the switch to LA. She decided to pursue pornography after a woman who worked for an agency messaged her on OKCupid. She sent pictures and was contacted before deciding on a whim to go down to Miami. “I just had a ‘fuck it’ in me,” she said. She stays in touch with her fans on Twitter.
Photo: Gabe Ginsberg/FilmMagic.
Ava Addams
Ava Addams began her career as a Playboy Playmate before becoming a fetish model and then a performer. “It was definitely gradual for me,” she toldMens Mag Daily. “I did Playboy. I did fetish. I do solo and girl/girl. And then a year later, I did boy/girl so I kind of eased my way into hardcore.”
When she’s not working on her films, Addams is maintaining her website and interacting with her fans through camming.
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.
Rachel Starr
Rachel Starr is a one-woman brand. When she’s not performing in adult videos, like her DVD Rachel Starr Is Bad Ass, she’s live-streaming, talking and texting one-on-one with her fans using a public phone number. The star is also selling access to her Snapchat for one year ($99) or forever ($199) where she’ll be posting more content.
Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images.
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Australian jeweler Emily Fitzgerald sells a range of crystals, stones, and other mystical adornments on her Etsy site, Mullummoonflowers. There's one item, however, that she can't keep in stock: a colorful pendant in the shape of female genitalia.
Odds are, you've already seen these vagina pendants on Instagram, even if you weren't familiar with Fitzgerald's work. She first introduced an "all-seeing vageyena" pendant a couple of months ago, according to Instagram. Inspired by the work of Lissa Brown at Tiny Clementine, Fitzgerald decided to post her creation on social media because she thinks yonis — the Sanskrit word for a stylized vagina meant to represent the Hindu goddess Shakti, according to Encyclopædia Britannica — "are great" and that it proves that type of art "is not weird." Soon enough, she started getting inquiries for her "all-seeing vageyna" necklaces — and was selling out of them faster than she could produce them.
Fitzgerald introduced various versions of her yoni pendant: the so-called "galaxy puss" with a glittery center, iridescent rainbow vaginas, and even a crystal collection. Each style retailed for about $34.40 Australian dollars (about $25.75 in the U.S., with current conversion rates.)
Still, the overwhelming response to her creations has totally depleted the jeweler's supply. eEarlier this week, Fitzgerald released a statement about the status of future restocks. "I have received a huge amount of [direct messages] and [Etsy] messages regarding yoni pendants so many so that I can not possibly reply to every body," Fitzgerald wrote on Instagram. "I am working on a shop update where I will have several styles available, it looks as though it will be in a week or so." The holidays have delayed the process a bit, she explained, so she currently has no yonis available for purchase. However, rest assured that more are coming.
The update hit a slight snag — a good one, but a complication nonetheless. The Mullummoonflowers necklaces hadgoneviral, and Fitzgerald's Etsy shop was momentarily inundated with traffic, according to the Huffington Post. She later noted on Instagram that while the response has been wild, her online store didn't get overloaded, as many outlets reported.
"I honestly never expected these to be so widely popular and cannot thank you all enough for the support," she wrote. She's been focused on balancing her children with the demands of production, so the shop has been closed. Keep your eyes peeled on her Instagram, though: she'll be announcing restocks there, as well as previewing new yoni styles. Alas, they might not arrive in time for the Women's March on Washington,
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Jaden Smith hinted that he is leaving Los Angeles in an Instagram Live video that has since been deleted.
According to the New York Daily News, Smith said in the recording that he was in a DMV parking lot Smith, and appeared to suggest that he'd "failed" his father, Will Smith, adding that L.A. doesn't foster creativity in youth.
"It's going to be so funny to tell my dad that I've failed straight up," Smith said in the video. Smith also said that he was "about to move out of L.A."
"It's hard these days to really create the life that you want for yourself, because there's nobody here that's really, like, supporting the youth or the youth's creativity," he added. Smith also mentioned that he wants to do something "really, really dope" at the end of this year.
It's not the first time Smith has mentioned leaving the city. On Wednesday, he tweeted that he planned to leave Los Angeles "one day."
It's not clear what Smith believes he "failed" at, but we hope he feels encouraged soon. Smith is incredibly talented and is a role model to so many people. And if what we've seen from his parents is any indication, his father and mother are both incredibly supportive of him and his sister, Willow. Whatever's going on, we hope Smith can work through it.
A rep for Jaden Smith did not immediately respond to Refinery29's request for comment. We will update this story when we obtain a response.
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Marissa Thamann, 21, lost her biological mother when she was very young, and Heather Thamann, 40, has basically been her mom for 17 years. But, as Today.com reported, for financial and personal reasons, they never pursued a legal adoption.
On Christmas morning, though, Marissa decided to "pop the question." And she did it in the most creative way: with a handmade ornament. Written on it? "Will you adopt me?" She also presented Heather with a picture book filled with special letters and photos.
The rest of the family was in on the surprise, and it was captured in the sweet video below. "I've been waiting for so long!" Heather says in it. After being picked up by the site Love What Matters, the video went viral, with over 78,000 likes and 2.6 million views so far.
Heather told Today that she's since received messages from women all over the world, many of them asking for advice on how to unite their own families. “I have not been the perfect parent by any means," she said. "We’ve had our downs and ups and craziness and arguments and love, just like any family. You just have to stick with it and hope that it turns out the way that you want.”
After all, said her newly adopted daughter, love isn't about signing on a dotted line. “Love comes in all forms,” Marissa said. “You don’t need a piece of paper.”
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