Olivia Munn: Hypnotherapy helped me exercise

Olivia Munn was once hypnotised into exercising.

The 'Magic Mike' actress claims she only started working out a year ago when she went to a hypnotherapist who told her to hit the gym every morning at 6am - and she has been doing it ever since.

She explained in an interview with cosmetics guru Bobbi Brown for Yahoo! Beauty: ''I used to never exercise because I just hated the idea of all of it. But I saw this hypnotist (I have an OCD called Trichotillomania) and in one session he threw something in about working out and by the next week I was up every morning at 6am.

''I've been working out consistently ever since, and it's been almost a year now.''

Olivia, 34, also revealed she invented her own diet which involved only eating meals where she could see every single ingredient.

Olivia Munn: Hypnotherapy helped me exercise

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She said: ''In 2009, I lost 16 pounds in two months because I came up with my own diet which was if I can't see it I can't eat it. If I go to a restaurant and say I'll have the soup, I can't see every single ingredient they put in - how much salt? How much sugar?

''I can't see it unless I make it myself at home, so that takes away breads and other hidden ingredients.''

While the brunette bombshell admits she sometimes feels insecure about her Chinese heritage, she thinks it's important to change the all-American standard of beauty.

She explained: ''When I was younger, what I saw as the face of beauty was very standard all-American white blonde hair blue eyes.

''So any time I feel uncomfortable, or I wish something was different, I just have to wash it away because I have to be a role model for my niece, and if I have daughters be role models for them and be comfortable with myself.''

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3 Mistakes women make when buying heels

How long have you been wearing the same shoe size? It’s been years hasn’t it? But it’s important that we realise that our feet are constantly changing due to our ‘Life in Motion’ such as, ageing, weight gain/loss, pregnancy etc.

Not all shoe shops have a shoe fitting service so here are the top 3 mistakes we see ladies making when buying that perfect pair:

Mistake Number 1 – Buying shoes that do not fit now!

Always buy shoes that fit you NOW. People constantly try on shoes (especially when the heels are in the sales), think to themselves "they feel a little tight", and then convince themselves, “Well, they’ll stretch…” 9 out of 10 times, they won’t, or at least not enough to make them really comfortable. Buy heels with a little more give, but overall, don’t buy a pair of heels with the hope that they’ll fit in the future. Also, the majority of us have one foot bigger than the other, so when buying shoes fit the shoe to your larger foot.

Don't make these mistakes when buying heels

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Mistake Number 2 – Buying Heels In The Morning.

Shop for heels towards the end of the day where possible. Our feet swell towards the end of the day and this will give you a truer fitting of the shoe by the end of the day. As well as being uncomfortable, no-one wants a foot muffin top on a sexy pair of heels.

Mistake Number 3 – Wearing Heels For Way Too Long.

Wearing heels for a prolonged amount of time is not good for your feet, neither on a short nor long term basis. But let's face it, every lady loves a good pair of heels to complete that perfect OOTD (outfit for the day). If you wear heels to work or on a night out, try to bring a comfortable pair of shoes along with you so you’re not having to wear them for a prolonged period of time. Once you've finished at work or your event is over, swap those heels for a comfy pair of shoes.

Top tips to survive a day in heels

Stretch your leg muscles

Stretching your leg muscles before and after putting heels on can lower the negative effects of wearing heels

Build up your arches

Strengthening your arches will also help prevent foot problems. Use a small rubber ball and practice picking it up with your toes to keep your foot arches strong.

Visit a podiatrist

If you have a foot problem, go and see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long: many of our patients come to us too late. Waiting too long increases the risk of a condition worsening and it can develop into a serious health or mobility problem.

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Independence Day Style: 4th of July Outfit Ideas and Tips

When you want the best 4th of July look, don’t make the mistake of thinking that the stars and stripes can fix any style mistakes. Whether you’re going for a more elegant look or a barbecue or beach outfit, check out a few tips that can help guide you in the right direction.

With the help of these 4th of July outfit ideas and tips, you’ll be able to pull off a glamorous and patriotic look, that’s perfect for any Independence Day party, whether it’s outdoors or indoors... until the fireworks.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Red, White and Blue

One of the biggest fashion mistakes you can make when getting ready for a 4th of July party is sticking to a restrictive color palette. Yes, red, white and blue are a great fit for Independence Day, but limiting yourself to just these three colors plus neutrals is something that many women will do. Stand out and be daring with your color choice, while also including these colors in your look.

Don’t Overdo the Flag Motif

While a simple and effective choice would be to get an American flag top or bottom, that’s not really a fashion-forward look. Stick to a single flag or reinterpret the stars and stripes according to your own style. White polkadots on a blue background can symbolize the stars, while the touch of red could simply come from a bold lip color.

Independence Day Fashion

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Lose the Heels

Unless you’re going to a really fancy Independence Day party, say no to heels. One of the most important 4th of July outfit ideas and tips is to make sure you’re dressing the right way for how you’ll be celebrating. Flats are a good choice for going to the beach or an outdoors party, but if you need a little height, go for cool summer platforms, not heels.

Don’t Forget the Sunglasses

The right pair of shades can completely transform your summer look for Independence Day. Go for a classic shape like aviators or for the trendy look of the season, exaggerated wayfarer sunglasses. You can even use your sunglasses as the key accessory, if you get the right pair, with an American flag motif.

Keep Accessories Simple

Don’t be tempted to over-accessorize. One of the best 4th of July outfit ideas and tips is to keep accessories to a minimum if you’re not opting for a strong look. You can go dramatic for a big event, but if you’re spending the day at a garden party or outdoors, don’t overwhelm your outfit with too many accessories. Simple and sweet works well for Independence Day.

4th Of July Outfits

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Go for the Varsity Vibe

If you’re looking for a classic American look, a Varsity inspired look might be the perfect fit for the 4th of July. Stick to varsity jackets or tops, paired with a cute skirt or bottom and complete your outfit with white plimsolls. A ponytail could also work great with your look, but don’t go too far into cheerleader territory with your appearance.

Try a Patriotic Accessory

If you’ve already decided what you’re wearing and there’s no red, white or blue in your look, spruce it up with a cute patriotic accessory. Don’t limit yourself when it comes to the right accessories that go with 4th of July outfit ideas and tips. A flag pin is a classic choice, but a cute wide-brimmed hat or a flag clutch can be just as effective for your Independence Day outfit.

Pair Your Look with a Golden Glow

Whatever you decide to wear for your 4th of July party, get a golden glow that will make white outfits pop even more. If you’re looking to avoid self-tanners, simply get the right glow with a powder or liquid bronzer.

4th Of July Fashion

Stick to Fabrics that Work for Summer

If you’re planning to spend the day outdoors in hot weather, one of the best 4th of July outfit ideas and tips is to choose your fabrics wisely. From cotton and silk to other cotton weaves like chambray or seersucker, make sure that your outfit is breathable. Denim short shorts might be a classic, but they’re not always the right choice.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

Once you’ve used our 4th of July outfit ideas and tips to get the perfect look, don’t forget the most important element of the preparation process. If the party starts in the afternoon, don’t leave your sunscreen behind.

Why your fitness is vital during pregnancy

Many pregnant women are told “pregnancy isn’t an illness”, and in some respects are expected to carry on as normal. It’s often only in the final months that things get a little tiring: sore legs, sore back and sore neck to name just a few. Because of this, it becomes obvious that fitness during pregnancy is just as important as when you are not carrying a baby – it was just a shame many women, myself included, only find this out later on in their first pregnancy.

With my second pregnancy I made a determined effort to take part in a lot more activities and kept quite fit, and as a result I did suffer less with my legs and pelvis and also felt a lot more healthy and invigorated. I realised that being pregnant should not deter a woman from staying fit, and there are some fantastic products available that can really help when carrying a baby. Many online stores like Newitts offer a huge range to get you started – for example, a large gymnastic ball can help to keep your abs, bottom and legs exercised, which can also help with your posture as that can be a significant reason for a bad back.

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There are hundreds of pregnancy workouts on offer. Many of them are on Pinterest so you can search through and find one that is perfectly suited to you. There are many exercises that can be really beneficial when you are pregnant, including pilates, pregnancy yoga, abdominal exercises, squats and easy wall push-up exercises.

The pregnancy and parenting website What to Expect published their top ten benefits to exercising whilst pregnant, and it’s a really interesting read. Exercise helps you sleep better, which a lot of women find hard when pregnant, especially in the last trimester. And any extra sleep is always extremely welcome – new mums won’t be getting much for the first few months of having a little one in the house!

Enjoying exercise will also help to fight tiredness, much the same as when you are not pregnant; the idea is that sometimes getting more rest can make you feel more lethargic, while being active helps to release feel-good endorphines, which give you a buzz. On top of all this, the natural high means you are less likely to feel anxious and worry about labour and pregnancy altogether. A calm mum will mean a calm baby, and that’s something worth achieving.

Another great reason for keeping fit whilst you are pregnant is that you will recover from childbirth quicker, meaning you’ll soon be back in those skinny jeans that you have missed for nearly a year. It is the same with anything in life, if you are fitter and healthier you will recover from illnesses and traumas quicker.

Most of all, the more you exercise to keep fit, the more you’ll enjoy it. Go for it!

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5 desi tips to get gorgeous naturally

When it comes to health, having some kind of exercise routine as a part of your life is essential. But what people forget is that what you eat is just as important. But have you ever wondered how your kitchen can provide you with more than just nutrition. As a yoga exponent, I often understand that while practicing yoga might be important, my kitchen offers me a number of opportunities to improve my health quotient. Here are five things that you can use from your kitchen to help you become healthier:

Tip#1: Make your own ghee: This way you know there are no additives, fragrance, artificial colouring or additives in it. Since it’s home-made, you can rely on the fact that your ghee is free of preservatives and has been made hygienically.

Tip#2: Once you make the ghee, use it to make your own kajal: Homemade kajal is recommended in Ayurveda. Most people I know use kajal more than any other cosmetic. The advantage of making it yourself, is that you know it won’t harm your eyes (in fact, according to Ayurveda, will keep your eyes clean, make your eyesight better and make your eye lashes longer) or cause any allergies. Again, you’ll know that there are absolutely no preservatives in the product and that it’s been made hygienically. I started making my own kajal two years ago. At first I felt it was a cumbersome process, but I soon realized it’s actually very simple. Here is how you can make it:

woman in kitchen

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Soak a medium size piece of cotton in mustard oil overnight. You can also use ghee, camphor or almond oil.

The next morning make a wick using this cotton ball. You can choose to put ajwain and neem inside the wick.

Take a diya (I used an earthenware diya. You can use a silver or copper vessel if you don’t have one handy)

Cover the flame with a bowl and let the soot on the inside of the bowl.

Once the wick has burned out, collect the soot in a small box.

You can apply this powder on the inner surface of your eyes either with your finger or use a small brush to apply it. The best part about this kajal is that it is smudge proof and great for the eyes.

Tip#3: Use besan and haldi once a week to cleanse your skin: If you use it consistently for a few months you’ll start noticing your skin becoming clearer and healthier. Just remember to go easy on the haldi. The idea is to cleanse and not to colour. I generally use this mixture over a weekend, when I’m sure I’ll have the time for a leisurely bath. Put some besan in a cup and add just a pinch of turmeric. You can choose either rose water or milk to make a paste of this. Mix it well, and apply this on your face. Allow it to stay till it dries out and then wash it off, gently scrubbing as you go.

Tip#4: Massage your face with fresh malai: Packed with immense potential to moisturise even the most dried out parts of skin, malai has been known for ages as the best all-natural moisturiser. All you need to do is apply it on your face and leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off. Nothing beats the glow you get after you have used it. While you’re at it, you may want to use the malai on your elbows and heels as well! Better than any moisturiser in the market and 100% natural!

Tip#5: Look no further than your kitchen for hair products: Use locally sourced edible oil (like mustard or coconut oil) on your hair. Cosmetics aisles are filled with great smelling oils in pretty bottles. These oils promise many benefits as well. However, look at the ingredients list on these bottles and give a thought to the purity of the product. When it comes to your body (internal and external) go for the wholesome and pure option. Is the oil in that pretty bottle good enough to eat? Probably not.Then it’s not good enough for your luscious tresses.

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Sunshine as addictive as heroin?

If the many media reports are to be believed: "Sunshine can be addictive like heroin." The claim comes via a study published in Cell based on an experiment carried out on mice at Harvard Medical School. Researchers found that ultraviolet light exposure leads to elevated endorphin levels - the body's own 'feel good' internal morphine - that mice experience withdrawal effects after exposure and that chronic ultraviolet light exposure causes dependency and 'addiction-like' behaviour.

Although the study was carried out on animals, the authors speculated that their findings may help to explain why we love lying in the sun and that in addition to topping up our tans, sunbathing may be the most natural way to satisfy our cravings for a 'sunshine fix' in the same way that drug addicts yearn for their drug of choice.

Reading the findings of this study took me back to 1998, when I appeared as a 'behavioural addiction expert' on a daytime BBC television show alongside people who said they were addicted to tanning (dubbed by the researchers on the programme as 'tanorexia'). I have to admit that none of the case studies on the show appeared to be addicted to tanning - at least based on my six behavioural addiction criteria: salience (being the most important and preoccupying activity in the person's life), mood modifying, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict and relapse. But it did at least alert me to the fact that some people thought sunbathing and tanning were addictive.

On the show, people likened their excessive tanning to nicotine addiction, and there certainly appeared to be some similarities between the people interviewed and nicotine addiction, in the sense that the 'tanorexics' knew they were significantly increasing their chances of getting skin cancer as a direct result of their risky behaviour but felt they were unable to stop doing it, which you could argue is very similar to smoking despite knowing the health warnings.

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Since then, tanorexia has become a topic for scientific investigation. A 2005 study published in the Archives of Dermatology claimed that a quarter of the sample of 145 'sun worshippers' would qualify as having a substance-related disorder if ultraviolet light was classed as the substance they craved. The paper also reported that frequent tanners experienced a "loss of control" over their tanning schedule and displayed a pattern of addiction similar to smokers and alcoholics.

A 2006 study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, reported that frequent tanners (those who tanned eight to 15 times a month) who took naltrexone, an endorphin blocker normally used to treat drug addictions, significantly reduced the amount of time spent tanning compared with a control group of light tanners.

Two years later, a study published in the American Journal of Health Behaviour reported that 27 per cent of 400 surveyed students were classified as "tanning dependent." The authors claimed that those classed as being tanning dependent had a number of similarities to substance users, including a higher prevalence among youths; an initial perception that the behaviour was image-enhancing; high health risks and disregard for warnings about those risks; and the activity being mood-enhancing.

A just-published study in the American Journal of Health Promotion surveyed 306 female students and classed 25 per cent of the respondents as "tanning dependent" based upon a self-devised tanning-dependence questionnaire.

But the problem with this and most of the psychological research on tanorexia is that almost all of it is carried out on relatively small convenience samples using self-reporting and non-psychometrically validated 'tanning addiction' measurement scales.

Although some studies suggest that some of my addiction criteria appear to have been met, I have yet to be convinced that any of the published studies show that all of them have been met. In short, empirical research evidence demonstrating a genuine addiction to tanning that encompasses all the known and expected physical and psychological consequences of addiction has yet to be proven.

A makeup masterclass with Lorde's makeup artist Amber D

Lorde's makeup artist, Amber D, shared stories and tips in Auckland this week, giving guests behind-the-scenes access to the glamour and grind of life on the road.

Alongside celebrity meetings, including watching Beyonce and Jay Z embrace Lorde, she joked that the American mega star followed her performance at the Grammy's by again "opening for Lorde," at the Brits.

Constant travel had its funny sides with makeup touch-ups before flights landed bemusing the mostly middle-aged men who populated business class who often didn't know who the 17-year-old chart-topper was. Amber D also said dealing with a teenaged attention span meant her makeups were becoming ever quicker. She had to contend with a bobbing head, distracted by Instagram and the likes, meaning precise eyeliner application might end up accidentally extending into a cat's eye. "'You will be Amy Winehouse soon', I say."

The pair also joke about the label Lorde is sometimes landed with, due to her liking for wearing black and purple lips.

"I always call her teen goth and she hates it, cos she isn't really." But wearing black lace Tom Ford at the Brits she certainly channelled the "perfect goth" with a darker than normal lip, however, contrary to some reports it wasn't black and she never used white face paint, it was just that Ella Yelich-O'Connor was naturally pale.

The Lorde look three ways, on models Rhiannon, Amberly and Kendall at the M.A.C x Lorde master class. Picture / Janetta Mackay

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The international fashion for wearing a darker purple or red toned lip definitely has a lot to do with Lorde, says Amber D. Sales of dark lipsticks are up. "We, at M.A.C call it the Lorde effect."

"It's so crazy at the shows in the States, might be about 5000 people in the crowd and half of them will be wearing a dark lip."

Amber D, who is on secondment from her job as M.A.C senior artist for Oceania to tour with Lorde, explained that the basic Lorde look had evolved in their nine months together. She showed three versions on models. At the heart of all the looks is luminous skin, with the aim of the teen not looking overly made-up.

As with all artistry there's plenty of layering going on. For the Grammys, where Lorde appeared with witchy black fingers, Amber D explained that she simply painted black nail polish onto her fingertips over a gel polish and then after the performance removed the polish, leaving the gel, so Lorde's manicured hands could wrap prettily around the two awards she collected.

Asked by Viva if Lorde was likely to break out into a new look, Amber D said having established a signature style with dark lips for shows they would stick with that, albeit always varying colours a little.

When off Lorde duty, Ella Yelich-O'Connor generally did not wear a lot of makeup and was confident at applying her own basic everyday standby of Mineralize powder, and a little eyeliner. Lip-wise she had even been playing with a peachy orange shade for fun.

THE LORDE LOOK

Prep step: Skin preparation is vital for making makeup seem minimal while guaranteeing it goes the distance. On a clean face and over lip balm and eye cream, apply primer before foundation.

M.A.C x Lorde eyeliner and lipstick, $40 each, available in stores from June 27.

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Amber D uses M.A.C Lightful Softening Lotion (a toner), Prep n Prime Vibrancy Eye to smooth the eye contour area and moisturising Lip Conditioner. For a luminous base she mixes Strobe Lotion with Natural Radiance Primer in Pink.

Face base: Foundation is applied lightly as needed, with a brush to polish over skin, followed by concealer to any facial areas requiring extra attention. Then a highlighter is used to brighten around the eyes, on the bridge of the nose and in the lip bow. Translucent loose powder is used sparingly on the T-zone, with a compact powder added if more coverage is needed, especially to disguise any breakouts. Coverage is greater for concerts and requires extra attention to blending for high-definition television appearances. A touch of blush adds a little colour and contour to cheeks.

Amber uses Mineralize Moisture Fluid Foundation (in the very light shade NC15), with a 188 brush, followed by Prep n Prime Highlighter in Radiant Rose and a professional concealer palette with six shades, then Prep n Prime Loose Powder and sometime also Mineralize Skin Finish, with So Sweet So Easy cream blush.

Eyes: Lorde's strong brows require little attention, other than a little gap filling and grooming.

Amber uses Penultimate Brow Pencil in Brown and Brow Set in Clear.

The standby eye base shade is a taupe tone that brings out her pale blue eyes. A cream shadow is used because it dries to a crease-proof finish and powder or even glitter can be layered over it. The base is taken a little under her wide-set eyes to help centre them. Sometimes a little jet-milled metallic powder shadow is applied to the centre of the lid for a slight wet-look shine, or a touch of pink highlighter. A fine tip liner is pressed into the lash line to create the impression of denser black lashes and sometimes extended for a subtle cat eye effect. A curler ensures lashes are lifted and then subtle mascara is applied.

Amber used Paint Pot in Groundwork as her regular eye base, then mixes up the accent shades, before applying Rapid Black Penultimate Black Liner and Everyday Extended Play mascara.

Lips: A deep purple toned pencil is the usual base to give depth to lipstick, even if the final colour varies from red to near black. Apply all over the lip and then sharpen the edge outline before applying lipstick with a wide flat concealer-style brush because this is quicker than fine one.

For performance, a little powder sets the lipstick, a trick that can be tried at home, but never apply directly to the lips as this will go gluggy and show. The trick is to take a single ply of tissue paper, and press the powder through this onto lips to create a matte effect.

Amber uses Vino lip pencil and favours the new Pure Heroine lipstick, which she says is shade between her other standbys: the more matte brighter purple Heroine and the darker Cyber shade. Ella especially likes Pure Heroine because its texture allows it to be pressed into lips as stain.

Finishing touch: Once the makeup is done, a little more highlighter is applied for extra luminosity, across the highest point of the cheekbone and the bridge of the nose and bow of lip.

Amber uses Pearl Cream Colour Base and sometimes sparingly adds a little Silver Dust loose powder highlighter blended out from the centre of the same areas.

Wondering How To Get Rid Of Dark Under Arms? Try These 3 Natural Remedies

I’ve been shaving under my arms for almost two decades and the Dove commercials are correct. I treat my underarms like shit; I don’t exfoliate, I shave dry, and I certainly don’t take any precautions for things like UV radiation or harmful rays from the sun. One would think I hated my underarms, but in my defense, I feel as if I have such a large area of body to cover in my beauty regimen that clearly something has to suffer. My underarms may be the part of my body that I pay the least attention to, but it’s also the part of my body that is less likely to be seen by the public…or so I thought.

I’m sure you feel me on this example: You shower and get dressed, only to find out that it’s going to be a tad bit hotter than you expected. So, you ditch that shirt you’re sure to get sweat stains in for a tank top. Then, of course, you grab a razor to quickly dry shave before running out the door. On one of these days, I caught my reflection and thought to myself, “Wait…I definitely shaved today, right” Right. It’s just the dark coloring of my underarms from years of shaving and never moisturizing that has given my pits a darker color than the rest of my body. The worst part? The darkness will only deepen with time making it harder to fix.

Turns out, although more prominent in darker skinned ladies, the dark underarm drama is not just specific to skin color. Loads of shavers out there are starting to fear that they’ll have to stop hailing cabs or limit elaborate dance moves if they don’t get that underarm game under control. Even Beyonce is no stranger to the dark underarm plague! Fortunately, I’ve got it covered now and these natural remedies will def up your confidence on the dance floor this summer.

Lemon Juice & Raw Honey

Mmmm, lemons. They freshen up tap water, act as a natural skin toner for your face, get rid of hiccups AND lighten underarms like a BOSS. Each day, take a lemon wedge and rub onto your underarms before bathing. Afterwards, use equal parts raw honey and lemon juice to put under your arms. The raw honey is great at eliminating dark spots and is an antibacterial that has a natural pH level of about 4.5 — something your underarms will thank you for in the long run by getting smoother. Add a moisturizer after you’ve rinsed your paste off to protect your underarms from UV radiation and keep that dryness at bay.

Potatoes

It seems that whenever I need one potato, I end up buying a dozen potatoes only to find them months later growing horrifying eyes all over their once clear skin. Fortunately, these potatoes that I’ve discovered in the back of my cabinet don’t have to go in the trash. Instead, slice those bad boys open for clear underarm skin. I recommend slicing the potato thick and rubbing directly under your arms daily — ones that are a little juicy works best, since potato juice is a natural skin lightener. Who’da thunk. Potatoes brighten dull skin and increase skin’s elasticity for smooth even skin tones. Do this daily for maximum results. Be sure to apply a moisturizer when you are taking your pits out into the world or you’ll be slicing potatoes for nothing.

Baking Soda

Now, this is my personal favorite method. I exfoliate my bikini line with baking soda to keep razor burn at an ultimate low, and it works to lighten underarms as well by removing dead skin cells.

Ready to start treating your underarms like real skin? Check out some great DIY natural deodorants on Wellness Mama’s website; don’t be scurred, nature can kill even the most advanced body odor!

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Shakira Covers 'Glam Belleza Latina,' Here Are 6 Things We Learned Her Beauty Regimen In The Story

That petite powerhouse and honest hip shaker known as Shakira covers the Summer 2014 issue of Glam Belleza Latina, with her golden waves filling the frame. The gorgeous Colombian, who just wrapped her stint as a coach on The Voice, indicating that she will not return for another round, loves being a mom, considers her Latin fans like friends, and views her boyfriend and baby daddy Gerard Pique as “the one.” In addition to all those Shakira fun life facts, the cover story also reveals quite a bit about Shakira’s beauty regimen, as well.

Shakira is preternaturally stunning, so she has a fab base on which to build her look and her style. But her hips don’t lie and neither does she. Her beauty routines and perspectives are actually quite honest and super refreshing, since they allow for indulgences, aren’t too princess-y or precious, and are easy for her fans to emulate, because, well, who wouldn’t want to follow Shakira’s lead and tackle her tips for looking faboosh?

Take a look at the cover for a second. The pale pink, almost mod lip color works with her sun-smooched skin and the way the wavy layer covers one eye adds an air of mystery.

Check out the 6 most interesting tidbits I gleaned from her feature, then head over to the mag’s website for the rest of Shakira’s cover story.

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1. Shakira Prefers Light Hair Because She Is Not Trying to Be a Member of the Cullen Clan

Shakira likes lighter hair because it brightens her face and doesn’t present her as a goth or vampire-in-training like her formerly darker locks did. ”I like that blond hair gives a lot of light onstage and makes my face pop a little more,” she said. “The dark hair made me look more goth. And besides, how many blond Latinas are there in the world? Hello!” Point taken, Shak, even though we’re sure Edward Cullen would love to sink his teeth into your neck.

2. She Is Not a Slave to Diets, So Bring on the Food

Her off-tour eating routine and food philosophy? It’s totally simple. If she likes it, she eats it. Shakira said, “I don’t believe in depriving myself or being a slave to diets. I generally eat healthy, but I indulge too. And when I have to, for a video or a performance, I pull back a little. But it’s all about balance.” At least she has a team of trainers and managers to remind her when the pull back needs to occur.

3. She Remains Active When Not Touring, Too

While dancing onstage during a tour is “great for cardio and toning,” and is, in effect, like exercise cheating, Shakira isn’t a sloth when off the road. She stays active and it’s as though she tricks her brain, doing “things that feel like fun and not just a workout, so that I stay motivated. Tennis is my current favorite. ”

4. Latina Beauty Is All About Intangibles

Latina beauty is all about the intangible elements, save for one. “To me, it’s confident, passionate, and — of course — curvy,” Shak said. What’s that sound? Oh, just the melody line and hook for “Hips Don’t Lie.”

5. She Is Kind to Her Thirsty Hair

The singer uses serums with natural oils and sulfate-free shampoos to add moisture to her hair, which is prone to drying out due to all the processing she puts it through.

6. Her Beach Bag Essentials Are Not Shocking

“The highest SPF sunscreen I can find,” she admitted about what she totes in her beach bag. “I always avoid damage to my skin from the sun, and a good detangler for my hair. I also use a vitamin C serum before applying makeup to nourish my skin, along with lots of moisturizer. I also try to buy beauty products that have as few chemicals as possible.”

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Young British fashion designers are attracting international brands to London's menswear showcase

Today is the start of London Collections: Men. It's the fifth time that London has presented a stand-alone fashion week for men, cramming almost 70 shows and presentations into three days. It isn't just about showing what British designers have to offer, though. This time around, Italian label Moschino (helmed by the American designer Jeremy Scott) has elected to show its menswear in London, and Scott joins fellow American Tom Ford and a welter of homegrown names including Burberry Prorsum and Alexander McQueen. The visibility of London's menswear showcase is fast rising.

What is it that makes London menswear so appealing? Its comparative youth, for a start: Milan and Paris have been showing menswear separately from their women's collections for more than 15 years. The status as a fresh newcomer of London Collections: Men is mirrored in its designers, whose ages hover somewhere around 30.

JW Anderson, newly appointed head of Loewe, reaches that milestone this year; new talent Craig Green, who shows his hotly anticipated show tomorrow, is 27; while the inaugural winner of the BFC/GQ Designer Fashion Fund, Christopher Shannon, is only 33.

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Compare that with the stalwarts of Milan and Paris: Giorgio Armani is 79, Dries Van Noten 56. Even Hedi Slimane – a champion of youth fashion – clocks in at 45. London menswear is showing the world something new.

That newness is vital. "Fashion is reaction. It's about what people are talking about, what happened last season," says the designer Jonathan Saunders. "If you're going to make a man go into the shops and buy something new every season, then newness is important."

JW Anderson agrees … in a way. "You need to make sure 35 per cent of the collection is something you're not comfortable with," he says. "If you're comfortable, it's stale."

Stale is a word that is often applicable to menswear – where, even at designer level, there is reliance on the tailored suit and casual basics including chinos, cotton shirts and sweaters, which demand little or no design input.

If designers in Milan and Paris can be relied upon to deliver their aesthetic tropes (Armani's relaxed, neutral tailoring, Cavalli's glitzy look), then London has gained a reputation for bucking trends and spearheading new movements – the resurgence of luxury sportswear, for example, which can be traced back to designer Kim Jones 10 years ago. Jones is now men's style director of Louis Vuitton.

The presence of those emerging young designers has enticed more established brands to show in London. Both McQueen and Burberry previously presented their clothes in staid Milan, before joining the London showcase last year in January and in June, respectively.

What is London's pull for those mega-brands? It's the same as it is for press and buyers – the latter increasing 30 per cent year on year, and from 33 countries: the promise of something fresh and exciting.

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