The Best Beauty Gifts of the Season

December 19, 2013, 9:08 am

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Vanity Fair

Gifts for a cheery, fragrant, and colorful season.

See the rest of the season's best beauty gifts at VanityFair.com.

More from Vanity Fair:
The Ultimate Kids' Gift Guide
Top 10 Movies of 2013
Kate Middleton, Best-Dressed Pregnancy Ever?
The All-Time Greatest Movies About Love

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7 Frequent Flyers Far Worse Than Children

December 19, 2013, 9:10 am

≫ Next: Beyoncé's Best Looks From Her New Album

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Expedia conducted a survey last week and with the help of the 1,000 American travelers polled; they've concluded that inattentive parents make the most annoying passengers. I have found myself seated near the accused throughout my life as a journalist and travel junkie. I'll admit a screaming child, throwing cheerios and racing up the aisle is unpleasant and also...incredibly infrequent.

I've logged 24,600 miles in air travel this year alone, half of those with my infant son (who slept peacefully like the little cherub he is). I'm here to set the record straight. It is too often the adults that act like babies.

Air Asia, Scoot and Malaysia Airlines have been the only carriers bold enough to ban children from specific sections of the plane. No U.S. carrier has done so yet. Could it be that we know there are far worse flyers than the couple of out of control kids? Keep an eye out this holiday season, chances are you'll come in contact with the offenders below.

1. Sleeping Beauty: You paid for a red-eye to Los Angeles, but what you got was a six-hour cuddle fest with a husky man that smelled like prosciutto. Just after takeoff, his head slowly began nodding up and down until suddenly there was a gentle thud on the edge of your shoulder. There will be snoring and drooling, but settle in because you will spend the remainder of your flight as his human pillow.

2. Spring Breakers: They can easily be spotted traveling in large groups, sporting sweat pants and a T-shirt with something like, "1 tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila, floor!" This group is cheering, laughing and high fiving across aisles. The pimply teen behind you wears sunglasses and taps the back of your seat to the beat blasting through his headphones. Just unbuckle your seatbelt, turn off the overhead light and cough up $6 to watch Despicable Me, on high volume.

3. Oscar the Grouch: This gent' coughed up the extra $89 for more legroom, shelled out a pretty penny to check his over packed bags and then spent his last bit of cash on headphones. You know this because he was screaming about it at the gate. By the time he reaches his assigned seat, he's itching for a reason to explode on any unsuspecting soul. That soul might be you. He calls the Air Hostess, "lady!" and ignores the crew cues to turn off his electronics. For the next 740 miles he huffs to no one in particular that the wifi is out again, damn it!

4. Chatty Cathy: The question "Are you headed home or away from it?" might sound harmless but once you've been seated next to the over sharer, you'll learn to keep your head down, avert your eyes. This is her second trip to Puerto Rico and she's visiting her best friend, not her best, best friend but one of them. By the time the first round of refreshments is carted down the aisle, you know her second husband's last name and what her current husband does for a living. He's a cat behavior consultant. I'd say don't ask but likely you never did. Once the landing gear is released she pauses and says "Oh, I'm Nancy by the way". You want to shout, "Nancy, for the love of Christ, stop, my ears are bleeding!" But instead you say, "My name is Jessica" and wait for her to list every Jessica she has ever known since birth, while the plane slowly pulls up to the gate.

5. Scaredy Cat: She is identified by her silence, lack of color from her cheeks and the way she wildly studies the emergency pamphlet in the seatback pocket. In her mind she is not making it off of this plane, so prepare to hear a laundry list of her end of life confessions. There will be crying. The inside of your thigh will be grabbed, bruised and bloodied, depending on how skilled your pilot is at dodging air pockets.

6. Mile High Members: We all know what is happening under that thin blue blanket, barely covering your laps. A plan is covertly discussed in whispers until one of the two heads to the bathroom. Moments later, the lover follows. This is never as discreet as they think it is. If having sex in disturbingly close proximity to a toilet is what it takes to get into a club, count me out.

7. Sullen Stewardess: This profession requires a constant smile and comforting demeanor because the clientele is terrified, unruly or generally unsatisfied. After a decade of turbulence and terrorists, I can understand sore cheeks and heightened nervous system. "Good Morning" they say with blank stares, their chins lowered. "No you can't switch seats. Turn off your phone, now. There is no smoking on this flight, or any flight since 1971." The hair on their neck stands at attention when the attendant light dings, alerting them that they are needed. Again. The TV screen doesn't work, my seat won't recline, where is that vodka tonic I ordered 45 seconds ago? The answer--she drank it. After dealing with the passengers listed above, can you blame her?

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Beyoncé's Best Looks From Her New Album

December 19, 2013, 9:28 am

≫ Next: GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment Helps Us Fake A Full Night's Sleep

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Patricia Garcia, photos courtesy of Columbia Records

The world woke up to a short, but already epic Instagram video announcing Beyoncé's new surprise album. And of course, not content with just dropping 14 songs, the multi-talented singer also gave us the visual treat of 17 music videos to obsess over. Going through them compulsively, we're mesmerized by the versatility of Beyoncé's style -- in lace and fur or cut-off jean shorts and a basketball jersey -- and, even more entertained by the surprising amount of cameos including Jay Z, sister Solange, Pharrell, Chanel Iman, and even little Blue Ivy. Filmed in Paris, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and New York, here, we pick our favorite looks from her new videos. It's Beyoncé's world and we're just living in it.

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GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment Helps Us Fake A Full Night's Sleep

December 19, 2013, 9:29 am

≫ Next: Memorable Makeup: Beauty Standouts for 2013

≪ Previous: Beyoncé's Best Looks From Her New Album

I haven't got a full night's sleep since December 13, aka the same day Beyoncé surprised us all with her new self-titled album. Of course, I had to download the Queen of Pop's visual masterpiece, listen to all 14 songs and watch the 17 videos. But I wasn't prepared to tackle my dark under-eye circles that resulted from a lack of rest.

Concealer would be an obvious solution, but I've been taking the makeup-free route these days. So I reached into my medicine cabinet and pulled out the GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment instead.

Celebrities have praised GlamGlow's face mask for making their skin look amazing. All I needed was a quick fix to brighten up my tired-looking eyes, and this product promised to do that in just three minutes.

The GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment includes a 12-treatment box containing sealed pods that resemble contact lenses containers. Its gel-like formula contains de-puffing and smoothing ingredients including caffeine, peppermint and bentonite.

GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment, $69, Sephora.com

I gently tapped it onto my under-eye area and felt a cool, tingling sensation as it quickly dried down. (It had to be working, right?) It went on pretty smoothly, but there were a few grainy bits from the peppermint leaf. I only used one-half of a pod for both of my eyes, so I stashed the other half to use for later.

Three minutes passed and I wiped away the product with a tissue, making sure not to get any into my eyes. What I saw in the mirror next was absolutely mind-blowing. My dark under-eye circles had vanished and my fine lines were barely unnoticeable. How could this be possible?

I continued to test out the GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment over the weekend just to be sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. And I kept getting the same results. If I keep up this morning routine, I can foresee my under-eyes being virtually wrinkle-free.

Rating: 5 out of 5. With holiday parties in full swing, this eye treatment is a must-have for recovering the next day. No one will look at you and ask, "Is she hungover?"

What's really behind your aging skin:

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Memorable Makeup: Beauty Standouts for 2013

December 19, 2013, 9:58 am

≫ Next: Tyra Banks: I Don't Like The Label 'Plus-Size'

≪ Previous: GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment Helps Us Fake A Full Night's Sleep

With a bright and shiny new year a matter of days away, I'm taking a glance back at 2013 to mark the moment. And what a year in beauty inspiration it was! While nude makeup -- which I adore -- enjoyed a major moment with countless designers, starlets and models, other style setters chose to mix it up and embrace vibrant color and envelope-pushing looks that had us voyeurs captivated. I'm all for experimentation and some of the ladies below are proof positive that taking the occasional gamble with your makeup statement can pay off beautifully. New year, new you?

Best Use of Blue Eye Shadow in a Supporting Role: Nicole Richie at the Golden Globes

Few shades are as misunderstood -- and scariest in the wrong hands! -- as blue eye shadow. But style maven Nicole Richie pulled it off and then some at the Golden Globes, sporting not only blue shadow but an icy shade precisely matched to her dress. Flawless. By keeping the rest of her makeup on the simple side, Richie made the monotone look modern and sophisticated.

Best Use of Graphic Liner to Create a Trademark Look: IGGY AZALEA

Graphic liner was one of the strongest makeup trends to hit the runway in 2014. Rising star and Australian native Iggy Azalea has embraced the razor-sharp statement eye and made it her trademark. Often paired with a bold lip, and Madonna-esque ponytail, her beauty style is as cool as her music. A tip to up-and-comers: Want to make a splash? Get pally with a great makeup artist! OR invest in an expert lesson and perfect your technique.

Best Makeup Smokescreen to Distract from Personal Drama: Kristen Stewart at the Met Gala

While the seemingly endless drama of K-Stew's on-again, off-again relationship with Robert Pattinson spilled over well into 2013, all eyes were on Stewart's darkly sexy makeup statement on the red carpet at the Met Ball. Following in Nicole Richie's footsteps, Stewart also pulled off a high-risk shadow that matched her gown. The gamble paid off, creating one of the most memorable looks of 2013 that was far more interesting than Stewart's standard black/bronze smoky eye and brought out her intense green eyes like never before. Robert who...?

Best Use of Brows as a Statement Accessory: Cara Delevigne

Few faces were as ubiquitous in 2013 as model of the moment Cara Delevigne. Part of Delevigne's allure is that her face can transform from sexy to sinister to silly in a matter of seconds. Yet from the Victoria's Secret catwalk to avant-garde photo shoots to her beloved Instagram videos, one feature is almost omnipresent: her enviable set of bold brows. Delevigne has made them a true statement accessory to accent every look. Apparently, sales of tweezers have dropped dramatically in the past year. Coincidence? I don't think so.

Face of the Future: Joan Smalls

A runway force to be reckoned with, supermodel Joan Smalls has quietly risen to the top of the fashion hierarchy. As she kicks off the New Year on the cover of ELLE, Smalls may be the woman to lead the fashion industry into a new era of diversity in 2014. Signaling not only the return of the supermodel but also wielding a powerful voice in the movement to embrace a new standard of beauty, Smalls is poised to be a game changer in more ways than one.

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Tyra Banks: I Don't Like The Label 'Plus-Size'

December 19, 2013, 10:09 am

≫ Next: Tawana Jackson, Social Worker, On Why She Puts Listerine On Her Feet

≪ Previous: Memorable Makeup: Beauty Standouts for 2013

With waif-like fashion models filling the pages of magazines, it's easy to lose sight of the diverse spectrum of body types out there... and to stigmatize anything less than "perfect." It's also no mystery what this homogeneity does to a woman's self-esteem.

But the answer isn't to just toss in a second stereotypical "plus-size" body type to counteract the effect of the skinny one. Tyra Banks, currently on a campaign with Special K to ban fat talk and promote positive body image, told HuffPost Style that the labels that separate women are also harmful:

"I don't like the label 'plus-size' -- I call it 'fiercely real.' On 'Top Model,' we call it fiercely real. I don't want to use the term 'plus-size,' because, to me, what the hell is that? It just doesn't have a positive connotation to it. I tend to not use it."

And she practices what she preaches. In 2008, Tyra crowned the "fiercely real" Whitney Thompson the winner of "Top Model" Cycle 10, with the press labeling her the show's first "plus-size" victor. Two years later, Tyra launched the "Fiercely Real Model Search" for plus-size teens. Incorporating more diverse body types "plus-size" and otherwise, should be the norm, Tyra says. "We just need to make sure it's not a trend and that it's something that's normal, because this stuff comes in waves and it would be nice to see it become constant," she told us.

Despite the increasing influence of plus-size models and curvier women like Kate Upton, use of the term "plus-size" remains a contentious issue. Jennie Runk, H&M's first plus-size model, believes that the term has practical function, explaining recently, "Clothing companies do this in order to offer their customers exactly what they're looking for, making it easier for people of all sizes to find clothes that fit their bodies as well as their own unique stylistic expression." But surveys have shown that many of the so-called "plus-size" women prefer the term "curvy."

At the end of the day, how we see ourselves is certainly influenced by bodies we see in media and the terms that come with them. The trick, Tyra says, is to stop comparing yourself to other women and find the positive ways to describe what your great attributes are.

"Not everyone can look like Kate Upton," she says. "Kate Upton's body, as curvy as she is, to a lot of people that's still thin."

Some more women changing the body image conversation:

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.

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Tawana Jackson, Social Worker, On Why She Puts Listerine On Her Feet

December 19, 2013, 10:22 am

≫ Next: 18 Pencil Skirts For After-Hours Fun

≪ Previous: Tyra Banks: I Don't Like The Label 'Plus-Size'

Sometimes, just by looking at someone, you can tell that they have tons of beauty tricks up their sleeves. And such was the case when we spotted the beautiful Tawana Jackson in SoHo.

And it turns out we were right -- she had tons of advice to dispense. Jackson was well-versed on how to get rid of pimples (toothpaste), she knew the best affordable blush brand (e.l.f.) and she had a very peculiar way to get softer feet (mouthwash is involved).

"During the winter I don't get pedicures as often," the social worker told us. "I feel you can kind of save on that because your feet aren't being seen as much, so I'll do it at home. I soak my feet in a hot water and Listerine mix for 10-15 minutes and it softens your skin and gets rid of the rough patches -- I got the idea off of Pinterest." Clearly we need to start perusing Pinterest more. [Ed. note: Since Listerine contains alcohol, be sure not to put your feet in the mixture if you have any open wounds.]

bss

Photo/Art: Raydene Salinas

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18 Pencil Skirts For After-Hours Fun

December 19, 2013, 10:23 am

≫ Next: 2013 in Review: People, Trends, and More That Defined the Year (and Predictions for 2014 )

≪ Previous: Tawana Jackson, Social Worker, On Why She Puts Listerine On Her Feet

If there's a 2013 version of the power suit, it has to be the pencil skirt. It's just snug enough to show your curves, but the respectable hemline and structured feel make it office-appropriate. We depend on this wardrobe workhorse to help us dress for the 9-to-5 with no fuss.

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2013 in Review: People, Trends, and More That Defined the Year (and Predictions for 2014 )

December 19, 2013, 10:24 am

≫ Next: The Top Pinterest DIYs Of 2013 Reveal Our IKEA Hacking, Well-Organized Fantasies

≪ Previous: 18 Pencil Skirts For After-Hours Fun

Vogue

As the end of the year approaches, we distill the people, moments, and trends that were inescapable on Instagram, ubiquitous on the street-style circuit, and always had us coming back for more. Plus, we predict the 13 things we think everyone will be talking about in 2014.

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The Top Pinterest DIYs Of 2013 Reveal Our IKEA Hacking, Well-Organized Fantasies

December 19, 2013, 10:38 am

≫ Next: Katy Perry Says Her Video With John Mayer Is 'More Authentic' Than Kimye's 'Bound 2'

≪ Previous: 2013 in Review: People, Trends, and More That Defined the Year (and Predictions for 2014 )

It's no secret that every home-loving, DIY-doing interior fanatic has the "Pin It" button bookmarked and ready to go on his or her Internet browser. But let's be honest here -- when it comes to house decor, some pins are just plain better than others. And while we can't go through all the projects, kitchens and throw pillows that were simply scrolled by in 2013, we can take a moment to review the ones from this past year that were definitely worth the re-pin.

1. The Top Ikea Hacks Of...2012

2. The Perfectly Organized Kitchen

3. Rustic-Chic Pallet Walls

4. Awesome Gray Paints

5. A Mirror Made Of Vintage Woof

6. A Perfect Mix-And-Match Living Room

7. A Swinging Bed

8. Shelves, Everywhere!

To see the rest of this year's top pins, visit Pinterest.

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Katy Perry Says Her Video With John Mayer Is 'More Authentic' Than Kimye's 'Bound 2'

December 20, 2013, 9:04 am

≫ Next: The 10 Best Things Anyone Wore In 2013

≪ Previous: The Top Pinterest DIYs Of 2013 Reveal Our IKEA Hacking, Well-Organized Fantasies

It's the holiday season, a.k.a. the time of year to throw shade at Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

Katy Perry and John Mayer appeared on Friday's edition of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and while discussing their new video for Mayer's "Who You Love," which features the couple riding a bull, Perry couldn't help but respond to comparisons to another famous couple's music video with a diss.

When DeGeneres asked if their video was, "a response to Kim and Kanye's 'Bound 2'," Perry said it was.

"Yes. I thought our response was a little bit more authentic because my hair was blowing in the right direction, though," Perry said as the audience roared with laughter.

In the "Bound 2" video, West and Kardashian ride a motorcycle together, with Kardashian facing backwards yet the wind is somehow blowing her hair behind her head. While the much talked about video was parodied by Seth Rogen and James Franco, who did a shot-for-shot remake they titled "Bound 3," Perry's claim that "Bound 2" is inauthentic may actually be a compliment to West's vision.

"I wanted to take white trash t-shirts and make it into a video." West explained during an interview with Power 105. "Yes. I wanted it to look as phony as possible. I wanted the clouds to go in one direction, the mountains to go in another, the horses to go over there, I wanted to show that this is the 'Hunger Games,' this is the type of imagery that's being presented to all of us, the only difference is there's a black dude in the middle of it."

So perhaps Perry wasn't really throwing shade at all, but we also couldn't help but notice that Kimye weren't the only ones dissed during the Perry-Mayer segment on DeGeneres' show. For the second time in as many TV interviews, Mayer took a shot at his own girlfriend.

"This is why I don't need to talk at home. This is why voice messages are just fine. I get these chestnuts," Mayer said as Perry laughed and looked visibly confused and uncomfortable.

When the couple premiered their video on "Good Morning America," on Dec. 17, Mayer pretty much revealed he's doesn't think very much of Perry's music:

"I come in the studio and she plays stuff and I go," putting his hands over his mouth as though he was about to vomit. "And then I'll hear a melody, 'cause she'll be writing something, I'll hear a melody and I'll be like, 'Don't...don't...' She, she was f**king...And I'll go, 'Come 'ere, come 'ere, come 'ere, I sang this into my iPhone while you were in there, just check it out.'"

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The 10 Best Things Anyone Wore In 2013

December 20, 2013, 9:05 am

≫ Next: What Types Of Bodies Do Men Prefer?

≪ Previous: Katy Perry Says Her Video With John Mayer Is 'More Authentic' Than Kimye's 'Bound 2'

It has been quite a year for fashion. There have been some ups and downs, but thankfully, there are certain stars we can always count on to look amazing. To sum up the year in style, we've chosen the 10 best outfits from the past 365 days.

Surprisingly, Miley Cyrus made our list (see Miley, covering up isn't so bad), while other not-so-shocking A-listers also found themselves among the best-dressed of the year. Kerry Washington proved that she most certainly deserved first place on Vanity Fair's "2013 International Best-Dressed List," and Zoe Saldana, Rooney Mara and Kiernan Shipka continued to be fashion forces to be reckoned with.

Check out the 10 best outfits you need to see from 2013 and let us know which is your favorite.

Charlize Theron in Gucci

This is one of the most sleek looks we've seen all year. The statuesque beauty is radiant in this light gray gown with strategic gathering. And clearly more stars need to start slicking back their hair.

Rooney Mara in Alexander McQueen

rooney

Not many people can pull off a look as avant-garde as this, but Mara can. The heavy detail on her dress works because of the light color and the short hemline, and the actress' sleek center part is the perfect way to ensure that the focus remains on the dress.

Olga Kurylenko In Elie Saab

olga

The French actress' '50s-inspired dress emphasizes her small waist and all the texture in the frock keeps our eyes moving. Her nude pumps are the perfect compliment to this midi-length frock, as they elongate her legs. Meanwhile, her red lipstick adds a touch of sex appeal.

Kerry Washington in J.Mendel

It's so nice to see color on the red carpet, and no one does bold hues better than Kerry Washington. This sleeveless chiffon sorbet-colored gown features a faux tank overlay, which expertly works to break up all the floral. Washington's simple black clutch and bright pink lipstick serve as the perfect backdrop to her jaw-dropping outfit.

Kiernan Shipka in Oscar de la Renta

shipka

Let us remind you that the "Mad Men" star is only 14 years old, yet she already has more style than most of Hollywood's leading ladies. This ensemble embodies everything we love about Shipka -- she always manages to pick classic, age-appropriate pieces that are still very fashion-forward. And this soft pink midi dress is just that.

Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille

Now this is an Oscars dress. The talented actress chose an unconventional Academy Awards gown with a sweeping hem that exposed several different colors at the bottom, a bodice with floral appliqués and a tonal belt. Not only was her ensemble extremely figure-flattering, but it stood out in the crowd.

Sandra Bullock In Dsquared²

sandra

This has been the year of Sandra Bullock. Her body-contouring LBD with a lingerie-inspired neckline is incredibly sexy, while her tousled waves and fierce red lip bring this outfit into best-dressed of the year territory.

Miley Cyrus in Marc Jacobs

Cyrus cleans up well. This gown reminds us of how stunning the star can be when she isn't showing so much skin. This sequin dress highlights her amazing figure and adds just the right amount of sparkle. If only Miley dressed like this more often.

Coco Rocha in Greta Constantine

coco

Rocha clearly knows how to get dressed. Her body-skimming gown with architectural cut-outs highlight her best features, while her bright orange lipstick is the perfect accent to the rich navy dress.

Allison Williams in Misha Nonoo

allison

We're head over heels in love with this outfit. The boxy button-up shirt paired with her black silk faille dirndl skirt is genius -- so simple, yet so elegant. Her beauty look is spot on, too. Williams' slicked-back updo and red lips are the perfect compliment to her effortless ensemble.

More celebs who made the best-dressed list:

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.

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What Types Of Bodies Do Men Prefer?

December 20, 2013, 9:48 am

≫ Next: Lupita Nyong'o Hates Shopping, Thinks Anna Wintour Is 'Sweet' & More Fascinating Facts (VIDEO)

≪ Previous: The 10 Best Things Anyone Wore In 2013

What do men want in a woman? What do they want women to look like? It's important to know because you'll have a much better chance of attracting male attention if you know what makes men say "hubba hubba." This is simple evolutionary mate selection at work, and it applies to males as well. They have little chance of attracting females if they don't know what females are attracted to.

You'd think that women would be experts at knowing how men want them to look, but some research proves otherwise.* Women so consistently overestimate male preferences for slenderness that it leaves some researchers puzzled. Let's take a quick look at how academics discovered the discrepancy between what men like and what women think men like.

In the typical study,* men and women are presented with representations of the female form -- from very thin to very fat (these figures are mostly line drawings, but some studies use silhouettes, illustrations or photographs). They are then asked to circle shapes that represent:

1. Their ideal body shape
2. What they believe members of the opposite sex prefer

The results? Women overestimate male preferences for slenderness. Constantly. Consistently. In nearly every study. This phenomenon baffles researchers because it's completely at odds with the prevailing theory of how men and women pair up.

Mate selection theory holds that women intuitively know what men prefer, otherwise they wouldn't know how to attract them. This ability also allows them to assess their "relative value" against women they're competing against. This is an evolutionary characteristic that facilitates procreation in all species. Knowing male preferences allows females to feature the characteristics that will attract them.

Why are women losing their ability to gauge male preferences? Researchers theorize it's a direct result of the media's relentless presentation of women who can fit between a door and its frame. As the authors of a 1995 study in Sex Roles noted (citation below): "The media images emphasizing thinness cause a woman to downscale her own ideal size from her real size rating but may be powerful enough to cause her to distort her perception of her partner's ideal female."

The authors of a Journal of Psychology study on sex differences in perceptions of desirable body shape were particularly blunt in their assessment: "Our data suggest that women are misinformed and exaggerate the magnitude of thinness that men desire," write the authors, "probably as a result of promotion of thinness in women through advertising by the diet industry."

Women are just as bad at estimating what kind of bust lines men prefer. =Breast size preference studies (yes, they exist -- don't ask me how they got their funding) show that females believe men like larger breasts than men actually report.

So what do the studies show about men's preferences? What kinds of bodies do men prefer in women? Click here to read the surprising answers. It's a women's body image excerpt from my book Not Tonight Dear, I Feel Fat: How To Stop Worrying About Your Body & Have Great Sex.

*Bibliography:

Tantleff-Dunn, Stacey, and Thompson, J. Kevin. "Romantic Partners and Body Image
Disturbance: Further Evidence for the Role of Perceived-Actual Disparities." Sex Roles, Volume 33. (1995).

Armatas, Christine, Maschette, Wayne, and Sands, Rob. "Measurement of Body Image
Satisfaction Using Computer Manipulation of a Digital Image." The Journal of Psychology. (2004). Pp. 325-337

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Lupita Nyong'o Hates Shopping, Thinks Anna Wintour Is 'Sweet' & More Fascinating Facts (VIDEO)

December 20, 2013, 9:58 am

≫ Next: Lena Dunham On Working With Terry Richardson: 'Any Man Who Takes Advantage Of Any Woman Sickens Me'

≪ Previous: What Types Of Bodies Do Men Prefer?

Lupita Nyong'o's ascent to fashion "it" girl status has been fast and fabulous. The "12 Years a Slave" actress knows how to dominate a red carpet like a polished (and perfectly pouted) pro.

The Grio's style and culture editor, Alexis Garrett Stodghill, sums up her sartorial splendor nicely: "Whether its a saturated gown in a mouth-watering color, or a sleeveless jumper with slim pant legs, Nyong’o's looks have been consistently chic, refined and elegant as her simple, low Afro."

And after recently being spotted with Anna Wintour, we're on a major Vogue cover watch for the 30-year-old star.

With that said, we can't get enough of the lovely Lupita and we were thrilled to learn more about the the Golden Globe-nominated actress during a interview on "Arise 360" this week.

Check out all the fascinating facts we leaned about the star...

1. She hates to shop. Seriously! Although we can't believe it.
2. But, she "adores" working with her stylist Micaela Erlanger.
3. She thinks Anna Wintour is "sweet" and "gracious." Gasp!
4. Her beautiful, flawless skin wasn't always a reality. Growing up she had a skin disorder that was cleared by medicinal herbs from Madagascar. Amazing!
5. She's been bald (well, almost) and beautiful since she was 19 years old. She cut off all her hair after getting fed up with her weekly salon visits and using so many chemicals and dyes.
6. Although Kenyan and raised in Kenya, Lupita was actually born in Mexico and her name is the diminutive form of the name "Guadalupe."
7. Her first big acting break was playing Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet" at a repertory theater in Kenya.
8. She attended Hampshire College for her undergraduate degree and then graduated from the Yale School of Drama.

Don't you just LOVE her? Watch a clip from Lupita's interview above and check out her most amazing looks to-date in the slideshow below.

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Lena Dunham On Working With Terry Richardson: 'Any Man Who Takes Advantage Of Any Woman Sickens Me'

December 20, 2013, 10:27 am

≫ Next: Target Was Sued After Putting More Than 40 Million Customers At Risk

≪ Previous: Lupita Nyong'o Hates Shopping, Thinks Anna Wintour Is 'Sweet' & More Fascinating Facts (VIDEO)

When famous men are known to mistreat women, should other celebrities vow not to work with them? And how feasible is a boycott of someone high-profile when you yourself are trying to continue working in an industry that lifts up these alleged "creeps?"

In a Dec. 18 piece for Slate, Amanda Hess questioned why high-profile women continue to collaborate with the likes of R. Kelly, an accused rapist, Chris Brown, whose propensity towards violence for women is public information and fashion photographer Terry Richardson, who allegedly sexually harassed models.

Hess doesn't suggest that women simply shouldn't work with these men -- she recognizes that it's very difficult to stage a boycott against these people because there are consequences for women who speak out. She uses the example of Katherine Heigl, who is still considered difficult to work with after calling "Knocked Up" "a little sexist" back in 2007. Hess concluded that "star-led boycotts of industry creeps are rare" -- an unfortunate truth.

Within the article, Hess criticized Lena Dunham for slamming R. Kelly when Dunham has worked with notorious "creep" Terry Richardson. (Richardson photographed Dunham in 2013 for a spread in V magazine.) Dunham took to Twitter to discuss the complex matter -- and what ensued was a surprisingly interesting dialogue. Dunham claimed that having worked with Richardson should not call her feminist politics into question, nor should it nullify her criticism of alleged rapists like Kelly.

View the story "Lena Dunham Defends Working With Terry Richardson" on Storify

The reality is that women face specific challenges and barriers to success, regardless of how rich and famous they become. Perhaps this conversation will make people think more carefully about the artists they choose to support, and why -- and make us all think a little harder about the ways we collectively give successful "creepy" men passes that their female counterparts would never receive.

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Target Was Sued After Putting More Than 40 Million Customers At Risk

December 20, 2013, 10:47 am

≫ Next: These Stylish Iranian Women Won't Let A Dress Code Hold Them Back

≪ Previous: Lena Dunham On Working With Terry Richardson: 'Any Man Who Takes Advantage Of Any Woman Sickens Me'

BOSTON (Reuters) - Target Corp said hackers have stolen data from up to 40 million credit and debit cards of shoppers who visited its stores during the first three weeks of the holiday season in the second-largest such breach reported by a U.S. retailer.

The hackers worked at unprecedented speed, carrying out their operation from the day before Thanksgiving to this past Sunday, 19 days that are the heart of the crucial Christmas holiday sales season.

Target, the third-largest U.S. retailer, said on Thursday that it was working with federal law enforcement and outside experts to prevent similar attacks in the future. It did not disclose how its systems were compromised.

The retailer was alerted its systems might have been compromised by credit card processors who had noticed a surge in fraudulent transactions involving credit cards that had been used at Target, according to a person familiar with the investigation who was not authorized to discuss the matter.

The timing of the breach could not have been worse for Target, coming just before three of the four busiest days of what has been a bruising holiday season for retailers, with the highest level of discounting in years. Target last month lowered its profit forecast for the year.

"Most of these attacks are just a cost of doing business," said Mark Rasch, a former U.S. prosecutor of cyber crimes.

"But an attack that's targeted against a major retailer during the peak of the Christmas season is much more than that because it undermines confidence."

Investigators are still trying to understand how the attack was carried out, including whether hackers found a weakness at Target's computer network or through credit card services vendors. It was not immediately clear what percent of the transactions at its brick and mortar stores had been compromised but the company said its online business had not been affected.

Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, who headed a multi-state probe into a 2007 data breach at TJX Cos, said in a statement that her office was talking to Target about the breach and planned to work with other Attorneys General to determine whether the company had proper safeguards in place.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a public statement that he had asked Target for more information.

A customer in California filed a class-action lawsuit against the company late on Thursday, the first of what lawyers said could be many such suits.

Samantha Wredberg said in a court filing that she was a regular shopper at Target and had used her credit card at a company store on December 8. Besides seeking damages, Wredberg asked the court to certify the lawsuit as class action.

She also asked the court to explore whether "Target unreasonably delayed in notifying affected customers of the data breach".

The theft of credit and debit card data from Target customers could end up costing hundreds of millions of dollars, but it is unclear who will bear the expense, lawyers and industry sources said.

The affected payment cards include Target's REDcard private label debit and credit cards as well as other bank cards, Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder said. She declined to say if the incident was affecting store traffic.

The largest breach against a U.S. retailer, uncovered in 2007 at TJX Cos Inc, led to the theft of data from more than 90 million credit cards over about 18 months.

Since then, companies have become far more adept at identifying intruders. But criminals have responded by developing more-powerful attack strategies, spending months on reconnaissance to launch sophisticated schemes with the goal of extracting as much data as they can in the shortest period of time.

Representatives for J.C. Penney Co Inc, Wal-Mart Stores Inc, Best Buy Co Inc and Home Depot Inc told Reuters they believed their systems had not been compromised in similar attacks.

Target will provide more details on costs related to the issue at a later date, Snyder said. She declined to comment when asked if Target expected potential fines from MasterCard, Visa and American Express or saw a possible increase in merchant fees.

"It's so early in this investigation," Snyder said.

Avivah Litan, a Gartner analyst who specializes in cyber-security and fraud detection, saw costs for Target. "They are going to pay for any fraud on the card," she said. "They will get fined (by card issuers) for non-compliance with payment card security standards. Their merchant fee will probably go up a few basis points."

Target's shares closed down 2.2 percent at $62.15 on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday afternoon, while the Standard & Poor's 500 stock index fell 0.06 percent.

ANGRY CUSTOMERS

Target warned customers in an alert on its website that the criminals had stolen names, payment card numbers, expiration dates and security codes.

The company had identified the breach on Sunday and had begun responding to it the same day, Snyder said. She declined to explain why the retailer waited until Thursday to alert customers.

Krebs on Security, a security industry blog that broke the news on Wednesday, said the breach involved nearly all of Target's 1,797 stores in the United States.

The U.S. Secret Service is working on the investigation, according to an agency spokeswoman. A Federal Bureau of Investigation spokeswoman declined to comment.

Customers began to complain early on Thursday via Target's Facebook page.

"Thank you Target for nearly costing me and my wife our identities, we will never shop or purchase anything in your store again," said one posting.

"Shop at Target, become a target," remarked another. "Gee, thanks."

Target's Snyder said it had been getting an "extremely high" volume of calls from customers.

JPMorgan Chase & Co, one of the biggest U.S. credit card issuers, said it was monitoring the accounts involved for suspicious activity and urged customers to contact the bank if they noticed any.

An American Express spokeswoman said the company was aware of the incident and was putting fraud controls in place.

Major card brands typically offer their cardholders zero liability and cardholders should contact their issuer if they spot suspicious transactions, a Visa spokesman said, adding that a breached account did not necessarily result in a fraudulent purchase.

"This could hurt the end of the holiday season if for no other reason than many of their customers have to cancel cards ahead of holidays," said Janney Capital Markets analyst David Strasser.

The breach also comes at a time Target is trying to build its online business, which by some estimates is only 2 percent of sales.

"All consumers will hear is that Target is not a safe place to use your credit card. That impacts trust, which in turn can impact retail's fastest-growing and most trust-sensitive touch points: online and mobile," said Carol Spieckerman, president of retail strategy firm newmarketbuilders.

Still, consumers tend to have short memories with these things, so it will likely be less of an issue next quarter, said Gartner analyst Litan.

"(Consumers) care more about discounts than security," she said.

The case is Samantha Wredberg vs Target Corp, Case No. 13-cv-05901, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California.

(Additional reporting by Sakthi Prasad, Siddharth Cavale, David Henry, Marina Lopes, Phil Wahba and Peter Rudegeair; Editing by Kirti Pandey, Rodney Joyce, Lisa Von Ahn, Jilian Mincer, Peter Henderson, Phil Berlowitz, Bob Burgdorfer and Stephen Coates)

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These Stylish Iranian Women Won't Let A Dress Code Hold Them Back

December 20, 2013, 10:48 am

≫ Next: Queen Rania Of Jordan Has An Instagram Account -- How Cool Is That?

≪ Previous: Target Was Sued After Putting More Than 40 Million Customers At Risk

Iran isn't exactly known to the Western world as a hotbed of inspiring trends in fashion. Under Islamic law, women must dress modestly in loose-fitting clothing that doesn't draw attention to their figures, with a hijab at least partially covering their hair. Dark colors are encouraged so as not to arouse men (who are apparently wired like bees). Nail polish, sandals and leggings have also been banned by police, who have a long history of arresting women for their sartorial offenses. But there are signs that could all be changing:

(Story continues below.)

tehran street style

(Photo via The Tehran Times)

The country's newly elected President Rouhani has been making good on a campaign promise to relax the dress code enforced by the baseejis, or morality police. "In my view," he stated back in July, "many women in our society who do not respect our hijab laws are virtuous. Our emphasis should be on the virtue," not on the mere outward appearance.

About a year ago, designer Araz Fazaeli began snapping pics of women who toe the line of these traditional regulations, and posting them on his Tumblr, The Tehran Times. After spending time studying fashion abroad, Fazaeli was inspired to create a blog that could change what he perceives as a misunderstanding of his homeland by outsiders. "They believe what they see in the news, and even though a lot of it is true, there is much more to see," he explained in an interview with the Atlantic Post.

Take a look at some of these stylishly forward-thinking women around Tehran:

tehran street style

h/t My Modern Met

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.

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Queen Rania Of Jordan Has An Instagram Account -- How Cool Is That?

December 20, 2013, 11:00 am

≫ Next: How To Get Hands So Young Looking, They'll Get Carded

≪ Previous: These Stylish Iranian Women Won't Let A Dress Code Hold Them Back

Not many royals are hip enough to jump on the social media bandwagon. Thankfully, Queen Rania of Jordan has now officially joined the cool club -- she's gotten an Instagram account.

In her bio, the stylish queen describes herself as "A mum and a wife with a really cool day job... " (No kidding.) Her posts range from sweet moments with her kids to her charity work to #TBTs of her hubby, King Abdullah II of Jordan. It's the kind of relatively unguarded glimpse into a royal's "real" life that only social media can give us.

We're keeping our fingers crossed that there are filtered Rania selfies on the way, but check out some of her first few personal snaps below.

If only she would Insta all of her outfits...

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.

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How To Get Hands So Young Looking, They'll Get Carded

December 20, 2013, 11:26 am

≫ Next: Whatever You Do In 2014, Do NOT Try These Trends

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You go to the gym. You wear foundation and moisturizer with sunscreen. Hell, you even avoid sunlight! And, when it comes to your lovely face, strangers are stumped when trying to guess your age. But, what about your hands?

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Whatever You Do In 2014, Do NOT Try These Trends

December 20, 2013, 11:36 am

≫ Next: Michelle Obama Debuts Quintessential 'First Lady' Hair (PHOTOS)

≪ Previous: How To Get Hands So Young Looking, They'll Get Carded

We draw a lot of our hair and makeup inspiration from celebrities. Thanks to their flawless and sometimes daring looks, we've been inspired to experiment with things we normally wouldn't consider. But then there are those trends that shouldn't trickle down to the masses.

Below are the beauty trends you should leave behind this year and the ones you should fully embrace in 2014.

DROP: Ombre hair

Is there a more overdone and tired trend right now than ombre hair? We don't think so. While it doesn't necessarily look bad, everyone and their mother has been sporting this look for years now. Let's try something new.

KEEP: Glamorous roots

blonde roots

When Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian debuted this new approach to roots this year, at first we were like "Hmmm..." But we took a second glance, and it was working exceptionally. There's something really cool in an offbeat way about platinum blonde hair that showcases dark roots. Please note: We do think that in order for this look to be successful, it needs to be done perfectly -- which probably means a super-expensive colorist and serious upkeep.

DROP: French tip nail art

French tips are one of the most classic nail designs. However, piling on a bunch of tacky studs, jewels and other accoutrements just makes this manicure look more dated.

KEEP: Nail art inspired by real art

If you're going to go all out with your nail art, why not dress up your fingertips in designs that channel classic art pieces? The concepts make for great conversation starters, and when worn with interesting outfits, your nail art will definitely look like a stroke of genius.

DROP: Over-straightened hair

It's time to ditch this overdone trend because, firstly, it takes way too much time to get your hair to look like this. Secondly, it's bland. We would much rather see your natural waves and volume than some limp stick-straight hair.

KEEP: Naturally, tousled locks

tousled hair

There's just something awesome about a girl who looks like all she did was brush a comb through her hair and step out the door. It's such an effortless look that exudes confidence.

DROP: Cheek piercings

Anything that Amanda Bynes wore pre-rehab should not be mimicked. (She totally copied rapper Tyga's lady Black Chyna.) And we can only imagine what your face would look like with two abnormal holes when you take them out.

KEEP: Small hoop nose rings

There's something fun and flirty about a hoop nose ring. Our suggestion is to keep it small and delicate so that the accessory doesn't overpower your face.

DROP: Stiletto nails

These nails are scary. They look like talons and impossible to do any everyday activities while wearing.

KEEP: Almond-shaped nails

nails

We suggest opting for a subdued almond shape this year to showcase your cool nail art. It especially looks great with longer nails -- just make sure they are not too long.

DROP: Too-orange skin

We hereby declare the days of going to tanning salons and spray tans officially over. Orange, overly-tanned skin just looks unnatural and unhealthy.

KEEP: Healthy-looking complexions

zoe saldana

Pale girls, rejoice! We are loving milky and natural complexions. Instead of burning your skin in a tanning bed, save the money and skin cancer and let your natural skin tone radiate.

DROP: Hair bows

This seemed to be a huge year for grown women to wear big bows in their hair. While the idea is cute, it just looks a little strange to see an adult sporting something we wore when we were two.

KEEP: Headbands

emmy rossum

If you're going to wear a cutesy thing in your hair, make it a headband. Stars proved this year that if you pair a headband with a mature outfit, the contrast really works. It also serves as a great accessory to simply-styled hair.

DROP: Inside arm tattoos

The placement of inside arm tattoos can actually come across quite beautifully. But we've seen more than our share of poetic messages tatted in script or awkward symbols that fade into God knows what.

KEEP: Hand tattoos

rihanna hand tattoo

Hand tattoos are the new inner arm tattoos. So many cool and trend-setting girls got them this year. Our favorite has to be Rihanna's epic traditional Mori tattoo, which instead of ink, uses chisel, ink pigment and a mallet. Leave it to RiRi to uniquely set a trend.

DROP: Bindis

When Selena Gomez performed wearing a bindi at the MTV Movie Awards, we cringed. Some people might have thought it looked stylish, but it was actually offensive to some who practice Hinduism. It's fine to be daring with accessories, but pulling them from cultures that aren't your own isn't the way to go. Ladies, let's be more culturally-sensitive this year.

KEEP: Ear cuffs

jennifer lawrence

Here's a head adornment we can jump on board with. Instead of the typical earrings, slap on an ear cuff this year. The look is a perfect blend of chic roughness that will add an edge to any basic outfit.

DROP: Hair knots

miley cyrus

Miley stole this hairstyle from Gwen, and of course, Gwen ripped off Bantu knots from women of color who've been sporting the 'do for decades. Let us all just commit to keeping it real in 2014.

KEEP: Head scarves

It's no secret that we're totally into turbans and for good reason. A well-styled head scarf (as seen here on Malaysian singer-songwriter Yuna) can transform blah hair into stunning strands.

DROP: Bubblegum pink lipstick

The bubblegum pink lipstick trend that Nicki Minaj sparked should be wiped clean from the face of every girl who followed suit. It's simply not a great lip color on any skin tone.

KEEP: Fuchsia lipstick

Ladies, take note from Kerry Washington. All you need is one swipe of this universally-flattering shade to brighten up your lips and face.

Here's what didn't like so much in 2012:

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