This Woman With Vitiligo Reminds Us Of What 'Beautiful' Really Means (VIDEO)

March 13, 2014, 2:57 pm

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The next time you feel reluctant about facing the world sans makeup, or nervous about revealing your "imperfections" to those around you, we hope you'll think of Cheri Lindsay -- a woman who'll leave you breathless with her extraordinary bravery and beauty.

Lindsay has vitiligo, a skin condition that causes depigmentation of parts of the skin.

"It's not that easy to deal with," she admits of living with the condition, which developed a few years ago, per a recent YouTube video. But she says she refuses to let it get her down.

"When I first got vitiligo, I had to ask myself a couple of questions," she said. "Does it hurt? No. Is it contagious? Not at all. And can I still live with this and be successful? Hell yes."

In the video above, watch as Lindsay wipes away a layer of makeup from her face and hands, revealing her bare skin. "Don't hide," she says, staring at the camera. "There's something wrong with everybody. Nobody's 100 percent perfect."

Lindsay's powerful video is part of Dermablend's "Camo Confessions" campaign. Thus far, the company, which specializes in camouflage makeup, has posted videos online of YouTube star Cassandra Bankson, who has acute acne, and Rick Genest (also known as "Rico the Zombie"), whose face and body are covered in tattoos, among others.

Watch more videos from the "Camo Confessions" campaign here.

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Teen's Instagram Tribute To His Sick Great Grandma Needs No Filter

March 13, 2014, 4:00 pm

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When Louisville, Ky., teen, Zach Belden, created an Instagram account for his great grandma, he had no idea how big of a following it would attract, WDRB reported.



Grandma Betty is dying of cancer, so Zach thought this would be a great opportunity to share happy moments with his family and friends, and also have something to remember her by.

But, it hasn't only reached their family and friends: the account, grandmabetty33, was made in January and already has more than 6,500 followers.

Grandma Betty gets a huge kick out of it, asking how many new followers they've gained every day, according to WDRB.



"I've been here 80 years, maybe they'll learn something good from me," she told the outlet.

On March 10, Zach posted an Instagram thanking all their followers:



From photos of her and her late husband, to videos of her dancing to Pharrell's "Happy," the sweet account is definitely worth checking out.

Zoe Saldana Opens Up About Her Secret Wedding To Marco Perego

March 14, 2014, 10:04 am

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Zoe Saldana is basking in newlywed bliss.

Not only is she taking time off from the gym (yes, believe it or not), Saldana is finally opening up about her secret wedding to Marco Perego last year.

“I’m not a private person, but I am discreet, so [getting married in secret] felt right,” the 35-year-old actress tells the new issue of Net-A-Porter's The Edit, which she covers.

Saldana also admits she "let herself go" after her nuptials, opting for big meals over long workouts.

“I’ve been an active person my whole life,” she says. “The past year has been the only time in my life that I haven’t been to the gym. I’ve been lazy instead of training for something and pushing myself ... not because I am trying to be skinny. I just like to know how much endurance I have. But this past year I’ve let myself go,” she continues. “I’ve been eating a lot of Chinese, pasta, rice, beans...”

As for why she decided to finally tie the knot with Italian artist Perego, whom she quietly married in England last June, Saldana says he brings out the best in her.

“I’m fortunate to be challenged by an artist who also pushes himself," the "Guardians of the Galaxy" star gushes of her man, adding that she hopes to be behind the camera one day. "I have ADD, I’m a Gemini and I get bored quickly. So my next challenge is to direct, because I’m getting tired of just being a particle in the whole telling of the story. I want to be more. I want to be there from its conception.”

Read more of Zoe's interview at Net-A-Porter.com.

Why Emmy Rossum Doesn't Need A Stylist (VIDEO)

March 14, 2014, 10:19 am

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In Hollywood, most stars hire someone to do everything for them. They get nutritionists, makeup artists, assistants, life coaches and, of course, stylists. So it's always refreshing to hear of an A-lister who prefers to do it by themselves.

And one of those celebs is Emmy Rossum. The actress recently confessed to HuffPost Live's Caitlyn Becker that the only person who deserves props when it comes to her outfits is herself.

When asked why she chooses not to have a stylist, the "Shameless" star laughed and said, "Because I love fashion and I'm that shallow." Though she quickly followed up with a more succinct answer: "No, I just love playing with clothes, it's really fun. I e-mail the PRs or designers myself and I pick what I want and they send it to me. And then it gets FedExed back and I never see it again."

Watch the clip above to find out more about Rossum's style and to learn how she manages to look so damn good in short shorts.

Watch the rest of Emmy Rossum's HuffPost Live interview below:

Kendall Jenner Drops Last Name For Her Modeling Career

March 14, 2014, 11:00 am

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Kendall Jenner has gone from reality star to model in an attempt to forge her own career amid the buzz of her "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" fame. The 18–year–old walked the Fashion Week runway in New York, London and Paris -- a sure sign of industry success.

Still, critics have raised an eyebrow to Jenner's high-profile gigs, claiming that she hasn't earned her keep.

At DASH Miami's March 12 opening, Khloe, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian were asked about Jenner's foray into the fashion world.

Kim was quick to brag about her little sister's success, saying, "She went and auditioned, and she just goes by the name of Kendall, hoping that people won't think that she gets any [handouts]."

Jenner was accused of getting some favors called in after she walked in the Givenchy show during Paris Fashion Week, in part because Kim Kardashian and her fiance, Kanye West, are good friends with Givenchy's creative director.

Now, Kardashian's comments are quelling those rumors. "She works her butt off! She just goes to casting after casting," she said. "I'm so proud of her that she -- for her first Fashion Week -- was able to achieve all the shows she was able to walk in. She's living her dream and it's so inspiring to watch her."

A Tragic, Real-Life Tale of Oil Pulling

March 14, 2014, 11:08 am

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I'm sitting here trying not to gag on a mouth completely full of coconut oil diluted with saliva.

Apparently this is good for me.

Ayurvedic practitioners calls this oil pulling. It's the big, new, ancient thing -- thousands of years old, and suddenly super popular again, thanks to digital trend-setters like Pinterest and Facebook.

Hold on. Deep breath. Not. Going. To. Heave. I can do this.

Oil pulling has been all over my Facebook wall for weeks now: promises of everything from whiter teeth to help with allergies to relief of chronic pain. I read somewhere it could treat cancer and AIDS. I was in open-minded awe -- until I read claims that it could improve digestive issues.

Because it's currently causing me new ones.

In fact, if you have a sensitive stomach, now is where I tell you to run. Run far away from the rest of this harrowing tale. Chances are, you'd never try oil pulling to begin with, anyway.

Maybe I need to last the full length of time, rise mind over nausea, and gargle this oil for the recommended 20 minutes.

When my husband said he'd be working late tonight, I realized I had my window; if he ever caught me doing something like this, I'd never be kissed again. Even more, I'd never stand a chance of succeeding in his presence.

You see, my husband and I both have overactive gag reflexes, to the degree that it's a contributing factor why we never plan on having more children. You try changing a molten diaper while simultaneously trapped in an uncontrollable duet of dry-heaving "huuuu-hhhs," each one setting of the next like diaphragm Dominoes. Just the memory is pushing me closer to sharing my coconut spit with the keyboard.

Speaking of, the longer you keep this oil in your mouth, the more liquid your mouth produces, and the harder it is to keep it in. My cheeks are inflated like a squirrel. Every minute is worse than the last.

Must. Distract. Self.

I'm committed. I've made it this long: 11 minutes. Eleven long, slobbery minutes. I'm not giving up now.

I've played a game like this before, but it was a dare and I was 9, playing with the older neighbor kids. I was not alone, as a sober, educated adult, during my rare free time after my kid goes down to bed, by my own free will, and based solely on a Facebook forward that I totally didn't research first. Nope. Just decided to jump right in. Just marched right on downstairs during my window of opportunity -- because you don't want to miss a chance like this, no sir -- and scooped a spoonful of thick, white coconut glop into my mouth.

And then instantly spat it out onto the counter, and stared at it in confusion.

I pushed it into the sink and rallied. I scooped another half a spoonful. Hesitated before closing my lips around it, and then shoved it right in.

Plop. My reflexes betrayed me again, as my tongue refused to participate in this game.

No, mouth, we're doing this. This time, I filled only a tiny, wee portion of the teaspoon and took it like a shot of cheap tequila. Almost swallowed, which ignited the gag reflexes again. I tried to take a deep breath, but my nose was partially clogged. My lips parted and my slimy punishment tried to break free again. Stay! I squeaked a congested breath through my nostrils and began immediately distracting myself.

I decided to put on a face mask.

But know what you can't do while gargling a mouth full of fat wad? Lean your face over the sink and wash your face. The motion swished the slop around in my mouth and my lips engaged in tug-of-war with my will to to keep them shut.

Now I could barely breathe. I grabbed a Kleenix to blow my nose, but you know what else is tricky without the ability to mouth-breathe? Blowing your nose properly.

To the Interwebs, the great distractor.

After the damage is already more than halfway done, now seems like the perfect time to do some research on this tactic.

Best done in the morning on an empty stomach. One to two teaspoons full? It's bedtime, and I had a massive dinner. And I only used maybe ¼ of a teaspoon, with generous exaggeration.

After all this, I've done it all wrong.

Eighteen minutes and I'm sitting here with a mouth of lukewarm, fatty spit and am unlikely going to reap any of the benefits from it.

Then I stumble upon an article by Discovery.com.

Saying there are only a few medical studies of oil pulling, and none particularly convincing of a consistent benefit for "any particular condition." The verdict: Oil pulling probably doesn't do anything.

Nineteen minutes. And it's on my desk in a sad pile of failure.

Read more articles from the weirdest city in America, Boulder, here: Only In Boulder.

NailSnaps App Will Make Custom Nail Art From Your Instagram Photos (VIDEO)

March 14, 2014, 12:11 pm

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This is one fail-safe way to make sure no one has the same nail art as you.

NailSnaps is an app that will let you import your own Instagram photos to create unique, one-of-a-kind nail stickers. The app lets you arrange the photo to either create a continuous image across the nails, or zoom-in on one part of your photo and have it repeat on each fingernail.

NailSnaps is the brainchild of LA-based designers Angel Anderson and Sarah Heering, who put the project up on KickStarter to raise $47,381. With 18 days left in their campaign, they have over $36,000 dollars left to bring in. As with all Kickstarter projects, if they don't raise their goal by the deadline, they get none of the money that others have pledged.

We (selfishly) hope their Kickstarter succeeds. Usually, we fans of nail art have to either shell out tons of money for expertly-crafted custom designs or walk around with sad, self-painted approximations of things we saw on Pinterest.

But thanks to NailSnaps, all we need to be good at is taking a decent Instagram pic, which isn't that hard thanks to filters and ever-improving smartphone camera lenses.

Anderson and Heering have included prototypes like palm trees, keyboards and bridal lace on their Kickstarter page. Our favorite, though, is the Majestic Beast:



h/t Refinery29

St. Patrick's Day Makeup Ideas: 4 Gorgeous Ways To Wear Green

March 14, 2014, 12:16 pm

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When we mention the words "green makeup," people instantly throw out a number of words like "Eww," "Weird," and our personal favorite, "Aliens?" But with St. Patrick's Day coming up, it was hard to resist the urge to get our hands on all of the emerald and lime-hued cosmetics we could fine.

After jumping over some really huge hurdles -- okay, green-gold is not the most flattering color in the world -- we decided on a couple of products that would make us a little more festive than we were last St. Paddy's Day.

With the help of HuffPost Live makeup artist Kari Bauce, we learned the ins and outs of how to incorporate green into our beauty routine (just in case you want these looks to surpass your night of bar-crawling good times).

Shot by our amazing photographer and photo editor Raydene Salinas, below are four St. Patrick's Day makeup looks you should consider wearing.


Two-Toned Eyeshadow



The two-toned eyeshadow look isn't as hard as you would imagine, but it does take some time, as Kari says blending is the key, especially with such a bright color like green. Kari started out by applying the lighter hue, Glamour Doll Eyes' Mackinac with a flat brush from the inner corner of the eye to the middle of the lid, and then she added a darker shade, CK One Color in Wipe Out, on the outer corners. Blend, blend and blend and make sure to apply black liner so "it doesn't look too garish" Kari recommends.

Pro tip: Using a slightly damp (not drenched!) shadow brush, you can achieve a look with more intense, colorful hues from powder shadows.

Ombre Lips



Since it will be one of those holidays when anything goes, we decided that a gradient lip would be a pretty unexpected, yet perfect look for St. Patrick's Day. Although we used two lipsticks, Kari recommends lip liner when creating an ombre pattern. "Lipstick wouldn't last, but liner would," she explains, because lipstick would bleed together while a lip liner in combination with stick is the perfect match. She also suggests putting on the light shade all over first, as "it's easier to blend into lighter colors than dark."

The lip colors we used were The Lip Bar in Mint Julep and Holly Jolly.

Pro Tip: If you don't have green lip liner, but have it as an eyeliner, burn the tip for ONLY a second and it will be lip-ready.

Subtle Eyeliner



"If you're going to wear [green liner], it needs to be the centerpiece of your entire makeup look," Kari says, adding that if you need to pair it with some shadow, use a neutral tone. For this look, we used FLOWER Beauty Eyes On The Prize Eyeshadow Chubby in Olive My Love, keeping it close to the lash line with just enough pop to make Carly's eyes standout.

Vibrant Nail Polish



Picking a green nail color was kind of tough, because we didn't want a neon or a super dark color either. But we found the perfect shade of emerald from Julep in Lizanne. Emerald is a great, surprisingly versatile color. Doing your nails are a more subtle way to show your spirit, and if you want to tone it down a little more, try a dark green mascara.

*All product samples were provided for review purposes.

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Green With Envy: 6 St. Patrick's Day Looks to Try

March 14, 2014, 12:19 pm

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St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner and we're prepping all of our favorite green pieces. Whether you're off to the pub or celebrating with corned beef hash at home, shamrock-colored clothes will get you in the holiday spirit. From flirty dresses to statement-making sunnies, take note of these street-savvy blogger ensembles as they show off 6 ways to incorporate this lucky color into your St. Patty's Day attire.




A green pencil skirt makes a statement in this otherwise-neutral office look on dashofdarling.




A printed green dress is further feminized with a floral blazer and yellow bag on halliedaily.




Reflective sunglasses and a bright clutch pops against a white tee and black skirt on jenagambaccini.




Lend a flirty and fun finish to a classic striped dress and denim jacket via thezoereport.




An emerald clutch dresses up a monochrome dress on sydnesummer.




Huntercollector balances green pants with a neutral black blazer and heels.

Which Countries Are All 295 Victoria's Secret Models From?

March 14, 2014, 12:21 pm

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Credit: Shutterstock

If you've ever flipped through the Victoria's Secret catalog and wondered "Where are all of these beautiful models from, and how can I meet them?" we've got the answers.

There have been 295 Victoria's Secret models over the years (including Geena Davis!?), and they hail from 53 countries. And to display exactly which ones, we've created a visual representation almost as stunning and desirable as the models themselves. Or something. Whatever. It's nice.

More: The World's 7 Best Party Countries (Other Than The US of A)









More from Thrillist:

15 Things You're Doing Horribly Wrong While Drinking Abroad

Secrets Of The World's Elite Pickpockets

Follow Thrillist on twitter: www.twitter.com/Thrillist

Kim Kardashian Looks Red Hot In Curve-Hugging Dress

March 14, 2014, 1:04 pm

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Kim Kardashian wowed as she headed to a studio in Van Nuys, Calif., on Friday, March 14.

The 33-year-old, who just returned from a trip to Miami, looked gorgeous in a curve-hugging red dress and gold gladiator heels as she was escorted into the building.





And it's an exciting day for Kardashian, who just launched her children's clothing line, Kardashian Kids, with sisters Kourtney and Khloe at Babies"R"Us.

Today is the day! @kardashiankids launches today at http://t.co/1Mo8eL5lLI and in @babiesrus stores tomorrow!!!!!!! http://t.co/gn5iQgJQQP

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) March 14, 2014

Kendall Jenner Hangs Out In Her Underwear

March 14, 2014, 1:05 pm

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It looks as though Kendall Jenner is the right person to be sending gifts to, especially when you're giving the gift of undergarments.

The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star shared a photo on her Instagram account, wearing nothing but a white bra and underwear with baggy jeans pulled down. Apparently, the underwear modeled in the shot was a gift from Calvin Klein to the 18-year-old reality star–turned–model.



Jenner captioned the photo, "morning! just going to hang out in #MyCalvins alllll day! ... thank you @calvinklein for my little gifts ☺️."

I'm sure Calvin Klein is thanking Kendall Jenner for her little gift of promotion, too.

Get Lucky This St. Patrick's Day Weekend With These Great Sales

March 14, 2014, 1:48 pm

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Whether you like it or not, it's St. Patrick's Day weekend! Spring is just around the corner, and what better time to hit the stores than when everyone else is likely going to be at the bar? We've rounded up the cream of the retail crop for you to take advantage of this week.

Consider this, for lack of better word, your lucky charm.

Gap: For its Friends and Family event, the retailer is offering 40 percent off your ENTIRE PURCHASE. In stores and online through March 16.



H&M: The affordable clothing mecca is having a mid-season sale where select items are up to 70 percent off in stores and online. We're talking seriously cute, already inexpensive clothing reduced even further. Yes, please.



Lucky Brand: Take $25 off a selection of their large inventory of jeans AND take an extra 40 percent off sale styles. It's like killing two birds with one very, very fashionable stone.

Interview With Jen Selter: 'Fitspo' Queen, Global Social Media Icon and Friend

March 14, 2014, 2:47 pm

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Jen Selter on the red carpet at an NFL party in NYC.
Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York

Dear Huffington Post Makeup Readers,
A funny thing happened on the way to the gym, the gym in my own residential building, that is: I ran into Instagram icon Jen Selter and her cool mother Jill, aka @mamaselter. Ends up we all inhabit the same NYC skyscraper. Totally hysterical coincidence and lots of fun! I love bumping into them every day and hearing Jen's success updates. They are a cool, upbeat family and Jen is a good girl, a total sweetheart who really cares to inspire people to get fit and get moving! Heck, she's even gotten me to the gym more times in the past few months than I've gone in years. Think everyone around the globe has started to "Selter" in one way or another because of Jen's fun fitness approach. Even 84-year-old TV legend Barbara Walters, star of the hit ABC morning show The View, was on all fours doing leg lifts when Jen Selter made an appearance. Jen just has something about her that causes you to want to be better. She gets you believing and realizing you can, you can get fit and it's enjoyable! This is her gift.

Jen, her mom and I and even her adorable sister Stephanie have all quickly become friends and now Jen just runs down to my place for makeup on those days when she needs to be red carpet-ready. During our makeup sessions we blast the music, talk squats and get glam! Hey, girls will be girls! At just 20 years young with two new fitness deals on the table, a Vanity Fair spread, nearly 4 million social media followers in less than a year and globally known for the images she posts daily, this little fitness powerhouse is on the rise and fast! Go get 'em, sistah! Proud of you!
NB! Xo

Jen Selter and Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York
horsing around after Jen's makeup is finished.


Behind the scenes with Jen Selter.
Makeup By: Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York


Jen Selter "#seltering" at a NYC subway entrance.


#seltering

INTERVIEW WITH JEN SELTER BY: NICOLE BRYL, MAKE-UP NEW YORK

NB: Jenn, what are a few of your favorite personal activities to do when you are NOT #seltering, #instagraming, #facebooking or #tweeting?

While taking time off from my busy life of #seltering, I enjoy shopping, going out with friends, reading, and simply just hanging out with my family. Although I am very social, I also love my alone time. I think spending time alone is very important.

NB: What's a typical day of eating look like to you when you are in serious exercise mode?

Regardless if I am in serious exercise mode or not; eating healthy is always a part of my daily routine. A typical day for me starts with either oatmeal, or egg whites and toast for breakfast. I truly believe breakfast is the most important meal. It provides the energy I need to keep me going for hours and keep me as productive as possible! For lunch, I usually will have a salad with tons of veggies. The more colorful the salad, the better! In between lunch and dinner I always have a protein bar; it's the easiest snack to refuel with and the easiest to have when on the go. Dinners are always different. I will have anything from a nice pasta dish, grilled chicken and veggies, a nice steak -- or of course, my absolute favorite, sushi! In terms of dessert, dark chocolate is definitely my go-to.

NB: Any Jen Selter beauty tips that keep you feeling your best?

My ultimate beauty tip I can share with people is to drink water. Drinking water is extremely helpful across the board. Making sure you are hydrated is especially beneficial in terms of skin, it will help with any dryness one may experience. In New York this is often a problem especially during the colder months! I also find that using a daily moisturizer is necessary for getting your skin to be the best it can be! I make sure to drink the appropriate amount of water every day and to moisturize every day.

NB: Music plays such an important part to any great workout. Who are your absolute favorite musical artists that help you kick it up a notch and push you to finalize those squats and run that extra mile?

I have a few different work out playlists that I choose from depending on my mood. I have always loved music, and I cannot imagine working out without it. Most of my playlists consist of lots of hip-hop and house music. Some of my favorite artist are: 2 Chainz, Drake, Rihanna and Lil Wayne.

NB: Any specific tips on acquiring the "selter butt"?

Anyone can acquire anything they set their hearts and minds to! It takes dedication, perseverance, hard work and consistency. There is no secret pill, no special diet. What it comes down to is how hard you push yourself and how you overcome the mental challenge of getting yourself to the gym even when you really don't want to. Consistency leads to results. Diet is also important. I eat every few hours to keep my metabolism running and I try to stay away from overly processed foods. Lots of lean meat, vegetables and fresh fruit. Fitness is a lifestyle. You must be mentally prepared to commit to it and be consistent with your health and fitness lifestyle in order to see results and as we know results don't happen overnight.

NB: What have some of the challenges been for you in becoming an overnight global social media icon at age 20?

The only "challenges" I have to mention are the negative comments I often receive; however, I don't know if I would even consider them challenges. There are days were I can get a comment talking about how ugly I am followed by another comment from another person telling me how much I have inspired them; the latter, of course, overpowers the first comment. The negative comments don't really affect me; the positive comments, on the other hand, are amazing. Keep them coming! Going back to the challenges, I don't really feel that there has been any major ones so far thankfully!

NB: Are there any charities that speak heavily to your heart whom you are currently involved with or look forward to incorporating into your life?

Bullying. I have been bullied since I was a child. First because I was too skinny and didn't have a small enough nose and now for other things -- it has continued as an adult. I would love to try to make people feel stronger about themselves where any negative or mean comments don't effect them because they have built up their self esteem. This is something I will actively continue to help people with.

Any final words you'd like to convey to your fans and followers? Anyone in particular you'd like to send a shout out to?

All I have to say to my fans is thank you so much for all the love and support you have given me to date. It is all of you who motivate me to keep doing what I am doing. Knowing that I am motivating so many people around the world is what motivates me, every day! I love you all!


WATCH the first 15 second Jenn Selter excercise video: I came across that motivated me to get to the gym and made me say, "wow, who's that girl???" -Nicole Bryl, Make-Up New York


Watch this video and MEET JEN SELTER

Don't Take Any Style Lessons From The Celebrities Who Made This Week's Worst-Dressed List

March 14, 2014, 2:54 pm

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This week, many celebrities stepped out on the red carpet in looks that needed slight modifications. Dita Von Teese should have ditched the leather gloves she paired with her gown, while Isabelle Fuhrman would have benefited from different shoes to complement her jumpsuit.

Check out our picks for worst-dressed of the week and let us know if you agree.

Tia Mowry



This dress has too many things going on. The asymmetrical neckline, high slit and printed skirt are begging to be scaled back a little. She could have also used a few more inches on that hemline.

Kristen Bell



Bell is such a pretty actress, but this look is too goth for our liking. Between the black sheer overlay on her shapeless dress to her chunky pumps and that dark, heavy eye makeup, she needs to brighten up.

Kristen Bell



Clearly, it wasn't Kristen's week. The problem with this outfit is in the proportions. The length of the dress is shortening the petite actress' legs, the sleeves are too long and the crop top needs to hit a bit lower, at her most narrow part, to be the most flattering.

Isabelle Fuhrman



The "Hunger Games" star is wearing one bizarre jumpsuit. The illusion panel up top competes with the speckled slacks, while the strap on her heels is disrupting the long, lean line of her pants. A strappier shoe would have done wonders for this ensemble.

Krysten Ritter



We're not going to lie, this dress is tacky. The print is doing nothing for her, and we wish she would try out a new silhouette.

Dita Von Teese



Von Teese's dress itself is actually kind of pretty, but with the gloves it skews a little costumey.

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French Musician SoKo On Kissing A Stranger In 'First Kiss'

March 14, 2014, 2:58 pm

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They were the kisses seen 'round the world: a black-and-white video gorgeously shot by director Tatia Pilieva, documenting two strangers meeting for the first time to share a kiss. Some were tender and brief, some were prolonged and passionate. While the video's earnest origins were questioned once it was revealed that the "strangers" were actually actors and models hired by the clothing company WREN to enact the script, 48 million views on YouTube prove it satisfied a big cultural sweet tooth.

French musician SoKo not only stars in one of the most moving scenes in "First Kiss," (in which she kisses a woman), she also provided the pretty tune "We Might Be Dead Tomorrow" as a score to the three-minute amour. The Huffington Post's Alexis Ferenczi caught up with SoKo to talk about the genesis of "First Kiss" and its shockingly global reaction. Their interview, originally posted on HuffPost France, is below.




HuffPost: How did you end up kissing a stranger?

Soko: I’m friends with Melissa Cocker, designer of WREN and I am a huge fan of her brand. She tells me that she's doing an art project with a friend, Tatia [Pilieva, the director], [based on] a big idea where they gather a lot of friends that don’t know each other and have them to kiss.

I didn’t really know what the concept was. A video? A short film or a campaign? But my nickname is "Kissing Bandit" so I thought that would work pretty well. It turned out to be just friends wanting to have fun and do something artistic in the most organic way possible. The creators weren't trying to prove anything. [Everyone was] just joining forces to portray love in a specific way: the single act of kissing a stranger.



How was the experience?

Tatia didn't give any directions. She told us where the camera was, where the light was and where we were supposed to stand. We were all wondering what to do. You're obviously bit embarrassed because you're about to kiss someone you don’t know in front of 20 people. It’s 9 a.m., you’re the first to do it and you have no idea what it is going to be like. It was actually -- and surprisingly -- pretty awesome.

I asked if I could kiss a girl rather than a guy and they said "sure." Everyone was asking: "Who am I gonna kiss? Who is it gonna be?" And Tatia was made it a point not tell anyone. No one but her knew who was going to be on set that day. No one knew who they were going to be paired with. I met [my kissing partner] Marianna five minutes before I kissed her and I assumed she was a lesbian. Nobody had done it before me so I didn’t have anything in mind in terms of how long we were supposed to kiss.

We were kind of shy. We just talked and she was really nice. We thought it was fun, so we took our time, looked at each other and made it real, not mechanical. I wanted it to be special and it felt that way. Marianna then admitted it was actually the first time she had ever kissed a girl.

How does it feel to know that 48 million people have seen your kiss?

The whole Internet experience feels like numbers and nothing real. When I think about figures, I'm more like: "So it means that this many countries have seen the video and listened to my song," which feels pretty awesome but is still unreal.

Why do you think this video has gone so viral?

I think it worked because it was such a genuine experience -- [it was] organic and true. It was made with friends for no money. People are saying: "They’re all actors, it’s a commercial," but it's not. Melissa happens to have this brand WREN but they weren’t thinking of making an [advertising] spot. In the video, I’m wearing my own clothes. It was not intended to sell anything. Sure, a few of the strangers are actors, some were musicians or stylists coming from different backgrounds. It's Los Angeles.

You spoke very openly about your sexuality in an interview given to Tetu in 2012. Are you still comfortable with the subject?

I like people. I don’t care who they are. I’m just a defender of equality. Being equal on this planet is the most important thing and I like equal relationships. Some people have been leaving very homophobic comments on the video which I find sad.

Which one is harder: a fake kiss in a movie or in a viral video?

It’s just a different experience. But the one thing I love the most in life is adventure. Each time I get thrown out of my [comfort zone] and challenged, I feel I’ve overcome some of my fears, whether it is like embracing a story for a movie or kissing an actor for make-believe. If people want me to jump off a cliff or go to the desert and swim with the snakes, I’m up for anything.

What reactions have you received about the "First Kiss" video?

People I haven’t seen in ages are texting me and congratulating me. I think [the video] melted a few hearts. What I learned from it is that if you do things with your friends without thinking about any consequences -- if you just do it for the heck of it -- then sometimes people will pick respond. If anyone would have done the same thing with a commercial [in] mind or [specifically to] make a viral video, it would never have worked.

To me, love is the most important ingredient in making art. It’s vital. If I don’t create, I die. I write everyday, I make music everyday. Music is absolutely life or death for me. If I can’t do it, I rot inside. The main thing I want to do in my life is make art everyday. And be a lover. That’s all.

What are you doing next, musically?

Right now, the record that I’m doing is produced by Ross Robinson who produced the Cure which is my favorite band in the whole world. It sounds a lot more like 80’s new wavy, punkish music with a very English sound. I’m having so much fun with it.

I still don’t have a manager, or a label for it. I think the ["First Kiss"] video will definitely be helpful, though. So many labels have reached out which is crazy because literally, just two weeks ago, I had nowhere to sleep. And now people want to sign me. I’m like, eventually, I can afford to pay rent.

For more on SoKo, visit her website and find her on Facebook and YouTube.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

The Stars On This Week's Best-Dressed List Deserve An A+

March 14, 2014, 2:59 pm

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Many stars hit all the right marks on our best-dressed list this week. Emma Watson proved that a black dress is anything but boring, while Shay Mitchell showed the perfect amount of skin in a long gown with cut-outs and a low neckline.

Check out our picks for best-dressed and let us know what you think.

Emma Watson in Wes Gordon



Watson looks all kinds of stunning. This navy and black tulle chiffon racerback gown makes the actress appear 10 feet tall, while her red lipstick and sleek hair add to the sophistication.

Shay Mitchell in Celia Kritharioti



If you've got it, flaunt it. A plunging neckline and cut-outs can easily be too sexy, but Mitchell's long dress and casual waves ensure that she looks just sexy enough.

Lena Dunham in Kenzo



This is one of the most flattering dresses we have ever seen on Dunham. The skirt flares out, drawing attention to her waistline, while the hemline hits right above the knee, which is a style that looks good on everyone. And those shoes are pretty badass.

Cheryl Cole in Lela Rose



A peplum is good choice for just about everyone, and the cage-like design on the singer's dress makes it a new and interesting take on the trend. Not to mention those python shoes that add the perfect splash of color to her ensemble.

Lea Michele in Suno



This romper is so much fun for a few reasons. First of all, it's a romper. Second of all, it's printed. This is the perfect outfit to welcome spring.

Khloe Kardashian



Kim who? It looks like there is a new best-dressed Kardashian in town. That deep-V neckline looks amazing on Khloe, and the tight dress, combined with the looser, sheer sleeves accentuates her curvy figure.

Tina Fey in Antonio Berardi



This funny actress clearly takes style very seriously. Navy and black is one of our favorite color combinations, and this particular dress is so simple yet so stunning.

25 Lace Wedding Gowns That Will Make You Swoon

March 14, 2014, 11:27 pm

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By Naima DiFranco for Bridal Guide

From delicate Chantilly to bold Alençon, lace has been the fabric of choice on the bridal runways these past few seasons. And with good reason: Lace wedding gowns are inherently romantic and have a rich history.

Now, designers are putting a fresh and modern spin on this time-honored ensemble with soft layers, graphic patterns and dazzling appliqués. Check out some of our favorites!





More from Bridal Guide:
Find Your Dream Wedding Gown!
200+ Color Combinations for Your Wedding
The Hottest New Wedding Trends for 2014
75+ Gorgeous Tall Centerpieces

Keep in touch! Check out HuffPost Weddings on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

'Don't Freak, I'm Sikh' Video Is Out To Change How People See Turbans

March 15, 2014, 4:46 am

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The post-9/11 world has not been kind to Sikhs.

Prejudice and misunderstanding has run rampant against the Sikh community, all too often singled out for their turbans in the chaotic fear following September 11. After several alleged hate crimes against Sikhs in Jersey City last month, one Sikh man testifying on the assaults said simply, "People associate Sikhs with terrorists because of the turban and beards."

The U.K. Sikh community must be experiencing similar prejudice. Pardeep Singh Bahra, a young British Sikh man and author of popular fashion blog, Singh Street Style, produced the video "Don't Freak, I'm Sikh," with the hope of transforming what he sees as a "general misconception people have of Sikhs."

"My turban is a crown, a uniform and a symbol against oppression," Bahra says in the video, which has already received more than 100,000 hits.

The turban can also be a fashion item, used to express style and individuality, as Bahra shows on his blog. "The turban can complement an outfit and give you more character," Bahra told The Guardian. "I've noticed more people are taking pride in their turban, and I really hope to inspire younger Sikh guys to be proud of their turbans too."

Where the blog avoids discussion of religious topics, Bahra's new video confronts religious misperceptions head on. Sikhism is a religion of equality, Bahra says in the video, and the turban should be viewed as a symbol of that.

"The next time you see a turbaned man walking the streets, remember that he is a man of love, equality and peace... The next time you see a Sikh, you'll know the turbans true meaning. My turban reminds me to be a good person."

The Most Common Gray Hair Myths Debunked

March 15, 2014, 5:17 am

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There are two groups of aging people. Those who embrace their grays as a badge of gracefully growing older-- the ones who end up better looking as a result of a little salt and pepper-- and those who live in fear of mirrors and of waking up looking like Cruella Deville. Chances are, if you're reading this, you're of the latter.

We've all heard plenty of myths about gray hair and have stood in front of the mirror agonizing over whether or not to pluck away the sign of your fading youth. We've done the research for you and have debunked the great plucking debate and other common misconceptions about gray hair.

Don't worry. Plucking one gray will not result in two, three, or seven more. Promise.

Who hasn't heard this old wives tale? Turns out there's not a bit of truth to it, cosmetic scientist and author Randy Scheuller told the "Today Show." Plucking may seem like a good idea, but it won't remove the hair follicle, and a new hair will eventually grow back in. Scheuller says what you do to one hair won't at all affect the other hairs around it or make you sprout several more grays. But, don't pick up the tweezers just yet. Scheuller also warns that plucking the hair can cause permanent damage to the follicle, meaning instead of a gray hair growing back, you might not have one at all! Gray doesn't seem so bad now, does it?

You won't "give" yourself gray hair.

At the start of every presidential inauguration people will compare the president's current hair color to what it was when he was first sworn in or before he started campaigning. It may seem a compelling argument, as many past presidents have gone gray in office, but there's really no scientific evidence to back up the claim.

Stress doesn't cause you to gray, but it can cause temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, dermatologist Howard Brooks told CNN. Telogen effluvium causes the hair to fall out and when hairs grow back, they're often less pigmented than the original, and can eventually turn gray. Stress contributes, but doesn't actually cause your graying.

You can go ahead and blame what your mama gave ya.

If you're blaming your teenage kids for stressing you out and turning you gray, think again. It's your parents you can blame for mother nature's gift. Gray hair is based on genetics, although certain lifestyle habits can speed up when it shows up, trichologist Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips told The Huffington Post. So if you're wondering how soon you'll gray, look at your parents for a pretty good indicator.

Speaking of genes, your ethnicity plays a role in when you gray.
According to the NIH, caucasians tend to gray earlier than Asians and blacks.

The 50-50-50 rule isn't so accurate.
Graying is age related. Everything starts to change in our bodies as we grow older and our hair follicles produce less melanin, the pigment that gives your hair its hue. Some dermatologists believe that 50 percent of the population at age 50 can expect to have 50 percent gray hair. But a 2012 worldwide survey found that it's more likely that only between 6 and 23 percent of the population at 50 can expect to have 50 percent gray hair. Phew.

Wondering if excessive dyeing will turn you gray?

You've probably used that excuse to scare off your teenage kids from dyeing their hair blue, purple, or any other rainbow-bright colors. But the truth is, whether you yourself believe it or not, this appears to be nothing but a classic old wives tale. Just don't tell your kids.

The sun plays a role, but isn't the root of the problem (pun intended).

We now know that the sun is the leading cause of skin aging and wrinkles, but the same doesn't apply to our locks. In 2009, European researchers finally discovered the true mechanism responsible for graying. Our hair cells naturally produce hydrogen peroxide. But when the cells produce too much, rather than turning us blonde as it would out of a bottle, it turns us gray.

Scientists say everyone's hair cells produce some hydrogen peroxide, regardless of age. But as we get older, our cells aren't able to break down the chemical as well.

"The whole mechanism is upset by too much hydrogen peroxide," researcher Gerald Weissman told Newsweek. Hydrogen peroxide is "a very concentrated form of oxygen. We need oxygen and sunlight to live, but they also bleach us. Maybe the best analogy is that we're like a color photograph fading to black and white," Weissman said. But does that mean wearing floppy hats and staying indoors can prevent graying? False. It's more about what's going on inside the cells than external factors, Weissman said.

Sigh. If only it were that simple.

However, trichologist Philip Kingsley says gray hair is more susceptible to sun damage, since it has less melanin. So it doesn't hurt to wear a hat or apply a hair product containing SPF everyday to keep your hair healthy.

Lifestyle choices can help or hurt you.

While you can't really prevent or reverse graying, there may be simple steps you can take to avoid premature graying. Doctors say low B12 levels can cause lessening of hair pigments. Low levels of pantothenic acid in mice turned their hair gray, in a study by the Linus Pauling Institute.

And lastly, if you smoke, you ought to ditch the habit. Turns out there is truth to the myth that smokers gray sooner. A 2013 study found there is a link between smoking and graying before 30.