How the Hitachi Magic Wand Helped Me Define Queer Sex for Myself

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Growing up, I understoodsexto be one thing and one thing only. Courtesy of author How would it go down? I realized I was queer when I was 20, in college, and a self-proclaimed straight girl. Maybe I wasnt as straight as I thought. Courtesy of author...

September 19, 2017 · 3 min · 555 words · Jennifer Duke

12 Makeup Removers for Sensitive Skin That Derms Love

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. From micellar water to cleansing oil, these products are doctor favorites. Graphic by Cristina Cianci When removing eye makeup, choose a product specific for the eye area. These pads from Almay check both those boxes, and theyre super easy to pack for travel. The brands dual-phase liquid cleanser is also excellent for allmakeup removaland sensitive eyes, she says....

September 18, 2017 · 1 min · 212 words · Gordon Wilkinson

The 2017 Emmys Red Carpet Was Filled With Fashion Inspiration

Last night, the 69th annualEmmy Awardssignaled the beginning of yet another award season. Do you think I could pull off head-to-toe sequins likeGabrielle Union? I’m sure going to give it a try. Getty Images See all the celebrity fashion moments from the2017 Emmy Awardsahead. Ariel Winter Ariel Winter’s metallic gown had two thigh-high slits. That’s double the opportunity for a leg pop. Priyanka Chopra Priyanka Chopra rocked this white Balmain gown with a showstopping feathered train....

September 18, 2017 · 2 min · 331 words · Willie Nichols

These Are the Abs Exercises You Should Skip if You Have Lower-Back Pain

Am I doing it wrong? Is my lower back just too weak? Should I be modifying the movement, or should I just stop? Paul Bradbury / Getty Images A strong core is important for supporting your whole body. Yet for some people, doing basic bodyweight abs exercises can cause lower-back pain or discomfort. you might’t do a sit-up without engaging both your abs and your back, right? He adds that for some people, the back may tighten up enough to potentially cause a back spasm....

September 16, 2017 · 2 min · 413 words · Susan Lara

14 Classic Fall Comfort Food Dinners Under 500 Calories

There’s a lot to love aboutfall: Crunchy leaves, boots, Harry Potter movie marathons on TV. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice that flaky crust. Serve it over cauliflower mashed “potatoes” (or the regular kind). https://minimalistbaker.com/

September 15, 2017 · 1 min · 35 words · Curtis Huerta

How to Start Working Out If You’ve Never Exercised Before

If you want to make movement a regular part of your day, you have many exercise options. But you may be unsure about how to start working out if youve never really exercised regularly before. Nope: Everyone starts somewhere. Artem Varnitsin / EyeEm/Getty Images And those runners you seegoing for hours? At one point, jogging nonstop for five minutes was probably a victory for them. Besides, your exercise routine is aboutyouits about your individual goals, your preferences, and your interests....

September 15, 2017 · 3 min · 508 words · Crystal Evans

I'm a Woman Who Likes Music, and I'm Tired of Seeing Men Dominate Music Fest Lineups

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. I was 19 years old when I went to my firstmusic festival. Me and friends at Panorama 2017 Notice anything interesting about the acts I just mentioned? Oh yeah, they’re all men. Women obviously do perform at music festivals. Womendoexist in music, and theyaregranted space on music festival lineupsbut not as often as they should be....

September 15, 2017 · 3 min · 555 words · Misty Russell

12 Dietitian-Approved Pumpkin-Flavored Snacks You Can Buy at the Grocery Store

In case you havent already heard,pumpkin spice seasonis back and better than ever. Right this minute you could walk into almost any store and grab a box of pumpkin Oreos or muffins. Registered dietitians understand the constant need for pumpkin spiceto be honest, theyre pretty obsessed themselves. Graphic by Cristina Cianci Thats why they love these 12 seasonally flavored, better-for-you products. Fromgranola barstoGreek yogurttocereal, these treats are all R.D.-approved. Natures Path Qia Superfood Cinnamon Pumpkin Seed Oatmeal Oatmeal and pumpkin spice go hand in hand....

September 14, 2017 · 2 min · 304 words · Dana Hernandez

Are Probiotics Anything More Than Hype?

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. But what exactly is a probiotic? The Noun Project and Getty Images/Graphic by Cristina Cianci And, more importantly, do you need it? Usually these are meant to be gut organisms, which grow in your intestine and help with digestion. Probiotics are often bacteria, but they can also include some species of yeasts....

September 14, 2017 · 2 min · 360 words · Julian Gates

The Most Important Show I Saw During Fashion Week Wasn’t Part of Fashion Week

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. But here’s the thing: It wasn’t atFashion Week. A consumer enjoying the activations and shopping at CurvyCon. Sometimes they’ll snap a photo or write down notes. If it sounds super stuffy, thats because it can be. Now, let me tell you about thisDia & Coshow featuring designs by Rachel Roy and actress Rebel Wilson....

September 14, 2017 · 2 min · 356 words · Lori Ruiz

What I Didn't Know About PCOS Led to My Unplanned Pregnancy and Abortion

Wed love for you to slough at least once every three months. Words we dont like. Aside from some frantic, post-appointment googling, Id mostly ignored the disease, parsing myamenorrheaas a convenience. William Andrew / Getty Images Id never fully understood why, or bothered to look into it, until now. The symptoms are variable and sometimes polar opposites. It also has serious implications on fertility. I remember hearing this news when I was 19 years old....

September 14, 2017 · 3 min · 550 words · Paul Garcia

16 Ways Hillary Clinton Practiced Self-Care After the Election

As we now know, that wasn’t the case. “I believe this is what some call ‘self-care.’ It turns out, it’s pretty great,” Clinton says. Timothy A. Clary/Getty Images Here, 16 ways Clinton says she practiced self-care in the aftermath of the 2016 election. Immediately after giving herconcession speech, Clinton headed to her home in New York and changed into comfy clothes. “That day, the sight of our front gate was pure relief to me....

September 13, 2017 · 3 min · 471 words · Matthew Mcintosh

Samira Wiley Didn't Ask to Be Your Role Model—She Just Can’t Help It

“It can feel overwhelming sometimes, representing so much for so many people at such a crazy time. I just hope that our show is a warning, instead of prophetic.” “It’s practically down the street from the White House, you know what I mean? Ben Morris. Wardrobe Styling by Yuiko Ikebata. Makeup by Porsche Cooper. Hair by Peter Matteliano at Bryan Bantry using Oribe Hair. On Samira: Top, dress and pants by ICB....

September 13, 2017 · 3 min · 519 words · Amanda Case