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I don’t remember why I originally signed up for Jennifer Lopez’s website and newsletter. But I’m so glad I did. Because the star didn’t work with a tabloid for her wedding announcement and she didn’t post about it on Instagram. She sent an email! It’s like we’re BFFs and I was one of the first to know (I wasn’t). In it, I learned about Lopez’s Las Vegas wedding with Ben Affleck, her dress, wedding hair and nails — all the important things.

“We barely made it to the little white wedding chapel by midnight,” Lopez writes. “They graciously stayed open late a few minutes, let us take pictures in a pink Cadillac convertible, evidently once used by the king himself (but if we wanted Elvis himself to show, that cost extra and he was in bed).

“So with the best witnesses you could ever imagine, a dress from an old movie and a jacket from Ben’s closet, we read our own vows in the little chapel and gave one another the rings we’ll wear for the rest of our lives.”

Source: Instagram

Lopez (wait, I guess she’s an Affleck now?!) went on to share images of their Vegas nuptials. She looked classically beautiful, with a bouncy blowout by longtime hairstylist and friend Chris Appleton. He told Vogue he wanted a more timeless look than overly trendy. “We felt the hair shouldn’t be overly done,” he said. “I pulled back the front of the hair on either side to keep the face open—still with the illusion of the hair being down. The technique was all about getting a gorgeous, luxe finish to the hair. I wanted an effortless, flowy feeling — that when she walked, the hair bounced.”

Source: Instagram

As for other beauty details, Lopez’s manicurist Tom Bachik revealed the exact nail color the bride chose to marry in. The light taupe gray hue is Bio Seaweed Gel dip powder in Are You Sure? Gorgeous!

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We’re big fans of Halsey’s makeup line, About-Face, over here. It’s innovative, creative and bold, with colors and formulas you can’t get just anywhere. It’s not especially expensive but with prices starting at $12, it could be out of range for many. That’s why Halsey is rolling out af94, an affordable — and still colorful — brand with all products under $10.

“After listening to feedback received from fans and friends, I wanted to create another self-expressive line that was lower-priced with a wide reach,” Halsey said in a statement, “which is why we are so excited to be launching this new collection with Walmart. I hope wearing this makeup, however that looks for you, inspires you to break beauty rules and color outside of the lines.”

The first drop includes velvety eyeshadow crayons (Shadowboxer), creamy matte lipsticks (Majorly Matte), multi-use cheek + lip tints (Playdate), biodegradable makeup remover wipes (Friendly Rewinder), colorful face + body stickers (Joystickers) and more.

Source: Instagram

“I’ll always remember being 15 years old and saving up to buy my first eyeliner,” Halsey continued. “It was electric blue and a big purchase for me at the time, but the thrill of wearing such a bold color was worth every penny. I created af94 so that anyone and everyone can chase that rush of standing out with bold makeup, but at an affordable price.”

Like About-Face, af94 (named after Halsey’s initials and her year of birth), products are vegan, cruelty-free, “clean” and developed for all skin types and tones. It will be in approximately 2,900 Walmart stores across the country and on Walmart.com, of course.

“Walmart is committed to making beauty accessible for all of our customers and we are thrilled to be adding af94 to our growing lineup of affordable, inclusive and quality beauty products,” said Creighton Kiper, merchandising VP for Beauty, Walmart U.S. “Our assortment reflects shoppers’ evolving interests and we are proud to collaborate with Halsey, someone who has built a platform on inclusivity, to develop a brand that will resonate strongly with our customers.”

The first collection launches July 25 so head to Walmart’s website to grab it before it’s gone.

Wandering along a gently flowing creek on a warm summer day has been a favorite outing most of my life. I’ve never felt the urge to venture out on backpacking or backcountry excursions, but a day hike up into the hills just to admire the view and explore the untouched beauty brings me a peace I find no place else.

I always seemed to have plenty of hiking buddies, until lately, when things changed and those who used to be up for a day in the wild either moved away or suffered some malady that took them out of commission.

Taking Measures to Hike Alone

As a result, I wasn’t getting out as frequently and I missed it terribly. So, a few months ago, I decided I needed to learn how to safely hike alone. I wasn’t going to give up one of my favorite outdoor activities just because I didn’t have a companion.

As I formulated a plan, I talked with other experienced hikers about where and how to continue on my own. I decided my first step was to learn the trails in my area.

I joined a hiking program at the local state park led by helpful volunteers who introduced me to the miles of trails and offered useful advice on equipment and safety precautions.

I began my solo journeys with short hikes in a small regional park, where I felt comfortable and confident, and I headed off, alone and happy to be out again.

Learning the Trails

As I learned new trails in the larger park, I invited others to take those hikes with me to reinforce my familiarity before venturing out unaccompanied. I also researched recommendations from several hiking sites, such as All Trails, that offer information on level of difficulty, ease of navigation, and safety.

I downloaded their app onto my phone, so I would have the GPS navigation anytime I had connectivity. But I would never depend on it. I like to purchase or download maps from the state and regional parks to carry in my pack.

Paying Attention to Landmarks

I also began to pay attention to landmarks along the trail rather than just enjoy the walk. Noting the position of the sun at a certain time of day, locating mountain peaks, cell towers, and other landmarks helped guide me along, and also reassured me that I was headed in the proper direction.

With practice, it’s become a habit, as I pass certain trail markers, to always consciously take note.

Taking precautions, preparing adequately, and using reasonable judgement has given me the freedom to step out into the beauty of nature, with or without company, and I recommend you give it a try.

Safety Precautions When Hiking Solo

Here are a few additional steps I take to feel safe and well prepared:

Share My Plans with Someone

Tell someone where I’m headed and what time I expect to be back. I usually text one of my hiking friends who know the trails and give them a detailed itinerary, including the trail names, not just the name of the park or area.

Maintain Adequate Physical Activity Level

Prepare and maintain my body with regular workouts, focusing on core muscles for balance, cycling and swimming for ankle, knee, and hip stability, cardio for endurance, and yoga/Pilates for flexibility and freedom of movement.

Pack for All Circumstances

Pack a whistle, water, cell phone, and band-aides. The sound of a whistle can be heard a long distance if you need assistance. I never assume I will be able to use my phone in case of trouble, but I carry it and know how to use the GPS function to ascertain my location if I have a connection.

Know Where I’m Going

Hike familiar and well-marked trails and carry a map. I make an effort to pay attention to my route, noting junctions of trails and watching the position of the sun as I progress.

Take My Time and Watch My Step

I stop to enjoy the view, take photos or video, then proceed. I focus on keeping my feet under me as I descend steep trails and watch for loose gravel.

I take breaks in the shade and remember to drink water before I’m thirsty. Many hikers use hiking poles for additional security. I’ve not transitioned to them yet, but will eventually, I’m sure.

There are risks to hiking alone but I believe if I take these precautions and prepare well the benefits outweigh the risks. Happy Hiking!

What is your favorite outdoor activity? Who do you usually bring with you? If no one can accompany you, can you do this activity on your own? What safety steps do you need to take to feel comfortable and protected? Please share with our community and let’s talk outside hobbies!  

It’s been four months since we’ve seen any new products from Harry Styles’ Pleasing beauty line, which seems like a lot longer than it is. But it’s Harry Styles. We can never get enough. That’s why we’re so excited Pleasing’s Hot Holiday collection is coming SO soon. Don’t worry — it’s not giving off Christmas vibes in July. This is your summer holiday on the Italian coast. Whether that’s actually the plan this summer or not, a girl can dream.

Hot Holiday features four new shades of the biodegradable, 12-free nail polish inspired by summer: Beach Ball (a deep ocean blue opaque gloss), Nonna’s Sorbet (a yellow opaque gloss), Harry’s Chair (a seaweed green opaque gloss) and Wet Bottoms (a high gloss, clear topper for a wet-look finish). We’re truly obsessed with these names. Each is meant to be worn alone or you can layer them for a more unique look.

Pleasing.

The Pleasing Polish Set retails for $65 for four shades, plus you get cute beach-y decals to adorn your nails. Beach Ball and Nonna’s Sorbet shades are also sold individually for $20.

Pleasing.

Joining the polishes are two new skin and body products and vacation-ready apparel items. You read that right — more clothes are coming! How excited are you and how cute are the campaign images from this collection?!

Pleasing.

Let’s talk skincare first. There’s the The Pleasing Spritz Probiotic Soothing Tonic ($25 at Pleasing), a calming face mist infused with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, Maris aqua, Euglena gracilis extract and bitter orange flower oil. Like the brand’s other skincare products, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores).

Pleasing.

Finally, there’s the Everybody Oil Matte Moisture Glow ($45 at Pleasing), a hydrating body oil with a matte finish. It contains ingredients such as chamomile, jojoba, evening primrose oil and buckthorn berry to
help your skin glow.

Pleasing.

The Hot Holiday collection launches July 19, with apparel coming July 26, on the Pleasing website. You can also grab the collection at one of the many IRL pop-ups happening. Check the Pleasing Twitter account for details!

Chanel Ayan and Lesa Melan’s Studded Wedge Sandals

Real Housewives of Dubai Season 1 Episode 5 Fashion

The Real Housewives of Dubai understood the assignment. To be an official ‘Wives pool party, there must be at least one attendee in an embellished wedge sandal. And Chanel Ayan and Lesa Melan came in full force with some embellished wedges for the books. But based on availability and price, thankfully there are some good Style Stealers that will work just fine. Well, unless you’re going to a pool party in Dubai.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to See Lesa’s Christian Louboutin Cataconio Wedge Sandals

Click Here to Shop them on eBay

Click Here to Shop Chanel’s Christian Louboutin Lame Lux Pyraclou Wedge Sandals

Click Here for Additional Stock on eBay

Originally posted at: Chanel Ayan and Lesa Melan’s Studded Wedge Sandals