Ahh. At last. There you are, lying out on your lounger underneath the sun umbrella, with an endless white sandy beach stretched out before you. Drink in hand, you will spend the afternoon reading and people watching, perhaps a brief swim in the warm waters of this tropical ocean.

You make sure you have your sunscreen on and keep yourself well hydrated. Later on, you will return to your hotel room and dine in the hotel’s extravagant restaurant. Tomorrow brings the promise of an exciting snorkeling day, to see the beautiful coral reef and the rainbow-colored fish that abounds in these warm waters.

You have worked hard to pay for this vacation so you will enjoy the time off. In fact, this place is so relaxing that you vow to visit it again and see some of the local amenities on your next visit.

Fast forward five years and there you are again… but WAIT! What has happened to the beach, the beautiful coral reefs, that little bistro you wanted to eat at just down the street…?

This has all changed.

The Picture Today

Over-tourism has threatened the very environment you saw as so relaxing on your first trip. That white sandy beach is littered with plastic from straws, water bottles, and other non-disposable plastics that have filled the ocean.

That coral reef has been bleached by the chemicals in the sunscreen creams that we are so careful to apply before going into the water. The loss of that coral reef also impacts the fish population that lives amongst the protection of the reef.

Lack of business for the local bistro means that it had to close its door and the big American-style fast-food franchises are moving in. I am sure you are getting the picture by now, so how can we, as travelers wanting an exciting vacation, change this. After all, we are just one person or one family.

New Term: Responsible Tourism

Vacations should be exciting and not limiting, of course, but we also want to ensure the sustainability of future vacations. This is where responsible tourism comes into the picture.

What exactly is responsible tourism and how can we become responsible tourists?

One word, respect, is the principal motivator to being responsible. As more and more tourists enjoy this beautiful planet, we should be respectful and sensitive to the environment, the people whose homes we are visiting, the cultures that has been formed in years past. As we do this, we will open up the many layers of this planet.

How to Be a Responsible Tourist

Some practical ways to show respect for the environment are to:

• Pack your own cloth bag for shopping. Use that when you buy locally handmade (not banned) products for souvenirs.
• Pack your own reusable water bottle and spend a little extra to get one with a strong filter so that you do not have to get the bottled water at the stores. Reusable straws are easily bought now too.
• If you must have your coffee, pack your own coffee mug or drink from mugs in the local bistro.
• Check the list of ingredients in your sunscreen, and do not use if it contains any chemical that may harm the ocean environment.
• Take shorter showers.
• At your hotel, do not ask for housecleaning every day, only as needed. Many hotels are now winning awards for their efforts toward sustainable tourism. This effort includes recycling plastics, recycling soap bits, using eco-friendly laundry soaps, composting.
• Do some research before you book your hotel. Even better, book your stay at a small homestay or locally run hostel. Stay a few days to reduce your travel and your carbon footprint.
• Use a bicycle to tour the area or enjoy a walking tour.
• Try to book a direct flight to your destination as direct flights will reduce the carbon footprint.
• Be adventurous with your dining options. Support the locally run cafes, bistros, restaurants and savor some of the local cuisines.
• Why not try a local cooking class. Perhaps you might even learn what is in Baba’s secret sauce!
• Book some exciting locally run tours that you have researched before to ensure that the employees are being treated properly; that wages are fair, living accommodation, if provided by the employer, is decent.
• Stay clear of tour operators who offer up-close encounters with local wildlife. Quite often, these animals are made to behave via physical abuse.
• Be sensitive and respectful of the culture. For example, head coverings may be required in some countries. Show respect and cover your head.
• Greetings are different in many countries, so learn the polite way of greeting the local people.
• Try to learn a few phrases in the language and use that language as much as possible. There are many translation apps you can download on your phone to help you with that. I know I would use those apps a lot as language is not my forte.
• Do some research on local customs, show respect for their history, and perhaps even engage in an intelligent conversation to learn more a custom you’re interested in. You might even learn more about how to dress in a sari!
• If you are traveling with children, this will be a great example to them of how to make travel more engaging, educational, and fun.

Responsible travel does not have to be limiting. It can, in fact, be quite the opposite, opening up endless ways to explore this planet. Be adventurous and continue to explore. Happy travels now and in the future.

Do you think you are a responsible traveler? What do you do to show respect to the people and places you visit? Have you re-visited a location only to see it had changed dramatically since your first visit? How had things changed? Please share with the community.

Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Sequin Tweed Blazer

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Episode 12 Fashion

Sequin and tweed are both bold statement fabrics, so why not combine them? That’s just what Crystal Kung Minkoff’s sequin tweed blazer did. Though her blazer is making bold statements it doesn’t seem like Crystal is. The rest of the ladies were discussing Erika Jayne’s drama, but Crystal just sat there looking pretty. But that was only a glimpse in the preview so we shall see what tonight’s episode brings. Maybe she will end up making a bold statement other than her adorable sequin tweed blazer.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to See Her Veronica Beard Sequin Tweed Blazer

Originally posted at: Crystal Kung Minkoff’s Sequin Tweed Blazer

Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I love the color pink. There isn’t a day that goes by where I’m not wearing pink eyeshadow, pink glitter, or pink lipstick (and sometimes all three!). Yes — I’m really living my own Barbie dreams thanks to pink makeup. When it comes to the shade of pink, I’m not too picky — frankly, I love it all. It can be bubblegum pink, hot pink, baby pink, pastel pink, or anything in between. After all, at the end of the day pink is pink.

I don’t mean to fall into the outdated cliche that “pink is for girls,” but I’m definitely a girl who adores the color pink. Whether it comes to makeup or my outfit, I wear pink lipstick because it makes me feel pretty, bold, and, well, beautiful. Regardless of whatever makeup trends are currently going viral, I almost always favor my pink hues. I mean, makeup shouldn’t be worn for others, but for themselves. End of rant.

As a self-professed pink lipstick connoisseur, here’s what I look for: vibrancy and color, ease of application, and coverage. Also, while I do I think about how the shade looks against my skin tone, if I like the color itself, I’ll usually overlook that. With that said, I went through 22 pink lipsticks from some of my favorite beauty brands and put them up against each other to see which ones will have a permanent home in my makeup bag. Read on to see what the best pink lipsticks are and where you can get your hands on them ASAP.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.  

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

MAC Cosmetics in Candy Yum

My go-to pink lipstick has to be Candy Yum-Yum. Its creamy formula glides right on the lips in just one swipe for a highly pigmented super-bright bubblegum pink color. This lipstick claims to have a “no-shine matte finish,” but it’s more semi-matte. It’s not super drying and unfortunately is not transfer-proof so there’s no escaping the dreaded smudge — but it’s still a must-have in my book. Sadly, this shade is going to be discontinued, so if you want to get your hands on a tube, act fast!

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

Dose of Colors in Pinky Promise

I ~pinky~ promise you that you’ll love this lipstick just as much as I do. It’s less of a bubblegum color compared to Candy Yum Yum, and more of a hot pink with fuchsia undertones. The comfortable formula is quite thick so a little goes a long way when it comes to application. In about 30 seconds or so, watch your lips quickly dry to a velvet matte finish that will last for a large portion of the day (and won’t dry out your lips!).

Courtesy of Kat Von D.

Kat Von D Studded Kiss in Backstage Bambi

Pink lipstick is amazing overall, but, I’m not going to lie, amazing packaging never fails to get my attention. KVD’s lipsticks come in fun, creative packaging — think early 2000’s pop-punk. Backstage Bambi is a similar color to Candy Yum-Yum — a bright bubblegum pink that falls on the cooler end of the spectrum. Best of all, it doesn’t settle into the cracks and crevices on your lips, unlike other matte lipsticks.

Buy: KVD Backstage Bambi $27.99

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

ColourPop Creme Lipstick in Fizzy Pop

ColourPop is one of my absolute favorite brands. Unfortunately, my favorite pink shade of all time, Are You Surreal, is discontinued (sad face), but Fizzy Pop is a close second. This shade is a hybrid of hot and baby pink. It’s natural-looking but has enough pigment to stand out. Similar to the brand’s other Lippie Stixs, this pink shade glides on nicely and its precise application calls for even lines, which are crucial when wearing pink lipstick. 

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

Huda Beauty Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in Bachelorette

If you’re looking for an extremely full-coverage and ultra-pigmented lipstick, this is it. Bachelorette is a gorgeous long-wearing Fuschia shade that serves some serious color payoff. This cool-toned lipstick glides on seamlessly and doesn’t settle at all for a picture-perfect look. Oh, and It’s also cruelty-free so you can feel good about wearing it. 

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Poolside

I absolutely love this cool-toned pink lipstick. Not only does it go on creamy in just one swipe, but it’s infused with peptides to create the appearance of soft and supple lips. Its precise tip makes it easy to apply and line the lips while getting into those inner corners that often go missed. Plus, it gives a satin finish that leaves a subtle shine for a fuller-looking pout.

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

Makeup Forever Lipstick in Fierce Flamingo

If I absolutely ~had~ to narrow it down, this formula would probably be my second go-to pink lipstick because it’s a super vibrant and long-wearing. It delivers a seamless, one swipe coverage and a creamy formula that allows for easy application. Plus, it gets extra credit points for not sucking every ounce of moisture from my lips and the sleek black packaging gives it a luxurious look that’ll make you feel like a million bucks.

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

Ilia Color Block High Impact Lipstick in Knockout

This vegan pick lipstick is more sheer and glossy looking than some of the others I tested out, but it’s extremely pretty nonetheless. For those who want to achieve a subdued pink lip, this shade isn’t super loud, but it’s still highly pigmented. This lipstick applies super smoothly and creates a full coverage look with just one swipe.

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

Morphe Cream Lipstick in Loudmouth

With a price tag of just $5, you can’t go wrong with this hot pink lipstick. Its smooth and creamy formula glides right on the lips and leaves a demi-glossy finish. While not transfer-proof, carry it around in your purse to touch up throughout the day and you’re all set.

Courtesy of Casey Clark.

CTZN Cosmetics Lipstick in Los Angeles

Looking for more of a nude-pink lipstick? CTZN Cosmetics has you covered with this dark mauve shade. The lipstick has a creamy, velvety texture from its infused wild mango butter that coats the lips with moisture and provides opaque coverage. Best of all — there’s no transfer so you can eat, drink, and kiss without worry. Want more of a shine? Use the lip gloss on the other side. 

Now that summer is officially in full swing, that means you’re probably wearing fewer clothes and showing more skin. If you’re into removing your body hair and have skipped a few waxing sessions, you’re not alone. Whether you choose to shave at home, DIY wax, or get regular waxes at the salon, there are plenty of considerations to take into account to both achieve ~and~ maintain your results — and yes, even if you’re contemplating laser hair removal, but more on that later! Naturally, there are a slew of embarrassing hair removal questions we all have most likely thought about at some point or another, so instead of leaving you to your own devices, we decided to consult with some experts to get the lowdown instead (you’re welcome!).

Our pros have given us the scoop on all things hair removal to help you select the hair removal method that works the best for you — and how to keep your results looking fresh in between services and treatments. Read on to learn more and shop some of our favorite at-home hair removal products.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Completely Bare is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

1. You Aren’t As Hairy as You Think

“There are three main stages in which hair goes through—Anagen: The Growing Phase, Catagen: The Transitional Phase, and Telogen: the Resting Phase,” explains Bernadette Devaney, Research Manager at Nair. “Many factors can influence hair growth, such as illness, medications, stress, and pregnancy, to name a few. Various areas of the body do experience different growth rates, but on average, hair will grow 4-6 inches per year.”

2. Upgrade Your Razor Routine

“The easiest way [to avoid nicks or cuts] is to lather up with a nice moisturizing shaving gel,” shares Hibba Kapil, owner of Hibba NYC. “Try [to] have good lighting and proper placement of your body part to support while shaving. Get a smaller razor for small body parts like bikini and underarms, but always choose the one with flexibility. Be careful of your direction—the first shave should be in the opposite direction of hair growth.”

Courtesy of Completely Bare.

Completely Bare Completely Smooth No-Bump Shaving Gel

To elevate your at-home shaving game, investing in a premium shaving gel is the best bet. This hydrating and bump-reducing formula helps prevent ingrown hairs from forming post-shave while also soothing any irritation.

3. Try To Wait Until Your Teens

“There really isn’t a specific age at which girls should start going for hair removal treatments,” shares Natalia Romanenko, Strip Ministry of Waxing Senior Therapist and Trainer. “Ultimately, it depends on how comfortable she (and/or her parents) are with it. Most teenagers of about 12-13 years old tend to start with removing the hair on their underarms for hygiene reasons before progressing to legs and arms.”

4. There Are Pros (And Cons) to Depilatories

“Both lotions and creams are ideal for larger areas such as underarms, [the] bikini line, and legs,” shares Devaney. “Cream depilatories have a thicker consistency, which can provide more control for smaller areas such as the face, where precision is important. Results [can] last days longer than shaving.”

5. You Have to Wait to Wax

“4-6 mm is the ideal hair length for waxing,” explains Romanenko. “Our ‘waxperts’ will trim the hair if it’s too long for a comfortable waxing experience. You can always opt to take an aspirin or ibuprofen about 30-45 minutes before waxing to help reduce discomfort, especially if you are waxing sensitive areas such as the Brazilian or chest.”

Courtesy of Tree Hut.

Tree Hut Hair Inhibiting Body Butter

You can help keep unwanted hair at bay in between waxing appointments by using a hair growth inhibiting lotion or body butter.

Buy: Tree Hut Hair Inhibiting Body Butter $7.99

6. You Can Shave Your ‘Stache

“This is a myth—shaving facial hair does not cause it to grow back thicker,” debunks Devaney. “However, removing hair using a depilatory cream (like Nair Precision Kit For Face & Upper Lip Moroccan Argan Oil) will cause hair to grow back softer then shaving—because shaving cuts hair across the hair shaft, giving it a sharp edge.”

7. Hair Removal Is Great Year-Round

“All the methods can be used throughout the year,” shares Romanenko. “Many people forget, waxing also removes dead, dry skin—which is common during the winter months—giving you smoother skin. Waxed skin also enables moisturizers to be absorbed more rapidly and efficiently, which is a definite bonus during those dry winter months.”

Courtesy of Shave Works.

Shave Works The Cool Fix Post-Shave Treatment

This post shave and wax solution helps to mitigate irritation, razor bumps, and ingrown hairs. This is especially helpful for soothing the skin after a Brazilian bikini wax.

Buy: Shave Works Cool Fix Treatment $26

8. Pamper Skin Post-Treatment

“Irritated skin must be treated properly to avoid scabbing,” cautions Kapil. “Post-treatment, opt for cotton clothing and loose clothing to prevent further irritation [during sugaring treatments]. Apply cortisone cream every hour along with a cold compress to offer relief. At home, mix-up a coconut oil and yogurt concoction as a DIY-solution.”

9. Add Lots of Moisture

“It is of great importance to scrub (a week after waxing) and moisturize (a day after waxing) regularly,” explains Romanenko. “Scrubbing and moisturizing will help to prevent the rise of any nasty ingrown hair, as scrubbing removes dead skin and moisturizing keeps the skin soft and supple.”

Kyle Richards’ Yellow Logo Pants

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 11 Episode 12 Fashion

Kyle Richards looks great in her yellow Gucci logo pants. Though everything about this situation is unfortunately not Gucci. I feel so terrible for what’s going on with Erika. But she seems to have a solid group of very fashionable women to rely on. I’m very intrigued to see how this all unfolds in the end. For now I will just settle for unfolding a Style Stealer of these yellow wide leg pants.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here to See Her Yellow Gucci Logo Pants

Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Yellow Logo Pants