Life Style

America Ferrera Didn’t Win an Oscar, but Her Monologue Will Live on For Latinas

There's a reason why we're still talking about America Ferrera's "Barbie" monologue months after the blockbuster was released. While presenting the Best Supporting Actress award during the 2024 Oscars, Rita Moreno gave an emotional speech about Ferrera, who was nominated for her role of Gloria in the pink-filled film. While Ferrera didn't wind up taking home an Oscar - the award instead went to Da'Vine Joy Randolph for her role in "The Holdovers" - Moreno's speech left folks in the audience trying to understand why. "America. Your powerful Barbie monologue is perhaps the most talked-about moment in the most talked-about movie of the past year," Moreno said. "Your words and the passion with which you delivered them about the most impossible standards females must try to live up to galvanized not only women but everyone with a pulse." Even the way Moreno pronounced "America," with a Spanish accent and in a sing-song-y voice referencing her iconic role in "West Side Story," was powerful. It made the statement that women like Ferrera are just as American as anyone else living in this country. By now, many people have seen Gloria's impactful speech in which she tells Margot Robbie's Barbie the truth of what it means to be a woman. She breaks down all the impossible and contradicting expectations that are constantly placed on women. The moving monologue pulled at the audience's heart strings because it put in plain terms what women have had to endure for centuries and in today's still very patriarchal society. The fact that this speech was delivered by a Latina actress playing a Latina character made it resonate that much more for me. For any woman who holds intersectional identities, society's impossible expectations become that much more impossible. As Latinas, we're told we need to be thin regardless of if we've had children or not and regardless of any health issues we might have. But we also need to have big boobs, a big butt, and wide hips - hence why plastic surgery is so popular in our communities. We have to be strong but we also are expected to be submissive, especially with our partners. We're told we need to lead and carry everyone from our spouses to our children, but if we pour into ourselves, we're selfish. We're supposed to be beautiful and sexy enough to make any man lust over us, but if we're too sexy, we're sluts and we deserve whatever disrespect men throw at us. While we still very much live in a patriarchal society, I am proud to be a Latina living in a time where we are finally encouraged to love ourselves and recognize that despite the unrealistic expectations that are constantly placed on us, we are in fact, enough. I am proud to be living at a time when women are finally throwing those oppressive expectations out the window and giving less f*cks about existing to please the male gaze. We are loving ourselves regardless of our body shape or size. We are embracing aging and recognizing our worth, even if that means being "boy sober" or refusing to allow the biological clock dictate our lives. Ferrera ends her powerful speech saying, "I'm just tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll representing women, then I don't even know." While the patriarchy has continued to exist since the "Barbie" movie came out and since Ferrera's monologue went viral, I am proud of the impact it has had on so many girls and women. Sometimes all it takes is having our experiences explained right back at us for us to decide we're no longer giving in to the pressure. Ferrera might not have taken home an award Sunday night, but like the true artist and changemaker she is, she left a mark with that speech that is already creating shifts in our culture. Her performance is just one step forward toward future generations of girls and women not having to experience the impossible expectations that have given us so much grief for centuries. That's worth more than any Oscar in my book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBqlDWHkdHk Johanna Ferreira is the content director for POPSUGAR Juntos. With more than 10 years of experience, Johanna focuses on how intersectional identities are a central part of Latine culture. Previously, she spent close to three years as the deputy editor at HipLatina, and she has freelanced for numerous outlets including Refinery29, Oprah magazine, Allure, InStyle, and Well+Good. She has also moderated and spoken on numerous panels on Latine identity. .
Read MoreAmerica Ferrera Didn’t Win an Oscar, but Her Monologue Will Live on For Latinas

How Long Do Spray Tans Last? Here’s What Experts Have to Say

You've probably tried your fair share of self-tanners at home before, whether that's for a wedding, a weekend getaway, or just to maintain a nice glow in the summertime. Many people love self-tanners because they're an easy way to achieve bronzed skin without leaving the house, but if you're looking for a fake tan that will last you a long time - say, for a weeklong vacation - then you may want to consider a spray tan. Spray tans performed by a skilled professional are the best way to fake skin-kissed skin - sans any sun damage. At the salon, your tanning artist will help you pick the right shade for you and then apply it using an airbrush machine for a seamless blend. Typically, you go home with a guide color on your skin that you can wash off a few hours later, revealing your new tan. But how long does a spray tan last? The answer really depends. To get to the bottom of this, we spoke with two tanning experts about how long spray tans last, plus how to prolong your results to really get the most out of them. For the scoop, keep reading. How Long do Spray Tans Last? The answer to how long does fake tan last depends on a variety of factors. "Spray tans usually last five to 14 days, depending on how well the skin is prepared and cared for after the tan," Veronique Munro, founder and CEO of Infinity Sun, tells PS. St. Tropez tanning expert Sophie Evans adds: "During the summertime, it sheds quicker because you're sweating, and you're in and out of swimming pools and the ocean." With that said, the formula that is used affects the longevity of the spray tan, too. Generally, formulas that offer more hydration to the skin tend to last longer. "Skin-conditioning agents, emollients, and humectants buffer the drying aspects of DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which set it up for greater longevity." Some key ingredients you'll want to look for when it comes to spray-tan formulas are hyaluronic acid for hydration and propanediol, which is both an emollient and humectant. Munro advises staying away from products that contain a lot of alcohol in the formulation, as they can dry out skin, which won't help preserve a spray tan. How to Make a Spray Tan Last Longer To prolong a spray tan, you'll want to make sure you properly prepare for your appointment and engage in the right aftercare process. You cannot maintain a long-lasting tan on dry, lackluster skin, so first, you'll want to exfoliate and moisturize well prior to your tanning appointment. This creates a smooth base for the color. In the days following your spray-tan appointment, be sure to keep the skin hydrated with an oil-free moisturizer. You should also take a break from exfoliating (unless using a very gentle method) for the time being. How to Keep Your Skin Safe With a Spray Tan Just because you have a spray tan doesn't mean you're protected from UVA/UVB rays when out in the sun. That means you're still prone to sunburn if the right preventative measures aren't taken. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using SPF 30 or above when out in the sun to protect your skin from harmful rays. If you're worried that it'll make your spray tan look patchy, look for an oil-free sunscreen that'll keep you safe from the sun without ruining your color.
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The 20 Best Bumble Openers to Send If You Don’t Want to Be Left on Read

Gone are the days when you can send a casual "hey" or "what's up?" on a dating app and expect to receive a response. With tons of people on dating apps like Bumble now, you have to find a way to stand out - and one of the easiest ways to do that is by sending a genuine Bumble opener that shows off your personality. Though you may be inclined to wait for your matches to send the first message, if you're on Bumble, you're forced to make the first move. But if you're not sure how to start the conversation or what could be considered one of the best Bumble openers worth replying to, that's where we come in. We've curated a list of the best Bumble openers, whether you want something that's going to make your match laugh or get them talking about a passion of theirs. Feel free to tailor these to match your own personality or directly copy and paste into Bumble (we won't tell). If none of these Bumble openers sound like you, though, you could always just respond to something in your match's profile, like asking where a hiking snapshot was taken or debating one of their answers to a profile prompt. Just remember that if you decide to come up with something on your own, the best thing you can do is ask your dating app match a question so they have something to respond to. Behold, the best Bumble openers right this way. And once you've secured the first message, don't forget to make sure your Bumble bio is up to par, too (or your Tinder bio, if that's more your style). Related: How to Get on Raya, According to a Dating-App Insider Best Bumble Openers What should we tell our kids when they ask us how we met? What's your go-to appetizer, and when are we splitting it this weekend? Besides matching with me, when's the last time you think you made someone's day? OK, let's be real: Did you sell your soul to go to the Taylor Swift concert or the Beyoncé one? Is your perfect Sunday more along the lines of working out and cleaning or is it by sleeping in and ordering brunch to-go? What's a TikTok that lives rent free in your head? Reveal your beige flag... Funny Bumble Openers Would you trade your pinky finger to have an unlimited supply of mozzarella sticks [or insert something they're interested in that's unique to their profile]? When you say you want someone to love you unconditionally, does that mean the expectation is I let you have the last pizza slice? Just want to make sure we're on the same page here. Who gave you the right to look that good in a hat? [or point out something they're wearing in their profile] How can I be sure that you're the kind of person that will order me French fries even if I say I'm not hungry? OK, help, what's something I can say to impress your mom when you decide I'm the love of your life? I have to warn you that if we ever play ping-pong together, I may give you the ick when I have to chase down the ball. Any other icks I should be aware of? Dirty Bumble Openers You look like someone who would f*ck my life up in the best of ways, and I'm kind of into it. So when do you plan on texting me "You Up?" I want to make sure I'm awake. What's your favorite thing to eat in bed? You can't say ice cream. Will you be more of a "let's cook breakfast" or "let's get brunch" type of person the morning after our date? Should I ask you how your day's going or should we skip right to the good stuff? Those hands of yours would look good on me, I think. What do you think? When is the last time you were horny, and why was it after looking at my photos? Related: 15 Sexy Date Ideas That Will Have You and Your Partner Feeling Some Type of Way Taylor Andrews is a balance editor at POPSUGAR who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more. In her six years working in editorial, she's written about how semen is digested, why sex aftercare is the move, and how the overturn of Roe killed situationships.
Read MoreThe 20 Best Bumble Openers to Send If You Don’t Want to Be Left on Read

Sydney Sweeney’s Baroque Bob Is Proof that the Trend Isn’t Over

Image Source: Getty/Maria Moratti / Contributor Just when you thought you resisted the urge to cut your hair into a bob when everyone else was doing it in the fall, here comes Sydney Sweeney. The actor is the latest celebrity to debut the short hairstyle on one of the world's biggest stages: the 2024 Oscars red carpet. The star-studded event took place on March 10 in Beverly Hills, California. Sweeney's look for the evening consisted of a satin Marc Bouwer gown with a plunging neckline, a french manicure, and a baroque bob that looked like it belonged in a Renaissance painting. This isn't the first time Sweeney has cut her hair short, having posed for the cover of Vogue Hong Kong with a similar look back in 2022. Still, this version feels more romantic than the blunt version she sported for the magazine. The haircut was done by celebrity hairstylist Glen Oropeza, who used a myriad of Kirstin Ess hair tools, like the Soft Volume Blow Dry Brush ($85), to get the look. Baroque bobs are known for their softness and beautifully fluffy texture, and as a result, the style often looks akin to a '90s blowout worthy of the likes of Cindy Crawford in the early aughts. While baroque bobs are considered timeless, Sweeney's look feels particularly trendy as countless stars are going shorter for the upcoming warm weather. For example, model Gigi Hadid revealed her own bob transformation on Saturday, March 10. These cuts come months after other celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Zendaya, and Kourtney Kardashian debuted their own takes on the style. Are you ready to take the plunge and try the baroque bob? Take a closer look at Sweeney's hair below. Image Source: Getty/Michael Tran / Contributor Ariel Baker is the assistant editor for POPSUGAR Beauty. Her areas of expertise include celebrity news, beauty trends, and product reviews. She has additional bylines with Essence and Forbes Vetted.
Read MoreSydney Sweeney’s Baroque Bob Is Proof that the Trend Isn’t Over

Declutter Your Makeup Stash With the Help of Professionals

Spring is rapidly approaching, and it's becoming increasingly clear that the assortment of beauty products you've been purchasing and hoarding over the past few months is out of control at this point. Your expanding makeup collection likely features a wide range of eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, creams, lotions, and all sorts of potions and has started to look more like a small-scale beauty boutique than a personal collection. Honestly, if you're anything like us, you have products in your possession that are well past their expiration date, but the packaging is just so art deco that you can't bear to part ways with them. You keep telling yourself that you'll use every single blush, bronzer, and contour stick you own, but we're here to tell you, friend, that day most likely will never come. It's a tough pill to swallow, but it's about time we face the truth. Holding on to these expired and unused products is not only unhealthy but also restricts you from making space for new potential favorites. It's time to say goodbye to these old products, clear out the clutter, and free up that much-needed space in your beauty drawer. Don't know where to start? No worries, as we've tapped a few industry experts to give top-tier insider secrets on decluttering your makeup. Keep reading for more. Makeup Decluttering Tip 1: Process of Elimination When you come across alluring headlines like "The Best Lipsticks of 2024," it becomes incredibly tempting to purchase and experiment with every shade just for the sheer fun it promises. Next, you realize you've accumulated 100 lipsticks in the same shade. However, renowned celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes has a trick for this: "If you've got over 50 lipsticks but don't use them every day, do your full makeup but don't do your lips and apply each shade and take a picture of each," she tells PS. "This way, you can narrow down which lipsticks you need to give away and which ones you actually wear." Makeup Decluttering Tip 2: Look at the Expiration Date One thing you don't want to do is use expired makeup. (We're preaching to ourselves here, as this editor is still holding onto a Marc Jacobs Beauty travel-size mascara from 2017.) Makeup artist Kasey Spickard says we all need to check the expiration date from the time we crack the seal open. "Check the packaging for the expiration date from opening," Spickard says. "They can range from three months to 36 months depending on the product. Get rid of any products that have passed their 'period after opening' window." Makeup Decluttering Tip 3: Create a Love vs. Lust Pile, When new makeup products come out, we are all instantly in lust with the promises of newness, but over time, our usage weeds out which products we're actually in love with versus those we just had a lust for. Longtime makeup artist Theo Turner suggests splitting your makeup into these two categories when deciding what to keep and what to toss out. "The 'love' pile will contain all products you currently use and need to complete your daily makeup - your 'stranded on an island' picks, if you will," Turner says. "These are our keepers." Then, turn your attention to your second pile. "The 'lust' pile, on the other hand, are products you thought you would love, but after purchasing, they don't quite work for you. You may love the packaging or color, but you never reach for the product. Donate it." Makeup Decluttering Tip 4: Group Like With Like Before you decide to purchase a new product, you should take inventory of what you already have. Maybe you are running out of your favorite blush, but before you restock, you should try the other 10 you have on hand. "My first pass is to take inventory of everything I have and group items by product category," Spickard says. "Moisturizers with moisturizers, foundations with foundations, and so on. This allows me to see where I may need to invest going forward." Makeup Decluttering Tip 5: Invest in Multipurpose Products In 2024, makeup products that can pull triple duty as a lip, cheek, and eyeshadow tint are all the rage; no more buying a separate product for each part of your face. It's not just about saving time and money - it's about decluttering that precious vanity space. "The best solution is to invest in products that are multipurpose such as lipstick that doubles as blush or an eyeshadow palette with versatile shades," Atlanta-based makeup artist Marquis Glisson advises. "This helps minimize the number of products you need to keep while still allowing for creativity." Stixx Mathews is a New York City-based freelance beauty writer with 11 years of experience who is passionate about telling stories that merge beauty and pop culture. He enjoys sharing his expert insights about the latest trends and must-have products, with a particular focus on lipstick and fragrance.
Read MoreDeclutter Your Makeup Stash With the Help of Professionals