Life Style

The memory of dragging two hand-me-down check-in suitcases - mutilated mesh pockets, tattered zippers, and collapsing corners - from New York to Morocco in 2012 still lives rent-free in my mind. It was my first solo journey, and I had far too much luggage, and unreliable pieces at that (dug from the depths of my mom's attic). It still serves as a reminder of why, when it comes to finding the best luggage for international travel, quality is key. I've since traveled to about 80 countries, usually toting luggage with straps in lieu of wheels, and mostly personal item carry-on bags only. I was doing great until 2022 (a full decade later!) when this border-bouncing backpacker caved and bought a rolling backpack (a noncommittal hybrid of sorts). Fall in Berlin called for bulky boots and denim, which called for more space - and also, back pain in your 30s is real. Except I did it again. I bought cheap luggage on a no-name site, and not long later, it ripped to shreds on a cobblestoned corner of Prague, where I bought more cheap luggage - this time a real rolling carry-on suitcase. Not long later, I kicked the crap out of that purchase on a corner in Copenhagen because the plastic wheels wouldn't work. In other words: I learned the hard way to seriously stop skimping on luggage for international travel, whether it's a travel backpack, a duffle on wheels, or a traditional carry-on. Now, I have the level of luggage I wipe down after yanking off the baggage claim belt because it's too special to scuff. But finding the right suitcase took some serious time and research. What Makes the Best Luggage For International Travel? Size and Dimensions of Luggage For International Travel For starters, you need to make sure that luggage you're investing in fits the size and dimension requirements of the airline, which varies depending on the airline. In general, international carry-on bag limitations are generally about 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches, compared to domestic carry-on suitcases, which can be up to 24 x 16 x 10 inches. The dimension requirements for check-in luggage for international travel typically are around 27 x 21 x 14 inches. Weight Requirements of Luggage For International Travel Most international airlines cap you at 50 pounds (or 23kg) per piece of check-in luggage for economy class tickets. However, some airlines allow up to 70 pounds or (32kg) per check-in luggage if you're flying business class or first class. And while domestic carry-on limits are generally about 35 pounds, most international flights only allow for about 10 to 20 pounds per carry-on bag (though, oftentimes, no one actually checks this!). Depending on the airline, you are allowed one to two checked bags, one carry-on, and a personal item bag that is stored underneath the seat in front of you. If you're concerned, you can easily weigh your luggage before you get to the airport with a portable scale, which is convenient to keep on hand. Materials and Durability of Luggage For International Travel Durability is also particularly important for luggage for international travel - both carry-on and check-in - because it has to survive greater lengths and various terrains. Heading to older cities, such as those in Europe, means you'll need wheels that can handle cobblestones or bumpy streets. And if you're heading anywhere sans elevators or remotely off the grid, you'll need some heavy-duty handles that allow you to carry your bags to your destination without pulling a muscle. Given the size and weight requirements, choosing between a hard- or soft-shell suitcase also matters. While soft-shell suitcases tend to be more flexible for fitting more for longer trips, hard-shell options tend to be more resilient for rambling around the world. It's also important to note that hard-shell suitcases tend to weigh a bit more than soft-shell suitcases, and if you overpack like every pound matters, this is something to consider. You also need to make sure that, if your luggage has a lock, it's TSA-approved, so it's recognized worldwide. That's a lot to keep in mind. But, after my fair share of failed attempts, I've done the heavy lifting for you, so you don't have to let lousy luggage become the bane of your next adventure. Shop my picks for the best luggage for international travel, ahead. - Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy Related: The Best Luggage on Amazon, From Suitcase Sets to Personal Item Bags

When Our Place first debuted its cult-favorite Always Pan, we wondered whether the brand would ever be able to top that success. It's not every day that a single product can captivate the attention of the entire internet, all while garnering celebrity superfans along the way (we're looking at you, Selena Gomez). But since then, Our Place has managed to release a number of other functional cookware essentials, all of which pay homage to the brand's signature style (think: colorful minimalism) and boast price tags under $300. Right now, you can score deals on the brand's bestselling cookware, appliances, and more during its Spring Sale, where you can get up to 40 percent off sitewide. If you're looking to stock up on the best Our Place cookware for your home, we've got you covered. From practical everyday tools like knife sets and cutting boards to high-tech items like storage-friendly blenders, the countertop Our Place oven, and nonstick pans, Our Place's product inventory has expanded so that OG fans (and newbies alike) can showcase their love for the Always Pan through every piece of kitchenware in their home. PS's own editors have been fortunate enough to test a handful of Our Place's best products over the years, including several new launches. Ahead, we break down what makes those kitchen essentials stand out based on our own Our Place cookware reviews - like their sleek design, easy-to-use capabilities, and versatility. Keep reading to shop our picks for the best Our Place cookware, and score them on sale until May 20. - Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy Related: 22 Kitchen Products Our Editors Own and Love

Morgan Riddle doesn't play tennis, but if you know about the sport, chances are, you know about her. If you know about fashion, you also likely know about her. And if you've spent any time at all scrolling TikTok in the last year, you absolutely know about her. The influencer, who is dating professional tennis player Taylor Fritz (who is currently ranked number 13 in the world), has made a name for herself in the fashion and beauty spaces, and her popularity shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. Over the last few years, she's managed to amass a social media following of over half a million people. In one of her most viral TikTok videos, she talks about wanting to "make tennis cool again," and in our opinion, she's achieved her goal and then some. Ahead, Riddle chats with PS, sharing some of her beauty non-negotiables, her worst beauty habit, and more. Morgan Riddle's Beauty Habits When it comes to her "worst" beauty habit, Riddle says it's likely how often she doesn't wash her hair. She goes four or five days, sometimes a week, in between hair washing. "I bleach my hair heavily, so it dries out so much that I actually don't have to wash it as much and it doesn't get greasy as easily," she tells PS. This is also the reason why she always wears a hoodie when traveling. "It's one of my weird things - I have to wear a sweatshirt with a hood and I never let my hair touch the airplane seat," she says. "Then I don't feel as gross from it touching what's obviously touched a lot of strangers' heads." However, Riddle says she still tries to plan her wash days accordingly, so she's cleansing the day she lands somewhere new. She typically rotates between two styles: half-up, half-down, and a low ponytail when her hair is due for a wash. "I'm a fidgeter and I'll play with my hair," she says. "It can come off distracting and maybe insecure, so I usually wear my hair up so I'm not messing with it." Morgan Riddle's Beauty Non-Negotiables Although Riddle considers herself to be pretty low-maintenance, she does have a few non-negotiables when it comes to beauty. Riddle has had keratin-tip (K-tip) extensions for about a year, and she actually visits her hometown to get them installed. "I get them done every five or six months, and I usually fly back to Minnesota because the same girl has been doing my hair since 2017," she says. She loves them because they don't involve a ton of upkeep. "You can wash normally, brush [them] normally," she says. "Like I said, I wear my hair half-up a lot and you can't tell [or] see it because the little bonds are so tiny, that they blend in with my natural hair. They're more of an expense, but they've been the best solution for me." As for nails, while she used to get gel-X manicures, she's switched to press-on nails. "In a lot of the cities we went to, a lot of places in Europe don't offer gel-X," she says. "I was really frustrated with it, so I switched to press-ons and they've been great. I can make them last two weeks." Her favorite brand is Paint Lab because "they have a lot of cool designs." One design she loves is the Paintlab So Strawberry Pink Set ($9). Riddle also swears by the Pan Oxyl Acne Foaming Wash ($3) and says it's the number one thing that's helped with her acne. "I'm super acne prone, especially because I try so many new products with my job," she says. "If I stop using Pan Oxyl for a week, my face erupts. It's the only face wash I'll use and probably will continue using for a long time." Morgan Riddle on Biggest Beauty Splurges While Riddle's hair extensions could fall under this category, she says the most expensive products she owns are probably the Dyson Airwrap ($600), which is an editor-favorite, and the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Mask ($455). "I thought about getting [the mask] for so long," she says. "I kept seeing stuff about how big of a difference it can make for your skin, and you can put it on your head for hair growth. It felt like a worthy investment." She also says she "can't live" without her other Dyson tools. "I have the Airwrap, the Airstrait, and the Coralle; I have everything. I'm a big fan and that's helped with my hair health a lot, too." Morgan Riddle's Favorite Cosmetic Treatments Though it's not a traditional product, Riddle's routine Botox also counts as a splurge-worthy investment. She goes every six months, which she feels also helps her with her acne. "I tend to breakout a lot on my forehead, but it also slows down the sebum production." That's not the only cosmetic treatment she's gotten over the years, though it is the only one she sticks with religiously. She's also had filler in the past. "I haven't gotten filler in a long time, but I loved it. I'm supportive of doing any of that stuff that makes you feel better, and it definitely made me look better," Riddle says. While we're not sure exactly what's in store for Riddle next, we are sure it'll be a win. Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.

Tattoos are a fun way to celebrate individuality and commemorate the moments and people that are most special to one. What was once considered a taboo form of teenage rebellion is now a method of self-expression. While the number of tattoo enthusiasts continues to rise, there are still some concerns about the types of tattoos that people feel they can get, as well as certain tattoo placements causing adverse effects like workplace discrimination. Many people are still under the impression that getting tattoos in hard-to-hide places, such as the neck, could be frowned upon. "I would first consider the possible restrictions and discrimination that heavily tattooed people face when thinking about a neck tattoo," Kandace Layne, owner of Magic Mirror Tattoo Studio, tells PS. "With that area, it can be tricky to cover with clothing or hair, depending on the placement and size of the tattoo(s)." However, if a neck tattoo is on your to-do list, we asked Layne and Jazmin Paulino, tattoo artist and co-owner of Coming Up Roses NYC in New York, what you should know before and after getting one. Read ahead for details on everything from pain level to the best designs. What to Consider Before Getting a Neck Tattoo In addition to being harder to hide, there are a few other things to take into consideration when before one. "Alongside possible employment discrimination, you may also be treated unkindly when traveling to some places where tattoos are extremely taboo or illegal," Layne says. "I consider getting a really visible tattoo in a place like the neck or on the hands a really big commitment, so be absolutely sure you are ready for that. I would also say to consider your pain tolerance, as neck tattoos can be a bit painful." Paulino agrees, adding that they're pretty hard to miss: "Neck tattoos are like the equivalent of getting your hands or face tattooed, mostly because it's the first thing you see on a person. On top of the fact that the neck is very sensitive to get tattooed, people should consider the new lifestyle and attention that comes with this new addition to their body art." Do Neck Tattoos Hurt? As with all tattoos, pain levels are subjective, but both Layne and Paulino agree that neck tattoo pain levels can get pretty high. "From what I've been told and from seeing reactions when tattooing my clients, I believe neck tattoos are definitely painful," Paulino says. "On a scale from one to 10, I'd average out about a seven." For people who are getting their first tattoos or are still relatively new to the process, the neck isn't one of the first places that Layne would recommend getting tattooed. "Though people typically get more excited about a piece the closer they get to finishing it, the hands, face, and neck are typically the last body parts I suggest a first-timer get tattooed," she says. If you're looking to avoid the most sensitive areas of the neck, Layne and Paulino say that the most painful parts to get tattooed are typically the sides and back of the neck. How to Avoid Fading With Neck Tattoos One of the biggest drawbacks of any tattoo is fading (although Layne says that the neck is probably one of the safest areas from this pesky problem). "Fading is something that may naturally occur over time," Paulino says. "Things like sun exposure, aging, and lifestyle all play key factors into the appearance of your tattoo." One of the easiest ways to ensure the longevity of your tattoo is to wear sunscreen. "Sunscreen whenever exposed to the sun, staying hydrated, and keeping your skin moisturized are key to avoiding your tattoo fading," Paulino says. "All things that are good for your skin normally, but are extra important when preserving your tattoo." Layne and Paulino agree that people should have the freedom to choose whatever tattoos and placements make them happy. So, if you're on the hunt for neck tattoo ideas, take a look at the ones we've rounded up ahead to get some inspiration for your design.

TikTok, TikTok, TikTok. Sometimes, I'm not quite sure what to make of you. Yes, you're one of my favorite places to visit when I'm searching for fun new recipes, interesting skin-care products, and nifty hair hacks, but you're also a place where I find myself watching some of the weirdest things I've ever witnessed, especially when it comes to beauty. Over the last few weeks, a new "primer" hack has been going viral on the app. I put primer in quotes because the items being used aren't your typical face mists and gripping products - it's liquid blush and face oil. User Rachel Carlisle is responsible for the new hack, which she has been showcasing on TikTok since January. "I have figured out the secret to your makeup looking absolutely flawless and lasting all day," Carlisle says in one video. Since then, Carlisle has done a lot of videos using her technique, some of which have almost 10 million views. How to Do the Face Oil and Blush Priming Routine @rachelmadisoncarlisle I don’t think i’ll ever do my makeup another way tbh #basemakeup #flawlessmakeup #makeuphacks ♬ original sound - Rachel Carlisle After your skin-care routine, Carlisle suggests priming your skin with a facial oil. She likes the Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil ($22) because it helps with her super-dry skin. Then, Carlisle says the second step is to "blush the hell out of your face." Using a liquid blush, she applies it all over her forehead, underneath her eyes, on her temples, and around her cheekbones. Essentially, it looks like she's making a mask out of liquid blush. Next, she says to add a "little bit" of brightening concealer underneath the eyes and to blend it into the blush. She then goes in with a tiny bit of foundation (when I say tiny, I seriously mean the most minuscule dots of foundation you've ever seen in your life), and blends using a fluffy brush. After, she follows up with contour and blends everything with a brush instead of a beauty sponge. From there, she bakes, and simultaneously applies her bronzer while that's setting. Lastly, she does her eye makeup, highlight, and applies a swipe of the same liquid blush she used to primer her face to her cheeks. My Face Oil and Blush Priming Routine Results I won't lie, Carlisle's makeup actually looks pretty good each time she uses face oil and blush as the base of her makeup but I had no idea if it would work for me. And if I'm really being honest, I thought the whole thing was going to be a total waste of makeup the first time I tested it. Of course, I like the over-blushed look, but I don't like looking like a tomato and that's what I thought the result of this hack would look like. Surprisingly, it wasn't. I followed Carlisle's steps to the T, except I just used what I had on hand rather than the exact products she used in her video. I've been having a lot of issues with acne lately, so while I did love how glowy The Feelist Most Wanted Facial Oil ($78) made my skin, I was a little worried that continued use would make me breakout more. I also went with a liquid blush that wasn't too bright, the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23), and I was able to blend it into my skin fairly easily. Overall, while I did like the way my makeup looked for the night, I do think you can get a similar look using your typical makeup routine. Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for POPSUGAR's TikTok and Instagram accounts.