Who else is sick and tired of all the way women are being made to police themselves in order to prevent getting raped? Yes, it seems the onus is firmly on womenfolk to not get raped. Not on the men to not rape. Because that, of course, would be asking for too much. So instead we have these super-intelligent acts on the part of governments to create a safer world – like banning lingerie-clad mannequins from store windows in India and introducing hairy stockings to combat perverts in China.

What next? The banning of makeup? Mandatory chastity belts? Locks around the vagina? Do the powers-that-be not realise that if all your warnings are to the victim and none to the would-be rapist, the message is that victims are more in control of whether they are or aren’t raped than the perpetrators. Which we all know is patently false – the only person who can prevent the rape is the rapist.

And really, who thinks that only pretty women get raped? The fact is that rape happens to all kinds of women everywhere: pretty, ugly, sexy, covered from head to toe, mild, wild, annoying, charming, young, old… every shape, size and age. Often, in fact, rape is not even about the sex but power play and sick minds.

So, instead, here here some actually useful tips that I invite you to send to as many people as possible. They are the suggestions of Ann Bartow, of the Pace Law School in Westchester, US. And they are brilliant.

It’s the perfect answer to a complaint I’ve received on numerous occasions: “Why do I need to cover myself from head to toe? It’s men who should be taught how to stop attacking women.” Indeed. I have yet to make that argument successfully since I’ve never met anyone who really admits to being a rapist or assailant. But the next time I do, you can bet I’ll hand them a copy of these rules!

PS: Here’s a SUPERB video on the subject of rape by University of Oregon film student Samantha Stendal. Watch and share!

 What about you? Like the rules? Or do you believe that measures like banning mannequins and dressing women in hairy stocking will curb the problem? What, in your view, can society do to prevent rape?

The post 10 Guaranteed Ways to Prevent Rape (No Chilli Powder Required) appeared first on The Beauty Gypsy.

Confession: I am a constant snacker. Even if I am not really feeling hungry, somehow my brain just doesn’t function unless the mouth is chewing something… the more unhealthy, the better. Somewhere during the journey to eating non-junky, I got addicted to granola bars – thinking of them as “health food”. Yup. Talk about a big smack in the face when I learned a lot of them are packed with saturated fats and refined sugars. In fact, a granola bar may even have more calories than a Snickers bar! Don’t believe me? Take a look at these nutrition labels from 2 popular brands of store-bought granola bars.

Sound appetizing? No? I thought as much.

So, why not take food staples you most likely already have on hand and make your very own granola bar? With simple and delish flavors, wholesome ingredients, lots of crunch and just enough sweetness to satisfy, these thick and chewy bars are perfect for a hearty snack because they keep you full for hours and don’t cause a sugar overload. Plus, they pack in plenty of healthy fats and lots of fiber, along with vitamins, proteins and mineral. And they are super-easy to make, with options for gluten-free, vegan and even skin-boosting versions.

Afternoon and mid-morning snack: solved.

1. No-Bake Girl Power Granola Bar

These delicious bars don’t only pack a hefty punch of protein, they are also full of iron, vitamins, Omega-3s, selenium, zinc, copper, biotin, riboflavin and calcium. Result? Gorgeous skin, hair, and nails.

Ingredients

1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats

1/8 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 tablespoon flaxseed

1 tablespoon wheat germ

1/2 cup unsweetened whole-grain puffed cereal

1/8 cup dried cherries

1 tablespoon raisins

1 tablespoons dried blueberries

1/8 cup creamy almond butter

1/8 cup turbinado sugar (or brown sugar)

1/8 cup honey

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch of salt

Preparation

Combine the flaxseeds, wheat germ, cereal, oats, walnuts, and dried fruit in a large bowl.

Mix the almond butter, sugar, honey, vanilla and salt in a saucepan. Place over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it starts lightly bubbling (2-5 minutes).

Immediately pour almond butter mixture over oat mixture and mix well.

Lightly grease a small pan with cooking spray.

Gently press the mixture into prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Refrigerate until firm (around 20 minutes), then cut into 5 bars.

2. No-Bake Gluten-Free & Vegan Apple Granola Bar

These apple granola bars are a food miracle: they’re raw, gluten-free and vegan!

Ingredients

2 medium apples, cored & shredded (or pulsed in a food processor)

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/8 cup raisins

3 dates, chopped

1/8 cup maple syrup or agave

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Preparation

Grind the almonds in a food processor; stop just before they reach an almond meal consistency.

Transfer to a bowl and add the remaining ingredients; stir until well combined.

Grab handfuls of the mix and place onto dehydrator screens (or oven tray); shape them into bars.

Dehydrate for 24 hours (or bake in an oven till they are crisp), flipping halfway through. Once cooled, they harden into crunchy bars.

3. No-Bake 5-Ingredient Granola Bar

These are perfect for when you want a healthy snack but have no patience to deal with a zillion ingredients. The peanut butter and honey complement each other perfectly for a sweet, crunchy texture.

Ingredients

1/2 cup packed dates, pitted

1/8 cup honey (or maple syrup)

1/8 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter

1/2 cup roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped

3/4 cups rolled oats

optional additions: chocolate chips, berries, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.

Preparation

Process dates in a food processor until they reach a dough-like consistency.

Place oats, almonds and pureed dates in a bowl.

Warm honey and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat. Then pour over the oat mixture; mix well, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.

Transfer to a dish or small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Press down until uniformly flattened, cover with parchment or plastic wrap. Put int a fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.

Once cool and hard, chop into 5-6 bars.

4. Peanut Energy Granola Bar

These carbohydrate and protein-rich granola bars are a great grab-and-go pre-workout snack on mornings when you don’t have time to digest a full meal.  They could fuel you through a million mile triathlon!

Ingredients

1/4 cup dry roasted salted peanuts

1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds (or other chopped nuts)

1 cup raisins

1 cup rolled or instant oats

1 cup toasted rice cereal

1/8 cup toasted wheat germ
(optional)

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Coat a baking pan with cooking spray.

Combine peanuts, sunflower seeds, raisins, oats, rice cereal and wheat germ in a large bowl – set aside.

Mix peanut butter, brown sugar and honey in a microwaveable bowl; microwave on High until bubbling (1-2 minutes).

Add vanilla and stir until blended.

Pour the peanut butter mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until coated.

Transfer mixture to the prepared baking pan; press down firmly. Let it harden (approximately an hour), then cut into 5 bars.

5. Sweet & Salty Coco-Nut Granola Bar

Sometimes one could really do with a salt hit and these little bundles of joy are happy to oblige. And they are packed with fiber to keep you from over-snacking through the day.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon flaxseed

1/4 cup raw honey

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup raw almonds, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

1/4 cup dried apricots, coarsely chopped

1/2 tablespoon goji berries

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350F.

Grind the flax seeds into a fine meal. Pour it into a small bowl and add sea salt and honey; mix well and set aside.

Add the apricots, almonds, coconut flakes and goji berries to a large bowl.

Mix the contents of both wells, stirring until everything is evenly coated.

Press the mix into an 8×8 in baking pan that has been coated with olive oil. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes, until the center is browned and sides are crispy.

Let the pan cool a little (not completely), then cut into individual bars.

Do you make your own granola bars? What are your favorite combinations?

The post Super-easy granola bar recipes (including gluten-free & vegan) appeared first on The Beauty Gypsy.

A touch of blush is the easiest way to look pretty, fresh and radiant in an instant. Unfortunately, it’s also the easiest way of looking like a 2-year-old took to your face with crayons and water colors. So, here’s the professional take on how to be the former rather than the latter… broken down into small, easily do-able chunks.

Because sometimes even the celebs get it all wrong!

1. Choosing the Color

People tend to think brighter blush looks better, but that’s untrue. Blush should look believable and not obvious, unlike eyeshadows or lip colors that can be dramatic. When it comes to cheek colors, stick to what looks like it’s your own color coming through. And easy way to pick a shade: do it immediately after a workout (or just walk to the shops) – your ideal shade is the one closest to the flush of your cheeks after exercising. The darker your skin, the deeper the shade, that way it’ll show up. Darker skin with blush that’s too light will make you look sallow.

And save shimmer-flecked powder blush for evening: in daylight it’ll look fake and the shimmer will make your skin look dry and bumpy. Instead, opt for really fine, silky formulas.

2. The Tools

Use a large, fluffy brush to apply – I prefer to use a big dome-shaped brush to spread color sheerly so you can gradually build intensity, as opposed to going full-on bright circles at once. Laura Mercier really makes the best brush: it’s not too big, so you still have control, and not too small where colors look blotchy.

3. I should put it where?

Where you put blusher will depend on the shape of your face and there is no one rule that works for everyone. A “safe” place is to apply it from under the cheekbone to the top, following the natural shape of the bone structure. But you have to be wary: On a very long face, this will further elongate the length. The same goes for someone with a very pronounced jaw line. Glamour USA did a phenomenal “face chart” that makes it much easier to pick the right spot.

4. Now, to put it on

Lightly sweep the brush through the blush and tap off any excess. Then gently dust the blush onto the apples of your cheeks. Then blend, blend, blend – especially around the edges so you don’t see circles or stripes.

5. Then blend some more

When you’re done brushing on your blush, blend around the edges with a sponge or puff (a regular wedge-shaped foundation sponge works just fine). Blending it down this way makes the color even sheerer and more believable looking.

6. Finishing touch

This is optional but really terrific at adding depth and glow to the overall effect: apply a powder highlighter on your cheek bones to complement the blush. Then, using a fluffy brush, blend the blush and the highlighter together.

What are some of YOUR tricks for getting blush just right? Tell us below!

The post How To Apply Blush Without Looking Like Raggedy Ann appeared first on The Beauty Gypsy.

Lately, despite the twice daily cleansing and moisturising, an hour at the gym, weekly scrubs and face packs, adequate beauty sleep and copious amounts of water, I have been noticing that my skin has never ever looked this terrible. It’s reached a point where strangers at the malls are asking me if I am sick and need help… not kidding!

Time to visit the dermatologist – who takes one look at my blotchy complexion, flaking chin, dark circles and the monstrous zit on my forehead and decides what I need is a “life questionnaire” rather than a session of Blue Light. And through gradual prodding and poking, we arrive at the root cause – stress (and a lot of being pissed off, to boot), which is literally killing my skin cells.

I have always known that stress leads to high blood pressure, depression, migraines, heart disease, obesity… yada yada yada! But honestly, it never bothered me because all that’s in the future. Skin problems, however, are in the here and now! Hence, this required some serious research. And what I found is that given our increasingly crazy lifestyles, there is actually a new field of medicine called psychodermatology, which focuses on the mind-beauty connection. Experts of psychodermatology treat skin problems that are caused or worsened by stress and here I am summarising what they say happens to our complexions when we are emotionally troubled.

But remember, these “quick fixes” are just that – quick fixes. To actually reverse the beauty (and overall health!) effects of stress, you need to go much deeper than lotions and potions!

1. Dullness

Stress triggers a hormone called cortisol (a stress hormone), which slows down skin cells, making them take longer to reach the surface and flake off. Hence, dead skin cells build up, making your face look dull and lifeless.

Quick fix: Drink more water and exfoliate regularly.

2. Sagging

Furthermore, prolonged cortisol production leads to loss of collagen and elastin, resulting in slackness, sagging and loss of elasticity. Not a good beauty look at all!

Quick fix: Consume foods that increase collagen production and benefit the skin. For example, soy products help block enzymes that break down and age the skin. Also, try topical beauty products containing Vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) or hyaluronic acid (sometimes listed as sodium hyaluronate). Skip the retinoids though – they will further irritate stressed skin.

3. Dryness

Stressed skin has a very low lipid (protective) barrier, so fluids evaporate more easily. In addition, cortisol also reduces the skin’s ability to retain water, leading to excessive dryness.

Quick fix: Try a weekly moisture mask and apply a hydrating serum along with moisturiser. Also, avoid using toners and cleansers that contain harsh ingredients such as Ammonium Laurenth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate, which can dehydrate and irritate the skin.

4. Skin infections

The epidermal skin cells are packed tightly together, forming a strong barrier that blocks the entry of bacteria and other toxins. When you are under stress, this protective layer becomes less effective, allowing harmful bacteria to reach the deeper layers of skin.

Quick fix: Keep skin scrupulously clean with a mild soap. Use warm, not hot water, and pat skin dry instead of rubbing; put moisturiser on immediately.

5. Itchy, ugly rashes

Stress decreases skin’s self-repairing abilities, while also releasing histamines (which create allergic reactions) into the bloodstream. The result? Flareups of immunity-related conditions such as hives, rashes, cold sores, psoriasis and eczema.

Quick fix: Look for beauty products that contain soothing ingredients like avocado oil, almond oil, aloe vera, Shea butter, sunflower oil and chamomile. Also, cut down on the number of skincare products you use –  fewer products means lesser ingredients and hence a lower risk of an allergic reaction.

6. Blemishes

Stress increases oil production, which blocks the pores and results in breakouts.

Quick fix: Keep skin clear of surface dirt, oil and dead cells. Use oil-free beauty products and wash your face gently with a soft cloth. Don’t scrub, as this can further irritate acne and make it worse.

7. Premature ageing

During times of crisis, our body redirects the flow of blood to areas that are vital for reacting to stress – such as lungs and heart. This leaves skin without essential blood and oxygen. The result? Increased production of free radicals and tissue-damaging oxidants, which speed up wrinkles, lines and other signs of premature ageing.

Quick fix: Try some facial exercises and massage. These help release tension along with increasing oxygen-rich blood flow to muscles, tissue and skin, making the complexion look vibrant and healthier.

8. Sallowness

Stress hurts the digestive system. This means essential nutrients are not digested properly, allowing build up of impurities. As a result, stressed skin looks dull, lifeless and sallow.

Quick fix: Step up intake of leafy greens, fruit and high protein grains and lentils as well as healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive oil; cut down on caffeine. Skipping meals is a complete no-no!

9. Inflammation

Prolonged stress creates chronic internal inflammation, which leads to premature ageing, uneven skin tone and texture, lack of radiance and hyperpigmentation.

Quick fix: Sleep is anti-inflammatory – a time of healing, when cortisol levels are at their lowest. Getting enough will keep your body’s best coping skills at hand.

10. Skin cancers

In a study at Yale University, it was found that people with melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – were more likely to have gone through stressful life events during the years leading up to their diagnosis than people who did not have skin cancer.

Quick fix: Remember to not skip the sunscreen – even if you are indoors. Rule of thumb is that if the natural light is bright enough to read, it’s bright enough to damage your skin.

The post What stress (or anger!) does to your face… and how to fix it! appeared first on The Beauty Gypsy.

In what has to be THE craziest diet move of all times, 23-year-old model Bria Murphy (Eddie Murphy’s daughter), has revealed that many models eat cotton balls to stay thin. Unfortunately, she is not the only one to have brought this frightening fact into the limelight – enough models and minders have spoken about the “cotton ball diet” in the past to have us realise that this is indeed a “trend”.

And exactly how is this savoury dish served up? Cotton balls are dipped in orange juice and then swallowed. The reason? You feel full sans any calories as the cotton balls just dissolve away after a while – they don’t add any fat or calories to your body.

Sick as it sounds, this is just another version of extreme dieting that’s prevalent in the look-good-despite-feeling-awful circles. Earlier in the year, former Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Kristie Clements described similar behavior in The Vogue Factor, but with a twist: models eating tissues to stay off the calories. Different means, same effect.

Forgive me for sounding lame and untrendy but I was always under the impression that one ate food for the nutrition that a body needs to function. Am sure that nobody here needs a refresher course in what happens when the body is starved of life-sustaining vitamins, minerals, proteins and even (gasp!) fats and carbohydrates. Not to say anything about what a steady infusion of cotton balls and tissues would do to the digestive system.

Head. Spinning.

What about you? Tempted by the cotton ball diet? What’s the craziest or most extreme diet trend that you’ve come across?

The post Would you eat cotton to be thin (the models do!)? appeared first on The Beauty Gypsy.