Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2013 i Women's Health

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THIS SIMPLE DRAWING, which has racked up shares and posts on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram? A version of it even made a cameo on the zeitgeist-driven HBO show Girls (season 2, episode 3). Why so popular? Well, because it’s true. But venturing beyond the cozy confines of familiar territory requires overcoming fear of the unknown. Recently, I had a chance to get outside of my comfort zone—over 7,000 miles outside of it—when I was invited on a trip to east Africa with the nonprofit organization Mama Hope and the natural skin-and hair-care company Yes To. They have formed a partnership called Yes to Hope, which you’ll hear more about in my letter next month. Though I’ve traveled extensively internationally, this trip was more daunting because it…

We have the answers! Q Is it better to work out in form-fitting or loose clothing? — Becca, Seattle, WA Show your shape, woman! Flowy running pants can, surprisingly, restrict your movements (try sprinting in flopping fabric!). They can also get caught in a machine or cause you to trip. Body hugging clothes make it easier to see your muscles working, so you can be sure your form is correct. You don’t have to wear spandex—just pick clothes that fit snugly and flatter your figure. Research shows that when you like what you’re wearing, you actually perform better in physical activities. The theory? “You’re not hung up on insecurities, so you’re more likely to crush it harder,” says Keaira LaShae, a personal trainer with DailyBurn.com, an online fitness program. Take…

To put the kibosh on midnight munchies, eata high-protein breakfast. In a study, women started the day with either eggs and lean beef or a lower-protein cereal. Having a high-protein morning resulted in participants snacking on about 135 fewer after-dinner calories. “Protein-rich meals prevent the secretion of the hunger hormone ghrelin and stimulate release of the satiety hormone peptide YY,” says study author Heather Leidy, Ph.D., of the University of Missouri. DOUBLE THE PAYOFF In the weight-loss race, cash may be the perfect carrot. When participants in a Mayo Clinic study were offered a chance to win—or lose—$20 a month, 62 percent completed the program, dropping an average of nine pounds. Without monetary motivation, only 26 percent followed through, losing just two pounds on average. Visit sites such as HealthyWage.com…

The latest Greek superfood just might be coffee. The strong java, which has 120 times more healthful compounds per 6.8-ounce serving than typical American drip brew, is favored by elderly inhabitants of the isle Ikaria, among the longest-lived people in the world. And, Vascular Medicine reports, those who drink it regularly have elevated endothelial function, a measure of blood-vessel health. Find Greek coffee and pots at amazon.com. HEALTH SHAKEDOWN Another reason to watch your sodium intake: “Salt may be a trigger for autoimmune diseases in those who are genetically predisposed to them,” says David Hafler, M.D. He authored a study in the journal Nature that found a link between high levels of sodium and inflammatory cells in the blood. The latter is one of the signs of autoimmune diseases such…

Pretty Plait No stiff French braid here—this version is full, loose, and decidedly grown up. To create it, blow-dry damp hair with a big, round brush to create volume. When finished, lift sections of hair at your crown and spritz hair spray onto your roots, then begin gently teasing the hair there toward your scalp, says Cheryl Cole’s hairstylist Lisa Laudat. Without tugging on the hair too hard (you’ll flatten the bouffant), bring all of your hair straight back and loosely braid it, stopping a few inches from your ends. Secure with a thin black ribbon tied into a knot, then knot another ribbon a couple of inches above that. Blooming Rose Roses are a traditional symbol of romance—so why not let them inspire your style? If hair is wavy,…

Quick Tip Imagine you’re trying to pull the bar to your chest, instead of your chest to the bar. Quick Tip With every rep, pull your upper arms down hard and squeeze your shoulder blades together. To many women, a chinup (the underhand-grip cousin of the pullup) seems like the Mount Everest of strength training: impossible to even attempt. To make things worse, there’s been a slew of media attention over the past year or so (including in The New York Times) listing reasons women can’t do—as in, are not physically capable of doing—the classic, but slightly harder, pullup. As a strength and performance coach, I see self-doubt in the gym. Whenever I mention to my female clients that one of my goals is to help each of them do…

Your mother may wash down an aspirin with her morning coffee even when she doesn’t have a headache—at least 20 percent of women over 55 take the painkiller every day to ward off heart disease. Now mounting evidence suggests this OTC staple could also have payoffs for younger women: preventing multiple types of cancer, protecting your brain, and, in low doses, even encouraging a healthy pregnancy. With this bevy of benefits making headlines, taking a daily dose may seem like a “well, duh” move. Maybe. “It’s important to remember that aspirin is a real drug with real side effects,” says Eric Jacobs, Ph.D., an epidemiologist with the American Cancer Society. Here’s what you need to know before popping a pill. Tumor Tamer Aspirin’s link to cancer prevention includes a biggie:…

Avocado-Lime Ice Cream See page 92 for recipe. The newest (and most unexpected) place to get one of your five servings of vegetables a day is the dessert tray. Although veggies aren’t as high in natural sugars as fruits are, they add earthy flavor—as well as vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber—to all kinds of confections. And because they’re not overpowering on their own, veggies tend to harmonize well with other dessert-y flavors (think lemon, ginger, and coconut). Lemon-Zucchini Bars This recipe also works with green zucchini and lime. In any hue, the summer squash contains fewer than 30 calories per cup. 4 oz (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour Pinch of salt 2 large eggs 1 egg white 3/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup freshly…

You might expect that nearly a decade after documentaries like Fast Food Nation and Super Size Me, drive-through orders would be on the decline. But last year, Americans dropped a cool $179 billion on fast food—more than double what we shelled out for weight-loss products the same year. This lack of cheeseburger backlash is partly due to American schedules, which, like American stomachs, show no sign of getting any less jammed. Cooking is a chore that eats into our leisure moments three times a day and is easily outsourced. That may be why the U.S. ranked at the very bottom, in a 2011 report of 28 countries, in both the percentage of people who cook and the amount of time they spend doing it. (Perhaps not coincidentally, the only place…

Breakfast Morning Rice Bowl 2/3 cup cooked brown rice 1/2 cooked sweet potato, sliced 1 cooked beet, sliced 1/4 cup cooked acorn squash, chopped 1 poached egg* In a bowl, combine rice, sweet potato, beet, and squash. Top with poached egg. * Hatching a weight-loss plan? One study showed that dieters who had eggs for breakfast shed more pounds than those who started the day with a bagel. Total: 320 calories Want more belly-blasting advice? Try our free Abs Diet Quickstart plan at WomensHealthMag.com/AbsDiet. Snack 2/3 cup blackberries* 1/4 banana 1/3 cup low-fat Greek yogurt 3/4 Tbsp honey 1/8 tsp vanilla Crushed ice Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth. * These berries are sweet as pie, but 2/3 cup has a sinless 41 calories. Blend, baby, blend! Total:…

Fast Talk > Favorite dish to cook? I make some pretty good pancakes. > Guilty pleasure? A frozen margarita. Oh my God. > Favorite female body part? Lips. > Dream city? The one I’m in. I just appreciate each day and where I’m at. 1 What’s your opinion on women’s sports? Women’s sports at a high level are so fun to watch. I could watch women’s softball all day. I grew up with three sisters who were incredible athletes. When I was a kid I was the worst athlete in the family, to tell the truth. 2 Describe a killer date that you and Gisele go on. There’s nothing like an uninterrupted dinner at a quiet spot where the two of us can just talk. 3 What do you think…

My brother Dan and I went to St. Lucia in April to house-sit for a relative and to take a vacation. Dan’s nine years younger than I am—we’d traveled together quite a bit since our mom died suddenly four years ago. It was a good and comforting distraction. Dan had booked a fishing boat for us, and when the day came, it was cloudy, and raining on and off. The water looked choppy. The captain, who was from St. Lucia and had 23 years of boating experience, told us that he had the most luck fishing in rougher waters. So we went. We caught a tuna and some barracuda, then headed into deeper waters to catch marlin. Our lines were in for about 20 minutes when Dan said he wanted…

If you’ve never thought much about your family history, it’s time to start. Hidden deep within your lineage could be a secret that’s sabotaging your relationships, hindering your career, or negatively impacting your kids. WH reveals how to ID—then overcome—unhealthy inherited behaviors. Susan* had never told her parents the truth about her marriage. She’d been with her husband for 22 years—two decades’ worth of nagging him about his drinking, fighting that gave way to shoving and slapping, and crawling into bed with furniture piled in front of the door. From her mother, Susan, 45, had absorbed the importance of keeping up appearances. And by all appearances, her parents’ marriage was a model of caring and respect. They’d never believe what a long, dark mess her own relationship had become. She…

How to be your own pro photographer Do This First: Position yourself in the right light. The light source should never be behind you, and avoid overhead lights and fluorescents at all costs (you’ll look ill, not hot!). For the best glow, shoot outdoors during the “golden hour,” which is approximately one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset, says Amber De Vos, owner of New York City–based photography studio A De Vos Photo. ETIQUETTE RULE Never post more than two selfies a day—and there should always be a point to them, says Steve Birkett, a social-media specialist. That could be showing your cool ombré-fied hair or your happy face on a recent trip to L.A. But if you’re just bored and have a phone, exercise some self-restraint, girl!…

LAYER WISELY A thin, longsleeve shirt layered under a denim dress is unexpected and adds contrast. Levi’s dress, $98, and shirt, $78, levi.com MIX WASHES The more, the merrier! In this case, a blazer, chambray shirt, and cutoffs play off one another to create hue harmony. Lauren Jeans Co. blazer, $159, ralphlauren.com; American Eagle Outfitters shirt, $45, and shorts, $45, ae.com GO MONOCHROMATIC The easiest, most flattering outfit: a slimfit jacket and skinny jeans in the same hue. Acquaverde jacket, $290, shopbop.com; AG Adriano Goldschmied shirt, $198, agjeans.com; American Eagle Outfitters jeans, $60, ae.com; Levi’s shoes, $48, levi.com for similar styles For full shopping info, see Where to Buy on page 158.…

SCARLET SUEDE Mango, $190, mango.com EARTHY AZTEC Marshalls, $60, marshallsonline.com for stores PRETTY PLEATHER W118 by Walter Baker, $238, cusp.com SCRIBBLE PRINT BCBG Max Azria, $228, bcbg.com LADYLIKE HERRINGBONE Amour Vert, $189, amourvert.com FLORAL TAPESTRY Kao Pao Shu, $828, kaopaoshu.com FAUX SHEARLING Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, $425, cynthiavincent.net JADE LAMBSKIN Diesel, $698, diesel.com for stores…

THE SMILE PRO Carolyn Taggart-Burns, D.D.S., is a dentist in Omaha, Nebraska, and a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. In “Improve Your Sleep Posture,” page 72, she reveals the sleep position that helps prevent teeth grinding. 1 HOW I MULTITASK: GOLF I love golfing with my girlfriends. It’s part fitness, part social, and all fun. 2 HOW I MOTIVATE PATIENTS TO BRUSH FOR TWO MINUTES: BRUSH DJ APP This app picks a song from your collection and plays it for two minutes while instructing you where to brush, so you can’t skimp on time or miss any spots. WH ADVISORY BOARD ANTHROPOLOGY HELEN FISHER, PH.D. Research professor and member of the Center for Human Evolutionary Studies, Rutgers University; author, Why Him? Why Her? Finding Real Love by Understanding…

Q / Is it weird to send a guy flowers to let him know I’m thinking about him? —Jennifer, Oxford, ME Yes, it’s weird. Unless the guy has expressed a genuine interest in them (hey, there are some tulip-loving gents out there, I’m sure!), you’ll just confuse him. My advice: Think of something unique and personal—if he likes to fish, say, pick up a new tackle box for him. If you’re set on sending him something, you’ll find no shortage of guy-friendly options, like the Loveless Cafe Bacon Sampler ($40, lovelesscafe.com) or a three-month membership to the Beer of the Month Club ($39 per month, beermonthclub.com). I feel self-conscious being naked in front of my boyfriend, but he says I’m sexy. Is he just being kind? —Kirsten, Sioux Falls, SD…

If you’ve put on weight since you tied the knot, it might mean you’re happily wed. New research in Health Psychology found that over four years, both happily married men and women raised their BMIs by 0.12 every six months (for a 125-pound, 5’5" woman, that’s roughly 0.75 pounds). Unhappy couples, however, stayed the same size. YES, HONEY, I HAVE A HEADACHE A roll in the hay can relieve an extreme head pounder, says a study published in Cephalalgia. More than half of the study’s 1,000 participants reported that their migraine subsided after a round of nooky, and one in five said it disappeared completely. “Endorphins are released during sex,” says study author Stefan Evers, M.D., Ph.D., a neurology professor at the University of Münster in Germany. “They have pain-relieving…

Add aging tresses to the list of things women encounter with each passing birthday. Grays aside, hair may also “start exhibiting a rougher, drier texture, and you may start to notice hair loss or thinning,” says Francesca Fusco, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. How to combat these old-hair symptoms: THIS JUST IN: Noir Nails “There are so many edgy, cool ways to wear black polish,” says Katie Jane Hughes, global color ambassador for Butter London. This fall, pair shine and matte. After painting nails (try Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in Black Out, $3, at drugstores), brush on a matte topcoat all over (try OPI Matte Top Coat, $9, opi.com for salons), then your usual one along the tips; or slick on regular topcoat, then add…

Want more? Check out Look Better Naked! (Rodale), by WH editor-in-chief Michele Promaulayko. Available at lookbetternakedbook.com. Scent-sual Healing “Think of scented, goddess-like skin,” says perfumer Sarah Horowitz. “It makes you feel beautiful naked.” Consider vanilla. “Most of us find a sheer, light vanilla scent sexy,” she says. Engage your sense of touch. “Dabbing on a perfumed oil is much more intimate than using a spray,” says Horowitz. “You can be intentional about where you put it as you’re touching yourself, and the scent lasts longer.” Try Lavanila Forever Fragrance Oil in Pure Vanilla ($25, lavanila.com). Tread lightly. Less is more when it comes to smelling great naked. Apply just to your neck, your heart (the warmest part of the body), and the small of your back. Next-Level Exfoliation Sure, silky…

Training your lower body is one of the fastest ways to get lean. That’s because it’s made up of bigger muscle groups (such as your glutes, quads, and hamstrings), so working those specific areas tends to create a greater metabolic response overall, says Alli McKee, a personal trainer in Baltimore. Translation: You burn more total calories both during and after your workout, which helps incinerate fat head to toe, while sculpting definition in your lower half. There’s a catch, though: You have to hit every major muscle group. This routine by McKee targets your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves in a mélange of movement patterns (forward, backward, laterally, and so on), helping you train some of the smaller, often-ignored muscles. Move from one exercise to the next with as little…

Most women have trouble scoring between the sheets—scoring ample shut-eye, that is. Nearly 80 percent have problems sleeping at least a few times a month, and 23 percent have issues almost every night, according to an exclusive Women’s Health survey. What’s worse, per the National Sleep Foundation, half of all women regularly wake up feeling unrefreshed, which can strain the body, muddle the mind, and increase risks for ailments such as diabetes and depression. What’s to blame? Not just too-few hours in the sack. The way you lie down is a major factor in the quality of your slumber. Snoozing in the wrong position can cause muscle cramping, impair circulation, and leave you hurting come the a.m. And for the millions of women with preexisting aches (such as a sore…

Grilled Halloumi Cheese and Lemon with Olive Tapenade ½ package (4.5 oz) halloumi cheese ½ lemon, cut into 4 slices 2 Tbsp olive oil 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest 4 tsp black olive tapenade 4 tsp chopped roasted red peppers > Place cheese in a glass dish with lemon slices. > In a small bowl, whisk olive oil with lemon juice and lemon zest. Pour over cheese, turning cheese to coat. Let stand at least 30 minutes; reserve marinade when done. > Heat a grill or grill pan to medium. Grill cheese and lemon slices for about 4 minutes, or until cheese is golden, turning once halfway through cooking time. > Remove cheese to a serving dish and top with black olive tapenade and roasted red peppers.…

Jen Tallman, now 25, used to start the day with two breakfast sandwiches, hash browns, and a cinnamon roll. At night, she turned to takeout, easily notching up 7,000 calories before bedtime. “I wasn’t active at all,” says the Binghamton, New York, native. Two stabs at group dieting failed, and Jen, 5’7", hit a high of 265 pounds before her 21st birthday. The Change Jen suffered from exhaustion, swollen hands and feet, and headaches. When she read online that these could be symptoms of prediabetes and high blood pressure, she was terrified that her life could be in danger. “I knew I needed a permanent change,” she says, “not a quick fix.” The Lifestyle A gym-averse Jen started with daily 20-minute walks. She practiced simple habits such as previewing menus…

Elizabeth Banks swears a lot. OK, maybe not a lot compared with, say, Chris Rock. But she definitely lets F-bombs fly more than most actresses would during an interview at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont. This is not a complaint, by the way. In fact, her potty mouth is pretty awesome. Equally refreshing? How frank Elizabeth is. She’ll tell you exactly what she thinks unless she doesn’t want to discuss something. If that’s the case, she lets you know straight up instead of offering a canned answer. Then there’s her amazing sense of humor—no surprise, considering she’s held her own alongside hilarious costars in everything from 30 Rock and Modern Family to the cult indie comedy Wet Hot American Summer. Her schedule, however, is no joke. The 39-year-old is the mother of…

“Think outside the box” may be a cliché, but too often we turn our problems over and over in our minds without finding an innovative solution for them. That’s because we tend to address all issues the same way, whether that means making a pros-and-cons list or calling Mom for advice. To get out of that rut, you have to be more creative. “That allows you to see problems from different angles,” says Sian Beilock, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Chicago. These tricks will help you come up with unexpected answers for just about any quandary in your life—whether it’s smoothing things over with your guy or conceiving a kick-butt marketing plan that wows the entire office. THE TRICK: Pretend the problem is not that important to…

CARDIO IS KIND OF LIKE CILANTRO: YOU EITHER LOVE IT OR HATE IT. Sure, maybe you can learn to tolerate it by sprinkling small doses into your weekly routine, but for many people, long treadmill jogs will never be truly palatable. Sound like you? Well, here’s happy news: Your idea of the best cardio workout may be slightly off base—and the tweak could be much more to your taste. Many women associate cardio with such things as running, swimming, biking, and brisk walking—or what experts typically label “aerobic exercise.” But that’s a limiting definition. Cardio—a.k.a. cardiovascular exercise—is any activity that strengthens your heart and improves the function of your cardiovascular system; major muscle groups need to contract repeatedly enough to elevate the heart rate to a target level (some experts…

Whoever decided two was company clearly never had wrinkles and acne. Or wrinkles and rosacea. Or wrinkles and any of the other skin problems that tend to pop up alongside fine (and not so fine) lines. These vexing conditions are the result of a perfect storm of factors—sun damage, natural aging, and hormones—all of which start in your thirties. Making matters worse, skin issues tend to coexist about as well as a couple of Real Housewives castmates—offer one the star treatment and the other gets aggravated—which makes managing them tricky. “Many treatments for common skin conditions can dehydrate the skin, and dryness can make wrinkles more noticeable,” says Gervaise Gerstner, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. “Plus, some wrinkle products are too harsh for skin issues like rosacea.” The…

Whimsical powerhouse designer Betsey Johnson believes your wardrobe should have something to say. In this mechanical/Webby/machine age, in which no one is looking up from their computers or mobile devices, creative personal dressing is one of the few remaining ways to show off your personality. It’s a different form of communication. I like clothing that speaks to other people when they see you on the street. Just like a lipstick color, a printed T-shirt identifies you in terms of what you like and what you want to entertain yourself with that day. One of my best-selling tees reads “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful. Hate me because your boyfriend thinks I am.” I’m wearing a T-shirt today that says “Sexy/Articulate.” I really love that. I like quotes that inspire people.…

HIGHLIGHTS A TINY WAIST Matt Bernson, $75, mattbernson.com Darts above the pockets suggest hourglass proportions, even on a straight waist. MiH Jeans Bodycon jeans, $215, mih-jeans.com A V-shaped yoke (the area underneath the waistband) creates the look of a curvier backside. Siwy Charlotte Slim Boot jeans, $217, shopbop.com U-shaped stitching echoes your contours—shaping your backside like squats do. True Religion Heritage Addison jeans, $216, truereligionbrandjeans.com for stores Subtle distressing concentrated on the “apples” of the cheeks adds dimension to a flat butt. Guess Kate jeans, $128, guess.com STUDS BREAK UP A LONG TORSO WHEN WORN IN BELT LOOPS. Banana Republic, $39.50, bananarepublic.com TOP-HEAVY? LET REST AT HIPS FOR BALANCE. Brave Leather, $132, braveleather.com Built-in shapewear lifts and compresses without the bulges you get from a separate foundation garment. Lee Jeans…

1. NVY, $115, theshoeheaven.com 2. Stuart Weitzman, $750, stuartweitzman.com 3. American Eagle Outfitters, $70, ae.com 4. Matt Bernson, $231, mattbernson.com 5. French Connection, $225, bloomingdales.com 6. Tommy Hilfiger, $129, tommy.com 7. Joe’s, $199, amazon.com 8. Calvin Klein, $149, macys.com for stores 9. JustFab, $40, justfab.com 10. Jean-Michel Cazabat, $395, 646-669-8508 11. Sam Edelman, $250, 212-226-7800 12. Diane von Furstenberg, $375, dvf.com 1. L.A.M.B., $225, amazon.com 2. Report Signature, $110, reportsignature.com 3. Coach, $255, coach.com 4. L.K. Bennett, $395, lkbennett.com 5. Tory Burch, $375, toryburch.com 6. ASOS, $75, asos.com 7. Schutz, $330, at Bloomingdale’s, 212-705-2000 8. Vince Camuto, $139, vincecamuto.com 9. Victoria’s Secret, $298, victoriassecret.com 10. Rachel Roy, $425, rachelroy.com 11. Hoss Intropia, $365, at Angelique Shoes, 504-891-8992 12. Chinese Laundry, $150, chineselaundry.com 1. Andrew Kayla, $495, at Saya, 310-750-6676 2.…

ELIZABETH BANKS ON… Advice she gives friends, how she stays active, and more. Watch her video at WomensHealthMag.com/ElizabethBanks. Our Fitness Editor Firms You Up, Stat! Music to our exercise earbuds: You don’t need to live at the gym or hire a personal chef (as if!) to transform your body. In the new book Shape-Up Shortcuts, Women’s Health fitness editor and certified strength and conditioning specialist Jen Ator provides cut-to-the-chase workouts, speedy recipes, and countless ways to work fitness in—whether you have 30 minutes or five. WomensHealthMag.com/ShapeUpShortcuts RUN HARD, DO GOOD There’s still time to register for our 10K Run 10 Feed 10 races happening this fall in major cities around the U.S.! The “do good” part? You’ll provide 10 meals to hungry people in your ’hood. Sign up at Run10Feed10.com.…

Sharp knives and a hot oven aren’t the only dangers your kitchen poses. In a small study, researchers found that using a gas stove can result in kitchen air quality three times worse than that of an outdoor urban environment, reports the journal Indoor and Built Environment. Compared with homes that have electric ranges, those with gas stoves had significantly higher levels of gaseous emissions, including nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Eek! Breathe easier: Another study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that using the back burners and turning your exhaust fan to the highest setting when cooking cuts down on air pollutants.…

Of those who experience dentin hypersensitivity—short, sharp pain that strikes one or more teeth when drinking a cold or hot beverage—72 percent are women, reports The Journal of the American Dental Association. If you suffer from sensitive choppers, ask your dentist about fluoride varnish, a concentrated form of fluoride that’s applied to the teeth to help prevent dentin (the layer below the tooth’s surface) from being exposed. You may also want to nix home tooth-whitening products. “The acid in whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, can wear away tooth enamel, causing pain,” says study author Joana Cunha-Cruz, D.D.S., Ph.D. 25 PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE WHO SUFFER FROM CHRONIC KNEE PAIN. RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT APPLYING KINESIO TAPE (THERAPEUTIC TAPE THAT SUPPORTS THE MUSCLES AND JOINTS) TO THE HIP CAN BRING RELIEF.…

1. Matte brick red: Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse, $34, chanel.com 2. Burnished bronze: CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor in Smoky, $6.50, at drugstores 3. Juicy merlot: Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Elegant Rouge, $30, givenchybeauty.com 4. Spiced terra-cotta: Lancôme L’Absolu Nu Lipcolor in Sienna Lace, $30, lancome-usa.com 5. Lush raisin: Clarins Joli Rouge Lipstick in Royal Plum, $26, clarins.com 6. Succulent raspberry: Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Broadest Berry, $16, clinique.com 7. Dark chestnut: Nars Lip Liner Pencil in Kenya, $22, narscosmetics.com 8. Creamy crimson: BareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipliner in Electrified, $15, bareminerals.com 9. Plum brown: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in Brun Glace, $34, yslbeautyus.com 10. Soft mahogany: Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Truffle, $25, shiseido.com 11. Deepest eggplant: Stila Stay…

1. Use a milky hand wash. The clearer the cleanser, the more it may dry out your skin. Also avoid soaps that contain the harsh chemical triclosan (often marked “antibacterial”) and instead look for naturally antibacterial ingredients such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus. 2. Never put your hands in hot or icy water. “Hot water makes skin dry by taking away sebum; cold can cause a constriction and then a dilation of capillary vessels, leading to redness,” explains manicurist Mie Kitabayashi of Beverly Hills’ Chi Nail Bar. 3. Lube up with oils. “Oils are the best way to get moisture into the skin,” according to manicurist Kimmie Kyees, who recommends (1) Sally Hansen Dry Chapped Hand Creme ($6, at drugstores), which contains safflower seed oil. 4. Learn proper cuticle…

The hardest-working piece of equipment in your gym bag? Your sports bra! Research reveals your breasts can move as much as eight inches—up and down, side to side, and forward and backward—as you exercise. All that bouncing can be uncomfortable or even painful. In fact, one study found that 17 percent of women who get breast pain either skipped a workout, reduced their exercise duration or intensity, or switched activities because their hooters were hurtin’. That’s why the right support is crucial, says study author Nicola Brown, Ph.D., a member of the Research Group in Breast Health at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K. Luckily, fitness brands have been paying attention. With advances in fit, support, and coverage, there’s now a sports bra that’s ideal for every cup size…

We’re probably all hardwired for jealousy; even babies and dogs feel it. Not to be confused with envy, which is about coveting what someone else has (e.g., a fab house), jealousy is about protecting what’s yours—or what you think is yours. It frequently involves a me-you-her romantic triangle and often crops up at the start of a relationship. The Mind Game It might not be a “jealousy center,” but scientists suspect the brain’s left frontal cortex, which deals in emotions like shame, is involved. Another key player is your noggin’s dopamine system; it regulates the chemical associated with happiness or reward. Spurred by the above are the three types of jealousy: Reactive jealousy happens after your mate has actually deceived you. You know he strayed and feel PO’ed, anxious, or…

Shake, Shake, Shake Sifting helps get rid of clumps and aerates flour, making it softer, finer, and less dense. The result: No more dry, crumbly cakes or breads. No sifter? Pour flour into a fine metal mesh strainer and tap it gently. When it comes to flour, there’s no longer a one-bag-fits-all policy. Products made from nuts, soy, and ancient grains have sprouted on store shelves, and they’re worth a second glance. “Not only do the different types of flour give you a chance to experiment with textures and flavors when cooking and baking, but they’re also another way to increase the nutritional variety in your diet,” says Roberta Larson Duyff, R.D. In time for baking season, check out these not-so-run-of-the-mill alternatives. Almond Flour Naturally grain-free, this Paleo-friendly flour contains…

Are cravings ever a sign of a nutritional deficiency I shouldn’t ignore? —Gwen, Albuquerque, NM Once in a while, a craving is a clue. For example, some women notice a hankering for red meat during their period, when their bodies lose iron, or for vitamin-rich fruit when they’re about to catch a cold. However, most research shows that food longings have more to do with mood and plain old hunger than with specific nutrients your body needs. The secret to combating cravings—for anything—before they strike is keeping your bloodsugar level stable with small, balanced meals throughout the day. I love cheese way too much to give it up. What are the most weight-friendly varieties? —Lara, Pittsburgh, PA Quit cheese? No reason to! Eating cheese is an excellent way to boost…

Online dating is now the second-most common way couples meet, with 30 to 40 percent of singles trying out some 1,500 services, from sites to apps. So if you’re single and don’t want to be, shunning digital dating is kinda, well, dumb. But to avoid spending all your time clicking aimlessly or going on meet-ups you feel like running (screaming) from, you need a game plan. These five enterprising, and ultimately triumphant, mate seekers were willing to share theirs. Check out their proven strategies for sparking love—one of which might just lead you to your own real-world relationship (and the destruction of your online dating profile for good). Amy Webb 38, Baltimore, married, used JDate.com THE STRATEGY: Peek at other women’s profiles, and don’t settle for less than your perfect…

When it comes to networking, we’re selfish. We typically ask ourselves “What can this do for me?” versus “What can this do for them?” But you will get way more mileage out of your relationships if you focus on being of service—on making others successful. How so? Because generosity is the true currency of networking. People trust you when you don’t want anything from them, and that goodwill comes back to you in the form of career karma. Begin making the kinds of close connections that can elevate your professional life with these four steps. 1 Get proactive—and personal. Normally, you ask for a lunch meeting when you have an agenda. Don’t wait for that. Set up a meal with someone without a specific purpose. Once you’re face-to-face, drop the…

COULD YOU SAVE YOUR LOVEDONE IF IT ALL DEPENDED ON YOU? The truth is, you probably could. It’s done all the time. Mothers lift cars off of young children. Sisters jump in front of bullets. Friends leap into icy rivers. Our bodies are capable of huge physical feats when necessary. But when it comes to self-defense, women face a number of emotional and psychological hurdles that keep them from doing what they need to do in order to survive. The reason attackers often win is because they have a powerful mindset: They know what they want, and they understand how to use violence to bring about their desired outcome. To change the balance of power, you have to build the confidence to make the split-second decisions in order to stay…

Will this sheepish grin get you in the sack? * Hey, ladies: The photos in this article show models, not the men we surveyed. Sometimes sex is hard to talk about, so WH did it for you. Guys confessed exactly what drives them wild in bed—and what they wish you’d do even more of. ! Warning: It’s not always pretty. When WH decided to ask guys intrusive questions about their sex lives (like “What do you want in bed but are afraid to ask for?”), we weren’t sure of the responses we’d get. The result? Men told us everything (and we mean everything). Some of it made us smile (our workout clothes are a turn-on!), other answers had us grimacing (what’s with the threesome requests, dudes?), but all of it…

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BOLD TRIM ADDS AUTHORITY TO FEMININE SILHOUETTES. Marna Ro dress, $425.50, at Condor, 212-966-4280; Bailey44 shirt, $196, at Vie, 314-997-0124; Pour La Victoire boots, Kristen Elspeth necklace, DKNY tights GLOSSY PANELS LIVEN UP THE STANDARD SHIFT DRESS. Bailey44 dress, $284, zappos.com; Won Hundred boots, Jonathan Adler bag, Lauren Ralph Lauren scarf, R.J. Graziano cuff A CIRCLE SKIRT IN PERFORATED LEATHER MEANS BUSINESS. Eva Franco skirt, $195, evafranco.com; Marissa Webb sweatshirt, Ann Taylor shoes, Ben-Amun bangle SLOUCHY SHORTS ARE THE NINETO-FIVE ALTERNATIVE TO A SEXY MINI. Piper Gore shorts, $434, shopbop.com; Jonathan Simkhai sweater, Nine West boots, BesoBeso necklace, House of Harlow 1960 cuff, DKNY tights A LEATHER JACKET IS THE PERFECT PIECE FOR ADDING SOME EDGE. Two by Vince Camuto jacket, $139, vincecamuto.com; Katherine Feiner shirt, Torn by Ronny Kobo…