In a world where “ballerina,” “coffin” and “claw” are all words used to describe nail shapes, “square” can sound pretty basic. It’s true that square-shaped nails are a classic, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring. If you’re a square nail lover looking to spice up your manicures, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite manis on Instagram that are perfect for square nails.
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Geometric
The filled-in squares and overlapping outlines play off of the square shape here. Plus, we love the pops of colors.
This almost glow-in-the dark design lines the frame of your nails, bringing attention to the sharp square shape. Slap on Essie Matte About You Matte Finisher before you paint your neon lines for a smooth backdrop that doesn’t distract from the design.
Ah, feelings! Feelings are intense emotional responses we have all day every day. They are messengers; they give us valuable information so we can make decisions, understand ourselves and others, and get our needs met.
Feelings naturally come and go if we give them space to exist, sort of like clouds passing through the sky. If we notice and accept our feelings and listen to the messages they’ve brought us, they will serve their purpose and we can use the information for our benefit.
However, we don’t want to over-identify our feelings. We want to accept our feelings and remember that they don’t define us.
Notice the subtle, but important, the difference between feeling sad and being sad. When you start to think of yourself as a sad person (rather than a person who sometimes feels sad), you’re holding onto the feeling well beyond its usefulness. Your feelings are important, but they are only part of who you are. Feelings come and go.
Emotions are absorbed in the body in about six seconds.
Each burst of emotional chemicals, from the time it’s produced in the hypothalamus to the time it’s completely broken down and absorbed, lasts about six seconds, according to researcher Anabel Jensen.
If we’re feeling something for longer than six seconds, we are—at some level—choosing to re-create and refuel those feelings. Sometimes that’s good—if the tiger is still chasing you, those fear chemicals are helping save your life.
Sometimes it’s not. But recognizing what emotion we are feeling, evaluating its purpose relative to our circumstances, and deciding whether to re-create it is what emotional intelligence is all about. I love to use acronyms to decide what feelings to hold on to and let go of. Here are my two favorites.
T.H.I.N.K.:
Hallmarks of overwhelming feelings include negative self-talk, reacting in the heat of the moment, over-explaining yourself, and obsessive attention to overanalyzing decisions. Before you act on your feelings, ask yourself the following:
Is it Truthful?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Insightful?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?
R.A.I.N.:
R – Recognize what is happening
A – Allow life to be just as it is
I – Investigate inner experience with kindness
N – Non-identification
Recognizing means consciously acknowledging your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Allowing means letting your thoughts, emotions, feelings, or sensations simply be there. You don’t have to change, fix, or act upon anything. Rather, you acknowledge and accept that psychological pain is a part of life.
Investigating means calling on your natural curiosity—the desire for truth—and directing focused attention to your present experience. Asking, “What is happening inside me?” can initiate recognition, but the investigation is a more intentional process.
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Natural loving awareness occurs when you don’t over-identify with your feelings. This practice of non-identification means that your sense of self is not fused with any limiting emotions, sensations, or stories. You are not your mind, and you are not your emotions.
Feelings and emotions can be contagious and spread too. Another tip is to be mindful of the energy and people that you surround yourself with. We are social creatures. And because of that, we tend to pick up on each other’s emotional states.
Ultimately, feelings can guide us toward many paths that we get to choose! So make sure you stay aware and be curious. Being mindful of your feelings is key to making sure you see that your feelings are real and they can be fleeting.
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BeautyLeeBar Favorites: Journals
Erica Spiegelman is a wellness specialist, recovery counselor, and author of the new book The Rewired Life (2018) as well as Rewired: A BoldNew Approach to Addiction & Recovery(2015), the Rewired Workbook (2017), the Rewired Coloring Book (2017), all published by Hatherleigh Press. Erica holds a bachelor’s degree in literature from the University of Arizona and is a California State Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADAC)-II from UCLA. For more information, visit Erica’s websiteor follow @Erica Spiegelman on Instagram.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that BeautyLeeBar, LLC (“Hello Beauties”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and BeautyLeeBar does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that BeautyLeeBar shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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Nerves get the best of us when it comes to going on a date. We overthink, try too hard, or fall into surface-level conversations because of the daunting idea of getting deep. What if I told you that getting deep with him on the first date makes a lasting impression? I’ve got some confidence-boosting advice for you before you go on your next night out. Read my curated tips below.
Editor’s note: Although this article uses male pronouns, the advice applies to all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Ask These Questions to Make Him Think About It/You Later
There is a questionnaire that you can use that will significantly increase the chances that he’ll fall in love with you. Arthur Aron, a psychologist, used the 36 questions below in his study to make two people fall in love with each other. Sounds unconventional, right? I thought so too until I found out that these same questions by Aron were used in hundreds of different studies and worked.
Set I
1. Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a dinner guest?
2. Would you like to be famous? In what way?
3. Before making a telephone call, do you ever rehearse what you are going to say? Why?
4. What would constitute a “perfect” day for you?
5. When did you last sing to yourself? To someone else?
6. If you were able to live to the age of 90 and retain either the mind or body of a 30-year-old for the last 60 years of your life, which would you want?
7. Do you have a secret hunch about how you will die?
8. Name three things you and your partner appear to have in common.
9. For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
10. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?
11. Take four minutes and tell your partner your life story in as much detail as possible.
12. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?
Set II
13. If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future, or anything else, what would you want to know?
14. Is there something that you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time? Why haven’t you done it?
15. What is the greatest accomplishment of your life?
16. What do you value most in a friendship?
17. What is your most treasured memory?
18. What is your most terrible memory?
19. If you knew that in one year you would die suddenly, would you change anything about the way you are now living? Why?
20. What does friendship mean to you?
21. What roles do love and affection play in your life?
22. Alternate sharing something you consider a positive characteristic of your partner. Share a total of five items.
23. How close and warm is your family? Do you feel your childhood was happier than most other people’s?
24. How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?
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Set III
25. Make three true “we” statements each. For instance, “We are both in this room feeling … “
26. Complete this sentence: “I wish I had someone with whom I could share … “
27. If you were going to become a close friend with your partner, please share what would be important for him or her to know.
28. Tell your partner what you like about them; be very honest this time, saying things that you might not say to someone you’ve just met.
29. Share with your partner an embarrassing moment in your life.
30. When did you last cry in front of another person? By yourself?
31. Tell your partner something that you like about them already.
32. What, if anything, is too serious to be joked about?
33. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone? Why haven’t you told them yet?
34. Your house, containing everything you own, catches fire. After saving your loved ones and pets, you have time to safely make a final dash to save any one item. What would it be? Why?
35. Of all the people in your family, whose death would you find most disturbing? Why?
36. Share a personal problem and ask your partner’s advice on how he or she might handle it. Also, ask your partner to reflect on how you seem to be feeling about the problem you have chosen.
Avoid Saying These Words
You don’t have to analyze every word before you say it, but to avoid sounding insecure. Steer clear from saying:
Maybe …
A little …
I think so …
Remember shyness is cute. Uncertainty is far from attractive. Oh, and don’t say “literally…”
Be Decisive
When you’re on a date the other person will notice the little things. By no means am I saying hide who you are, but for goodness sake don’t take 23 minutes deciding what to eat on the menu.
Give Him a Compliment
Men, as much as the next person, enjoy a compliment here and there too.
Leave a Little Mystery
Be vague with some answers to your questions. Don’t tell him every little detail; it’ll keep him wondering or wanting to know more.
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Leave Your Appearance As-Is, Once You’re on The Date
Leaving your date at the table while you go to the restroom to fix your makeup is perhaps customary for most women. Yes, taking your time to get ready and looking good on your date is always praised by men, but interrupting the flow of your Date to double-check your appearance is unnecessary. Don’t worry, you still look great honey.
Make Eye Contact
We have all been guilty of lacking some eye contact when we’re nervous. Take a moment to hype yourself up (in your mind) before you look him straight in the eyes. Trust me, if there’s a connection, you’ll feel it.
Change How You View “The One”
When you let go of the false perspective that the next guy you go on a date is “the one,” you are also letting go of any expectations that you may have had for him. Leave no room for disappointment. Change your narrative. View the date as something as simple as getting to know someone new.
Show Up As Yourself
It’s exhausting to try and be a person that you think might seem more attractive. Your date wants to get to know you, so stop trying to figure out what they “want.” Don’t force something that isn’t there. It’s okay if you’re not a match.
Make It Apparent That You Don’t Need Him, You Want Him
Change the need into a want. Again, perspective. How do you feel when someone shows you they are always available, versus someone who makes time for you in their schedule?
If He Pays, Thank Him for Dinner
Having manners is always important, and he will tell his friends about the girl who did not say “thank you.” Don’t be her.
Back-to-school season is always full of excitement and nerves, especially if you’re returning to in-person class after a long time away. The last thing you need to worry about is your back-to-school makeup amid all this change. Lucky for you, we rounded up our favorite beginner-friendly makeup tutorials for women of colorto rock in the virtual classroom or person. Keep reading for the tutorials, which are full of affordable drugstore makeup recommendations.
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Glowy, Natural Makeup
We understand the rush that sometimes comes with making it to school on time, which is why we love this quick and easy natural beat by content creator Tea Renee. She gives an especially in-depth description of how she gets her brows so flawless while using minimal products.
Natural Makeup for Acne-Prone Skin
If you’re looking to cover acne and hyperpigmentation without your makeup appearing cakey, turn to this video by Colleen Ho. She also showcases a quick and easy way to create faux freckles!
No-Makeup Makeup
This back-to-school makeup tutorial is the epitome of natural beauty. While Ashley Quiroz has a medium skin tone, her minimalist, less-is-more makeup approach translates flawlessly on all skin tones.
Foundation-Free Drugstore Makeup
Looking to add coverage without using foundation? Watch Haley Kim’s back-to-school makeup tutorial using concealer and color correcting to pinpoint areas she wants to draw attention away from. Bonus: she only uses drugstore products.
Subtle Glam Makeup
Want to add a little more drama to your back-to-school makeup look? Lexsa Marie has you covered with this beginner-friendly back-to-school makeup tutorial targeted at oily complexions. Learn how to lock in your makeup all day and keep shine to a minimum with her techniques.
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