7 Wattpad Stories for Quiet Nights and Open Hearts



Barbie Feet: The Photogenic Pose That’s Become an Instagram Sensation

There’s a reason we love wearing high heels—and it’s not that they’re especially comfortable. It’s that they’re hands down the most flattering footwear. But take a scroll through Instagram, and you’ll find the funny fact that models and bloggers have a trick for occasions when heels aren’t an option, what we’ll now refer to as “Barbie feet.” While Barbie’s plastic feet are permanently molded into a pointed position, Instagram pros are whipping out the pose when they want to elongate their legs in photographs.

To master this pose, there’s only one requirement: Act like you’re wearing an invisible pair of high heels, even though there’s nothing but air under your arches. From the front, it can be hard to tell you’re doing anything at all, but from the side, you can see that you’re balanced solely on the balls of your feet. Read on and you’ll find a breakdown of exactly how to nail this photogenic trick. Now, you’re all set to try it out for your next photo op.

Tip 1: Stand on the balls of your feel to lengthen your legs.

Tip 2: Bend one leg to the side, with the other leg back and behind.

Tip 3: Stand with your legs apart, at more than hip distance.

Tip 4: For extra support, try out a sitting pose.

Tip 5: Try crossing your legs and leaning against a background.

Tip 6: While this pose is great straight-on, also try it out from the side.

Tip 7: It never hurts to add a big smile.

Tip 8: Separate your legs on two stairs for extra dimension.

Tip 9: Hold on to another object like a tree or chair for balance.

IS THIS AN INSTAGRAM HACK THAT FASCINATE YOU OR YOU ON TO THE NEXT ONE?

11 Tricks to Looking More Photogenic

Every time I open up Instagram, I see a perfectly positioned model or influencer showing off their outfit. Without fail, I assume the seemingly perfect photo was effortless to capture. I always take it for granted that the person in the photo is naturally photogenic (and that if I’m not naturally photogenic, I’d never been able to pull off the same photo). But guess what: That couldn’t be further from the truth. Anyone who frequently has their photo taken just knows what works for them, mostly from trial and error.

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For Instagram’s director of fashion partnerships, Eva Chen, it’s her baby giraffe pose, while the Barbie feet pose is a favorite among celebs and models everywhere. It’s no big secret how to produce an amazing outfit photo; it just comes down to knowing your angles.

Everyone has a different angle that works best for them, but try the following tips and you’ll realize that the perfect outfit photo is just a matter of strategy. From paying attention to camera angles to strategically positioning your body, we’re sharing our top tricks to never worrying about how to look more photogenic again. If you’re ready to up your Instagram game, look no further.

Avoid a Low Angle

Lower angles, while sometimes a cool option, are typically harder to execute well. Position your camera slightly above your eye line. Generally speaking, the higher the camera angle, the better the photo.

Put Your Hand on Your Hip

PHOTO: @AIMEESONG

Any time your arm is slightly away from the rest of your body, it adds interest to the pose.

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Sit Up or Stand Up Straight

Paying attention to your posture when taking pictures can make the world of a difference. Hunched shoulders and slumped spines will not elongate your figure. Instead, push your shoulders back stick your back end out slightly. It might seem silly to dramatize good posture, but we promise it will come across well on camera.

Avoid Bulky Clothing

Obviously, you should wear whatever you like and show off your unique style in photos, but bulky clothing tends to distract from the best part of the photo: you! Lightweight, thin fabrics, like silk, are great options for photos.  

Slightly Twist Your Body to the Side

PHOTO: @BADGALRARA_

Again, posing in a unique way adds interest to the photo. Fully to the side or even at an angle both work.

Wear Dark Clothing

PHOTO: @CHRISSYFORD

You don’t have to wear bright colors to make your photo stand out. Case in point: Chrissy Rutherford’s dark-wash denim jumpsuit and black booties.

Add a Filter

PHOTO: @NNENNAECHEM

Going for a darker Instagram filter, like X-Pro II or Mayfair, and adjusting the exposure and light filters can make for a more photogenic image.

Keep Your Chin Up and Out

This trick will elongate your neck and help to avoid any unflattering chin angles. 

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Pull Your Shoulders Back

Not only will this accentuate your collarbone, but it will also make you look more polished and put-together (if that’s what you’re going for).

Don’t Tightly Press Your Arms to Your Body

Keep your arms slightly away from your body for a better shot. Either put your hand on your hip, brush your hand through your hair, or try keeping your elbow slightly out.

Experiment With Selfies to Find Your Best Angle

PHOTO: @FONGMINLIAO

No shame here—it’s all about finding what looks best for you. A little trial and error will help you find your best angle in photos so you know exactly how to stand to create the best image.

Shop the photogenic wardrobe essentials our editors are loving right now from Fashion Nova:

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Leandra Ruched Mini Dress – Lavender, $59.99 USD

You really can’t go wrong with a dress.

Painting Pictures PU Leather Skirtall – Black, $24.99 USD

This skirt is the perfect length.

Charge It Rhinestone Blazer – Black, $69.99 USD

The word “hourglass” is what describes this stylish blazer. Need we say more?

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It’s On Deck Bodysuit – Black, $29.99 USD

Square necklines are basically a frame for your collarbones.

Ciao Bella Crossbody Bag – Black, $24.99 USD $16.98 USD

This will make wearing black feel anything but boring.

On My Side Midi Dress – Burgundy, $54.99 USD

Try any silhouette that’s belted to highlight your figure.

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Victoria High Waisted Dress Pant- Pinstripe – Black/White, $34.99 USD

Vertical stripes are pretty much guaranteed to garner likes.

Party For Two Contrast Jeans – Black/Blue, $49.99 USD

Always invest in black jeans.

Vivi Maxi Wrap Dress – Mauve, $39.99 USD

There’s a reason wrap dresses have been a classic for decades now—they look so darn good on everyone.

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Two Of A Kind Layered Jacket – Medium Blue Wash, $34.99 USD

A cropped jacket is so versatile.

Essential Faux Leather Moto Jacket – Tan, $39.99 USD $31.99 USD

Again with the belt.

Wine And Dine Velvet Corset Top – Black, $19.99 USD

Throw this on with jeans and sandals in the warmer months, and layer with a blazer in the colder seasons.

Comment below if you would enjoy a Try-On Haul and with what brand! ( Tag them)

Feature Photo: @Saweetie

The Best LGBTQ+ Beauty Influencers to Follow on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube

When we’re scrolling through our fave beauty accounts on social media, we’re often so focused on the stunning makeup looks that we forget about the actual artists creating them and what they mean to their followers and subscribers. This can be especially true for LGBTQ+ beauty influencers on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube, who inspire and uplift so many by sharing their personal stories and, of course, through their work. Below, meet 9+ of our favorite LGBTQ+ content creators you’re going to want to follow, ASAP. 

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Hyram 

For unsolicited (yet totally welcome) skin-care advice, subscribe to Hyram’s TikTok account like, now. He’s always sharing what products to buy (he’s a huge CeraVe fan!) and has dedicated his account to helping followers get their skin-care routines in check. If you’re lucky, he may even duet your skin-care routine.

Bretman Rock 

For a mix of skin, makeup, lifestyle and getting ready content, follow Bretman Rock on Instagram and Youtube. He’s an extremely talented makeup artist, has a great sense of humor and fabulous hair.

Bretman has 12 million followers on Instagram but he still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves on a worldwide scale. I’ve followed him from the beginning and he’s one of the few influencers whose personality hasn’t changed with fame. He’s humble, hilarious, super proud of his Filipino heritage, and is unproblematic. Honestly, he’s been doing this for years and has managed to stay out of the drama. He is who he is, which is why his followers love him.

GlamazonTay

Glamazontay’s YouTube channel is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle destination. She does everything from hair tutorials to outfit hauls and has enough GRWMs to help you slay for months on end. Watching her videos is basically like hanging out with one of your friends.

James Charles

Oh, James Charles. He’s known for his whimsical glam makeup tutorials, iconic YouTuber collabs and huge community of sisters. Plus, he’s wildly entertaining. Definitely worth a follow, but don’t blame us if you get a little bit addicted.

Patrick Starr

If you’re not already following Patrick Starr, who’s an amazing content creator and founder of the new beauty brand One Size, now is definitely the time to subscribe. Not only does he have a bright and bubbly personality, he also produces movie-quality videos that are mesmerizing to watch. He’s also known for creating over-the-top drag makeup.

With over 4.6 million followers on Instagram, Starr is undoubtedly a, well, star. He’s all about the long lashes, head wraps, wigs, and long gowns, and his makeup tutorial videos are full of uplifting vibes and humor. Starr oozes confidence and self-love—it’s part of what makes him so inspirational. He’s teamed up with big-name beauty brands like MAC and Benefit Cosmetics, and he’s worked with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba to create fun beauty content. Trust us, you want to give him a follow.

Gigi Gorgeous

An OG YouTuber, Gigi has been delivering makeup videos and challenges for years. She’s documented everything from her favorite beauty products to her transition with the support of her followers all the way.

Julie Vu

Not only is Julie Vu talented at slaying a smoky eye, she also gets real on her channel about everything she’s going through. As a trans woman, Julie has shared her transition from the beginning and continues to inspire people with her honesty. Go for the beauty tutorials (her perfect wand curls tutorial comes to mind) and stay for the funny challenges and informative videos about transitioning.

Jazmina Daniel

The queen of lip art, you’ve likely seen her lip looks floating around your Instagram feed. She’s recreated everything from iconic works of art to album cover artwork. She’s also incredibly fashionable.

 Mei Pang

Pang came on my radar a few months ago when one of her videos popped up on my Twitter feed. From the moment the video started, I was in awe. Her looks seem intricate but they’re actually super easy to emulate, kind of like a lazy way to fake a flawless look. Plus, her down-to-earth attitude is something that many can vibe with.

Pang isn’t the girl-next-door—she’s your badass friend who gives it to you straight. She constantly features her head-to-toe tattoos on her Instagram and serves fierce makeup looks, too. They’re not your typical beauty looks; she often does full-face makeup with bold colors and shapes that are embellished with pearls, rhinestones, and more. On her feed, Pang is also incredibly open about her sobriety and what that journey has looked like for her.

Deon

The blend honey, the blend! I thought my blending game was on point, but Deon makes me look like an amateur. He only has 18,000 followers and I don’t understand why he doesn’t have more. Colorful eyeshadows can be scary to use but I love that Deon uses them at every chance he gets. He shows that with practice, bright colors can be tamed.

Clark describes his aesthetic as “special occasion,” and his looks are the intersection of glam and fierce. He says that wearing makeup gives him a confidence boost and makes him feel snatched, but what he loves most are the comments he gets from his followers saying that he’s inspired them. 

Nikkie de Jagger

f you love makeup tutorials, odds are de Jagger has popped up as a suggested video or account on your feed. With over 15 million followers, she’s earned the title of a beauty mogul and expert, and her makeup looks prove it. They’re colorful, bright, and bold, and de Jagger always breaks them down in easy-to-follow steps. In January, she posted a now-viral video in which she came out as transgender after someone threatened to out her. Since that moment, she’s been more open about her journey as a trans woman and how makeup plays into it.

Myla

If you’re looking for beauty influencers who post mood-boosting looks, search no further. Myla’s fun makeup looks are straight out of an Instagram filter, featuring everything from smiley faces to daises to butterfly wings. For her, makeup is about creativity, playfulness, and self-expression, just as it should be.

Did I miss any of your favorite LGBTQ+ influencers? Of course, there are thousands of talented LGBTQ+ influencers out there, but check this talented bunch out when you’re looking for someone new. And remember, we choose who we follow, even if the talent is there, let’s try not to make problematic, negative people famous.

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Photo: @MeiPang