Mandala tattoos are beautiful and intricate, no doubt. But they also are so much more than a pretty design. Though the Sanskrit word literally translates to "circle," mandalas are a symbol of the universe. They have a long history in Hinduism and Buddhism; their complex and symmetrical designs have many traditional uses, from being a spiritual guidance tool to being a mode of meditation. And because of their inherent symbolism and religious ties, many people find that they make for great tattoo inspiration -- of course, it also doesn't hurt that they're stunning. Really, when you think about it, a mandala tattoo has the somewhat unique potential to be both visually striking and personally meaningful.
Gone are the days when mineral sunscreens were thick, chalky, and left your face covered in a (very unappealing) white residue. The latest formulations are sheer, weightless and barely detectable, not to mention ideal for layering under makeup.
Sometimes, you just need to indulge. And where better to partake than your very own designated area to primp and preen? You may think of vanity tables as a glamorous artifact from the '20s, but vanity sets are still very relevant and useful (not to mention fun and totally Instagrammable). After all, think of all the counter space you'd have if you moved all of your beauty products out of the bathroom.
Ah summer. It's the perfect time to dust off the ol' bucket list and fantasize about all of the exotic locales we'd like to experience. Are you longing for an escape to the French countryside? Imagining life on a remote island? Or maybe an overnight al fresco at the closest national park is the adventure you crave? Of course, between the reality of plane fares, haggling for time off and nailing down logistics, these grand travel plans are often easier dreamed up than done.
Not to rain on your summer parade, but here are a few facts that should wake you up from your margarita-and-sun-induced coma, forcing you to take a big whiff of sunscreen: The incidence of melanoma (a deadly form of skin cancer) isn't going anywhere — an estimated 73,870 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the US this year. If that doesn't scare you, this will: 80 percent of the aging that dermatologists see is due to excess sun exposure, since it can break down the collagen and elastin in your skin and cause more wrinkles.
