7 Beauty Mistakes You're Making In The Shower — Turns Out A Hot Shower Might Not Be As Great As You Thought

Some of the world's best inventions, philosophies, and ideologies were probably thought up mid-bathe. Most of us do our best thinking (and best beautifying) in the shower. But where did the genius concept of bathing come from, anyway? Our earliest understanding of showers started with the waterfall. Ancient people would immerse themselves in natural springs for a good scrub. Then, there is evidence of upper-class Egyptians and Mesopotamians having indoor bathing rooms in their homes. Sure, these involved a jug, some cold water, and servant doing the work, but it was the closest thing to hygiene they had available. The first real showers, with pipes and all that hip, modern technology, were brought to us by the ancient Greeks, who created communal showers for the elite and commoners alike. Save water by showering with the whole town, as they used to say. I think.

Today we have the modern elegance of rubber duckies and rotating shower heads. So much has changed since the inception of showering that it is practically a concept all its own. With any brilliant idea comes a series of rules, and bathing is no exception. However, what you know as some basic Shower Do’s and Don’ts might just be ancient history. Here are a few mistakes you’ve probably been making in the tub.

1. Shampoo First, Conditioner Second. Every. Single. Time.

If bathroom etiquette exists, this is probably rule number one. But if you want the kind of hair that is so bouncy that it practically defies gravity, it's time to mix it up. Not only is it a good idea to condition before using shampoo, but I also encourage you to deep condition (aka put conditioner on your dry hair and leave it there for 5-10 minutes) before you even step foot in the shower. For especially dry tips, this is the best way to get in that extra bit of moisture. Leave the shampoo for later.

2. Shaving Too Soon

Even if you're in a hurry — like getting ready for a date last-minute or rushing out the door for work — shaving your body the second you step in the shower just isn't a good idea. Your skin needs a little prep in order to avoid the terrors of razor burn or ingrown hairs. Your best bet is to wait until the end of your shower to start shaving. The hot water and steam soften your hair, making it less likely to tug and cause irritation. Then, use an exfoliator— even your daily face scrub will do — in order to get rid of dead skin, so you can enjoy a smoother shave.

3. Not Taking Your Makeup Off Beforehand

If you get in the shower with a full face of makeup, TERRIBLE THINGS WILL HAPPEN. OK, not terrible, but not ideal. A lot of cleansers aren't intended for makeup removal, so even after washing your face, you might still go to bed with residue, meaning you might up your chances of getting blemishes. Save yourself from a serious skin faux pas by removing that cat eye before you suds, or invest in a face wash with makeup remover built in!

4. Using Too Much Product

If you go through body soap way faster than you should, you're probably using way too much at a time. The more body wash you lather up, the more natural oil is extracted from your skin. So basically, the more harsh soap you're using on your skin, the drier it will be! And nobody wants skin that's in a drought. Stick to bar soaps that contain moisturizing ingredients, like aloe and shea butter, to keep rough skin at bay while still keeping you clean!

5. Not Using It To Get The Perfect Manicure

Some of us just aren't artistically inclined. When I try to give myself a manicure (big emphasis on try), I end up looking like I wanted to give my entire hand a pink ombre. But that doesn't stop me. Art is subjective, OK? I like to plan my DIY mani so that I have time to let it dry, and then hop right in the shower and use a soothing scrub on my hands (like Bath & Body Works 60-Second Manicure Scrub) to get them soft and manicure-ready, and to remove all the excess nail polish from my horrible paint job. By the time you're done shampooing, you'll basically be a hand model. Or something.

6. Using A Loofah. Period

I'll be upfront about it: Loofahs aren't really hygienic. I'm sorry if you have an emotional attachment to yours, but it's time to find a new bath-time security blanket! Basically, all the bacteria and dead skin you scrub off of your body just gets trapped in the loofah, and every time you use it, you're actually just spreading that gunk all over yourself again. It's a vicious, vicious cycle, and by tossing it, you really aren't losing much.

7. Making The Water As Hot As Possible

Sure, in the winter, nothing is nicer than a hot shower after enduring a polar vortex or two. But there are some very real benefits of giving a cold shower a try. Medical Daily claims that it can help with everything, including circulation, muscle soreness, immunity, and even depression. The benefit I can speak to? Adding five minutes of cold water to the end of my shower made my hair and skin noticeably softer. If not for all those awesome health benefits, at least do it for the shiny hair!

Images: carol_anne/Fotolia; kolunhome, flossgloss, katiewigglesworth, magsdevine/Instagram
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6 Gross Things That Happen If You Don't Wash Your Bra Often Enough

We all have our own weird routines that allow us to go as long as possible without doing laundry. There's only so far we can take it, though, before our clothes start to turn on us and demand to be cleaned. And that includes the undergarments we wear on a regular basis, which are more sensitive than we give them credit for. Yes, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but our bras need to be washed more often than you might think.

Even though our bras might get washed less frequently than our shirts, the truth is that the closer something is to your body, the more frequently you should be cleaning it. This basic instruction comes from a professional, Mary Begovic Johnson, senior scientific communications manager of Procter & Gamble, who told Buzzfeed that you really shouldn't be wearing the same bra more than three to five times in a row. Another way to put it is that you should aim to toss your bras in the washer at least once a week.

This isn't one of those mom-like suggestions you toss aside because, well, she's a little paranoid and nobody has ever died from eating standing up. No; there are some actual, real-life consequences that come from failing to wash your bra. Whether it's acne or disagreeable scents, you don't want to wait around to witness what a dirty brassiere has to offer.

Here are six gross things that can happen if you don't wash your bra often enough.

1. Nasty Things Will Accumulate On Your Bra

Bacteria, oil, dirt, lotion, microorganisms, yeast, fungi — these merely make up the tip of the iceberg (or nipple, as it were). The longer you refrain from washing your bra, the more these nasties assemble without your permission. New York dermatologist Joshua Zeichner says these things generally aren't dangerous when they come into contact with your skin, but put them all together in one place, unsupervised and left to their own devices, where they'll transform into something ominous, as we'll see below.

2. Your Bra Will Start To Smell — And That Smell Might Rub Off On Your Other Clothes

I'm sure you've learned by now, being an adult and all, that things stink if they don't get washed often enough. Your bra is not exempt from this. It doesn't matter how many times you spritz a little perfume on it as you get dressed in the morning; there will come a time when it's so dirty that it smells like a gym locker room you've become immune to. And that faint smell could potentially rub off on your other clothes, meaning you could be walking around with a generally unpleasant scent. Your friends and coworkers deserve better. Toss that bra in the washing machine.

3. Your Bra Might Become Stained

Deodorant is your best friend — until it sits on your undergarment for several days in a row and leaves a yellowish-beige stain on your lacy bra, that is. Dirt and oil like to gather together too, resulting in sweat discolorations that will be tough to get out (I hear baking soda as a prewash treatment works wonders).

4. You Could Get An Acne Breakout

This is especially likely to happen if you're exercising in sports bras a lot. Sweaty undergarments are one of the most common causes of body acne, and if you've never had it, don't bring it upon yourself. Because bras are so tight and close to the skin, all the grimey bacteria that has built up over time can easily cause friction. Acne happens anywhere that sees a lot of rubbing and excess heat, so if you don't wash your bra enough, you may be hit with some bacne, as well as pimples along your rib cage and underboob area.

While you have a little more wiggle room with your everyday t-shirt bras, you can't really afford to slack off on washing your sports bras. Those sweaty numbers need to be properly cleaned every two or three uses, at least. That should reduce the likelihood of any red bumps rudely showing up without an invite.

5. You Might Get A Rash Or An Infection

WebMD names clothing as one of the top things in our lives that cause serious skin irritation. Sometimes it's because the garments don't fit properly, and sometimes it's because they're not washed often enough. Dr. Zeichner told Buzzfeed Life that it's very easy for bacteria and yeast to gather underneath your breasts, which is an area they find to be moist and cozy.

That yeast and bacteria might result in a pink patch where the skin becomes raw, leading to redness and irritation (which can be cured in a day or two), a rash, or an infection. An infection would probably send you to a doctor, where you may have to get prescription meds to zap the problem.

6. Your Nipples Might Begin To Chafe

I wouldn't wish chafed nipples on my worst enemies. It's an incredibly uncomfortable thing to endure, and one of the causes? You guessed it: unwashed bras. Boston-based dermatologist Robin Travers, M.D., told Fitness Magazine that the recipe for chafing disaster is a sweaty undergarment and dry skin. Even the smallest amount of moisture that gets trapped between dirty fabrics and delicate skin can turn your nipple area into a danger zone.

Your nipples definitely don't have the time or energy to deal with that nonsense. To keep your boobs happy — and your sanity intact — set an alarm on your phone to remind yourself to cart your bras to a washing machine at least once a week. If you're in a pinch, hand wash them and leave them out to dry overnight. Because nothing gross ever came out of a clean brassiere. (Well, OK, maybe that one hookup you had with a clean bra on was pretty gross, but you know what I mean.)

Want more women's health coverage? Check out Bustle's new podcast, Honestly Though, which tackles all the questions you're afraid to ask.

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10 Beauty Habits that are Sabotaging Your Body

I have them. Kate Middleton has them. Admit it, you have them, too. Bad beauty habits are easy to adopt and even harder to break, but 2014 could be the year where you shed these naughty practices. Bustle readers, let’s all make a pact: from nail biting to not washing our faces before bed, here are 10 common bad beauty habits we're going to leave behind in 2013.

Nail Biting

If you’re a natural nail-biter, it’s probably a habit you started years and years ago. Give your nails a break already! A good way to prevent yourself from biting your nails is to get a pretty polished manicure. You’re less likely to bite your nails when there’s polish on it, because, ew, no one wants the harsh taste of chipped polish in their mouth, right?

Sleeping In Your Makeup

Why are we still doing this!? Are we that lazy and sleep-deprived that we can’t take two minutes to wash our faces at the sink? Apparently. If you’re the type of person who continually falls asleep on your bed in your work clothes, we suggest keeping a pack of makeup-removing wipes by your bed. It’s not as effective as washing with face wash, but it’s a lot better than sleeping with your foundation on, and it takes fewer than 30 seconds to do.

Not Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Think about all the eyeshadow, blush and foundation that accumulates on your brushes over a period of a week. Now think about how you can go weeks upon weeks without washing them and carelessly apply them to your face. Wonder where those mysterious breakouts come from? Do yourself and your skin a favor — take five minutes out of your day, once a week, to wash your brushes. Wash it out with a baby shampoo mixed with warm water and then let it air dry, or use these four tips.

Picking Your Split Ends

Just like nail-biting, some people turn to picking their split ends when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. When you pick your split ends, you’re essentially cutting your own hair, but not in a clean way. This bad habit leaves your ends broken and fragile, making it impossible for your hair to grow out healthfully. If you dream of Kardashian-esque locks, you best break this pattern stat.

Keeping Old Makeup

Treat your makeup bag as if it were a refrigerator and your makeup as if it were food. Just like the contents of your fridge, makeup also has a shelf life, even though you wouldn’t expect them to expire. Changes in color or texture, any sorts of odd smells and crusting or hardening are all good indicators that your makeup has gone bad. Here are some good makeup expiration dates to follow: Lipstick, eyeshadows and powders can typically last up to two years; liquid foundation can last up to 12 months; mascara can last up to three months.

Over-tweezing Your Eyebrows

In case you haven’t already realized, full brows are totally in — and it’s a beauty trend that’s here to stay. Step away from your tweezers and stop over-plucking. Instead, make sure you have regular wax appointments to maintain the shape that you’d like.

Popping Your Blemishes

You may think you’re doing your pimple a favor by popping it prematurely, but here is the hard and simple truth behind it: when you pop your zit, it doesn’t make it go away. Doing this leaves it even more irritated, possibly leaving a scar or skin infection on your face. Resist, ladies! Let it take its course.

Chipping Off Your Gel Polish

The best part about gel nail polish is also the worst part about it: it lasts forever. Although it’s tempting to chip them off as they start to lose their shine, it’s best not to. Peeling the gel can leave your nail beds and cuticles cracked, broken, and soft. Leave it to the professionals when it comes to removing your gel mani. Then treat yourself to a new one for conquering this bad habit!

Applying Heat To Your Hair Daily

You may use thermal protectants, but if you can stand it, try to give your locks a break from heat styling every day. Try swapping out a wash and using dry shampoo and dry conditioner instead. If you really can’t skip the blowdrying or flat-ironing, then make sure to treat your hair with a deep conditioner on a weekly basis.

Skipping the SPF

According to the American Cancer Society, one person dies of melanoma every hour. Even if you aren’t the type to apply sunscreen to your skin every day, there’s SPF in practically everything, so there’s no excuse when it comes to protecting yourself. Plus, you’ll keep the wrinkles at bay longer. It’s really a win-win situation.

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8 Outdoor Workouts That Will Get You in Shape Fast

Summer is the prime time of year to ditch your same old gym routine and try something new outside — you know, in nature.

Trust me, the view is infinitely more exciting than what awaits you on the elliptical. The best part? Just five minutes of outdoor exercise can boost your mood, your self-esteem, and mental health, according to a study from the University of Essex. And, most of these workouts fall more into the "fun" category than the "exercise" one. Who can't get behind that? Ahead, eight workouts you may have heard of — with the body benefits that will convince you to actually get out there and do them.

Kayaking

Kayaking is cardio with a major focus on your arms (it’s like those super-trendy rowing classes, except you actually get to, you know, row a boat). You’ll target your shoulders, triceps, biceps and more. Don’t worry, your legs won’t get left out — you’ll use them to brace yourself and balance in the kayak, which helps build strength.

Beach Volleyball

Instead of just lazing around beachside, grab a ball and strike up a friendly competition with your girls — or the cute guys lounging near you. It’s not too tough when it comes to cardio, but will target your whole body, from shoulders to calves. Plus, the shifting sand is a constant balance challenge, making your legs work extra hard. You’ll earn that post-beach margarita.

Hiking

This is not about a hillside stroll — to reap the rewards of hiking, you need to commit to the trek by choosing a location with an incline and, for bonus points, uneven terrain. The more you lift your legs, the more of a cardio workout you’ll get, and if you’re scrambling over rocks and trees, you’ll even get your arms involved, too. The view (and lunch) at the top will be totally worth it.

Standup Paddle-Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding is a killer workout — it may seem leisurely, but staying upright on that thin board is a major balance challenge, which forces all your muscles (especially your core!) to activate. A half-hour paddle in the bay or a lake will leave all your muscles quivering (the rougher the water, the harder you’ll work).

Rooftop Yoga

Yoga is all about centering yourself — where better to do that than in a location that practically forces you to find a new perspective? If you’re in New York or Los Angeles, we recommend Serene Social, a empowerment group hosting weekly yoga sessions on high-rises. If you’re not in the city, no worries — just drag your mat outdoors. You’d be amazing how quickly new scenery can invigorate your practice.

Swimming

Sorry, we don’t mean your typical doggy-paddle in the deep end. For a real aqua workout, you’ve got to put in some laps (doesn’t matter if they’re out in the ocean, your neighborhood lake, or an area pool). But, the payoff is well worth the effort — it’s an all-over muscle toner, since you use your whole body to slice through the water; plus, it’s super low-impact, so you won’t have a workout hangover the next day.

Surfing

Surfing is the ultimate water workout — it combines the best elements of swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. You get a challenging upper body workout while paddling out to catch waves and pushing yourself up to a standing position; once you’ve caught a wave, your lower body steps up to keep you balanced and upright, no matter how wild your ride. Can’t make it to the beach? Try Surfset Fitness’ surfing-inspired classes at gyms across the country.

Outdoor Boot Camp

Part of the appeal of a gym is all the strength-training equipment that’s at the ready. Head to your local park, instead, and you can find everything you need for a full-body workout. Use benches for tricep dips, stairs for calf raises, playground bars for leg lifts — you can make it up as you go! (If you’re looking for someone to tell you what to do, and you’re in the New York area, we recommend the awesome Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp.)

Image: Scott Griessel/Fotolia

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Skin Aging Early? These 5 Daily Habits Could Be the Reason

As much as there are factors out of our control (what am I supposed to do about all the pollution clogging up my skin?), ultimately a lot of our epidermis woes are the result of our own behavior. Our bad habits show up in our skin (so even after that hangover subsides, it's lingering on your face), causing uneven tone, sensitivity and, the big one: aging. Here are the top five reasons your skin isn't at its best right now:

Stress

This is the No. 1 culprit for premature aging, says Miranda Kerr’s facialist, Ildi Pekar. “Fine lines, which are found mainly on the face, are caused by stress. Deeper wrinkles around the eyes show signs of stressed skin. Wrinkles directly in the center of the forehead also signify aging caused by stress — they are known as worry lines.”

Believe it: Stress doesn’t just make you anxious, it also ages your skin, according to Pekar. She suggests de-stressing using aromatherapy, which calms your mind down. “Use essential oils at home or go to a professional. Give yourself a 5- to 10-minute face massage which relaxes your skin muscles, exercise regularly, or meditate weekly.”

Lack Of Sleep

You need at least seven to eight hours to let your skin cells renew overnight, says Pekar. “When you don’t get enough rest, it can take a toll on your skin, causing it to be dull and dry, leading to premature aging. A lack of sleep also causes you to have dark circles around your eyes, making you look older.” She also says signs like skin having a grey and loose appearance due to a lack of collagen production point to sleeplessness.

Put yourself on a sleep regime: Make a bedtime and stick to it. “Shut off all electronics one hour prior to bed, and never sleep with the TV on,” she adds.

Poor Diet

“When you are not nourishing your body with vitamins and minerals, it shows up in your skin,” Pekar says. “Drinking alcohol creates wrinkles and fine lines due to dehydration of the skin and can also show liver problems. These lines are normally the vertical line in between your eyes. You can also see dark circles around the eyes due to lack of hydration and circulation. Some people also show signs of puffiness in the skin, which can be caused by water retention," which in turn is caused by consuming a lot of alcohol, coffee and salty or fried foods.

The solution here is pretty obvious: Drink more water and follow a better diet full of colorful veggies (“which have the most vitamins and nutrients to feed your skin and keep it supple, hydrated and glowing,” says Pekar).

Leaving It Vulnerable to Pollution

You can't control it the way you can control your diet, but pollution is still a huge factor in blah skin. “It’s highly toxic and slows down your cellular growth, which causes your skin to rapidly age,” Pekar warns. “Toxins can decrease oxygen and collagen in your skin, which causes a dull appearance. When polluted, skin looks irritated and can also appear very blotchy with an uneven tone and constant breakouts.”

Protection is key here: “Use an SPF to protect your skin from free radicals that cause aging. Cleanse your skin every night, exfoliate twice a week and use products with antioxidants to help moisturize and stay protected.”

Using the Wrong Products

Are you aging your skin simply by slathering it with the wrong stuff? Products that contain harsh chemicals will damage your skin cells over time, according to Pekar. “Skin will look always irritated, prone to breakouts and show a lot of redness because it is sensitive.”

Take a gentler approach: Switch to organic products with lighter, more effective ingredients to soothe this sensitivity.

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How to Get Fit Faster With 10 Little Life Hacks That Aren't Exercising

If there’s anything I learned from the courses I took in holistic health and nutrition, it’s this: health and well-being comes down to so much more than calories in and calories out, and very few diets or systems acknowledge that. In order to get fit faster with little life hacks, it’s imperative to realize that there are so many factors that play into your mental and physical well-being, and it’s not about shape, size, or appearance, either. You can even take steps to get fit that don't involve exercising.

No matter who you are, you deserve to feel healthy and good about yourself. Still, there are so many misconceptions and so many societal habits that stand in the way. Did you know that increased cortisol (the stress hormone) leads to adrenal exhaustion, weight gain, and a shortened life span, but everything about our high-stress work environments and processed diets prompts the release of it? How about the fact that natural fat is absolutely essential for a healthy mind and body, but most “low fat” foods are marketed as healthy and loaded with sugar — the actual culprit here.

If you’re looking to get fit, certain lifestyle changes can make all the difference, and they’re all about living life the natural way – with less stress, better food, deeper sleep, and positive thoughts.

Supplement Your Workouts With Protein Shakes, But Skip All The Additives & Added Sugars

Loads of people use whey powder as a protein shake alongside their workouts, but the problem with that is people tend to be pretty sensitive to milk. This vanilla nut protein powder is one of the only protein powders that fits in with the paleo diet because it utilizes protein derived from grass-fed cows and natural stevia instead of added sugars. It’s also gluten free, soy-free, very easy to digest, has a great consistency, and according to reviewers, tastes incredible — a subtly sweet vanilla nut flavor that makes it “the best-tasting protein drink on the market!”

Avoid A Sedentary Lifestyle — Even if You Have A Desk Job

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in a 2012 study that workers using sit-stand desks saw a 54 percent reduction in neck and back pain, in addition to improved moods. If you're sitting for prolonged periods of time at your desk job, work this extendable laptop stand into your desk set-up to see how the standing desk life works for you — before you commit to the investment desks that will set you back a few hundred.

Sleep More Soundly With Constant Natural Noises

Sleep is a surprising way to stay fit because it’s the lowest-energy activity you’ll ever do. In reality, though, it repairs your muscles, heals your body, lowers your stress levels, and regulates your metabolism. According to a new study, nature sounds help you sleep, as they’re constant, non-threatening, and drown out sudden noises that jolt you awake. This Sound Oasis sound therapy system includes six high-quality nature sounds, including ocean, stream, wind, and summer night. You can use it with batteries or with an adaptor, and it also has an auto-off function, a headphone jack, and volume control.

Take Up Yoga For Physical And Mental Wellbeing

I’m a huge believer in yoga because it combines aerobic exercise with mind-calming meditations that improve sleep, digestion, circulation, strength, and (some argue) happiness. For the beginner who’s ready to entirely dive in, there’s this Sivan Health and fitness yoga set. It comes with everything you need to get started, like an ultra-thick matt, two blocks, a durable strap, and two towels — a small and a large, both slip-resistant and extra absorbent. The set comes in your choice of seven different colors, and it's an awesome way to inspire a new practice; once you’ve got the tools, what’s holding you back?

Try A Clean Eating Lifestyle

Clean eating has been the only food-related lifestyle change that’s ever made a significant difference for me, both physically and mentally. Clean Eats is a cookbook of delicious and natural recipes, but it’s also your own personal life coach, guiding you through tips, tricks, nutritional information, and the science behind it. It’s written by cardiologist Dr. Alejandro Junger who truly believes in fresh, natural food, and reviewers say, “This is SO much more than just a cookbook!”

Give Yourself A Reason To Head Into Nature For Happier Thoughts

A recent study showed that a walk in nature (like, real nature — not a concrete sidewalk) decreased negative thoughts, as it affected activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex of the brain. Nature has a huge influence on your stress levels and general wellbeing, so this top-rated hammock is an excellent excuse to block out at least a nap's worth of time in the backyard. Not only is it durable, affordable, available in four color ways and a great beginner hammock, but it’s lightweight and sets up in a matter of minutes without any hassle. It supports up to 1,100 pounds, and fans of the backyard essentials are saying their whole family enjoys it.

Meditate To Reduce Stress And Cortisol Levels

Meditation isn’t all in your head — it provides measurable physical improvements in the body, like a balanced nervous system, better digestion, deeper sleep, a boosted immune system, and — you guessed it — less cortisol. Jack Kornfield’s Guided Meditations is an ideal resource for beginners, as his clear directions and calming voice lead you through each and every step. It provides the support and direction that you’ll need to stick with it, and because it’s accessible for everyone and comes with several different tracks, it’s a great place to start your practice.

Implement A Nightly Routine To Ease Stress

Implementing a nightly routine before bed is a great way to cultivate wellness, security, and better sleep. TranquilyTea's stress relief tea makes a great addition (and a great substitute for caffeine) to any routine because it’s made with all natural herbs that calm and relax you, and together, they create a delicious and aromatic pear flavor that reviewers love. It’s a wonderful natural remedy for sleeplessness, anxiety, and headaches, and especially great for me-time tea time.

Amp Up Your Self-Esteem For More Oxytocin

Low self esteem is rough enough on its own, but it’s also linked to anxiety, depression, a lack of motivation, and low oxytocin — the “optimism gene.” This book, Self-Esteem, remains one of the best resources surrounding the subject, and it teaches you exactly how to stop self-judgment, rewrite your mental habits, and cultivate feelings of love and acceptance for yourself. It’s filled with interactive exercises and assessments, and it’s used by both therapists and everyday readers alike.

Always Keep Water Nearby, And You’ll Drink More Of It

Your body is made up 60 percent water, and if you’re not getting enough of it due to soda and diuretics, odds are you’re suffering from insomnia, weight gain, tired adrenals, fatigue, and even depression. Carrying around a lightweight, non-toxic water bottle like this PurifyYou premium glass water bottle will prompt you to drink much more water, therefore staying hydrated. It’s made from high-quality and durable glass, which won’t leach chemicals into your water like plastic or metal, and because it has a grip sleeve, a handle, a leak-proof function, and is dishwasher-safe, it’s great for any busy life.

Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments.

Images: Stokpic/Pexels; Amazon 

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7 Types Of Lingerie Every Woman Should Own

There are certain essential pieces of fashion that arguably belong in every woman's closet, like a simple pair of ballet flats or a perfect white T-shirt. But often left off of these lists of wardrobe basics are must-have types of lingerie. This, in my humble opinion, is a huge oversight because good lingerie is the foundation to any outfit, and pairing the right kind of lingerie with the right ensemble can elevate your look (not to mention your confidence) in a big way.

I used to be the kind of person who totally wrote off fancy and frilly lingerie, primarily making decisions about what underwear to wear based on what was clean. It's only been within the last several months that I've truly understood the appeal of lingerie, especially the ruffled kind. Wearing the right type of lingerie under your clothes can make a huge difference in the way you carry and present yourself. Plus, there's so much more to lingerie than simply matching pretty bras with lacy underwear. And once you start down the rabbit hole, it's pretty easy to convince yourself that every frilly nightgown is an essential.

So if you're looking to refresh your underwear drawer, or just want to see if you have all your bases covered, here are seven types of lingerie that every woman should own, from everyday essentials to some things that are a little more special.

1. Neutral Slip

I've never been a huge fan of shapewear, but sometimes I just need to wear something under my clothes to ensure that my underwear isn't totally visible under a sheer or white dress. Enter the neutral slip, made of a light cotton or silk, and preventing you from accidentally showing the world your nipples if that's not your thing.

The neutral slip doesn't have to be form-fitting in order to cover the bits and pieces that might need covering, which is why I prefer it to a pair of Spanx. Even though it might not be the sexiest piece of lingerie in your underwear drawer, it's definitely a worthwhile item to keep around because when you need a neutral slip, you really need it.

2. Colorful Babydoll

On the other end of the spectrum is the colorful babydoll, which might be one of the least practical pieces of lingerie out there. It's not like you can wear this underneath a T-shirt or anything. But it's a surefire way to feel sexy, especially in the bedroom. If you're looking for something comfortable to wear to sleep that's still got a bit of glamour, opt for one of these bright babydolls.

3. Slinky Robe

Few things feel more luxurious than putting on a silk or satin robe after a long shower or bath, or while you're getting ready in the morning. Throwing on one of these robes is a quick and easy way to make even the most boring part of your routine feel a little bit more glamorous.

4. Playful Romper

These sleep rompers will be just as comfortable as wearing an old T-shirt and a stained pair of shorts to bed, but they just look a little bit cuter. They're fun and flirty without being too intimidatingly sexy.

5. Lacy Bodysuit

These bodysuits can certainly be worn alone, but if you're feeling daring, throw a pair of high-waisted jeans over a bodysuit and wear it out to the bar. No one will know from looking at you that you've got nothing on underneath.

6. Black Thigh-Highs

A simple pair of black tights is every fashionista's best friend: They're versatile, add warmth, and dress up any outfit. But if you're looking for a slightly sexier option, try out a pair of black thigh-high stockings. When paired with a mid-length hemline, they look exactly like regular black tights but feel a little sexier.

7. Matching Silk Pajamas

In the strictest sense of the term, "lingerie" refers to all sorts of intimates, and really, not all lingerie has to be low-cut in order to make you feel sexy. Few pieces of sleepwear are more classic than a matching set of silk pajamas. They're a more glamorous option than sweatpants while being just as comfortable.

Don't neglect your underwear drawer anymore, and make sure your lingerie is as stocked with self love-inspiring garments as the rest of your wardrobe.

Want more undergarment inspiration? Check out the video below, and be sure to subscribe to Bustle's YouTube page for more hacks and tricks!

Images: mili_vigerova/Unsplash; Courtesy Brands

Source: bustle.com