Lifestyle

To shave or not to shave: Why we started removing our body hair

Women around the world have expressed the benefits of not having to shave or wax during the pandemic. This task is often painful, expensive, uncomfortable, and time-consuming. However, societal pressures have led many women to believe that shaving is a choice they must make. In reality, these so-called choices have been influenced by decades of social expectations. Although many women begin hair removal at a young age, only a few understand the origins and reasons behind this trend. Throughout history, body hair has played a significant role in shaping gender roles, delineating social classes, defining femininity, and exerting control over women through shame. However, these notions are now undergoing transformation. This article, based on information from CNN, explores the origins of hair removal, its proliferation, and the challenges it faces today. It sheds light on how societal expectations have influenced women's grooming habits and the current movement towards questioning and challenging these norms.

Matangi Jayanti 2024: Date, Time, Significance And Rituals Of This Day Honouring Ninth Mahavidya

Matangi Jayanti 2024: Of the important Dasa (ten) Mahavidhyas, Goddess Matangi is considered to be the ninth (Goddess of Wisdom). Due to her association with Tantric Vidya, the art of magic, the Goddess is also known by the name "Tantric Saraswati." As per the Hindu calendar, Matangi Jayanti is observed on the third day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Vaisakh. Devotees worship goddess Matangi on the occasion of Matangi Jayanti. This year,...

8 Healthiest Brownie Mixes on Grocery Shelves—and 3 To Avoid

RDs help you decide which brownie mixes to pick for your next baking endeavor.

Dating coach dishes on his 'five-stage' relationship theory

Kevin Pasco, 31, from Vancouver, Canada, recently shared the details of these phases, warning: 'Most people don't even make it to stage three… let alone stage five.'

Find Inspiration and Closure in These 50 Moving On Quotes

These sayings will encourage you let go of the past and pursue the future.

Everything You Need to Know About Cooking Oils

There’s a specific type for all kinds of cooking.

Camila Cabello shimmers in barely-there slit dress at Met Gala

Camila Cabello shimmers in a barely-there silver slit dress at the 2024 Met Gala. Camila's gown features a deep, figure hugging plunge.

Bizarre status symbols through history

As a social species, humans spend a lot of time distinguishing themselves within their society. For centuries, we have asserted our social status through the use of recognizable, sought-after symbols, even though they may not serve us any real purpose regarding our survival. Nowadays, the symbols that come to mind are jewels or nice cars, but status symbols from history show that the things we value are constantly changing and are somewhat arbitrary. Even contemporary luxury items can seem downright counterintuitive. Symbols of luxury have also changed according to how much of a novelty they were and how difficult they were to procure at the time, so there are things that you probably have in your home right now which, a few hundred years ago, signified that you were wealthy and important. Click through this gallery to see the strangest, most outlandish status symbols from history to present day.

Furniture that has disappeared in the modern era

You might not have given this fact much thought, but as technology and our lifestyles evolve, so does the need for certain furniture. For example, telephone tables were built with a specific, practical function in mind, which is no longer necessary with our smartphones of today. In addition to its functionality, furniture can also contribute to the style or decor of a space. Secretary bookcases, for example, provided the benefit of both storage space and a convenient work surface. And while many of these items were highly fashionable in the first half of the 20th century, they have now disappeared from contemporary homes. Click on to discover pieces of furniture that were once popular, but you'll probably never see in most modern homes today.

Easy ways to avoid infidelity in your relationship

Statistics have shown time and again that being unfaithful is the most common predictor of a relationship ending, and it’s only grown more and more common—especially in the age of technology where cheating has become as easy as ordering a pizza. No one plans to cheat on a partner (hopefully), but humans are fallible and experience moments of weakness. There is, of course, no excuse for hurting someone you love, so why not get ahead of it if you’re worried? Click through to find out easy things you can do to keep your relationship solid.

The most beautiful floral dresses at the 2024 MET Gala

Kim Kardashian is accused of ripping off a British designer

Fashion blogger Camille Charrière, shared a side-by-side shots of a 'Baby Tee' with floral prints and one of Skims cotton rib T-shirts.

Why Does Cilantro Sometimes Taste Like Soap?

11 Tips for Making At-Home Cooking Even Healthier

Cooking healthy at home does not have to be a chore.

11 Ways to Make Hair Grow Faster, According to Experts

Plus ways to speed up hair growth naturally.

9 Vastu-Approved Tips To Make Your Home A Sanctuary Of Positivity And Abundance

Do you wish to make your house a sanctuary of abundance and positivity? One can do this by employing certain vastu principles. Vastu Shastra suggests certain ways and remedies to eradicate negative energy from a living space. Check out 9 vastu-approved tips to invite positivity and abundance into your home. 9 Vastu-Approved Tips For Home To Invite Positivity And Abundance 1. Check which nostril you are breathing from when you wake up in the...

The most powerful and influential queens in history

History as we know it may often be dominated with the names of kings, but some remarkable women have existed whose crowns have gleamed just as brightly, if not more so. From the courts of ancient Egypt to the corridors of Renaissance Europe, the stories of these queens are proof of the power that most monarchs can only wish to wield. Intrigued? Click through this gallery as we look at some of the most powerful queens that have ever lived.

10 Restaurant Chains Launching Exciting New Menu Items In May

There are plenty of tantalizing new food and beverage options coming to your favorits chains this month. Here are the highlights.

I Tried 9 Doritos Flavors and The Best Is Better Than the Original

Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, Flamin' Hot—Doritos come in many creative flavors, but which tastes best? We sampled 9 to find out.

Iconverted my parents' garage into my first flat for less than £15,000

Landscaper Josh Jones, 19, from Tunbridge Wells transformed his parents' garage into a 'dream home' for himself and his girlfriend - and people are impressed.

Common mistakes to avoid when moving into a new home

No matter how many times you've done it, moving is one of the most stressful events that almost everyone goes through. All that stress, combined with endless details that go into a move, comes with a unique set of challenges and mistakes. From last-minute packing to forgetting to label the boxes, these mishaps can create a real headache when it comes to the moving process. So, want to know the mistakes to avoid for a smooth move? Then check out the following gallery.

Cult snail mucin serum loved by celebs and beauty fans is on sale

The highly rated serum boasts celebrity fans including Emily Ratajkowski and is loved by beauty fans worldwide.

Celebrities Who Prove What a Difference a Center Part Can Make

Which way do you like Selena's hair best?

The best female authors of all time

Nowadays, it would be almost unthinkable that a woman would have to disguise her gender in order to become a published author, but sadly this was not always the case. Thankfully, many women broke through societal taboos and conventions to pave the way for their contemporary counterparts. Consequently, there are now huge numbers of fantastic, and acknowledged, female writers, whose literary output is award-winning and hugely acclaimed. Take a look through this gallery to discover more about these brilliant female writers. Click on!

Rules employees of the British royal family must follow

Working for the British royal family is not for everyone. Indeed, there are many jobs available as a royal member of staff, but in this gallery we'll focus on those who work closer to the royals. These include royal footmen, domestic servants, butlers, and kitchen staff, among others. Those working for the royal family must follow a specific set of rules, due to the unique nature of their jobs. Did you know, for instance, that Princess Margaret had a royal butler just to hold an ashtray when she was partying? Browse through this gallery and learn more about the rules employees of the British royal family must follow.

Ikea recreates Doja Cat's avant-garde Met Gala towel dress for £13

Designed by the luxury Swiss fashion house Vetements, the ensemble was one of the singer's many avant-garde looks crafted for this year's Met Gala.

Gigi Hadid Goes Retro in a Floral White Tiered Dress at the 2024 Met Gala

Hadid’s stylist revealed after the Met Gala that her dress had a secret second part under the skirt.

Hande Erçel in new stunning 70s haircut!

ALBAWABA - Tukrish star Hande Erçel is once again the talk of the internet after posting a stunning photo on her official Instagram of her new hairstyle which in our eyes slightly takes inspiration from the 70s era. Hande also recently took to her official Instagram "handemiyy" and posted photos with her friends of her participation in Sen Çal Kapımı (known internationally as Love Is in the Air) along with Kerem Bürsin. Hande Erçel in a new...

7 UAE-born skincare brands to level-up your routine

Shop local… There are thousands of beauty brands out there with formulas to solve just about any skincare qualm, and if you want to try something new, why not pick from the UAE-born skincare brands? The world is in Dubai, but Dubai is also in the world, and these UAE-born and bred names are making […]

Unlocking the Stars: Your Daily Horoscope for May 8, 2024

ALBAWABA As the celestial bodies continue their timeless dance across the cosmos, they weave a tapestry of energy that influences our daily lives. Whether you're a firm believer in astrology or simply curious about the cosmic forces at play, your daily horoscope offers insights into the potential opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Let's delve into the cosmic forecast for May 8, 2024, and explore what the universe has in store for...

I’m a Comfy Shoe Snob, and These Are the 8 Travel Styles I Rotate Through My Suitcase — From $30

From my go-to adventure sandals to the only rain boots worth traveling with, these shoes literally keep me on my toes.

"Nice" things people do that are actually annoying

It is commendable that we strive to treat others with kindness. However, there is a fine line between being nice and becoming a nuisance, and sometimes this distinction can be hard to discern. This is usually because when we engage in acts of kindness, we do so based on our own perception of what is nice, rather than considering what is truly best for the other person or what they genuinely desire or need. We have all experienced the discomfort of receiving gestures from others that are intended to be kind but end up being quite annoying, burdening us with additional tasks and obligating us to feign gratitude. Take a look at the following list to find out which 'nice' actions are actually not so nice after all!

I've Eaten At Nearly Every Single Chain Restaurant—These Are The Best Menu Items

Two years later and 20 restaurants down, this is our official list. People always ask: What are the *best* chain restaurant menu items? Honestly, I've tried too many to count; they've all become a massive blur in my memory. So, to make your lives easier (and, selfishly, mine), I've made the official ranking of the best menu items at each restaurant I've visited. Buckle up y'all.

The best gifts for pets

Just because your pet plays with cardboard or sleeps on a stray towel doesn’t mean that they won’t appreciate a nice gift. But unlike humans who can hint at what they wish for, it can be a bit overwhelming when picking gifts for pets, especially with so many products on the market. But don't worry! From fun cat toys to a fancy dog stroller, you'll find plenty of great gift ideas in this gallery. Click on to discover them all.

Weird gift-giving superstitions you should read before you shop

Most people put a great deal of thought into what type of gift to give someone for special occasions. But one thing you really don't want to give is a gift of bad luck! Indeed, different cultures believe that certain items exude negative or positive energy, so depending on where you are in the world, there are certain gifts you'll want to avoid. To guard against any gift-related mishaps, click through this gallery for some old-school gift-giving superstitions.

MET Gala red carpet 2024: the best (and worst!) looks

Historical figures from British royalty you didn't know were LGBTQ+

Same-sex relationships and non-binary gender identities have always existed throughout history. And that's true for the British royals as well. What exactly went down among British royals behind palace doors no one will be able to know for sure, but there are many stories, and indeed evidence, that some of these royals were attracted to people of the same sex and even expressed themselves outside of the gender binary. In this gallery, we take you back in time and explore the queer history of British royals. Click on to discover more.

Things everyone had in their home in the '90s

From overalls to Doc Martens, the fashion trends of the '90s sure were unique, and interior decor was no exception. Homes in the '90s saw the resurgence of trends from past decades and also gained inspiration from new, more modern designs. What's more, as technology continued to evolve, we had plenty of new electronics and fun toys to play around with. To take you back, check out this gallery for the things that could be found in practically every household in the '90s.

Amavasya May 2024: Dos And Don’ts You MUST Follow On Vaishakh Amavasya

Amavasya May 2024: "No moon" or "new moon," signalling the beginning of a new solar cycle and lunar month, is what the Sanskrit word "Amavasya" means. The darkness of this day represents more than just a lack of light; it also has a deeper spiritual meaning, signifying a time for introspection, rebirth, and self-awareness. Amavasya is a day on which people honour their ancestors and seek their blessings. Devotees visit many sacred sites in...

The dangerous rise of "therapy-speak"

Words like attachment styles, trauma, boundaries, and triggers have become commonplace among younger generations as therapy becomes more normalized and people learn a new vocabulary to express complex dynamics and relate in ways they may not have understood before. So, what could go wrong? Unfortunately, a lot. The rapid rise of so-called therapy-speak has seen a dark turn as it has been linked to loneliness and ruined relationships, and it has been weaponized to justify manipulative behavior. Intrigued? Click through to learn more about the dangers of this widespread phenomenon.

Lidl is launching a beauty box worth more than £70 for just £2

Lidl UK has announced the trial of its brand-new Beauty Box - set to rival the likes of Glossybox - at a fraction of the price. It will be available to buy online from tomorrow

Lunchtime Shop: What We’re Buying Today

You have 60 minutes, spend them wisely.

What happens when you marry the man you had an affair with?

UK-based sex expert TRACEY COX reveals what happens when you marry the man you had an affair with. Only five to seven per cent of affairs lead to marriage. Of those that do, 75 percent fail.

A Look Back at ’90s Red Carpet Style

We’re revisiting the looks and the icons from the end of the 20th century.

Moaners rejoice! Ranting with your friends can make you happier

Research by Southwest University has shed new light on the surprising benefits of having a moan with your friends.

Influential art movements of the 20th century

In the kaleidoscopic canvas of 20th-century art, each brushstroke told a story of rebellion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of expression. Entire movements exploded into existence so that ideals could be brought to life in every possible way. A century of artistry saw the rise of abstract creation, performance, and the shattering of creative boundaries. Intrigued? Click through this gallery to see which art movements rose to prominence in the 20th century.

Aaj Ka Panchang 9 May 2024: Check Today’s Sunrise, Moonrise Timings, Shubh Muhurat Rahu Kaal, And More

Aaj Ka Panchang 9 May 2024: The Hindu Panchang originates in Vedic astrology. In addition to offering astrological advice, the Panchang forecasts favourable and unfavourable times of the day. According to the Panchang, on 9th May 2024, Rahu Kaal will take place from 01:59 PM to 03:40 PM. Significant tasks can be accomplished between Abhijit Muhurat and Amrit Kaal. The Disha Shool for today is South, hence, it is not advised to travel in this...

What is co-parenting, and how to make it work?

Sometimes, life doesn't always work out as planned. If you and your partner have recently separated or gotten divorced, it can be difficult to maintain a civil relationship while interacting with them regularly. However, minimizing conflict with your ex is vital if children are involved, ensuring they grow up safely and securely, with the love and support of each parent. Curious to learn all there is to know about co-parenting? Click through this gallery to discover tips, tricks, and tools for maintaining a positive and effective co-parenting relationship.

What Does Your Moon Sign Mean, According to Astrologers

Astrologers say your moon sign, which is determined by the location of the moon at the time of your birth, can say a lot about you.

These Korean Skin Care Brands Will Give You Glass Skin

Inspo for your next K-beauty haul.