How to Clean a Mascara Brush Posted: 16 Aug 2021 01:00 AM PDT A mascara brush, sometimes called a spoolie, is a vital tool in any makeup kit. Unfortunately, they can get gross pretty fast. Whether you're just cleaning off excess clumps or trying to get rid of bacterial buildup, read on for some simple tips on how to clean and care for your brush! [Edit]Wipe off excess mascara any time you use the brush. - Use a tissue to get rid of clumps before you apply mascara. Grab a clean, dry piece of bathroom or facial tissue and swipe your mascara brush over it once or twice after you pull it out of the tube. This gets rid of the blobs of excess makeup that cause those annoying clumps.[1]
- When you're done using the wand, wipe it again—especially if you don't store it inside the tube of mascara.
- You can also buy a simple tool called a Clump Cleaner to break up and remove clumps on your brush. This tool is a small piece of plastic with holes of different sizes. Choose the hole that matches the size of your brush and pull the bristles through it to wipe off excess mascara.
[Edit]Disinfect synthetic brushes with alcohol once a week. - Most mascara wands are made of alcohol-safe nylon. Spray rubbing alcohol directly onto the brush, or pour some into a jar and dip the bristles in. Wrap a clean paper towel around the brush and rub and twist it to wipe away any makeup residue.[2]
- Make sure you know what your brush is made of before you try this, since alcohol can damage brushes made with natural bristles. You may be able to find the material listed on the packaging, if you still have it.
- Some makeup pros recommend doing this before every application of mascara. However, most dermatologists recommend washing or disinfecting your brushes every 7-10 days.[3]
[Edit]Wash natural bristles with baby shampoo every 7-10 days. - This method is gentler on delicate materials like boar hair. Run some water over the bristles of the brush, then squeeze a little shampoo into your hand. Rub the spoolie around in your hand until it's lathered up, then rinse it clean under running water.[4]
- You can also buy a specially formulated makeup brush cleaner or shampoo, but these can be a little pricey. A basic baby shampoo or gentle clarifying shampoo usually works just fine.[5]
- Steer clear of using plain soaps, since these can dry out the delicate bristles of your brush.[6]
[Edit]Soak it in hot water to remove stubborn clumps. - Try this method to get your brush spotless. If wiping and rinsing your mascara brush just isn't getting all the gunk out, you might need to soak it for a few minutes. Boil some water to disinfect it, then wait a couple minutes so it's not still boiling hot. Let the brush soak in the hot water for about 5 minutes.[7]
- When you're done, rinse the brush under cool, running water to wash away any residue that's still sticking to the bristles.
- If you want, you can spritz on a little rubbing alcohol to disinfect the brush after you soak and rinse it. Skip this step if the brush has natural bristles, however.
[Edit]Lay the wand flat to dry. - Let the brush dry completely before using it again. Spread out a towel on a flat surface and set the brush on it. If possible, let the bristle end hang over the edge so air can circulate around the bristles. Don't put the brush upright in a container to dry, since this can cause water to pool around the bristles.[8]
- You may need to leave the wand out overnight for it to dry completely.
- Help the drying process along by gently patting your wand dry with a clean towel after you wash or rinse it to soak up excess water. You can also gently shake the wand to get excess water out.
- If you don't keep your brush in the mascara tube, put it away in a clean makeup brush organizer when you're done. Don't let it touch brushes that haven't been cleaned.
[Edit]Try disposable spoolies for a safer and faster option. - This is the most reliable way to keep your mascara clean. If you're really worried about eye infections, your best bet is to avoid using the same brush more than once. Consider buying disposable mascara brushes that you can dip once and then throw away or recycle.[9] Look for these brushes online or in your local pharmacy or beauty supply store.
- You can still wash the disposable brushes and use them for other purposes. For instance, you can use a mascara wand to groom your eyebrows, touch up your hair dye, or clean delicate items like a computer keyboard or a piece of jewelry.
- Some wildlife rescue organizations even welcome donations of used mascara wands, which they can use to groom rescued animals![10]
[Edit]Replace your brushes every 2-3 months. - Toss your spoolie sooner if it's shedding bristles. Even with regular cleaning, your mascara brush won't last forever. Get a new one after a couple of months to reduce the risk of infections—or loose bristles getting into your eyes.[11]
- The same goes for your mascara. Throw it out and replace it every 3 months, since harmful bacteria can quickly build up in the tube.[12]
- If you get an eye infection, throw away all your eye makeup and brushes right away. Don't use eye makeup at all until the infection clears up, and only use new products once your doctor lets you know it's okay.
- Aim to wash your makeup brushes once every 7-10 days to prevent a buildup of harmful bacteria or fungi.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Never share a mascara brush or tube with another person, since this could spread infections.[14]
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How to Relax Muscles Posted: 15 Aug 2021 05:00 PM PDT After a long, hard day it can be hard to unwind, especially if your muscles are tight or tense. You may have pulled them while exercising or just strained them from too much movement during the day. The good news is that your muscles will heal with a little time and rest. To make yourself comfortable in the meantime, read through our tips for loosening your muscles. [Edit]Take a hot shower or use a steam room. - Enjoy a long shower or sit in a sauna or steam room for 10 to 15 minutes. Try to stretch your muscles gently after your body warms up. The steam helps increase blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. This can really help them recover, especially after an intense workout.[1]
- Most gyms or hotels feature saunas or steam rooms next to the pool.
[Edit]Soak in a bath with Epsom salt. - Dissolve 3/4 cup (300 g) of Epsom salt in a tub full of hot water. Ease into the water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Studies show that Epsom salt soothes muscles and relieves pain—probably because it contains magnesium, which helps your muscles relax.[2]
- Skip the Epsom salt if you have an open wound or a burn that's healing.
[Edit]Hold a heating pad or electric blanket against the muscles. - Press the pad or blanket in place for at least 20 minutes. This gives the heat a chance to penetrate deep into your muscle tissue. Although the dry heat isn't as effective as the moist heat from a bath or shower, the heating pad or blanket can temporarily relieve muscle pain.[3]
- Read the manufacturer's instructions about how to safely use a heating pad or electric blanket. Never fall asleep while you're using the electric blanket because it's a fire hazard.
[Edit]Do light cardio workouts. - Get moving—continuous movement keeps your muscles limber. Light cardio exercises like walking, cycling, swimming, aerobics, or jogging all get your blood pumping. This increased circulation keeps your muscles relaxed and limber. Try to fit in at least 15 to 20 minutes of light cardio exercises every day.[4]
- If your muscles feel tight or cramped, don't push yourself to do vigorous cardio. The point is to relax your muscles.
[Edit]Work through progressive muscle relaxation. - Tense a muscle group and breathe in before you release the hold. Think of progressive muscle relaxation as a targeted personal massage. To release muscle tension, start by tensing specific muscles like your leg muscles or upper back muscles. Tighten those muscles while you breathe in deeply for 5 seconds. Then, relax your muscles as you slowly breathe out. Repeat this for any other muscles that feel sore.[5]
- For instance, target the muscles in your lower limbs, your stomach and chest, your arms, shoulders, and neck, and your face.
[Edit]Perform stretches or yoga. - Basic yoga poses and gentle stretches reduce stiffness and get the blood flowing. Get comfortable and take a deep breath as you slowly get into a pose or stretch a tense muscle. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds and slowly release the stretch. To target specific muscles:[6]
- Pull the top of your foot toward your torso with your leg outstretched. This stretch targets your calves.
- Stand with a leg stretched out and toes pointed down to work the muscles in the front of your legs.
- Slowly rotate your ankle and foot in circles for a good stretch along your lower legs.
- Raise your shoulders up toward your head and drop them back down. Then, rotate your shoulders in small circles. These stretch muscles in your shoulders.
- Lean your head to one shoulder until you feel a gentle stretch in your neck. Then, lean your head to the opposite shoulder for a good stretch along your neck.
[Edit]Take an OTC pain reliever for mild muscle pain. - Use over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Although they won't loosen your muscles, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug medications can relieve pain from muscle aches. Read the instructions on the package to learn how much medication to take and how often to take it.[7]
- Don't take more than the recommended amount within a 24-hour period.
- If you're feeling a lot of pain or you don't think the medication is helping, reach out to your doctor.
[Edit]Add a magnesium supplement to your diet. - Magnesium deficiency can cause muscle cramps and strain. Fortunately, it's easy to take a daily magnesium supplement—look for a 350-mg dose that you can take once a day.[8]
- Magnesium supplements are available over-the-counter at grocery stores, pharmacies, and online.
- It's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you're taking prescription medications.
- Want to get magnesium from your diet? Eat foods like spinach, peanuts, brown rice, and almonds!
[Edit]Apply a topical muscle relaxant to the area. - These deliver fast-acting pain relief to sore, achy muscles. Choose a relaxant that has diclofenac or salicylates which are mild pain killers. Topical OTC creams like these don't have a risk for serious side effects and they work quickly to relieve muscle pain. Always read the manufacturer's dosing instructions for how often you can reapply the medication.[9]
- Topical pain relievers are a good choice if you're at a greater risk for side effects from oral medications.
[Edit]Get a deep-tissue massage. - Let the massage therapist know which muscles are tight or cramped. They'll apply deep pressure on the muscle fibers so the muscles relax. Most massage sessions last between 30 and 90 minutes. Usually, you'll feel relaxed afterward and you might notice less stiffness.[10]
- Acupressure is similar to massage therapy and acupuncture. During a session, a certified acupressure practitioner presses or stimulates on specific points to loosen them.
[Edit]Visit a chiropractor for an adjustment. - Tell the chiropractor where you're experiencing muscle pain. They'll manipulate the small joints of your bones so your muscles are properly aligned. This can relieve pain and improve your flexibility. Some chiropractors also use massage therapy, so talk with yours about what services you're looking for.
- You might feel better after just one visit, but if you've had lasting muscle pain or tightness, it might take a few more visits to get the results you want.
- Check with your insurance company to see if you've got chiropractic coverage. You may have to see a chiropractor in your network to have it paid for.
[Edit]Try acupuncture to release tension. - Get an acupuncture treatment if you have localized muscle pain. During your session, a certified acupuncturist will insert thin needles into the skin at certain pressure points. It's believed that this stimulates your nervous system to release chemicals that help treat muscle cramping, pain, and weakness.[11]
- If you can't find a certified acupuncturist in your area or within your insurance network, ask your doctor or chiropractor if they also offer acupuncture services.
[Edit]Talk with your doctor about prescription treatments. - Schedule an appointment if you have muscle pain that doesn't improve. Usually, your muscles will loosen over time with a little rest, but if you're in pain or your muscles constantly seem tight, contact your doctor. They'll probably want to do an exam to figure out why your muscles are strained. As a treatment, they may prescribe a strong topical or oral muscle relaxant.[12]
- For example, they might prescribe carisoprodol or cyclobenzaprine for muscle spasms. If you're in severe pain, they may give you diazepam.
- Many of these medications are very effective but habit-forming so it's important to take them exactly as your doctor directs.
- If your muscles feel tense, practicing breathing exercises or meditating may help you feel calm and loosen your muscles.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Talk with your doctor before adding a supplement or taking prescription medication. They can explain possible side effects and risks that are associated with the product.
- If you've had heart trouble in the past or are over 65, talk with your doctor before using a steam room or sauna.
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How to Tell a Joke Posted: 15 Aug 2021 09:00 AM PDT Nothing feels better than laughing over a good joke with your friends. There are so many ways to get a laugh, but sometimes, it can be hard to pick the right joke for the setting and audience. Luckily, there are plenty of formulas and archetypes you can pull out that are sure to please anyone! If you're looking to expand your joke-telling prowess or you're digging for a fresh take on an old joke, you're in the right place. [Edit]Observational jokes - Observational humor is fun if you enjoy pointing out life's little quirks. This type of comedy is extremely popular, and it's a common form of joke-telling for stand-up comedians. Observational jokes tend to require some context, but if your audience understands what you're commenting on, this is a great way to get a laugh. Basically, you find something "normal" and point out something silly or strange about it.[1]
- "Why is it called 'deodorant' when it should be called 're-odorant'?"
- "Why did Michael Jordan have a coach? He's the best basketball player of all time. What did the coach do? Just yell, 'Yeah! Keep doing that Mike!'"
- "People always say they're ordering food at a restaurant, but really they're ordering the server."
- "Parking attendants always sit in little glass booths; they don't really attend to anything, do they?"
[Edit]Absurdist jokes - Absurdist humor is funny because random nonsense is funny. Ever find yourself laughing when someone makes silly noises with their mouth? Ever burst out in tears just because someone said something so confusing you couldn't make sense of it? Absurd jokes can take a variety of forms, but the main thing is that they're either totally nonsensical, or kind of come close to making sense but don't. They tend to only be funny for people who "get it" (or don't'?), and the delivery is often a big part of making these land.[2]
- "Does anyone know how to clean syrup off of a wood floor? It's a serious question, I have syrup all over my floor."
- "Why do seagulls fly over the sea? Because if they flew over the bay they'd be bagels, and bagels can't fly."
- "I bought a thesaurus yesterday; unfortunately, I don't know how to read."
- "Did you know that France is actually smaller than every other country combined?"
- "I saw a fish in the bathroom, and I was just like, 'Woah. You don't belong here. Get out of here fish.'"
[Edit]Sarcastic jokes - Sarcasm is when you say one thing, but you mean the opposite. A lot of people think of sarcasm as a dull form of humor, but a good sarcastic joke can get a serious laugh! These jokes are all about the delivery, so try raising your voice a bit and rolling your eyes while you lean into the punchline.[3]
- "Just remember, I'm a unique individual. Like everyone else!"
- "I always tell my employees, don't think of me as your boss. Think of me as a friend who can fire you."
- "Honesty is the best policy. I invented that quote back when I was the president."
- "I'm not a sarcastic person. I always say what I mean."
[Edit]Knock-knock jokes - They're a silly classic, but they're a ton of fun! These jokes are great because everyone knows the format, and the person you're talking to gets to participate. The structure of these jokes work like this—you say, "Knock knock," and the other person asks, "Who's there?" You throw out a name or short phrase, and they repeat it by adding, "who?" The punchline is usually a reversal or pun of some kind. These are really easy to come up with, and they're a great way to get a chuckle![4]
- "Knock, knock." Who's there? "Water" Water who? "Water you asking me so many questions for? Let me in already!"
- "Knock, knock." Who's there? "Nobel" Nobel who? "No bell, that's why I'm knocking."
- "Knock, knock." Who's there? "Tank." Tank who? "You're welcome!"
- "Knock, knock." Who's there? "Control freak." Control freak who? "Okay, now you say 'Control freak who?'"
- "Knock, knock." Who's there? "A cow who interrupts people." A cow who inter— "MOO!"
[Edit]Chicken crossing the road jokes - This is another popular format with a lot of room for creativity. Unlike the knock-knock joke, this format is unique because everyone knows the traditional punchline—"to get to the other side." Since the punchline is already in the back of the audience's head, you can play with that expectation to make it funny! Feel free to swap out the chicken for another subject or toy with the setup a bit if you want to make it your own.[5]
- "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Why? "No one knows, but the road is clearly upset about it."
- "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Why? "Arrogance. Pure, unadulterated pride."
- "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Why? "To tempt fate."
- "Why did the cow cross the road?" Why? "Because it wanted to go to the moo-vies."
- "Why did the chicken go looking for ghosts?" Why? "To get to the other side."
[Edit]A man walks into a bar jokes - These jokes are fun because they're silly little stories. You get to paint a picture with your narrative while building up to the punchline, and there are a lot of ways to turn these jokes on their head. The structure is well-known, but the jokes themselves are often very different from one another. These gags tend to do well with an older audience, but they're definitely a fun way to get a laugh.[6]
- "A neutron walks into a bar and orders a drink. When they finish it, they say, 'So, how much do I owe you, bartender?' The bartender replies, 'For you, my friend, no charge.'"
- "A man who goes digging for expensive gems walks into a bar. The bartender shakes his head and asks him to leave. He says, 'Sorry, we don't serve miners here.'"
- "A bear walks into a bar and says, 'I'll take a whiskey and…soda.' The bartender asks, 'Why the long pause?' and the bear says, 'I'm not sure. I was born with them.'"
- "A horse walks into a bar. A scared bartender shouts out in confusion, 'Hey?!' The horse sits down at the bar and says, 'You read my mind!'"
[Edit]Light bulb jokes - This is a great format if you want a joke that works with a specific audience. While some of these can be kind of insensitive, the most successful "lightbulb" jokes are versions that aren't putting people down, but playing around with a hobby or job. As a rule of thumb, if you could tell a "How many X does it take to change a light bulb" to a person who happens to be X and they'd actually laugh, you're in the clear.[7]
- "How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but the lightbulb has to really want to change."
- "How many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to hold the giraffe, one to turn into a flower, and a third to screw the bulb in."
- "How many software engineers does it take to change a light bulb? None, that's a hardware problem."
- "How many skateboarders does it take to change a light bulb? One, but it takes them 100 attempts."
- "How many politicians does it take to change a light bulb? Two. One to change it, and the other to change it back."
- A goofy pun is great—even when it's so bad it makes your eyes roll. Puns rely on one word or phrase being used two ways at the same time, which is where the joy and humor comes from. Some of the best puns are even intentionally silly, or don't make sense on a literal level. These jokes aren't for everyone, but if your audience has an inclination towards humor so bad that it's good, you'll have people in stitches![8]
- "I named my dog 'five miles,' so that I can say 'I walked five miles today.'"
- "Jokes about steak are a medium rarely done well."
- "This nosy pepper keeps bothering people. It just gets jalapeno business."
- "Did you hear about the actor who fell through the floorboards? They're just going through a stage."
- "Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything."
[Edit]Tongue twisters - These jokes are usually funny because they sound so silly. They're really interesting to younger children, who tend to laugh when they try to repeat the punchline back. Still, they're a fun way for anyone to get a quick giggle or smile. The trick here is to find a contrived reason to put a bunch of similar-sounding words together, and they're a lot of fun to come up with![9]
- "I needed someone to draw realistic dogs for me. Unfortunately, the labradoodle doodle dude will have to do."
- "I was worried that my father sold something silly for a living, but it turns out that seldom do dads sell dumb doodads."
- "Did you hear about the three friends who drew each other? Andrew drew Ann, Ann drew Drew, and Drew drew Ann drawing Andrew."
- "How do you tell the time in Dublin? An Irish wristwatch."
- "Microsoft doesn't have a marketing campaign for their new database software. It turns out that Excel excels at cells, so it sells itself."
[Edit]Anti-jokes - Anti-jokes are hilarious precisely because they aren't jokes. They normally take the structure of a preexisting joke format, like the knock-knock joke, and turn them on their head to make them as unfunny or literal as possible. The humor comes from the audience's expectation that there will be a punchline, and when there isn't—at least in a traditional sense—you'll have people laughing! Try prepping your audience before telling one of these by saying, "Want to hear a joke?"[10]
- "A bird walks into the dentist's office. It goes to the front desk and says, 'Hello, I need the dentist to take a look at this tooth that's bothering me.' The secretary says, 'I'm sorry, we don't have a bird dentist here.'"
- "Why can't a T-Rex clap their hands? Because they're extinct."
- "A priest, a rabbi, and a monk walk into a bar. They have a pleasant time discussing a variety of topics because they're all good friends."
- "What's the difference between a joke and a rhetorical question?"
- "Knock, knock." Who's there? "To" To who? "No, no, it's 'to whom.' You use 'who' when it refers to the subject of a sentence."
- Audience matters. What makes a bunch of personal friends laugh may not be particularly funny to your co-workers or parents. Just keep that in mind if you're trying to crack a joke on the fly.[11]
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