So let’s talk about how to be friends with your ex—and when it does and doesn’t work. According to licensed marriage therapist Weena Cullins, LCMFT, sometimes two people find they don’t work as romantic partners, but there are aspects of their relationship that are still valuable and can be healthily maintained through a friendship. “Being friends with your ex can be a good idea when other aspects of the relationship were valuable to your growth, development, or life goals,” she explains....

You might’ve seen a viral hack here and there about how best to sanitize your makeup sponges, but we’re here to tell you the actual best tried-and-true ways. If that doesn’t scare you into cleaning things up (it should), this buildup can also mess with the sponge’s function: Dirty, overused sponges just don’t work as well as freshly cleaned ones. But in case you just know you’re not going to be that diligent, makeup artists Jenny Patinkin—who boasts her own collection of sponges, brushes, and tools—says every three to four uses is OK, or “at least once a week!...

“Traumatic experiences from the past can also be a reason for seeking treatment, and we often see traumatic symptoms in veterans, first responders, and individuals who have been victims of abuse,” Marcum tells mbg. “Sometimes the referrals come from a physician or the courts to help people address addiction or eating disorders.” No matter your reason for choosing to begin therapy, it is valid. This is a highly personal journey; remember to applaud yourself for taking this step forward to care for your mental health....

The journey back to who you are will take time and effort. Once you’ve taken the time to get over your breakup, you’re ready to work on your next steps of personal growth. Here are six tips for finding yourself again and how to raise your self-esteem: If the picture you have of yourself in your mind stems from angry comments, hurtful words, and painful descriptions of your behavior, recognize that this is simply not accurate....

Dark circles and puffiness can often be caused by lifestyle habits such as lack of sleep or poor diet. They can also be handled pretty easily thanks to makeup and even a shock of ice. So what can you do? Well, we outlined your options. “Some families have under-eye fat pads that stick out from an early age,” board-certified dermatologist at Skintap Morgana Colombo, M.D., explains. Arash Akhavan, M.D., owner of Dermatology and Laser Group in NYC, adds that aging typically compounds the issue....

It’s common for people to neglect their nails, which may be one reason so many struggle to grow long tips. Here, nail experts share their 5 best tips for achieving substantial nail growth and keeping them strong. Yes, it may take a bit more TLC than you’re used to, but it will all be worth it the day you nail that DIY salon-grade mani: Cuticle care isn’t just about looks—your cuticle has an essential function too....

But you can make this holiday different by creating boundaries with your family. Here’s how to keep a good relationship with your family while not allowing them to zap your energy. Even if you have healthy boundaries with your friends, relationships, and at work, you still may struggle with your family. But just like with anyone else, we are responsible for creating boundaries with our family that work for us. If you decide to blow off boundaries with your family, you are allowing them to take all of your emotional energy, which will leave you frustrated and irritated during the holidays....