about

Hello! I am studying esthetics at an Aveda Institute after spending years in retail. I am proof that nothing turns out how you think it will, and that's a good thing. When you think you've got it figured out, you don't. Life would be boring otherwise, right?
Makeup, skincare, and psychology are my passions and I'm also happy to give advice on relationships, particularly for teenagers (so many things I wish I could have told myself a decade ago!) I'm happy to help fellow abuse survivors as well.
I'm a diehard SF Giants fan and also enjoy watching the Sharks and Niners. Addicted to music, especially The Gaslight Anthem. Oh, and my name is Krista. :)

advice

I'm going to be traveling to California from New Jersey for about two weeks.
I was just wondering, will my phone automatically change it's time? Like will it turn back 3 hours by itself?

And than when I get back to Jersey, will it change back again?

If not, how do I change it?

I go to NJ from CA every year and my phone has always changed itself as soon as I turn it back on when the airplane lands. I've had several different phones (from a razr to nice ones) and they all did it, so you should be fine. :)

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If your boyfriend cum in you then you go pee does the sperm in the toliet to or not?

Probably not, since the hole you pee out of and your vagina are two different things. It might be a good idea to educate yourself a little on things like that if you're planning on or are having sex.

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Wat is the best facial cleanser & mask for bad skin wit blemishes & blackheads? My skin isnt really that dry but its not oily either.

After months of struggling, I've found the best thing to do is use a very gentle, neutral cleanser and moisturizer- that way it doesn't irritate your skin more. I love the Philosophy Purity Made Simple cleanser and Hope In A Jar Oil-free moisturizer- cheaper alternative is Cetaphil cleanser/moisturizer.
It is so important to moisturize, otherwise your skin will produce more oil, clogging pores and causing more zits.
Then apply an anti-acne product to problem areas. Salicylic acid works really well and quickly- this stuff is awesome:
http://www.drugstore.com/clean-and-clear-advantage-acne-spot-treatment/qxp87659?fromsrch=clean+and+clear+advantage

For your blackheads, you need to exfoliate once or twice a week- try using a scrub with benzoyl peroxide(I think Clean and Clear makes again).

And as for a mask...I don't generally use them, since they tend to dry out skin really badly, but a 'mud' mask would be good for your skin.

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i got some expensive eyeliner from sephora and now im out...but i want to get something similar for a better price.
it wasn't liquid but it wasnt a pencil...im not sure what you'd call it...it was really easy to apply.
im pretty active so i need something that won't run if i get sweaty. what are my best options?
i also need a new mascara. other than the classic maybeline green and pink bottled one..
thanks!!

The best drugstore eyeliner I've ever used is the Maybelline Eye Studio gel liner- you apply it with a brush. It's easy and has really great staying power- I actually like it better than the 20 dollar one I used to wear by.

For mascara, I know a lot of people like Maybelline's The Falsies, my fave is L'oreal Double Extend Tubes (the red and white one).

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Who Should Be The First One To Say "I Love You" first? The guy or the girl?

I don't know about 'should', but as a girl, I never say it first, because I know guys can be slower about things like that and I don't want to freak him out. It's just easier.

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What should I do? My 34 yr. old daughter has gained a substantial amt. of weight w/n the past 3+ yrs. since her job relocated her to a state on the other side of the country where we have no family and she does not make friends easily. She runs & sometimes wks out w a trainer, but she is very heavy below the waist (from sz 10 to sz 16 pants). She has gone to dr. about it & has learned that she inherited a gene (a disease) for very lg. & heavy legs. She should wear special hose, but she won't. She is a beautiful woman, but is self-conscious abt the heaviness & wears long pretty summer dresses. The problem is, in the back, she has alot of jiggly & u can c the bumps & lumps & she wears thong undies. I gingerly suggested that she wear an undergarment to smoothe. She absolutely refuses! She said she is NOT wearing a girdle! She is a classy & professional woman, but the jiggle & bumps are unattractive. We got into a big argument (screaming match) & she started crying, as though I am picking on her and she is visiting me now in Md. I am so upset and so is she. You can cut the air w a knife. She has even gone and had her seamstress line the dresses, but you can still see the lumps, bumps and jiggle. It takes so much away from her beauty, class and style. I asked her if she has seen herself w a 3 way mirror. My daughter is in denial and I do not want the world laughing at her. She's classier and smarter than that. I do not understand why she refuses to accept that she needs the smoothing that even a half slip with lycra can add.

I'm gonna have to agree with everyone else here- it is absolutely none of your business- how would you like it if you were her age and had your parent telling you what to wear? How she looks is her choice, not yours.

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a girl to grind on my junk. Like a girl with a nice big ass to grind on me. There is a girl who is interested in me, and we are kinda going out. Im just wondering is it wrong/awkward/weird/ to ask your girl to do specific things for you that you enjoy? Any tips?

When you're with someone that you're being physical with, then no, it's not weird at all to tell them what you'd like. In fact, most girls would appreciate that, makes it easier.

If you're only 'kinda' going out and haven't done anything physical yet, of course don't ask her. You have to let things happen naturally at first.

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Hi, I'm a twelve year old girl going into 7th grade. I feel that I am misunderstood at school. If you looked up the word "nerd" in a dictionary, you would find a picture of me- tall, skinny, braces, zits, oily hair. I feel that I am hated because I know too much and everyone thinks I'm ugly. Is it normal that I don't have a boyfriend? All the girls at school have been dating and kissing and...doing OTHER things with boys since 5th grade. Do people just naturally hate know-it-alls? I mean, I don't rub it in. Please help I want to make seventh grade a better year :(

Trust me, things will get better. I'm 20 now, but when I was your age I was the same way- literally everything you said, I had. (I was inches taller than all the boys, it sucked!) I can tell you that all the girls that are so pretty and popular now- when you're done with school and out in the real world, they are the 'losers'- their looks fade and their former popularity does them no good.

Most girls have an 'awkward phase', but I promise you it doesn't last forever. When you're a little older and the boys have grown, your height will be a good thing- most guys love tall girls/long legs. Being skinny is definitely a good thing- many women practically starve themselves to look like that. The braces will come off eventually, and the zits and oily hair are just hormonal things that will go away too.

I don't feel like I missed out in the least not having a boyfriend in middle school- guys are so immature at that age anyway. To have a better year, focus on what should matter- friends (there are probably other girls who feel the same as you), having fun, and school. If you don't have any after-school activities, why not try something you're interested in? Good way to meet friends, too. Anything from a sport, club, dance, drama, whatever you're into. If you need a self esteem boost, taking a few extra minutes every morning to get ready- putting on a cute outfit or some lip gloss or whatever- can help a lot. Only do it if you honestly want to, though.

And some tips-
For the oily hair, make sure you're shampooing with a clarifying shampoo every day- Suave makes a great, super cheap one that you can get at the drugstore, Walmart, or Target.
For zits, you need to cleanse and moisturize your face every morning and night using gentle products (Cetaphil is great) then try a salicylic acid product (Clean and Clear makes a great one in a silver tube) on problem areas to clear them up.

Best of luck and remember it gets better!
- Krista, 20/f

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I gained some weight while I was away at school, ever since I got home I have been dieting (and sticking to it) and exercising. I have been trying to run about 2 miles a day...although I usually run 1 mile and then run/walk the second. However, I am still at the same wieght when I came home a month ago. I look the exact same. It is literally as though I could go back to school where I was drinking at least 4 days a week, eating almost whatever I wanted, and not working out at all. I am 5'4 and I weight 130, and I would really like to get my weight down to 115 - or at least 120.

Any advice? I will try anything at this point (I was going to do the Master Cleanse, but I am such a wimp and I couldn't even get the salt water flush down).

Thanks so much

My favorite trainers have an article on that:
http://toneitup.com/blog.php?Bikini-Challenge...-how-to-break-the-Plateau-5005


Also, of course you're going to plateau if you keep running the same distance every day- your body will get used to it. You have to constantly be building up and adding a little more each day. (Same goes for toning workouts.)

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Hey I'm trying to help my friend with something... how can person two look like person one? Mostly the eyes is what shes having trouble with.. I told her maybe she could put her eyeliner on a certain way to look like this girls'?

Person 1 (The girl on the right): http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1855707713539&set=a.1212529114476.33215.1266212531&type=1

Person 2: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1955607900754&set=a.1955426136210.116320.1559417359&type=1&theater

Any advice would help :)

Filling in her eyebrows would help a lot- use a dark brown shadow and an angled brush, and focus on the inner part. Three shades of eyeshadow- a neutral all over, medium in the crease, and slightly darker on the lid. Eyeliner on the top lash line, curled lashes and mascara, light lipstick to make her lips look as big as the other girl's.

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15f
what is the best way to deal with depression without seeing a doctor or using a hotline???

Exercise has been proven to be extremely effective at treating depression, although it might seem impossible when you're not feeling good. Start with something like walking or dancing, and build up, making sure to get some physical activity in every day.

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Do any of you know how to get a bigger butt without surgery? Is there any possible way? Any way at all? Please?

By exercising those muscles, you can make your butt look fuller, rounder, and more lifted. Squats and lunges are great for that, as well as running, and here's a workout I really like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVDG5vyGpeU
(If you look on the info for the video, there's also a printable version of the instructions.)

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Thanks for your answer! I do realize plain water is best, but i wanted to mention i think crystal light has truvia. So is it stoll safe to consume as opposed to the asperteme?

Yeah, Truvia isn't terrible for you or anything, it's just a chemical version as opposed to the natural stevia plant.
Another good option that I forgot to mention is the Vitamin Water Zero- it's sweetened with stevia, too.

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I am a 15 1/2 year old girl. I am thinking about going out with this guy, he's 20. We really like each other. If we did end up going out, how far would we be able to go?

Been there, done that, can tell you right now it's a terrible idea, and illegal in most states. I used to be one of those people that said "age is just a number"...but I was proved wrong.

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Hello everyone! For years I've been looking for healthy alternatives to get water into my system. I've always heard Crystal Light is bad for you because it contains aspartame. Just recently I found out CL Pure contains stevia, which seems to be a 'safer' form of sweetener. I just wanted to know if anyone has their opinion on stevia vs. aspartame? Would CL Pure be safe to drink on a daily basis? Thanks in advance.

Yes, aspartame is really not good for you- it's a gross chemical that makes you bloat, slows your metabolism, and has been linked to cancer.
Stevia, on the other hand, is an all-natural plant. (With the exception of the sweetener Truvia, which is just a chemical version.) Stevia is totally safe to consume on a daily basis.
However, drinking Crystal Light is NOT the same as drinking water for your body

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Hello I am a 16 year old male and I recently applied to a McDonalds near where I live. The application made me really sad at the sort of questions they asked and I just feel like there is a much better way I could be spending my time that mindlessly working at McDonalds. My parents want me to get a summer job but I do not really want to work here. Am I being too picky or snobbish. I get straight As and I don't know it just seems like a waste of my time. Writing this now it seems elitist but it is how I feel. Any advice on this matter would help. Be critical of me too it will only help me.

Your feelings are understandable but you know what? You're 16, sounds like you haven't had a job before, and I doubt you can do anything better. Your first (or even first few) jobs is/are going to be lame- it's a given. But right now it's just important to be making money and start saving up for things (i.e. a car, college, etc). What "better" way would you be spending your time over summer- hanging out with friends? I promise you won't be working 24/7 (if they actually hire you- if they could sense your bad attitude I doubt they will.)

Working is never a waste of your time- it's not like you're getting nothing for it. And honestly, if you don't start working now and getting experience, it's gonna be really hard to find a real, good-paying job later in life.

I'm 20 years old, in college, and I work as a grocery bagger. It is mindless and monotonous and yes, there's probably a much better way I could be spending my time. But it's a good, reliable job and having money right now is a lot more important than how bored I get. It's just a part of growing up.

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My ex-girlfriend and I go to different colleges and were long distance for awhile because of it. We're no longer together but are on good terms and are pretty good friends, and she just revealed to me that sometimes (even while we were together), when she would sit down for class she would knowingly let her thongs ride up for random guys.


I'm not asking how I should feel about that (I don't really care), but I was just curious what you guys would think of it.

Well, that's not something I'd ever do (who wants random creepy guys looking at your thong? really?), but I do understand it- most girls go through a sort of "attention whore" phase. Not a good thing while in a relationship, but I'm sure you know that.

- 20/f

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My girlfriend and I have known each other for 6 years been dating for 2 years. She loves to dress and look good she is very beautiful and has an awesome body. No matter what she wears she has guys always trying to flirt with her or start dumb conversations. But when she's just going to the mall or to the grocery store the flea market she may wear tight jeans and high heels that makes it irresistible for most men to not look at or come and try to make contact with her. Well my point is it drives me crazy especially when she dresses like that and goes without me, and I've expressed my feelings about it to her. It's nothing slutty she wears it’s just the attention it brings to her and I feel she's looking for the attention sometimes by dressing that way! She is 40 years old and gets attention from guys 16 to 100! I've walked to other parts of a store and returned to guys walking behind her staring at her butt or trying or talk to her. I guess my question is. Am I just jealous and have nothing to worry about or is she looking for the attention, or am I wrong about both?

As a girl, I can tell you that I'd flat out dump any guy who told me what to wear. No woman wants to go around not looking cute all the time when she's not with her guy- that's a total confidence killer. What matters is how she's responding to the attention- is she brushing the guys off or flirting back? If she's just ignoring it, then you will have to just learn to deal with it- it's what comes with dating a very attractive person.

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18/f

I was watching criminal minds one night & in the episode they said something about woman who have problems because they don't have a father figure present. . . Is there some kind of name for that? Such as a disease or something? Cause I thought they said a name for it but I can't remember. . .

Thanks in advance (:

As a psych student, I can tell you that there is no such disease (although people may refer to it as a 'daddy complex' or 'daddy issues'). Having a lack of a father figure can certainly cause women problems, but this does not mean that they have a mental health disorder, which has to do with brain chemistry. Hope that helps. :)

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Okay so my ex boyfriend and I broke up like... almost a year ago. But we had a VERY messy break up and it's taken us basically up until now to get things settled out... and I still wouldn't even say we have it settled out. We are... I guess, friends. Although I don't see him much out of school (by choice). I can honestly say that it's taken a hell of a long time and it was extremely painful, but I'm over him. And I didn't really feel totally 100% about saying that until like a month ago. He REALLY hurt me... I don't want to go into that whole story cause it is loooonnnngggg but take my word for it that he did a lot of shitty stuff to me... and it took a long time to be able to forgive him. A lot of it involved our physcial relationship. He was my first kiss, fingering, handjob, and blowjob. He pressured/guilted me into a lot of it and at one point physcially forced me to do things. But again... long story. We were both in really bad places and we both mad mistakes... gosh I really don't want to start on that cause that's not what this question is about.

ANYWAY. The problem is this. He can be incredibly mean to me. He will often call me a whore and a slut and make not funny jokes about stuff that happened between us and just be all around rude... Like commenting on my clothes. I don't dress inappropriately. I don't think so, and nor has anyone but him ever commented on it. But he always seems to point out when I'm wearing a skirt that is yeah pretty tight... or a shirt that shows a little bit of cleavage. And he doesn't point it out in a nice way. When if you want to be technical. He's a much bigger slut that I am!! He's slept with about four girls since we broke up, there are pictures of his dick on numerous phones, and he admitted to me that he skyped naked with girls. He also has sex with his current girlfriend on a regular basis, his friends have told me that that is the only reason they are together, that he's admittted that to them. Which I don't find hard to believe because he also admitted that he onlly liked me when we were hooking up. Yet he calls me a whore? And he "makes fun" of me being stupid. I'm not stupid, I have a 3.9 GPA which is higher than his and yeah he's a grade above but I'm in more honors/accelarated classes than him. He doesn't even make sense it's just like he's a jerk because he LIKES being mean to me. I honestly think he enjoys it. And I've told him that he's being a dick and everytime he says "I know... I'm sorry. I'll stop, I'm really trying. I don't know why I'm such a jerk to you." the thing is I WANT to know why. I want to know why we can't ever seem to get our relatinship in a good place... And it's not like his comments affect my self esteem, they really dont'. I know none of what he's saying is true... SO why is he saying it? I am fifteen, female. He is seventeen, male.

I think it doesn't matter why he's doing it...the real question is why the heck do you even still talk to this guy? I'm sorry, but he sounds like a huge jerk, and you don't need that, right? It is possible to forgive him and move on but keep him out of your life, and I think that'd be a lot better for you.

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