Fashion Slate

Does it suddenly seem like you’re seeing tie-front dresses everywhere you turn? It’s not your imagination. This trendy look is more than just a ‘gram MVP, though. It also happens to be a highly versatile, utterly wearable piece that anyone can pull off. That’s the beauty of the tie-front — it’s a contender for everyone’s closet. Want to get in on the look? Here are a few options to consider.

Boden Tie Waist Shirt Dress, $65

A midi-length dress is such a classic, practical addition to any wardrobe. This one is especially timeless thanks to its clean lines and timeless details. It features double pockets, a button-down front, and a self-tie belt that allows you to cinch it taut to create the most flattering silhouette.

LOFT Garden Tie Waist Flounce Dress, $54.50

Despite the fact that autumn is on the horizon, that’s no reason to retire your favorite sunny hues. This pretty dress incorporates a brilliant shade of yellow with tumbling blossoms. A lithe belt at the waist and a cute flounce at the skirt give it flirty finishing touches, making it ideal for anything from Sunday brunch to date night.

Old Navy Chambray Flutter-Sleeve Tie-Belt Shirt Dress, $39.99

Nothing says Americana-chic like chambray. This comfortable dress has it made, giving your wardrobe a distinctly casual yet highly noticeable boost. You can wear it with a fedora, a colorful scarf, and a pair of wedges for an easy everyday look. Or, slip into espadrilles and add some colorful contrasting jewelry for a twist on everyday simplicity.

J. Crew Factory Mercantile Drapey Tie-Front Dress, $39.99

From work to after hours, this patterned dress will handle your busy schedule in style. It’s simple, yet well designed with little details that set it apart from the rest. The ivory floral print on black is sharp yet elegant, and it can be worn in surprisingly myriad ways. Toss on a denim jacket and flats on a low-key day, or wear it with low-profile pumps at the office.

Melloday Floral Tie-Front Dress, $34.97

Maxi dresses will forever hold a place in the annals of women’s fashion, but there’s always room for a style that puts a fresh spin on a time-honored favorite. Enter this dress, which combines the length of your treasured maxis with the complexity of intricate details, including the knot front and the generously draped front panel. 

Pillow Talk lip liner was probably the first ‘cult’ status type of product to come out of the Charlotte Tilbury line. Of course one could argue that the whole range is cult status but that’s just me being a touch fan girl of the brand… but anyway. Back to the Pillow Talk Collection – the liner that started it all then added a lipstick partner into the mix. Creating the dream lip duo. Well now, there’s a couple of new additions – an eye palette and a blusher. Making up the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Collection – all of which are currently on my face as I type.

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Collection

Now, I’ll be totally honest here and whilst I like Pillow Talk lipstick and liner, they’re not my ultimate nude. But I know they are for many others. I find it looks quite dark on me – it’s definitely one of those interesting shades that looks different on everyone. But knowing flattering nude is pretty much what Pillow Talk is all about I had a feeling the palette and blusher would be right up my neutral-loving street (was going to say nude-loving but that sounded a tad wrong…)

I was right. If you like a pinky toned neutral then you’re going to love these new launches. So apologies in advance to your bank account. The Pillow Talk eye palette features a pale champagne shimmer shade that’s a gorgeous everyday easy to wear one. A more pinky toned matte that works perfectly with the pale shimmer for a bit of warmth and definition. Then of course there’s a sparkly pop shade – this one being a rose gold and a darker warm brown sort of a dark terracotta type of colour for added ‘oomph’. All easy to wear and flattering. All in all a great everyday palette. If you like things like the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette then this is like a sleek compact version of that.

The Pillow Talk Cheek to Chic blusher is funnily enough a new version of one of my favourite products in the whole Charlotte Tilbury line – although I do only have one (that I wore on my wedding day). I’ve been meaning to pick up the ‘First Love’ shade for ages but this one might just fill the spot in my makeup collection that was waiting for a flattering warm nude type of blush. Think a colour that’s a cross between a bronzer and a blusher and that’s what Pillow Talk Cheek to Chic blusher is. Of course with the pop in the middle being a shimmering highlight type of shade. You can either swirl both and have a blend of colour and that shimmer/glow or use the colour on the cheeks and finish with the pop of highlight. Personally I’m more of a swirl them both sort of girl…

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Collection is definitely going to be one that loads of people love. Do you need it in your life? Well, I’m sure you probably have many neutral beauty bits already so *need* might be a strong word. But you’re going to love it so if you can justify the treat then I say it’s worth the spending! The new Cheek to Chic Pillow Talk Blusher & Luxury Palette launch on 6th September on www.charlottetilbury.com – priced £30 for the blusher and £39 for the palette. (lip cheat and makeup revolution lipstick available now)

Also, if you’re looking for a Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dupe then take a look at THIS post of mine…

Products provided as PR samples.

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Source: https://www.beautyjunkielondon.com/2018/08/charlotte-tilbury-pillow-talk-collection-palette-blusher.html

It may be the unsexiest article of clothing ever invented, and one can feel distinctly Mrs Roper wearing one, but I do love a good caftan, so I was pleased to create this post when a reader named Lori suggested I cover “Gorgeous caftans that don’t cost $800 and up (because: a) it seems ridiculous to pay that much for something that’s going to get wet and sandy; b) you *know* those Oaxacan weavers, Indian block-printers, and Moroccan silk-dyers are *not* getting paid such princely sums)”.  Good point, Lori, and now let’s move on to the actual goods:  Emerson Fry makes an different-colored iteration of this wonderful caftan seemingly every season, and I especially like it in dark blue.

I showed you this leopard print number back when I bought it at the beginning of the summer, but I’m doing a repeat because it has become a truly beloved item—I wore it every time I hit the beach—and the linen gets softer with every wash.

And here’s a cute striped and short one that’d be great to sleep in too.

I dig the bold and retroish geometric print on this one.

This has a really appealing color combination, and I like the plunging neckline.

This is from Lemlem and isn’t cheap, but boy, is it gorgeous; here’s another Lemlem caftan that’s been marked nicely down.

The stripes here are so good and beachy; here it is in extended sizes.

The eyelet and embroidery details here are just glorious.

A slightly sheer option that’d be perfect for the beach.

This is just so cute with all the little mini tassels.

I am a big fan of the poppy orange here, and the stripes give it a slightly Mexican feel.

And finally: I found this pink number on Etsy, and it’s pretty well-priced and especially comfortable-looking.

Can you believe summer is almost over?!

I have tried to take it easy. I bought Kérastase Chronologiste Gommage Pre-Shampoo. Is it a necessary product? Probably not but I like how it makes my scalp feel. I’m highly skeptical of scalp scrubs but I want to be as extra as I can be.

I was doing pretty darn good until I was tempted by cream shadows. I bought two of the new Colourpop Jelly Much Shadow, a water-based shadow. These are pretty but I hate the packaging. So much waste! I also think the Super Shock ones perform just as well and are cheaper and less messy. I also got MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid that I haven’t tried yet.

THEN I couldn’t resist Marc Jacobs Eye-Conic Eyeshadow in Smartorial that was on sale at Sephora. I have been eyeing if for over year!

I apologize for this long post but here’s my empties:

SKINCARE

It seems like the theme in this category was “take it off”. I emptied a lot of removers and cleansers. 

Darphin Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum – Outdoor seasonal allergies kicked my butt in August. My skin was so red and irritated. This water-y liquid, weightless serum really helped.

• Repurchase? Probably. It’s something I come back to when I need it.

La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Dry Oil – This is a ridiculously expensive oil but a little does go far. I just put 1-2 drops in a lotion and then I’m dewy. For extra bougie days I put some in foundation.

• Purchase? If I were rich, I guess. But, you can find just as good for at least $250+ less.

Yves Rocher Exceptional Cleansing Oil – This is an emulsifying cleansing oil in a pump. I love it. There’s no fragrance and removes my makeup. I prefer this so much more over the more expensive Tatcha.

• Repurchase? Yes.

Avene Cleansing Foam (travel size) – Not bad for a morning cleanser in the summer. Also, I realized since I’m low pH that I really miss foams sometimes.

• Purchase?

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover (travel size) – It’s really good and doesn’t irritate.

• Purchase? Yes.

Elemis Superfood Facial Wash (travel size) – I was so surprised by how much I like this gel cleanser! It smells like green juice and patchouli. My skin should hate this but for the summer, it loved the deep cleanse.

• Purchase? I’d consider it for next year.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (travel size) – This stuff is one of my OG favorites.

• Purchase? I will eventually.

Nature Republic Ginseng Royal Silk Toner (travel size) – Fine but leaves gold sparkles on my face.

• Purchase? No.

Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb (travel size) – A gel-cream with an aquatic aroma. It’s actually not terrible but probably best suited for skin that is already behaving and has no issues.

• Purchase? Nah. I have problems.

Valmont Prime Renewing Pack (deluxe sample) – My favorite wash-off mask.

• Purchase? Sadly, I would.

Valmont Moisturizing Eye-C-Gel (deluxe sample) – A gel with little reflective shimmers.

• Purchase? No.

MAC Cleanse Off Oil (deluxe sample) – An emulsifying oil with a slight citrus aroma. It does an excellent job at removing makeup.

• Purchase? I’m really tempted.

Clinique Moisture Surge Hydrating Supercharged Concentrate (deluxe sample) – I love this stuff – lightweight and layers nicely.

• Purchase? YES!

The Saem Gem Miracle Black Pearl 02 Bubble Mask (sample) – This is such a weird novelty mask. It starts as a foam and then gets bigger and bigger and tickles. It becomes a huge foam and smells sort of like a mainstream masculine cologne. Too drying.

• Purchase? Nope.

Nature Republic Snail Solution Foam Cleanser (sample) – I didn’t test the pH but I can tell it is one of those that is strong as Dawn dish liquid.

• Purchase? NO!

Sephora Exfoliating Charcoal Cleansing Cream (sample) – So <meh>.

• Purchase? No.

The sheet masks: I used a lot when it was hot

Masks I wouldn’t repurchase:

Skinfood Marine Food Gel Mask in Oyster – I bought this because how disgusting is it to have an oyster-inspired face mask with actual oyster extract in it? And also because I love oysters. This is a gel mask in 2 sections that just refuses to stick on my face. I have had this issue with all Skinfood gel masks �

Hey Pinkgo Girl Black Rose Intense Hydration Mask – Decent.

Hey Pinkgo Girl Brightening White Yogurt Lifting Lace Mask – The decent novelty lace mask.

Leaders Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch – Good.

Fil-Lup Coenzyme Essence Mask – Good and cheap.

Natureby Royal Jelly Essence Mask – Another one of those cheapie ones. Does fine.

TonyMoly Changing U Magic Mask in Black Pearl – Decent.

Masks I’d purchase:

La Prairie Swiss Cellular Intensive Illuminated Mask – These work so well for me and cost a damn fortune. Luckily I have been gifted a box.

FRAGRANCE

When it comes to fragrance, you can tell I was in a white floral mood. 

Votivo Candle in Bright Leaf Tobacco *  – Lavender and tobacco. Review.

• Purchase? No.

DW Home Halloween Candle in Polynesian Gardenia – Mainly bought this for the packaging but you guys, it smells great. It’s a sweet, creamy manoï. This is my favorite cheap candle brand.

• Repurchase? I would if I could find the scent again.

Samples I’d consider buying or buy:

Hiram Green Moon Bloom * – Review

Tom Ford Orchid Soleil – Review

Maison Francis Kukdjian Aqua Universalis Forte – Just let me smell like rich people towels. Review.

Ramon Bejar Celestial Rose – Review

Samples I’d not buy:

Krigler Ulta Chateau Krigler * – Review

Memo Inlé Iris – Review

HEELEY Ophelia – Review

Nomenclature Lumen_esce – Review

Au Pays de le Fleur d’Oranger Rose Irisee – Review

Maison Martin Margiela REPLICA Lazy Sunday Morning – Review

Ramon Bejar Jasmine Maat – Review

Providence Perfume Co. Tangerine Thyme * – Review

DSH Perfumes 1,000 Lilies * – This has a lot more warm spices than I remember!  Review

DSH Perfumes Secreti di Belle Donne * – Review

Lancôme Trésor in Love – This did grow on me. Review

Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Mandarine Basilic – Review

Serge Lutens Fleurs d’Oranger – Review

BATH/BODY

There’s nothing too exciting here but I did empty some bath/body products that I started in the beginning of summer. 

Kneipp Stress Free Orange Blossom & Mandarin Body Wash – It’s an orange floral and something I love to smell like in the summer.

• Repurchase? Yes.

Korres Water Lily Body Butter – This has a pretty, light floral fragrance. The butter is surprisingly thick. A little goes far.

• Purchase? No. I like other scents from them better and this was a GWP.

Olay Fresh Outlast Purifying Birch Water & Lavender Body Wash – Y’all I don’t know on what planet this is even supposed to resemble a fragrance found on Earth. This is like alien lavender and moon water. Also, the “Outlast” is no joke. This lingers all day.

• Repurchase? No. It was a bad idea to begin with.

Jaloma Sweet Oil 3 – This is a Mexican oil that does it all. It’s natural and unscented but smells faintly olive-y. It’s a blend of some of my favorite oils (olive, almond and castor). I love it on my skin and scalp.

• Repurchase? Yes. I just wish it came in a pump bottle.

Panier des Sens Precious Jasmine Hand Cream – I can not get over how indolic this jasmine hand cream is! It is skanky stuff!

• Purchase? I actually want to try the hand soap now.

DM Balea Handcreme Buttermilk & Lemon – Smells like lemon sugar cookies.

• Repurchase? No. There’s no DM in the US. *sobbing*

Mountain Ocean Skin Trip Coconut Soap (not pictured) – Hands down the best coconut-scented soap on the market. Review. 

• Repurchase? Yes, I have been for years.

V76 Detox Bar Soap (travel size) – A <meh> clay bar soap with an herbal aroma.

• Purchase? No.

HAIR

This is a lot of hair empties for me. I am so proud. I feel like I’ve broken a personal record. 

Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel – This is my HG hair gel. It is a liquid that can be layered with absolutely no flaking. Plus, it has a lovely herbal fragrance.

• Repurchase? Yes!

Philip B. Oud Royal Thermal Spray – This does not smell like oud in the slightest. It smells like the sweet floral amber that has been popular in hair products over the past few years because of Moroccanoil.  I think all thermal sprays are a scam but I use them because they do help with frizz and make me believe for a second I’m not frying my hair.

• Repurchase? Probably not.

Tigi Bed Head After Party Smoothing Cream – This stuff works to de-poof hair. Smells like tart flowers. Review here. Yes, this is an old art edition that I picked up at a discount store. Still works.

• Repurchase? Yes. But, I have other stuff to use up first.

Amika Touchable Hairspray (travel size) – Has that strong sweet amber fragrance but it really is touchable. It doesn’t leave hair feeling weird or crunchy.

• Repurchase? No.

Amika Undone Texture Spray (travel size) – Actually adds texture in a good way!

• Purchase? Maybe.

Klorane Mango Butter Shampoo * (travel size) – Smells great. Feels great. My review.

• Purchase? Yes.

Living Proof No Frizz Humidity Shield (travel size) – I’m mad I got talked into spending $15 on this. It does absolutely nothing for my hair that cheap hairspray doesn’t already do. It also makes my hair feel sort of dirty/gross. ALSO,  I hate the fragrance. It’s so strong and makes me sneeze.

• Repurchase? Nope. I actually wished I returned it and I never return anything.

Pureology Colour Fanatic Multi-Tasking Hair Beautifier (travel size) – First time using this brand and really liked this product. It’s basically a detangler/leave-in conditioner. Left my hair feeling so soft.

• Purchase? I’m tempted.

Noble Isle Perry Pear Shampoo (travel size) – Basic and the fragrance isn’t even all that great.

• Purchase? No.

Rene Furterer Fioravanti Shine Enhancing Conditioner (deluxe sample) – OMG, this smells horrible. I thought this was an old sample that had turned! Nope, vinegar is the second ingredient and that is what it smells like. It leaves my hair smelling like vinegar too. Even my spouse was like “Jesus Christ, what is wrong with you? Why do you smell like this?” No shine and just a tangled mess.

• Purchase? Gah, no way.

Novex Bamboo Sprout Deep Conditioning Hair Mask (sample) – This is from a popular Brazilian brand. I was really impressed with how shiny this made my hair. But, also was surprised that it has a green, verdant fragrance that is delightfully retro (think like grass and green roses).

• Purchase? I may. It’s saved to my Amazon wishlist.

Kérastase Résistance Fiber Quality Renewal Masque (sample) – I expect miracles with a mask this expensive. It made my hair shiny and that was nice but it didn’t live up to the claims and price. Especially considering the one above was better for me.

• Purchase? Nah.

MAKEUP

I’m always so proud of myself when I empty full-size makeup!

elf Beautifully Bare Foundation Serum SPF 25 in Fair/Light – I love non-existent foundations so I adore this one. It’s sheer and dewy. It’s been all I’ve worn this summer.

• Repurchase? Yes.

Innisfree No-Sebum Blur Powder – Same as the No-Sebum powder that I usually use, but with more “blurring” effect. It really does make pores look less noticeable. AND it makes bumpy, textured skin look better.

• Repurchase? Yes. But, this is a summer product for me. It’s better for when my skin is more “oily” from it being humid out. Oily complexions could use this year-round.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish – It’s a warm bronze brown with shimmer. I like it. Obviously.

• Repurchase? I’d consider it. However, I have others like this from other brands I should use up.

Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel in 5 (deluxe sample) – I like this, especially the shade, but I have found stuff cheaper from (e.l.f. and Essence) that I prefer.

• Purchase? No.

Throw Out (not included in total)

Black Radiance Perfect Tone Matte Lip Creme in Matte Bright – I was an idiot that left this partially unclosed until it dried out. Shade is a vivid orange with a matte finish.

Total: 68. 26 full-size. 20 travel/deluxe sizes. 22 samples.

This sounds incredibly high (and it is) but keep in mind most of this number is inflated by sheet masks and perfume samples. However, even I am surprised by how many full-sizes I managed to finish. It feels good to empty some hair and makeup products.

Usually my timing is off, but I did empty a lot of “summer” stuff in August. I do have a shower full of summer-y shower gels but otherwise, I’m all ready to transition into early fall skincare and makeup/complexion products.

What about you? Which products did you empty in August? Did you buy anything new?

Disclaimer – If there is a /*/ next to an item, it was provided by PR/the brand. All other items were purchased by me or are samples/gifts with purchase/subscription box products.

7-Sep-2018

Colour Cosmetics

Colour cosmetics are reaching new levels of activity and visual appeal

Cosmetics Business has selected make-up formulations that combine intense pigments and special effects with properties such as skin care or hair growth boosting.

From skin-protecting foundations to lip glosses that pop, colour cosmetics are reaching new levels of activity and visual appeal – here are four such creations:

Formulation 1

Croda's Moonshine Effects Pigments range adds sparkle and shine to this Keep it Glassy Lip Gloss – Pearlescent Plum product. The formulation uses Moonshine Colour Travel pigments to create multiple, multifaceted colours, while Maxi-Lip adds volume.

Preparation

Combine phase A ingredients and heat to 75-80°C. Add phase B and stir. Once below 40°C add phase C with stirring. Stir and cool to room temperature.

Formulation 2

This recipe for a Kissproof Matte Lipcolor from BRB provides a high-definition, long lasting and flawless finish in an intense pink shade. The matte effect and silky touch are achieved through the use of BRB PMS-2, while colour-fastness is provided by BRB TMS-501.

Preparation

Disperse phase B in phase A and heat up to 80°C. Pass phase AB through a three-roll mill twice. Cool down and add phase C below 30°C. Add phases D and E while mixing and fill the pack.

Formulation 3

Big brows remain big business. This Eye Brow Gel – Dark Blonde formula is made using pigments from Eckart and active cosmetic ingredients from CLR to ensure that brows look their best instantly and in the long term.

Preparation

Disperse Optigel WX-PC into water phase. Add phase B to A. Mix phase C until homogenous. Add phase C to AB and the pigments of phase D. Stir until uniform and add the ingredients of phase E one-by-one.

Formulation 4

This month's fourth formulation is for My Protective DD Foundation, developed by IFF-Lucas Meyer.

Preparation

Heat A to 75°C. Mix B; add at 75°C under mixing. Increase speed to 1,200rpm. Add C to AB. Mix D and add to ABC. Mix E and heat to 75°C; pour into ABCD. Emulsify. Cool to rtp. Add F and G at

Like this story? For the latest in ingredients, formulation, packaging and regulation subscribe to SPC Magazine, for more information click here.

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Bragging about sex is as old as — well, sex itself. People have always felt compelled to share stories about the sex they had last night (and how many times, and in what positions!)

Whether it happens in the group chat or at the weekly boys’ night out, sex brags are omnipresent. However, that doesn’t mean that all sex brags are created equal. Some are fun — and funny — to hear, while others are just plain distasteful.

What is it about sex talk that’s different for straight men and women? When it comes to women, we picture a group of Sex and the City-type women laughing about a blowjob. It’s fun and sassy. But when men discuss sex, it can often feel cliché (at best) and offensive (at worst). Nobody wants to hear a man peacock about his sex life!

I'm going to break down why that confusing gender difference exists — and how men can get better at talking about sex.

1. ‘Locker-Room Talk’ Is The Norm For Men

“Dude, I need to get laid. It’s been a couple months since I had sex.”
“Can’t relate, bro. I got lucky last night.”

Talking about sex is often a bonding activity for men, hence the label ‘locker-room talk.’ When a man shows off about the hot one-night stand he had last night, he’s reinforcing what’s expected of him. Part of being an alpha male is bedding a lot of women: It’s a status symbol for straight men in the same way a hot girlfriend is, or an expensive new car is. That’s why it’s never unique to hear a man talk about all the sex he’s having. There’s no novelty to it!

Think about a guy who isn’t very sexually active. It would be embarrassing for him to admit “Yeah, I haven’t had sex in a year.” He would become someone to commiserate with or pity. Similarly, we can’t comprehend of a masculine man who doesn’t have a high sex drive. “A male virgin” is a punchline in itself (which is why a lot of male comics joke about their dismal sex lives!)

RELATED: Everything You Need To Know About Losing Your Virginity

2. …But Often Radical For Women

In sharp contrast, women talking about sex are being subversive. We still live in a society that shames women for being too sexual: Men circulate memes of women’s “roast-beef pussies”, and there’s plenty of people who believe sex makes women loose down there (which, for the record, has been scientifically disproven).

It’s no wonder that women are worried about seeming slutty if they have sex with multiple men. That’s why it’s refreshing or interesting to hear women talk nonchalantly about having casual sex: They're going against the norm.

3. Are Men Exaggerating (Or Just Lying About It)?

“I banged the hottest girl last night, man. She looked like a cross between Emma Roberts and Emma Watson.”

“Sure, man.”

Sure, man. That’s often our response to men talking about sex! If they claim to have multiple sex partners per week, or to routinely banging Victoria's Secret supermodel wannabes, we are suspicious of them. The principle is similar to bragging about how rich you are: Men lie in order to look good.

The thing about sex is that it requires a certain part of effort on the part of cis men — it is, after all, an exercise that requires energy and stamina. That’s why it’s better for men to be somewhat reserved when it comes to their sexual prowess. Resist the urge to tell people that you got laid four times last night! Even if you did manage to have sex four times last night, what’s the point of advertisement that sounds like a lie?

4. The Vocabulary Is Just Plain Different For Women

Think about the slang we commonly associate with men talking about sex:

“I hit that!” 
“Yeah, I smashed.”
“I’m gonna tear that p*ssy up.”
“Man, I wrecked her.” 
“I can't wait to tap that ass.”
“I screwed the shit out of her.”
“I’m banging the hottest girl right now.”

You've probably heard a guy say every one of those lines. What do they have in common? They all frame sex as something you do to a woman, instead of with her.

RELATED: Top 10 Hookup Sites To Actually Find A Hookup

In this scenario, the woman isn’t very different from a tennis ball or some other inanimate object! (Not to mention — the violence of these words often implies that she didn’t even enjoy it.) The brag is not for her, it’s for you: It’s the most selfish sort of brag. 

When women talk about sex, meanwhile, it tends not to be as dehumanizing

“Yeah, my boyfriend and I fucked three times last night, I’m exhausted today.”

They speak more of sex as a joint activity — something that both parties enjoy together. It would be refreshing to hear a man speak of sex in the same way. Describe sex in less-cringey terms — talk about how good the sex you have with a particular person is, versus how good you are at Doing Sex To Her™.

5. Bragging To Women About Being Good In Bed? Big Nope

One notable thing about the viral term “big dick energy” is that none of the men associated with it had to say they had it. Sexual confidence is like that — it’s apparent, it doesn’t need to announce itself! If you tell a woman on Tinder that you have a big dick, or that you’re a magician in bed, it’s embarrassing. It’s a much better idea to wait and let her find out for herself.

When it comes to sex brags, remember the golden rule: Less is more. Maintain an air of mystery, and you’ll generally come off looking much better than if you bragged.