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The royals have historically been tight-lipped about their health – but that never stopped the gossip

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lisa-j-hackett-458612">Lisa J. Hackett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/huw-nolan-1309470">Huw Nolan</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jo-coghlan-1585">Jo Coghlan</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a> King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer. This is an unexpected announcement: it is unusual for the royal family to release details of medical conditions to the public. “<a href="https://journal.media-culture.org.au/index.php/mcjournal/article/view/2986">Don’t let the daylight in</a>” was how British essayist Walter Bagehot advised the British monarchy to deal with the public in 1867. “[A]bove all things our royalty is to be reverenced […] its mystery is its life,” he wrote. For Queen Elizabeth II this attitude framed her response to public information about the royals, quipping “<a href="https://www.news24.com/you/royals/news/royal-author-explains-queens-never-complain-never-explain-mantra-20220620">never complain, never explain</a>”. Maybe this explains why Princess Kate’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/feb/05/king-charles-diagnosed-with-cancer-buckingham-palace-announces">recent abdominal surgery</a> has not been disclosed to the public, with media reports saying she is “determined to keep her medical details private”. In revealing the fragility of the royal body much of the mystique about them as anointed by God fades away. But the royals’ health has, occasionally, been the subject of official news, and, more commonly, the subject of gossip. <h2>Henry VIII’s ‘soore legge’</h2> Henry VIII’s (1491–1547) health was well-documented and discussed in state-papers and diplomatic dispatches of the day. In his early years, he was known for his robust health. In his later years, he would be described as “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2789029/">cursed</a>” by his deteriorating health. As Henry aged, his access to fine food led to an increase of weight. Doctors today might diagnose him with obesity, and it has been <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2789029/">speculated by contemporary medical historians</a> he suffered from hypertension and Type II diabetes. This disease, which can lead to diabetic neuropathy and <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/healthy-feet.html">serious foot complications</a>, could account for the persistent and odorous ulcers on his “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2789029/#:%7E:text=In%20the%20same%20year%20Henry,annual%20salary%20of%2020%20shillings.">sorre legge</a>”, as described by his contemporaries. Knowledge about Henry’s health was not widespread. The king had sequestered himself in his private apartments. Even his attending <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2388216/pdf/annrcse00840-0011.pdf">physicians did not keep notes</a>, perhaps concerned about being accused of treason in the volatile politics of the time. Most of our knowledge today is gleaned from diplomatic reports sent by diplomats to their own leaders. <h2>Queen Anne’s lupus</h2> Queen Anne (1665-1714) had 17 pregnancies, 11 of which resulted in miscarriages or stillbirths, with the remainder all dying in childhood. Despite the regularity of her failed pregnancies, her physician, John Radcliffe, repeatedly declared she was in good health and her miscarriages were due to “<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1540-6563.1986.tb00702.x">the vapours</a>”, a vague diagnosis often attributed to aristocratic women. It is <a href="https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA12456274&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=17592151&p=AONE&sw=w&userGroupName=anon%7Ee39109f7&aty=open-web-entry">now believed Anne</a> may have been afflicted with the autoimmune condition lupus. For Anne’s contemporaries, the name of the illness perhaps mattered less than the real political issue it presented: who would become monarch after her? With no heirs, there was real political fear her Catholic half-brother <a href="https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/manuscriptsandspecialcollections/learning/biographies/jamesfrancisedwardstuart(1688-1766).aspx">James Francis Edward Stuart</a> (“The Old Pretender”) would claim the throne. But the law <a href="https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/parliamentaryauthority/revolution/collections1/parliamentary-collections/act-of-settlement/">excluded Catholics</a> from the taking the crown, and ensured Anne would be succeed by her second cousin, George I of Hanover and Britain. <h2>George III and mental illness</h2> George III (1738–1820) famously suffered from bouts of mental illness, more recently been speculated to be caused by <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/porphyria">Porphyria</a>, a hereditary blood disorder. Throughout his illness <a href="https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/2023/11/01/bulletin-on-the-state-of-king-george-iiis-health-october-2011-2/">bulletins were issued</a> by his doctors informing the public of his condition. These were kept <a href="https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/speccoll/2023/11/01/bulletin-on-the-state-of-king-george-iiis-health-october-2011-2/">deliberately vague</a>, with the aim to reassure the public rather than divulge details. His repeated bouts of illness mean his health was <a href="https://oro.open.ac.uk/92656/3/92656.pdf">a constant in the media of the time</a>, with frequent, at times twice-daily, updates during episodes. His illness called into <a href="https://oro.open.ac.uk/92656/3/92656.pdf">question his ability to be monarch</a>, a situation eventually resolved by the installing of his son, later George IV, as Prince Regent. <h2>A family of haemophilia</h2> Queen Victoria has been called the “<a href="https://hekint.org/2020/02/10/royal-blood-queen-victoria-and-the-legacy-of-hemophilia-in-european-royalty/?highlight=%E2%A3%82%E2%A3%9A%20Buy%20Viagra%20from%20%240.31%20per%20pill%20%3A%20%F0%9F%8F%A5%20www.LloydsPharmacy.xyz%20%F0%9F%8F%A5%20-%20Pharma%20without%20prescription%20%E2%A3%9A%E2%A3%82Viagra%20Cialis%20Levitra%20Staxyn%20Online%20Viagra%20Online%20Information">Grandmother of Europe</a>” due to her many descendants. This also came with a deadly legacy, haemophilia, given the moniker “the royal disease”. <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemophilia/facts.html">Haemophilia</a> is an inherited disorder which mostly affects males, where the blood does not clot properly. This can lead to severe or spontaneous bleeding which can be dangerous if not treated properly. While the illness can be managed well today, in Victoria’s time little was known about it. It is believed Victoria passed on the trait to <a href="https://www.hemophilia.org/bleeding-disorders-a-z/overview/history">three of her nine children</a>, at a time when life expectancy for those who had the disease was just 13 years old. Two of her daughters were asymptomatic carriers, however her fourth son Prince Leopold (1853-1884) was afflicted with the disease. While the royal family were careful to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21764831/">manage what information was publicly released</a> about his illness, his status meant it garnered public attention. It was covered in medical journals of the time, and later in newspapers. As knowledge of the illness grew, both the public and members of the royal family were able to use it to guide decisions on marriages to limit its spread. <h2>A new approach</h2> In the days leading up to Elizabeth’s death on 2022, the media reported her as resting “<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/09/08/queen-under-medical-supervision-as-doctors-are-concerned-for-her-health/?sh=42c483e9140e">comfortably</a>” and provided no information on the nature of her illness. Even her <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/queen-elizabeth-iis-death-revealed-death-certificate/story?id=90696648">death certificate</a> failed to reveal her cause of death, other than as old age. Charles has signalled he wants to do monarchy differently than his mother. After his recent prostate surgery, his office stated he wanted to inspire men to look after their prostates. Anecdotal evidence suggests more men have sought medical tests in response which is being called the “<a href="https://www.ausdoc.com.au/news/king-charles-effect-spurs-aussie-men-to-consult-their-gp-for-prostate-symptoms/">King Charles effect</a>”. Now, the announcement of Charles’s cancer diagnosis signals a new approach by the royals. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/222873/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lisa-j-hackett-458612">Lisa J. Hackett</a>, Lecturer, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/huw-nolan-1309470">Huw Nolan</a>, Animal Welfare scientist and pop culture researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jo-coghlan-1585">Jo Coghlan</a>, Associate Professor Humanities Arts and Social Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-new-england-919">University of New England</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-royals-have-historically-been-tight-lipped-about-their-health-but-that-never-stopped-the-gossip-222873">original article</a>.

Caring

Shoppers warned against using “secret lip gloss” in Aldi lipstick

Aldi shoppers are a savvy bunch, with many creating and sharing hacks for everything from packing bags to finding the best deals, but shoppers have been urged to stop using one involving the supermarket giant’s range of lipsticks out of fears it could be toxic. The “secret lip gloss” came to light after Aussie shoppers took to Facebook to brag about the “life hack” where the store’s Lacura lipsticks could be taken apart to reveal a hidden “lip gloss”, as reported by <a href="https://style.nine.com.au/latest/shoppers-warned-to-stop-applying-toxic-secret-lip-gloss-in-aldi-lipsticks/ac5bf471-5c08-47af-a263-2d8ef83d6da3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9Honey</a>. “My mind is blown!!! Am I the last one to figure out there’s lip gloss at the bottom of the Aldi lipstick???” one Brisbane woman wrote on the social media platform. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/lipstick1.jpg" alt="" width="792" height="445" /> Image: Facebook However, it turns out that the “lip gloss” in question isn’t actually makeup. According to other social media users, the glossy substance is a colour-matching chemical intended to show customers the colour of the lipstick which shouldn’t be applied to lips as it could be toxic. Though some commenters believed the original post, others remained sceptical. “My guess is that it’s not meant to be lip gloss and to show the colour of the lipstick only,” one user wrote. “If it was lip gloss they would have made it easier to 1. Open it and 2. To get it out without having to use a lip brush. I would be very careful.” The original poster also mentioned that they broke their lipstick while trying to get the substance out - more proof that it shouldn’t be accessed. “I have just about broken the stupid thing trying to get it off … it actually comes off easily if you do it right,” they said. Image: Facebook

Beauty & Style

Lip reader reveals insight into THOSE scenes between Kate and Louis

Prince Louis’ adorable antics certainly stole the show at the Platinum Jubilee, however, it seems not everyone was fond of his behaviour. A lip reader captured a serious parenting moment between the Duchess of Cambridge and young Louis, as the family were sitting in the royal box on the final day of celebrations. The Cambridges were enjoying the colourful floats at the pageant and Louis was seen pulling faces and getting tired and restless. According to lip reading expert Jeremy Freeman, Kate had some stern words for her youngest during his grumpy moment. Jeremy says when Kate spotted Louis picking his nose and put his hand down, she said to her son: "You have to." "I don't want to," Louis reportedly answered, before cheekily covering his mum's mouth. Kate then replied: "I said no hands!" and gave him another serious look. The lip reader says Kate once again told Louis to stop with his antics after he stuck his tongue out. "Stop doing that," she said. A sweet moment between Prince Louis and his older cousin Mike Tindall was also caught on camera. While Louis was misbehaving, Mike was seen jokingly warning the young Royal that he was watching him from the seats above, gesturing to his eyes. There were other moments when Louis sat in the lap of dad Prince William and granddad Prince Charles. The Prince of Wales was seen bopping his grandson with his legs and also pointed out parts of the display to him. Prince Louis was also spotted having a great time dancing along to the music as the floats went by. Kate's relatable parenting moment captured the hearts of millions as they watched the Cambridges enjoy the Jubilee carnival. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made light of Louis' cheeky behaviour in an Instagram, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/kate-and-will-respond-to-haters-with-unseen-snap-of-louis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sharing ten unseen photos from the Jubilee celebrations</a>. Freeman also caught a precious exchange between the Queen, and her great-grandson during their balcony appearance at Trooping the Colour. Reportedly, Prince Louis looked up to his great-grandmother and asked: "Are the Red Arrows coming?" The Queen replied, "I hope so." At one point, the Queen told Louis to "look at the smoke". The young royal also expressed amazement at the Armed Forces jets, turning to his mother and saying: "Woah." At the end of the display, the monarch told her great-grandson: "Let's go, it's finished now." Body language expert Judi James told the publication that the monarch and Prince Louis shared "childlike excitement" on the balcony. She explained: "Louis stepped in front of the Queen before tilting his head back to engage her in some animated conversation as they waited for the Red Arrows. "Louis made this conversation look like the most natural thing in the world and his lack of anything bordering on fear suggested these two might share a rather close friendship based on shared fun behind the scenes, too." Image: Getty

Family & Pets

Got lip lines? Here’s what a dermatologist would do

How you got wrinkles around your mouth Even if you never smoked in your life, you can develop fine lines around the mouth from sipping through a straw, whistling a tune, pursing your lips in frustration, or even overdoing it on those duck-face selfies. Even speech patterns which involve frequent pursing of the lips can contribute. “Minor lips lines are caused by ageing and sun damage,” explains plastic surgeon, Dr Norman Rowe. “Larger lips lines are caused by muscle overactivity.” Regardless of the cause, top cosmetic doctors have more tools than they’ve ever had to help delete your lip lines and prevent them from coming back. Neuromodulators For fine, moderate (not too deep) lip lines, neuromodulator injections such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin can often paralyse them into submission, says cosmetic surgeon, Dr Joe Niamtu. “This helps relax the muscle tension around the mouth and makes a small but generally noticeable difference.” “Prejuvenation” is a big buzzword in aesthetics today, and it has a role to play in staving off severe lip lines, adds dermatologist, Dr Joel Cohen. “If I see patients in their 20s and maybe early 30s, and I use Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin in low dosages to soften the muscles, these columns are less prominent, less deep, and less likely to imprint the skin.” Some effects are visible immediately, but it can take up to two weeks for these neuromodulators to fully kick in. Results last anywhere from two to four months. Cost varies by the amount needed. Fillers For deeper static lines, hyaluronic-acid based dermal fillers are the way to go, says plastic surgeon, Dr David Shafer. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in almost every cell in our body (especially the skin), but our supply tends to dwindle with advancing age. “Some hyaluronic acid fillers – Juvederm and Restylane – can provide volume to plump the lip, while others – Volbella, Restylane Silk, and Belotero – are much thinner and can help fill lines without adding as much bulk,” he says. “Since the lips lose volume with age, I often suggest a combination of natural plumping and line filling.” For people who have mild lines in the upper lip, Dr Cohen injects the filler very superficially so it blurs them. He also likes to pretreat the area a week or two earlier with a little bit of Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin to soften that musculature. Cost is based on the type of filler, amount needed, and often the location of the medical practice. Exactly how long results last also varies by product. Another option for those who hate needles: Fillerina Replenishing Treatment, a gel composed of six hyaluronic acids that is released via a pen-like applicator to fill in fine lip lines. Lasers, lights and peels Patients with fine lip lines and an aversion to needles have other options as well, Dr Shafer says. “The outer layer of the skin can be treated with superficial treatments such as laser resurfacing, radiofrequency energy, chemical peels, micro-needling, dermabrasion and other such treatments,” he says. These treatments all remove the skin’s uppermost layer, getting rid of dead skin cells and making room for new, healthier ones. “Treating the superficial layer helps improve skin texture and colour and soften very fine static lines.” These treatments are quick and relatively pain-free with numbing cream, and there’s minimal recovery depending on the type of treatment and how aggressive it is. Peels and laser treatments will cause several days or more of redness, which you can conceal with makeup, he says. A series of treatments are typically needed for optimum results. “For deeper etched lines, I like to use full-field erbium resurfacing lasers, which is done to a very deep level,” Dr Cohen says. The downside? There’s some downtime with this aggressive procedure, he says. The upside? It’s often one and done, meaning there’s no need to come back for more treatments. “I often pre-treat these patients a week or two before with Botox or Dysport just to decrease the mechanical action of that underlying muscle contracting for a synergistic result,” he adds. PRP: the newest kid on the block Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a substance in our own blood that is rich with growth factors, is being used to treat hair loss, orthopaedic injuries, and more, including lip lines. “PRP injections stimulate new collagen formation like spackling,” says New York City facial plastic surgeon Sam Rizk. Collagen is the main building block of healthy youthful skin, and as we age, our natural supply diminishes. “PRP works well for smoker’s lines because it fills in the lines from the inside out. I use a combination of PRP and laser resurfacing for a one-two punch,” Dr Rizk says. He typically recommends three treatments, spaced four to eight weeks apart, and often sees visible improvement in the first month. If you’re leery about needles and fillers, think about a light resurfacing laser like Fraxel. An ounce of prevention … The procedures outlined here can help eliminate lip lines once you have them. Even better? Preventing them from developing in the first place. “Protecting your lips from the sun, always using sunblock, not smoking cigarettes, and getting preventive Botox will slow down the formation of these lines,” says Dr Rowe. Written by Denise Mann. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/beauty/got-lip-lines-heres-what-a-dermatologist-would-do" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> Image: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

"It’s not worth it": Woman shares botched lip filler treatment

A UK woman has opened up about how a lip filler treatment she received made her lips “split open” in a horror reaction. Alise took to <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@djalise_/video/6934797210857032966?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> to explain exactly what happened during the treatment she received in December 2020. “When I had so much lip filler in my lips they split open and I looked like a duck,” she wrote on the <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@djalise_/video/7043832229432151302?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7019154073816286722" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>, which showed her miming the words of a soundbite taken from America’s Top Model. The clip also showed a picture of her after the failed treatment, with swollen lips and a split down the middle. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/03/lip-filler.jpg" alt="" width="396" height="451" /> TikTok user and DJ Alise shared how her beauty treatment went horribly wrong. Image: @djalise_ (TikTok) Others on the platform were quick to share their sympathy for Alise and their own bad experiences. “They look so much better now and they looked painful before,” one person wrote. “Mine are the exact same! Getting them dissolved on Friday,” another shared. In an earlier clip, she responded to a commenter’s request to see photos of her lips after the treatment with a series of images from before and after the treatment. Alise said the split and swelling began several hours after the treatment, and blisters appeared within several days. “This is when I contacted the practitioner and said something’s not right,” she recounted in the <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@djalise_/video/6935471841960054021?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video</a>. “I sent them pictures, I wasn’t able to go into the salon. And they said I had facial herpes, just from looking at a picture.” After seeking medical advice from her GP, Alise said she found out it was just an infection that caused the blisters. “The practitioner gave me a full refund however took no responsibility,” she said in the clip, adding that she was made to sign a contract so she wouldn’t talk about the incident. Alise discouraged her followers from getting the procedure done in another, even earlier <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@djalise_/video/6934797210857032966?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id7019154073816286722" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clip</a> which prompted her to share her story in several ‘story time’ videos. “I do not recommend you get lip filler,” she said. “It’s not worth it. It will ruin your natural lips over time.” Images: @djalise_ (TikTok)

Beauty & Style

Woman reveals why she left a salon with lopsided lips

A woman who left her beauty appointment with half-plumped lips has <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-10469965/Woman-left-lopsided-lips-forced-leave-beauty-appointment.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">revealed</a> the reason behind the incredibly awkward situation.Hareem Shah, a popular TikToker with 6.5 million followers, revealed in a video that she had to leave after receiving a phone call informing her of a money-laundering investigation against her.In the now-viral <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@hareemshahofficialx/video/7058436779015163138?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clip</a>, Shah explained that she found out her accounts had been frozen midway through her appointment.“I am in the UK right now. Today I went to the doctor to get my lip filler done,” she said in Urdu, as translated by <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/pakistan-tiktok-star-hareem-shah-lip-job-fia-bank-account-freeze-video-1907014-2022-02-01" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Today</a>.“The doctor had just inserted a filler on one side of my lip when I received a call and I got to know that the Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency has frozen my bank accounts.”She said she left the expensive treatment as she wouldn’t have been able to pay for the service.According to media outlet <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1669061" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dawn</a>, an investigation was launched against Ms Shah by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on January 12 after she was seen holding two large stacks of money in a separate video.Holding two stacks of British pounds, Ms Shah revealed in that clip that she had travelled to the UK with a “heavy amount” of the currency.“The government had promised to increase the [value] of the currency, increase the [value] of the [Pakistani] passport, but they didn’t do anything. They could only talk,” she said in the clip.She also issued a warning to travellers considering travelling with large amounts of money, as “they catch you”.“Nobody said anything to me and, you know, they cannot. I came very easily,” she said.According to the Pakistan government’s Federal Board of Revenue <a href="https://www.fbr.gov.pk/categ/travel-guide/51149/80881/%20131184" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, travellers are permitted to take out foreign currencies of “up to US$ 10,000 unconditionally”, but that “taking out Pakistan currency exceeding Rs. (rupees) 3,000 is not permitted”.Images: @hareemshahofficialx (TikTok)

Beauty & Style

Woman has shocking reaction after lip filler

After Morgan Proudlock went to get a small amount of lip filler, she decided to go on a night out drinking with her friends. When she woke up the next morning, her lips were extremely puffy and swollen, and she was in an extreme amount of pain. Sharing her experience on TikTok, she said drinking alcohol after her procedure was the “worst thing” she could’ve done. “(The) pain was ridiculous,” she said in the clip. Morgan said she didn’t drink “that much”, but even a small amount of alcohol was enough to cause a severe reaction. “It’s because I drank and you not meant to straight after so I’d advise you avoid alcohol for a few days,” she told viewers looking at getting the procedure. She said despite her “horrid” reaction, the pain and swelling eventually subsided. According to <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/lip-fillers-aftercare#what-to-avoid">Healthline</a>, alcohol acts as a blood thinner, meaning people should avoid drinking at least 24 hours after similar cosmetic procedures. “Alcohol can also cause inflammation, increase the likelihood of bruising, and make swelling worse,” the site explains. “It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol a few days before your appointment.” Several women commented on Morgan’s video, saying that they had “learned their lesson” about lip filler protocol, not wanting the botched look Morgan managed to achieve. Image credits: TikTok

Beauty & Style

Lip reader reveals exactly what William said to Harry during statue unveiling

The unveiling of a statue to commemorate what would have been Princess Diana's 60th birthday took place this week, with all eyes on the feuding royal brothers, Prince William and Prince Harry. Now, a professional lip reader has revealed the 'word of warning' the Duke of Cambridge said to his younger brother. Moments before the ceremony took place at Sunken Garden in Kensington Palace, lip reader Jeremy Freeman told the Daily Star, William gave a stern warning to Harry, telling him "I didn't want anything to go wrong. It's important we unveil it right." The pair commissioned the statue to honour their late mother four years ago, and appeared to stare fondly at it during the ceremony. Over 4,000 flowers were planted in the princess's favourite garden, taking 1,000 hours to complete. The brothers haven't been spotted together since the funeral of their great-grandfather, Prince Philip, in April. John Cassidy, another lip reader told The Sun, the brothers appeared to be quite jovial in their exchange, claiming the older prince marvelled at the touching tribute, saying "Great isn't it? Amazing little place." However, body language expert Judi James says the brothers united front appeared to be "overworked." "Emerging side-by-side their smiles did appear slightly over-worked at first but one very telling trait was how their body language was mirrored," she told The Sun. "This kind of mimicry suggests strong subliminal bonds, hinting that old ties still bind them despite their current rifts," she continued. During the ceremony, the brothers released a poignant statement, celebrating their mother's legacy. "Every day, we wish she were still with us, and our hope is that this statue will be seen forever as a symbol of her life and her legacy," they said. The statue will be open to the public to visit in line with Kensington Palace's opening hours.

News

What causes dry lips, and how can you treat them? Does lip balm actually help?

As we head into the colder weather, many of us might be afflicted with the irritating ailment of dry and chapped lips. People have been trying to figure out how to fix dry lips for centuries. Using beeswax, olive oil and other natural ingredients have been reported as early as Cleopatra’s <a href="https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/movies/secret-gloss-a-brief-history-of-lip-balm-from-earwax-to-clorox">time</a>, around 40 B.C. In 1833, there were even reports of human earwax being <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_American_Frugal_Housewife/-YYSAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=the+American+Frugal+Housewife,+Dedicated+to+Those+who+are+Not+Ashamed+of+Economy&printsec=frontcover">recommended</a> as a successful remedy for dry, cracked lips. Not long after, the first commercial lip balms hit the market. So what causes dry lips, and which lip balms actually help? The key is to avoid lip balms that contain certain additives which might worsen the problem. They need to be soft but resilient Our lips are constantly exposed to the elements, such as sunlight, wind, dry air, and cold weather. They have to withstand our daily lifestyle, including contact with food, cosmetics, biting, picking, rubbing against clothes, kissing and more. So, although they look soft and fleshy, our lips need to be resilient and tough. Lips sit at the junction where our outside facial skin transitions into the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsrlJn2cDh0&t=58s">tissue</a> layers lining the mouth. As such, the lips are structured similar to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507900/">mucous membranes</a>, but with the addition of a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s004030050453">protective</a> outside layer of skin. Lips don’t have hair follicles, or sweat, saliva and oil glands. This unique structure means they’re particularly prone to dryness as they have a much lower ability to hold <a href="https://europepmc.org/article/med/15030342">water</a> than the rest of the face’s skin. What causes dry lips? Many of us get dry lips at certain times of the year. This can occur naturally, or be brought on by many different factors, including: <ul> <li> inflamed lips, known as <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6531998/">cheilitis</a>. This can be due to a skin condition, or an infection such as herpes or cold sores </li> <li> <a href="https://journals.lww.com/dermatitis/Abstract/2007/12000/Allergic_Contact_Cheilitis_from_Benzophenone_3_in.8.aspx">allergies</a> </li> <li> medications which impact the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12974516/">salivary glands</a>, the mouth’s surrounding <a href="https://youtu.be/UNyKlwO23w4">muscles</a>, or sensations throughout the lip area </li> <li> tongue injuries, teeth that rub against the lips, or other dental issues </li> <li> poor oral health. This can be brought on by general neglect, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22750232/">eating disorders</a>, or bad oral hygiene habits </li> <li> burns, such as eating food that’s too hot, or sunburn. Burns can result in the lips swelling, <a href="https://youtu.be/T-FnAH9y1N4">scarring</a> and blistering, and it may take a long time for the pain to alleviate </li> <li> some diseases or disorders, such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19445445/">Sjögren’s syndrome</a> </li> <li> dehydration, heat stroke, <a href="https://youtu.be/BxgEoLmOACo">fever</a>, or excessive heat </li> <li> <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647520300988?via%3Dihub">nasal</a> congestion, which leads to chronic mouth-breathing. This can sometimes be a result of illness, such as when you have a common cold </li> <li> cold weather or cold wind that runs along the lips and removes moisture </li> <li> persistent licking, which can create a wet-dry cycle that excessively <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647520300988">dries</a> out your lips. </li> </ul> The dryness can also lead to pain, itching or stinging. If dry lips start causing serious issues, it may be helpful to discuss this with a medical professional. How can you treat dry lips? It is important to identify what’s causing dry lips. If it’s due to lip licking, then you need to make habitual changes to stop the practice. If it’s due to cold, windy or dry weather, then certain balms and ointments can help protect the lips. Drinking adequate amounts of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647520300988">water</a> can assist, because this helps prevent dry skin in general. If this isn’t enough, bland, non-irritating, unflavoured lip balms can help, as they act as a film covering the lip surface, keeping moisture in. <img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/403497/original/file-20210531-15-u2nxjk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" alt="Man with beard applying lip balm" /> It’s best to choose a bland lip balm that doesn’t contain fragrances, flavours and colours. Shutterstock In many cases these use petroleum jelly as a base (although it’s not <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ics.12533">required</a>), along with refined mineral oils to remove any <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jchem/2019/1680269/">hazardous</a> compounds, and other ingredients that can assist in retaining and maintaining a <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12583">barrier function</a>. In the race to appeal to consumers, cosmetic manufacturers have trialled a number of new ingredients in their lip balms. Popular lip balms often contain additives which can make the balm smell or taste nice, or soften the feel when it rubs against the lips. Some of these extra ingredients can help. For example, if you’re out in the sun a lot, lip balm with included sunscreen is a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1227745/">great</a> addition. Products to avoid In many cases, these compounds provide the feeling of immediate relief on the lips but don’t actually help with the barrier function. And in some cases, they can become irritants and even worsen the dryness. When choosing a lip balm, try to avoid products containing these ingredients: <ul> <li> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6477564/">fragrances</a> </li> <li> <a href="https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-016-0076-7">flavours</a>, such as mint, citrus, vanilla, and cinnamon </li> <li> shiny <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/not-just-lip-service-gloss-can-invite-skin-cancer-flna1c9459959">glosses</a>, which can intensify damage from the sun’s rays </li> <li> <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredient-names/color-additives-permitted-use-cosmetics">colours</a>, which can cause irritation and do nothing to assist the barrier function </li> <li> menthol, phenol or salicylic acid, which can actually make your lips <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-signs-your-lip-balm-use-is-just-a-bad-habit/">drier</a> </li> <li> additional, unnecessary <a href="https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips">ingredients</a> such as camphor, lanolin, octinoxate, oxybenzone or propyl gallate. </li> </ul> And be sure to stop biting, picking or excessively licking your lips. Staying hydrated and applying a bland lip balm should be a routine incorporated into your every day lifestyle for healthy, protected, and moisturised lips.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/161264/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/christian-moro-121754">Christian Moro</a>, Associate Professor of Science & Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-phelps-1187658">Charlotte Phelps</a>, PhD Student, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-causes-dry-lips-and-how-can-you-treat-them-does-lip-balm-actually-help-161264">original article</a>.

Body

REVEALED: What William told Kate when she met him at the altar

The public have been hungry for every detail they could get surrounding the marriage ceremony of Prince William and Duchess Kate. While the wedding was back in 2011, there were still conversations, details, and particulars that royal fans have not been privy to – however professional lip readers have managed to decipher what William had whispered to his then-fiancé when they met each other to say their “I do’s.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840640/oatlands-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/27c9fc8673ab40908779b190110b77d6" /> Surprisingly enough, they even figured out what Prince Harry had remarked to his big brother when Kate entered Westminster Abbey. Peering over William’s shoulder as he watched Kate slowly make her way down the aisle, he told William: “Right, she is here now… Well, she looks beautiful, I can tell you that.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840639/oatlands-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d738fe118f544f30912442a7cb1c437c" /> A CBS’ news lip reader also caught Pippa Middleton telling her sister that she looked “amazing”. It was a similar sentiment to William who lovingly told his to-be fine: “You look beautiful”. Later on during the day, the couple were awed by the massive crowds that greeted them as they stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Kate remarked: “Wow, that’s amazing… That’s a lot of people.” <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840641/oatlands.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b1e57f876c16414da2a91148af761b9b" /> William turned to her a little later on, and told her: "Go on, a little kiss, go on." The moment that followed resulted in photographs that were deemed some of the most iconic of 2011. Just seconds later, William was believed to have said: "Let's give them another one. I love you. One more kiss, one more kiss. OK?"

Relationships

The controversial cooking question on everyone’s lips

As garlic is a common staple in many dishes around the world, there’s been a controversial question on everyone’s lips who use the spice in their dish. How much minced garlic equals one clove? Although the question might sound simple, the answer is anything but. It depends on how finely minced the garlic is as well as whether the chop is standardised and how big the clove of garlic is. This question has confused many as it depends on the chef’s personal preference. One person says that clove is a “useless measurement”. "clove" [is] a useless measurement. Look at the variation on this page—anywhere from 1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon—that's a variation of 1200%. I use the conversion of 1 clove equals 1 teaspoon. I believe Cook's Illustrated does the same,” he said to Hotline in a <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://food52.com/hotline/13423-how-much-minced-garlic-equals-one-clove" target="_blank">thread</a>. However, others have disagreed. The answer that was “voted the best” in the thread says that minced garlic is a waste of time. “Sorry, I would toss the "packaged" garlic that has chemical preservatives in it in favor of spending the 20 seconds it takes to chop or mince fresh real garlic cloves,” they wrote. Others agreed with the best voted answer, saying “you will never get the flavour of fresh garlic from a jar so there is no equivalent”. One person commented explaining that they were from New Zealand and therefore preferred using pre-minced garlic as fresh garlic is quite expensive and they use it a lot in their cooking. One final commenter just praised anyone who was getting into the kitchen and trying to use garlic, as well as giving an answer to the question. "Yes, fresh garlic is best. Applause to anyone that is trying to be a better home chef, no matter what kind of garlic you are using."

Food & Wine

Handy year-round tips for dry skin and chapped lips

Refusing to scratch problem skin irritated by eczema, psoriasis and a multitude of other factors is a medical must-do – and much easier said than done. For the instant relief it gives some skin issues, holding back from scratching is difficult, and extremely problematic when dealing with irritated, itchy and uncomfortable children and adults alike. Medicated treatments, creams and salves free from SLS, petrochemicals, sulphates, parabens and fragrances are a necessary solution to removing the uncomfortable side effect of skin irritation to let the skin heal. According to the Australasian society of clinical immunology and allergy, eczema can be effectively treated and managed, but no cures are currently available. The ASCIA says the “scratch and itch” cycle can be most distressing and having eczema means that when the skin barrier is damaged, moisture evaporates and this makes the skin more susceptible to allergens and irritants. This irritation can trigger the skin to release certain chemicals that make the skin itchy. If you scratch, more chemicals are released and the skin feels even itchier. But there are solutions that can help. Dry and chapped lips are also associated with cheilitis, an inflammatory lip condition that can be caused as a side effect of certain medications or extreme sun exposure. Therefore, caring for our lips all year round is extremely important. There are three simple rules to live by: <ol> <li>Keep yourself well hydrated</li> <li>Avoid licking your lips</li> <li>Keep a good lip balm on you at all times.</li> </ol> This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/handy-year-round-tips-dry-skin-and-chapped-lips">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&utm_medium=articles&utm_campaign=RDSUB&keycode=WRN93V">here’s our best subscription offer.</a> <img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" />

Beauty & Style

Lip reader reveals Meghan Markle was "nervous" during Buckingham Palace balcony appearance

On the weekend, Meghan had her first appearance at the annual Trooping the Colour while standing on Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony with the royal family. Looking elegant in a dusty pink Carolina Herrera dress, the Duchess of Sussex looked the part to mark the Queen’s official birthday parade. However, a lip reader has revealed that despite appearances, Meghan revealed to her husband just how nervous she was, while they were up on the balcony for the event. Standing behind Duchess Catherine on the balcony, Prince Harry and Meghan had a private conversation as the display was unfolding. According to a lip-reading expert, Harry asked Meghan if she was okay, to which she replied “yeah”, reported the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/what-caring-prince-harry-said-12674026" target="_blank">Mirror Online</a>. Shortly after, the newlyweds looked at each other and Meghan admitted she was “nervous”, with a smile. Allegedly, Harry responded with a reassuring “yes” and then added: “When you get into it, I’ll tell you more later.” He also added: “Then there's the flypast and then we all look up to the sky." Meghan’s sister-in-law Kate, stood in front of the new Duchess, a decision which is believed to have been made to offer Meghan some inspiration and advice as the event unfolded. Prince Harry and Meghan rode in together for the event in a carriage. Trooping the Colour, the Queen’s birthday parade, is the only guaranteed annual appearance of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Body

7-year-old boy bullied for different coloured eyes and cleft lip adopts cat with same condition

A 7-year-old boy, who has experienced years of bullying for his different coloured eyes and cleft lip, has found a pet with the same rare condition he has. Madden Humphreys has been targeted by bullies at school for his appearance, caused by a rare eye condition called heterochromia iridum. The condition has caused Madden to have one blue eye and one green eye. Madden shares this rare condition with celebrities such as David Bowie, Mila Kunis and Keifer Sutherland. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BguiSpOFJCf/" target="_blank">A post shared by @maddenandmoon</a> on Mar 24, 2018 at 6:05pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Heterochromia iridum affects less than one per cent of the population, and even a smaller amount have a cleft lip. But Madden has found sweet comfort away from his tough school environment in a new pet cat named Moon. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg-PSeDFXR6/" target="_blank">A post shared by @maddenandmoon</a> on Mar 30, 2018 at 8:27pm PDT </div> </blockquote> Madden and his cat share the same rare condition, and they both even have the same eye colours – a blue left eye and a green right eye. His family say they were “destined to be best friends”. In an interview with Love What Matters, Madden’s mum Christina said her family immediately adopted the cat after seeing the creature in need of a family. “Last week, a friend posted an image of the cat in our cleft moms group. This kitty was taken in by a rescue group in Minnesota,” she said. “We knew immediately that this kitty was meant to be part of our family. “Not only does he have a cleft lip like our seven-year-old son Madden, he also has complete heterochromia iridum, like Madden. “They were destined to be best friends. Funny how a pet can make you feel less alone.” Christina said that Madden has found comfort in his new pet as he learns how to deal with the school bullies. “In a world full of bullies and hateful words, we will choose to chase love,” she said. “I think it’s safe to say that this kitty is love, and was certainly meant to be part of our journey and Madden’s journey.”

Family & Pets

Why you shouldn’t ignore chapped lips

I am a chronic lip-peeling sufferer, and always on the hunt for a solution. The change of season, from autumn to winter is particularly bad. The cold, dry air dries out skin and lips, but there are a number of other culprits to blame for chapped lips. Lips are very sensitive as the skin on them is fine and doesn't contain the natural oil glands that other areas of your skin have. This makes them prone to irritation from common ingredients in lip balm and toothpaste (e.g.. sodium lauryl sulphate, menthol and phenols). Lips balms can create a cycle where your lips feel dry and so you apply more balm, which gives you quick relief, before making them feel even dryer. According to skin guru Melanie Grant the best thing for chapped, peeling lips is to, "gently scrub lips in a circular motion with a teaspoon of coconut oil and raw sugar. Remove and then add a rich nourishing lip balm like Aquafor Lip Repair." I keep a tube in the glove box handy. Good old Vaseline is another great lip fix option. Khiel's Butterstick Lip Treatment is a tinted SPF version with coconut oil, lemon butter and a broad-spectrum SPF 25 sunscreen. Rule of thumb: if you have sensitive lips always opt for products with simple ingredients. Other reasons your lips might be chappy Sometimes lip chapping can be a sign of something other than just chronically dry lips. <ol> <li>It could be caused by sun damage (hence you should wear an SPF on your lips daily). Make sure your daily sunscreen coverage goes all the way up to your lips and use a simple lip product with an SPF.</li> <li>You might have a yeast infection that is thriving in saliva created by licking your lips. Drink lots of water and stop licking your lips.</li> <li>You might have an allergy to the lip products you're using, like shea butter, beeswax or castor oil.</li> <li>Dry lips, mouth and eyes are all signs of dehydration that can upset the balance of minerals in the body. This can affect skin and lips adversely.</li> </ol> If your lips are still flaking, get a referral to a dermatologist for a definitive answer on what's going on. Written by Stephanie Darling. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Beauty & Style

A brief history of lip-syncing

By now, you’ve probably heard about Mariah Carey’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jan/08/mariah-carey-foilers-new-year" target="_blank">New Year’s Eve disaster</a>. After some technical malfunctions, Carey – who was supposed to lip-sync over a vocal track for “Emotions” and “We Belong Together” – ended up neither singing nor dancing much, and mostly talked about tech issues over the musical accompaniment track. The reaction to the gaffe – which evoked <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RrLAgi_mBY" target="_blank">Ashlee Simpson’s Saturday Night Live jig</a> and Britney Spears’ <a href="https://vimeo.com/43436864" target="_blank">bumbling 2007 VMA performance</a> – was swift and harsh. Social media unleashed an avalanche of snark, while comedians like Stephen Colbert <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/watch-colbert-spoof-mariah-careys-new-years-nightmare-w458884" target="_blank">pounced</a>. But is the “scandal” of lip-syncing really so scandalous? Whether it’s a necessary evil or an efficacious substitute for performing live is a matter of perspective. See no evil, hear no evil <a href="http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/02/26/read-my-lips-the-sing-along-history-of-lip-syncing-from-soundies-to-milli-vanilli-to-beyonce/" target="_blank">The history of lip-syncing begins in the 1940s</a> with “soundies,” short music videos produced for film jukeboxes. Baby boomers likely associate the practice with the television shows “American Bandstand” and “Soultrain,” where musical guests mimed their latest hits, often absent a live band. But faking became controversial only when it was revealed in 1967 that the made-for-TV-band The Monkees didn’t always play their own instruments, relying heavily on studio musicians, especially on their early recordings. <a href="http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/02/26/read-my-lips-the-sing-along-history-of-lip-syncing-from-soundies-to-milli-vanilli-to-beyonce/" target="_blank">Critics</a> derided the band, calling them the “Pre-Fab Four.” But they seemed more concerned than fans, many of whom cared little about whether or not The Monkees played their own instruments. The group rode out the storm, increasingly handling the playing (and also songwriting) duties. Interestingly, while a number of popular bands like The Beach Boys, The Byrds and The Association would perform live in concert, behind the scenes – when recording their albums – they’d use a pool of Los Angeles studio musicians called the <a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2015/03/27/behind-scenes-wrecking-crew-musicians-behind-pop-biggest-hits-313713.html" target="_blank">Wrecking Crew</a> (who, in fact, also played on the early Monkees albums). Meanwhile, in film musicals, it was a common (and uncontroversial) practice to use trained singers like <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/26/arts/music/marni-nixon-singer-soprano-dies-86.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Marni Nixon</a> to cover the vocals for actors, whether it was Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady,” Deborah Kerr in “The King and I” or Natalie Wood in “West Side Story.” Better safe than sorry In the 1980s, <a href="http://mdp.artcenter.edu/~acheng1/design_workshop/01.28.03/music_television.pdf" target="_blank">MTV emerged</a>. With it, the proliferation of a new form – the music video – heightened the importance of spectacle during live and televised performances. The demands of choreography and acting – coupled with the acoustic and weather-related challenges of large outdoor venues – made live singing both more difficult and less of a priority. Covert lip-syncing in concert and on television became more common. Many artists, especially those who perform in large, outdoor venues with complex, choreographed dance numbers, will lip-sync or sing along with prerecorded vocal tracks. These include Beyoncé, Madonna and Britney Spears. For an aging virtuosa like Mariah Carey – known for her stunning upper register and vocal gymnastics – the risks of failed technology may outweigh the risk of veering off note. This is, of course, a different matter entirely from using digital devices to mask limited ability, a move more familiarly associated with <a href="https://www.upvenue.com/music-news/blog-headline/1091/tuym-auto-tune-or-how-anyone-can-sing.html" target="_blank">auto-tune</a>, a popular pitch-correcting device employed by artists ranging from Lady Gaga to Tim McGraw. But the most infamous musical masquerade – and the incident most likely responsible for the intense scrutiny of lip-syncing – was the short-lived career of European R&B duo Milli Vanilli. After Milli Vanilli won the 1990 Grammy Award for Best New Artist, singer Charles Shaw, who actually performed on the group’s debut album, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Want-My-MTV-Uncensored-Revolution/dp/0452298563">revealed</a> that, on top of lip-syncing their way through all their live performances, <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/feature/181220-the-truth-of-milli-vanilli-a-generation-later/" target="_blank">they hadn’t sung any of the tracks recorded on their album</a>. The Recording Academy rescinded its Grammy and, despite efforts to remake themselves as real vocalists, the duo faded into obscurity. Yet the public and media can be inconsistent in their denunciations of musical fakery. While it was well-known that actresses Hepburn, Kerr and Wood lip-synced over Marni Nixon’s vocals, they appear not to have suffered any damage to their subsequent careers. (Kerr was even nominated for an Oscar for her role in “The King and I.”) In contrast, Beyoncé came under fire for lip-syncing the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGDH18R7GfA" target="_blank">National Anthem</a> at President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration. This was, of course, a high-stakes event fraught with challenges for a live vocalist: winter weather, outdoor acoustics and an enormous audience (to say nothing of a <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/celebrities-flubbed-national-anthem-star-spangled-banner-hard/story?id=16756113" target="_blank">notoriously difficult song</a> with an exceptionally wide range). According to <a href="http://somethingelsereviews.com/2013/02/26/read-my-lips-the-sing-along-history-of-lip-syncing-from-soundies-to-milli-vanilli-to-beyonce/" target="_blank">Rickey Minor</a>, who has produced a number of Super Bowl halftime shows, the pitfalls of these situations make performing live not worth it. And despite some controversy immediately following her performance, Beyoncé’s career and reputation certainly didn’t suffer any lasting effects. With the exception of Milli Vanilli, nearly every major act that has endured a lip-sync scandal has eventually recovered. Given Mariah Carey’s heretofore brilliant career, her reputation remains on firm ground. Written by Alex Lubet. First appeared on <a href="http://theconversation.com/">The Conversation</a>. Image: Stephanie Keith / Reuters. <img width="1" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/70888/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-advanced" alt="The Conversation"/> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/2017/02/vinyl-overtakes-digital-music-sales/">Vinyl record sales overtake digital music in UK</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/2017/01/why-songs-get-stuck-in-your-head/">The reason why you can’t get that song out of your head</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/music/2016/11/the-beach-boys-tell-all/">The Beach Boys tell all in separate memoirs</a>

Music

How to restore ageing lips

Dorrie Jacobson, 81, an internationally recognised expert on ageing stylishly, writes for her popular website <a href="http://www.seniorstylebible.com/" target="_blank">Senior Style Bible</a>. She also writes about senior sexuality and her experiences with online dating as an older woman. As we age, we tend to lose some of the volume and fullness in our lips. One of the most common problems we begin to encounter are the fine lines and wrinkles that gradually appear around the mouth. The application of lipstick can become a monumentally frustrating challenge as it takes on a will of its own, bleeding into the fine lines around the lip area. Let’s be honest, “feathering” lipstick is aging. We want our lips to look like Angelina Jolie’s, not a downtrodden clown… But don’t lose hope. A full pout is not a feature we have to relegate to the past. As a self-confessed product junkie, I have tried numerous lotions and potions, all of which have all claimed to solve the problem, but have ever lived up to their promises, until now. Something like Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch is a creamy, miracle worker in a small jar. The product fills in the fine lines, making your skin smooth and ready for the application of lip liner and lipstick. I found it’s also quite effective in eliminating small lines and wrinkles in other areas of the face and can be used under or over makeup. With the artful application of make-up, you can change the shape and fullness of your lips simply by covering them with concealer and outlining a fuller mouth with your lip liner and lipstick. Bear in mind that matte lipsticks can be drying, so make sure that your favourite brand is creamy and moisturising. If your lips are drying out after a few hours, then it’s time to find a new lipstick. Also please be aware of going overboard with the lip liner. The shade should closely match your lipstick…not contrast it. We have all seen the ladies who like to outline their lips in a much darker shade. Please don’t. That trend is long gone. We are going for a natural looking lip, one that resembles our natural features, just a bit fuller. Once your lipstick and lip liner have been applied, place a tissue over your mouth and set it with powder, and then finish it all off with a bit of lip gloss. Are you still a fan of the dark lip liner trend? Let us know in the comments below. For more of Dorrie Jacobson, please visit <a href="http://www.seniorstylebible.com/" target="_blank">Senior Style Bible</a> or her <a href="https://www.instagram.com/seniorstylebible/?hl=en" target="_blank">popular Instagram here.</a> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/new-second-skin-can-help-you-hide-wrinkles/">New “second skin” can help you hide wrinkles</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/things-to-eat-and-drink-to-make-your-skin-glow/">6 things to eat and drink to make your skin glow</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/08/most-common-physical-feature-we-worry-about-with-age/">Most common physical feature we worry about with age</a>

Beauty & Style

4 home remedies for chapped lips

Chapped or dry lips are a common problem that can be painful and unattractive. There are many commercial products available to treat chapped lips. But you can save money and easily get relief with some easy-to-follow natural remedies. Here are four ways to treat chapped lips at home, from <a href="http://www.top10homeremedies.com/" target="_blank">Top10homeremedies.com.</a> <img width="500" height="600" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/24404/chapped-lips-inforgraphic.jpg" alt="Chapped Lips Inforgraphic"/> How do you treat your chapped lips? Let us know in the comments below. Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/01/how-to-prevent-chapped-lips/">Simple ways to prevent chapped lips</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/01/how-to-stop-lipstick-bleeding/">How to stop lipstick bleeding</a> <a href="/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/03/why-you-need-to-put-sunscreen-on-your-lips/">Why you need to put sunscreen on your lips</a>

Beauty & Style

Why you need to put sunscreen on your lips

We're all aware of the importance of applying sunscreen to our skin, but most of us are not nearly so diligent when it comes to our lips. Remember, on our side of the planet UV rays are intense so it doesn’t matter what season it is, everyone should be wearing sunscreen every, single day. Fortunately, few of us would spend the day with our body slathered in baby oil – yet applying clear lip balm or glossy lipstick that has no SPF is essentially the same thing. The shiny surface attracts the sun's rays yet offers no protection. Skin cancer of the lips is not uncommon, but the good news if that because of the high visibility of the lips, most are detected early and therefore are highly treatable. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common skin cancers, often affect the lips (these are non-melanoma skin cancers). The lower lip is around 12 times more likely to be affected, because of its greater exposure to sunlight. Treatments for basal and squamous cell carcinoma include surgery, radiation, and freezing with liquid nitrogen. Cure rates for early lesions is almost 100 per cent, so see a dermatologist as soon as you notice any changes in the skin on your lips. When you're out in the sun, look for a lip balm with a high SPF 30 is ideal. However, be aware, while some lipsticks and glosses claim to have an SPF, you are usually not applying them thickly and frequently enough for this to offer much protection. If you want more choice of colour, the best idea is to apply a lip stain, which gives your lips a strong, long-lasting veil of colour without adding any stickiness. This means you can then easily apply your SPF30 balm over the top, without messing up the colour. Lips don't have sebaceous glands to keep them lubricated, so treat lips to extra moisture, especially after a day out in the sun. Apply a rich lip balm at night – since this one doesn't need to have an SPF, your options are plentiful. Also, just because a lip balm is protective, doesn’t mean its moisturising. This means it locks in existing moisture but doesn’t nourish your lips by way of enriching it with more. Always read labels carefully. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/01/how-to-prevent-chapped-lips/">Simple ways to prevent chapped lips</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/12/beauty-habits-that-age-you/%20">Three beauty habits that are ageing you</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2016/01/how-to-stop-lipstick-bleeding/"> How to stop lipstick bleeding</a>

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