7 Not-So-Obvious Sun Protection Tips

The first point I should make about these glasses — I opted for the Wayfarer shiny brown pair with brown lenses — is that they need to be charged for optimal use. If the battery isn't already at 100%, it takes about 30 minutes to charge them enough for use. The glasses will inform you of the battery percentage through a voice speaker (Tony Stark style) if they're low on battery, but my mistake is that I assumed they would be fully charged after the 30 minutes. They were unfortunately only at 26%, so they died halfway through my first hike (hence me trekking through an early morning hike again the next day).

Alongside charging the sunglasses, you also have to download the “View' app, where the accessory downloads your captured photos, handles settings, and even creates a video montage of your creations. The app provides step-by-step instructions, so I would say anyone who's used any technology ever is able to wear the sunglasses easily. Once I was fully equipped with the app, I set off for my hike.

Like most hikes, the views aren’t stunning until you arrive at the top, so I refrained from taking any photos or videos until the real view set in. Instead, I called my grandma to wish her a happy birthday (and of course, see how the microphone works paired with my iPhone 14 pro). My grandma claims that the audio was clear as day on her end, and I had no issues hearing her either over some very loud LA traffic. After, I played my favorite podcast and songs on Spotify — I'm definitely not used to listening to music so clearly without having Airpods in, so I was a bit taken back by it.

Here’s the one caveat I have with the sound: if you play the audio loud enough, people around you are able to hear it as well. But you can change the volume if you just slide your finger on the right leg of the sunglasses. And when you push your hair back with the sunglasses, which most of us girlies just love to do, the sound continues but you have trouble hearing it. I would classify those pitfalls as pretty minor, but that obviously depends on the preferences of the individual user.

Unfortunately, my sunglasses died at the exact moment I made it to the top of the mountain on the first hike, so the built-in camera feature didn’t get the attention it deserved. However, the second hike lent itself some beautiful photos. And the quality was OUTSTANDING. I say that keeping in mind that these are still sunglasses, but the scenery was videoed and photographed at my eye level, which is a really cool perspective that you wouldn’t get from your phone. Just check out some photos and videos I took below to make the determination for yourself.

With the overall capabilities, I think the price point is worth the splurge — especially if you are sick of earbuds and describe yourself as a more tech-driven individual. I honestly was pleasantly surprised that the set price of the glasses are $299. While that definitely is a good chunk of money, the glasses are a technological investment similar to your computer or phone, so it’s really up to you to determine what you're willing to spend your hard earned cash on. I will say though — they look super cute with any outfit! 😎

1. Tips for safer sex practices.

There are several different ways to have sex — and everyone’s preferences are different. If you’re not comfortable engaging in certain practices, remember: you never, ever have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Consent is key, and just because you've consented to one doesn't mean you've consented to all. We’re going to walk you through safe sex practices for a variety of ways to have sex, so you can make informed decisions that feel right for you.

1. Anal and vaginal sex

This type of sex has the highest risk of contracting an STI or HIV. If you’re having anal sex or vaginal sex, it’s important to use internal condoms or external condomsand a water-based or silicone-based lube. “Make sure that you use a different condom with each partner or when a penis or dildo/sex toy is moved between the vagina and anus,” healthcare company FOLX says. “Infections such as herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and monkeypox can be transmitted through regular skin-to-skin contact. Barrier methods such as condoms, dental dams, or latex gloves can reduce your risk of contracting these infections, but will only cover the protected area.”

2. Oral sex

Oral sex is when someone uses their mouth to stimulate the genitals of another person. With oral sex, there is a low risk of STI or HIV transmission, but it’s still possible to contract unwanted infections. “Using an external condom on a penis during oral sex can help contain body fluids such as semen, ejaculate and pre-ejaculate and reduce the risk of STI transmission,” says FOLX. “Condoms can also be used on a sex toy/dildo, especially if [you plan to use it] with multiple partners without proper cleaning.”

For transgender folks who recently underwent bottom surgery, avoid oral sex until you are fully healed. Anyone who has bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, a sore throat, or has gotten dental work done recently should also avoid oral sex.

3. Rimming

Rimming is when someone uses any function of their mouth around/in someone’s anus. According to FOLX, “this can function as a way to prepare for anal sex and/or as a fun, pleasurable sexual activity in its own right. Rimming has an extremely low risk for HIV, but it’s possible to get hepatitis A or bacterial infections like gonorrhea.” Reduce your risk by practicing good personal hygiene and using a barrier method like a dental dam, especially if you or your partner haven’t had a recent anal STI check.

4. Fingering

“Fingering is when someone uses their hand, finger, or multiple fingers to stimulate and penetrate their partner’s vagina and/or anus,” says FOLX. “Fingering is considered low-risk since there’s only a small chance of spreading an STI. There is a small chance that STIs can spread through fingering if you have any cuts on your hands or fingers, or if there are internal tears in the anus or vaginal tissues.” If you engage in fingering, reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene and washing your hands with soap and water, especially if you’re fingering multiple partners. You can also use latex gloves or finger condoms to cover your fingers for extra protection.

2. The lowdown on STIs.

STIs are sexually transmitted infections (AKA STDs or sexually transmitted diseases) and can be transmitted through different kinds of sexual activities. While there are dozens of unique types of STIs, common STIs to test for include gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomonas, and HIV. If you’re sexually active, it’s important to be tested for STIs, especially since you may have an infection or disease that doesn’t present any noticeable symptoms.

“If left untreated, STIs can cause serious health problems, including cervical cancer, liver disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and pregnancy problems,” says thewellproject. “Having some STIs (such as chancroid, herpes, syphilis, and trichomoniasis) can increase your risk of acquiring HIV if you are HIV-negative and are exposed to HIV. People living with HIV may also be at greater risk of getting or passing on other STIs.”

For more comprehensive information, visit thewellproject.

3. STI prevention and testing.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways for us to prevent the transmission of STIs. Many people request any intimate partners to be fully tested for STIs before engaging in sex with them, which is a great way to feel safe and comfortable during sex.

Obviously, anyone with a penis is advised to wear a condom during any form of sex, especially oral, vaginal, or anal. It’s a simple way to reduce the risk of both partners, which is a win for everyone. For women seeking oral sex or rimming, we recommend wearing Lorals, a FDA-cleared, wearable STI protection to keep both you and your partner safe.

Sex toys/dildos are another great way to reduce the transmission of STIs, but be sure to clean before switching between partners. When searching for the right sex toy(s), make sure they are made of body-safe materials, like medical-grade silicone. We love Bellesa’s line of sex toys because they are made from premium quality silicone, are waterproof and are USB rechargeable. Like they say, “good orgasms are a lifestyle!”

Remember: you need to test for STIs! Regularly! Fortunately, testing for STIs has (literally) never been easier. While you can be fully tested for STIs by your Primary Care Physician or OB/GYN, there are some great at-home tests if a doctor isn’t your jam. stix offers a range of vaginal and sexual test kits delivered straight to your door. We also love Cheeky Bonsai for at-home UTI testing and relief. Oh, and you can order both of these brands on Amazon. Talk about a win-win!

4. Different forms of birth control.

This ones for all the ladies out there. If you’re not looking to get pregnant now (or ever), then practicing safe sex is a MUST. If you are having sex with someone who has a penis, make sure they have a condom on. It’s seriously the simplest way to ensure there are no babies in your immediate future. In addition to condoms, birth control is the best way to ensure you’re as pregnancy-protected as possible.

You can read up on all of the different types of birth control here, and visit your OB/GYN to get started. If you don't have a doctor who can prescribe you birth control, try NURX or Hey Jane (they offer medical abortions, emergency contraception and UTI/yeast infection treatment too).

A morning-after pill (AKA emergency contraception) is another way to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancy, particularly if you believe your partner ejaculated in you during recent sex. Get fast, discreet emergency contraception delivered straight to your door with Julie, or head to your local CVS or Walmart if you simply cannot wait.

5. How to have pleasurable sex.

Pleasure looks different for everyone, but there are some resources you can reference for better sex. Practical Intimacy gives great advice on how to have incredible sex as a woman, but really, the tips are simple. Give yourself time to get aroused, engage your whole body and your mind, let go of the pressure to orgasm, ask for what you want and make sure your partner is seeking to please you, too. Sex should never be one-sided, and we should all seek to close the orgasm gap, one mind-blowing orgasm at a time.

If you need tips on where to start, we highly recommend watching Angel Ardito’s TikToks. Her tips are informative, practical, and sure to make you (and your partner) much happier people.

And remember: you are way sexier than you think! Negative self-talk deserves no place in your mind or your bedroom, so get it out of there!

Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso's Relationship Timeline

Spring 2022 — Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso Meet On The Set Of Música

Camila Mendes and her boyfriend met while filming Rudy's semi-autobiographical 2024 movie Música. Rudy plays a fictionalized version of himself, and the story follows him as he moves through life with synesthesia, and as he feels torn between settling down and pursuing his art. Camila stars as Isabella, who opens up Rudy's worldview in a whole new way.

The movie is artistic and colorful and musical in a way that I have never seen before, and I can't stop thinking about it. Camila Mendes and Rudy Mancuso also told me during our interview that this scene pictured above in the park was the very first scene they shot together. They're so comfortable around each other that I never would have guessed!

July 10, 2023 — Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso Celebrate One Year

During the summer of 2023, we got the cutest new pic of Camila Mendes' boyfriend with the actress. "always in our own little world," Camila says on Instagram. "te amo so much. one year down, and many more to go."

February 14, 2024 — Cami Mendes Calls Rudy Mancuso Her Valentine

Camila Mendes celebrated Valentine's Day, and Rudy Mancuso, with a super sweet Instagram post. "my valentine 🌹 as soon as he wrapped música, he flew all the way to the UK to support me while filming upgraded," she says in the post. "edited all of música remotely from our little hotel room in leeds. visited me on set almost every day just to give me a kiss and watch me do my thing. i love you @rudymancuso thanks for showing up in the most meaningful ways. lucky to be your valentine 💌"

March 2024 — Camila Mendes And Rudy Mancuso's Música Premieres At SXSW

Rudy and Cami attended the premiere of their rom-com at the 2024 SXSW film festival, and it was an evening worth remembering! "Thank you all who came to support my film MÚSICA at @sxsw. It was a dream," Camila Mendes' boyfriend Rudy Mancuso says on Instagram. "I truly can’t wait to share it with the world."

"thank you to everyone who came out to support MÚSICA yesterday," Camila says on her own Instagram post. "watching our film in a theater full of family, friends and movie lovers was an experience i’ll never forget."

April 3, 2024 — Camila Mendes and Rudy Mancuso Promote Música In NYC

Camila shared some hilarious photos from her time promoting Música with Rudy — including pretending to fall asleep on the Good Morning America set and my personal favorite, recreating the movie poster! I also need to get Cami's makeup look ASAP.

Who is Camila Mendes' boyfriend Rudy Mancuso?

Rudy Mancuso is an actor, director, and YouTuber. In addition to Música, he's best known for his YouTube channel Awkward Puppets (and the main puppet Diego has a role in the movie!). You can also see him in Rim of the World and The Flash.