28 pieces of advice for every woman

Every woman deserves to live a fabulous life she chooses for herself - without judgement or fear. Here are 28 things we think ladies the world over need to know - tell us if we’ve missed anything!   

It’s up to you whether you want or don’t want to have kids.

Whether you opt in or out, motherhood is a completely valid life choice. Own your decision, and don’t let anyone make you feel differently about it. 

You should always pee after sex.

It will get rid of any bacteria that may have accumulated in your urethra, and lessen the chance of a UTI. 

Nobody gets away with smoking, excessively drinking, taking drugs or not flossing for very long.

Your body is a pretty efficient, resilient machine, but if can only take so much. Look after yourself, we only have one chance at this, so don’t screw it up.

It’s important to get your lady bits - top and bottom - checked.

Yes, it’s awkward and sometimes unpleasant, but quit being a baby and make the appointment. You’re better off in the know.

Keep tabs on your period.

If you really can’t remember when it’s coming, create a calendar alert or download an app that does all that admin for you.

Identify when it’s time to go to the dentist.

No, your mum isn’t going to call and book the appointment for you. Put your big girl shoes on and stop putting it off.

It’s fine to purchase tampons without buying 20 other, non-essential items.

You’re a woman. It’s no secret you need them, so you buy that box of CAREFREE® FLEXIA® Tampons Regular loud and proud, girl. 

The same goes for condoms.

Props to you for being smart enough to put safety first. And with reassurance comes extra pleasure, just sayin’. Go on, drop that $6.99 on Durex Extended Pleasure Condoms.

Now, use them. Every time.

Just do it, if only to avoid having to share a full-frontal pic of your vagina with your bestie just to confirm she doesn’t “see anything”.

Find out your actual bra size.

Go to your local department store, see one of the nice ladies in the lingerie section and GET FITTED. Wearing the wrong size bra is not only uncomfortable, but it can also damage the breast tissue. 

Create and stick to a good skin care routine.

Unless you want to end up looking older than your years or dull as dishwater, of course. Your older self thanks you in advance. 

Eating out solo is totally accepable.

None of this obligatory 'share plates' hoo-har. 

So is holidaying.

In fact, it’s almost a rite of passage.

Yes, you can enjoy spending time on your own.

Relish it. Me-time for president!

Leggings are not pants. 

Nor will they ever be. Please stop wearing them as such, immediately. There are millions of jeans on the market - and at least 10 that’ll hug you in all the right places.

Growing older is inevitable.

Don’t fight it and don’t fear it - embrace it. Ageing gracefully is beautiful. And oh, as a hair editor, I have to point out that just like skin, tresses grow older and deserve attention, too! Take care of your hair with products like Kerastase Densifique Jeunesse.

Accept that your metabolism has changed.

You’re not 16 anymore, so no, you can’t get away with the same diet you use to. And yes, it is a bad idea to order the extra fries. 

It’s no use obsessing about your weight.

While it’s important for your wellbeing (mental and physical) to eat healthily and exercise, it’s equally important to treat yourself - just do it in moderation.

Yes, you actually need to do some sort of physical activity.

Work your body - heaven forbid you might actually enjoy yourself! The first few minutes of a workout may be tough, but endorphins are awesome.

It doesn’t matter what other people think of you.

What do they know, anyway?

Confidence is sexy.

And a smiling girl is infinitely more attractive. 

Don't expect others to finance your life.

Pay your own bills (and on time), and remember it's okay to spoil yourself now and then. In the words of Destiny's Child, "cause I depend on me".

When it comes to friends, go for quality over quantity.

Having one great friend is better than 10 fake ones. Don’t waste your time with people who drain or don’t ‘get’ you. Ain't nobody got time for that.

Learn how to cook one good meal to perfection.

And then have your friends over for dinner and bust it out. You’ll wow them all.

Fall in love without losing yourself.

Remember why you are you, and don’t change that for the world. 

How to change a tyre.

Say it with me, BOSS.

Treat your body with respect.

The equation is simple: Get enough sleep. Don’t get so drunk you can’t remember what happened. Drink lots of water. Eat good food. Hang with great people.

Give yourself a break!

You’re harder on yourself than anyone ever could be. 

What other life advice do you have for women?