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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Canadian influencer Spencer Barbosa 'never saw girls that looked like' her growing up. Now it's her mission to 'just be real'
At just 22, Spencer Barbosa has amassed millions of followers (more than 11 million, to be exact), built a digital brand rooted in self-love, launched a partnership with skincare & beauty brand Blume and cultivated a loyal community that sees her as more than just a content creator. Known for her unfiltered takes on beauty standards and body image, the Ontario-born influencer has never been afraid to keep it real. "Growing up on social media, all I ever saw was perfect bodies, no hair, hair and makeup done all the time. ... So I made it my mission to just be real, because I never saw girls that looked like me on social media," she tells Yahoo Canada. Her TikTok and Instagram pages are filled with messages of body positivity and self-acceptance, from embracing "bikini bloat" and skipping makeup when she wants, to speaking openly about topics women are often taught to hide. "I became the person online that was the normal girl, that has stretch marks and cellulite and body hair and rolls on her stomach and sometimes wants to put a T-shirt on top of her bikini because she feels bloated," she says. "I just wanted to become that for other girls so that they felt more normal and felt accepted that way." In a candid interview with Yahoo Canada, Barbosa shares the reality of being in the public eye and what she's learned along the way. Despite her confidence, Barbosa admits being an influencer isn't always easy. "The most challenging part is trying to not compare yourself," she says. "Even if you're not comparing yourself to other people, everybody is in your comments comparing you to other influencers: If you're doing enough, if you got invited on this trip, if you're wearing this outfit, if your outfit looks good today, if your hair looks good today. "The most challenging part is that your life is underneath a microscope. Everyone is making up rumours about you ..., 'Oh, her boyfriend hates her,' or, 'Oh, she's not friends with this girl because of that.'"She says it can be difficult to remember what's real and what's fake: "Sometimes, I believe rumours about myself and then I'm like, 'Wait a damn minute, I didn't get a nose job when I was in grade seven.'" Like many other influencers, she also deals with negative comments. In the past, she hasn't shied away from openly responding to negativity she receives online. "It's never nice to hear someone say something bad about you," she says, adding she tries to keep in mind that it's not personal. I made it my mission to just be real, because I never saw girls that looked like me on social Barbosa "It's a 'them' problem ... a projection of their own insecurities. How do I deal with that? I make funny videos posting about the hate comments I get," she says. "I'd rather laugh at it than actually internalize it." Still, she says there are a lot of positives that come with being an influencer: "It is the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my entire life. It is mind-blowing to me, how much of an impact I can make on someone's life, even though I'm so far away from them. ... It blows my mind that what I'm trying to do in this mission that I have is actually happening. I feel so connected to my followers, I really feel like we are best friends." View this post on Instagram A post shared by spencer e barbosa✨🦋💕🧸 (@ When it comes to mental health, Barbosa keeps the same energy that she promotes online: Honesty, vulnerability and realness. Still, she notes there are time where she can do a better job of taking care of herself. She adds things like self-care days, talking it out with her boyfriend and even sharing her experience on social media can help. "I sometimes struggle because I'm such an oversharer that I want to tell everyone everything all the time, and then I do realize that I'm allowed to have a bad day and don't need to tell everybody that," she says. "And I'm also allowed to have a bad day and tell people I'm having a bad day." You should never feel ashamed about talking about your mental Barbosa She emphasizes that there's power in simply speaking up: "You should never feel ashamed about talking about your mental health. ... If I don't speak up about mental health just because nobody else does it, then no one will ever speak up about mental health. ... It honestly sometimes feels really good to be vulnerable, because I find more confidence in myself — I'm proud of myself, that I could open up that much." View this post on Instagram A post shared by spencer e barbosa✨🦋💕🧸 (@ Barbosa says the biggest lesson she's learned in her 20s so far is to stop trying to please everyone. Instead, she's adopted the "let them" theory, as popularized by Mel Robbins of The Mel Robbins Podcast. "If somebody wants to say that I'm the worst influencer in the world and I'm the ugliest person to ever exist on this entire planet, let them, that is their opinion of me," Barbosa notes. "I will let them think whatever they want, and it's not my job to prove them wrong. "If they want to leave hate comments, I will let them, because that's on them, and that is their own projection of themselves." And when the criticism gets loud? She leans on advice she keeps close to heart: "Don't take criticism from people you wouldn't take advice from. ... It's not your body that needs to change. It's your mind."


Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE YouTuber under fire for insensitive Diddy baby oil stunt tells Mail podcast he needs to 'grow up'
Content creator Armon Wiggins has apologised after footage showed him dancing shirtless and being sprayed with baby oil outside the courthouse following the Diddy trial verdict. In an interview with the Mail's The Trial of Diddy podcast, the self-described 'independent media personality' insisted his actions were not in support of the disgraced rap mogul. Sean 'Diddy' Combs, 55, was convicted on Wednesday of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering. Wiggins told podcast host Kayla Brantley that he was 'misrepresented by the media', adding that fans of his reporting know he believes Diddy was fortunate to escape the most serious charges. 'In reporting the case, I was trying to take a very eerie, grim situation and turn it into something digestible for people', the YouTuber argued. 'I wasn't making light of the victims or poking fun at them. What ended up happening on the final day was that we were just having a good time. Content creator Armon Wiggins has apologised after footage showed him dancing shirtless and being sprayed with baby oil outside the courthouse following the Diddy trial verdict 'We had been there at the trial from start to finish – we were tired and wanted to celebrate making it to the end. 'I was just vibing with another YouTuber, to be honest with you, and before I knew it, there was a crowd of people with television cameras and lights that circled around me.' Wiggins claimed he didn't profit from the viral video and said his intention was to mock Diddy, not his victims. 'I got a lot of hate and lost followers', he said. 'I said to myself afterwards: I've got to grow up and learn to control the narrative because it was irresponsible. 'Even if my fans knew the intent behind it, that doesn't matter when you have 150 cameras out there in a heightened situation. You've got to be smarter than that. 'The amount of baby oil involved in the trial became ridiculous. You can't even say baby oil now without laughing. Really, I was making fun of Diddy – he came across as crazy. 'How many bottles of baby oil does one person need? 'In hindsight, I regret it for the simple fact that people were hurting, and it taught me never to be above reproach. 'If you make a mistake, you have to be humble enough to say, I didn't mean that and I apologise.' Despite his apology, Wiggins shared his belief that traditional media wanted a reason to target him. He argued that the press feels intimidated by the 'realness and relatability' of creators like him, who can deliver news in a more entertaining way. 'A lot of the press didn't think we deserved to be there', Wiggins told the podcast. 'It was so easy for them to slap a headline on me – they knew who I was. The story about me came from them. 'Us YouTubers had to fight for respect – because the journalists went to school and have got all these degrees. 'News doesn't travel like that anymore. Traditional media is still necessary, but there's something to be said for the people that can go out and reach their audience. 'There's a rawness, a realness, a relatability – they come to me to have a good time.' To listen to the full bonus episode, search for the The Trial of Diddy now, wherever you get your podcasts.


The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
My break-up glow-up is so impressive it should be studied by pros…but trolls say I'm the reason they have ‘trust issues'
A MOTHER has revealed that after becoming single, she was on a mission to have a break-up glow-up. Not long after giving birth, Emma Merrill was on a mission to build her confidence. 2 As a result, the strawberry blonde beauty set her sights on slimming down and changing her appearance. In the process, Emma lost six stone, got her eyelashes done and began making more effort with her hair and make-up. Posting on social media, the content creator shared a close-up look at her before and after look, leaving many open-mouthed. Emma uploaded a short video with the caption 'Mad' and wrote: 'The break-up glow-up needs to be studied…' Prior to becoming single, Emma was too busy raising her child to spend time sorting her hair and applying foundation and bronzer. But now, Emma is far more experimental with her look - and often curls her hair or styles it wavy. She also gets her lashes done and tries out different make-up looks. The mother admitted that her glow-up wasn't an easy journey but now, she feels like a 'different person.' Big divide The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ emma_merrill, has clearly left many gobsmacked, as in just 24 hours, it has racked up 113,500 views, 5,999 likes and 416 comments. Social media users were impressed with Emma's transformation and many raced to the comments to express this. I asked ChatGPT to help me glow up for summer - I did all the tweaks at home myself One person said: 'Wow, this is one of the best glow ups I've seen, you look like a completely different person.' Another added: 'Jesus, he will be fuming now!' A third commented: 'You look so beautiful and happy.' It irritates me. Why wouldn't you want to look that good while in a relationship? TikTok user Meanwhile, someone else penned: 'This man needs to be celebrated, he helped you discover the real you.' To this, Emma replied and shared: 'I definitely needed to 'lose him to love me' again.' But at the same time, others accused her of giving them 'trust issues' and questioned when she didn't take more pride in her appearance when in a relationship. Top beauty trends for 2025 Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook spoke exclusively to Fabulous about the big beauty trends for 2025. Haircare Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment. Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up. 2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments. Skincare Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion. Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine. Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant. Make-up Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin. Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks. Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect. Nails 2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails. One user questioned: 'Why not make this effort during the relationship?' To this, Emma confidently clapped back and penned: 'Busy putting the effort into the relationship.' Whilst another chimed in and asked: 'It irritates me. Why wouldn't you want to look that good while in a relationship?' In response, Emma, who described herself as 'very thick skinned,' responded and confirmed: 'Sometimes people get comfortable, sometimes people don't get the opportunity, many reasons tbf.' Not only this, but another claimed: 'This is why I have trust issues.'


The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I bought a huge 18ft swimming pool for my council house garden…people ‘feel sorry for my neighbours' but my kids love it
A MOTHER has revealed that she bought a giant 18ft swimming pool for her council house garden. But the savvy mum claimed that the summer buy is so big, it takes up practically her whole garden. 2 2 While Tanya's children love their new swimming pool, people have claimed they 'feel sorry' for her neighbours due to its size and many have warned about the dangers of emptying it. The content creator, who 'doesn't take life too seriously' and is always up for 'a bit of fun', took to social media to show off her swimming pool, leaving many totally stunned. She explained that it was very grubby when she first got it, so got on her hands and knees and used washing-up liquid, a little bit of bleach on the tougher areas and a Scrub Daddy to give it a freshen up. Showing off the swimming pool, Tanya said: 'When you buy a 18ft filthy pool for your little council garden.' She admitted that the 4ft deep pool was a 'nightmare' to clean, but 'came up so much better than expected.' 'Loved the cleaning transformation,' she beamed. Thrilled with the huge pool which her kids love, Tanya added: 'Kids will have the best summer.' Not only has Tanya got inflatables to keep her little ones busy, but she's even put a trampoline next to the pool so her youngsters can jump in. Tanya's partner also made a DIY slide, further adding to the summer fun. Tanya confirmed that it took two full days and an entire night to fill up the pool. I don't have a garden so made a 10p paddling pool on my balcony - it was brilliant but my downstairs neighbours will never forgive me But she didn't do it all on her own, as her neighbour let her borrow their hose to help speed up the process. The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ coffee_3sugars_ta, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 135,000 views, 2,0001 likes and 159 comments in just 24 hours. Big divide But social media users were left totally divided by the huge pool - while some thought it was 'lush,' others described it as 'too large.' One person said: 'Absolutely love that you have restored it. Would have been easy to buy a new one but a bit of hard work and you have a class pool for I'm sure less money than buying new.' Another added: 'Looks lush.' IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' A third commented: 'You could charge entry for that one.' To this, Tanya replied and wrote: 'I did consider it, all the kids' friends have been getting in. Easily worth a £1 entry.' However, at the same time, one user snapped: 'Too large, gardens too small, expensive to fill... Everything says no lol.' Unbothered by the rude remark, Tanya wrote back and shared: 'Everything says YES in our opinion.' Meanwhile, another wrote: 'Just be careful emptying it. That's a lot of water.' Whilst someone else agreed: 'Feel sorry for the neighbour's gardens when it's time to empty it.' But in response, Tanya confidently clapped back: 'Please don't worry my neighbours are legends. A little at a time will be fine. 'We also have a man hole so will hose the majority into that.' But that's not all, as one troll rudely snapped: ' Taxpayers will pay for your water too.' However, eager to silence the haters, Tanya set the record straight and wrote: 'I am a tax payer my friend. I also pay my water bill.'


The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I'm 5ft1 & there's a high street shop we've been missing out on for years – I was in shock at their great summer pieces
IF you want to give your wardrobe an upgrade for summer, you've come to the right place. And according to a fashionista, there's a high street shop we've all been sleeping on for years. 4 So forget H&M, Primark or Zara, as according to Pia Grace Smith, a content creator who describes herself as 'your 5ft1 clothes guru', you'll need to get down to New Look if you want clothes that will really turn heads this season. Posting on social media, the brunette beauty couldn't stop gasping after doing a huge haul in New Look. As well as trying on a blue mini dress and a red co-ord, Pia also found a stunning pair of Brown Crinkle Textured Striped Wide Leg Trousers, which she paired with a Dark Brown Button Up Vest. She even got her hands on a Black Mesh Floral Print Cowl Halterneck Maxi Dress - and it looks so expensive. Alongside the short clip, the influencer beamed: 'Sorry, have I been missing something for years??😍' Stunned by the gorgeous New Look buys, Pia, who is from the UK, added: 'I am shocked!! 'Wow, how many gorgeous pieces, quality is unreal and I loved it all haha SHOCK. 'I truly couldn't believe how nice the bits I chose were.' Pia managed to get her hands on a pair of striped trousers, which are priced at £29.99 and are available in three colours - black, green and Pia's choice, brown. And it's not just Pia who loves them, as online shoppers have praised them as 'comfortable, lightweight and perfect for holiday.' Fashion Editor Abby shows you how to wear this dress for every occasion this summer. As well as this, not only are they said to not crease, but others were impressed with the 'nice fabric' and hailed the high-street trousers as 'lovely.' Meanwhile, Pia paired the trousers with her new button up vest, which is super affordable at only £12.99. As well as being reasonably priced, it's incredibly versatile - it'll look great with shorts for a casual look, or can be dressed up with tailored trousers for a day in the office. How New Look reinvented itself from a teen shop by Fabulous fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend "REMEMBER on a Saturday you'd meet up with your mates in your local town or city centre for a nosey around the shops? Well, if you were like me you'd end up in a New Look." says Clemmie Fieldsend. "New Look was always one of those shops that when all else failed you could rely on them for whatever you needed. Your college uniform, night out or disco outfit - whatever was required you could count on New Look to meet your style needs." Clemmie says: "I felt myself growing out of New Look and thought of it as a younger brand that wouldn't have what I wanted but a quick scroll through their website or look through stores has proved me wrong. This summer they are serving up some on trend delights from clothing to accessories and of course their comfortable footwear. Recently they've lured in Girls Aloud's Nadine Coyle for an exclusive Spring Edit plus fashion influencer Georgina Lennon. They're providing quality basics, elevated stables and trend lead designs that echo the New Look we all once loved but just a bit more grown up." But that's not all, as Pia also nabbed the Black Mesh Floral Print Cowl Halterneck Maxi Dress, which is priced at £35.99. The stunning dress has been hailed by New Look bosses as 'a head-turning maxi for moments in the sun.' This black mesh dress is also said to promise a 'figure-skimming silhouette with pretty florals and a low-cut back.' It's sure to look eye-catching when paired with sandals for an evening look, but shoppers have even described it as 'beautiful' for a wedding guest dress. One user was left beaming with the frock and claimed it 'fits perfectly.' Fashion fans beam And it's clear that Pia's Instagram clip, which was posted under the username @ pia_gracesmith, has left many equally as impressed, as it has quickly racked up 134,000 views, 1,796 likes and 340 comments. Fashion fans were left gushing with Pia's New Look finds and many eagerly rushed to the comments to express this. One person said: 'OMG!!!!! I never find anything I like in New Look!!!! I literally like everything in this reel!!!!' Hottest fashion trends of 2025 Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street. The East/West Bag Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber. In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too. Powder pink Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025. Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own. If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour. The shell jacket The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025. We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket. Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'. Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion! The turn-up jeans While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different. This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups. For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold. Peep-toe shoe Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event. After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style. From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street. Sheer blouses See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now. Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season. Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks. Another added: 'Never shop in New Look but wow 🔥 stunning.' A third commented: 'I always forget about New Look but wow these all look amazing.' Meanwhile, one fashionista gasped: 'You're making me skint!!!' Whilst someone else beamed: 'They are all so beautiful on you.'