10 Books That Will Help You Score Better Sex

There's still so much stigma around the topic of sex but these authors don't shy away from every detail you need to know to score the best kind. From breaking down the science behind it to illustrating ALL the positions, these books will help you and your partner understand more about what it is you're doing, how to build more intimacy and ultimately have a little more fun in the hay. Enjoy!

Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Dr. Emily Nagoski

Scientists are learning more about how women's sexuality works and Come as You Are explains it all. One nugget: we all have our own sexuality, like fingerprints, plus learn to understand how stress, mood, trust, and body image are central to a woman's sexual well-being and how to influence these factors for better sex.

Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel

NYC couples therapist Esther Perel, a respected voice on "erotic intelligence," goes into how to keep sexual desire sustainable when you're in a long-term relationship/married. Perel's witty, wise and straightforward advice made this one an international bestseller.

A Curious History of Sex by Kate Lister


Based on the popular research behind her Whores of Yore project, Kate Lister uses humor and a sharp wit to write about the history of sex, debunking myths, challenging stereotypes and making you wonder has anything really changed?

The Little Book of Sex by Joanna Gray

This little book doesn't take sex too seriously, making it a fun read with fun tips (with a little Karma Sutra thrown in) for you and your partner.

Cosmo's Sexy Sutra

Cosmopolitan has never been shy about the topic of sex and here the editors have put together a guide of sex positions and hot tips to get you and your someone in the mood.

The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex by Sheila Wray Gregoire

Gregoire talks about the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sex compared to our culture's obsession on the more shallow aspects. Hear from other "good girls" on how to truly enjoy sex in marriage.

Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach

The best-selling author of Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers takes another hilarious and OMG look at the science behind making sex so much more satisfying. She answers all the questions: Can you think yourself to an orgasm? Why doesn't Viagra help women? Is vaginal orgasm a myth? And more.

Position of the Day from Nerve.com

The title says it all: 366 positions, leap year included!, to keep things exciting and calorie-burning (for real, they crunched the numbers) this year and beyond. Grab a rocking chair, cowboy hat and other "equipment" to experiment with your favorite bed buddy.

Unf*ck Your Intimacy: Using Science for Better Relationships, Sex, and Dating by Dr. Faith G. Harper

Dr. Faith, the best-selling author of Unf*ck Your Brain, breaks down the rules (and science) for being in a loving, intimate relationship with yourself and others. This is a great read for those healing from a past relationship and who want to make better choices in the next one, or those looking to rekindle some magic with the one you love.

She Comes First: The Thinking Man's Guide to Pleasuring a Woman by Dr. Ian Kerner

Sex therapist Dr. Kerner details dozens of ways to pleasure a woman and, in turn, find mutual sexual satisfaction. Oral sex, in his book, is the key.


Score more sexy time with Brit + Co's first-ever Sex Week! Here are recipes with aphrodisiacs, What Sexual Wellness Is + Why Does It Matter, and stay tuned for Wednesday's Teach Me Something New podcast with sex therapist and author Emily Morse.


Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

So, you've stopped asking "does makeup expire" and have become a pro at spotting unhealthy particles churning in your foundation. We're proud of you, but this TikTok video suggests there's two more things you're likely overlooking: your face wash and the mold that could be growing in it *insert music from Psycho.* If anything should be considered icky, it's this.

Usually we like to make a funny joke, but we've been telling our trusted cleanser we're not pleased with its sneaky potential to betray us. It's a good thing cosmetic dermatologist Courtney Allen, FNP-C is here to ease our fears! She's the founder of Canvas Skin (recently named Nashville’s top skincare center) who has over 10 years of skincare experience so her advice is one we can rely on!

Learn about why mold develops and what you can do before it makes your skin go haywire

I'm clueless. What causes mold to grow in face wash?

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We can agree face wash is meant to tackle skincare concerns like acne, dark spots, and extreme oiliness, right? Great, because it means we're confused about how mold can destroy the thing designed to help our skin. Thankfully, Allen has the answer to our burning question!
She says, "Mold can develop in face wash due to exposure to moisture, improper storage, expired preservatives, or contamination from dirty hands or water." If this made you question how you're currently storing your face wash, you're not alone!

Concerning preservatives, she said "most skincare products have preservatives to prevent microbial growth," but they're going to eventually "degrade." The only way Allen feels this is preventably is for us to "check expiration dates and replace face wash every 6-12 months (or sooner if it lacks preservatives or is organic)."

Noted, but how can I tell what the mold will look like?

Cora Pursley/Dupe Photos

We've probably seen mold growing on old fruit or food we've left uncovered in the refrigerator, but does it look the same in face wash? Allen says, "Mold in face wash may appear as discoloration (black, green, or white spots), texture changes (clumping or separation), or an unusual smell (musty or sour)."

Now that we think about it, we've used face washes in the past that looked like it was separating or had an awful smell whenever we used it. It just never occurred to us that they could've had mold in them!

The bottom line, Allen says, is "any change in consistency or scent should be a red flag!"

How would moldy face wash affect my skin?

Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels

Imagine you think you've hit the jackpot because you found face wash that was hidden behind other beauty products under your skin. Without checking the expiration date, you eagerly start using it only to experience confusion when you have an allergic reaction.
The reason your skin's unhappy is because "using a mold-contaminated face wash can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, rashes, fungal infections, or worsening of conditions like eczema, according to Allen. Why? It's all "due to exposure to harmful bacteria and fungi," she adds. Oh and if you have sensitive skin? She feels you're "especially at risk."

What should I do if I notice a problem with my face wash?

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Stop, drop and roll! Just kidding — that's not the answer in this situation. Allen's advice is a little more than a suggestion, however. "Immediately stop using it, discard the product, and sanitize the area where it was stored," she advises. But this isn't the time to get to the internal root of the problem. "Avoid trying to 'scoop out' the mold, as contamination spreads deeper than what’s visible," she mentions.

If there's a chance you're experience irritation in the wake of finding mold in your face wash, Allen doesn't think your life will never be the same. Instead, she wants you to "wash the face with a gentle cleanser and apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer."

In other words, keep it simple post-exposure to mold!

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To be on the safe side, you should always stop using beauty products if you notice they're irritating your skin. It could be that the ingredients are too harsh OR mold has secretly found its way inside your daily cleanser. But as long as you follow Allen's advice, you'll be okay!

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Sarah J. Maas is keeping readers in the dark about ACOTAR book 6 book 6, but that hasn't stopped fans from sharing elaborate theories about its plot! Our favorite ones revolve around Feyre's middle sister Elain and her overdue POV. For five books, we've watched her live in the shadows of her sister even after being thrown into a cauldron by the despicable King Hybern. She's only shared glimpses of her personality, but that's nothing compared to what readers feels she deserves.

Here's what BookTok thinks about ACOTAR book 6 being the moment we see Elain step into her power or worse

The first theory that stands out is one TikTok user @savannahlueckk shared in this video. Her caption says, "i have a theory that everyone is going to switch up on her and love her all the sudden lmao," in regards to Elain. I don't think anyone truly doubts where she's loved, but it's clear they're not allowing her to come into her own either. From there, the text overlay on the video compares Elain to "Rapunzel," calling out how she's been "sheltered and underestimated by everyone around her."

The first comment on the video says, "She is going to be a whole different person once we get her POV and I can’t wait" while the second comment refers to Frozen 2's song "Into the Unknown." "...just her hearing voices and getting frustrated with them and what they mean as well and learning to embrace her seer powers," user @emlechoppaa wrote.

Another theory by @thundernoblechristine refers to Elain's naturally extroverted personality and how she's currently dealing with everything she's experienced. She says, "Elain is unique in that out of all three of these sisters, she is the most extroverted and she clearly likes making friends...So it makes perfect sense to explore Elain's story as someone who processes trauma and gets to know people differently than Nesta and Feyre."

Only one comment mentioned Elain's potential mate which is great! @imaginedrealism wrote, "As goofy as it sounds, I want Elian with none of the people she is shipped with. She deserves someone totally normal not apart of the Far royalty drama, & it would be more interesting to see..."

But, we're not above leaning into the "Elain and Azriel Endgame theory. Tiktok user @abi.reads2 made her own video about why she thinks Elain and Azriel are meant to be together. She starts off reading a passage from A Court of Mist and Fury before revealing there's a point where the book left by the queen mentions "sing me." @abi.reads2 then points out that Azriel is a "shadowsinger," meaning he's able to detect things most people are unable to.

But @Shelbyaj319 has other thoughts. "I think Elain will manipulate them [Lucien and Azriel] into a blood duel or died or whatever and start a war. I think she’s the villain. She should have already denied the bond [with Lucien] by now yet hasn’t," she says.

There's so many different theories that could be right, but only Sarah J. Maas knows how ACOTAR book 6 will end!

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Only two states in the United States don't observe daylight saving time, observing standard time year-round: Arizona and Hawaii. After all, they argue, these states already get plenty of sun. The other 48 states – AKA the rest of us – will spring forward our clocks by one hour on Sunday, March 9, at least for now. It's been reported that it's on the table for abolishing. While it's my favorite time of year (who doesn't love the longer days?), it comes with some not so good health news. Let's get into what you can expect this daylight saving time!

Here are 12 wacky facts you may not know about daylight saving time.

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1. Most of us are saying it wrong.

The correct term is actually "daylight saving time" — singular, not plural. Despite common usage, "saving" is used as an adjective describing the act of conserving daylight, not a plural noun.

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2. The time change has been linked to more hospital visits.

The American Heart Association found that the time change showed an increase in cases of heart attack and stroke. A scientific study found a rise in cases of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a condition that resulted in irregular heartbeats with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. The increase was more prevalent among women and occurred only during the spring daylight saving time shift, not with the fall clock change.

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3. There are more car accidents during this time.

Losing an hour of sleep can also impact your road safety. A study found that the spring daylight saving time transition increases the risk of fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. by 6 percent.

Andrea Piacquadio

4. DST can increase your cortisol and stress levels.

Losing sleep and disrupting your body’s natural rhythm can do more than just leave you feeling groggy — it can actually spike your cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Research shows that sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment can trigger an increase in cortisol, along with inflammatory markers and cytokine imbalances. Since cortisol and inflammatory proteins are released in response to stress, chronic elevations could contribute to long-term health issues.

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5. We're at higher risk of depression.

Many people report mood disturbances during this time, but for those with bipolar disorder, the effects can be particularly destabilizing. For instance, a 2020 study found that the change impacts mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. An Australian study revealed a significant increase in male suicide rates in the weeks following the start of daylight saving time, compared to both the weeks after the return to standard time and the rest of the year.

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6. Benjamin Franklin first suggested the concept.

He didn’t technically invent daylight saving time (as some have reported), but he did conceive the idea a century before it was credited to George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand artist who formally proposed it in an 1895 paper. Benjamin Franklin observed that if people in France adjusted their schedules to sleep when it was dark and wake with the sunrise, they could save hundreds of francs on candles — making artificial lighting less necessary.

Andy Feliciotti

7. There's already buzz to make DST permanent.

The Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed U.S. law aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year.

Anna Shvets

8. Farmers actually fought against it.

Contrary to popular belief, farmers have never supported daylight saving time. In fact, they opposed its implementation and, in 1919, an agricultural lobby even pushed for its repeal.

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9. We may actually consume more energy because of it.

While many believe daylight saving time conserves energy, research suggests it may actually do the opposite. A University of California-Santa Barbara study indicated that daylight saving time might increase consumption. A 2017 study in the International Association for Energy Economics Journal further supports this idea, noting that longer daylight hours can lead to more air conditioning in summer and heating in cooler months.

Federico Respini

10. Daylight saving time was extended in 2007.

First started in Germany, the U.S. adopted daylight saving time in 1918 and standardized it across the country with the passage of the 1966 Uniform Time Act, which gave the federal government oversight over the time change. It originally called for the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. President George W. Bush’s Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended it from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, starting in 2007.

Bhargava Marripati

11. About 70 countries observe daylight saving time.

Countries like Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and those in the European Union observe daylight saving time either nationwide or in select regions. Meanwhile, most African and Asian nations — including India, China, and Japan — opt out of the time change entirely.

Kaylah Matthews

12. You can beat the clock.

Despite the health risks and safety concerns of daylight saving time, you can take steps to combat fatigue and adjust within a week. Here are B+C's 5 Best Ways to Beat Daylight Saving Time Fatigue.

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I never shut up about Marvel, and I will continue to talk about it because my girl Sadie Sink is joining Spider-Man 4! Sources tell Deadline that the Stranger Things actress (who's starring in Broadway's John Proctor Is The Villain this spring) is set to join Tom Holland in his new superhero movie. Here's everything we know — from an absolute fangirl you can trust.

Sadie Sink is joining Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4, set to start filming this summer.

Sadie Sink will have a "significant" role in 'Spider-Man 4.'

Tom Holland confirmed that Spider-Man 4 is set to start filming in the summer of 2025, and Deadline reports that Sadie's role is "significant." Brit + Co reached out to Sony and Sadie Sink's reps for comment.

While we don't have any official news on the specifics of Sadie's character, considering the movie comes a couple of months after 2026's Avengers: Doomsday, I think there are a few characters Sadie would knock out of the park.

Is Sadie Sink playing Jean Grey?


With Sadie Sink's red hair, she would make a perfect variant for Zendaya's MJ (who is, herself, a version of Mary Jane from the comics). But with her sunny disposition and confidence, I could totally see her as Gwen Stacy too. My lead theory surrounding Avengers: Doomsday is that the characters we know so well will wind up in another universe — and could finally bring the X-Men into the MCU.

Even before Sadie's casting was confirmed, the leading rumor was that she'd join the MCU as Jean Grey/Phoenix, a role held by Famke Janssen and Sophie Turner in previous X-Men adaptations. And this is the role I hope we see her in!

Spider-Man fans will remember that No Way Home ended by erasing Peter Parker's existence from the world...but if Peter meets characters from another world (ahem, Jean), or if all our favorite heroes wind up in another world, the spell shouldn't affect them. And fighting to get back home is exactly the kind of theme I'd love to see in Spider-Man 4.

Check out the 5 New Marvel Movies Worth Watching for more!

Trader Joe’s carries much more than groceries – from skincare goodies to alcohol, you can find some pretty neat stuff between their aisles. You’re going to want to make a beeline to their home goods section ASAP though, because TJ’s just dropped a delightful $4 tomato-scented candle that’s being compared to bougie brands like Loewe and Maison Margiela!

Scroll on to discover more about Trader Joe’s new Tomato Leaf candle.

@traderjoesobsessed

On shelves now, Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle smells like – you guessed it – fragrant tomato leaves. Some shoppers have said it comes across as “verdant and fresh” while others say it’s “slightly sweeter.” So far, the aroma has been divisive among TJ’s fans, but smelling it myself, I think it smells exactly like tomato leaves with a hint of refreshing sweetness – making it a perfect scent to ease you into springtime!

Julia Nagy / PEXELS

This iteration of the Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is technically a remake of the same scent they released several years ago, but stopped stocking because the glass jars it was cased in posed a safety hazard (ahem, exploding). But fret not – this new container is made of metal, so you shouldn’t expect any glass malfunctions. Plus, it boasts the same precise scent – nothing’s changed in that department!

Reddit

Trader Joe’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed shared the new find with their Instagram followers, and plenty of customers sounded off with excitement.

“Omg yes this is the best one!!!!” one person said.

“This is their greatest candle to date imo,” another person wrote.

“I was actually talking about this a couple days ago with my boyfriend and then magically it appeared!!” someone else commented. “Glad it’s in a tin option even though the glass was beautiful!”

Agence Mald / PEXELS

The Trader Joe’s Reddit page also had some thoughts about the new scent:

“I love this friggin candle,” one person said. “It really took me by surprise.”

“I’m so excited!!” another rejoiced. “This is my all time favorite candle scent of any line ever!”

While some Trader Joe’s shoppers praised it, others had some strong opinions.

“Soapy with a hint of tomato,” someone else noted. “I personally really like it, but I like green, fresher-smelling candles. I hate bakery or sweet candle scents.”

“I love this candle and everyone I know hates it and I’m not allowed to light it when I have my friends over 😆😆,” another said. “It’s SO divisive!!”

Maison Margiela

Across both Instagram and Reddit, several shoppers compared the new Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle to brands that are so bougie. Some comparisons that were made include the Loewe Tomato Leaves candle, Maison Margiela's From The Garden perfume, and the Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle from Flamingo Estate. The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle costs just $4 for 5.3 ounces worth of candle, so you could absolutely get a similar luxe effect for way less.

Flamingo Estate

The Trader Joe’s Tomato Leaf candle is crafted from a blend of soy wax, coconut oil, and beeswax. It also comes complete with a lead-free cotton wick to ensure a clean burn. Totally fresh and definitely unique, I’d say it’s worth the money – especially for a fresh feel during spring!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.