No matter how virtuous your reason for staying up past bedtime — pulling a late shift at work, binge-watching This Is Us into the early hours of the morning, going out for a drink or five with a heartbroken friend on the grounds of "emotional support" — a lack of sleep is still detrimental to your skin. There's just no way around it: Whether it's dark circles, puffy under-eyes, or a dull, tired complexion, nothing good can ever come from not getting enough shut-eye.
Fortunately for the sleep-deprived among us, there are plenty of products out there that promise to breathe new life into exhausted skin — and we're not just talking brightening eye creams and heavy-duty under-eye concealers. "The skin heals and repairs while we sleep, so products such as a night cream are full of renewing and regenerating ingredients to aid this function," says dermatologist Howard Murad, MD, FAAD. "Environmental aggressors sap the skin of hydration, so overnight products are always richer and more nourishing to replenish the skin."
Think of it this way: Your nightly skin-care routine gives your skin a much-needed chance to regenerate and renew so that it can better protect itself for the day ahead... just like you need that glass of wine after work to "recover." Ahead, our favorite overnight treatments for all your skin-care needs, so you can get a major beauty boost in while you sleep.
This deeply hydrating blend of antioxidant-rich oils and extracts comes complete with a potent dose of retinoid to help shed dead skin cells, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and leave skin noticeably smoother and brighter than it was when your head first hit the pillow.
Votary Intense Night Oil - Rosehip and Retinoid, $150, available at Net-a-Porter.
This moisturizer works to combat the visible signs of aging that are accelerated by daily exposure to pollutants and the blue light emitted from digital devices — as in, undo the damage caused by staring at your computer screen all day long. Dr. Murad says that the formula is specifically engineered to take advantage of the body's natural restorative cycle, thanks to antioxidants from plant stem cells that neutralize pollution damage and strengthen the skin's barrier, plus vitamin C to help brighten and even skin tone.
Murad City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturizer, $70, available at Sephora.
This paraben-free rejuvenating formula works to aid your skin's natural nighttime recovery process. Infused with lavender and primrose essential oils, omega-6 fatty acids, and squalane, it improves radiance and delivers a softer, smoother complexion. All you have to do is apply it to cleansed skin before bed.
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $46, available at Kiehl's.
Central heating, UV rays, and cold weather are some of the (many) factors that deplete the skin of moisture and leave it feeling dehydrated this time of year. This overnight mask by Origins, infused with avocado oil, orange peel wax, and mango butter, prevents future moisture loss by building up a strong barrier overnight.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, $27, available at Origins.
A concentrated blend of essential oils, jasmine, frangipani, rose, and tuberose come together in a serum-oil that promises to recreate Sarah Chapman's famed facial overnight. The potent cocktail of anti-inflammatory omega oils and antioxidants rejuvenates the skin to deliver a plumper, smoother, firmer texture.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial, $89, available at Net-a-Porter.
Rich in omega 6 and vitamin E, this facial oil provides a burst of nutrition to repair cells damaged by environmental aggressors, while increasing collagen production. The 100% natural formula helps to speed up cell renewal so you'll wake up with a glowing, fatigue-free complexion.
Caudalie VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil, $50, available at Caudalie.
A mix of fruit enzymes and glycolic acid works to reduce the appearance of sun-induced aging, scarring, and fine lines. The balance of potent exfoliating ingredients together with shea butter and mango seed butter means you'll wake up to softer skin with a healthy-looking glow.
Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel, $129, available at Alpha-H.
This serum refines dull, uneven skin texture using a blend of alguronic acid, algaprotein, and nutrient-rich coconut water. The creamy texture breaks into a serum on application to provide smooth, supple, and radiant skin.
Algenist Power Recharging Night Pressed Serum, $95, available at Sephora.
If sun spots and fine lines are your concern, apply a few drops of Pixi's exfoliating gel each evening before bed. Formulated with 10% glycolic acid, cucumber, and aloe vera extract, it nourishes the skin and delivers a more even skin tone.
Pixi Overnight Glow Serum, $24, available at Pixi Beauty.
Creating a radiant glow by morning isn't the only thing this moisturizer can do: It also helps to regenerate acne-scarred skin by buffing away dead skin cells and keeping the new ones soft, hydrated, and problem-free.
Clinique Turnaround Overnight Revitalizing Moisturizer, $41, available at Sephora.
Featuring a mix of 5% glycolic acid to exfoliate, salicylic acid to unclog pores, lactic acid to remove dead skin, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, these cleansing pads will result in brighter and plumper skin following a good (or at least decent) night's sleep.
Nip + Fab Extreme Glycolic Fix Night Pads, $14.99, available at Ulta.
Wake up to a smoother, revitalized complexion with this overnight treatment, which is gently infused with a blend of active ingredients and omega oils. It actually works to raise the skin's pH to attract water and promote hydration, improve uneven cell pigmentation, and exfoliate in one fell swoop.
REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial, $48, available at REN.
This multitasking product works to improve elasticity, redefine facial contours, and support the skin's natural regenerative process, restoring radiance while you catch some shut-eye.
Perricone MD Multi-Action Overnight Treatment, $115, available at Perricone MD.
This overnight gel helps to clear congested skin, prevent future breakouts, and soothe painful bouts of adult acne. The rosemary and spirea extracts stimulate the skin's natural antimicrobial agents for a clearer, healthier complexion over time.
Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel, $50, available at Ulta.
Related Video
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
It cost a horrible amount of money. $485. It was what they call "Baby Botox." If the name was meant to alleviate concern that I’d leave the room corpse-stiff, then it worked. Just a pinch of Baby Botox, what could possibly go wrong? Nothing actually. Everything I’d panicked about pre-Botox — facial paralysis, not being able to show surprise, my friends turning on me because I looked like Stepford wife — well, none of that happened. But what I hadn’t prepared myself for was The Botox Guilt.
Before the needles, I’d gone through a period of self-love. I’d stopped wearing makeup, which surprisingly had done wonders for my self-confidence. I no longer looked at my face and only thought about correcting it. Instead, I’d see my face in the morning and think, That’s my face, it’s going to look like that all day, no point hating it. It was only my mom and sister who derided my pallid face, or at least they were the only ones to do it to my pallid face. My sister even twice offered to pay for me to have my eyelashes dyed, thinking I was trying to save time, not my mental health.
By going back to makeup ground zero, I learned that it wasn’t something I had to apply before I went to work or met friends at the pub. When I did start to wear bits of makeup again, my small bag of cosmetics became more about self-expression and self-love than routine and maintenance.
Now all of that is true, but at the same time another truth existed, an alternative fact if you’ll allow: I felt old. My toddler son has made sure I haven’t slept through the night in over two years and, at 34, I’m often, ridiculously, the oldest woman at work.
Knowing I could give up makeup made me think that trying Botox wasn’t necessarily a slippery slope. I booked an appointment, had a lovely chat with a lady who made me hold up a hand mirror and describe everything I liked about my face, before leaving with some bruising around my eye. A few days later, the paralysis kicked in — and by god, it was wonderful. I looked a little less tired and my eyelids seemed to lift themselves out of my eyes. A couple of people said I looked well. There was no big transformation, no reveal. I felt I looked a bit more 'on it' at work and felt less judged for my eye bags in a 10am meeting.
Then came my dilemma: Should I tell people? From the first casual compliment, I was embarrassed, suddenly acutely aware that I was dabbling in something not readily available to everyone. Unlike wearing designer boots that scream their price tag, Botox felt duplicitous. I didn’t want to feel like I was getting one over the (few) other tired moms in the office, but if I went around announcing it, not only did I have to face people's Botox prejudice, of which there is a lot, but doesn’t screaming about Botox make the reason you get it pointless? I’m trying to achieve something close to effortless.
Just because the beauty industry has replaced the term ‘anti-aging’ with ‘glowing’ doesn’t mean it's not still pointing us at the same end goal: baby bottoms for foreheads. We’re now meant to appear as if we’re cool with getting old, but still not actually look old. Women are expected to be above Botox and look 27 or age like Helen Mirren.
I sense I’m judged at work for looking like a tired, haggard mom. Perhaps paranoia plays a small part, but the stats speak too: Women’s salaries plateau at age 39 while men’s continue to rise for another decade. In the UK, only 5% of TV presenters are women over 50 and in films, female leads are still on average four-and-a-half years younger than their male counterparts. I see fewer and fewer older women in the workplace and can’t help but be aware how much more work is given to glossy younger women and older men. When I’m sitting in a senior management meeting with mainly, and often exclusively, men, I can’t help but receive the message that a woman becomes less valuable as she gets older. Men, it appears, accumulate wisdom and respect.
I hate that I’ve bought into a patriarchal moulding that dictates women need to remain youthful to be relevant. Not only have I fallen for it, but also by purchasing Botox, I’m helping that culture thrive. The really disappointing thing is the reason I turned to Botox: ultimately, to be respected and employed; it wasn’t really about looking better. As an individual I win while, overall, women lose out. I’m sure I’ve fucked it up for the sisterhood before, but it’s Botox that has made me feel the most unfeminist and unsisterly.
It’s quite possible that lots of women in my life have had Botox — I would never know; today's injections look very natural. If we collectively gave it up, its need would be far less, but instead we’re all secretly conspiring with the patriarchy — or at least I feel that I am. So here’s my truth: I tried Botox once. I don’t know if I’ll do it again but, if I do, I’ll be honest about it, because I refuse to play along with the ridiculous idea that women don’t age.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
No-makeup makeup is no longer just a fleeting trend — it's one of the biggest beauty staples, and it’s not going anywhere soon. So, of course, there’s a huge demand for cosmetics that make your skin look effortlessly flawless. Unfortunately, the results aren’t always easy to achieve. Proper skin care plays an important part in pulling off the “natural” look, but it’s something many people forget about or don’t have time for. Instead, we rely on makeup to conceal flaws, and natural goes out the window in favor of caked-on foundation.
Luckily, a lot of brands combine skin care and makeup. Your morning routine can become faster and simpler if you use a single BB cream that packs sunscreen, moisturizer, and foundation, and your quixotic quest for dramatic lashes that won’t fall out can end with lash-enhancing mascara. It's a wonder all makeup isn't infused with skin-care benefits.
For now, here are the brands that are ahead of the pack — and which genius products you should be buying from each.
The Brand:Clarins bloomed into the #1 prestige brand in Europe by seeking to advance makeup and skin care using plant ingredients over chemicals whenever it could. Now, the brand is all about its core value: the belief that happiness and self-care are directly linked to all things beauty.
Try: Setting sprays are key for oily skin types — or just about anyone looking for a finished, seamless look. The Fix' Make-Up is infused with aloe vera to calm and soothe. Additionally, it energizes your complexion with a burst of grapefruit extract essence and organic rose water.
Clarins Fix' Make-Up, $29, available at Nordstrom.
RMS Beauty
The Brand: When makeup artist Rose-Marie Swift decided to found an organic cosmetics company, she sought to offer products without any harmful chemicals and toxins that she had encountered over decades in the industry. The hero ingredient in the line? Coconut oil, of course.
Try: While their famous Un-Cover Up Concealers boasts healthy and natural coverage, this Living Luminizer is their best-seller for a reason. It's the highlighter that everyone mistakes for a natural luminosity, and we can't live without it.
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, $38, available at RMS Beauty.
— PAID —
Burt's Bees®
The Brand: The global brand we know and love had humble beginnings as a candle company back in the '80s (who knew?), and we're happy to report that its values have stayed consistent throughout the years. All of its products are formulated using natural ingredients like red raspberry oil, moringa oil, and jojoba oil.
Try: The brand's new full-coverage foundation is definitely worth writing home about: It goes on smooth and even and features ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil to moisturize and give you that coveted lit-from-within glow. Plus, the formula comes in a wide range of shades (12, to be exact).
Burt's Bees ® Goodness Glows Full Coverage Liquid Makeup, $17.00, available at Burt's Bees®.
Colorescience The Brand: What started as sun protection company has branched out into color cosmetics in the dozen years since its launch. But the brand has wisely kept SPF and preventive care at the forefront/core of all it does. Lip glosses contain water resistant SPF 35, air-whipped foundations contain a substantial dose of chemical-free SPF and even bronzers, illuminators and color corrector palettes are made with mineral pigments, which sits on top of the skin’s surface and helps scatter UV rays.
Try: Dust this luminizing powder over foundation, blush or bronzer to add warmth and a subtle glow. Made with redness (and UV) diffusing mineral pigments, this illuminator is also rich in antioxidants.
Colorescience Pressed Mineral Illuminator, $50, available at Colorescience.
Juice Beauty
The Brand: The (mostly) organic products are free of all the bad chemicals, packed with antioxidants and use plant pigment dyes, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin.
Try: This foundation has organic grapeseed, goji berry, aloe, and vitamin E to replenish skin while providing full coverage.
Juice Beauty Perfecting Foundation, $35, available at Juice Beauty.
100% Pure
The brand: When Hollywood’s ultimate green beauty purist Shailene Woodley raves about a natural brand, we listen. This cruelty-free hair, skin, and makeup line — born out of a Napa, CA farmhouse — is void of artificial colors (fruit dyes are used as pigment instead), artificial fragrances, and synthetic chemical preservatives.
Try: This take on the ubiquitous nude palette includes three eyeshadows, a luminizer, and a blush—all colored from fruit, veggie, flower, and seed pigments.
100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Pretty Naked II Palette, $33.75, available at 100% Pure.
ILIA
The brand: Committed to keeping the organic beauty market honest, ILIA offers botanical ingredients to amp up your complexion while making sure your look is on point with sheer and lightweight formulas.
Try: This cream eyeshadow crayon makes creating a shimmery look easy, without any bit of fall-out.
The brand: As a former rosacea sufferer, cofounder of It Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima decided to create her own makeup line, which would cover and enhance her features while nourishing her skin. The brand now works with plastic surgeons to formulate products that do just that.
Try: It Cosmetics' CC cream is one of the few alphabet creams that we can actually use in lieu of moisturizer. But hydration isn't the only A-plus quality this buttery cream possesses. It also boasts buildable coverage; a beautiful dewy finish; and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, algae, peptides, and vitamins A, C, B, and E.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+, $38, available at It Cosmetics.
Clinique
The Brand: While Clinique offers up some of the best gentle skin-care options out there, their makeup range promises the same longterm benefits. When it first hit the market in 1968, it was known as the first allergy-tested line, backed by dermatologists and formulated without fragrances. Nearly 50 years later, we're still hunting down the newest and most innovative offerings from this iconic brand.
Try: This no-makeup makeup base is created with broad spectrum SPF and boasts benefits like improved clarity, fewer signs of aging, and a brighter complexion within 4-6 weeks.
Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $27, available at Clinique.
Fresh
The brand: Started in Boston in 1991, Fresh launched Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish in 1998, effectively taking sugar exfoliants into the luxury skin-care world.
Try: The Sugar Lip Treatment is the brand’s star product, which everyone and their mother (and their mother’s mother) is obsessed with. It’s so much more than a tinted lip balm, though. The ingredient list includes sugar to prevent moisture loss, oils such as avocado and jojoba to hydrate, and grape-seed polyphenols to act as antioxidants. Finally, the SPF 15 will protect your pout from the sun.
The brand: Josie Maran’s specialty is harnessing the power of argan oil, a super hydrator.
Try: Argan oil in the Infinity Lip and Cheek Creamy Oil will moisturize, while the colorful tints are easy to blend and build on. The end result is a dewy, fresh complexion. Best of all, it’s 97% natural and free of petroleum, parabens, and sulfates.
The brand: One of the most commonly used brands globally for sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay works hand-in-hand with over 25,000 dermatologists to continuously improve and study its products' efficacy and tackle more sensitive-skin issues. In recent years, the brand has expanded to include makeup and hair products.
Try: Effaclar BB Blur, La Roche-Posay’s BB, provides both a hint of coverage and a blurring effect, while helping to mattify the skin. It's also safe for those prone to breakouts: It helps to cover blemishes without clogging pores.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar BB Blur, $29.99, available at La Roche-Posay.
Bare Escentuals
The brand: No other brand has such an impressive line of mineral, skin-care-focused makeup. None of its products include fragrance, oil, preservatives, or other harmful chemicals.
Try: This complexion starter kit is the perfect introduction to mineral makeup. It includes primer, foundation, concealer, powder, a face brush, and a mini concealer brush. The primer will help with excess dryness and oiliness, as well as fine lines and pores; and the foundation and concealer will help give you that no-makeup-makeup look while protecting skin from the sun.
bareMinerals Get Started® Complexion Kit, $49.99, available at bareMinerals.
Tarte
The Brand: Back in 1999, eco-friendly makeup made with good-for-skin ingredients often lacked the kind of glamour that made you want to pull out your compact in public. Tarte Cosmetics helped change that, made with lust-worthy packaging and naturally-derived star ingredients like Amazonian clay and maracuja oil. Today, the cruelty-free brand makes some of the most beautiful makeup in the game, all while steering clear of questionable additives.
Try: This collection of shadows is not only stocked with all-occasion shimmer and matte nudes, but it also taps the brand’s Amazonian clay — which can help mattify oil-prone lids.
Tarte Tartlette In Bloom Palette, $45, available at Tarte.
Caudalíe
The brand: This cult French drugstore brand was founded on the ethos that your skin care should be natural and packed with antioxidants, most of which come from organic grapes and a variety of oils, extracts, and butters.
Try: Since the brand released its answer to BB cream, we've been hooked. It goes on smooth and hydrates while imparting light coverage. Oh, and the lip balm is out of this world, too.
Caudalíe Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $49, available at Nordstrom.
Sisley
The brand: Sisley is known for luxurious and effective French skin care, but it also knows that many of us wear makeup every day. When it comes to color cosmetics, the brand strives to create formulas that are do more than just cover, thanks to plant-derived, more-natural ingredients.
Try: This tinted moisturizer leaves a natural-looking veil of coverage, plus is packed with a hit of moisture. How? It has vegetable glycerin and mallow extract to infuse hydration into skin and sunflower oil to keep it soft and supple all day long.
Sisley Tinted Moisturizer With Botanical Extracts, $120, available at Sisley.
VMV Hypoallergenics
The brand: For people with rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and sensitive or allergic skin, this brand can be a godsend. Its products are hypoallergenic (as per the name) and noncomedogenic; free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, and animal-testing; and have been tested for 76 common allergens.
Try: Skin the Bluff Concealer comes in five shades: light, medium, and dark, as well as a yellow hue for undereye circles and a green shade to reduce redness. The nifty glass jar is the perfect size for on-the-go touchups (although we recommend using a concealer brush rather than your fingers when possible to reduce bacteria buildup). It’s great for dry skin because its creamy consistency is easy to blend. And, it’s free of common allergens, fragrances, dyes, and parabens, which is great for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
The brand: Launched in 2004 by Korean dermatologist Sung-Jae Jung, MD, and his friend Jin-Wook Lee, an entrepreneur, Dr. Jart+ quickly became one of Asia’s top skin-care brands, and has since caught on like wildfire stateside.
Try: The famous BB creams are sure to make your morning routine more efficient. Instead of waiting for moisturizer to sink in and then putting on foundation, they combine both steps, along with other treatments that will work all day to benefit your skin. The Premium Beauty Balm has an antioxidant bio-peptide complex for anti-aging benefits, while the Black Label Detox BB Beauty Balm has arbutin for dark spots. Best of all, they all have sunscreen, so you can skip that step, too.
The brand: Another doctor who’s brought his expertise to the world of beauty, dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, was one of the first pros on the no-makeup makeup craze with his line No Makeup Skincare. It offers anti-aging ingredients in all of its products, and most of them helpfully contain sunscreen as well.
Try: No Foundation Foundation is lightweight, comes in a glass bottle with a handy pump (so no germs or spills), and goes on smoothly with a velvety finish. It has SPF 30 and alpha-lipoic acid to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and pores. We also clearly have strong feelings about the No Concealer Concealer.
The brand: Philosophy’s product names have uplifting messages. Happily, you'll feel uplifted if you use its products, which contain good-for-you ingredients like retinol, AHAs, and anti-inflammatory plant extracts.
Try: The tinted moisturizer with SPF Hope In a Jar is free of oil, fragrance, and parabens, and is instead extremely hydrating for dry skin. It won’t irritate sensitive types, and the creamy consistency blends well to create an even complexion.
The brand: Skin-care brand Peter Thomas Roth, which launched in 1993, recently extended its offerings to include a small-but-mighty makeup line. It includes lash-enhancing mascara and eyeliner, an anti-aging lip treatment, concealer, and CC cream.
Try: Lashes to Die for the Mascara contains nourishing ingredients to condition and moisturize lashes. It also won’t clump, flake, or smudge.
The brand: If you haven’t tried Lush’s fresh, handmade products yet, you’re missing out. It uses vegetarian ingredients, promotes packaging recycling (you even get a free face mask if you bring back five empty jars), and is against animal testing.
Try: The Feeling Younger Skin Tint is a creamy highlighter that’s unisex, and suitable for all skin types and shades. You can use it along your cheekbones, and above your brows and Cupid’s bow for highlighting, or even mix it with your daily moisturizer or foundation for an all-over glow. Formulated with ingredients such as oatmeal, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and almond oil, it’ll hydrate and plump up your skin while evening your complexion and giving it a luminous glow.
The brand: LashFood started in luxury spas and dermatologists' offices, but is now available to consumers. Its non-irritating formula boasts lash growth in four weeks. Considering strong brows aren't likely to go anywhere soon, you may appreciate the products’ brow-growing properties, too.
Try: The Lash Transformation System is for those who want to get their lashes and brows to grow until they touch each other and end up becoming entangled. Okay, fine, that’s a terrifying exaggeration. It’s actually for those who want them to grow without the hassle of a prescription or the fear of irritation. Either way, it works, and it's awesome.
The brand: Glossier was getting buzz even before it launched last October. The brainchild of Emily Weiss, founder of beauty blog Into the Gloss, it’s all about the intersection of skin care and makeup. The packaging and marketing preaches creeds such as “Skin first. Makeup second. Smile always.” and “Skin is in.”
Try: Perfecting Skin Tint is a newcomer to the already crowded market, but a strong contender for your money. It contains diamond powder to blur pores and brighten the complexion, glycerin for retaining moisture, and polymer X for a very subtle facelift. It’s free of fragrance, alcohol, and parabens, and is not tested on animals. Since it’s not a heavy foundation, it won’t cover all flaws. It will, however, smooth out redness and pores while letting your skin look like skin — just with extra glow.
The brand: Created in 1950 by a French dermatologist, it has been one of beauty’s most trusted brands ever since. Its products are paraben-free, not tested on animals, and ideal for hypersensitive skin. Its moisturizers have a cult following — and for good reason.
Try: Secret de Maquilleurs BB Cream stands out thanks to its inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which works hard to plump and hydrate. It also contains vitamin E, mineral powders, and light-reflecting pigments to make skin feel silky and look bright.
The brand: You can pick up Laneige’s luxurious skin-care products at Target while shopping for your weekly throw pillows and handbags. (We mean, groceries.) The brand bases all of its formulas on the benefits of nutrient-rich mineral water. And, you guessed it, there’s a BB cream and it’s awesome.
Try: BB Cushion with SPF 50+ goes above and beyond most BB creams’ sun protection. Of course, the real star is the mineral water, which promises to cool and hydrate skin as it provides coverage.
The brand: Luxury skin-care brand La Mer was founded by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber, who discovered that kelp helped cure burns that he had suffered in the lab. He harvested the kelp due to its endless ability to regenerate, and with it created the brand’s secret ingredient — miracle broth — and the original product, Creme de la Mer.
Try: La Mer has since created makeup, most notably its Reparative SkinTint SPF 30. The product gives an evening touch of color to the face (like a tinted moisturizer or BB cream), while also protecting from the sun. It also, of course, has miracle broth in it, which helps to moisturize and battle both fine lines and deep wrinkles.
La Mer The Reparative SkinTint SPF 30, $95, available at La Mer.
GlamGlow
The brand: GlamGlow is another skin-care company that has slowly dipped its foot into color cosmetics, while staying true to its mission — brightening skin. This translates to products that exfoliate and hydrate to a glowing finish.
Try: The brand's new tinted moisturizer has all the things your skin wants: hyaluronic acid for moisture, vitamins and antioxidants for brightness, and illuminating particles to blur imperfections and make skin look all, well, glowy.
GlamGlow Glow Starter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer, $49, available at Sephora.
Algenist
The brand: Algenist uses its star ingredients microalgae and alguronic acid to deliver anti-aging benefits.
Try: The brand's new color-correcting drops are not only trendy, but some of the best on the market due to their ability to both conceal imperfections and improve skin over time.
Algenist Reveal Concentrated Color Correcting Drops in Apricot, $20, available at Algenist.
Erborian
The brand: This K-beauty brand combines intelligent technology, specifically utilizing ancient Korean traditions and herbs for the most powerful advantage.
Try: The brand's BB cream is unlike most others because of its creamy formula and substantial coverage. With the use of ginseng, the formula moisturizes and smooths skin texture while also packing in SPF 20 for everyday wear.
The brand: One of the best brands to count on for multi-purpose, protective, and efficient products — without forcing you to shell out a ton of money.
Try: This tinted moisturizer is packed with retinol (yes, seriously) and SPF, so you don't have to lose your devotion to skin care while wearing makeup all day long.
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector, $14.09, available at Neutrogena.
Lune+Aster
The brand: Lune + Aster was created by Marla Beck, the co-founder of Blue Mercury, when she realized a lot of makeup brands on the market were lacking in fresh and natural ingredients. The paraben-free, vitamin-infused line is for every minimalist and natural beauty lover out there.
Try: Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid are the key components of this tinted moisturizer, so you won't feel terrible about rocking it for hours.
Lune + Aster Cover + Correct Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $48, available at Lune + Aster.
CoverGirl
The brand: This drugstore favorite, founded in 1961, has recently entered a new category: makeup that's better for your skin.
Try: The brand's new Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation contains vitamins and a light hit of SPF — yes, you still need daily SPF unless you're wearing half the bottle — to help protect and brighten your skin.
CoverGirl Vitalist Healthy Elixir Foundation, $11.99, available at Ulta.
Inika Organic
The brand: Every product from this Sydney-born brand is natural and made from ethically-sourced products.
Try: Inika's super-rich lipsticks, with Shea butter and jojoba oil, pack plenty of pigment without drying out your lips.
Inika Certified Organic Vegan Lipstick, $29, available at Inika.
Almay
The brand: While the brand is famous for natural-looking, lightweight makeup, it also offers a host of formulas that treat and protect skin.
Try: This primer hydrates, lessens dark spots and discoloration, and soothes inflammation.
Almay Smart Shade Perfect & Correct Primer, $12.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Jane Iredale
The brand: Jane Iredale, a former casting director, saw the effects of heavy camera makeup firsthand. That's why she created her own brand in 1994 — one that put healthier ingredients at the forefront.
Try: Glow Time, a rich BB cream that's water resistant for up to 40 minutes (pool party-appropriate time).
Jane Iredale Glow Time Mineral BB Cream, $48, available at Jane Iredale.
Vichy Laboratories
The brand: Vichy Laboratories was founded in Europe with a focus on cutting edge skin care. Thanks to in-depth, dermatological-based research on skin health, the brand injects skin-care benefits into all of its color cosmetics.
Try: This lightweight, corrective fluid foundation minimizes the look of blemishes and packs SPF 30, too.
Vichy Dermafinish Corrective Fluid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $30, available at DermStore.
Physician's Formula
The brand: The drugstore brand was originally founded by an allergist whose wife suffered from a hypersensitivity to topical beauty products. A whopping 80 years later, it's long been our go-to for multi-purpose and affordable finds created without harsh irritants.
Try: This medium-coverage cream foundation neutralizes an uneven skin tone while simultaneously treating your complexion with antioxidants and jojoba seed oil.
Physician's Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin All-in-1 Beauty Balm Cream SPF 20, $14.95, available at Physician's Formula.
Vapour Organic Beauty
The brand: "Lit from within glow" is the kind of result you hope to achieve from a highlighter or illuminating primer. But Vapour Organic Beauty lends that natural glow without the need for makeup. With its concentrated and hydrating ingredients, the brand ensures that it's not makeup first and skin care second, but a routine where both live in harmony as one.
Try: This lightweight foundation will convince you to ditch the full-coverage options for a more natural finish. Bonus: Stick foundations are the easiest way to shorten your morning routine.
Vapour Organic Beauty Atmosphere Luminous Foundation, $44, available at Vapour Organic Beauty.
Related Video
appearance by Lucie Fink.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Some healing crystals are great to have around no matter the situation. Clear quartz is said to promote clarity, black tourmaline can absorb negative energy, and rose quartz is used to open the user's heart. Then, there are lesser-known crystals like cuprite. It might not be the first stone in your collection, but it's a worthy addition if you deal with the dramas of work or everyday life — in other words, just about everyone should give cuprite a chance.
Scientifically speaking, cuprite is a mineral, distinguished by its dark or even brownish-red color, from which copper can be derived. But, spiritually, it's believed to promote a sense of grounding and acceptance.
"Hold onto this crystal when you need a reminder that holding on too tight to things — emotions and outcomes — keeps you stuck," says Heather Askinosie, crystal expert and co-founder of Energy Muse and author of Crystal Muse. She adds that cuprite is believed to encourage the owner to let go of needless stress — especially if they are in a situation where they feel powerless. That's what makes this an excellent stone to have around in your place of work.
You don't need to carry cuprite with you at all times, but if your job tends to be a source of stress in your life, it may serve you to keep one at your desk or in a nearby drawer. Allowing it to imbue your space with its properties may help you feel more confident and secure as you go about your day. Beyond its everyday effects, cuprite can be especially helpful ahead of an important brainstorm, presentation, or any meeting that will call on you to collaborate.
Before going into such a setting, hold your cuprite against your body. The stone's grounding energy will help you feel more present and open to others' perspectives, while reminding you of your own creativity. Should you find yourself at an impasse with a coworker, you may realize you're better off finding another solution than digging in your heels. Askinosie says that cuprite's influence can be the nudge you need to stop dwelling on matters of control and focus more on your natural talents (and how they can serve you).
You can buy cuprite online in several different sizes, depending on your personal preference. Just make sure to keep it charged and cleanse it regularly, so it's ready to go whenever you need.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Some things always go hand in hand with the start of a new year: A fresh haircut, a fresh outlook, and, of course, a closet clean-out. After all, you've been meaning to go through your wardrobe since well before Christmas, and if you're going to make room for all those new trends to shop this year, something's gotta go. As fun as it is to swap clothes and give your cast-offs to a well-deserving bestie, it's also nice to get yourself a little cash bonus by re-selling those pieces you no longer want to someone who, well, does.
If you've ever tried to sell your closet cast-offs to a consignment or buy-sell-trade store, you're also familiar with ( dun, dun, dun) — rejection. Nothing knocks you off of your "I'm rich!" high horse quicker than when that cashier tells you none of your clothes are what said store is "currently buying," and you have to sadly leave with your five garbage bags and Google the nearest Goodwill. And, selling online is no different. On re-sell platforms like Depop or Poshmark, if you put in the work to photograph and upload the pieces, you want some return. Often, instead of rolling in the dough, you're left refreshing your app and hoping someone, anyone bites.
Luckily, Poshmark, the largest social marketplace for fashion, is here to help you hit your big break this re-sale season — don't forget January is the busiest resale month of the year — with its official list of the top brands and items that will get you the most cash right now. The company gathered data from its 3 million sellers across the country (n.b.d.), revealing some interesting intel along the way: The South is the region with the most closets, while the Northeast has a taste for designer jeans. And as far as reselling goes, you might want to kiss some of that Everlane, Supreme, or Hunter goodbye if you're trying to make a quick buck this January.
Below, you’ll find the infographic, unveiling the top brands and categories people are listing in their closets from coast-to-coast, and the hottest brands that will make you the most money in 2018. Here's to re-padding that savings account post-holiday gift shopping sprees.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
When I go home after a long day of shooting videos for Refinery29, I try to make my studio apartment feel like my own personal spa. I drop my things, put on comfy clothes, and spend the next few hours relaxing and processing the day I just had.
Most nights, I like to take a walk around my neighborhood to clear my head, but on really frigid nights, I slink into a hot bath instead. I'll then take my makeup off, shower, and settle in for a 10-minute face mask. While each night is a little different, I often cook myself dinner, prepare my coffee for the following morning, watch some TV to get inspired, and even squeeze in a short guided meditation practice using Headspace.
Click ahead to watch my entire nighttime routine — and shop a few of my favorite products.
Press play to see a typical night of mine in action. And don't forget to comment with your go-to bedtime skincare routine tips.
"It's the time I've been waiting for since the moment I walked out of the house: washing my face."
"Next, it's time to wash my body, but I don't wash my hair every day. I only wash it every three to four days, so I threw on a shower cap and got in the shower."
"When I get out of the shower it's time to do something therapeutic for my face, so I usually do a nighttime face mask. I have a ton of masks I love but one of my favorites is this turmeric cranberry mask from Kiehl's. I put it on and leave it for five to 10 minutes and chill in the bathroom while it does its magic."
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: an HR advisor who makes $77,837 per year. This week, she spends some of her money on a Take 5 candy bar. Editor's note: All prices have been converted to U.S. dollars.
Occupation: HR Advisor Industry: Small Buisness Age: 26 Location: London/Birmingham Salary: $77,837 Bonus: ~$14,000 Paycheck (Once Per Month): $4,427
Monthly Expenses Housing Costs: $1073 for a cute, one-bed flat just out of London. No roommates unless my sister is crashing for the night. Student Loan Payments: None. I finished paying my student loan a few months ago!
All Other Monthly Expenses Netflix: $10.73 Apple Music: $13.42 Birchbox: $13.42 Skating: $53 for unlimited ice time at the local rink Charitable Donations: $671, mostly to youth helplines and youth programs in East London. I've seen firsthand how even a tiny amount can make a massive difference. Savings: $1,371 plus whatever is left at the end of the month, and most of my bonus. I'm saving in the (distant) hope that I might get a foot on the property ladder one day.
Day One
5:30 a.m. — Wake up and caffeinate self from the coffee machine in the kitchen. Trip over unidentified body spread out over living room floor, and realize it's my sister seconds before I call the police. I wake her up and send her to make pancakes while I shower. Her having a key might be a good idea after all...
7 a.m. — Hurrah, I'm out of the door on time! I leave my sister (somewhat) awake and remind her she has a couple of classes today that she really isn't supposed to miss. Make a mental note to add "Surrogate Mom" to my job description when our mother is out of town. Get on the train into London with my contactless bank card. The fact I never spend cash on traveling makes me feel slightly better. The fact I'm pushed nose into armpits the entire commute makes me feel less so. Arrive at work without forking out any money on additional coffee or breakfast or Random Amazon Purchases! $8.99
8:30 a.m. — I started a very small startup with a great coworker about two years ago. At the moment, it's just the two of us and an admin assistant, which works well because we get on great! Anything above salaries, office hires, administrative supplies, and a small reserve fund gets split equally as "bonuses." So far, we're breaking even and are even considering branching out and hiring more, which I consider a plus. The admin assistant (we'll call her A.) brings in Starbucks for the two of us and puts it on a company card. My business partner (H.) is away for the next couple of days so it's just two of us in the office.
11:15 a.m. — After a morning of staring at a computer screen and writing policies, I need to get outside. A newish client of ours calls and asks to meet up, so I head out. The client runs an IT startup and has an issue with a new staff member. We walk around a central London park for a couple of hours and I run down what he needs to do legally, and what I would do in the situation. He seems remarkably happy with the outcome and leaves happy. While we are walking, I buy us coffees from a vendor but they don't have receipts so I can't claim. Doh! $9.12
2 p.m. — Get back to the office and eat a KIND bar and a satsuma. We don't usually claim anything other than coffees or client lunches, but we each bring in random crap from time to time and chuck it in a free-for-all pile. (Except chocolate: Those babies stay right in my desk where they belong!)
4:45 p.m. — I don't usually leave this early but there's such a thing as too many emails, and I've hit that ceiling for the day. Plus, I have plans. I grab a brie and cranberry sandwich, a Diet Coke, and carrot cake bar from the shop on the way to the tube ($4.69) and then get myself across London to my next destination ($3.75) $8.44
5:30 p.m. — On Monday evenings, I tutor as part of a disadvantaged kids scheme in a rougher area of the city. I take a group of six 13-year-olds in math for an hour or so, and then swap and get six 15-year-olds in history. Their behavior isn't the world's greatest, but it makes the victory sweeter for me when they understand a concept. After we finish, I grab a slice of pizza the organizers bring to bribe the kids and reward the staff, and chat with a few other tutors. We arrange to go out for drinks after a volunteer meeting on Thursday.
8 p.m. — Home! It's a stressful commute because my mother just arrived back in London and can't figure out how to use Uber. (I've only demonstrated 100 times!) I tell her where to wait, what the Uber will look like, and what the reg will be, and she still manages to miss it...twice. When she's finally in the car and I've paid two $6.70 missed fees, she calls me and tells me (loudly) how great her flight was and how unhappy the driver looks. (Wince.) Well, I guess that's bye-bye to my five-star Uber customer rating. Her ride comes out at $41.02, plus the late fees. At least my Contactless caps, only charging me $5.63 for the way home. $60.05
10 p.m. — Get home and realize my sister has left with my favorite PJs and all the 50 ps from my spare change jar. I should probably set some ground rules, but honestly I'm used to it now. And I love her. And trust me: I'll make her pay when she gets a job. I eat all the leftover cold pancakes from breakfast because I'm gross like that and super hungry. Roll into bed without spending more money!
Daily Total: $86.60
Day Two
4:45 a.m. — Wake up ridiculously early and go for a run. Afterwards, I feel like a champion athlete who has her life together and knows exactly what she's doing. Seriously hoping I don't trip over anything and ruin the illusion. Make a smoothie with spinach, bananas, raspberries, pears and almond milk. Eat a slice of sourdough bread with avocado and Marmite.
7:45 a.m. — Today is a Birmingham day, and just in case you ever considered commuting halfway up a country multiple times a week, don't. My train goes from the local station though, so I don't have to go via London! The tickets are bought by the company several weeks in advance. I plug headphones into my laptop and continue with the super-fun policies I am drafting.
9:30 a.m. — Here's the deal with the commute: A fair deal of our clients are based here in Birmingham and being able to meet at a moment's notice is important for the business, so I position myself up here a couple of times a week. We can't afford office space though, so I normally park out at a cute independent coffee shop and move around as the day progresses, depending on what the clients need. I greet the friendly waitress and the owner, hook my laptop to the Wi-Fi, and check my schedule. I have three appointments today, and all three will meet me here. I order a water and a latte, but they will bill me at the end of the day.
4 p.m. — All three appointments and the policies are done, and I'm feeling super accomplished. Throughout the day I've gotten through two lattes, a panini, a muffin and at least five waters. Goodness knows what the clients ordered, but I pick that up as well. The total comes to $34.04 which goes straight on the company card, but I tip $13.40 because I understand how annoying it is to have someone invade your coffee shop for seven hours straight. $13.40
4:15 p.m. — A. calls me as I leave the coffee shop, and she has H. on conference. We talk shop for a good while and I browse the shopping center by the train station since I have some time. I'm all kinds of distracted, but Black Friday lasts a week in the U.K. and I manage to grab a great deal on a new work blazer ($46.89) a pair of Vans for the sister for Christmas ($40.19) and some gourmet lemon and black pepper popcorn ($6.43). I decide that's enough damage for now and hop on my train, still on the phone. $93.51
6:30 p.m. — Still on the phone when I get home, and am getting slightly annoyed. H. and A. seem to be having some long boring conversation about billing (yes, I know I should care, but I honestly don't). Eventually, I put them on mute and start cooking. I'm starving. I make a massive pesto pasta dish and convince myself that because I put mushrooms and asparagus in, I've earned the carbs. The conversation ends and my phone loads all the WhatsApp messages I've missed. One is from a great friend/FWB asking if I'm free. Um, yes? I put on something nicer than I'm wearing currently and tidy a bit before he heads over. We bed down early, since I'm exhausted.
Daily Total: $106.91
Day Three
6:30 a.m. — Ah, sleep! I feel refreshed and the fact that my FWB brings me coffee in bed only amplifies this. FWB is working from London today too, but he's driving in so I ditch the underground and grab a ride. H. is back in today and I try to get in first. Success! A. brings Starbucks and we start the day with the completion of the billing conversation from yesterday. I try to contribute, and fail.
11 a.m. — Work, work, work. Today I have lunch with a potential client, and I spend most of the morning researching his company. Seems like it would be my dream job if I weren't doing what I am. A. stops by my desk for a catch-up and seems deviously interested in my night with the FWB. She asks if I'm interested in anything more than the somewhat frequent nights we've been having as of late, and I'm not so sure. I've been close friends with the FWB for years now, and don't particularly want to screw it up with the whole relationship thing (which I'm not great at, tbh).
1 p.m. — Lunchtime, and boy, is this guy cute! We chat and flirt and generally have fun for the entire hour, but I'm slightly dubious of taking him as a client, because of legal concerns I have about the way his company operates. I explain this to him, and he offers to take me out to drinks to discuss it. Um, awkward? But sure. We make time on Friday night. We ate tons at the sushi place we are at, but he grabs the bill before I can, and tells me he'll write it off as a business expense. Fair play.
6 p.m. — I wait for the FWB for a ride out of the city, and we stop on the way back at our local ice rink. We both have unlimited passes and keep our skates at the rink, so it's normally a spur-of-the-moment thing. I used to skate semi-professionally and so did he. (It's how we met and became friends!) Now we just use it as a fun way to work out and (literally) chill. We grab burgers on the way out; he pays.
9 p.m. — Completely forgot my mother and sister were heading over for a late dinner, and quickly order Dominos. Alas, I am full from my burger, but I get to watch them eat (and steal the best slices for breakfast in the morning!). We catch up on Designated Survivor, and I catch up on a few work emails and texts. After they head home, I crash into bed. I only paid for a pizza today: I am a money-saving ninja. $20.10
Daily Total: $20.10
Day Four
7:45 a.m. — It was a BAD morning... I remember little, but my bank statement tells the sad tale: One large coffee on the way to work ($3.75), the commute itself ($9.11), and another coffee and croissant near work ($9.25). I look like hell in the mirror, and am wondering if this is a sign from above that I should not go out to drinks on Friday with this new guy? I contemplate whilst burying myself in a massive workload, surfacing only for the occasional Haribo or KIND bar. $22.11
12 p.m. — A. feels sorry for me and brings me a bagel, which I scarf down while browsing Amazon. (Remember when I said I hadn't made any Random Amazon Purchases yet? Here's why I was afraid.) I buy fairy lights for my room, a star-shaped cake pan and pillows. I share an account with my mother, so I transfer her $33.53 to cover it. $33.53
4 p.m. — It's been a haze of work and snack food, and I finally leave the office and head across London for more tutoring, the volunteers meeting, and drinks. I teach math for an hour, and then our meeting begins. We discuss some of the regular kids' ongoing issues, what extra support is needed, etc. We are also losing a couple of volunteers so I offer to tutor two sessions on a Thursday instead of one. The leader looks at me like I'm a godsend, and I'm content with my hero status. I beg off drinks because I'm still not feeling great, and head home. Through some weird fluke, I'm not charged for my commute to or from the school I tutor in.
8 p.m. — I get home and pretty much collapse on a heap in bed. I call A. and discover I have no actual clients to meet in Birmingham tomorrow. Unless that changes, I'm not going to make the trek. The FWB calls to see if I'm around. I explain how I feel and beg off, but he shows up with lemons, ginger, and honey to make tea, and basically babies me until I fall asleep. Quite simply, he is the best.
Daily Total: $55.64
Day Five
10:45 a.m. — Well that was a long sleep! I wake up with the FWB beside me and thank my lucky stars that he is around. I'm beginning to feel guilty about this date tonight though. FWB is beginning to feel a lot more like BF, and I feel like a conversation might be around the corner. I decide I'll wait for him to initiate though. FWB has the day off so we head over to our fave brunch place/old haunt and get waffles with as many toppings as humanly possible. I grab the bill since he's been paying for everything recently. $43.93
2:30 p.m. — We decide to make a day of it and head to a local market as we're both pretty much out of food. I buy broccoli, mushrooms, leeks, asparagus, squash, a swede, sweet potatoes avocados and garlic, as well as a freshly baked loaf of sourdough. He buys pretty much the same, but they only accept cash so he pays. Next, we head to the local supermarket and I buy juice, sprite, pasta, halloumi, black beans, almond milk and canned tomatoes. He also picks up a basketful, and I cover the cost for the both of us. We head back to mine for a little Netflix and chill. $75.96
5:45 p.m. — I casually (I hope!) bring up my plans of going into London this evening for work drinks, and FWB insists I haven't crashed enough yet and suggests bailing. Though I find the suggestion sweet, I don't generally drink anyways so I know the night won't be too rough. We part ways and I jump on a train into central. Again, my card doesn't charge me for the travel and I feel super lucky right now. This may wind up being a cheaper night than I assumed!
5:57 p.m. — I spoke too soon on the cheap evening front. The Bestie texts me to remind me to buy Trevor Noah tickets for his show at the O2 in six months, and I head over to the Amazon Tickets website because I have a voucher. All the good seats have sold out and the only ones left are SUPER high and far back. On the plus side, they're cheap! It comes to $80.07 but the voucher knocks a fair bit off. $46.57
7:15 p.m. — Well that was awkward. Cute New Prospective Client brings one of his investors, L., and L. brings a date. L. gets really drunk and keeps making super inappropriate jokes about where the evening is going to go. Even his date is embarrassed, as is the Cute Guy. I drink a lemonade, but I'm really not feeling tonight and bow out after a little shop talk. Cute Guy says he will grab the tab we've opened on his way out, but I pay anyway and put it on the company card. ($44.57)
10:15 p.m. — Still trying to get out of London but trains are a nightmare. I'm starving — and take it from a London girl — Nando's is the only place worth heading for a mammoth pile of junk food. I get a chicken burger, spicy rice and garlic bread to-go, and eat it cross-legged in the middle of an aisle on a packed train. I try not to count all the people judging me right now, but it's hard. The FWB texts and asks how the night has gone. Um, not good? He's near the train station anyway, and swings by to pick me up and take me home. $16.89
Daily Total: $183.35
Day Six
8:30 a.m. — Wake up for the third morning this week with the FWB by my side. Life could be worse. Mindful of all he's been doing lately, I get out of bed and leg it down to the bakery around the corner, and he wakes up to fresh croissants and coffee. He's in the mood for a long, lazy lie in. I'm not opposed, but I have a bunch of work to catch up on from yesterday, so I bring my laptop into bed. $2.65
11:45 a.m. — I have plans for the afternoon so I ditch the laptop and put some actual clothes on. I leave the FWB in bed and head into London. Obviously, the day needs more coffee than my place can supply, so I stop at Starbucks. ($4.82) The transport gods are not on my side today, and I get charged for my travel. ($8.31) $13.13
3:45 p.m. — The program I tutor for during the week is having a career fair at a large secondary school today, and so I'm speaking for half an hour about the joys of working "with people" to around 500 teenagers. I'm not really an extrovert so this takes a lot coming from me. I think it came off well, but I'm exhausted from the second I step off the stage. I thank the organizer — it is truly a great event — and head home. I can't resist stopping to pick up my mum's Christmas present from the White Company: a giant, shaggy grey throw. They have 40% off for Black Friday (seriously, stop saying every day is Friday) so I only part with $87.07. Return rail fare is $8.31. $95.38
5:30 p.m. — I get back to my place and the FWB suggests we head to his place to cook dinner, which I am totally up for. FWB lives with his parents but they are away a lot. Their house is AMAZING though! My sister texts during the drive to ask if I need anything, which is code for "I'm broke." I'm in a particularly lazy and selfish mood and suggest she tidies my apartment and does laundry while I'm out. She agrees, and I transfer her some cash. $26.80
7:30 p.m. — Dinner was amazing; FWB sure can cook! We eat asparagus, chicken, salad, and chocolate fondue with strawberries AND marshmallows. I feel like a kid again. FWB also brings up the exclusivity/dating aspect during dinner, and suggests we do a trial basis of dating, which I'm totally up for, as the main reason I didn't want to dive into this in the first place was the fact I could quite easily screw it up! We tidy up a little, shower, and I head to bed with my BOYFRIEND. Hell yeah. Look at me adulting all over the place.
Daily Total: $137.96
Day Seven
8:30 a.m. — Wake up next to the BF (!!!!) and wonder what that crazy ringing is. Oh, right. Phone. I find it just as it goes to voicemail and realize I have about 30 missed calls from A. and H. I call H. back and conference in A. Turns out one of our biggest clients is having a mini-meltdown and everyone is heading into London now. I remember the downside to owning a startup, and try not to wake up the BF while desperately hunting down clothes. I find a pair of my jeans in the wardrobe, tuck one of the BF's white shirts into it, and pull on my converse of last night. Look in the mirror. Well, it will have to do. Kiss the BF goodbye and head out of the door. Ticket barriers are down on a Sunday mornings into London so travel = nada. Plus, no time for coffee. Look at me, winning at the whole not spending money thing.
10:15 a.m. — The client, A., H., and I all meet in a Pret. I'm the last to arrive (imagine that!) but A. has already brought me a chai, a muffin, and dried mango. I realize I would probably die if it weren't for her. It takes a few hours of reading policies, chatting with the client's other staff members over the phone, and generally calming everyone down, but eventually we get everything sorted. The client jokes we should bill her more because we had to come in on a Sunday, and we all give each other looks. I leave and find the BF waiting outside the Pret to surprise me. (Due to the Find My Friends app; he's not a stalker.) Did I mention yet he is the best?
2:30 p.m. — Lunch is fried halloumi sticks from Winter Wonderland (London's overhyped Christmas market) and churros. Both are cash only and the BF covers it. I pay the entrance and boot costs for the cutesy ice rink, and we spend 45 minutes wowing random strangers, because why not? $29.46
5:30 p.m. — We make it back to my place and roast ALL the veg we brought last week to make up for the terrible eating habits we have had all week. After its done, we divide it amongst all the Tupperware with rice, pasta, and CHEESE. Kabam, all ready to go. We watch Netflix and I try to get a bit of work and tutor prep done before crashing into bed.
Daily Total: $29.46
Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women's experiences and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29's point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.
The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more money diaries, click here.
Do you have a Money Diary you'd like to share? Right now, in addition to our ongoing diaries, we're looking for potential diarists along the following themes
1.Your Spending In Your State:We want to run one Money Diary from a different state each day. Want to rep your state? Submithere!
2.New Year, New Job:Many people start reassessing their professional goals in January — and that can include looking for a new profession. Submit your job search Money Diary here.
Have questions about how to submit or our publishing process? Read our Money Diaries FAQ doc here: r29.co/mdfaqs
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Is there any other strain of flora and fauna that springs from God's green earth even half as rife with significance as the rose? In red, they're hopelessly romantic, botanical shorthand for I love you; yellow is vibrant and cheerful, a ray of sunshine in a thrift-shop vase. Pink is sweet, soft, gentle; white symbolizes purity and innocence, a perennial go-to for weddings. (Make of that what you will.)
And much like the other, more naturally-occurring members of the genus Rosa, Diptyque's new Eau Rose Hair Mist has a meaning all its own: pure, unadulterated chic.
From the scent itself — a fresh, airy fragrance that recalls a zesty springtime breeze rather than heady, indolent old-lady rose — and the inspiration behind it down to the limited-edition packaging and the fact that it's a $48 bottle of hair perfume, for crying out loud, everything about the luxe Parisian brand's latest offering is opulent to the very last detail. On the outside, the box is done up in artist Leslie David 's modernized take on pale blue Toile de Jouy, a cotton fabric printed with complex pastoral scenes, such as lush floral arrangements or rich people picnicking by a lake, that lined the walls of the salons of Versailles' 18th-century elite. (It's a pity you'll probably just throw it away.)
The bougie candle purveyors drew inspiration from the well-to-do ladies of that same era, who coated their hair in fragrant talcum powder as part of a fashionable beauty routine that frequently ended in lead poisoning from heavy use of cosmetics containing, well, lead. Lips were painted red with vermillion, made of highly toxic mercury sulphide; faces were powdered stark white with rudimentary foundations using lead combined with vinegar, horse manure, and perfume. (You can imagine why they'd want to add the perfume.) It was a time of extravagance based in necessity, coating your face in deadly makeup to hide your smallpox scars and rotted teeth.
So maybe appealing to 18th-century beauty ideals isn't the wisest idea overall — but there's nothing wrong with feeling like a moneyed aristocrat of yesteryear every time you spray this voluptuous rose scent, which also contains camellia oil to infuse hair with healthy shine. If only this had been around in the days of Marie Antoinette, perhaps we'd still be hearing of the sweet-smelling sillage left behind at the Place de la Révolution long after the disgraced queen's head hit the ground.
Diptyque Eau Rose Hair Mist, $48, available at Diptyque.
No matter how amicable or conscious your uncoupling may be, parting ways from your spouse is, more often than not, a devastatingly painful life experience. Every avenue of your life is challenged: romance, finances, real estate, time with your children, the future.
But divorce is not all hell. In fact, there are plenty of actually amazing things that happen when you get divorced — many of which are explored by Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Frances Dufresne, in HBO's hit show Divorce.
Ahead of the show's second season, debuting Sunday, January 14 at 10 p.m. EST, we’re taking a look at five upsides to a marriage ending.
You’ll be a hell of a lot happier.
No matter what pain points existed in your marriage, divorce can be the point of relief — or at least kickstart the process of healing.
But the real happiness after divorce is not usually about what you leave but what you find: strength you did not know you had. Skills you had no idea you could develop. Passions that were hidden, forgotten, or yet to be discovered.
Without a spouse, you’re often forced to take on new and different responsibilities, to try new things — whether that’s signing up for a cooking class you’ve always wanted to take or learning how to fix your washing machine. As Corinne, a 37-year-old divorcée from Seattle, says, “Self-reliance has forced a spiritual growth that was not possible for me without divorce.”
You’ll have more freedom and control.
One of the greatest gifts of divorce is gaining more control over your daily life, your future, and your time. Your home is now your home — free from anxiety around when the next screaming match will erupt, free from someone else’s hair in the drain, free from bad vibes blanketing the entire space. You want to binge a TV show? Go on your dream vacation? Decorate the house as Pinterest-y as your heart desires? Go for it — it’s all you!
You’ll have a brand-new (and potentially better) sex life.
As with all parts of your post-divorce life, you’ll get a fresh start with sex and dating. You’re now free to have whatever sex life you want, with whomever you want — including people that have never seen you naked before!
That doesn’t mean it won’t take time to get there, though. And that’s completely fine. When I became a single mom in my early 30s, it took me about 18 months to get back in the saddle. It had been a couple of years since I’d had sex and a decade since I’d been on a first date (not to mention, the last time I had slept with someone new, I’d been in my 20s). I was so shut down sexually, so encompassed in the logistical and emotional horrors of divorce and the intensity of parenting solo, that I had forgotten what it was like to be held by someone else.
But this time around, I was older, I was a mother — with a new appreciation for the power of my body and far fewer hang-ups and agendas when it comes to sex. This, for the first time of my life, was sex for sex’s sake. And it was incredible. Other divorced women I’ve spoken to have echoed this sentiment, saying that post-divorce sex is some of the best of their entire lives.
You’ll gain a new sense of confidence.
Divorce may have a negative effect on your self-esteem, but it doesn’t have to destroy it. In fact, starting over after a divorce can actually bring you a new level of confidence you never knew you had. Practicing self-care and setting new goals will help you feel excited about yourself and your future.
The good stuff will keep on giving.
Divorce is a season. A shitty, painful season that, if you nurture it, blooms into a beautiful new era that will reveal itself throughout the rest of your life. A family attorney once told me, “A good divorce takes time to work through.” The same is true for post-divorce personal growth. Give yourself time. The good news? When you eventually get there, you have a continuous stream of positives to look forward to.
Sarah, a 42-year-old divorced teacher living in Chicago, says, “I have never felt so fulfilled or satisfied in my life. I'm doing amazing stuff I couldn't even picture when I was married. I'm traveling internationally with my daughter, politically active, and connecting with old and new friends in a way I never did when I was married.”
“My skin is so dry, how can I fix it?” It's an age-old beauty conundrum, and we have yet to find a universal, quick-fix for banishing dull and tired skin. Sigh.
But, fear not, because we've been schooled on the scientific roots of skin dryness and dehydration —and what have we learned? You gotta start at the dictionary. Most of the time, we assume that skin dryness is a direct result of dehydration, or a lack of H2O. In actuality, we may be totally off in how we've been thinking about dryness and dehydration, because, as skin-care guru Reneé Rouleau explained to us, the two are actually not synonymous.
Your best defense against flakey, tight skin is understanding the difference between dryness and dehydration, then finding the right products to achieve moisturized skin based on your need. Read on for a lesson on how to properly diagnose, treat, and prevent skin dryness and dehydration to keep your complexion at its most radiant.
"Dry skin is classified as alipidic, which means it doesn't produce sebum or oil," explains Rouleau. "Because skin relies on oil to hold moisture in, without it, skin can appear rough and flaky — and wrinkles are more pronounced. Dry skin can also lead to a damaged barrier function, increasing long term sensitivity and inflammation, and causing a chain or biochemical reactions like collagen breakdown."
How To Prevent It?
It's important to use emollient-rich moisturizers that protect the skin from moisture loss. Rouleau advises looking for formulas containing shea butter, beeswax, jojoba oil, and sunflower seed oil to keep dry skin at bay.
How To Treat It?
The best way to treat dry skin is to use mild cleaning lotions when washing, and to avoid using harsh cleansers or bar soap.
"Use gentle exfoliants: either acids or scrubs with gentle microbeads," Rouleau says. "Exfoliating helps remove surface flakiness and promote cell renewal, as they improve natural production of intercellular lipids for the barrier function. I also always recommend using a humidifier in the winter months to keep moisture in the air, and, more importantly, in your skin. Be sure to apply moisturizer within one minute after washing to prevent water in the skin from evaporating into the dry, winter air."
What Is Dehydrated Skin?
"Dehydrated skin, as a skin condition, lacks water content, but may still produce oil," explains Rouleau. "While it may be genetic or environmental, dehydrated skin can feel flaky and tight, and often forms fine lines easily due to the surface-cell deflation. If looked at through a magnifying glass, dehydrated skin has tiny, triangular fine lines from the lack of water, and is common among those with oily and acne-prone skin who may use harsh products that strip the skin of water."
How To Prevent It?
Rouleau likens dehydrated skin to a leather chair, in that it needs to be conditioned to keep form drying out. "If you apply water to a leather chair, it only gets drier," she said. "Bottom line: Dehydrated skin still produces oil, but feels tight, whereas dry skin produces little to no oil and can be flakey. And while drinking water is great for your overall health, no amount of gulping will truly hydrate your skin."
How To Treat It?
Treatment of dehydrated skin starts with being ingredient-picky when choosing a moisturizer. "Use a moisturizer that contains humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as these ingredients attract water from the environment into the skin to keep it soft and supple," said Rouleau. "Go easy on the exfoliants: Using too many acids or scrubs can make dehydration worse, causing inflammation. Cleanse with a sulfate-free gel to prevent unnecessary dehydration after washing."
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Barack Obama is an emotional dad. He's shown this time and time again, when he cried as he was thinking about his daughter Malia approaching college, when he got tearful about her graduation, and when he admitted saying goodbye to her when started as a freshman at Harvard this past September was "like open-heart surgery." There's something extremely relatable in his tearing up, as many parents feel like time is flying as they watch their kids grow up.
In an interview with David Letterman on the host's new Netflix show My First Guest Needs No Introduction, taped in 2017 and released today , the former president revealed new details about the memorable day when he, Michelle, and Sasha helped 19-year-old Malia move into her Harvard dorm.
Each member of the family reacted very differently to the life change. Michelle and Sasha got right to work. "Michelle, she had like a cleaning glove, you know? One of those yellow ones. She's scouring the bathroom and has all these plans about how everything should be," he said. "And Sasha, it was really touching, because Sasha tries to be cool, so she didn't want to admit that she's going to miss her sister. But she's neater than her sister, so she was helping to make the bed and fold clothes."
As for dad? "I was basically useless," he admitted. "Everybody had seen me crying and misting up for the previous three weeks. So, Malia, who is very thoughtful, she says, 'Hey, Dad, you know, I've got this lamp in this box. Can you put this desk lamp together?' I said, 'Sure.' So, I grab it. It should have taken three minutes or five minutes... I'm sitting there and I'm just toiling away at this thing, and it's taken half an hour... I was just pretty pathetic."
He managed not to cry in front of Malia, which is something he's described doing before — holding it together for his daughter's sake. But when they drove away from her dorm, he said, "Secret Service is in the front, and they're just looking ahead. They're pretending they can't hear me in the back sniveling. But the ritual of it was powerful."
When he got home, he says Malia texted him hearts because "she knows I'm pathetic," which is basically father-daughter goals. As Sasha Obama, who is 16, goes off to college soon enough, we can only assume Dad will be just as emotional about the whole thing — although the second time around might be easier. Either way, his candidness about fatherhood is refreshing (and a welcome break from pretty much any other news of the day).
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
That's how President Trump reportedly referenced to Haiti and African nations on Thursday during a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators. Though the president seemingly denied the comments on Friday morning, senators of both parties have said the account is accurate.
This is just the latest statement in a long list of racist remarks Trump has made in his lifetime. But the timing of the comments, just one day before the anniversary of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, is especially harrowing for Nathalie Pierre, chairwoman of the board of the Flanbwayan Haitian Literacy and PhD candidate in the department of History at NYU.
"Trump's comments, and the tepid retraction, are in line with the historical relationship of the two countries. U.S. presidents have authorized gunboat diplomacy in Haiti from the late 19th century and liberally invaded and/or intervened in Haitian affairs when it suited U.S. national interests," she told Refinery29 via email.
She added, "As a survivor of the Haitian earthquake that occurred eight years ago today, Trump's comments are like a knife jab to the quivering wound left by the 2010 earthquake. And yet, I am grateful for his honesty that reveals the deepest sentiments of my host country."
Trump's feelings for Haiti and other countries where the majority of the population are people of color are not surprising given his background. This is the man who in 1973 was sued by the Justice Department for racial discrimination, alleging that he and his company refused to sell apartments to Black people.
Sophie Bjork-James, a Vanderbilt University anthropologist who studies white nationalism, told Refinery29 that Trump's remarks would inevitably resonate with these groups and part of his broader base too, since they believe people of color are inferior.
"He has a long history of talking about racialized groups in disparaging ways, from referring to Mexicans as rapists to advocating for a ban on Muslims. All of these ideas are held by white nationalists," she said.
She added that though Trump has emboldened white nationalist groups, that's not the risk we should be worrying about so much.
"The biggest danger of these kind of comments is not the emboldening of the organized racist —although this is surely to happen — but the potential normalizing of racist ideas," she said. "The more normal these extreme ideas become the more dangerous."
Trump claims he is "the least racist person that you’ve ever encountered," but his record shows otherwise. Ahead, a look at some of his racist remarks through time.
About immigrants
Besides saying that Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations are "shithole countries," Trump also recently said in a closed-door meeting about immigration that all Haitians "have AIDS" and that once Nigerians saw the U.S. they would never "go back to their huts." (Nigerian immigrants are in fact the most educated group in the U.S., surpassing white and Asian people.)
About Black people
According to the 1991 book Trumped!, the president said that Black people were inherently lazy and said he disliked having accountants who were Black."Black guys counting my money! I hate it," Trump said. "The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day."He went on, "I think that the guy is lazy. And it’s probably not his fault because laziness is a trait in Blacks. It really is, I believe that. It’s not something they can control."
About Central Park Five
After four Black teenagers and a Latino teen were charged with the brutal rape and beating of a woman in 1989, Trump took a full-page ad in four newspapers calling for the reinstatement of the death penalty.
The teens, known as the Central Park Five, were exonerated in 2002 after a convicted murderer and rapist confessed to the crime. The man's confession was corroborated through DNA evidence, and the authorities never found forensic evidence that connected the Central Park Five to the rape. But even after it was proven that the men were innocent, throughout the years Trump has continued to say they're guilty.
In late 2015, Trump called for "a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country's representatives can figure out what is going on."
Trump also insulted a Muslim Gold Star family in 2016. Capt. Humayun Khan, a Muslim Army captain, was killed in Iraq in 2004. His parents Khizr and Ghazala Khan appeared at the Democratic National Convention, where Khizr gave a speech in which he said Trump had never sacrificed anything and offered to lend the then-candidate his pocket-sized version of the U.S. Constitution.
Trump criticized them and said Khizr delivered the speech because Ghazala wasn't "allowed" to speak.
"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably — maybe she wasn’t allowed to have anything to say, you tell me,” Trump said to ABC News.
Ghazala Khan wrote in an op-ed that her husband asked whether she wanted to speak at the convention, but she chose not to because it was too upsetting.
About President Obama
For five years, Trump was one of the most vocal supporters of a conspiracy theory falsely claiming that President Obama was not born in the United States — even after the White House released Obama's birth certificate proving he was indeed born in Hawaii.
It took until September 2016 for him to disavow the theory. However, since then he has questioned once again the authenticity of Obama's birth certificate in private conversations.
About Mexicans
How can anyone forget how Trump launched his presidential campaign in 2015? His speech, where he decried Mexicans as rapists, caused instant outrage.
"When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best," he said, before adding, "They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists. And some, I assume, are good people."
In 2016, Trump attacked Gonzalo Curiel, a federal judge from Indiana born to Mexican parents who was president two Trump University lawsuits. The president said Curiel should recuse himself from the trial, because he was biased.
"He’s a Mexican," he said. "We’re building a wall between here and Mexico."
Last year, women all over Hollywood made a feminist statement with their blunt haircuts. We quickly dubbed the severe shape and baby bangs the "sci-fi bob," a nod to the powerful women in TV and film who have worn it before. (Think: The Fifth Element, Star Trek, and Aeon Flux.) Soon enough, Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian West, Olivia Culpo, and Kelly Rowland were rocking the look. And now, it appears that yet another star is hopping on board: Emma Roberts.
It's a well-known fact that the American Horror Story actress changes her hair color more often than the average person. And yet, she rarely switches up her cut. Besides the usual trim, Roberts' choppy L.A. lob is pretty predictable. Then, she showed up the Critics' Choice Awards last night — and all our expectations flew right out the window.
Roberts walked the red carpet with her boyfriend Evan Peters and a brand-new set of baby bangs — the first we've ever seen on the star. Suddenly the notion of "sci-fi" bob took on an entirely new, literal meaning. We're still waiting on celebrity hairstylist and co-owner of Nine Zero One Nikki Lee's inspiration for the look ( Star Trek comes to mind), but for now we do know this: It's probably not here to stay. Lee posted an Instagram story showing the blonde wig on a mannequin just moments before it landed on Roberts' head. "Guess who's rockin baby bangs?!!!" she wrote.
So, maybe the fringe is fake, but that doesn't make it any less memorable. And who knows? Maybe Roberts will make like another famous Emma and cut a permanent set in the future.
You wanna be on top? As it turns out, it’s about a lot more than learning to “find your light” and not fall in front of Tyra Banks. Since its premiere in 2003, America’s Next Top Model has shown us that you don’t need to fit the cookie-cutter model archetype to make it in the fashion world. A successful modeling career is about way more than your appearance — it’s about your fortitude.
To celebrate the brand-new cycle of America’s Next Top Model — airing Tuesdays at 8/7c on VH1 — as well as Tyra’s triumphant return to the series, we’re taking a look back at the most essential life lessons the show has taught us. Smizing is only the beginning...
Tyra Banks certainly falls in the long tradition of women unafraid to take charge. She’s vocal, unapologetic, and fierce (to use a term she personally coined for the show), and for those reasons, she commands all of the attention she deserves.
In Cycle 21, when one of the contestants refuses to take charge in her role as team captain, Tyra wastes no time in letting her know that she’s made a grave mistake. “Girls feel that when they are in charge and leading, it’s bossy and bitchy,” Tyra tells her in the judging room. “It’s about taking control and standing with pride.” Preach.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
There are just a handful moments in ANTM history in which Tyra has lost her cool, and Cycle 4 was perhaps the most infamous. When Tiffany Richardson, a model-to-be that Tyra had developed a particular bond with, appears utterly ambivalent about being eliminated from the show, Tyra can’t help but react.
“Take responsibility for yourself,” she screams. “Because nobody's going to take responsibility for you.” Brimming with equal parts affection and fury, Tyra lets it be known that we are the ones held responsible for the opportunities we dismiss. Whether it’s a particularly tough modeling challenge or running for a senate seat, it all comes down to you.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
In Cycle 8, contestant Jael Strauss receives the heartbreaking news that her friend has died of an overdose. When she cries in the judging room, Tyra tells her, “This is one time it’s okay to not be a model. It’s okay to be a human being.” Sure, your game face (or smize) is important, but there are times in life when even the most glamorously stoic women get to be fragile. There’s zero shame in that.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
Sometimes models trip. And sometimes they break out, get bad haircuts, and take unflattering selfies. But at the end of the day, those are not the moments that define them. Early on in Cycle 6, contestant Danielle Evans takes a massive fall in front of the judges while attempting a shaky runway walk in 8-inch heels. In her confessional, she shrugs it off, saying, “Well, I didn’t break my ankle.” That’s it. And guess what? She ends up winning the season.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
Since day one of ANTM, the show has made strides to shatter the stereotype that models are thin, tall, and classically effeminate. The cast is often made up of girls of all shapes and sizes, with varying sexualities, ethnicities, and racial backgrounds.
More recently, the show has also included two trans contestants, in addition to a full cast of male competitors. The bottom line? Femininity (and masculinity, for that matter) operates on a sliding scale, and while the fashion industry certainly has more work to do, it’s found some space to celebrate that — as we all should.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
Tyra may be known for keeping her composure, but even she has her candid moments. In Cycle 8, while trying to get the contestants to embrace their sensual sides for a shoot, Tyra explains, “Modeling is being a ho, but make it fashion,” while shifting into a series of racy poses.
Think what you will about that golden tidbit of modeling wisdom, but when it comes to the grander takeaway, “Make it fashion ” is the best roll-with-the-punches-type advice out there. Forgot to change out of your pajamas? Tripped up the stairs at the Broadway-Lafayette subway station? Ran out of underwear and opted for an old bathing-suit bottom? Embrace it, call it a statement, be a little proud. Make it fashion.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
ANTM has always been a show about women, and even when a full roster of male models joined the cast for Cycles 21 and 22, Tyra was not about to let that change. In a pep talk right before the first challenge in Cycle 21, Tyra reminded the girls that modeling is one of few industries dominated entirely by women, and she had no plans to let a pack of male models change that.
In spite of the co-ed competitors, there would be just one top model — women and men would be fighting for the same title. The winner was not going to be the best female competitor but, rather, the best competitor. Tyra’s advice here resonates in all fields: Don’t back down.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
It’s no secret that women are tired of being told to smile. But ANTM is not about grinning and bearing it. The contestants on the show learn to walk with ferocity — to display anger, intensity, confusion. When Tyra tells her models to smize (again and again and again), she’s not telling them that happy girls are pretty girls. She’s telling them to express themselves without relying on the trope of the relentless grin — a good reminder to us all that beauty need not be void of real, honest emotion.
Illustrated by Alex Marino.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
From the March on Washington to Oprah's instantly iconic #TimesUp speech last Sunday, women have been leading the Resistance since Donald Trump's inauguration nearly a year ago. Among the women leading movements targeting crises like police brutality and sexual assault, Aditi Juneja has carved out an empathetic space for exploring the relationship between activism and self-care.
At just 27 years old, Juneja built the Internet's popular crowd-sourced Resistance Manual — an easy-to-understand look at the ways citizens can harness their power to influence local politics. She's also the creator of the podcast, Self-Care Sundays, which spotlights the tactics marginalized people are using to insulate themselves from the chaos of our cultural moment.
Refinery29 caught up with Juneja to learn about the story motivating her remarkable activism. Press play above to hear more about her fight, and don't miss our Q&A featured below.
Shorty after the election, you worked with Campaign Zero to build a Resistance Manual to empower citizens to fight the Trump Administration. A year later, how are you measuring your impact?
My goal in leading the Resistance Manual was to make it a resource that served newly engaged citizens who were looking to learn more about policy and process. Our founding principles were to continue to advance justice and equity, including resisting the Trump administration when necessary. When I left in June, we were measuring success by the growth in the share of return users and the amount of time people were spending on the site. We wanted to be a place that people referenced again and again, as well as a resource that people felt invested in spending time to help develop. My cofounders, Stay Woke, are now running it.
What inspired you to start your podcast, Self-Care Sundays? How is self-care different in our current political climate?
I started Self-Care Sundays because I was beginning to feel exhausted and burnt out leading the Resistance Manual. I needed to find a way to take care of myself in order to do the work. I wasn't sure what that might look like so my solution was to have conversations with different people to learn how they practiced self-care. I was particularly interested in what self-care looks like for people with marginalized identities and without a lot of resources, because that's what I was struggling to find information about.
I think that there is a lot of uncertainty and unpredictability in this political climate. For some people, it is unsettling and jarring to see political leaders behave with such little decency. But for some of us, our lives seem to constantly be under attack. The disabled community has gone through tremendous turmoil any time healthcare has been threatened. Undocumented immigrants are living in constant fear. There is uncertainty about the Muslim ban. The President amplifies white supremacists. There is no reprieve, so we have to find a way to create it for ourselves. We have to find moments of joy and a way not to feel guilty about taking breaks.
What's the biggest misconception about self-care?
That you have to have a degree of resources or privilege to do self-care the "right" way. First, there is no "right" way to do self care. That is something we explored a lot on the podcast by talking to so many different types of people. Second, the main things people mentioned as necessary for self-care — boundaries and being present in what you're doing — do not require resources. With that said, privilege shapes the way we are taught to think about our right to set boundaries and our ability to be fully present in our daily activities. So, I don't want to deny that privilege and resources can make self-care easier, but I also think it's a misconception to think it's impossible to do it without privilege and resources.
What needs to change about the current relationship between labor and the importance of self-care?
I think the answer to this question is really about how we value the labor of care. Care workers (i.e. home health aides and the like) comprise the fastest growing sector of our economy, however domestic workers remain among the least protected and worst paid workers in our economy. The National Domestic Worker's Alliance has done great work organizing and raising standards for care workers. But, the way we as a society demonstrate our value for care workers, is indicative of how much we actually value care. We pay great lip service to these workers as the most important in our economy, the work that makes all other work possible, but we don't act like it. I think that's because this work is largely gendered.
I don't think we can value and emphasize self-care in relationship to labor if we don't value the workers who care for members or our society. In a patriarchal society, we're not appropriately valuing self-care in relationship to labor if care is gendered female and labor is gendered male. So, I view self-care as the fuel for any type of labor, but I also view it as radical activism that changes the way we think about and value work and care.
What's keeping you hopeful and motivated for the future of the Resistance?
What keeps me hopeful about the future of the Resistance is that I know I'm not doing it alone. Over the last year, I've developed a community of people who care about this country and are working to stay informed, engaged, and active. We've seen so many people doing things they've never done before because they want to participate and be the change. In a democracy, no one is coming to save us, we have to save ourselves. I am hopeful because I see people doing just that.
I stay motivated because I don't seen an alternative. I get discouraged and tired like everyone else, but I also know that the decisions being made today will impact us for the rest of our lives. As millennials, we will be impacted by the decisions that are made for decades to come. I'd like to always have the comfort of knowing that I did whatever I could to advance justice and equity. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice," but President Obama added to that by saying, "but it does not bend on its own." I stay motivated because I want the satisfaction of knowing that I helped to bend it.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
We're all for letting our hair hang loose, whether it's a sleek blowout,movie star waves, or big curls. But sometimes, a modern updo, bun, or pony is the best way to make a scene. If you need proof, look at the 2018 Critics' Choice Awards red carpet. Stars like Yara Shahidi, Margot Robbie, and Angelina Jolie swept their hair back (either partially or all the way) so that the paps could really get a good look at their gorgeous gowns and accessories.
In turn, they gave us a fresh new take on the styles we know, love, and are possibly wearing at this very moment. There's no way that we're ever going to give up our favorite swinging, bouncy, or sleek styles... but it might be worth skipping to DIY the styles ahead — especially on rushed mornings. Just sayin'.
Victory Twists Don't be skeptical about a style like this (as seen on Zoe Kazan) lasting all night. Hairstylist Adir Abergel once suggested using bobby pins misted with hairspray to lock in the throwback style. "It mattifies them and keeps them in place," he says.
Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty Images.
The Cool-Girl Mullet Susan Kelechi Watson, who's slowly but surely becoming our curl crush of this red carpet season, piled her hair in a half bun and let the rest of her straight ponytail hang down, giving us a refreshing texture two-for-one.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
The Fakeout If you've got a pixie (like Jaimie Alexander's) but don't want to wait for it to grow out, then grab your pins and holding gel and get to slicking. Insider tip: Creating defined parts and various amounts of volume helps fake an intricate updo.
Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
The Boss Bun Whoever said that this style was strictly for the office is sadly mistaken. Yara Shahidi pulled back her wondrous head of curls into this low key down-do, which allowed her dress and accessories to take center stage.
The Pineapple Not only is Ryen Michelle Bathe's high ponytail a way to display those danglers — she could also use it as an overnight protective style to preserve her curls for the next day. Smart woman.
Photo: David Crotty/Patrick McMullaN/Getty Images.
The Elegant Half-Up Leave it to Angelina Jolie to serve us with the most polished half-pony ever... served with a heaping dose of badass, thanks to those tats.
Photo: JEANBAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP/Getty Images.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
After my first job MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to matchmake people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book calledRecord Collecting for Girlsand started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or leave me a comment below and tell me what you're listening to this week.
Alice Glass "Without Love"
In case it wasn't obvious, Alice Glass does not intend to surrender the sounds of her former band after leaving. Well, at least not the elements she liked. Nor should she, and it brings a sense of familiarity to this single from her 2017 self-titled EP. The song, written and recorded long before she shared accusations of abuse at the hands of her former bandmate, plays as a commentary on their relationship. He watches her "from the underground;" it is "without love." While it's probably healthy for her to have this detached view of it now, considering she left the band in 2014, it is a bit unsettling as we watch their legal battles play out in real time. That said, I'm on board with fighting in whatever manner gives Glass her agency back. The stunning visuals from director Floria Sigismondi ( The Runaways, The Handmaid's Tale) give a claustrophobic aesthetic to the video, which heightens the viewer's sense of being involved in this story and enhances the idea that Glass is fighting her way out of a tangled, thorny mess.
blackbear feat. FRND "anxiety"
I don't usually go for emo rap, least of all by a dude with face tats from Florida, but this track is easy to relate to. In fairness to the English language, the feeling he's talking about is more ennui than anxiety, but the beat and off-kilter music do a fine job of creating that sense of anxiety where the lyrics don't quite close the deal. It's smartly put together and taps into a feeling that is distressingly easy to relate to. Rather than making me anxious by proxy; however, listening to this feels like a release for my anxieties and a place to funnel them. It's nice to find a home for those feelings, because I'm tired of carrying so much anxiety around.
Jack White "Connected By Love"
There are going to be more and more songs like this one as the Trump presidency rolls on, focusing on what unites us over what divides us. I'm not sure that any will top White on sincerity, though. It gets a spot on my playlist because I sincerely hope people have good intentions. I want to see the best in them and have the hopeful outlook that White does. I want to fuse us all together with a guitar solo. The alternative is simply too bleak.
Matt and Kim "Forever"
Speaking of relentless optimism: ladies and gentlemen, Matt and Kim! Even this Brooklyn duo whose happiness seems to know no end have let the darkness of our times seep into their music just a touch. Don't get me wrong, the song will still make your head bop to Kim's always infectious beats, but the sentiment that there is a world of shit to climb out of is a new one for Matt and Kim. However, they promise to run through the streets in protest and continue to not give a shit what anyone thinks of them, so there is hope.
Holly Miranda ft. Kyp Malone "Exquisite"
Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio does double duty as guest vocalist and director of the video for Hilly Miranda's latest, an old demo from an equally old partnership that often brings trippy musical vibes. There's a theme of taking responsibility for one's actions but through the film of music that makes you feel as though you're barely holding on to your good judgment. The dueling ideas somehow dovetail into a good song, despite the odds against it.
By now, it's a fact universally acknowledged that singer/songwriter Halsey collects tattoos. In fact, at only 23 years old, she has well over 20 designs — everything from a triple X on her hand to a minimalist drawing of two faces kissing on her leg. You might even wonder if she's running out of retail space for new ink on her body. But somehow, for Halsey's newest tattoo, she found one place that wasn't previously occupied: her neck.
For the job, the musician called upon celebrity tattoo artist JonBoy, who's worked with everyone from Kylie Jenner to Justin Bieber. And he's certainly no stranger to working with Halsey. For this newest design, JonBoy conjured up fluid line work reading, "I'm a loser, baby." JonBoy then revealed the final work in an Instagram photo bearing the caption, “soooooooooyy un perdedor.” (Translation: I’m a loser.)
Those who grew up in the wonderful era of 90s music might be familiar with this caption, as well as Halsey's tattoo — as it's a nod to the famous 1994 song by Beck.
But the irony in this tattoo is that, despite the lyrics being so brash, the design isn't too in-your-face. The soft line font is simple yet beautiful. And as it turns out, we're not the only ones who think so. Many have taken to JonBoy’s Instagram to praise the ink: “Can she get any fucking cooler?” one user commented.
The answer: yes. Not only did Halsey hit up JonBoy for this fresh neck tat, but while she was there, she also drew up two arm tattoos for G-Eazy — an angel on one bicep; the devil on the other. Singer, songwriter, and tattoo artist? There really isn't anything Halsey can't do.
Hip-hop music has been the pulse point of culture since its 1973 inception. Since then, the genre's influence has carried over from the Bronx playgrounds to Fashion Week runways, big and small screens, and basically everywhere else you can think of... including our vanities.
Of course, rappers like Lil' Kim, Eve, and Nicki Minaj are huge sources of beauty inspiration — the hairstyles and makeup looks that they rock, even in the most casual ways, often end up sticking around forever. But we could also learn a thing or two from musicians like Drake and Future, who are always groomed to perfection from head to toe. We're talking face masks and whitening toothpastes, people.
While it's refreshing to see how our faves take care of themselves (because you cannot unsee Quavo in a mud mask), we also love that a world once dominated by displays of hyper-masculinity is opening up with freedom of expression that goes beyond their songwriting. That's music to our ears.
Quavo of the Migos shared his not so secret indulgence in a Snapchat story: multi-masking. We're still tracking down the product names, but if we had to guess, the green mask on his forehead looks like a deadringer for Glamglow GravityMud.
Photo: Via @Quavohuncho.
Lil Uzi Vert, who frequently dyes his dreadlocks, knows how important it is to moisturize natural hair. He may have been goofing off while under the dryer (and lip synching to Anthony Hamilton, which is all of us, tbh), but the man takes wash day VERY seriously.
Photo: Via @VERT94.
An Instagrammer tried to diss Drake's dental hygeine, but Champagne Papi had the last laugh. "I have a pink diamond in my tooth… I brush with activated charcoal before any club night where I will see baddies know dattttttttttt," he commented on a post. Sigh. He sure knows how to make us smile.
"This cut cost me 500 dollars cash," Gucci Mane Instagrammed of his cold-as-ice shapeup. Which is chump change, really, considering that he had a $1.7-million wedding last fall.
Photo: @laflare1017.
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page. Like us on Facebook — we'll see you there!
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Worrying about a precisely defined cupid's bow is about as meticulous a concern as measuring the size and length of both cat-eye wings. But some people still care — like me, for example. If even the slightest inch of color is out of the line, my whole look feels ruined (which is pretty unfortunate, considering I apply my lipstick on while riding the subway).
If you aren't from any major city that uses public transportation, this is all you need to know about New York City trains: They jerk unpredictably like a mechanical bull. Still, my sluggish mood in the morning tends means I'm forced to apply my lip color as I ride between Lexington Ave and Times Square. So normally I stay away from creamy tubes of lipstick — there's too much potential for a mess. And lip liners? I definitely don't have steady enough hands or patience for that. But I found the next best thing to actually waking up early and doing my makeup at home: Laura Mercier's Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick.
With 24 shades — in a range of reds, oranges, purples, and nudes of all depths — this collection is the lipstick formula for the matte lipstick hater. Non-drying and easy to handle, these crayon-like pencils help paint your lips with color, without ever having to worry about drawing outside the lines. And boy, does it last. For hours after applying it, the color did not budge — no matter how many coffees I drank or croissants I ate. For me, it's the little things like this that make swiping on a lipstick while having the other hand on a dirty subway pole just a little less shameful.
Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick, $28, available at Sephora.
