A good cleanser is fundamental to a healthy skin-care routine, whether your preference is a heavy-duty oil for washing away tough makeup, a gentle, soothing cream, or a blemish-busting foam with BHA. But with all the many options out there on the market (and on our bathroom shelves), perhaps we're doing ourselves an injustice by forgetting the humble bar soap.

Maybe it's nostalgia, or maybe just a return to essentials — but bar soaps have come a long way since the sulfate-heavy, overly fragrant ones your grandma kept next to her sink. These days, cleansing bars are teeming with the same natural, skin-saving ingredients as your favorite go-to cleanser. In other words: they're back.

SkinOwl founder Annie Tevelin says that there are a few reasons for the soap-bar resurgence. "I've seen a huge upswing in minimalist skin care, and the 'less is more' mantra has never felt more relevant," she says. "Solid soap bars are easy to use and efficient in that way — and, most importantly, people are finally seeing how well they work on the skin." There are even a few benefits to using soap bars over their liquid counterparts: They last longer, contain only the necessary ingredients rather than preservatives sometimes used in balms and gels, and require no plastic packaging, which is always a plus for the planet.

One thing to note: As Sisley facialist Elsa van Twist explains, most cleansing bars don't actually remove makeup, but should be treated more like a second cleanse after you've taken yours off. Think of it as an addition to your existing skin-care arsenal rather than a replacement, and you're good to go — all you need is a cute soap dish.

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If you’ve read Trevor Noah’s autobiography, Born A Crime, or recall him spilling tidbits about his childhood on The Daily Show, then you already know Noah’s mother is an impressive woman. And now, Lupita Nyong’o will bring her bravery to the big screen.

Both Noah and Nyong’o excitedly announced that the Black Panther star would play Noah’s mother, Patrice in the film adaptation of his book. “My mom is a powerful woman who could easily be one of the beautiful soldiers in Wakanda,” said Noah on Instagram about Black Panther’s fictitious utopia. “So it's beyond a perfect fit that she would be portrayed on the big screen by the radiant and regal Lupita Nyong'o. I'm beyond excited.” The caption also reposted a message from Nyong’o, which also discussed her excitement.

Despite Noah’s knack for comedic delivery, skillfully shown throughout his book, his story of growing up with a Black mother and Swiss father in South Africa during Apartheid is no laughing matter. When his parents met, interracial relationships were illegal and cause for arrest.

Under the Immorality Act of 1927, “illicit carnal intercourse between Europeans and natives,” was strictly prohibited. Noah's lighter complexion and interracial features, in particular, made him a target when they appeared together in public. As a tot, even the act of holding hands with her in public could attract violent repercussions. Outings together on the street were strategically camouflaged; his father, Robert, walking on the opposite side of the street. He often needed to walk behind his mother, alone. He also discusses how often Patrice was arrested for seeing Robert.

“On and off my mom would spend a week in jail. She would spend a day in jail here, a week again, a week and a half, two weeks,” he said in an interview with NPR. Though at the time Noah was too young to know what was going on. “My grandmother tells me stories of how, you know, because I would be at the house I wouldn't notice that my mom was gone because she would be at work sometimes. So it was just like time when my mom would be gone and my grandma would tell me she'll be back. And nobody knew where anybody was.”

Born A Crime won the James Thurber Prize for American Humor and two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Literary Work.

Nyong'o, who actually asked Noah if she could play his mother after reading the book on the set of Black Panther, is also a producer on the project.

My mom is a powerful woman who could easily be one of the beautiful soldiers in Wakanda. So it's beyond a perfect fit that she would be portrayed on the big screen by the radiant and regal Lupita Nyong' o. I'm beyond excited. 🙌🏽🤗 #Repost @lupitanyongo: When I read @TrevorNoah's "Born A Crime," I could not put the book down. Excited to announce that I will be starring in and producing its feature film adaptation! #BornACrime

A post shared by Trevor Noah (@trevornoah) on Feb 21, 2018 at 6:09pm PST

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Sheet masks have become regular fixtures in our skin-care routines, thanks to the Korean beauty trend that shows no sign of slowing down. Our approach to skin care is moving ever further away from the straightforward cleanse/tone/moisturize routine that dominated the '90s and early 2000s; multiple cleansing steps, layering products, multi-masking, and essences are leading the way in our pursuit of perfect skin.

And hair care, too, is looking towards at-home treatments that deliver salon-quality results, and it's starting with something we're already obsessed with: sheet masks. This month, Redken launched its All Soft Mega Recovery Tissue Cap Mask, proving that the hair-care industry is adopting the same attitude we apply to skin care and its constant advancements.

Like most sheet masks, Redken’s newest innovation is a convenient way for a time-conscious customer to up hydration levels. Similar to a shower cap, think of it like a 10-minute makeover for your lackluster hair. It’s designed to soften, combining ingredients like cactus extract, aloe vera, and argan oil to instantly condition, lock in moisture, and leave hair easier to style. Simply apply after your shampoo, leave for 5-10 minutes, then rinse as normal. The intense treatment is meant to be used weekly — and, at $8 a pop, it's cheaper than your daily coffee habit.

Briogeo's version, the Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Hair Cap System, offers a similar intensely moisturizing result, but with the additional step of applying the deep-conditioning mask first, then covering the hair with a cap lined with argan oil beads; South Korean beauty brand Kocostar offers the Home Salon Hair Pack. As for now, the selection of hair sheet masks is much more limited than the ones for your face, but the way things are going it won't be much longer before they're lining the shelves of drugstores everywhere.

After all, the appeal is obvious: They’re a convenient and tidier alternative to the traditional format of a cream mask, while offering the same results. Not only does a hair sheet mask lock in moisture, it also seals in the benefits from your shampoo and nourishes damaged tresses. They're particularly useful during winter weather, when hair is left dry and often dehydrated from the cold. If you're after a quick fix for silkier locks, it's time to pick up your first sheet mask today.

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Ninety percent of the time, I don’t believe in magic. But every once in awhile, I find the Hermione Granger inside of me swearing that magic is the only possible explanation for something out of the ordinary that happens. Take, for instance, a manicure that lasts well over a month — without a top coat. If that’s not magic, I don’t know what is. And when it comes to my horribly dry, rough cuticles, anything that can make them feel soft and moisturized in the long-term must be magical. It's certainly no "Felix Felicis," but Captain Blankenship Avocado & Peppermint Hand, Cuticle & Foot Balm is the one product that has done just that.

Similar to other multi-use balms, the formula is a thick wax that melts with the heat of your hands. But unlike others, this one doesn't leave you feeling all greasy and sticky. Once you rub it in, it glosses over dry spots and leaves the skin feeling smooth all day long. As someone who suffers from persistently dry hands, I usually find myself reaching for hand lotion multiple times throughout the day. But this balm is different. The blend of multiple oils and butters ensures that I only have to apply it once — and that I won't be picking at rough bits until they're painful and red.

The highlight of the product, though, is definitely the scent. Some cuticle creams go the lemon-scented route, which always inevitably smells like dishwashing liquid. But this smells like peppermint candy and a cozy home during the holiday season, thanks to a combination of peppermint, sweet orange, and myrrh essential oils.

So maybe the balm isn’t really magic, but genius formulating instead. All I know is that it's made my hands feel like they won't split open the minute a freezing gust of wind touches them, and that's about as close to magic as I can get without hopping on a train to Hogwarts.

Captain Blankenship Avocado & Peppermint Hand, Cuticle & Foot Balm, $24, available at Sephora.

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Ava DuVernay's adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time hits theaters March 9. An epic film adaptation of this classic children's book is long overdue and eagerly anticipated. The film's cast is as beloved as the book, including Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, and Reese Witherspoon as the guiding "Mrs." characters. You may be surprised to learn that Oprah was not the first person DuVernay cast in the star-studded lineup.

In fact, the first person DuVernay thought to cast in the role of one of the three celestial guides known as the "Mrs." was Mindy Kaling. In an interview launching this year's "What She Said" conversation series at the W Hotel, DuVernay reminded the audience of how much Kaling has done in her career thus far. Most of us were likely first introduced to the actress when she played Kelly Kapoor on The Office.

Kelly was underrated and I always wished she was on the show more. Aside from making us laugh in front of the camera, Kaling was a writer, executive producer, and occasional director for the hit show throughout most of the time it was on the air. "I don't think people really give Mindy credit," DuVernay shared according to the Los Angeles Times. "She's a woman of color with a show with her name on it. … She represents someone you never see in television, and on film, she is so important to the culture in that way."

The director knew from the beginning that she wanted to bring together a diverse cast of characters to play the "Mrs." in A Wrinkle In Time. Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon make up the other two in the trio. "I wanted the Mrs. of all different shapes, sizes, ages, cultures, races," DuVernay explained in the interview."I knew I wanted a black one and a white one and someone who was not either." In a time where strong women, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of our conversations, this movie couldn't have come at a better time.

DuVernay spoke highly of Winfrey and Witherspoon. Left without words to describe Winfrey, she portrayed her as someone easy to be around. "Sometimes I sit with her and forget that she is a billionaire two times over… I won't even think about that – until the butler walks in," she added. She described Witherspoon as "a force" for wanting more from Hollywood than to be merely a pretty face in front of the camera and choosing to use her influence to champion other women in the industry. Disney asked DuVernay to take the project on, making her the first woman of color to direct a film with a budget over $100 million.

If the "Mrs." are meant to guide and inspire the story's young protagonist, Meg Murry, then it seems like DuVernay did a brilliant job casting women who are equally inspiring off camera.

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Delta and United Airlines will no longer be offering discounted rates to members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), according to statements posted on their respective Twitter accounts. The move comes following increased pressure for companies to distance themselves from the NRA as the gun control debate intensifies following the fatal mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL on February 14.

"Delta is reaching out to the NRA to let them know we will be ending their contract for discounted rates through our group travel program," the airline announced. "We will be requesting that the NRA remove our information from their website."

Delta is reaching out to the NRA to let them know we will be ending their contract for discounted rates through our group travel program. We will be requesting that the NRA remove our information from their website.

— Delta (@Delta) February 24, 2018

"United is notifying the NRA that we will no longer offer a discounted rate to their annual meeting and we are asking that the NRA remove our information from their website," United Airlines said in its statement.

United is notifying the NRA that we will no longer offer a discounted rate to their annual meeting and we are asking that the NRA remove our information from their website.

— United Airlines (@united) February 24, 2018

Though many have praised the airlines for taking action, many conservative critics have lashed out at the decision and said they would take their business elsewhere. Former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin also accused Delta and United of "punishing law-abiding citizens."

Will be interesting to see how this plays out...punishing law-abiding members. https://t.co/wr2up3AukQ

— Sarah Palin (@SarahPalinUSA) February 25, 2018

The NRA issued a statement refusing to back down from its unflinching defense of gun rights.

"Let it be absolutely clear," the organization tweeted. "The loss of a discount will neither scare nor distract one single NRA member from our mission to stand and defend the individual freedoms that have always made America the greatest nation in the world."

Let it be absolutely clear. The loss of a discount will neither scare nor distract one single NRA member from our mission to stand and defend the individual freedoms that have always made America the greatest nation in the world. #StandandFight #NRA #2A https://t.co/4kzNq9GDLq

— NRA (@NRA) February 25, 2018

Delta and United are just two of roughly a dozen companies that have cut ties with the gun lobby this week following public pressure. That includes a number of car rental brands, with Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, National, and Enterprise ending their discount programs.

Many are now calling on FedEx to follow suit, or risk being boycotted.

My Mom asked me to stop using @FedEx until they stop supporting the NRA. And I never say no to my Mom. UPS, time to shine. https://t.co/LvYV4aUhc4

— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) February 25, 2018

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We root for the contestants on The Bachelor because we enjoy seeing their personalities shine through in their interactions with the man they are falling for, and we genuinely want to see true love blossom on television — or at least get lost in the fantasy of it. But, as much as we enjoy The Bachelor's contestants, it's no secret that they all share one distinct feature: they are all thin and able-bodied, conforming to a very rigid standard of beauty.

We're not the only ones who've noticed this trend. Even the Bachelor production team is well aware that they only cast thin women — Robert Mills, Senior Vice President of Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night Programming at ABC, spoke directly to the lack of body diversity to Entertainment Tonight; when asked if the network would consider casting more diverse women, he replied "Absolutely. We’d [cast for more body-type diversity.]" Great! Yes. That is awesome and exactly what we want to hear!

Unfortunately, he then followed up that declaration by saying that "a lot of it does revolve around who the lead is and who the lead wants to date. What you don’t want to do is say, 'We’re going to put on somebody who’s more curvy,' and then they’re gone the first night. It’s hard, but we’re all for as much diversity as possible." If this seems like Mills is shirking off the network and production's responsibility onto the Nick Vialls and Arie Luyendyks, well, that's because he is.

It's clear that Mills isn't giving the Bachelor enough credit. Do they really cast men so shallow that they'll send a curvier woman home right after the limo drops her off? Or a woman who arrives to the mansion in a wheelchair? Cynically, the answer could be yes, but these single men are ostensibly going on the show to find love, and they understand that they'll be meeting lots of different potential partners. Who's to say they won't be attracted to a stunning, successful woman who is bigger than a size 4? Give both The Bachelor contestants and the Bachelor a chance to prove the world wrong.

Let's also note that men who compete on The Bachelorette often are much more diverse in their body types. In Rachel Lindsay's season, we saw Kenny King, who is a pro wrestler and has, well, a wrestler's figure. Iggy, by comparison, does not, and that's not slight against him, just a statement of fact. His less-chiseled body type was not even a point of discussion on the show, and it shouldn't be. Iggy's figure didn't make Rachel any more likely to send him home.

Lots of television shows are making an effort to cast more body-diverse actors, but we know it isn't enough. The Bachelor isn't just a popular show — it's a cultural force that dominates its time slot. It has a duty to reflect the reality of its viewers. Audiences, mainly women, would be delighted to see some Bachelor contestants who look like them, who shares their values and struggles.

Representation is everything. A diverse cast of women would do away with the myth that plus-size women don't enjoy active, fun love lives, and reinforce the idea that plus-size women are deserving of love and desire. The Bachelor can demonstrate that men aren't shallow creatures who only find one type of woman attractive — and reinforce that no matter what their bodies look like, women are beautiful.

67% of U.S. women are plus-size. Join as Refinery29 gives these women their own megaphone, doubling down on our commitment as allies, and partnering with them to catapult their powerful conversations into a true historic movement. #WeAreThe67

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Gucci, the recently rebooted ready-to-wear and accessories brand that is beloved by everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Millennials (and us!), regularly makes a point to reach out to youth culture. They work with acclaimed young artists like Petra Collins and have committed to going fur-free in an effort to connect with their fans.

Now, Gucci is putting their money where their heart is. The storied fashion house has donated $500,000 to the March for Our Lives, according to Business of Fashion. The March is being organized by student activists from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in response to the school shooting that left 17 of their classmates and teachers dead. BoF further reports that Gucci is sending an envoy to the March on behalf of the company.

Giant brands rarely adopt a political posture, so why is Gucci taking a stand? For the label, it's not just about courting millennial customers or representing their brand — it's tragically personal. Two Gucci employees were among those shot at the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, FL in 2016. Leonel Melendez was a manager at the Gucci boutique at The Mall in Orlando, and he survived the shooting; Javier Jorge-Reyes, a Gucci salesman, was killed.

Creative Director Alessandro Michele said in a statement that he is "moved" by the "courage" of the students. "My love is with them and it will be next to them on March 24. I am standing with March for Our Lives and the strong young women and men across the United States who are fighting for their generation and those to come."

The company also said that "we stand with March For Our Lives and the fearless students across the country who demand that their lives and safety become a priority. We have all been directly or indirectly impacted by these senseless tragedies, and Gucci is proud to join this movement with a donation of US$ 500,000." The company joins George and Amal Clooney and Oprah Winfrey who have donated $500,000 to the March. The March for Our Lives takes places March 24 in Washington, D.C. and cities around the country.

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A funny thing happened when we checked in with L.A.'s top hairstylists for their 2017 trend picks: Everyone was on the same page, listing almost exactly the same three styles — the mid-length chop, bangs of all varieties, and blunt-yet-textured ends.

But don't assume we'll all end up looking like clones — these three looks were made to be tailored to each individual. And when they are, they're damn flattering and beyond cool.

L.A. may house Hollywood, but these rising looks couldn't be further from some of the more dramatic trends taking over the entertainment industry right now (we're talking Cher-inspired lengths, the celeb-favorite '70s shag, and wigs on wing on wigs). Translation: Rejoice, because the IRL-friendly trends ahead truly are made for in-the-know locals, or just anyone who wants to pretend they're living in La La Land.

The top three styles to take the West Coast, as picked by the pros, ahead.

This story was originally published on January 17, 2017.

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With so many foundations on the market, how is a person supposed to choose just one? After all, there's a time and a place for each, from mousse to cream to cushion — heck, even aerosol. As you know, your choice of face makeup really depends on the coverage and finish you want, plus the tools you like to use. But what happens when your main priority is finding something fast and mess-free? (So basically, every weekday morning...)

Luckily for the lazy rushed set, there's one formula that's gaining popularity, with more and more brands bringing new versions to a makeup counter near you: foundation sticks. While not exactly new, they're one of the most genius bases you can toss in your bag, apply on the go, and still get great coverage sans tools and mirrors.

In short, stick foundations are the superhero of shortcut routines — and even if you prefer to be incredibly meticulous with your whole face and take more time and care, these babies are still just as useful. They can be used with your fingers or with tools and they can be layered for maximum coverage or diffused for lighter coverage.

Warning: If you’ve never tried these before, you might never turn back. Ahead, you'll find our favorites...

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Ever since I ditched the dyed black, heavily-fringed hair of my 2006 emo phase, I've yearned for beachy waves. You know, the fresh-from-the-sea or just-rolled-out-of-bed nonchalance of wavy hair. From Patti Smith's shoulder-skimming shag to Haim's long, tousled locks, I'm tormented by women who effortlessly wear their waves with style. Why? Because the grass is always greener. I have friends with curly hair who straighten it within an inch of its frazzled life. We're just never satisfied with the card we've been dealt. Still, that hasn't stopped me from seeking The Perfect Waves.

Now, thanks to the looks presented on the Fall/Winter 2017 runways, the textured style is dominating this season's hair trends. From Fendi to Dries Van Noten to Chloé and Alexander Wang, models embraced their natural movement and soft curls. Just one glimpse of Stephanie Broek or Lindsey Holland on Instagram is enough to push me over the edge. And don't think I haven't tried to get them. I choose not to think about the amount of bar money I've spent on salt and texturizing sprays that leave my hair feeling more crunchy than covetable.

So how can I achieve the Birth of Venus-esque hair of my dreams? Sam Burnett, owner and creative director of London salon Hare & Bone, is here to clue me in.

Will I ever have the loose waves I'm looking for?
“Yes! A simple way to achieve soft (non-crunchy) waves is by applying KMS Moist Repair Revival Creme to towel-dried hair before you go to bed, pulling into a high or low ponytail. Next, split the pony in two, rope braid the hair, tidy around base, and secure with strong pins or a hair elastic. Then, pull out in the morning.”

Should I focus on post-wash styling, or do curling shampoos and conditioners work?
“They absolutely do. To maintain healthy, structured curls or waves, my go-to is KMS Moist Repair Cleansing Conditioner. It works as an in-between product that cleanses and absorbs the natural oil from the hair but doesn’t leave the hair dry. It’s perfect for holding the texture and shape in place, for a more lived-in feel.”

And which products should I be using after I've washed my hair?
“Begin with nourishing hair oil – my favorite is Kérastase Elixir Ultime. Run this through the hair from the mid-lengths to ends. For soft waves, I keep the curls in place with KMS Curl Up Bounce Back Spray.”

According to Sam, it's all about preserving moisture while holding the shape of your curls. Another thing I've learned along the way? The amount of product to use. Curls and waves will be weighed down by excessive use; you really only need a small dollop of each. Click through to see the products I'm toting for natural-looking waves.

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Months ago, if you offered me a liquid lipstick, I'd give it a hard pass. I've tried a few before, and saw little advantage to applying lipstick from a lip gloss-like tube versus a traditional bullet. But sometime between that time and today, I did a complete 180. Now, I wear liquid lipsticks almost exclusively.

So what happened? Part of this is due to the sheer fact that liquid lipsticks have popped up just about everywhere, from YouTube to Instagram to photo shoots on this very site. I also learned that their formulations have seriously improved, so I gave them another whirl and ended up loving the punch of opaque color, which I quickly realized you can only get from the liquid stuff.

After months of trying dozens of different liquid lippies, I've found a few favorites. All of the products ahead are beautiful, easy to apply, and don't leave my lips feeling parched or looking crusty. Check them out, ahead.

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Just when we think we've finally developed a skin-care routine for our bodies that's both effective and practical, the seasons change and throw us all off-kilter. Or, the seasons stay the same and you end up holed up indoors during winter storm Toby at the tail-end of March.

Regardless of the season, with temps still dipping below freezing, now is the time to take extra precautions against rough, dry skin — including a regular exfoliating routine which will keep flakes away, and make serums and creams soak in better.

To help, our editors have rounded up a list of our favorite exfoliators, scrubs, and body polishers. From high-end grabs to drugstore staples, here's everything we plan on using from now until... well, hopefully not much longer.

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You always want what you can’t have — especially when it comes to beauty products. That’s why we’re getting the inside scoop from your favorite retailers on what’s selling out right now, how to sign up for waitlists, and where to go to find the next best thing. Because if everyone’s buying it, you know it has to be good.

Those with acne-prone skin are in a frustrating bind when it comes to makeup: If you don't want people to see your breakout, you have to wear foundation. But if you wear foundation, you clog your pores, which worsens the breakout.

"Extended contact with makeup on the skin can lead to irritation, inflammation, and more acne breakouts," says Joshua Zeichner MD, Director of Cosmetic & Clinic Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. And while most dermatologists will tell you that going bare-faced is the best thing you can do for your burgeoning spots, that isn't always an option. That's why Dr. Zeichner recommends reaching for formulas that contain salicylic acid to keep pores clear. One of our favorites? ELF's Acne-Fighting Foundation, which is sold out in all but one shade on the brand's website.

At $6 a pop, the salicylic acid-, witch hazel-, tea tree-, and aloe vera-infused blend is a no-brainer for acne-prone skin (not to mention one of the brand's most popular products). If you miss your chance to buy, or want to dip your toes in something new, keep on scrolling.

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We’re so often taught not to speak of politics or religion. It’s too antagonistic, too divisive. But for Israel’s burgeoning drag community, it’s also essential. An oasis of acceptance for the LGBTQ community who are otherwise marginalized in the Middle East, Israel — especially Tel Aviv — is known not only for its relative tolerance, but for having pride in its queer citizens.

These freedoms, however, present their own type of paradox. It’s because of their country’s tolerance that Israelis have the ability to speak out against intolerance. Ask any one of the drag queens regularly performing in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem and there’s still more to be done to achieve true equality. While everyone is required to serve in the Israeli military, for example, same-sex marriage is still technically unrecognized by the state. It’s this type of discrepancy that’s dissected on the drag stage by a new crop of Israeli queens.

In makeup and gender-blending ensembles, they push the envelope of performance art, mixing religious symbols and other taboo topics with stilettos, glitter, and Rihanna. Moksha, an observant Jew and Hebrew teacher by day, headlines at an underground drag club in Jerusalem in full tzniut, or modest dress, that abides by Orthodox Jewish standards. We follow an Israeli soldier who’s chosen the drag name of “Diamond” because he, like his beloved country, is multi-faceted and strong like the stone. Avant-garde performer Asis D’Orange, the 2017 winner of the Tel Aviv Drag Star competition, uses his controversial act (think: Marilyn Manson, a bucket of pink paint, body harnesses, and the Israeli flag) to jumpstart a conversation that many are uncomfortable with having — even other queens:“Conflict is a gate to come closer and to understand one another.”

By using their platforms — and platform heels — to open that gate, Israeli drag queens prove that politics and religion can, and should, take center stage, and build not only a productive dialogue, but also a supportive community. In this episode of Style Out There, we explore how colorful gray areas can be.

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In some ways, Shion Fenty's campaign is similar to that of many others taking place this year across the U.S. She's a 37-year-old Black woman, a first-time candidate, and is facing two middle-aged white men in the primary. But there's something that sets her apart from the wave of other women of color running for office this year: Fenty is a Republican.

The fact that she's a Black woman and the daughter of immigrants in a Virginia congressional district that recently turned blue would make many think she's a Democrat. But the fashion designer and business owner doesn't resent that assumption.

"They automatically stereotype you: 'Since you're African-American, you must be Democrat.' So I get a lot of shocked faces like, 'What the heck is going on?!' and a lot of people have been ... kind of suspicious," she told Refinery29. "Once people talk to me, and they get to know me, and they understand where I'm coming from — after that they've just been very welcoming and very open."

Fenty's lighthearted, optimistic tone sounds like a contrast with how many other women, typically spurred to action by Hillary Clinton's loss and President Trump's policies, talk about running for office. There's anger and passion in their voices. That ire doesn't seem to exist within Fenty, though she comes across as someone who deeply cares about changing things for her community.

Fenty's parents migrated from Guyana and she was born two months later in Brooklyn, NY. She was the second of seven children, and moved to Virginia when her parents divorced. Fenty said she had "a typical life"; she went to school and worked, even though at times, her family had to rely on public assistance. But what changed her most growing up was seeing her mom take on the American dream by becoming a small business owner. Inspired by her mom, Fenty focused on being a fashion designer and having her own business.

"I've never had any political aspirations," she said, adding that she has always cast a ballot based on "who I felt was right for the moment."

Throughout the years she has volunteered with low-income and foster children. Seeing the problems some of the kids faced — struggling schools, incarcerated parents, abusive homes — spurred something in her. Grassroots work, she reasoned, was not enough.

"There has to be a holistic view of helping out these kids. It's more than just, 'Oh, let's make the schools better.' It's how can we invest in the community," she said. "I realized this issue is bigger than just volunteerism. There are some things that have to be done on a federal level and local level."

When a friend suggested she run for office, Fenty was skeptical at first. She said, "Why would I do that?" But after doing some research and deliberating for more than two months whether it was worth it to throw her hat in the ring, she decided that by running she could "give everyone the voice they need."

Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin currently holds the 4th District seat Fenty is vying for. But before she can face him, she needs to defeat David Leon and Ryan McAdams for the Republican nomination. When she announced her run, Fenty said the federal government "had too much control over our personal, academic, and economic successes," so it was necessary "for policies that will return that control where it belongs: back home to our families and communities." Her platform is based on three components: workforce and small business development, education, and immigration reform. She opposes the No-Child Left Behind Act and Common Core standards, wants to reform the student loan financing system to prevent young people from racking up more student debt, and is interested in helping small business through regulatory and tax reform.

Millennials are the next biggest voting bloc. We're going to be the leaders, and we don't want to do things the way politics have been done in the past.

Fenty said that having a platform aligned with the GOP is the way to fix the issues in her community. And in an interview with Reaching Out with Zack Carter, she said that Democrats have not fulfilled their promises to communities of color like hers. (Her district, however, was under Republican control between 2002 and 2016, when McEachin won.)

But onto the million-dollar question: How does a Republican woman of color feel about certain factions of the Trump base that are known for their racial biases — ranging from micro-aggressions to straight up white supremacy? Fenty responded to that inquiry diplomatically (or totally sidestepped it, depending on who you ask).

"All of this stuff is just based out of fear, and when people are afraid of things they push back, they resist because they don't know," she said, adding, "I take it as a challenge to educate and bring a different perspective."

Fenty has some months to go before she faces her opponents in June's Republican primary. But she's already thinking about what her candidacy can represent in the future for young people and for women.

"Millennials are the next biggest voting bloc. We're going to be the leaders, and we don't want to do things the way politics have been done in the past," she said. "We want to focus on what are the needs now, how can we bring help to people now, and how can we do it with the utmost ethics and transparency possible."

2018 will see an unprecedented number of female candidates in ballots across the country. More than 500 women are currently running for the House, Senate, or governorships — and that's without taking into account the number of candidates vying for local and statewide seats. Refinery29 is committed to spotlight female candidates, but particularly women of color, who have risen up to the challenge to say: "It's our turn."

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On Sunday, Tommy Hilfiger and his model muse/guest designer Gigi Hadid showed their joint label, Tommy x Gigi, for the last time. In December, Hilfiger announced that their 'see now, buy now' collaboration, as well as TommyNow, the designer’s experimental umbrella of shows that brought the Tommy Pier (New York), Tommyland (Los Angeles), and RockCircus (London) to life, was heading to Milan Fashion Week. At the time, we assumed it would be a pretty big deal — especially considering this is the final collection from the two — and we weren’t wrong.

“My vision for TommyNow was to create a global platform that we could take on tour to bring our show experience to new audiences around the world,” Hilfiger tells WWD. “It’s about the fusion of fashion, entertainment and pop culture, and experiences, performances, and inspiring interactions that are designed around our consumers. As one of the fashion capitals of the world, Milan is the perfect place to celebrate our next TommyNow show.”

The spring 2018 collection is all about speed — from Hilfiger’s love of motorsports to Hadid’s fast-paced lifestyle — and features timeless classics with athletic color-blocking in red, white, and blue. According to a press release, “silhouette is mix-and-match with oversized pieces combining with super-skinny designs for a strong and confident new take on race-track style.” It also features “unique plays on proportion and shape, unexpected twists on our icons, and graphic interpretations of speed stripes, checkerboard and archival logos.”

When Hadid introduced her first collection, she told Vogue: of the collaboration, which made its debut during New York Fashion Week in September 2016. “Creatively speaking, it’s something that’s really true to my style. I wanted it to be something that when people look at it, they know I was the one who designed it, and that it’s something I would genuinely wear?” That sort of intuition has paid off, as the Tommy x Gigi collections have sold out in record time — sometimes before the show is even over.

And this time is no exception. Click ahead to shop the runway looks following their debut in Milan.

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Breaking the ice on dating apps is pretty low-stakes. Since you're not face-to-face with the object of your affection, if they blow you off, your ego usually doesn't take the biggest hit. But ask someone to approach a complete stranger in real life, and you might watch the color drain out of their face. How do you even go about breaking the ice IRL? And what if the person blows you off?

Well, according to Megan Stubbs, EdD, a sexologist and relationship expert, people rarely blow others off face-to-face. "Most people are polite, and chances are they aren't going to reject you outright," she says. That said, thinking of an opening line can be rough.

But it doesn't have to be. Whether you're at a bookstore, a coffee shop, or just walking down the street, it's surprisingly easy to strike up a conversation with someone. And a lot of the time, the best way into a conversation is to just ask a question, because it immediately gets the person talking about themselves (which tends to be a lot of people's favorite topic). This helps spark conversations with people of all genders — and whether the person you want to talk to is a potential romantic partner or someone you just want to learn more about.

(Though just in case it doesn't go without saying: You should never have to play dumb to get a date — if you already know the answer to a question, it's best to find another way in.)

Ready to break the ice? Ahead, find a handful of ways to start a conversation face-to-face.

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Dolce & Gabbana sure knows how to whip up an Instagram frenzy. Running an hour behind schedule for its fall/winter 2018 show, named 'Fashion Devotion,' at Milan Fashion Week on Sunday, when the first pieces finally came onto the catwalk, every phone in the house lit up. But there were no models to be seen. In their place? Drones. The flying tech emerged from Dolce & Gabbana's 'gates of heaven' (a fitting set for the collection's religious message) showcasing a new range of top-handled chain-detailed bags in red, black, and white with jewel-encrusted heart clasps.

Normality resumed once the levitating robots made their way down the runway, with the collection's devout theme becoming clear as the first model stepped out. Intricate black lace veils and papal hats covered models' heads, while sumptuous brocade dresses and regal purple velvet sweatshirts read 'Fashion Sinner,' 'Fashion is Beautiful,' and 'Royal Love.' "We’re playing with our religion," Stefano Gabbana told Vogue before the show, "but our religion is also fashion.”

With no religious iconography left unexplored, from clerical collars turned into shirt detailing and ornate crosses reimagined as extravagant earrings, to cherubs embroidered onto skirts and socks, the show was a love letter to fashion expressed via archetypal spiritual and reverent symbols. “It’s our life,” Domenico Dolce said of fashion. “The first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning is to make something.”

The show comes just a few months before this year's Met Gala, which, on the first Monday of May, will explore religion further. The theme, Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination, will delve into the complex relationship between fashion's leading creative directors, devotion, and divinity. No doubt celebrity attendees will mine the Italian brand's fall collection for their looks.

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Black girls are magic, this we know. But even the best magician has a few tricks up her sleeve. Instead of envying curls that stretch to impressive proportions and wishing for glistening skin you can't fake with a filter, take advantage of the products that will take your God-given assets to their highest potential.

Natural hair requires moisture, and deeper complexions call for a plethora of chocolate and ebony products that enhance the skin we're in. And even though the market is expanding to include our textures and tones, it still takes forever to find a slam-dunk product lineup that doesn't cost a billion bucks. If you need a hand in honing in on your routine, check out the hair, skin-care, and makeup products — at all price points — that four Black girls at R29 used to the very last drop.

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