That Rihanna reign just won’t let up. The superstar has already conquered athleisure with Fenty x Puma drops and effortlessly schooled the beauty industry with a fully inclusive shade range, and now Bad Gal Rih Rih wants to outfit you when you’re ready to act on those wild, wild thoughts. No wonder Drake is taking out billboards to proclaim his love for the Barbadian beauty.
On Tuesday, WWD reported that Rihanna has allegedly been in talks with TechStyle — the company responsible for ShoeDazzle with Kim Kardashian and Fabletics with Kate Hudson — to come up with a lingerie line. Reportedly, it’s been in the works for at least a year. Publicists for both the brand and Rihanna declined to provide comment, so we can’t get confirmation the line is actually a go, or if its tagline riffs off of the singer’s hit single, “Sex With Me” (as we’d prefer).
Lloyd Greif, president and CEO of Los Angeles-based investment bank Greif & Co, tells WWD working with Rihanna would be a smart investment for TechStyle. “They’re of a size now that adding another brand, adding another category, would make sense to round out the product offering,” Greif explains. “What they want to do is show growth. The key to going public is having a growth track record or having growth in their windshield, not in the rearview mirror of the company so I’m sure the Rihanna brand play would be to convince the market that the company has strong growth ahead because IPOs are all about growth ahead.”
If and/or when this lingerie line launches, our money is here and yours for the taking, Rihanna.
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There is one major problem when it comes to matte foundation: Do you compromise coverage for a lighter texture? Or lasting power for comfort? Because you're certainly not allowed to have comfort and coverage...or are you? Turns out, you can have it all — if you pick the right formula.
We asked three professional makeup artists and a host of R29 beauty members to share their top picks for oily skin — and the formulas they're sharing are killer, no matter your budget or coverage needs. Ahead, a slew of drugstore and prestige finds that will make your makeup flawless all summer long.
Makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes is a self-proclaimed "glowy-skin connoisseur," so it may come as a surprise that this Estée Lauder matte foundation is one of her favorite bases. Instead of going in straight with a heavy dose of foundation, Hughes like to layer it over rich moisturizers, applying the formula in layers with a duo-fiber brush. "If you do this, it won't dry down as matte and will slightly sheer out the formula," she says.
These mattifying drops can be worn solo or mixed with your favorite foundation or moisturizer for an extra boost of coverage.
Drugstore foundation doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to expansive, inclusive shade ranges. In fact, a lot are pretty limited. This line, however, is different — it comes in 25 shades — and makeup artist Molly R. Stern says it's great for anyone who needs coverage but doesn't want to feel like they have a mask.
NYX Matte But Not Flat Foundation, $7.50, available at Ulta Beauty.
This one is a bit of a splurge, we admit, but Stern loves it for her clients with oil-prone complexions. The gel formula ensures breathable coverage and a smooth texture. "Chantecaille has been my first choice in foundation for almost 15 years," she says.
Chantecaille Future Skin Oil Free Gel Foundation, $78, available at Net-A-Porter.
For a cheaper option, Stern likes Revlon's Color Stay formula. It's ideal for combination, oily, and even acne-prone skin when you want full coverage that won't budge.
Revlon Color Stay Makeup for Combo/Oil Skin, $12.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Stern recommends this mineral foundation from Elizabeth Arden for those who want a non-drying powder. Sure, the added SPF isn't enough protection for a day in the sun, but it's certainly a nice bonus for a mid-day touch up.
Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Mineral Powder Foundation Broad Spectrum Suncreen SPF 20, $39.50, available at Macy's.
Makeup artist Jamie Greenberg recently stopped by the R29 offices to test dozens of drugstore foundations and she fell hard for this formula. It treats blemishes as it covers, is lightweight, and sets to a matte finish that's perfect for oily skin types.
Almay Clear Complexion Blemish Healing Liquid Makeup, $14.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Find yourself blotting and powdering several times per day? Try this formula, which Greenberg recommends for really oily skin. "I hate to say it, but sometimes too matte accentuates issues," she says, noting that this one helps to prevent oil, without turning your skin into a desert.
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte, $10.99, available at Target.
Closer to combination? Greenberg recommends this cushion compact for those with oily complexions that border on combination. Thanks to the travel-friendly compact, you can press the foundation into just the areas where you need additional coverage through the day.
Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation, $8.59, available at Target.
Greenberg calls this matte foundation the "training bra of foundations," because of its light coverage and ease of application.
Catrice All Matt Plus Shine Control Make Up, $8.99, available at Catrice.
Makeup artist David Razzano is a pro national artist at Sephora, which means he is one of the makeup artists behind the gorg looks you see in the store's ads and social channels. Translation: He knows his way around the merchandise. He raves about this foundation because of its dreamy matte finish and waterproof texture, which will survive oil inducing-heat and a dip in the pool.
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation, $35, available at Sephora.
"The Amazonian clay in this formula is an amazing oil-controlling ingredient," Razzano says. "It is gentle on skin and gives great coverage."
Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation, $39, available at Tarte.
Some mattifying foundations feel heavy once on, but this one from Hourglass is a liquid-to-powder formula that's full coverage, but feels light. What's more, Razzano says it's his go-to for blemish-prone skin.
Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, $56, available at Hourglass.
Some formulas made for oily skin can end up being too dewy or too matte, but this one just looks like skin. "It's a soft focus finish that stays matte all day," he says.
Becca EverMatte Shine Proof Foundation, $42, available at Sephora.
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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: a children's librarian who makes $27,000 per year and spends some of her paycheck this week on cranberry juice.
Occupation: Children's Librarian Industry: Public Library Age: 28 Location: Cleveland, OH Salary: $27,000 Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,142.25. ($99 is taken out of each paycheck for my health insurance.)
Monthly Expenses Housing: $300. (I live with my boyfriend in a house he owns, but I pay him monthly for the mortgage.) Loan Payments: $357. (This payment is for a personal loan I took out to consolidate the credit card debt I hope to pay off by the time I'm 30. I am extremely lucky to have no student loans – my father teaches at the university where I attended school, so I got a tuition waver.) Netflix: $0. (We use my mom's.) Spotify Premium: $10.75 MoviePass: $9.95 Car Insurance: $47 Savings: ~$100 Phone Bill: ~$75
Day One
8 a.m. — It's the weekend, so I get to wake up without an alarm! I feed the dog and take him out, brush my teeth, chug water, then change into yoga clothes and do a 20-minute Yoga With Adriene video. I love her, and the session makes my stiff knees feel a million times better.
8:45 a.m. — I go downstairs to make breakfast and see that my boyfriend, S.*, is back from his weekly grocery/bakery/Starbucks run. We have different eating habits, so we shop separately most of the time. He got me a scone at the bakery but I decide to save it for later in favor of my usual oats, almond butter, fruit, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cinnamon combination. I also boil some water for tea. I spent way too much money on tea recently and am slowly working my way through my stash before allowing myself to buy any more. I am a tea fiend! S. and I watch a few episodes of Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix while I eat.
10:45 a.m. — It's time for me to leave for my biweekly therapy appointment. I really like my therapist and am so relieved to have finally found a good fit. Therapy, yoga, and a small dosage of medication really help to keep my once-debilitating anxiety and depression at bay. I am thrilled to find out I have a small copay today as I've just met my deductible for the year! $10
12 p.m. — I arrive back home to find the house empty. S. and his dad have gone to Home Depot to get more supplies for the sliding barn door they're trying to install in our dining room. I decide to eat my bakery scone, which does nothing for my hunger, so I preheat the oven for a frozen pizza. S.'s sister got us a Blue Apron gift card for Christmas, and the shipment arrived while I was at therapy but I'm saving it for dinners later in the week. While the oven is preheating, I make sure to cancel my Blue Apron membership because mama can't afford this stuff every week!
12:45 p.m. — Pizza is done and S. and his dad are back. I take my food upstairs to keep the dog company so he doesn't get in the way while they work. I catch up on a few episodes of This Is Us.
3:30 p.m. — It's time to leave to grab my friend to go see Phantom Thread. She's already seen it but wants to see it again. We both use our Movie Passes. I buy a small root beer at the concession stand. $4.50
6:15 p.m. — Movie was amazing but twisted! My friend feels like eating pancakes, so we decide to go to Bob Evans for brinner. I get two pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon, and it hits the spot. We catch up on life and really enjoy ourselves despite the snail-paced service. $8.83
7:45 p.m. — I drop off my friend and spend the short drive home soaking up more of my audiobook: The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place. I'm on the last chapter and have thoroughly loved it. I make a mental note to grab the next volume in the series at work on Monday.
8 p.m. — I am back home and take the dog out for one last relief before locking up for the night. S. and I sit on the couch for a bit and I fill him in on the movie. I start getting a headache (and then realize I haven't had a single vegetable today, whoops) and we decide to head to bed. I wash my face, moisturize, brush my teeth, and pass out.
Daily Total: $23.33
Day Two
8 a.m. — This just seems to be the time my body wakes up when I don't have to set an alarm. I feed and let out the dog and realize I'm too hungry to do yoga, so I save that for later and make my oats.
9 a.m. — S. and I decide to put off our Sunday responsibilities and go to the coffee shop where my sister works to hang out for a little bit. We used to go every Sunday, but the holidays and my work schedule made things wonky. Unfortunately, his car won't start and it's blocking mine in, so we go back inside to wait for AAA. I throw a load of laundry in the washer and sit down to write my grocery list for the week.
9:45 a.m. — AAA arrives and thinks something is wrong with the starter, so they leave for other jobs and say they'll be back to tow it to the shop in about an hour. I make kukicha (Japanese twig tea) that sort of tastes like coffee since we probably won't make it to the coffee shop today. I remember I have a mileage reimbursement check from work (only $10.97, but every penny helps), so I deposit that using my bank app.
10:15 a.m. — I finally decide to just make easy burrito bowls this week since I have a bunch of pinto beans taking up space in the pantry. I take out the beans to soak and finish up my grocery list. I'm feeling antsy, so I wipe down the bathroom, my yoga mat, and a few other surfaces around the house.
10:45 a.m. — The tow truck is here! Our driveway is very narrow and I anxiously watch it pull in while the dog goes nuts barking. It takes about 15 minutes for them to figure out how to get the car on the truck (is that normal??), but they finally do it and are off to the shop. Since it's Sunday, they don't have any mechanics in today, so the car won't even be looked at until tomorrow morning. Luckily, my boyfriend can easily work from home.
11:30 a.m. — We head out to Trader Joe's. S. grabs a frozen pizza and green tea mochi while I stock up for the week: vegetable broth, frozen strawberries, jalapeños, diced green chilies, salsa, dates, oranges, oats, spinach, avocados, GoMacro bars, eggs, and cheese, plus a big bottle of ale as consolation for S.'s car situation. $55.78
12:30 p.m. — Back home, I unload the groceries and decide to make one of our Blue Apron meals while the ingredients are still fresh. I choose the one that will take the most time: sweet potato and mushroom bao with hoisin mayo and cabbage slaw. It is more labor intensive than I tend to like when cooking, but it turns out pretty well and even S., who is not a fan of mushrooms, likes it. I don't feel like doing the dishes after all that cooking, so I just throw them in the sink to deal with later.
2:15 p.m. — S. and I are antsy and decide to venture out to the adult toy store to get a toy we'd been thinking about for awhile. We find it pretty easily, he pays for it, and we go back home to test it out. Success ;-)
4 p.m. — I realize the pinto beans have been soaking for longer than I meant them to, so I dump them in my Instant Pot with half a chopped onion, garlic, and a jalapeño. I finally deal with the dishes, fold the load of laundry I put in this morning, and wash off my makeup brushes. Then I go online and look for a new garlic press because mine is complete crap. I end up getting one through a coworker's Pampered Chef site. It's more than I thought I would spend, but she's had hers for years so I hope I'm making a good investment. $28
4:45 p.m. — While waiting for the beans to cook, I watch the most recent episode of This Is Us. Those last five minutes...woof.
6 p.m. — It's dinnertime for doggo. He finishes his meal in 30 seconds flat and I head upstairs to do a 40-minute yoga video. Ahhhhh.
6:45 p.m. — The beans are done, and I whiz them with an immersion blender until they're smooth. I decide to save the burrito bowls for Tuesday's lunch, as I need to make another Blue Apron meal that I'll have the rest of tomorrow. This one (pesto and goat cheese fusilli with chard) is much less time-intensive and much more my speed. It's delicious!
7:30 p.m. — After I clean up the kitchen and take out the dog, S. and I watch a few episodes of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee and the first episode of GLOW, which we've been meaning to watch for awhile.
9:10 p.m. — We're both tired, and I have to get up a little earlier tomorrow to shower. A new construction project is starting on my route to work, so I also have to make sure I leave enough time for any delays that might cause. I wash my face, moisturize, and brush my teeth. S. and I chat until we both fall asleep around 10.
Daily Total: $83.78
Day Three
5:30 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I hit snooze several times.
6 a.m. — I finally drag myself out of bed and downstairs to feed and take out the dog. Back inside, I jump in the shower, brush my teeth, moisturize, dry my hair, and get dressed. While I put on my makeup and straighten my hair, I listen to NPR's Up First to catch up on headlines.
6:50 a.m. — After making the bed, I head downstairs to make a slight variation of my standard oats. This morning's version features cacao powder, which was an excellent choice. Tea brews in my travel mug while I eat. I grab an orange, leftover pasta, and a GoMacro bar and am out the door at 7:25, ten minutes later than I planned to leave. It turns out to be fine, though, because it looks like construction hasn't even started and I have time to get gas before I get to work. $20.17
8:20 a.m. — I arrive at work, put my lunch in the fridge, turn on the kids' computers and iPad, and settle in at my desk to catch up on emails and print out more coloring pages. The other children's librarian arrives and we dive into working on a grant proposal that's due next week.
12 p.m. — Lunchtime! It was a slow morning patron-wise, but it went by quickly because we were able to get a lot of work on the grant done. I go upstairs to our staff room and heat up my pasta. I spend the hour eating, reading, and catching up with S. via text. I also buy two boxes of Samoas from a coworker's daughter who's selling Girl Scout cookies. I bought Thin Mints and Tagalongs from our neighbor last week and can't believe I forgot to get Samoas! Payment isn't due until they come in March.
4:30 p.m. — Time to go home! I grab the next Incorrigible Children audiobook as well as another new book I want to read and head out to my car, which is covered in snow. Nothing a quick scrape won't fix. Traffic is a little slower than usual and I arrive home just after 5:30, in time to take S. to the shop to pick up his car. They didn't find anything wrong with it, but they did replace a recalled airbag, and he doesn't have to pay for anything.
6:05 p.m. — By the time I get home, I'm pretty hungry and it's clear that yoga is going to have to wait. I start on my final Blue Apron meal (spicy black bean enchiladas), as well as quinoa to add to my burrito bowls this week. As I'm dicing an onion, the knife slips and gives me a pretty nasty cut on my index finger. I run upstairs to grab a bandage, cursing my carelessness.
6:45 p.m. — I discover Blue Apron has forgotten to include the tortillas for the enchiladas, so I improvise and decide to make nachos instead. I don't usually drink on weeknights, but I think a glass of wine is in order. S. opens a bottle of cabernet and gives me a generous pour. I sip it as I finish cooking the food.
7:05 p.m. — Nachos and quinoa are done, and both turned out pretty well! At this point I'm too lazy to put the nachos on a plate, so I stand at the stove and eat them straight from the baking sheet. No shame.
7:45 p.m. — The kitchen is clean and it is time to veg. No yoga for me tonight, although I'll probably regret it tomorrow. S. and I watch two episodes of GLOW.
9:15 p.m. — We get ready for bed and say maybe two sentences to each other before we're both out.
Daily Total: $20.17
Day Four
6:15 a.m. — The dog needs to go out and I have to prep my lunch, so I drag myself out of bed. No matter how early I go to sleep, it's always hard to leave my cocoon! I feed and let out the dog, brush my teeth, moisturize, get dressed, and do my makeup and hair while listening to Up First.
7:05 a.m. — I head downstairs to make breakfast and tea (same as yesterday) and assemble a burrito bowl for lunch: beans, quinoa, shredded cheese, spinach, and avocado. S. is back at work today, so the dog needs to be crated. I bribe him with a treat and head out the door. It snowed a few inches overnight and traffic is moving slowly, but the roads aren't too bad. I notice a sign saying the construction project has been moved to next week – construction around here never starts or finishes on time!
8:32 a.m. — I arrive at work a few minutes late. I've got an hour before we open and I use this time to do last minute prep for this morning's preschool story time. (I do story time and a craft once a week.)
12:15 p.m. — I am extra hungry after my larger-than-usual story time crowd this morning. I love doing story time and it made me so happy to see my regulars as well as new faces today. My burrito bowl is delicious and I spend my lunch hour reading.
4:30 p.m. — Time to go home! I eat a GoMacro bar and listen to my audiobook on the drive.
5:30 p.m. — I change into yoga clothes and do a 30-minute yoga video. Yoga usually leaves me feeling better, but tonight, certain poses make me feel anxious and nauseated. I make it through the entire video, but need to spend about 45 minutes calming down before I'm ready to eat, so I decide to call my mom. We text every day and talk on the phone about once a week. She only lives about 45 minutes away, but with our different work schedules, I only see her two or three times a month. We catch up and I start to get hungry for dinner.
6:45 p.m. — I reheat the leftover nachos and eat way too many while watching The IT Crowd with S.
8 p.m. — I have heartburn, ugh. I take out the dog, shower, dry my hair, brush my teeth, and get in bed. S. and I have a long chat about money, which we try to make a point of talking about regularly. I really enjoy my job but it's no secret that the pay isn't great. It's my first librarian job out of grad school and I feel like there's still so much for me to learn and do before I start looking elsewhere. We talk about areas where I can cut down my spending (ahem, groceries) and ways I can make extra money on the side. It's a tough conversation to have, but I'm glad we're able to do it.
9:30 p.m. — I read Anne of Avonlea until my eyes start to droop. I loved Anne of Green Gables as a kid but never got around to reading the other books, which is a shame, because Anne Shirley is one of my very favorite fictional characters!
Daily Total: $0
Day Five
6 a.m. — I don't have work until 9 a.m. on Wednesdays, so I tend to sleep in. Today I hit the snooze button for 45 minutes. I had an awful dream about my dog dying and when I finally get out of bed, I'm in a funky mood.
6:45 a.m. — It's windy AF when I take out the dog, but I'm so glad my bad dream wasn't real that I really don't mind. Back inside, I start my usual routine of dressing, listening to the news, and doing my hair and makeup before heading downstairs for breakfast.
7:30 a.m. — I make the same breakfast and tea as yesterday and check my bank app. I see my federal tax refund has hit my account and I immediately transfer 90% of it to my debt. I keep the other 10% as a small cushion for my checking account until I get paid on Friday, at which point I'll transfer the rest to debt.
8 a.m. — Time to hit the road. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place once again keeps me company on my commute.
1:15 p.m. — I eat another burrito bowl and exchange cute animal videos with my coworkers.
5 p.m. — We close early on Wednesdays, so everyone leaves at 5. The extra half hour always seems so long! I've been feeling kind of off all day and can't wait to get home. First, I have to stop at Target to get bread and more B12 – I have been out of my supplements for a few weeks now and can definitely tell a difference in my overall energy levels. Maybe that's why I've felt weird all day. Luckily, I hate the way the Target near my house is laid out and so I'm rarely, if ever, tempted to get more than I need. $19.85
6:20 p.m. — Back home and in need of a good stretch session and maybe deep breathing exercises. I forgo a video tonight and spend 20 minutes using my Calm app and doing whatever yoga poses I think will feel good.
6:45 p.m. — The only thing that sounds good to me for dinner is toast, so that's what I make, with a little bit of ghee. S. and I sit on the couch and catch up on our days, and I look over my budget for next month.
8 p.m. — We head upstairs to get ready for bed. I'm feeling wired and tired. S. and I talk some more before he goes to sleep, and I read for a long time to calm down my brain. Today wasn't my best day mental health-wise, but I've had way worse, and tomorrow is another day.
Daily Total: $19.85
Day Six
7:40 a.m. — I get to sleep in even more today because I don't work until noon on Thursdays. I check the weather and Instagram before getting out of bed. (I try not to do this most days, but clearly I don't always succeed.) I feed and take out the dog and then change into yoga clothes for a 20-minute video and 10 minutes of meditation.
8:30 a.m. — I feel so much better than yesterday and am really hungry, too! I realize I haven't seen my sister in awhile even though she lives just 15 minutes away. She's five years younger than I am, and while we fought a lot growing up, we get along really well now. I text her to see what she's up to, and she offers to come over to make me pancakes! I eat an orange to hold me over, then shower and get dressed. My sister arrives and gets started on the pancakes, and I make us tea. We catch up on each others' lives.
10:05 a.m. — The pancakes were delicious, and I'm so glad I got to see my sister. She leaves to get errands done before she heads into work this afternoon, and I go upstairs to dry my hair and finish getting ready. I decide I don't feel like listening to the news today and I jam out to Broadway tunes instead.
11 a.m. — I leave for work and fill up my tank on the way. $23.42
12 p.m. — Once I arrive, I gather everything I need for my monthly outreach visit to one of the preschools in the area. I do story time at three preschools throughout the month, and today is my big one, where I do five 30-minute sessions in a row.
12:30 p.m. — I listen to the third Incorrigible Children audiobook on my way.
3 p.m. — I am exhausted, but that was fun! I head back to the library and work on a “superb owl” display of owl books since the Super Bowl is this weekend, then take my lunch before the other children's librarian leaves for the day.
8 p.m. — Time to go home! I am so ready.
9 p.m. — I arrive at home to the news that the dog has gotten into S.'s hand cream, and I'm worried he may be sick later. He seems fine right now, so I get ready for bed and S. and I talk until we fall asleep.
Daily Total: $23.42
Day Seven
12:15 a.m. — I wake up to use the bathroom and hear the dog gagging under the bed. When he stops, I shine my flashlight under there but don't see anything. This song and dance continues for several hours, and neither S. nor I get any sleep until about 3:30 a.m.
7:30 a.m. — Thankfully, I don't have to work today, but I do have a doctor's appointment about 45 minutes away. The dog seems back to normal and gobbles up his breakfast. I make eggs and toast and head out the door.
9 a.m. — I'm early to the doctor, so I read in the waiting room. It's just a med check, so it's a quick appointment. I've met my deductible for the year, so no copay.
9:30 a.m. — I head over to my mom's house, which is nearby, to let out her dogs and hopefully take a little nap before meeting my dad and stepmom for lunch later. I end up starting a new book ( The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle) and read for almost two hours.
11:15 a.m. — I drive across town to my dad and stepmom's house, and we go to a nearby diner for lunch. I get a spinach omelet, fruit, an English muffin, and chamomile tea. My dad pays.
1:15 p.m. — Back home. I throw a load of laundry in the washer and flop on the couch to watch a few episodes of Golden Girls. I spend a good chunk of the afternoon catching up with Sophia, Rose, Dorothy, and Blanche.
5:15 p.m. — S. and I meet a friend at the coffee shop where my sister works, and our drinks are free.
6 p.m. — We decide we're hungry, so we plan to meet back up at a tavern a few blocks away. It's freezing, so walking is not an option. Parking is awful in this part of town, but we find a spot for $5 - a steal on a Friday night. $5
7:30 p.m. — Dinner was great! I got a chicken avocado BLT and a tasty beer. We all pay separately for our meals. On the way home we stop at Whole Foods to pick up cranberry juice and pills because I feel like I have a UTI coming on. Hemp seeds are on sale, so I also grab some of those. $45.50
8 p.m. — Back home and ready to catch up on the sleep I lost last night. I read to wind down.
Daily Total: $50.50
* Name has been changed for anonymity.
If you are experiencing anxiety or depression and need support, please call the National Depressive/Manic-Depressive Association Hotline at 1-800-826-3632 or the Crisis Call Center’s 24-hour hotline at 1-775-784-8090.
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Imagine, for a second, that you could have a superpower — any superpower. What would you choose? Flying would be pretty righteous, provided you’re not afraid of heights; telekinesis means never having to get up off the couch mid-episode of The Crown to refill your wine glass ever again. Invisibility could save you a lot of embarrassment, the perfect escape tactic for those moments when the person who takes your ticket at the movie theater tells you to enjoy the film and you say, "You too!"
But the most super of all possible superpowers — the one thing that would make it worth a life newly devoted to saving the world while putting your safety, and the safety of your loved ones, at unfathomable risk — might just be the ability to snap your fingers and watch your breakouts vanish. Sure, it doesn't have quite the same sparkle as being able to shapeshift or read minds, but when it comes down to it, what wouldn't you do to be able to clear your skin instantly?
But back to earth: Superpowers aren't real, you can't buy an invisibility cloak at Zara, and there's no known incantation one can mutter to erase all their zits just like that. But in the absence of magic or molecular manipulation, these fast-acting breakout-fighters are the next best thing. And whether you're willing to pay $95 for a supposed miracle tonic or want to keep your budget around $5, there's a super-powered spot treatment perfect for you, ahead...
The price isn't a typo: This concentrated blemish-fighting formula is as potent as anything else you'll find on the market, and it's one of the absolute cheapest, too. With a strong dose of 2% salicylic acid to keep pores clear, and a special form of gentle, alcohol-free witch hazel, you can use this one to nix existing zits or use all-over for maintenance.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, $5.30, available at Sephora.
Everything you could ever need to stop a breakout in its tracks is hiding in this tiny-but-mighty tube, which incorporates salicylic acid, vitamin B3, azelaic acid, caffeine, and skin-soothing extracts of cucumber and clove in a vegan, cruelty-free formula that even helps cut down on redness and hyperpigmentation.
Tarte Blemish Bully Acne Spot Treatment, $16, available at Tarte.
Esthetician Renée Rouleau has a cult-like following of celebrity clients, beauty editors, and armchair skin-care enthusiasts alike — and this revolutionary anti-acne serum is one of her biggest hits. Unlike most other topical treatments, it actually delves deep into pores to reduce redness and inflammation associated with large, painful underground cysts that take forever to heal.
Renée Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment, $45.50, available at Renée Rouleau.
To "put a band-aid on" a problem is usually a euphemism for covering something up without actually solving the root of the issue, but these waterproof patches do both. Stick one on a particularly nasty zit before bed and the hydrocolloid bandage will absorb gunk from pores and reduce inflammation overnight, all while protecting your skin from further irritation.
CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch, $6, available at Ulta.
Why use one type of technology to fight acne when you can use three, all of which have their own unique way of doing it? Encapsulated salicylic acid penetrates pores without overdrying, active probiotics kill the bacteria that causes breakouts in the first place, and silver ions act as a natural antiseptic — all while camphor, zinc, and sulfur heal damaged tissue to help skin recover faster.
Sonya Dakar Blemish Buster, $29, available at Sonya Dakar.
It goes without saying that, if you're going to call something a "miracle," it better be good. Fortunately for fans of this powerful concoction, from the eponymous skin-care line of one of London's top facialists, it delivers on all fronts, using salicylic acid to clarify and a blend of soothing mint and rosemary to soothe and heal — not to mention how very, very chic it'll look in your bathroom cabinet.
Amanda Lacey Miracle Tonic, $95, available at Net-a-Porter.
You already know and love acne-spot patches — now meet the next greatest innovation in the world of things you can stick on your face. These detoxifying strips use the same hydrocolloid technology to absorb oil, debris, and impurities from clogged pores while zapping blackheads and refining skin texture with vitamin A, and unlike other "pore strips," they peel away gently and easily so you don't tear your first layer of skin off into the process.
Peace Out Peace Out Pores, $19, available at Sephora.
This unassuming tube looks like something you'd spot on the pharmacy shelf through the pickup window while you're waiting for your prescription — clinical, generic, not cute. But what's inside is a multitasking acne treatment that reads like a laundry list of everything you could ever need to fight a breakout: pore-purifying sulfur, clarifying Chinese skullcap, soothing vitamin E, brightening licorice, replenishing aloe vera, antioxidant-rich green tea...
Resist the urge to shake, shake, shake this cute little bottle, and just dip a cotton swab into the charcoal sediment on the bottom instead. It's a lot less entertaining than watching it all swirl around, sure, but the potent combination of calamine, zinc, colloidal sulfur, willow herb extract, salicylic acid, and — yes — activated charcoal nixes blemishes practically overnight. (Which, by the way, is when you'll want to use it.)
Boscia Charcoal Spot Corrector, $28, available at Sephora.
Has there ever been an easier way to "take care of" breakouts Tony Soprano-style than with this handy rollerball, which contains zit-zapping salicylic acid and tea tree and nourishing rosehip and vitamin E all in one bottle? No. There has not.
The Better Skin Co. Better Skin Zit No More, $18, available at Ulta.
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Over the last few years, H&M has dropped some heartbreakingly good swimwear. While bad for our indecisive shopping habits, that fact is far from a secret since sizes (plus and straight) tend to sell out pretty quickly. And with prices that typically ring in under $50, we can see why. This time around, we're itching to get a head start: The site recently dropped its best spring deliveries, and our dream summer getaways are calling.
Featuring an array of cutout one-pieces, off-the-shoulder monokinis, and even a long-sleeved bikini set, H&M's swim selection is still at the top. Where many fast fashion retailers ( cough) have verged toward ripping off indie swimwear brands, H&M's found its own footing in merging up-and-coming swim trends with classic silhouettes. The result? Cute and affordable swimwear that's trend-inspired as opposed to trend rip-offs.
Up ahead is a roundup of the best H&M swimsuits we're looking to buy right now, because la playa is already calling. Whether you're more of a one-piece-by-the-pool kind of gal or looking to skirt those tan lines with a string bikini, your must-have piece is just an "add to cart" click away.
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It's a scenario we all know far too well: It's 3 p.m. — way too early for dinner — and your stomach is rumbling. You check your snack stash only to find the same potato chips, gummy candy, or granola bar. It's easy to get stuck in a repetitive snacking cycle, but it doesn't have to be that way — snacking can (and should) be fun, balanced, and tasty.
In partnership with The Laughing Cow, we're challenging you to break the monotony. Enter: #AntiRoutine. Ditch the dull, including those same ol’ snacks, and switch things up with the delicious alternatives ahead.
Refinery29 is teaming up withThe Laughing Cowfor an#AntiRoutine mission that's all about shifting your perspective to unlock new possibilities. Say goodbye to your monotonous routine and instead, make the choice to switch it up with simple lifestyle changes that will garner lasting, positive effects.
Instead of movie-theater popcorn, try a unique seasoned popcorn.
Popcorn is the king of the snack world. It's quick to make and super portable for on-the-go nibbling. While it's easy to gravitate toward a bag of buttery movie-theater-style popcorn, try changing it up with a unique blend of seasonings. Simply take unbuttered popcorn and sprinkle on some hot sauce, dust it with taco seasoning, or add a spoonful of black pepper and a squirt of lemon juice.
Illustration by Louisa Cannell.
Instead of chocolate pudding, try chia-seed pudding.
If you've never tried chia-seed pudding, you're in for a treat. This is the perfect alternative to pudding cups — aka the go-to snack we all enjoyed as kids. Simply refrigerate a jar full of 1 cup milk and 2 tablespoons chia seeds. Four hours later, you're ready to eat! Sprinkle on a handful of your favorite fruits and nuts for a fun burst of flavor. A bonus? Chia is a great source of antioxidants and vitamins.
Illustration by Louisa Cannell.
Instead of microwavable pizza bites, try homemade pesto pizza bites.
Standard microwavable pizza bites only come in two flavors: bland and bland with toppings. Rather than settling for those, treat yourself to DIY creamy pesto pizza bites. Simply spread one wedge of The Laughing Cow Creamy Mozzarella Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil flavor cheese on a butter cracker and top with a dollop of pesto. Consider picking up a few other flavors, too — The Laughing Cow cheese is the perfect companion to elevate almost any snack craving.
Illustrated by Louisa Cannell.
Instead of french fries, try eggplant fries.
There’s something so satisfying about a hot plate of french fries — especially when we're craving a salty snack. But instead of going the fried potato route, try breaded eggplant fries. Slice a ripe eggplant into strips, toss 'em in a mixture of seasoned bread crumbs, and bake in the oven at 375ºF. Who knew you could find such an easy (and delicious) way to incorporate veggies into your day?
Illustration by Louisa Cannell.
Instead of a milkshake, try a nut-butter smoothie.
In lieu of that rich, chocolate milkshake from your go-to fast-food joint, make a Peach-Nana-Butter Smoothie that's sweet, creamy, and also packed full of fruit and protein. All you have to do is blend together 1 cup coconut milk, 3/4 cup frozen peaches, 1/2 frozen banana, and 1 tablespoon almond butter.
Illustration by Louisa Cannell.
Instead of gummies, try homemade fruit leather.
Forking over a couple bucks for a bag of gummy candy is about as easy as snacking gets. But despite the wide array of shapes and flavors available, it's not the most inspiring snack. Instead, whip yourself up a quick batch of adult gummies, aka homemade fruit leather. All you have to do is blend together berries and honey in a food processor and spread the mixture on a baking sheet. Then, pop it in the oven for a few hours, and it'll be good to go!
Illustration by Louisa Cannell.
Instead of ice cream, try fro-yo bites.
Few things are as pleasing as a pre-bedtime scoop of ice cream straight from the carton. Except for frozen-yogurt bites, that is. Just spoon yogurt into a plastic bag, snip off the end, and pipe yogurt dots onto a wax-paper-covered tray. Place the tray in the freezer for a few hours, and you'll have a homemade take on your favorite amusement-park treat.
Illustration by Louisa Cannell.
Instead of potato chips, try roasted chickpeas.
Hummus may be a beloved snacking standby, but it's far more convenient to munch on roasted chickpeas while you're typing away. The best part? These delightful bits will give you the same crunch as greasy potato chips. We suggest tossing them in a coating similar to your favorite chip flavors: Try dry ranch seasoning in lieu of sour cream and onion chips or cayenne seasoning in place of jalapeño chips.
Illustration by Louisa Cannell.
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If you need photographic proof that switching up the part of your hair can make a huge difference to your overall appearance, just ask Ryan Gosling: His ever-moving part is so significant, it's warranted its own visual history. For the rest of us, the simple act of moving a few inches of hair from one side to the other can feel more refreshing than chopping off a full 12 inches. It's a quick trick that's both lazy and cheap, but it pays off in a big way. Now that's what we call a win-win.
But if you're thinking you've already exhausted all the options for changing up your part (to the side, in the middle, to the other side), don't be so sure. There's one more method you may not have tried just yet — and it's so hot on Pinterest. The latest trend buzzing through the streets of London, the runways in Paris, and the red carpets in Hollywood is about as risk-taking as a side part gets. It's deep, it’s dramatic, and, right now, it’s popular as hell.
A representative for Pinterest tells Refinery29 that searches for "low side parts" are up over 88% in the past year — and we’re not all that surprised. Essentially, a "low side part" is a regular side part, but angled more toward the front of your face to offer an asymmetrical effect. And the allure of this new look makes a lot of sense: Unlike some of our other favorite hair trends this year, this one doesn’t require going to the salon, and it works on your existing texture and length.
In fact, you can try it right now — like, this second. If you like what you see, then you’ll really love the looks we’ve rounded up ahead. Click through to check out every way you can rock the low side part trend today.
Naturally, Paris is ahead of the curve. The deep part could be seen on almost every ready-to-wear runway for Fall/Winter 2018/19. At Olivier Theyskens, models rocked bare skin, straight brows, and the kind of slicked-down side part that we're sure will redefine our wake-up-and-go routine.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Spotted on the Sacai runway: wind-swept hair that doesn't look like your blowout was fully destroyed.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
No styling required, this long side bang at the Balmain show proves that just parting your hair a few inches closer to the right makes one huge difference.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Not just for long hair and updos, this overgrown pixie accomplishes the trend without even really trying.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images.
Just like that, the look moved from the runway straight to the cobblestone streets of Paris. Here, stylist Shiona Turini tries the trend with her deep-parted curls.
Photo: Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images.
Tucking your hair behind your ear, but leaving a few of the front pieces loose, is the easiest way to master the style in seconds.
Photo: Nataliya Petrova/NurPhoto/Getty Images.
Take a page out of Jessica Williams' book and braid your front pieces to add volume and detail to the trend.
Follow Kerry Washington's lead and curl a few pieces of hair at the crown of your head, flip 'em over, and bask in the glory of your new messy part.
Photo: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.
Yara Shahidi is almost always our favorite celeb to style stalk, and this deep part is no exception.
Photo: Gotham/GC Images.
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When it comes to women’s health, the internet can be both a helpful tool and a major source of false information. In an effort to combat some of the less-than-accurate sources out there, we teamed up with Allergan to bring you some facts, straight from healthcare providers.
Going to the gynecologist can be an intimidating experience, no matter how old you are. “I’ll have [older patients] who are still concerned about their vaginas,” says Dr. Nicole Bullock, a Texas-based Ob/Gyn.
It seems that, regardless of age, we all still want confirmation that our body changes are nothing to stress over. The good news? Your healthcare provider is there to help.
To help us better understand what we might expect at each life stage, we had Dr. Bullock break down what she focuses on with patients at various ages. Consult this before your next visit, and be sure to always ask your healthcare provider if you have any health concerns, big or small.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
Dr. Bullock recommends making an appointment with your healthcare provider when you start having sex, no matter the age.
For those who are 21+, yearly checkups will consist of a Pap smear (Dr. Bullock recommends you check with your healthcare provider on how often you should repeat this exam) and a manual breast exam. In your 20s, your visits will also largely consist of discussions about birth control or family planning.
For sexually active patients, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing will also take place. The American College of Gynecologists recommends an annual screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as additional screenings following each new partner. Patients who desire full STI panels will get tested for vaginal STIs (including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) and for infections transmitted through sexual contact (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis) via blood work. Blood work can also test for herpes.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
“Visits during your 20s and 30s are pretty similar,” Dr. Bullock says. One major change may be that many patients in their 30s start asking about permanent birth control, like getting their tubes tied. On the other end of the spectrum, some patients may require additional conception counseling, should they be looking to get pregnant.
In your 30s, some healthcare providers may also add blood work to your well-woman visit, screening for thyroid problems, kidney function, liver function, cholesterol, and some baseline lab work. Of course, the same STI tests still apply to sexually active patients, especially if the patient or their partner is not monogamous.
Illustrated by Janet Sung.
At age 40, it’s recommended that women start getting mammograms — though they may begin earlier than that, depending on family history and other factors (which should be discussed with your healthcare provider). The frequency of your mammograms will also change depending on your medical history.
With the average age for menopause currently at 51, Dr. Bullock will also start talking about menopause (i.e. what to expect and how to prepare for this stage) with her patients in their 40s.
One final word: If you belong to any of the age groups above and you’ve yet to visit a healthcare provider, you can still schedule your first appointment, judgement-free.
When we interviewed SZA last month, she expressed her (very valid) concern that the world might be ending sooner than we think. "I have this weird feeling that the apocalypse is upon us," she mused. So, to prepare for doomsday, she likes to use lots of natural beauty products (no, seriously). We're not sure if the fashion world feels the same way, but if it does, it's certainly going the opposite direction in response by packing the runway with a whole lot of un natural-looking hairstyles — especially during the Fall/Winter 2018 season.
At runway shows over the past few weeks — like Miu Miu, Philipp Plein, and Moschino — stylists gave their models major volume that isn't just reminiscent of the '50s and '60s, it's very Barbarella. Refresher: The term comes from the sci-fi space traveler played by Jane Fonda in the 1968 film by the same name. It makes sense, as galaxy makeup was last year's most popular Halloween trend. So, even if the end of the universe as we know it is upon us, we've got some otherworldy (and awesome) glam to look forward to if we land among the stars. See the futuristic looks ahead.
Barbarella(which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year) isn't just on the minds of the stylists backstage. Fonda also referenced the film at the 2018 Oscars, when she remarked on the Oscars spacey set. “They’re just like the Orgasmatron in Barbarella," she quipped.
Guido Palau, lead hairstylist at Miu Miu, said he wanted to go out "with a bang" for the last fashion show of the season with teased, bad girl hair in a Redken Instastory. He described the look as a "classic shape done with a raw texture."
"She was a rebel then and she still is," Palau said of the inspiration. "But I think it relates to girls now who want to be powerful and strong and a little punky. It's got a rock 'n' roll vibe."
Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images.
At Moschino, Gigi Hadid served major Jackie O. vibes.
Photo: Jacopo Raule/Getty Images.
We can't decide whether to pay more attention to the bright, refreshing orange and pink makeup combo or this slick-backed lob at Ashley Williams.
Photo: Victor VIRGILE/GammaRapho/Getty Images.
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Nail trends by the seasons are pretty predictable: soft watercolors for spring, candy-hued brights for summer, and moodier reds, blues, and grays for fall and winter. But then there's this kind of unique period between the holidays — basically Thanksgiving through New Year's Day — where chic and sophisticated goes out the window in favor of red-and-green glitter and candy-cane stripes.
Thankfully, we survived... and we didn't even fall victim to the tacky holiday manicure at all. In fact, we opted for a nail trend that we still rock in 2018. It's fun, it's festive, but it can also go subtle and low-key. It's time to get reacquainted with shimmer.
Nail pro Jessica Washick says she loves shimmer (note: not glitter) on nails right now because it gives a frosted and diffused shine. “Shimmers are so fun for the holiday season and beyond," she explains. "They’re not hard to remove the way glitter can be, and they help create an elevated look." And celebrity nail artist Whitney Gibson agrees that both chromes and iridescent colors are going to be big this season."I think having a futurist, unpredictable finish on your nails can be the wild card element in your look — dressy but also chill," she says.
This is silver's sweet spot: shiny chrome that's also inexplicably a bit matte and gritty.
@paintboxnails
Mirrored nails are edgy, on-trend, and chic.
@aliciatnails
Honestly, silver shimmer polish was made for Kirakira.
@delicacy_nails
More of a golden girl? Do your thing.
@jinsoon
This shape-shifting chrome manicure (which transforms from pink to gold to green in the light) is next level.
@marienails
A shimmery chrome finish makes light pink feel a little less cutesy.
@nailsinc
The shimmer is barely detectable here... until the polish hits the light.
@whitneygnails
Nothing says femme fatale quite like nails dripping in the most high-shine black lacquer. (Just don't forget the vampy lip.)
@tombachik
A slightly shimmery mermaid scale or the paint on a well-maintained classic car — however you see it, this chrome blue-green shade just works.
@whitneygnails
Work some negative space into a dark, shimmery navy.
@jinsoon
We're getting lost in this marbled mani.
@aliciatnails
For a more subtle take on the trend, you can revamp the average nude by popping on a shimmer finish. Washick recommends a coat of Deborah Lippmann's Whatever Lola Wants on top of your go-to neutral polish to get that frosted finish.
@zoyanailpolish
And it doesn't need to be a full sparkle finish — a tiny shimmer detail adds dimension to an otherwise basic nail look.
@cassmariebeauty
The reverse french manicure is cool in any color, but when you add a half-moon of shimmery silver close to the cuticles and a lavender accent on the tips — instant upgrade.
@oliveandjune
And you can vary your shimmer placement like so, doing one chrome nail, one shimmer, and the rest with minimalist accents.
@marienails
A holographic overlay makes a pale pink shade way more eye-catching.
@whitneygnails
A subtler take for those who don't want to go full-blown chrome.
Believe it or not, this metallic, windowpane-inspired mani is actually a set of press-ons from the Christian Siriano x imPRESS collection. We've tested them ourselves and these babies stay pretty durable throughout the whole week.
Photo: Via @simplywindy.
Even this funky twist on the chrome trend looks great.
Get the Barbie effect without the mess of the dream-house glitter.
@wahnails
Add texture to the trend by asking for a mani that utilizes a swirl of metallic polish. The result? A foil effect that demands a second look.
@whitneygnails
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Last fall, Zara helped a girl out by launching a new collection page titled 'Best Sellers,' and we're stoked it's made a return! The easy one-page stop for the retailer's best of-the-moment items became our shopping savior, one that informed us just what trends Zara-philes were investing in. Starring pieces from its recently-released spring collection, Zara's newest round of best sellers is an eclectic mix of pastel trousers and statement mules (i.e. two of our favorite spring trends).
While we love Zara for being a hub of endless choices, it's collection pages like these that make us love the site even more. The overwhelming amount of items the store offers can feel crippling in the face of so many trends, so having access to a pared down edit of the site's self-reported top picks gives our shopping habits a bit of a mental break. And to figure out just where you should be laying down your cash this season, click ahead for some of the best selling highlights.
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With London Mayor Sadiq Khan fighting an ongoing battle against the city's air-pollution crisis — in 2010 alone, official government reports estimated that around 9,000 of the capital's residents died prematurely due to its toxic atmosphere — it comes as no surprise that the beauty industry is looking to tackle the damage pollution does to our skin, too. With "wellness" dominating our health narrative, and climate change at the forefront of political conversations, pollution-fighting skin care is now the focus of the industry's major players.
As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is the "contamination of both indoor and outdoor environments by any chemical, physical, or biological agent." And while these environmental factors have very serious negative health effects, they're also taking a significant toll on the body's largest organ: our skin.
"We are all very suddenly waking up to the pollution that surrounds our lives, and accelerated aging and pollution have finally been linked," says Oskia founder Georgie Cleeve. "Currently, 92% of the world's population lives in places where air pollution levels exceed the limits set by the World Health Organization."
Right now, go-to retailer Cult Beauty has 63 brands and 117 products available that claim pollution-fighting properties — and that number is only growing, practically every day. "Pollution causes accelerated aging, so they really go hand in hand," Cleeve explains of beauty's all-hands battle against the issue. "For example, particulate matter (PM)" — as in, all the stuff that's floating through the air — "below 2.2 microns actually penetrates through the pores and causes cellular damage such as pigmentation, fine lines, inflammation, and sensitivity. The best anti-pollution ingredients also offer fantastic anti-aging benefits as well, so it’s really a win-win scenario."
Unfortunately, it's not just PM that's threatening our complexions. According to dermatologist Howard Murad, there are a number of aggressors damaging our skin at any given time. "UVA/UVB rays, infrared, high-energy visible blue light, and particulate matter are all strands of pollution," Dr. Murad explains. "Pollutants trigger the immune system to produce excessive melanin ,which causes pigmentation, skin darkening, and inflammation, and weakens the skin's barrier, causing lines and wrinkles. As a result, pollution is one of the major sources of concern for health and beauty."
Yes, it's all very frightening, but while you might not be able to undo all of the damage modern civilization has done to the planet, you can help prevent it from damaging your skin. Sean Patrick Harrington of Previse, one of the brands at the forefront of anti-pollution research, says that its oil-free, vitamin-rich Ozone Defense Nutrify Serum has been specifically formulated to protect skin from ground-based ozone and air pollution, thanks to a blend of moisture-binding hyaluronic acid to lock out airborne pollutants, vitamins B3 and C to fight oxidative damage, vitamin C to reduce inflammation, and smart-pump packaging that uses vacuum technology to stop polluted oxygen from getting into the product.
Orveda founder Sue Y. Nabi focused specifically on fighting pollution when developing her skin-care brand, choosing specific ingredients that would tackle the issue, like moringa-seed peptide and yeast extract. She recommends a daily double or triple cleanse as one of the best places to start. "Do this at night, every day, to remove daily pollution," Nabi says. "Plus, layer your skin care to create layers of protection that will keep small particles on top of the skin and will protect from makeup penetration, too.”
One of our favorite products for the job comes from Dr. Murad's eponymous brand, and also includes an essential SPF 50. The lightweight, non-greasy City Skin Age Defense SPF 50 uses a potent antioxidant called lutein, which not only shields skin from your phone and laptop's blue light, but also from atmospheric pollutants like PM's heavy metals and chemicals. It also includes what Dr. Murad calls a "polymer matrix," a kind of unique, breathable "second skin" that blocks the adhesion and penetration of environmental oxides. You'll also find iron oxides — to protect against infrared radiation — and zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against UVA and UVB rays without chemicals.
"Being just a cleanser or broad-antioxidant product doesn't really cut it anymore," Cleeve says, when environmental pollution is proving such a massive threat, and the damage to our skin is practically inevitable. She's created the Oskia CityLife range as a solution; rather than create a physical barrier, the products work to group together toxic particles so they become too large to penetrate the pores. City dwellers and skin-care obsessives alike: It's time to kick the dirt to the curb, and now you have the products you need to do it.
If you mist your face approximately six times before lunch, swear by nightly sheet masks, and layer different serums daily (like Martha Stewart), you probably have dry skin. But why stop at your skin-care routine?
If you're rocking a foundation that's ultra-matte and leaves you with dry patches, you're kind of defeating the whole purpose of your ultra-hydrating skin-care routine. After all, what's the point in diligently keeping your skin moisturized if you cover it with drying makeup each morning? The answer to this piece of the skin puzzle, whether you suffer from parched skin or dry skin, is opting for hydrating face makeup.
Ahead, you'll find a few of our favorite hydrating foundations in every finish you could want, from radiant to dewy — and even matte that won't totally zap you of moisture. Dry skin has nothing on these skin saviors.
Finish: Dewy Healthy, luminous, radiant — these are finishes many of us strive to achieve using foundation. Luckily, this cushion compact delivers just that. But apart from the luxurious finish, it also smooths over dry patches easily and covers extremely well.
L'Oréal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation, $16.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Despite this product's CC cream moniker, it covers like a foundation. Plus, the formula has medium-to-full coverage, hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry skin, and SPF 50.
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+, $38, available at It Cosmetics.
Finish: Luminous This bottle of foundation is a blogger and editor favorite — and for good reason. It's ideal for those of you who want a healthy glow, but are wary of looking shiny.
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $64, available at Sephora.
This formula isn't unlike Nars' cult classic Sheer Glow Foundation, but with lighter coverage that packs a gorg glow.
NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation, $49, available at Sephora.
Fake a facial with this luminous foundation, made with 40% water and a blend of antioxidants and vitamins to give you a just-left-my-aesthetician glow.
L’Oréal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup, $11.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Finish: Natural For those who want to even out their complexion, but hate the feeling of heavy makeup, Perricone MD's No Foundation Foundation will be right up your alley. The sheer formula feels like skin care, but has just enough coverage to stamp out redness and other minor imperfections.
Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation, $55, available at Sephora.
Chanel's Vitalumière Aqua Foundation is yet another blogger, editor, and consumer favorite. The creamy, medium-coverage formula never accentuates dry patches on our skin, instead giving us an even, radiant glow.
Tip: Don't forget to give it a shake before using.
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Sunscreen Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $45, available at Macy's.
This radiant tint from Neutrogena is super hydrating (thanks hyaluronic acid), has sheer-to-light coverage, and never leaves our skin feeling suffocated.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint, $14.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
Finish: Satin Charlotte Tilbury's first foray into full-coverage foundation does not disappoint. The moisturizer-like cream melts into the skin, covering imperfections without looking obvious.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, $44, available at Nordstrom.
For those who fall between the matte and dewy spectrum will love this satin-finish foundation. It's ridiculously pigmented (seriously, it can cover anything from hyper-pigmentation to angry zits) yet it doesn't look unnatural once blended.
Finish: Matte Not everyone with dry skin wants a dewy or radiant look, which is why moisturizing, matte foundations like this one are so great. It makes our skin look plump, healthy, and even — not parched or lackluster like some matte formulas.
Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation, $9.99, available at Target.
This Velvet Matte Skin Tint is another hydrating matte base that really delivers on its promise. It feels like a tinted moisturizer, covers like a medium-coverage foundation, and mattifies like a lightweight powder.
NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint, $44, available at NARS Cosmetics.
Nyx's Total Control drops may have a matte finish, but they can be mixed into face lotions or tinted moisturizers for custom coverage with an added boost of hydration.
NYX Cosmetics Total Control Drop Foundation, $13.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
It's hard to go overboard with this sheer-but-buildable foundation. The formula itself is so lightweight that it melts into the skin, blurring imperfections without accentuating dryness.
Rimmel Lasting Finish 25HR Breathable Foundation, 081 Fair Ivory,$7.99, available at CVS.
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We've all come to accept that tattoos are permanent — no matter how hard we try to scrub, burn (not advisable), or laser off the remnants of regrettable ink. But despite the tattooing practice being in existence for some 5,200 years, scientists have never been able to pinpoint the exact reason the pigment lasts so long on the skin. Until now.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine revealed that tattoos don't shed with the rest of your skin because the pigment is trapped deep in the dermis, thanks to a little-known immune system cell called a macrophage. Like the white blood cells that attack bacteria in your body when you have a cold, researchers discovered that macrophages rush to the puncture area as you're getting inked and immediately absorb the pigment.
While scientists unfortunately resorted to tattooing a green pattern on the tails of several defenseless mice (a cruel practice that's still very present in the beauty industry today) for the study, doing so did lend a few interesting conclusions. First, despite various, non-lethal efforts to kill off the cells that contained the tattoo, the macrophages worked so fast to engulf the color that the ink remained in tact. Second, this likely proves why laser tattoo removal take several sessions to complete. Since lasers break down ink particles, but don't target the macrophages, every time you zap, there's a string of new cells just waiting to swoop in and trap the pigment yet again. The equation for success then becomes, researchers hypothesized, to target both elements.
The study authors say they are hoping to work with dermatologists to test this theory on humans in the future. In the meantime, maybe hold off on requesting a Kim Kardashian cry-face design on your lower back unless you know you'll truly love it for 50 years.
Former adult actress Stormy Daniels is suing President Donald Trump, alleging that the "hush money" agreement arranged by his lawyer during the 2016 presidential election was never signed by the Trump himself. Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, claims that the non-disclosure agreement she entered in exchange for her silence about their alleged extramarital affair is therefore invalid.
In October 2016, soon after the release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape, Trump's personal lawyer Michael Cohen paid $130,ooo to Daniels so she would keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump a decade before. The agreement she signed precluded her from disclosing information about the affair, which she had extensively discussed in a 2011 InTouch interview. It also banned her from disclosing texts, photos or any information about Trump or his sexual partners to anyone beyond the few individuals that she'd already told about the affair.
According to the legal complaint Daniels filed in California state court on Tuesday, Cohen was the one to sign the agreement — not President Trump.
"Despite Mr. Trump's failure to sign the Hush Agreement, Mr. Cohen proceeded to cause $130,000.00 to be wired to the trust account of Ms. Clifford's attorney. He did so even though there was no legal agreement and thus no written nondisclosure agreement whereby Ms. Clifford was restricted from disclosing the truth about Mr. Trump," the document states.
The lawsuit also alleges that Cohen tried to intimidate Clifford in order to stop her from talking about the affair as recently as late last month.
"To be clear, the attempts to intimidate Ms. Clifford into silence and 'shut her up' in order to 'protect Mr. Trump' continue unabated," says the suit. "On or about February 27, 2018, Mr. Trump's attorney Mr. Cohen surreptitiously initiated a bogus arbitration proceeding against Ms. Clifford in Los Angeles." Binding arbitration is specified as a means of dispute resolution.
In an interview on NBC's Today show Wednesday, Daniels' lawyer Michael Avenatti confirmed she has had a sexual relationship with the president. At one time, Daniels had denied the affair. Avenatti said that she did so because she was being pressured to keep silent. He added that he believes Trump knew about the $130,000 payment Daniels received on October 2016.
"There's no question the president knew about it at the time," Avenatti said. "The idea that an attorney would go off on his own, without his client's knowledge and engage in this type of negotiation and enter into this type of agreement, quite honestly I think is ludicrous."
When asked why Daniels was bringing on a legal challenge, her lawyer said that she wanted "tell her story." This is something her manager Gina Rodriguez also said in mid-February.
"She believes it's important that the public learn the truth about what happened," Avenatti said. "I think it's time for her to tell her story and for the public to decide who is telling the truth."
In mid-February, The New Yorker detailed how Trump allegedly had yet another extramarital relationship around the same period he was involved Daniels. At the time, he had just married first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron was just a few months old.
According to The New Yorker, Trump was involved with former Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal for about nine months. And like with Daniels, his close associates allegedly went to extreme lengths to conceal the affair during the 2016 presidential election.
The president, who has been known as a well-known philanderer most of his life, denies the affairs.
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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, as part ofYour Spending In Your State: a marketing associate who makes $68,250 per year and spends some of her paycheck this week on sunscreen.
Monthly Expenses Rent: $1,181, which includes pet rent, hot water, and valet trash pick-up Student Loan Payment: $200 Cell Phone: ~$80. (I’m still on the family plan, so I Venmo my dad each month.) 401k: I contribute 4% pre-tax and my company matches up to 3%. Savings: Anything I don’t spend goes to savings, so I try to put in between $500 and $1,000 each month. Health Insurance: $0. (I’m still on my mother’s plan for now! I will have to get my own this year though.) Internet: $70 Netflix: $11.76 Hulu: $12.81 Spotify: $15.99. (I have a family plan and pay for my sister's account.) Electricity: $40 The New York TimesSubscription: $15
Day One
7 a.m. — I roll out of bed and jump in the shower. I try to get ready for the day as quickly as possible, though I have the tendency to waste time when I'm still drowsy in the morning. Despite the fact that it takes me only 15 minutes to shower and then force mascara onto my eyelashes, my morning routine is often slowed down by my feeding the cat, drinking water, staring into space, etc. I glance at the clock and rush to gather my things for work.
10 a.m. — I grab a coffee ($1) and pretend to work for two hours while waiting for Firefly Festival tickets to become available. Then I quickly work my way through the site to buy two tickets for my best friend and me ($299 each) and a tent for four ($290 per person). My friends and I decided to splurge on glamping so that we can get the festival experience but still be able to shower. My friends pay me back right away on Venmo for the festival ticket and most of the tent cost, but it feels weird to spend so much money on a concert happening five months from now! $590
12 p.m. — I order lunch for the team today and put the catering on my card (triple points!), but will be reimbursed for the total. ($305 expensed)
3 p.m. — We have a call with our partner to discuss what my team has been working on over the past few weeks. I work in digital marketing, and my company partners with larger firms to handle their search and on-site strategy. I always appreciate the opportunity to give my team members credit in front of the partners.
6 p.m. — I finally leave the office and rush home to reunite with my couch. My sister invites me out with some of her friends, but I don't have the energy. I don't think I'm in the mood to spend time with Trump supporters, which I know is probably petty and immature.
Daily Total: $590
Day Two
9:30 a.m. — I sleep in later than usual for a Saturday and play with my cat for a while. He's almost two but very much acts like a kitten with his clumsy pouncing. I never thought I would be a cat person but he's pretty perfect.
10:30 a.m. — I head to a workout with my sister. My mother recently got us a package of training session; we could never afford a personal trainer on our own, so I'll be sad when the training is over! We grab Starbucks after the workout to reward ourselves for being active. $3.19
12:30 p.m. — I realize I haven't deep-cleaned my apartment in a while. The bathroom could use work, and since I'm already dirty from my workout, I dive into the tub with tile cleaner in hand.
2 p.m. — After I finish cleaning, I bath in my newly sparkling bathroom. I wander into the kitchen to make coffee and decide to be ambitious and make crepes. I've always enjoyed cooking and baking but I rarely have time for either. I stuff the crepes full of chocolate chips along with almond butter and jam.
6 p.m. — All my spending yesterday coupled with my lack of motivation to be social tonight results in another weekend night on the couch. It was a stressful week at work, and I look forward to spending quality time with Netflix.
Daily Total: $3.19
Day Three
9 a.m. — I wake up to a slew of emails and chat notifications from my team and realize I have to work today. Working weekends is never fun, but it happens more often than not.
11 a.m. — I drink coffee and snack on paleo tea cookies while I work. I'm definitely not going paleo, but when I bake any kind of treat I try to make sure it has some nutritional value.
2 p.m. — I take a break from working to run to the grocery store. (I only have supplies for cookies right now, and those won't exactly get me through the week.) I stock up on frozen fruit, vegetables, plantain chips, coconut yogurt, ground chicken, and miscellaneous other items. I'm thinking I'll make buffalo chicken meatballs for dinner this week. $111.48
3 p.m. — I keep working while I begin prepping my food for the week. I'm excited to start cooking again! I whip up black bean brownies (not good), chicken meatballs (good), and protein donuts for breakfast (healthy and delicious). Feeling like a productive health goddess, I polish off my tea cookies in celebration.
8 p.m. — I'm essentially done working for the remainder of the evening, so I peruse Amazon for any items I might need. Although I know I have the tendency to shop online out of boredom, I stock up on a few things for my upcoming trip to South America. I purchase a few necessities along with my SPF 110 facial sunscreen. I'm a firm believer in sunscreen and I take it a bit overboard when it comes to my face and neck. $33.21
10 p.m. — I go to bed feeling relaxed and prepared for the week ahead. Then I remember that our performance reviews are this week, and I toss and turn all night.
Daily Total: $144.69
Day Four
7:20 a.m. — I snooze my alarm for no less than 45 minutes and wake up feeling groggy and annoyed at myself for oversleeping. I try to rush through my morning routine, but my cat wants snuggles and I'm in a giving mood.
8:30 a.m. — The drive to work takes about 45 minutes because my office is in South Carolina and I'm not a very aggressive driver. I hurry into the office to buy a coffee ($1) and check my schedule for the day. $1
10 a.m. — I prepare for a team meeting regarding the week's priorities and think through my to do-list. It's shaping up to be a busy week, so it's important that I have a tangible task idea of how to keep my priorities in order.
11:30 a.m. — I walk out of a meeting with my manager feeling frustrated, so I try to focus my attention on the other meetings I have later this afternoon. I'm trying to be a more positive person at the office.
12:30 p.m. — A coworker and I grab lunch in the café and work on our personal reviews. The review cycle is an awkward and stressful process, and I've never been comfortable with the idea of anonymous feedback. $2.50
7 p.m. — The remainder of the day flies by, and I walk out with a few friends from work. They invite me out to dinner but since I just spent a ton of money on groceries, we decide to eat in. They join me at my place and we eat and work on our annual reviews. I struggle through my self-assessment and realize I need to keep a list of what I accomplish throughout the year.
10 p.m. — I lovingly kick everyone out of my apartment and put on Bob's Burgers before bed. It's my favorite show to fall asleep to and lulls me to sleep.
Daily Total: $3.50
Day Five
7:20 a.m. — Wake up relatively late again and rush to work. I have a lot to get done today and probably should have gotten to the office earlier than usual. Once I'm in, I grab my coffee from the café and get to work. $1
10:45 a.m. — It's my coworker's birthday, so I pregame lunch with a donut. I'm not hungry yet, but after a packed morning of meetings and a slew of demanding emails, the donut really hits the spot.
12:30 p.m. — I head upstairs to grab lunch at the café before my afternoon block of meetings. I decide to treat myself to sushi and a bag of popcorn ($4.50). The sushi is fairly hit or miss – and today's is a miss. I toss half of it and run to my next meeting. $4.50
4 p.m. — Because of all my meetings today, I have trouble fitting in any time to do real work. My longer-term projects need attention, and I put off a few requests from my manager. I grab a banana with peanut butter and a seltzer and get to work. $1.50
7 p.m. — I stop for gas on my way home from work ($25.41) and swing by CVS to pick up hair dye ($10.71). I had horrible luck at a salon last month, and the root area of my hair is becoming weirdly orange. I grab an ash brown color and hope for the best. $36.12
8:30 p.m. — The dye essentially makes no difference except that I think my roots look even lighter. I don't have the energy to care enough to fix it tonight, so I trim the ends and deep condition to feel marginally better about the unnecessary damage I just caused.
Daily Total: $43.12
Day Six
7:30 a.m. — SNOW DAY! Charlotte rarely gets snow and the city is not prepared with enough salt trucks or snow plows. The roads get pretty icy and three inches of snow can actually debilitate the city. With that in mind, I decide to work from home.
9 a.m. — I make a big pot of coffee and eat a leftover crepe with almond butter and jam from the weekend. I feel full but continue to eat whatever snacks I can find throughout the morning.
12 p.m. — Work was insane this morning since most people either didn't show up to the office or are leaving early. Most of the problem-solving is up to me, so this snow day is shaping up to be very busy.
6 p.m. — My training session is canceled due to the weather tonight, which is a bummer because I missed the last session too. Feeling lethargic and lazy, I head downstairs to the gym for a quick run. I'm not much of a runner, but I have pipe dreams of becoming someone who wakes up to run before work each morning. An evening on the elliptical for 30 minutes is close enough for now.
7 p.m. — I throw a load of laundry into the washer while I heat up dinner and open a bottle of wine. One of the perks of living in Charlotte is that almost all apartment complexes come with an in-unit washer and dryer. This is definitely something I could have used when I worked in New York, and I'm sure I will miss it whenever I leave Charlotte.
8:30 p.m. — I need to purchase my flights for my brother's fiancée's bachelorette party. I'm really excited to visit New Orleans for the first time. Party, here I come! $316
9:30 p.m. — Exhausted from sitting on the couch all day, I drag my lazy body to bed. The few inches of snow really make the courtyard outside my window look beautiful.
Daily Total: $316
Day Seven
6:45 a.m. — I wake up easily thanks to my early bedtime, and jump in the shower. I pack my protein donut and the remains of my chicken meatballs in my bag before I leave.
8 a.m. — I grab a coffee from the café and finish up some of the reports I didn't get around to yesterday. My day is pretty light on meetings and I'm excited to spend some time doing legitimate work. $1
12 p.m. — Since I packed my lunch today, I have no real need to go to the café, but I can use the walk and a seltzer. I grab two and take my time getting back to my desk. I expected a more dramatic day today after the snow day, but it's shaping up to be pretty calm. $1
3 p.m. — I present the progress my team has made this month to the broader marketing team, and everyone seems excited about what we have in the works. We have lofty goals but I feel confident that we can hit and exceed them. I walk back to my desk, proud of my team and eager to get to work.
6 p.m. — I'm dog-sitting this weekend and tonight is the first night! I'm staying at the owner's house, so I head straight there after work to let the dogs outside. I've always wanted to own a dog but they're high maintenance and expensive to board. With all the traveling I do, it just doesn't make sense for me to adopt one right now. Luckily, I have my very low-maintenance cat.
Daily Total: $2
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Of all the perks of being rich and famous (24/7 assistants, Fast Passes to every line on Earth, the power to shift the economy with a single tweet), the best is by far all the swag. Anyone with over a million Instagram followers snags 12-day trips to Tanzania, jet skis, and bundles of beauty products no amount of Sephora Beauty Insider points could ever get you. Celebs even have a special place to go just to be showered in freebies; they call it a "gifting suite. " But among the mountains of free stuff celebs took home this award season, there's one that's making headlines for a very special reason: Blush & Whimsy's lipstick.
Photo: Courtesy of Blush & Whimsy.
Never heard of Blush & Whimsy? You’re not the only one. Up until last week, this independent, two-year-old brand kept a low profile, mostly because it only sells one product: a color-changing lipstick. Then, the brand was invited to participate in this year's awards season and feature their product in the poshest of gift bags for some of the biggest names in Hollywood. But Blush & Whimsy isn't on our radar because Frances McDormand and Allison Janney have now likely held or tried it, or that it changes color based on your pH. It's really worth bringing attention to because of its work with Adelante, a nonprofit organization that provides supported living spaces, meals, and employment opportunities for people with physical, mental, and developmental disabilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Photo: Courtesy of Blush & Whimsy.
According to Blush & Whimsy founder and CEO Michaela Brown, all orders placed on Blush & Whimsy's website are immediately sent to Adelante's warehouses, where its employees package and fulfill every single tube. And this kind of philanthropic initiative is built into the company's mission. Brown tells Refinery29 that her father is a disabled veteran and through his volunteer service at the Disabled American Veterans Charity (DAV), she's witnessed the sort of challenges people with disabilities often face in regards to finding employment. For her, it only made sense that when she founded Blush & Whimsy in 2016, she would also use her platform to work with and promote organizations like Adelante. "I think it’s a missed opportunity for so many companies, and I wanted to ensure I did not miss out," Brown tells Refinery29. "From the warehouse all the way to the guest that receives their package, I wanted everyone to feel empowered, feel essential, and feel important."
Brown explains to us that while there are plenty of product fulfillment warehouses in her area, she chose Adelante to do something greater with beauty. That's a warm and fuzzy feeling you just can't put a price on — even inside a $100,000 swag bag.
Blush & Whimsy Belle Lipstick, $22, available at Blush & Whimsy.
Los Angeles is infamous for its niche beauty "treatments" (Goop-recommended crystal vagina steaming, anyone?), so if there’s anywhere in the world that would have a hair salon just for blondes, it’s here. Located in an up-and-coming stretch of the city known for its Ethiopian restaurants and thrift stores, the first clue that BLONDE / BLOND might not be your average hair salon is the neon flashing sign in the window reading "Home for Wayward Blondes." Once inside, the whiff of bleach, a massive mural saying "Come on in, we’re blonde," and pictures of famous blondes — Mossy, Pattie, and, er, David Bowie — remove any doubt about the hair color of choice here. Kendrick Lamar and Miley Cyrus are on the playlist; presumably Frank Ocean’s Blonde would’ve been too obvious a choice.
Founded by Caitlin Richardson in 2013, BLONDE / BLOND specializes in what it calls the art of being blonde. "There are more shades of blonde than any other color, and getting it right without damaging the hair is an exact science,” Richardson tells me, as she painstakingly fixes micro-foils to the head of her first client of the day. Madison, 25, a veterinary nurse from Culver City, is settling herself in for an eight-hour appointment with (what else?) an iced blonde latte from Starbucks in hand. "It was actually my boyfriend who discovered this salon after another stylist ruined my hair — it was splotchy — and I came home crying,” says Madison. “Caitlin worked her magic over two nine-hour days and now I’d never go anywhere else. If you want to get the results, you have to spend the time.”
For most people, going for gold takes effort (only around 2% of the population is naturally blonde), and as a species, we’ve been finding ways to lighten our locks for thousands of years. In ancient Rome they used pigeon droppings, wood ash, and quicklime. During the Renaissance it was horse urine, squirted into hair and fitted into an open visor called a "solana." Whether because of their association with youthfulness, their rarity, or just because they're flattering, flaxen locks have long been prized. It’s said that Marilyn Monroe refused to allow any other blondes on her sets. Hitchcock liked to cast blondes because, he said, the color is "like virgin snow that shows up the bloody footprints."
Currently, the bright-blonde heads of right-wing pundits like Ann Coulter and Kellyanne Conway, and First Daughter Ivanka Trump, have meant that peroxide has become politically charged, roped in with a particular brand of white privilege.
“There are so many types of blonde out there,” Richardson insists. “There’s Surfer Blonde, there’s Socialite Blonde, College Blonde…” The colorist, who has a background in painting, a tattoo of Eva Perón on her upper arm, and is today wearing her hair piled into a messy bun, describes her own shade as “Ralph Lauren blonde,” and tells me that she’s been blonde all her life, "bar the dark ages in my 20s". Her favorite blondes include Lara Stone, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and — somewhat incongruously — Jane Goodall, the primatologist.
I had imagined that BLONDE / BLOND might be full of Legally Blonde -style sorority sisters with their tiny dogs, and many of the clients I meet are indeed white women in their 20s. But the salon is committed to inclusivity, and finding everyone their perfect blonde, regardless of age, skin tone, or natural hair color. There’s Deborah, 58, who works in IT and has been bleaching her hair platinum white for six weeks. “I was amazed when I discovered there was a salon just for blondes,” she says. “But I love this color. People tell me I look 10 years younger.” There’s Brandi, 30, who’s Black and training as an assistant under Caitlin, and has blonde “baby lites” in her extensions. As she mixes up the lavender-colored bleach we talk about how many Black and Latina women come to the salon to go blonde, inspired by the likes of Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez.
Photographed by Kate Wills.
Vanessa, 26, who's of Mexican heritage, has worked for Caitlin for six years and specializes in ethnic and textured hair blonding. “I think blonde is intriguing because every strand is different,” she says. “I didn’t ever imagine that I’d end up working in a hair salon just for blondes. I always joke that the blonde life chose me.” (Vanessa has a way with catchphrases: I later overhear her telling Brandi, “If in doubt, foil it out!”) Kyza, 29, an assistant who has recently moved to L.A. from Arkansas, estimates that she tears off over 1,000 foils on a busy Saturday.
As someone who’s naturally a rather fetching shade of mouse, I’ve experimented with various blondes over the years. There was the inevitable Sun-In fail in my early teens, the stripy highlights for most of my 20s, and even a Courtney Love-inspired peroxide-white phase. I’m currently growing out some ancient balayage, or, as Caitlin puts it as she holds up a wedge of my frazzled, half-assed ombré: "You look like you’ve spent six months at the equator.” When designing the perfect shade of blonde, Caitlin takes into account a client’s lifestyle, career, wardrobe, daily schedule, and even their workout plan. Although I’d love to go blonder, I’m not dedicated (or rich) enough to spend every six weeks in the salon, so Caitlin suggests doing some "reverse balayage," which involves coating sections of my hair in a conditioning mask, wrapping it in plastic wrap, then applying a toner to even it all out.
Caitlin’s clients book their appointments months ahead, send her Pinterest boards with their desired blondes, and visit the salon from as far afield as Dubai, Paris, and Australia. But after three hours in the white leather chair, I’m done. “You’re a perfect Natural Dark Golden Blonde,” announces Caitlin triumphantly, as she takes pictures of my new look to add to the salon’s Snapchat story. I strike a pose in front of the selfie-ready ring lights. BLONDE / BLOND has another satisfied customer.
BLONDE / BLOND, 8581 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste 305, West Hollywood, CA; 310-666-5907.
So far we've spotted Black Panther -inspired tattoos, nails, and clothing, so it comes as no surprise that hairstyles inspired by the movie are popping up on our timelines, too. We just didn't expect to see one on a cast member: Lupita Nyong'o.
At the premiere of Gringo in Los Angeles, the actress (who plays Nakia in Black Panther) sported a head full of side-swept flat twists done by her go-to guy, Vernon François.
“I just liked the idea of pushing the hair over to one side and lining all of the twists in the same direction, which was key to keeping this look sophisticated," the stylist tells Refinery29. "If anything, the technique is called 'Wanna Be African Marley Twists.'”
François explains that the twists weren't just a chic red carpet style... they also serve as a way to give Nyong'o's hair a rest. "The less Lupita has to do with her hair, the better. If Lupita had her way, she would have Wanna Be African Marley Twists all year round," he says. Teamed with a glittery swipe of blue shadow and sheer berry lips, Nyong'o looked fierce... fierce enough to make a king freeze like an antelope in headlights.
Photo: Courtesy of Marvel Studios.Photo: gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Upon closer look, we can't help but note the similarities between Nyong'o's new look and one of the most popular styles in the movie – Erik Killmonger's locs. Killmonger (played by Michael B. Jordan) wore his short locs and side fade in a number of ways, including a ponytail and in braids. François tells us that the comparison is just a coincidence, but there's no denying the pandemonium around Killmonger's 'do. Before the movie's release, lead hairstylist Camille Friend told us that Jordan was more than game to grow his hair out for the role. "When we started filming, he had like five inches on the top, and his sides and back were faded," Friend said. "We added loc extensions to his hair to give him the look, and so he could remove them after the movie."
We're sure that Friend and Jordan both had a feeling that Killmonger's look would resonate well after the film wrapped. Friend told the Huffington Post that "every guy on Instagram" is sliding in her DMs for styling secrets and Jordan had a few predictions of his own. "I think it might set a little bit of a trend,” Jordan told Yahoo! Entertainment. "I could see that. [ Black Panther director Ryan Coogler] is from Oakland, and I’m from Newark, New Jersey, and I used to have locs. So we were trying to figure out what that hairstyle would look like if it evolved. Something that was trendy that dudes would wanna rock once the movie came out." Correction: guys and girls.
“That would be wonderful to see this trend more often," François notes. "The combination of cornrows and single-twisting has always been a part of the African culture. The idea that we are now going to see more of these on social media and on the red carpet is really exciting.”
It looks like we’re not the only ones repeatedly refreshing Zara’s “Best Sellers” new collection page. On a recent episode of the podcast Queery With Cameron Esposito, Emmy-winning Master Of None writer Lena Waithe shared she often relies on Zara’s men’s department to fill out her wardrobe.
Waithe says she’s just a “Black gay girl who is out in the world.” She’s queer and identifies as a soft stud who is masculine-leaning, and it’s important for her to bring visibility to the masses both on and off the screen. “I just have to be myself unapologetically, all the time. One, that’s just comfortable and makes sense for me, but also, it’s about showing others what you wear makes you you.” Waithe says she’s always been that way, including when it comes to clothes. “I would go to Zara with my friend Tiffany [Johnson], who was styling me, we’d go to the men’s department and figure it out and make it work.”
As Esposito put it, “she’s comfortable moving the needle,” even in high-pressure situations. “I think, still, there are women who are queer who try to dress feminine when they go to fancy events,” Waithe tells the show host, citing Jaden Smith as a personal awards-show style icon. At the Emmys, she wore a custom-designed gold leaf-printed tuxedo by bespoke menswear designer Jhoanna Alba. (Waithe doesn’t like to wear makeup either; for her, that’s a part of redefining what a woman looks like. “I never feel the pressure to conform.”)
“The things that make us different, those are our super powers,” Waithe said to her LGBTQIA family while accepting the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in September. “Every day when you walk out the door, put on your imaginary cape and go out there and conquer the world. Because the world would not be as beautiful as it is if we weren’t in it.”
Like everyone, Zara isn’t always perfect, but sometimes the fast-fashion retailer manages to get it right — like when it can help a star like Waithe feel more comfortable in her skin. Now only if Zara were selling capes this season...
Welcome to MyIdentity. The road to owning your identity is rarely easy. In this yearlong program, we will celebrate that journey and explore how the choices we make on the outside reflect what we’re feeling on the inside — and the important role fashion and beauty play in helping people find and express who they are.
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