We've been obsessing over Katy Perry's exquisitely-extra beauty game since 2010's psychedelic Candyland-themed music video, "California Gurls." An innovator who's always understood the power of a good beauty transformation, the 33-year-old Bon Appétit singer has rocked everything from the universe's most awkward-looking headgear to softly subversive lavender locks.
But while Perry's experimentation with rainbow-streaked ponytails and classic cat-eye liner has come a long way since her fresh-faced days (way back in 2002!), she's also never been shy about the power of a bold new haircu t to help a girl connect with her most vulnerable, genuine feelings. It's easy to see her truly contagious love for all things beauty, captured in the musician-turned-makeup mogul's signature Covergirl black lipsticks. Perry's over-the-top glam moments, whether they're featured on a red carpet or in that nightmarishly trippy music video, have always left us wanting more.
In celebration of Katy Perry's fearless approach to all things makeup, we're recreating three of her most iconic beauty moments. First stop on this outrageously colorful journey? A glance back at her breakout I Kissed A Girl phase — when cotton candy colors fused with her girly-punk aesthetic (and those perfectly sculpted brows, of course). Flash forward to the 2015 Grammy Awards, where Perry debuted the purple curls that are making us crave a pastel, lilac 'do all over again.
Press play above to catch this entire, glitter-soaked romp through Katy's incredible evolution as one of the music industry's out-of-the-box beauty stars. (And watch out, because it's definitely going to make you want to play with every super-saturated or sparkle-covered hue in your makeup bag.) Spoiler: The resemblance in this one is so eerily on-point it even makes our model do a shocked double take. Katy, is that you?
After I left my nursing career behind, my fascination with psychology and criminal behavior led me to seek out a job within the prison service. It took a while to find something in my preferred area, but finally, a job opened up.
I was so nervous about the interview that I very nearly drove on past the prison, deciding I couldn’t do it. However, I gave myself a stern talking-to and went in. There, I was faced with a group of much younger, more qualified and experienced people all waiting to go through the interview process, which didn't do much to calm my nerves but, to my amazement, I was successful and secured the position of psychological assistant.
And so, in 2010 I began my role in a male, category C prison which housed around 750 inmates, including a vulnerable prisoner unit mainly for sex offenders, serving a variety of sentences. Their crimes ranged from drug-related offenses to burglary, rape, and murder. If I’m honest, I had little clue about what to expect – the only knowledge I had came from TV shows, and they certainly didn’t prepare me for what lay ahead.
Walking through the prison grounds on my first day was a nerve-racking experience. But I was with a colleague, and she had the keys to let us through the many large gates to get to the psychology department. After my induction week, however, I was handed a set of my own keys and no longer had someone to hold my hand. My first walk through the prison alone was a day I won’t forget in a hurry. It was unnerving. I timed it badly, getting to work just as the prisoners piled out of the living blocks to go to their activities – and found myself at a gate with about 20 men jostling around me, all wanting to be let through. My hands shook as I asked each of them for their movement slips to check the reason for them moving through the grounds. They tutted, getting agitated with my slowness. I felt sick. But I managed, and it didn’t take long before it became less scary.
My first ever contact with a prisoner will always be a standout memory for me. It was a man my age who had been convicted of a young woman’s murder some years before. As part of his assessment for an offending behavior programme, I listened as he described how he’d met, raped, and strangled the woman, then dumped her body. The way he detailed what he’d done was shocking to hear. The calmness in his voice still haunts me. It was the first time it hit me that a murderer could look 'normal.' He was good-looking, not scary, and I remember thinking if I’d met him outside of prison during a night out, I’d have thought nothing of talking to him. That had a lasting impact – the whole interview challenged my preconceived notions and the stereotypes I harbored. Afterwards, I thought it was probably a good way of introducing me to working with offenders – being thrown right into it.
After attending training, and following some changes in the psychology department, my role became Offender Behavior Program Facilitator. As part of this role, I assessed prisoners for their eligibility and suitability to undertake a particular program of rehabilitation, conducted initial interviews with them to find out their willingness to participate, then delivered the six-week program (at the time it was TSP – The Thinking Skills Program). I always read up about the prisoner I was due to work with and I knew what their crimes were prior to meeting them. This was not always helpful – it’s inevitable that you build a picture of what you think that man will be like and sometimes they are not as you imagined. One younger man had stabbed a 17-year-old (the age of one of my sons at the time) and, after reading his file, I was unsure whether I could see him. I did, and I ended up working very well with him. In person he was so different from what I'd anticipated. Learning about his background and upbringing enabled me to see past the crime. That worked both ways, though; occasionally an offender didn’t seem so bad on paper but was intimidating in person.
Along with another facilitator, I delivered the set program to groups of 11 prisoners at a time. We each had key participants and these were the ones we worked more closely with to reduce their risks of reoffending. I worked in a one-to-one setting with these prisoners and they had at least four individual sessions each throughout the program. During the sessions, they were encouraged to identify their personal risk factors and would discuss their crime and how they planned on managing the risks associated with their offending in the future. Prisoners often felt more comfortable disclosing specifics of their crime to their facilitator, rather than a whole group of people.
Hearing offenders talk about their crime could be challenging – in particular, those relating to sex offenses. I found the one-to-one sessions intense and listening to details of offenses often put my skills to the test. I really had to concentrate to shut out seeing the offenses in my head as they detailed them. I learned to detach myself somewhat from the victims of the crimes, as this was the only way for me to cope with some of the hideous things I was told. My role was to work well with the offender and build a rapport, so if I thought too much about what the victims went through, it made that even more challenging. I did find it difficult to shut off sometimes, and suffered from disturbing thoughts after I got home from work, particularly when trying to sleep. One offender was very open about how he’d had sexual activity with a child, going into detail about what he’d done and how he’d done it. This offense played on my mind a lot. Having children myself made me more sensitive to hearing him talk about his crime and as soon as I was away from work, I’d find myself crying. Working with sex offenders did have an impact on me; I was probably overprotective of my teenage daughter, as my fears of what might happen to her were always heightened.
After a particularly challenging time, both personally and professionally, I decided to leave the prison. Over the three years, the job had taken its toll on me, and I realized I’d begun to allow my personal feelings to get in the way of working effectively with the offenders. I found I was getting into arguments on occasion – for example with some of the more disruptive members of the group, who refused to take any responsibility for their behavior.
Even now, four years after leaving the prison service, I’m still less trusting of people in general as a result of what I read about and heard. Looking back, there were many aspects of the job I enjoyed. It was rewarding at times, there was never a dull moment and I learned a lot about psychology and criminal behavior. The team I worked with were amazing and we remain good friends. Even knowing how the job affected me, I wouldn’t change my decision to work there.
Sam Carrington’s novel, Bad Sister, is available now in paperback, digital and audio.
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When it comes to daily self-care routines, everyone has their own style. One person might hear their alarm, hit snooze once or twice (okay, maybe three times), and roll out of bed to apply only the essentials (like a dewy foundation and her go-to deodorant) before running out the door, while another might wake up early and promptly start her 10-step beauty routine — while sipping on her morning turmeric tea, of course. While, sure, there's no right way to go about your morning, R29's very own Lucie Fink wanted to see how the people closest to her lived their best lives and whether she should be turning their daily ways into habits of her own. Check out the video, and tell us what you'd like Lucie to give a try in the comments section below.
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Hashtags like #ad and #spon have become increasingly common on social media. Is that a fashion blogger just going about her normal day with a good “detox” tea — or is it just an(other) #ad?
Instagram has been tightening up its rules regarding advertising on the platform, which is good. But in a world where social-media profiles — from makeup artists to graphic designers, food bloggers and cosmetic-surgery clinics, doctors, beauticians and beyond — are being used more and more as visual CVs, is it ever going to be possible to regulate everything?
One area where this is particularly dangerous is in the cosmetic-surgery industry. In fact, a recent study out of Northwestern University found that the majority of providers who market their aesthetic-surgery services on Instagram are not board-certified plastic surgeons.
According to the report, fewer than 18% of all the posts advertising cosmetic surgery on Instagram were placed by legit plastic surgeons; many of the procedures were offered by other types of physicians, as well as barbers, dentists, and at least one hair salon. What’s more, posts from other providers were found to be a lot more visible than those from certified cosmetic surgeons, who were more likely to use less search-friendly terms like #augmentationmammoplasty, as opposed to #boobjob.
“The confusing marketing on social media is putting people at risk,” wrote senior study author Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS. “There have been many recent reports of patient harm and deaths resulting from inexperienced providers offering services outside of their area of expertise.”
The thing is, finding your surgeon on Instagram isn’t necessarily the problem — it’s what you do after that.
Indeed, news stories abound of cosmetic-surgery horrors that result in irreversible damage to the patient's face or body — and, in some extreme cases, even death. 30-year-old Siobhan Phelan of the UK nearly lost her entire upper lip after an unlicensed cosmetician botched her procedure; The Sun reported that she had paid just £125, or around $165, after spotting an ad on Facebook. Prices usually start at double that. Meanwhile, in New York, a 31-year-old mother of two died after receiving butt-enhancement injections, which she reportedly received in a residential apartment building.
“Although there are possible risks related to all surgeries, the risks are greater when visiting an unregistered or unlicensed surgeon, or a clinic facility abroad,” explains a representative from London-based cosmetic-surgery clinic Mya. “Likely risks would be infection or undesirable results, to name a few. Plus, unlicensed surgeons would also not provide comprehensive aftercare, so if anything were to go wrong, you would have to pay for further surgery from another provider.”
The thing is, finding your surgeon on Instagram isn’t necessarily the problem — it’s what you do after that. There are plenty of properly certified doctors who use the social-media platform to advertise their services. After all, in 2017, it would be weirder not to have a social media presence.
As 28-year-old Melissa* from London tells Refinery29: “Cosmetic surgery is all results and process-based, so you want to be able to see ‘step by steps,' the before and after, and end results. Instagram is a great visual portfolio for that."
“I had been thinking about getting Botox for a while, and Instagram became my go-to for research and verifying results from various cosmetic surgeons,” she says.“I would often be served images or videos in my Discover feed that made me feel confident that I wanted to move forward with it.”
Indeed, for many, it's precisely the ease, simplicity, and straightforwardness of Instagram that proves so appealing. 29-year-old Emma*, who says she's currently saving up for a number of procedures, told us, "It’s a before and after; I am the before, and it’s showing me that I can be the after."
In this world of seemingly instant gratification, selfie culture, and Kardashian-esque "perfection," the temptation can be hard to ignore. Especially when those "after" images and ads come up mid-scroll.
These aspirational images can absolutely influence whether someone wants to get work done in the first place, as well as who they choose to wield the knife. (A 2015 study found that 40% of patients said social media strongly influenced their choice of doctor.) Melissa found her surgeon through the Instagram of one of the stars of British reality show Love Island. “Having seen Olivia on the show and on Instagram, I thought she looked gorgeous," she says. "Then I saw that her cosmetic surgeon did the treatment, I wanted in the price bracket I wanted, and thought I would like to move forward with her."
On my account I only use the original, untouched images, so patients can see a true representation of my work.
UK-based cosmetic doctor Dr. Tijion Esho is a reality star in his own right: He has over 20,000 followers and stars on E4's Body Fixers. Speaking from his own experience, Dr. Esho emphasizes the importance of posting responsibly. “On my account I only use the original, untouched images, so patients can see a true representation of my work," he says. "I have seen many accounts where images have been altered using Instagram filters and apps, which give potential clients unrealistic expectations of the results which can be achieved.”
“I also regularly share posts that explain procedures, including what can go wrong. This is important, as some accounts can trivialize procedures, leading to the patient not being prepared for the possible outcomes before booking their treatment,” Dr. Esho adds.
Considering that the average age for those seeking cosmetic surgery has dropped dramatically over recent years, and the age restrictions on Instagram are limited to 13+, it’s particularly important to increase awareness and education of the dangers, and ensure that prospective patients do their due diligence in researching both the person and the clinic behind the marketing.
“Any cosmetic or plastic-surgery social-media accounts advertising based on price should be seen as a red flag,” says the representative from Mya. “Low prices and time-limited offers — which are against UK marketing regulations for cosmetic surgery — should be clear signs of untrustworthy providers.”
You just can't overestimate the importance of doing your research. Anyone who's considering plastic surgery should ensure they do some serious recon as opposed to a cursory Instagram stalk; looking at the pictures is not enough. After all, cosmetic surgery is for life, not just for a selfie — despite what our scrolling habits might suggest.
*Names have been changed. This story originally appeared on Refinery29's UK site.
It's officially the holiday season, and the Girl Scouts have an important reminder: Girls don't owe anyone hugs, even on a special occasion. While parents might think it's polite to instruct their daughters to hug relatives they haven't seen recently or who gave them a gift, the group explained in a blog post that girls need to learn from an early age that they don't owe anyone physical contact.
Girl Scout developmental psychologist Dr. Andrea Bastiani Archibald explained that what children learn from a young age sticks with them, which is why it's so important to teach girls that they're in charge of their own bodies.
"The notion of consent may seem very grown-up and like something that doesn’t pertain to children," Dr. Archibald said in the post, "but the lessons girls learn when they’re young about setting physical boundaries and expecting them to be respected last a lifetime, and can influence how she feels about herself and her body as she gets older." She added, "Plus, sadly, we know that some adults prey on children, and teaching your daughter about consent early on can help her understand her rights, know when lines are being crossed, and when to go to you for help."
Within the current national dialogue about sexual harassment and assault, it's worth also examining how society trains girls to think about their bodies in relation to others. Teaching young girls about consent — and that it applies to all types of physical contact — will help ensure that they know they don't owe anyone physical affection as an adult.
As the Girls Scouts pointed out, there are plenty of other ways to show you appreciate someone's nice gesture besides giving them a hug. Let girls decide for themselves.
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These days, people are DIY-ing just about everything — from jewelry to furniture and even skin-care products. It's become so popular that a recent article even dubbed Millennials "Generation DIY." I'm a proud Generation DIY-er myself, but despite my love of learning, I've mostly avoided the makeup realm. Whipping up face and hair masks in the kitchen, I can do — but creating a mascara or lipstick that actually looks good and lasts through the work day? The whole thing seems incredibly intimidating.
So, in the spirit of challenging myself, I decided to try 5 days of only wearing makeup I made myself, following YouTube tutorials and recipes I found on Refinery29. First, I created my very own Lucie Lip Kit, a dupe modeled after one of my favorite lip products, the Kylie Lip Kit. I also discovered a surprising ingredient to fill in my brows (because, as many people out there can relate, I can't leave the house without doing my brows).
The biggest challenge, though, might have been making my own eyeliner. Typically, I err on the side of caution when it comes to eyeliner and opt for basic black or brown shades. Recently, however, I've been inspired by the graphic, colorful eyeliner looks floating around the internet (and on the likes of a certain Mi-Anne Chan), so I decided to mix my own blue liner and swap out my typical black cat-eye. And you know what? It might just become my new go-to.
So what did I learn? Well, it is actually quite easy to make your own makeup — I rarely used exact measurements and all the products turned out fairly wearable. Most importantly, however, I realized how much fun it is to play with color and swatches, and try out a new look for the first time. Watch my experiment above, and let me know what you think in the comments below.
Editors' Note: Some of the ingredients used, including lavender oil, might be irritating to some skin types. Always do a patch test first or talk to your dermatologist before attempting a DIY makeup recipe.
Any Target shopper knows they will inevitably walk out with more than they intended to get every time they step foot in the store, and Britney Rager was no different. Except instead of a cart full of nail polish, coffee mugs, and picture frames, the 23-year-old found a husband in Target.
Rager took a job as a cashier at Target to save up for a post-college move and quickly developed a crush on her coworker, Taylor Ray. "He made me laugh a lot — he’s probably the funniest person I’ve ever met," Rager told The Way We Met. "He quickly became my favorite co-worker, and even one of my closest friends."
However, Rager, who was 23 years old didn't see romance in the future when she learned her crush was 18 and had just graduated high school, not college. Nevertheless, they remained friends, and Rager invited Ray to her house for a party, where (after some alcohol was consumed) he told her: "We’re going to get married one day."
His drunken proclamation turned out to be true, and the couple got engaged two years later. They just celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary Nov. 11. Rager and Ray are now 28 and 23, and though neither works at Target anymore, they certainly have a soft spot for the store. And their love story goes to show that sometimes the heart and the brain have different plans.
"It took us a really long time to admit we wanted to be together because of our age gap, but now I realize how trivial that is in the grand scheme of things," Rager said. "I didn’t choose to fall in love with someone younger, it just happened."
Rager and Ray are also proof that you can meet an awesome person anywhere — even Target. (Not that any of us ever doubted Target has anything and everything we could ever need.)
They aren't the only one who found love at the store, either. Someone commented on the post that they also met their husband while they both worked at Target. "We married two years after meeting and have been married for 11 years now," Instagram user @ danell_will wrote. "Target will always be my favorite place to shop."
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If you're fortunate enough to have purchased a piece of luxury fashion, you'll know that it's far from a straightforward buy. When spending a significant amount of money on anything — whether it's a car, a house, or a pair of shoes — careful consideration needs to be made.
Maybe you've lusted after a classic quilted Chanel handbag for some time, or perhaps you're more interested in snapping up Balenciaga's stretch-knit sneakers. Is a timeless piece a better investment, or should you go with your gut on a trend-led item you've fallen for?
"I am always in favor of a fashion purchase, mainly because if you truly love it then it counts as a timeless piece in my eyes," Lisa Aiken, retail fashion director at Net-A-Porter, explains. "Some of the most treasured items in my wardrobe would have been considered ‘trend-led’ when I bought them, however it was less about the trend and more about falling in love with it."
Natalie Kingham, buying director at MatchesFashion.com, echoes that sentiment: "My advice is to buy whatever makes your heart skip a beat," she says, reflecting on her first designer piece. "It was a beautiful silk Katharine Hamnett dress and was bought for me by my father for a wedding that we were attending. I cherished that dress for many years and have such fond memories of it."
Stylist Victoria Bain, on the other hand, has collated a selection of classic, well-made staples that can be worn countless times in countless ways. "My wardrobe is built around good-quality classic items which I modernize each season with accessories and pieces from fast-fashion," she says. "I like to invest in items I will wear over and over again, such as a beautiful navy coat from Stella McCartney, a white shirt from Céline, a tailored suit from Pallas, an Hermès belt, or a great piece of jewelry from Ana Khouri."
But with trends moving so quickly today, is there anything that dates badly? "I would avoid heavily-printed items or a key fabric trend of the season (such as this year's lurex or PVC) as they are immediately dateable," Bain advises. Aiken adds that it also has to do with how often a certain style crops up on the catwalk: "Generally speaking, anything with a nostalgic reference will always return," she says. "For example, if it's a piece that's been revisited regularly since the '70s, then it's very likely to have longevity."
Whatever the lastingness of the piece, though, don't just save it for special events for fear you'll ruin it. "Your investment or smart-buy pieces should be worn on all occasions and adopted into your everyday wardrobe," says Kingham. "Clothes are made to be worn, so I try not to fret too much," Bain agrees.
And if you're going to wear your hero items all the time (which you should!) it's vital you take good care of them so they last. "No matter how much you love a piece, it is going to go in and out of your wardrobe depending on season and your mood," says Aiken. "So the single most important thing is how you store it." Her top tip? "I dry-clean and then keep items in vacuum-sealed bags, which I personally think work better than tissue paper and garment bags as they’re moth-proof."
Bain keeps her handbags and shoes in their original dust bags, while her coats and dresses are stored in plastic hanging bags, and knits in plastic boxes. "My boyfriend did once comment that my wardrobe had Patrick Bateman vibes, but after the Moth Battle of 2015 I am not taking any chances. I also use spray starch on my shirts and find it keeps them looking newer for longer."
But is there anything these women wish they'd known first time around? "I would steer clear of evening shoes," Bain admits. "I bought a stunning pair of Prada heels to wear to a wedding once, but spent the day fretting about grass, dodging red wine and unwieldy dance partners. Life is too short to be the boring person at the party, so I stick to Topshop now."
Aiken highlights the importance of wearability when purchasing your first piece, too. "Accessories, such as a handbag, are definitely worth the investment as they tend to have the lowest ‘price-per-wear’ value. Other than that, enjoy the search and the shopping experience (personally I love unwrapping Net-A-Porter purchases — it always feels like a gift to myself)."
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Turns out, for the price of $100,000, you can make a clone of your dog. Which makes you wonder: What would it cost to clone a person? Our guess is a hell of a lot more than any of us will ever have in our banking accounts. But luckily (or creepily), some celebs don't have to think about extracting DNA or shelling out millions to replicate themselves, because their doppelgängers are already walking around IRL.
Click ahead to see Taylor 2.0, Selena's double, the long lost Rihanna, Gigi's other sister, and more celeb look-alikes. The resemblance is so uncanny, if they ever met, these duos could pull off some serious Parent Trap switch-ups.
The old Taylor might be dead, but her British twin is very much alive and well. Her name's Laura Cadman, and with her propensity for a bright red lip and swoop-y blonde bangs, plus her Instagram feed sprinkled with pictures of cats, the college student from Manchester, England could easily pass as T. Swift's twin.
@laurah
Rihanna
Andele Lara, a beauty influencer and founder of the website Grow & Glow, was flying relatively under-the-radar until she collaborated with YouTube sensation Patrick Starr on a Fenty Beauty project — then fans started freaking out over the crazy Rihanna resemblance.
Gigi Hadid's mom, former model and RHOBH star Yolanda Foster, is from the small Dutch town of Papendrecht in The Netherlands, so it kind of makes sense that Gigi's doppelgänger hails from there, too. Iza Ijzerman is a Dutch blogger with the same long, bright blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and full, slightly-agape lips — even her tinted sunglasses have "Gigi" written all over them.
@izaijzerman
Ariana Grande
We thought we could place that high and tight half pony anywhere, but maybe not — because this is not Ariana Grande. It's actually former Miss Teenage California Alexxa Morgan, who looks likes a carbon copy of the pint-sized pop princess.
@alexxa_morgan
Lady Gaga
“If I had a dollar for every time someone said I look like Lady Gaga, I’d be V rich,” 18-year-old Amethyst Rose writes in her Instagram bio of the Gaga comparisons she gets on the reg.
@amethystbby
Kim Kardashian
Sonia Ali and her sister Fyza have garnered a pretty impressive following in part because they're dead ringers for Kim and Kylie. Sonia looks exactly like Kim, but she told us in a recent interview that she's not trying to curate her look for fame — it's just in her blood. "My grandmother looked like Kim before Kim looked like Kim," she said.
@soniaxfyza
Jennifer Lopez
J. Lo's ripped and doesn't age, and 28-year-old Janice Garay is a bodybuilder from Texas with the same caramel-colored hair and iconic "J.Lo Glow," so it makes sense that people might get the two confused.
@jayfromhouston
Emma Watson
Also from the U.K., Meghan Flockhart not only looks, but likely sounds, just like Emma Watson.
@meganflockhart
Katy Perry
Putting the shark in the shot is just adding fuel to the firestorm of Katy Perry comparisons. Per Francesca Brown's Instagram bio, the resemblance is so uncanny that the actress/presenter is currently playing Katy Perry in Legends In Concert.
@francesca_brown
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Winter brings with it the annual battle against the fluctuating external factors that turn your skin into a dehydrated shadow of its former glowing self. Why exactly does the most wonderful time of the year have such a negative impact on our complexions?
"Cool air, low humidity, cold winds and moving from warm central heating into the cold and back again can significantly dehydrate our skin," Dr. Johanna Ward, founder of ZENii Skincare, explains. "The main issue in autumn and winter is skin dehydration or lack of water. This is different to skin dryness, which refers to skin that lacks lipids or oil. Dehydration is when there is a lack of water in the stratum corneum, or outer layer of the skin. It can result in anything from sensitive skin and red cracked lips to rough, dry, and flaky skin."
We look to the finest day creams, moisturizers, and oils to pump life into our skin, while often forgetting that not all skin is the same. A heavy cream may work for the super dry among us, but overpower the oily. Where exactly should we start when tackling our skin this season?
For one, don't forget to exfoliate. "It’s critical to slough dead, dehydrated, dry skin," says Jamie O'Banion, cofounder of Beauty Bioscience. Once you've prepped the skin? "Look for a moisturizer with moisture-binding humectants that are especially helpful to soften skin’s texture and keep skin looking plump, firm and dewy," she says.
"Add in a powerful serum hydrator like hyaluronic acid to keep the skin moist and hydrated," Dr. Ward explains. "Changing your daily products – just as you would change your wardrobe – is beneficial in the cooler months. No matter what your skin type, rehydrating the skin needs to be your focus."
Now that we've got the basics down, click through to find the moisturizers — packed with hydrating acids, vitamins, and serums — for every skin type, ahead.
"Oily skin can become congested in the winter," a REN skin-care spokesperson explains. "The combination of dehydration, excess oil's attempt to protect the surface, and flaky skin can congest and block pores, leading to breakouts and redness."
The answer? Gels, serums, and light creams to tackle dehydration without overloading the skin.
Kiehl's' oil-free formula contains vitamin E to keep skin fresh and clean, while Antarcticine provides the ultimate protection against dryness. Plus, the lightweight formula will keep shine at bay.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion, $27.50, available at Nordstrom.
Lixir Skin's smart moisturizer uses a unique emulsifying technique to deliver molecular water to the skin and boost its ability to retain it. The hook? Once applied, there's zero oil throughout the day, meaning makeup stays put and shine is nowhere to be seen – all while giving you a hydration hit.
Lixir Skin Universal Emulsion, £45, available at Liberty.
(Editors' Note: This buzzy skin-care brand is not yet available in the U.S. You can find a great alternative to it, ahead.)
REN's emulsion-based skin treatment boosts hydration without the heaviness of most creams. Hyaluronic acid maximizes water levels while xylitol keeps skin looking plump.
REN Flash Hydro-Boost Instant Plumping Emulsion, $42, available at Sephora.
"Sensitive skin can become itchy, flaky, irritated, and flushed during the winter months," O'Banion says. To tackle this, "using a viscous, emollient moisturizer helps provide a barrier to protect easily inflamed skin. It’s also important to use a serum loaded with antioxidants to help calm irritated, sensitive skin."
This calming but fresh formula desensitises skin deep down, protecting it from within. The cream is thick but doesn't leave any residue before makeup.
Clarins Gentle Day Cream, $64, available at Clarins.
The Daily is power-packed with the brand's HyperVitamin Complex to boost antioxidant levels while shielding against daily free radical damage. All while keeping skin super soft, of course.
Beauty Bioscience The Daily, $75, available at Bergdorf Goodman.
Avène is an all-round hit for sensitive skin but this rich, soothing moisturizer is perfect for winter. With anti-irritating thermal spring water, the ingredients envelop skin in a thin veil – perfect for tackling the compromising weather.
Avène Tolérance Extrême Cream, $38, available at Avène.
"If you have dry skin, you are lacking oil rather than water, but in winter most skins lack both," Dr. Ward explains. Here, it's all about hydrating skin with deep-down moisture.
Packed with hyaluronic acid and thermal spa water, this paraben-free, hypoallergenic hit from Vichy works wonders for those with scaly skin come winter.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Hydration For Dry Sensitive Skin, $31, available at Target.
Another product filled with hyaluronic acid, this oil-free cream-gel penetrates skin, leaving your face plump, glowy, and fully hydrated.
Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, $19, available at Clinique.
Beech tree peptides strengthen the skin's structure, while beauty's golden child, hyaluronic acid, keeps it hydrated.
REN Ultra Moisture Day Cream, $34.29, available at Amazon.
Despite sometimes having the best of both worlds, during the winter "combination skin will experience side-effects of both dry and oily skin simultaneously in different skin regions," says O'Banion. Amp up your skin-care regime with acids and serums, but also use hydrating masks and overnight creams.
This cream is super lightweight (so no shiny nose by lunchtime) but hydrating enough to tackle dry areas. Ginseng and coffee beans boost radiance all day long.
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturizer, $28.5, available at Sephora.
The coconut fruit extract in this helps prevent water loss; the soothing mask makes for an ideal Friday night in.
STARSKIN® Red Carpet Ready™ Coconut Bio-Cellulose Second Skin Hydrating Face Mask, $10, available at Barneys New York.
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If you have a Fashion with a capital-F person in your life, you know how difficult they can be to shop for. Their endless wardrobe! Their impeccable (read: expensive) taste! And, let's be honest, they're kind-of picky. They know what they like, they know what they want — and trying to figure out something that checks off both those boxes can be a feat in and of itself.
Our advice for getting it right? Start by studying up on today's most popular trends — one scroll through Instagram and you'll realize you can't go wrong with a pair of cat-eyes or printed socks. (It doesn't hurt to do some snooping and see what brands said stylish person is following Insta, too.) Next, brush up on your Fashion 101, check out what said labels are offering this holiday season, and create a preliminary list of items. Then, think about how they'll style them, how often they'll wear them, and whether they have something too similar in their closet already. With that, you'll likely be able to narrow it down to one-to-two things your style-obsessed recipient won't just appreciate — but that they'll actually use.
That, or you can skip the legwork and click through the slideshow ahead for 25 gifts the trendiest person you know is sure to 'gram on Christmas morning.
"Repurposed" is an exclusive collaboration between Nobody Denim and Well Made Clothes that celebrates sustainable fashion processes — something we can all get behind.
Discarded clothing from retail chain H&M has been successfully fueling a Swedish power plant, according to a story published by Bloomberg. A station located in Västerås, a city West of Stockholm, has replaced oil-and-coal-fueled power in an effort to continue the region’s mission to become a fossil-fuel-free nation.
If replacing one non-sustainable resource with another, well, non-sustainable resource sounds like a solution leading to a dead end, then it’s worth emphasizing that the power plant is using the clothing that H&M is unable to sell.
“H&M does not burn any clothes that are safe to use,” said Johanna Dahl, head of communications for H&M in Sweden, to Bloomberg. “However it is our legal obligation to make sure that clothes that contain mold or do not comply with our strict restriction on chemicals are destroyed.”
Thanks so Sweden’s hydro, nuclear, and wind plants it has quickly become a blueprint of what large corporations and the government can do to enact more sustainable practices. This is just one piece of the pie.
“For us it’s a burnable material,” said Jens Neren, head of fuel supplies at Malarenergi AB, a utility which owns and operates the 54-year-old plant, to Bloomberg. “Our goal is to use only renewable and recycled fuels.”
As for the plant in Vasteras, Bloomberg noted that it replaced burning 400,000 tons of trash with 15 tons of H&M clothing instead. Now that is certainly sustainable. Sounds like fast-fashion could be the coal industry’s biggest threat.
Over the last several years, the phrase “eco-fashion” has become an abstract catchall for fashion and practices that are better for the environment. However, in recent years we’ve seen more details about what that truly means. From sweatshirts that will last for 30 years, to fabrics made from pineapple, it’s clear that green fashion and green business practices are getting creative.
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As Yahoo reports, eagle-eyed fans noticed that the Brazilian supermodel and longtime Angel has tiny stretch marks running along her upper thighs. It's a very common, and in the words of one commenter, very "human" feature, though perhaps not something one might expect to see on the world's biggest catwalk spectacle. That Ribeiro, and Victoria's Secret, embraced hers is a small victory for body confidence and a refreshing reminder that perfection is a BS beauty goal.
"She is a human, like you and me," a fan posted on social media after noticing Ribeiro's stretch marks in this photo taken backstage at the Shanghai show. "She has stretch marks like all the girls and that's not ugly. Stretch marks are beautiful! Love your body! It's the only you will have."
A post shared by 💙VSArgentina💙 Since🐣: 1/8/2016 (@victoriassecret_passion) on
Though some people accused the original poster of "body-shaming" the 27-year-old mom by pointing out her stretch marks, others expressed admiration for the so-called imperfections.
"Lais Ribeiro has stretch marks on her ass and y'all have no idea how good it makes me feel about mine," one young woman tweeted.
Lais Ribeiro has stretch marks on her ass and y'all have no idea how good it makes me feel about mine
‘Tis the season to add another cozy beverage to your lineup of faves. Starbucks has announced the debut of their new Juniper Latte. The holiday-themed beverage is all about Wintery, earthy flavors all of which makes pretty good use of the company’s Christmas Reserve blend.
“We started with our Christmas Reserve,” explained a Starbucks spokeswoman on the company’s website. “That earthy aged Sumatra inspired the woodiness, while the citrus flavor in the Hacienda Alsacia ties in that note of sweet orange.”
That's right, Starbucks drinkers will taste hints of sweet mandarin and mulled spices. Meaning it’s like one of those seasonal candles except... we can actually drink it. For those “iced coffee in winter” lovers (points at self), you can absolutely get this beverage with ice and have it made to your liking. With this news, the chain has also released the Juniper Affogato. It's a spin on their new winter drink: a scoop of juniper-infused Mora ice cream and a shot of their signature Reserve Christmas 2017 espresso.
According to the same statement, the juniper flavor is said to be fairly nuanced. “With the first sip, you’ll inhale that woodsy aroma and the savory woodiness of the juniper,” said the company spokeswoman. “On your second sip, you'll get the mandarin. The sage follows on the backend. It's a well-rounded experience.”
It isn’t the only new flavor to hit the coffee chain this season. Recently, Starbucks rolled out the Toffee Almondmilk Hot Coco, a dairy-free beverage and a yummy option for those leading dairy-less lives. Let’s not forget the trio of holiday-themed beverages. This was all within the less than 30 days. If you’re craving a more tangible, less fleeting option, there’s that whole rose gold tumbler trend.
You can find the new Juniper Latter at select Starbucks locations around the country beginning December 5.
Related Video:
Starbucks Opens New Cafe And Bakery
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In my opinion, there's a difference between being a grown woman and a Grown Ass Woman. Grown women do the prerequisites: they pay their bills, they make relatively healthy decisions, and vote in their local elections. Grown Ass Women, however, are bosses beyond measure. They pay their bills, but don't mind taking on a cool side hustle. They make healthy decisions, but don't spend too much time lamenting over a night of tequila-fueled texts. They show up at the polls and aren't afraid to give those same politicians a hearty piece of their mind, too.
I still have a ways to go, but I'm trying my best to tap into my Grown Ass Womanhood. Even when it comes down to my beauty choices. For as long as I can remember, I've always slicked down my body with baby oil post-bath or shower. As a teen, it was with whatever store-brand product that my mom wrangled up from Walmart or the dollar store. My skin was moisturized, but I would always be embarrassed by the fact that I smelled like a two-year-old. I also hated packing my big, greasy bottle with me whenever I went to sleepovers.
Whenever I had allowance money to buy my own goods, the first thing that I'd grab would be the same baby oil gel, except shea butter-scented. Way more mature, I had decided. These days, I still like shea butter, but I've got plenty of other scents to choose from. It's just a matter of finding a product that keeps my skin supple underneath the thousands of layers I'm forced to wear to combat the New York City wind chill.
10 & Co., an all-natural Australian skincare line made for moms, may have roots from down under, but its body oils are a match for an East Coast dweller like myself. There are two in the line: Calm it Baby, a gentle sunflower seed and coconut oil blend for newborns, and Motherlover, with vitamin C, camellia tea, and hemp seed oil meant to combat dryness and stretch marks. Both are dope, but I prefer slathering on the latter before I towel off. Normally, a day of wearing fleece-lined leggings underneath my jeans leaves my legs dry enough to start a brush fire. Now, my skin stays soft all day no matter how long I'm out in the cold. I'm not grown enough to even be thinking about kids just yet, but I'm more than happy to reap the skin-care benefits without the responsibility of having my own little ones. Hey, I'm a work in progress.
10 & Co. Motherlover Rejuvenating Body Oil, $33.36, available at 10 & Co.
You never want something until you can't have it. So, each week in The Sell-Out, we're getting the scoop from your favorite retailers on what's selling like crazy. Watch this space to find out what everyone's buying, sign up for wait lists, and keep tabs on restocks.
A cardigan isn't something that's usually on the top of our wish list. But we just found one that is — and we're apparently not the only ones sold on it. The Barry Cardigan by French-girl-approved brand Sézane has racked up a waitlist of 30,000 customers and counting — yes, you read that correctly — and with the impending restock, there are a few things you should know if you, too, are going to try and get your hands on this bad boy.
The Barry Cardigan is part of La Liste, Sézane's permanent collection of iconic Parisian pieces. It's classic, but also has that touch of sexy because it can be worn backwards and slides off the shoulder. A few influencers have loved it, like @SincerelyJules and @PrettyLittleFawn, but it's clearly become beloved quickly by the customers too. It first launched at end of September 2017 in black, grey, ecru, and nude. And, the brand also launched a couple of seasonal colors for Fall, like Saffron and Raspberry. It has sold out multiple times — the black and grey came back in stock last week but sold out again, while the white and nude are coming back on November 29, and then the black and grey on December 13. We know, we're exhausted trying to keep up with this must-have piece, too.
Quick tip that might help, though: Product will launch on the site on Wednesdays at 10am EST / 7am PST, so make sure you are logged onto the site then if you're ready to go for the plunge. And in the meantime, click on to scope it out along with some similar options.
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Over 100 years since their creation, L.L. Bean duck boots are still going strong. In fact, they are on track to have record-breaking sales this holiday season.
Like Birkenstocks, duck boots had an established cult following for years as a wet weather staple more functional than fashionable. As someone who was born in the Pacific Northwest, I grew up seeing these boots everywhere. Weatherproof boots are an essential item there, whether you consider yourself outdoorsy or not. My Dad still has the same pair I remember him wearing when I was little. They weren't popular, but they were invaluable.
That is, until about 2011. The outdoorsy aesthetic became fashionable resulting in hipsters and fashion-forward editors adopted the boot skyrocketing its popularity. In the years to come, the boot began selling out every year. Retailers were struggling to keep up with the new-found demand. In an attempt to capitalize upon their newfound popularity, L.L. Bean stepped outside its comfort zone and released a redesign of their sought-after shoe. The result? Loyal fans of the shoe and newcomers alike were scrambling to get their hands on the limited edition, small batch releases. Before, the shoe was offered in a limited range of colors. Now, you can find them in plum, burnt orange, and in a variety of styles and fits making styling the iconic boot easier than ever. L.L. Bean stepped outside its comfort zone and was rewarded with a surge in popularity even greater than before.
Since 2012, L.L. Bean has tripled the number of boots they sell each year. This year, the Maine-based retailer is up to the task, telling the Associated Press that they have increased their production to have enough boots to meet the ever-growing demand. The company projects that they will sell 750,000 pairs this year, a 100,000 increase from last year. "We are working fast and furious to keep up," said company spokesperson Carolyn Beem. "We have been expanding year over year over year." Beem added that the backlog of small batch releases would likely continue.
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 marketing manager who makes $132,600 per year. This week, she buys a selfie stick to use with her dad.
Occupation: Marketing Manager Industry: Telecom Age: 26 Location: New York, NY Salary: $132,600 Paycheck (2x/month): $2,840
Monthly Expenses Housing: $1,250 to rent my share of a three-bedroom apartment in Chelsea with two other roommates. Loan Payments: None. I received full scholarship for all four years of college.
All Other Monthly Expenses Gym Membership: $55 Internet: $18 (my share, after three-way split with my roommates) Gas & Electricity: $20 (my share, after three-way split with my roommates) Health Insurance: $180 401(k): $650
Day One
8:30 a.m. — I sleep in two hours more than usual. I typically wake up at 6:30 a.m. for an hour each of indoor cycling and running outside, but I recently injured myself and can't exercise for two weeks. I don't mind the extra sleep though! I take a quick shower, tidy up for work, and decide to walk the two miles to my office downtown.
11 a.m. — After my morning meetings are over, I realize I haven't eaten anything yet. Not exercising two hours before work certainly kills my appetite! I'm feeling a bit hungry and I probably won't eat lunch until 1:30 p.m., so I grab a bowl of cereal from the office kitchen. I love mixing cereal! Today's concoction includes a handful of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Reese's Peanut Butter Puffs, Captain Crunch, and Rice Krispies with vanilla almond milk.
1:30 p.m. — I have 30 free minutes before my next meeting. I consider grabbing something quick from Whole Foods, but as I put on my jacket to leave the office, I notice there is a giant platter of leftover sandwiches in the kitchen. I grab two different kind of wraps — portobello mushroom with beets, and a goat cheese and chicken Caesar wrap — and devour them at my desk. Love free lunches!
3:15 p.m. — I've been in and out of meetings all day and need to get some fresh air. I step out of the office to walk around for a bit. I do some window shopping at Brookfield Place (one of the nicest, glitziest shopping mall in Manhattan!) and score super comfortable, grey yoga pants from Lululemon. It's 50% off regular price, so I make the purchase without even trying it on. $50
5:30 p.m. — Such a nice fall day outside, even though it's November. It's already pitch black though because daylight savings time just ended. I hate when it gets dark around 4 p.m.! I walk home again to get my steps in. I consider stopping by Sephora to buy a mascara, but decide to head home because I'm hungry. I stop by my neighborhood's CVS to get three bottles of Diet Pepsi, my guilty pleasure; they're on sale for $0.99 each. $3.29
7 p.m. — I am trying a new meal subscription service called RealEats. Each meal is vacuum-sealed into food-safe, recyclable plastic pouches that you place into boiling water and voila! Tonight's menu is braised lamb with polenta and spicy carrots. It's easy to prepare and tastes delicious. I eat half of the ice cream sandwich for dessert. $15
10 p.m. — One of my roommates announces today that she got a new job in San Francisco and will be moving there by the end of the month. While she is technically responsible for finding someone to take her lease, I also feel obligated to find someone I like. I post on several sites about the room opening, and pray that I will be "matched" with someone sane. My worst nightmare is hearing these horror stories about random Craigslist roommates. I talk to my mom for a bit before going to bed.
Daily Total: $68.29
Day Two
8:10 a.m. — I couldn't fall asleep until 2 a.m. last night, probably because I had five cans of Diet Coke. (Again, it's my vice!) I begrudgingly wake up, take a shower, and take my 8:30 a.m. call in bed. The meeting runs over by 30 minutes, but luckily I have some down time so decide to walk to work again. It's supposed to rain later today, so I make sure to bring an umbrella. I listen to a podcast (I'm obsessed with How I Built This, Hidden Brain, and Planet Money, among others) on the way.
1:30 p.m. — I haven't eaten anything since I woke up this morning, so I am starving. I see leftover sandwiches in the office kitchen (day two of free lunch continues!), so I grab two chicken salad sandwiches. There's a generous amount of tender chicken smothered in mayonnaise with walnuts and craisins. I'm feel hungry after devouring the sandwiches, so I take a handful of trail mix to snack on (and end up picking out the M&Ms to eat).
5 p.m. — I want to continue my streak of walking to work, but it is pouring outside. My shoes get soaked while walking to the nearest subway station. ($2.75) Rainy days are my least favorite. Before heading home, I stop by a jewelry shop near my apartment. My best friend from college, who is in town this week for work, celebrated her birthday last week; I am treating her to dinner tonight. I get her 14-karat gold-coated, sterling silver earrings ($54). $56.75
6 p.m. — Two girls come visit the apartment to see the room that is opening up. One is a second grade teacher from Tennessee, while the other works in finance. Both girls seem cordial and respectful. Given the prime location of my apartment (and it being rent-controlled), I don't worry about finding someone to fill the room. It feels like speed dating. Do they like me? Do I like them?
6:40 p.m. — My friend and I meet for dinner at a trendy Asian fusion restaurant in the Meatpacking District. Everything on the menu looks delicious, and our eyes become bigger than our stomachs. We order everything from dumplings and noodles, to sushi rolls and sashimi. We save room for dessert — mochi! I am scared to look at the damage we've done when the waitress brings our check. Well, you only live once! The bill doesn't look so bad when you split it. At least I didn't spend any money on lunch yesterday and today. I also bring back leftovers; "free" lunch tomorrow, I suppose. $140
11 p.m. — I am quite tired, both from eating all the food and from going to bed late last night. I read the latest Time magazine that came in the mail today (I get a free subscription through work) and hit the sack.
Daily Total: $196.75
Day Three
8:30 a.m. — Yesterday, a downpour of rain came in, and today came winter — the temperature dropped 20 degrees to signal that it is officially winter. I put on a knee-length, gray wool coat and mittens to stay warm on my commute to work. I recently upgraded to an iPhone 7 Plus (no, I could not justify dropping $1,000 for the iPhone X), so I asked my brother if he wanted my old, yet totally functional phone (iPhone 6 SE Plus). I stop by USPS to ship it to him in California. It should be delivered in two days. $8.35
1:30 p.m. — Wednesdays are my busy days, and I'm in meetings all day. Luckily, my 1:30 p.m. meeting is a WebEx and I am just listening in, so I grab my leftover dinner from last night (spicy tuna rolls topped with torched salmon, and two dumplings) and eat it for lunch. I take two Halloween chocolates from the kitchen as well.
6 p.m. — I've been inside all day, so I can't wait to leave the office to get fresh air. I plug in my headphones, listen to music on Spotify (I'm on a free subscription; I actually don't mind the occasional commercial breaks), and completely zone out during my 40-minute walk home. I stop by a Thai restaurant and pick up chicken pad Thai for dinner. $16
6:30 p.m. — Another girl reaches out to express her interest in the apartment. Because she can only stay for the next six months, and I don't want to go through the hassle of finding another roommate, I kindly decline her request.
7 p.m. — My friend texts me literally at the last minute, asking if I want to see M. Butterfly on Broadway because she got a pair of comped tickets. I've been wanting to see this play, so I immediately call Uber to get to the theater as soon as possible. I encounter some traffic, but manage to get to Times Square within 20 minutes. I am a bit late to the show, but can't complain; we have amazing orchestra seats in the sixth row. The play is beautiful, and I enjoy every minute of it. $20
10:15 p.m. — My friend and I walk around for a bit after the show. I am very hungry because I didn't have a chance to eat my chicken pad Thai, which is probably all dry by now. I guess I will save it for lunch tomorrow. I really want to eat the soft serve ice cream cone from McDonald's, but give up on satisfying my craving after visiting THREE different McDonald's with malfunctioning ice cream machines. Sigh. I come home instead and go to bed.
Daily Total: $44.35
Day Four
8:30 a.m. — The buzzer from our cleaner wakes me up. She comes once a month to clean the common spaces (living room, kitchen, and bathroom). After I finish getting ready for work, I leave $120 (includes tip) for the cleaner. I Venmo $40 each to my roommates to split the cost. $40
1 p.m. — For lunch, I eat the pad Thai I bought last night. I am taking the day off from work tomorrow because my dad is visiting me from Atlanta. I try to multitask in order to leave work a little early, but end up making a mess by spilling water all over my laptop. Ugh, the weekend can't come soon enough.
3:35 p.m. — Done with work! I rush back to my apartment, pack my belongings, and head to a hotel in Midtown where I am staying with my dad for the next two nights. I wanted to treat him to a comfortable visit to NYC, so I booked a king suite. The friendly receptionist offers me one of the most coveted rooms, which features an original photograph of Yoko Ono and John Lennon. The suite feels like a home away from home in the middle of the city, with a cozy reading nook by the window overlooking the Manhattan skyline and two full bathrooms. $700
7:10 p.m. — I take NJ Transit to the airport to pick up my dad. On the way to the station, I stop by Pret for iced coffee, but the cashier doesn't charge me because "he likes my scarf." I meet my dad at the airport and we take Lyft Line back to the city. $29 for a trip back to Manhattan is such a good deal, even though we take a 20-minute detour to drop off the other passenger in Jersey City. $43
9:30 p.m. — Shake Shack is listed as one of the items on my dad's to-do list. We go to the original location in Madison Square Park and order bacon cheeseburger and loaded fries. Shake Shack is a bit too heavy and greasy for my liking, and I personally prefer In-N-Out. We walk back to the hotel to help with digestion before calling it a night. $21
Daily Total: $804
Day Five
10:45 a.m. — I am excited to sleep in and take the day off from work to hang out with my dad! I found out yesterday that the hotel guests can book a HIIT class at a CrossFit gym next door at a discounted price. My leg is feeling a lot better and I haven't done much exercise at all this week, so I decide to check it out. Upon arriving, I am immediately intimidated by the extremely fit men and women gathered at the gym — and they all seem to know each other. We go through a round of exercises. I am absolutely exhausted about 40 minutes into the class and decide to do the "walk of shame" and sneak out. No regrets! $20
12:30 p.m. — My dad and I check out a new Shanghainese restaurant near the hotel for lunch. They have good lunch special deals, but I really want to try some items from the regular menu, including a giant soup dumpling that you eat with a straw. We end up ordering a bit too much for two people and feel very stuffed afterward, so we decide to walk around in Central Park. $65
2:45 p.m. — We visit the American Museum of Natural History. (I got a complimentary one-year membership through IDNYC.) I could spend the entire day here without getting bored; the museum is huge and there is so much to see. My favorite exhibit is the "Scales of the Universe," which illustrates the vast range of sizes in the universe. Every time I come here, it makes me realize how minuscule the earth is in the grand scheme of the Milky Way and the Universe.
6 p.m. — We visit an American restaurant that specializes in local products, line-caught fish, and seasonal produce. The waitress recommends ordering a bunch of small dishes and appetizers to share. My favorite is the pumpkin flatbread topped with cubes of butternut squash, goat cheese crumble, baby spinach, pumpkin seeds, and a drizzle of honey. It has a fantastic balance of sweet and savory. Dinner takes longer than expected, so we skip dessert and catch an Uber downtown for a show. $115
8 p.m. — We have a fourth row seat at STOMP. From mops and brooms to shopping carts and plastic bags, STOMP performers use everything they see in sight to create rhythm and sound. The show is a bit too loud, and because the performers literally stomp on the stage to make sound, it gets really, really dusty. $200
10 p.m. — It's a nice evening out, so my dad and I walk back to the hotel. On the way, we stop by Whole Foods so I can buy vitamins. My dad tells me he is loving NYC so far, and I am really happy to hear that. $10
Daily Total: $410
Day Six
10:35 a.m. — I am still feeling full from last night's dinner. It's a beautiful fall day, so I decide to go for a jog outside. I run for about an hour and stop by a café to get a large iced green tea. I don't drink coffee, but I love tea. I come back to the hotel and take a quick shower. $3.29
12:30 p.m. — This is the last meal with my dad before he leaves NYC. We go to one of the oldest steakhouses near Wall Street, where we indulge in Kobe beef filet mignon and whole steamed lobster. I don't normally eat like this; this is a rare occasion where I get to treat myself! After our heavy lunch, we take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and take pictures with a selfie stick I bought on Amazon a couple of days ago ($10). $230
3:15 p.m. — I have a final activity planned with my dad before he heads to the airport. We visit a sleek, upscale movie theater where visitors can enjoy plush seating, gourmet bites, and cocktails while watching the latest films. Because we are still so full from lunch, we decline even the complimentary popcorn that comes with the movie ticket purchase. The full reclining seats, which are reminiscent of first-class airline cabins, are so comfortable that I hear my dad snoring during the movie. Embarrassing! $45
6 p.m. — I scheduled a shuttle bus to pick up my dad and take him to the airport. I don't get to see him very often, so I really try to squeeze in as much as possible when he visits. $20
7:15 p.m. — As comfortable as the hotel was, there is truly no place like home! I am excited to be back in my apartment and spend the rest of the evening lounging around and watching YouTube clips. I walk over to Whole Foods Market to pick up something to eat for dinner. I love their salad bar selection. I put a little bit of everything (grilled chicken, sweet potato, and quinoa) in the little paper container. $15
Daily Total: $313.29
Day Seven
10:15 a.m. — It feels like it should be Monday because I took Friday off, but it's still the weekend! I have a pile of dirty laundry sitting in my room, so I cross the street to the nearest laundromat. I don't have a washer and dryer in the building, but because I live on the first floor and the laundromat is across the street. It has never really bothered me much, except when it's raining. I typically have to allocate at least two and a half hours to do laundry. $4.50
12:30 p.m. — After dining out so much over the past few days, I feel the need to go on a mini-cleanse. I walk over to a juice bar near apartment and pick out the healthiest sounding cold-pressed juice, which includes kale, spinach, parsley, celery, and cucumber. It doesn't sound too appetizing, but I am hopeful my body will thank me afterward. $9.50
2:15 p.m. — I have a little bit of work to do, mostly checking and responding to emails and prepping for meetings coming up this week. After two productive hours of work, I want to treat myself — so I decide to get a manicure. I pick a pink, glitter manicure to don my nails. The technician applies lotion on my dry hands and also gives me a mini-massage. $14
5:30 p.m. — My roommate told me about an amazing sale at Madewell, so I walk over to check it out. I can't believe my luck when I find a pair of summer shorts for just $5! Best of all, they are in my size. I buy four shorts and a button-up shirt, also on sale for just $10. Even though I probably won't be able to wear these until next summer, I am still so excited for the amazing bargain. $30
7 p.m. — I dig through the fridge for something to eat for dinner so I don't have to go outside. There's not much, but I pick out cottage cheese, microwavable mini-corn dogs, and a bowl of cereal (Special K with strawberries) with almond milk.
10:15 p.m. — I usually go to New Jersey once or twice a week for work; it's about two-hour commute from Manhattan. I hit the lights early so I can get good sleep to start off the work week.
Daily Total: $58
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The New York Times reports that Trump is now claiming that Access Hollywood video footage showing him bragging about kissing women and grabbing them "by the pussy" is "not authentic." The video was filmed during a 2005 interview with the show's since-fired host Billy Bush and was released by the Washington Post last October.
The Trump campaign released a statement after the tape went public, acknowledging that it was "private conversation" involving the Republican candidate. The statement was posted to his campaign website but has since been taken down.
“This was locker room banter, a private conversation that took place many years ago," the statement read. "Bill Clinton has said far worse to me on the golf course — not even close. I apologize if anyone was offended."
"He suggested to a senator earlier this year that it was not authentic, and repeated that claim to an adviser more recently," the Times noted in its report on Trump's endorsement of Moore, who has been urged to leave the race by other prominent Republicans like Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "(In the hours after it was revealed in October 2016, Mr. Trump acknowledged that the voice was his, and he apologized.)"
The president, who has himself been accused of sexual assault by multiple women, may want to distance himself from vulgar comments that implicate him in criminal behavior. Efforts to spin it all as "fake news" a year after issuing a statement admitting to making the comments defies incredulity.
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If the new phrase for the office BFF is the "work wife," then is a good boss or mentor your "work mom" or "work dad"? Part authority figure, part dispenser of advice, part sympathetic ear, your boss has always been there for you. So when it comes time to show your appreciation — whether it's for a birthday, life event, or just because — you want to find a gift that goes beyond just a "World's Best Boss" mug.
Ahead, we've rounded up 28 gifts that will show you care without breaking the bank.
This rose gold file holder is on trend.
Anthropologie Rose Gold File Holder, $58, available at Anthropologie.
This bright, modern desk organizer might finally convince your messy boss to tidy up her desk.
A cheery vase will perk up your boss' desk — even without the flowers.
Uncommon Goods Porcelain Bird Bud Vase, $11.99, available at Uncommon Goods.
A blank set of cheery cards are great to have on hand, for last-minute birthday wishes, thank-you notes, and everything in between.
Marimekko 20 Different Unikko Notecards And Envelopes, $11.53, available at Amazon.
Only recommended if you and your boss share the same sense of humor.
Fish's Eddy The Customer Is Always Wrong Mug, $17.95, available at Fish's Eddy.
This dark florals Swell water bottle is from the popular Forbidden Garden Collection. Perfect for the boss who loves both hot and cold drinks — or just pretty things.
Tired of picking up your boss' complicated orders? Try gifting a reusable lunch box.
Onyx Containers Large 2 Layer Sandwich Box, $13, available at The Tickle Trunk.
Want to give your boss the warm fuzzies? Donors Choose allows you to pick a deserving teacher and classroom in need of supplies. Choose a project yourself or give a gift card so your boss can decide.
At this price, you can afford to add some fresh flowers to the gift, too.
World Market Copper Laser-Cut Glass Vase, $8.48-9.98, available at World Market.
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