We always thought of professional-grade makeup brushes as something we would acquire as full-on adults, like fine china or an investment portfolio. After all, what would be the point of splurging on a set of finely-crafted tools that would last forever when we hadn’t yet developed the wherewithal to take care — or even keep track — of such things? And yet, years after college graduation, we’re still using whatever random brushes remain from sets we don't even remember buying. (And for the record, we still haven't purchased a full set of dishes, either.)
But in a rare case of procrastination paying off, it seems we may have dodged a budget-denting bullet: According to nine professional makeup artists who work with celebrities like Jenna Dewan and Lily Collins, there are plenty of quality brushes to be had for just a few bucks a wand. Some are made with craftsmanship and design in mind (think wooden handles, rose-gold accents, and mermaid motifs). Others are bundled with zippered cases, travel rolls, and organizational trays. Every single one of them is a steal.
See which bargain brands can be found in the kits of Hollywood makeup artists, and prepare to mark "buy a fancy set of makeup brushes" as a done deal in your grown-ass goals list. With the money you save, tackling that whole investment-portfolio issue might just be next.
Think about it, do you actually use more than five different makeup brushes? Probably not. And if you're using the same brushes almost every day, it might be time to restock — which is as easy as walking into Target with a $20 bill. Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenbergtells us this box from Eco Tools holds a solid set of brushes, and it's all the everyday makeup-wearer really needs. "These tools are great — and so affordable," she says.
EcoTools EcoTools stay matte & beautiful kit, $10.99, available at Target
Looking for a no-fuss, no-brainer brush set to cover all your bases? Makeup artist Mai Quynh, who works with Alison Brie and Katherine Langford, suggests bargain bundles from this brand. "The brushes are very soft, and [this set] has all the basics to do a complete face," Quynh says.
e.l.f Professional Set of 12 Brushes, $12, available at e.l.f
Makeup artist Allan Avendano, whose clients include Jenna Dewan and Camila Cabello, says he was initially surprised by how well the brushes from this wallet-friendly brand performed. "The synthetic brushes from NYX are super affordable and have lasted as long as some of my expensive brushes (as long as they’re taken care of and are cleaned regularly)," he says.
NYX In Your Element Metallics Eye Brush Set, $28, available at Nyx Cosmetics
"It took me a long time to get on board with the new breed of synthetic brushes — I was a diehard traditional brush girl,” admits makeup artist Fiona Stiles, who counts Gabrielle Union and Lily Collins as clients. "But these dense synthetic brushes really do work in a unique way with makeup, especially liquid or cream products. I have dozens of the Sephora brushes in my kit and I constantly reach for them. The quality is unreal." The brand’s Ready to Roll Brush Set makes a solid starter set at a value, but we can’t get over how cute the multi-colored synthetic bristles are in this mermaid-inspired set.
Sephora Collection Ocean Crush Fan Brush Set, $39, available at Sephora
"Morphe Cosmetics has a huge selection of low-cost brushes to choose from in both synthetic and animal hair. My favorites for eyeshadows are the M433 (pointed liner), M510 (pro round blender), and the M167 (oval shadow) brushes,” says Michael Ashton, a makeup artist who works with Adele and Keira Knightley. “They deliver great color payoff when creating any eye look, and the brush shapes allow me to apply product exactly where I need it to be."
Morphe Eye Slay Brush Collection, $18, available at Ulta Beauty
"Sigma has such a great range of options when it comes to brushes, and I’ve had a few of my favorites in my kit for years. The bristles are great quality and super soft,” says Katelin Gan, who works with Noah Cyrus and Sophia Bush. “The brushes hold up so beautifully — plus, they look super chic."
Sigma Beauty Spot-On Concealer Brush Kit, $39, available at Sigma Beauty
These brushes are makeup artist Robert Sesnek ’s affordable pick because they feature soft, densely-packed natural-synthetic blend bristles that are easy to clean and work well with cream, liquid and powder makeup. “There's little to no shedding of the bristles and you get all four brushes for under $20,” he says of this set.
Makeup artist Emily Cheng also gives the brand a nod, saying, "I've had some of their brushes for years and they've held up great."
Ashton also considers Real Techniques a wallet-friendly go-to brand, particularly for applying foundation and cream-based blushes and highlighters.
Real Techniques Real Techniques Flawless Base Brush Set, $8.99, available at Target
A high-quality brush can last more than 10 years and stand up to frequent washes, makeup artist Lisa Aharon points out. When working on clients that include Rachel Brosnahan, she likes options from this brand, which she says offers a good selection of brushes with both synthetic- and natural-hair bristles. "The quality is high, but still affordable," she says. What’s more, double-ended wands help make the most of precious makeup-bag real estate.
Inglot Cosmetics Travel Brush Set (4 PCS) , $36, available at Inglot Cosmetics
This low-cost, high-design brand gets major points from Haron. “The blush and large shadow brushes are great for applying cream-based makeup,” she says.
Sonia Kashuk Limited Edition Beaded Makeup Brush Set - 10pc, $30, available at Target
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As Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday, a name keeps coming up: Mark Judge.
Judge is a former classmate of Kavanaugh and one of his closest friends. Ford says he was present in the room when the Supreme Court nominee sexually assaulted and attempted to rape her at a house party in the early 1980s. (Kavanaugh has denied the allegations.)
In her opening statement, Ford said: "Both Brett and Mark were drunkenly laughing during the attack. They both seemed to be having a good time. Mark was urging Brett on, although at times he told Brett to stop. A couple of times I made eye contact with Mark and thought he might try to help me, but he did not. During this assault, Mark came over and jumped on the bed twice while Brett was on top of me. The last time he did this, we toppled over and Brett was no longer on top of me."
She added that she saw Judge at a Potomac Village Safeway about six to eight weeks after the attack. She told lawmakers she said hello to him, and "his face was white and very uncomfortable saying hello back." She claimed he seemed nervous and like he didn't want to speak with her.
Despite being the only person to rebuke Ford's allegations before the Senate, and make sure President Trump can get his conservative nominee confirmed, Judge chose not to testify Thursday.
“I did not ask to be involved in this matter, nor did anyone ask me to be involved,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee, adding, “I have no more information to offer to the committee, and I do not wish to speak publicly regarding the incidents described in Dr. Ford’s letter.”
In his memoir Wasted, published in 1997, Judge wrote about a pact he made with his Georgetown Prep classmates: Drink 100 kegs of beer before graduation. This is something Kavanaugh also referred to on his yearbook page with the phrase "100 kegs or bust." Judge, a conservative, also has written about the character "Bart O’Kavanaugh," who was such a heavy drinker that once he vomited in someone’s car and afterwards "passed out on his way back from a party."
When it came to the topic of consent, Judge has written that there's an "ambiguous middle ground, where the woman seems interested and indicates, whether verbally or not, that the man needs to prove himself to her. And if that man is any kind of man, he’ll allow himself to feel the awesome power, the wonderful beauty, of uncontrollable male passion."
Kavanaugh's third accuser Julie Swetnick alleges that he and Judge conspired to drug girls and gang rape them at house parties in the early 1980s; she also said both men were present while she was victim to one of these gang rapes.
This is consistent with what his ex-girlfriend Elizabeth Rasor told the New Yorker, which reported on the allegations made by Kavanaugh's accuser Deborah Ramirez. According to the magazine: "Rasor recalled that Judge had told her ashamedly of an incident that involved him and other boys taking turns having sex with a drunk woman. Rasor said that Judge seemed to regard it as fully consensual. She said that Judge did not name others involved in the incident, and she has no knowledge that Kavanaugh participated. But Rasor was disturbed by the story."
She sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee this week saying she's willing to testify before the elected officials and also speak with FBI agents. Meanwhile, Judge remains in hiding at a beach house in Delaware.
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As a sentient human in this world capable of executive reasoning and bipedal locomotion, it's normal and healthy to question everything around you. What is the meaning of life? Why is the sky blue? How is babby formed? How did Kobe Bryant manage to win an Oscar in the age of #TimesUp? Why the hell is a face peel called a face peel if the face does not actually peel?
Where there are questions, there are answers... sometimes. The sky is blue because of Rayleigh scattering, and the comparatively short wavelengths of high-frequency blue light. And face peels get their name from their origin, which is as chemical treatments that, in their most potent, medical-grade form, will actually cause the skin's surface layer to blister and peel away, a process that will eventually reveal fresh new skin underneath. (Unfortunately, those other inquiries remain open-ended.)
Today's face peels, particularly the kind you can do at home, are powerful but gentle, sloughing away dulling dead cells without the raw-meat side effects of the peels that give peels a bad name. They're safe and easy enough for the uninitiated to approach them without fear, but they don't skimp on efficacy, either. And, most importantly, these new formulas keep your face skin where it belongs: on your face.
You've never seen a peel like this before, but you probably have seen similar technology in cleansers and eye-makeup removers that encourage giving the bottle a good shake to mix up the oil- and water-based molecules. The same principle applies to this formula, which separates into two distinct layers, with conditioning oils of olive, algae, and omega-rich sacha inchi rising to the top and a blend of skin-friendly acids and extracts sinking to the bottom. Shake, dispense onto a cotton pad, smooth it over your face, and leave it on for five minutes before rinsing to reveal clear, radiant skin totally worth the arm workout.
Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Bi-Phase Peel, $85, available at Net-a-Porter.
Don't be afraid of a little bathroom skin-care chemistry: Blend a few pumps of the cooling Activator with a quarter-sized amount of the Omega Polish in the palm of your hand to turn the finely-milled flax, oat, and rice flour grains to a smooth, creamy paste that you can use as a quick-and-easy brightening scrub or leave on for a few minutes for a clarifying, pore-refining peel that leaves skin softer, clearer, and completely rejuvenated.
Sonya Dakar Omega Polish and Activator Duo, $88, available at Sonya Dakar.
— PAID —
If a relaxing peel sounds more like a contradiction to you than a real thing, let this gentle exfoliant prove you wrong. The super-fine powder formulated with natural papaya enzymes removes dead skin cells when activated by water, leaving you with a brighter, more even complexion — sans any irritation. Gentle enough for daily use, this K-beauty staple is ideal for any at-home spa day.
AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel, $60.00, available at Sephora.
These professional-strength peeling pads are powerful enough to satisfy the seasoned chemical-exfoliation fan, but they're also gentle enough for a first timer. The key is in the balance of a potent concentration of glycolic acid paired with natural astringent witch hazel and soothing, anti-inflammatory calendula extract.
Bliss That’s Incredi-peel Pads, $22, available at Ulta.
Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids — the exfoliating gang's all here, and they're accompanied by moisture-retaining sodium hyaluronate, naturally conditioning lecithin, and Australian caviar lime extract for softer, more even-toned skin practically overnight.
Omorovicza Acid Fix Treatment, $115, available at Sephora.
Hormonal breakouts clear up faster, skin feels calmer, and acne spot patches work better when these jumbo-sized cotton swabs are in the picture. They come individually packaged — perfect for travel — and pre-soaked in an exfoliating solution of bamboo water, lactic and glycolic acids, and tea tree extract to slough away pore-clogging buildup without irritation.
Dr. Oracle A-Thera Tea Tree Peeling Sticks, $24, available at Soko Glam.
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Since scaling back from her role at Vogue, where she now serves as creative director at large, collaboration is the name of game for Grace Coddington. "I’m not running away from Vogue, because it has opened so many doors," she told Business of Fashion in 2016. "But it will be nice to collaborate, and nice to go out [and] give talks to people. It’s just another approach. I’m certainly not going into retirement. I don’t want to sit around." Since then, the visionary has made major moves as a free agent, including turning a Louis Vuitton runway into an actual catwalk, creating her first fragrance with Comme des Garçons, and most recently, a charming six-episode talk show Face to Grace, which debuted on Wednesday on Made to Measure (M2M), the streaming fashion network backed by IMG.
"I felt like putting on record, life as it is today," Coddington tells Refinery29 of her new show. "You know, as soon as today is gone, there is no record of it. There’s much more record because of Instagram and all that, but an interesting interview? I thought to record would be kind of great."
Coddington follows in the footsteps of the late Glenn O'Brien, whose M2M talk show Tea at the Beatrice, had a similar format. "I said yes to the show," she explains. "[I said] 'I’d love to do it but I have to make it mine so, it can’t be at the Beatrice and there isn’t going to be tea. And we started from there." Coddington also only wanted guests with whom she had an existing relationship. "I’m a shy person, and the idea of having to drive a conversation [with a stranger] made me feel uncomfortable and nervous," the legendary creative director tells Refinery29.
Take, for instance, Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton women’s artistic director and one of Coddington's first guests. "Nicolas is an extraordinary designer and he’s a very close friend, so he was probably the very first person that I asked and his response was an immediate yes," Coddington says. "I was trying to dig into his childhood, because if I Googled him, and I know him pretty well, but I know nothing about him growing up. So I tried to get him to talk a little bit about how he began in this [industry] and ultimately became the best, most extraordinary designer."
And, of course, Coddington had to ask her most well-known Vogue colleague, Anna Wintour, to appear on the show. "She would really be missing if she weren’t there, and I really hoped that I could get her," she tells Refinery29. "The only thing is she wouldn’t take her dark glasses off. It’s hard to interview someone with dark glasses on, because you can’t see someone’s reactions. I guess I’m used to her with dark glasses, but still, if you want to dig deeper, if you feel the reaction. But she was pretty good. She said yes, right away. And that was a surprise."
So it seems Coddington is on to something with her magical pairings. But it's not the only time she subscribes to doing things in twos. "I usually buy everything in twos when I’m shopping. It’s so hard to find to find something that fits my body," she says, noting that Celine has the best pants. "I always buy those in two." Coddington also has buys in multiples from Prada. "I always try to get them to make me in twos, threes, fours," she says, specifically citing a shirt that they made for her 15 years ago. "Every other year, they make me a whole new lot."
"Working with a team, if it's the right team, can be incredibly rewarding and creative," Coddington says; it's what made so many of her triumphs, including Face to Grace, possible.
See a clip of the show below.
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There's one piece of money advice that people love to offer — often unsolicited — to millennials: stop buying daily coffees. We understand that the relatively small amounts we spend on lattes and cold brew can add up in just a week, but imploring us to deny ourselves one of life's simplest, most wonderful pleasures doesn't really seem fair. But there is, thankfully, one day each year when we can put aside our guilt over buying coffee because, on this most joyous of days, there are plenty of ways to get coffee for free or at a serious discount.
This year, National Coffee Day falls on Saturday, September 29. This Saturday and on the days leading up to it, cafés, coffee shops, and restaurants across the country are giving us ways to save on the very thing we've been told repeatedly that we're spending too much on. Plus, several coffee brands are also offering deals on beans and other products that will make doing the financially responsible thing (you know, brewing your coffee at home) seem like less of a sacrifice. Whether you're a PSL fanatic or an iced coffee queen, there's sure to be something for you to enjoy — sans pesky financial guilt! — this National Coffee Day.
Barnes & Noble Cafés: Cafés inside Barnes & Noble locations across the country will be offering a free cup of tall, freshly-brewed hot or iced coffee on National Coffee Day.
Birch Coffee: On National Coffee Day, Birch will be offering a pay what you please promotion. Customers will be encouraged to pay what they please for any coffee based beverage (drip, cold brew, espresso-based) at Birch locations across New York City.
Bruegger's Bagels: Bruegger's Bagels Inner Circle Rewards members can get a free medium coffee with any purchase. The offer is valid from September 22 — the first day of fall — through National Coffee Day on September 29. To redeem the offer, present barcode from your email, Bruegger's Bagels mobile app, or provide your phone number to the cashier.
Bulletproof Coffee: Bulletproof is celebrating National Coffee Day on both the east and west coast. On Thursday, September 27 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., customers can stop by the wellness retailer PREVIEW in New York City for complimentary coffee and latte art from coffee artist Michael Breach. On Saturday, September 29, customers can get $1 coffee all day at Bulletproof Cafés in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Seattle. And, in New York City, customers can get free Bulletproof Coffee from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. in Tribeca at the intersection of Warren and Greenwich near Whole Foods Market. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., complimentary cups will be available at Virtual World.
Caribou Coffee: On Saturday, September 29, Caribou Coffee is offering a free coffee of the day in any size to guests who buy any food item. That includes the entire lineup of bagels, sandwiches, and bakery items at Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Bagels locations nationwide.
Community Coffee Company: Beginning September 25, Community Coffee will be offering customers 30% off all online purchases with the promo code "COFFEEDAY2018."
Corner Bakery Café: In honor of National Coffee Day , Corner Bakery Café locations nationwide are offering a free hand-roasted coffee or cold brew of any size with any purchase on both Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29.
Cumberland Farms: Celebrate National Coffee Day at Cumberland Farm with a free hot or iced coffee in any size by texting FREECOFFEE to 64827. You'll receive a mobile coupon, which will get you a free Farmhouse coffee, tea, cappuccino, or hot chocolate.
DEZ: This fast-casual middle eastern restaurant in NYC will be offering free hot drip Devoción coffee to the first 100 customers to stop by on National Coffee Day.
Dunkin': In honor of National Coffee Day, anyone who purchases a hot coffee at Dunkin' this Saturday can get a second one for free.
Eight O'Clock Coffee: On National Coffee Day, Eight O'Clock Coffee is giving away a free bag of coffee each hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on the brand's official Facebook page. For a chance to win, just comment on the Facebook post shared on September 29 and tell Eight O'Clock which coffee variety you want to win. 12 winners will receive a coffee prize pack with one bag of Eight O’Clock Coffee, a coffee scoop, and a mug. You must be a U.S. resident and 18 or older to win.
Espressotoria: If you buy six Espressotoria coffee pod packs on Walmart.com on National Coffee Day, you'll get a free Espressotoria machine. The deal will save you $99.
French Truck Coffee: All French Truck Coffee locations in New Orleans will be serving coffees for 25 cents on National Coffee Day.
Holiday Stationstores: On National Coffee Day, Holiday will be giving away a free coffee of any size to customers who text "COFFEE" to 44022. Additionally, Holiday will be running a Free Coffee Tuesday promotion from now until October 9.
Illy: This National Coffee Day, shoppers will receive a complimentary can of Illy coffee when they purchase four cans using code "5FOR4." The offer is valid until 9 a.m. ETS on September 30.
Intelligentsia Coffee: In celebration of National Coffee Day, Intelligentsia Coffee will be offering a promo at all 12 coffeebar locations in Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston. Any guest that purchases a 16-ounce (or 20-ounce cups for Boston coffeebar locations) reusable cold coffee cup will receive a free cold coffee or cold tea.
LaMar's Donuts and Coffee: On National Coffee Day, customers who buy a 16-ounce LaMar’s reusable travel mug for $1.19 can get it filled with coffee for free.
Neuro Coffee: On September 29, customers can get 60% off the first month of the Roaster's Club monthly auto-replenish subscription service with the code "COFFEEDAY." Customers can also use the code "FREECOFFEE" to take advantage of a buy one, get one free offer on enhanced ground beans or K-Cups.
Nickel & Diner: On National Coffee Day, hit up the Coffee Counter at Nickel & Diner in New York City for buy-one-get-one-free Coldbrew Softserve for $6.
Peet's Coffee: This Saturday, customers can get 25% off one pound of beans and a drip coffee or tea for free at participating Peet's Coffeebars. They can also get 25% off all regular one pound bean purchases made online. Just use the code "COFFEEDAY18" at checkout to take advantages of the savings.
Pilot Flying J: On September 28 and 29, Pilot Flying J is treating guests to a free Pilot coffee of any size. Just download the myPilot app, and you'll find the coupon in myOffers waiting to be redeemed.
RISE Brewing Co: On National Coffee Day, customers can get 20% off site-wide on risebrewingco.com with the code "NationalCoffeeDay." Additionally, Rise is offering a BOGO deal at its cafés in New York City.
Sheetz: This Mid-Atlantic restaurant and convenience chain will be celebrating National Coffee Day by offering free cold brew to any customer who orders through the Sheetz app. This offer is valid on any size and any flavor at all 583 Sheetz locations.
Sprinkles: On Saturday, September 29, Sprinkles Cupcakes is giving away free High Brew Coffee. Visit one of the 20 Sprinkles stores where High Brew is sold to receive a free can with the purchase of one regular cupcake while supplies last.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: To celebrate the official coffee holiday, participating locations of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will be offering customers a free 16-ounce hot or iced Brewed Coffee when they purchase a food or bakery item. Additionally, rewards members who make a purchase of $20 or more will receive a free limited edition Heritage Tumbler.
Verve Coffee Roasters: This Santa Cruz-based coffee roaster is celebrating National Coffee Day by offering $1 quick cups of coffee at all retail locations. Verve is also offering free shipping on all orders placed online for 24 hours on September 29, as well.
VitaCup: On National Coffee Day, VitaCup will be offering 30% off its entire website.
Wandering Bear: In honor of National Coffee Day, Wandering Bear teamed up with Coolhaus Ice Cream to serve free Cold Brew Affogatos out of its coffee truck on Friday, September 28 in New York City.
WestEnd Coffee Bar: The coffee bar located inside the Hutton Hotel in Nashville will be serving complimentary drip-coffee all day on National Coffee Day. The beverages will be made with Parlor Coffee.
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Sure, a new pair of shoes or an "It" bag is nice, but many of us are more wiling to shell out a chunk of our paychecks for quality skin care, all in the name of #iwokeuplikethis status. That said, there are a few things in the way of finding a complexion potion that’ll actually lead you on a path to improving your biggest skin-care issues — namely, lots of confusing marketing jargon, and campaigns that promise flawless complexions but don’t always deliver.
The pattern seems to go like this: The more effective a product claims to be, the more dollar signs are involved. Serums are some of the most spendy, since time and time again they prove to be the most important part of your routine, as they often pack the most active ingredient and go on first, allowing them to soak in and do the most good.
Naturally, it takes a lot of research to figure out which serums are worth the splurge. To cut through the B.S., we consulted top dermatologists for direct recommendations. These serums get the clinical green light, and while their campaigns and packaging might be less sexy than your pretty vials or countless bottles of fancy face oil, we have to ask: What’s fancier than a flawless face? That's kind of the whole point, anyway.
Ahead, the serums that top dermatologists call the most effective — and recommend to their own patients — all organized by skin-care concern.
Skin Concern: Dryness
Chronically dry skin needs more than just the shellac of a thick moisturizer to actually solve the problem — and not just treat the symptoms. One of the top ingredients to do that is hyaluronic acid.
“What’s great about [hyaluronic acid] is that it doesn’t feel like a heavy moisturizer, but it does the work of one,” says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, M.D. “It helps your skin retain moisture by binding water molecules, holding 1,000 times its weight.”
Dr. Engelman recommends this serum from Derm Institute for its hydrating power, as well as for its ability to repair and protect, thanks to a ceramide complex, vitamins, and antioxidants, which plump fine lines and combat free radicals from environmental damage.
Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Serum, $120, available at Derm Institute
This more affordable alternative is great for both sensitive and dry skin. The serum contains hyaluronic acid, as Dr. Engelman recommends, but it also has colloidal oatmeal, peptides, collagen, and aloe, all of which work together to help calm irritated skin.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer, $24, available at Sephora
This drugstore option comes highly recommended by dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., for its moisturizing properties and versatility. "It's jam-packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate, but in a lighter serum formulation that can be easily layered under your other products," he says.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $15.29, available at Target
Skin Concern: Uneven Pigmentation and/or Dullness
Cosmetic dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, M.D., touts resveratrol and vitamin C as your best weapons against pigmentation issues, especially when it concerns uneven texture or dullness in skin.
“Resveratrol is the strongest natural antioxidant that reduces [uneven] pigmentation and protects the skin from further free radical damage,” Dr. Frank explains. He couples that with a disclaimer: “There’s no magic ingredient to make [uneven pigmentation] disappear quickly, as the body continues to make the enzyme that stimulates the production of melanin.”
He recommends this night serum from Skinceuticals, since it not only keeps pigmentation in check, but firms the skin and corrects fine lines as well. “[It’s] cosmetically elegant and absorbs very well, giving the skin a nice glow,” he says.
SkinCeuticals Resveratrol B E, $153, available at SkinCeuticals
This Skinceuticals serum gets a thumbs-up from a handful of the derms we spoke with, including Dr. Engelman, Dr. Frank, and Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi. Pigmentation can come from lifestyle habits like too much sun exposure, smoking, picking at your blemishes, and even genetic predispositions. But the L-ascorbic acid (a highly effective form of vitamin C) is not only great for brightening, it also “contains powerful antioxidants that fight and reverse damage from free radicals that wreck your skin cells,” Dr. Engelman explains.
Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care and assistant clinical professor, department of dermatology, at the George Washington University Medical Center, cautions against reaching for a one-serum-fits-all product. “Serums are best used for targeted problems," she notes. It’s best to look for stable packaging, as many serums contain antioxidants that are light-sensitive. (This formula is packed in a dark bottle to help combat this.)
“Not all vitamin C serums are equal or effective,” Dr. Frank adds. “The addition of the ferulic acid in this product helps to stabilize the efficacy of the vitamin C.”
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $166, available at SkinCeuticals
Jessica Weiser, M.D., of the New York Dermatology Group, recommends Colbert MD’s Stimulate Serum to brighten and enliven skin. “This serum contains glycolic acid and antioxidants, in addition to the anti-inflammatory healing herb, gotu kola,” Dr. Weiser says. “It helps to promote collagen production while simultaneously brightening the skin and reversing signs of free radical damage.”
Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the anti-inflammatory protection of gotu kola, but if you’ve got an aversion to silicones, just note that this one does contain dimethicone.
Colbert MD Stimulate - The Serum, $170, available at Net-A-Porter
The best thing about this antioxidant-packed serum, according to Dr. Zeichner, is its lightweight texture. "You get all the proven benefits you normally would with vitamin C, but in a less greasy formula than we are used to," he says.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Day Serum, $80, available at Sephora
Skin Concern: Anti-aging
This drugstore pick from dermatologist Valerie Goldburt, M.D., proves that great serums don’t have to cost an arm and a leg (but may still be more $$ than other drugstore skin-care products).“My favorite is the Olay Regenerist serum with peptides. It's a low price point compared to the department-store equivalent and actually has benefits for the appearance of fine lines,” Dr. Goldburt says.
The amino peptide complex and vitamin B3 in this formula are wrinkle-smoothers, while the rest of the formula works to deeply hydrate your skin, so you get renewed surface cells with increased elasticity and plumpness, she says.
Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum, $22.99, available at Ulta Beauty
This serum is a mainstay on Dr. Engelman’s top-shelf list.“Serums with retinol help with cell repair and renewal," she says. "Retinols are a good ingredient for acne (generally of the cystic kind), but also plumping up fine lines and wrinkles." This serum relies on something called advanced Idebenone technology, which tops the list of powerful antioxidants for the most protection and repair of your skin.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum, $162, available at Amazon
With powerhouse antioxidants like vitamin C, aloe juice, and green tea extracts, this serum fights everything from dark spots to acne scars. Even better, people with acne-prone skin may notice a significant decrease in breakouts.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, $48, available at Sephora
Skin Concern: Acne
When you think about well-known anti-aging ingredients, you probably reach for the retinols. This serum is good starter option, since it contains a mild 0.2% (to avoid that sometimes red, chemical-burn complexion upon first smear), but dermatologist Barry Resnik, M.D., actually recommends this one for treating acne and rosacea, since it uses caffeine, which helps constrict blood vessels, and 90% green tea polyphenols to neutralize free radicals and give your radiance a leg-up. It’s super lightweight, making it perfect for oily or combination skin types.
Replenix All-trans Retinol Smoothing Serum 2X, $65, available at DermStore
Keeping acneic skin calm and breakout-free requires a delicate balance, since you don’t want to further clog already-congested pores, but you also don’t want to dry skin out to the point of a flaky mess. One serum that has both fronts covered comes from iS Clinical.
The Dr. Tanzi-recommended Active Serum, which works for all skin types, is super lightweight, with gentle exfoliators like sugar cane extract, white willow bark extract, and bilberry extract to gently remove dead skin cells. Arbutin and mushroom extract help reduce hyperpigmentation, too.
iS Clinical Active Serum, $135, available at DermStore
If you’re on the long road out of acne town, you’re probably hoping to treat existing breakouts and make pigmentation from past acne scars disappear. A serum with L-ascorbic acid, as well as plenty of soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients, is what you should look for. Dr. Engelman highlights iS Clinical’s Pro-Heal Serum Advance for this express purpose, since it contains plenty of gentle botanical ingredients like olive leaf extract, plus retinols and vitamin E to combat your acne (and fine lines) with plenty of antioxidants.
iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance Plus, $148, available at DermStore
When it comes to picking a serum that will work, Dr. Engelman advises looking at the ingredient ranking. “A red flag for me is when I look at their ingredient list and the active ingredient is at the end, which means the concentration is very little and therefore may not be at its most effective point," she says.
So, if you’re looking to zap breakouts, make sure those ingredients (i.e., retinols, AHAs, and vitamin C) are near the top, followed by the rest of the supporting cast.
Dr. Brandt 2% Retinol Complex Serum, $69, available at Ulta Beauty
Looking for a more budget-friendly choice that's packed with acne-fighting, anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing ingredients? This luxurious oil uses vitamin C, rose extract, and squalane — the latter of which, Dr. Zeichner explains, "is a natural compound that helps protect the skin barrier and prevents irritation from retinol."
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, $72, available at Sephora
Meet the remedy to all your congested skin problems. The powerful blend of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids de-gunk clogged pores with a lightweight formula that can be worn day or night. Bonus: You'll see results after one use.
Renée Rouleau BHA Clarifying Serum, $49.5, available at Renée Rouleau
With 1.5% of bacteria-fighting salicylic acid, this face oil was formulated specifically to keep acne away. Ingredients like milk thistle and cucumber seed oil ensure you never have to deal with dryness or irritation.
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil, $80, available at Sephora
According to Alexander Rivkin, M.D., a Los Angeles-based cosmetic surgeon, those with blemish-prone skin should look for a serum that exfoliates and hydrates. “Drying out acne-prone skin will only make your skin produce more oil,” Rivkin explains. This formula contains niacinamide, peach extract, and a peptide complex, ideal for gently resurfacing skin without drying it out.
Peach and Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum, $39, available at Peach and Lily
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Nowadays, the internet is more of an astrological resource than the sky itself — but that doesn't mean looking upward is completely without its benefits.
Watching the stars, moon, and planets shine in real time can be a powerful reminder that nothing happens by accident in astrology. Every retrograde and transit is part of a much larger celestial picture. Taking a night to watch those gradual movements unfold can make you feel infinitely small — and, on a far less philosophical note, spending an evening under the stars is pretty darn romantic, too.
If you have a blanket, a thermos of hot cocoa, and a special someone to share those first two things with, you already have the makings of a dreamy stargazing date. But, if you count yourself among the horoscope-reading set, there are a few additional steps you can take to make it an unforgettable (and astrologically fulfilling) night. Whether you're in an open field or a city park, the stars above are waiting to be your own personal mood lighting.
Read on for four ways to plan a truly romantic stargazing date.
Choose a meaningful night.
As we said before, any clear night is a great time to camp out and watch the stars. But, if you plan your date around a particular lunar phase or celestial event, you and your date will have plenty to discuss. Call us traditional, but nothing beats gazing up at a full moon. And, if the moon happens to be in yours or your partner's sign that month, all the better. This lunar phase is associated with grand, expansive feelings and bold truths being brought to light — sounds like a fortuitous time to open up to your date, if you ask us.
That said, if you just want to see the sky put on a show, plan your date around the next meteor shower — most astrologers don't stake a ton of meaning in these events, but you can't deny that the display is dazzling.
illustrated by Anna Sudit.
Download the right apps.
Whether you're interested in the stars for astronomical or astrological reasons, there's a wide variety of apps that will enhance your stargazing experience. Use the former to see parts of the cosmos that aren't visible with your eyes alone — maybe check out how your sign's constellation is doing, if you can't see it from your place on Earth. Use the latter if you and your date want to read up on any upcoming planetary transits. There's a chance that the planets in question are visible.
illustrated by Anna Sudit.
If you're a new couple...
Keep your personal astrology talk light. There's no need to read your date's birth chart for filth if you're keeping things casual for the moment. Instead, try chatting about your favorite placement in your chart — or the feature in your chart that you think says the most about you. If the two of you are equally interested and versed in your respective astrological identities, that info can be used in an impromptu getting-to-know-you game while you gaze up at the sky.
illustrated by Anna Sudit.
If you're long-term...
The mood is perfectly set for you and your partner to take an astrological deep dive. Check out each other's birth charts, swap your favorite astro memes, or go all out and calculate a synastry reading on your phone. A synastry reading lays your birth chart and your partner's on top of each other to better compare your respective planetary placements. It's a common means of gauging astrological compatibility, so it's a natural opportunity to explore the dynamics of your relationship, but it doesn't have to inspire only serious star talk. If you find that yours and your partner's charts actually paint an ugly picture when compared, you've just found something new to joke about.
illustrated by Anna Sudit.
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You don't have to love bargain shopping to know that saving a few bucks can be a huge mood booster. Maybe you had a shitty Monday and you needed three cups of coffee to get through (an also shitty) Tuesday, but getting half off something that you were buying anyway, like a fresh new body butter and your favorite shampoo and conditioner, can definitely turn things around.
If you're looking for that unique kick of dopamine that you only get from a good sale, well, you need to be shopping Ulta's Fall Haul sale. Running from now until the end of the week, September 29th, you can pick up your favorite beauty products from all the best brands — Bliss face masks, Revlon lipsticks, Bath & Body Works body butter, OXG shampoo and conditioners, for example — for 50% off.
Shop the entire sale on the Ulta site while supplies last, or just grab our must-haves, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Trust us, it will definitely feel indulgent to dip your fingers into this thick body butter and inhale the soft blend of almond and honey as you smooth it down your dry legs. The fact that you paid 50% of the full price, is just a lovely fringe benefit.
The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Soothing & Restoring Body Butter, $10.5, available at Ulta Beauty
Revlon Kiss Cushion Lip Tint, $5.99, available at Ulta Beauty
It's the season of stress, but you'd rather not have the chin pimples to prove it. This mask revives your irritated complexion so that you wake up with one less thing to worry about.
Bliss What A Melon Overnight Mask, $11.25, available at Ulta Beauty
One $7 OGX is an simple bargain buy — especially when everyone compliments the way your hair smells and bounces when you use it. So, if you can pick up 2 bottles for just $11 total, you can't not stock up.
OGX Quenching Coconut Curls Shampoo, $7.99, available at Ulta Beauty
This bouncy, butter-soft highlighter is the stuff that gets you excited to go makeup shopping at CVS. Even more so when you find out it's under $10.
Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Blush, $8.99, available at Ulta Beauty
If you have curly hair and you're not using Jamaican castor oil shampoo, consider this price chop the push you need to give it a try.
SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo, $6.89, available at Ulta Beauty
This pack of charcoal detox sheet masks usually sells for $17, but it's down to only $8 when you buy them at Ulta this week.
Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Paper Mask Beauty Box, $8.5, available at Ulta Beauty
This is one of the best concealers you can find at the drugstore. We love it because of that nifty white core, which adds a layer of moisture along with its full coverage finish. Find your closest shade, then grab it for $6.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Concealer, $6.5, available at Ulta Beauty
From liquid foundation to buttery lip gloss, we love all of Nyx's offerings — especially when it's on sale.
NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss, $4.99, available at Ulta Beauty
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With every season comes, you guessed it, a crop of fresh, must-try trends. But which one’s right for you? Whether you’re chic in sweats 24/7 or a bona-fide dress girl, we have the answer — and it’s only a few clicks away. Answer all of the following questions and get ready to see the fall trend that best matches your style personality. For example, if you're always rocking fitness clothing from workouts to hangouts, you're probably fit for "Elegant Varsity". As someone who likely has a closet full of kicks, fashion’s latest take on athleisure is right up your alley. From striped knits to sophisticated track pants, this trend is like a school uniform you’ll actually want to wear. Or, if you're always on the hunt for new trends an playful silhouettes, you'll vibe right away with "Sensational Stripes". Known to rock a floral frock from time to time, you’re the kind of girl that lives for a print. This fall’s favorite? Stripes. From sweeping maxi-dresses to vibrant tees, the linear look works on any silhouette, so mix and match to your heart’s desire. And last but not least, if you're always hustling and chasing your dreams round the clock, you're a natural fit for the latest updated take on "Power Suiting". You exude boss-lady vibes — all day, every day. So it’s only right that you give this season’s suiting trend a test-drive. Embrace monochromatic styling from head to toe for a look that’s as bold as you are.
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On a recent fall morning, I spent $6.15 on a vanilla soy latte. It’s a staggering number, especially when you consider that there was nothing particularly special about this latte. It did not contain premium ingredients, nor did it hail from a trendy coffee shop. It was not artfully crafted by a stylish barista with an enviable Instagram following. It was from Starbucks. It was just a latte, with some vanilla flavoring and soy milk. And I spent $6.15 on it. This is a lot of money to spend on a coffee beverage and yet, some do it regularly. Alongside $20 salads and $10 pre-packaged sandwiches, coffee drinks that inexplicably hover in the $7 range have become commonplace. You might even be drinking one right now.
Lattes are, according to data shared with Refinery29 by the app Square, the most popular coffee drink in the US. Last year alone, we drank more than 67 million of them, at an average price of $4.16. Coffee companies may want you to think this number signifies what it actually costs to make one, but there’s a lot more to it. “The price of coffee [beans] has not changed in 30 years,” says Erin Meister, coffee professional, and the author of New York City Coffee: A Caffeinated History. “There have been fluctuations, like at one point in the 2000s, it hit $3 a pound for green coffee and then, you know, a couple of weeks ago it dipped below a dollar a pound. But it's really been relatively stable.”
That’s because the cost of a latte — much like that of a cocktail or a meal at a restaurant — is about more than just the sum of its ingredients. While add-ons like flavored syrups and non-dairy milks tend to jack up the cost of a drink because they’re expensive, as a customer, what you’re really paying for are things like rent, utilities, employee wages, and insurance for the business. Hence why coffee, like so many other things, tends to cost more in big cities and swanky suburbs.
And it’s not just Starbucks. You can easily find yourself paying $5+ for lattes with add-ons at places like Panera Bread, Pret-a-Manger, Peet’s, or Caribou Coffee. Earlier this year, for example, Starbucks quietly raised its prices at over 8,000 of its US locations by anywhere from 10 to 20 cents per drink. The coffee behemoth cited inflation as the primary reason for the hike. While it made headlines — and the rounds on Twitter — the company’s profits have still surged in the third quarter of 2018.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices for coffee were 26.95% higher in 2018 versus 2000, which means a $5.39 difference in value. As the Official Data Foundation notes, this means that between 2000 and 2018, coffee experienced an average inflation of 1.33 percent per year. The overall inflation rate during this same period was 2.11 percent, meaning coffee has actually been affected less by inflation than other goods. “If prices for lattes and coffee beverage have changed dramatically, then there is probably some other explanation besides the rising price of coffee,” says a spokesperson for ODF.
“You might not even realize what you’re paying,” says Kara Nielsen, vice president of trends and marketing at food and beverage marketing firm CCD Innovation, who says it’s possible that thanks to innovations like Apple Pay, in-app ordering systems, and credit cards an often masks costs. “There have been articles written about how, when you’re paying in cash, things seem more expensive,” she explains. “I think part of it is an invisibility of the cost.”
In its most basic form, coffee mixed with milk has been a thing in both European and Asian cuisine as far back as the 17th century, and the term ‘caffe latte’ was, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, first used in English in 1867 by the writer William Dean Howells. It is widely thought to have first been introduced to the United States in 1957 by Lino Meiorin, a Italian emigrant and the proprietor of Caffe Mediterraneum, a popular bohemian hangout in Berkeley.
"Americans were not used to the strong flavor of Italian espresso, so Lino would keep saying, 'more latte'," Craig Becker, who owned the cafe before its closure, told the Daily Californian in 2009. "Finally, he decided to put a latte, a bigger drink, on the menu." According to the menu site Zomato, before Caffe Med closed in 2016, it was charging $3.75 for one of its lattes.
While the drink made its stateside debut in California, it gained widespread popularity thanks to coffee culture in Seattle in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Meister credits David Schomer, co-founder of Espresso Vivace, for popularizing the latte (and also latte art) among coffee cognoscenti in the Pacific Northwest. But, of course, it was Starbucks, founded in Seattle in 1971, that is chiefly responsible for popularizing lattes and other “fancy” coffee drinks around the country. By the end of the ‘90s, lattes were an integral part of the pop cultural lexicon. The Friends gang sipped them at Central Perk. In Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, a simultaneous parody of both ‘60s and ‘90s culture, the character Dr. Evil hides his “evil lair” inside the Starbucks tower and gets foam on his face while sipping a latte sans plastic lid. A 2004 article by CNN Money bemoans the company’s decision to raise their prices for the first time in four years, noting that they’re banking on “loyal customers already willing to pay more than $3 for a tall latte will stick around.”
Bryant Simon, a professor of history and director of the American Studies program at Temple University, began doing research for his 2009 book Everything but the Coffee: Learning about America from Starbucks in the early aughts. He spent time in Starbucks locations across the country, hoping to gain insight into just what it was that had become so relevant about this place and the milky, flavored concoctions it sold.
“It was basically an affordable status symbol,” he says. “You’d walk down the street with a cup of coffee from Starbucks in 1998 or so and people thought you were discerning and sophisticated and had money and maybe even a BMW parked out back.”
While Starbucks and its imitators even at the outset charged more than most Americans had ever paid for a cup of coffee, people were willing to get on board because, well, it looked cool and it seemed like everyone else was. “I think that there's also something about the solidarity of participating in something, even when maybe it doesn’t meet your expectations,” Meister says. “You know, how many people pay $100 for a gym membership and then just phone it in?.”
By 2005 or so, as celebrity tabloid culture reached a fever pitch, we were bombarded by paparazzi pictures of stars drinking an enormous cups of coffee, usually from Starbucks. But once the economic recession hit in 2008, the days of thoughtlessly plunking down what was then about $3.55 for an oversized coffee drink came to a screeching halt as consumers cut back. In 2009, Starbucks closed more than 300 stores, citing direct impact from the recession, which was also felt by other chains and by the owners of independent coffee shops and stands.
Starbucks did several things to win back customers, including selling prepaid gift cards at a twenty percent discount at Costco. They introduced breakfast meals and grab-and-go lunch options, and perhaps most successfully, deployed limited-edition and seasonal drinks — things like Unicorn Frappuccinos and Peppermint Mochas and, famously, the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which dropped in 2003. Simon also credits the comeback to a kind of inadvertent rebranding on the part of Starbucks: While it’s no longer seen as particularly sophisticated, it has other sources of appeal. It’s familiar, it’s comfortable, it’s default. It’s a safe space of sorts. Just like a classic vanilla latte.
Since you’re going to be parting with a decent chunk of change regardless, it’s worth remembering that you have options. After all, if you’re willing to pay $6 for Starbucks, why not set aside a few dollars more for coffee that supports a local business, or at the very least has more enticing ingredients?
“One of the things that consumers can do is [recognize that] money is of kind of political and you're sort of voting with your dollar to a certain extent,” Meister says. “Do you have a bad experience somewhere? It's really easy to support another business that is doing authentic work that you actually appreciate and enjoy. If you're going to make a latte a part of your [everyday] ritual, then I think that everybody deserves a good latte.”
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You already know when your favorite returning TV series will premiere this autumn. But, the question remains, when should you expect all the best new shows that will debut? The answer is the very beginning of September, and the gems will keep premiering well into November.
There will be brand new CW shows vying for the title of coolest new cast — looking at you, All American and Charmed — along with a Netflix show that could steal that trophy from the teen-obsessed broadcast channel. We're talking about the upcoming Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, led by Mad Men 's Kiernan Shipka.
Speaking of Netflix, the streaming service will finally drop its long-awaited, mysterious drama Maniac, starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. You know, the one we can all blame for this photo. Plus, we can expect lots of dramas (like This Is Us soul twin A Million Little Pieces) and comedies (including Leighton Meester's latest project, Single Parents). Oh, and even Julia Roberts is getting into the TV game with a brand new streaming series.
Keep reading for the full details on every new, binge-worthy fall show, along with a who's-who lowdown on its cast, a premiere date reminder, and a peek at the newest trailer.
Looking for more theories, recaps, and insider info on all things TV? Join our Facebook group, Binge Club. The community is a space for you to share articles, discuss last night’s episode of your favorite show, or ask questions! Join here.
Mayans M.C. (AMC)
What’s it about?: Welcome back to the Sons Of Anarchy world. This time, in the place of Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam), the Kurt Sutter-created AMC biker drama will follow Ezekiel “EZ” Reyes (JD Pardo), a now-tarnished golden boy headed for gang member status.
Who else is in it?: Edward James Olmos, who instantly adds gravitas to any project, and Danny Pino, who should have been a bigger love interest in Scandal a few years ago.
Premiere: Tuesday, September 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET
The Purge (USA Network)
What’s it about?: This USA series asks a fairly simple question: What would happen if The Purge movies were turned into a TV show? This is your answer.
Who is in it?: Jessica Garza, who appeared in History’s SEAL Team drama Six, and Gabriel Chavarria, an alum of Hulu’s East Los High.
Premiere: Tuesday, September 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (Netflix)
What’s it about?: No, this upcoming Netflix property isn’t technically a TV show, but, everyone will be talking about it come fall. Who doesn’t want to watch Barb — we mean Shannon Purser — charmingly stumble her way through a modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac situation? Especially when the internet's new boyfriend Noah Centineo is involved?
Who else is in it?:This Is Us ’ Chrissy Metz and relative newcomer Kristine Froseth.
Premiere: Friday, September 7 at 3:00 a.m. ET
You (Lifetime)
What’s it about?: Lonely Boy is about the get much weirder. Gossip Girl ’s Penn Badgley returns for his first major TV role after letting go of Dan Humphrey… just in time to stalk a woman through the internet. You follows what happens when a guy uses all of the information already readily available on the web to trick his crush (Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell) into falling for him.
Dan would proud of this level of creepy surveillance.
Who else is in it? Or behind it?:You counts Greg Berlanti, of Riverdale- producing fame, and former Supernatural showrunner Sera Gamble as co-creators and executive producers. Elizabeth Lail, who played Princess Anna on Once Upon A Time, with join Badgley and Mitchell in front of the camera.
Premiere: Sunday, September 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET
The Bad Seed (Lifetime)
What’s it about?: Lifetime brings 1956 horror movie The Bad Seed into the modern day, as Rob Lowe’s panicked father character becomes increasingly terrified his young daughter (Mckenna Grace) is the personification of evil.
Who else is in it?: Honestly, it seems like Lowe and an extremely terrifying Grace will carry the show.
Premiere: Sunday, September 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Rel (Fox)
What’s it about?: Fresh off a few years of supporting actor success, Get Out breakout Lil Rel Howery will step directly into the limelight with a sitcom inspired by the comedian’s own life. TV Rel will struggle with rebuilding his post-divorce life after his wife cheats on him.
Somehow, lovable sitcom hijinks will still abound.
Who else is in it?: Jessica “Jess Hilarious” Moore and Sinbad.
Premiere: Sunday, September 9 at 8:00 p.m. ET
The First (Hulu)
What’s it about?:House Of Cards creator Beau Willimon returns to TV with The First, which follows humanity’s first-ever expedition to Mars. Expect a dizzying amount of beautiful cinematography mixed with deep meditations on the human spirit.
Who is in it?: Sean Penn, in his first-ever leading role in a TV series. He’s joined by Gilmore Girls BFF Keiko Agena, longtime TV actress Melissa George, The Mummy ’s Oded Fehr, and Anna Jacoby-Heron, who appeared in Stranger Things season 2.
Premiere: Friday, September 14 at 12:00 a.m. ET
Maniac (Netflix)
What’s it about?:Maniac is officially Netflix’s buzziest new fall show. The enigmatic Cary Fukunaga-directed drama is about two young people — Annie Landsberg (Oscar winner Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim (Oscar nominee Jonah Hill) — who embark on a mysterious pharmaceutical drug trial peddled by a doctor (Justin Theroux). The doctor claims his pills can fix any malady of the mind, be it mental illness or heartbreak.
Unsurprisingly, things go very, very awry.
Who else is in it?: While the promise of Stone, Hill, and Theroux already sounds like enough of a draw, Oscar-winner Sally Field, Ozark breakout Julia Garner, Crazy Rich Asians ' Sonoya Mizuno, and Game Night human golden retriever Billy Magnussen all also star.
Premiere: Friday, September 21 at 3:00 a.m. ET
Manifest (NBC)
What’s it about?: A plane ride that goes horribly, science-fictionally wrong. The passengers and crew of Montego Air Flight 828 originally believe their turbulent flight was simply a little bumpy. But, when they land, they realize everyone else thought the aircraft had disappeared… for the last five years.
Yes, of course you’re supposed to be reminded of Lost right now.
Who is in it?:Once Upon A Time ’s Josh Dallas, Valor ’s Melissa Roxburgh, up-and-coming teen actress Luna Blaise, and latest Jessica Jones love interest J.R. Ramirez of paint sex fame.
Premiere: Monday, September 24 at 10:00 p.m. ET
Single Parents (ABC)
What’s it about?: Who cares? Leighton Meester has a new starring role on TV!
Just kidding, this upcoming comedy is about a bunch of (you guessed it) single parents who band together to form the support system they very much need.
Who else is in it?:Saturday Night Live alum Taran Killam, Everybody Loves Raymond ’s Brad Garrett, Scandal ’s go-to actress whenever they needed a reporter, Kimrie Lewis, longtime actor Jake Choi, and Ayden Mayeri, who also stars in the falls very buzzy Homecoming(more on that soon).
Premiere: Wednesday, September 26 at 9:30 p.m. ET
A Million Little Things (ABC)
What’s it about?: Making you cry, much like This Is Us. The drama centers around a group of friends who try leaning into life after one of their own (Ron Livingston) dies by suicide.
Who else is in it?: Allison Miller, who brought 13 Reasons Why season 2’s very cutthroat defense lawyer to life, Christina Ochoa, another successfully rebounded Valor star, Psych ’s James Roday, The Originals ’ Christina Marie Moses, and Grimm lead David Giuntoli.
Premiere: Wednesday, September 26 at 10:00 p.m. ET
Made In Mexico (Netflix)
What’s it about?: The lives of a group of wealthy, glamorous, and dramatic pals in Mexico City. Think of it as Netflix's international answer to the Real Housewives franchise.
Who else is in it?: Former House Of DVF contestant Chantal Trujillo, model Columba Díaz, and various members of Mexico City high society like Kitzia Mitre.
Premiere: Friday, September 28 at 3:00 a.m. ET
The Neighborhood (CBS)
What’s it about?: Giving New Girl ’s Schmidt (Max Greenfield) another much-needed television comedy. This time he plays an overly friendly married man who moves to a Black neighborhood in L.A.
Who else is in it?:2 Broke Girls ’ Beth Behrs and Cedric The Entertainer.
Premiere: Monday, October 1 at 8:00 p.m. ET
Happy Together (CBS)
What’s it about?: Giving New Girl ’s Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.) another much-needed television comedy. This time he plays a happily married man whose life is turned upside down when a pop star moves in.
Who else is in it?:Carmichael Show actress Amber Stevens West, Grown-ish dean Chris Parnell, and dreamy new Aussie import Felix Mallard.
Premiere: Monday, October 1 at 8:30 p.m. ET
I Feel Bad(NBC)
What’s it about?: Busy, married mom Emet ( Blockers mom Sarayu Blue) and her exploration of modern, stressful momdom.
Who else is in it?: Shondaland utility player Paul Adelstein.
Premiere: Thursday, October 4 at 8:30 p.m. ET
Elite (Netflix)
What’s it about?: What would happen if you put Gossip Girl, Big Little Lies, and Netflix hidden gem La Casa De Las Flores in a blender and poured that concoction over a glass of champagne? You would get Netflix's Elite, that's what.
The upcoming Spanish-language rich kid drama follows a, well, ultra elite prep school and its inevitable murder mystery (as Riverdale and Pretty Little Liars prove, you can't have this many sexy TV teens in one room without at least one murder mystery unraveling).
Also, as the trailer suggets, we should all expect a killer soundtrack from Elite.
Who else is in it?: Danna Paola, officially evolving past Mexican child star status, along with a group of up-and-comers including Miguel Herrán, Mina El Hammani, Ester Expósito, and María Pedraza.
Premiere: Friday, October 5 at 3:00 a.m. ET
All American (The CW)
What’s it about?: The second Greg Berlanti product in the bunch (but not the last) is all about a talented, Black, South Crenshaw High School football player (Daniel Ezra) who is recruited to play for Beverly Hills High School. Culture clashes, many ab shots, and teen angst ensue, all backed by a shockingly fantastic soundtrack.
Who else is in it?: Taye Diggs, 13 Reasons Why new addition Samantha Logan, Teen Wolf ’s best villain Cody Christian, and Empire ’s Bre-Z.
Premiere: Wednesday, October 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET
The Romanoffs (Amazon)
What’s it about?:Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner returns to TV with his latest project, The Romanoffs. The Amazon Prime drama is an eight-episode anthology series about fictional people who believe they’re descents of the royal, executed, Russian Romanov family.
Each episode is about a different individual or clan convinced of their regal bloodline.
Who is in it?:Mad Men alums Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, and Jay R. Ferguson (Stan!), along with Andrew Rannells, Diane Lane, Corey Stoll, and many, many, many more.
Premiere: Friday, October 12 at TBD ET
Camping (HBO)
What’s it about?: Bringing the comedy of Girls masterminds Lena Dunham and Jenni Konner back to HBO. Also, a camping trip that goes sideways, all with Jennifer Garner’s relentlessly can-do attitude at the helm.
Who else is in it?: Bridget Everett, Jessica Jones ’ original baddie David Tennant, and Juliette Lewis. Dunham will not appear in front of the camera.
Premiere: Sunday, October 14 at TBD ET
Charmed (The CW)
What’s it about?: A reboot of The WB’s Charmed, now with a trio of sisters of color leading the witchy action.
Who is in it?: Madeleine Mantock, Melonie Diaz, and Sarah Jeffery round out the power of three.
Premiere: Sunday, October 14 at 9:00 p.m. ET
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix)
What’s it about?: Here we have the third and final fall new show produced by Greg Berlanti. This one brings Sabrina Spellman (previously played by Melissa Joan Hart) back to TV, although under very different circumstances. This Sabrina, brought to life by Mad Men ’s Kiernan Shipka, is going to be creepy as hell in the best way possible.
Prepare to watch the newest version of Sabrina come of age while grappling with the occult, her own duality (she’s half-witch, half-human, remember?), and a general onslaught of evil forces.
Who else is in it?:Teen Beach Movie ’s Ross Lynch, The 100 ’s Tati Gabrielle, and Lord Of The Rings badass Miranda Otto.
Premiere: Friday, October 26 at 3:00 a.m. ET
Homecoming (Amazon)
What’s it about?: Getting Julia Roberts on TV for the first time ever.
Homecoming, which is directed by Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail, revolves around Heidi Bergman (Roberts), who is originally a caseworker at a facility that specializes in helping veterans transition back to civilian life. Then after a four-year flashback, we learn Heidi has given up her job, hightailed it home to live with her mother, and is now a small-town waitress.
The trick of Homecoming is for viewers, and Heidi, to figure out what led to such a drastic change. Let’s all assume the answer is “something horrible.”
Who else is in it?: After more than 20 years, Roberts will finally get to be in a couple with My Best Friend's Wedding co-star Dermot Mulroney. Bobby Cannavale, Girls ’ Alex Karpovsky, and Ayden Mayeri, of Single Parents, also star.
Premiere: Friday, November 2 at 12:00 a.m. ET
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Instagram may be just seven years old, but it’s damned near impossible to remember how we got on without it. For beauty lovers, the social media site has given us a steady stream of new celebrity cuts, product leaks, and a surge of of-the-moment hair color trends. But the app has also made for an influx of homogeneous beauty looks, because we all get bombarded with the same well-liked posts. (Who hasn't seen feathered eyebrow s or the latest Kardashian whatever pop up in the discovery feed?)
Because the Instagram algorithm is clearly biased, sussing out micro, localized trends feels tougher than ever. Which is why we went analog to nail down the coolest haircuts and styles worn around the world. We asked beauty insiders with major stamps on their passports to key us in to the brightest hair trends hiding beneath the surge of likes. What we found was anything but redundant.
From Seoul to Sydney, Berlin to Toronto, these are the haircuts and styles that are getting real-life likes in international salons.
Seoul, South Korea
The Cut: Anyone who’s a fan of K-beauty knows that Seoul dominates when it comes to skin care and makeup innovation. And haircuts? Well, the city kills it there, too. Soko Glam founder Charlotte Cho tells Refinery29 that the place to spot Seoul’s latest hair trends is Jenny House. “Many Korean celebrities and entertainers frequent the salon, which has a luxe location in Cheongdam,” Cho says, noting that stars like Tilda Swinton and Kate Bosworth have also made appointments with lead stylist Jung Myoung Sim when in Korea. (Both Cho and Michelle Phan have traveled for the salon’s exclusive cut, too.) Among the styles trending with clients? The Layered Cut Perm or “Ley Perm.”
What to Ask For: Hair permed in the very loosest of waves, then cut in layers that fall softly around the face and neck.
Many Korean women don't use curling irons or blowdryers for everyday styling, which means a great cut has to do the legwork long after the salon blowout has worn off. Thanks to lots of built-in layers, hair seems plumped up, as if it’s been volumized with styling tools.
For a more amped up version of the lay perm, clients request the “wolf cut” — so named for its wild waves. To create the edgy look, bangs are cut at eyebrow length, then framed by graduated layers around the face.
The ultimate goal is to convey hair that is “effortless chic,” according to stylist Jung Myoung Sim. While the wolf cut has been a go-to for South Korean women for a while, wolf cut 2.0 is a more mild and soft version, with light and feathered layers that are sometimes permed for soft, bouncy volume.
Sydney, Australia
The Cut:Valonz Haircutters is the Aussie it girl’s destination for a reason. Salon founder and stylist, Renya Xydis, did her first editorial cover starring a BMX Bandits -era Nicole Kidman at just 16 years old. Flash forward a few decades, and Xydis is still creating lust-worthy cuts, like her signature Reversible Layer Cut, which can be styled in a sleek or shaggy look.
Ask For: Layers only near the face that start from cheekbone and travel down to the tips, with the back of the cut kept layer-free.
The genius of this cut is its have-it-all styling. A blowdry with a round brush gives this cut a bouncy, wholesome feel, but that vibe can turn edgy in an instant. “The important part of all these looks and cuts is that there is a beautiful curve in the hair, which can also become a shag look,” Xydis says.
Anyone else see hints of Stephanie Seymour’s signature look in this cut? More importantly, anyone else suddenly checking flights to Sydney?
When styled in a more tousled way, the once-sleek cut suddenly feels more like the shaggy styles worn by Goldie Hawn and Sienna Miller. "The individual look comes with the styling — and, if the cut is correct, the look can be styled from a sleek blowdry or a curly shag,” says Xydis.
Toronto, Canada
The Style: At Braids by Krystal, a boutique salon outside Toronto, clients can’t get enough of stylist Krystal Tash’s impeccable box braids. The protective style isn't anything new, but it feels fresh when the style is customized for each client with fresh details, like metallic cuffs, wrapped accent braids, or Ket braid influences (a style where the hair is braided in a half up, half down look).
Ask For: Box braids, in which hair is parted into square or triangular sections, then braided with extensions added from the root.
These box braids are fit for a queen, thanks to metallic gold crown cuffs added at lengths along the braids framing the face.
Jumbo box braids that taper to micro-width tips minimizes the amount of hair and the weight of the braids.
Looking for a waist-length look? Consult with your stylist ahead of time. “When asking for box braids, a stylist needs to know the size and length of the braids to determine the price,” Tash says.
Berlin, Germany
The Cut: Blunt cuts are making a major comeback all over the globe. But at ESHK Berlin, the style is given extra edge, thanks to added elements like undercuts and baby bangs.
Ask For: One-length blunt bob with an undercut and/or fringe.
Not all blunt styles follow the single-length rule. This version adds a tapered edge toward the back, which gives a bowl-like effect without the severity.
If shorn hair isn’t for you, try a more textbook version of the blunt cut. The single-length style makes longer hair look precise, even with minimal styling.
The classic, blunt cut gets a twist, thanks to an undercut at the sides and back of the head, created with clippers after the overall chop was made.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Cut: Om Studio Salon founder Laura Feliciano hasn’t become known as La Reina de los Rizos (or “The Queen of Curls”) by playing it safe. After experimenting with volume and asymmetry on her curly-haired clients, she landed on a cut she calls the “fullylicious.” The style is layered from the top down, creating an illusion of cascading curls.
Ask For: Fluid layers that maximize movement and volume.
Laura Feliciano
When you think “bangs,” versatility isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But cutting curls to meet the length of the eyebrows means they can be worn as bangs or pushed away for a different look.
After cutting bangs, Feliciano creates short layers that frame the face to create maximum volume for curls. Face-framing layers not only help curls hold their springy shape, they also help create a uniform silhouette throughout the hair.
Laura Feliciano
Mexico City, Mexico
The Cut: Bowl cuts often get a bad reputation for being too severe. But the trending cut at Paprika Hair Salon in Mexico City gets props for its softer look, thanks to layers that minimize a hard-edged line. Stylists use the point cutting method, a technique used to to reduce volume, to also preempt the mushroom head effect.
Ask For: A bowl cut with softer lines.
This cropped cut may look like a piecy pixie, but it’s a bowl cut 2.0. The secret to keeping the style from looking Dumb and Dumber? Little layers for cool-girl texture.
When going for a modern bowl cut, stylist Andrea Galván stresses the importance of balancing the proportions of the hair with the head. “For thick and straight hair, the bowl should be point cut when the hair’s dry to take some volume away,” she says.
Thanks to face-framing layers, this brow-skimming bowl cut contains movement without looking like an '80s mop top.
The key to getting a textured, voluminous look with thinner hair? Ask the stylist to go easy on the layers, notes Galván.
Johannesburg, South Africa
The Cut: The defining characteristic of the cuts happening in South Africa has less to do with the length of the hair and more to do with the styling. According to stylist Pekela Riley, the look de jour is all about texture stretching and shaping. Riley is the creative director for the 2019 Mizani global images, which she created in Johannesburg with a team of South African artists. "I'm seeing a lot of women in South Africa creatively exploring shapes and techniques to stretch their natural hair," says Riley. "This trend of stretching is so gorgeous because it showcases versatility of textured hair." Meaning a mid-length cut can be worn long and full, or short and natural, depending on the styling.
Ask For: A cut that allows for versatility of stretching out curls to create different shapes and styles. Riley tells us it's important to keep in mind that the cut will be shorter when it's worn in its shrunken, curly state, so it's important to work with your stylist to find a shape that will work in both situations.
A common trend that Riley has been seeing is a pin-up style coupled with stretching, which adds even more shape around the face.
"Shaping and stretching creates a 'wow' moment for expanded volume, and the perception of longer hair," says Riley. "It's a great way for women with textured hair to experience these beautiful moments of length and volume with a blowout, instead of using extensions."
London, UK
The Cut: Blunt cuts have had a major comeback as of late. In London, clients at Ena Salon can’t stop asking for this “various length line” style. The precise style may appear impeccably straight-laced at first, but beneath the cut’s precise shell is a world of fine-cut layers that help keep the style from falling completely flat, an effect that makes the hair seem suspended away from the neckline and skin. “We teach every stylist how to control shape, because if you can control shape, you can create any haircut you want,” says Ausra Bandarenkaite, marketing manager for Ena Salon.
Ask For: Baby-fine layers created beneath a clean, straight-lined cut.
A great way to go blunt without the bulk? Building in ultra-fine hidden layers underneath, an effect that makes hair fall perfectly even.
When created on curly hair, blunt cuts can take a more triangular shape (think Solange circa A Seat At The Table). By creating teeny, wispy layers near the neckline, the curls seem to float in air.
Want to step away from the classic editrix look for a day? Apply a bit of texturizing paste to ends and expose the texture that lies beneath.
Mumbai, India
The Cut: According to the pros at Jean-Claude Biguine India salons in Mumbai and Bangalore, Indian hair tends to be strong and thick. No wonder clients often focus on maintaining long and healthy hair when going for a cut. The salon often turns out layered cuts that keep length in tact and decrease density for swingy movement.
Ask For: A blunt cut that emphasizes strong and thick ends with lightly contoured layers near the face and the crown. “This helps in increasing volume and removes the static effect, giving life and movement around the long hair,” says Michel Baltazar, the salon’s creative director of training and education.
The best way to maximize swingy movement is to add a slight wave to the layered cut.
Volume, length, and shine? Thanks to incognito layers, this look hits the hair trifecta.
Thanks to this cut’s concentration on hair health, curl pattern and hair strength are uniform from root to tip.
Paris, France
The Cut: The Internet loves to call out differences between French girl and American girl styles, so here’s one more: According to stylist David Mallett, Parisian and Americans tend to differ when defining hair length. “Despite the 'short' hair trend, most women in the US request hair that falls at or past the breastbone,” Mallett says. On the other hand, Parisians like their short hair to graze the shoulders. At David Mallett Paris, the short, french-girl cut with fringe is boss.
Ask For: A chop made near the collarbone with gradient layers that get longer from back to front. And bangs, of course.
Hate wasting hours per week styling your hair? Then this cut is for you. “At its best, this cut is minimalist, with very little styling needed,” Mallett says.
To keep hair from settling into a more straight, precise look, Mallett suggests applying a bit of serum into damp hair before a quick, messy blowout. “This will let the cut swing freely,” he says. For a second-day look, try styling the cut with a few pumps of volumizing powder and a quick tousle of the head.
If opting for a lob or bob-length cut, Mallett offers this advice: “Be sure to ask your stylist to blend your bangs properly with the rest of the cut through some light and subtle point cutting.”
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On Thursday, Dr. Christine Blasey Ford delivered a powerful testimonybefore the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding her allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who she says sexually assaulted and attempted to rape her at a house party in the early 1980s.
During her testimony, Dr. Ford said that she suffered from long-term mental health effects after being sexually assaulted, including anxiety, claustrophobia, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. She also said that she did not talk about the details of the assault until a couple's counseling session with her husband in May of 2012, but doing so — and subsequently discussing it in individual therapy — caused her to relive her trauma.
"After the counseling session, I did my best to ignore the memories of the assault because recounting them caused me to relive the experience, and caused panic and anxiety," she says. "Occasionally, I would discuss the assault in an individual therapy session, but talking about it caused more reliving of the trauma."
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), it's common for survivors of sexual assault to experience PTSD and to relive the event. Survivors may experience uncharacteristic feelings of stress, fear, anxiety, and nervousness. A 2001 study found that PTSD onset occurs in approximately 94% of survivors within 2 weeks post-assault and 47% of survivors within 3 months post-assault.
And while the likelihood of developing mental health problems after assault might vary from person to person, a study from earlier this year found that 80% of teenage girls who had been sexually assaulted suffered from anxiety, depression, PTSD and other conditions months after the event.
I have had to relive my trauma in front of the entire world.
Dr. Ford, who says she was 15 years old when she was sexually assaulted, says that many of the mental health effects that the incident had on her have persisted long term throughout her adult life.
"For me personally, anxiety, phobia, and PTSD-like symptoms are the types of things I've been coping with," she said. "More specifically, claustrophobia, panic and that type of thing."
Dr. Ford continued to say that she had a "fairly disastrous" four years after the incident: "When I was 17 and went to college, I had a very hard time, more so than others, forming new friendships, and especially friendships with boys, and I had academic problems."
"I have had to relive my trauma in front of the entire world, and have seen my life picked apart by people on television, in the media, and in this body who have never met me or spoken with me," Dr. Ford said. "Those who say that do not know me. I am a fiercely independent person and I am no one’s pawn. My motivation in coming forward was to provide the facts about how Mr. Kavanaugh’s actions have damaged my life, so that you can take that into serious consideration as you make your decision about how to proceed."
If you have experienced sexual violence and are in need of crisis support, please call the RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
If you are experiencing anxiety and are in need of crisis support, please call the Crisis Call Center ’s 24-hour hotline at 1-775-784-8090.
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Hanging onto summer for as long as possible is a futile task, but that doesn't mean it's easy to say goodbye. If you're like us, you’ve been delaying packing away your swimsuits, wearing sandals every sunny day (no matter the temperature), and playing up that last bit of suntan any way possible.
Luckily, that all went away when we saw the new beauty products coming to stores for fall. Our first reaction? Summer who ? This season's batch of products is proof that fall is — hands down — the best time of year for a beauty collection rebirth. There are buttery highlighters and eyeshadows (that we won’t sweat off), new remedies for hair recovering from the summer heat, and enough vampy lip colors to wear a different shade every day until New Year's Eve.
We've rounded up all the new releases you need to excite you for fall, ahead.
If there's one lipstick that won't fail you this season, it's Maybelline's Super Stay Matte Ink. The formula is already wildly popular, so the brand has expanded the shade range with 10 colors in its new City Collection. The new range features moody shades like wine, deep red, and navy blue, all perfect for everything from brunch to a Halloween party.
Maybelline Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink City Edition Liquid Lips, $7.94, available at Walmart
Stila is the latest brand to get in on the gemstone trend. It added six new Vivid & Bright shades to its Shimmer & Glow eye shadow collection, all of which were inspired (and named after) rich gemstones.
Stila Shimmer & Glow Vivid & Vibrant, $24, available at Stila
Another day, another Anastasia Beverly Hills palette. (To be clear, we aren't complaining.) The new Sultry shadows feature cool taupes and browns, along with shimmery glitters, to create subtly sexy looks that will carry you through the holiday season.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Eye Shadow Palette, $45, available at Anastasia Beverly Hills
Just because your vacation tan has faded doesn't mean you can't be a sun-kissed queen, just dust this new highlighter from Nyx over the high points of your face and collarbone. The limited edition duo comes in three shades and is a part of the brand's new Machinist collection, which also features lipstick and an eyeshadow palette.
NYX Machinist Highlighting Duo, $12, available at Nyx Cosmetics
Everything we could ever want in a fall lipstick can be found in this new offering from YSL. It's sleek and compact, but it's the diamond-shaped tip that we love most because it makes it easy to define our lip line without liner or a brush. It comes in 17 super vivid shades that dry down to a comfortable matte finish.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick, $39, available at Yves Saint Laurent
You don't have to spend a ton of cash to add a good fall eyeshadow palette to your collection. The new Soft & Sultry kit from Milani has all the matte and metallic shades you need to create a subtle or dramatic smoky eye without burning your budget.
Milani Milani Soft & Sultry Eyeshadow Palette, $14.97, available at Walmart
A reset button for hair exists in mask form thanks to Kérastase. Its new Aura Botanica Masque has heavy hit of Brazil nut, coconut, and sweet orange oil to make even the most dry, brittle hair feel soft and smooth.
Kerastase Hair Masque Fondamental Riche Hair Mask, $59, available at Kerastase Hair
Love the smell of coffee? Consider this your new favorite lotion. You'll have to wait until October for this release, but it'll be worth it once your skin is hydrated and smells like the most delicious latte you've ever had.
OGX Beauty Exfoliating Coconut Coffee Scrub & Wash, $6.99, available at Walmart & Target in mid-October.
Leave it to Pat McGrath to launch lip balms that are this cool. The latest from her line nourishes, hydrates, and protects your lips from free radicals so they can stay smooth in the driest weather. It comes in a variety of finishes, from clear to shimmer, so there's something for everyone.
Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Lip Balm, $38, available at Sephora
E.l.f. cosmetics tapped its community of beauty influencers to create the Modern Metals collection this season. The four piece kit features shimmery gloss, highlighter, and eyeshadow inspired by New Orleans.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Modern Metals 4-Piece Collection, $32, available at e.l.f. Cosmetics
We hope you like cherries, because Urban Decay has plenty. ICYMI, the brand launched an entire collection starring the stone fruit, including a new Naked palette, Vice lipstick, blush, and cherry-scented setting spray. The entire lineup boasts shades of pink, rose gold, and burgundy.
Urban Decay Ardell Beauty Mattelic Liquid Lip Cremé , $49, available at Urban Decay
If you're after a fuller set of brows, but don't want to cough up hundreds of dollars on microblading, this is for you. This new brow marker from Ardell has a fine tip to create thin strokes that look just like hair. The formula is also smudgeproof, and longlasting, so your careful lines won't vanish or fade throughout the day.
Ardell Feeling Bold Medium Brown Brow Marker, $9.99, available at Sally Beauty
You shouldn't have to compromise vivid color when you're wearing lipgloss and the latest from Bobbi Brown certainly does not skimp of the pigment necessary to do so. Its new Luxe Liquid Lip High Shine collection delivers glossy, opaque pigment that won't dry out your lips. It comes in nine shiny shades, from pale beige to cherry red.
Bobbi Brown Luxe Liquid Lip High Shine, $37, available at Bobbi Brown
If serums are a regular part of your skin-care routine, consider adding them to your hair, too. Oribe just launched a line of three, super-concentrated serum drops that target specific hair needs. You can add a few drops to your current products if your hair needs some TLC, or use one solo for more targeted results. The Gold Lust drops, for example, are made with biotin and linoleic acid to strengthen damaged hair and to help prevent breakage.
Oribe Gold Lust Power Drops, $58, available at Neiman Marcus
There's a new K-beauty brand in town and it goes by the name of Kaja. It's the latest to launch at Sephora and features a colorful collection of blushes, eyeshadows, lipsticks and more — all for a wide range of skin tones. The R29 team were among the first people to test the buzzy new line and you can see how everything cracked up here.
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After a year in retreat, Taylor Swift's back. Actually, as the "Look What You Made Me Do" video demonstrated,all of the Taylors are back. Taylor Swift has cycled through a lot of looks during her decade in the spotlight. She's been a country star with flowing hair and flowing skirts. She's rocked the fairy-tale princess look. And with just one pair of black glasses, she's been a teenage geek and a hipster.
Dressing as Ms. Swift for Halloween can be as simple or involved as you want it to be. To recreate her "Never Getting Back Together" outfit, all you need to do is roll out of bed. For the full "Love Story" effect, you'll need a gown and excellent updo skills. To be Taylor herself, just make sure you have her signature red lipstick and an air of effortless cool.
Dress as "22" Taylor if you're feeling young and wild.
Wear a large black hat, red lipstick, and a white t-shirt that says, "I have a lot going on at the moment" in all caps.
Dress as "Fearless" Taylor if you actually can play the guitar.
In the video, Taylor interacts with fans and romps around with long, curly hair and a guitar. How times have changed.
Dress as "Look What You Made Me Do" bathtub Taylor if you love glitz
This is one of Taylor's many personas in "Look What You Made Me Do." For the costume, dress in a nude bodysuit, then attach toy jewels and a single dollar bill. Paint your nails blood-red, apply red lipstick, and a heavy smoky eye. Drape your neck in glitz.
Dress as "Teardrops on My Guitar" Taylor if you have naturally curly hair.
In the video, Swift sprawls on a bed with her guitar, wearing a green gown. Most of the bed is consumed by her lustrous locks.
Dress as "Look What You Made Me Do" zombie Taylor if you think Halloween should be scary.
Granted, "Look What You Made Me Do" features a parade of different Taylor eras. But the most memorable is zombie Taylor, who begins the video by crawling out of a grave. Pair a classic Taylor maxi dress and curly hair with the terrifying makeup of the undead to capture the look.
Dress as "Blank Space" Taylor if you have a ModCloth wardrobe.
It's just a matter of deciding to go with the high waisted shorts and crop top or a vintage dress.
Dress as "Our Song" Taylor if you want to get another year out of your Cinderella costume.
Rip the arms off that sucker, slap on several layers of clear lip gloss, and you're good to go.
Dress as "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" Taylor for a unique group costume.
As the organizer of said group costume, you get to wear fuzzy pajamas while your friends wear full-on animal suits.
Dress as "Shake It Off" Taylor if you're up for a mid-party costume change.
Show up to the shindig in a leotard, leave in jean cutoffs. It's a move that will be talked about through next Halloween.
Dress as "Bad Blood" Taylor if you look really good in black.
It helps if your eyeliner game is also on point. This is another potential costume for your entire squad.
Dress as "You Belong With Me" Taylor if you always wanted to wear that old prom dress again.
Or that old band uniform. No judgement.
Dress as "Love Story" Taylor if you've always wanted to try the corset look.
For this one, it's all about the tendrils.
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All eyes were on Dr. Christine Blasey Ford Thursday, as she testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee about the sexual misconduct allegations she's brought against Judge Brett Kavanaugh.
At times, Ford's voice broke as she described her assault and the fear she had of coming forward. But she also held her own, as she was questioned by the Democrats and Arizona-based prosecutor Rachel Mitchell, who confronted her on behalf of the Republicans in the committee.
Kavanaugh is set to testify before the committee this afternoon. Ahead, the key takeaways of this historic Senate hearing.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
Ford consistently talked about specific details of her assault and offered corrections when needed.
In her testimony, Dr. Ford said one of the most striking details she remembers is the "uproarious laughter" between Kavanaugh and his friend Mark Judge having fun at her expense while they allegedly assaulted her. She recalls hoping that Judge — who she remembers being in the room, alternatively egging on Kavanaugh and being ambivelant — would come to her aid. "A couple of times I made eye contact with Mark and thought he might help me," she said. "But he did not."
When asked by Senator Klobuchar what about the night she would "never forget," Ford responded: "The stairwell. The living room. The bedroom. The bed on the right side of the room ... the bathroom in close proximity. The laughter. The uproarious laughter. And the multiple attempts to escape. And the final ability to do so."
She was simultaneously a witness and an expert, due to her line of work.
Ford has a master’s degree Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California, and a master’s degree in Epidemiology from Stanford University School of Medicine. She is a published scholar. During her testimony, she used her expertise to put the details of her assault into context.
About Kavanaugh and Judge’s "uproarious laughter,” she said: "Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter. The uproarious laughter between the two and their having fun at my expense... I was, you know, underneath one of them while the two laughed"
When asked if there were other factors that could have contributed to the anxiety she experienced she responded the “etiology of anxiety and PTSD is multifactorial” — adding that she may have had a “biological predisposition” to these symptoms.
There was a significant difference in how the Republican and Democratic men in the committee treated Dr. Ford.
All the Republicans in the Senate Judiciary Committee are men. Because of the bad optics, reminiscent of the Anita Hill testimony, most of them were yielding their time to prosecutor Rachel Mitchell. But at the same time, this structure precluded them from being kind and compassionate towards Dr. Ford as every Democratic man in the committee was able to be.
For example, Sen. Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut told Dr. Ford “I believe you” and added that, regardless of what happens after her testimony, her coming forward is a "profound public service" that has inspired survivors to speak up.
Kavanaugh’s friend Mark Judge should have testified.
Throughout Dr. Ford’s testimony, it became increasingly clear that the Senate Judiciary Committee should hear from Kavanaugh’s classmate and friend Mark Judge. Ford sustains that he was present in the room when Kavanaugh sexually assaulted and attempted to rape her.
Despite being the only witness who could clear Kavanaugh’s name, Judge chose not to testify Thursday. “I did not ask to be involved in this matter, nor did anyone ask me to be involved,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee, adding, “I have no more information to offer to the committee, and I do not wish to speak publicly regarding the incidents described in Dr. Ford’s letter.”
In July of 2013, a horror movie called The Conjuring hit theaters and made away with $42 million in its first weekend — the box office record for an original R-rated horror movie opening. The movie — starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as husband-wife paranormal investigators enlisted by a family to exorcise their haunted farmhouse — was also lauded by critics. The Conjuring scored an 86% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as praise for its smart plot, cinematic beauty, and well-crafted scare-moments that harken back to classic horror films like The Exorcist.
The key to The Conjuring' s tremendous success — and the reason it got a sequel, The Conjuring 2, this summer — is really pretty simple: It scared the shit out of people. And from the paranormal fright-fests and the psychological thrillers to the classics, that's what a good horror movie does. So we decided to round up the best scary movies — i.e. the ones most likely to make you shit your pants.
Funny Games (2007)
There is nothing funny about this movie, which focuses on two men who decide it'll be fun to torture a family for no apparent reason.
Get Out(2017) Intelligent and downright terrifying, this movie has a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and is already considered one of the best movies of 2017. From the mind of comedian Jordan Peele, Get Out tells the story of a young Black man named Chris who goes to visit his white girlfriend's family for the weekend. At first, Chris attributes the family's overly friendly attitude to nervousness about his race, and brushes off the the family's Black servants' strangely stiff behavior. As the weekend progresses, Chris begins to realize there's something seriously amiss.
Don't Breathe (2016) We'd venture to say that the best horror movies center on a group of naive teenagers who are asking for trouble, and Don't Breathe is one of them. This time it's three thieves who decide to break into the wrong person's house — and, as you can probably predict, things take a wrong (and chilling!) turn.
The Grudge (2004) This remake of a Japanese film made waves back in 2004 for being truly scary. As in, peek-through-your-eyes kind of scary. The story centers on a curse that happens when a person dies feeling intense anger or sadness. As you can imagine, anyone who encounters that curse is pretty much doomed, as we see with the protagonists, the Saeki family. Things get both weird and creepy with this grudge — resulting in the perfect kind of guilty pleasure horror movie.
The Skeleton Key (2016) When Kate Hudson's character arrives to help an elderly woman take care of her paralyzed husband, she's given a skeleton key to the house, which opens all of its many rooms — except one. Set in New Orleans, this tale of dark voodoo magic, also starring Joy Bryant, will haunt you long after you've finished watching.
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) When you think of John Goodman in a movie, you're expecting a film filled with laughs, right? Wrong. One Refinery staffer calls this Goodman-starring film about a woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who gets in a car accident and then becomes convinced the world has ended "the scariest movie she's ever seen." Yikes.
Scream(1996) It's an accepted fact that 80's babies — and people of all ages, really — have a soft spot for Scream. The small town horror movie is partially horror movie satire, but even with its comedic elements, it's still make-you-jump-scary. And what made this slasher flick an instant cult classic was its lineup of 90's stars: Neve Campbell, Drew Barrymore, Rose McGowan, and Courteney Cox and David Arquette (whose meeting on set would later lead to a marriage and child). Dig in, enjoy, and try not to shriek too loudly.
The Awakening (2011) This is one creepy film, let us tell ya. After World War I, a British ghost expert and writer — Florence, played by Rebecca Hall — receives a visit from Robert (played by The Affair 's Dominic West), a teacher at a boys boarding school who wants her to come investigate some suspicious happenings. We'll leave it at that for now as to not spoil anything, but this movie has all the makings of a perfectly eerie film: Dark hallways in a super old building, frightening children, and British accents. Eek!
The Cabin In The Woods(2012) You've heard this concept before: A group of friends get together for a weekend trip that doesn't end so well. In 2012's Cabin In The Woods, these kids were played by Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly, Jesse Williams, Anna Hutchison, and Fran Kranz, college students headed to a remote cabin where they're met by some unexpected neighbors. This film is actually part comedy, you'll be sure to laugh (who doesn't laugh when Chris Hemsworth is involved?) but there are also plenty of genuine scares, too.
28 Days Later(2002) Long before The Walking Dead, a horror movie called 28 Days Later tackled a familiar post-apocalyptic question: What would happen if an infectious plague arrived and wiped out the majority of humans on Earth? This horror flick follows a group of people through 28 days of that hypothetical situation, from day 1 — infection — to day 28, which...well, no spoilers here, but let's just say as each day progresses in this film, things get much scarier.
The Omen (1976) This is the perfect pick for scary movie night if nothing makes your skin crawl like a creepy kid. The 70's thriller starred Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as the parents to Damian, a little boy whose fifth birthday brings on a series of frightening incidents (Murder! Suicide! Um...monkeys?!). The random occurences provoke a series of important questions: Who IS Damian? Could he be a devil child? And will you ever forget his sinister blue eyes after watching the movie?
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) There have been quite a few iterations of the tale of Leatherface, a chainsaw-wielding, cannibalistic killer inspired by real-life murderer Ed Gein. But we promise you: The scariest of the bunch was the original 1974 version. Even the trailer is enough to leave you creeped out!
The Blair Witch Project (1999) In 1999, moviegoers were simultaneously scared out of their wits and confused by TBWP. The story about three film students who went missing near Burkittsville, Maryland was shot documentary-style using fake "found footage." It was so convincing that many people believed it was real. While it turned out The Blair Witch Projectisn't real, that didn't change how freaking' scary this film is. If you've never seen it, prepare to jump (and maybe scream or gasp a few times).
The Birds(1963) The debate over which Hitchcock movie is the thriller director's best continues on. But one thing most every Hitchcock fan can agree on: The Birds is pretty darn creepy. The story about a young woman (this marked Tippi Hedren's big-screen debut) who unknowingly stirs up a series of bird attacks in a small California town is the stuff nightmares are made of. Warning: If you haven't seen this film yet, once you do, you may never look at a flock of birds the same way again.
The Ring (2002) You can pretend you're above this Naomi Watts adaptation of the equally-scary Japanese Ringu. But anyone who says watching Samara climb out of the TV didn't give them nightmares is full of shit. On second thought, maybe not so full.
The Shining(1980) Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece remains the gold standard of the genre over 35 years after its release. And while by now we're all familiar with the Stephen King adaptation's scariest scenes — it's become something of a pop culture reference-point — witnessing the horrors inside the Overlook Hotel for the first time is like watching a waking nightmare.
The Babadook (2014) This small, Aussie sleeper-hit is another modern classic. A woman and her son are relentlessly tormented by a creature born from the boy's coloring book in this restrained arthouse-horror triumph. It's more suspenseful than gory, and the scares are scream-worthy but not cheap.
Psycho (1960) The only problem with Alfred Hitchcock's iconic psychological thriller, starring Janet Leigh? Your personal hygiene may be put in peril for days after witnessing the famous shower scene.
Paranormal Activity (2007) The ultimate supernatural fright-fest is a downright chilling viewing experience. Who knew sleepwalking and tangled sheets could be so unsettling? The low-budget original, by the way, stands head and shoulders above its many, many sequels.
Insidious (2010) Modern horror master James Wan ( Saw, The Conjuring) knows how to deliver on both smart story-lines and good, old-fashioned jump-scares. There are several moments in the movie that should be flagged for their pants-ruining potential, but this one is just so unexpected.
The Exorcist (1973) The first hit movie about exorcising the demons from a possessed child is also the best. No fancy special effects needed to spook the crap out of you here — just a disturbing puppet and good editing. You know what they say, parents: Teenagers are hell.
It Follows (2015) This shrewdly effective scary movie will make you afraid of, well, any other humans walking at a normal pace in your general vicinity. But the artsy Halloween -esque indie is a must-see and totally worth both the paralyzing aftermath (and the new pair of jeans).
The Conjuring (2013) Yes, this one's on here because it's a must-see before the sequel. But even as a standalone, this tightly edited terror of a movie is full of perfect jump-cuts that, as previously discussed, may require you to conjure up some new pants.
The Strangers(2008) Perhaps the scariest part of this movie is the fact that it was inspired by true events. Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play a couple on vacation terrorized by three masked intruders out to get them for no apparent reason. It could double as a two-hour sales pitch for a home security system.
Rosemary's Baby(1968) We hesitated to include a Roman Polanski film on this list, but if you've seen this macabre classic one you'll know why we did. Stay away if you happen to be A. a new mom, B. trying to get pregnant, or C. wearing your favorite jeans.
A Tale Of Two Sisters(2003) This psychological horror gem, which inspired 2008's lesser The Uninvited, hails from South Korea. After a girl gets home from a psychiatric-hospital stay, increasingly freaky shit involving dead birds and mysterious bruises starts happening to her and her sister. Is the evil stepmom to blame?
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Almost everyone has experienced moments where they've had doubts about their relationships, or where they haven't felt 100% happy in a relationship. But sometimes, an emotionally draining coupling can take its toll on your mental health in ways you might not even notice at first.
If you or your partner are managing a mental illness, that's also a conversation you need to have, but even if neither of you are, relationships can still affect your mental health.
Susan Bartell, PsyD, a psychologist who works with couples, says that if a relationship isn't going well and you're not acknowledging that it isn't great, it can cause anxiety, trouble sleeping, depression, and can impact your self-esteem.
If you're in an unbalanced relationship where one person's needs are being met and the other person's needs aren't addressed, she says, you might start to doubt yourself, and constantly worry that you're doing something wrong.
In general, she says, you can tell a relationship is affecting your mental health if it begins to feel more negative than positive, and you don't feel as if it's elevating you.
"If you’re feeling depressed, you’re feeling like you want to avoid them, you’re crying a lot, if you’re not feeling good about it or you don't want to be with them, or you worked really hard to rationalize to yourself why it is a good relationship — these are all signs the relationship is taking a toll on your emotional health," Dr. Bartell says.
She adds that she often sees young adults in their 20s and 30s in relationships that aren't necessarily supportive, often because they're generally more vulnerable and less secure than older people.
"I think sometimes people go into relationships insecure, and the way they try to make themselves secure is to put someone down," she says. "If you really want to be in a relationship and you’re vulnerable to that, rather than putting that down and saying, I need to look for something healthy, you’re vulnerable to staying in that relationship even though the person is making you feel bad about yourself."
If you're in a relationship that's impacting your mental health, Dr. Bartell says it's a good idea to address that right away by bringing it up with them, especially if this is someone you still want to be with for the long-term.
"I would say you should address it almost immediately," she says, adding that if your partner is going through something difficult like the death of a family member or friend, or losing a job, you might want to give them time to work things out.
"But after a few weeks you have to address it with the person," she says.
If your partner is making you feel bad most of the time, they're critical of you, put you down, blaming you for their behavior or treatment of you, Dr. Bartell says that's when it might be a sign of emotional abuse.
And, if things don't change, it might be time to reconsider your relationship.
If you are experiencing depression or anxiety 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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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 sponsorship coordinator working at a nonprofit who makes $55,700 per year and spends some of her money this week on Enlightened ice cream.
Monthly Expenses Mortgage: $822.32 (I bought a 1,100 square foot two-bedroom, one-bathroom house 10 years ago. My payment includes property taxes. My boyfriend, T., lives with me and gives me $570/month to help with various bills/utilities/etc.) Student Loan Payment: $0 (I worked while going to school, so I don't have any student loans.)
Car Loan Payment: $0 (I paid off my car a couple years ago.) Health Insurance: $0 (covered by my employer) Power/Water/Sewer/Garbage: $268 Home & Car Insurance: $130 Internet: $40 Phones: $154 (My mom and boyfriend are both on my plan.) Netflix: $12 Hulu: $13 Patreon: $10 Storage Unit: $55 iCloud Storage: $0.99 Dropbox: $11 PicMonkey: $8 Planet Fitness: $20 Retirement: $450 (I contribute 5% of my income to my company's Roth 401(k) and they contribute an additional 4%. I also just started putting $100 per paycheck into my Roth IRA.) Savings: ~$400. I try to move $100-$200 per paycheck into savings but sometimes I forget. I also “pay” myself $5 every time I go to the gym and stick it in a separate savings account that I use to treat myself. I bought myself Botox for my birthday this year and paid for it out of my gym account.
Day One
6:30 a.m. — Finally give in to my alarm that I've been snoozing since 6 a.m. I work from home two days a week, so I stagger over to my laptop and let it boot up while I pour myself a giant mug of coffee. My boyfriend, T., works from home every day, so I let him sleep in a little. Fridays are pretty slow days for work, so I love the chance to catch up on laundry and housework in between work tasks so I don't have to spend as much time doing them over the weekend. I throw a load of laundry in the wash and scrub my bathtub.
7:30 a.m. — Check the Dress Barn website and see that their jeans are on sale for $19.50 a pair, with an extra $10 off if you spend $75. I buy a pair of black skinny jeans in my size, plus three pairs in a size smaller and then tell all my Instagram followers about the sale. I had weight loss surgery a couple years ago and am still slowly losing weight. For $19.50 a pair, I'll stick them into a space bag until it's time to go down a size. $74.87
8 a.m. — Check to see if my paycheck has deposited in my account (it has), and promptly pay off my current credit card balance. Catch up on Instagram stories in between replying to work emails.
8:30 a.m. — I step outside and see the lid to the cat litter box I threw away last week. This reminds me that I still need to order a new one, so I hop on Amazon and order it, plus a pack of graph paper as an add-on item. I do a lot of crafting in the fall (and occasionally sell my crafts at holiday gift fairs), and one of my favorite crafts is taking old books with interesting covers, cutting the guts out, and replacing them with blank paper for sketchbooks/journals. I've been wanting to try graph paper inserts. $32.45
10:30 a.m. — Take a break from work and eat breakfast. I eat the same thing every single day: a veggie sausage patty and a little cup of guacamole. It's protein and healthy fats, and usually fills me up until lunch. (My weight loss surgery removed 75% of my stomach, so six to eight ounces of food fills me up.) I'm not a vegetarian, I just like the way the veggie sausage patties taste.
12 p.m. — Eat caprese salad left over from last night's dinner. Then I run over to JCPenney on my lunch break and pick up sweaters that I ordered last week. Technically my sweaters from last year still fit, but they're getting loose. This is the first time in my life I've ever fit into size medium clothing. (I was an XXL for most of my adult life, but have lost about 100 pounds over the past two and a half years.) I do a little happy dance in the fitting room, because they fit. Weight loss has been great for my self-esteem and health, but terrible for my wallet.
1 p.m. — Swing by Walgreens on my way home to get a flu shot (covered by my insurance). I work for a nonprofit, but we're a nonprofit with money, so I'm fortunate to have the Cadillac of health insurance plans. (Although, it doesn't cover weight loss surgery — I went to Mexico for my surgery a few weeks before I started this job.) I can't remember the last time I got the flu, but would rather not tempt fate. I get a bad cold about twice a year and am a snotty, coughing mess for about two weeks each time. Plus, I'm doing more traveling than usual this fall, and airplanes are flying tin cans of germs.
4:30 p.m. — Finish work for the day and head to the gym for a cardio session. I miss the exercise classes at my old gym, but this one is a mile from my house and half the price of any other. I do 50 minutes on the arc trainer while watching an episode of Suits on my tablet. After my workout, I grab a 15-minute chair massage and head home.
6 p.m. — Get home and start cooking bacon while catching up with my mom on the phone. T. gets home from errands and makes turkey and bacon sandwiches for dinner. I eat half my sandwich and part of a container of low calorie ice cream while watching more CSI.
10:30 p.m. — Take a shower, put Simple moisturizer on my face (I have no real skincare routine), and hop in bed. I toss and turn for about an hour because T. won't put his phone away, so I remind him that he has to get up at 5:30 and tell him to put the damn phone away. Fall asleep by 11:30.
Daily Total: $107.32
Day Two
5:45 a.m. — Wake up and notice that T. is still in bed. I tell him the time and he mumbles that he just needs a few more minutes. He rolls out of bed at 6 and I fall back asleep. He kisses me goodbye at 6:30 and I fall back asleep again.
8:45 a.m. — Dad texts me to ask if I want a mocha, and I decline. I go to my dad's house every Saturday to balance his checkbook and make sure he's doing okay. My stepmother passed away a couple years ago and he's never really had to take care of himself before. He's terrible with money and adult responsibilities in general, so I spend about an hour a week making sure he's not broke and is taking care of business.
9 a.m. — Throw on last night's workout clothes and head to the gym for a 30-minute weight circuit. My arm hurts from yesterday's flu shot, but I power through. I finish and relax in the hydro massage chair for 10 minutes before heading down to my dad's. Before I leave, I grab a pound of ground beef out of the chest freezer in his garage. I got a vacuum sealer for my birthday, so I've been buying more meat in bulk when it's on sale and storing it at his place because he has more room.
12 p.m. — Wash dishes and eat ceviche I picked up at the local bodega a couple days ago. It's a little too spicy for me (I'm a wuss), but I didn't feel like getting all the ingredients and making it myself. I'm pissed because I only find five little shrimps in the whole cup. I toss the rest because it's not worth suffering through the heat for no shrimp. I eat a couple pieces of cheese, clean out my fridge, make a grocery list for tomorrow, and then get distracted watching Instagram stories. I don't know how people that follow 1,000+ accounts do it. I follow 150 and feel like I can barely keep up with them.
4 p.m. — Wake up from a nap, reheat shredded pork, crack open an energy drink, and decide to go grocery shopping a day early. I'm going out with friends tonight and will probably be out late, so I'll feel less guilty about sleeping in tomorrow if my grocery shopping is already done. I head to WinCo and pick up kielbasa, coleslaw mix, frozen veggies, ice cream, energy drinks, hand soap, drink mixes, sugar, salt, a beer for T., apple slices, paper plates, and compostable forks. T. will pay me back 50% of what we both eat and 100% of the things only he eats. $82.23
8:30 p.m. — Head to the bar with my friends after pregaming at their apartment. I pay the $10 cover and we meet up with a few more friends. I buy a round for the table, give the drag queens a few bucks in tips, and then order chicken strips and fries for the table, since we're all drunk AF. $65
12 a.m. — Get a ride back to my friend's apartment, and I'm too drunk to drive home. T. is still awake and offers to come get me so I don't have to spend $10 on a Lyft. When we get home, I shower, scrub my makeup off, and pass out.
Daily Total: $147.23
Day Three
4 a.m. — Wake up for no good reason, stagger around the house a little, and realize I'm probably still drunk. Chug water and go back to bed. T. gets up at 5:30 and heads out for the day. He's working at a local racetrack all weekend.
9 a.m. — I feel slightly better and don't want to sleep in anymore, since it'll throw off my sleep schedule for the work week. I drink a mug of coffee and think about what to wear to brunch with my bestie. We live in the same town, but she works crazy long hours and I haven't seen her in several weeks. I throw on workout clothes in case I decide to go for a walk later, grab a Lyft back to my car, and head to the waterfront for brunch. We visit for an hour and a half and I get eggs, bacon, and grits. She pays and calls it a belated birthday present. The weather is too dicey for me to want to attempt a walk on the waterfront afterwards, so I just come home. $13
3:30 p.m. — Wake up from another nap and feel mostly back to normal, so I head to the kitchen to start my meal prep. I make sausage and fajita veggies for my lunches and crack slaw (deconstructed egg roll) for my dinners. I save the recipes in MyFitnessPal to make it easier to track during the week.
5:30 p.m. — Decide I'm no longer hungover, so I drag my butt to the gym for 45 minutes on the arc trainer and a hydro massage. Before I go, I eat a piece of cheese and a couple ounces of deli turkey to tide me over until dinner. T. comes home from his day at the racetrack with food: lengua torta for him and chicken street tacos for me. He pays. I wash my dinner down with ice cream, and we watch CSI reruns. I shower and am in bed by 9:30.
Daily Total: $13
Day Four
6 a.m. — Alarm goes off. I hit snooze until 6:30, and roll out of bed by 6:40. I throw on workout clothes in case I decide to go for a run later in the morning, stick my hair in a knot, and stagger into the kitchen. I pack my breakfast and lunch, fill my travel mug with coffee, and head to work. My commute is only about 25 minutes in the morning, and today I get in 10 minutes late, but I'm still one of the first people to arrive. I work in a very casual office, which is why I can look like a frump most of the time. (I'm always clean, but I don't “do” my hair or wear makeup.) I finish my coffee before eating my usual breakfast at my desk and catching up on weekend emails.
10:30 a.m. — Hungry again, so I eat a piece of cheese and check my calendar to see if I have time for a run. My job is very supportive of healthy lifestyle choices, so they're totally fine with me ducking out for 30 to 45 minutes in the middle of the day to go for a run, as long as I'm not scheduled for any meetings.
12:30 p.m. — Drink a bottle of water and heat up my meal prep: turkey kielbasa and fajita veggies, as well as a small piece of cheese. I feel like I'm starving, so I eat slow and hope six ounces of food is enough to fill me up today. While I'm digesting, I run up to Safeway to top off my gas tank. The weather is really nice today, but it's supposed to be crappy for the rest of the week, so I'd rather do it now. $23
3 p.m. — I head to the kitchen to eat apple slices and a tiny handful of wasabi and soy sauce almonds that my mom gave me. She orders a lot of snacks online and often shares new flavors/items with me. My coworker walks by and compliments my weight loss, which I appreciate.
4 p.m. — I'm FREEEE! I actually like my job, but today was kinda boring, so the hours crept by. My commute home takes twice as long as my morning commute because I get stuck with all the people coming home from Seattle. I skip the gym, since I went for a run earlier. I'm starving by the time I get home, so I heat up my egg roll in a bowl. I also eat way too much cheddar and caramel popcorn while watching TV.
8 p.m. — Decide to call it an early night. I shower, crawl into bed, and continue watching TV and screwing around on my phone until 10 p.m.
Daily Total: $23
Day Five
6 a.m. — Alarm goes off and I hit snooze a couple times. T. has a conference call at 7, so we both roll out of bed by 6:30 in order to give our coffee enough time to kick in. I'm working from home today, so I deal with emails and a couple phone calls and then check in with my boss via IM. I have my quarterly performance review later this week, so I start working on writing a list of my accomplishments for the quarter.
9 a.m. — Usual breakfast of veggie sausage patty and guacamole cup, followed by a handful of honey mustard pretzels that T. brought home from his weekend at the racetrack. I throw in a load of laundry and wait until he's is done with one of his calls before I throw it in the dryer. Our dryer is dying a slow, squeaky death, and I'm just waiting for it to completely crap out before I buy a new one. I bought the current one at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore for $90 years ago, so I'm pretty happy with how long it's lasted.
10 a.m. — I process a return through Amazon for a belt I bought that was too big. I'm never sure of my sizing these days, so I tend to order just about everything in two different sizes and return whatever doesn't fit. God bless free returns.
12 p.m. — I eat my prepped sausage and veggies, along with another handful of pretzels. Then I run over to Costco Business Center and order 5,000 flyers for an upcoming fundraiser I'm volunteering for. They'll reimburse me ($205.51). I wander around Costco and pick up protein shakes, frozen fajita bowls, and seaweed snacks, too. $45.97
4 p.m. — Done with work for the day. I change into workout clothes and T. and I walk to the gym, where I lift weights while he goes on the treadmill. When we get home, I heat up and eat my egg roll in a bowl and T. makes breakfast casserole for dinner. He went a little overboard at the bakery outlet about a week ago and has a bunch of bread he needs to use up before it gets moldy. I eat some Chilly Cow ice cream for dessert.
7 p.m. — Get a push notification from Boohoo that they have $8 dresses. Usually I ignore these notifications (and really should turn them off), but I decide to check out the sale. I buy work slacks, sunglasses, push up pads (weight loss has severely deflated my boobs) and a dress that I might wear to Vegas next year. Turn the computer off, head to bed, and fall asleep by 10:30. $46.59
Daily Total: $92.56
Day Six
6 a.m. — Hit snooze too many times because my back is extra stiff this morning, so I'm moving slower than usual. Then I pack my lunch and gym bag, fill up my travel mug, and am out the door. I roll into work late (again), put my lunch in the fridge, and realize I forgot my breakfast guacamole cup. Damn. Oh well. Sit down and reply to emails.
9:30 a.m. — I heat up my sausage patty and melt a Babybel cheese over the top. It's a little rubbery, but surprisingly delicious. I throw a couple of apple slices on my plate, too, as I'm not sure the cheese and sausage will fill me up. Then I walk to WinCo to stretch my legs and pick up a few items: veggie sausage patties, syrup, an energy drink, water enhancers, and deodorant. $22.09
12 p.m. — I eat my lunch and then have two and a half hours of straight meetings, concluding with a team-building event that involves several questionable-tasting gluten- and dairy-free ice creams. I eat a handful of toppings and realize I need more "real” food, so I eat a packet of tuna with a little Greek yogurt dressing and snack on apple slices throughout the afternoon.
4 p.m. — I'm off work. I swing by the house, pick up T., and head to the gym. Afterwards, we head home and warm up leftovers and eat cookies that were brought to a meeting today. I watch TV, shower, crawl in bed, and pass out at 9:30.
Daily Total: $22.09
Day Seven
6:50 a.m. — Roll out of bed, late as usual. Pack lunch bag, grab coffee, and head out the door. Roll into work 10 minutes late, finish my coffee, and drink a big bottle of water as I catch up on emails and prep for my weekly check-in with my boss. Eat the same breakfast I eat every day.
11:30 a.m. — Finish my meetings for the day and microwave my meal prep. Swing by the post office and drop off my Amazon return. Not ready to head back to work, so I stop at the Grocery Outlet next door and pick up brownie brittle for the communal chocolate stash at work, seaweed snacks for T., chicken sausage for next week's lunches, and Enlightened ice cream because it's the cheapest I've ever seen it. $22.93
2 p.m. — I'm still hungry after lunch, so I eat a pouch of tuna, hoping the protein will tide me over for longer.
4 p.m. — Off work and headed to the gym for a weight circuit. I'm exhausted and realize that today will be 10 days in a row that I've worked out. Maybe I'll take a break this weekend. I get home and catch up on the phone with my mom while I microwave my meal prep. Watch Paradise PD on Netflix with T. for a while before switching to CSI and eating handfuls of popcorn. I'm showered and in bed by 9:30.
Daily Total: $22.93
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Thankfully, talking about our acne is no longer taboo. Most of us are comfortable complaining to our co-workers, and anyone else waiting in line for coffee, about our chin zits, soliciting any advice on how to make them go away a little faster. Yet nobody wants to bring up their butt acne — or it's colloquial title, buttne — waiting for their latte.
Maybe it's because butt breakouts can be embarrassing since they tend to come in the form of rash-like, bumpy patches that seem impossible to get rid of, no matter how many OTC acne scrubs and exfoliators you stock in your shower.
To find out the common causes of irritating (and sometimes painful) butt pimples and how to ward against them, we spoke to Dr. Anjali Mahto of the British Association of Dermatologists to get the lowdown on what’s going on back there. Find your how-to guide to dealing with butt acne, ahead.
Why do I get butt acne?
"Spots on the butt area are quite common, and usually caused by a skin condition known as folliculitis," explains Dr. Mahto. "It occurs due to irritation, infection (by bacteria, yeast, fungus), or blockage of the hair follicles, and looks like a red, bumpy rash on the skin." Apparently it occurs equally in men and women, and it’s not just limited to your butt, either. Anywhere with hair follicles is at risk of developing folliculitis — it’s just more embarrassing to discuss when it’s on your butt.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
But why is this happening on my butt, not on my face?
"The skin is the same on the both parts of the body, but the main difference is that the bottom is typically hairier than the face, and it's also an area that feels a lot of pressure," says Dr. Mahto. "Because you sit on your butt, the hair follicles can easily get inflamed and infected."
If you want to avoid the itchy, bumpy chaos in the first place, it can be prevented by using a mild cleanser with a touch of salicylic acid, like Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads for face and body, and make sure you always shower immediately after you've been doing your squats. "Ensure you shower straight or soon after exercise as heat, sweat, and synthetic clothing can contribute to flare ups," advises Dr. Mahto. “Avoid sharing towels or other personal care items, and do notshave over the bumps, as this can cause further irritation.” Also, Dr. Mahto recommends keeping any body oils away from your butt, as they can trap bacteria in the follicles and worsen the issue.
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
How can I get rid of butt acne if I already have it?
Start using that salicylic acid cleanser to cut down on pore-clogging bacteria ASAP, or wipe the area once per day, after showering, with an acne pad with salicylic acid. If it's itchiness that's bothering you, try a warm compress — it'll help with the itching, and draw out any pus in the pimples. “Topical acne treatments, like those containing benzoyl peroxide, can help reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Mahto. “For severe cases, dermatologists use oral medications, including courses of antibiotics or isotretinoin.”
The good news is that folliculitis may get better on its own, without treatment. If it persists for more than a few weeks, and isn't responding to over-the-counter medications, then go talk to your doctor. A medical professional will be able to work out what type of folliculitis you're dealing with, and the exact treatment you need.
And though it may be tempting, don't use a harsh scrub to try to exfoliate the bumps away, because it'll make the irritation worse, and probably cause some unpleasant stinging on your butt cheeks. “Exfoliation is a bad idea,” Dr. Mahto explains. “If the skin is already irritated, and you’re irritating it further, you can actually make it worse.”
Bottom line: Be nice to your butt. It’s just trying to do its job, and you spend all day squashing it against a chair in return. No wonder it gets annoyed...
Illustrated by Anna Sudit.
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