Digging a fork into a thick slice of red velvet cake — with cream cheese icing, thank you very much — is peak dessert joy. The sweet maroon treat is our go-to for birthday parties, holiday potlucks, and binge-watching Netflix (no, we don't need a special occasion to dig in). But red velvet cake is also inspiring a new hair color trend that's baking in the chairs of colorists. We're calling it red velvet hair.
This modern take on auburn is rich and full of flavor — just like the cake. According to Colleen Flaherty, master colorist & educator at Spoke and Weal salon in New York City, red velvet cake is universal, but the hair color recipe isn't one size fits all. The color and process will look different depending on your hair color and hair type. So, before you take the plunge, find out everything you need to know to make going red velvet a piece of cake.
Flaherty says that some pre-lightening is involved, so prepare to go blonde if you aren't already. "For this look, my client was already pre-lightened to blond. So I colored her hair with a red-violet color, which filled her strands with pigment," she tells Refinery29. She added even more dimension to the color by painting more dye on top of the red base. "Afterwards, I created the red velvet color by mixing red and violet until it transformed into a shade we agreed upon."
For brunettes, the process is slightly different. Flaherty tells us that as long as your hair is virgin, you can likely achieve red velvet strands without any pre-lightening, depending the shade you are looking for.
If your brunette hair has been colored before, it might need to be pre-lightened. "If the brunette hair is not virgin, I'd apply a formula with red and violet hues, then wash and dry it completely," says Flaherty. "Then, I would add a direct dye over it by mixing red and violet to create the color my client wants, while also keeping the health of the hair in mind."
Since there is no distinct recipe for red velvet hair, the best way to get the color you're craving is to bring as much inspiration as possible to your colorist. "The first thing you want to do is consult with your colorist, that way you can discuss any questions you might have," Flaherty says. "He or she will also be able to evaluate your hair, and give you the best treatment for your hair type. The color will look different on straight and curly hair, so consulting first is important."
Your complexion can also play in a role in mixing the best cake color batter. "People who have warmer undertones should use a red-violet hue to compliment their complexion," says Flaherty. "People with cooler undertones could go either way, red-violet or violet-red." (The latter has more purple tones, which can give a burgundy look.)
To keep your color fresh, prepare to cut back on washing. Red velvet hair color will need some additional maintenance. Adding color-safe products to your regimen will help keep your hair vibrant between appointments. Flaherty suggests using the Aveda Color Conserve range to maintain your bright tones and to make your cake-colored hair pop. You might also want to make an appointment for a gloss once your color begins to fade.
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The third season of Riverdale is here and it's bound to be darker — and hotter — than ever. But before we even watch the premiere, we already have some predictions about what's to come next for Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) and the gang: A new mystery — even creepier than the Black Hood — will plague Betty Cooper (Lili Reinhart), FP will hook up with Alice (we know they're #endgame), Archie will take off his shirt...
Luckily, most of our theories aren't that far off — according to the show's new makeup department head, Juliana Vit, that is. Aside from the new Donnie Darko vibe the show is getting from now on, Apa will appear shirtless (a lot) and Reinhart will get a little dirty to Nancy Drew her way out of something. We're guessing that's not even the half of it, but we'll just have to wait and see. Until then, we tapped Vit for her behind-the-scenes scoop on what really goes on before the camera rolls, how Apa covers his real tattoos for those shirtless scenes, and why this season will be much dirtier and bloodier than the last. Her answers, ahead.
This is your first season on the show. What research did you do ahead of time to prep? "Before I started working on it, the show was already my guilty pleasure. I'm also friends with Erin [Mackenzie, former makeup department head on Riverdale], and I'd always call her to chit-chat about it. For the most part, we kept the same looks from season one and two for each character. I also worked on the last six seasons of Once Upon A Time, so I came from another ensemble cast that's pretty much as big as Riverdale. It took a bit to jive together, but it's been really fun, even on our 14-hour camera days."
Photo: Courtesy of the CW.
Do any of the characters' looks change this season? "The characters' looks really have been established by season three, so it's kind of hard to change anything now. We do have to cover some characters in more dirt than others. For example, we haven't had to put any on Vanessa [Morgan] or Madelaine [Petsch], but we do have to make [Reinhart] sweaty and tired-looking sometimes, and she's all for it."
How do you make someone look sweaty and dirty? "We're filming a summer heat wave [in the show], so everyone has to have that fake sheen right now because they're supposed to be sweating. Luckily, we’re shooting while Vancouver is going through a real heat wave, so most of the boys are just actually sweating. For everyone else, we use different kinds of fake dirt, but to make them sweat we'll spritz on coconut oil or glycerin. If the fake sweat dries, you just reactive the glycerin with Evian Facial Spray and it's shiny again."
Photo: Courtesy of the CW.
What can we expect from season three? "[Season three] does take an even darker turn than last season. There's a bit more going on as far as prosthetic stuff goes. We have a big prosthetics day with [Apa] coming up. There's a bit more blood and a bit more dirt, too. Over the next season you'll also see other people have different tattoos that aren't just from the Serpents."
Speaking of tattoos, Apa just got two new ones in real life. How do you cover them? "He has four tattoos now. He actually sent me a video after getting his newest tattoo on his arm. I thought, Oh dear, because he's always shirtless. To cover them, we first use a coral cream from a Skin Illustrator palette to cancel out the darkness in the black ink, then we go in with another palette that's thick, dries really fast, and doesn't smudge. It takes about 40 minutes to finish him, face and body, for shirtless scenes. It is a bit of a process, but we did a good job covering them, as you'll see."
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Last year, everyone wanted to be the murderous clown from Maine named Pennywise. A year before that, we were itching to buzz our heads, carry around a box of Eggo's frozen waffles, and answer to "Eleven." Now, we're channeling a different, way less frightening pop culture icon that only recently hit the zeitgeist: Ally from A Star Is Born.
Sure, you could dress up like her lover and mentor Jackson Maine — all you need is a vocal coach, weekly spray tans, and a beard — but, let's be real, that just isn't as fun as being the struggling singer turned global superstar played by Lady Gaga. Throughout the film, the rising musician undergoes several beauty transformations that offer a plethora of costume options. Even better, you can probably recreate her looks with makeup and hair accessories you already own (save for that orange wig).
Ready to become Ally? Keep clicking for her best looks to copy for Halloween.
Warning: This story contains spoilers for A Star Is Born.
The Costume: Pre-Fame Ally
Aside from dressing in drag as Édith Piaf, Ally doesn't put a whole lot of effort into her look. And could you blame her? Most of her day is dedicated to working in a kitchen, taking out the trash, and cleaning up breakfast for her limo-driving father and his buds (who spend a lot more time watching YouTube videos than actually driving).
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures.
What You Need: Makeup Removing Wipes
It's been widely reported that Bradley Cooper wiped off Lady Gaga's makeup during a screen test in order for her to be open to her character — a move that hasn't always been well received. For the remainder of production, Gaga wasn't "allowed" to wear a stitch of makeup until Ally hit a specific point in her on-screen journey. So, if you get out of work late or aren't the biggest fan of dressing up, use pre-fame Ally as a disguise for your laziness by wiping your face clean of everything.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes & Face Wipes, $6.99, available at Target
What You Need: Texturizing Hair Spray
For someone who performed in drag then stayed up all night singing in a parking lot with a rockstar (only after getting into a brief bar fight), Ally's hair looks relatively clean. Nonetheless, it's messier than yours would be if you got a full eight hours of sleep and took a shower. To mimic her no-bed bedhead, spritz some texturizing styling spray through your ends and zhuzh.
Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray, $26, available at Nordstrom
The Costume: "Shallow" Ally
It's here: her big break! Maine is seconds away from pulling Ally on stage where she'll ultimately go viral and became a future pop sensation. Sure, she brushed her hair this time and put on a slick of pink balm, but she still looks like a regular 'ol concert-goer.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures.
What You Need: Curling Iron
It's unlikely that Ally had any time to heat style her hair before quitting her job and hopping on a private jet. Still, a few twirls of an iron will give you the easy waves of the burgeoning YouTube star — and a hit of texturizing spray wouldn't hurt, either.
The Beachwaver Co. Beachwaver® Pro 1-Inch Rotating Curling Iron, $199, available at Nordstrom
What You Need: Tinted Lip Balm
Like we said: Ally doesn't wear makeup — at least, not yet. So, keep your look minimal with a sweep of tinted lip balm then walk around the party yelling, "AUUUAH, HAUUUUUAAAAAA, WAAAAHUAAAAAAA!"
Origins Blooming Sheer™, $20, available at Origins
The Costume: Ally On Tour
Maine sweeps Ally off her feet, out of her father's house, and straight to Arizona to begin a world tour. How does she spend most of her time? Writing songs beside Maine and singing live at Coachella and Stagecoach.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures.
What You Need: Matte Bronzer
Ally on tour means spending a lot of time in the summer sun. In all likelihood, she'd have a visible sun-kissed glow from writing music outside with Maine. Add a little extra bronzer to your bare-faced look to amp up what Ally would look like if she spent months on the road. Then count your blessings it's not as intense as Maine's cowboy tan.
NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer, $40, available at NARS
What You Need: Black Hair Elastics
Ally is still the same woman Maine met in L.A., with the same wash-and-go approach — only now her hair is haphazardly tied into a ponytail because she's busy writing music and Making It.
Kitsch Blackout Hair Ties, $7, available at Kitsch
The Costume: Ally In Love
Months pass and the tour ends. We find out that Ally moved in with Maine to his ranch home somewhere in a remote part of California. Producing her first album, in love with Maine, and the owner of a labradoodle puppy, Ally is happy and secure.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures.
What You Need: Mascara
Amid this happier phase of Ally's life, she's finally dipped her toes into wearing more makeup. Although it's hard to trace anything else on her face, it's clear that she's wearing some mascara to achieve that spidery '60s look she's rocking in one scene with Maine while discussing his Memphis gig and her successful record.
Maybelline Maybelline Volum' Express® The Colossal Spider Mascara, $5.69, available at Target
What You Need: Hair Pins
Although, Ally didn't dramatically upgrade her hairstyle (yet), she did try out a half-up look worth copying. To achieve the same effect, collect the hair at the crown of your head and secure it into a knot with bobby pins.
Kitsch Brown Bobby Pin Set 45 Count, $4, available at Ulta Beauty
The Costume: Grammy-Winning Ally
Ally finally gets a real taste of fame and recognition after being nominated for a Grammy. While she's processing the best case scenario for her career, she's simultaneously dealing with a crumbling relationship with Maine. Besides the emotional trauma she endures, Ally also undergoes a serious hair color change that solidifies her transformation into a full-fledged superstar.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures.
What You Need: Temporary Hair Color
Ally is convinced by her manager to change her hair color. After refusing to go blonde, she lands on a curiously rich shade of orange. For Ally, this would require hours in a salon, but for you, all it requires is semi-permanent hair color that won't lost more than a few weeks.
Manic Panic Classic High Voltage Hair Color, $13.99, available at Manic Panic
What You Need: Eye Drops
Even after becoming a global success, this is the hardest time in Ally's life, and the tears are constant. So grab some eye drops — or just pre-game your Halloween party with a screening of A Star Is Born and you won't even have to fake it.
Lumify Lumify Eye Drops, $11.99, available at Target
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Foundation is one of those products that is notoriously hard to shop for. Like picking out jeans or bras, the process takes time, commitment, and patience. The trial-and-error situation gets even harder when you only have a handful of choices — all of which are typically nowhere near your actual complexion shade.
Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality for women of color. There's a whole spectrum of "fair" shades on the market, while those with more melanin are left choosing between "tan" and "brown." (And, don't even get us started on "one shade fits all.")
But in 2018, makeup brands are finally getting the memo. We need more shades! It seems like every other day a brand is launching a new foundation range or adding more shades to an existing lineup. "Many brands are offering shade extensions catering to a much wider range of skin tones and complexions," says makeup artist Jennifer Fleming. "As the world continues to become more blended, there will always be work to do."
Bobbi Brown, CoverGirl, and Dior or all advertising their 40-plus shade counts — it's what we like to call the Fenty Effect. But if it means we can walk into a Sephora and have options, we don't care who started the frenzy. We're just happy that diversity has finally hit the foundation counter in a meaningful way.
Ahead, get foundation-picking wisdom from the pros, along with their go-to brands for women of color.
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.
Fenty, Fenty, Fenty. It's the word that's been on everyone's lips since the brand launched in fall 2017. Consumers shout the name in praise, and competitors whisper it in curses. The debut collection started an industry-wide upheaval with a 40-shade foundation range. The full-coverage formula is especially popular among Black and Latina customers, who have struggled for years to find a perfect foundation fit.
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, $34, available at Sephora
After giving Too Faced some tough feedback about its foundation shades, Jackie Aina signed on to help the brand with a much-needed update. This summer the Born This Way foundation formula got 11 new shades (nine of which were designed by Aina to cater to deeper skin tones). And of course, the darkest hue was a sell-out hit. "Most of my audience comes to me as the authority for dark-skinned beauty. I didn't want to let anyone down," Aina told Refinery29 in a previous interview. "I didn't want to come out with shades just for the sake of coming out with them. I genuinely looked at everything that existed in the line, and I tried to identify where the gaps were."
Too Faced Born This Way Foundation, $39, available at Sephora
This formula has over 40k "loves" and four stars on sephora.com for a good reason. It's lightweight, has buildable coverage, and looks like skin once you put it on. It comes in 40 shades that can be used on your face and body (perfect for pros!), and it won't ever feel sticky or heavy.
Dior BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation, $40, available at Sephora
Cover FX's latest foundation comes in 40 diverse shades that are grouped by undertone. So whether you're golden, pink, neutral, or olive, you can enjoy the full-coverage, skin-like formula.
Cover FX Power Play Foundation, $44, available at Sephora
This comes in 26 shades and delivers one of the most natural-looking finishes we've seen from a stick formula.
Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick, $46, available at Sephora.
If you're looking for an affordable foundation that'll give you matte, full coverage, then prepare to be hooked on this formula from NYX. The best part? It comes in 45 truly diverse shades, so everyone can get their hands on a bottle.
NYX Professional Makeup Can't Stop Won't Stop Foundation, $14.99, available at Ulta Beauty
This creamy foundation is a makeup artist and editor favorite for good reason. Not only does it have excellent medium-to-full coverage, the finish is extremely natural.
For those who are wondering how to find your perfect match, Sir John shares this application trick: "If you put your foundation near your jawline and it matches your neck and your décolletage area, then you’re in a good place."
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $64, available at Sephora.
Kat Von D just added 13 new shades to her Lock-It Foundation range, making it easy to score your perfect hue — sans mixing.
Kat Von D Lock-It Foundation, $35, available at Kat Von D Beauty.
This line of classic mineral foundations was recently expanded by 12 shades, so you can find your unique color without excess trial-and-error. If you dig mineral makeup that smooths on to a creamy finish, this is your pick.
BareMinerals Original Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15, $28.50, available at BareMinerals.
“The shade range is the real star of this foundation line,” says celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown. The foundation also boasts some big benefits for oily skin types by providing medium coverage and mattifying without settling into lines or looking heavy. “The undertones are spot-on and you get a lot of pigment in a lovely texture. The coverage is buildable and sheers out easily when mixed with moisturizer,” she adds.
Black Up Mattifying Fluid Foundation, $41.50, available at Black Up.
This full-coverage foundation never looks cakey on the skin, thanks to a healthy boost of jojoba esters and sunflower-seed wax in its formula.
Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate, $55, available at Sephora.
Iman — yes, that iconic Iman — has made it part of her mission to bring a more complete range of colors to her namesake cosmetics line. We suggest this creamy powder foundation: It's lightweight and you can easily build the coverage as needed.
Iman Cream to Powder Foundation, $9.99, available at Target.
There are long-lasting foundations that slough off on your collar/scarf/significant other pretty much immediately. Then there's this 24-hour workhorse, which sticks around until you choose to wash it off. Also? Even though the formula is heavy-duty, the matte and oil-free finish is completely elegant.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation, $47, available at Sephora.
MAC’s Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 foundation is renowned for not only helping to control oil throughout the day, but also for delivering a matte finish in a whopping 35 shades.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, $27, available at MAC.
This completely lightweight foundation finishes matte (like your dream skin) and is available in 26 different shades, that play to undertones as well. So, if you know you have dark golden undertones to your skin or you have a hint of a warm undertone in there, there is a shade for you.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup, $40, available at Sephora.
Becca is well-known for its shade varieties when it comes to foundation. And the Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème is a full-coverage foundation that doesn’t feel like one — basically, what everyone is looking for. If your skin tone is between shades, choose a shade lighter because of the full-coverage pigments. Or, you can always mix and match.
Becca Cosmetics Ultimate Coverage Complexion Crème, $44, available at Becca Cosmetics.
The one product makeup artist Sir John swears up and down by is NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer. "No matter the complexion, it’s something I use on everyone, from Karlie Kloss to Naomi [Campbell]," he says. "It runs the gamut color-wise, and it doesn’t look like makeup on the skin. The consistency is medium-to-buildable, so you can even sheer it out with some moisturizer, and then build your coverage.”
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $30, available at Sephora.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $30, available at NARSPhoto: Via NARS.
Fleming says that since those with darker skin tend to be on the oilier side, a lightweight foundation can be a good option. "Skin type is definitely a factor to consider when perfecting the pretty," she says. One of her faves: CoverGirl's Queen Collection All Day Flawless. "The color payoff is rich, giving great coverage with a lightweight feel. It is a one-stop shop, combining foundation, concealer, and powder in one easy step."
CoverGirl Queen Collection All Day Flawless Foundation, $7.99, available at Walmart.
COVERGIRL Queen Collection All Day Flawless Foundation, $11.29, available at COVERGIRLPhoto: Via CoverGirl.
If you're willing to splurge a bit more for the perfect coverage, Sir John says Tom Ford has amazing shades for women of color. "Both the stick and the liquid foundation called Traceless are genius," he raves. "He’s quite a modern man, and he uses multicultural and multiethnic women in his advertisements and shows. So, he took that global perspective...to start a cosmetics brand, which I can applaud.”
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick, $87, available at Sephora.
Tom Ford Beauty Traceless Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15, $87, available at SephoraPhoto: Via Tom Ford Beauty.
If you're looking for fuller coverage, opt for Make Up For Ever's Ultra HD foundation. "This product is great...you can be anywhere within a shade or two of this foundation's range, and it just blends in,” Sir John says. "It’s water-based, not oily, and won’t clog the pores or sit in the skin."
He adds that today's options aren't the foundations of our moms and grandmothers. "Even if you’re super oily or dry, the products nowadays are skin-care based and have a philosophy of skin at the core."
Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation, $43, available at Sephora.
If you're going to go with a drugstore brand, Sir John recommends Black Opal. At the end of the day, it's not just about finding the right foundation — you have to know what to do with it. Sir John suggests creating dimension in the face. "When you put on foundation, it sort of wipes the face clean," he says. "And, your goal as a makeup artist is to bring it back. You’re going to be playing chemist, highlighting and low-lighting — you’re going to lend your artistry to a slight contouring effect." This means focusing on the darker areas: the hollows of the cheeks, around the hairline, and near the eyeball sockets.
Black Opal True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation, $9.95, available at Black Opal Beauty.
Black Opal True Color Creme to Powder Foundation SPF15, $9.5, available at Black OpalPhoto: Via Black Opal.
If you still can't find the exact right shade of foundation (or your skin tone fluctuates slightly by season), these drops are a godsend. Use them to alter the tone of another foundation that isn’t quite right. “You can [also] customize your level of coverage by mixing a few drops into your serum or moisturizer,” makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown says. “And because you can mix it into a water, oil or silicone-based product, it's wearable for any skin type.”
Cover FX Custom Color Drops, $44, available at Sephora
Reiko Brown’s top choice for a light-coverage foundation that delivers a glowing finish? This hydrating formula, which is perfectly suited for dry or mature skin. She also loves the comprehensive spectrum of shades — including half shades — which help ensure a perfect match. “This is the most complete color range on the market,” she says. “The color range is from light caramel to the deepest mahogany, and the undertones shift appropriately throughout the range.”
Bobbi Brown Moisture Rich Foundation SPF 15, $50, available at Nordstrom.
With a natural finish and lightweight feel, this 27-color collection is essential for summer. Bonus: A little bit goes a long way, so this stuff should last you all season long.
Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, $28, available at Sephora.
Lancôme is famous for offering lines with plenty of options for all skin tones, which is why we love the brand so much. With 32 shades and the easiest applicator ever, this full-coverage stick foundation is a must-have.
Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick SPF 21, $42, available at Sephora.
Celebrity makeup artist Mylah Morales, who works with Rihanna, uses this base to tackle under-eye circles, too. "And is not drying on the skin!" she says.
Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer, $48, available at Sephora.
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Growing up, I was awarded the title “most likely to speak her mind” because that pretty much summed me up for the majority of my life. I had absolutely no problem sharing bold, strong opinions and never put much weight into what others thought of me. Confidence? I had plenty — until, well, puberty hit and my forehead, cheeks, and chin decided it would be a good idea to develop cystic acne (bummer, I know). For years, nothing quite worked to clear my skin — from the drugstore products my friends claimed were “miracle workers” to the higher-end, prescription stuff — and the acne in my teens eventually turned into regular, full-blown breakouts with some scarring.
While my complexion did take a major toll on my confidence, the older I got, the more I realized that stress — exams, societal pressures, life, you name it — was hitting me just as hard. Then, I graduated college and moved to New York City (aka the stress capital of the world). I struggled for nearly a year to find a job that felt like the right fit, and even now as an editor at Refinery29, I still battle with self-esteem issues both during and after working hours. Sure, social media is partially to thank — after all, what we scroll through and Like is hardly real life — but regardless, I knew something needed to change. So after taking a long, hard look at myself (and my daily routine), I decided it was time to go rogue and take action. For the next three weeks, I’ll embark on the ultimate self-care challenge: cleaning up my entire beauty routine, indulging in things I never considered (like infrared saunas and acupuncture), and, overall, attempting to live more mindfully. Here goes nothing.
Photographed by Patricia Lopez.
Week 1
To kick things off, I decide to tackle a part of my routine that, frankly, I’m the most attached to — my beauty routine. On most days, I spend practically forever getting ready. 30 to 45 minutes? Nah, try upwards of three hours — especially if we’re talking head-to-toe glam complete with a full face of foundation, perfectly drawn on brows, and a punchy red lip. So in an effort to minimize my time at my vanity, reduce my use of the toxic ingredients that are normally found in makeup, and give my acne-prone skin some much-needed breathing room, I (gasp!) toss my beloved full-coverage liquid foundation — and the 12 other products I use on the daily — in favor of a cleaner no-makeup makeup approach. To achieve it, I decide to give bareMinerals’ Anti-Redness Mattifying Primer and Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation a try. Ever since the brand launched its signature mineral powder foundation in 1995, its formulas have featured natural ingredients, so I'm curious to see if making the switch will help heal my acne. After a few days, it’s clear that the green tint of the primer does a great job at concealing signs of irritation on my skin tone, and the loose powder (which features acne-fighting, salicylic-acid-infused pigment, BTW) is the perfect amount of coverage: just enough to conceal my acne scars but not so much that it looks cakey or heavy.
By midweek, I’m ready to take on my next set of challenges. If you’re a follower of wellness gurus on Insta (we all know the type), then you’re probably very familiar with the health-focused, vegan-friendly brand Sakara. Intrigued, I get my hands on their now famous Beauty Water — a rose-infused, mineral-based elixir. When added to your water, the brand touts that it’ll “calm the system” and reduce puffiness, too. I’m skeptical, but TBH it tastes pretty damn good and gives my H20 a much-needed zhuzh, so I’ll try drinking it every day from now on and see if it gives me any long-term benefits. (Don’t worry, I’ll report back later.) The next day, and after hours of research, I learn that meditation can reduce stress, ease anxiety, and enhance self-awareness — all of which I so desperately need. So I download the Headspace app to help guide me and proceed to try a visualization-based meditation that helps me slow down and focus on something other than my job. Success.
Photographed by Patricia Lopez.
Week 2
By the time week two rolls around, my shortened beauty routine has freed up my mornings so I can meditate longer, my skin is (surprisingly) feeling more hydrated, and I'm more than ready to take things up a notch. As a former high school athlete, I know firsthand that regular exercise does the body and mind a whole lot of good, but as of late, my sweat sessions mostly consist of sprints to catch the subway during rush hour. So ShadowBox — a cardio-based boxing class that’s, wait for it, in the dark, so you don’t have to worry about comparing yourself to your neighbor — makes it onto my calendar for the very next day. The instructor I train with is so, so good at helping everyone get in their groove — especially first-timers who know nothing of the sport (cough, cough…me). After class, to my surprise, my skin doesn't feel clogged or gritty and I feel more confident than I have in quite a while.
Next up? Quite literally the hottest wellness trend right now: an infrared sauna. Made famous for its (supposed) stress-relieving, immune-boosting, and “detoxifying” benefits, I can’t wait to hop in one of HigherDOSE ’s buzzy saunas and melt away some stress. My first visit, a 30-minute session, has me boxed in with multiple heat lamps, which get the room to a whopping 157 (!) degrees. Not going to lie, the heat is tough to handle, but I close my eyes, focus on my breath (hello, meditation), and get through it. Do I feel significantly less stressed? Probably not, but I have high hopes that my next few “doses” will deliver.
Photographed by Patricia Lopez.
Week 3
Come week three, boxing has definitely started to take a toll on my body, and while, yes, chilling in the sauna every few days does ease my sore muscles, I figure why stop there? So per a colleague's recommendation, I make an appointment at REST Acupuncture. The ancient form of Eastern medicine — which involves being stuck by teeny, tiny needles — is recognized by many as an alternative way to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and, for some, feel an instant mood boost. As a major skeptic (and someone who isn't particularly fond of needles), I'm wary, but I close my eyes and hope for the best as more than a dozen needles are applied everywhere from my forehead, inner ears, and chest, all the way down to the tips of my toes. Leaving, I notice feeling less tense in my shoulders, but as for my overall mood? I feel less on-edge, blissfully optimistic, and worry-free — all things I honestly hadn’t felt in months.
As my final week comes to a close, I sit down, meditate, and reflect on my self-prescribed set of challenges. Each and every week was brand new territory for me, and it felt refreshing to switch things up and get out of my comfort zone. Some changes showed more promise than others: Boxing really did get my feel-good endorphins flowing, and using fewer — and cleaner — beauty products made me realize that I don't need a full face of makeup to feel beautiful and confident. But I'm not so sure the Beauty Water stood up to all the social hype, which in a way, I expected. Will I continue to live more mindfully on a day-to-day basis? Absolutely. But I can't say for certain that it'll involve $45 infrared sauna sessions.
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That's why, in an effort to recognize these persistent obstacles, the United Nations declared October 11 as International Day of the Girl. The initiative began in 2012, and this year the theme is "With Her: A Skilled GirlForce." The goal is to rethink how girls and young women across the world can transition into the workforce, starting with expanding the educational opportunities available to them.
Educating girls is crucial for them to achieve true equality, says Michelle Obama. The former first lady is celebrating International Day of the Girl with the launch of her new project, the Global Girls Alliance.
"We're seeking to empower adolescent girls around the world through education, so that they can support their families, communities and countries," she wrote in an op-ed for CNN. "The evidence is clear. Girls who attend secondary school earn higher salaries, have lower infant and maternal mortality rates, and are less likely to contract malaria and HIV. And studies have shown that educating girls isn't just good for the girls, it's good for all of us."
From the U.S. and the Dominican Republic to Turkey and Ukraine, there will be events all around the world celebrating International Day of the Girl — and discussing how can we help empower girls everywhere.
"On this Day, we stand with girls everywhere as they inspire, innovate and take charge of their own future," Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, UN Women's executive director, said in a statement. "We celebrate the strength and the potential of the 1.1 billion girls in today’s world who are challenging the status quo, raising their voices against violence, innovating technology to solve global challenges, standing up for the environment, and preparing to lead."
If you want to celebrate International Day of the Girl, here's some things you can do to get involved.
Engage in conversation: Online, you can use the hashtag #DayOfTheGirl to join the conversation or you can visit DayOfTheGirl.org to learn more about ways you can advocate for girls. Offline, you should talk it out with your family, friends, and acquaintances. Ask yourself: In which ways can we support girls today (and always)?
Check out organizations dedicated to empowering girls around the world: There's many organizations taking on these challenges, from ending child marriage, to helping with girls' education, providing healthcare, and fighting poverty. These include the Malala Fund, She's The First, CARE International, Camfed, Girls Not Brides, and the Obama Foundation's Global Girls Alliance. They could use your support, be it through donations or volunteering.
Support the girls in your life: Today, and everyday, remind every girl that you encounter that they're powerful, they matter, and they're an essential part of our future. And don't forget to put those words into action, because it's on us to create a better world for all girls.
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Update: Not only is Tracee Ellis Ross great about sharing her fashion credits, but the actress also isn't shy about saying who inspired her to champion Black designers on the American American Awards stage. On Wednesday, Ross shared more information on her looks on Instagram via a screenshot of her notes app.
"Not every piece I wore was by a Black designer, but I wore a Black designer in every look and Pat McGrath on my face," she wrote. She says it was a story she wanted to tell through her clothing, and her stylist, Karla Welch, made it happen. "I was inspired by Issa Rae and Jason Rembert, who did it first at the CFDA Awards in June. I strongly believe in using my platform to shine light in directions I believe in, love, and celebrate my people."
This article was originally published on October 10, 2018.
When awards season kicked off at the Golden Globes earlier this year, Hollywood's leading men and women chose to wear black in support with Time's Up. As Time’s Up member Eva Longoria told The New York Times, "This is a moment of solidarity, not a fashion moment." Since then, it seems fashion has managed to take the backseat to give actors and actresses the chance to voice their political agenda (save for an adorable moment with Sterling K. Brown at the SAG Awards), but Tracee Ellis Ross managed to make her fashion political as she hosted the 2018 American Music Awards — and looked amazing while doing so.
Just before the awards show started, the Black -ish actress tweeted she would be wearing only Black designers during her presenting gig. She even went as far as to tweet out the details for every single outfit change throughout. “I’ve featured black designers in all of my @AMAs press looks,” she wrote. "Will do the same for all my show looks tonight! Stay tuned for look-by-look details!"
Honestly, Ross is living out our fashion dreams. She not only attended Couture Fashion Week in Paris last July, where she picked out her Emmy's dress, but then she show us she pretty much invented the idea of wearing couture for InStyle magazine. Now, she's putting Black designers on a national stage thanks to her outfits changes with the help of her long-term stylist Karla Welch. But what else would you expect when being a Fashion Person™ is practically in your DNA?
Pyer Moss suit, Christian Louboutin heels, Jacob & Co necklace, Djula Jewelry earring, and Mattia Cielo earring.
Gucci-Dapper Dan collection cape, Nicolas Jebran sequin bodysuit, Nike Air Force One sneakers, Jacob & Co necklace and earrings, Lillian Shalom custom grill.
In Refinery29'sSweet Digs, we take a look inside the sometimes small, sometimes spacious homes of millennial women. Today, artist Aleksandra Zee shows off her $2,100 Oakland apartment.
Take one look inside artist Aleksandra Zee's 900-square-foot apartment, and her background makes a lot of sense. Zee, who got her start as a display artist for Anthropologie, fell in love with woodworking and quickly quit her 9-to-5. She gradually began to sell her pieces while working as a waitress.
Her style is both natural and airy, and is channeled into her $2,100 Oakland apartment, which she shares with her fiancé and their dog. "I have so many pieces in the space, and what I haven't made, some of my dearest friends have," Zee says. "As an artist I am always evolving and my space being inspiring is so important to me. So, like my craft, my home is always channeling where I am at creatively."
Tour Zee's space in 360 in the video above.
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People says Gomez was hospitalized twice in the past few weeks for a low white blood cell count, and had a panic attack during the second hospital stay.
Gomez, who has lupus, has been open about her battle with the chronic illness as well as her mental health struggles. In 2016, she announced that she was taking time off from work to focus on her health, telling People, "I've discovered that anxiety, panic attacks and depression can be side effects of lupus, which can present their own challenges."
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition that occurs when your body's immune system attacks parts of your body, causing inflammation that can affect organs and tissues like your heart, kidneys, skin, and joints. THough Lupus might not directly impact mental health, but like many chronic illnesses, it can certainly exacerbate symptoms of any mental health problems that were present — like anxiety and depression.
Physical and mental health are often linked, and if you've ever had a traumatic health scare, or even been stressed about your health, you can likely understand why Gomez might experience an anxiety attack related to her hospital stay. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people who have a chronic condition are at higher risk for mental health problems, and illness-related anxiety and stress may also trigger symptoms of depression.
Fortunately, according to the People report, Gomez is undergoing dialectical behavior therapy which incorporates mindfulness and communication, amongst other things, to help people cope. In the past, the singer has praised the treatment and its effect on her, saying that it "changed [her] life."
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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It's strange how fast fall creeps up on us. One day you're learning how to make this summer's latest trendy cocktail, anxiously plotting how you can maximize your beach days, and the next thing you know it's Wednesday night, you're sitting at an Italian restaurant with your friends and a glass of red wine and you suddenly realize summer's a thing of the past.
Whatever your trigger, you'll soon lean into the fact that it's now mid-October, but that doesn't have to bum you out. Instead of rejecting the seasonal shift, embrace it by treating yourself to something you love — like a haircut — because tossing a fresh, new chop over your shoulder will make the process of packing away your bikinis a little more bearable.
Unsure of what you're looking for? We checked in with some of the most in-the-know L.A. stylists to get the full run down on the best, most-stylist looks to ask for this fall. Whether you want to update your effortless, subtly-textured lob or you're curious about a the latest bang trend, you'll find your foolproof guide to a killer cut, ahead.
The Modern Mullet With Baby Bangs
Sal Salcedo of Nova Arts Salon is loving this baby bang pixie cut, which is a modern take on the old-school feathered mullet. "This cut is for the daring woman who doesn’t conform with the beauty standard in recent years," he says. It's shaggy with loose mullet inspiration, but when styled smooth, it frames the face in a way that's more Parisian chic than rock 'n' roll.
Who ever said that the mullet wasn't cool? This pastel pink adaptation is all kinds of badass.
Salcedo tells us that the cut looks incredible if you have a long, oval face. The styling variations will depend on your hair texture and bang preference. "You can play with the length and the choppiness of the bangs," says Salcedo.
Blunt, Shoulder-Length Lob
Lisa Satorn, stylist at L.A.'s Nine Zero One Salon, tells us that the long bob is her most popular cut — and one that she thinks will stay a signature L.A. look through the fall. "Fashion girls like Anine Bing and Victoria Beckham are wearing this cut, which is one of the reasons people look to copy it," explains Satorn. "The cut is sophisticated, stylish, and offers body when styling, depending on your texture preference. The key is customizing the finish to your unique face structure." Our recommendation? Bring ample photo inspiration to show your stylist what you're looking for, then work together to make the cut unique to your hair texture and face shape.
Courtesy of Lisa Satorn
Stylist Brianna Colette of the same L.A. salon says the lob can work as the perfect transitional cut if your long hair is feeling fried from the wear and tear of summer.
Courtesy of Brianna Colette
The lob is traditionally a blunt cut with limited layers, so you can wear it in many different ways. We're partial to this effortless style created by Salcedo, which got added texture thanks to subtle, messy bends.
A Collarbone Length With Square Layers
Want to rock your natural coils, curls, or waves through fall? Salcedo recommends a chop that falls just at the shoulder with "squared-off layers," a buzzy term that means the layers are cut uniformly all the way around. As opposed to gradual, internal layers, square layers are perfect for an easy, wash 'n go style with a touch of that fun, '70s disco vibe. Pro tip: Make sure your stylist cuts your hair dry (which is especially important for curls, Salcedo reminds) so the chop is bespoke to how your unique textures dries.
You can get creative with the length that your layers fall, depending on the fullness of your curls. Or, for something foolproof, a fringe that lands at the highpoint of your cheekbone — as seen here — looks incredible no matter your hair type.
Longer, square layers pull the hair down a bit more, giving the style more length and a little less fullness, while still maintaining that gorgeous shape.
The Undercut
You've seen the undercut before — it isn't new — but artists like Salcedo are buzzing smaller sections, giving the look a more delicate feel. He calls them "buzzed sideburns" to note the restraint in how much hair to remove. The smaller undercut is perfect for the person that wants more edge to their style without compromising length with a pixie or a bob, he explains. "You can keep your hair as long as you want, and the shape of the buzzed sideburns is still a little surprise that you can hide or flaunt as you wish. A little flirty tuck behind the ear and there it is."
Want to go a little bigger? Salcedo says the angled undercut is a great way to bring emphasis to the cheekbones, as seen here.
To style, Salcedo recommends squeezing your favorite volumizing product into your hands and pinching it through your hair to get your desired curl and texture alongside the buzzed section.
The '90s Bob
Another cut that L.A. girls are loving right now is the sleek, short bob that falls between the cheekbone and the chin. It has a retro feel, but you can make the finish of-the-moment by adding a glossy glass sleekness over top, or amping up the texture with a parallel undercut.
A cheekbone-skimming chop adds drama in a way that's still elegant and is great for beefing up the look of fine or thin strands. A little cold brew color infusion through the shafts also helps make the style stunningly strong.
Center-Parted Curtian Bangs
We've long-loved a good curtain fringe and according to hairstylist Hannah Burdy of L.A.'s Meché Salon, it's going to be a fall hair staple. "If you're itching for a change, but don't want to lose your length, a bang is a great way to change up your look," Burdy explains. A layered fringe has a cool, Farrah Fawcett vibe, but can be styled pin-straight with softly swooped-out ends for a more modern take.
A curtain bang needn't be dramatic. If you keep the fringe on the longer side, you can tuck it behind your ears, or play it up with a messy, undone style.
A curtain fringe has more emphasis when cut into shorter hair. Here, you can see how the soft, but standout bang adds a delicate frame to bold eyebrows and flushed cheeks.
Long, Internal Layers
"The lion's mane," as Salcedo calls it, this style is all about amping up the texture and volume on long hair. "We love long hair for fall," says Salcedo. "But in order to keep it from being boring, and falling too flat, you need to add texture. The layers should be cut long, but the key is to internally layer the cut, which creates all the gorgeous volume and movement."
Ask your stylist to start your layers down a bit further if you prefer your 'do smoother on top, which will focus the body and volume towards the ends.
Adding a blunt, baby bang allows you to have long length but still keep all the attention on your face.
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According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting over 50 million men and women — which means acne can't only happen to everyday mortals. Our friends in Hollywood are also amongst the breakout-having bunch, despite what Photoshop and makeup might lead you to believe.
How do we know? Well, a number of them have opened up about their skin struggles. You might know the (oft-overused) phrase: Celebrities, they're just like us.!But this time we have the interviews and Instagrams to prove it.
Click through to read up on the times some of your favorite idols proved that us normal folks don't monopolize zits — acne is equal opportunity. And stick around for the products stars swear by to keep acne at bay.
Sza
In an recent interview with Teen Vogue, Sza got real about her struggle with cystic acne. "It's terrible. Oh, my God. Acne is so crazy," she said. The songstress revealed that most of her breakouts happen when she neglects the overall health of her skin. "Most times when my face breaks out, it's because I'm not doing the right thing, like if I'm on the road a lot and I'm not washing my face or I'm not drinking water,” she said. "I wasn't doing any of that and after awhile, it builds up and then pops out. It's just like, 'Hey, sis, remember when you weren’t taking care of me? I'm here now."
Photo: Karwai Tang/Getty Images.
Zendaya You know when you’ve had a long, blissful streak of good-skin days, only to wake up one morning with a cluster of hormonal zits on your chin? Zendaya can relate. “My hormonal breakouts popping up every month unwelcome, just when I think I got my skin on lock,” she wrote on Twitter on August 8, illustrating her point with a GIF of one particularly iconic America’s Next Top Model entrance.
Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images.
Lili Reinhart Reinhart recently revealed that she's been dealing with cystic acne since she was 12. But due to the nature of her job, her biggest insecurity is on display more often than not. During a recent photoshoot, the 21-year-old said that all she could think about was her acne. "I'm not sure if or when I'll ever be able to accept my skin as it is," she wrote on her Instagram Stories, in an effort to normalize the conversation around breakouts. Reinhart concluded her vulnerable message saying, "My breakouts don't define me."
Photo: Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic..
Justin Bieber Sticks and stones may break his bones, but pointing out Bieber's forehead pimples won't hurt him. According to the singer's most recent Instagram story, you shouldn't be ashamed of your acne because, from what we can tell, he certainly isn't of his. In fact, the 24-year-old says that the inflamed blemishes are on-trend... starting now.
Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Ashley Iaconetti and Bekah Martinez The two former Bachelor contestants recently joined forces to spread even more acne positivity on Instagram, but this doesn't come as much of a surprise to anyone: Martinez recently spoke out against unsolicited acne advice and how, in the end, it doesn't really help anyone dealing with severe acne. Alongside other stars, like Lorde and Kendall Jenner, Martinez helped spread the word that dealing with this skin condition is always more than meets the eye — so, please, don't just tell us to try Accutane.
Photo: RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images.
Lucy Hale When Lucy Hale was recently snapped by the paparazzi wearing sweatpants and zit cream, the star took it in stride. The Pretty Little Liars actress posted the photo on Instagram, with the caption: “When you're caught with zit cream and a really chic outfit.”
Katy Perry A former spokesperson for Proactiv, Katy Perry has never been shy about her acne. Although she doesn't have a relationship with the brand anymore, she told us in a recent interview that she still uses the line's exfoliator and toner. Other products she swears by to combat her breakouts? Grape seed oil as a moisturizer and Shu Uemura's cleansing oil as a makeup remover.
Photo: Variety/REX/Shutterstock.
Kendall Jenner The Kardashian-Jenners are often praised as being makeup mavens, but underneath all of that contour and bronzer, they, too, have suffered at the hand of acne. Kendall Jenner penned a heartfelt post on her website back in October about how her then-blemishes took a toll on her self-esteem.
"I wouldn’t even look at people when I talked to them," she wrote. "I felt like such an outcast; when I spoke, it was with my hand covering my face. Sure, I had crushes in high school, but I wouldn’t even think about looking at guys."
With the help of her dermatologist and an almost $500 Laser Genesis treatment, her skin began to clear up and her confidence rose. She offered up these final words of advice: "It wasn't anything that happened overnight," she writes. "Even after things started to clear up, it took a solid amount of time to be okay with my skin and gain back my confidence. I realized that it's a part of life for some people, and it doesn't define who you are."
Photo: Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock.
Mindy Kaling The ever-so-candid Mindy Kaling approaches her skin-care problems with — what else — humor. "That zit cream in your 30s life," she captioned a selfie of herself dotted with cream in December. Last year, she also revealed that she's all about the DIY beauty-treatment life to help keep her pimples and oily skin at bay. Apple cider vinegar and Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay are her go-to mask ingredients, making her a girl after our own all-natural hearts.
Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.
Kate Bosworth Reflecting on her bumpy history with her skin, actress Kate Bosworth was quick to remind us in an interview that acne doesn't simply disappear once you nab a high school diploma. "I feel like we always associate acne with teenage years, but it never really leaves you," she says. "You'll have issues with your skin and your body, and you just have to find the things that will help you balance everything out."
How does the star stop her skin from teetering off the deep end? She takes evening primrose capsules in the morning, applies the acne treatment Aczone in the evening, and uses the gentle-but-effective Epicuren Herbal Cleanser, as well as the brand's face cream.
Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.
Daisy Ridley Just last month, Star Wars: The Force Awakens star Daisy Ridley opened up about her problems dealing with acne after being diagnosed with endometriosis. "One laparoscopy, many consultations and 8 years down the line, pain was back (more mild this time!) and my skin was THE WORST," she wrote on Instagram. "I've tried everything: products, antibiotics, more products, more antibiotics, and all that did was [leave] my body in a bit of a mess."
Although endometriosis only affects up to 10% of women and might not be the direct source of your particular zits, she leaves fans with this last bit of wisdom: "To any of you who are suffering with anything, go to a doctor; pay for a specialist; get your hormones tested, get allergy testing; keep on top of how your body is feeling and don't worry about sounding like a hypochondriac," she writes. "From your head to the tips of your toes, we only have one body, let us all make sure ours are working in tip top condition, and take help if it's needed."
Another tidbit she left us with: Love your skin, flaws and all. "When you have acne, you keep thinking about how ugly it is and how everyone is just looking at it all the time — and it makes it so much worse!" she said. "It really stresses your skin out to another level, which causes more stress acne. It is literally so difficult. I’m like, 'ARGH this pimple!' but then I stop and I’m like, ‘I love this pimple.’ It is so hard to take your own advice, but I try a little and hope it will get better."
Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.
Chrissy Teigen Chrissy Teigen got real about her post-pregnancy skin, which basically just made us love her even more than we already do. She posted a sad-face selfie on Snapchat with the caption, "Goodbye pregnancy glow. Hi itchy red spots." As Miami-based dermatologist Dr. S. Manjula Jegasothy told us, the hormonal roller coaster that women go through after having a baby can result in temporary skin conditions like hives, rosacea, and our favorite epidermis woe, mild cystic acne.
While newly minted mom Teigen didn't share how she was treating her condition, Dr. Jegasothy suggested using an over-the-counter cortisone cream if you're breast-feeding.
Photo: Rob Latour/REX/Shutterstock.
Lorde Another fan of the zit-cream selfie, singer Lorde captioned her Instagram photo, "In bed with my acne cream on."
She even called out a Photoshop instance back in 2014. "I find this curious," she wrote on Twitter. "Two photos from today, one edited so my skin is perfect and one real. Remember flaws are ok :)"
What Lorde says, ultimately goes.
Photo: Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock.
Miley Cyrus Miley Cyrus sees your zit-cream selfies and raises you a plethora of different options. See: a butterfly pin, stickers, a faux beauty mark, the lot. She's openly talked about her skin stress in the past and it's nice to see she doesn't take herself or her pimples too seriously.
Photo: Variety/REX/Shutterstock.
Emma Stone Emma Stone told us back in 2012 that she suffered from hormonal acne when she was 17 and stress acne when she turned 20. "I realized how debilitating and embarrassing it can be to have cystic acne," she said.
These harrowing experiences have since turned her into a skin-care obsessive of sorts. "I'm pretty slutty with products. So, that's part of the problem...for the most part, I use Cetaphil, the bar soap; and then, these pads that I get from the dermatologist; and then, Elta lotion," she tells us. For spot treatments, she uses tea tree oil and she's even dabbled with cortisone shots in the past.
Photo: BFAcom/REX/Shutterstock.
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Hurricane Michael barreled through the Florida Panhandle and southwest Georgia on Wednesday, making landfall just shy of Category 5 strength and becoming the third strongest storm to hit the continental United States.
Michael, which wasn't downgraded to tropical storm until midnight, devastated most of the coast of the Florida Panhandle, leaving places such as Panama City and Mexico Beach in ruins. As of this writing, at least two people have died because of the storm: an 11-year-old girl in Georgia and a man in Florida. Officials believe the death toll will rise once they reach the hardest hit areas. Michael is also expected to hit the Carolinas, which are just recovering from Hurricane Florence and its subsequent historic flooding.
Thousands of homes were damaged by the storm, leaving many people in need of shelter. Nearly 700,000 people across the Southeast are without power. The path to recovery might be long, but today you can help those impacted by the storm.
If you want to pitch in, it's important to keep in mind two things: First, cash is always better than donations. While you might be tempted to send clothing, food, bottled water, and other things, typically managing and distributing these supplies can be a logistical nightmare for the first responders on the scene. You can make an exception once you see that trusted organizations on the ground are requesting specific supplies, because that's how you know they have taken stock of the needs of the evacuees and have the capability of distributing these donations.
Second, always make sure that the organizations you're supporting are credible. We can help with that! Ahead, there's a list of the places helping Hurricane Michael victims that you can donate money to or volunteer with.
Social media: Facebook has a Hurricane Michael Crisis Response page with the latest news updates, posts related to the storm, and plenty of fundraisers.
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Greasy, overgrown roots, split ends everywhere, a cut that you just can't figure out how to style right — is there an end to this personal hell that is "doing your hair" in the morning? Right now, it feels like the only relief is to head into the salon for a pricy cut and color, but it turns out, a quick trip to Target might make your life a whole lot easier.
Just walk through the automatic doors straight to the big, red sign that says 'Personal Care,' and try to resist the 'Target Effect ' while you make your way down the hair-care aisle. There, you'll find a few shampoos, conditioners, and velvet scrunchies you've never seen before, because they're brand-new — and super innovative (and chic) despite their under-$10 price tag.
To save you from Googling product reviews in the middle of the aisle, we've rounded up the best of the new hair products at Target. Whether you're looking for a $2 mask that will put an end to your itchy scalp issues or a sweet-smellinghair oil that will give you crazy shine, you'll find something you'll want to try, ahead.
There is a lot of product out there — some would say too much. 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, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
If you follow Julie Sariñana (aka Sincerely Jules) on Instagram, you know the girl's got greathair. And while we can't help you replicate her dreamy flat lays of Cartier and croissants — we can now direct you to Target, where you can shop the globe-trotting blogger's just-launched line of Cali-cool velvet bows and thick silk headbands.
Scunci Sincerely Jules by Scunci Printed Velvet Scrunchies , $6.99, available at Target
You might be hesitant about buying a charcoal shampoo, expecting a black, gritty mess (like you get with the toothpaste). But this stuff pumps out clear, with barely-there flecks of charcoal sprinkled throughout it. Surprisingly, it smells like breathing in a bouquet of tropical flowers, all while gently clearing away grease and crusty dry shampoo buildup.
Pantene Pantene ProVBlends Charcoal Shampoo - 10.1 fl oz, $5.99, available at Target
This time of year, your hair is probably feeling a little dry and split end-y, especially if you've spent the summer swimming at the beach or seeing your colorist every three weeks. A quick and easy way to add shine and luster back to dull hair is to rake a little oil through your ends. This new one by Love, Beauty & Planet is only $6, completely weightless, has a sophisticated nutty rose scent, and gives hair an instant sheen with just one or two drops.
Love Beauty and Planet Love, Beauty, and Planet Rose Essential Hair Oil, $6.99, available at Target
Another charcoal-infused option, this one comes in the form of a color-safe conditioner. With a blend of antioxidants, plus aloe and sea kelp, the light cream boosts moisture and shine without weighing down fine strands.
Herbal Essences Replenish White Charcoal Conditioner, $5.99, available at Target
For some of us, an itchy scalp is not a seasonal problem, but a constant struggle. If you can relate, try this single-use, creamy clay mask that's infused with tea tree and sage oil. At just $2, it's a small price to pay for sweet, sweet relief.
Yes To Tea Tree Scalp Relief Soothing Hair Clay Mask, $2.69, available at Target
The perfect rehab for parched, post-summer curls, this treatment mask has shea butter — plus a cocktail of kukui nut, grapeseed, and avocado oils — to make hair softer, stronger, and bouncy again.
SheaMoisture Kukui Nut & Grapeseed Oils Damage Treatment Masque, $4.99, available at Target
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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.
Calling all entrepreneurs:We want to hear from you! If you’re a freelancer or self-employed, we’d love to feature your Money Diary.Submit here.
Today, as part ofYour Spending In Your State: a music therapist working in education who makes $40,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on apples from a farm.
Occupation: Board Certified Music Therapist Industry: Education Age: 26 Location: Albany, NY Income: $30/hour for music therapy (about $40,000 annually) plus $7,000 for part-time nannying Paycheck Amount (Monthly): ~$2,500 for music therapy plus $800 from nannying
Monthly Expenses Rent: $450 for my half. (I split rent with my boyfriend.) Student Loan Payment: $0 (I'm thankful that my degree was paid for by grants/scholarships and my parents' 529 plan.) Mutual Fund Investments: $750 Roth IRA: $0 (but I plan to start contributing ASAP) Phone: $30 (Virgin Mobile is the BEST.) Internet: $65 Utilities: $0 (My boyfriend pays.) Car Insurance: $73 Renter's Insurance: $16 Netflix: $0 (My sister pays.) Spotify: $10 Hulu: $5 Improv Team Coaching: $10 Nonprofit Donation: $10 Adobe Creative Cloud: $20 (This is a gift to my boyfriend.)
Day One
9 a.m. — I groggily look at my phone for a few minutes before getting up to feed our foster cat and make coffee with my Aeropress and frozen waffles (classic). I research the possibility of replacing my computer's hard drive, weighing the DIY effort it'll take vs. getting a new laptop.
11 a.m. — My boyfriend, M., and I drive to Best Buy and talk to about five different customer service people before finding one who can actually find what I'm looking for. What's a $100 part replacement compared to $1,500+ for a new laptop? $100
12 p.m. — Grocery shopping! M. and I try our best to meal plan, but it's hard to figure out who should cook what and when during the week. We buy ingredients for a chicken marsala slow cooker meal, salami, cheese, fruits/veggies for my lunches, and my favorite sparkling water. M. pays today, and I finish our veggie chili leftovers from last week for lunch at home.
1 p.m. — Time for community yoga class at my favorite studio. Ironically, I rarely went when the studio was five minutes away, but since they moved 15 minutes away, I'm a regular! It's a fun and challenging class, and I come out feeling like spaghetti. I usually donate at least $10, but I'm low on cash today. I'll make up for it next time! $5
6 p.m. — I eat leftover steak for dinner and pack clementines, carrots, celery with peanut butter, and salami and cheese for lunch tomorrow. I almost always have to eat lunch in my car due to driving around for work, so it's finger food all the way!
11 p.m. — I shower, wash my hair (I've recently discovered the “squish to condish” and “plopping” methods for curly hair — lifesaving!), use vitamin A retinol cream and moisturizer on my face, and medicate the cat's ears (this cat is so high maintenance, but I love him) before sneaking into bed. As a med student on rotations, M. is usually asleep long before I am.
Daily Total: $105
Day Two
7 a.m. — I wake up from a crazy dream that's hard to shake, groggily make my Aeropress coffee and cereal, and feed the cat. My job involves seeing students at multiple schools, and I start my day today at a school 30 minutes away. I listen to the local NPR station — my knowledge of current events is directly related to my excessive driving!
11:45 a.m. — I eat the finger foods I packed last night and have a picnic in the park. I'm supposed to be seeing another student now, but there's a scheduling conflict, so I actually get a lunch time! Music therapy is all about facilitating therapeutic change as it relates to each client's individual goals, and in my case, I'm singing to the kids almost 100% of the time. Needless to say, I'm grateful for the unexpected break.
2 p.m. — It's my last session of the day and MY GUITAR SUDDENLY DEVELOPS A HUGE CRACK. I'm afraid of what a repair will cost... I lament to a friend, and then we talk about her upcoming visit to NYC in a month. All of my closest friends are scattered around the country, so I can't wait to spend a fun weekend with her!
6 p.m. — I arrive home from my second job as a nanny after picking up a couple of dresses left out for me by someone in my neighborhood. I'm part of a Facebook group/movement called “Buy Nothing,” and the idea is to be able to offer and ask for goods and services from within our community. One woman's trash is another woman's treasure :).
7 p.m. — M. has baked our favorite Newman's Own frozen pizza, and we plop in front of the couch for a few old episodes of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. I text with one of my BFFs on the west coast who says she's likely to elope within a year...can't wait to talk more about that when I see her over Thanksgiving!
10 p.m. — I pack lots of small snacks for lunch on-the-go tomorrow, shower (not washing hair tonight), put vitamin A retinol cream and moisturizer on my face, medicate the cat's ears, and head to bed.
Daily Total: $0
Day Three
7 a.m. — I wake up, make coffee, eat cereal, and spend waaayyy too long deciding what to wear. I've contemplated doing the capsule wardrobe thing, but I run into a road block when I think about how often my clothing needs to be washed when worn around children...there's no way I could wear the same top twice in a week!
11:30 a.m. — I'm rushing from school to school all day today, so there's no time to stop for lunch! I have to eat my carrots, oranges, nuts, salami, and cheese as I drive. I miss the camaraderie of interacting with adult humans during the workday.
6 p.m. — I pick up my birth control on the way home. This is my last month on my parent's insurance, and I just found out that my employer may be able to offer health insurance soon — a rarity in my small field. I respond to work emails while M. makes chicken sausage orzo with tomatoes and spinach. He's the best because he cooks when I desperately don't want to!
7 p.m. — M. and I head to the local ice cream shop to celebrate our friend's birthday. He and all his friends are medical students, and by now I'm used to being around 100% medicine talk at social gatherings. I get a scoop of “Stoney's Dream” in a chocolate-covered waffle bowl. (I didn't realize until now that so many of the ice cream flavors at this place are psychedelically named, haha.) M pays :).
9:30 p.m. — I shower, exfoliate, put Vitamin A retinol cream and moisturizer on face, take care of the cat, and sneak into bed. I'm not sure yet how I'm going to spend my birthday tomorrow...
Daily Total: $0
Day Four
8 a.m. — I wake up SO grateful that there's no school today due to a holiday! M. has left me cute and loving birthday sticky notes all around the bathroom mirror, as well as a framed, self-made caricature of us. Be still, my heart! I make coffee, eat yogurt and granola, and decide to go to a new yoga class this morning. Namaste! $15
10:45 a.m. — Yoga was incredibly challenging and fun, and I decide to continue the self-care festivities by shopping at a nearby consignment store. I come away with a work-appropriate dress and tunic for the new season. $30
12 p.m. — I eat leftover orzo, paint my toenails, and watch Netflix while doing most of the dishes. If there's anything worse than doing chores on your birthday, it's walking around a messy house on your birthday. I call my grandpa's assisted living home and, incredibly, he's available to talk with me on the phone!
6 p.m. — I saw my nannying kiddo today, and I talk to another long-distance friend as I drive home. M. and I open presents from his parents (his birthday is only three days after mine) and go out to eat at a Mediterranean place I've been meaning to try. M. pays, and the moussaka is amazing!! We get baklava to go so he can light a candle on it for me :). I call my parents later and thank them for their gift card and donation to the cat rescue organization I volunteer for.
10 p.m. — Oh yeah, I have work tomorrow...I quickly go over my session plans and songs before taking care of the cat and showering. I check Facebook (how can you not on your birthday?) and notice that my fundraiser for the cat rescue was much more successful than I expected! I'm so happy with today.
Daily Total: $45
Day Five
7 p.m. — I'm up and feeling mysteriously joyous about the day, given that I'm not a morning person. I pack the same little snacks for lunch and squeeze in yoga by watching my favorite YouTube channel, Yoga with Adriene. I think I love her videos the best because she's a fellow native Texan!
11:30 a.m. — I facilitated very fun morning individual and group sessions (my middle schoolers are the best), and now I have to drive to another town before returning to this same school in the afternoon. I eat my little packed snacks in the car with the windows down, enjoying this weather.
2 p.m. — I'm done with music therapy for the day, and instead of going to the library to write my session notes like I usually do, I go buy a birthday gift for M. I walk away with a birthday card, a new anatomy-themed game for him (already gave him the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription, but I couldn't resist this), and an on-sale necklace for me. $42
6 p.m. — I fill up on gas after my nanny job, get a free drink from the gas station, and reheat leftovers from last night's moussaka (still incredible). M. comes home and we snuggle for 20 minutes before I leave for my improv team practice. I love the improv theatre community so much, and we always have a blast! $25
11 p.m. — My hair is washed, curl cream is in, retinol cream and moisturizer are applied, cat is cared for, and it's time for sleep.
Daily Total: $67
Day Six
7:30 p.m. — I'm out of the house earlier than usual today because of a client who's only available on Friday mornings (hooray). I make coffee, eat a small Greek yogurt cup, and pack a kid's Clif bar for on-the-go breakfast later, plus my finger foods for on-the-go lunches.
12:45 p.m. — I have 15 minutes to eat my salami, cheese, carrots, and pretzel sticks in a school parking lot before my last two sessions. I desperately need an energy recharge!
3 p.m. — It's "Food Friday" with the kiddo I nanny, so we pick a recipe to make (no-bake cookies) and head to the grocery store to buy ingredients. It's adorable how he tries to be helpful. I pay with my card but will get reimbursed later. He has a lot of fun putting the cookies together, and I'm proud of him for not sneaking bites before they're done...unlike me ;). ($8.50 expensed)
6 p.m. — I forgot to put our chicken marsala in the Crock-Pot this morning, so M. did it when he got home around 2. Apparently, the marsala sauce I thought we had in the fridge was actually *masala* sauce, so it's going to be an interesting dish...good thing his friends invited us out to an Indian restaurant tonight! We split the bill. $18
10 p.m. — I write M.'s card and wrap his gift while he showers, then take my turn and we head to bed...it's his birthday tomorrow!
Daily Total: $18
Day Seven
9:30 a.m. — After getting up at 5 a.m. to feed the cat (because otherwise, he bodyslams the door), M. and I head out to the best local brunch place with four of our friends. I order a mimosa carafe for the table and we all enjoy the first morning of fall. $44
11 a.m. — Apple picking time! The farm is PACKED and we wait in a long line to get hot apple cider and cider donuts before walking to the pick-your-own section. The half-bushel bags get super heavy after a while...can this count as exercise? We have lots of fun posing for pictures and making bad apple puns. $11
5 p.m. — The chicken marsala/masala dish is...different, to say the least. It is so like me to mess up something easy like that! M., the cat, and I spend the rest of the evening snuggling on the couch and watching a movie.
11 p.m. — I shower and wash my hair, follow with leave-in conditioner, put on retinol cream and moisturizer, and head to bed.
Daily Total: $55
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It's barely October and we're already kind-of over winter. The days are getting shorter, and prying ourselves out of bed in the morning is getting less easy. If only there was a way to take that cozy feeling of home with you when you step out into the real world. Well, as more and more coat styles drop and new outerwear trends start gaining traction, we've found one that might be able to imitate just that. The teddy bear coat — a.k.a. this winter's must-have piece of outerwear — feels just as good as its name implies.
You might know them as borg coats, faux shearling coats, plush coats, fleece coats — the list goes on. But no matter your pet name of choice, they all equate to one thing: something extra-cozy. Wrap yourself up like a fuzzy fashion burrito in a full-length style or dial down the size without compromising comfort by opting for something a little more cropped. No matter your preference, once you've slipped into one of these, you won't want to take it off. Take a look at the 15 teddy bear coats ahead, and say goodbye to those winter blues for good.
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Any headline that mentions a supermodel's beauty routine is clicky by default. People are dying to know everything models put on their faces — like the eye cream they use to look refreshed in paparazzi photos, even when they just got off a red-eye flight from Japan to New York.
And if the story in question involves Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, we're definitely clicking in to troll for beauty tips — be it on foolproof self tanner application or her favorite lip balm — and any mention of husband Jason Statham. While she's fiercely private about the latter, she's an open book when it comes to her no-BS approach to beauty, specifically her skin care.
"At the moment, I'm really struggling with my skin — I've been dealing with post-pregnancy flare-ups for several months now," Huntington-Whiteley tells Refinery29 in a recent interview. "What helps most is staying loyal to skin-care products that are gentle and effective. Oh, and regular facials, because I see incredible results in the brightness and tone of my skin after a facial," she says, adding that she adores celebrity esthetician Shani Darden in L.A. and the pros at Rescue Spa in NYC.
On top of dropping skin-care tips that are actually instructive — way better than the "I wash my face at night" routine some celebs feed us — the supermodel has also proven herself to be a low-key beauty pro. And now, she serves as the editor-in-chief of her very own digital beauty platform, Rose Inc. "I’ve spent my modeling career working with some of the best industry artists and experts, and I’ve learned so much from them," Huntington-Whiteley says. "I started Rose Inc. in the hopes that others could learn from them as well."
The supermodel is also taking her passion for makeup and female-driven entrepreneurship beyond the computer screen and meeting her fans IRL. This October, she's presenting her first Rose Inc. Masterclass in L.A. in partnership with BareMinerals (she's a brand ambassador). The event will feature her friends and Instagram-famous makeup artists Katie Jane Hughes and Nikki DeRoest.
"The three of us will be talking to a roomful of women — a small community of like-minded beauty lovers — about our personal career journeys and how we got to where we are today," Huntington-Whiteley explains. "My hope is that there will be a few budding makeup artists in the crowd who can feel inspired by the stories they hear."
If you can't make it to the Masterclass but are still fully invested in all things Rosie, read on to find the supermodel's seven must-have beauty products, including a face serum you can find at your local Ulta and an $8 drugstore body lotion.
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"I love using Bioderma's micellar water as my makeup remover because it’s really gentle on my sensitive skin, and it really works to get rid of all my makeup," explains Huntington-Whiteley. It's not the cheapest cleansing water out there, but it's French and has the model seal of approval, which might make it worth the extra few bucks.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $14.9, available at Amazon
When dealing with weird hormone flare-ups, Huntington-Whiteley says she likes to use serums that have a retinol component and don't include a slew of potential fragrances or irritants in the ingredient list. "In terms of the skin-care products that really make a difference for my skin, I love the whole BareMinerals Skinlongevity line. Everything's really gentle and made with natural botanicals, so it doesn't strip my skin," she tells us.
bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Infusion Serum, $38, available at Ulta Beauty
"My favorite drugstore find is the original Nivea body lotion, the classic one that comes in the blue tube," Huntington-Whiteley tells us of her go-to moisturizer (which Meghan Markle also loves). "I always lather a body cream on my skin — neck, arms, and legs — because it feels so indulgent. I could spend a fortune on fancy, beautiful creams in glass bottles, but this one's honestly just as good."
Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion, $7.49, available at walgreens.com
"As a busy mom, I'm obsessed with the new BareMinerals foundation powder," says Huntington-Whiteley, referring to the recent launch in the Blemish Rescue line. "It’s buildable and full of mineral ingredients that are actually good for the skin and don’t clog up your pores. It has this amazing luminous finish, which seems strange for a powder, but it actually does. The best part is all I have to do is swirl a powder brush in the pot, tap off the excess, and buff it into my skin for sheer coverage in a matter of seconds."
Bare Minerals Blemish Rescue™ Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation, $29, available at bareMinerals
For dark circles and acne, Huntington-Whiteley swears by a good concealer. "My favorite of all time is the Nars Creamy Concealer. It’s amazing because I can use it on blemishes or for a light, all-over coverage, and the shade range is wonderful," she says.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, $30, available at Sephora
"For a highlighter, I need something easy with a sheer and dewy finish," Huntington-Whiteley tells us. "My favorite one in the whole world is the RMS Living Luminizer."
RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, $38, available at Sephora
"Most mornings I also like to use a blush, one that's multifunctional," says Huntington-Whiteley. "I really like the BareMinerals Gen Nude blush range, and my favorite color is called Strike a Rose. It’s a pressed powder blush, which means I can use it on my cheeks and on my eyes," she continues. "I have bright blue eyes, and I think that those deep pink, mauve-ish tones really make my eyes pop and bring color to my whole face."
Bare Minerals Gen Nude® Powder Blush, $24, available at bareMinerals
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The royal family is as old money as it gets. And they have a lot of it. But like, how much?
Altogether, the entire British royal monarchy is worth an estimated $88 billion, and Brand Finance reports that they contribute $2.3 billion to the U.K. economy every year. But which royal is sitting on the biggest pot of gold?
While we can't exactly stalk them on Venmo nor look at their bank statements, we combed through the interwebs for a rundown of the estates, assets, and estimated millions associated with each member of the royal family tree, just in time for tomorrow's royal nuptials of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank
Princess Eugenie is the daughter of Prince Andrew (Queen Elizabeth's son) and Sara, Duchess of York. Unlike her royal cousins, she isn't a "working royal," which means going to official royal engagements isn't her full-time job and she isn't supported by the Sovereign Grant.
That isn't to say she doesn't have money in the bank, though. In 1994, the Queen Mother, a.k.a. Queen Elizabeth's mom, put two-thirds of her money in a trust fund for her great-grandchildren. Eugenie and her sister, Beatrice, reportedly received several millions from this sum of money. Princess Eugenie is also the beneficiary of a second lump sum of cash — she along with her sister and mother received almost $4 million from the royal family after her parents' divorce, some of which was put in a trust fund for Eugenie and Beatrice.
Eugenie also has a real person job as associate director of Hauser & Wirth, a London art gallery, where she earns approximately $145,000 per year. Town & Country estimates that Eugenie's net worth is around $4.8 million.
Though Brooksbank isn't a royal, he definitely has money of his own. He's a brand ambassador for Casamigos (George Clooney's tequila company, so, he's cool), and has a wine merchant business named after himself. That's about all we know about his personal finances, but it's safe to say he's marrying into a lot of dough.
Photo: Karwai Tang/WireImage.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Before Meghan Markle moved across the pond to live with Prince Harry at Kensington Palace, she was reportedly raking in around $450,000 per year for her role on Suits. She also had additional income streams: She ran a lifestyle website, designed two clothing collections with Canadian retailer Reitmans, and did some good ole #Sponcon on Instagram before deleting her account (as is customary of royals). Town & Country reports her personal net worth is somewhere around $5 million.
As for Prince Harry, his $45,000 salary for his service in the British Army Air Corps came in at only 10% of his wife's Suits annual earnings. But the bulk of his wealth comes from an inheritance of $13 million he received for his 30th birthday, per the will of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. As part of his inheritance from Diana's estate, he received jewelry as well, the value of which is not known, but it'd be safe to say it's worth, uh, a lot.
Also, the expenses associated with his royal duties are covered by the Duchy of Cornwall, which paid $9 million in 2016 and 2017 for Harry, William, and Kate's official expenses and obligations, so it's not like he's whipping out his personal credit card for much. Harry's net worth is estimated to sit somewhere between $25 million and $40 million.
Photo: Samir Hussein/WireImage.
Prince William and Kate Middleeton
Like his brother, Prince William also received an inheritance of $13 million on his 30th birthday from his late mother's estate. But he made a slightly higher annual salary than Harry — $62,000 per year for his job as an East Anglian Air Ambulance pilot, which he reportedly donated to charity. His net worth is thought to be comparable to Harry's, and hovers somewhere around $40 million as well.
Kate Middleton, who sprung onto the royal scene in 2011 when she married Prince William, is worth an estimated $7 million at least. Her wealth comes from Party Pieces, a party supply company her parents started, which is worth an estimated $50 million. Prior to becoming a Duchess, Kate worked for her parents as well as at fashion company Jigsaw, as a buyer. She also lived in a London apartment worth a reported $1.4 million. Nowadays, her expenses are covered by the Duchy of Cornwall, the private estate managed by her father-in-law, Prince Charles.
As for their royal offspring: According to Reader's Digest, Princess Charlotte is worth $5 billion. Her net worth is tied to her fashion influence on the U.K. economy, which has been referred to as "The Charlotte effect." She is followed close behind by her older brother Prince George, valued at $3 billion. Baby Prince Louis is projected to reach the same level as that of his siblings, too.
Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
HRH Queen Elizabeth is top dog when it comes to royal net worth, which should come as no surprise. The 92-year-old has held the throne since 1953, and has accrued an estimated net worth of $550 million. The Queen oversees Crown Estate, a real estate portfolio that includes Buckingham Palace. Though she doesn't own the properties herself, she does get 15% of the income generated from them, which is referred to as the Sovereign Grant.
She receives an annual compensation from the Duchy of Lancaster, an additional collection of assets she oversees as Queen, too. She also owns over $200 million worth in real estate properties like Balmoral Castle and Sandringham Home, both of which she inherited from her late father, King George VI.
As for her hubs of 70 years and counting, Prince Philip is worth a much more modest $30 million. He retired from his official position of Duke of Edinburgh in 2017 at age 96, before which he earned a yearly salary of about $500,000 from Parliament. The best Philip anecdote ever: He once joked that he was "the world's most experienced plaque-unveiler."
You'd expect the industry's most in-demand hairstylist to have a supercilious air about them, but not Guido Palau. Despite getting virtually zero sleep since Fashion Month began back in September, the Global Creative Director for Redken tells me he likes my hair before taking a seat opposite me on a squishy sofa and talking to me as though we're old friends. (We'd never met.)
Since styling George Michael's "Freedom! '90" music video, which boasted models like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford, he has become a firm fixture backstage at Fashion Week, creating looks for the likes of Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, and Prada, while his micro-bangs, towering buns, and outlandish wigs have graced the pages of the biggest magazines worldwide.
This is what the man himself has learned after almost 30 years — and counting — in the ever-changing industry.
Some of the looks you create have been referred to as "anti-hair" or "anti-beauty" because you push the boundaries so far. What do you think of that?
"Being in the creative industry, there’s always a responsibility to make men, women, everybody look beautiful, but I’ve always tried to look at things that aren’t traditionally conventional or even acceptable. I’ve never thought of myself as traditional, so I always wanted to pick up the antihero in hair and to celebrate that. I look at these things and I ask, 'Okay, why isn’t this beautiful?' For example, why are we told that straight hair is beautiful and really frizzy hair isn’t so beautiful? It’s all about perception. These are traditional ideas. People are put off by frizzy, flyaway hair, but I’ve celebrated that in my career. I want to challenge some of those ideas, because the industry has changed radically in the past few years. People’s idea of beauty has changed, and that’s a good thing."
You have an Instagram page, but you don't use the app yourself. Why is that?
"I have a team that runs my Instagram, but I don’t use it personally that much because I found myself getting anxious with it. I approve all the imagery and take a lot of the pictures myself, but someone else does the uploading. It’s only that process because, especially doing Fashion Week, I used to get up in the morning and start scrolling and I’d feel so anxious about the industry because it’s so overloaded during Fashion Week, and I was overloading on it myself. I think Instagram is an amazing thing, and I wouldn’t say I don’t like it, but I have to take a break from it sometimes. I like the way it’s inclusive and everyone can have a voice. In one way it’s elitist, because you only really see glamorous things on it, especially when it comes to fashion, but in another way, everyone can do it. It’s like your own little magazine. You can do it your way. You could go out into the street and find people whose hair is amazing and just create an Instagram around that, like, 'I love the way this person’s hair looks.' Over time, you build up a catalog and an idea."
If you're not on Instagram, do you get most of your inspiration from the streets?
"If you look at people in cities like London, there are so many different techniques, whether they’ve just left their hair natural or brushed it a certain way. I clock that and it’ll come out somewhere in my work. It all goes in, and it comes out at a certain point. There were times where I looked at nature a lot and that gave me the idea of dual textures in hair: wet and dry, shiny and matte. That came from me being interested in architecture. Sometimes, you’d get something very severe against nature, and the juxtaposition of those two things became so beautiful. When you see hard and soft, modern and old, nature and man-made — I like that juxtaposition."
Which three products can you not imagine your kit without, and why?
"Redken Windblown Dry Texturizing Spray is my go-to product. People like it because you can’t mess up with it. A lot of people find using hair products difficult, because they’ve freshly washed their hair, put it in, and it doesn’t look great. This product is iconic and you can’t go wrong with it. I love the All Soft Shampoo — a great shampoo is always a good starting point. I also love the new Redken Dry Shampoo Powder, for when you feel your hair is a little bit flat and you need body at the root. Spritzing a little bit of that into it gives you that, but it also lends a shine that you’d expect from naturalness."
You do the hair backstage at so many shows. Which ones do you always jump at the chance to be a part of and why?
"I’ve been lucky that my career has been a very long one. Not to blow my own trumpet, but I’m amazed at how long it’s gone on for! Over those years, I’ve climbed for a long time. I love working with designers that push ideas, and I love working with other creatives that have a vision, again, to challenge people’s ideas. I love working with [Miuccia] Prada. She’s a feminist and she pushes the idea of being a woman with a quirkiness and being subversive. She has a classic taste but she always subverts it. I love Marc Jacobs, and I had a longstanding relationship with Alexander McQueen, which I cherished. With Lee [McQueen], he had a different way of looking at women, which was sometimes misconstrued, but he always celebrated women’s strength. It was always done in a different way. I’ve been lucky that I’ve worked with such a diverse number of designers who have different tastes, from very classic, like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, to more avant-garde designers; I love that mix and the way it pushes my creativity."
Has a designer ever given you a brief that you’ve disagreed with? How do you deal with creative differences?
"Designers ask us to listen and to understand their vision and their design and to translate it into hair. Sometimes I guide them, but because I’ve worked with the designers for so long, that’s okay. The big hair at Valentino, for example, didn’t start out as big as that. Every time I sent Pierpaolo [Piccioli, Valentino's creative director] the pictures it got bigger and then I thought, no, now it’s got to be really big. I’d ask my assistant, 'Is that big?' and she’d say, 'Yeah, it’s big,' then I’d say, 'No, it’s got to be much bigger.' At the show, I even put another wig on and another pad. That wasn’t me going crazy; that was an idea that had come from him. We were talking about the idea of fantasy in fashion and beauty — something we haven’t talked about much. We’ve talked about inclusion and diversity and naturalness as positive aspects in beauty and fashion, but we shouldn’t forget the fantasy, which is what he was trying to make a case for at that show. There is a dream that women want as well, and it was an exaggerated idea of dream hair, because it’s fashion. It’s all about collaboration, and designers book me because I understand the brands."
Do you think the right steps are being taken to make the fashion and beauty industry as inclusive as possible?
"Even though fashion is often criticized, I think there have been major steps to change this. When I’m working with my team, I feel it’s very inclusive and we cater to all hair types and all sexualities and genders. I’m of an older generation, and even three years ago I remember there was only one girl with natural curly hair in a show, but now there are many different textures and trans men and women in every show. At Miu Miu this year, for example, there were 16 girls with natural texture and cropped hair. I think the change has been positively proactive, and we know it isn’t a trend — it’ll only move forward."
You’ve been doing Fashion Week for years and create so many looks each time. How do you stop the inspiration from running dry?
"I do get a block. It’s harder to make reactionary things now. That’s a new challenge — how to make provocative statements when we’re all so knowing. There are times in my career when it was easier to make statements and to create buzz around things, but people are very savvy now, and we can all see the reference, we all understand the irony. There were times, not so very long ago, when people didn’t know all the references and couldn’t google things. Now, there’s so much knowledge at our fingertips. Before, you had to find the book, research the artist, find the idea — it was much more difficult. But being around young people, being around other creatives and bouncing off them is what keeps me interested."
What advice would you give to someone who wants to switch up their hair but doesn’t know where to start?
"Start with changing your part. So many people are locked into the way they part the hair, aren’t they? It’s a tiny little thing. Even trying a new product or letting your hair air dry — small things. Try these things at home, not when you’re going out. See whether you feel confident. You might want to go back to your original style, but what we love about seeing models or celebrities on runways or red carpets is their chameleon-like approach to themselves, it’s attractive. Kim Kardashian goes long, short, blonde, brunette and there’s a magpie effect. The thing is, do we know she’s ultra confident? She exudes it, but because we don’t know her we don’t really know what it is. We can all be that, though. We live in a great time where there are no rules. We don’t have to listen to anyone else’s idea of beauty. It’s all our own idea of beauty."
Searches for the word "perm" are through the roof. What do you make of the trend coming back and what’s the easiest way to pull it off?
"Like everything that has been put in room 101, it has come back in some strange way. I remember when I first cut a mullet, people thought, 'A mullet? Really?' But now it’s de rigueur if you want to be a cool kid. Everything can be turned around. The perm has had so many bad connotations attached to it, but if it does come back in any kind of way, it’s when the cool person gets it, and then everybody loves it. Everything that is considered bad has come back in the last few years. It’s a trend I’ve noticed among young people; they want to antagonize and challenge the ideas that people have. It’s interesting, and I’ve always been like that — why is a curly perm so bad? In terms of pulling it off, do it with a nonchalance, like anything with a bad vibe around it. There has to be an ease to it — youth helps, as well."
Are there any hair trends you think should be shelved forever?
"I don’t think so! The wrong things can always become the right things. If we had the right things all the time, we wouldn’t be moving anything on."
Who has the best hair out of everyone you've worked with?
"Girls like Gisele have iconic hair. Gigi Hadid has that hair as well. When she first started modeling she was a lot blonder, but I think she was told to let the dye grow out — she has this amazing, natural ashy-blonde color. I’m really enjoying working with natural curls, too. Because shows are so much more inclusive, there are so many types of hair to work and play with backstage, and that creates new challenges for me, which is really exciting."
What are your trend predictions for next year?
"To predict seems old-fashioned. It feels too dictatorial. Women don’t want that. They want to make their own mind up, but there are so many choices out there, so if you want to have a severe punk haircut, there are so many examples on the runway. If you want flowing locks, it’s there. It’s about being true to who you are. It’s not to say you have to be natural and all earth-mother about it. You can be extreme. Play with your color, play with your texture, leave the texture. It’s so inclusive and open, and to me, it’s the most positive time for women to be looking at beauty because it's starting to finally be diverse and it’s just going to become even more so."
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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As Shakespeare once proclaimed, “All the world’s a stage.” And for three NYC-based movers and shakers — Met Opera dancer Lake Escobosa, DJ Cosmo, and philanthropist Lulu Cerone — this sentiment couldn’t be truer (though, a more accurate update could be “All the world’s her stage”). One common thread we learned from these powerhouse women, despite their varying creative fields, is that they’re not interested in seeking out someone else’s stage to act as a supporting player, but rather, they’re creating their own spotlight and living by their own rules for success. In other words, their self-made careers are taking center stage.
Ahead, we asked these like-minded leaders to share what it means to express themselves through their respective platforms. Outfitted in a uniform that is conducive to their mission — with PUMA ’s stylish DEFY Luxe sneakers on their feet for extra support — Escobosa, Cosmo, and Cerone showcase how their looks complement the stories they want to tell and the aspirations they’d like to achieve. We have no doubt in our minds that we’ll be seeing these young talents make their way across many stages in the years to come.
Lake Escobosa, dancer, model, and aerial-yoga instructor
How do you identify with being "on stage"? "Being on stage means connecting, expressing, and sharing with the people. There are times when I’m on stage that I cannot fight tears, so instead it informs my movement and audience members can feel that. They can relate and say, 'I understand every bit of that movement you just expressed.' Dancers all have so much to share."
Why is having a platform important to expressing yourself? "Having a platform in this field means sharing those gems with children, dancers, and the rest of the world, in that order; I learned that through my own teachers. All of the most important lessons I've learned I have learned through dance. My worst insecurities have been shown to me through dance. I think of it as a conversation between dance and myself. So when I perform, someone is experiencing what I have gone through — and going through those emotions with me."
What figurative "life stages" have you lived through? How have they helped you get to where you are now? "You know, I truly can’t tell when one life stage starts and another ends. I do know I have lived through some difficult points, but they have taught me that there is always going to be more to get through. It’s life. You have to always persevere and show the world you are not stopping anytime soon."
How would you describe your everyday personal style, both on and off the stage? "I have such an eclectic taste when it comes to my own personal style. The one thing that is never changing is a sneaker. If I am wearing leggings or something athletic, I would top it with a leather jacket and sneakers. If it’s sunny out, I’m in a denim dress and a comfortable pair of sneakers. Even in the winter, you can find me sporting a color-coordinated coat and sneaker look. My sneakers need to be an interesting color, mold to my feet, and be able to go from street to studio quickly. PUMA's DEFY Luxe sneakers are comfortable, sleek, and I can even do a double pirouette in them!"
How do you identify with being "on stage"? "For me, being on stage means existing in a space where you have the freedom to express what’s important to you and have people listen. I think that when you have something to say, you can turn anywhere into your stage. I’ve felt like I’m on stage when I’m in public advocating for causes that matter to me, but I’ve also felt like I’m on stage when I’m writing alone in my bedroom."
Why is having a stage important to expressing yourself? "Having a stage has been important to me because it’s allowed me to share parts of myself with the world as an artist and amplify the voices of others as an activist. Everyone should have a stage of their own, because everyone deserves the ability to express themselves and to feel heard."
What is a goal you'd like to accomplish one day? "It’s my ultimate goal to disrupt systems of oppression through filmmaking and to share the stories of those who have been marginalized throughout history, specifically members of the LGBTQ+ community. Most of my engagement with social action has been through philanthropy, and so I’m excited to start using art as my vehicle for change."
What is your everyday personal style, both on and off the stage? "I tend to embrace androgyny in everything I do. My experience with gender is very fluid, and I use my style as a way to break down the gender binary, to embrace queerness, and to fully be myself."
How do you identify with being "on stage"? "Having a stage is important to expressing myself because I want to inspire young women and show them that they can do anything they want to do, even if it is in a male-dominated industry. You will have to work hard and deal with a lot of chaos, but it will always pay off."
What figurative "life stages" have you lived through? "The biggest life stage I've had to go through was moving away from Ohio and leaving my whole family to pursue my career. I do not regret it one bit. I’ve developed a tougher skin, learned a lot about myself, and become a better DJ."
What is a goal you'd like to accomplish one day? "I am looking forward to opening up my own studio to teach girls to DJ and produce. I want to have these studios everywhere, even out of the country!"
What is your everyday personal style, both on and off the stage? "My personal style is definitely laid-back and relaxed when I am not performing. When I am performing, I am more vibrant. This outfit definitely combines those two styles — laid-back and bold. I love how sporty the outfit is and how the PUMA DEFY Luxe sneakers add a pop of color."
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Kanye West and Donald Trump met for lunch today and engaged in conversation that ranged from crime in Chicago, taxes, the 13th Amendment, North Korea, gun rights, and prison reform. Also name dropped: the Unabomber, Superman, the Soho House, Adidas, and Levi's. Equally prominent on West's mind? A topic that Trump loves as well — masculinity.
At one point in his nearly 10-minute-long monologue, West explained why he preferred Trump's campaign to Hillary Clinton's — the slogan of which was "I'm With Her." He said Clinton's campaign alienated him "as a guy" and that growing up with a single mother, he didn't have a lot of "masculine energy" in his home. One wonders how West's mother, Donda, who left her position as the Chair of the Department of English and Speech at Chicago State University to manage her son's career and later authored a book about raising her son with strong moral values, might react to this most recent summation of his childhood.
West said that Trump's MAGA campaign made him feel like "Superman" (his favorite superhero), and inspired him to "play catch with his son." West's son Saint is two-years-old.
This, for Kanye, appears to be very simple. Trump's macho attitude appeals to him, and Hillary's gender-specific campaign didnt appeal to him — I've heard that 1,000 times from other male Trump supporters. Those looking for a nuanced answer from Kanye were never going to get one.
West went on to explain that the family he'd married into — the Kardashians — didn't have a lot "male energy going on" which prompted a hearty laugh from the president. West's wife, Kim Kardashian, recently had a meeting with the president and his senior advisor Jared Kushner in which she successfully advocated for the pardon of Alice Marie Johnson, a low level drug offender who had been sentenced to life. As West's meeting with Trump drew to a close it was unclear whether it had prompted any actionable change of this kind.
What was clear was that Trump and West have found in one another a kindred spirit. Trump praised West as a "smart cookie" and a "special guy." West told Trump that he loved him and referenced the "balls" it took for him to publicly support the president.
Coming on the heels of now Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh's angry, beer referencing rant in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, this meeting might have seemed almost tame — even comical — if weren't for the subtle but constant references to the importance of masculinity in a world leader. West complimented Trump's "no bullshit" approach to politics. It's a statement echoed often by his supporters and seems to refer to the president's often ill-informed, bullying, distinctly male way of dealing with world leaders, fellow lawmakers, and the press.
