Since 2014, Glossier has taken over our Instagram timelines with dewy faces and pale pink vanity shots that set off an urge to switch every product in our bathroom cabinet to one color. The company is always one step ahead when it comes to innovation. And anytime Glossier drops something new, a frenzy begins, whether it's buzz-worthy body care or an acne-fighting stick that reminds us of the Tide To Go Pen (which earned a nominee spot in our 2018 Beauty Innovator Awards). But the brand has never discontinued an item... until now. Guess Glossier believes in the New Year's motto: Out with the old, in with the new.
This December, the brand is totally revamping the beloved Phase 2 Set of daily makeup staples. Previously, it was a trio of the Boy Brow, the Stretch Concealer, and the Generation G lipstick. But with all the buzz around the Cloud Paint and Lash Slick, the brand decided to permanently switch these two star products into the set. And before you panic over losing the best-selling brow gel, no worries, it's staying put in the edited collection.
Buying these three products together will save you money — $10 to be exact — giving you a forever-sale on the makeup products you love. And as for the concealer and lipstick (which was just reformulated), they will still be available for purchase on the brand's website as separate items.
That's not all that the brand is launching. In an attempt to take over every spot in our makeup bag, Glossier has also released a limited-edition pocket mirror in a millennial pink pouch that reads "You Look Good." It will be a gift with purchase if you spend over $40 on the website with the code "YOULOOKGOOD" starting today. Or, if you just want the mirror, it's available for purchase at $10.
So, if you haven't finished your holiday shopping just yet or want to treat yourself after all of the buying you did for others, Glossier has got you covered with this new Makeup Set and confidence-boosting mirror.
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Anxietylooks different in every person who lives with it and every person has their own way of managing it. But, if you have a friend who has anxiety, it's natural to want to do something that shows you're there to help them. Luckily, there are a few items you can give them that will undoubtedly make them smile.
From weighted blankets to scented candles to journals, these simple gifts can help your friend unwind and focus less on their worries. No gift can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, but it certainly can remind your friend that you're there for them when they need you.
Ahead, find the perfect gift for your friend with anxiety.
If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety and is in need of crisis support, please call theCrisis Call Center ’s 24-hour hotline at 1-775-784-8090.
This silky-soft eye pillow is stuffed with flaxseed, lavender flowers, and lavender oil, for the next time your friend needs to catch some wonderfully fragrant ZZZs.
Lime and Leaf Silk Watercolor Wave Eye Pillow, $20, available at Lime and Leaf
This ultra-plushy, braided ball is exactly what we'd want to squeeze when we're stressed. Plus, it's machine-washable.
Ohhio Ohhio Braid Stress Ball, $25, available at Etsy
Depending on how your friend experiences their anxiety, the feeling of being grounded and supported by a weighted blanket may be just the thing that soothes them to sleep.
Mosaic Weighted Blankets Blanca White - Cotton Blanket, $144.94, available at Mosaic Weighted Blankets
If your friend is interested in meditation but doesn't know how to get started, a subscription to the structured meditation app Headspace is the perfect gift. A monthly plan goes for $12.99 a month.
photographed by Erin Yamagata; modeled by Melissa Fifitia; produced by Sam Nodelman.
Sometimes, all it takes is a reminder to take a slow, deep breath. The pendant on this simple necklace actually slows down the user's exhalations when they breath in and out of it, which leads them to breathe more mindfully and feel calmer.
Uncommon Goods Mindful Breathing Necklace, $95, available at Uncommon Goods
A simple journal can provide your friend with an outlet for their thoughts, emotions, or just their impressions about their day.
Muji High Quality Paper Hard Cover Notebook A6, $11.5, available at Muji
This citrus-scented candle is invigorating without being overpowering — taking a moment to pause and breathe in its fragrance may help your friend clear their mind.
Scentered De-Stress Travel Therapy Candle, $29, available at Scentered
If your friend isn't a candle fan but still wants their home to smell great, opt for an essential oil diffuser, which will imbue your friend's space with any number of soothing, uplifting scents.
Saje Aroma Om® Gold Marble, $71.95, available at Saje
If you ask us, nothing helps us relax quite like a pair of thick, fuzzy socks.
Smartwool Women's Premium Moonridge Crew Socks, $29.95, available at Smartwool
Research suggests that coloring helps people unplug and find a creative outlet for their energy — and coloring in tarot cards, specifically, just sounds fun to us.
Sounds True The Tarot Coloring Book, $11.56, available at Amazon
Whether your friend's an avid yogi or mainly goes to yoga class for the savasana, they could use a new mat. And this one provides enough support for floor poses and enough grip for active flows.
"Worry Eater" dolls were originally intended to help kids cope with nightmares, but their purpose can totally apply to adults with anxiety. Simply write down any worries and feed them to the doll. It'll "eat" them up and take them off your friend's mind.
Sorgenfresser Worry Eaters Enno (Large), $22.99, available at Target
This is a very different doll from the Worry Eater. As its name suggests, the Dammit! Doll is made to be an outlet for stress. In times of frustration, your friend can punch it, squeeze it, or throw it across the room — whatever helps them vent.
Dammit! Dolls Rebel Rose Stress Doll, $15.87, available at Dammit! Dolls
Truth be told, you can meditate anywhere. But it can helpful for your friend to have a specific spot where they can go to unplug. This supportive cushion will help them maintain a comfortable meditative posture, no matter how long they sit.
Gaiam Premium Zafu Crescent Meditation Cushion, $49.98, available at Gaiam
This customizable set lets you select your friend's favorite variety of tea plus a flavor of honey to sweeten the deal. They'll think of you every time they make themselves a cup.
The Republic of Tea Custom Tea and Honey Gift, $21.93, available at The Republic of Tea
This peppermint soak will help your friend recharge after a long day, soothing their body and their mind.
Moa Fortifying Green Bath Potion, $35, available at Lucky Scent
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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.
Your Spending In Your State:We want to run one Money Diary from a different state each week. Want to rep your state? Submithere! In particular, we're looking for diaries from Hawaii and Maine.
Today: a flight attendant who makes about $39,000 per year (plus $2,200/month from a trust fund) and spends some of her money this week on When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger.
Editor's note: All prices have been converted to U.S. dollars.
Occupation: Flight Attendant Industry: Commercial Aviation Age: 25 Location: Singapore Income: $39,000 from work, but I also get $26,400/year ($2,200/month) from the trust fund my late dad set up for me. Paycheck Amount: I get paid five times a month, with the amounts varying according to my roster. On average, it comes to $3,250/month.
Monthly Expenses Condo Maintenance Fee: $250 (I live with my mum in a two-bedroom/two-bathroom condo. The unit, bought for $600,000, is owned by me and was entirely paid for by the money my dad left me, so I have no housing loan or rent to pay.) Car Payment: $500 Student Loans: I have a degree in journalism, but the cost (about $15,000) was paid for by my dad. Central Provident Fund: 20% of my salary ($650), with a 17% match from my employer Mom's Expenses: $750 TV, Phone, & Wifi: $180 Electricity & Water: $60 Savings: $2,500 (This amount is nonnegotiable to me, leaving me with $560/month for my own expenses. My boyfriend and I are saving up to buy a place of our own, and I dip into my savings only for big expenses such as holidays.)
Day One
2 a.m. — It's Saturday, and my mum picks me up from the airport after I arrive. My company pays for the cabs we take to/from Changi Airport for flights that depart/arrive at unearthly hours, but my mum insists on dropping me off/picking me up every time. I'm an only child, and we're extremely close. The flight took only seven and a half hours, but taking into account prep and traveling time, I've been at work for close to 12 hours. When I finally get home, I wash up, remove my full face of makeup, and promptly knock out.
10 a.m. — My mum drops me off at a cafe in Serangoon, where I meet my boyfriend, T., and his daughter for brunch. I'm exhausted but excited — I get to spend the weekend in Singapore! The three of us order the cafe's signature breakfast platter (scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, pan-fried mushrooms, brioche, and mesclun salad with cherry tomatoes), pan-fried salmon with an onsen egg and avocado on quinoa, a beef burger with French fries, and honey paprika chicken wings. T. gets a flat white while I order an apple peach kiwi mango lime juice. T. gets the bill ($65.90) before we leave and then drops his daughter off with her mom.
2 p.m. — T. and I take the train into town ($1.80 each with our prepaid cards). I don't feel like doing any shopping after that pricey brunch, but we walk around the mall and T. picks up a new wallet ($50) and pair of sneakers ($110) at Timberland. But he pays just $56, thanks to the "buy two, get 40% off" Black Friday sale, plus some $40 vouchers he got from the government for serving the nation. (There's compulsory national service for males in Singapore.)
7 p.m. — We check out the outdoor "Christmas Village" at one of the fancier malls. There's a two-story carousel and we make a mental note to take T.'s daughter here next time. T. gets a soft drink and a glass of Prosecco ($8.75) for us to share. He also orders some sambal stingray and Chinese broccoli cooked in oyster sauce ($15) from a food stall. We choose to sit outdoors despite the humidity to enjoy the live music. The atmosphere's great, and it's as Christmas-y as tropical Singapore can get. After gobbling down our food (we waited nearly an hour for it, as the stall was overwhelmed), we practically run to a theater nearby to catch Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them. I booked and paid for premium tickets (big recliner seats with blankets and finger food served to us!) online a week ago. They cost $58.50. Pricey, I know, but it's date night, and the movie's looooong.
11:30 p.m. — T. wants to send me home via cab, but I don't want to spend another $18. Plus, there is a bus to my place that takes the highway, which takes just slightly longer than a cab, so T. comes with me. Since it's an express bus, the trip is costlier ($2, paid with pre-loaded transport card). At my place, T. and I watch Friends on Netflix using his account for a bit before he catches the last bus home. I chill out by reading and surfing the web, and then head to bed at 4 a.m., which is when I'm finally get sleepy despite being exhausted. Having irregular sleeping hours is part and parcel of my job.
Daily Total: $0
Day Two
12 p.m. — It's my day off! I catch up on sleep and wake up just in time for lunch: economy rice (sweet and sour chicken, steamed broccoli, and steamed egg on rice) bought and brought home by my mum. Since I spent the whole of yesterday out, I decide to stay home today and spend time with her.
1 p.m. — I semi-unpack my luggage — my toiletries, humidifier, and spare uniform have permanent spots in my suitcase, since I fly practically every other day. I pass my dirty clothing to my mum, who gets the washing machine going. (She doesn't trust me with it.) I also rearrange my closet and take the winter wear out of storage. I'll need it for the days I'm overseas. The task takes three hours and gets me sneezing, but the end result is satisfying.
4 p.m. — I decide to take a look at some financial statements, as I want to make sure that the company managing my trust fund isn't charging me more than they should, which is about $4,000 a year (deducted directly from the trust fund). I don't have the best relationship with them, as I feel that they put the idea of a trust fund into my dad's head literally hours before he passed away, when all he wanted to do was write a will, but I've come to terms with it. The $2,200 monthly allowance and trust fund will cease to exist when I'm 30, and I should get a lump sum of $150,000 then. Fun fact: I lived like a trust fund baby in the first year after my dad died (three holidays, a Mercedes-Benz, expensive house renovation, etc.) and ended up $10,000 in debt. Since then, I've come to the realization that I'm not a trust fund baby despite having a trust fund (I still have to work!), so I'm now really strict with my finances.
6 p.m. — I stop poring over the financial statements because my brain's hurting from the numbers. Also, they make me sad. I'm eternally grateful for the financial support I get from my dad, but would 10000000000% rather have him back. That's not an option, so I work on being an adult he'd be proud of. Another fun fact: My dad's funeral took place on my 22nd birthday, and I've never celebrated my birthday since.
8 p.m. — My two cousins and one of their partners come over as my mum heads out to dinner with her friends. I order and pay for two large pizzas and a snack platter from Domino's ($25 including delivery; we don't tip in Singapore). I'm the oldest among us three cousins, so I have the habit of paying for them every time. We eat and watch the Sex and the City movie on Netflix. I have yet to watch the series and am therefore clueless about the characters, but enjoy the movie nonetheless. $25
11:30 p.m. — My three guests head home, and I tidy my place up before painting my nails for a turnaround flight tomorrow — my company requires the stewardesses to wear makeup and painted nails while on duty. Again, I head to bed at 4 a.m. after scrolling through Instagram and reading Money Diaries.
Daily Total: $25
Day Three
12 p.m. — I wake up and eat the fried noodles with fishcake and cabbage my mum bought for me. I run down to my lobby to pass a fellow stewardess some skincare products I bought for her on her request when I had a flight to Seoul. I head back up and start getting ready for my flight.
3 p.m. — My mum drops me off at the airport two and a half hours before my flight to Bangkok is scheduled to take off. I have an hour-long briefing with the other cabin crew I'm working with today, and we spend an hour and a half getting to our aircraft and preparing it for the flight — the ladies get the newspapers, magazines, earphones, and toiletries ready while the gentlemen ensure that the meals are correct.
8 p.m. — We land in Bangkok! We have an hour before returning home, but we're not allowed to leave the aircraft. After replenishing the amenities for the passengers, I eat the salmon salad my mum prepared for me. She prepares one for almost every flight I have, even if it means waking up at 3 a.m. to do it. I'm thankful, as I don't like eating the food on board despite it being free. Airplane food isn't fresh, and it's over-salted. Our taste buds aren't as sensitive when we're 35,000 feet in the air, hence the extra help needed. The food's okay if you fly a couple of times a year, but not when you're doing it thrice a week!
11:45 p.m. — We arrive back in Singapore, and I buy a beef burrito from a 24-hour kiosk in the airport because I'm starving. It's $4 after my 10% staff discount, and I eat it as my mum drives me home. Once home, I shower, repaint my nails, and head to bed at 2 a.m. $4
Daily Total: $4
Day Four
10 a.m. — I wake up to the economy rice (spicy beef, cabbage, and long beans) my mum bought.
12 p.m. — Another turnaround flight today — same old, same old. It's to Jakarta, however, so the flight time is just over an hour each way. I work for a full-service carrier, so we still serve a meal despite having just forty minutes of cruising. It's a challenge to dish out 250 trays in that time AND collect them back, and we have to do it twice since it's a turnaround flight! I manage to find five minutes to eat a couple of spoonfuls of the tom yum chicken with rice we're serving. On the plus side, I end work relatively early.
7 p.m. — My mum and I decide to get sushi for dinner at the airport. I'm proud to say that Changi Airport is one of the best (if not the best) in the world, and the food options are good and endless. I get a salmon don ($13) while my mum opts for the chirashi ($17) and goes crazy on the complimentary pickled ginger. The hot green tea's free, too. I pay for dinner, while parking ($4) is covered by our prepaid card. $30
9 p.m. — It's terribly nice to be home on a weekday with nothing to do. I purchase When Life Gives You Lululemons by Lauren Weisberger on my Kindle ($12.99) and read it in one sitting, but (spoiler!) it's not great. Definitely "meh" compared to The Devil Wears Prada. Like most sequels, the plot of the new book is thin and verging on screaming "this book exists because people will read it no matter what!" I head to bed at midnight. $12.99
Daily Total: $42.99
Day Five
9 a.m. — Day off, whoop! I wake up and "cook" instant oats and mix some honey. I also drink and eat the fresh coconut my mum chopped opened, scooped the flesh out of and left in the fridge for me before heading out to work. She buys the coconuts at $1.60 a pop from the supermarket, and I love it.
12 p.m. — I drive myself to a pilates studio located in a mall half an hour away. It's really expensive though, at $350 for 10 one-hour sessions, but I decide to commit myself to it again because I find that it helps with my poor posture and backaches. Plus, the sessions are intimate with a lot of personalized coaching from the instructor, and I feel fantastic every time. I pay for the new package from my savings account, bringing the balance to roughly $18,000. $350
1 p.m. — I meet my mum at the mall, and we head into town. We have crab broth ramen for lunch ($27.70), and she puts it on her credit card. Afterwards, we walk around and visit the brick-and-mortar store of Singapore's most well-known online boutique. I leave with two pairs of pants (same style but in different colors because they fit me so well!) and two tops for $95. We pop by an açaí bowl cafe, where we share the signature bowl ($6.80). My mum pays, as I don't have any cash on me. $95
8 p.m. — My mum drives us home after we pick up two chirashis ($26.50, she pays) to have for dinner at home. I eat while packing and studying for tomorrow's flight, which is to London. I go to bed at 2 a.m.
Daily Total: $445
Day Six
10 a.m. — I don't have to be at the airport until 10 p.m. and T. doesn't start work until 5 p.m., so I take the bus ($1.20) using my pre-loaded transport card to his place, which is about half an hour away. We have breakfast at the coffee shop nearby — wonton noodles ($4.40 for two), plus T. also has his daily dose of "kopi" (coffee with milk) for $0.88. He pays. I don't get a drink, as I rarely drink soft drinks and don't drink coffee. It makes my heart beat really quick.
11:30 a.m. — T. drives us to a show flat for a new condominium 15 minutes away. We want to buy a property together but are deciding between public or private housing. This 99-year leasehold, city-fringe private development we're checking out will set us back a cool $1.62 million for a 1,070 square foot unit, which is actually too small for us. My mum will be living with us, and I want T.'s daughter to have her own space for when she stays with us. We decide he may purchase a resale public flat instead, which will cost $475,000 for more space, and it's in an even better location. However, we're both used to the amenities and security of a condominium. The dilemma continues.
2 p.m. — T. and I pick his daughter up from school, and we head to a mall for lunch. On her request, we get shrimp fried rice, pork dumplings, and spicy and sour soup noodles at a Chinese restaurant ($47.40, I pay). We drop her off at her mom's place before T. drops me off at my place and heads to work. I nap for two and a half hours, as I have to be awake all night for my flight later. $47.40
7:30 p.m. — I wake up and get ready for work before my mum drives me to the airport. Tonight's flight will take 13 hours. I am ready, however, with my facial spray and salad. We take off at 12:30 a.m.
Daily Total: $47.40
Day Seven
6 a.m. — I'm in London! I'm extremely exhausted despite having gotten three hours of sleep in the cabin crew bunk. More importantly, I can't wait to remove my makeup. It's 6 a.m. in London, and it takes us two hours to get from the aircraft to our hotel. Overseas, the flight and cabin crew get shuttled to/from the airports via private buses. I find it difficult to sleep on buses, so I look out of the window and listen to music the entire journey to the hotel. It's nice to not have to talk after almost 13 hours of talking.
8 a.m. — After checking in, I shower and head to the supermarket to get water and a ham and cheese sandwich ($8.30). I gobble it down before sleeping until noon. $8.30
12 p.m. — A couple of my colleagues and I decide to head to Oxford Street. We don't want to sleep the day away and have trouble sleeping at night! I pay for the Tube ride there ($3.70) with an Oyster card that still has money left on it from my last trip here. I accompany my colleagues as they shop but don't buy anything — it's easy to fall into the trap of shopping every time we're overseas, so I make a conscious effort to buy only what I need (or really like).
7 p.m. — I do, however, treat myself to a steak dinner at Flat Iron ($14). It's the one thing I always do in this city. After that, my colleagues and I take the Tube back to the hotel. The ride ($3.70) is once again paid by my Oyster card, which still has $12.80 left on it, yay! I wash up and knock out early. $14
Daily Total: $22.30
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The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more money diaries, click here.
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Although National Wine day officially takes place on May 25, we still reserve the right to celebrate our favorite fruit-forward booze all year long. Our plans span way beyond raising an extra glass or two in honor of the holidays, and into the territory of signing up for recurring monthly deliveries of that sweet, sweet nectar — a.k.a. monthly wine membership clubs.
If you find yourself on the "every day is wine day" team, then one of the ahead memberships may be tailor-made for you. While available options range from full cases to tasting kits to pairing-sized bottles for two, each service offers a similar system for carefully curating shipments to your particular tastes, which means the bottle you weren't crazy about can always be sent back and swapped out for a different one.
Find out the best way to celebrate your love for wine every month with our guide to the top delivery services ahead. With a number of flexible "set-your-own schedule" and bottle budget options, there's a subscription for even the lukewarm wine drinkers too.
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.
What You Get Curated monthly wine shipments from around the world accompanied by an educational wine booklet with articles on stories behind the bottles, wine terms, tasting notes, food pairings, etc.
What You Commit To A monthly subscription of either three or six bottle shipments that can be skipped or cancelled at anytime — as long as it falls within a 24-hour window before your next order date.
What You Pay A 3-bottle membership that costs $49 per shipment with the first shipment at $39 ($13 per bottle) or a 6-bottle membership that costs $79 per shipment with the first shipment at $54 ($9 per bottle). Shipping costs included.
What You Get Seasonally curated wine shipments of bottles that are all rated 90+ by critics and discounted below suggested retail price points.
What You Commit To A recurring quarterly subscription of either red, white (including rosé and sparkling), or mixed 12-bottle wine shipments every three months that can be cancelled at any time at least seven days prior to your next shipment.
What You Pay A quarterly cost of $169.97 per 12-bottle shipment ($14.16 per bottle). Shipping costs included.
What You Get A direct-to-consumer service that delivers high-quality wine-on-tap with packaging that keeps it fresh for 32 days after opening.
What You Commit To A flexible, subscription-free plan with one-off orders of either single or party wine packs of your choosing.
What You Pay An upfront cost of either $30 ($15 per bottle) for the single (two bottles) or $54 ($13.50 per bottle) for the party pack (four bottles and two limited edition, unbreakable wine glasses). Shipping costs included with deliveries beginning in mid-September to New York, Florida, and Minnesota.
What You Get Shipments curated to personal palate profiles with recommendations of uniquely sourced and trendy bottles from the company's California-based winery.
What You Commit To A flexible monthly subscription — can skip a shipment or cancel membership at any time.
What You Pay Monthly shipments start at $52 for four bottles ($13 per bottle) delivered each month, but are adjustable for more or less depending upon specific wines' price ranges. Shipping costs included.
What You Get A small batch, boutique, and often organic and biodynamic wine selection sourced from sommeliers with tasting cards and winemaker information.
What You Commit To A flexible monthly subscription that can be canceled any time.
What You Pay Monthly plans start at $59 for two bottles ($30 per bottle) or $79 for three bottles ($26 per bottle). Shipping costs not included.
What You Get A direct-to-consumer service that delivers specialty wines picked by experienced curators from a selection of the world's best wineries — all with a 100% bottle satisfaction guarantee.
What You Commit To A 12-week, flexible and no-obligation subscription to 12 bottles of expertly-selected wines with your choice of reds, whites, or mixed shipments that can be cancelled at any time.
What You Pay An upfront cost of $89 for an introductory case of 15 bottles ($5.93 per bottle). Shipping not included on orders with less than 6 bottles.
What You Get Expert selections of guaranteed and award-winning international to domestic wines that are matched to personal taste profiles.
What You Commit To A flexible schedule that you set yourself, meaning you specify shipment dates and can cancel at any time.
What You Pay Monthly plans start with an introduction shipment at $15 for three bottles ($5 per bottle) and then cost $79 for six bottles ($13 per bottle). Shipping not included.
What You Get Curated tasting-style shipments of wines-by-the-glass from an array of regions, complete with tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and fun historical facts — plus an option to purchase full bottles of favorite wines.
What You Commit To An upfront monthly subscription for a duration of either one to three months or an entire year.
What You Pay Plans range from $29 for a single month, to $81 for three months, and $300 for an entire year complete with either three or six new glasses of wine delivered per month. Shipping costs included.
What You Get An exclusive selection of wines from renowned winemakers in pairing-sized bottles (ideal for sharing between two) with tasting notes, flavor profiles, and bottling history.
What You Commit To A flexible monthly membership — can skip a shipment or cancel membership at any time.
What You Pay Monthly plans cost $65.99 for six pairing-sized bottles ($10 a 2/3-sized bottle). Shipping costs included.
What You Get A selection of wines curated by Martha Stewart with pairing, serving, and entertaining suggestions.
What You Commit To A flexible monthly membership — can skip a shipment or cancel membership at any time.
What You Pay Plans cost roughly $50 for six bottles ($8.33 per bottle) delivered every six weeks, or $90 for 12 bottles ($7.48 per bottle) delivered every eight weeks. Shipping costs included.
What You Get A selection of wines sourced straight from wineries and curated based on preference for type, varietal, or region.
What You Commit To A flexible set-your-own schedule — can specify shipment frequency, quality grade, pricing, and can cancel, skip, or pause at any time.
What You Pay Monthly plans range from $49, $89, and $149 for shipments of five bottles (price per bottle dependent upon specific wine prices). Shipping costs included.
What You Get Personalized tasting kit shipments that are sourced by the company directly from renowned international wineries across the globe.
What You Commit To A flexible set-your-own schedule — you can specify shipment dates and bottle amounts, and can cancel at any time.
What You Pay An upfront member ship cost of $9.95 plus a bi-monthly plan that costs roughly $84.49 for 12 bottles ($7 per bottle) delivered every six weeks (unless otherwise modified). Shipping costs included.
Photo: Courtesy of Tasting Room.
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When Sam Gee was a sophomore in high school, their English teacher had a simple request at the beginning of the school year. "If you have a nickname, write it down," he said.
Gee, who had answered to "Samantha" their entire life, describes their childhood as “pink, pink, pink, and full of princesses.” But by high school, that had started to shift, and they wanted to distance themselves from "Samantha." So, in that moment, they wrote down "Sam,” and their journey to understanding their own gender began.
Now a 20-year-old college student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in northern New Jersey, Gee identifies as non-binary, meaning they don't identify as male or female and don't subscribe to either of those genders' norms, either. It's an identity that often draws a lot of scrutiny and questions, including, "Are you or a boy or a girl?" and "Aren't you just confused?" It's also an identity that's become highly politicized as the Trump administration reportedly attempts to strictly define gender as either male or female.
Amidst those questions, Gee and four other non-binary individuals share what their identity means to them, how beauty helps them present their true selves to the world, and the questions they really wish people would stop asking. Read their own words, ahead.
Jostyn Ferreira, 19, artist
I’m from the hood in the Bronx and I was constantly worried about my safety because of what I looked like. When I was 16, I transferred from a school where I was bullied every day to Harvey Milk High School. There, I had this amazing counselor who told me, "It’s OK for you to be different. It’s OK for you to not identify with anything." That was really the breaking point and that’s when I started expressing myself with my clothes. I went to that school in September wearing white Ts and Jordans, and by November I was already wearing crop tops and platform shoes. It felt like breathing for the first time.
People constantly ask me, "Are you just confused?" or "So, what are you? Are you a boy or a girl?" I'm tired of it. It's like, Who are you to tell me what manly is? Is there a book that tells you what being feminine or masculine is? Is there an email I didn’t get?
There was no one [like me] walking through the projects in skirts and dresses. I want to be that inspiration for somebody. I want to one day be a role model for another queer person of color; all you need is one person. To all the kids who are scared to be themselves, always remember that everything needs a little spice.
Who I Am: I’m a human-sized Bratz doll. I'm a baddie. I’m a book that never ends. I’m always excited to see what the next chapter is for me.
Sam Gee, 20, student
I didn’t really know why I had a detachment from my name until last year. My girlfriend said, "I noticed that sometimes masculine things make you more comfortable and that sometimes you don’t feel as feminine." And then she asked me, "Do you prefer they/them pronouns?" That was my first time talking about it.
Knowing that I identify as non-binary and understanding that I can look however I want and still identify that way makes me more comfortable experimenting with my look. I don't need to feel afraid of looking a certain way. If people say, "That’s a girl" because I’m wearing makeup and a dress, I don’t care, because that’s not who I am. Finding that comfort for myself has helped me a lot, because I can go out with a full face of makeup and my pink shaved head and a dress and heels and know I’m still non-binary.
I'm not something people think of and see as beautiful, but that’s not what I have to be. I’m my own version of it.
Who I Am: I am compassionate and passionate. I am creative. I am different. I am whatever people think that I am not.
Yên Nguyen, 27, freelance fashion editor and stylist
A lot of my gender revelations didn’t happen until after college. I started to be more experimental with my clothes and fashion and a little more androgynous. As I slowly started to break those walls down, people like Hari Nef and Laverne Cox were coming out, and there was this huge trans revolution in the media. It was really educational and inspiring, and that helped me explore my gender identity more.
Whenever I imagined myself mentally, even growing up, I could never really pinpoint myself to a binary; I always saw myself as someone outside of it. And so when [I learned about] terms like gender-fluid and non-binary, it was like, "Oh my god."
I still get a lot of questions. People say things like, “Well, are you a boy or a woman?” And it was really hard to be in these situations because I never really knew what to say, like, "Oh well, I'm a human being." So to finally hear words like non-binary and trans, and [to be able to] explain myself as one word, was so relieving. It’s an amazing feeling to finally be in touch with who you are and know your truth.
Who I am: I am this slaysian fem queen goddess. I am this beautiful, strong person who is fearless and owning who they are, and hopefully inspiring others to live their best and truest life.
Maya Kotomori, 19, student/model
I’ve always been questioning my gender. After a really good friend of mine at New York University introduced me to the idea of being non-binary, I thought, Well, I like ‘girl things’ and I look like a girl, and that means that I can never identify that way because my appearance is so feminine. But the more time I started hanging out in New York, I realized that being non-binary doesn’t have a specific look.
I’m not even 100% comfortable saying that I am a non-binary woman yet. I’m still a person that’s being made, but I’ve definitely had moments where I realize that I feel uncomfortable identifying as a cis women. That’s part of why I had a breast reduction; I used to be a G cup and I had back pain and gender dysphoria. That reduction was definitely part of my gender journey, as was experimenting with my beauty.
I started bleaching my eyebrows in January this year. I was always "Maya with eyebrows." So I started thinking, "What if I was Maya with no eyebrows?” I’m not gonna shave them, so I bleached them and now they’re here. It kind of defeated the purpose of not wanting my eyebrows to define me, but now they define me in a way that’s actually me.
If you don't look like a human question mark of gender, then people assume you’re cis. But in reality, all non-binary people can and do look like whatever they want to look like.
Who I Am: I’m officially on my bullshit and I’m coming correct this year. It’s 100% fuck you, pay me.
Tristan Fox, 22, model
I was 19 when I went to this LGBT club on campus [at State University of New York at Purchase]. I had never heard of someone being non-binary before, but once I learned about it, I was very interested. It didn’t immediately click that I was what they were describing. After I started to think of myself that way, it started to make a lot of sense to me. Like, yeah, I’m definitely not comfortable with people thinking I’m male.
My family’s old fashioned. I grew up in Brooklyn and Queens, but I’ve lived in Rockaway since I was nine. Where I live with them now is very conservative, and so this has been a long process of unlearning all the things I’ve been taught — including behaviors like immediately helping women in a way that assumes they’re weak. Really, as soon as I realized I didn’t have to be male, it was like, Well, fuck that.
Now I feel like I've found my place more as a person. I did start experimenting with makeup a year ago, even if I do have complicated feelings about it. Just looking in the mirror right now, I’ll think, I love this makeup, but I have to take it off before I get on the train because then I’ll feel super uncomfortable because people will stare.
I don't want to stand in front of a mirror for half an hour so someone can see me as I see myself. I just want to be seen without having to do that. There’s moments like that when it’s frustrating and this gender feels like a prison, and then there are other times when it’s fun and I want to draw hearts and stars on my face. I'm still trying to figure everything out, but right now I feel free.
Who I Am: I am a work in progress. I am trying to run before I can walk.
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There is an especially cruel kind of white-collar suffering that occurs mainly between the months of November to March, depending on the extent of your office supervisor's god complex. You're wearing tank tops under your sweaters in case you need to shed your otherwise seasonally-appropriate turtleneck, your keyboard is sticky with the hand cream you need to apply 10 times a day, your T-zone is oily and your cheeks flaky, and you have to stash eye drops and an extra pair of contacts in your drawer. It's dry office-heating-system season, baby, and it's the worst.
"Our skin is primarily composed of water," says dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD, founder of Ava MD and the SKINxFIVE clinics. "In the winter, when temperature and moisture levels drop drastically, external air conditions have very low humidity. Combine that with artificial indoor heat, and you've got almost 100% dry air." The air quality is made worse by the fact that, when it's cold outside, most office buildings are pumped with heat for 24 hours straight — not because they're trying to kill you (probably), but because it simply requires too much time and energy to reheat an entire building every morning before you get to work.
Between that dense, dry heat and the lack of any fresh air from the outside, Dr. Shamban explains, the humidity levels in the air are at an extreme low. Suddenly, your usual morning skin routine doesn't suffice; you need more serum, more moisturizer, more... water. That's because, after just a short time indoors, the water in your skin is sucked out through the process of osmosis. "It literally just evaporates into thin air," she says. "An entire day in the office can wreak havoc."
That doesn't mean you have to quit your job just to keep your skin moisturized (unless, of course, you want to). Improve your work-life-good skin balance with the expert tips and product recommendations ahead: They'll help you stay hydrated until the long-awaited March day that the heat finally switches off, and ensure you become a workplace hero in the meantime. Employee of the Month, here you come.
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A dry-skin panacea that will also make you very popular among the other victims your colleagues, the humble humidifier will put much-needed moisture back into the air. "Keep a portable model by your desk and fill it with water throughout the day," Dr. Shamban says. This plug-in version offers six hours of continuous runtime (or 12 hours, used intermittently) and has a soft color-changing LED light for you to stare at listlessly when you should be filing expense reports.
HoMedics Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser, $29.99, available at Kohl's
Because of its unrivaled ability to lock moisture into the skin, hyaluronic acid is a nice addition to any routine, any time of year. Right now, though, Dr. Shamban says the humectant is an essential weapon against transdermal water loss, since it helps bind existing water into the skin cells so it can't evaporate. This light, fragrance-free essence is the perfect way to get your fix: Just splash a few drops into your palms and pat it into still-damp skin before layering on your other products.
Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence, $46, available at Soko Glam
In addition to the hydrating boost from hyaluronic acid, Dr. Shamban suggests using a heavier cream to seal in the moisture for both day and night. "You can look for ones with a lot of emollient oils rich in fatty acids, which will support hydration within the cells and help keep it in there," she says. Formulated with 21 seed oils, this nourishing cream soothes and protects delicate skin, for serious moisture that isn't overly heavy or greasy.
Votary Super Seed Nutrient Cream, $102, available at Space NK
"During the night is the best time to use products that even out and refine the skin, as well as quench it with moisture," says dermatologist Paul Jarrod Frank, MD. He recommends formulas that contain fruit acids, like this intensive night treatment, which pairs papaya, lemon, sugar cane, orange, and bilberry enzymes to gently slough away dead skin cells with shea butter, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize.
Herbivore Botanicals Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment, $58, available at Birchbox
Dr. Frank stresses that thirsty skin still needs exfoliation — it just needs to be gentle, and work to shed dead skin-cell buildup without exacerbating dryness and irritation. "For skin that's feeling especially dry, a light application of Aquaphor is beneficial after exfoliating," he says.
Aquaphor Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment Skin Protectant, $6.99, available at Amazon
There is a common misconception that an afternoon spritz with a face mist should be enough to keep skin refreshed and hydrated; done incorrectly, that facial mist can actually worsen dryness. Dr. Shamban says that proper use is key, which means sealing in the moisture a mist offers. "Think of the idea of 'sitting' water in a dry, arid desert," she says. "It almost immediately evaporates, and the same will happen on your skin in those conditions." After you mist, apply a sealant in the form of a moisturizer or humectant, to reap the benefits without the desert metaphor.
Kát Rudu Dewy Botanical Flower Mist, $28, available at Kat Rudu
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Mercury is having quite the week: The messenger planet moved from outgoing Sagittarius to ultra-private Scorpio this past weekend, and tomorrow, December 6, it will end its current retrograde — which happens to be the final Mercury retrograde of 2018.
Whenever a planet's retrograde ends, it doesn't instantly snap back to normal. It takes a little while to return to totally direct motion, and this period of time is known as the retrograde's "shadow." In this case, Mercury's shadow lasts about two weeks, so we'll be completely out of the woods by December 24, just in time for Christmas Day and New Year's.
While under Mercury's shadow, tread carefully. This time of year is riddled with deadlines, social engagements, and online shopping — all of which are perfect fodder for Mercury retrograde when it's in full swing. You may still encounter a hiccup or two if you do anything too risky or dramatic in these two weeks, but the consequences won't be catastrophic. Just try to dodge the major Mercurian red flags (signing contracts, visiting sketchy websites, gossiping) and you should be in the clear.
Most importantly, this means that we get to start 2019 off on the right foot, at least where Mercury is concerned (Uranus, the planet of change and innovation, will still be retrograde at the start of the new year). Given the areas of our lives that Mercury touches — communication, online exchanges, and social grace — this is no small blessing. If you view the month of January as a clean slate and an opportunity to start a new chapter in your life, consider Mercury's direct energy to be an additional source of confidence and motivation.
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Whether you're heading out of town for the holidays or planning a new year escape, 'tis the season for travel. And because we're in the wanderlust (and gift-giving) spirit, it's a prime time to stock up on jet-setting essentials for ourselves (or, our travel-obsessed pals). Successful trips are made up of two parts: planning and packing — but since we can't actually plan and pack for you, we created a shoppable product guide to help streamline the process and add a little comfort and luxury instead.
Ahead find our curated list of travel accessories that are as smart as they are stylish. These goods will cover your total trip arsenal from cutting-edge luggage to packing cubes, TSA-approved beauty to cocktail kits, cozy eye mask-blanket bundles, comfy on-the-go clothes, snack packs, and more. Click on to shop the jet-setting essentials that will make your upcoming escapes look as good as they feel (and vice versa).
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.
The Good: Silicone Travel Bottles Never leave your favorite products behind again thanks to this chic, Amazon's Choice set of travel bottles made from soft silicone.
Jordan & Judy Silicone Travel Bottle Set - 3 pack, $11.99, available at Amazon
The Good: Noise-Canceling Wireless Headphones These stylish pink headphones are designed for ultimate travel comfort with wireless and noise-canceling capabilities.
COWIN Noise Canceling Headphones Bluetooth Headphones, $69.98, available at Amazon
The Good: Cozy-Chic Sweatshirt Pick up a sweatshirt that serves dual-purpose as a cozy sleep shirt and multiple-wear vacation essential.
Everlane The ReNew Fleece Sweatshirt, $55, available at Everlane
The Good: Incognito Travel Pillow A travel pillow that could pass as a winter accessory instead of an oversized macaroni noodle? We're in. This Amazon's Choice infinity pillow can be molded and customized to your preferred sleep position.
The Good: Multipurpose Carry-On Not only is Away's smallest carry-on suitcase made from a sleek, unbreakable polycarbonate shell, but it also comes with a TSA-approved combination lock, ejectable battery for charging devices, interior compression system, and hidden laundry bag. (You can also get it monogrammed!)
Away The Carry-On (White), $225, available at Away
The Good: Cord Organizer Sometimes a travel nightmare looks nothing like a missed connection and everything like a jumble of knotted cords — scoop up this vegan leather satchel to keep all your essential connecters organized and tangle-free.
Uncommon Goods Vegan Leather Travel Cord Roll, $20, available at Uncommon Goods
The Good: Scarf-Blanket A transit outfit staple, a light scarf-blanket can swaddle us in ultimate chic comfort. See those arm holes? We imagine the perfect air vent for your nose if you need a little face-covering nap privacy.
J.Crew Striped Cape-scarf, $39.5, available at J.Crew
The Good: Compression Sock Pack We love this brand's mission of "making your feet feel like magic." Comrad is an eco-conscious brand of travel socks that helps keep the blood flowing and reduce discomfort and swelling while flying. They're also super cute.
Comrad Companion Compression Socks 3 Pack, $48, available at Comrad
The Good: Statement Passport Holder Never lose track of your passport with this beautiful holder featuring artist Katy Smail's whimsical work.
KT Smail Picturesque Florals Passport Holder, $24, available at Anthropologie
The Good: Tiered Packing Cubes These classic tiered packing cubes can be monogrammed for personalization and easily categorized to save space inside your once over-stuffed suitcase.
Paravel Packing Cube Trio, $55, available at Paravel
The Good: 3-Way Travel Mirror This slim, non-glass (read: safe for travel) foldable product is like the travel-friendly version of a Simplehuman Wide-View Sensor Mirror — only much more affordable. Putting in your contacts and spiffing up en-route just a whole lot easier.
Magic Mirror 3-Way Travel Mirror, $39, available at Urban Outfitters
The Good: TSA-Approved Facial Kit A TSA-friendly bundle of facial products crafted to give you a glow on-the-go. Each kit contains balm-to-oil cleanser, makeup remover, coconut gel sheet masks, honey-butter lip balm, and a canvas travel pouch.
Farmacy Take It To Glow, Travel Essentials Kit, $40, available at Farmacy
The Good: In-Flight Cocktail Kit Make mid-air cocktail hour gourmet with help from this TSA-approved Bloody Mary tin — each kit comes with a bar spoon, drink mix, rimming salt, and linen coaster.
W&P Design Carry on Cocktail Kit, Bloody Mary, $24, available at Amazon
The Good: Eye Mask-Blanket Bundle Invest in a high quality sleep bundle that will keep you extra cozy on longer flights and layovers — this mask and blanket duo are made from 100% extra fine merino wool.
Merino Merino Travel Kit, $169, available at Parachute
The Good: Reusable Water Bottle Bringing a reusable water bottle when traveling may already be a no-brainer, but this stylish flask design takes it to the next convenience level with a BPA-free shatter proof plastic, soft silicone sleeve, and flat packable design.
Hip Flat Water Bottle Flask , $14.99, available at Amazon
The Good: Stylish Sleep Pants While comfort is key for traveling, going the full-on pajama route isn't for everyone — so try a pair of transitional sweatpants that can take you from snoring in a middle seat to stylishly sprinting through customs.
Urban Outfitters Tanya Tapered Sweatpant, $39, available at Urban Outfitters
The Good: Travel-Size Makeup Kit Minimize your your makeup space when traveling with this streamlined 7-piece set including travel-size everything — from a creaseless concealer to translucent powder, lipstick, cheek rouge, volumizing mascara, powder blush, and a makeup pouch.
Stowaway Cosmetics Take Flight Set, $60, available at Stowaway Cosmetics
The Good: Travel Pouch Keep your top travel essentials together, from cards to pens and phones, with this soft leather pouch.
Anthropologie Ready For Anything Pouch, $48, available at Anthropologie
The Good: In-Flight Bath Kit A carry-on kit that makes a perfect hair day while traveling packable and possible — each box comes complete with a classic shampoo, conditioner, geranium leaf body cleanser, and rind concentrate body balm. It also makes a great gift.
The Good: Customizable Cross-Body Bag A multi-pouch cross-body bag that's as essential for travel as it is fashion forward with near endless customizable color and material options.
Timbuk2 Custom Stack Crossbody Bag, $100, available at Timbuk2
The Good: External Battery Keep your tech goods charged in portable style while on-the-fly.
Mophie External Battery for Universal Smartphones and Tablets, $39.99, available at Amazon
The Good: Travel-Size Toothpaste Kit Marvis' colorful, travel-size toothpaste kit comes in seven exciting flavors — for every exciting day of your trip: amarelli licorice, aquatic mint, cinnamon mint, classic strong mint, ginger mint, jasmine mint, and whitening mint.
Marvis Toothpaste Flavor Collection Gift Set, 7 count, $27, available at Amazon
The Good: Travel-Size Facial Spray When a shower is far from sight and the airplane sink doesn't appeal, whip out one of these travel-size facial sprays to freshen up.
Evian Natural Mineral Water Facial Spray Duo, $12.75, available at Amazon
The Good: Travel Slippers Whether you're on an overnight flight or walking around a foreign hotel room, having a pair of these plush slippers on hand for foot comfort is key.
Uniqlo Cushioned Slippers, $9.9, available at Uniqlo
The Good: Rinse-Free Hand Wash No water? No problem — this rinse-free wash is a super luxe leap up from harsh hand sanitizers. It also smells like heaven. (If heaven smelled like bergamot, pear, crisp amber, and soft musk.) Any giftee would be pleased.
Byredo Suede Rinse-Free Hand Wash, $35, available at Nordstrom
The Good: Compact Makeup Case Keep your toiletries snapped into place with one of these compact, multi-compartment, and mirrored caboodle cases.
Caboodles small round caboodles makeup case , $9, available at Bando
The Good: Snack Pack A wholesome and tasty portable snack pack for adults.
Justin's Classic Almond Butter Snack Pack , $12.41, available at Amazon
The Good: Sleep Kit Cover your public sleeping bases with a patterned kit that contains it all: an eye mask, travel pillow cover, inflatable travel pillow, set of ear plugs, and drawstring bag.
The Good: Full Body Kit If bathing in an airport bathroom was an art, then this TSA-approved and best-selling organic body kit would be the paint.
(Malin + Goetz) Travel Set, $45, available at Nordstrom
The Good: Mini Traveler's Journal Filled with a pencil pouch insert along with blank and lined pages for jotting down to-dos or to-remembers on your next great escape.
Paper Source Black Faux Leather Travel Journal, $24.95, available at Paper Source
The Good: Mini Facial Oil Trio Travel can wear us and our skin out — maintain a balance with this mini trio of facial oils formulated to calm, sooth, and hydrate.
Herbivore Botanicals Herbivore Botanicals - Mini Facial Oil Trio, $33, available at Amazon
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Olivia Wilde embodies the ideal of natural beauty — not just in a sense that the actress and activist is clearly genetically blessed, but the fact that paparazzi shots and low-key press appearances often show her fresh-faced and dewy, as if the word "foundation " isn't even in her vocabulary.
In an attempt to steal her secrets — and find out how we, too, can get cheekbones that seem to glow unassisted — we asked Wilde straight up: How many facials does it take? But shockingly, Wilde doesn't credit her poreless skin to celebrity estheticians or a dermatologist who knows their way around a laser — hell, she tells us she hasn't had a facial in over a year. Instead, she's fiercely loyal to a clean and simple skin-care routine, which she breaks down for us in full, ahead.
A Struggle With Stress & Hormonal Acne For Wilde, sculpted, glowy skin wasn't a genetic given, but a result of decades struggling to understand how to treat it. "I have combination skin, and I dealt with breakouts throughout my 20s, and even into my early 30s," Wilde says. "All those years, I was trying to fix the problem, basically by dousing my skin with harsh acne treatments and seeing a dermatologist regularly, trying to figure out why I was experiencing both stress and hormonal acne."
Due to the fact that her flare-ups were sporadic and unpredictable — popping up before, during, and after her pregnancies — it took a 360-degree lifestyle adjustment for Wilde to start seeing persistently clear skin. "When I hit 30, I made a decision that I would put my time and energy into finding a long-term skin solution," she says. "I needed something in the form of an at-home routine that would both cure my acne and nourish my skin. Health became the primary focus — no more shooting a pimple with a cortisone shot. I wanted stability."
The Glowy-Skin Solution Serendipitously, it was at the point in her life where she was most desperate for a miracle solution that Wilde discovered True Botanicals, the clean, non-toxic skin-care line she now represents as the chief brand ambassador. "Immediately after I met Hillary [Peterson], the founder of True Botanicals, and tried the brand's Clear line, my skin completely transformed," she says. "Now — and I’m not bullshitting you — I'll only use True Botanicals products."
Breaking it down for us, the actress explains that she uses the brand's Clear collection from start to finish. "In the morning, I use the cleanser, followed by the face oil — just those two steps," she says. "And at night, I’ll use the serum mixed with one of the boosters, either the antioxidant one or the vitamin C powder. I always use the nutrient mist before and after makeup, and any time I need it throughout the day. I use the shampoo,conditioner, and the body lotion. I kid you not, it's the only brand that touches my skin — anywhere."
Making Self-Care A Ritual The process of partnering with True Botanicals not only made Wilde loyal to a fully branded skin-care routine, but also altered her whole approach to self-care. She now touts the benefits of showering with plants, and says she actually looks forward to washing her face at night.
"It's kind of funky, but I keep a eucalyptus plant in my shower," Wilde says. "It's been a huge game-changer for me because it's natural, calming aromatherapy. It’s so important to see beauty and self-care through a ritualistic lens," she continues. "For way too long my routine was all about just getting through it — fixing the problems I already had. Now, I never forget to wash my face before I go to bed, because it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of my day."
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.
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Right at the moment when you're thinking it's time to hammer out your holiday gift strategy — How are we five days into December? — Ulta Beauty comes in with a killer sale that makes shopping for yourself, or anyone on your list, as simple as setting a calendar reminder.
Today, Ulta announced its Holiday Beauty Blitz sale, which is essentially a 25-day advent calendar of deals. A different surprise sale will be dropping each day, both online and in stores. Right now, the full list of deals has been kept under wraps (to maximize the shock value, of course), but we have your first look at what's going on super sale in the next few days.
Ahead, preview the awesome 50% off deals that are happening this week, and check back with us as we update the deals throughout the month so that you can plan your shopping according.
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.
Wednesday, December 5
Starting today — Wednesday, December 5 — you can grab any of the Smashbox holiday gift sets for 50% off. That includes this funky box filled with colorful cream eyeliner pencils, which is coincidently tailor-made for the Scorpio on your list.
Smashbox Holidaze: Always On Eye Liner Set, $19.5, available at Ulta Beauty
Thursday, December 6
On Thursday, the deal of the day is half-off Tarte's lipstick-lip gloss hybrid, bringing the price down to just $12.
Tarte Double Duty Lip Sculptor Double Ended Lipstick & Gloss, $12, available at Ulta Beauty
Friday, December 6
On Friday, you can grab the summery Too Faced Tutti Frutti holiday makeup kit for just $15. Inside the chrome carrying case, you'll find: a glittery fruit cake-scented lip gloss, the pineapple highlighter palette, and a bottle of brightening dew drops that will make your cheekbones smell like a piña colada.
Too Faced Tutti Frutti Christmas Fruit Cake Makeup Collection, $15, available at Ulta Beauty
Saturday, December 6
This weekend — Saturday specifically — you can get any of the BareMinerals holiday sets at a 40% off discount. The deal includes this gorgeous 6-pan highlighting palette — a steal at $27.
bareMinerals Stellar Glow 6-Shade Mega-Highlighting Palette, $27, available at Ulta Beauty
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The future of beauty is here — and you’re invited. Check out the rest of our2018 Refinery29 Beauty Innovator Awardswinners for a full look at the products, brands, and people that are breaking the rules and redefining beauty standards, one lipstick at a time.
The word "cheap" gets a bad rap: It's frequently used to describe situations one might otherwise call gauche, like regifting the sweater you snagged off the free table at work or "forgetting" your wallet at home to weasel your way out of paying the bill. But the word, despite its negative connotations, really isn't all bad — especially if it means getting more bang for your buck on what tends to be one of the more expensive parts of your beauty routine: skin care.
Affordable finds abound in the makeup and hair aisles, but quality skin care that won't cost you a significant chunk of your rent can be harder to come by. Luckily, our editors have been trying the latest and greatest at every price point for years, and we’ve got plenty of wisdom to share. Ahead, check out the skin-care products our editors are loving — including the ones that snagged honors in our 2018 Beauty Innovator Awards — all ringing in at under $30 a pop.
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.
"For the lazy, wannabe French woman who loves the idea of micellar water… but never remembers to pick up cotton pads at CVS." —Cat Quinn, beauty director
Simple Skincare Micellar Make-Up Remover Wipes, $6.99, available at Target
"I’ve been so focused on getting rid of my acne for the past decade that somehow I woke up 29 having never started a real anti-aging regimen. Luckily, this gel (which is the highest-grade retinoid you can get OTC) has been doing double-duty — clearing my breakouts and softening fine lines and age spots. Because there’s always something..." —Quinn
Differin Acne Treatment, $28.99, available at Ulta Beauty
"Take away the sexy weighted jars and beautiful ingredient stories about a rare flower plucked from the highest point on earth — and what we all really want from our moisturizer is something that feels light, doesn’t clog our pores, and gives skin a nice glow. You wouldn’t put it in a flat lay, but it looks damn good in selfies." —Quinn
Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer, $13.47, available at Jet
"For $3, this hyaluronic acid face mask is extremely impressive. It delivers on hydration, especially after weeks of packing on makeup. Every time I use this, my skin immediately looks like I left a facial appointment, without having to spend facial money. It doesn't get much better than that." —Thatiana Diaz, Beauty Writer
Neutrogena Moisturizing Hydro Boost Hydrating Face Mask, $2.99, available at Target
“My face loves anything with vitamin C, because it adds an instant glow to my dullness-prone skin tone. I’ve grown accustomed to expensive nighttime oils and 30-minute masking sessions to get my fix, but this creamsicle-scented oil stick changes the game. A few swipes on the super dry patches where I crave some dewiness (usually my cheeks and outer corners of my forehead) and my skin’s bright and shiny in the best way.” —Megan Decker, Beauty Assistant
Physicians Formula Vitamin C Brightening Facial Oil Stick, $17.47, available at Amazon
"Your skin is in for a real treat after you peel this rubber mask off. The glue-like formula forms into a Flubber-finish that makes your complexion looked like it was kissed by a million skin-care angels. My skin was bright AF, hydrated, and looked even more glowing when I woke up the next morning. I'd recommend this one hundred times over for anyone looking to revive dull skin." —Aimee Simeon, Beauty Writer
Dr. Jart+ Shake & Shot Firming Rubber Masks, $12, available at Sephora
"I try my best not to be a sucker, and to judge my skin care by how well it works as opposed to how pretty it looks on my bathroom counter. That said, I can tell you that it is true: This gentle cleanser is every bit as good at removing makeup and leaving skin fresh and clean — but not parched! — as every Glossier diehard says it is. The faint, pleasant scent reminds me of the rose-infused cream puffs I ate at Regis Philbin's favorite Italian restaurant, Valbella, on my 18th birthday and still think of from time to time, and even though I could kill an entire bottle in about a month, the price tag doesn't make me feel like I have to use it sparingly... unlike my other favorite cleanser." —Rachel Krause, senior beauty writer
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, $18, available at Glossier
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it — and this simple face cream might not be fancy or technologically advanced, but it certainly ain't broke, that's for sure. I've tried many a moisturizer in my day ( too many, maybe?) and this is straight-up the most soothing, most lightweight, most absorbent, most repairing, most non-pore-clogging formula of them all. I use it every morning without fail; it works nicely under makeup, too." —Krause
Bioderma Sensibio Light Cream (1.33 fl oz.), $19.89, available at DermStore
"Unlike the protagonist of the Laotian legend explaining the origins of Centella asiatica ("cica" for short), I've never been slashed in the stomach and forced to refer to tigers for skin-care recommendations. I do, however, have plenty of other topical concerns, including new breakouts, dark spots from old breakouts, rosacea, and skin that constantly ricochets between oily and acne-prone and dull and dehydrated. These pre-soaked pads, a new addition to my regimen, are really great for all of those things, calming redness and irritation while making my skin look brighter and more even overall." —Krause
Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pad, $20, available at Soko Glam
"I can go on and on about the many positive attributes of matte lip balm (it lasts longer and doesn't interfere with lipstick, just to name two...) but I won't. Instead, I'll gush about my long-time favorite: Burt's Bees original Beeswax Lip Balm. It's not fancy, but it does the job while feeling refreshingly tingly on the lips. I have one stashed in every purse, desk drawer, and jacket pocket." —Mi-Anne Chan, video host and beauty writer
Burt's Bees® Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm , $2.99, available at Target
"I love a good non-drying acne serum. Why? Because being able to slap this on all over rather than painstakingly dot a spot treatment over my problem areas is a hack I relate to. This serum is a new addition to my routine and I use it every morning before moisturizer and SPF. Plus, I appreciate that it tackles blemishes with zinc and post-acne hyper-pigmentation with niacinamide." —Chan
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $5.9, available at The Ordinary
"I've gone through multiple bottles of this lotion since discovering it in college. It's sufficiently hydrating, thanks to ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the formula, but never leaves my skin looking or feeling greasy. Plus, it has SPF 30! I've recommended it to countless friends who have all fallen in love with it, too." —Chan
CeraVe AM Face Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30, $16.48, available at Ulta Beauty
"After hearing so much hype over this exfoliating toner, I had to test it for myself. It reminds me of Biologique Recherche's P50, but the former is gentler and much cheaper. Still, it gets the job done and really make my skin glowier overnight." —Sam Sasso, beauty writer
"These days, it's rare to find a lotion that just simply does its job — without any frills. This one from Dove is exactly that. Whether you're dealing with irritated, dry skin or more serious, long-term issues, like eczema, this fragrance-free, noncomedogenic formula gets the job done every single time without the pomp and circumstance of fancy packaging or unique ingredients you can barely pronounce." —Sasso
Dove DermaSeries Face Cream SPF 15 , $9.89, available at Target
"Most hydrating masks are too greasy for me, but this French drugstore find is anything but. It's gentle, soothing, and in ten minutes it leaves my skin softer than if I opted for an overnight treatment instead. It's basically the foolproof mask I use whenever my skin just needs some quick TLC." —Sasso
La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Mask, $19.98, available at La Roche-Posay
"I started using the healing ointment again after I got my first tattoo, then I realized it's just the one product you absolutely have to keep in your bathroom no matter what — it just works for everything and anything. (Pro tip: Use on your cuticles before bed to make your old mani look new again.)" —Sasso
Aquaphor Aquaphor Healing Ointment, $6.29, available at Walgreens
"Fancy name, simple results. Basically, this rich moisturizing cream packs a punch of hydration when you really need it. It's best when you feel like winter got the best of your complexion and you basically don't know what else to use. This will save your life." —Sasso
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra , $29.99, available at DermStore
"I cannot, cannot, cannot go to bed with dry hands. This is a staple for my bedside table for one reason: It gets the job done on a budget. " —Sasso
Neutrogena Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream Fragrance Free , $3.99, available at Target
"Ever since one of my coworkers kicked tap water out of her skin-care routine, I was convinced this was the micellar water would make a convert out of me, too. To no surprise, it won me over. Now, I keep it in bulk." —Sasso
Simple Simple Cleansing Micellar Water, $14.37, available at Amazon
Related Video
camera assistance by Mi-Anne Chan.
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We've arrived at that time of year when a simple party look just doesn't cut it. It's holiday party season, and sequins, metallic and velvet are the norm instead of the exception. With so many options and so little time to prepare, we've narrowed down the search to hone in on one glittery staple: gold party dresses.
We scoured party categories across the board, from Zara to Net-a-Porter, and rounded up the best gold dresses this season has to offer. From maximalist sequin frocks to lingerie-style slip dresses, there's no shortage of options to choose from. Take a look at our 17 picks ahead.
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Holiday party season has arrived — and at the worst possible time for your wallet. After last week's routine root touch-up turned into a $200 single-process situation and the impending office holiday gift swap is about to do a number on your bottom line, you have two options: politely decline all fun party invites or go, but spend zero dollars on the prep.
If you're a little dry on inspiration, our editors are taking you through the simple and stunning hair looks we'll be wearing from now through New Year's Eve, and every party in between. Find the sleek, half-up ponytail or Tracee Ellis Ross-approved cornrows that will have you taking to the next (hopefully open) bar with gusto, ahead.
"Zoey Deutch has the hair color of my dreams, but as much as I could go on about the way the light bounces off the flecks of auburn in those highlights, I'm really here for the style. This glossy half-up, half-down look is one I think I could achieve on my own, without hopping on a flight to Los Angeles for an appointment with Tracey Cunningham." —Decker
"Give me a Jennifer Behr barrette studded with big, shiny pearls and I'll pair it with a soft oatmeal-colored turtleneck and a sunny seat by the window." —Decker
"Tracee Ellis Ross is a hair icon, and she's been wearing a lot of straight-back cornrows and two-strand twist styles lately. So, naturally, I want to wear nothing but cornrows through the rest of the year. One problem: I can't braid to save my life. But when I go home for Christmas, I'm going to convince my mom that we should kick it old-school and watch Disney movies while she braids me up. " —Jessica Cruel, Deputy Beauty Director
"When I have anything formal to go to, I pull out my bobby pins to do a 'frohawk hairstyle. This year, I'm swapping out my plain black bobbies for gold ones to give the look a festive update." —Cruel
"If anyone could convince me that I should go back to brunette, it's Bella Hadid — and colorist Jenna Perry. One of the best dye jobs I ever got went down in Perry's chair, and I'd easily trust her to take me from my cream-soda blonde highlights back to my dark-chocolate roots any day. Considering the fact that everyone seems to be obsessed with highlights and balayage lately, it's also refreshing to see a winter-friendly color like this back on our radar." —Sam Sasso, Beauty Writer
"I'm a hair-accessories stan, which means I'll wear them any day, week, or month of the year, holiday season or no holiday season. But there's nothing like some jewel-toned bobby pins to get you in the mood for the kind of party that features eggnog and mistletoe." —Sasso
"Bows might be a hair trend most people wore in elementary school, but it's also the perfect holiday accessory. Consider it an added bonus that a black ribbon is the quickest way to dress up any boring ponytail." —Sasso
"I'm desperate to experiment with flowers in my hair for the holidays, but I'm worried I'm going to end up going overboard with an entire 1-800-Flowers bouquet in my top bun. This is an example of how to do flowers in your hair tastefully with help from a ton of bobby pins." —Rachel Lubitz, Senior Beauty Writer
"I've been hesitant to really go in on my secret love for headbands for fear that I'll end up looking like a fourth-grader, but this one is just too damn good to pass up. Imagine it with an all-black holiday ensemble, or even a red dress." —Lubitz
"Call me boring, but I'm bringing back my obsession with the boss bun — the sharply-parted, no B.S. knot that's perfect for getting shit done. This holiday season I'll be making a small change: Bring on the boss pony! It has all the strength of a low bun with a little more flair." —Lexy Lebsack, Senior Beauty Editor
"My colorist, Kari Hill, and I have been talking about me going pink for a while, and this is such a great time to do it. I especially love this rosy look she just created." —Lebsack
"Can this girl get any cooler? Awkwafina doesn't always go big with her hair and makeup, but when she does, I always want to copy it. I love this take on a '20s wave: It's smooth and uniform, but softer and straighter through the top. In fact, I'd likely copy her bronze makeup with it, too..." —Lebsack
"Kicki Yang Zhang's hair is unbelievable: Not only is her color gorgeous, but my goal in life is to have a haircut as bold and structured as hers. Plus, she accessorizes with fun, '90s-esque hair clips. What's not to love?" —Mi-Anne Chan, Beauty Writer
"I’m about to cut my hair and go natural to reclaim my curls, so I’ve been busy saving curly hairstyles on Instagram. I love a good updo during the holidays, and this one is just so simple, yet so voluminous. Plus, it’ll keep my hair out of the way while I stuff my face with my grandmother’s cooking." —Thatiana Diaz, Beauty Writer
"Given that I'm embarking on a natural hair journey, I want to get into wigs — and why not have fun with color during the most festive time of the year? I haven’t made up my mind yet on the colors, but I’m definitely leaning towards purple. Hey, it’s non-committal, so maybe I’ll try out a variety." —Diaz
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With the holidays approaching faster than Santa's sleigh, sending out festive greeting cards is just about our favorite activity around this time of the year. It's true that nothing communicates well wishes better than a handwritten note, but basic designs just won't cut it — no one is that excited about sticking a Christmas tree graphic with "Season's Greetings" in cursive font up on the fridge for all to see.
So instead of spreading cheer with boring pine and holly stationary, we rounded up a collection of gorgeous to humorous holiday cards this year. Uncap your favorite felt-tipped pens and start licking those Forever Stamps, because these festive greetings are holiday gold.
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.
Send shimmering holiday cheer with this foil-pressed, abstract art design.
Minted Balance Foil-Pressed Holiday Card (25-pack), $78, available at Minted
A classic way to wish season's greetings is with a festively-sweet nighttime city scene.
Rifle Paper Co Boxed City Holiday Eight-Pack Card Set, $16, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Finally, the cute alternative way to say, "Merry Christmas," that we've been longing for.
Paper Source Beary Christmas Holiday Card Set, $9.71, available at Paper Source
Lit -erally.
Violet Clair Set of 6 Holiday Greeting Cards, $18, available at Nordstrom
Send season's greetings, sloth-style.
Zazzle Merry Christmas Sloth Card, $3.25, available at Zazzle
The inside of this brilliant holiday card reads, "from one cool cat to another."
Canopy Street Scooter Cats Holiday Card Pack (Set of 25), $14.99, available at Amazon
We can't decide whether to mail these stylish holiday cards out or frame them as art on our walls...
Paper Source Holiday Village Card Set, $19.46, available at Paper Source
Who knew that a lobster would make such an adorable holiday mascot?
Oliver Bonas Santa Claws Christmas Card, $4.5, available at Oliver Bonas
Send peace, love, and joy atop a festive camper van.
Green Inspired Christmas Camper Holiday Boxed Cards (16ct), $7, available at Target
We're digging this Pantone paint swatch version of the traditional pine tree card.
Minted Paint Swatch Tree (25-pack), $65, available at Minted
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Phone, wallet, keys, and lipstick: The mantra of many a millennial woman. Beyond those four basics, however, every woman has a few necessities that might seem just plain weird. InSpill It, we ask influential women to share everything that's in their bag — embarrassing, enlightening, and otherwise. Here, singer Kim Petras opens up her Dior bag to share her beauty and tour essentials.
When 25-year-old singer Kim Petras is touring, she needs three main things: hydrating skin care, plane entertainment for herself and her crew, and a certain $5,000 item that she likes to bring onstage with her every night.
In this episode of Spill It, the singer behind the sugary pop hits "I Don't Want It At All" and "Heart to Break" shares her everyday essentials, from a Dior foundation that makes you look photoshopped IRL to the glossy highlighter she swipes on her eyelids and cheeks. Watch above as she empties out her bag, sharing every high-end item (her idol is Paris Hilton, after all).
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Bailing last-minute on plans is simultaneously the worst and best feeling in the world. We love doing it because it means we can stay in, be lazy, cozy up, and save ourselves from going out into the winter cold. But we also hate it because canceling on friends is a crummy move. Do it often and your inner circle will label you “the flaky one” behind your back, and it won’t be anyone's fault but your own.
The solution? Host a low-key girls’ night in — it’ll satiate your desires to stay in and be social. Think of it as an old-fashioned slumber party with a grown-up twist (minus the actual sleepover part). All you have to do is tidy up the home and gather some fun supplies and activities — of course, we just so happen to have 10 staying-in essentials ahead, like cozy Cuddl Duds layers, rejuvenating face masks, a tarot deck, and more. Then order delivery and get a round of gossip going — you’re in for a different kind of wild night.
Make it a before-and-after group selfie moment with an exfoliating face mask.
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask, $44, available at Sephora
Get yourself a candle that will make your apartment smell as sweet as dessert.
Maison Labiche Blue Leopard Candle, $55, available at Nordstrom
Pull over a warm henley that’s so soft and stretchy it wears like second skin. This one is slim-fit and easy to wear tucked into high-waisted lounge pants.
Cuddl Duds Softwear with Stretch Ribbed Long Sleeve Henley, $32, available at Cuddl Duds
Host the kind of (baking) gathering where the girls can have their cake and eat it too.
Momofuku Milk Bar All About Cake, $16.04, available at Amazon
This fruity white cider comes as a handy four-pack.
Wölffer Estate Wölffer No. 139 Dry White Cider, $15.99, available at Wolffer Estate
Chances are this 1,000-piece puzzle of the famed Met Cloisters artwork won’t be completed in one night — which means another gathering is in order soon.
The official “girls’ night in” uniform requires stretchy pants, and this cozy pair is doubly luxurious with its plush velour texture. Wear it with an oversized sweatshirt or a flowy house dress.
Cuddl Duds Double Plush Velour Legging, $36, available at Cuddl Duds
These depuffing under-eye patches are a perfect and mess-free way to unwind after a busy week.
Peace Out Puffy Under-Eye Patches, $25, available at Sephora
What questions do you and your girlfriends have for the universe? Ask them all with a tarot card deck.
ADAMJK ADAMJK OK Tarot Card Deck, $30, available at Urban Outfitters
A group movie night isn’t complete without a fuzzy throw blanket. This is an ideal plan for couch potatoes of all stripes.
World Market Leopard Print Faux Fur Throw Blanket, $59.99, available at World Market
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Being indecisive isn’t a crime, but it does make shopping more difficult during the holiday season. You totally judged your friends who made nine-page wish lists for their parents back in the day, but now you know: Having someone tell you exactly what they want (right down to the retailer and pricing) makes the whole process that much easier. Unfortunately, when we ask the ones we love what they want, all we get are coy responses like "whatever you think is best" and "oh, you don't have to get me anything." Luckily, we’ve got a plan.
The key to shopping for the indecisive gift recipient, or simply the long-distance relative you haven’t seen since you were five, is advent calendars. No, not the ones that have chocolate inside (although those are great, too) — we’re talking about the luxe, make-you-feel-rich-for-less boxes that house several deluxe beauty products, from perfume to skin care to makeup. Just one advent calendar can provide up to 25 gifts that your dearest friends and family will never get tired of.
Ahead, the best beauty advent calendars everyone is shopping this season. But hurry — they're selling out, fast.
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.
Does your best friend have a secret obsession with Reddit's SkincareAddiction subreddit? If the answer is yes, they'll love this calendar packed with 12 prestige essentials from various best-selling (and pricey) brands, like a mini SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum and Omorovicza Balancing Moisturizer.
Skinstore 12 Miracles of Beauty, $69, available at SkinStore
Forget advent calendar: This is a vault of best-sellers, including four highlighters, six eyeshadows, and 14 lipsticks. Whether you gift it all to one person or split up the goodies inside for stocking stuffers, you'll no doubt be the favorite at this year's gift exchange. But act fast — it's on sale and bound to fly out of stock.
NYX Professional Makeup Sugar Trip 24 Days Of Beauty Advent Calendar, $38.5, available at Ulta Beauty
If you know someone who suffers from nail-polish fatigue, gift them this mountain of fancy options. The festive box houses 21 different polish colors in every finish you can imagine — including, but not limited to, glitter, crème, and metallic.
Ciaté Mini Mani Month Nail Set, $59, available at Sephora
For the pal who travels often, but rarely takes her beauty routine with her, there's this set of 12 skin and makeup necessities, including brushes, eyeshadow, and a face mask. It'll fit comfortably in a carry-on and won't upset TSA.
LimeLife Holidozen Collection, $98, available at LimeLife
Getting invited to your college roommate's wedding in Italy sounds like a vacation until you realize you have to fit half of your wardrobe into a suitcase — including your entire beauty routine. Thankfully, Oribe has you covered with this complete hair-care kit, which includes everything from shampoo to conditioner to the cult-favorite Dry Texture Spray.
Oribe The Collector's Set, $285, available at Oribe
The friend who heads south the second it snows will love this sun-friendly skin-care set. Open each box to reveal a best-selling Supergoop! formula to treat skin whether you're on a yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean or stuck on the slushy streets of New York.
Supergoop! 7 Days of Supergoop! Advent Calendar, $125, available at Supergoop!
Facials are expensive, but this advent calendar isn't. For just under $70, you can score a peel, two cleansers (oil and foam), a toner, three lotions, one mask, plus a serum, oil, and essence. Can you say instantmedicine-cabinet upgrade?
AMOREPACIFIC 12 Days of Essential Beauty, $65, available at Sephora
Finally, that Costco membership will come in handy for more than buying frozen pizza in bulk. Gift this 12-piece set of Essie's best-selling polishes (in six minis and six full-size bottles) to the bestie who has a standing mani appointment every Sunday. She — and her bank account — will thank you.
Essie Essie Advent Calendar, $53.99, available at Costco
Nearly $500 is a lot to spend on one gift — especially an advent calendar — but hey, if you have the cash to spare, you can mark all the people off your list at once with 15 mini candles, seven fragrances, and two body products.
Susanne Kaufmann makes some of the most luxurious bath cocktails to ever hit the market. We'd recommend gifting this one to yourself — just think of how many relaxing, de-stressing tub soaks you'll need after spending a week with your parents.
Susanne Kaufmann Gold Holiday Calendar, $235, available at Net-A-Porter
Rarely do we find friends who still swear by a good ol' soap-and-water skin-care routine — but, believe us, they exist. If you've got one, get them this hexagonal box of Elemis' best-selling cleansers and moisturizers. It'll give them a multitude of different ways to cleanse, and a few new ways to hydrate, to boot.
Elemis Holiday Advent Calendar, $215, available at Elemis
Looking for a gift that actually stays within your budget? This under-$50 set of best-selling perfumes and rollerballs from Tocca won't disappoint.
Tocca Ten Days of Tocca Gift Set, $50, available at Sephora
For the friend who wants to revamp their entire routine, but doesn't know where to start, there's this Net-A-Porter gift set. Made for people who prefer the finer things in life, inside you'll find 25 top-rated beauty products from luxury brands like Oribe, Le Labo, and Sunday Riley.
Net-A-Porter 25 Days of Beauty, $208, available at Net-A-Porter
How to please the friend who just studied abroad in Paris and suddenly wants to be a fashion journalist? Balmain's Paris Hair Couture Calendar. Tell them it includes French hair-care must-haves most people can't find in the States and we swear they'll weep.
Net-A-Porter 10 Day Balmain Gift Calendar 2018, $270, available at Net-A-Porter
Your Secret Santa gift exchange just got a whole lot easier: Not only is this present good for 25 days, but it also includes over $179 worth of products for $89. Now, you can stay within the pre-approved price limit and feel like you're treating your work wife to something she really deserves.
Rituals The Ritual of Advent Exclusive Calendar, $89, available at Rituals
This advent calendar is fit for the roommate with a wandering eye... for your perfumes. Fragrances are expensive and you'll have to replace your signature Clementine California Cologne sooner than you expect if she keeps spritzing her wrists every morning after you leave for work. The solution: Atelier Cologne's set of 24 minis. Split it with her, and she'll have 12 mini fragrances to last her well into 2019.
Atelier Cologne Discovery Advent Calendar, $49, available at Sephora
Not everyone wants to hoard miniature beauty products they'll never use. Luckily, this advent calendar features 14 full-size products that cover bath, body, and skin care.
The Body Shop 25 Days of the Enchanted Ultimate Advent Calendar, $225, available at The Body Shop
For when your inbox can't possibly handle another message from your aunt requesting yet another night cream to top her vanity...
Clarins Advent Calendar Set, $60, available at Nordstrom
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Maybe you live for the Holidays. Maybe the thought of getting stuck at the "kids" table yet again, or caught talking to that kooky aunt, boils your blood. Or, maybe you just fall somewhere in the " eh " shoulder-shrugging neutral zone. Whatever your feelings may be on these frantic and festive times, we've got a little something up our sleeves that we hope might up the general merriment factor. Hear us out on this genius holiday cure-all: Jell-O shots.
Part 1950s delicacy, part rowdy college dorm-party appetizer (?) — these gelatinous cocktails are a surefire way to bring the kumbaya to any forced family get-together. Easy to customize and whip up, you can surprise your brood with a tray of creamy eggnog shots. Or get the whole gang involved in crafting some jiggly (and boozy) gingerbread people.
Yes, these recipes and more exist. So click on for some holiday-survival inspiration — and maybe even to spread a little holly, jolly cheer while you're at it.
Layered Holiday Jello Shots A tray of festive Jell-O shots is just a few layered holiday colors and your favorite liquor away.
Photo: Courtesy of Tip Buzz.
Gingerbread People Jell-O Shots These gingerbread people may look innocent enough — but believe us, they pack a punch (keep them away from the kiddos).
In our seriesSalary Stories, women with long-term career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions, and job loss, with the hope it will give young women more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.
Additionally, we are joining forces with SoFi for the next few months to bring you career tips and coaching. We got the low-down from SoFi's career coaches who recommend:
Updating your résumé? Include relevant key words for the role and industry you're applying for so it stands out to the bots and hiring managers alike.
Been in the workforce for at least eight years and interested in contributing your salary story?Submit your information here.
Age: 27 Current Location: Portland, OR Current Industry & Title: Semiconductor Industry, Operations Manager Starting Salary: $60,000 in 2014 Current Salary: $89,000 + quarterly bonuses (0.5%) + annual bonus (1%) Number Of Years Employed: 8 Biggest Salary Jump: $30,000 in 2014 Biggest Salary Drop: None. Biggest Salary Negotiation Regret: "Not negotiating a higher starting salary and sign-on bonus when I was offered a permanent position at the company where I had a paid internship. I had no sense of what a typical starting salary was for my position, and I thought what they initially offered me was fair for someone fresh out of college. Now that I'm a part of the recruiting process for our group, I regret not negotiating for more or asking them for a sign-on bonus! If an employer makes you an offer, they will do what it takes so they don’t lose a strong candidate!" Best Salary-Related Advice: "I’ve learned that you have to take control of your own salary negotiations because, while other people may open up opportunities, no one is always going to advocate or prioritize you. It’s important for me to make my expectations clear and reflect on what I want to do and where I see myself in the future."
"I was a college sophomore when I started as an intern making $13/hour. I still had about 18 months until graduation, so my boss offered me a salaried internship that paid $30,000 and allowed me to go to school full-time and continue working.
"It was really hard, but I was able to work 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Monday through Friday and go to school 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There were some semesters where I would go to school all day for two days a week and then work longer hours the three days that I was in the office. I definitely had no social life, but I knew what the outcome was and I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. And that was motivating for me. Eventually, this evolved into a permanent offer."
"When I got the permanent offer from the company where I had been an intern, I didn't negotiate the salary or ask for a sign-on bonus. I asked for a starting salary of $60,000, they agreed, plus I was eligible for the standard company bonus structure of quarterly bonuses of 0.5% and an annual bonus of 1%.
"Looking back, I didn’t give myself enough credit. I was bringing a lot of knowledge to the position, and I didn’t really realize that there were so many other avenues of requesting more money, like a sign-on bonus. I wasn’t really confident in my skill set."
"I received a $5,000 raise during our annual review cycle. My job title did not change, but my role increased in scope, as I was supporting additional teams, thus warranting a bigger raise than the average 3%. My bonus structure remained the same (0.5% quarterly bonuses and a 1% annual bonus).
"There was no clear review process in this role. My boss wasn't someone who was interested in talking about career development. Essentially, HR just gave me a letter letting me know the amount of the increase I was receiving.
"Looking back, I don’t think I felt I needed to request more because it was my first review so I didn’t know what to expect. Everyone tells you the typical raise is 3% year over year, and this was over 3% so I thought I was doing okay. I think that was my biggest downfall. I was also in a position where my role wasn’t clearly defined. I just didn’t feel confident in negotiating more.
"I regret this because if I had spoken up and said I deserved more, I don’t think they would have argued with it. But at the time I didn’t feel like I had the data behind me to support asking for more."
"My title changed to better align with what I actually did for the company, and I got a $7,000 raise during our annual review cycle, though my bonus structure remained the same (0.5% quarterly bonuses and a 1% annual bonus). My old boss left, and I got a new manager halfway through the year.
"My new manager restructured the team and as a result I was picking up a lot more tasks. I was able to build a relationship with my manager and show that I was capable of doing more work outside of my current role.
"I was being considered to receive a grade promotion, which meant I'd have a more senior role. But my manager's manager ultimately decided that I was 'too junior,' and I was told they would reconsider me next year.
"I was disappointed because I felt like I was doing more than what my current job description entailed. I was supporting not just my own manager but other teams and managers. I also felt that this decision was almost ageist. I was new to the company but my manager said I was doing well and deserved a great promotion, so to be told that it was a little 'too soon' made me feel defeated and not as motivated. My biggest regret was not going back and requesting my promotion be reevaluated."
"I finally received a grade promotion and a title change to Operations Manager. My bonus structure remained the same (0.5% quarterly bonuses and a 1% annual bonus). I continued to expand my job scope by supporting more teams and building my skill set and breadth of knowledge to multiple parts of the organization, I became a 'Jill of All Trades.'
"I regret not negotiating a higher raise as I started to feel like I was being underpaid compared to my colleagues in the same position, but I didn't speak up because I was the youngest person in my group, and I didn't feel confident enough to argue for more.
"I learned that, with review cycles, each manager is given a certain amount of money and has to parse it around to their team. So I was happy about the promotion but the dollar increase didn’t feel in line with the grade promotion. I regret not going back to ask for more.
"I’m learning every year the intricacies and nuances of the review cycle and how to use it in your favor. As women, we tend to not stick up for ourselves and not ask for more. We hope that people will recognize what we’re doing and say we deserve more. But we have to actively advocate for ourselves."
"I received a $2,000 raise during our annual review cycle. This one stung a lot. I was very close to my manager, and he would lean on me to assess staff reviews and team performance. This was also the first year where I didn’t focus 100% of my energy on my manager as I was supporting other managers as well.
"I think this kind of hurt because he didn't look at it from a data-driven perspective, he looked at it as more: 'Did she do everything I asked for?' It was hard because I wasn’t expecting this low of a raise, considering everything I’ve done for the company. I had always been told I would be taken care of, and it didn’t seem like that was the case this year.
"Unfortunately, I also had more information than ever about the annual review cycle as I knew more of the process than my own manager. I had to help him input my coworkers evaluations, including raises, promotions, and stocks, as well as trade-offs, which also meant watching my own raise dwindle as we strived to stay within budget.
"I'd been performing at my highest and supporting senior management, but my direct manager didn't take their feedback into consideration. I had a great relationship with my direct manager, but after this revealing review cycle, I made the decision to start leveraging my network so I could find a new position where I would thrive and be valued."
"This was a lateral move, I didn’t change grade level or position I just changed teams. It wasn't an official promotion, but I did get a salary increase. My bonus structure remained the same (0.5% quarterly bonuses and a 1% annual bonus).
"Over the past two years, I've been mentored by a more senior operations manager. I met with him on a weekly basis to review operational issues I've encountered, and over the course of our working relationship I've been able to build trust with him while showing off my skill set. Because of the guidance of my mentor and the initiative I’d taken, another manager asked me to come run his organization. Now, I’m working on operations for a team of 130 instead of 20.
"While a team change does not always result in a raise or promotion, twice a year HR does an assessment to make sure everyone is being paid at market rate. Basically, the company evaluated my salary and compared it to industry standards, and I received a pay equity adjustment. (I always had a gut feeling I was being paid less than I should have been, but I had no solid data to support this.)
I transitioned to the new team and got the pay increase a week after my 27th birthday!
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Welcome to Unfiltered, where we give our honest, no-B.S. reviews of the most buzzed-about beauty products, brands, and services on the market right now.
Long gone are the days when bloggers were relegated to Instagram and YouTube. Now, they're the loudest voices influencing makeup brands, oftentimes collaborating with companies on curated collections. Among the most sought-out content creators is YouTube royalty Patrick Starrr, who was tapped by MAC Cosmetics last year to release not just one collection, but five throughout 2018.
After giving us tropical packaging and jet-setter kits, Starrr and MAC have reached their fifth and final collection. The release is a red, sparkly holiday lineup titled "Patrick Starrr Slay Ride" that includes an array of makeup goodies from glitter lip gloss to a setting powder.
Being that it's the last to come from the union of the mega-influencer and MAC cosmetics, we wanted to give it a try. So, we asked a handful of R29 staffers to test out the products from Starrr's newest holiday release and share their unfiltered opinions. Warning: Just like all the other MAC holiday collections, this one is already selling out. So, you might want to add it to your holiday shopping list now and figure out who to gift it to later — or, better yet, keep it for yourself.
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.
Product Tested: Matte Lipstick in Slay Ride and Pigment in Omiguad Its Gold
"I forgot how good MAC lipsticks could be. For the last few years, I have been using liquid lip formulas exclusively, but when I smoothed on this red, it all came flooding back to me. This is why Ruby Woo is a best seller. The formula glides on smooth and looks flawless in photos. It’s far less drying than my go-to liquid lip, and it still lasted all day. This red is a little deeper than what I usually go for, which feels appropriate for cranberry season."
MAC Cosmetics X Patrick Star Lipstick, $19.5, available at MAC Cosmetics
"As someone who is a total klutz when it comes to eyeshadow, I had so many questions when I opened this loose pigment. Mainly: How do I get it to stay on my eyelids? I decided to use a bit of concealer first and then dipped my brush directly in the pot. As I began to dab the product on my lids, what looked like chunks of glitter in the packaging melted into a smooth, metallic powder. The gunmetal shade is perfect if you can't decide between gold or silver. And although some claim pigments are for the advanced makeup fans, I think this one is foolproof."
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Pigment , $23, available at MAC Cosmetics
Products Tested: Oh, Holy Eyes Eyeshadow Palette, Dazzleglass in Ride My Sleigh, and Patrick's Powder
"I ended up with a surprisingly natural look after using all the bold colors in this holiday collection. After swiping on the bronze and gold shadows from the eyeshadow palette, I was left with a slightly metallic smoky eye."
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Eye Shadow x 6 / Oh, Holy Eyes, $33, available at MAC Cosmetics
"Although this Dazzleglass looks like a vibrant red, glittery lip gloss in the tube, it actually comes out more like a shimmery lip gloss with a slightly pink tinge. My one complaint is that it's quite gloopy, so putting too much on meant no eating or drinking for several hours, which is just unacceptable in my world."
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Dazzleglass , $18.5, available at MAC Cosmetics
"My favorite among the products I tried was this setting powder. To be honest, I've been using the same powder for so long that the label has rubbed off, and I no longer have any idea what brand it's from. So, this was a bit of a revelation. All my shine instantly vanished, and I love how the applicator is a little puff, which is much nicer than the crumbled old piece of foam I've been using for years now. Consider my life changed."
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Set Powder, $39.5, available at MAC Cosmetics
Products Tested: Smoky Sleigh Eyeshadow Palette and Dazzleglass in Santa Got Moneyyy
"I always go for eyeshadows that pack a punch. The fewer swipes it takes to put it on, the better — and this was the best. With just one swipe of my finger, my entire lid was covered in the teal shade. I applied the silver on the inner corners in an attempt to open up my eyes (accomplished), and then blended the brown shade on the outer lid and crease. The best part? It didn't budge. I know what makeup look I'll be wearing for New Year's Eve when my shenanigans take me past midnight. Now to find a dress to match..."
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Eye Shadow x 6 / Smoky Sleigh, $33, available at MAC Cosmetics
"I love lip gloss, like really love. But I was a little intimidated by all the gold sparkle in this formula. Luckily, it went on as a super shiny, sheer nude gloss. Whew. Although the finish was worthy of selfies, the formula was way too sticky for my taste, and I had to remove it after just three minutes. If high shine is your goal and sticky doesn't bother you, then it's worth snagging."
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Dazzleglass , $18.5, available at MAC Cosmetics
Product Tested: Matte Lipstick in Spank Me Santa and Mineralize Skinfinish in Baby Its Gold Outside
"You can’t really tell that I'm wearing highlighter in this photo, but I promise I am! I used this powder along my cheekbones since the gold tones felt more flattering as a highlighter. It’s a super sheer powder, so if you want that Patrick Starrr bling, I suggest layering it on or wetting your brush before you apply. I lightly dusted it on, so my skin had a subtle glow in the natural sunlight."
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Mineralize Skinfinish , $39.5, available at MAC Cosmetics
"Forget the holidays, I love this lipstick to wear every single day. It’s a brownish rose color that reminds me of one of my all-time favorite MAC shades called Whirl. It's the perfect understated nude, so I’d probably pass on wearing it for glitzier holiday occasions, but I totally recommend having a color like this in your collection — especially if you have brown skin!"
MAC x PATRICKSTARRR Lipstick, $19.5, available at MAC Cosmetics
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