Welcome to the first week of joyful movement. While we encourage you to find and stick to activities that you truly enjoy, we’ve compiled a 21-day guide to help you figure out what that could actually entail.
Each day, we suggest an activity, workout, or class to try that you might be into. If you come across something that’s too advanced or not your taste, just skip it. This program is about discovering what you like and challenging your beliefs about what your body can and can’t do.
Throughout the week, we’ve also worked in “rest days,” which are exactly what they sound like. They’re days when you should take a break and reflect on the activities you did earlier in the week. What surprised you, what bored you, and what would you try again? Could these activities be classified as "joyful movements" for you? Then there are your "free days" sprinkled throughout the week, which are there for you to pick any activity you’d like to do.
Here are the first week of exercise suggestions. On Sunday, January 6, we’ll be releasing the second week of activity ideas. Enjoy — really!
Joyful Movement is part of Clean Slate, Refinery29’s 21-day course filled with new ways to think about food, exercise, and stress relief. Sign up here to get nutritious recipes, fun physical activities, and some suggestions to beat stress that don’t require meditation.
DAY 1
Take a long walk.
Start with something that feels manageable, like a 30-minute meditative walk outside or on a treadmill. Walking might feel basic, but it can have powerful mental health effects. Studies have shown that just a brisk, 10-minute walk is enough to improve your mood. Other studies suggest that walking can increase your creative output and possibly your memory, too. Bring a friend, your dog, a good podcast, or just your thoughts to help pass the time.
Illustrated by Richard Chance.
DAY 2
Try a barre class.
“Barre class ” often conjures up images of Lululemon-clad people pulsing in strange positions repeatedly while clutching a ballet barre — and that might not be your idea of “joy.” But, if you approach the repetitive, low-impact, full-body movements with an open mind, that might change your idea of the workout. At its core, barre is a dance-based workout, so embrace the graceful, freeing elements of the class. If there are no barre studios near where you live, or you don’t feel like venturing into a new studio, consider streaming an online class. Barre3 is a wonderful one to start with, because their classes emphasize mindfulness and are available online.
Illustrated by Richard Chance.
DAY 3
Rest.
Illustrated by Richard Chance.
DAY 4
Stretching.
Take a few minutes first thing in the morning to stretch your body and prepare for the day. Stretching is really like resetting your body or even giving yourself a massage; it can be as gentle or as intense as you want it to be. Start with the “World’s Greatest Stretch,” which is a series of six stretches that target all the major muscle groups in your body. You don’t need to be flexible to do these stretches, they’re just designed to increase your range of motion. Stretching plays a big role in your overall health, because it allows your muscles to train through their full range of motion, and corrects muscular imbalances.
Illustrated by Richard Chance.
DAY 5
Free day.
Do literally whatever you want. Some of us might balk at this idea, but remember, exercise doesn’t have to be difficult, grueling, or structured for it to “count.” Need some ideas? Think about the types of activities you used to find fun as a kid — such as playing kickball, doing gymnastics, or swimming — are there ways you can recreate these activities at home, a local gym, or community center?
Illustrated by Richard Chance.
DAY 6
Rest.
Illustrated by Richard Chance.
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If holiday gifting has all but drained your bank account (and taken your energy with it), consider Sephora's birthday freebie announcement the shot of Nespresso pick-me-up you need right about now. The beauty HQ has just dropped its annual birthday rewards offer — available to all members of the Beauty Insider club — and the 2019 gifts are incredible.
The free sets are broken down by tier. All members get the choice between two bundles — a skin-care duo from Drunk Elephant or a Kat Von D 3-pack of makeup — with a third gift option available exclusively to VIB and Rouge cardholders. You can make your choice at the local Sephora store or online during your birthday month.
Scroll through to check out the totally free perks of being a loyal Sephora shopper — and let the birthday countdown begin.
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In 2019, members of all three program tiers – that's Insider, VIB, and Rouge – may choose a free gift during their birthday month. One of the gift options is this mini set from Drunk Elephant, which includes both the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser (the full-size tube retails for $34) and the Protini Polypeptide Cream (a replenishing moisturizer that ordinarily sells for $68 in full size).
Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, $34, available at Sephora
Drunk Elephant Protini™ Polypeptide Cream, $68, available at Sephora
If you find yourself running low on the makeup essentials around your birthday — like eyeliner or setting powder — this Kat Von D set of three may be more up your alley. You'll get the Lock-It translucent setting powder, which feels like velvet on the skin and keeps makeup in place for hours, plus a sampler palette of the Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick and a Tattoo eyeliner pen.
Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder, $15, available at Sephora
Kat Von D Studded Kiss Crème Lipstick, $19, available at Sephora
For VIB and Rouge members, there's also a surprise freebie option. The third gift will rotate throughout the year, changing each birthday month. For January babies, the set is a Milk Makeup duo — a silver tube of CBD mascara and a mini Cooling Water serum stick.
And the choice doesn’t stop there for the most loyal Sephora clients, VIB and Rouge members may opt to add 250 bonus points to their accounts in lieu of the free birthday gift — though this trio of gift options would be tough to turn down.
Milk Makeup KUSH High Volume Mascara, $12, available at Sephora
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Mini, $14, available at Sephora
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The entire holiday season — basically the whole month of December and the countless cranberry vodkas that came with it — was a tolerance buildup to the culmination that is New Year's Eve. And now that we've reached the other side — Welcome to 2019! — it's pretty likely that right about now you're facedown in your pillow, thinking: "I'm never drinking again."
If your plan is to stay in your pajamas all day and nurse your hangover by avoiding all contact with the outside world, it's also a great time to give your skin a little extra TLC. We tapped our favorite celebrity estheticians and skin-care pros to break down exactly how to cure hangover skin, so you can roll into work tomorrow with bright eyes and dewy c omplexion.
Ahead, find the five simple steps to reversing hangover face under the comfort of your covers — plus foolproof skin-care tricks to get you through every long night of 2019.
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When you look in the mirror and notice puffiness or sagging, step one is to start massaging. Celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank says Madonna'sMDNA Skin Beauty Roller is the créme de la créme of at-home sculpting devices. (He's a consultant for the brand.)
But if you don't have the trendy $200 device in your bathroom cabinet, you can use any jade roller (pop it in the freezer for a few minutes for a cooling effect) or even just your fingers. Dr. Frank tells us that the primary goal is to energize and lift the skin by promoting lymphatic drainage (aka de-puffing).
Angela Caglia La Vie En Rose Face Roller, $65, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
After your massage, grab the nearest exfoliating mask and set the timer for 15 minutes. "Exfoliation usually acts as a mini facial," explains celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas, who recommends this mask from her own line. "This one will give your skin an instant glow, evening out any splotchy pigmentation and reducing inflammation."
Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask, $75, available at Joanna Vargas
After rinsing and dabbing your face with a towel, now's a good time to give your skin a quick once-over with a hydrating face mist or an essence. "Not only does this feel refreshing," explains Dr. Frank. "But it will visibly restore the skin's moisture levels, rebalancing the overall tone."
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea, $7, available at Ulta Beauty
Whether it was the champagne tower or the 20 minutes of total REM sleep you logged last night, your puffy under eyes might be displaying a lovely swirl of blues and purples. To firm and brighten bags, Dr. Frank recommends using cooling eye gels, like these gold ones from MZ Skin, which take down inflammation instantly.
If you don't have eye gels on hand, Vargas says you can actually sub in chamomile tea. "Steep the tea bags in hot water, take them out until they cool, and put one on each eye for 10 minutes," she instructs. "It's a little DIY trick that will have you looking refreshed and de-puffed."
MZ Skin Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Treatment Mask, $106, available at Neiman Marcus
Like a Gatorade for your skin, a moisturizing mask will help infuse some welcome hydration into your face. Vargas recommends picking up a formula with avocado, or DIY-ing one at home. "It has lots of B vitamins and fatty acids, which will keep skin hydrated, even when you're hungover and braving the bone-dry winter weather," she says.
This new mask from Glow Recipe is a great pick because it's packed with nourishing avocado additives to bounce your skin back to health while you sleep (all day).
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask, $45, available at Sephora
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Winter dressing can be tricky. The harsh elements inspire us to stay indoors, bundled up in something oversized and cozy, re-reading Lolita and sipping hot chocolate. Alas, that's not really how things work in the real world. Instead, every morning we're expected to climb out of bed and curate an outfit that's both weather appropriate and cute. Sounds impossible, right? It was — that is, until turtleneck sweater dresses came into our lives and turned winter dressing on its head.
The best sweater dresses combine the comfort of a chunky turtleneck with the effortless style of a knit dress (all hail a two-for-one style hack!). Throw on a pair of knee high snakeskin boots for a dressed-up take or go the casual route with chunky sneakers and a fun pair of socks. Whatever you do, don't let winter pass you by without giving one of these hygee dresses a try.
Next time you're stuck staring at your closet wondering how to possibly make 26 degrees look remotely chic, consider the 16 turtleneck sweater dresses ahead.
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We appreciate you might be feeling a little delicate today, but if you have a hangover we do hope it was worth it.
Whatever you got up to last night, hopefully, you weren't glued to your phone for the whole time – in which case you may have missed how the mega-famous spent New Year's Eve 2018, and we wouldn't want that now, would we?
So, to ease you into 2019 gently we've scoured Instagram for some of the most excellent and entertaining New Year's Eve posts. From Taylor Swift's amazing costume party to Cardi B's Australian antics to Miley Cyrus and her great big 2019 balloons: Take a look at how these very famous people rang in 2019. And remember that when it comes to hangovers, there's nothing a decent plate of carbs and a gallon of sparkling water can't fix. Happy New Year!
This is how the Beckhams do NYE (hint: stylishly)
We love you Drew but you are NEVER too old to go clubbing.
Demi Lovato gave thanks and set her intention for the new year.
Cardi B may have been performing in Australia on New Year's Eve, but she didn't let that stop her from getting a celebration in...to someone else's hit song!
Kylie Jenner showed off her new blue hair with Jordyn Woods.
Heidi Klum's family went all out on decor.
Um, we did exactly what Elizabeth Banks did for NYE.
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Shay Mitchell bid farewell to 2018 with a series of photos on Instagram from her year. But, it wasn’t without its hardships. For the first time, Mitchell publicly shared some heartbreaking news with her fans: she suffered a miscarriage.
“Last year...I miscarried and lost the child of hopes and dreams,” she wrote in an Instagram story. Alongside her words, she shared an image of a sonogram, with a broken heart emoji.
About 25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, with most occurring within the first trimester. Miscarriage is common, but it’s not something that is talked about in discussions about reproductive health, as Refinery29 editor-in-chief Christene Barberich explained in an essay about her struggle with conceiving. Michelle Obama opened up about her fertility issues in her new book, while This Is Usaddressed Kate’s IVF treatments this season. The more miscarriage is brought to the forefront, the more the stigma can be removed.
Mitchell reminded her fans that, in spite of a picturesque Instagram account, everyone is going through something. “So, for 2019, let's all try to be a little more compassionate, empathetic, patient and thoughtful with each other.
Photo: Courtesy of @shaymitchell.
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Priscilla Ono is a world-class makeup artist with a roster of celebrity clients, but even she has struggled to find the perfect base shade. "I've had to mix eyeshadow and orange lipstick into foundations because it wasn't the right tone," she says, gesturing to her expansive makeup kit. "I'm a makeup artist and I can make it work, but there are people out there who can't. They aren't wearing the right color, but it's not their fault. There wasn't a color for them!"
Ono, who serves as Fenty Beauty's Global Makeup Artist (and is a longtime friend and makeup artist to Rihanna), says that when the brand launched with 40 shades of foundation in September of 2017, it created a wave of change within the beauty industry. Nine months later, Dior, CoverFX, CoverGirl, Flesh, and other brands launched their own inclusive foundation ranges. Just like that, the "Fenty Effect " was born.
And now, just hours into 2019, Rihanna already has her sights set on disrupting another major makeup category. On January 11th, Fenty Beauty will release the brand's first concealer in 50 shades — a landmark moment for the beauty industry.
"It's super pigmented, so a little goes a long way and it has this really gorgeous soft matte finish so you're not going to get oily or greasy," Ono says of the brand's new Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer, which will retail for $26. "Rihanna is all about skin looking like skin; she never wants skin to look makeup-y, and this concealer is really the essence of that."
The concealer unveiling will coincide with the launch of eight new setting powders (Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder, $32) and two new brushes (Powder Puff Setting Brush, $34, and Precision Concealer Brush, $26). The brand will also be extending its original foundation range from 40 to 50 shades.
"There are so many people with very unique undertones," says Ono. "For example, Slick Woods, one of our models, has a very unique olive undertone and we needed that perfect foundation to match her. We made a color just for her: She's 345."
Each shade of the new concealer range will exactly match one of the 50 Fenty Beauty foundation shades. "If you're 240 in foundation, you're 240 in concealer," Ono says. "And if you want a lighter concealer, you can go down a bit. I personally like a lighter under eye, so I always go two shades lighter there."
According to the brand, this is the second biggest Fenty launch since the line was first introduced to the world two years ago. And Ono says the 50 shades is unprecedented for the concealer category. When asked if she thinks the rest of the beauty world will follow in Fenty Beauty's footsteps again, Ono nods. "There's this huge market they're not tapping; they may be doing it for dollars, but they're also doing it because, why not? [They] want everyone to wear their stuff!"
We had the opportunity to test the concealer first when Ono visited the Refinery29 offices last month. Check out the video below to see Ono demonstrate it on a range of skin tones.
Here Are The New Fenty Concealers!
Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Concealer, $26, available January 11th at Sephora and Harvey Nichols.
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“For my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom is as great...You have no power over me.” - Sarah, Labyrinth, 1986
I have a good feeling about 2019. I have a good feeling about it for single women. We have a good one coming, full of optimism and accomplishment. And when we start talking this way, it’s assumed we’re referring to our relationship status. But I’m not. I don’t think 2019 is the year I’m going to “ meet someone.” I do think, however, that 2019 is the year people will stop saying insensitive things to us on the topic. I will see to it.
There are things single women will no longer tolerate hearing in 2019. Call it cancelling if you want, but I prefer to think of it as a more epic death, something befitting the decades of winces and nod-and-smile suffering we’ve endured. I imagine killing these phrases as a medieval knight, Excaliburian sword driven through the heart of the offending utterance.
There are things single women will no longer tolerate hearing in 2019.
We will serve as educators. When you hear a dead phrase, just pause the conversation, and in a calm but firm tone, inform the offender that in this, the year of our internet 2019, there are things single women won’t hear anymore. It doesn’t mean we don’t love you, it doesn’t mean we don’t want to talk to you. It just means we want you to remove your head from your ass. Confused about the phrases that I’m referring to? They’re as follows:
Are you seeing anybody?
People often start conversations with me like this, not , “how’s life,” or “tell me what’s new,” or even “how are you,” the old Starlight mint of conversation. The first thing anyone wants to know about a single woman has to do with how close she is to not being single anymore. “Are you working on that problem of yours, single woman? I just want to check.” Nevermind the fact that it puts the focus on being single as a negative right from the jump, it’s also no one’s business. My suggestion? The next time someone asks it, ask them how their relationship is going. It’s the same shit.
It’ll happen when you aren’t looking.
Really? That’s the trick? Thank you, wise oracle, for advising me to stop doing things half the population advises me to do in favor of the nothing the other half swears by. What. The. Actual. Fuck. Kind. Of. Advice. Is. This. How are single women supposed to react to it? By telling a woman “it’ll happen when you aren’t looking,” you are by default heightening her senses to be “looking” at all times. In line for coffee, waiting at the dentist’s office, scooching out of the way of the kids who dance on the subway, everything. “Omg are you looking? Stop looking! You’ll never find him if you’re looking! Eyes on the ground, ma’am!” The people who say this are the same people who say “you’ll never meet anyone if you don’t try,” just on a different day of the week. Enough.
Please stop calling us a fictional word that sounds like a washing machine cycle from the '50s.
Spinster.
On the fire with it. Has there ever been a word that could so quickly dip a woman in dishwater? And it’s not just this word, it’s the motivation behind saying it. So much speak around being single implies failure and wrongness that I’m simply not having anymore. It never needed to be there at all. It’s shamemongering that corrals women into partnering up — and be quick about it — because you don’t want to end up like her, the spinster, do you? Please stop calling us a fictional word that sounds like a washing machine cycle from the '50s.
You’re too picky.
Am I? So you found your husband because why exactly? You weren’t? Did you marry the first schmo you got shitfaced with at a frat party? The first entry-level investment banker you met in the city? Your first right swipe? No, people (hopefully) marry the person they want to marry, the one who’s right for them. And simply because that person will enter our lives at a later point in time than for those already partnered, that doesn’t mean we should simply “take what we can get.” I’m too picky? Okay, were you picky enough? Hate that question? Then don’t tell single women we’re too picky because we’re not interested in what you think we’re too behind schedule not to settle for.
Did you marry the first schmo you got shitfaced with at a frat party? The first entry-level investment banker you met in the city? Your first right swipe? No, people (hopefully) marry the person they want to marry, the one who’s right for them.
Still.
“How are you still single?” I’m sorry, what was that modifier? This is one of those charming phrases wearing the mask of a compliment to hide the monster-esque insult behind it. “Still?” Again with the timelines! Who decides when a woman hasn’t done something soon enough so as to not be late? Does the March Hare’s mad pocket watch keep the metronome for coupling? A woman in her 20s is too young to wed, a woman in her 30s is too old. Pray tell, when precisely should a woman find love and marry it in order to avoid remarkably offensive language? The last week of her 29th year on earth? Thank you for this ample window. Care to toss us any other scraps? The couch as sleeping quarters on a group vacation perhaps?
I’m sure you’ll find someone.
Oh thank heavens, I was up to my neck with worry. The thing about insensitive things said to singles is that we didn’t ask for them to be said. So when someone tells me they’re sure I’ll “find” someone, a part of me wonders if they thought I thought I wouldn’t? There’s an implied lack of self-confidence in single women that is, quite honestly, bullshit. Just because I’m single and over 30 doesn’t mean I lack belief in myself or future. I think both have amazing potential, thanks. And I know it’s said with love. I know very often these are all said with love. And believe me, I wouldn’t bother correcting them if I didn’t love right back. In an absence of love, I’d just stop talking to people any time they used an offending phrase. But that sounds like far too lonely a life for me.
Just because I’m single and over 30 doesn’t mean I lack belief in myself or future. I think both have amazing potential, thanks.
Finally.
The thing about single women is that we stop being single sometimes. Sometimes we begin new, wonderful relationships, and that’s fantastic. But when that happens, if whatever timer has long since dinged, signaling that we’re overcooked, overdone, or just over, another maleficent modifier creeps in and paints our happiness with a sad blue tint. “Finally.” She’s finally found someone. She’s finally married. Never mind that whatever timeline you think she should be on was plucked from fiction and only serves to give you someone to gossip about when she can’t make it to brunch. Her timeline is her own, and you’re not going to dampen her joy by turning her happiness into a “yes, but” failure. Fuck your finally.
It is a new year, but for single women, I want a new world. I want our success and happiness and lives to carry equal validity and weight as they do for people doing the same things, just while coupled. A good start in my mind is changing the conversation, improving the perception, and ending the insults. You can’t say these things to me anymore. It’s inconsiderate, it’s hurtful, and it’s 2019.
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For the last 12 months, Ariana has used ink as a way to tell her life story. So it's really only fitting that in the final hours of 2018, she got inked one final time. And while we're a little sad this new body art isn't an ode to her pet piglet, Piggy Smallz, Grande did use this tattoo to send a more uplifting message going into 2019.
The new ink, which Grande showed off on her Instagram Story, reads "Let's Sing" in Japanese across her arm.
Since it's safe to say that 2018 was a year that taught Grande love, patience, pain, and then some, we're already hoping 2019 is much kinder to her — and we can't wait to see the tattoos that come along in the new year.
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If Thanksgiving is a holiday that centers on being thankful for what you have, then the new year is a celebration of half-assed attempts to acquire whatever it is that you don't. Hence why phrases like "getting organized" and "de-cluttering" tend to get tossed around a lot this time of year, right alongside similar sentiments about exercising more, "figuring your career out" (whatever that means), and not texting your scummy ex-boyfriend back anymore. It's all very festive, isn't it?
But while it's easy to get the motivation to tidy your space (not to mention your phonebook) in early January, what happens by the time April — or worse, September — rolls around? It's not your imagination: there's a reason you keep making the same resolutions year after year.
But don't despair in your desire for a clean and orderly space. There are strategies both physical and mental that you can put into place now to help ensure your hard work lasts into the spring and beyond. In fact, we asked six of the most organized people we know — as in, women who literally do this stuff for a living — for their tips on being tidy all year round, and they had plenty of thoughts. That's right, get ready to pick an entirely different resolution for 2020.
Visualize Your Ideal Lifestyle
Legendary organization guru Marie Kondo urges the importance of painting a picture for yourself. After all, if you don't know what you're aiming for, it can be hard to achieve it. “Think about what kind of house you want to live in and how you want to live in it. If you like drawing, sketch out what it looks like. If you prefer to write, describe it in a notebook. You can also cut out photos from magazines," she offers.
"When you imagine your ideal lifestyle, you are clarifying why you want to tidy and identifying the kind of life you want to live once you have finished. The tidying process thus represents a huge turning point in a person’s life. So seriously consider the ideal lifestyle to which you aspire – and let it be your guide throughout the year."
Paola Delucca
Schedule A Date (Or Two) To Get Organized By
Haya Kramer of Graylane Solutions, an interior design and professional organization firm, stresses the importance of getting your calendar involved in the process. "There are dates throughout the year to remind you and maybe even force you to get organized," she explains. "Use the changing seasons and the holidays as a mental marker to spend time sorting through your stuff. When the clock springs forward put a note on the calendar to switch over your wardrobe. Use that weekend to sort through your winter wardrobe and get rid of things you haven’t worn in over a year. Before thanksgiving approaches, set aside 2-4 hours to clean up your desk. Make piles – file, shred, pay. There is nothing more satisfying then going into a new season with an organized space and mind."
Paola Delucca
Make Tidying A Part Of Your Everyday Ritual
“Every night I take the time to put scattered items back into their places, but this only takes about ten minutes because I’ve already assigned every item a home. I even empty the contents of my handbag every day, letting each item rest in its designated place – my purse, keys, phone, everything – and I thank them for the work they did that day," shares Kondo.
Paola Delucca
...And Carve Out Real Time For Said Ritual
Even treasured rituals like a yoga practice or morning breakfast routine get lost in the shuffle sometimes, but it's important, says Lili Pettit of Clutter Healing, to make time in your schedule to clean and sort a little bit every day.
“I’d say the number one thing that anyone must implement to stay organized all year long is to make space for organizing in their daily, weekly, monthly and annual schedules. It sounds simple however, most people tend to put off creating a plan to maintain their homes. You can have all the best intentions in the world but without a plan to maintain your space it’s just not going to happen," she explains.
Paola Delucca
Figure Out Which Chores You'll Do On Which Days
Professional organizer Laura Cattano preaches the importance of figuring out a cleaning schedule to ensure all chores get done and spaces stay tidy. "Clean all sinks every day, take out all trash every day or every other day, dust one day, clean glass or mirrors another day, vacuum a few times a week (depending on the size of your space)," she suggests. "When your space is a little clean, you generally want to keep it clean, others will too. Having the main things clean like sinks and trash will give an overall feeling of a home being clean even if you haven't vacuumed in a while."
Paola Delucca
When You Purchase Something New, Get Rid Of Something Old
This is a hard one, especially for my fellow fashion and beauty hoarders, but Kramer makes a convincing argument for the importance of the "one-in, one-out" method. "Inevitably you are going to acquire new things — clothing, furniture, gadgets and gifts — throughout the year. And it’s easy to forget what you have accumulated," she says.
"I remind my clients that when you purchase something new make a conscious effort to throw away and/or donate something you haven’t used in over 10 months. Did you purchase a new outfit to ring in the New Year? Sort through your wardrobe and make piles — keep, toss and donate — of clothing which you never took off the tags or completely forget you owned. This is a way of checking in with yourself and being aware of what you are accumulating. By doing so it will also allow you to physically make space for the new things you’re buying in the new year."
Paola Delucca
Put Your Stuff Away
Even if you don't think you can commit to tossing something every time you get something new, you should at least find said new thing a proper home in your space, especially if it's an extra or a back-up of something else.
"Try to find a 'home' for things that don't need to be out 24/7. For example, you might own six sets of coasters but they don't all always need to be displayed. Pick your favorite and store the rest in the same spot so when you need more you know exactly where they are," explains Homepolish interior designer Haley Weidenbaum. "Just like wearing jewelry or clothing always take off one item before you leave the house and this same thought rings true for your home. You don't need all seven candles on the coffee table. Keep two on the table, store the rest for when these run out or even move them to unaccepted areas like the bathroom counter for added decor."
Paola Delucca
Get Tough On Entryway Clutter
"The entry of a home can become a dumping ground of coats, shoes, bags, etc. Identify what tends to pile up and create a system to deal with it and/or stop if from coming in in the first place," says Cattano.
"Add hooks so coats don't get thrown on the sofa or floor, as most people don't have large enough coat closets to hold their own coats plus guest coats. Use decorative hooks that look great on their own. If you must store shoes by the door, get a shoe cabinet that the shoes can be stored in without having to look at a pile of shoes or an open shoe rack. it doesn't even have to be a proper shoe cabinet, it can be any cabinet with shelves that shoes can be stored in. i've often used baskets under a bench for kids' shoes as they're not as precious as adults' shoes so piling them in a basket isn't going to damage the shoes."
Paola Delucca
Rethink Your Bathroom Routine
If a tiny bathroom jammed with too many products and gadgets is a problem for you, it may be time to get real about what you're actually using on your face, at least on a day-to-day basis. "Most people have way too many products. Before going through your things, think about what you actually need to be using on your face. Once you think about that, edit and sort you're items keeping in mind that products once opened and used don't last forever, especially make-up," Cattano explains.
"Then, rethink your storage. Seeing all of your beauty products out can make the space look and feel cluttered. If you have open shelving use small bins or baskets to hold your products and hide them in plain site. This trick makes cleaning the shelves easier as well as you don't have to take 100 things off the self, just a couple baskets. Medicine cabinets should only hold daily/weekly used items. Space shouldn't be wasted for medicine you may or may not use over the course of a season or a huge bottle of hydrogen peroxide when you get a cut."
Paola Delucca
Be Ruthless On That Closet Edit
Approach your closet the way you imagine the scariest fashion editor of your Devil Wears Prada -fueled dreams might a big-deal editorial shoot. Which is to say, purge ruthlessly.
“ Take stock of what you have. Do an edit! Get rid of things that don’t fit, are stained or unable to repair or don’t look good on you! Grab a friend, or pay an organizer or a stylist whose style you admire to help with the process," says Melanie Charlton of the closet organizing service Clos-ette.
Paola Delucca
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When black feels too dramatic and pink feels too soft and red seems too much, there is one nail color that never fails to disappoint: gray.
Gray is a color mostly widely associated with gloomy weather, spoiled meat, garbage cans, dust, and Florida retirement complexes. But never forget, it is also a color that can call to mind super-futuristic cities, skyscrapers, and the exteriors of modern art museums. That's why swiping the shade on your nails immediately gives you a modern and unexpected edge. It's minimalism at its best. Just ask Rihanna or Jennifer Lopez, who've been known to wear the shade regularly.
We make this plea to consider gray polish now because in the wintery months, gray nails are all the more versatile. Just think about it: Name a dark color — like maroon or black or dark green — that people love to wear this season that clashes with gray. You just can't. It's the chicest neutral.
Ahead, see our picks for the best not-gross-looking gray nail polishes, and consider your nail salon indecision canceled.
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.
Vegan and cruelty-free, this gray from Sundays strikes just the right balance — it's not so dark that it looks depressing and not so light that any slight chips are immediately noticeable. With a brush specially designed so each nail takes legitimately two strokes to cover, this polish lasted nearly two weeks on us without a single chip. Color us impressed.
When you start looking at all the different gray nail polishes that are out there in the universe, you start to notice quirks. Some lean towards lavender, while others brush up to blue. This one by Essie is more cool-toned, giving it a bluish, pewter finish.
Essie Nail Polish - Petal Pushers, $6.99, available at Target
If you're looking for a polish with a label attached, this gray from the Proenza Schouler x Lancôme collab is perfect for you. It's packaged in a sweet spherical bottle with that designer label right on top. Swipe one coat on and it's more lavender, with two coats really giving you that light gray color you're probably after.
Lancôme Proenza Schouler for Lancôme Le Vernis Nail Lacquer, $20, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Known for its long-lasting polishes and truly beautiful bottles, Smith & Cult has a single shade of gray called Subnormal that we swear by. Reach for it if you're stuck standing in front of all those polishes at the salon, completely unable to make a decision.
Smith & Cult Nail Polish - Subnormal, $18, available at Amazon
Deborah Lippmann's got a few different gray polishes we love, including her lovely Misty Morning that's a cool blue-gray, but this one, called Grey Day, remains our fave. Inspired by the designs of Jason Wu, it's the perfect neutral.
Deborah Lippmann Deborah Lippmann Grey Day, $17.54, available at Amazon
With salons throughout New York City, Austin, and L.A., Tenoverten specializes in non-toxic, cruelty-free polishes with a minimalist edge, so of course they've got a great gray.
Tenoverten Nail Polish - Oliver, $18, available at TENOVERSIX
You can never go wrong with Sally Hansen. With a formula that's got a base coat, nail strengthener, growth treatment, color, and a chip-resistant top coat packed inside, this shade called Grey Dreaming couldn't be better.
Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - Grey-Dreaming, $7.99, available at Ulta Beauty
With an impressively large number of polishes to its name, Zoya has plenty of grays to choose from, with finishes that vary from matte to sparkly. We've got a real soft spot for Tao, a cool smoke gray with a slight metallic finish that catches the light in just the right way.
Revlon 's polish remains best-in-class all these years later — with a chip-resistant formula that's effortlessly smooth. It's also mad cheap, ringing up for less than $5. We'll be wearing this gray shade, with a "French dip " of metallic glitter, for New Year's Eve.
Revlon Nail Enamel - Sophisticated, $3.97, available at Amazon
This cool-toned gray from Jin Soon, the brand behind the chicest salons in New York City, was inspired by the streets of Manhattan, sans the garbage and angry pigeons.
Between its shine and astounding staying power (we've seen it last for two whole weeks), this OPI polish is basically a gel manicure packed into a bottle. Couple that with the fact that it comes in a perfect dark gray named Steel Waters Run Deep — a pun! — and your at-home manicure may never be the same.
OPI Iconic Infinite Shine, $12.5, available at Ulta Beauty
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Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: a graduate research assistant and PhD student who makes $23,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on Spicy Nacho Doritos.
Occupation: Graduate Research Assistant and PhD Student Industry: Academia Age: 30 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Salary: $23,000
Monthly Expenses Rent: $475 (I live with one roommate in a two-bedroom house that we rent.) Student Loan Payment: Currently $0. I have $30,000 in debt from my previous degree, but payments are deferred while I'm in school. Netflix: $5.50 (I split Netflix with my sister and her husband.) Spotify Premium: $4.99 for students! Utilities: I split these with my roommate, and it normally comes to $60. Phone: $90/month for a two-year plan I got roped into at my last job. Community Supported Agriculture Subscription: $60/month for a weekly delivery of fresh, local veggies Dog Food: $35/month, but she donates blood at the vet school twice a year in exchange for free veterinary care and vaccines.
Day One
8:30 a.m. — It's time to get up, but the dog is still asleep and cuddling, so I hit snooze two more times before dragging myself out of bed.
9 a.m. — I rush out the door after the world's quickest shower and head to church — late as always — and listen to Mumford & Sons new album, Delta, on the way.
10:05 a.m. — Church is almost over, and it's time for communion. I walk up to the front of the church and take the communion bread and wine. It's not a meal per se, but it's the first food I've had all day. This just makes me hungrier, and I spend the rest of the service thinking about brunch.
10:35 a.m. — Brunch just got bumped to noon, and I'm STARVING. I head into the office to get some writing done, and I drink coffee left over from yesterday's pot to get rid of my caffeine headache.
12 p.m. — Brunch (FINALLY) at Overpass Merchant with an old classmate. I order a Bloody Mary that's perfectly spicy and fries loaded with cheese, fried eggs, and onions. All that topped with good conversation makes for an excellent morning. $23.70
1:50 p.m. — Back to the office for more writing and more coffee to kick that leftover brunch buzz.
4:15 p.m. — The weather is fabulous outside and 1,000 words feels like enough writing for a Sunday afternoon. I head out to catch the last few hours of light and kayak on the University Lakes with my friend. There are pelicans, mallards, blue herons, ibis, and egrets out this afternoon, so we paddle around til the sun sets and most of the birds come in to roost.
6:30 p.m. — When we're done kayaking, my friend and I head back to the house. He comes in to help move the Christmas tree to a different corner of the living room, and then I start dinner: curried butternut squash soup with squash from our CSA.
8:15 p.m. — Dinner is finally ready, so I sit down on the couch with a hot bowl of soup and some crackers to watch Netflix in the glow of the Christmas tree lights. The dog gets dinner and toy filled with peanut butter.
9:45 p.m. — It's time to start winding down for the evening, so I make honey lavender tea and sit back down on the couch to read East of Eden (one my all-time favorite books). At some point I fall asleep and don't wake up until the wee hours, when I finally make it into my actual bed.
Daily Total: $23.70
Day Two
7:30 a.m. — The alarm goes off, so I get up and let the dog out. After she's done in the yard, I crawl back into bed and hit snooze. Not an unusual move, but always a mistake.
9:25 a.m. — I wake up to the dog standing over me, licking my face. There are worse ways to wake up, but it's past 9 and I'm still in bed. I get up, rush to get ready, and grab a glass of orange juice on the way out the door.
10:10 a.m. — It's a late start to my Monday morning, but surprisingly no one else is in the lab yet. I make coffee and settle down to work and start writing. I'm pushing to get my dissertation proposal finished this month, and it's taking longer than I expected.
12:50 p.m. — Finally time to take a break from writing. I grab peanuts from the snack drawer in my office, sip on my now-cold coffee, and heat up leftover chicken pot pie. The pot pie is homemade, but I've been eating it for six days, so I'm definitely ready for something new. As soon as I eat, I get back to writing.
2:45 p.m. — Stop working to walk over and take advantage of the university's FREE mental health services. Grad school is stressful, y'all.
4 p.m. — I get back to the office, and I'm feeling much better about life. I fix a new pot of coffee to power through the last few hours of writing.
5:45 p.m. — Work is going smoothly, but I remember I told my labmate I would meet her to walk our dogs...at 5:45. Oops. I rush out of the office, run by the house to grab the dog, and head to the park. It's totally dark when I get there, but the moon is out, so we let the dogs run while we walk and chat.
7:15 p.m. — On the way back from the park, I stop by the new neighborhood grocery to grab food for tomorrow. I buy gluten-free crackers for tonight's soup, coffee filters for the office, a frozen gluten-free pizza, and a pack of grapefruit LaCroix. Once I get home I bake the pizza for tomorrow's lunch along with some fresh pumpkin bread. $22.20
8:45 p.m. — Everything is ready for tomorrow, so I sit down with a bowl of leftover curried butternut squash soup and a grapefruit LaCroix to watch a little Netflix. Shortly after I sit down, the pumpkin bread is finished. As soon as it's cool enough, I grab a fresh slice and make a cup of hot maple icewine tea.
11:30 p.m. — I make it into bed after far too much Netflix and fall asleep while reading a compilation of poetry by Mary Oliver — another of my favorites!
Daily Total: $22.20
Day Three
6 a.m. — The alarm goes off, and I get up on the first buzz — today is fieldwork, and I need to be on time. I make coffee, grab my field bag, and head to the office to meet my advisors.
6:30 a.m. — We get the truck and boat loaded up and head to a remote coastal town in the southwest part of the state. The drive takes three hours, and I nurse my coffee and chat for most of the ride.
9:45 a.m. — We make it to the boat launch and head out. It's cold, windy, and a little miserable, but there are birds EVERYWHERE. Pelicans, ibises, stilts, avocets, coots, ducks, kingfishers, and terns fly around the marsh in the hundreds.
1:15 p.m. — After several cold hours of boating, I'm pretty hangry, so we stop and eat before getting back on the road. I have three slices of cold pizza, a fruit strip, a grapefruit LaCroix, and more coffee. It's not enough, but it'll do until we get back to Baton Rouge. On the way, we see a murmuration of starlings over a flooded rice field. I've never seen this many of them before, and it's fascinating.
4:15 p.m. — Our long day ends back at the office, so I unload our supplies and then head back home. I take a quick shower and then nap on the couch until it gets dark.
6:15 p.m. — Dinner and Netflix again after throwing the frisbee for the pup. I eat the last piece of chicken pot pie, some pumpkin bread, and another grapefruit LaCroix. Sparkling water has really helped me limit the number of Cokes I drink, but it doesn't help my wallet at all. I try to only buy them when they're on sale, as I'll drink several in a day.
10:30 p.m. — Tomorrow's going to be another day of fieldwork and an early morning, so I pack my field bag before getting in bed. I read a little more Mary Oliver then fall asleep pretty quickly.
Daily Total: $0
Day Four
4 a.m. — Five hours of sleep isn't enough, but I have another day of fieldwork, so I can't be late. I get up, brush my teeth, and head out the door. Once I make it to the office, I grab my supplies and pack up the truck.
4:40 a.m. — We're heading to Texas today, and my two helpers, R. and T., are carpooling in a separate truck. We only get a mile from the office before realizing the last person to use their truck didn't fill up the tank. We stop at a gas station to fill up, and I grab a coffee. Though I have to pay for everything up front, work reimburses me for travel costs and provides a per diem when doing fieldwork at this site. ($30.37 expensed)
6 a.m. — It's still dark out, but I can tell some of the supplies in the truck bed are moving around too much. We stop on the side of the road to move things around and then get back on the road. After an hour, T. realizes he doesn't have his phone anymore. When we got out to secure supplies, it fell out of his pocket and is now sitting on the side of the interstate. I call a friend who lives near the exit we stopped at, and she drives out and finds it! The field gods are on our side today.
8 a.m. — We're running a little behind, but we make it to the boat launch on time. We load up the boat and head out into the marsh. It's a 45-minute drive, and it's pretty chilly. By the time we make it to our sites, I'm crying from the wind and cold. Once we're there, I put on chest waders and get out into the water. Time to get to work digging up roots and downloading data from equipment I had left out in the marsh.
12:45 p.m. — We are at a levee in the middle of the marsh to dig up cattail roots. Then we sit down in the sun to picnic. It's marsh, so we're sitting in mud and have to prop our lunch bags in tufts of grass to keep them out of the water. I have a few mandarin oranges, pumpkin bread, fruit jerky, and some water. We dig up a few more cattail roots to eat the stalks and roots. It sounds a little gross, but nearly every part of this plant is edible, and they taste like hearts of palm or slightly richer celery. We snack on those and watch birds fly in and out of the pond nearby.
4:35 p.m. — It'll be dark soon, so even though we didn't get everything done today, we head back to the boat launch. I decide to stay the night and go back out in the morning. We stop at a gas station and I fill up their truck. ($30.90 expensed)
5:15 p.m. — Thankfully the closest hotel is only a mile from my field site, so I drag my exhausted self in and check to see if they have a room available. They do, so I pay up front and head upstairs. ($78.19 expensed)
6:30 p.m. — I'm starving, but the idea of driving anywhere to get food is unbearable, so I download Waitr. I order Mexican food to the hotel and take a shower while I'm waiting for the food to arrive. I get guacamole, two beef enchiladas, rice, beans, and a sweet tea. Sadly, I forget that the place I ordered from is the one Mexican restaurant in town I don't actually like. The food is subpar, but at least I'll be reimbursed for the cost with my per diem! ($32.36 expensed)
7:45 p.m. — It's been a long day and I'm exhausted, so I fall asleep as soon as I'm done eating.
Daily Total: $0
Day Five
6:30 a.m. — I wake up before my alarm, so I lay in bed responding to texts I missed, scrolling through social media, and dealing with a few issues at the office.
7:15 a.m. — Once I've packed everything up, I check out of the hotel. I head to the gas station next door to grab snacks for lunch: dill pickle sunflower seeds, a king-size Snickers, and Doritos Spicy Nacho chips. Gluten-free selections in gas stations are...not amazing. $5.60
7:45 a.m. — We're back on the water and headed back to our field sites.
1:20 p.m. — Downloading data has taken a lot longer than I expected, and now it's starting to rain. On top of the cold temps, having to get in the water, and the east wind, it's too cold to stay out much longer. I decide to call it a day and come back next month to finish On the ride back, I eat the Snickers and some Doritos.
2:15 p.m. — Once we're back on dry ground, I pack up my supplies and then stop to fill up the truck. Now, it's back on the road to Baton Rouge! ($57.87 expensed)
3:05 p.m. — The Snickers didn't cut it for lunch, so I stop at Waffle House on the way back to the interstate. I get grits, two eggs over medium, sausage, and a coffee. $11.74
6:20 p.m. — It has been a LONG week, and I'm ready for a little break. I stop by the grocery store as soon as I get back in town and grab a bottle of red wine and one of the Christmas wreaths they have sitting by the door. $19.68
7 p.m. — My dog has been at a friend's house since I left yesterday morning, so she's happy to see me when I get home. I let her out in the yard to play and pour myself a glass of wine.
8:30 p.m. — I don't make it long before I start getting sleepy, so I head to bed and fall asleep almost immediately.
Daily Total: $37.02
Day Six
8:30 a.m. — I wake up without an alarm feeling much better than I have the last few days. I let the dog out and take a shower before heading off to work.
9:15 a.m. — I make it into the office and start a fresh pot of coffee. While it's brewing, I chat with my labmates. Then I head back to my office and start writing. That is, if writing means staring at the computer screen wishing it was Saturday.
10:30 a.m. — I head back into the lab for more coffee just as my advisor is opening a bottle of wine. I write off being productive for the rest of the day, grab a glass of wine, and sit down to chat.
12:05 p.m. — Our department party is happening today, so I head downstairs with the rest of my lab and grab a plate. Fried turkey, ham, green beans, salad, potatoes, gourmet cheese, and several dishes of bananas foster make their way onto my plate. I'm stuffed and have been drinking wine all morning, so I'm definitely feeling the Christmas spirit.
1 p.m. — I piddle around the office a little more, unloading the truck and prepping supplies for my student workers before I head home.
3:45 p.m. — I made the poor choice of scheduling a Christmas party at my house at the end of a long week of fieldwork. But people are coming whether I want them or not, so I run to the store and grab supplies: potatoes for dinner, baking supplies for gingerbread cookies, and art supplies for making Christmas ornaments. $45.78
4:25 p.m. — I start making gingerbread cookies, only to realize I'm out of parchment paper. I run to the grocery and grab parchment paper while I'm in between batches. As soon as I'm home, I get the potatoes in the oven and start working on more gingerbread cookies. $5.46
6:30 p.m. — The baked potatoes are done, and I'm working on cutting out the rest of the cookies when people start to arrive. I never expect many people to come, but soon the house is full and toasty and loud. There is gingerbread decorating, Christmas ornament-making, and good conversation happening all around. At one point my dog comes in and jumps on the couch, spilling red wine everywhere. But otherwise, it's an uneventful evening. I manage to eat a baked potato with cheese and butter, way too many gingerbread cookies, and several glasses of wine.
12:20 a.m. — The last few people finally trickle out, and I turn off the lights before heading to bed. The party was fun, and it was great to see everyone, but I'm exhausted. I fall asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.
Daily Total: $51.24
Day Seven
9 a.m. — The dog lets me know she is hungry, so I feed her and let her out. It's pouring outside, so I plug in the Christmas tree lights, and I snuggle up on the couch with the dog once she comes back inside. I fall asleep again pretty quickly.
2:45 p.m. — Clearly my body needed the rest, because it's been ages since I slept in this late. I grab a few gingerbread cookies and then heat up some leftover curried butternut squash soup. It's still raining out, and the dog seems content, so I lay back down on the couch and read East of Eden.
6 p.m. — While I'm cleaning up from last night's party, my friend texts to ask about going out this evening. We make plans to meet downtown at 7 to watch a local band play.
7:30 p.m. — I leave the house later than I expected and meet him and four other friends downtown. It's pretty quiet out, so we sit and drink a few pitchers (they pay) while waiting for the band to start.
10:30 p.m. — The band is finally playing, and the venue is getting busier. I've had two more beers, and my friends have paid for both. While I'm watching people dance, a random man and his very drunk girlfriend come and sit next to us. He asks if we can watch her while he's in the bathroom, but while he's gone, she pukes. We take her to the bathroom, but when we come back, the boyfriend is nowhere to be found. The girl tells me she's staying nearby, so my friend and I carry her home. We get her inside, change her clothes, and hold her hair while she continues to puke. I manage to get into her phone and call a friend who meets us. When she's more coherent, and we're able to get her in bed, we leave her with her friend. It's been a stressful end to the night, so some of my friends head home. The rest of them are fairly drunk, and since I stopped drinking a few hours ago, I stay out to drive them home.
2:30 a.m. — The bars are closing, so we walk back to the car, and I drop everyone off at their houses. I make it back home to the pup, but I'm wide awake, so I turn on Netflix and cuddle with the dog on the couch.
3:45 a.m. — I'm finally tired, so I crawl in bed and fall asleep almost immediately. What a night!
Daily Total: $0
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BeautywithMi, hosted by Refinery29's beauty writerMi-Anne Chan, explores the coolest new trends, treatments, products, and subcultures in thebeautyworld. Never miss an episode by subscribing here.
In 2018, I ventured on 16 different planes and packed my travel makeup bag just as many times. In that time, I've gone from packing three over-stuffed purses (each one dedicated to makeup, skin care, and hair care respectively) to carrying one seamless and, dare I say, roomy pouch.
I hit a turning point sometime in February, when I found myself lugging a 30-pound carry-on up and down the stairs at Penn Station for a weekend trip. It finally made me edit my stash, and now I can fit my entire weekend beauty routine into the one large tote bag in the video above.
Press play to find out what I always bring with me.
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $38, available at Sephora; Pixi Beauty Rose Tonic, $15, available at Pixi; Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, $60, available at Sephora; C’est Moi Mineral Sunscreen, $14.99, available at Target; Ohii Magic Hair Wand, $12, available at Urban Outfitters; Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer, $28, available at Sephora; Kaja Cheeky Stamp Blush, $24, available at Sephora; Guerlain Météorites Illuminating Powder, $62, available at Sephora; RMS Champagne Rose Luminizer, $38, available at Sephora; NYX Proof It Primer, $6.99, available at Ulta Beauty; Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color, $24, available at Sephora; DHC Liquid Eyeliner, $20, available at Dermstore; LANCÔME Monsieur Big Mascara, $, available at Ulta Beauty; Glossier Generation G, $18, available at Glossier; Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Serum, $90, available at Sephora; Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, $26, available at Sephora; Follain Under cover Deodorant, $14, available at Follain.
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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There's never a good time for a breakup. Though realistically, the first week of January is the time of year when couples start taking stock of their relationship. Of course, it makes sense that how you feel going into the new year is very telling. Perhaps you're bubbling with happy butterflies in your stomach as you think about bringing your S.O. home to meet your family in March. Or, on the flip side, you decide it's best to pump the breaks or make a clean split before it's all heart-shaped chocolate in February.
Ahead, we've compiled a comprehensive list of short hair inspiration ranging in length from blunt bobs to razored pixies. Whether you're looking for a new look to bring into 2019 or a breakup-fueled style to manifest your clean slate, scroll through to find the cut that'll have you amped to chop it all off.
A Piece-y Pixie
If you've been considering a shorter cut, the choppy pixie is one of the most versatile.
A short cut acts as a frame for your face, bringing your eyes, lips, and feathered brows into focus.
A soft pixie cut will give you a fresh vibe, while maintaining just enough length on the top to play with.
A Blunt Chop
When you're itching for a change — after a breakup or with the start of new year — freshly chopped ends will mirror a metaphorical clean slate.
Shiny gold hoops, a soft red lip, a little texture spray — it's all you need to show off your new look.
The vibe gets exponentially cooler when you add some unpolished bends through the mid-lengths of the bob... and a badass smize.
A Soft, Textured Undercut
If you're going for a new shape — something that feels both soft and dramatic at the same time — a soft undercut is where it's at. It's a play on the soft undercut and is best for thick hair that needs some weight removal, since the style will naturally thin out the hair with the added layers on top.
There's an an element of fun that's infused into the round, chin-shimming cut that L.A.-based hairstylist Sal Salcedo has dubbed the "Spanish bob."
There's a delicacy to the way natural curls spill down around the face with this short, shapely cut.
Shaved Short
The piece de resistance of the short cuts — a shaved hairstyle is all about how you wear it. Which should be with total confidence.
There's something innately striking about a woman rocking a partially shaved haircut — you almost can't look away.
For a little more drama, you can buzz the sides and the back of the head, then spike up the longer pieces at the top.
Add white blonde bleach and a dab of Cloud Paint on your cheekbones — and you'll be radiating the cool girl glow.
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Free money is the best kind, which is why shopping with a gift card is the closest most of us will ever come to nirvana. If you left the holidays with a shiny black Sephora card or two slipped into your wallet, then congratulations: You can finally take home that fancy face mask you just know you'll love (because you've already read all 5,000 reviews) without holding your breath as the cashier rings up your total at checkout.
You might already have an idea of how you'll treat yourself, but if you're still weighing how best to put those gratis funds to use, we've got you covered. Ahead, we've broken down how our Refinery29 beauty editors would spend their Sephora gift card based on price point, from under $50 to $75 and over $100. Scroll through to shop all our favorite picks — from clear self-tanners and watermelon mask sticks to luxe lip balms and round brushes — and start 2019 off right. Just don't forget to send a thank-you card.
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.
If You Have A $50 Gift Card...
"There are few things I love more than my crisp, white 800-thread-count sheets — which is why, up until finding this mousse, I had an extra set of cheap dark bedding for nights I needed to self tan. But this new formula from St. Tropez really is crystal clear, meaning I can slather it on, hop into bed, and wake up bronzed without a trip to the cleaners. I usually run through self-tanner lotions within one or two uses, but I've barely made a dent in this after three or four." — Cat Quinn, beauty director
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse, $42, available at Sephora
"Being that I am both deeply impatient and possibly a Mogwai, I don’t always love a face mask — they’re messy, involve a waiting period during which you can do virtually nothing else, and require splashing your face with water for, like, five minutes just to get it all off. But this mask stick and its matcha-infused counterpart (which, yes, I already own, and am therefore qualified to recommend) solve all of those problems: They’re easy to apply, easy to rinse off, and dry down fully in 5-10 minutes. Both formulas — Watermelon brightens and smooths, Matcha cleanses pores and absorbs oil — are clay-based but not at all drying, so they're suitable for even my sensitive skin. Buy one of each for $48 well-spent." — Rachel Krause, senior beauty writer
Milk Makeup Watermelon Brightening Face Mask, $24, available at Sephora
"If I'm going to use a $50 gift card, I'm going to make sure I splurge on the most splurge-worthy and superfluous (but totally necessary) product in the store: Pat McGrath's tinted lip balm. It's luxurious in that heavy, this-costs-a-lot-of-money way, long-wearing, and makes even the most chapped lips a little less alarming to look at." — Sam Sasso, beauty writer
Pat McGrath Lip Fetish Lip Balm, $38, available at Sephora
"As tempted as I'd be to spend $50 on something splurgy and impractical, I'd have to listen to the grown-up side of me and stock up on BeautyBlenders instead. I fail to replace my sponge every three months like you’re supposed to, but having them readily available would make it a lot easier for me to swap them out. This kit also includes a cleanser, which means I can get in the habit of washing them regularly, too. Here’s to having fresh, bright-pink BeautyBlenders all through 2019." — Thatiana Diaz, beauty writer
Beautyblender Two.BB.Clean, $45, available at Sephora
"I've been swirling my fluffy brush in the pan of a very old, very worn Bobbi Brown bronzer for months longer than I care to admit, so I think it's about time for a replacement. This powder by Marc Jacobs is perfect because it's a natural-looking, matte tan with zero shimmer. Plus, the compact is huge and comes with a big mirror — a nice perk for travel." — Megan Decker, beauty editorial assistant
Marc Jacobs Beauty O!Mega Bronzer Perfect Tan, $49, available at Sephora
"No matter how many new, trendy foundations I try, I always go back to Double Wear. The full-coverage, lightweight formula has never failed me, and truly stays in place all day. It's 100% worth blowing your gift card on for a flawless complexion in 2019." — Aimee Simeon, beauty writer
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, $42, available at Sephora
"This mask was my favorite find of 2018, so I'm going to need to stock up on another tube for the new year. I find that I use this mask more like a moisturizer: I put it on before makeup, before bed, and underneath my sunscreen. My favorite trick is to slather it on right before I get in the shower for an extra steamy shot of hydration." — Jessica Cruel, deputy beauty director
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask, $48, available at Sephora
If You Have A $75 Gift Card...
"My go-to if my skin is dull, dry, congested, or just meh, this mask seriously works wonders on my combination skin. The blend of algae, seaweed, and lotus seed powder exfoliates and moisturizes, giving my face an immediate glow — even on hungover mornings." — Quinn
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask, $62, available at Sephora
"I've been using a supergentle retinoid almost every night for the past several months while recovering from the havoc I'd wreaked on my skin's moisture barrier, and I think I'm ready to up the strength again — you know, really push my luck now that everything has finally returned to normal. This brand-new formula contains 1% retinol, which is not insignificant, but it's mixed in with soothing, sensitivity-friendly ingredients like jojoba, apricot, and avocado oils and a bunch of skin-strengthening peptides to soften the blow. Plus, with a recommended dose of a pea-sized amount a few times a week to start, this little tube will go a long way." — Krause
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream, $74, available at Sephora
"If there's one thing I'm willing to spend my money on, it's an effective CBD lotion. Unlike most other body or skin-care products, I go through this stuff like I'm chugging water. Using a portion of my gift card to restock this everyday essential won't just help my bank account, but my back problems, too." — Sasso
Lord Jones High CBD Formula Body Lotion, $60, available at Sephora
"I’ve been eyeing this set since it first launched last year, but it’s one of those things I'd prefer to be gifted than purchase myself — as much as I care about my brows, I’d much rather buy one pencil for half the price than an entire kit that’s worth more than my favorite serum. With $50-$75 in hand, I can get this kit guilt-free and put the rest towards a mini version of my serum of choice, perfect for my 2019 travel goals." — Diaz
Benefit Cosmetics Bomb Ass Brows! By Desi Perkins Set, $59, available at Sephora
"When it comes to tackling dark spots, this Dr. Dennis Gross peel is my favorite solution — and it's the one I recommend to my friends most often. This kit also includes a retinol serum, which ties into my 2019 skin-care resolution to actually get serious about my nighttime routine." — Cruel
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Smooth & Radiant: Peel + Brighten, $48, available at Sephora
If You Have A $100 Gift Card (Or More)...
"If I'm going for a Sephora splurge, I want something that can sit on my vanity for as long as possible. This creamy, woody, downright sexy fragrance lasts me all winter (and then some) and gets me compliments every time I wear it." — Quinn
"My 2019 resolutions are to read more books, spend less money, respond to emails in a timely manner, and stop treating my body like a test kitchen. I would probably regret spending an over-$100 gift card on a massive tub of a plant-based dietary supplement and not three of Dior's new swirled Lip Glows eventually, but I'm making an effort to prioritize health right now. Ask me again in two weeks." — Krause
WelleCo The Super Elixir™, $135, available at Sephora
"If I have over $100 to blow, you know I'm going to invest in a jar of La Mer. I don't know why I prefer the brand's Moisturizing Soft Cream (a relatively fancy cream) over the famous Crème de la Mer (the fanciest of creams) — something to do with the texture and how it absorbs into my skin, and the overall visceral effect it has on me — but I do know that if I was blessed with a little extra cash, I'd put it all toward this tiny jar." — Sasso
La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, $175, available at Sephora
"If I’m getting a gift card over $75, I’m definitely splurging on skin care — it's what I invest in the most, so why not save myself a hit to my wallet? I was gifted this best-selling mask from Drunk Elephant last fall, and I’ve been obsessed with it for whenever my skin is acting up. It’s now starting to run low, and thinking about having to spend $80 to restock (which could pay for a month's worth of credits on ClassPass!) kills me. With a gift card, I could snag another bottle and use the money I saved to book my fitness classes for the next month." — Diaz
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™, $80, available at Sephora
"If I'm going to really splurge on a product, it's going to be one that fades my pesky hyperpigmentation once and for all. This formula does the hard work while you sleep and promotes a clear, even complexion overnight, which is totally worth it if you ask me." — Simeon
Estée Lauder Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum, $98, available at Sephora
"2019 will be the year that I master eye makeup. This palette is usually something I'd pass right by in the Sephora aisle (I much prefer spending my dollars in the skin-care section), but I've been coveting the shadows from Pat McGrath Labs for months. With a gift card, the luxury purchase seems like less of a risk; plus, the blend of neutral and metallic shadows are ones I might actually wear... after I spend hours studying techniques on YouTube, of course." — Cruel
Pat McGrath Mothership II Eyeshadow Palette – Sublime, $125, available at Sephora
"Ordinarily I wouldn't even think about spending $103 on a hair brush, but should the opportunity arise, I would definitely consider treating myself to this luxe round brush by French hair master Christophe Robin. I’ve been told it's the secret to a damn good at-home blowout, which, in my opinion, is basically the best gift money can buy... especially when it’s not actually my money." — Decker
Christophe Robin Pre-Curved Blowdry Hairbrush 12 Rows, $103, available at Sephora
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You'll never hear us complain about the impenetrable, extended wear of a gel or dip powder manicure. But transitioning from an old polish job to a new one? Well, that's something we'll gripe about. The acetone-filled removal process is never a pretty one, and definitely not something we would dare to try ourselves — which is why our manis tend to run ragged after a month's time.
According to Mazz Hanna, a professional manicurist who works with A-list clients like Julia Roberts, our fears aren't unfounded. "There’s this misconception that gel ruins your nails and that's really not the case — it's gel removal that can ruin your nails," she says. But it's what she said next that really got to us: Not only can we easily remove our gel manis at home, it can often be safer than the practices you'll find in many salons.
"Ideally, gel nails will be removed by a responsible professional. If you're going to a cheap salon, they’re probably going to hack at your nails and cause some damage," she explains. "If you're on a budget and can't afford to go to a higher-end nail spa, you’re better off removing the gel on your own at home."
We asked Hanna to show us the way — which she promises can be completed "in the amount of time it takes to drink a glass of wine." Consider us sold.
As if a pro's clearance to DIY the salon service isn't great enough, there's more good news: You likely already have many (if not all) of the tools needed to do the job at home. If you do come up short, any item on Hanna's list is readily available at your local drugstore.
Gather acetone, 10 pieces of aluminum foil cut into 2 1/2-inch squares, cotton balls, cuticle oil, nail clippers, a nail file, an orange stick or wooden cuticle pusher, and a double-edged buffer. "I've found buffers that have 100 coarse grit and 180 smooth grit on either side work best for removing gel," Hanna says.
Now that you have your tools together, it's time to get to work. "The first thing you want to do is break the gel polish seal on your nails," Hanna explains. Start by filing or clipping your tips, then use the coarse side of the buffer to gently remove the top coat from the entire nail.
"You’ll want to do a fair amount of buffing here," Hanna says. "The more buffing you do, the less time you'll need to soak the nails in acetone." After breaking up the gel top coat from all 10 nails, wash your hands to clean them of dust — this step will also minimize the soaking process.
This next step is something Hanna swears by even though it's not typically done in salons. "I always apply a heavy coat of cuticle oil on the skin and cuticles around the nails to form a seal and protect it from the acetone soak that's to come," she says. "Since you’re going to be leaving it on for 10 minutes, you’re going to want to protect that gentle cuticle skin as much as you can."
The nail pro developed her own formula, Mazz Hanna Amethyst Roller Ball Cuticle Oil, which has jojoba and hemp seed oils along with a crystal rollerball for easy application. If you're soaking off unusually thick layers of gel, she suggests using an occlusive balm, like Aquaphor Healing Ointment, to protect cuticles during longer acetone soaks.
Once you've sanded away the topcoat and prepped your fingernails, it's time for the big guns: the acetone soak. Start by saturating a small piece of cotton with acetone before resting it atop your fingernail. "A big misconception is that you need to use a lot of cotton for this, but you just need just enough to cover the surface of your nail," Hanna says. "I’ve found that the bigger piece of cotton you use, the longer it takes for the acetone to loosen the gel."
Next, tightly wrap a piece of foil around your finger to cover the cotton, and repeat the process on all five fingers (not 10). "Even when I do it on myself, I do it one hand at a time," Hanna explains. "It takes longer, but it’s easier to manage and you get better results."
If you remove gels every three weeks, you can also consider investing in gel remover. "It’s less offensive to the nose and a gentler alternative to acetone," Hanna says.
After your nails have soaked for 10 minutes or more, gently remove the foil and cotton from one finger, being careful to preserve its shape (you might need it later). Next, use a wooden cuticle pusher or orange stick to gently scrape the gel from the nail. "I don't suggest using a metal cuticle pusher, because it’s too easy to scrape off the actual nail," Hanna says.
Scraping at the nails can be scary for the uninitiated. How are we to know when we're being too aggressive? "There shouldn’t be too much resistance. If there is, and you're really having to dig and scrape at the polish, then nails needs more time to soak," Hanna explains. If that's the case, repeat the prior step. "If there’s enough acetone left on the cotton, then you can re-wrap your nail with the foil that you just took off," she says. Repeat the process for each nail.
Now that your nails are finally gel-free, there's one more step that will help restore them to their natural state: Use the less coarse side of the buffer to gently smooth any roughness left on the surface of the nail. Now pour yourself another glass of wine.
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On Monday, we will embark on the process (sorry, journey) of drinking several glasses of red wine as we watch a man who doesn’t know what he wants make questionable choices in a new season of The Bachelor. We can't help it. Week after week we tune in to see which relationships progress and which ultimately flop, with each episode concluding in a supremely high-stakes Rose Ceremony, where the lead hands out flowers to women who he wants to continue getting to know. Oh, the anticipation!
Cocktail dresses make up the majority of Rose Ceremony style with the exception of night one where most contestants opt for gowns. The dresses are meant to be showstoppers, a few extra feathers to put on a proper peacock in hopes of being memorable since their personalities have barely had time to shine and a lot is weighing on style and flare. The contestants buy their own outfits for the show and it usually comes at a steep cost — but at least they can take comfort in knowing that if they don’t end up with The Bachelor himself, at least they’ve got some bomb new additions to their closets. Here are 21 dresses to pack along for the ride.
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And just like that, another party season's come and gone. After spending the entirety of December juggling friends, family and co-workers, the nightly soirées are calming down and we can at last return to curling up in our pjs after a long day rather than throwing on some sparkly eyeshadow and heading back out the door. But while party season might be over and done with, we're not quite ready to deal our party dresses the same fate. So to carry some holiday spirit into 2019, we're recycling our metallic dresses and donning silver all winter long.
Making a silver dress work post-NYE can be tricky, but with a few tips, you'll be sporting sequins for your morning coffee run and satin to the office. The secret? Don't hold back when it comes to layers. A graphic T-shirt, oversized blazer, or chunky sweater can turn the dial down on the festive attire and transform your silver party dress into a natural daytime 'fit. So before you give party dresses the cold shoulder just because the holidays are over, take a look at the 17 silver options ahead.
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Back in 2016 Instagram added the "saved" section to every profile, and the beauty game was changed forever. Gone were the days of screenshotting a notable makeup look or palette to buy, only to lose it in the mess of photos in our camera roll. Now, if we spy something we love, we can simply click "save" and add it to our private vault of inspiration images.
That being said, inspiration can still be hard to find when you're inundated with hundreds — no, thousands — of images daily. That's why we decided to share the photos we've archived in the past month. Hopefully, it'll get your creative juices flowing for the upcoming weeks.
Ahead, check out 31 looks to try this January.
It's likely that you've pulled a bit of inspiration from makeup artist Robin Black before, but it's model Mouna Fadiga's candy-painted eyes and lips that are exciting us this month. It may be 2019, but this shimmery blue and royal purple are straight out of '85.
Speaking of the '80s, Sarah Feingold's pink mascara just convinced us this throwback trend is worth trying this year.
Just because the ball dropped doesn't mean your best party looks aren't still ahead of you. When you're tired of black or brown eyeliner, swap in a silver shadow.
Although this will take you significantly longer than any other shadow look, makeup artist Sarah Novio's glittery crease (she used Lemonhead's Spacepaste in Malibu) is too cool not to copy.
Makeup artist Beau Nelson seemingly brought Billie Eilish's song "Ocean Eyes" to life. Recreate the multidimensional blue using Charlotte Tilbury's eyeshadow in Midnight Seduction.
This step-by-step tutorial ensures that by 2020 you'll master the cat-eye.
Kickstart your nude makeup look with a quick splash of gold in the inner corners.
A wash of champagne shimmer — from the lashline to the brow bone — is a foolproof look that tricks everyone into thinking you didn't actually do this look in an Uber pool en route to the party.
We're officially adopting a "more is more" mentality — and Lucy Hale's glitter-smudged smoky eye is the perfect example of how we plan on executing it.
It's officially time to try Nam Vo's "dewy dumpling " skin — if you haven't already.
Can't decide on a lid color for the day? Use your hair for inspiration. Makeup artist Kate Lee tells us that the easiest way to master this look is to use a shadow with shimmer in it. Not only does it reflect the light (and looks super-flattering), but it's easy to blend without looking heavy.
Update the same ol' red lip you always use by adding another darker shade to the mix. Follow Karlie Kloss' lead and blend both together for a two-toned effect.
There might be snow on the ground, but our minds — and makeup — are set on summer. Pair this peachy eye with a burnt-orange lip for a warm-weather glow that we're currently missing.
Eye gloss: The one makeup trend we'll never give up on. No matter how messy it might look in a few hours, Imaan Hammam's moody look is still worth a shot.
Extended wings, like Hailee Steinfeld's, are a surefire way to convince everyone you're actually getting eight hours of sleep — even though you stayed up binging Bandersnatch all week.
Playing with pink shadow can be tricky. A messy application could mean looking like you just endured a very irritating allergic reaction, but if you keep it precise (and blend with a lighter, shimmery shade), it can look downright perfect.
A deposit of chunky glitter never hurt anyone.
The new trend to try: Match your eyeshadow to your... earrings?
Ready to adopt the rockstar look? Copy Halsey's blue shadow by simply smudging a whole lot of pigment on your lid.
No use in being afraid of green eyeshadow if it's going to end up looking this good, right?
Going through a silver eyeshadow phase? Consider copying Sabrina Carpenter's chrome flick the next time you have to upgrade your office makeup to something fit for the club.
Go back to basics this year with a simple, single-shadow look, like Isabel Rosado's sapphire lid.
Worried about your colors bleeding on the lid? Swap out a powder shadow for color-packed glitter focused just on the lashline.
For those of us still not willing to ditch our neutral makeup, there's Dua Lipa's warm, winter glow.
Dress up your usual matte eye with a gel-based glitter for an iridescent glow no one else will have.
Even without the upside-down liner, this chocolate-y look would hit the top of our must-try list.
Date-night makeup might be one of the biggest beauty myths out there, but that doesn't mean we're not inclined to try a new red lip on the next Bumble date that seems like it might go somewhere.
To accomplish a bold look like this, patiently extend the shadow on the bottom lashline a quarter inch lower than usual. Just make sure you have concealer on hand for fall-out clean-up.
Feeling inspired by Lady Gaga's Las Vegas show? Go out strong in January with this intergalactic shadow and lip. It's a safer take on the enigmatic look Gaga sports on stage — and just as showstopping.
Related Video
appearance by Mi-Anne Chan.
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After years of promising to cut back on cheese and hit the gym daily come January 1st, we've come to accept that most resolutions — big or small — are more of a work in progress than an instant transformation. But even though a new year doesn't guarantee waking up a brand-new person overnight, it's still the perfect opportunity to reset your intentions for the next 12 months and recommit to your goals. As part of our 2019 ambitions, we’ve set our sights on brighter, healthier skin.
Last year, we spent months testing cream-of-the-crop products that targeted our various concerns; this year, we’re buckling down on achieving real results by making skin-care resolutions worth sticking to. We're adding new serums to our rotation to clear up acne scars, carving out more time for masking, and making smart investments to cut back on waste. Ahead, the promises we're keeping to make 2019 our most glowing year yet...
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Resolution: Clear Up Acne Scars
"2018 was the year I got rid of my adult acne, which means 2019 is the year I will get rid of my acne scars. I plan to double down on brightening serums, exfoliating pads, and masks — and schedule regular laser appointments with my derm in the months leading up to my wedding in October. I plan on making 30 my best skin year ever!" — Cat Quinn, beauty director
Shani Darden Texture Reform Gentle Resurfacing Serum, $95, available at Shani Darden
Resolution: Keep A Balanced Complexion
"This year, one of my main goals is to keep my skin balanced. I've always had ups and downs with my complexion, but not just your regular-shmegular inconsistency: If it's not acne, it's redness, and sometimes it can get extra dry. But I'm taking a cue from Ariana Grande and saying 'thank u, next' to my skin's bad behavior. I plan to start by dropping dairy (which causes my skin to flare up), finally buying a humidifier to tackle dry office air, and finding the products that will keep me in check, like this balancing toner.” — Thatiana Diaz, beauty writer
"I have very little shame overall, so I am uncharacteristically embarrassed to fess up to a twice-daily habit that is as weird as it is wasteful: After cleansing, I always pat my face dry with… paper towels. I know, I know! But I just don’t trust the towels hanging on the back of the bathroom door to not have acne-causing bacteria hidden in every fiber, and every washcloth I’ve ever owned has mysteriously vanished. In 2019, I vow to stop prioritizing my skin over saving the planet by investing in this very luxurious set of seven gentle, finely-woven bamboo cloths, which I can throw in the hamper instead of the trash. Hopefully this will also motivate me to do my laundry once a week, as opposed to whenever I run out of clean underwear." — Rachel Krause, senior beauty writer
Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Skincare Monday To Sunday Bamboo Muslins, $36, available at Barneys New York
Resolution: Clear Hyperpigmentation
"I love a good full-coverage foundation, but I am determined to make a completely clear complexion — without foundation — a reality in 2019. I've spent the last few weeks of 2018 talking to Black dermatologists about the products they use to fade dark spots of their own, and most of them couldn't stop raving about this serum. So in addition to regular trips to my derm for chemical peels, I'll be investing in this bottle to reach my clear-skin goals." — Aimee Simeon, beauty writer
SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense , $98, available at DermStore
Resolution: Don't Slack On Sunscreen
"My sunscreen game started strong in 2018, but I'll admit that I started to slack as winter creeped up. But if getting rid of hyperpigmentation is my goal, sunscreen needs to be a year-round priority of mine so existing spots don't get worse. For the next few months, I'll be swapping my regular moisturizer for something equally hydrating and protecting, like this Vichy formula. Once the weather is warmer, I'll be protecting my skin with something more lightweight, like Glossier's Invisible Shield." — Simeon
Vichy 24HR Hydrating Fortifying Lotion, $31, available at DermStore
Resolution: Use An Acne-Friendly Primer
"This past month, with its never-ending cycle of cheese plates and flutes of champagne, has not been kind to my skin. With breakouts along my chin that just won't disappear and pimples in places I've never gotten them before, I'm really serious about banishing my acne for good this year. While I'll keep using Cetaphil Daily Cleanser (which everyone from Michelle Obama to Kim Kardashian swears by), I also want to try to incorporate more acne-fighting ingredients into my routine anywhere I can. That's why I'm really excited to try this primer, which has my favorite acne-fighting ingredient, salicylic acid, packed inside. I'm convinced that if I start using that and cut way back on my drinking (what's up, dry January?), my acne will be gone by February 1st." — Rachel Lubitz, senior beauty writer
Cover FX Mattifying Primer + Acne Treatment, $38, available at Ulta Beauty
Resolution: Use Retinol At Night
"In the last two years, I’ve really focused on locking in my morning skin-care routine — cleanser, essence, vitamin-C serum, hyaluronic-acid serum, and sunscreen — but at night, I fall into bed without even touching my face (I don’t wear makeup, so I can get away with this without breaking out).
"In 2019, I’m trying to create an evening skin-care routine that I can stick to. I’m starting by stocking my bedside stand with a mini bottle of Bioderma micellar water and cotton pads. By spring, I want to graduate to using a retinol serum every other night. Every dermatologist I meet goes on and on about the benefits of vitamin-A derivatives, so I’m trying to get some of that skin-care magic for myself." — Jessica Cruel, deputy beauty director
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, $78, available at Sephora
Resolution: Mask More
"I used to be a devoted masker; if I wasn't using at least two a day, I would reserve the entire weekend for morning and night masks. Now, I don't do any of that — I'm lucky if I mask at least once a week. Slathering my skin in a pore-unclogging, acne-fighting, bump-busting formula is undoubtedly a treat I've been missing. To start, I'll be digging back into this much-loved mask from Renée Rouleau in hopes that it'll be the extra TLC my irritated skin needs." — Sam Sasso, beauty writer
Renée Rouleau Rapid Response Detox Masque, $63.5, available at Renée Rouleau
Resolution: Keep Up The Exfoliation
"Even though my face masks haven't gotten much attention lately, my exfoliating toners certainly have. It's not so much a resolution as a promise to continue using these resurfacing, balancing, and softening toners in the new year. Seriously, the results are staggering for someone who spent most of 2018 recovering from acne scars and dull texture. A few drops of my go-to formula twice a day should keep my skin as happy as it is right now, and that's really all I'm hoping for." — Sasso
Moon Juice Beauty Shroom Exfoliating Acid Potion, $39, available at Sephora
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