We can't be the only ones who scratch our heads at the insane prices lingerie can go for. While we'll be the first to point out that luxury lingerie deserves admiration for its intricate designs and delicate fabrics, purchasing a pair of panties at a cost equivalent to a designer dress seems mind boggling. Dressing up — or down depending on how you see it — shouldn't involve also stripping your bank account in the process. And if we're digging deep into the intent behind shopping for lingerie in the first place, dropping over $300 on a lacy number we're planning on getting "messy" in feels like an oxymoron.
So to show you lingerie can still be fun without the sticker shock, we're bringing you a few brands that feature the same sexy trends for less than $100. Sure, you'll always find the odd silk robe at, surprise, silk robe prices, but the brands ahead do a decent job at cutting those traditional lingerie prices in half. No more resorting to your department store's questionably manufactured panty bundles. Step ahead for 7 brands that are so good they're almost un- bra -leivable!
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Only Hearts Only Hearts' founder and designer Helena Stuart has stuck true to her core branding since 1978. The NYC based lingerie line delivers a bit of edge mixed in with traditional feminine accents. There's truly a bralette for everyone at this shop.
Only Hearts Run, Catch, Kiss Heart Back Hipster, $48, available at Only HeartsPhoto Courtesy of Only Hearts.
Naja What's more impressive than Naja's affordable prices is the process in which the products are made. Its garment factory primarily employs single mothers, pays them above market wages, and provides their children with basic amenities like cash for school supplies and meals. And did we mention their inclusive nude color line?
Naja Simone Thong, $24, available at NajaPhoto Courtesy of Naja.
Lively I'm just going to leave you with this: DD and DDD sized bralettes.
Lively The Metallic Busty Bralette, $35, available at LivelyPhoto Courtesy of Lively.
Pansy This organic cotton underwear company supports size-inclusivity while creating a genuinely eco friendly product. That statement alone is enough to swap out your overpriced t-shirt bras for a well-made and supportive cotton one.
Pansy X High Rise, $48, available at PansyPhoto Courtesy of Pansy.
Hanky Panky Hanky Panky is the classic brand that always saves you in a pinch. Sold in virtually every department stores, most of us have grabbed its lacy, rainbow hued thongs in a high school dance hurry. They've recently added plus-size options and they carry the latest fashion lingerie trends for more affordable prices. It's basically lingerie paradise.
Hanky Panky Retro Longline Bra, $68, available at ShopbopPhoto Courtesy of Shopbop.
Intimissimi If the name looks a bit familiar, that's probably because Intimissimi has spent the better part of the last couple of years heavily investing in a U.S. expansion. Think of it as an Agent Provocateur inspired brand on a Victoria's Secret budget. Here you'll find plenty of bridal appropriate options and silky pajama sets.
Intimissimi Elena Lace Balconette Bra, $89, available at Intimissimi
Kala Do you struggle to find "nude" bras and undies that actually match your skin tone? What about sizes that actually fit? If so, Kala is lingerie brand for you. Aside from being US-made and completely natural, Kala's lingerie comes in a wide range of shades and sizes that make finding your perfect bra and panty set a no-brainer.
Kala The Classic, $65, available at KalaPhoto Courtesy of Kala.
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Dermatologists have long touted vitamin C as the be-all, end-all of antioxidants in skin care — and for good reason. Decades of research show that, used topically, ascorbic acid and its derivatives can lighten hyperpigmentation, encourage collagen production, and brighten the complexion overall, which are three things we'll never say no to.
But when it comes to stamping out dullness, C isn't the only game in town. In fact, if you ask some derms, the idea of relying only on vitamin C as a one-and-done solution for brightening may even be... outdated. To start, the ingredient is notoriously difficult to stabilize, which means we may not be getting the illuminating power we think we are. Variables such as light, pH level, temperature, and simply the quality of the formulation can affect how well your C does its job.
Los Angeles-based dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and researcher Ronald Moy, MD, has thrown his weight behind epidermal growth factors (or EGF, enzymes that repair damaged DNA) as a brightener that may outperform the classic antioxidant. He’s created a line called DNAEGF Renewal with the ingredient at the center, and conducted research that indicates a multitude of skin benefits. “Considering the Nobel Prize [in Chemistry] was just awarded for the concept of DNA repair in 2015, it’s a really new concept,” Dr. Moy says.
But growth factors aren't the only promising ingredients giving C a run for its money: Those well-suited for skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, those deemed more effective for deeper skin tones, and a handful of plant-derived molecules round out other derm favorites. Ahead, 7 illuminators Dr. Moy and Miami-based dermatologist S. Manjula Jegasothy, MD, are eyeing as the glow-makers of the future — that happen to be available today.
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The Brightener: Kojic Acid
Botanically-based kojic acid — found in this serum, which calms, hydrates, and brightens — is Dr. Jegasothy’s pick for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and for whom vitamin C may not be well-tolerated. The grass-green gel also includes arbutin (another brightener on our list) to break up hyperpigmentation, while cucumber and thyme work their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic magic to calm redness and irritation; a hyaluronic-acid base delivers hydration, to boot.
SkinCeuticals Phyto Plus, $86, available at DermStore
Yes, this new dermatologist-approved serum does tap vitamin C to help boost its brightening cocktail (fans of C E Ferulic will recognize the bacon-y scent this one packs, too). But in its quest to bottle the effects of an in-office IPL treatment, the brand also incorporates kojic acid and arbutin, making it quite the C-alternative powerhouse.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum, $92, available at Sephora
This serum, created by a holistic esthetician and cosmetic chemist, proves that purists can get in on the skin-brightening benefits of kojic acid, too. The streamlined formula (designed to be used as a spot treatment or all-around face serum) is made with just eight ingredients, pairing kojic acid with salicylic acid to reduce the appearance of dark spots and exfoliate. Not included? Synthetic chemicals, parabens, artificial dyes, gluten, dairy, and soy.
Elina Organics Pigment Spot Treatment, $23, available at Elina Organics
The Brightener: Arbutin
For those who want to cop their glow from nature, Dr. Jegasothy suggests arbutin, a natural derivative of hydroquinone found in herbs like the bearberry plant, which research has indicated can help hinder the development of melasma. This smooth, non-sticky formula pairs it with moisture-retaining molecules like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as milk thistle, honey, and spin trap to ward off free radicals and bacterial buildup.
Arcona Instant Magic Reversal Serum, $105, available at Nordstrom
When looking to swap out our heavy moisturizer for a creamy serum in summer, San Antonio-based dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD, pointed us in the direction of this arbutin-fueled serum, which she says is one of the best on the market for reducing hyperpigmentation.
Skinbetter Even Tone Correcting Serum, $140, available at Skinbetter
The Brightener: Epidermal Growth Factors
"Scientific studies have shown that human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) bio-engineered from a plant improves facial pigmentation ... [and] improves acne scars," Dr. Moy says. This serum, created by the derm, uses DNA-repairing growth factors to boost glow.
DNA Renewal DNA Regeneration Serum, $145, available at DNA Renewal
In nascent research, growth factor serums show an ability to quell a laundry list of skin woes (including stimulating stem cells in the skin, tightening skin, and reducing the appearance of eye bags, according to Dr. Moy), which is pretty cool. What's not cool are the price tags attached to skin care with such heavy R&D. This serum, though expensive, is so potent, you only need a couple drops — which means this teeny-tiny bottle actually goes the distance.
Dr. Jegasothy, who specializes in treating skin with darker tones, says that this ingredient seems to be most effective for her deeper-skinned clients. At 10%, this formulation wields one of the highest over-the-counter concentrations of azelaic acid on the market — it's just half the prescription-strength potency of what was used in double-blind studies, which showed the ingredient to decrease melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in skin of color.
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster , $36, available at DermStore
Azalaic acid and niacinamide (another ingredient on our list) join proven acne fighters like salicylic acid in this gel serum, designed to do away with dull tone and tackle blemishes without irritating the skin.
Skin Design London Acne Serum, $125, available at Neiman Marcus
The Brightener: Niacinamide
Dr. Moy likes niacinamide (also known as vitamin B3) for its ability to increase DNA repair when taken orally and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Formulators like the ingredient used topically for its multi-tasking abilities, as it can address uneven texture in addition to dullness. Niacinamide stars as the main ingredient in this ampoule, which also features five types of hyaluronic acid to quench dry skin.
Leegeehaam Grow Hyal B5 Ampoule, $33, available at Glow Recipe
Peptides, collagen amino acids, microalgae oil beads, and niacinamide help form this treatment, geared to smooth and add life to dull, lackluster skin.
Algenist Genius Liquid Collagen, $115, available at Sephora
Niacinamide, licorice, and white willow bark root — a natural alternative to retinol — may play second fiddle to skin-nourishing sake in this product named for the fermented rice drink, but fans love the liquid's ability to illuminate skin.
100% Pure Fermented Rice Water Serum, $55, available at 100% Pure
The Brightener: Retinol
"Most people think about retinol as the ingredient you use to treat wrinkles, but it should be used in every skin-brightening regimen," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. "Besides stimulating collagen, it enhances cell turnover to help the skin shed pigmented cells on the surface of the skin for improved radiance." This liquid formula taps both niacinamide and a low-dose retinol to brighten sensitive skin.
Osmosis Pur Medical Skincare Calm Level 2 Vitamin A Serum, $78, available at DermStore
This serum is a solid bet for those who are working to simultaneously banish a dull complexion and zits: Retinol and niacinamide join forces to brighten, while salicylic acid helps sweep away dead skin cells and address acne.
Cosmedix Clarity Skin-Clarifying Serum, $42, available at Cosmedix
The Brightener: Turmeric
"Turmeric is a potent antioxidant that can help calm skin inflammation and interfere with production of abnormal pigmentation," Dr. Zeichner says. Catch a trifecta of brightening power with this blend, which combines turmeric root with micro-encapsulated retinol and a dose of vitamin C.
Marie Veronique Treatment Retinol Serum, $110, available at Marie Veronique
This vitamin C serum goes for optimum brightening power, thanks to three additional clarifiers that make our derms' most-wanted list: turmeric extract, retinol, and niacinamide.
Avya Skincare Anti-Aging Power Serum with Vitamin C, $165, available at Avya Skincare
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We're two days into 2019, which means New Year's resolution posts, OOTD roundups, year-in-review highlight reels, and January #newyearnewyou to-do lists have taken over our Instagram feeds in full force. So if as you scroll, you want to save some of the best posts for a little 2k19 inspo — from haircut goals to travel destinations to Marie Kondo-level organization — here's how to do it.
Instagram already lets you save photos to an easily in-app accessible folder — just hit the bookmark button in the bottom right corner underneath the photo in your feed that you'd like to save, and it will automatically store in the Saved folder on the righthand panel of your profile. (To access the panel, tap on the three horizontal lines on the top right corner of your profile, and it will appear.) But if you want to save photos to your phone to look at even when you're offline, it's slightly more complicated.
For your own photos, Instagram makes it easy. Go to the right-hand panel on your profile and click on Account and then Original Photos. Then, just make sure Save Original Photos is turned on. This will ensure that photos taken on the feed camera are added to your camera roll.
For other peoples' photos, if you don't want to download a third party app to download photos, you'll have to dip into a bit of code (but don't worry, it's easier than it looks!). Here's how: If you're browsing your Instagram feed on your phone and you come across a photo you'd like to download, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Copy Link. Then just email the link to yourself so that you can open it on a computer. (And if you're already browsing Instagram on your computer, hit the three dots in the bottom corner and click on Go To Post.)
Once you have your desired Instagram photo open on your computer, right click it and select View Page Source. This will direct you to a page of code, but don't be alarmed! All you have to do is use the content finder tool (control + F) and search for metaproperty="og:image". After this thread, you should find content=. From here, highlight the text beginning with https:// until you reach instagram.com. Copy the link and then paste it into your browser, where you should see the original image. Finally, right click on the image and hit Save. And voila, it's yours, where you can access it online or off!
With Stories, it's a lot simpler. The easiest option: just screenshot. But be sure to hold down on the image at the same time — this will make the poster's Instagram handle and photo disappear, so you'll have a clear shot of the photo alone. And while users once were notified when their Stories were screenshot, that isn't a thing anymore (at least, for now). As for your own Stories, when you take a photo and want to save it to your camera roll in addition to posting it, be sure to hit the down arrow Save button at the top before posting. If you know you want to save your Stories, go to Story Controls in the top left corner of the Story screen, where you can elect to automatically save your posts to your camera roll or to your in-app Story archive. To access your Story archive, click on the clock-like icon on the top left of your profile, where you can look through your post history.
And if you're looking to download all of the personal data you've shared on Instagram, click on your Settings on the righthand panel of your profile, and then on Privacy and Security. From here, select Download Data. You'll be prompted to enter your email address, and then the app will send you a file of all of your photos, comments, profile information, and personal data in up to 48 hours.
A word to the wise: If this post is any indication, it's very easy to download Instagram photos and Stories, so don't share anything on Instagram that you wouldn't want one of your followers to download.
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2019 has finally arrived, and this year, we’re taking a proactive, "new year, all you" approach to our lives. Rather than waiting for things to just happen to us, we're going after what we want — at work, in our relationships, and within ourselves.
Inspired by Paramount’s What Men Want, a movie all about taking control of your life and breaking down barriers, we're giving you that extra push you need to approach all of 2019’s challenges and successes with the same boss attitude, by giving you a mantra to live by, according to your sign.
Let this mantra serve as your guiding light this year — whether it’s something you repeat every morning, write on your mirror, or keep stored in your phone’s Notes app for those times you need it most. It'll be your first line of defense when tackling that 2 a.m. "u up" text from your ex or your boss' bad attitude about that project you slaved over. This year, you're becoming the person who’s big enough, brave enough, and loving enough to wield the power positive change requires. Now go ahead and get what you want.
Aries
Mantra: “My heart will always lead me true.”
Last year’s challenges continue into 2019, with an emphasis on your career. That means more opportunities to make an impact on the world. The flip side? It can also bring along some serious stress. In an effort to get ahead, you may find yourself butting heads with your boss or your parents.
What they don’t know, Aries, is you are unstoppable. Instead of wasting your fire arguing, step around those that bring negativity and get on with what you love. You’ll need every bit of focus to manifest your dream job, launch your business, or stick with that big, ambitious project. Keep your cheap flight alerts on too, because travel opportunities are in the air. Hong Kong or Iceland, anyone?
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Taurus
Mantra: “I am strong enough to endure change.”
Taurus, you are not the gross materialist Instagram memes make you out to be, but, let's be real, everyone likes free money. With Jupiter in your 8th house of other people’s bank accounts, you just might find out about a long-lost rich uncle or sweeten your quality of life thanks to your partner’s big promotion.
But as you know, the only wealth you can really depend on comes from self-trust. That’s especially true in times of change. Uranus, the planet of surprises, continues moving through your sign this year, bringing a fresh blast of boldness. New, interesting acquaintances — and some unexpected fashion choices — are your gateways to a richer, more fulfilling daily life.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Gemini
Mantra: “I am most alive when I am learning something new.”
Prophetic dreams and secret clubs: that’s what 2019 has in store, Gemini. With Uranus re-entering your 12th house of the subconscious, sleeping (literally) is the best way to answer your most pressing questions. And don’t be shocked if you get an invite to a speakeasy or feel the urge to keep quiet about a new friend. Your boredom is alleviated by exploring secret social worlds and micro-subcultures far off the beaten path of your daily life.
Chatting with someone cute at the bar might be a nice distraction, but it’s not enough to hold your interest right now, unless it goes deeper, fast. Good thing you know how to take the conversation somewhere interesting — whether that leads to a sexual relationship or a solid friendship, it’s all good. You’re hungry for discovery, and that’s going to come through true connection.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Cancer
Mantra: “I am at home in the world.”
Relationships are hard, Cancer. While that may be true for everyone 100% of the time, it is extra true right now for you. You’re in a process of learning about love, and the core of this process is learning to love yourself.
Whether you’re coming up against your limits in a committed partnership or feeling let down by self-centered family members, frustration can make you want to blow. But unloading your feelings on others will only take away your self-respect. That’s why breaks are so important. Reconnect with your heart by making brunch dates with your besties and being open to the new, interesting friends who are destined to come your way.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Leo
Mantra: “I win when I follow my joy.”
Sparkly Leo, you were born for glory, fun, romance — not to be stuck doing other people’s dirty work. Change is lighting your 10th house of career, and the timing couldn’t be better. You like having a stable job, and this can make you a bit of a traditionalist at work. While that’s still true in the big picture, you’re ready for more independence. Take the risk of being a little weird and different — the payoff is so worth it.
On the romance front, you’re feeling brainy. Museums and public lectures make stimulating backdrops for intellectual connection, and a spontaneous road trip is the ultimate love potion. You just might discover brand-new forms of fun.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Virgo
Mantra: “The world needs my skills.”
Humility is a lovely trait, Virgo. It shows you value others as much as you do yourself. But it can be a problem if it stops you from sharing your abilities. With inhibiting Saturn and Pluto moving through your 5th house of talents, you need to work through that self-consciousness.
Luckily, with education-minded Jupiter in your 4th house of emotions, you're willing to crack the self-help books or sign up for therapy. Jupiter rewards even small efforts with tangible signs of growth. Healing is a skill like anything else, and with a little work, you may find some of those old self-protections fall away, leaving you readier than ever to share your gifts with the world.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Libra
Mantra: “Love is always the best choice.”
Your 2019 is all about relationships, Libra — the good, the bad, the parental. Independent Uranus moving through your 8th house of merging will help you break away from toxic friends and lovers, while making your sex life more experimental and exciting.
Unfortunately, family relationships will be more complicated. There’s real work to be done around your parents, plus any bad memories you’re carrying. What actions actually make you feel loving, as opposed to looking the part? Luckily, Jupiter moving through your 3rd house of communication gives you the clarity and warmth that let others hear you. A dreaded conflict may even bring about mutual understanding and lasting, positive change.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Scorpio
Mantra: “My capacity for transformation is my greatest strength.”
Grown-ups love to tell children that words can’t hurt them, but you know that’s a lie. Words can be weapons, and you have learned to protect yourself from all manners of shade. With judgy Saturn and harsh Pluto in your 3rd house of communication, your verbal self-protection is on high alert these days, keeping you from speaking freely and causing you to assume the worst. While your guardedness may be based in a real wound, it’s not helping you — at all. What are you really afraid of, Scorpio? Imagine that worst-case scenario, and then picture the person who can handle it. Guess what: That super-together person is your future self. The question is, are you brave enough to become them?
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Sagittarius
Mantra: “When I'm open to experience, life is an adventure.”
Your best, most open-hearted and generous self is on display this year, Sagittarius. And that’s no coincidence. Jupiter, your planetary ruler and all-around force for good, is passing over your sun, expanding your faith and optimism and inspiring you to embrace every awesome opportunity that comes your way. In the maybe-mix: a spur-of-the-moment trip to the pyramids of Mexico, stumbling into a stranger who tells you exactly what you needed to hear, or impulsively signing up for a life-altering astrology class.
Jupiter is often called “lucky,” but it’s the kind of luck that depends on full participation. So keep your eyes open, Sag, and be ready to jump in.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Capricorn
Mantra: “I succeed when I treat myself and others with kindness.”
I’ll give it to you straight, Cappy: 2019 is a doozy. With stern Saturn and brutal Pluto moving over your sun, you may be able to push down the feelings, but you’ll only be turning a mountain into an iceberg (and you know what happened to the Titanic). Saturn rewards hard work, and your sun represents your core goals. Be it stand-up comedy or managerial consulting, you may be very close to turning a long-held passion into a sustainable career. But all that depends on not running around on your own shame, fear, and loneliness. Luckily, self-care is easier than you think. Be nice to yourself, and take opportunities to show your steadfast love for friends and family. These connections are what make those wins count.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Aquarius
Mantra: “I am open to new ideas and new ways of thinking.”
Whether your social life revolves around your soccer team, group spa dates, or political rallies, 2019’s a party when you’re with your people. With expansive Jupiter in your 11th house of group activities, new friends will enter your fold or you may stumble onto a pocket of smart, interesting people who surprise you by sharing your love for sci-fi fan-fic or avant-garde fashion. These friendships will shake you loose from outgrown hopes and rigid thinking. Major changes are coming, Aquarius, especially on the home front. It’s time to throw open that narrow window of your future and let the fresh air blow in.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Pisces
Mantra: “I am a channel that love and insight flows through.”
Daily life continues to be unpredictable in 2019, Pisces. With Uranus, the planet of surprises, in your 3rd house of communication, eavesdropping, email, and internet stalking bring shocking news. Whether it’s the news of an ex’s marriage or that your YouTube channel went viral overnight, the feeling will be a lot to process, bringing out your worries and escapist tendencies. Bring the peace back into your days by switching on your email’s vacation responder and going offline whenever you get the chance. Gentle, daily retreats put you in touch with the beauty of the unknown and the magic possibilities that infuse every breath.
Illustrated by Ariel Davis.
Catch What Men Want in theaters February 8, 2019.
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On Thursday, the most diverse new crop of lawmakers in history will be sworn in to the 116th Congress. They have shown that they did not come here to play: The Green New Deal addressing climate change, championed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has already gained momentum — and Congress isn't even in session yet. On top of that, more women — and women of color — will be in Congress than ever.
To make sure you don't miss this event, we've got all the basics you need to know.
When will the new Congress be sworn in? According to the Constitution, the U.S. Congress must be sworn in at noon on January 3.
How can I watch the ceremony?C-SPAN and C-SPAN 2 will both stream the swearing-in live at 12 p.m. EST. You're also likely to catch key moments on social media.
Have the Senate and House leaders been elected? The Senate leaders — Sen. Mitch McConnell as majority leader and Sen. Chuck Schumer as minority leader — have been reelected. The House is expected to reelect Rep. Nancy Pelosi as its next leader on Thursday. During roll call, each member-elect will state who they're voting for.
How many women will be in Congress this year? According to the Pew Research Center, 102 female U.S. House members — about a quarter of all members — will be in the 116th Congress, 34.3% of them for the first time. That's a record over the previous House, which had 87 women. As for the Senate, 25 women, 20% of whom are new, will take their seats on Thursday, beating the previous record of 23. That's a quarter of the Senate.
What are some of the other historic changes in Congress? It's a year of historic firsts. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Abby Finkenauer became the youngest women ever to serve in Congress. Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar became the first Muslim-American women ever elected. Ayanna Pressley will be the first Black woman to represent Massachusetts. Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia will be the first Latinas to represent Texas. And Sharice Davids and Deb Haaland are the first Indigenous women ever elected to Congress.
What about the government shutdown? That is very much still happening, as Trump continues to push for his border wall — and this is, by the way, the first time a new Congress will be seated during a government shutdown. But Rep. Pelosi says she wants to vote on a deal to reopen the government ASAP.
It won’t be long before we’re taking the Christmas tree out to the dump and bidding farewell to another year — and what a year this was! The year of 2018 was intense, exciting, and full of surprises. Some of those surprises were uh-may-zing. Others were shocking. But one thing is for sure: The wheels of justice have begun to turn.
Tarot readers knew that karma debts were going to be paid in 2018, because the year was guided by the Justice card, which means the consequences of past actions were due. The long arms of the law, both legal and karmic, were not playing around. This was a year for shake-ups, wake-ups, and a necessary rebalancing. The checks and balances are falling into place as the rest of the year finishes up. Know that whatever went down, things are moving into divine order, even if it doesn’t seem to be.
As we look ahead, we might be wondering: What’s next? Will justice prevail? Are more upheavals ahead? Or will things settle down at last?
Let’s start by determining 2019’s theme. You can figure that out by adding up the numbers in the year itself (2+0+1+9). These numbers add up to 12, which is connected to The Hanged Man. That means 2019 will be governed by The Hanged Man.
Read on to learn what that means — and what advice the Tarot has for 2019.
Theresa Reedas been a professional, full-time tarot reader for more than 25 years. She is the host of the popular podcast,Tarot Bytes, and the author ofThe Tarot Coloring Book. Theresa lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Hanged Man The Theme for This Year
The Hanged Man pictures a figure hanging by a foot, like the “pittura infamante” or “defaming portraits” common in Renaissance Italy. These images were painted in public places as a way of shaming traitors, thieves, and people convicted of fraud. This year, we may see the results of last year’s Justice bringing convictions. Those who have been flouting the rule of law may finally get their day in court.
The Hanged Man demands that sacrifices be made, and people must do their time for the crime. This may not happen quickly, for this card says we must wait until all the proper pieces and players are ready. Justice and punishment will be doled out. Not all of it will seem fair, but do know that the universe is working it out.
This year requires patience and trust. It may seem as if nothing is happening at times. But behind the scenes, much is going on. The forces are at work to clear the decks and bring about a fresh start. We must all be ready to release the old to make way for the new. Forgive transgressions. Let all that negative stuff go.
By the time 2019 comes to an end, we’ll have a fresh perspective and be prepared to clean house. Until then, we must keep the faith.
What does the Tarot have to say about the sacrifices we might expect going forward? How might we find hope when everything seems upside-down? Read on to see the cards I pulled for 2019, which reflect the present, the future, and what you should do.
The Six of Cups symbolizes a return to a simpler time and a focus on community. Priorities will be on creating peace and looking out for each other. Selfishness is no longer in vogue. Instead, caring is in. If we take the time to tend to our communities and focus on each other, life can become sweet for all.
We’re all in this together. Let’s act like that.
This card can also warn about getting fixated on the past. Do you wish things were like the “good old days"? Are you resistant to change? If so, you’ll need to let that go or risk getting left behind.
Rules must be obeyed and enforced. Law and order are getting restored. New traditions will be created while the ones that ensure that society functions will be upheld.
More people may seek spiritual guidance this year. After so much hateful rhetoric, we want to believe that there is something good within everyone. This is a time for expanding awareness, opening minds, and questioning values.
New leaders will emerge and these will be the people who show the way to a just and ethical society. These people will be willing to do the right thing, even if that means putting their own necks on the line. Look to the teachers, mentors, and leaders for inspiration. If you don’t see that in your world, become one yourself.
The Two of Wands advises that we look ahead. Envision the world you want to live in. What might that look like? What needs to happen to create a secure and healthy future for all of us who inhabit this big ol' globe? Start exploring ways that you can show up and make a difference.
The Two of Wands signals a new vision is taking shape. New leaders are getting ready to stand up and take us in exciting directions. Create your plans for the future — and get behind the people who want a better one for us all. Do not lose hope for bright days are ahead.
Take care of the planet and each other. We’ve got this!
Instagram can teach you a lot about piercing trends, from the daith to the nipple to the one you'd never tell your grandma about. But what you won't learn on social media are the nitty-gritty details — like the healing process — that follow. In one scroll you might notice that rook piercings are the new It spot, but what happens if it migrates, you're allergic to your new barbell, or it gets infected? But better yet, how do you know if it's infected in the first place?
We asked L.A.'s most in-demand piercer, Brian Keith Thompson (whose client list includes Beyoncé and FKA Twigs) and Patricia Wexler, MD, New York-based dermatologist, to answer the top questions surrounding infections, migrated jewelry, allergic reactions, and more. Keep clicking for some of our top FAQs.
How can you tell if your piercing is infected? According to Thompson, the telltale signs of an infection are simple: "The area around the piercing is warm to the touch, you notice extreme redness or red streaks protruding from it, and it has discolored pus, normally with a green or brown tint," Thompson says. "You might also notice swollen lymph nodes, which is your body trying to kill the infection." If your piercing is severely infected, you'll basically feel like you're getting a cold, and, in some cases, you might even begin to run a fever.
Dr. Wexler agrees that it's easy to identify an infection by the above symptoms, adding that you might also experience some swelling, pain, tenderness of the area, burning, or itching. "This usually occurs more than two days after the piercing and continues to worsen," she explains. See a medical professional to address the situation ASAP if this sounds like what you're dealing with.
When it comes to pus, what's normal and what's an infection? " When it's discolored, like green or brown, that's serious and something to be addressed immediately by a medical professional," Thompson says "This could likely be an infection that shouldn't go untreated." Dr. Wexler agrees: If it's yellow or green around the opening, call your doctor. (White fluid or crust, on the other hand, is normal, but more on that later.)
Are infected piercings common? "Most of the time what a person thinks is an infection is really just a pissed-off piercing," Thompson says. Dr. Wexler mentions that your piercing (especially ears) will most likely be sensitive for several days — and that's totally normal. So, don't overreact until you spot the aforementioned symptoms.
How do you treat an infected piercing? If the piercing is infected, don't panic — just get to the doctor. Your next plan of action is treatment: "A minor infection can usually be treated at home by cleaning around the piercing with the saltwater solution three times daily and a topical antibiotic ointment," Dr. Wexler explains. But she warns to look out for crust forming around the inflamed piercing hole — it can trap bacteria and close the hole. She suggests cleaning the front and back of the piercing and drying with a lint-free sterile gauze or paper towel.
Photographed by Beth Sacca.
How can you avoid an infected piercing? Most importantly, listen to the after-care tips from your piercer. Try not to touch your new piercing — and if you must, wash your hands thoroughly before doing so. Thompson adds that you should wash your piercing at least once a day — twice a day if you're active in your daily routine, like you work around children or outdoors. His soap of choice: Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. But any mild soap works, too!
Should I be using alcohol toclean my new piercing? While alcohol is known for keeping other wounds clean, it's not the best solution for a piercing. Dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD, tells us that not only is alcohol drying, but it can also lead to inflammation and potentially worsen the piercing's healing process. Instead, opt for saline solution. "Saline is not an irritant, not drying, and generally quite well-tolerated even with sensitive skin-types," explains Dr. Nazarian. "Saline also prevents infection and keeps the piercing clean."
When is the best time to remove a piercing in the case of an infection? "In the presence of a minor infection, the jewelry should not be removed or the hole will close," Dr. Wexler says. "Earring holes, specifically, can take a minimum of eight weeks to granulate and removing the earring will destroy any chance you have of keeping that piercing."
My piercing is red, irritated, and a little swollen, but it doesn't seem infected — what could this mean? "A lot of times people will come in thinking they have an infection when it's really just physical irritation," Thompson explains. They're likely hitting it a lot or playing with it — both no-no's. Cartilage piercings experience this often because it's in the line of fire for everyday activities. This can cause redness, swelling, and a little bit of pain. You might even see some white or clear fluid from the piercing — this is lymph fluid, not pus. Dr. Wexler adds that this is normal and may be noticeable for several days after your piercing. If it persists past a few days, it's good to rule out an allergy to the jewelry.
Photographed by Christine Hahn; styled by Courtney Raniszewksi at Apostrophe
I've heard that your body can reject a piercing — what does that mean? A rejection happens when your body's immune system tries to remove the piercing for you. This happens most often to nipple and naval piercings. It's just like it sounds: The body slowly pushes the jewelry out.
What does a rejected piercing look like? Rejected piercings aren't as serious as infections, but could threaten the longevity of the piercing. It normally gets inflamed, then begins to move slowly out of the hole. Thompson explains that, in the case of nipple piercings, you'll notice the skin between the barbells has protruding red streaks and starts getting shallow. You'll see the same around the curved barbells in naval piercings.
Dr. Wexler says that this isn't a life-threatening situation. "One rejected piercing has no relevance on future piercings," she explains. "If the rejected piercing is due to infection, but caution is taken to prevent future infections, all future piercings should be uneventful." She stresses that the most important thing to remember is to take care of your new piercing until it's fully healed. Be meticulous, keep it clean, and make sure the jewelry is sterilized before use.
What should you do if your piercing is rejected? Thompson suggests that if your body begins to reject your piercing, don't wait for it to fully remove itself, or else you'll have a pronounced scar from where the hole originally was. Call your piercer and have them look at it before this happens. They may change the jewelry, or remove it altogether. If this is the case, you can wait for it to heal, then try piercing it again.
How common is this? It's hard to say, because everyone's bodies and immune systems are different and a lot of issues can impact this. What sensitivities do you have? How was your body pierced? What kind of jewelry is it? Did the piercer go through enough tissue? These are just some of the factors involved in a potential rejection.
Is a rejection different from a migrated piercing? Yes, sometimes people will get a piercing and then they'll notice it move just slightly. This is like a rejection, but it's actually called a migration. "Say you get cartilage pierced and you're constantly sleeping on it," Thompson explains. "Your body will change the location of the jewelry to protect the body from trauma." So, it might be at a different angle than when you initially got it pierced. Its movement depends on where you're putting the pressure, but if the piercing is in an area not normally touched often, it won't be prone to migration.
Photographed by Beth Sacca.
I don't have an infected piercing, but there's a lot of crust. How can I get rid of it safely? If you spot crust around the hole of your piercing know that it's not pus, it's dried lymph fluid. Thompson says that the crust that tends to form post-piercing is your body's way of protecting itself from bacteria and potential infections. In other words, it's sealing off the outside so that new hole can heal.
We understand the urge to peel away the dried fluid, but as satisfying as it seems, doing so can lead to long-term issues. Thompson says that even if the crust appears excessive, or simply too gross to go to work with, don't pick it. Instead, gently wash the piercing with lukewarm water for a couple minutes to loosen up and rinse away the lymph fluid. Make sure to pat it dry (to avoid more crusting) and, if you prefer, spritz with saline solution (this also prevents infection without dehydrating your skin with alcohol).
Can I be allergic to my piercing? Cheap jewelry often contains allergens like nickel, but titanium, gold, and platinum are better bets because they're hypoallergenic. If this is the case, then think about having the jewelry changed ASAP. Dr. Wexler says that after swapping out the jewelry, consider seeing your doctor to make sure it's healing correctly, because you might need to treat the irritation topically with steroids.
Where can I purchase quality jewelry online? Brands like BVLA and Maria Tash are popular designers stocked at many piercing studios, including Body Electric, but they're also available online. There are lots of great brands out there, just make sure that whatever you're buying is 14k gold (white, yellow, or rose) or surgical-grade stainless steel, both of which will last longer that cheap jewelry and lowers your chance of having an allergic reaction.
What's the one thing that everyone should know before getting a piercing? Thompson stresses that piercings don't heal overnight, some could even take up to six months — and that's if you leave it alone and keep it clean. But don't feel bad if you physically irritate it. Thompson and Dr. Wexler agree that accidents and sensitivity around the area is normal. But, most importantly, let it heal without messing with it. "Your piercer could do a perfect, textbook piercing, but if you don't let it heal, it won't heal," Thompson concludes. Bottom line: It's your responsibility to care for it.
Did we forget your question? Leave it in the comments below and we'll get it answered by our pros!
Photographed by Beth Sacca.
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When January 1 comes around, our optimism is at an all-time high. We're actually excited about going to the gym. We're downloading meditation apps on our phones and making a list of all the books we want to read. And when we're scrolling though Instagram and see a hairstyle we love, our reaction is more likely to be, "I can totally do this."
But it's normal to lose that positivity in the days and weeks that follow. Honestly, we blame alarm clocks — oh, and the cold weather that makes us just want to put on a hat. It's so easy to fall back into last year's hairstyle rut once you're rushing to get back to the office on January 2.
But we're here to keep you encouraged. Because while you might've thought that you used up all your creativity on your New Year's Eve hairstyle, we're here to prove that you're just getting started. We've been putting the Instagram save feature to use to compile a month's worth of hair inspiration. From bold accessories to Beyoncé-approved box braids, there's something for everyone to try.
Ahead, 31 gorgeous looks that will inspire you to start the new year with nothing but good hair days.
The holidays might be over, but don't let those celestial hair accessories collect dust. You can continue using them well into 2019 à la Lucy Hale.
@kdeenihan
The dark-to-light ombré effect on this beige lob makes it a unique look that's perfect for wintertime.
@c00lidc
Add length to your locs with crochet loc extensions, which have been a huge request at Nappstar salon in New York City. The extensions let you skip the grow-out phase and allow you to fake it 'til you make it with length as your natural hair grows.
@nappstar_nyc
Keep your ears warm and stay stylish with a trendy wrap like this leather one. Not only does defend your ears against winter wind, but it also hides greasy roots, making it a foolproof style on lazy hair days.
@brittsully
This sophisticated hairstyle that Peter Gray created on Kate Bosworth is easier to accomplish than meets the eye. Simply create a sleek ponytail, but for your last loop with the hair tie, stop midway to achieve this Japanese-inspired look.
@petergrayhair
Award season is underway, which means there is even more glam inspiration coming to your Instagram feed. For your next night out, recreate these red carpet-worthy pin curls, and don't forget the red lipstick to complete the retro look.
@viola_pyak
Add a special detail to your half-up ponytail by wrapping hair around the base of the ponytail, as seen here on Amanda Seyfried.
@renatocampora
We might be approaching a new decade, but the '90s aren't going anywhere — well, for now. And why not embrace it like Paloma Elsesser with an old-school, jumbo hair clip?
@dramagyrl
Take dimension to an entirely new level by giving yourself double bangs — a short, blunt set and longer, chin-grazing pieces. It creates a one-of-a-kind frame around the face that, if you choose to grow them out, will transform into natural layers.
@uhclarice
Layered bangs also make for a unique look when creating updos.
@lacyredway
Hairstylist Veronica Nunez said it best: "If someone tells you your hair is too big, get rid of them. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life." Essentially, a mood for 2019.
@veronica_nunez
Let your colorist know you're ready to have some fun. Just before the start of her Las Vegas residency, Lady Gaga went from lilac to silver in days, showing us how creative you can get with your hair color — with the proper care, of course.
@gagavegas
Summer is months away, but you can easily add some illumination to your life right now through your hair. This caramel brunette shade comes straight out of New York City's trendiest salons. Not only does it add lightness to your hair, but it also gives your skin a subtle glow, according to Oscar Blandi Salon 's lead colorist Kyle White.
@the.lexii.look
Some winter days call for a hat, and by adding tousled waves, you can make it into a look. You'll be eager to keep your headwear on all day once it's an integral part of your #ootd.
@gregoryrussellhair
If you haven't heard, statement barrettes are a thing. Celebrities, like Selena Gomez and Olivia Culpo, have been seen rocking these hair-clip messages all over Instagram. Some statements stronger than others.
@justinemarjan
We could honestly use all of Jennifer Lopez's recent beauty looks as inspiration this month, but this voluminous half-up ponytail might be our favorite look from her Second Act press tour.
@chrisappleton1
Go against the popular phrase "less is more," and kick it up several notches with hair accents like these handmade pearl accessories on Vanessa Hong.
@mischag
Per hair guru Kristin Ess, it's "time to double-down" with the right accessories.
@kristin_ess
Looking for something new to do with your curls? Twist your hair from the roots to ends, then pin them up to create the basketweave base for this ponytail style. The size and direction of the twists is all up to you.
@jenfrdiaz
It's all in the details, and if you look closely at this hairstyle, there are plenty of hidden components. From the tiny half-up ponytail that magically forms into a small braid to the loose hair that comes together at the nape, it's hard not to stare.
@hairbyadir
Just because it's wintertime, doesn't mean you have to pack up your bright accessories. Find a colorful wrap and let it add some pizzazz to your look. You might forget that it's even cold outside — well, until you actually step outside.
@erisolita
If you're low on time and need a pretty hairstyle that's quick and easy to do, this one's for you. Just twist two front strands (one on each side of face) and bring them together at the back of the head, forming a crown. Take that ponytail and pin it into an effortless bun that looks like an unfolding rose.
@bridgetbragerhair
Take notes from Queen Bey and start off the new year with small box braids. Length is up to you, but we're feeling these thigh-length braids that make a statement.
@beyonce
If you're not ready for a whole head of braids, add a few to your curly hairstyle along your part with two or three hair cuffs as accents.
@monalysaalcantara
Winter is coming, no really — Game of Thrones season eight is only a few months away. So, there's no better time to be inspired by snowy-haired Daenerys Targaryes and go icy blonde. The best part is that it will still be on trend even after we've said goodbye to the HBO show.
@ninezeroone
Miss Universe took place last month, and although Miss Philippines walked away with the crown, Miss Vietnam won our hearts with her pixie cut that broke beauty pageant standards.
@hhennie.official
Sit back, relax, and bring those braids into a large bun that will make you want to take a selfie.
@mameadjei4
A new year calls for big transformations. If that's your mood, go for a lined undercut that goes up into a curly mohawk. Hairstylist Keisha Des Vignes used custard on wet hair to enhance the curls and a detangling comb to distribute the product.
@salon_desvignes
If you were pinning bangs to your inspiration board all through 2018, let this motivate you to go for it in 2019.
@babeshelle
Want to give your long hair some added movement? Cut your strands into layers. You never know, maybe that appointment with the scissors will make you consider going shorter later in the year.
@princess.mamis
New York City girls are leaning into the shaggy lob for that tousled look, as hairstylist Mia Emilio previously told us. "I feel like it’s all about a shaggy look and messy curls this year," she said.
@robertapecoraro
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What are your goals for 2019? To dream big, do more, and actually achieve your resolutions? We've got a planner for that. Or maybe it's just to keep all your dental appointments and brunch dates corralled in one fly notebook? We've got a planner for that, too.
We've scoured the internet far and wide (and even consulted a few calendar junkies) to find the BEST daily, weekly, and monthly organizers to get you through the New Year. Whether you want to plan out every hour of the next few months or just have a place to jot down to-dos, we've found a planner for you. Oh, and for those of you just starting out your organizational journey, we have some undated options as well, meaning you can start and stop whenever you want — no blank pages left behind.
Ahead, planners that make being organized easy, fun, and stylish.
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.
Our sentiments exactly.
Yes Studio Weekend Blink Daily Planner, $25.95, available at Amazon.
This 12-month planner is flanked and filled with charming pup pics by Brooklyn-based illustrator, Libby VanderPloeg.
Libby VanderPloeg Perfect Pup 2019 12-Month Planner, $34, available at Anthropologie
Pick from one of five beautiful photos to adorn the cover of your Wish Diary — a weekly planner with a simple, clean, and flat-opening layout to fill with all your plans and notes for an inspirational 2019.
Mochi Things 2019 Wish Weekly Planner, $18.86, available at Mochi Things
This portable planner includes everything from reflect and refocus check-ins to happiness banks, mistake logs for ditching perfectionism, reward stickers, coloring pages, and more for living and embracing our most imperfect (but organized) lives.
The secret to a streamlined schedule? A très chic agenda.
Ashley Mary Celestial 2019 12-Month Planner, $34, available at Anthropologie
Looking to organize your life down to the very day? This is the planner for you.
The daily layout includes dedicated boxes for tracking meals, exercises, to-dos, and nightly reflection. Our favorite part? Every day has a motivational quote from our favorite muses, like Shonda Rhimes and Maya Angelou.
The Happiness Planner The Happiness Planner® | Jan-Dec '19 | Daily, $59, available at The Happiness Planner
This Amazon's Choice purchase is a best-selling planner that takes a scientific approach towards increased productivity and happiness within its layout.
Panda Planner Daily Planner, $24.97, available at Amazon
Make getting your life together a rosy affair.
Moleskine 12-Month Daily Planner - Pink, $19.95, available at Moleskine
This ban.do agenda keeps you organized, while letting everyone around you know that you're VERY BUSY.
Bando Rough Draft Mini Spiral Notebook, $12, available at Amazon
A gorgeous collection of graphic planners from the design studio of artist Julia Kostreva just hit Target,
Julia Kostreva 2019 Planner 8.25"x 6" Pink & Red Color Block, $9.99, available at Target
This hard-covered planner comes simply yet chicly designed in a linen-textured orange.
Shinola Planner: 2019, 12 Month, $22, available at Amazon
Is planning easier if we trick ourselves into thinking we're actually gardening? Either way, this notebook is very pretty.
Urban Outfitters Patterned Daily Planner Journal, $20, available at Urban Outfitters
A very chic addition to your desk vignette that also happens to help you keep your whole life organized.
Dabney Lee for Blue Sky “Honeycomb Blue” Weekly/Monthly Hardcover Planner, $45, available at Blue Sky
There is no project too big or too complicated for this mighty project planner. The undated format breaks down into four sections: yearly plan, monthly plan, weekly plan, and project plan. In total, you can plan 100 projects within its 160 pages. Side hustles, here you come!
Poketo Project Planner in Clay, $38, available at Poketo
Jot down notes, plans of action, and day-to-day tasks in a classic and simplistic style.
ink+volt 2019 Planner – Limited Edition Series, $45, available at ink+volt
For the more creative type, this planner features colorful weekly vertical layouts and monthly vision boards. Plus, the hardcover and thin coiled design make it easy to tote around — no matter where the inspiration takes you.
Bloom Daily Planners 2019 Vision Planner & Calendar, Marble, $28.95, available at Bloom Daily Planners
The rainbow-embossed cover of this planner sends a clear message: You mean business in 2019 — this heavy duty planner has inspirational quotes inside to boot.
ban.do 2019 large 12-month annual planner , $32, available at ban.do
Calling all students! This planner is perfect for keeping your classes, short-term assignments, and long-term projects organized. (Pro-tip: It has a ringed binding so you can refill the pages as you knock out your work over the course of the year.)
kikki.K LEATHER PERSONAL PLANNER LARGE: MINT, $79.95, available at Kikki-K
A very elegant textured agenda so you can keep track of all your weddings, meetings, birthdays, and happy hours.
Anthropologie Mila 2018-2019 Planner, $24, available at Anthropologie
This little black book gives you a plan for getting your shit together every day, week, and month of the year.
Simple Planners Get Shit Done 2019 Daily Planner, $8.36, available at Amazon
This chic, dove-gray planner is slim enough to fit in your pocket — while still packing enough page power to handle your weekly and monthly to-dos.
Paper Source 2018-2019 Dove Grey Small Planner, $14.96, available at Paper Source
You may have heard a person or two talk about this so called "life planner." We're here to tell you: it's worth all the hype.
The planner comes in three layout options (horizontal, vertical, and hourly), two layout colorways, three coil colors, optional monogramming, and endless cover options. Our favorite part: all the bells and whistles easily attach to the coils so you can organize every part of your life right down to what you're making for dinner or what you're packing for vacation.
Erin Condren Deluxe Monthly Planner, $44.98, available at Amazon
Keep track with a Kate Spade classic bound in a lovely watercolored-floral.
kate spade new york Floral Large Full Year Agenda, $25.2, available at Shopbop
This soft leather planner is perfect for long-term brainstorming.
Gallery Leather LEATHER LARGE MONTHLY PLANNER, $24, available at Gallery Leather
Never forget another to-do with this planner featuring a punchy, gold-foiled and energetic design.
ban.do Moonstone 17-Month Classic Agenda, $16, available at The Paper Store
Being a tourist in New York City means wearing comfortable walking shoes and checking out its most iconic landmarks and activities: going to the top of the Empire State Building, ice-skating at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, or taking the ferry to Ellis Island. Head west to Los Angeles, and your itinerary changes quite a bit. With fewer must-visit attractions, and weather that calls for sundresses, sandals, and bathing suits, you should plan to make like the locals and spend hours on the beach... and in tattoo shops.
Yes, if you're planning a trip to L.A. anytime soon, your to-do list should allow plenty of time for seeing some of the most notable shops the city has to offer. L.A. is packed with tattoo history — it's even home to the oldest tattoo shop in the United States. Better still for your celebrity-sighting goals, the five spots ahead also happen to be exactly where the who's who of Hollywood spend their money to get inked, which is all the more reason to try and see every single space... even if your budget only allows for one.
Who To See: Mickey T, Shay Bredimus, & Laura Wangerin
Although Outer Limits didn't officially set up shop in the heart of the Pike until the early '00s, the location is recognized as a landmark for the tattooing community. What was once the birthplace of the evolving subculture on the west coast — owned by Bert Grimm in the '50s — is now a must-visit spot run by Kari Barba, who maintains the space as both a functioning tattoo shop and makeshift museum for Grimm and his legacy.
You may not need to know the history of the Long Beach location to make an appointment, but the rich narrative behind it makes experiencing the shop that much more worthwhile. Nonetheless, this isn't the Sailor Jerry-style boys' club of the past: Thanks to Barba and her talented staff of artists, the shop is now known for cutting-edge art ranging from simple, precise linework to larger, bolder, colorful New School pieces.
Where: 22 S. Chestnut Place (The Pike of Long Beach), Long Beach; 562-437-9121.
Who To See: Zoey Taylor, Clarens Monroy, & Anna Cojocari
You probably already have an image in your mind of what a tattoo shop should look like. Whether that's brightly-painted walls covered in memorabilia of tattoos and clients past, or a tiny industrial space hidden underneath an apartment complex, The Warren is nothing like it. Instead, the space is meticulously clean, airy, and decorated in the sort of vintage edge you might expect from an upscale boutique that sells refurbished Chanel tweeds. Owner Zoey Taylor is as enigmatic as the space she runs; inside you'll find private rooms for every appointment, churning out tattoos that reflect the artists' expertise in colorful photorealism and traditional Americana.
Where: 8776 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood; 310-659-3502.
Who To See: Diana Munoz, Danny Romo, & Louie Perez
Mark Mahoney may be known as the tattoo artist of choice for countless A-listers (David Beckham, Angelina Jolie, and Lady Gaga are frequent clients), but he's also the man who runs the famous Shamrock in WeHo. Not only is it where black-and-gray, "single-needle" work was popularized, but it's also where some of your favorite Instagram-famous artists, like Dr. Woo, got their start. If you have the extra cash, it's the spot to go if you want some punk-rock art topped off with memorable conversations. (We can only imagine what the dialogue would've been like if Mahoney clients Cate Blanchett and the late Tupac Shakur ever overlapped appointments.)
Where: 9026 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood; 310-271-9664.
Sure, whenever we're in town, we always make sure to stop by Body Electric to get pierced by owner Brian Keith Thompson (you can thank him for the spike in constellation piercings you've seen all over Instagram). But, as the name suggests, the 25-year-old shop is primarily a go-to for tattoos ranging from portraiture designs to geometric shapes.
When you want the feel of a classic New York tattoo shop with a West-Coast edge, you go to Broken Art Tattoo. Buried in an unlikely basement, this Silver Lake hidden gem is exactly what you need if you're in search of colorful, Neo-Traditional art.
Where: 2400 Hyperion Ave; 323-661-4777.
Photo Courtesy of Broken Art Tattoo.
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In case you haven't noticed, we're a bit obsessed with house-plants here at Refinery29. To us, adding a touch of nature is one of the easiest ways to brighten up a room. We're firm believers that a bit of leafy shrub will help trick the eye into thinking that a space is much bigger than it actually is. Plus, green is such a soothing color.
You don't necessarily have to hit up your nearest florist or plant nursery to curate a rad indoor forest: In our never ending quest to develop a green thumb, a few excellent online plant shops have landed on our radar. Click ahead for the stylish emporiums that will deliver the trendiest greenery to your doorstep. Now it's up to you to figure out how to keep them alive.
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 Sill We just can't get enough of The Sill's trendy aesthetic. The startup's highly Instagrammable brick-and-mortar store on the Lower East Side offers an Instagram-worthy curation of succulents, ferns, and aloe vera, and the website is equally packed with leafy goodness. Another major feature we keep coming back for? The site has a wide selection of cute planters in a variety of colors.
Photo: Courtesy of The Sill.
Bloomscape Bloomscape delivers a wide array of green friends already-potted and ready to thrive (a.k.a. "living room ready"). The company's packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials and each plant comes complete with detailed care instructions for easy maintenance. And with a well-groomed leafy lineup — from red prayer plants to hedgehog aloes, ferns, palms, fiddle leaf figs, and more — the trendy options are endless.
Lula's Garden Turn to Lula's for simple, stylish, and eco-friendly succulent garden box online shopping. The plants range in price from $25 to $85, come complete with individual care kits, and nationwide shipping with same-day delivery in L.A. to boot.
The Bouqs Co. This already blossoming destination for on-demand floral arrangements just debuted an entirely new and enviable plant section. The leafy green offerings range from gardenias to air plants and assortments of tiny succulents complete with trendy ceramic pots — a.k.a. the ideal apartment accessory or sweet gift for a fabulous friend.
Leaf & Clay Leaf & Clay sells an assorted variety of succulents, cacti, and unique ceramic pots. You can easily purchase one-off plants for a gift, variety packs for starting your own garden, or the monthly subscription for the succulent obsessed — the "Plant Mail Club " offers a curated succulent 3-pack per month for $15.95.
Modern Sprout If you wish you had a garden, but are stuck living the apartment life, Modern Sprout will put you put your idle green thumb to good use. The website sells a variety of plant, flower, and herb starter kits — many of which come in a self-contained planter and don't need to be water.
Photo: Courtesy of Modern Sprout.
Geo-Fleur We've been eyeing this London-based indoor plant brand's collection of chic perennials — ranging from asparagus ferns to rare "Swiss cheese plants " — for some time now. Fortunately, we've found a workaround to get these plants stateside: The brand is stocked at Trouva, an online boutique that ships to the U.S. for $16.76.
Photo: Courtesy of Geo Fleur.
Terrain Anthropologie's gardening-focused sister brand is our go-to for outdoor tools and artificial plants. The retailer also sells the real stuff, from flowering bulbs to air plants.
Photo: Courtesy of Shop Terrain.
The Plant Shed This flower delivery service is a must-know if you live in the NYC area. The florist delivers a diverse range of flora and foliage species, from calla lilies to indoor palms. Customized bouquets and flower baskets are also available for order. Manhattan-based orders over $100 are delivered free of charge.
Photo: Courtesy of Plant Shed.
White Flower Farms Instead of hitting up a nursery to pick out your favorite shrubs, the nursery is coming to you. This family-run flower farm is based out of Connecticut and ships to the continental U.S. With over 65 years in business, the seller is a trust-worthy place to source the more delicate plant species. For promotional purposes, a rotating selection of plants even come with free shipping.
Photo: Courtesy of White Flower Farm.
Cactus Limon You may not know this, but Etsy is home to an impressive assortment of plant sellers. Cactus Limon, a 15-year-old business operated by a husband-and-wife duo, has close to 300 types of succulents and cacti on offer, including this gorgeous handmade succulent wreath.
Photo: Courtesy of Etsy.
Tropical Fresh Plants Looking for some exotic greenery to spruce up your space? There will be something to your liking at this Etsy store. The plant shop specializes in rare-to-find varities, from braided snake plants to French staghorn ferns. If you're after something more subtle, the store also carries a line up of thimble cacti and jellybean succulents.
Photo: Courtesy of Etsy.
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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 communications manager working in PR who makes $41,863 per year and spends some of her money this week on green juice. Editor's note: All prices have been converted to U.S. dollars.
Monthly Expenses Rent: $570 (I live with my boyfriend, T. I don't pay half, but this is my contribution to the rent, bills, and car. T. earns a fair bit more than I do, so he only asks for this amount.) Student Loan Payment: $139.54 (This comes out of my paycheck.)
Train Pass: $644 (This includes travel by train into London throughout the week and unlimited underground travel seven days a week.) Phone: $57 Netflix: $7.59 iCloud Storage: $1 Savings: $650 (This changes every month depending on what I've earned — I've had three pay raises this year — and what else I have going on for the month. If I have a holiday to pay for, I won't save. I currently have around $5,100 saved.)
Day One
6 a.m. — Up for work. It's so hard getting out of bed when it's pitch black outside and my boyfriend's still cozied up in bed.
7:20 a.m. — Walk 10 minutes to the station. (My total commute takes about an hour and 10 minutes.)
8:35 a.m. — Early for work, so I grab a coffee from Starbucks. I usually drink black coffee and I'm not fussy, but since I have a gift card, I treat myself to a toffee nut latte with almond milk. It's bloody good, actually.
10:15 a.m. — I was supposed to meet an old friend for a drink after work to catch up, but she just texted me to cancel. I pop into Liberty on my home instead to get some Christmas decorations. I'm a bit extra when it comes to Christmas.
1 p.m. — Head out to Pret for lunch. It's so hard to resist when it's so close to my office. I buy a red Thai chicken soup with a bread roll and a peach and green tea drink. I spot a tasty looking brownie on my way out, so buy I that, too, for an afternoon snack. $9.90
3 p.m. — Scroll through ASOS whilst eating and order three grey jumpers (they're all really different, I swear) and a mug for my work Secret Santa. $69.09
6 p.m. — Leave work and make my way to Liberty. I pop into H&M en route, since I spotted a nice jumper on Instagram from there the other day. (I'm not obsessed with jumpers, and I don't actually have any — hence the need to buy some.) I end up buying one jumper and two work tops ($80.10). I won't keep all six tops, though. Then, I wander around the Christmas shop in Liberty and buy three decorations ($21.36) — one is for T.'s mother, as she loves shiny cute things and I could use the brownie points. Can't get on the Tube, as they've decided to "temporarily" close Oxford Circus station...perfect. Takes me two hours to get home. My boyfriend, T., has made me a pizza for dinner, which is ready the second I walk through the door. I inhale it and then get in bed to watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians (my guilty pleasure) before falling asleep. $101.46
Daily Total: $180.45
Day Two
6 a.m. — The struggle is real. I don't do mornings. Leave for work at 7:20. Walking is currently my only exercise, as I cancelled my gym membership since I have to leave for work so early and I get home late. I buy a green smoothie from Starbucks ($3.55) using my gift card on my way to work. When I get to the office, I make Marmite on toast in the kitchen for breakfast. I don't usually eat breakfast, but since it's free and available, I sometimes make myself a piece of toast.
11 a.m. – Someone is doing a Starbucks run, so I order another toffee nut latte with almond milk. Somebody else is paying, so I can't resist.
1:30 p.m. — Head out for lunch to the nearby food market. I opt for a vegetarian Caribbean curry, which I really enjoy. $7.60
5:30 p.m. — Bar night with coworkers tonight. I end up drinking four cocktails and two glasses of wine, so I leave before it gets too messy.
8:30 p.m. — Get to the station, and I've got 15 minutes to wait for my train. I'm meeting T. at McDonald's when I get back, as we need dinner and it's late, but I end up buying a small cheeseburger and Coke Zero from McDonald's while I wait, since I'm STARVING and it's the most cost-effective option nearby. $2.50
9:15 p.m. — Meet T. at McDonald's and don't tell him I've already been… I order a chicken nuggets meal with a Coke Zero (and blame the alcohol for this behavior). $5.90
Daily Total: $16
Day Three
6 a.m. — Get up and feel knackered, but not hungover, thankfully. I pick up a cheese and tomato croissant with a mango and pineapple smoothie. Toast isn't going to cut it this morning. $5.80
1:30 p.m. — My colleague asks if I want to join her for lunch, and we head to a local deli. I get a make-your-own salad, which I fill with goodness ($7.60). Take it back to the office, and get a can of Coke Zero from the vending machine ($0.63). $8.23
4:30 p.m. — We get to leave early today, so I head home to my mum's, as I'm babysitting my little sister tonight. My mum bought me a pizza, which I don't fancy, but I have a few slices of it with a glass of wine while I watch a film with my sister and do my online food shopping to pick up on Sunday.
Daily Total: $14.03
Day Four
10 a.m. — Wake up early but lay in bed for a few hours. I live for sleeping in. I spend the morning chatting with my parents, who I haven't seen for a while.
12:30 p.m. — T. picks me up and we drive to IKEA. We have Swedish meatballs for lunch. $8
1 p.m. — We pick up a small chest of drawers and a plant ($14.25 for my half — bargain!!). Then we drive to the supermarket to pick up a Christmas tree ($15.50 for my half). Lastly, we pop into town to do some more Christmas shopping. I buy two candle gift sets ($27.88, using a coupon for part of the cost), a skirt for myself ($25.34 using another coupon), and cocoa butter ($5.95). Head home and finish off some work to send over to my boss. $88.92
8 p.m. — Date night at a restaurant that we have a $100 voucher for! We share three starters, order a main each, and share a dessert, plus we each have a few drinks. T. pays.
Daily Total: $96.92
Day Five
8:30 a.m. — Wake up with a headache. Damn cocktails. Finally get up around noon and jump in the shower. Then I make a black coffee and feel 100 times better. I head to the local shop to pick up some snacks for the afternoon ($6.95) while T. drives to the big supermarket to pick up the food order I placed. We've got enough food for dinners and lunches throughout the week, plus snacks and drinks ($53.25). (I pay a third of all our groceries ($17.75), and T. covers the rest.) $24.70
2:30 p.m. — We eat beans on toast for a late lunch and then decorate our Christmas tree. Then I clean the flat and we eat the snacks I bought while watching a Christmas film for the rest of the afternoon — a perfect Sunday.
8 p.m. — For dinner, I make us chicken wrapped in pastry with pesto and veg. I also bake pesto pinwheels out of leftover pastry for snacks — am I a domestic goddess, or what?
10:30 p.m. — Bedtime, ready for work tomorrow.
Daily Total: $24.70
Day Six
6 a.m. — Alarm goes off, and I get ready for work. When I arrive, I make coffee, eat a breakfast bar I brought with me, and put my head down — I've got a tight deadline, so it's a busy day.
1:30 p.m. — Break for lunch and eat a salad I made in the kitchen — lettuce, chicken, pine nuts, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes. Then I order a lipstick for my mum's Christmas present online. $30
6:10 p.m. — Finish work and head to the pub to meet an old friend. Order two large glasses of wine for us both — $21.50 (ouch). We have a great catch up and she buys us a round before we get the train home. At home, I cook tortellini with sauce for T. and myself, and we eat and catch up on The Apprentice before getting in bed. $21.50
Daily Total: $51.50
Day Seven
6 a.m. — Alarm goes off. Get ready for work and walk to the station. I arrive at work 15 minutes early, but I force myself to walk past Starbucks and into the office, where I get myself a coffee and peanut butter (crunchy, obv) on toast from the kitchen. I eat at my desk whilst working. Hoping to get my first big project out this week, so I need to make sure it's good!
1:20 p.m. — Pop out to the shops, where I buy a Christmas gift for T. ($8.18) and the rest of my Secret Santa present ($5). I also pick up a chicken snack and green juice ($4.10). I eat my salad from home and chicken snack once I get back to work. $17.28
6:15 p.m. — Finish work and head home. T. made enchiladas for dinner — yum! We treat ourselves to melted chocolate and strawberries for dessert. Then I paint my nails ... and immediately chip one.
10:30 p.m. — Get in bed feeling grateful that I'm taking work off on Friday and only have two days left this week. Woooo!
Daily Total: $17.28
Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women's experiences and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29's point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.
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For every American celebrity with clear, flawless baby-angel skin who claims that water is her ride-or-die beauty secret, there’s an equally radiant French ingenue who says micellar water is hers.
Micellar water, for the uninitiated, is not just a fancy type of H2O, a gimmick preying on the same type of people who insist on sparkling spring water instead of tap even if you’re at Wendy’s. Rather, it’s a different kind of special water, one that uses tiny micelles, which are clusters of fatty-acid esters, to dissolve dirt, makeup, and oil on the skin without drying — gentle, no-rinse cleansers that wipe away waterproof mascara and dulling dead-cell buildup in one fell swoop. What’s fancier than that?
But micellar water is more than just expensive makeup remover. The reason it’s so popular with in-the-know Parisians is because the city’s tap water is notoriously hard, meaning it has a high mineral composition containing heavy metals like iron, copper, zinc, and nickel, which aren’t so hot for your skin.
Micellar water, then, is not just a luxury — it was developed out of necessity in France in the 1990s to help people avoid washing their faces with tap water in the first place. “They’re great as an alternative to traditional cleansing,” says dermatologist Julie Russak, MD. “Squirt onto a cotton ball or pad and wipe it over skin and eyelids; no rinsing necessary.” So get out your bag of triple-size cotton balls and let the micelles work their magic. Ahead, our top picks for the best micellar waters on the market… including the one that started it all. Garance Doré would be proud.
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No conversation about micellar water is complete without a mention of this classic standby, formerly known as Créaline, which started out as an under-the-radar pick beloved by models and makeup artists. Once only available via your chic globe-trotting friend’s checked luggage (or by paying insane customs fees to get it shipped stateside), you can now find the ultimate “French-girl beauty secret” in legit U.S. stores and online — and yes, it’s just as good at removing every last trace of makeup as every pro swears.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O, $14.9, available at DermStore
Simple was one of the first drugstore brands to get in on the micellar water game with its original formula, which we’ve been secretly hoarding ever since. The collection has since grown to include micellar makeup-removing wipes and this (even more) sensitive skin-friendly option. Specifically targeted toward dry, dehydrated, touchy skin types, it’ll rehydrate a thirsty complexion as it sweeps away makeup and debris.
Simple Water Boost Micellar Water, $6.79, available at Target
Putting micellar water on a cotton ball is easy, but using a face wipe that’s already saturated in the stuff is even easier. These towelettes are super soft and gentle, so you don’t have to worry about irritation from rubbing, and the oil-free, fragrance-free formula is soothing to even the most sensitive skin.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes, $6.99, available at Ulta Beauty
You don’t have to spend $90 just to get a good micellar water by any means, but it’s still good to have options, right? Even better if those options include La Mer’s impossibly luxe take on the category, which pairs micellar cleansing technology with the brand’s signature Miracle Broth to hydrate, soothe, and renew the skin while clearing away makeup and impurities, too.
La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water, $95, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Another French pharmacie go-to, this efficient, no-bullshit cleanser removes everything from long-wearing foundation to buildup from environmental pollution using the brand’s proprietary thermal spring water, hydrating glycerin, and a mild cleanser called poloxamer that’s so gentle on eyes, you’ll also see it used in contact-lens solution.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin, $15.99, available at Amazon
This 100% vegan, cruelty-free tonic works double duty: The micellar cleansing technology lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup, while glycolic acid brightens and gently exfoliates skin in a single sweep. Plus, it’s formulated with coconut water, calendula, grapefruit extract, and — yes — actual kale, so it smells like a tropical fruit salad in the best way.
Pacifica Kale Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic, $12, available at Pacifica
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Update: Eight months ago, the news broke that Lady Gaga's company, Ate My Heart Inc., trademarked the name "Haus Beauty" for what most assumed would be an upcoming cosmetics line. Despite fans' excitement, Mother Monster remained silent about whether or not we should save up for some Gaga-inspired makeup — that is, until a few days ago.
Just before the turn of the new year, a website using the trademarked name quietly appeared online. Unfortunately, HausBeauty.com offers zero hints of the impending collection, and instead directs users to a black screen with a prompt to enter your email address for future updates.
Still, we're hopeful. Despite the fact that the 32-year-old entertainer has had her plate full this year — with sweeping award nominations and a Las Vegas concert residency — she confirmed during Vogue's " 73 Questions" in September that she'd reveal her beauty secrets "soon."
Better yet, Gaga has been frequently using the hashtag "#hausbeauty" on Instagram posts with up-close makeup details, meaning she could already be wearing the products in plain sight. (Rihanna employed a similar tactic in the months leading up to her Fenty Beauty launch.) In other words, Haus Beauty is real and coming. And until then, we'll be daydreaming about what "disco stick" glitter and "Holy Fool" eyeliner would look like on our own faces.
This story was originally published on May 9, 2018.
Between the music, TV shows, documentaries, films, and wine, it's safe to say Lady Gaga has had her hands full since entering the spotlight in 2008. In the midst of it all, she's also managed to become an icon in the beauty world: From wearing a sheath made entirely of purple hair extensions and turning lazy smudged eyeliner into the rock 'n' roll makeup trend of the year, Gaga has never been afraid to take risks.
So it should come as no surprise that, after teaming up with MAC on a Viva Glam lipstick and launching fragrance, it appears she's finally giving her Little Monsters what most big-name stars almost always eventually do: a cosmetics line.
According to official documents filed on February 22 of this year, Lady Gaga's company Ate My Heart Inc. set out to secure a trademark for a cosmetics company called Haus Beauty. Judging by the singer's aesthetic, you can probably expect the line to be over-the-top extra as ever: the products mentioned in the trademark range from the usual (lipsticks, eyeshadows, highlighters, bronzers, body powders, perfumes, lotions, nail polishes, and face cleansers) to the unexpected (body masks, laundry products, and beauty milks, whatever those are).
No word yet on when the line will drop and what exactly it'll look like, but we'll update you when we find out more. All we know is she's giving us a million reasons to be excited.
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Winter has officially arrived, and with it, the need for a fresh stock of cold weather accessories. Blanket scarves, down mittens, a few layers of long underwear perhaps — but if there's one thing I learned from growing up in the Windy City, it's that all the scarves and gloves in the world won't keep you truly toasty without a real winter hat to top it all off. Unfortunately, finding one to brace the winter in that's both stylish and functional can be a bit tricky.
Enter: 2019, which is gearing up to be the year of hats. After scouring the winter accessories sections of every retailer from Urban Outfitters to Net-a-Porter, we're here to announce that this particular array of headgear has gotten a serious makeover. From beanies to berets, bucket hats to the suddenly trendy balaclavas (thanks, Calvin Klein), the days of sacrificing your outfit for the sake of staying warm are at last a thing of the past.
So before another day goes by wearing the same pilled beanie you've had since college, take a look at the 17 winter hats ahead.
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An hour of weeping through This Is Us. A night of staying up to greet the new year at dawn. A month straight of allergies, just because it's April. A big, steaming bowl of salty ramen. A decade of working that 9 to 5... or 6, or 7, or 8. The question isn't so much if major under-eye puffiness will come for you — it's a matter of when. The real question is, what are you going to do about it?
The first thing to determine is what kind of puffiness you're dealing with. If it's an around-the-clock situation, the swollen look is likely due to the presence of fat pads under the skin, which can be hereditary and require surgical removal. But if the scourge of under-eye puffery comes and goes, it's likely due to water retention (thanks to crying, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, and other temporary causes) and can be minimized far less invasively.
For the 411 on quick fixes, we asked New York-based dermatologist and assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine Dendy Engelman, MD, who offered these lifestyle tweaks: "If you have allergies, speak to your physician about getting antihistamines, such as Zyrtec or Claritin," she says. "DIY lymphatic-drainage massages can also reduce the puffiness, as can leveling your pillow so that water doesn’t pool underneath your eyes while you sleep."
Then there's skin care: In addition to caffeine-charged eye creams, investing in cooling eye masks, primers, serums, and gels can decrease the amount of fluid retention under the eyes, and therefore minimize swelling. "Topical products that contain vasoconstrictors like peptides, green tea, and witch hazel help reduce puffiness, as does vitamin K, which helps with blood coagulation and circulation," Dr. Engelman explains.
Ahead, see the hero products that helped deflate our under eyes after long nights, during periods, and straight through hay fever season. Here's to looking bright-eyed and well-rested in 2019.
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"I like cooling masks if you have time, as the cold also has a vasoconstriction effect," which restricts the blood vessels to curb swelling, Dr. Engelman says. Try sticking this serum-soaked option, which is packed with illuminating vitamin B3 and calming allantoin, in the fridge: The ultra-thin and slightly grippy gel really stays put to take down swelling right where you need it, as opposed to sliding down your face.
Erno Laszlo Multi-Task Eye Serum Mask, $35, available at Sephora
This clever eye mask aims to do much more than just reduce post-party puffiness around your eyes — used in conjunction with the 10-minute guided meditation included via flashcode, it's a full-on relaxation experience. Inside the box you'll find six masks packaged in contact solution-like foil-topped trays that expand when placed in the cornflower, chamomile, and camellia-based solution; before placing the ultra-thin cotton over your closed eyes and temples, start the podcast (available in English or French) narrated by Iyengar yoga master Arnaud Caby. Between Caby's soothing voice and the mask's cool sensation, you'll quickly be led into a state of bliss... and emerge with significantly less puffy under eyes, to boot.
This cooling eye gel, made with manuka honey (a proven healer), comes with three metal rollerballs built right into the applicator. When used straight from the fridge, they mimic the de-puffing effect of cold spoons. The formula does leave skin slightly tacky to the touch, so it's best for use as a nighttime treatment rather than layered under makeup.
L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Honey Eye Gel, $16.98, available at Target
A good choice for those with oily skin, according to Dr. Engelman, serums can also help minimize facial bloat. This one contains peptides with vasoconstriction properties, along with goji-fruit extract, a powerful antioxidant.
Fresh Black Tea Firming Eye Serum, $72, available at Fresh
With peptides and vitamin K included to help constrict blood vessels and assist with blood coagulation and circulation, this eye cream already boasts a few of Dr. Engelman's choice ingredients to deflate under-eye swelling. It's just a bonus that it also contains green tea, which helps depuff eyes by constricting the superficial capillaries, Dr. Engelman explains.
NeoStrata Bionic Eye Cream, $62, available at SkinStore
Those with dry skin around the eyes who are looking for a light yet hydrating formula can find it in this gel-cream, which ticks a few of Dr. Engelman's boxes: Soothing cucumber fruit water delivers a cooling effect, while sunflower seed oil enhances skin’s moisture level. Also included: rosemary extract, which helps to boost circulation and blood flow.
Tammy Fender Awakening Eye Gel, $84, available at Follain
Those with dry and puffy skin around the eyes should look for "creams [that] contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which can moisturize the epidermis to minimize the appearance of fine lines," Dr. Engelman says. This one does just that, and packs a cocktail of peptides to minimize under-eye swelling, too.
m-61 Hydraboost Eye Concentrate, $78, available at Bluemercury
One of Dr. Engelman's chief de-puffing picks? This eye cream with a load of R&D behind it. "It contains peptides that strengthen the skin around the eyes to prevent puffiness," she says. "Cucumber fruit water also has a cooling and soothing effect."
Revision Skincare D·E·J eye cream, $97, available at Revision Skincare
We were expecting a bouncy, clear gel to dispense from this depuffer — but out came a tinted gel-cream instead. It not only cooled our skin on contact and helped deflate under-eye bags, but counteracted the purple tones of dark circles, too, thanks to its peachy tint.
Dr. Brandt No More Baggage, $42, available at Dr. Brandt
We love the ritual of tapping eye creams and serums into our skin and giving them time to melt in — but it doesn't always work with our done-in-a-dash a.m. routine. Enter this best-selling priming stick, which delivers a cool blast to under eyes while helping depuff with a hit of caffeine in a single swipe. More importantly, it instantly disappears into skin, so you can proceed with your mascara, liner, and shadow straight away.
PÜR Cosmetics HydraGel Lift, $26, available at Ulta Beauty
For those looking for a one-and-done solution to eye-area protection and prevention, this daytime eye cream works overtime. The formula combines mineral SPF 35, a host of proprietary ingredients geared to address discoloration, fine lines, and puffiness (including capillary-supporting polysaccharides), and a peach tint that doubles as a concealer — all dispensed from a cold metal tip that physically reduces swelling, particularly when massaged on the skin for lymphatic drainage.
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35, $69, available at Colorescience
We've already raved about this serum's ability to double as a primer, but the tingly formula is also set up to help deflate eye bags, too. It contains witch hazel, one of Dr. Engelman's star depuffers, along with horse chestnut, which holds its own constricting skills: Research has shown the ingredient to reduce lower-leg swelling in patients with circulatory problems.
India Lee I-Waken Eye Serum, $48, available at India Lee
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There are no two ways about it: Brown is the dominant shade of the winter 2019 season, and you'll be hard-pressed to escape it. But how did a shade so staid end up becoming so contemporary and cool?
"There was a definite nod to the '70s happening across the runway, and [brown] feels more modern than black," Ida Petersson, womenswear buying director at Browns, tells Refinery29. "Additionally, what every fashion girl should know is that brown is a great alternative to black for winter. Rather than draining you, it warms your features." Plus, it looks great paired with brighter colors, like fuchsia or electric blue.
Last spring, we saw the color ease its way into our wardrobes via Pretty Woman -inspired polka dot dresses. Now, we're taking things to the next level. With so many varieties of browns, from chocolate to coffee to cedar, it's easy to integrate the hue into your everyday repertoire (a pair of boots or trousers are two of the best places to start). Hey, brown may not be the new black, but it is a solid way to switch things up.
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Imagine a world in which you can shuffle into your tiny kitchenette in fuzzy socks and a bathrobe, grab a cereal bowl, a spoon, and a jar of coconut oil, and walk away 11 minutes later with a Duchess of Sussex-level glow — spending zero dollars and saving your precious Sephora points in the process. Celebrity facialist Nichola Joss says it's possible.
Joss, the expert behind the complexions of seemingly poreless, aging-in-reverse stars like Priyanka Chopra, Meghan Markle, and Gwyneth Paltrow, tells us that the humble DIY face mask is every A-lister's best-kept skin secret. "At-home face masks are amazing, and I fully endorse them," she says. "They're easy, free, and you have full control of the ingredients you're putting on your skin — which is why most of my clients love them."
Ahead, Joss breaks down the five universal kitchen-pantry ingredients that double as brightening, soothing, and exfoliating skin-care essentials — all of which you can grab for $3 at your corner store and also eat for breakfast. You may not be royalty, but you are resourceful.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is multifunctional — you can slather a little on your skin and hair for a boost of tropical-scented moisture, and then pop a dollop in your sauté pan on stir-fry night. Joss tells us that it also makes the perfect base for a DIY mask. "It mixes well with other ingredients to create a soothing, paste-like consistency," she says.
Dr. Bronner's Organic Coconut Oil, $11.99, available at Dr. Bronner's
Turmeric
Look to your spice drawer for inspiration — Joss recommends reaching for the turmeric. "Turmeric is an amazing ingredient with a lot of skin benefits; it’s calming and helps relieve inflammation and congestion," she says. "Turmeric mixed with coconut oil is a simple recipe that works to both brighten and hydrate the skin."
Simply Organic Ground Turmeric Root, $3.49, available at Thrive Market
Oats
Rolled oats are more than just a classic breakfast staple: In raw form, a scoop can double as an exfoliating face scrub. "Oats act as a gentle physical exfoliant and work wonders on the skin when blended with a liquified base like coconut oil or honey," Joss tells us.
Bob's Red Mill Bob's Red Mill Organic Quick Cooking Rolled Oats, 16 Oz, $2.77, available at Walmart
Honey
You can drizzle a spoonful of honey over a bowl of Greek yogurt and drip a little into a mixing bowl and rub it onto your face to soothe dry or irritated skin. Joss recommends the two-part concoction of oats and raw manuka honey blended together to create an easy soothing and exfoliating face mask.
Simply Balanced Raw Organic Honey - 12oz - Simply Balanced, $3.99, available at Target
Egg Whites
If you're into K-beauty trends, you may have tried a skin-care product — mousse cleansers, masks, or skin primer — with an egg beater on the label. It's not as wacky as it sounds: For years, the humble egg (specifically the white part) has been tapped for its albumin, a protein that can also be used to tighten pores and clear blackheads. "Egg whites help with brightening the skin," Joss says. Plus, when you crack open a farm-fresh egg, you know you're getting the most naturally-derived skin-brightening benefits.
Simply Balanced Organic Cage-Free Large Grade A Brown Fresh Eggs - 12ct, $5.99, available at Target
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The new Congress looks more like America than any before it, with a historic number of women and increased representation for Muslim-Americans, Native Americans, and other marginalized groups. Make no mistake, it's still largely dominated by older, white men — just check this calculator to see how much of Congress actually looks like you — but Thursday's swearing-in ceremonies showed just how far we've come.
It's not about checking some "identity" box, as some conservative commentators would have us believe. It's about continuing the work of dismantling white supremacy in this country and giving a voice to those who have been historically overlooked by elected officials.
A new Congress begs for a new dress code, too. And while suits and pearls are still very much the standard, an increasing number of women — especially the new class in the U.S. House of Representatives — chose clothing that represented their culture or had a symbolic meaning. It's a day on which they wanted to represent to the United States exactly who they are — they knew they would be photographed, after all.
Ahead, all of the best fashion moments from the swearing-in ceremonies of the U.S. House and Senate.
Deb Haaland, a representative from New Mexico and one of the first Indigenous women to be elected to Congress, wore a traditional outfit — and so did her mother.
Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, one of the first Muslim-American women to be elected to Congress, wore a traditional Palestinian robe and caused the hashtag #TweetYourThob to take off. Also, that's her son dabbing on the floor of Congress!
Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Somalia and is also one of the first Muslim-American women in Congress, is the first woman to wear a hijab in this setting. Both she and Tlaib were sworn in on Thomas Jefferson's personal Koran. (They are far from the first members to use something other than a Bible — for example, Hawaii's Tulsi Gabbard, the first person of the Hindu faith in Congress, used a Bhagavad Gita at her own swearing-in.) She, among with many other women in the House and Senate, wore white as a possible nod to the women's suffrage movement.
The Bronx's own Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore white — and took selfies with her colleagues, including California's Barbara Lee, who wore a jacket made of kente cloth. Black members of Congress have previously worn kente cloth, native to West Ghana, to protest Donald Trump's statements about African countries.
More selfies!
Georgia's Lucy McBath wore white, too.
Kyrsten Sinema from Arizona is the first out bisexual senator in U.S. history, and the second out LGBT senator. For her grand entrance to the Senate, she did a fantastic job channeling Elle Woods.
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In 2017, the consumer and retail research firm NPD Group reported that, after years of being the most slept-on category in beauty, skin care was making a huge comeback. Skin-care sales rose again in 2018, a significant 13% increase from the year prior, spawning futuristic skin trends soon set to replace almost everything sitting in our medicine cabinets.
Don't get us wrong: We love the chase for newer, cooler, faster-acting products as much as any diehard on Reddit, but that doesn't mean our wallets can keep up with our #SkincareAddiction. If you thought buzzy ingredient newcomers like bakuchiol and adaptogens sounded kind of expensive, well, you're not wrong. Luckily, frugal shoppers don't have to miss out on the biggest skin-care innovations of the year — all they need to do is visit the drugstore.
The drugstore makeup and hair launches coming in the new year are good (like, really good), but the skin-care products are about to be even better. Think self-heating face masks for under $6, tiger grass-infused body balms that soothe irritated skin instantly, and good-for-you sunscreens that work alone and under makeup. Keep clicking for the cheap skin-care products you need to know about (and own) in 2019...
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.
Anyone plagued by dry skin knows the legendary healing powers of Weleda's best-selling Skin Food moisturizer. They should also know that, as of October 2018, the formerly one-product range has officially expanded into a full line of skin-care necessities, including a body butter, lightweight cream, and lip balm. For now, the nourishing, soothing collection is only available on the brand's site, but is expected to roll out to mass retailers in the early months of 2019.
Weleda Skin Food Lip Butter, $6.99, available at Weleda
St. Ives kicked off the new year by adding a fuss-free cleansing stick to its collection utilizing two popular ingredients: rose water and bamboo. Not only does it smell good (and way more luxurious than its price tag), but it's intensely hydrating and instantly soothing for anyone struggling with inflamed, irritated skin.
St. Ives Rosewater And Bamboo Stick Facial Cleanser, $7.99, available at Target
Anyone with combination skin knows that it's a challenge to find products that address both oiliness and dehydration. Now, there's a cleanser that clarifies pores, prevents blackheads, and revives parched skin in just one rinse. If we're the betting kind, we'd say this stuff will sell out fast.
Bioré Blue Agave + Baking Soda Balancing Pore Cleanser, $5.99, available at mass retailers in January 2019.
When you want to wear nothing but some spot concealer and mascara to work, pick up this glow-enhancing moisturizer. Apricot extract works to brighten, smooth, and hydrate the skin, so your complexion gets the kind of radiance most people need a highlighter to achieve.
Garnier SkinActive Glow Boost Illuminating Moisturizer, $11.99, available at Ulta Beauty
We really can't stress it enough: Protecting your skin from the sun is important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, without a generous layer of sunscreen, the sun's UV rays can damage the skin in as little as 15 minutes. But if your biggest gripe about wearing the stuff is that it's chalky or greasy, then meet your new match. Not only does the lightweight, antioxidant-packed formula control oil, but it also nourishes skin like a serum, thanks to the niacinamide.
Olay Face Sunscreen Serum + Shine Control, SPF 35, $26.99, available at Olay
Fragrances — both natural and synthetic — are a common sensitivity trigger for all skin types. Try this fragrance-free cleanser that does what it needs to (which is cleanse your skin) without sounding the alarms.
Olay Sensitive Fragrance-Free Facial Cleanser, $9.49, available at Olay
Nothing about an acid-infused paste sounds gentle, but you better believe that this one is. Since it mainly utilizes PHAs (otherwise known as the perfect acid for sensitive skin), this facial treatment will transform your rough, bumpy texture into smoother, visibly brighter skin in just one use. Even better, it comes with a muslin cloth for additional physical exfoliation while rinsing.
No7 Laboratories Resurfacing Skin Paste Mask, $22.99, available at Ulta Beauty
There's nothing sexy about having to restock your hand soap, but at the very least, you can make sure yours is cleansing, but not drying; fragrant, but not suffocating — just like this foaming formula from Dove.
Dove Foaming Hand Wash, $2.99, available at mass retailers in January 2019.
Still looking for cheap alternatives to the pricey moisturizer your derm recommended? This jar of face cream uses some of the most efficacious hydrating ingredients in the biz — squalane, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide — and will only set you back $12.
e.l.f. Hello Hydration! Face Cream, $12, available at E.L.F.
Ever look in the bathroom mirror and just think, Wow, my face could use a little TLC? This self-heating mask is your answer to a quick fix for a dull, exhausted complexion.
Bioré Agave + Baking Soda Instant Warming Clay Mask, $5.99, available at mass retailers in January 2019.
There are a lot of innovative self-tanners out there, but not nearly enough that are affordable and effective. The drugstore finally caught up with the clear self-tanner trend with this new bronzing mousse, which means no guide color, no stains, and no burnt-toast smell.
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse, $14.99, available at mass retailers in March 2019.
It's alarming how many cleansing wipes are formulated with unnecessary scents that can cause irritation or, worse, an allergic reaction. Swap out those troublemakers for these soap-, dye-, and fragrance-free wipes that remove dirt, oil, and makeup without pissing off your sensitive skin.
Olay Sensitive Makeup Remover Wipes, $9.49, available at Olay
Do you follow @trashisfortossers and drink out of a reusable straw? If your answer is yes, then you'll really like these mini product-filled pouches from Simple that strive to reduce as much plastic (and product) waste as possible. And thanks to the flexible, squeezable packaging, the product is good 'til the last drop — literally.
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water Pouch, $3, available at mass retailers in February 2019.
A few years ago, Dr. Jart helped introduce the States to tiger grass (sometimes referred to as Centella asiatica, or cica), an herbal ingredient that's somewhat of a cure-all for sensitive-skin woes. Now, the buzzy ingredient is everywhere — even the drugstore. Smooth this repairing treatment on right before bed, keep it on overnight, and by morning, your most noticeable irritations will be invisible.
No7 Laboratories Cica Rescue Skin Paste, $22.99, available at mass retailers in January 2019.
No7 Laboratories Rescuing Skin Paste Mask, $22.99, available at Ulta Beauty
In the winter, we spend a lot of our time finding the joys in the little things, like staying warm and cozy when it's 25 degrees outside. Our go-to simple pleasure: smoothing on a dollop of this cica balm after a piping-hot shower before tucking ourselves beneath several layers of blankets. It's heavy-duty, long-lasting, and instantly relieving for chapped, irritated skin. What more could you ask for?
Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief Cica Balm, $13.99, available at Walgreens
NPD's latest report says that, more than ever, women are looking for makeup that doubles as skin care — and vice versa. If you're a part of that 90% pool, then it's time you pick up this sunscreen, which hydrates, protects, and primes your skin for a shine-free base that holds up as well in a snowstorm as it does in a heat wave.
Olay Face Sunscreen Serum + Makeup Primer, SPF 35, $24.99, available at CVS
Sure, technically you could DIY this sugar and coffee exfoliant at home, but that's a lot of work for someone who isn't all that crafty. Stubborn dry patches are no match for this self-heating almond and coconut oil scrub, which gently resurfaces your skin until it's baby-soft.
L'Oréal Pure Sugar Resurface and Energize Coffee Facial Scrub, $12.99, available at Ulta Beauty
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