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The 6 Biggest Bridal Makeup Trends — According To Pinterest

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Whether it's a simple signing at city hall, in a sprawling field with flowers in your hair, or at a big banquet hall with a cathedral veil and a pipe organ, chances are if you want to get married at some point, you've thought about what your dream day would look like. Because even if you're nowhere close to legally binding yourself to someone else, there's no harm in curating the perfect wedding Pinterest board filled with crafty centerpieces you'll probably never actually glue together.

And since Pinterest is the place where fantasy lives of all kinds are built, it's the place we go to find out what's trending in search for brides-in-planning, too. Beauty-wise, the platform's data and analytics show us that the products and photos people are pinning actually translate to five stunning makeup trends that can inspire any bride, regardless of the locale or aesthetic. Check them out, and how to make them fit your own personal style, ahead.

Glitter makeup, +77% on Pinterest

Out with the matte neutrals, in with the glitter. According to Pinterest search analytics, brides are looking to add extra sparkle to their wedding look — especially around the eyes.

The doe-foot wand on the Stila Glitter & Glow liquid eyeshadow is perfect for precise application — like just a tiny twinkle in the inner corners of the eyes.



Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow, $24, available at Ulta Beauty

Or, you could go with a more dramatic, rose-gold glitter lid like Olivia Wilde's.

Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo blended the rosy brown and gold glitter shades from this Marc Jacobs palette to get the smoky effect.



Marc Jacobs Beauty Eye-Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette, $49, available at Sephora

There's something about a soft dusting of glitter on the eye that can make a smudgy charcoal eye look downright angelic.

We love this spongey shadow pot by Decorté because it comes in a rainbow of shades — from translucent white to bright blue — all of which can be swept over the eye for a dewy, shimmery effect.



decorte Eye Glow Gem Glossy Eye Color/0.21 oz., $27, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Light pink eyeshadow, +255% on Pinterest

At bridal fashion week, pink eyeshadow was all the rage, and the Pinterest search traffic followed suit. We already love rosy eyeshadow for day to day, but for a wedding, the shade adds even more romance.

This Bite multi-stick can do it all, but we especially like it as a shadow because it's super-creamy and blendable. You can swipe it from your lashline up to your brow bone with your fingers for a sheer tint of pink, or layer it on the lid for a deeper rose.



Bite Beauty Multistick, $24, available at Sephora

Though it's subtle, Lily Collins' millennial pink shadow still manages to catch our attention before her cherry-red lip and princess updo.

This is the exact Lancôme powder that makeup artist Fiona Stiles used on Collins' eyes.



Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eyeshadow, $21.5, available at Ulta Beauty

If you're afraid pink shadow around the eyes will make you look sickly, opt for a dusty rose hue paired with rosy lipstick and fresh skin.

A creamy eye stick makes pre-photo prep that much faster.



Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow, $29, available at Sephora

Berry lip, +71% on Pinterest

According to Pinterest data, berry is the new red. It lets you add a little drama to your big day, especially if you're getting married in the spring or summer.

The purple undertones in this long-wear lipstick will make it your new favorite — even after the nuptials are over.



NARS Velvet Lip Glide, $26, available at Sephora

If you want to wear berry lips in a softer way, make like Yara Shahidi and tap it on with your finger to diffuse it.

@yarashahidi

We love this option from RMS, which is infused with natural oils to keep your lips soft.



RMS Beauty Wild With Desire Lipstick, $28, available at RMS Beauty

Joan Smalls proves that bold lips, eyes, and brows definitely go together — with the right blending. (Having makeup artist Sir John in your pocket also helps.)

This longwear formula won't come off during the first kiss — or the multiple cocktails to follow.



Lawless Beauty Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick, $25, available at Sephora

Lip gloss, +442% on Pinterest

If there's any day you don't want to worry about smudged lipstick, it's your wedding day. Ditch the touch-ups and stick to a long-lasting, nude gloss that will stay put even after several rounds of Champagne toasts.

Whoever is standing beside you won't be able to resist the alluring glow of this gloss — and the subtle vanilla fragrance doesn't hurt either.



Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, $18, available at Sephora

Balance your smoky eye with a blurring, peach gloss.

Tuck this lip gloss in your bag for touch-ups; the opacity of the color makes it a little more high maintenance (but worth it).



Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss, $28, available at Sephora

The monochrome trend works just as well on your wedding day as it does on Instagram.

For a pink that'll match your glow, choose a gloss with a bit of gold glitter floating inside.



Lancôme L'ABSOLU Gloss, $25, available at Sephora

Dewy highlight, +343% on Pinterest

You want radiant skin on your wedding day, the kind that means your guests won't even be exaggerating when they inevitably tell you you're "absolutely glowing." Good skin-care preparation will definitely help on that from, but for a final-touch dewy finish, you'll want a good highlighter.

@hungvanngo

Dior's Backstage palette is as gorgeous and glow-y on the skin as the sexy designer packaging would suggest.



Dior Dior Backstage Glow Face Palette, $45, available at Dior

No one does a barely-there glow like Aimee Song. She never looks shiny or greasy, but seems to radiate light from the centers of her perfectly-flushed cheeks.

If you're in the market for the highlighter Song actually uses to get her glow, it's this one by Armani. We love it because the water-based, liquid formula blends beautifully, leaving a sheer hint of shine on the skin.



Armani Neo Nude A-Line, $38, available at Giorgio Armani Beauty

Let Gigi Hadid be your guide. Patrick Ta gave the supermodel a matte red lip, but let the glossy highlight on her cheekbones command the look.

@patrickta

With this bronzer and highlighter palette, you can softly contour below your cheekbones and around your temples and jawline to add definition to your face. Then, get a glow on your high points using the subtle highlighting shade.



Charlotte Tilbury FILMSTAR BRONZE & GLOW, $68, available at Charlotte Tilbury

And your luminous glow is only enhanced when you find your light, like Yara Shahidi.

@yarashahidi

A longtime cult-favorite, this tiny pot of highlight is formulated with organic beeswax, vitamin E, and organic rosemary, for a lit-from-within shine, not a harsh strobe.



RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, $38, available at RMS Beauty

Cream blush, +196% on Pinterest

According to the Pinterest community, powder blush is out and cream blush is decidedly in. And we can see why: The finish gives skin a luminous, bridal glow.

This Push Pop-like tube lets you swipe the blush directly onto your cheeks without all the fuss. You can also tap it on your eyes and lips for a monochromatic look.



Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek, $24, available at Sephora

Here, makeup artist Patrick Ta provides an Instagram master class in blush draping — on Bella Hadid, of course. The technique, which includes sweeping blush from the temples to the apples of your cheeks, gives the illusion of high and sharp cheekbones.

NARS' Multiple stick adds a natural flush and comes in a ton of shades to flatter all skin tones. Swipe it on, blend it out with your fingers, then get down the aisle.



NARS Matte Multiple, $39, available at Sephora

You can go the traditional route, like Selena Gomez here, and use a cream stick or gel-based blush as a flush of color on the apples of your cheeks.

Grab one of Glossier's shades (light pink, bright fuchsia, dusty mauve, or orangey brown), then blend on a pea-size. As you'll see in this tutorial, a little goes a long way.



Glossier Cloud Paint, $18, available at Glossier

Or you can copy Tessa Thompson and use a blush a couple shades darker than your skin tone to create a soft contour.

This dual-ended stick gets you that honeymoon glow even before you say, "I do."



Tom Ford Beauty SHADE AND ILLUMINATE GLOW STICK, $55, available at Tom Ford

Long, lush lashes, +152% on Pinterest

No surprise here, brides want lashes, lashes, and more lashes. If you'd rather not opt for extensions or falsies, a pro-approved mascara will get the job done.

By the end of the night, you'll want to write your own wedding vows to this curling, lengthening, and thickening mascara.



Hourglass Caution™ Extreme Lash Mascara, $14, available at Sephora

Paired with a glossy balm and a simple wash of shimmer, these lashes are more cool girl than prom queen.

For spidery, long lashes, go for this drugstore fave.



Maybelline Volum' Express® The Colossal® Spider Lash Mascara, $3.98, available at Target

An all-nude aesthetic looks even better with ultra-black, thick lashes to top it off.

The trick with this mascara is the pump at the bottom of the tube. After giving it a squeeze, this formula offers up the kind of length that's only rivaled by extensions.



Dior Diorshow Pump‘N’Volume Mascara, $29.5, available at Sephora

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21 Books That Make Wedding Planning Feel Effortless

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Planning a wedding is exciting. But it's also very, very hard work. In order to navigate it, you're going to need to arm yourself with an array of tools to help you stay on track (and sane). Using checklists and apps is a start, but sometimes picking up a good old-fashioned book is the most effective wedding-attack strategy.

Ahead we’ve rounded up 21 essential reads that scheming fiancés will want to add to cart now. These bridal guidebooks can help you easily tackle everything from tricky timelines to subtle etiquette and all the other tiny nuts and bolts holding your big day together — plus, there are plenty of glossy picture-filled pages to peruse for added inspiration. Scroll on to find the ultimate planner that fits your wedding style to an organized and effortless T.

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.

Martha Stewart Weddings Ideas & Inspiration
Martha Stewart's eponymous wedding brand has been around since 1995 — which makes her the bona fide OG of weddings. Her latest book offers the same tasteful aesthetic and practical advice that you'll find in the pages of her magazine, along with 300 full-color photographs, loads of creative ideas, and tips for everything from choosing your color palette to orchestrating the perfect honeymoon sendoff.



Editors Of Martha Stewart Weddings Martha Stewart Weddings, $30.95, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding
In this definitive guide to LGBTQ+ weddings you'll find advice on every aspect of your big day, plus an entire wedding-planning checklist — sans heteronormative generalizations.



Kirsten Palladino Equally Wed, $2.68, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette
Weddings are complex events with many, many moving pieces. Pulling off a fabulous party without a hitch is not the whole story, however — there are awkward guest-list situations, issues with family, and more. This etiquette guide will help reduce your stress around all of these questions.



Anna & Lizzie Post Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, $35, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Erin Condren Custom Wedding Planners
This is not a book per se, but perhaps even more useful during wedding planning. Erin Condren makes customizable wedding-planning organizers with monthly checklists to keep you on track, plus a place to work out your budget, seating chart, menu, and more. You can make the cover a personal photo collage, add your names and wedding date, or choose from one of the classic designs.



Erin Condren 12-Month Wedding Planner, $69.98, available at Amazon

A Practical Wedding
If you don't have an unlimited budget for your wedding (so, like, most of us), run, don't walk to get this book. Meg Keene, who also runs the website A Practical Wedding, will completely change the way you think about weddings — this is not an understatement. You may start to think of some of those traditional "musts" as not so traditional or obligatory anymore. Most importantly, it will help you focus on what really matters: how your wedding feels, not how it looks.



Meg Keene A Practical Wedding, $13.98, available at Amazon

A Practical Wedding Planner
We suggest buying this as a companion to Meg Keene's A Practical Wedding. The unique thing about A Practical Wedding Planner is how it actually really gets your wheels turning. Not only does it provide useful tips and advice, but it also has many interactive lists and graphs throughout, which allow you to focus on what you really want. For example, in the first chapter you'll go through and circle all the things that are important to you, and create a wedding mission statement. And who doesn't love a good pie chart?!



Meg Keene A Practical Wedding Planner, $17.98, available at Amazon

Never Throw Rice At A Pisces
Is mercury retrograde just in time for your big day? Never Throw Rice At a Pisces is the astrology lover’s guide to wedding planning. In it, astrologer Stacey Wolf offers insights about time of year, vows, and honeymoon planning, all geared toward your specific sign. We don't know if it's truly scientific, but we love this one anyway.



Stacey Wolf Never Throw Rice at a Pisces, $18.86, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives For Independent Brides
If you're not a poufy-white-dress, throw-the-bouquet, everything-matchy-matchy type of bride, read this book. In it, author Ariel Meadow Stallings chronicles how she got fed up with traditional weddings and decided to become the OG offbeat bride. There are also tons of helpful tips on budgeting, conflict mediation, and more.



Ariel Meadow Stallings Offbeat Bride, $6.39, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Style Me Pretty Weddings
Two words: Pretty pictures. Abby Larson, the founder of popular site Style Me Pretty, offers gorgeous inspiration for all types of weddings: classic, modern, rustic... You can pore over tons of real weddings full of unique, thoughtful personal touches and get ideas for days.



Abby Larson Style Me Pretty Weddings, $17.73, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer
Ah, here it is, the OG of wedding-planning books from The Knot. It has everything: planning and budget worksheets, detailed timelines, money-saving tips, and plenty of gorgeous visual inspiration.



Carley Roney The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer, $21.82, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

The Wedding Book
Perhaps the celebrity wedding planner in the country, Mindy Weiss offers this comprehensive guide to every single — and we mean, every single — aspect of planning your nuptials. For the hyper-organized (or those who aspire to be), she offers checklists galore and lists all the questions you need to ask each vendor. Plus, there's a budget worksheet that doesn't leave out one detail.



Mindy Weiss The Wedding Book, $27, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Vintage Wedding Style
Yes, the DIY "moment" in weddings is over, but plenty of couples still incorporate homemade elements into their celebrations. This book is full of tutorials for everything from vintage-map votive candles to hand-sewn programs to fill your wedding with vintage charm.



Elizabeth Demos Vintage Wedding Style, $14.17, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

2Brides2Be: A Same-Sex Guide For The Modern Bride
Written by the creator of the popular same-sex-wedding website 2Brides2Be, Laura Leigh Abby, this book is "a wedding guide for the bride who exudes youth and style no matter what her age, who is inspired by innovation, and who wants to marry the woman of her dreams and do it her way. She is a visionary who is up to the task of blending tradition and rebellion, but she is looking for some practical wedding-planning advice." Abby shares her own experiences and advice on everything from picking vendors to wording the invites — and she's not afraid to break the traditional rules.



Laura Leigh Abby 2Brides 2Be, $10.84, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of 2Brides2Be.

The Bridesmaid Guide: Modern Advice On Etiquette, Parties & Being Fabulous
Bridesmaids need love, too! If it's your first time bridesmaiding and you need a little hand-holding in the form of a book, this is a great guide to throwing all the pre-wedding parties, staying within your budget, and generally being fabulous.



Kate Chynoweth The Bridesmaid Guide, $8.65, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Weddings In Color
If you can't bear to see another twine-tied invitation — or, God forbid, a Mason jar — this book of modern style ideas is for you. Far from the usual rustic-romantic Pinterest fare, it serves up a feast for the eyes: Pick from eight vibrant color palettes, and pore over the chicest photos in your preferred hues.



Vané Broussard Weddings in Color, $18.87, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Tying The Knot: The Complete Wedding Organizer
Sometimes you need a good, old-fashioned workbook to keep everything organized when wedding-planning. In this 100-plus-page organizer, you can record details about your budget, parties, attire, invitations, flowers, music, honeymoon, and more. It even has plastic folders where you can stash your documents, receipts, samples, and more.



Sara Miller Tying the Knot, $44.99, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

The Essential Guide To Gay & Lesbian Weddings
This book was originally published in 1994 — when same-sex marriage was not yet legal and symbolic commitment ceremonies were the norm — but has gone through a few editions. Tess Ayers and Paul Brown cover trends, fashion tips, and offer advice on how to deal with difficult family members. They touch on topics most bridal magazines don't, like how two brides can match their wedding dresses and how to find LGBTQ-friendly businesses.



Tess Brown Ayers The Essential Guide to Gay and Lesbian Weddings, $24.95, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Weddiculous: An Unfiltered Guide To Being A Bride
This isn't your typical wedding-planning book, but then again, Jamie Lee isn't your typical bride. The comedian and star of MTV's Girl Code explores the more surreal aspects of wedding planning and approaches everything with an irreverent sense of humor. If you, like Lee, are an unconventional bride-to-be stuck in a traditional world, you might very well relate — and use her practical, no-nonsense advice.



Jamie Lee Weddiculous, $14.26, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

The Loverly Wedding Planner
Loverly is an excellent resource for all things wedding-related, so it makes sense that its book would be just as useful. The site's editors have broken down the process into three major parts (the big picture, logistics, and the big day), with easily digestible tidbits and advice that will help keep everything in check. This book is full of unexpected advice you won’t find in a typical planning tome — paired with inspiring real-weddings images.



Kellee Khalil Loverly Wedding Planner, $19.77, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

The Bride's Essential Wedding Planner
The Bride's Essential Wedding Planner is a quick and easy guide to every part of your big day. We love the DIY, money-saving approach the book takes, and it also has fun compartments to house vendor business cards and make notes. Think of it as your very own customized workbook.



Amy Nebens The Bride's Essential Wedding Planner, $37.4, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

Stuff Every Bride Should Know
This handy, pocket-sized book is one you can easily carry around with you on the go. Don't be fooled by its smallness; the pages are filled to the brim with easy-to-understand checklists, big-picture queries, and day-of logistics. It’s got everything you need — and nothing you don't.



Michelle Park Lazette Stuff Every Bride Should Know, $9.94, available at AmazonPhoto: Courtesy of Amazon.

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This Is How Much Lindsay Lohan Has In The Bank

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Last Labor Day, a meme of Lindsay Lohan dancing with abandon in Mykonos captivated the internet and the world — and tonight, at long last, we finally get a front row seat to this LiLo in her newfound element. Welcome to Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club, a Vanderpump Rules -esque reality show wherein Lohan presides as the grande dame of a Mykonos club staffed by a crew of hot and bronzed bathing suit-clad people, which premiers tonight at 8 p.m. on MTV

Lohan has been through a lot since her entertainment career started in 2004, and over the last 15 years, so has her net worth. Ahead, we did the math on how much she's made (and lost), and how it stacks up.

After getting her start modeling and acting in commercials as a kid, Lohan got her big break as the iconic separated-at-birth twins, Annie and Hallie, in The Parent Trap in 1998. This led to a robust Disney career for Lohan, including starring roles in Life-Size, Get A Clue, and Freaky Friday. Then came Mean Girls in 2004, which grossed $129 million worldwide , and then Lohan's not-too-shabby foray into music soon thereafter. (I'm sorry, but who can forget "Rumors"? The album went platinum!) Her fame continued to rise, with starring roles in Herbie Fully Loaded in 2005, which grossed $144 million worldwide, and Just My Luck in 2006, for which she earned $7.5 million.

Around this time, Lohan had more than a few encounters with the law, and was arrested for driving under the influence, drug possession, shoplifting, and assaulting a woman at a nightclub, and served time in jail. And with these legal woes came financial ones: In 2012, Lohan's bank account was seized by the IRS for failure to pay her taxes in 2009 and 2010 — apparently $233,904 worth. (And apparently Charlie Sheen cut LiLo a check for $100,000 to cover a chunk of it.) A nude Playboy shoot in 2011 earned her $1 million, but the same year she was served a bill for $90,000 in unpaid limo fees from 2009.

Lohan has reportedly earned close to $28 million for her film career, and yet she was close to bankruptcy in 2010. Then in 2013 came Lohan's infamous interview with Oprah, in which she admitted to being an addict and pocketed $2 million, which she reportedly used to pay back rehab fees and taxes. The interview was followed by an eight-part docuseries called Lindsay that followed her recovery.

After years in the spotlight, Lohan moved to Dubai in pursuit of a more private life. And in 2016, she resurfaced in full swing, with a brand spankin' new (vaguely European?) accent at the opening of her nightclub in Athens. In May 2018, she opened the Lohan Beach House in Mykonos, the playground of her new MTV reality show. She also became a spokesperson for Lawyer.com, which, yes, sounds as odd as it is. And there might be an island called "Lindsayland" off the coast of Dubai sometime soon.

Celebrity Net Worth values Lohan at $800,000, but last April, a representative for Lohan told Money that her net worth lived somewhere between $5 and $8 million, a figure that will likely go up with her new show — I mean, if the trailer is any indication, she means business!

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Fact: It's Time To Re-Up Your Wrap Dress Collection

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It's no secret that we love wrap dresses. Besides being universally flattering, they somehow manage to work in every season and can be easily restyled into a makeshift top or lightweight jacket in seconds flat. Like a handy little black dress or a well-fitting pair of jeans, no wardrobe is complete without at least one wrap dress — but really, who's stopping there? So while you probably already have a few (or five) wrap dresses hanging in your closet, trust us when we say that there's always room for one more.

And with end-of-year sales coming to a close and tons of new styles dropping on the daily, there's no time like the present to re-up your collection. From velvet options perfect for your upcoming Valentine's Day plans (it's never too early!) to satin styles that'll transition oh-so-smoothly into spring, there's no shortage of wrap dresses for you to add to your winter wardrobe and beyond. But with so many options and so little time in your post-holiday schedule, we went ahead and rounded up 17 long sleeve wrap dresses so you don't have to.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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A Week In Atlanta, GA, On A $55,900 Salary

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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: an auditor working in public accounting who makes $55,900 per year and spends some of her money this week on wine and cheese.

Occupation: Auditor
Industry: Accounting
Age: 24
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: $55,900
Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $1,612.50

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $1,399 (I live by myself in a beautiful, updated, and spacious one-bedroom apartment. It's in a very convenient location, hence the high cost.)
Student Loans: $0 (My parents and grandparents graciously paid my tuition and housing for undergrad, in addition the scholarships I received. My master's degree was fully funded by my TA job.)
Furniture Payment: $83
Lasik Payment: $350
Dental Insurance: $12/paycheck
Vision Insurance: $5.73/ paycheck
Health Insurance: I'm still on my dad's (until I get kicked off...)
Cable/Wifi: $99
Electric: ~$40
Water/Trash/Recycling/Pest Control: $66
Cleaning Service: $90
401(k): $116.46
Savings: This changes every month. I transfer money to my savings when my checking account balance is over $5,000. I have over $20,000 between my savings, emergency fund, and future home down payment account.

Additional Expenses
Car Insurance: $583 for six months. My car was a college graduation gift paid for by my inheritance from my grandpa.
Renters Insurance: $234/year

Day One

7 a.m. — My alarm goes off and I get ready for FriYAY! I take a shower and blow-dry my hair. I'm slightly frazzled because I stayed out too late last night and I have to pack up my belongings and check out of my hotel room. I meet my coworker in the lobby, grab a free coffee, and then spill said coffee on myself.

8:15 a.m. — Coworker gets my rental car from the valet and drives us to work. I attempt to put on a full face of makeup in the car, including Clinique Quickliner and High Impact Mascara, NYX Epic Ink Liner (best liquid liner ever!), and Lorac eyeshadow. Would not recommend doing this in a moving vehicle, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

8:45 a.m. — Arrive at work for another day of protecting the capital markets! (My main project is in a different city.)

11:30 a.m. — We go out to lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. The place is packed due to the holidays, and it takes forever to get our food. I order a combo off the lunch menu — enchilada, guacamole, and rice and beans. I also eat a ton of chips and salsa because they are free and delicious. We typically pay out-of-pocket for work meals out of town and then get reimbursed at the standardized per diem rate at the end of the week. ($9.42 expensed)

4:10 p.m. — Time to leave work to make it to the airport on time. I drop off the rental car and go through security in a whopping 15 minutes. I am upgraded to business class for free, but due to the short duration of the flight (it's 38 minutes), I don't get any snacks or drinks.

6:15 p.m. — Arrive back in Atlanta and grab a Lyft back home. My driver decides to take the scenic route and we get stuck in traffic, but she is such a cool person that I don't even mind. She breeds American bulldogs! I love getting interesting Lyft drivers. All travel relating to work is expensed to the client. ($20.50 expensed)

7 p.m. — Finally home! Waiting outside my front door is my certificate from the Georgia Board of CPAs and my license! Glad I have a piece of paper to certify how boring I am. I scrounge up something to eat even though I'm going on a Bumble dinner date, because I don't want to be hangry later. And this guy can't decide when or where we should meet...

8:30 p.m. — We decide on a Mexican place in Virginia Highlands. I show up five minutes late because I can't find parking. Funny story, I actually went to this same restaurant several months ago on another Bumble date, and the guy ended up kind of catfishing me. (He used pictures from five years ago...and he had aged.) But this guy looks like his pictures! We order a pitcher of skinny margaritas, queso, and tacos. I am convinced they forgot to put the tequila in the pitcher and we drink straight syrup, though, so I don't finish my drink. As my date goes to the bathroom, I find out that my best friend from college is in town for a friend's birthday! I agree to go meet them at a bar in West Midtown after dinner. My date comes back and pays. We both awkwardly walk to our cars. He kind of looks like an ex from college. Definitely friend-zoning.

10:30 p.m. — I drive to the bar and I am so excited to see these friends! We stay for 20 minutes and I have a water. It's so crowded we can barely get the bartender's attention. We walk to another bar in the building and I have another water and eat someone's leftover fries. No fry left behind + fries before guys.

1 a.m. — We decide to walk to another bar, but find out there's a cover, so we keep walking. This is one of the grungiest bars in Midtown — why is there a cover? We keep walking to this upscale bowling alley/bar. I have a frozen orange alcoholic slushie, and we play some games, including one very addicting game where you throw a coin in a hole. $11.57

2 a.m. — The bar closes and we walk back to my car in the rain. Then we drive back to my friends' apartment. I get coerced into staying, and we order Waffle House delivery. I get hash browns. At 4, I finally leave and try to pay my friend for the food, but he treats.

Daily Total: $11.57

Day Two

10 a.m. — I wake up feeling exhausted from last night, but I can't sleep in since I have a hair appointment this morning because today is my company holiday party. I take a quick shower, get dressed, and stop by Dunkin' on my way. I am addicted to their blueberry coffee! It sounds weird, but I promise it's delicious and tastes like a blueberry muffin. I order an iced coffee with blueberry flavor, skim milk, and Splenda and pay with a gift card ($2).

1 p.m. — After two hours, I come out of the hair salon as a new woman. I have naturally auburn hair, but have been going blonde since grad school. It's so expensive to maintain! My hair is so damaged, and my hair stylist added on two treatments, which cost an extra $57 in addition to my already expensive highlighting (which I didn't realize). I'm slightly bitter, but I'm sure my hair needed it. $180

1:30 p.m. — I get my eyebrows threaded. It's so much better and cheaper than waxing! It costs $8 with the cash discount, so I pay with a $10 bill and tell them to keep the change. $10

2:30 p.m. — I still don't know what I am going to wear to the party, and it's in less than five hours. After my expensive morning, I decide to just borrow one of my friend's dresses. I drive over to my friend, T.'s, house to pick her up and the dress. We then go to Trader Joe's to pick up some snacks and drinks for the pregame I'm hosting, including 1,000 day old gouda, wine, and Trader José Lite Lager. The sample of the day is fig goat cheese with pita chips, and it is so good that I buy some. We have a nice spread of charcuterie, and my other friend brings pizza rolls. It's not a real party without pizza rolls. $65.49

5 p.m. — I ordered a TV from Target on sale recently, and it has finally arrived! I plug it in and turn it on, just to find out that there's a crack in the corner! I am devastated. At least it still works for now.

7:30 p.m. — We all leave my apartment to go to the party, which is being hosted at a nightclub in the city. It's a weird location, considering it's for a group of accountants. I drink approximately three Grey Goose and sodas and two bottles of Fiji water, and eat seven cake pops. I love open bars.

11:30 p.m. — People are getting hammered at this party and people keep falling on the dance floor. I take it as my cue to leave. After an hour of convincing my friends, we finally leave. I order a Lyft for us. They're all crashing at my apartment. Once at my place, we eat more pizza rolls. $19.81

Daily Total: $275.30

Day Three

11 a.m. — We all wake up and agonize over what to eat for breakfast. We debate between ordering pho or baking the frozen pizza we bought yesterday at Trader Joe's. We're all very frugal people, so the pizza wins. Then we watch Dumplin' on Netflix. It's actually a pretty good movie, way better than I was expecting.

5 p.m. — My friends leave after the movie is over. I try to watch more Netflix for another hour, but then the screen goes black! I was hoping the TV would still work, despite the crack in the corner, but I don't think so. I look at similar 55-inch TVs online at Walmart and find one in the same size for $50 cheaper, so I order it. Before, I had a 26-inch TV and everyone made fun of me because it was so small in my giant living room. $250.46

8 p.m. — It's time for my favorite TV show — 90 Day Fiancé! It's so terrible, but so great. I am so enthralled by these peoples' lives. All of my friends give me crap for watching it, but it's just reality TV at it's finest. I snack on random things I find in my kitchen, including a Starkist Chicken Creations pouch, leftover salami from last night, and some berries.

11 p.m. — I go to bed after a nice evening of being a hermit. Going out two nights in a row is just too much for my 24-going-on-84 self.

Daily Total: $250.46

Day Four

7:30 a.m. — I get to sleep in later than normal this week because I have training at the office. I take a shower, put on my face, and do my hair. I live a mile away from work, so I usually walk or ride an electric scooter. Today I'm feeling lazy, so I take a shared Lyft to the office. It's cheaper than paying for parking downtown. $3.04

8:50 a.m. — I get to the office, and luckily my friends saved me a seat, because it's crowded! I tried to get in early, but there was so much traffic with the parade for Atlanta United in honor of their championship win. However, all my stress melts away when I see that my favorite restaurant is catering breakfast! I load up on rosemary potatoes, chicken sausage, grits, pineapple, and a biscuit. I am truly blessed this morning.

9 a.m. — Training starts and I try my best to pay attention, but I'm feeling super sick. After an hour, I give up and count down the minutes until our first break. Then it's lunch, followed by an afternoon break. And then I get to go home!

5 p.m. — My coworker gives me a ride home from the office, since I am feeling like death. I debate going to the doctor since I think I could potentially have a sinus infection, but I decide not to. Instead, I eat a leftovers and watch Gilmore Girls reruns while I diamond paint (it's like painting by numbers mixed with bedazzling). We all get a notification from work that we're having a delayed opening at the office tomorrow morning due to inclement weather. I will gladly sleep in tomorrow. I go to bed early.

Daily Total: $3.04

Day Five

8:30 a.m. — I wake up feeling refreshed! I shower, do my makeup, and put my hair in a ponytail. I still feel slightly sick, though, but I am so relieved training is starting an hour later today.

9:30 a.m. — My coworker comes over so we can ride to work together. I am having a Christmas dinner and Secret Santa gift exchange with my work friends tonight. I order us a Lyft to get to the office with my $5 off promo. There is still breakfast, despite the late start. I have a biscuit, fruit, bacon, and potatoes. $2.19

4 p.m. — Training is over early today! My friends and I all walk home to my apartment. They have work to do and our dinner plans aren't until 7, so I let them work as I go to the gym for an hour. I go on the treadmill and listen to the 90 Day Fiancé AfterBuzz TV podcast. I am too obsessed over this show.

7 p.m. — I take a shower and then the three of us leave for dinner to meet our other two friends. We thought this restaurant had an unlimited tapas special on Tuesdays, but I guess that promotion ended last year. I'm disappointed and almost suggest going to another restaurant, but the food turns out to be worth it! We eat patatas bravas, broccolini, empanadas, fried goat cheese, steak, and calamari. $24.24

8:30 p.m. — We all decide to go back to my apartment for the gift exchange. I received the cutest sweatshirt that says "Meow Christmas" on it! I've never owned a tacky Christmas sweater before — I am so delighted. We all talk about the holidays and our plans for the upcoming busy season. As tough as this job is, I am really thankful for the opportunities and the coworkers who have turned into my best friends. After a couple hours, they all leave and I go to bed.

Daily Total: $26.43

Day Six

7 a.m. — Another day, another training! This one is different from the one earlier this week. It's nice to have a break from client work before busy season starts. I do my usual shower, makeup, and hair routine. This time, I decide to get some exercise and walk to the office. I listen to the Hungry Girl Chew the Right Thing podcast during my 17-minute walk.

12 p.m. — Lunchtime! The actual best part about training is the free breakfast and lunch.

5 p.m. — I walk home from the office and then go to the gym to listen to another 90 Day Fiancé podcast. I eat some dinner and diamond paint. It's such a soothing activity after a long day of using my brain to think at work. Then it's off to bed.

Daily Total: $0

Day Seven

7 a.m. — Usual routine — shower, makeup, hair, walk to the office. Breakfast today sucked because they subbed grits for potatoes. Usually I would be okay with this, but these were the worst grits I've ever eaten. Instead I eat approximately five strips of bacon and then feel gross about how greasy they are. I also eat two croissants and pick out all the pineapple from the fruit bowl because it's my favorite.

10 a.m. — We learn about Form 8-Ks and play an intense game of Scattergories. Who said accountants are boring?

12 p.m. — The highlight of my work day has arrived — lunch! Today is sandwiches from a nearby bakery.

3 p.m. — Training it over, and I walk back home. I am expecting my new TV to be delivered this afternoon, so I do a no-equipment-needed barre workout on YouTube at home instead of going to the gym. I'm mildly out of breath and only wearing shorts and a sports bra when maintenance brings in the TV, but I am too excited about my new toy to care about my appearance this second.

5 p.m. — I take a shower, eat some Trader Joe's stacked eggplant parm, and then go to my one of my friend's houses. I cracked my iPhone screen last week, and her boyfriend said he could fix it for free as long as I buy the screen, which I bought the screen a couple days ago on Amazon. As he fixes my phone, I talk with my friend and play with her cat. I really want a cat of my own one day, but single me doesn't have the time to take care of a pet, especially with my work schedule. My friend's boyfriend fixes my phone! I thank him tremendously.

8:30 p.m. — One of my coworkers is switching jobs, so we're having a farewell party for him. There's a good crowd at the bar and I enjoy talking with all of my coworkers. I surprisingly don't have anything to drink and only stay for a couple hours.

11 p.m. — Off to bed, even though I have tomorrow off work! I am planning to take my car to get it's first oil change and running some other errands. I stay up late reading BuzzFeed articles and scrolling through social media.

Daily Total: $0

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Escape Winter With The 20 Most Wish-Listed Warm Weather Rentals On Airbnb

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It's the dead of winter, so naturally, all any of us can think about is laying on a pleasantly scorching beach with a good book and a maybe even a strawberry margarita. Our imaginations actively chasing that daydream is pretty much the only thing that's getting us through the cold days. But, if you're looking for real life warm weather and sunshine, Airbnb has affordable suggestions.

According to the rental site, the Caribbean is an extremely popular area for travelers during the months of December, January, and February. Based on increased bookings and the most wish-listed homes, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, St. Lucia, the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Martinique, Antigua, St. Kitts, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are the most desirable winter destinations in the Caribbean.

Ahead, we've shared the 20 most wish-listed warm weather listings on Airbnb, so you can rent them ASAP or simply make your winter daydreams feel more realistic by gazing at photos and bookmarking ideas for next year.

Luxury Oceanview/Condado

"Modern one bedroom apartment with ocean view in all rooms and in the best location of Condado. Walking distance to everything: the beach, restaurants, shops, markets, Old San Juan and the the best hotels: The Vanderbilt, La Concha & Condado Plaza!"

Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sleeps: 3
Price Per Night: $135

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Punta Aloe 20 - Oceanfront Villa "

"The house has a large outdoor terrace deck with breathtaking views, the best place for dinning, reading, practicing yoga or simply catching a wonderful nap with the constant Caribbean breeze. The decks are the top feature to watch the boats sail by, feel the breeze, and admire the stars.

Location: Culebra, Puerto Rico
Sleeps: 15
Price Per Night, Per Person: $80

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Vistamare: Luxury & Breathtaking Views "

"Redeem yourself from all stress by staying in this one-of-a-kind oceanfront apartment. Chilling out on its terrific terrace and enjoying cinematographic sunsets with a chilled glass of wine in front of the natural palm tree forest and its two private beaches."

Location: Peninsula de Samaná, Dominican Republic
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $80

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Breathtaking View of the Ocean "

"The villa offers a wonderful view of the ocean, being 200 meters from the stunning Playa Coson. The villa is completely independent and surrounded by a garden, including a private pool and a patio of 60 square meters."

Location: Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $155

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Beautiful Ocean View Villa in Costa Rica "

"Beautiful, private villa with a fabulous ocean view and a secluded, infinity pool. Very popular villa with both honeymooners and retired people. It is in a private subdivision with 26 villas with support from rental managers and other staff."

Location: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $150

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Sacred GeomeTree House "

"Super magical and unique tree house based on sacred geometry located on an active organic farm. It's truly in the trees, not on stilts. It's composed of four rustic open air structures... Basically a jungle farm wildlife adventure."

Location: Montezuma, Costa Rica
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $89

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Calypso Villa Jamaica One Bedroom (Unit 5) "

"Our villa is located a 20 minute drive away from the airport. This is the only private house in all of the Montego Bay area right at the seaside! It is FAR from the noisy center, clubs/bars/nightlife, which makes it perfect for rest and relaxation."

Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $89

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"OceanView Two Bedrooms, Rooftop Pool, AirCon Throughout "

"With only five minutes from the Montego Bay airport and a 20 minutes walk / five minutes by car to the Hip Strip, the apartment is nestled in a quiet and secure neighborhood. Get ready to wake up to a breathtaking ocean view from your apartment. The apartment is palatial, cool, and central to all major attractions. Enjoy the roof top pool overlooking the ocean and watch as the planes land at the airport.

Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $115

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"The Tree House, Eleuthera, Bahamas "

"Pirates retreat. Located in the settlement of "The Current" on the island of Eleuthera. Home of The Current Cut, one of the best drift diving and spear fishing locations in the country. Not your typical vacation. Remote, pristine, and authentic Bahamas. Easy access to Harbor Island.

Location: Current, Jamaica
Sleeps: 6
Price Per Night: $175

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Rustic Charm Private Suites "

"Rustic charm hideaway and its sister suite Rustic Elegance can be rented individually or together. They are located in the western area of New Providence away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a very quiet neighborhood only 10 minute from the airport. Convenience stores, restaurants, and the beach are located within walking distance."

Location: Nassau, Jamaica
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $55

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Aruba Beachfront Home in The Colony "

"Private villa with beach in back yard, in Baby Beach area. With daily housekeeping included, except for Sundays and national holidays. Fully remodeled June 2018."

Location: San Nicolas, Aruba
Sleeps: 8
Price Per Night: $324

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Aruba Studio Apartment In Noord "

"Only one property. Not shared with any other guest."

Location: Noord, Aruba
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $90

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Villa Steps From The Sand "

"This ocean view villa steps from the sand is on its own private beach with all the activities of Seven Mile Beach a short drive away. The best diving and snorkeling are outside your door. The finest food and cocktails are across the street. Come enjoy!"

Location: West Bay, Cayman Islands
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $267

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Oceanfront Villa (Brand New) "

"Each villa contains 180 square feet of outside dining and lounge area which overlooks the Caribbean ocean and beach. This combined with a contemporary kitchen, dining and living space (also overlooking the Caribbean ocean) provides an incredible holiday experience. Each villa is equipped with beach chairs and coolers so you are able to explore the island."

Location: Bodden Town, Cayman Islands
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $200

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Bungalow Avec Piscine "

"An independent bungalow with access to a swimming pool and tropical garden... Ideally located in the center of Guadeloupe to allow you to spend your stay between sea and mountain."

Location: Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $41

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

Cottage for Two Persons on Guadeloupe

"Rent studio independent and fully equipped with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea, located in the village of Gourbeyre in Basse-Terre."

Location: Gourbeyre. Guadeloupe
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $57

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Coco Lodge "

"Little brother of Mango Lodge, we are pleased to introduce Coco Lodge. Close to nature, in the heart of tropical vegetation, and in the shade of coconut trees and cocoa trees. You will enjoy the fruits of the garden: lemons, mangos, avocados, and bananas."

Location: Rivière-Pilote, Martinique
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $82

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"The Hummingbird's Garden "

"Come and discover our sweet cottage surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees! You can take time to relax, go to the beach, and enjoy swimming in the lagoon. A ten minute drive is enough to reach the town's center and all its commodities.

Location: Le François, Martinique
Sleeps: 2
Price Per Night: $55

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Talking Trees House "

"Enjoy a beautiful house of spectacular sea views, surrounded by nature, with an open plan, loft, and decks. Located between the beaches of Bathsheba and Martin's Bay in a non-residential/touristy area. This area has more of a local village flavor.

Location: Foster Hall, Barbados
Sleeps: 4
Price Per Night: $105

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

"Villas on the Beach "

"We are on one of the most beautiful, secluded beaches on the south coast! Wake up every morning, sipping on your coffee while watching turtles swim."

Location: Bridgetown, Barbados
Sleeps: 3
Price Per Night: $190

Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.

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Mom Jeans Are Here To Save Your Winter Wardrobe

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While dressing for the colder temperatures requires putting a solid quantity of fabric on your body, it doesn't mean that you can't come up with creative outfit ideas. Whenever you're truly in a rut, you can reach for ever-reliable mom jeans: a blank canvas outfit starter that pairs perfectly with both experimental jackets and minimalist turtleneck options equally until your weather app tells you it's safe to head out in a T-shirt.

We all deserve that holy grail pair of denim that makes us feel instantly comfortable and confident when we put them on and today we're on a mission to help you find yours. Whether you prefer a super light wash, a distressed pair, or black jeans that will go with virtually everything in your closet, your perfect match is out there. Be prepared to crush on these 23 pairs of perfect high-waisted mom jeans.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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I Tested $305 Worth Of At-Home Dip Powder Kits — & Here's My Honest Opinion

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Thanks to dip powder and gel formulas, there's a manicure standard that we've become accustomed to. We're used to having chip-free polish that can go weeks after a salon appointment without looking ragged. But as it happens with most things that become the new normal, we began to seek ways to game the system: What if you could knock down the price and commute time of these services by getting a similar finish at home?

For this purpose, I turned to powder dip kits. Dip manicures use a combination of colorful, fine-grain powder, adhesives, topcoats, and buffing to achieve a sturdy, acrylic-like finish. This method has become popular because the results last just as long as an in-salon gel or acrylic job, but without the curing lights and faux tips. I rounded up a few kits — some geared for nail pros, others for amateurs like me — to see if I could level up my monthly manicure process.

Most of the kits took some trial and error. But after I got the hang of layering base, powder, activators, bonders, and topcoats, I was seduced by the results: A glossy mani that lasted much longer than my favorite drugstore polish. What's more, the stronger, reinforced finish made tasks like tearing into impossible shrink wrap shockingly easy. Though most kits are an investment (ringing in at about $100), they come stocked with enough powder to cover 30 manicures per jar. That's less than a dollar a manicure, considering many kits are stocked with at least three jars of color.

Read on to see which kits will turn you into a pro with practice and which are best for beginners.

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.

Dipwell Dip Nails Professional Kit

Level of Difficulty: High

In retrospect, it may have been a bit ambitious to use this powder dip kit to cut my teeth on the whole at-home dip method — the 13-step process aimed at professionals doesn't leave much room for user error... and I made many.

On my first attempt, I tried to disco up a plain nail with gold glitter, but instead, I ended up with a sad patch of shimmer on an otherwise blank nail plate. My mistake? Waiting too long between painting on the basecoat adhesive and doing the dip.

My next stab was with a bold color — I overcorrected by repeatedly dipping to make sure the color stuck. It covered the nail alright, but also made my fingers look like they had been on the wrong side of a dye pack. After becoming preoccupied with clearing excess powder, I completely forgot to buff the nail and ended up with a barnacle of a paint job.

On the third try, I got the timing and steps right, but the streaky finish of the neutral shade was a clear sign I needed even more practice. I don't fault the kit itself for my obvious lack of prowess with dip kits, but this system does call for more precise timing than the others I tried. Also, the kit doesn't come with any removal tools, making this a better choice for those who already bring some skill — and an at-home nail kit — to the table. But those with a bit of expertise will find lots to love, including this cool perk: Of all the kits I tried, this is the only one that allows consumers to select the shades of dip powder inside.



DipWell Nails Dip Nails Professional Kit Powder & Polish, $89.97, available at DipWell Nails

Revel Nail 4-Color Starter Kit

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Of the dip powder lines I tried, this one has the largest array of color choices and finishes by far. I counted 321 different shades in matte, satin, glitter, metallic, and color-changing shades — that's right color-changing. Of course, I couldn't not try the option that fluctuates between pink and purple with a shift in body heat. (Note: I had to stray from the starter kit, which is stocked with two neutrals, a red, and a metallic silver, to do so. Individual powder pots ring in at $8.)

Having learned my lesson with previous attempts, I followed the 12-step process to a tee. My nail job resulted in a more bulbous shape than I would have liked (probably due to overzealous dipping); but sure enough, it changed shades from pink to purple — and sometimes looked like a dope ombré — when in heat. I gave the system another shot with a neutral gray shade and managed to create a finish that looked less like wonky acrylic and more like real nails.



Revel Nail 4 Color Starter Kit, $69.98, available at Revel Nail

Kiara Sky Dip System Color Starter Kit

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

This kit is intended for professionals and didn't come with any of the tools needed to do the job (buffers, orange sticks, or removal products), but unlike others, it did boast a skin-protecting cuticle oil among its bottles of base activator, bonder, topcoat, and brush protector. It also provided instructions on how to apply the color powder, create a French tip, and put the powder over acrylic tips for those who really want to do a professional nail job at home.

Since I was dipping straight to natural nails, I was able to shave one step from the 22-step process (which seems like it would be a time-consuming hell, but wasn't so bad once I realized many steps are repeated). In the end, I achieved an opaque glitter polish that didn't look too thick and lasted weeks without chipping.

The kit touts being free of methacrylic acid or MMA (a chemical that even its own makers warn as unsafe for use on nails), but so were the other three kits I tested. Still, the brand gets big points on the formulation front because the components — though not completely odorless as advertised — didn't fill the air with nearly as strong a chemical odor as some of the others I tried.



Kiara Sky Dip System Color Starter Kit, $109.99, available at Kiara Sky

Red Carpet Manicure Color Dip Starter Kit

Level of Difficulty: Low

The dipping strategy of this starter kit was not only the easiest to execute, it gave me the most natural-looking results, too. The streamlined, 7-step process resulted in a fine-grain glitter mani that looked professionally done. Even better: It came with almost everything I needed to buff my nails, push cuticles back, and remove the polish — including pre-cut foils with a square of cotton affixed.

The kit didn't quite provide the month-long performance that the others geared towards pros did. After a week of wear, some of the glitter panels just vanished from my nails. Did they come off during a shampooing session or while washing dishes? Hard to say. But the disappearing act won't stop me from coming back for more. The simplicity of the kit means I'll gladly use it again when I don't want to commit to a single color for three weeks or more.



Red Carpet Manicure Color Dip Starter Kit, $34.99, available at Ulta Beauty

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Every Amazon Product To Add To Your Cart This Week

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It's no secret that Amazon owns our shopping habits. So much so, it's become our go-to for everything from a 10 pack of Pocky sticks to designer dresses, sending us down a rabbit hole that results in a cart full of items we hadn't planned on purchasing. If you can think of it, Amazon probably has it.

But coming across more unique and worthy finds, like a novelty plant holder or a new pair of heels, isn't as easy a task. Too many products, so little time. So, we're doing the grunt work and digging through the deepest reaches of Amazon for the best goodies around. Tech, beauty, fashion, wellness, home; there's not one category we're excluding from our search.

From the most buzz-worthy eyeliners on the market to affordable furniture that only looks expensive, our editors are rounding up the best Amazon has to offer. Even better, we're bringing you a brand spanking new list of items, every week. Check back here each Monday for the latest round of Amazon available products you'll want to add to cart, sans the toilet paper.

Be sure to shop our brand new Amazon storefront, updated daily with new and unique finds.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

If the real sun won't rise and shine to wake us, this light therapy alarm clock will.



instecho Sunrise Alarm Clock, $32.99, available at Amazon

High-waist, non-see-through fabric, and two pockets — nothing weird about this flex.



Olacia High Waisted Leggings with Pockets, $16.99, available at Amazon

Becoming was the top-selling hardcover book of 2018, so there's a good chance you've given it a read. But listening to the inspiring first lady share the pages of her memoir is truly a treat. If you don't subscribe to Audible yet, now's a good time to give it a free trial.



Audible Becoming: Unabridged Audiobook, $0.01, available at Amazon

There's no point in fighting it, the ocean is winning this (tiny) round. Invest in glass, shatter-proof, BPA-free drinking straws that come with cleaners so they truly last.



KORSREEL Reusable Bent Glass Drinking Straws, $10.99, available at Amazon

Effective in removing product buildup and cleansing the scalp. Plus, we're pro adding a mini head massage to our usual shower routine.



Heeta Soft Silicon Scalp Massager Brush, $8.69, available at Amazon

A twisted hoop size for every mood — big and small.



Loyal Look 3 Pairs Stainless Steel Twisted Hoop Earrings, $9.99, available at Amazon

Carhartt's classic workwear-hat will keep you warm and match your winter neutrals monochrome outfit in this lovely eggshell shade.



Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat, $12.99, available at Amazon

Soothe your dry winter skin and brittle hair with all-natural Jojoba oil from made-in-the-USA company, Teak Naturals. There's lots of Jojoba oils on Amazon but after reading through the comments on multiple pages, we suggest this one based on the product's mostly stellar reviews and the company's customer service.



Teak Naturals 100% Pure Cold Pressed Jojoba Oil, $10.97, available at Amazon

And while you're buying that Jojoba oil, add these refillable applicators to your cart. They're great for applying essential oils to nails, lips, and Tin Man-like facial crevices.



Maxdot 5 Pack Applicator Pens with Brush Tip, $6.59, available at Amazon

One for you, one for me, ten more because they always find a way to disappear.



Whaline 12 Piece Velvet Scrunchie Set, $10.99, available at Amazon

This 1-star review says it all: "Horrible game not suitable for children." On that note, you might want this new expansion pack.



Cards Against Humanity LLC Absurd Box Game Extension, $20, available at Amazon

This device promises a finish as smooth as waxing, without the pain — and the updated 2019 version has positive reviews to support its claim.



Vimdiff Gentle Facial Hair Removal Razor, $24.99, available at Amazon

In her new book just out today, GP promises to make "super clean recipes incredibly delicious." Touting over 100 recipes and six(!) doctor-approved cleanses, the clean-living advocate has a clear map to share with her mission.



Grand Central Life & Style The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal, $21, available at Amazon

These herb pods look like they're dressed for an intergalactic mission to the freezer — a place they’ll never actually need to go, because they'll live just fine in the fridge with their nifty spacesuits.



Prepara Herb Savor Pod 2.0, Set of 3, $24.95, available at Amazon

A bewitching pair of boots for the most magical of women.



The Fix Darcey Starburst Pearl Block Heel Boots, $78, available at Amazon

While it's not the prettiest bra on the market, this wire-free, high-cut style is a supportive choice — wear it underneath cozy sweaters or other winter garb on cold days when staying warm and comfy trumps delicate lace-trim.



Warner's Easy Does It No Dig Wire-Free Bra, $22.8, available at Amazon

Speaking of comfort...



Calvin Klein Cotton Lounge Drawstring Hoodie, $64, available at Amazon

Snake plants never say die!



Hirt's Gardens Rattlesnake Plant Calathea Lancifolia, $10.72, available at Amazon

This herringbone blazer means business.



Astr The Label Arden Blazer, $138, available at Amazon

So simple, so sophisticated, no logos, just a clean-lined chocolate brown leather frame bag that pairs well with anything from track pants to blazers.



Viviesta Genuine Leather Large Frame Bag, $70.99, available at Amazon

Remember the joy sticker packs used to bring when you were a child? Relive the feeling and brighten up your laptop, suitcase, or very serious planner with a little throwback to the good ol' days. (They also make great gifts for nieces.)



Jaison 70-Pcs Vinyl Stickers, $7.99, available at Amazon

Organic, raw, cruelty-free, and feels so good when it hits your lips. Grab a three-pack so you can add one to each of your active handbags.



Hurraw! Moon, Unscented, Sun Lip Balms Bundle, $17.39, available at Amazon

A good statement rug really brings the room together.



Unique Loom Monterey Collection Rug, $79.21, available at Amazon

We'd like all of our makeup laid out where we can see it.



Apruety Large Capacity Drawstring Cosmetic Bag, $13.99, available at Amazon

Ignore the odd home decor styling in this photo — three oversized vessels and decorative balls are a bit excessive, IMHO — and instead focus on this beautiful Deco-style mirror. Close your eyes and imagine the etched glass with its curves and lines reflecting something that's a bit more...you.



Decor Wonderland Frameless Art Deco Wall Mirror, $122.07, available at Amazon

Great for getting an easy smile out of your friends and family on that next group vacation.



Fujifilm Instax Mini Hello Kitty Instant Photo Camera, $88, available at Amazon

A teeth-whitening kit that's compatible with all smartphones. The future is bright, the future is now.



VS1 At-Home Teeth Whitening System, $49.95, available at Amazon

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What I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Freelance

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Up until last year, I was a full-time freelancer for four years. It was a career path I kind of fell into; I love to travel, value my freedom of movement, and revel in the ability to be creative and explore a spectrum of crafts, tasks, and projects.

When I first started working as a freelancer, I was scared. While, on one hand, I saw a limitless path stretching out in front of me, I also had a lot of questions: How does billing work? How do you do your taxes? What makes a good contract? What about healthcare? And saving for retirement?

Of course, many of the answers to these questions were learned the hard way. And, while there are many logistical things I wish I'd known before I started working as a freelancer, there are also innumerable things I wish I'd known about myself before I started; for example, that my work is valuable and that no client is 'doing me a favor' by hiring me.

It's a well-documented fact that freelancers regularly struggle to be treated fairly in the professional world. Though the gig economy is booming, the prevalence of freelancers doesn't necessarily translate into fair treatment. Invoices are regularly left ignored or unpaid, there are no such thing as sick days, and health care comes straight from your own pocket.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all secret to being a good freelancer; it depends heavily on your industry, level of experience, and countless other personal traits. But, one thing is for certain: You'll be in a much better position if you take the time to hear from those who've been at it for a while.

We spoke to six freelancers from different industries to shed some light on their biggest challenges, lessons learned, and, most of all, what they wish they had known when they first started. Read on to learn more.

Sarah Blesener, 27, Freelance Photographer (Documentary & Photojournalism):

How long have you been freelancing for?

"Around seven years now."

What kind of work do you do?

"Now, I freelance primarily for the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, doing documentary stories and news. I also spend a lot of time working on personal, long-term projects.

"For my personal projects, I have worked mostly with National Geographic and TIME. The themes I focus my photography projects on are adolescent identity and youth movements."

What was your biggest challenge?

"My biggest challenge was making the frightening first step decisions to become a freelancer: Committing to move to New York City, leaving more stable work behind, and facing many months of anxiety and lack of work was the biggest challenge to face — and one that all freelancers go through.

"Those challenges will always exist, but the first year is the most difficult. At times, I wasn’t sure if I had made the right decision, or if I could ever make it in NYC as a freelancer. It’s undeniably a terrifying transition."

What has been your biggest learning lesson?

"How to be strategic with my passion vs survival. For my industry, the jobs that pay my rent and keep me stable are not necessarily the jobs that I feel most passionate in.

"So, for example, learning to pitch for and take jobs that are commercial portraits and advertising do not lie in the realm of what I pictured myself doing as a journalist. However, these are the jobs that support my income throughout the year, while the editorial jobs pay far less while being more in line with what I want from my career."

What do you wish you'd known before you started freelancing?

"It would have been helpful to know, before starting this industry, not to put all of my effort in the same category. It’s helpful, for both your sanity and checkbook, to offer a variety of services and skills.

"For example, working in the editorial world is extremely complicated, and the paychecks are very low. Having a commercial job now and then, or advertising work, often completely saves my year and allows me to work on other aspects of photography that may pay less, but that I enjoy more. I wish I would have known to invest in those other areas of my career that are crucial to my success, not necessarily the ones that are the most exciting."

Sarah Blesener

Roxanne Ravago, 29, Independent Product Designer (UX/UI/Interaction) & Creative Technologist:

How long have you been freelancing for?

" Since March 2016, so almost three years."

What kind of work do you do?

"I provide all kinds of design services because I love touching different parts of the design process — and because a client will usually need more than one of my service offerings to launch a product or experience.

"Mostly I work in product design, UX/UI/interaction design, branding and visual identity, information architecture, illustration, branding and icon design, and learning design for creative computing."

What was your biggest challenge?

"My biggest challenge, especially in the beginning, was believing and owning my worth, understanding that I had something of value to offer someone, and that I needed to negotiate my rates commensurate to the value I knew I offered.

"Should a potential client not believe or agree that my value was worth the rate I asked for, I needed to have the courage — time and time again — to walk away. It’s easier said than done but this practice, over time, helped me to understand how to create value and own it."

What has been your biggest learning lesson?

"I’ve also learned (and am still learning) to not take my independence for granted, but to reclaim and own it. Going freelance comes with great responsibility because, for the first time, you — not anyone else — own your time and energy and what you choose to put it towards. You determine how your days, weeks, months and years look, so that’s a lot of decisions to make compared to a 9-to-5 in a corporate career ladder where a lot has already been structured for you!

"I’ve reached a point after three years where I’m looking over a plateau, and no manager or HR person is going to be there to advise me where and how to grow. I feel there aren’t many visible and vocal female role models who’ve gone independent, and are years ahead of me, that I could look to for some guidance and mentorship.

"I’m learning that when the path isn’t clear or there isn’t one yet, I must create it. I’ve been conditioned from working in a 9-to-5 to ask for permission from my seniors, but I’m learning that I don’t need to ask for permission anymore to try something, fail, then try something else. Finally, I’m learning that no person could give me the answer on where and how to grow. That answer can only come from within."

In hindsight, what do you wish you'd known before you started freelancing?

"I wish I’d known to never underestimate how much money I could make from the beginning, so that I’d start developing a system for saving 30-40% to pay taxes on every income I make. That was a $14,000 mistake that I owed to the IRS after my first year freelancing — and am still paying off in installments."

Roxanne Ravago

Nick Francis, 24, Creative Director in Visual Media: Illustration, Animation, Film:

How long have you been freelancing for?

"I have been freelancing since 2013 while I was still in school at California College of the Arts, but I've been working full time as a freelancer since 2016 when I graduated."

What kind of work do you do?

"My works is pretty fluid, with my emphasis being in collage art and illustration, though I have been working more heavily as an animator, director, creative director for the last year. I started professionally with Fantastic Negrito's 2016 Grammy Winning "The Last Days of Oakland" album and now have several music videos and a short film coming out in the next few months."

What has been your biggest challenge?

"The biggest problem for me as a freelancer is always navigating my health. I have several chronic illnesses that require 24/7 management, which can be difficult to juggle while working, in particular when dealing with rush deadlines."

What has been your biggest learning lesson?

"Learning the rules, codes, of navigating the industries, and then relearning them every few months.

"It has been my experience that the creative industries are far more fluid now than people understand, and require constant relearning and adjusting — not just to maintain your current status, but more importantly to advance. Understanding that the gears are moving around you constantly is a critical element to my survival tactics and planning for the future."

What do you wish you'd known before you started freelancing?

"A lot of the rules I was personally taught around working as a freelancer were all based in outdated modes of the publishing industries, many of which are less applicable now (for the type of work I do). The fluidity of this new world brings many advantages and disadvantages."

Nick Francis

Brittney Oliver, 30, Freelance Career & Lifestyle Writer, Founder of Lemons 2 Lemonade:

How long have you been freelancing for?

"I've been a freelancer since 2015 while holding down a full-time job and building a networking event series. It wasn't until this year that I freelanced full-time."

What kind of work do you do?

"I am a freelance writer who's work has been featured in Fast Company, ESSENCE, Teen Vogue, Time, Revolt, Business Insider and xoNecole. As a freelance writer, I pitch content ideas under the career and lifestyle niche to editors or media outlets who may be interested in my content.

"I am also the founder of Lemons 2 Lemonade, a networking event series and online platform offering career and lifestyle content."

What was your biggest challenge?

"As a freelancer, there are periods of time where you can feel like your editors are ghosting you. You don't have a front row seat to what is happening internally at the corporate offices. All you can do is wait to hear back from someone and don't take the lack of communication personally.

"Following my editors on social media also helped me navigate a slow response from them. A quick look on my editors Instagram page sometimes showed me when they were traveling for work and so pitching them via text message for a timely article will be better than sending an email."

What has been your biggest learning lesson?

"Media is ever-evolving, and outlets are folding and downsizing at rapid speed. Because of this, I learned early on to work for multiple outlets. You really can't keep all of your eggs in one basket because there will be times that an outlet does not have the budget for new articles or they may be going through an internal reorganization the will limit the opportunities for work.

"I also learned more of the business of media by the content that I pitched. Understanding the impact of SEO helped my pitching and helped me to diversify the opportunities to write for other outlets. Once I had conversations with my editors and took an inventory of what was trending online, it helped me to target and finesse my pitches to ensure more 'yes's' and fewer 'no's.'"

What do you wish you'd known before you started freelancing?

"I wish I had known that many publicists and entrepreneurs don't understand the media landscape. My inbox is always inundated with bad pitches with my name misspelled. If the pitch is not good, you simply decline. If it has potential, I tell them to rework it, but most of them never do and that's their loss — never do the work for them. Protect your energy, spend less time complaining about it, and move on.

"I also discovered that I was doing a lot more work for less. As a freelancer, you want to keep the money coming in and often times you don't realize that you are doing more than it's worth. I realized early on that I spent way too much time on articles that weren't worth much and time is a precious thing that you don't get back."

Brittney Oliver

Kate Quinn, 29, Freelance Voiceover Artist:

How long have you been freelancing?

"I’ve been freelancing as a voiceover artist for nearly three years."

What kind of work do you do?

" I record and edit the voiceovers for many commercials on TV and radio, podcast intros and outros, explainer videos, smart home devices, corporate voicemails, animated series, audiobooks, etc. I’ve worked for large companies like Disney, Kodak, GM, Raymour and Flanigan, JP Morgan, and AirBnb and many startups and smaller businesses."

What has been your biggest challenge?

"Keeping up with messages and orders at all hours each day (Fiverr allows me to have clients all over the world, meaning it's always working hours somewhere!) can be a challenge. Without a human boss, I do my best to please the algorithm of the site. This can be demanding."

What has been your biggest learning lesson?

"In the beginning, I was pretty vague about my requirements and initial communication with clients; I learned this is not the best way to achieve what the client wants.

"In an online medium, details are everything. I have a fairly comprehensive set of requirements my clients fill out regarding the work they expect (policies, tonal direction, etc.). This ensures that everyone is on the same page and that I can deliver exactly what the client wants the first time I deliver."

What do you wish you'd known before you started freelancing?

"Your work has value! Yes, the premise of Fiverr is providing affordable freelance work, but clients are willing to pay a bit more for excellent customer service, quick turnaround, and a high quality product."

Kate Quinn

Lina Ortega, 25, Freelance Videographer & Motion Graphics Editor:

How long have you been freelancing for?

"I’ve been freelancing for seven months."

What kind of work do you do?

"I create stop motion content on Fiverr for different brands."

What was your biggest challenge?

"My biggest challenge thus far has been ensuring that I’m organized at all times, but also able to be honest and open with clients and myself.

"At times, I can be very busy and all of a sudden a new client comes along. There comes the combination of a new opportunity, money, and actually being able to do the job. It also has to do with organization because anything is achievable, but one has to make decisions such as how to distribute the workload while also making sure I still have a personal life."

What has been your biggest learning lesson?

"My biggest learning has been the importance of specifying to the client what they’re paying for and setting expectations appropriately. If I’m not clear about what my ‘package’ includes, things can get messy.

"The most important thing is to always be on the same page. I used to think I would love it when I got a vague client because then I was able to do the work exactly the way I wanted. Not the case! This only means that the client doesn’t know what they want, but need help and guidance. If I don’t offer that, it will be a wasted opportunity because they might not get the results they were hoping for. Which, consequently, is not good for either of us in the long run."

What do you wish you'd known before you started freelancing?

"I’m not merely producing something for a client, I am helping them solve a problem and hopefully contributing to the success of their business. When I started freelancing I saw it more of like 'Wow, they’re paying me to do what I love to do!' — which is true in a certain aspect, but I really needed to focus on becoming a supporting tool for the client and their business. After all, it is a marketing strategy and they choose me to do the work."

Lina Ortega

Dara Avenius, Founder & Freelance Publicist at Fascinate Media:

How long have you been freelancing for?

"I've had my public relations company, Fascinate Media, since 2011. In addition to that, I also sometimes take on contract work for other public relations and event planning firms."

What kind of work do you do?

"I'm a publicist. Many people hear 'publicist' and don't know what it is. I've been asked what books I publish or what clubs I promote. The simple explanation is that I bring awareness of your brand, personage or company to the public.

What was your biggest challenge?

"The biggest challenge is the lack of respect that people have for freelancers and small business owners. I can't tell you how many times someone's been interested in hiring me, asked for a proposal and then ghosted.

"Other issues are when clients sign a contract then decide halfway through they don't need to honor it. The worst, of course, for a freelancer or small business owner is when a client doesn't pay. We don't have the benefit of a corporation behind us to protect us or absorb those costs, so it can have a huge impact. If you have any employees or interns, this can not only affect us but those who work for us."

What has been your biggest learning lesson?

"The biggest lesson I've learned is that not every potential client should become a client. As a woman, I think many of us struggle with this — freelancer or not — so another lesson I've also learned is to value my work and charge appropriately."

What do you wish you'd known before you started freelancing?

"If you have several contracts, you end up having several bosses and not just one. I also wish I'd known that freelancers are often not respected — and not paid."

Dara Avenius

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6 Under-$25 Ways To Fade Dark Spots — Without A Trip To The Dermatologist

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Nobody asks to end up with hyperpigmentation, but plenty of people find themselves dealing with it anyway. The story is always the same: An uninvited pimple, bug bite, or patch of eczema sets up shop on your skin, way overstays its welcome, and leaves behind a mottled mess of post-inflammatory dark spots.

You can easily lose hours and rack up debt on chemical peels, trips to the dermatologist, and fancy pigment-fading creams in the name of spot-free skin. But while most of those methods are effective (and pro-approved), they aren't the end-all-be-all for treating the condition. "Products containing hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin all help to treat hyperpigmentation," says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a dermatologist at Skin Wellness Center in Alabama. "Glycolic and salicylic acid also increase exfoliation and help to treat the acne that can lead to hyperpigmentation."

The good news for people sticking to their 2019 budgets (or who don't have regular access to derms and estheticians)? Drugstore shelves are packed with products containing these powerful ingredients. Ahead, 6 ways to clear dark spots — without destroying your bank account.

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.

"This product has the two most important components of any anti-aging skin care regimen to fade dark spots and treat wrinkles, so it works double time," says Dr. Hartman. He's referring to retinol and vitamin C, both of which help resurface uneven skin tone and improve the appearance of dark spots over time.



Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector, $22.99, available at Ulta Beauty

"Hydroquinone remains the gold standard for treatment of hyperpigmentation," Dr. Hartman tells us. This O.G. drugstore formula contains 2% of the spot-fading ingredient, compared to the 4% usually prescribed by dermatologists, he explains. "It provides effectiveness with a lower risk of adverse side effects, but it should not be used for longer than three months without consulting a professional," he says. A word of warning: Hydroquinone can cause hypopigmentation, or excessive lightening of the skin, so be sure not to overdo it.



Ambi Ambi Fade Cream, $6.79, available at walgreens.com

Most spot treatments pack a mean punch for fighting pigmentation, but you aren't limited to serums and creams: You can also incorporate potent exfoliators, like these corrective pads, to aid the fading process. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, founder of Specific Beauty, tells Refinery29 that each pad is soaked in vitamin C and kojic acid to target spots and improve the brightness of your complexion overall.



Specific Beauty Advanced Dark Spot Corrector Pads Facial Treatments , $19.98, available at Target

Consider this serum a triple threat against your lingering dark marks: Retinol, kojic acid, and niacinamide all work together to lighten spots and keep your skin texture smooth and fine line-free.



Urban Skin RX Dark Spot Rapid Repair Retinol Treatment , $22.99, available at Target

Thanks to a formula rich in vitamins C and E, this dark-spot treatment works to brighten your skin and encourage a healthy complexion overall. Exfoliating lipohydroxy acid (LHA) also increases cell turnover, so dull, scarred skin fades — fast.



Garnier Dark Spot Corrector Treatment, $17.48, available at walgreens.com

Michelle Henry, MD, dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York recommends this potent niacinamide-packed serum to nix hyperpigmentation. It melts into a smooth, silky finish and leaves any skin type newly glowing after a few uses.



L'Oreal Paris Youth Code™ Dark Spot Corrector Serum, $17.98, available at Target

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How To Shop The Drugstore Beauty Aisle Like A Supermodel

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Taylor Hill exudes this cool, Colorado-inspired aesthetic. You can just imagine her strolling down the street in a breezy, white midi-dress, scuffed leather boots, tousled curls, and a cable-knit cardigan falling off one shoulder. And it's that effortless aura that landed her the role as the new face of Ralph Lauren Romance.

Romance is a cult-favorite fragrance, but this year the floral scent — which has hints of rose, white violet, and musk — is getting a refresh with updated packaging and a new frontwoman (or couple rather, since Hill's boyfriend, Michael Stephen Shank, is also in on the campaign).

Hill has the kind of chill approachability that makes us want to know everything about her look. Like, how she spot treats a huge pimple; what her morning routine looks like; and, of course, what fragrance she spritzes on in the morning.

We got all that and more, including a full breakdown of the drugstore beauty products Hill swears by, during a recent interview. Ahead, the 22-year-old model shares her under-$10 must-haves. So, even if you're nowhere near après-ski (in bank account or aesthetic), you can shop CVS as if your closet is filled with riding boots and $400 fringe-trim turtleneck s, capturing some of Hill's bohemian vibe for yourself.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

The supermodel tells us that on busy mornings, she'll clean any dirt or oil that might've accumulated over the night the rapid-fire way. "If I take a shower, I'll use a face cleanser," Hill explains of her morning routine. "But if I don't have time, I'll just grab a face wipe to refresh my skin when I wake up, before moving on to serum and moisturizer."



Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes & Face Wipes, $6.99, available at Target

Hill calls her long, curly hair "a wild beast" that she typically styles in an messy topknot when she's not on set. "The best thing I can do to tame the monster that is my hair is to pull it up into a bun," she explains. "But, when I attempt to wear it down, I'm always spraying my roots with dry shampoo. I love this one by Pantene because it gives me some volume and body, without leaving that white, chalky streak that always shows up on my dark hair."



Pantene Pantene Sheer Volume Dry Shampoo, $5.99, available at Walgreens

"I never walk into a drugstore without perusing the nail polish selection," Hill tells us. "I'm constantly on the hunt for a good, cheap nude nail polish that looks nice on my skin tone — I usually end up with one of the Essie bottles."



Essie Nail Polish in Wild Nude, $8.99, available at Target

Maybe even more important than polish, Hill tells us that she's regimented about keeping her nails smooth and shaped. "Every time I'm in the drugstore I pick up a new nail file," she admits. "I love shaping my nails, so I like to have a small file in all my bags, and I always seem to lose them."



OPI OPI Crystal Nail File, $8.94, available at Walmart

When the supermodel gets a pimple, she uses a spot treatment you can pick up from the drugstore... but not in the skin-care aisle. "I actually use concentrated vitamin E oil capsules on my acne spots," Hill explains. "I just take a gel capsule, crack it open, and dab the liquid on the pimple. Because it's the most concentrated form of vitamin E, I find it's a more natural remedy — gentler than using a harsh, over-the-counter gel or drying peroxide."



Spring Valley Spring Valley Vitamin E Supplement, $7.68, available at Walmart

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It's Official: We're Trading In Our Lace-y Thongs For Something A Little More Comfortable

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Fact: millennials love to ruin stuff. Or that's what everyone seems to think. Between single-handedly destroying the dairy industry (to make way for the oat milk rebellion, of course) and ruining bar culture forever (wine is so much cheaper at home), it's almost as if there's nothing that those born between 1981 and 1995 haven't killed. But if there's one outdated concept we're most proud of taking down, it has to be "sexy underwear".

Where we used to look at Victoria's Secret for tips on how to look sexy, buying up all the lace thongs and push-up bras we could get our impressionable teenage hands on, we're now opting instead for underwear that makes us feel confident and comfortable. From runway-approved granny panties to day-of-the-week cotton briefs, once you've made the move away from "sexy underwear" and towards the luxuriously comfy options ahead, there's simply no going back.

So even if you still drink 2% milk and can't resist a good Happy Hour every now and then, we're betting that this is one millennial-backed movement you'll want to get behind.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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What Eye Doctors Really Think About Eyelash Extensions

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Here's a message from your eye doctor: Please, please lay off of the eyelash extensions in 2019 (sorry, don't hate the messenger). Of all the lash enhancement options — glue-on lash strips, magnetic lashes, eyelash extensions, and growth solutions like Latisse — the optometrists we spoke to were adamant about one thing: eyelash extensions should be your last option.

Even though those lashes that add length and volume for weeks are super convenient, they could actually be causing more harm than you think. "I’ve seen quite a few patients who have developed allergic lid reactions, infections, styes, and dry eyes as a result of the glue used during eyelash extensions," Jennifer Tsai, OD, a New York-based optometrist who specializes in eye health and vision care, tells Refinery29. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also reported on the risks of eyelash extensions in 2018, including the potential for permanent damage to the eyelash follicle, trauma to the eyelid, and allergic reactions.

Aside from eye health risks, salon extensions can also cause long-term damage to your natural lashes over time. "I can't tell you how many times I've had patients come in with a decrease in the amount of eyelashes because of the glue," says Veronica Ruelas, OD, optometrist and founder of the ThirdEyeVision Foundation. "Eyelash extensions tend to have that addictive property, where people have to keep going back and getting them done. Because with their natural lashes falling off, they have less than when they started [extensions], so they feel like they need them now even more." And Dr. Tsai echoes, "Long-term usage will cause wear and tear to your natural lashes."

Both eye doctors agree that it's better to use a glue-less option, like a reliable mascara or magnetic lashes, but knowing that people will continue to seek the service, they advise to tread lightly. "Save eyelash extensions for special occasions," suggests Dr. Tsai. And when you do go, make sure to do your homework. Find an experienced salon that will place the lashes correctly. Not all states require lash technicians to have a cosmetology license or esthetician certification, so make sure to ask your provider about their credentials. It's also critical that you're in a sanitary setting for their service. "Anytime you're adhering something to the delicate tissues of the eyes, you're creating a possibility of infection or styes. So, you want to make sure that the adhesive and extensions they're putting on are sterile and approved for use around the eyes," Andrea Thau, OD, president of the American Optometric Association and spokesperson for Think About Your Eyes, previously told R29.

We know it's going to be hard to part ways with your monthly eyelash appointment, but try to stretch the weeks between fill-ins the same way you're cutting down on the coffee breaks in the new year. For 2019, we're manifesting healthier, longer lashes that are au naturel.

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8 Celebrity Hair Transformations That Will Yank You Out Of A Hair Rut

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Despite how hopeful you felt at midnight on January 1, no one — not even you — is immune to feeling the unmotivated dread of a rut. Some experience it behind a desk and laptop, others sense it in outdated relationships, and even more tend to feel it when they look in the mirror and toss their year-old haircut over their shoulder with an unenthusiastic sigh.

Sure, signature cuts and colors work for some people, but everyone — celebrities and plebeians alike — can experience intense fatigue over their hair at one point or another. Hair ruts are brutal, but totally fixable. Getting your hair cut, colored, or simply styled can do a whole lot for your mental wellbeing: It'll make you feel like you have your shit together (even if your life is chaos). So, just in case you do feel like your life is the plot of Groundhog Day, but instead of Bill Murray all you have is existential dread and the insatiable craving for a trim, then you've come to the right place. All you need is some curated inspiration.

Ahead, we've compiled a list of solutions to common hair ruts — from the same old, same old wash-and-go to the ultimate ponytail fix. Keep clicking to find a solution that works for you.

If You... Never Dyed Your Hair

Then Try... Subtle Highlights

You consider yourself a purist. Any time your best friend would buy box dye from Ulta to DIY a new look in her parents' bathroom sink, you silently scoffed, " Not me." Now, decades later, you're sensing it's time for a refresh — but not the kind that will leave you with long-term damage to your hair cuticle. Instead, pull a Meghan Markle and shock everyone with a smattering of subtle highlights that are so discreet not even your S.O. will notice — and that's sort of how you like it.

Photo: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

If You... Always Wear A Ponytail

Then Try... Adding An Accessory

Hey, you've got no reason to feel ashamed of your ponytail. Hot tools just don't seem worth it for daily use and, frankly, the predictable updo keeps rogue hairs out of your face so you can, you know, focus on other things. But even Ariana Grande and Kate Middleton's signature ponytails need sprucing up from time to time. Their fix: hair accessories. While Middleton prefers hair bows and Grande relies on pearl pins, the shared solution easily transforms an otherwise simple hairstyle into something worth noticing.

Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images.

If You... Have A Blunt, Single-Layer Cut

Then Try... Shaggy Curtain Fringe

If you've been happily rocking a one-length, blunt style for the better part of 2018, you're probably ready to shake things up with some additional texture. Instead of trying stacked layers throughout your whole head, consider a shaggy set of curtain bangs to add instant movement to your two-dimensional look. Not into the center-parted cut birthed by Brigitte Bardot? Check out our bang guide to land on the right type of bangs for you.

Photo: Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images.

If You... Over-Processed Your Ends

Then Try... Rocking A Pixie

Going icy-white blonde like Daenerys Tararyen, the First of Her Name, The Unburnt, Queen of the Andals — okay, you get the picture — can seem exciting in the moment, but after months of processing your roots with peroxide, you'll learn that going platinum isn't always worth it. Just ask Emilia Clarke who ultimately copied her Game of Thrones character in 2017 and immediately regretted the decision because of the damage. To rid her head of the split, brittle ends, hairstylist Jenny Cho chopped Clarke's over-processed hair into a chic — and healthy! — pixie.

Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

If You... Are Bored With Platinum

Then Try... Demi-Permanent Gloss

You're one of those hair unicorns who loves being platinum blonde. (It helps that you were born with irrevocably healthy roots that are impervious to harsh dyes and bleach.) But despite your long-term relationship with the look, you've got a wondering eye for some color — bright color. You might not be willing to go back to your brunette roots, but you are intrigued by pinks, purples, and blues that wash away in three to four weeks. Luckily, Kylie Jenner, Lady Gaga, and Cardi B can offer plenty of inspo in the months to come.

If You... Your Hair Grazes Your Belly Button

Then Try... A Chic Bob

There are two types of people in this world: People who get regular trims once a month, and people who never let shears within a foot of their head. You, my friend, are in the latter camp, and you know it's been a long time since you saw the inside of a hair salon. Still, you've reached your breaking point: Despite your unidentified mistrust of hairdressers, you're prepared for something new and shocking, like a bob. Sure, it's a drastic undertaking, but the haircut is so worth — and the whole world knows it.

Photo: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic.

If You... Always Wash-and-Go

Then Try... Box Braids

It's 20 degrees outside, and you're toggling the line of temporary cough to full-blown cold. No matter how much you love your trusted wash-and-go routine, right now just doesn't seem like the most practical time to keep it up. You need a change that'll keep a runny nose at bay and your routine minimal. The solution: box braids. Even if it's only for a few weeds, it will give you a reprieve from the horrors of wash day.

If You... Are Growing Out Your Bob

Then Try... An Asymmetrical Trim

For years — and years and years — you've had a bob. You even sometimes remind your copycat best friends that you were the very first to try the trend. Still, as much as you love your cool-girl cut, you're in search of something fresh that'll have you in and out of the salon in an hour. Turns out, something as simple as an asymmetrical trim can be as transformative as it is fast. Need inspiration for this one? Look to Emma Stone who gave her lob a much needed lift with a slight, cropped trim (courtesy of hairstylist Mara Roszak) that didn't sacrifice too much length.

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Trump Pretended To Care About Sexual Assault In His Address — For The First Time Ever

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Speaking to the nation from the Oval Office on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump scraped up what little ability he possesses to appear as a humanitarian, all with the single goal of kickstarting his 2020 campaign getting more of the public to back his nonsensical, ineffective border-wall proposal.

But speaking in a reasonable tone of voice and citing facts didn't make him any less credible in his first televised Oval Office address. The speech was a feast for the fact-checkers, and has made it even more painfully obvious that he's manufacturing a crisis while people are suffering as a result of the partial government shutdown, which began in late December.

Even when his facts were true, he used them in a self-serving way that may appeal to his supporters, but is just as dangerous as telling lies. He spent a large part of the address talking about the humanitarian issues migrants face, such as the many women who are sexually assaulted during their journey, calling for the need to end "the cycle of human suffering" — probably the most phony display of empathy we've ever seen.

It's true that a stunningly high number of female migrants crossing into the U.S. through Mexico are sexually assaulted; 80% according to one investigation. But using their experiences to argue for the wall is blatantly cruel. There is absolutely no evidence that a wall will stop any of this abuse. According to everyone from policy experts to Border Patrol agents to even former smugglers, a wall would not deter unauthorized migrants from trying to enter the U.S. In fact, most undocumented immigrants overstay their visas instead of crossing the border illegally.

"Building a wall will not protect women from assault," Archi Pyati, chief of policy at Tahirih Justice Center, told Refinery29. "The opposite is true. Many of the women risking their lives to come to the U.S. are running from sexual violence and threats of death. When they make the difficult decision to leave everything behind and journey north, they are doing so to protect themselves and break the cycle of violence. When they are forced to wait in Mexico, they are more vulnerable to unsafe conditions, disease, and sexual violence. And if they are not admitted, face a wall, or are deported without a chance at asylum, they are sent back to face rape, abuse, and even death."

If Trump truly wanted to help women who had experienced sexual assault, he would not have instructed border agents to automatically reject the applications of asylum seekers who are fleeing domestic abuse or gang violence. He would also address the humanitarian crisis in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers, where there have been frequent reports of sexual assault and where two young children died in December alone. And, he would not have allowed Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos dismantle Title IX or let the Violence Against Women Act expire.

Besides, this sudden concern for women's welfare sounds incredibly disingenuous from a president who has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women. The real "crisis of the soul "? It's in the White House.

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Tatcha's Brightening Vitamin C Serum Is Worth The Hype

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A human face in a popcorn ceiling, a cat's nose and whiskers in the strands of hair splayed out on your shower wall, Madonna and Child in a tree stump: Stare at anything long enough, and it's bound to take on an image beyond itself, patterns forming and un-forming before your eyes. Spend enough time examining your own skin problems, and you might start to experience the phenomenon there, too: little constellations in the hardened bumps, an unholy asterism of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Hey, is that Orion's belt in that breakout?

If I spent half as much time philosophizing about the inscrutable machinations of the human mind as I do fussing over my skin, I suspect I'd be unstoppable, a kind of 21st-century Bergson with boobs. Or maybe I'd just spend my newfound free time evangelizing Tatcha's new Violet-C Brightening Serum, the product that finally got me there — more missionary work than a life of science and rationality, if you will.

At first pump, the clear, non-sticky serum, which launched last week, is hardly recognizable as a vitamin C serum. The ubiquitous "gold standard" of brightening ingredients appears in many popular formulas, nearly all of which smell like your fingers after you fish loose change out of the bottom of your purse and turn bright, rancid orange within a few months after opening; this formula does neither of those things. It smells like nothing. It is the color of nothing. It goes on smooth, and sinks in with zero residue.

Again, not what a seasoned vitamin C user would expect from a vitamin C serum — it's a much better experience, and quite possibly better-formulated, too. "Vitamin C is a beloved ingredient, but can be difficult to formulate with because it can be an unstable ingredient," says Tatcha founder Victoria Tsai. "Our challenge was to create a formula that is gentle but effective enough to smooth skin instantly and brighten over time, while staying stable." The key, Tsai says, is pairing it with an antioxidant-rich ingredient called Japanese beautyberry (yes, that's its real name), which supports the stabilization of vitamin C.

After six weeks of regular use, applied every other night (with my usual retinoid in between) on clean skin before moisturizer, my skin is clearer, glowier, and more balanced. My pores seem less clogged and I break out less, which I credit to an additional 10% of fruit acids that somehow do not irritate my absurdly sensitive skin. It's a concept I don't fully understand, but am not about to question. Question authority, question the subjective experience, question morality's place in politics, question the significance of rationalism over intuition — but when it comes to matters of better, brighter skin, I'll just sit down, shut up, and take a big swig of that beautyberry-flavored Kool-Aid.

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum 20% Vitamin C + 10% AHA, $88, available at Sephora.

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Kendall Jenner's Skin Guru Spills Her 5 Tips For Clearing Acne Fast

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Update: During the Golden Globes this past Sunday, Kendall Jenner was announced as the new face of Proactiv, following in the footsteps of stars like Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Adam Levine, and Jessica Simpson. In November, we spoke to dermatologist Christie Kidd, who treated Jenner in 2018, for her tips on clearing up acne-prone skin.

This story was originally published November 3, 2018.

Kendall Jenner's acne used to make headlines. Heavily-zoomed paparazzi photos magnifying barely-there chin zits became front-page news stories, tied to tired captions like, "Supermodels, they're just like us." She was even bullied for her barely-visible breakouts on social media, to the point of having to step in to shut down the negativity herself.

But you — and the Twitter trolls — may have noticed that Jenner's skin has done a complete 180 recently. At first, she owned her acne; then, she managed to kick it, leading to headlines that are less "just like us" and more like "glowy" and "radiant." So what changed? The answer: Christie Kidd, dermatology PA and Hollywood's resident skin-care expert. Kidd says that the supermodel walked into her office at a time when she was dealing with a particularly bad cycle of breakouts, and left with a simple regimen that changed her skin forever.

If you can't make it to Beverly Hills for an in-office consultation with Kidd, we have the next best thing: We asked the sought-after pro to break down her top 5 tips for healing acne and the specific active ingredients that work. It's surprisingly simple — scroll through and see.

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.

Be Gentle

First things first: Put down the rough, scrubby hand towel. "The most important tip I give [patients] struggling with acne is actually a lesson on cleansing the skin properly," says Kidd. "So many people make their irritated skin much worse by scrubbing it raw with a washcloth. Use your hands, and start cleansing your face like you’d wash a newborn baby — super gently."

Design by Tristan Offit

Kidd generally recommends her own CK Perfect Skin Cleanser, which isn't yet available on the mass market — but in a pinch, she reaches for the gentle Vanicream bar cleanser, which is safe for even the most sensitive skin.



Vanicream Vanicream Cleansing Bar for Sensitive Skin3.9 oz, $4.38, available at walgreens.com

Pick Powerful Products

"I’m a big believer in a simple routine," Kidd tells us. She explains that using these four products: a gentle cleanser, medicated pads to eliminate bacteria, a resurfacing serum with glycolic and lactic acids, and SPF — may be pared-down, but they're seriously potent.

Design by Tristan Offit

Know Your Keywords

Kidd tells us that it's good to be well-versed in the ingredients that your skin responds to — and, conversely, rages against. She adds that it's important to find products with the right team of powerful active ingredients — those that don't cause dryness or irritation — and keep them in mind whenever you're shopping for new skin-care products.

"In terms of finding the right products to clear acne, the actives I use are salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acid, which can be found in my cleansing pads and skin serum," Kidd says. "I don't use any benzoyl peroxide in my products, because I find that those gentler actives are more effective for exfoliating the skin without drying it out."

Design by Tristan Offit

Learn To Layer

Kidd explains that an easy, layer-able routine is the secret to curing acne. "It can be as easy as three or four steps: cleansing your skin with the right face wash, layering on an anti-bacterial toner of sorts, something with witch hazel that will control the oils in the skin without stripping it, and then adding a non-comedogenic sunblock over top." Layering those active ingredients is crucial so that they can all work in tandem.

Design by Tristan Offit

A sunscreen labeled non-comedogenic means that the ingredients won't clog your pores. Kidd tells us she formulates her own SPF, but she likes this one, too, thanks to its all-mineral filters and SPF 50 coverage.



aveneusa Mineral Ultra-light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, $28, available at DermStore

Explore Your Options

"Sometimes I'll recommend injectables in special circumstances, for patients who need a cystic pimple gone immediately," Kidd tells us. "If a model comes in with a big zit — an active pimple, not a scar — I would likely inject the pimple with a cortisone shot, then send her home with the instructions to alternate warm and cold compresses on the area. This delivers the fastest results, immediately reducing the inflammation."

The approach to heal acne scars is very different, but can also involve an injectable technique. "When patients come in with severe divots or pockmark in their skin, we can inject Juvederm filler to reduce the look of those scars," Kidd says — the filler will, well, fill the deep holes in the skin. Kidd also uses PRP, platelet-rich plasma treatment, which is when a small amount of blood is drawn, put through a centrifuge, and then injected back into the skin.

"Typically with serious scarring, I recommend a combination of both, because it takes a few weeks to see the results of PRP, so often Juvederm is a good initial step, and then we start using the PRP for long term results," Kidd says. Of course, it's most important to have a conversation with your own dermatologist about which treatment is best for your specific skin type and concerns — it's never a one-size-fits-all answer.

Design by Tristan Offit

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A Week In Sacramento, CA, On $2,700 Per Month

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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.

Are you a furloughed federal employee? We'd love to read your Money Diary. Submit here.

Today: an intern working in government who makes $2,700 per month and spends some of her money this week on Odwalla smoothies.

Occupation: Intern
Industry: Government
Age: 22
Location: Sacramento, CA
Income: I get a monthly stipend of $2,700
Paycheck Amount (Monthly): After taxes, my take-home pay comes out to about $2,400.

Monthly Expenses
Rent: $765 (I share a three-bedroom apartment with two roommates.)
Student Loan Payment: $0 (I'm still in the deferment period for my loans since graduating last spring, and I will begin payments next month.)
Yoga Studio Membership: $68 (I go about 15x month, so it works out to about $4 a class)
Transit Pass: My work pays for this.
Utilities: $40
Cell Phone: My parents pay.
Netflix: I use my parents' account.
Health Insurance & Car Insurance: I'm on my parents' plans.
New York Times Sunday Subscription: $4

Day One

6:30 a.m. — My boyfriend wakes me up in our Airbnb in South Lake Tahoe. We stopped here last night on our way back to Sacramento after I spent a week at home in L.A. for the holidays. My boyfriend usually sleeps in for hours after I wake up, but when we're in a new place, he's up at dawn. He goes upstairs to read while I start getting ready.

7:45 a.m. — We stop at a local coffee shop and grab two coffees to-go, and I chug a couple glasses of water while we're there. (Being away from home and my reusable water bottles always makes me super dehydrated.) For breakfast, we munch on leftover monkey bread from a roadside bakery, while we drive to our first stop. $4

8:45 a.m. — We arrive at a state park alongside the lake and take in the views. We laughed this morning when our Airbnb host asked if we were there to “hit the slopes” — neither of us are into snowboarding/skiing, and to me it's always seemed way too expensive to be worth it.

12:45 p.m. — After some more sightseeing, we stop at a sandwich shop for lunch. I get a vegan wrap sandwich, and my boyfriend gets a “fake” reuben sandwich. (We're both vegetarian.) He pays. We realize we've hit everything on our must-see list much faster than we expected, and make one more stop at a state beach (I pay the entrance fee) before getting on the highway towards Sacramento. $10

1:30 p.m. — It's my turn to drive, so I pull over in a rural town and buy a cup of coffee. (Coming from L.A. area, it is bananas to me how much open space NorCal has, even near big cities.) $2.50

3:30 p.m. — We get to my apartment and unpack the car. Somehow, I flew to L.A. with only a carry-on and returned with a full carload and multiple bags, including old furniture I took from my parents' garage. I've lived here for a few months, but my roommates and I haven't gotten around to fully furnishing the living room. My boyfriend still lives in Southern California while finishing school, but he's spending a few days here for New Year's.

5 p.m. — We are HUNGRY, so we walk to Chipotle, which we pay for with gift card. One of my favorite things about Sacramento is how walkable it is compared to Los Angeles.

6 p.m. — After Chipotle, we stop by CVS to pick up Neosporin (infected facial piercing), cheap vodka, and cranberry juice to make drinks at home tonight. I buy my Neosporin and my boyfriend picks up the drinks. $5.12

7 p.m. — We watch When Harry Met Sally together on my bed while drinking vodka-cranberry drinks and eating popcorn. (My boyfriend buys the movie on Amazon.) This is a New Year's tradition for us — we were friends for nearly six years before we started dating, so the movie hits close to home.

Daily Total: $21.62

Day Two

7:45 a.m. — I wake up and head down the street to my yoga studio for an 8 a.m. class. I got a Manduka Pro mat for Christmas, but I didn't take the time to break it in with salt, so I'm slipping around during class. I have a monthly membership here, so I don't pay per class.

10 a.m. — I stop at the Natural Foods Co-op on my way home to pick up a few groceries for my apartment and an early lunch for my boyfriend and me. The Co-op is super hip and sells organic local produce, and I know I should shop local because #sustainability, but it is also pretty pricey, so this is actually my first time shopping here. Even though it's a block from my apartment, I normally drive to the Trader Joe's in the suburbs. I buy two cans of garbanzo beans, a large bag of kale, tomatoes, and carrots, and four Odwalla smoothies. From the deli section, I grab a pre-made kale salad for myself and a fake bacon BLT for my boyfriend. $41.74

12 p.m. — I'm craving a lazy Sunday afternoon before four more friends from home arrive tonight, so we head to a local coffee shop. Work was really stressful before the holiday break, so I use the time at the coffee shop to strategize ways to make the upcoming week more engaging — meditation breaks using Headspace, intellectually stimulating books to read at lunch instead of scrolling through social media, and scheduling coffee dates with mentors/career role models. I buy a cider. I like this coffee shop because they also have beer/wine. $7.41

4 p.m. — My boyfriend and I walk around the touristy Old Sacramento, then go to a thrift store to kill time until our friends arrive. I buy a funky cheetah print shirt to wear for NYE, and I'm excited because it matches the animal print shirt my boyfriend is wearing. $9.74

7 p.m. — Get to our friends' Airbnb in the suburbs and order a pizza. (My boyfriend pays for my share.) I was a little nervous about having my friends come up because I thought they'd want to eat out for most meals and go out each night since they're on vacation, and I only have about $60 to spend until my paycheck on the 31st. Luckily, it seems like they also prefer staying in and saving money. My November 30th paycheck was my first full paycheck since moving here, so I had a lot to catch up on — rent, credit card bill, and purchases I'd been putting off — as well as the additional expense of Christmas gifts. I'm looking forward to getting on a more regular budget in January.

11 p.m. — Arrive back at my apartment. I know I should sleep since I have work in the morning, but I don't fall asleep until past 2 a.m. due to my boyfriend snoring louder than usual, and my roommate having a friend over. I struggle with insomnia and can rarely fall asleep unless it is silent — which screams “she needs her own place,” but I can't afford to live without roommates.

Daily Total: $58.89

Day Three

8:15 a.m. — NYE. I end up dragging my feet so much that I'm running late. I miss my train, so my boyfriend drops me off. I bring a vanilla chai protein shake for breakfast.

10:45 a.m. — I meet my boyfriend and our friends at a cafe, and a I get a fake bacon BLT. (My boyfriend pays.) I've been vegetarian for about eight years, and I'm working on transitioning to being a “weekday vegan” this year.

12:30 p.m. — I guide my friends on a tour around the State Capitol building. We do a “photoshoot” in front of the building, and I'm SO happy they're here.

2 p.m. — We go back to the thrift store so my friends can look for fun/extra NYE clothes. I try on about seven pairs of jeans and find a like-new Madewell pair that fit perfectly for only $25. I don't have the money for them until my paycheck, so I put them on hold.

4 p.m. — Our friends go back to their Airbnb, and my BF and I go back to my apartment so I can nap. He puts on his record player — he packed it from home (?!), and it puts me to sleep.

5 p.m. — I thought for sure my friends would want to go out to eat and pregame tonight, but instead they say we can eat on our own then meet at the Airbnb for pregaming. My boyfriend and I make a decadent meal of Annie's mac and cheese and kale salad that I have on hand, and then get dressed to leave. I'd expressed concern over the cost of us Ubering into the suburbs to meet my friends at their Airbnb, so one of my friends drives to pick us up instead. (Bless them.)

8 p.m. — After pregaming and eating appetizers at the Airbnb, we head to a brewery in West Sacramento hosting a NYE event. It cost $30 per person but includes two drinks, and I figured we were more of a “chill brewery vibes” group than a “wandering through crowded bars downtown” group, so I think it was worth it. I paid for my ticket and my boyfriend's a few weeks in advance. One of my friends doesn't want to drink, so she offers to drive, saving us immensely on NYE Uber costs. $62

12:30 a.m. — We get back to my apartment — the event was outside, and it was way too cold for my SoCal friends, so they were ready to dip as soon as the clock struck 12. Like, literally they were sprinting to the car as Auld Lang Syne played. Fine with me, I'm not feeling great, and I'm ready to sleep.

Daily Total: $62

Day Four

12:30 p.m. — PAY DAY! After a lazy morning, my boyfriend and I go to a ramen restaurant down the street — it is our friend group's New Year's tradition to eat ramen as the first meal of the year. In L.A., this typically happens around 1 or 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve, but since the sole ramen restaurant in Sacramento closes at 10 p.m. we had to delay it to a NYD lunch. I'm really not feeling great, and I realize while waiting for our table that I've started my period. I run over to the Safeway down the street for pads and Advil. $15.13

1 p.m. — I pay for my BF's ramen and my own. He typically pays for the vast majority of our meals and activities, which I feel very guilty about, so I usually overcompensate by trying to pay for everything the week my paycheck hits. $28.82

3 p.m. — My boyfriend is supposed to drive home, since he has work in the morning and is planning on dropping me off to meet my friends at the zoo. But I start crying when it's time for him to leave. (Again, I've been stressed at work and not loving Sacramento, and it's hard to face another few weeks without seeing him, especially after spending every day over the holidays together.) He feels bad and decides to come to the zoo and leave later. He pays for our tickets ($15 each), but I pay for us to feed a giraffe ($5, worth it) and for a Vitamin Water ($4). $9

5 p.m. — One of my friends wants to visit a local coffee shop, so I take her to one by my apartment and buy a Mexican hot chocolate, even though I initially planned on not buying anything. Afterwards, she drops me off at my apartment to nap. $4.50

7 p.m. — I drive to my friends' Airbnb to eat dinner there for free — they've made breakfast for dinner, although we don't eat it until after about four hours of playing Mario Kart. I leave around 11 and say my goodbyes, since they leave tomorrow morning.

Daily Total: $57.45

Day Five

8:30 a.m. — First full day back at work, with strong Monday vibes even though it's a Wednesday. I hop on the train at the station right behind my apartment at 8:15, and am at work by 8:30.

9 a.m. — I buy a small carton of milk to keep in the office fridge for coffee. I already have K-cups there, but I feel bad about the waste they produce. But, I can't afford to buy a new coffee pot for the office, so… $1.50

1 p.m. — I am officially sick, not hungover. I walk a mile in my new cheetah print heeled boots to Rite Aid and buy DayQuil/NyQuil, and also new mascara. I then eat my packed lunch (kale and chickpea salad). $18.50

5:15 p.m. — Home from work, I eat split pea soup I have on hand. I spend a few hours cleaning my room, then reading a new book my boyfriend bought me called The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade. I'm asleep around 11 p.m.

Daily Total: $20

Day Six

8:30 a.m. — At work drinking another Odwalla juice for breakfast. Our office is always silent, so my constant coughing and sneezing is increasingly obvious.

10 a.m. — I have a phone meeting with my boss, who is also sick and working from home. She advises me to take the rest of the day off, as well as tomorrow, since I'm “most contagious right now.” She doesn't have to tell me twice — I've gone through an entire box of tissues just this morning. I contemplate Ubering home, but it is $7 for a five-minute drive, so I take the train instead.

12 p.m. — I get home and eat the food I packed for lunch, which is quinoa and roasted eggplant with soy sauce. Then I lie around on the couch, wondering what to do with my now free afternoon in my empty apartment.

3 p.m. — I stop by the post office to mail a letter to my boyfriend (writing out my personal 2019 resolutions for our relationship) and the birthday gift to my friend. I know literally nothing about the post office (#millennial), so I am surprised that I have to pay nearly $9 to mail one mug across the state. But I suck it up and make a mental note of how much my mom and friends must be paying each time they send me a large care package. $8.75

3:30 p.m. — I stop by the Natural Foods Co-op to buy ingredients for soup. Even before I was sick, I wanted to cleanse this weekend, so this is a good excuse. I get bunches of kale, rainbow carrots, vegetable broth, two pre-made soups, orange juice, and tea. I also get a pre-made kale Caesar salad. $29.35

7:30 p.m. — I head to yoga. I know I probably shouldn't go to yoga when I have the day off of work for being sick, but it is really the only thing that'll make me feel better. And I don't do well with entire days without movement. Also, my boss is really into yoga, so I think she'd understand.

9 p.m. — I'm home and make a soup with kale, carrots, and mushroom broth. I read my book for a few hours and head to bed.

Daily Total: $38.10

Day Seven

7:30 a.m. — I'm not going to work today, but I wake up and finish up an assignment due today so I can email it in. I text my boss to let her know I'm still feeling sick, then go back to sleep.

10 a.m. — I drink hot water with lemon and read last week's New York Times Sunday edition — I just signed up for print copies. I was a print journalism major, so seeing the print layout is soothing.

11 a.m. — I get a call from one of the graduate schools I applied too, letting me know I've been admitted. It's a nice surprise, since I wasn't expecting to hear back for a few months, and I daydream while looking on Craigslist at apartments near the campus.

12 p.m. — I make another soup. I want to go to yoga, but decide I shouldn't go during work hours on a day I have off for being sick.

4 p.m. — I use the time to visualize my 2019 goals, trying to contextualize them more in terms of what I want in the next five to 10 years. As an ENFP personality type, I often jump from thing to thing. Especially with grad school, I want to make sure that my next step lines up with my future goals, not just what I'm interested in right now. My smaller 2019 goals include being a weekday vegan, yoga four times a week, meditation three times a week, and reading two books a month. The traits I'm hoping to focus on are patience, gratefulness, and passion.

7 p.m. — I spend the whole day at home, reading and watching Netflix before going to sleep. It's been a social few weeks with the holidays and having friends in town, and I'm glad to get a bit of a break, although I know I can't handle another boring sick day in the apartment alone next week.

Daily Total: $0

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How To Score Kate Middleton's Hair Color — According To The Pros

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Carrying a title bestowed by Queen Elizabeth, wearing a grip of jewels as a headband, casually padding around a palace (you know, because you live there). There are plenty of things about being Kate Middleton that we will never know for ourselves. Thankfully, scoring her warm, rich hair color isn’t one of them. Even though NDAs abound when it comes to pinpointing her exact routine, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge keeps things surprisingly simple in the hair department. The basic recipe for princess hair, according to pros? “A warm, brown base with very subtle highlights just one level lighter to give hair dimension,” says Stephanie Brown, master colorist at Eddie Arthur Salon in New York.

It almost sounds too easy — like so many looks that seem do-able, but requires multiple sittings and thousands of dollars to maintain. Sharon Dorram, master colorist at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York, assures us otherwise. “Kate’s color is very soft and subtle, and I’m happy to say an easy color to obtain” she says .“The semi-permanent rinse creates the richness of the brown, with extremely subtle highlights that frame the face and lowlights throughout. A lot of people think that to go this 'natural' is very hard to achieve, but this is a very universal look.”

That doesn't mean our pros advise whipping out just any photo of Kate and marching into the first salon that pops up on Yelp: Finding a colorist who can tweak the formula to best match your skin tone is key. "[The color is] so natural, much like children’s hair," Dorram notes. "It’s so effortless and looks true to form while really accentuating Kate’s eye color.” To find your own version of so-natural-it-looks-virgin hair, your colorist must consider skin tone, Brown says. Those with olive-toned skin might start with neutral-toned highlights; Those with pink undertones can veer toward the ashier side of the spectrum; and those with warm-toned skin look best with golden highlights.

Photo: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Image.

The tricky thing: These shades can appear differently in photographs, depending on the light in which they were captured, so it takes more than a cool inspo pic to make it all happen. (To be on the safer side, bring in several.) Plus, as Dorram points out, just because the look is simple to achieve, doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. “You can bring in all the pictures and chat through ideas with colorists, but until you actually see their work, it’s hard to know if they’ll be able to achieve this look without any brassiness,” she says. So study up on those Instagram feeds and ask for stylist recommendations from people who have similar dye jobs.

Once you’ve made the color change, be prepared for one more delight: maintenance is next to nothing. If you go down a rabbit hole of Middleton hair pics on the internet (who among us hasn’t?), you’ll find images of her extremely chill highlights at varying stages of growth — all looking quite purposeful. That’s because the color looks great grown out or newly refreshed. “Maintenance can be as little as a gloss or once a year — or as much as every three months, depending on how your hair oxidizes,” Brown says. “Once you get the color you want, you don’t have to do highlights that often. The color is so close to a natural color, it grows out easily.”

Low-to-no maintenance hair color? Turns out a working duchess shares at least one very important thing with the rest of us: Very little time for hair appointments.

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