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Marie Kondo Has A Reasonable Response To Your Reasonable Criticisms

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It’s rare, even among celebrities and mega-influencers, that a person manages to carve out a niche so well-defined that their name becomes a symbol of their singular ideology. Think Gwyneth Paltrow, Sophia Amoruso, or unfortunate as it is, Donald Trump. Perhaps Marie Kondo isn’t a household name of that magnitude, but she certainly belongs on the same list. Since releasing her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, in 2012, the Japanese organization guru and her KonMari method have changed the way people approach material possessions. Her name is sometimes used as a verb: As in, “I’m totally going to Marie Kondo the shit out of my apartment this weekend.” If that’s not proof of an icon, what is?

Both the book and her new Netflix show, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, which premiered on January 1 (prime time for New Year’s Resolutions) espouse Kondo’s deep belief in the art of decluttering. She’s big on getting rid of stuff, and her suggestion that one should toss anything that does not “spark joy” is the most widely-known facet of her ideology. It’s also the most misunderstood.

If you’ve only read about KonMari without examining the original source material, it may seem like yet another gimmick marketed to a generation (or is it a whole nation?) of people forever flitting between different means of shallow, ineffective self-improvement. It even scored a passing mention in Anne Helen Peterson’s now-infamous Buzzfeed piece on millennial burnout. And like all things that reach a critical mass of popularity, KonMari has become the butt of a few (objectively quite joy-sparking) internet memes and tweets like: “marie kondo is holding me hostage until i fold the clothes piled on my designated clothes holding chair.”

But on the show, as well as in real life, Kondo really isn’t some hard-liner who barges into people’s homes and demands they rid themselves of half their possessions. She’s also not an idealistic flake who thinks no one should own practical objects.

Instead, Kondo, who is 34, soft-spoken, and charismatic (she couldn’t even walk down a short hallway at the Refinery29 office without being gushed over), challenges her clients to be hard on themselves. One could argue that what the Queer Eye reboot did for fashion and grooming, Tidying Up aims to do for organization. But whereas the Queer Eye cast encourages their proteges to worship at the altar of consumerism, KonMari is all about appreciating what you have, parting with what you don’t need, and coming up with a plan for how to properly store it all (Kondo urges clients to sort things into specific categories, as opposed to approaching things room-by-room). All you have to do is watch Kondo’s wizard-like techniques for folding and storing everything from bras to boiler suits to see that the woman knows what she’s talking about.

We caught up with Kondo to ask her all our most burning questions, including whether or not Americans are the biggest pack-rats, how men and women differ when it comes to purging stuff, and how to balance being both a minimalist and a die-hard clotheshorse. Yep, turns out, in Marie Kondo’s world, even that is possible.

Refinery29: Is there anything that has surprised you while working with the people featured on the show?
Marie Kondo: Homes in the United States are far bigger than in other parts of the world. That sheer amount of space made it a challenge. As you saw in Episode 2, she had a lot, a lot of clothes. I would say she probably had the most things of all the clients that I’ve had, in terms of clothes. So that was unique.

I think a lot of fashion-conscious women (and also men!) struggle with balancing a love of clothing and a desire to keep up with the trends, with that more minimalist lifestyle that they also crave. What advice do you have for people like that?
So, the important thing is that you don’t have to deny yourself. The point of KonMari method is not to have fewer items but rather to learn to cherish the items that you do have and that you truly love. So it’s very important to get an accurate grasp on how many clothes you actually love — touch them, piece by piece, and really see if they truly raise your joy.

What do you say to people who argue that clutter does actually bring them joy?
It’s no problem at all. I think if you're truly comfortable with clutter in your home, then that's fine. There's nothing wrong with that, but I will recommend that you still have a designated spot for each item, and also to understand how much quantity of each category of things you have and need. I think that's an important awareness to have.

Some people seem to really struggle with the concept of assessing items based on whether or not they bring them joy, because then, what do you do with things that you need — like, say, a hammer — but that don’t necessarily make you feel joyful?
I often get this question, and I think when it comes to things that you find necessary or useful but doesn't necessarily spark joy, I recommend changing your perspective a little bit, when it comes to the things that are useful to them. What do you make happen with them?

Because for instance, with a hammer, it helps you build things or tongs, they help you cook. So when you look at it that way, they do contribute to the overall happiness in your life and so it's very important to so a value them.

Do you find that, in terms of the process of purging things and deciding what to get rid of, that men and women have very different reactions? Or is gender not a factor?
There is a difference when it comes to gender, but more than anything, it has to do with a person’s personality, how they relate to purging or letting things go. But if I were to say there’s a general difference, I’d say it’s harder for women, because women aren’t good at letting go of clothes.

What’s the best way for parents to impart some of the KonMari philosophy on young children?
I think the process is very much the same. What’s most important about the method is to select what you cherish most. So for something like toys, we can ask the children to order them from best to least. In this way, you're kind of teaching them to really think about their connection to things. Or when you teach children to fold clothes, it's a very effective way to get them to start thinking about what clothes actually do for you, and that it's not something that we just put on without thinking.

Do you think that tidying up, like learning a new language, is one of those things that’s easier when you learn it as a young person?
Of course it's great to start when you're young, because then it becomes habitual action of your daily life. It becomes part of your life much sooner. But in regards to KonMari method, I want to emphasize that it’s really an opportunity for self-reflection and self-discovery. So it's a great thing to do as a grown-up, once you have a certain amount of possessions in your life, because it gives you an opportunity to really reflect how you want to live your life, and what you want to have in it.

It’s New Year’s Resolution time, and a lot of people resolve to use your book, and now probably the show, as inspiration for being cleaner and more organized in the new year. Do you believe it’s possible to turn these kind of resolutions into a way of life?
If your resolution for the new year is to be tidier, that’s great, and I think it’s something that is possible [to maintain]. But speaking strictly about the KonMari method, the way we do it is that you conduct it within a set period of time and the point is to completely tidy all at once, so once you do that, it’s great, because you can shift to thinking about always returning everything, every item in your house, to its designated spot. Once you know where everything belongs, it becomes all about putting them back every time.

Have you always been someone who approached the world this way, or was that something that you kind of grew into later in life?
It’s not that I was born tidy, but rather that, through trial and error that I developed the method. Much trial and error!

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Apple Is Reportedly Dropping A New iPhone With Three Cameras

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Apple will reportedly be releasing three new iPhone models this fall, according to the Wall Street Journal.

So if you just finishing setting up your memoji on your new XR, buckle up — you might be tempted to upgrade, because these could be really good.

Here are the deets, according to WSJ: The new set of phones will feature a higher-end model with a triple rear camera and two lower-end models with double rear cameras. The two more expensive models will come with the OLED (organic light-emitting) display screens like the XS and XS Max, and the less expensive one will have the LCD (liquid-crystal) display, like the XR.

What a person needs three cameras on their phone for, I cannot know. (We reached out to Apple for comment.) But also...catch me a year from now with three phone cameras in disbelief that I ever had only one! (Such is the life of this impressionable, phone-addicted millennial.)

Apple fans have had a lot to be excited about of late. 2018 was already a big year for the iPhone:  We said goodbye to the home button and hello to Portrait Mode, a boost in battery life, and a much-improved camera. Still, Apple has been lagging behind some of its competitors on the camera front, like Samsung and Huawei, which already offer multiple rear cameras on their models at a lower price point.

The XR screen wasn't exactly beloved by users, which is perhaps why in 2020, Apple is reportedly planning to move away from LCD display of the XR in favor of the more expensive OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display of the XS, which is thought to provide better contrast. Poor sales on the XR no doubt played into these considerations, leading to rumors that until the display switch in 2020, the XR will be upgraded from having a single camera to a double.

This announcement comes days after Tim Cook's January 2 letter to Apple investors, in which he cited lackluster iPhone sales China, where Apple earns around 20% of its revenue. Since the announcement, retailers in China like Suning and JD.com have been slashing costs of the newest iPhone models by as much as $118.

But fear not, Apple fans — the iPhone still reigns supreme in the U.S. Until the new models are released this fall, you can get an XS starting at $999, an XS Max starting at $1,099, or an XR starting at $799. Just don't forget to trade in your old model for a discount on your new one.

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Trap Glazed: We Made R. Kelly A Predator

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Update: From January 3 to January 6, Lifetime aired a documentary called Surviving R. Kelly, which catapulted the controversial rapper and all the troubling allegations against him back into the spotlight. The following story was originally published July 26, 2018.

On Monday, R. Kelly released a 19-minute song. Let the absurdity of that sink in. Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised as this is the same man who dragged his R&B opera, “Trapped in the Closet,” out for three parts, 33 “chapters,” and a total of 7 years. But in 2018, 19 minutes of anything from the R&B crooner is overkill; especially when it’s a defensive musical response to the minimal consequences he’s had to face in the wake of multiple allegations of sexual abuse made against him.

In “I Admit,” he thumbs his nose at his accusers, their parents, the people who believe them, the journalist who has covered their stories — including a 2017 Buzzfeed article that detailed the harsh conditions of a “sex cult” that Kelly has allegedly subjected multiple women to — and the people who have organized to have his huge platform dismantled. He called allegations that he was running a cult “silly,” while admitting to liking women who are both young and old. In truth, it was a laughably pathetic attempt to pander to his remaining audience and generate some buzz with an over-the-top stunt.

This even though the public record of his predatory behavior towards women, specifically young Black women, spans decades and is substantial enough that if it were up to me, he would spend the rest of his days in jail. But I also recognize R. Kelly as a symptom of larger cultural web that works against Black women and girls, making them susceptible prey to men like him. It’s important to spend just as much time calling out the culture that lets these men roam free as it is to call out his actions.

“[Black communities] are often reactionary in how we deal with things because we know that we're being looked at under a microscope,” says Oronike Odeleye, the founder of Mute R. Kelly, an organization that’s been sending petitions to radio stations to stop playing his music and protesting outside of concert venues since the Buzzfeed article was published in July 2017. In the beginning, though, what was most frustrating to Odeleye and her partner, Kenyette Barnes, an activist and survivor of child pornography, was the Black women in their lives who failed to come along. “We don't want to air our dirty laundry to the greater society that already demonizes and pathologizes us and our experiences. I didn’t know how deep the rabbit hole went.” All of this happened three months before the MeToo movement took off. That it took the fall of Harvey Weinstein and the rise of a mostly white-woman led movement to create a real reckoning on sexual assault is indicative of the larger problem about how Black women's experienced are ignored. It doesn't help that Black women were also ignoring the attempts to solve this by other Black women.

Unfortunately, I’ve always known exactly how deep this runs. I went to the same Chicago high school as R. Kelly, real name Robert Sylvester Kelly. In 2001, I was one of the 7th graders freshly admitted into the Kenwood Academy Academic Center, a program that integrated advanced 7th and 8th grade students into the high school student body. One of the “cool” things my friends and I were told by older students to look forward to was surprise visits from one of the school’s most famous alumni: Kelly himself. When I finally witnessed one of these visits, I realized that they didn’t happen in any official capacity. It was just Kelly, in a fancy car, parked outside of the school during one of our off-campus lunch periods. It wasn’t until later, when I heard rumors about which girls at our school gave him their phone number, that I would understand why.

At the time, it didn’t alarm my friends and me that R. Kelly — who was in his mid-thirties at the time — was potentially cruising my high school for girls. The reality that grown men were interested in us as pre-teen and teenaged girls materialized over and over again. Men would catcall us out of car windows as we waited at the bus stop, heading to and from school. On our blocks, local corner boys whose school days were long behind them voiced their desires — sometimes in hushed tones and other times where anyone could hear. The gaze of some of our relatives’ older friends would linger a little too long as we moved about our own homes. Compared to these experiences, the idea of a celebrity showing us that same attention was actually exciting. But it’s all fun and games for a young girl to crush an adult star until he’s parked outside of her school ready to take advantage of her admiration.

Receiving attention from men wasn’t framed as an imminent danger — at least not for many of my friends and me growing up. Instead, it felt like a challenge; a live test of our own adherence to the subtle but strict rules of being the “right” kind of Black girl, one who denies every aspect of her sexuality. We should hide it. We shouldn't explore it. We shouldn't be talking about it. We shouldn't be thinking about it. And we shouldn't be susceptible to sexual advances by anybody, let alone older people, are lessons that are drilled into the Black girls, according to Odeleye. She’s right. I grew up with an acute awareness that when it came to engaging with boys and men of all ages, I should just know better. Finding myself in any sexual situation — with or without my consent, with people of any age or gender — always felt like a failure on my part; the result of some moral misstep that lead me away from the promises of respectability. Even as my friends and I buzzed with the thrill of sexual exploration in our teens, it was shrouded in shame, making it sometimes difficult to even discern when we were in the grasp of sexual predators. Odeleye summed it up perfectly: “We want to make girls to blame for all of the things that happen to them, especially when it comes to sex.”

Parallel to that constant suppression of Black women’s sexuality is the fucked up insistence that Black men are simply more important within our communities. From Chris Brown to XXXtentacion, Black men who are talented are given a pass on their mistreatment of Black women.

It’s a harmful practice that Odeleye condemns but understands. “These people are the soundtrack of our life… so we attach value to [them],” she explained. As a child, the only television that she was allowed to watch during the week was The Cosby Show and A Different World. It was extremely hard for her to divest from Bill Cosby after dozens of women accused him of drugging and raping them. Critics of both Cosby and Kelly have been made to feel guilty about tarnishing “great” Black legacies, as if advancements in television and music are more pressing than the well-being of actual humans. Over and over again, Black women rally around Black men who are harmful to us for the sake of racial solidarity. It was a button that Kelly knew to press in “I Admit” when he called for women to “show Black men some love” because they “go through enough.”

Kelly has been taking advantage of cultural codes that were designed to keep the victims of his alleged crimes silent. He is what happens when Black girls are ignored, repressed, and set aside. In upholding these values, we helped him take advantage of too many girls and women. “We've all seen it, we got videotape,” Odeleye seethed. “Twenty-five years of what's going on in the Black community, and no one gives a shit. Here's a high profile example of nobody giving a shit [about] what happens to Black girls.”

Now, thanks to the Women of Color committee within the Time’s Up campaign, which in April 2018 released a statement encouraging followers to tweet the hashtag #MuteRKelly, everyone else is finally paying attention, including Kelly himself. One of Kelly’s declarations on “I Admit” was that “only god can mute [him].” This was a direct acknowledgement of the organization that Odeleye helped found; one that has been actively working to get his concerts cancelled and his music pulled from radio and streaming platforms. But rather than feel disheartened by the dis, Odeleye felt validated. “He's got to admit that he's broke and he's on the road [touring] because he needs to pay his bills. He mentions the fact that we're cancelling his concerts. He mentions the press that's going on about it.” In other words, Mute R. Kelly is working, slowly but surely. And it’s good thing, because once they’re done with him, there is a hell of a lot of work to still be done.

R29 Unbothered presents Trap Glazed — a bi-weekly column where Senior Entertainment Writer Sesali Bowen looks deeper at what’s happening in Black pop culture.

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Under-$15 Primers & Setting Sprays That'll Keep Your Makeup From Flaking

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The same way the hot sun melts your makeup in July, winter's cold wind creates a different — but equally frustrating — mess of the concealer you just spent 10 minutes dabbing over your purple-ish undereyes and flaky acne scars. In the five minutes it takes to walk to the closest subway stop, your makeup is streaky and chapped thanks to the wind and flurries, and it's like those precious prepping minutes were for nothing.

While invisible makeup protectors, like primer s and setting spray s, might seem like gimmicky extras we don't really need, some of them actually do work to keep our faces from melting off or fading on those mornings when the windchill is sub-arctic. Even better news for us penny-pinching cynics — we can add the two extra layers of weather defense for less than $15.

Whether you're looking for a mattifying primer that sticks to your makeup like glue, a lightweight barrier that wears like a sheer moisturizer, or a refreshing spray that magically melts your flaking foundation back to cute, you'll find a great, low-budget option, ahead.

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.

We love Pixi's translucent primer, because it does what it's supposed to do — smooths skin and blurs large pores for a more polished foundation application. This tube is pretty small, which makes it a safe carry-on for traveling. And if you find yourself squeezing it dry on your next getaway, you can shop the deluxe size at Target.



Pixi Pixi By Petra Mini Flawless & Poreless Primer - 0.4 oz, $9, available at Target

We've tested Drew Barrymore's Flower Beauty primer, and we're impressed. The green-tinted primer offsets redness and leaves skin airbrushed and matte all day, definitely making it worth the $10 investment.



Flower Beauty Flower Cosmetics In Your Prime Primer, Pore-Minimizing, $9.98, available at Walmart

For a more lightweight base, this water-based primer controls oil, but still leaves a glow-y shine on the skin. If you don't want to go full-matte, this is a great, super-cheap option.



Rimmel Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, $5.29, available at Target

A small dab of this primer is all you need to create a silky smooth skin foundation; it blurs pores better than FaceTune.



e.l.f. e.l.f. Poreless Face Primer, Clear, 0.47 Fl Oz, $6, available at Jet

If you only need a little help in covering T-Zone shine, this Milani primer is gold. It evens skin tone and makes pores less visible — without making your foundation turn splotchy or dry.



Milani Milani Prime Perfection Face Primer, 0.68 Fl Oz, $8.97, available at Jet

Primer needn't be fancy to do its job. This one from Neutrogena is formulated with rice power to absorb excess oil for eight hours. That's zero blotting all day.



Neutrogena Neutrogena Shine Control Primer, 1 Oz., $11.97, available at Jet

At $11, it's not the cheapest drugstore option, but it's still way less than what you'd pay for most primers. And, because the serum was co-formulated with Olay, it doubles as a non-greasy anti-aging moisturizer. Win, win.



CoverGirl + Olay COVERGIRL+Olay Simply Ageless Makeup Primer, 1 Fl Oz, $10.49, available at Jet

A lot of setting sprays do absolutely nothing except make you feel a little fresher after spritzing them on your face. But this one actually works to cement makeup in place, so you can layer your highlighter to abandon — and know it will still be there at the end of the night.



e.l.f. e.l.f. Makeup Mist & Set - 2.02 fl oz, $3.99, available at Target

Like the Flower Beauty primer, this setting spray keeps your makeup very matte.



Flower Beauty Seal The Deal Long-Lasting Setting Spray, $10.99, available at Ulta Beauty

But if you prefer a glowier look, this little bottle from L'Oréal gives skin a luminous finish without melting your makeup.



L'Oreal Paris L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro Spray & Set, $13.66, available at Jet

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Can Rice Water Actually Make Your Hair Grow Faster? Experts Weigh In

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We have a bad habit of seeking instant gratification when it comes to a lot of things. We expect to feel healthier after eating one kale salad for lunch. We check the mirror every 10 minutes to make sure that new face mask is actually working. And if a round of squats doesn't display instant booty-lifting benefits, well, we're likely to fall right off the fitness bandwagon. The point is: When we test a new product, service, or treatment, we often anticipate immediate, life-altering results that we don't always get.

It's the same with hair growth. We have a tendency to keep track of every centimeter, performing length checks like clockwork, in hopes that the vitamins or scalp massages we've been doing are working. When that fails, we turn to Dr. Google for at-home remedies. During one recent YouTube binge — where we watched people smear banana and eggs on their scalps on the quest for lengthy strands — we came upon a kitchen concoction that's praised for speeding up hair growth: rice water. Once we watched three or four bloggers with waist-length hair talk about the magic of fermented rice water, we had to wonder: Is this stuff legit?

The practice of using rice water as a hair treatment is by no means new. Researchers date the beauty ritual back to ancient Japan, when court ladies living during the Heian period would saturate their hair in fermented rice water (also called Yu-Su-Ru) to stimulate growth. The process has resurfaced on YouTube with influencers and bloggers seeping rice water for up to three days to ferment it at home. After the rice has soaked, it's strained from the water and the liquid is used to saturate the hair as a rinse-out or leave-in treatment.

Photographed By Rochelle Brock.

But should we swap out our hair gummies for grains in hopes of growing out the bob we chopped this fall?

According to dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD, founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, there are no scientific studies or data to prove that rice water actually grows hair. In fact, there are very few topical treatments that have scientific backing when it comes to hair growth aside from Rogaine, prescription Procepia pills, and other treatments that might be given to you by your doctor, says Dr. Gross. The fact is, the rate your hair grows is mostly determined by genetics.

But even though rice water won't add inches in weeks, dermatologist Neil Sadick, MD, of Sadick Dermatology in New York City, notes that using rice water is totally safe and can provide nutrients to the hair, which will help strengthen hair overall. "Rice proteins can strengthen hair strands and seal split ends," Sadick says. "It contains carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins that can foster a balanced environment in the scalp to keep your follicles healthy." So, while rice water isn't proven to actually make your hair grow faster, it can make it look shinier, healthier, and fuller.

And the benefits of rice protein aren't exclusive to DIY treatments. There are over-the-counter products that contain rice protein and fermented rice water if you don't feel like soaking your Uncle Ben's at home. Sadick also recommends adding ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and silk proteins to your product regimen to keep your strands healthy and lustrous.

Like with most things in life, hair growth is a process. Even if your hair isn't growing as fast as you want, it is growing. "Hair doesn't grow significantly overnight, but as long you don't have a medical condition, your hair will grow," Yolanda Lenzy, MD, of Lenzy Dermatology in Massachusetts, tells us. "You have to remain patient, and if your hair isn't growing, do not self-diagnose in your kitchen — talk to a professional." In other words, don't rely on your pantry to be the Hail Mary to all your hair concerns.

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Everything You Want To Know About Butt Hair (& We Mean Everything)

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“Can You Talk To Me About Butt Hair?” is the email subject line I never thought I’d write. Not that butt hair is a rare thing: You have it, I have it, the Kardashians have it (or they did at one point, anyway). But even in a culture of oversharing, in which we talk openly about nipple piercings and pimple popping, this is one topic that nobody really touches (even though we all have questions).

So we sent off our queries to derms, OB/GYNs, aestheticians, waxing and laser professionals, and those who have been on the receiving end of the very intimate body hair removal process. Thankfully, they weren’t as bashful as us. Below, see their responses to AMA, Butt Hair edition.

Why do I have butt hair?

“Body hair tends to grow more heavily in men than women, but hair on the buttocks develops, to some degree, in everyone,” dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, explains. “Women tend to have vellus hair — also known as peach fuzz — on the cheeks of the buttocks with darker, terminal hairs developing closer to the anus.”

While researchers have been able to pinpoint the functions that hair serves on various parts of the body, an explanation as to why we have bum hair is a little more elusive. “We likely have hair in the genital area around the buttocks because of evolution,” Dr. Zeichner explains. “Theories include the idea that hair protected those areas from potential microorganisms and infections, or that it kept the genital area warm.”

The derm also acknowledges other theories that may explain backdoor fuzz, including the idea that our predecessors required butt hair to help prevent chafing. Another indicator may signal the evolutionary need for butt hair to trap our natural scent. “Sweat, oil, and dirt certainly get trapped in our hair and contribute to our natural odor. So this theory may also be possible,” Dr. Zeichner says.

Should I Leave It Or Lose It?

From a health standpoint, there’s no overwhelming reason to keep or remove the hair on your butt. “I have not found that people who have removed hair from the buttocks are at an increased risk of infections. However, trauma to the skin from the hair removal process itself can put you at risk for an infection if you have any open or raw skin, ” Dr. Zeichner says.

Omnia M. Samra-Latif Estafan, M.D., a New Jersey-based obstetrician and gynecologist of nearly 20 years, agrees. "In regards to STDs, keeping or removing the hair is not the issue, but [rather] skin damage that can occur with its removal," she says. "Once a break in the skin has been created, exposure to STDs is increased. The break creates a 'doorway' in which the STD can enter the body." On the flip side, she notes that there may be sexual health benefits to going bare back there. "Removing [pubic] hair has been found to reduce some STDs such as pubic lice," she says.

Photographed by Ashley Armitage.

From an aesthetic standpoint, to take it or leave it is entirely dealer's choice — body hair is personal and what you choose to keep or remove is your prerogative. But if you do choose to remove it, the method you pick definitely warrants major consideration. “Shaving the skin around the buttocks is a challenge because it frequently leads to cuts and nicks in the skin,” Dr. Zeichner says. “Waxing may lead to irritation or the potential to burn sensitive skin around the buttocks. And cutting the hair with clippers can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to use them by yourself at home.”

In all, he says laser hair removal may be the best bet. “I am finding laser hair removal in this area [to be] increasingly popular in my practice. When done carefully, it is possible to remove the hair safely,” he notes. For laser hair removal to work, patients will typically need to complete six to eight treatments — depending on the amount of hair and thickness — spaced about four weeks apart. “This allows the full hair growth cycle to occur in between treatments," says Christine Danisan, a registered nurse and laser hair removal specialist at Blue Medi Spa in Los Angeles. Yearly maintenance appointments may be required for women with hormonal changes, she adds.

We spoke to a few laser hair-removal veterans who had hair zapped from the buttocks (including between the cheeks). Some experienced slight pain during the actual laser treatment — what felt like the rapid-fire snapping of a rubber band to skin — along with uncomfortable chaffing once the hair grew back in between appointments; The unexpected friction and resulting scabbing and sores was enough to ward them off from finishing the series of sessions.

Others didn't experience any discomfort whatsoever, both during the appointments and the grow-back periods. The discrepancy may be due to the quality of their treatments — and major advancements in the technology. Whereas those who reported pain had undergone their treatments four to five years ago, those who did not have any issues started their sessions more recently. "The technology has changed quite a bit," says Christian Karavolas, owner and president of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal in New York City, who has seen a 50% increase in buttocks laser hair removal among his clientele over the past five years. "There are lasers that still give that [snapping] rubber band sensation a bit, but with the different cooling techniques available, it feels much lighter — like a slight tap."

If you're still worried about pain, Danisan suggests popping a Tylenol 30 minutes before the treatment, or in some cases, applying a numbing cream. She also strongly recommends avoiding any tanning or antibiotics beforehand, which can cause rashes or dark spots due to increased photosensitivity.

No matter what type of laser is used, there was one warning from every patient we spoke to: Get ready to be up close and personal with your technician. "They have to hold everything open and flat. I was like ‘Whoa! My doctor hasn’t seen as much — even my husband hasn't seen that much,'" one recipient, who prefers to remain anonymous, says. But it wasn't necessarily awkward. "The nurse was like, 'Whatever.' Laser RNs can't be shocked," she added.

Those looking to test drive the hair-free experience — or whose butt hair isn't dark enough for laser hair removal to work – may want to try sugaring, a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic form of removing hair. "Sugaring removes the hair in the natural direction of the growth, as opposed to waxing or shaving, which removes the hair from the opposite direction of the growth, so it can be less irritating," says Courtney Claghorn, founder of Sugared + Bronzed in Los Angeles.

How should I take care of my skin after?

Intimate hair removal is so common, it’s easy to forget that both sugaring and lasering are delicate treatments that require a bit of downtime. "We don't recommend perspiring, exfoliating, soaking in warm water (especially hot tubs), or any activities between the sheets for at least 48 hours post-sugaring session," notes Claghorn. Danisan suggests avoiding saunas, steam rooms, and exercise for between 24-28 hours after laser hair removal treatments. She also recommends tending to any redness or sensitivity by applying ice or hydrocortisone cream to the area.

What About Bumps, Lumps, and Rashes?

According to our pros, you can have skin issues in the bum area whether you choose to keep or lose your body hair — with pilonidal disease, a skin infection caused by ingrown hairs near the tailbone, at the top of the list. “A pilonidal cyst is a deep cyst that tracks down from the skin to the buttock. If they are small, they can remain in place. However, they can grow in size and become infected or inflamed requiring surgical drainage or removal, along with oral antibiotics,” Dr. Zeichner says.

That’s not the only skin condition that can develop behind our backs: “Folliculitis is a common rash that develops around the buttocks. Many people confuse it with true acne, however when hair follicles become infected, it may cause small pus pimples to develop,” Dr. Zeichner says, noting that exercise and other sweat-inducing activities can lead to folliculitis. To help prevent it, the derm recommends using a gentle exfoliating cleanser to help remove dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

Photographed by Ashley Armitage.

Those who decide to go completely bare can contend with their own special circumstances as a result of removal, including ingrown hairs and rashes. To relieve them, Dr. Zeichner suggests applying an occlusive ointment anywhere on or between the cheeks and outside the anus, like Aveeno Cracked Skin Relief Cica Ointment. Dr. Latif suggests BioFemme Ingrown Hair Complex , an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment developed to soothe skin post-procedure and help prevent infection.

If you're noticing painful red bumps, that may signal an infection. “Apply over-the-counter bacitracin ointment twice daily and immediately after going to the bathroom,” Dr. Zeichner says. “If the bumps don’t improve, make sure to visit your dermatologist for professional help."

Did we somehow miss your burning butt-hair question? Leave it in the comments below and we'll do our best to answer it.

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29 Netflix Movies To Get Excited For In 2019

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2018 was the year we finally grasped the purpose of a Netflix movie. They're there to create unforgettable internet moments, experienced together. To All the Boys I Loved Before and Set It Up reminded us, after a long drought, that we do indeed love the romantic comedy. Bandersnatch had us waking up at seven in the morning to try out all the different possible endings before work. After a flurry of memes, Bird Box eventually inspired an ill-advised real world challenge. And that's not even touching on Netflix's award show hopefuls, like Roma and The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.

If all of that happened in 2018, then what does 2019 hold for the Netflix Original Films front? At least two romantic comedies are on the lineup. We'll also see new movies from Dee Rees, Michael Bay, and Martin Scorsese, and a movie starring all your favorite Saturday Night Live women.

Here are the originals coming to an account near you.

Lionheart
January 4

Netflix is kicking off its 2019 with Lionheart, its first-ever Nigerian original film. Lionheart is also Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaji's directorial debut (she stars in the movie as well).

As Nnaji told Essence, " Lionheart stemmed from my desire and hunger to shed light, and to speak the truth of what it’s like to be a young [woman] trying to make it in a world that is dominated by men. That being said, it was equally important to me that the movie was light-hearted and warm, so the environment in which it was told was crucial as well."

Close
January 18

Calling all fans of Bodyguard : Close was made for you. The character Sam (Noomi Rapace) takes inspiration from real life bodyguard Jacqui Davis. Sam is hired to protect Zoe (Sophie Nelisse), an heiress. The job should be easy — then, Zoe is threatened by kidnappers. A woman-led, woman-directed action movie? Sign us up.

IO
January 18

Sam Walden (Margaret Qualley) is one of humanity's few survivors — and she's the only one who might be able to fix the planet. But can she do it before everyone boards the next space shuttle out of there?

Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock

Polar
January 25

In 2018, Vanesa Hudgens' starred in the Netflix Christimas movie A Princess Switch. She's making a complete pivot in 2019, starring instead in the arctic set thriller Polar. Mads Mikkelson is serving up a look as the world's top assassin, Duncan Vizla.

Velvet Buzzsaw
February 1

We can't tell you what Velvet Buzzsaw means, but we can tell you what it's about: It's a supernatural thriller set in the contemporary art world scene in Los Angeles, where buyers drop millions on cutting-edge art. After seeing the cast, it'll come as no surprise that Velvet Buzzsaw is going to get a theatrical release. The movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal, John Malkovich, Daveed Diggs, Toni Collette, and Tom Sturridge. Velvet Buzzsaw will make its debut at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.

High Flying Bird
February 8

Steven Soderbergh keeps saying he's retiring, and then keeps making movies and shows. His latest? High Flying Bird, a basketball movie starring Andre Holland of Moonlight. The twist? Like the movie Tangerine, High Flying Bird is shot an iPhone.

Erik Pendzich/REX/Shutterstock

Triple Frontier
March 15

Triple Frontier is based on a provocative premise. Five former Special Forces operatives (Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal) reunite dangerous mission — this time, though, they plan to benefit directly. The group is going to rob a cartel. Not on a mission for United States, but for themselves (and their bank accounts). As Narcos shows, Netflix is good at cartel-related content that also stars Pedro Pascal, so we're hopeful for this heist thriller.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Date TBA

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the remarkable true story of a 13-year-old boy (played by Maxwell Simba) from Malawi who saves his village from famine. Chiwetel Ejiofor wrote the screenplay and also stars as the boy's father. Ejiofor also starred in last year's Netflix movie Come Sunday.

James Gourley/BAFTA/REX/Shutterstock

The Dirt
March 22

With the release of the Mötley Crüe biopic, Netflix is about to get sexier, druggier, and rock and rollier. And you know who's excited? Motley Crue. After leaving a screening, frontman Vince Neil tweeted: “Wow!!! Just left Netflix offices. Just saw The Dirt movie!! Fuckin’ awesome!! Can’t wait for everyone to see it! Released March 22!! Yea!!!”

Ilpo Musto/REX/Shutterstock

The Highwaymen
March 29

We've seen the story of Bonnie and Clyde from the criminals' perspective. The Highwaymen is set to tell the law enforcement side of things. Two former Texas rangers (Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson) go after the duo when conventional avenues fail.

Someone Great
April TBA

You want it, you got it. Netflix is bringing us another romantic comedy — this time, starring Gina Rodriguez. She plays a newly single woman who decides to go on one last New York adventure before moving for her dream job. The movie is produced by Rodriguez and Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, and directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson.

The Perfect Date
Spring TBA

Another year, another rom-com in which Noah Centineo plays a fake boyfriend. How did we get so lucky? According to Netflix's "See What's Next" Twitter account, The Perfect Date is about "an enterprising young man who, to make money for college, creates a dating app & stands in for non-existent boyfriends." He meets Camila Mendes' character. If he keeps it up, Centineo will become the official leading man of the Netflix Star System.

Otherhood
Spring TBA

What happens when you combine Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman, and Patricia Arquette? You get Otherhood, a movie about three mothers tired of their lazy adult sons (played by Jake Lacy, Jake Hoffman, and Sinqua Walls).

John Salangsang/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Wine Country
Spring TBA

Netflix is billing Wine Country as "your new favorite movie," and we are wont to agree. Take a look at the cast, which is essentially an SNL greatest hits reunion: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer. And it's Poehler's directorial debut. Let's fast forward to the spring.

The Perfection
Spring TBA

If we had to guess which Netflix thriller would turn into a viral sensation, our bet would be on The Perfection. The movie's synopsis is admittedly opaque: Two cello prodigies reunite in Shanghai. But the cast (Logan Browning and Allison Williams) combined with the movie's hype has us hopeful.

Murder Mystery
Spring TBA

Adam Sandler's production company, Happy Madison, has an exclusive deal with the streaming service. With Murder Mystery, Sandler is bringing Jennifer Aniston aboard the Happy Madison train. Murder Mystery is about a couple (Sandler and Aniston) who take a long-awaited European vacation. On their way, they somehow become embroiled with a mysterious billionaire and his shady dealings.

Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

The Pope
TBA

The Pope is a high-stakes drama about, you know. Popes. Specifically, the course of Pope Benedict's (Anthony Hopkins) election and later resignation from the papacy. Jonathan Pryce plays Pope Francis, Pope Benedict's successor.

Rex

Always Be My Maybe
TBA

Keep the romantic comedies coming, Netflix, keep 'em coming. Nahnatchka Khan directs this movie about two childhood sweethearts who reunite as adults. The spark is still there, but circumstances aren't conducive for an easy relationship. Sasha (Ali Wong) is a celebrity chef. Marcus (Randall Park) is a struggling musician who lives at home. What's next?

John Salangsang/Variety/REX/Shutterstock

Sextuplets
TBA

There's no easy way to say this, but Marlon Wayons is playing sextuplets in this upcoming Netflix movie, which seems like a comedy version of Three Identical Strangers. In Sextuplets, Alan discovers he's one of six and goes on a road trip to track down his brothers. Looks like The Princess Switch has just been blown out of the competition in the "actors playing more than one character" category.

Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

Dolemite Is My Name!
TBA

Eddie Murphy stars in this biopic of Rudy Ray Moore, a 1970s comedian best known for his Blaxploitation films.

The King
TBA

Timothée Chalamet fans and English majors, get excited for this one: Chalamet stars as King Henry V — known to his friends as Hal — in this Netflix period drama. After his brother is unexpectedly killed, Hal ends up on the throne in his early 20s. He faces a tough transition from wayward prince to king. Chalamet is joined by an exciting cast: Joel Edgerton, Robert Pattinson, Ben Mendelsohn, and Lily-Rose Depp.

Earthquake Bird
TBA

If you're desperate to know what an "earthquake bird" is before the Netflix movie comes out, check out the novel o n which it's based. In Japan, Lucy Fly (Alicia Vikander) is suspected of murder after her friend (Riley Keough) goes missing following her affair with a local photographer (Naoki Kobayashi).

REX/Shutterstock

Tigertail
TBA

Alan Yang wrote, directed, and produced this movie, which is based on his own family's experiences emigrating from Taiwan to the U.S. John Cho will star.

Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock

The Laundromat
TBA

Remember what we said about Steven Soderbergh retiring? Forget it. He's directing another Netflix movie that comes out this year. The Laundromat looks into the Panamanian law firm that allowed wealthy individuals and corporations to launder money in tax havens around the world. It starts Meryl Streep and Antonio Banderas.

The Last Thing He Wanted
TBA

High-brow alert — Dee Rees of Mudbound directs this adaptation of a Joan Didion novel. Elena McMahon (Anne Hathaway) quits her job as a reporter covering the 1984 presidential election to care for her ailing father.

Xavier Collin/PictureGroup/REX/Shutterstock

All Day and a Night
TBA

This wrenching movie looks at three phases in an incarcerated man's (Ashton Sanders) life: His childhood, his time in prison, and how he got to prison in the first place. All Day and a Night was written by Black Panther 's writer, Joe Robert Coe.

Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock

The Last Days of American Crime
TBA

This thriller seems like the opposite of The Purge. The American government plans to transmit a signal that will make it impossible for anyone to commit crime. Just before a signal is sent out, a group of criminals bands together for one last heist. The movie stars Edgar Ramirez, Michael Pitt, Anna Brewster, and Sharlto Copley.

Jim Smeal/REX/Shutterstock

The Irishman
TBA

It's happening: The ninth collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro, 10 years in the making. And it's happening on Netflix. De Niro plays Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran, a labor union official with mafia connections. On his deathbed, he claims responsibility for the death of labor organizer Jim Hoffa (Al Pacino).

Todd Williamson/Invision/AP/REX/Shutterstock

6 Underground
TBA

Thought Bright was big? Think again. 6 Underground is a high-budget action movie directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds. It's about six billionaires who form their own vigilante squad.

Jim Smeal/REX/Shutterstock

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A Week In Grand Rapids, MI, On A $74,000 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.

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

Today: a tax analyst working in manufacturing who makes $74,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on Bloody Marys.

Occupation: Tax Analyst
Industry: Manufacturing
Age: 30
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Salary: $74,000
Side Hustles: Around $1,800/year
Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $1,854

Monthly Expenses
Mortgage: $787 (Including property taxes and insurance. I bought a house two years ago on my own after owning a condo and flipping it a bit. I made $25,000 on the condo and avoided PMI on the house.)
Car Payment: $402
iPhone Payment: $58
Student Loans: $0 (I paid them off 50-50 with my parents over the last three years.)
Federal & State Taxes: $1,381
Health & Dental Insurance: $43
HSA Contribution: $108
Car Insurance: $100
Cell Phone: $25, paid to my dad for my portion of the family plan
Community Volleyball League Gym Rental: $20
YouTube TV: $10 (I pay a friend to be on his account.)
Apple Music: $15 (I share this with my ex-boyfriend, and he shares Netflix and Amazon Prime with me.)
Pandora: $5 (Because sometimes I can't be bothered with making the song selection, and no thank you to commercials.)
401(k): $617 (10% of salary)
Roth IRA: $100 (I have $15,000 saved in my Roth from saving only $100 a month, plus a one time contribution of about $2,500 from a tax refund. I started when I was 22 — my dad gave me the great advice to do this. I also have $36,000 in a Traditional IRA from previous 401(k)s, which I rolled over when I left. I've done this twice since I started a 401(k) in 2014.)

Day One

7 a.m. — Alarm goes off, but nope. I snooze for at least 20 minutes, and then get my dog to snuggle a little closer for another 10. He insists on sleeping just out of my reach at the end of the bed. Rude. I am leaving a little late, and brew myself a cup of black coffee in my Keurig (I get the mega boxes of cups from Costco) and put a Pop-Tart in the toaster. I refuse to get up any earlier or pay for my breakfast, but I realize I need to never buy Pop-Tarts again. Cardboard disguised with sugar.

10:30 a.m. — I get black coffee from the break room. It's terrible, but it's free. I am anti paying for coffee unless it is a special occasion or a social event.

12:15 p.m. — Lunch break. I head down to our cafeteria to see what they have today. I opt for soup because it's cheap and hot. I get a chicken and sausage soup with peppers and onions that actually is pretty good and filling. $1.75

2 p.m. — I switch to green tea that I brought from home. I always have a hot drink and water with me at my desk all day.

5:15 p.m. — I head out. It's been a very boring day of trying to stay productive. My dog has free access through my house because he's trustworthy, but I still feel bad leaving him home alone during the day. We play in the backyard together even though it's already dark when I get home. He loves the snow we got this week, and I help him get some energy out. I make a gourmet dinner of boxed mac and cheese tonight. I sauté shrimp from my freezer for protein. I don't mind cooking, but I really don't often cook anything too time-consuming for only myself. I pull some chicken out of the freezer to cook later when I find the inspiration.

10 p.m. — I spend the rest of the evening cleaning my house, watching football, and FaceTiming my ex. (We're sort of back together ... it's complicated.) I head to bed around 11.

Daily Total: $1.75

Day Two

8:10 a.m. — It's another Pop-Tart morning. I can't wait for the box to be empty so I can move on with my life. I brew a cup of coffee for the road and then I'm off.

9 a.m. — I work for a shoe and apparel manufacturer, and they periodically have sample sales for employees. I pick up three sets of wool socks as gifts for my family ($15), and a sweatshirt and vest for my complicated BF. (He pays me back.) $15

10 a.m. — We have a long year-end review meeting that goes into the afternoon, so my work picks up the tab for lunch. We go out to a Mexican restaurant and I get shrimp fajitas.

1 p.m. — After the meeting, I remember to buy tickets to a comedy show here next spring I want to go to. I get two. I figure if the complicated BF isn't in the picture anymore I'll find someone else to go with me by April or I'll sell them. $148

2 p.m. — I have my Rover dog walker take my dog out this afternoon for a long walk, since I have plans tonight and will be gone for most the evening. $19

4:55 p.m. — My manager takes off and I'm right on his heels. I get home as fast as I can, take my dog for a fast walk, feed him, kiss him, and take off again. I try not to feel too guilty when I remember the great walk he had today, plus my Rover guy played in the backyard with him for a bit as a bonus. I hurry to meet my friend for dinner at a new restaurant out in the 'burbs. I get an absolutely delicious squash risotto with roasted veggies and grilled chicken and a glass of wine. After dinner, we go to our high school's musical — Newsies! We were both in the shows back in the day and I'm a donor now, so I love to see them. $34

9:30 p.m. — We both head home after the show — it was amazing, and I blast show tunes all the way home. When I get home, I see my Rover walker brought in the sound bar that I ordered on Black Friday. I get my independent woman pants on, read the instructions, hook it up, and pat myself on the back. I realize this is not exactly a great achievement, but technology is not always my forte. I head to bed around 11 after taking the dog out again.

Daily Total: $216

Day Three

8 a.m. — I wake up without my alarm. What is it about getting older that means my internal clock is trained? I have an appointment this morning to get my hair done, so I get going on dog duties and head out.

10:20 a.m. — Appointment is finished, and the result is an A-. I haven't been here for color in seven months, so I'm not too phased by the cost, even though I'm going to blend a few spots myself when I get home. (I am a hairstylist on the side…if I could just take my own off my body to do my own hair, that'd be great). I leave her a $15 tip. $115

11 a.m. — It's Bath & Body Works candle sale day, and I'm already in the area of a mall, so I decide to swing by. I walk right in, pick out five to stock up for myself, and use as a couple gifts. By the time I leave, they have a line set up outside and aren't letting people in until some people leave the store!! The sale is good, but come on, not that good! $47

12 p.m. — I get home and realize I haven't eaten anything today. I make a quick Isagenix protein shake with some milk, ice, and Greek yogurt for lunch. I spend the rest of the afternoon organizing the junk drawers and cabinets in my kitchen and wrapping all my presents.

5 p.m. — I get ready because I'm meeting my friend for dinner tonight. I walk the dog, freshen up my makeup and hair, and get out the door for another early dinner date! We go to a fun restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids. I get an IPA and mac and cheese with meatloaf, brussels sprouts, and sweet potato chips on top, because I love myself. After dinner, we go to an improv show because my friend got free tickets from a work event. It's mediocre, but I laugh a couple times. $28

10 p.m. — Head home to the dog. On the way home, my dad calls and says my grandma isn't comfortable driving in this weather to church tomorrow morning. It's lightly drizzling, but hey, she's 90. I agree to come to church and bring grandma, since I live very close to her. I take the dog outside for a bit when I get home, and then we hang out and watch Ozark until bedtime.

Daily Total: $190

Day Four

9 a.m. — I head out to pick up my grandma for church, and on the way remember that I have brunch plans with my friend. I text her to push back our planned time 45 minutes, and luckily, she's cool with it.

10:45 a.m. — I leave my grandma with my parents, who will bring her home. I need gas badly and have time to fill up before brunch. $27

11:15 a.m. — I meet my friend at a restaurant we've been wanting to try for brunch. They have a good and cheap Bloody Mary — I beat her there, so I get one while I wait, and then another when we order our food. Our waitress is slammed, but we tell her we're in no rush, so we hang there catching up on life for a couple hours. I get a glorified breakfast sandwich on an English muffin with fried potatoes and a chipotle aioli. It's good, not great. $23

1:30 p.m. — After a productive day yesterday, I'm happy to relax for the rest of the afternoon. I do load of laundry, watch a combination of Ozark and Sunday football (my fantasy team is struggling today), and hang out with my animals. (My kitty comes out to lounge on lazy days.)

8 p.m. — I remember I have chicken thawed in the refrigerator and decide to prep some lunches for the week. I mix quinoa, chicken broth, black beans, onion, salsa, seasoning, and the chicken in my Instant Pot. It comes up to pressure, cooks for 10 minutes, and voila, Mexican chicken quinoa is packaged up for at least three meals, plus some for a small dinner tonight.

10 p.m. — I get into bed with my dog and start an episode of Dirty John, but the TV show is just not as captivating as the podcast. I fall asleep within an hour after texting with my complicated BF for a while.

Daily Total: $50

Day Five

7 a.m. — I get up on time today, because I know I want to wash my hair this morning. Why does it just never feel quite right when someone else blows your hair out for you? Is that just me? I mix up some toner to blend in a few of the foil lines before I shower, so that takes a few minutes. The color is perfect after the toner and shampoo, so I'm happy. I should have gotten up a little earlier, because I still leave for work about 10 minutes late. Such is life. I brew a coffee and hit the road.

11:30 a.m. — I didn't eat breakfast, so I'm starving and can't wait any longer for lunch. I heat up the chicken and quinoa, and to my delight, it's delicious. I eat at my desk like usual.

12 p.m. — We have an increased employee discount as a holiday bonus, so I order a pair of slip-on suede sneakers. I got the same pair for my mom a few months ago, and she raves about how comfy they are. $19

2 p.m. — We have our holiday party this afternoon! It's super fun. I eat my weight in guacamole and chips, and have two beers.

5 p.m. — I have to rush home, as always, to try to exercise my dog before more plans tonight. My mom and I are going to a concert that the university puts on each year around Christmas featuring their choir and orchestra. It's a yearly date for my mom and me, and it's at a beautiful old church downtown. I play with my dog in the backyard for a while and feed him. Then my mom meets at my house and we head out for the concert.

8:45 p.m. — Concert is over. I drive home with my mom, then spend the rest of the night catching up on Dirty John and Monday night football. I fall asleep for a bit on the couch with my dog and cat. When I wake up I contemplate having something more to eat, since “dinner” was guacamole and chips this afternoon, but I'm too tired to make the effort. I just opt for a LaCroix instead. I wake up around 11 and force myself to wash my face before going to bed. If I don't, it will be zit city. Luckily, I fall asleep in bed easily.

Daily Total: $19

Day Six

7:45 a.m. — I wake up with 15 minutes to get ready…I woke to my “it's almost time to leave” warning alarm instead of my regular one. Oops! Luckily my hair is still decently clean from yesterday, so I spray some dry shampoo in it, run over it with the flat iron a few times, wash my face, put on some makeup, put the dog outside, and quickly get dressed. I leave nine minutes late after insisting on brewing myself a coffee. Not bad!

12:30 p.m. — I eat another helping of the Mexican chicken and quinoa.

5:15 p.m. — I leave work at my normal time and head home. I have plans to highlight my mom's hair for her tonight, and she picks up Arby's gyros for us before she meets me at my house. I don't do a lot of hair on the side anymore, especially color. It's a pain to mess with it at home, so I only do it for my mom (for free) and one other friend. I love doing hair for wedding parties though, so the majority of my side hustle hair income comes during the summer, when I work for a local salon on Saturdays.

7:45 p.m. — Mom leaves and I just hang out with the dog and cat like usual. I take a short walk with my dog, but it's freezing, so we're both happy to keep it to a quick one. I watch some more Ozark until I get hungry, make a PB&J, and then head to bed around 10:30.

Daily Total: $0

Day Seven

7:45 a.m. — More cardboard (I mean Pop-Tarts) for breakfast along with a brewed coffee. It snowed overnight, and for whatever reason that means a traffic light is out right in front of my highway on-ramp. It takes an extra 15 minutes to get to work, so I'm late.

11:30 a.m. — We go out for a team lunch. I get a French dip with fries, but the sandwich is so big I can barely eat any of the fries! I take them to-go.

1:30 p.m. — I take a few minutes to update my budget when we get back from lunch. I keep a detailed spreadsheet with every expense listed, along with all my cash and current credit card balances. I never carry a balance on my cards from month to month, and I net the current balances with my actual cash on hand in my spreadsheet, so I have a real picture of how I'm doing financially. I even run a personal income statement every month and a net worth calculation.

5 p.m. — Time to head home! Traffic is annoying, and my commute is around 40 minutes long, which is annoying for me, but I know it could be worse. I play with my dog for a while, we take a short walk, and I make mac and cheese for dinner, which is the worst decision I've made in a while. My stomach immediately hurts, and I have a volleyball game tonight.

8:30 p.m. — I get home from volleyball and settle in to watch Survivor with the fam (animals). It's time for bed around 10:30.

Daily Total: $0

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These Are The Best Notebooks For Bullet Journaling

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These Are The Best Notebooks For Bullet Journaling

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If one of your 2019 goals is to get more organized, then maybe it's time to try your hand at bullet journaling.

Bullet journaling is a way of keeping track of things that have happened in the past, organizing yourself in the present, and taking control of your future through rapid, streamlined logging of information. First created by designer Ryder Carroll as a way to push past his learning disabilities, the method is an effective way of breaking down tasks and archiving information in a way that's easy to categorize and reference. But, bullet journaling isn't just a great way to get organized, it is also a potentially life-altering mindfulness tool.

"The way bullet journaling is designed is that it evolves alongside you," Carroll told CNBC. "Figuring out what you need it to be is very much part of the practice."

So, if you've been wanting to do a better job of journaling, and want to get organized so you can reach your goals in 2019, then it might be time to give the bullet journal method a try. Ahead, eight sleek and versatile notebooks that will help you start your bullet journal journey.

This Leuchtturm1917 softcover notebook is a solid choice for bullet journaling. And, because it already comes with numbered pages and a table of contents, it saves you some work.

Opt for one with dotted or blank pages for the most journaling flexibility.



Leuchtturm 1917 Notebook Medium (A5), Softcover, 121 numbered pages, $19.5, available at Leuchtturm 1917

Midori is a Japanese stationery brand designed for a high-quality writing experience that also happens to have a very affordable price point.

The notebook lies flat while open, is easy to write on, and has a ribbon maker to keep your place. It also comes with sticker labels that you can incorporate into your journal if you choose.



Midori Midori MD Notebook - 4" x 6" - Grid, $9.25, available at Jet Pens

This 2-pack of dotted notebooks from BooQool are a steal — and the perfect way to get started with your new bullet journaling habit.

With premium thick paper that won't bleed through, a faux leather exterior, and a sleek design that includes an elastic closure, these notebooks are one of the best value deals out there.



BooQool 2 Pack Dotted Bullet Grid Journal - Hardcover, $12.74, available at Amazon

This grid paper notebook from Lemome is a sleek, sturdy option for bullet journals.

The notebook lays flat, has premium thick paper, and also has an elastic pen loop to make sure you don't have to constantly rummage through your bags for a writing tool.



Lemome Grid Paper Notebook - Lemome Hardcover Classic Notebook, $13.99, available at Amazon

Moleskine notebooks have long been a go-to for stationery lovers, and turns out they're a good option for bullet journals, as well.

These hardcover (also available in softcover) notebooks come in a variety of different colors, sizes, and layouts and are customizable to your needs.



Moleskine Classic Notebook - Black, $24.95, available at Moleskine

Another great 2-for-1 deal: These hardcover dot grid spiral notebooks form Miliko are ideal for someone who is new to bullet journaling and doesn't want to drop a bunch of money to try the method on for size.

With a clear cover that allows you to design your own cover page, perforated pages, and smooth-textured pages, these notebooks are an awesome, low-cost option.



Miliko Miliko Transparent Hardcover A5 Size Dot Grid Notebook, $14.99, available at Amazon

This dotted notebook is solid option for bullet journaling. It lies flat, has a back pocket, an elastic band closure, and is made of archival paper.



Esstentials Esstentials Dot Matrix Notebook, Extra Large, A4 Size, $13.51, available at Target

These classic OG notebooks are a great throwback that are also a low-cost option for bullet journaling. With blank pages, thick paper, and a classic marbled cover, this notebook is an ideal option for trying your hand at it.



roaring spring Roaring Spring Premium Composition Book, Unruled, $6.66, available at Amazon

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The Best — & Worst — Types Of Alcohol For Your Skin

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It's two weeks into January, and if you've resolved to go dry — cutting out alcohol — you might be feeling a change of heart heading into the weekend. While it's no beauty elixir, one glass of red wine a day is okay, even healthy, some might say. But when you start your morning with a round of mimosas at brunch, down a vodka shot around midnight, and account for a few beers in between — the repercussions are not so fun. Not only does it mess with your clarity of mind, drinking can seriously fuck up your skin — if you're not careful.

As celebrity aesthetician Angela Caglia tells us, alcohol dehydrates your skin and robs it of its vital nutrients, so excessive alcohol consumption (think: drinking like you're still a college freshman), can contribute to skin's premature aging in the long term, plus bloating, puffiness, enlarged pores, dullness, and rosacea the day after.

The way to avoid all that: Be cognizant of your skin and the way it reacts to certain types of alcohol when walking up to the bartender. Caglia recommends living (or drinking) by the general rule of thumb: The clearer the alcohol, the better it'll be for your skin. Red wine, dark whiskey, a piña colada — these are the things a killer hangover and a puffy face are made of. Straight-up, no frills shots? Surprisingly, not so bad.

Ahead, we're breaking down what the most popular alcohols (beer, champagne, white wine, red wine, vodka, gin, and tequila) do to your skin. Think of it as a guide to keep your next happy hour from fucking you up... your skin, that is.

White Wine

Unfortunately for your Thursday whine-and-wine sesh, a few glasses of chardonnay could be pretty harmful to your skin. Nutrition expert Paula Simpson tells us that wine contains sulfites that protect it from spoiling (which is why it gets better with age), but those sulfites can trigger skin redness and irritation. If you have very sensitive skin, it's likely to leave you with a full flush of rosacea, making it painfully obvious that you've been drinking. So if you're having more than a few drinks and rosy cheeks aren't your jam, you might want to opt for a shots or beer instead.

But if you can't give up your favorite white, try to keep it to one glass. Care/of Nutritionist Jillian Tuchman, MS, RD, recommends drinking a glass of water with every glass of Sauvignon Blanc to soften the blow to your skin and reduce the risk of finding splotchy red patches all over your face when you look in the bathroom mirror.

Photo Courtesy Of Louisa Cannell

Red Wine

We know antioxidants are good and red wine has antioxidants, so therefore, we can justify our heavy pours, right? Not entirely. Caglia tells us that although red wine has the powerful antioxidant resveratrol, which is good for your skin and anti-aging, it can also accelerate the rate of rosacea, if you're prone to the condition. That's because although it has less sugar than white wine, it still contains the sulfites that cause skin irritation.

But as NYC dermatologist Neal Schultz, MD, reminds us, everyone has different redness thresholds, and some people will be more sensitive to flare-ups. "In people with rosacea, alcohol can trigger acne breakouts (acne rosacea) with red, pus-filled pimples popping up on the face, in addition to the telltale redness," he explains.

Bottom line: If you're having one or two drinks and you don't struggle with rosacea, you can feel okay about going with red wine. But if you're filling your glass with Bordeaux for hours on end, your skin might start to freak out.

Photo Courtesy Of Louisa Cannell

Champagne

Similar to white wine, champagne has a fair amount of sugar, the sneaky hidden trigger that can increase skin cell damage and exacerbate acne. Not only that, but the bubbly can actually lead to premature skin aging. According to a 2012 article published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, scientists have found that drinking sugary liquids in excess can lead to disturbed function on the cellular, tissue, and organ level of the body. And because the skin is the body's largest organ, it inevitably takes a hit.

Another issue is the rate of champagne consumption. "The biggest problem with champagne and prosecco is those bubbly flutes are easy to drink, so we tend to consume in excess, not moderation," explains Caglia. "And the more champagne you down, the more dehydration and inflammation your causing to your skin." So it's bad news for your bottom-less mimosa brunch — maybe opt for a Bloody Mary instead...

Designed by Louisa Cannell.

Beer

Whether it's a Bud Light on tap you're drinking or some fancy craft label that costs $15 a bottle, guzzling any type of beer is not going to be great for your skin — but it's not the worst you can do.

Mostly, the issue is with bloating as opposed to rosacea or acne flare-ups. "Beer contains both sugar and some salt, so it contributes to face and tummy bloating," Caglia explains. Skin puffiness is not ideal, but throwing back a beer or two (or even three) shouldn't create a huge problem.

Interestingly, it turns out beer actually has some beauty benefits, as it's been found that the hops and yeast have soothing benefits for the skin. One spa in Ohio has even started offering hops facials and barley massages made with craft brewskis. But before you justify your next keg stand, know that the benefits only come from soaking your skin in beer — chugging it will only get you cheek puffiness... and maybe a few high fives.

Photo Courtesy Of Louisa Cannell

Vodka

Now we're getting into the stronger stuff — the makings of shots and lowered inhibitions. But despite being high in alcohol by volume, vodka in its purest form probably isn't going to mess up your skin too badly. "If you're drinking a lot, vodka's a good choice," says Caglia. "With no extra sugar and salt, it gets in and out of your system fast," she explains. And your best bet, much to the dismay of your tastebuds, is to take it straight. Most juices and mixed drinks contain a ton of sugar, which translates to hangover face.

Gin

Much like vodka, gin in its purest (top shelf) form has very little sugar and salt, which means less damage to the skin — provided, of course, your G&Ts are consumed in moderation. "Generally speaking, less sugar and salt leads to a lesser degree of puffiness, inflammation, and cell damage," Caglia echoes.

Designed by Louisa Cannell.

Tequila

Your best bet if you're looking to keep your skin glowing while treating yourself to a bunch of drinks? Tequila. Skin-wise, it's not linked to any reactive rosacea flare-ups, bloating, or inflammation. But before you start mixing a margarita, know that once you start adding salt to the rim and sugary syrups, skin calmness goes out the window.

Also important: Remember to keep your tequila clear. As Tuchman explains, the dark stuff contains congeners from fermentation that silver and blanco versions don't. Those congeners can worsen your hangover and the facial signs of a hangover (like dull and droopy skin).

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These Movies That Will Remind You What It Truly Means To Be Cold

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Photo: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution; Illustrated by Mallory Heyer.

The Weeknd can't feel his face. You can't feel your face, your toes, or your fingers, and you're fairly certain that your ears now resemble two frozen Jimmy Dean sausage patties. Welcome to winter, everyone!

Unless you're off to Gstaad for a spot of skiing with Mitzi and Lance, there's really only way to get through the sub-zero temps and slippery surfaces: a good old-fashioned movie night, served up with a roaring fire (okay, a space heater), some warming brandy, and the takeout some poor delivery driver had to bike through a snowstorm to bring you.

Winter, you see, is one of those things that seems better than it is. In films, it's beautiful and ethereal. In real life, it's cold and slushy. In films, you might become pals with a talking snowman or at least fling at few snowballs at Bill Murray. In real life, the only winter sport you're taking part in is falling on your ass on the sidewalk in front of large groups of people.

Long story short: Save yourself the frostbite, pull on those fleece jammies, and enjoy winter through the lens of Hollywood. It's just so much cozier.

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Cold Weather(2010)

Where: Portland, Oregon

Brief Summary: A man goes home to search for his missing ex-girlfriend.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: There's a lot of frigidity in this movie. For one, the main character works for an ice factory while in Portland. Then he trudges through the cold winter to find his ex. Just so much cold weather.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: Ice factory cold!

I, Tonya (2017)

Where: Lots of skating rinks!

Brief Summary: While from practice at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, skater Nancy Kerrigan was clubbed in the knee by an unknown assailant. The people behind the attack ended up being close friends of fellow skater, Tonya Harding. This erupted into a massive media spectacle. I, Tonya aims to tell the story through Harding's eyes.

How You Can Tell It's Cold: It's set during the Winter Olympics in Norway, and there's ice in the skating rink.

Is It Cooler Than Cool? The plot to wound Nancy Kerrigan is the coldest thing of all.

Wind River(2017)

Where: An American Indian reservation in Wyoming

Brief Summary: A tracker (Jeremy Renner) and a rookie F.B.I. agent (Elizabeth Olson) work together to figure out what happened to a teenage girl who froze to death on the Wind River reservation.

How You Can Tell It's Cold: Everyone laughs at Olson's character when she arrives ill-prepared for the winter; every scene has snow in the background.

Is It Cooler Than Cool: In terms of general temperament, many of the characters aren't cool. They're prone to violence.

White Nights(1985)

Where: Siberia and St. Petersburg

Brief Summary: Nikolai 'Kolya' Rodchenko is a world-famous ballet dancer, and a defector from the Soviet Union. When his plane crashes in Siberia, he's recognized as a defector and kept in Leningrad, where he and a rival dancer are determined to make it to the American consulate.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Did we mention Siberia in winter?

Is It Cooler Than Cool? It's Cold War cool.

Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock

Sunshine(2007)

Where: Earth during apocalyptic "solar winter" as the sun slowly dies.

Brief summary: A few astronauts go off on a last-ditch mission to space to kickstart a dying sun. Things don't go to plan.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: There's nothing like a dying sun to put a chill in your spirit.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: This acclaimed sci-fi film flies under the radar. If you've seen it, you can add a badge to your "cool person" vest.

Fox Searchlight/REX/Shutterstock

Into The Wild(2007)

Where: Alaska

Brief Summary: Christopher McCandless's youthful hubris compels him to venture into the Alaskan wilderness and live off the grid. He has ideals and ambition, but inadequate practical planning.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Chris arrives in the summer. But summer in Alaska is fleeting, and winter is always threatening to rear its icy head.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: Perhaps the film's ending could've been avoided had someone told Chris that he didn't need to move to Alaska in an RV to be cool.

River Road/Paramount/REX/Shutterstock

Winter's Bone(2010)

Where: America's Ozark Mountains

Brief Summary: To spare her family from eviction, an Ozark Mountain teenager must track down her missing father, navigating the bleak terrain of rural poverty.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Jennifer Lawrence wears a hat in every scene.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: There's nothing colder than operating within a confining societal structure and systematic poverty.

Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock

Joyeux Noel(2005)

Where: The Western front in France during WWI

Brief Summary: On Christmas Eve in 1914, German, Scottish, and French troops call a moment of truce, share stories of friendship and love, and reach a place of empathy.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: It's Christmas Eve on a war front with trenches. It's beyond cold. It's something much worse.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's too sappy to be "cool," but it's not too sappy to be great.

Courtesy of Sony

Cool Runnings (1993)

Where: Jamaica and Calgary
Brief Summary: The true story of the Jamaican bobsled team’s first stint in the Olympics.
How You Can Tell It Is Cold: When you’re used to the Caribbean, Calgary is just cruel.
Is It Cooler Than Cool?: Of course. It’s cool runnings.

Photo: Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios

Beautiful Girls (1996)

Where: Knights Ridge, Massachusetts

Brief Summary: Willie Conway (Timothy Hutton) has a 30-something crisis when he comes home for his high school reunion, contemplating his future and spending way too much time with his 13-year-old neighbor (Natalie Portman).

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Figure skating, sweaters, the usual

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly

Photo: Moviestore Collection/REX/Shutterstock.

Misery (1990)

Where: The very snowy Silver Creek, Colorado

Brief Summary: Novelist Paul Sheldon (James Caan) crashes his car during a snowstorm, and is then held hostage by his number one fan, Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). At least she's got heating.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Lotta snowbanks, lotta shearling

I s It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid

Photo: SNAP/REX/Shutterstock.

The Revenant (2015)

Where: Mountainous, unorganized territory in the Dakotas

Brief Summary: Guide Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) tries to survive a murderous fur trapper, an Arikara war party, and one pissed-off bear.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Dude has icicles forming in his beard.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Kimberley French/20th Century Fox/Regency Enterprises/REX/Shutterstock.

Snowpiercer(2013)

Where: A permanently moving train in a snowy dystopia

Brief Summary: The last remaining members of the human race are split into class groups on a train. The lower class challenges the system.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: The movie itself is pretty blue.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of RADiUS-TWC.

The Day After Tomorrow(2004)

Where: The globe, but mainly New York City

Brief Summary: The apocalypse occurs and the world freezes over.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Everything — including the interiors — of New York City is coated in ice.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold!

Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

30 Days Of Night(2007)

Where: Barrow, Alaska

Brief Summary: The town experiences literally 30 days where the sun don't shine because of how far north it is. Vampires obviously come out to play.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Snow, frozen blood, visible breath — you know.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Columbia Pictures.

Die Another Day(2002)

Where: North Korea, but the chilly parts happen at an ice palace in Iceland.

Brief Summary: James Bond seeks revenge on an agent he believes betrayed him. Things get shaken and stirred.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Well, it has to be pretty chilly to keep an ice hotel from melting.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly.

Photo: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Dreamcatcher(2003)

Where: Maine

Brief Summary: Four telepathic friends encounter aliens while out on a hunting trip in the woods.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Blue tones, snow, and lots of parkas.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Eight Below (2006)

Where: Antarctica

Brief Summary: A guide embarks on a treacherous trek to find a meteorite with the help of sled dogs.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: It's in Antarctica.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold

Photo: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures.

Fargo(1996)

Where: Fargo, North Dakota

Brief Summary: Pregnant police chief tries to solve "homespun murder mystery."

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Snow, snow, snow!

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Doctor Zhivago(1965)

Where: Russia

Brief Summary: Russian doctor/poet falls in love with politicians wife despite being married.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: It's Russia, man.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Christmas Vacation(1989)

Where: Suburbs of Chicago

Brief Summary: The good ol' American family Christmas celebration turns out to be one big ol' disaster.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: It's Christmas time outside the Windy City. Expect cold. Oh, and lots of sweaters.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Frozen(2013)

Where: Arendelle

Brief Summary: Princess with magical powers freezes an entire town with her hands.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: The name itself should be a dead giveaway, but you literally watch a town turn to ice.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Courtesy of Disney.

Alive(1993)

Where: The Andes

Brief Summary: Rugby team tries to stay alive after plane crashes in mountains.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Snow! Everywhere!

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures.

The Grey(2011)

Where: Alaska

Brief Summary: A wolf pack threatens a group of plane crash survivors being lead by a huntsman through Alaska.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Liam Neeson! Kidding. It's Alaska.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Open Road Films.

Home Alone(1990)

Where: Chicago

Brief Summary: Boy gets stranded at home by clueless family is forced to deal with burglars.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Again, it's Chicago in the winter.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly

Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

Iceman(1984)

Where: An Arctic base

Brief Summary: Arctic exploration discovers a Neanderthal in the ice and has to decide what to do when he's revived.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Well, the man was found in ice...

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Courtesy of Universal Studios.

The Ice Storm(1997)

Where: Connecticut

Brief Summary: The trials and tribulations of a suburban, well-off family.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Long coats and frigid personalities

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly

Photo: Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Happy Feet(2006)

Where: Antarctica

Brief Summary: In a world where soul mates are found through singing, one penguin is born without a singing voice.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Uh, Antarctica?

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe(2005)

Where: Narnia

Brief Summary: Children discover a portal to the magical world of Narnia through their wardrobe and must help defeat the Ice Queen.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Lots of white and snow.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.

Serendipity(2001)

Where: New York City

Brief Summary: Former couple reunites after years of being apart from one another.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: There's snow and snow in New York means it's freakin' cold.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Miramax Films.

March Of The Penguins(2005)

Where: Antarctica

Brief Summary: A documentary following penguins on their march to their breeding ground. Morgan Freeman narrates.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Again, it's Antarctica.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Independent Pictures.

Hanna(2011)

Where: Northern Europe

Brief Summary: Teenage assassin is on the run from an intelligence agency

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Boatloads of fur outfits and scarves.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Focus Features.

Mystery, Alaska(1999)

Where: Mystery, Alaska

Brief Summary: Small town gets a little too excited it was chosen to host a television event.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Um, Alaska...

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures.

Wind Chill(2007)

Where: Pennsylvania to Delaware

Brief Summary: Ghosts of people who've died on a road haunt two college students on their way home.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Wintertime on the East Coast means chilly temps.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly.

Photo: Courtesy of TriStar Pictures.

The Shining(1980)

Where: The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

Brief Summary: Family takes care of haunted hotel during winter. Man goes berserk.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Jack Nicholson's face freezes at one point.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

A Simple Plan(1998)

Where: Minnesota

Brief Summary: Working class friends stumble across a ton of money and try to hide it from the authorities.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Down jackets and beanies.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Snow Day(2000)

Where: Syracuse, New York

Brief Summary: School's canceled due to snow, kids play.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Having grown up in Syracuse, I can vouch how cold it becomes in the snow capitol of the Northeast.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's frigid.

Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Star Wars – Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back(1980)

Where: A galaxy far, far away

Brief Summary: The rebels have taken control of the Empire while Luke Skywalker trains with Yoda. Darth Vader's pursuit continues.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Snow, ice, and big, roomy spacesuits.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Courtesy of Lucasfilm.

The Thing(1982)

Where: Antarctica

Brief Summary: Scientists must deal with a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of each person it kills.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Ice, everywhere.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Courtesy of Universal Pictures.

Cold Mountain(2003)

Where: Cold Mountain in provincial North Carolina.

Brief Summary: Despite the name of the movie, this setting isn't the coldest one on the list. But, the people themselves have cold hearts.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Snow falls at some point, plus everyone has it out for one another. If only more snow fell to justify their bitterness.

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly.

Photo: Courtesy of Miramax Films.

White Christmas(1954)

Where: Vermont

Brief Summary: A group of performers help a retired army general save his mountain hotel from a bleak season due to the lack of snow. (This is a wild card inclusion, we know.)

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Snow, snow, snow!

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's a lil' chilly

Photo: Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

Ice Age(2002)

Where: Somewhere during the Ice Age

Brief Summary: A group of animal buds try to return a lost baby to its tribe.

How You Can Tell It Is Cold: Um, it's the Ice Age. Of course it's cold!

Is It Cooler Than Cool?: It's ice cold.

Photo: Courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

Love, Actually(2003)

Where: London, England

Brief Summary: Told via intersecting, but separate stories, London residents attempt to find love during the chilliest time of the year: Christmas.

How You Can Tell Its Cold: It's Christmas in London! If that wasn't enough of a clue, the snow and stylish-but-cozy coats should be.

Is It Cooler Than Cold: It's a lil' chilly.

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Ivanka & Jared Went On An Anti-Republican Movie Date

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Ivanka's schedule has not been made public, so each week, we will do our best to cover the public events and forums she attends, the meetings she has with lawmakers and government officials, and her social media presence.

Tuesday, January 8

• Everyone (again) reported that Ivanka told People in 2007 she was once invited to be on The Bachelorette.

Wednesday, January 9

• Trump signed the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (WEEE) Act, which Ivanka strongly supported, into law. It aims to provide support for women-led ventures in developing countries and help women overcome gender-related barriers to economic growth, such as gender-based violence and limited access to education and healthcare. Ivanka started lobbying for the legislation last summer.

• In a new teaser for Family Guy, cartoon Donald Trump gets incredibly inappropriate with cartoon Ivanka.

• Ivanka issued a PSA on human trafficking in honor of the president signing a bill into law to combat the issue.

Thursday, January 10

• While soaking up the sun in Mar-a-Lago during the government shutdown (as one does), Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner went on a movie date to see Adam McKay's Vice, the controversial biopic of Dick Cheney. (Christian Bale, who portrayed Cheney, thanked Satan for giving him inspiration for the role.) Why did they go see a movie that portrays Republicans as, at best, bumbling idiots, and at worst evil? Who knows?! But they did reportedly walk out toward the end, so maybe they had had enough. Or maybe Ivanka needed to squeeze in one of her thrice-daily meditation sessions before Pilates.

• Ivanka posted a happy birthday message to Jared, "my best friend and the [emoji heart] of my life!"

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10 OPI Nail Polish Colors Everyone Agrees On

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Think of the nail polish that raised you. Maybe it was the bright poppy red you watched your mom paint on her toes every summer, or the shiny bubblegum pink you drained until it was dry and crusty in middle school. Whatever your memory, chances are good that the glass bottle sticking out in your mind had a faded OPI label on it.

The nail brand is iconic, thanks to its signature long-wearing, glossy formula and cheeky shade names. But with more than 500 bottles, shopping for a simple nude out of the brand's expansive lineup can be a bit of a headache. That's why, to make the process a little easier, we're rounding up the 10 best-selling OPI shades that everyone agrees on.

Ahead, you'll find universally-loved reds (like Big Apple), flattering pinks (remember Bubble Bath?), and moody berries (who can forget Lincoln Park After Dark?). Scroll through to find your new favorite, or rediscover a shade you forgot how much you loved.

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 great equalizer of nail polishes, this sheer pinky-nude is beloved by just about everyone for every occasion.



OPI Classic Nail Lacquer in Bubble Bath, $10.5, available at Ulta Beauty

A true red polish that practically screams "PICK ME!" from the shelf, Big Apple Red is a cult classic for a reason.



OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red, $10.5, available at Ulta Beauty

Best paired with a heavy pour of Chianti, OPI Malaga Wine is quite possibly the perfect shade of burgundy.



OPI Nail Lacquer in Malaga Wine, $8.72, available at Amazon

For something as simple as white nail polish, it can easily go so, so wrong. (Wite-Out nails, anyone?) But Alpine Snow never lets you down — whether you're going for an opaque Ariana Grande manicure or salon-quality French tips.



OPI Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow, $10.5, available at Amazon

If you went through an emo phase, then it's very likely you had a bottle of Lincoln Park After Dark on your dresser — right next to your Fall Out Boy CD and Hot Topic rubber bracelets. But, unlike those studded belts you wore in middle school, this moody berry stands the test of time.



OPI OPI Nail Lacquer - Lincoln Park After Dark, $8.69, available at Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

A punchy red polish with bright orange undertones, OPI's Cajun Shrimp will forever be the unofficial pedicure shade of the summer.



OPI Nail Lacquer in Cajun Shrimp, $8.39, available at Target

A pearlescent pink that will last long after the unicorn obsession dies down, this sheer polish catches the light beautifully.



OPI Nail Lacquer in Princesses Rule!, $10.5, available at Ulta Beauty

Taupe might not sound like a super sexy manicure shade, but when the polish name is a play on a nude beach and the color reads as a serene slate, it becomes a lot more appealing.



OPI Classic Nail Lacquer Taupe-less Beach, $10.5, available at Ulta Beauty

From the cheeky shade name to the unforgettable shimmery red color, this polish was made for side hustlers making it happen.



OPI Nail Lacquer in I'm Not Really a Waitress, $10.49, available at Sally Beauty

If you're always gravitating toward the dusty mauve section of the polish wall, you're probably well acquainted with this blush pink bottle labeled Tickle My France-y. If not, what are you waiting for?



OPI Nail Lacquer in Tickle My France-y, $6.99, available at Walmart

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13 Of The Internet's Top Rated Sports Bras

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Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.

When Lisa Lindhal invented the sports bra in 1977, she was mostly just looking for something more comfortable to wear when she went on runs (fun fact: she called the first sports bra she made the "jockbra" because it was made by sewing two jock straps together). Little did she know that she was fulfilling a need for women all over the world who wanted to be involved in the athletic community. Today, sports bras are a wardrobe essential for many women whether it's being worn for a high impact workout or a busy afternoon running errands.

To save you some time finding the one that fits your needs and assets, we sifted through the internet to uncover the best of the best, with die-hard fan reviews to back up these selections. Before you hit "add to cart," read on to see why these 13 sports bras will make the perfect addition to your workout wardrobe.

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.

A Comfortable, Cotton Sports Bra

Fruit of the Loom has long been making comfortable undergarments and their foray into athletic wear is just as well-received by customers.

The hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 3,406 reviews on Amazon

What they're saying: "I now have bought probably 15 or so of these bras because of the colors I needed (and wanted). They are so comfortable, I throw them in the washer and hang them up to prevent shrinkage, and they still look and feel new. I have not had the heat rashes from previous summers, and I don't notice a difference between them and a real bra if it's cool and I can add an over shirt or top, or sweat shirt. I am 100% sold on these Fruit of the Loom bras because they are cotton and seem to be well made." - Kate Fredricks, Amazon Review



Fruit Of The Loom Fruit of the Loom Women's Built-up Sports Bra, $10.94, available at Amazon

The Essential Running Sports Bra

Known for their stellar running sneakers, Brooks wants to make every part of your workout comfortable and supportive. That's where their UpLift Crossback Sports Bra comes into play.

The hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 210 reviews on Brooks Running

What they're saying: "Love this bra for my long runs. Super supportive — I actually didn't even think about my bra. Didn't have to stop and adjust, just enjoy my run. Will definitely buy again." - Tenacious T, Brooks Running review



Brooks Running UpLift Crossback Bra, $44, available at Brooks Running

The Plus-Size Sports Bra That Actually Works

Bounce control plus maximum comfort means that this Glamorise sports bra would be a favorite in any woman's athletic wardrobe.

The hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 234 reviews on Amazon

What they're saying: "I'm 5'4", 175lbs, and normally wear a 36 DDD (natural) in my regular Victoria's Secret bras. I ordered this in 36F and it fits perfectly. I still get a little bounce but only with higher impact activities. I started wearing these as my all day, everyday bras because they're more comfortable and supportive than what I was wearing. I've already purchased several more and I'd recommend them to others." - JHousetee, Amazon review



Glamorise Glamorise Elite Performance Plus Size Sports Bra, $28.99, available at Amazon

The Bra Made From Recycled Water Bottles

Girlfriend customers love this eco-friendly bra for being comfortable and effective. It comes in nine colors to choose from.

The hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 112 reviews on Girlfriend

What they're saying: "I am more than slightly obsessed with this bra — it is the most comfortable and supportive bra I have ever owned...I can wear it for high intensity workouts, for running or sweaty workouts, or I can just wear it everyday under everything (which is what I do). It is soft, supportive, the band is comfortable, the material is perfect, and you wont want to wear any other bra ever again. It is worth investing in at least one, I promise." - Brianna, Girlfriend review



Girlfriend Globe Paloma Bra, $38, available at Girlfriend

The Bra That Shapes And Supports At The Same Time

Finding a sports bra that supports without digging in is a tricky mission, but Just My Size seems to have solved it for us all.

The hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 720 reviews on Walmart

What they're saying: "I've worn underwire bras for most of my adult life and finally decided that I would like to choose comfort over pain. I was worried about support but decided to try this bra. It is wonderful! I almost forget I have it on and no more wires digging into me. I'm a 38D and I still have complete support. I bought more and I even love the shape it gives me." - Janna R., Walmart review



Just My Size Plus Size Active Lifestyle Wirefree Bra, $14.68, available at Walmart

The Bra That Stays Dry During Your Sweatiest Workouts

This Wacoal sports bra is made with moisture-wicking fabric meaning it can withstand your high intensity training sessions or runs.

The hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 1412 reviews on Nordstrom

What they're saying: "I'm a Wacoal loyalist of over 30 years and find this to be the best sports bra of any brand I have ever used. I have this in many colors and use it for everyday use often due to its comfort and natural-looking lift." - Ann Marie, Nordstrom review



Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra, $65, available at Nordstrom

The Built-In Support System

Described by many reviewers as a bra that is great for larger breasts, this is the sports bra that you can be sure will keep everything in place as you work out.

The hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 4,154 reviews on Amazon

What they're saying: "I was apprehensive about buying a bra without being able to try it in first, but for the price, I decided to give it a shot. I have lost over 50 lbs since I started running and lifting weights. So I've been through my share of different sports bras trying to find a high-impact bra that was supportive AND comfortable. This is the most comfortable sports bra I've ever owned and the most supportive. I've even bought ones from athletic stores that cost 3 times what this one does, and they are no where near as good. I plan to order more!" - Kelsie, Amazon Review



Fittin FITTIN Racerback Sports Bra, $22.99, available at Amazon

The Sports Bra People Who Hate Bras Should Try

This Hanes bra is comfortable and lightweight. It's good for low intensity workouts and busy everyday life activities.

The hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 794 reviews on Walmart

What they're saying: "I hate bras. Always have, even when I was younger and much thinner. And I have spent a small fortune looking for 'the one' that I could put on without dread. This is THE ONE. It's comfortable. It's a silky fabric, but sturdy enough to do the job. It has the typical three sets of hooks so you can adjust it as needed, and it's more comfortable than any sports bra out there. If you hate bras, try this one. You might be surprised."



Hanes SmoothTec Comfortflex Fit Bra, $12.04, available at Walmart

The No-Fuss, Classic Sports Bra

The racerback style and band of this Nike sports bra provide all of the support you need, with a simple and classic design.

The hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 88 reviews on Zappos

What they're saying: "The Best. Nothing fancy about it at all, except the pretty colors. I was running yesterday morning and literally remember thinking I can’t even tell I have on a bra. These are perfect! Size down 1 size. I don’t think you’ll regret this purchase." - Anonymous, Zappos review



Nike Pro Classic Swoosh™ Sports Bra, $30, available at Zappos

The Sports Bra Made For Larger Cup Sizes

With its front closure and secure design, this bra from Enell means that ladies with larger busts can have a great workout without extra movement.

The hype: 5 out of 5 stars on Her Room

What they're saying: "I LOVE this bra. If you're bigger busted, this is the only way to go for running. I've never had any issues with this bra at all. I love it." L from New York, Her Room review



Enell Enell High Impact Sports Bra 100F, $54.95, available at Her Room

The Convertible Athletic Bra That Will Minimize Movement

This Natori Convertible bra was designed to be compressive so that everything stays in place when you work out, but still manages to be both comfortable and breathable.

The hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars with 307 reviews on Nordstrom

What they're saying: "I wasn’t sure about this sports bra because the shape and style was different from any other that I have owned. I absolutely love this bra! It has great support for my large chest during cardio workouts. This is actually my second one and I have to admit that I wear it as my weekend bra even why I am not working out." - SueTiz, Nordstrom review



Natori 'Yogi' Convertible Bra, $68, available at Nordstrom

The Sports Bra You'll Want To Wear Every Day Of The Week

A sports bra that is not too loose and not too tight is a rare thing to find but this Oalka one does the trick.

The hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 100 reviews on Amazon

What they're saying: "I originally only bought one of these but loved it so much that I now have one for every day of the week! The material is thick, comfortable, and just the right balance of tight and loose. I very rarely find myself pulling at it to adjust it throughout the day. I work 10- and 12-hour shifts as a nurse and think this is the perfect bra!" - Madison, Amazon review



Oalka Oalka Women's Racerback Sports Bra, $16.99, available at Amazon

The Sports Bra That Feels Like A Second Skin

The Knix Racerback Evolution bra contains no hardware, has removable cups and is constructed using four-way stretch fabrics so it will move with you during a workout.

The hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 612 reviews on Knix

What they're saying: "My small cup size makes it tough to find a comfortable sports bra with the wiring, oversized padding, gapping and constant re-adjusting during workouts. This bra solves all my problems, thank you!!!" - Erika K, Knix review



Knix Racerback Evolution Bra, $55, available at Knix

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The Experts' Guide To The Best New York City Hair Salons

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Finding a salon and a hairstylist is like dating. You have to play the field a bit, get together a couple of times, weigh your options, and ultimately decide whether they're worth settling down for. It's exhausting, but once you meet the one, there's no turning back.

For those Big Apple go-getters still single in the salon department (or for those casual daters finally looking to make things official), we're here to play matchmaker. We asked our beauty editors (who have some of the best hair in the biz) for their favorite salons across New York City, as well as their go-to stylists and colorists.

Check out the list ahead. Hopefully, you're prepared for a long-term, committed relationship, because you're bound to fall in love with one of these recs. Here's to love, health, happiness, and really, really great hair.

Butterfly Studio Salon
Cost: Haircuts, $120 and up; single process, $125 and up; blowouts, $70 and up
Recommended stylists: Katia Solano, Stacey Guerra

"When I first entered Butterfly Studio Salon, I was blown away by how huge the space was. There are separate sections for shampooing, color, styling, makeup — even for changing clothes. (Seriously, can I rent this space for a birthday party?) The staff was extremely professional and made me feel like I was in good hands while I got my hair colored for the first time since high school. Butterfly's owner, Katia, was responsible for coloring my natural hair. She thoroughly walked me through the process, and not a curl was out of shape when she was done. When it came to styling my hair, Stacey gave me a blowout with waves. I've had a few bad blowouts in my lifetime, and hers was — by far — one of the best. I still can't decide what I loved more: my hair or the great conversation we had." — Aimee Simeon, beauty writer at Refinery29

Marie Robinson Salon
Cost: Haircuts, $175 and up; single process, $200 and up; blowout, $65 and up.
Recommended stylists: Angela Haight, Liana Le, Frédérique Carme

"I have thick, loose curls, which means there's no such thing as a simple cut and color for me. Because of that, I had to find the best of the best in New York City, and that was (and is) Marie Robinson Salon. Known for its incredibly cool team of stylists and colorists, the salon has made a name for itself specifically when it comes to blonde hair. I took the plunge (or dip, rather, since I didn't go Full Blonde) four years ago. I now go once every six months to see my colorist, Angela. I end up hanging out at the salon for hours while Angela makes sure I have the perfect golden blonde highlights, leaving not one curl unnoticed. It's not cheap, but neither am I." — Morgan Baila, associate entertainment editor at Refinery29

Broome Street Society
Cost: Haircuts, $100 and up; single process, $90 and up; blowouts, $60 and up
Recommended stylists: Reece Brown-Willis

"A few months ago, I decided to give my blowouts a break and show off my natural curls. I started coming across other women with supremely cut Afros, twist-outs with great shape, and overall healthy hair on Instagram, and I was led to Broome Street Society Salon. Most of the women on Instagram were getting their hair styled by Reece. I called to make an appointment with her for the next day, only to find out that she was booked for weeks.(Hey, girl's got skills.)

"But once I got into her chair, it was well worth the wait. She offered the best advice and treatment solutions to revive my natural curls. I trusted her expertise and almost cried when she unraveled my twist-out. It was the first time I ever saw my curls that springy and shiny. Between my hair and the cool vibes of the salon, I'll definitely be going back!" — Jacqueline Laurean Yates, freelance beauty writer

Foster Glorioso Salon
Cost: Haircuts, $115 and up; single process, $125 and up; blowouts, $45 and up
Recommended stylists: Michael Glorioso

"I've had my fair share of botched blowouts, so when I come across a stylist who can do my hair exactly how I do it, or better, I hang on to them for dear life. One of those (very few) stylists is Foster Glorioso Salon co-owner Michael Glorioso. I was swept into his chair during a beauty event, and I knew once Glorioso pulled out a skinny flat iron and rattail comb that I was in for a good time. He managed to get my coarse, thick hair silky smooth, and did I mention he was lightning fast? What typically takes other stylists over an hour to (barely) get right, Glorioso did within 40 minutes. It was also one of the first times I didn't go back home to redo a blowout. If that isn't a miracle, I don't know what is." — Simeon

Christo Fifth Avenue
Cost: Haircuts, $135 and up; color, $100 and up
Recommended stylists: Alice Yan, Mariana Tomova — or Christo himself

"Would it be hyperbolic for me to say Curlisto saved my life? The warm, knowledgeable staff at the Curlisto salon taught me how to style and care for my curly hair. Without them, I would be a walking frizz-monster. So, yes: Christo — dubbed the 'King of Curls' by the Wall Street Journal — and his staff spared me from a lifetime of not knowing how to handle my hair.

"The Curlisto salon is a luxurious getaway from the bustle of the city. Before your appointment, you can drink coffee, wine, or special Greek iced coffee, and hang out with London the dog, who frequently visits the office. After a cut with the Diametrix cutting technique, specially designed for curly hair, the stylists will walk you through their unique styling approach, which you can replicate at home with the products. Recently, I got highlights there, too, which really my curls pop. At Curlisto, you’re taught to embrace your curls, instead of flattening them out and pretending they don’t exist." — Elena Nicolaou, entertainment writer at Refinery29.

Photo: Via @christofifthave.

Blackstones
Cost:Haircuts, $80 and up; color, $85 and up
Recommended stylist: Joey Silvestera

"I love the East Village location's 20th-century apothecary design — which feels totally timeless and above fleeting trends — and the low-key, non-pretentious vibe.

"But I especially love the salon’s founder Joey, a former taxidermist and an excellent listener who made me feel totally at ease and not at all like I needed to take an Ativan, a thing I usually do before the scissors come out. He’s so very, very good at what he does — which is probably why Vogue once called him ‘an original arbiter of insouciant downtown cool.'” — Rachel Krause, senior beauty writer at Refinery29

Photo: Via @blackstonesnyc.

Bumble & Bumble Downtown
Cost: Haircuts, $99 and up; color, $110 and up; blowouts, $65 and up
Recommended stylists: Tashina Tantalos, Alberto Vasquez, Francesca DellAquila

"What I love about the downtown location is how unpretentious it is despite being inherently luxe. It's bursting with creativity, and a safe space for getting experimental, whether you’re chopping off a few precious inches or dyeing your hair purple. The stylist I usually visit, Francesca, is a wizard. She once gave me the most natural-looking faux bangs you've ever seen using a $22 clip-on piece that she razor-cut into a work of art. Get them." — Lauren Valenti, beauty writer at Vogue

Sally Hershberger
Cost: Haircuts, $175 and up; color, $150 and up; blowouts, $45 and up
Recommended stylist: Jae Manuel Cardenas
Recommended colorists: Lucille Javier, Aura Friedman

"Aura is a hair-color fairy godmother — there is no shade beyond her range. If you can show her a picture of it, she can make it happen. She's almost always the mastermind behind every major hair-color trend of the moment, including this season's crop of candy-pink hair (she does Fernanda Ly's hair!). She manages to give me not what I requested — but something even better. It's always glossy, pretty, and doesn't look too 'try-hardy,' even with the crazier rainbow shades. She is also tuned in with the best of hair-color technology — she was the first one to tell me about Olaplex. Best of all, the hair color and highlights she gives me always grow out like a dream. There's no harsh line of demarcation, and people compliment me on my color even months later." — Kathleen Hou, beauty director at The Cut

Photo: Courtesy of Sally Hershberger.

Contesta Rock Hair Salon
Cost: Women's Cut/Style, $100; Partial Highlights, $150 and up; Single Process, $75 and up; Double Process, $120 and up

"In all honesty, I felt like CRH was too cool for me before walking in for my cut and color appointment. Nestled in the West Village, the salon's clientele list boasts the kind of people I stalk on Instagram — men and women who shave off their hair on a whim, then dye the buzz left behind aqua blue. And while the black brick walls and incense burning screams rock & roll, the true vibe is 10 times more welcoming than most salons in the city. I spent four hours there that day — taking my dark brown hair to a buttery blonde that nearly brought me to tears. For once, my hair felt right — I looked exactly how I always wanted to. I can't wait for my next appointment." — Sam Sasso, beauty writer at Refinery29

Khamit Kinks
Cost: Treatments, $36 and up; natural-hair sets, $85 and up; braided styles, $100 and up; color, $120 and up; weaves, $360 and up; loc styles, $30 and up
Recommended stylist: Anta Fall

"My first visit to Khamit Kinks was back in 2012. While I've since relocated outside of the city, there is no other salon in the five boroughs that I trust to care for my curls. It's the premier salon in Brooklyn (dare I say, New York City) for natural hair care and styling. I am greeted with hospitality and professionalism from the moment I walk through the door. And, unlike many Black hair salons, I've never experienced a long wait because efficiency is non-negotiable.

"I would recommend Anta Fall for kinky-haired ladies who are fans of two-strand twists and textured hair extensions. She has a quiet disposition, but she means business. Her eye for detail is impeccable — no sloppy work!" — Dana Oliver, beauty director at Yahoo! Beauty

Photo: Courtesy of Khamit Kinks.

Hair Rules
Cost: Haircuts, $75 and up; color, $95 and up
Recommended stylists: Anthony Dickey & Jaxcee

"When I decided to go from jet black to blonde, I searched high and low for a colorist in New York City skilled in dyeing naturally curly hair. I wear my hair both curly and straight, so I needed someone who knew how to handle textured hair. Plus, I was nervous — this was my first time making a drastic hair change.

"When I found Jaxcee, the color director at Hair Rules, on Instagram and saw the diverse heads of curls she's colored, I knew I had to sit in her chair. When I entered the salon, I was impressed with (and so happy to see) the diverse staff. Each stylist looked different and had unique natural hair textures. The clients in chairs were also extremely diverse and, most importantly, they all looked good. Jaxcee was able to lift my dark hair to warm blonde with very minimal damage. She was extremely informative and walked me through every step of the process.

Anthony Dickey, the salon's owner, was responsible for my haircut. Normally, when going to swanky spots, I feel compelled to share a million inspiration images out of pure paranoia (I've had some botched jobs in the past). But after I briefly explained what I wanted to Dickey, he understood my vision and chopped my hair into the sexiest blunt lob. If you're looking for stylists who won't eff up your natural hair, make an appointment here ASAP." — Aimee Simeon, beauty writer at Refinery29

Photo: Courtesy of Hair Rules.

Spoke & Weal
Cost: Haircuts, $75 and up; color, $150 and up; extensions, $250 and up; blowouts, $55 and up
Recommended stylists: Peter Covington

"All the cool girls (and my fellow beauty editors) on Instagram trust the stylists at Spoke & Weal for their haircuts and trendy hair colors, and I got to experience the hype for myself when I sat in Peter's chair. I went in for a trim, when he brought an uneven, ill-chopped layer towards the back of my hair to my attention. I put my trust in Peter and his shears and walked out with a completely even, blunt-cut bob and couldn't have been happier. I'll 100% be returning to his chair when it's time for my next chop." — Simeon

Photo: Courtesy of Spoke & Weal.

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8 Foundations That Will Treat Your Acne While Hiding It

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When confronted with foundation that reads "sheer" or "dewy," those with acne-prone skin have the same kind of involuntary, leg-jerk reaction you get when the doctor taps your kneecap (only maybe a little more subtle). After backing away, the next course of action is often to layer on a heavy-duty formula to cover up all the red bumps (then layer on some more).

But, as you probably know but don't want to think about, that only clogs pores further, making matters worse. So what's one to do? If you want to kill two birds with one stone, go for a makeup base with salicylic acid or an exfoliating agent that will treat your blemishes while disguising them. Or, at the very least, choose a formula that isn't too matte, too drying, or too greasy.

A tall order, maybe, but we've got you covered. Click ahead for the best foundations for acne-prone skin.

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.

Makeup artist Jamie Greenberg recently tested dozens of drugstore foundations, and she fell hard for this lightweight formula above the rest. It doesn't just treat blemishes as it covers, but it also sets to a matte finish that's perfect for oily types.



Almay Clear Complexion Make Myself Clear Makeup, $14.99, available at Ulta Beauty

It may be the priciest foundation on the market, but when a 27-ml jar of creamy, full-coverage formula hides every last pimple and delivers the kind of glow only J.Lo has, does it really matter if it costs you nearly as much as an Apple Watch?



Clé de Peau Beauté The Foundation, $250, available at Cle de Peau Beaute

Not only does this foundation keep oil in check ( hallelujah), but it also soothes and refreshes angry red skin with chamomile and algae extracts.



Origins Stay Tuned Balancing Foundation, $27, available at Origins

Meet the mineral foundation proving that you can go full-coverage with acne-prone skin. Formulated with 0.5% salicylic acid to target breakouts and soothing oat protein to calm your complexion, you don't have to worry about this blemish-busting powder clogging your pores. Yes, please.



bareMinerals Blemish Rescue Skin-Clearing Loose Powder Foundation, $29, available at Sephora

Anyone with acne-prone skin knows there are two words to look for when investing in a new foundation — "oil-free" and "matte." This Make Up For Ever formula is both. You also don't have to worry about finding your perfect color match, because there are 40 shades to choose from.



Make Up For Ever Make Up For Ever Matte Velvet Skin Foundation, $28.5, available at Make Up For Ever

This option from Oxygenetix pairs soothing aloe vera gel with powerful salicylic acid and settles to a matte, but never dry, finish.



Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control , $76, available at DermStore

If your oily skin shines through any foundation, reach for this drugstore pick that's packed with salicylic acid to help calm current breakouts and keep new pimples from popping up. According to reviews, the mattifying power of this formula reaches marathon status.



Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup, $13.99, available at Ulta Beauty

Like all Dermablend products, these foundation drops were created with sensitive, inflammation-prone skin in mind. The consistency may be watery, but you'll be impressed by the amount of coverage the minute your makeup sponge hits your face.



Dermablend Professional Flawless Creator Foundation Drops, $40, available at Dermablend Professional

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Moschino Had A Code Word For Black Shoppers — & It Leads To A Larger Problem

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In 2018, Black people were constantly reminded that we can’t barbecue, nap, or even shop without experiencing prejudice. And in 2019, the narrative that Black people don’t belong in particular spaces persists.

In December, Shameal Lataillade filed a complaint against her former employer Moschino, alleging an assistant manager at the West Hollywood, Los Angeles store referred to Black shoppers as “Serena” and asked employees to follow them round the store. According to The Fashion Law, Lataillade joined the company in 2015 and says she was wrongly terminated last spring, “following ongoing and atrocious harassment and discrimination based on her status as a Black, Haitian American woman.”

Unfortunately, Lataillade’s reported experience isn’t new. A Versace store in Pleasanton, California, allegedly used similar tactics mentioned in the Moschino complaint and in 2016, a former employee sued the Italian fashion house (the investigation is still underway). But are these lawsuits a residual effect of a bigger problem — brand DNA?

Last Fashion Month, across the board, the spring runways saw huge improvements for castings involving non-white, plus-size, and transgender/non-binary models. However, Milan came in last when it came to racial diversity. "Europe is old, conservative, and very stuck in their ways," French model Clémentine Desseaux, told Refinery29 in August, saying there still isn't enough of a market in her home country to build a viable career as a plus-size model. "They know what works and what’s safe and do not even try to change things up for fear of losing what they have." Lataillade’s claims against the Moschino store manager hold weight because the brand is responsible for the actions of its employees, Fashionista clarified.

According to Fashionista, the 36-page Moschino complaint alleges Black shoppers “would throw hundreds of dollars on the floor of the dressing room while they were trying on clothing in their desperation to show sales associates that they did have the money and could afford to purchase the items in the store.”

No matter their race, customers shouldn’t have to plead their humanity or prove their financial capability. You shouldn’t have to be Oprah to make an expensive purchase — even though the media mogul herself was been turned away while buying a handbag.

The idea that Black people aren’t capable of buying luxury products is not only racist, it’s antiquated, especially when you consider Black spending power. In 2018, Nielsen found that even though Black people only make up 14 percent of the population, they were responsible for $1.2 trillion in purchases annually.

“It's a sad reality that despite the amount of money, time and loyalty that people of color, especially women, put into luxury brands like Moschino and [Moschino's parent company] Aeffe Brands, these companies still fail to exhibit basic respect through workplace policies from the boardroom to the boutique floor,” Lataillade told Fashionista in a statement posted on Friday. She continued: “It's not so much that these situations occur, but that when they happen, a significant number of companies fail to set up systems to protect their employees against harassment and discrimination. Instead, such companies set up protocols, procedures and processes that allow harassment and discrimination to thrive and force people to endure hostile work environments.”

Moschino has issued a statement saying it "complies with applicable equal employment laws and values and respects all customers and clients regardless of their race or background."

Increasingly, brands without a strategy to target and include different demographics are learning they need to do so to be successful. And high-end fashion brands aren’t any different. Black women are gaining financially and politically while maintaining cultural clout. It’s in brand’s like Moschino’s interest to recognize that and treat it as their bottom dollar.

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New Music To Know This Week: Sharon Van Etten, Lauren Jauregui & Some Serious Rock

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Ever since my first job at MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to match people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book calledRecord Collecting for Girls and started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Get everything I've recommended this year on Spotify, follow me on Twitter or Facebook, and leave a comment below telling me what you're listening to this week.

Sharon Van Etten "Seventeen"

If you spent your teens or 20s in New York City and have since seen it change so wildly that you don't even recognize it because all your favorite spots have been razed to the ground or replaced with a Duane Reade, then you will instantly connect with Sharon Van Etten's video for "Seventeen." The track is an ode to youth and innocence lost, and the wisdom gained in the ensuing years. The video, on the other hand, is a gutting commentary on a city like NYC that is constantly changing — you can't revisit the places you used to go except in your memories.

Ex Hex "Cosmic Cave"

This week brought a plethora of exciting news for women in rock: Sleater-Kinney is dropping their first new album since 2015, produced by St. Vincent; indie rock supergroup trio Ex Hex (Mary Timony, Betsy Wright, and Laura Harris) are back with another LP in March, a taste of which dropped this week (it's part power pop and part riffs for days). The 2018 trend of women ruling indie rock is still going strong in 2019.

Raiche "Complicated"

Raiche's latest single feels like getting a glimpse into the very private hell of a breakup, cushioned by her soulful worldview. Her lyrics touch on the struggle of weighing desire against pride, one that everyone who has gone through a breakup has to face, and her soft "oh oh oh" on the chorus is a great vocal arrangement. You can almost hear her heart breaking.

Ariana and the Rose "Night Owl"

If Robyn's brand of cerebral pop music appeals to you, then Ariana and the Rose is right up your alley. There's a Europop beat that kicks in at the chorus, which is itself a Katrina & the Waves "Walking on Sunshine"-indebted musical treat. Add this one to your good times/happy place playlist of bops.

Lauren Jauregui "More Than That"

I get more and more intrigued with Lauren Jauregui's forthcoming solo LP with every new track that I hear. The production on this track is gorgeous, both sparse and lush, like a feminized take of a Migos production. Jauregui raps as much as she sings, allowing the unique raspiness of her voice to shine. There are even hints of Beyoncé from her 2013 self-titled album, and a tinge of Cassie with her whispered delivery. Still, the end result is fresh, new, and undeniably Jauregui.

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The Pro's Guide To Nailing The Perfect At-Home Manicure

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Whether you prefer French tips, a gel finish, or powder dip nails, making time for a professional manicure is an indulgence — and not all of us have the time, money, or patience for a refresh every week. But thanks to beloved brands like O.P.I, Essie, and Sally Hansen stocked plentifully at most drugstores, Instagram-worthy nails are, well, at our fingertips.

Formulas are better than ever overall, but when it comes to painting your nails yourself, the wrong techniques and bad habits can lead to polish-stained cuticles, smudges, and chipping. From following the expert-approved three-step method to upcycling old makeup brushes for quick clean-ups, here's how to perfect the art of the manicure at home, with a little help from pro manicurist Ami Streets.

Start With The Shape

A salon-standard manicure starts with perfectly shaped nails, Streets says. "To achieve a great shape and the best finish, always opt for a soft nail file to prevent tearing or splitting your natural nails," she explains. And technique really matters: "File in one fluid motion with long, light strokes in one direction. Start from the outside edge and continue in a side-to-center movement," she says. This method will create a smooth finish and give you more control over the shape, too.

Whatever you do, don't "see-saw." "Filing back and forth weakens nails, making them prone to splitting," Streets says. "Also, avoid metal or coarse nail files — both are too harsh for natural nails and can cause damage."

Buff Before Polish

For nail color that lasts well beyond three days, it pays to eradicate all traces of dirt, oil, and polish residue to give it a clean base to cling to. Once you've given your nails a once-over with a swipe of acetone (Streets suggests using a gentle formula, which will do less damage), it's time to buff. "Buffing is essential for perfectly prepped nails," Streets says. "Be gentle and sparing, using a soft and smooth four-way block or buffing file. Buffing brightens, smooths, and creates natural shine in addition to removing ridges, giving you a perfectly prepped base to paint on."

Be careful not to over-buff, though. "Too much buffing can cause heat buildup and friction, which will damage and weaken your nails," Streets says. Three to four swipes on each nail is plenty.

Paint Like A Pro

Firstly, always apply a clear base coat to your nails before painting to prevent staining, then go in with the color. "Aim to paint in three strokes," Streets says. "Starting in the middle of the nail, use the shape of the applicator brush to push towards the cuticle in a clean line." Then repeat on each side until the entire nail is coated.

Try picking a nail polish with a flat, wide brush, which will hug the whole surface of the nail and provide better color payoff in fewer strokes. For brilliant shine, finish with a clear top coat. "Always 'seal' your polish by running your top coat along the top edge of your nail after application, too," Streets says. "This helps to minimize chipping and extends wear-time."

... & The Other Hand, Too

Painting your dominant hand with your non-dominant is no mean feat, but you can minimize mistakes by assuming the professional nail-tech position. "Sit at a table with your elbows rested and your hands supported on the surface. Think of an arm rest or rolled-up towel for extra comfort, like in the salon salon," Streets says. "This will help keep you steady while you paint. Avoid overloading the brush with too much polish and aim to apply in just the three steps. Practice makes perfect."

Put An End To Chipping

Top coat is your best friend when it comes to extending polish wear, but not just after you're done painting. "To extend wear and avoid any chips, reapply your top coat and cuticle oil every one to two days," Streets says. "A little maintenance means your manicure will really last and continue to look perfect."

The Quick-Dry Secret

"The secret to a rapid-dry manicure is to perfect the art of layering by keeping each coat of polish as lightweight as possible," Streets says. Quick-drying formulas help, too. "Good quality polish and top coat will ensure your manicure dries super quickly with great shine," she says. "Complete it by applying oil to your cuticles after a couple of minutes. The oil not only hydrates nails and cuticles but will also help you avoid any smudges during drying time."

Alternatively, applying a cool breeze works just as well. "This on-set and in-salon trick can easily be transferred to home by simply using your hairdryer on the cold setting," Streets says. "A blast of icy air can help to set nail polish in an instant. Hold about six inches away from your hand for around a minute for best results."

For Easy Cleanup...

This is where your old makeup tools come in handy. Instead of a cotton bud, which will only end up in landfill, take a flat eyeshadow brush, dip it into remover, and carefully run it around the edges of your nails or the skin on your fingertips to clean away any excess polish.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg Has No Remaining Cancer & Will Return To The Supreme Court

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After undergoing surgery for early stage lung cancer last month, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will be returning to the Supreme Court with a clean bill of health.

"Her recovery from surgery is on track," court spokesperson Kathleen L. Arberg said in a statement, NPR reports. "Post-surgery evaluation indicates no evidence of remaining disease, and no further treatment is required."

It seems nothing can stand in the way of Ginsburg and justice. Even while recovering from surgery and absent from the bench for the first time in her 25 years in the Supreme Court, she continued to work from home, working off of briefs and transcripts. She will continue to work from home next week as she continues to recover, planning to return to the bench before the end of the month. She will sit out oral arguments at the court next week in order to rest.

The cancer was removed early after being discovered while Ginsburg was being treated for a fall resulting in three fractured ribs last November. She underwent surgery to remove one of the five lobes of her lunch on December 21 and was released on Christmas Day. The “Notorious RBG,” as her fans lovingly refer to her, has a history of quick recoveries, and this time is no exception.

Last summer, Ginsburg shared that she planned to remain in her position as the most senior member of the Supreme Court for another five years. "I'm now 85," she said over the summer. "My senior colleague, Justice John Paul Stevens, he stepped down when he was 90, so think I have about at least five more years."

While this may have been the third time that Ginsburg has battled cancer, doctors are confident in her long-term health and estimate a full recovery.

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