Welcome toHype 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.
From gift shopping to party planning and feast prepping, the holidays can dry us out — figuratively and literally. Which is why, when this annual festive hustle ends and dry January begins, it's important to stop and invest in our health with one of the season's top home buys: a humidifier. For this week's edition of Hype Machine, we're tackling the air enhancement devices that won't moisturize tapped-out bank accounts but will soothe tired skin and achy sinuses during the harsh months ahead.
Humidifiers are engineered to add moisture to dry environments, and according to Medical News Today, "people are more likely to benefit from a humidifier in the cold months, when cold air dries out the lungs, nose, and lips. Also, some types of central heating can dry out the air indoors." With five different types (steam vaporizer, ultrasonic, evaporator, impeller, and central humidifiers) and seemingly endless styles available, we hunted down the 13 best options out there — according to the glowing reviews of air-quality aficionados. Scroll ahead to shop the top-rated humidifiers that will turn your dry winter spaces into hydrated, self-care oases.
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Annie Murphy has a hole in her sock. She shows it to me proudly halfway through our conversation about her role as Alexis Rose on Schitt’s Creek. The fifth season of the show, about the once-rich Rose family who loses their fortune and is forced to survive in — gasp — a small town, premieres tonight on CBC.
Last season, Schitt’s Creek went from a critical darling to the show the Internet wouldn’t let you ignore. It garnered the first-ever Canadian nomination for Best Comedy Series at the 2019 Critic’s Choice Awards and has picked up celebrity fans, including Jennifer Lawrence and Elton John. The show has been hailed for its optimistic portrayal of a community without homophobia (a clip of Noah Reid’s Patrick singing “Simply The Best” to his boyfriend, Dan Levy’s David, went viral), its knack for light, escapism comedy with a side of familial dysfunction, and the depth of its quirky characters like Murphy’s Alexis.
On the surface, Alexis is a spoiled rich kid whose high-maintenance tastes are as much a tenet of her personality as her vocal fry. Alexis talks like a teenager would in a 2019 reboot of Clueless. It’s pitch-perfect for the character. It’s so perfect, I almost expect Murphy to slip out a few of her signature “ew, Davids” — Alexis’s typical exasperated reaction to her brother — with a wave of a limp wrist. Instead, Murphy is sitting across from me in a greenroom at the CBC in Toronto with her legs crossed in faded high-waisted jeans, a black turtleneck, vocals free of fry, and her bare toe sticking out of her sock. She’s smiling wryly as she tells me that this is “actually a dressy day” because her socks match.
Murphy is hilarious. In a cast stacked with father/son powerhouse duo (and Schitt’s Creek co-creators), Eugene and Dan Levy, and comedic icon Catherine O’Hara, Murphy’s talent may be the most underrated. She took Alexis from a shallow socialite stereotype to a complicated, career-focused woman who is, dare I say it, likeable. Here, I talk to Murphy about Alexis’s transformation, perfecting a catchphrase, and what to expect from the heartfelt comedy in season 5.
Refinery29: I have a burning question I need to get out of the way: How long did it take to perfect “Ew, David?”
Annie Murphy: "[Laughs.] I started saying “David” in a very peculiar way, without really realizing it. It didn’t quite feel right, but you slap an “ew” in front of that and something just clicks. Something just makes sense. Now, it’s everywhere. It’s on welcome mats, t-shirts, and Christmas tree ornaments. Someone just posted on Twitter the other day an “Ew, David” license plate. It’s out of control!"
Schitt’s Creek went from a show that felt like a Canadian secret to a global sensation. The Twitter obsession surrounding this show only seems to be getting more intense, especially after last season. What’s your reaction to the popularity surge?
"It has been so nuts. Eugene [Levy] and Catherine [O’Hara] were attached to it, so obviously [the show was] going to be something really special, but it was this little Canadian show. And now, like you said, it’s gotten crazy. I think this is a show that’s impacted people in a way that’s bigger than just having a quick and easy laugh. In this garbage-fire-y world that we’re living in right now, it provides an escape to a place that is very ready to accept and love and support."
How does shooting in Ontario with an all-Canadian cast and crew influence the dynamic on set.
"I do think that working with Canadians, there is quite a sense of humility. I came into this being like Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, oh boy, are they only going to eat only red smarties and you’re not going to be able to make eye contact with them? But there’s not a drop of ego between the two of them. They’re kind and warm and down to earth, and that’s been the case all through the cast and all through the crew. There isn’t a hierarchy. Maybe that is a Canadian thing."
So, the only big ego you have to deal with is Dan Levy’s.
"Dan’s, yep. And goddammit is that hard to wrestle to the ground. I don’t know how he fits through doorways, to be honest."
You two don’t seem like you’re having any fun at all.
"[Laughs.] Not at all."
Let’s talk about Alexis. She’s become this layered complex character, and I don’t know if anyone expected that in season 1. She’s likeable, sometimes she’s unlikeable. She’s a real human being! How did you get her there?
"Like you said, when we started out, we were just presented with this fucking selfish, flighty, non-dependable, self-absorbed creature who jumped from place to place, boy to boy, jail to jail."
Castle to castle.
"Yacht to yacht. [Laughs.] But I am so grateful to the writers for allowing this really awesome beautiful growth in this character because we get to see over the course of five seasons that she’s not a bad person, she’s a good person capable of so much love and so much generosity in her own special way. Even though she came from a place of great dependence on men and money in particular, there’s this incredible drive we get to see, this incredible independence. She’s still Alexis, though."
Alexis and Ted got back together at the end of last season. It looks like they are headed towards a mature and healthy relationship — finally. Is Ted endgame for Alexis?
"I hope so. They’ve been through so much. They’ve changed for each other and not in an Olivia Newton John at the end of Grease kind of way like, “What have you done!? There’s not shred of your old self here!” They’ve both grown into their new selves after having been influenced by each other. And Texas, their celebrity couple name, is just too good! If that goes to waste, I’m going to be so pissed."
I don’t understand how you keep a straight face around Catherine O’Hara as Moira… with that accent. How do you do it?
"That’s why editors exist. [Laughs.] I’m such shit at keeping a straight face. Dan and I have a really hard time because Catherine is so full of surprises. Something dawns on her and she throws it out there and you know it’s gold so you need to get in there. It is an absolute fucking struggle to hold it together around that woman."
And Catherine never breaks?
"No, she’s Moira. She’s taking herself so goddamn seriously."
Please tell me about Moira’s wigs. Do you get to play with them? How much interaction have you had with the wigs?
"The only time we were time we were able to play around is actually in the first episode of season 5. Moira is away in Bosnia and the kids have at her wig wall basically. In the show that was the premise and it was also just Dan, Emily [Hampshire], and me being like “WIG WALL!” and just going to town. “No, I want to try that on!” “No that looks better on me!” It was a blast.
Watching Catherine try on wigs is incredible. She’s worn a bunch of wigs sideways. If you look closely, there are a lot of wigs that don’t quite make sense but make perfect sense. Catherine just wears her wigs askew sometimes. She truly does take on the energy of the wig she’s wearing. She’s such a chameleon. She looks f-cking exquisite in every wig too, I don’t know how that’s allowed."
You’re from Ottawa — do you consider yourself a city girl?
"I am a city girl. My folks have a cottage north of Kingston, which is literally in the middle of nowhere, and I can be there very happily for like a week."
So, if you were put in a town like Schitt’s Creek, how long would you last?
"Is there a bar and a book store?"
Schitt’s Creek has a bar and a book store, right?
"Yeah! Yeah, so I could do this! For about a month, or two."
What would it take for the Rose family to leave Schitt’s Creek?
"Money,"
That’s it?
"Yes. I don’t know how Moira hasn’t already booked it the hell out there on a Greyhound in the middle of the night."
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Season 5 of Schitt’s Creek premieres on Wednesday, Jan. 16, at 10/9c on Pop TV.
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It's no secret that beauty routines add up. After the $300 highlights and $100 facials, we're broke by the time we get to our monthly wax. And when those bank alerts roll in, our hair-removal appointment is always the first to go — especially because a) it hurts like hell and b) there are so many at-home methods we can do ourselves for a fraction of the price.
Sure, you don’t need to be hairless to live your best life, but if you prefer to be, you shouldn't have to pay a fortune to eliminate the itchy stubble either. Luckily, there are a wide range of hair-removal products that you can use from the comfort of your own bathroom — without making you late on your rent check.
Whether you want to bleach your peach fuzz, take it all off from head to toe, or simply maintain what Mother Nature gave you, these tools are guaranteed to get the job done. Ahead, the hair-removal innovations that don't totally break the bank.
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Scars have a way of telling your life story. The one on your leg may be from the first time you tried (and failed) to ride a bike. The stretch marks — which are indeed scars — on your hips may be from a time in your life when you were growing up, maturing. The one on your stomach may be a C-section scar, which you were left with after giving birth.
There's no reason to feel like you have to hide your scars, or like they're a point of shame. But if you've ever sought to conceal yours, you probably found that, depending on the severity of the scar, they're not exactly easy to erase — and creams and lotions can only do so much. "It's going to be more about diminishing," says New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD. "A scar is how your body repairs from something. Creams can do what they can topically, but lasers and resurfacing devices can be helpful in attempting to really erase those scars."
Frustrating as that may seem if you're looking to fade a scar without dermatological intervention, there are topical treatments out there that the experts flock to for just that. We asked the professionals to break down a few of their favorites — their answers, ahead.
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For a long time, the shag haircut — a heavily layered cut inspired by the '70s — has been a style reserved for cool models and rock 'n' rollers who can totally pull off bouncy curls, bangs swinging into their eyelashes, and body-hugging snakeskin pants. It's a look you admire in magazines and on Instagram, but can't quite envision on yourself.
That is until now, because the biggest haircut trend of 2019 is a modern take on the shag cut. It infuses soft layers, long fringe, lots of body, and just happens to be super flattering on everyone who tries it.
Sal Salcedo, a stylist at L.A.'s Nova Arts Salon, tells us the shag style is having a moment because the cut is customizable — able to be styled on hair of every length and texture. "Your stylist should mind your natural texture when cutting your hair in a shag," Salcedo tells us. "A fringe bang with soft framing around the face gives the shaggy kind of look — then you can play with how long you keep your textural layers and your ends."
Ahead, we've rounded up the best shag haircuts from the trendiest salons — all broken down by hair length. So while we may not be able to help you find the perfect vintage snakeskin, infusing some shag into your next haircut will definitely up your cool factor.
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As the never-ending quest to master creative layering methods throughout the winter months continues, today it's time for a dapple in long-sleeve midi dresses. As the Goldilocks of dresses (not too long, not too short), the midi hits right below your knee and the silhouette can vary from being body-conscious to super floaty. If you're already acquainted with midi sundresses but haven't yet brought a long-sleeve version into your winter closet, be advised — they pair well with pretty much everything.
Layer a shorter skirt over the midi dress for a more daring look, belt it to change the silhouette, wear a pair of tall boots that are partially hidden by the skirt to create an interesting silhouette, or pair a cropped leather jacket over it for an edgier vibe. Find your perfect fit here — these 17 frocks are begging to be a part of your closet and will be a no-fail option for meetings, date nights, and random Wednesdays when you just feel like dressing up.
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Anyone who attempted to walk through the doors of Zara and/or peruse Zara.com over the last few weeks knows that shopping during its rare store-wide sale isn't for the faint of heart. It's nearly impossible to verify whether an item is in stock online or in-store, the line rivals Trader Joe's during the post-work rush, and the search bar online seems to completely disengage — but despite it all, 50% off the already low prices we depend on at Zara compels us to tackle the sale. That is, until a new collection of affordable and on-trend pieces arrive, and we immediately drop every sale item in our cart and start fresh.
Welcome to Zara's first post-sale collection of 2019, one stocked full of cut-outs, dual tones, ruffles and a special edition McDonald's sweater (?). Regardless of that confusing last item, as we do with most Zara drops, we want it all. So whether you're looking for a pair of mock-croc knee-high boots or yet another plaid coat, Zara's new collection is ready and able to help you find it.
Take advantage of Zara (and its dot-com) returning to its old easy-to-shop ways by checking out our 18 favorite picks from their brand-spanking-new winter collection.
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A sloth walks into a bar mansion in pursuit of love with an affable virgin, and a girl holding a tray of Fiji water bottles captivates a nation with her smoldering smize. These are just two of the best memes of the year, and it's only January, people!
What will be this year's Blue/Black vs. White/Gold Dress or Laurel vs. Yanny? It's too soon to tell. But I'm calling it now: 2019 shall be a great year for memes.
Ahead, some of the best so far.
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Welcome toMoney Diaries, where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.
Today: a billing and collections specialist working in healthcare services who makes $23 per hour and spends some of her money this week on Justin's peanut butter cups.
Occupation: Billing & Collections Specialist Industry: Health Care Services Age: 27 Location: Long Island, NY Income: $23/hour (I make about $47,840 plus overtime per year) Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): ~$1,518 My Husband's Salary: $140,000 My Husband's Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $4,231.16 ($2,100 gets deposited into our joint checking account and the rest gets deposited into his personal checking account.)
Monthly Expenses Mortgage: $2,777.59 for our four-bedroom house Student Loan Payment: $0 (My student loans are in deferment right now because I'm enrolled in school.) Credit Card: $500 (I have about $9,000 in credit card debt that I'm working to pay off right now, which should be paid off by the end of 2019.) Car Payment: $390.91 (We lease one car and own another.) BarkBox: $32.59 Gym Membership: $0 (My husband pays this.) Phone: I'm on my mother's plan and she refuses to take me off or accept money. My husband is also on his stepfather's plan. Apple: $28.70 (This includes iTunes, job apps, and iCloud storage.) Pet Insurance: $41.45 for two pets Dog Walker: $400 (Sometimes more if we schedule extra services for late nights or weekends.) Water: ~$92 Gas: ~$63 Electric: $300-$400 in the winter months Cable/Wifi: $207.86 Joint Account: $1,500 ($750 of each of my paychecks gets automatically deposited into our joint account, which we use only to pay bills and save for vacations.)
Day One
7:02 a.m. — One of the dogs is barking and going apeshit. I'm up, I'm up. I head downstairs and let the dogs out. There's a man literally stopped in front of our house with his dog watching both of mine go crazy. He must think it's cute or something. I was hoping for a bit more sleep since it's Sunday, but I guess not. I feed the dogs and take my vitamins. Nothing crazy, just a B12 vitamin because I'm vegan and a prenatal because we're trying to get pregnant. I do a little picking up before I head upstairs to shower.
8:30 a.m. — All dressed with rollers in my hair, I head downstairs and quickly wrap my husband, L.'s, Hanukkah gift. Tonight is the last night, so we usually exchange smalls gifts, and a couple weeks ago I got him this cool wooden wrist watch. Since he's Jewish and I'm Catholic, we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. I set the kettle to boil while I wrap and then make my Chai tea. Neither my husband nor I drink coffee, but I'm a huge tea drinker. I set up at the breakfast table to do my makeup and dry my hair with the dryer. I'm getting headshots taken today. I've never had them taken before and I have an audition on Saturday for an agent, so time is running out. Thankfully, L. gifted me this photoshoot as my Hanukkah gift.
10 a.m. — L. and I head over to my photoshoot and it goes really well. I'm excited to have headshots! The photographer says he'll send L. the bill electronically this week.
11:45 a.m. — We're starving, so we decide to get bagels before we get a couple of Christmas decorations. Our favorite bagel spot is packed, so we head to one closer to the seasonal Christmas outlet. The bagels aren't as good here, but I get a whole wheat bagel with veggie Toffuti, tomatoes, and onions. L. gets an egg everything bagel with lox. We both get drinks and L. gets really excited about some rainbow cookies at the counter. He pays ($23) and we sit and eat, but I only eat half because I'm not in love with it.
12 p.m. — We head to the Christmas outlet and find lights for our bushes. L. buys them ($36) and then we head home to play with the puppies.
12:36 p.m. — L. and I head to Jersey to see my family. There are no tolls into Jersey, but there is one on the Throgs Neck Bridge. We have E-ZPass, and it's connected to L.'s credit card ($5.76).
3 p.m. — My mom orders Greek food for all of us. We sit around watching an Law & Order: SVU marathon as I do some homework and we all eat. My mom won't let me see how much the food is or let me pay her for it. She says: “Since when do I let you go hungry in my house?!”
6:30 p.m. — We say our goodbyes and head home. This time we have two tolls, since we have to cross the George Washington Bridge to get into New York. Charged to the E-ZPass again ($16.27).
7:40 p.m. — Put some laundry in wash and fold some that I left to dry before we left. I give L. his Hanukkah gift and he loves it. Then I make some Daiya bacon mac and cheese for dinner while L. heads upstairs to clean and answer some work emails. I don't finish it all, so I pack up the rest to eat for lunch at some point. I'm exhausted, but I have some homework to finish and some laundry to do still. I have no clean workout tights, so I have to at least finish this load tonight. L. bought one of those giant human-sized teddy bears last weekend, and the dogs are fighting over it. One is pulling fluff out of the leg while the other is humping it. God help me.
8:40 p.m. — L. comes downstairs and makes himself some boxed mac and cheese after seeing mine. He's not vegan, but seeing mine made him crave it. He only knows how to make mac and cheese from the box, though, and if you ask him to do anything else, he will look at you like you're crazy.
9:30 p.m. — I pack my gym bag for the morning and pick out my clothes. I kiss L. goodnight and head to bed. He stays up later than I do usually, so I cuddle with the puppies until he's in bed. I fall asleep to Impractical Jokers.
Daily Total: $0
Day Two
5:15 a.m. — I wake up and crawl out of bed over the dogs. I use the bathroom and brush my teeth and then one of the dogs sticks his head in. I head downstairs to let the dogs out. It's freezing, but they love it. We don't walk them because one has severe anxiety and the other is bad on the leash and barks at other dogs. He's not aggressive, he's just overly excited, and if you don't know any better, its kind of nerve-racking. I fill their bowls and pack my breakfast and lunch. Then I take my daily vitamins, grab some Greenies for the dogs, and head back upstairs to change into my gym clothes. I'm not in the mood to work out today, but if I don't go I know I won't go for the rest of the week.
6:15 a.m. — I hit the elliptical. I really don't know what I'm doing most of the time at the gym, but my pulmonologist is always on me to exercise to help my asthma. This is month two of consistent morning workouts four to five times a week, and I'm determined to keep it going throughout the year. Also, my best friend and I challenge each other every week to get the most steps on Fitbit, which makes me go harder just so I can talk shit. I lost last week, so this week I'm going in! After 45 minutes on the elliptical, I do a couple sets on the shoulder press and lat pulldown machines.
7:50 a.m. — After I take a lukewarm shower at the gym, I put in an order ahead for Starbucks: venti iced chai with coconut milk. I have a free drink on my account. Happy Monday!
8:30 a.m. — I get to work and answer a few emails before heading to the kitchen to put my lunch away. For breakfast, I brought the second half of my bagel from yesterday and an apple. My coworker tells me about her weekend.
11:15 a.m. — I'm getting hungry so I snack on Primal Strips vegan jerky.
1:15 p.m. — I clock out for lunch and head to my car. I bought some leftover zucchini pasta with eggplant meatballs from dinner with L. this weekend. I eat in my car because I can't use headphones, listen to music, or watch videos at work. We also aren't allowed to eat at our desks, and when I used to eat in the break room, my boss would make comments about how he didn't like the food I was eating. I sneak breakfast at my desk most days, but I don't risk it with lunch anymore. I only get a 30-minute break, so I queue up some YouTube videos ( Game Of Thrones trailer? Yes, please) and rush through lunch like usual. It'll take me four minutes to walk back into the building and up the stairs and another two to log into my computer again, so really I get a solid 20-minute lunch.
4 p.m. — I put in a mobile order at Panera to pick up at 5. I won't have time before class to grab anything to eat and I'm already a bit hungry. I get half a Mediterranean veggie sandwich on focaccia with added avocado. $6.67
5 p.m. — I stop at Panera and pick up my sandwich, which I devour on the way to class. So good! I put on an Aziz Ansari comedy album during my drive and make it there with enough time to find street parking.
6:40 p.m. — Class starts. We're going over Baldwin's Notes of a Native Son, and it's our last class of the semester before finals. I drink the kombucha I brought from home during class. I took last semester off because I had a miscarriage last November, and when I came back this semester, I decided life is too short to do anything I don't love. So I changed major to English. I was worried at first, but I feel like I truly made the right decision and I actually enjoy coming to class now.
8:15 a.m. — Class dismissed. We have a paper due next Monday instead of a final test, and I have a pretty solid idea of what I want to do. I'm exhausted and ready to go home. I call L. and chat with him on the walk to my car. I play a Dane Cook comedy album on the drive home.
9 p.m. — I make it home and the dogs jump on me the minute I get into the house. L. is eating some microwave noodles we bought to try out, but neither of us are into them. I make myself a cup of tea and head upstairs to repack my gym bag and change into my pajamas.
10 p.m. — I'm all tucked in watching an Impractical Jokers marathon. The puppies and L. come to bed and cuddle with me, so it's not hard to fall asleep quickly.
Daily Total: $6.67
Day Three
1:30 a.m. — I get up to pee and put on a hoodie because it's so cold (my husband doesn't let me put the heat on upstairs because he's always hot) but I hear clicking behind me and realize a dog has followed me out of bed. He goes downstairs and sits by the back door, which is his way of saying he has to go out. Of course the minute I hit the stairs, the other dog is hot on my heels. They do their business and we head back to bed. Warm cuddles all around. No complaints here.
5:20 a.m. — I wait until the dogs won't let me stay in bed any longer. Every second counts, lol. I let them out, fill their bowls, and do some dishes. After I pack my lunch and take my vitamins, we all head back upstairs so I can get ready to go to the gym.
6:23 a.m. — I arrive at the gym a little later than I would like to start my gym session, but I'm here and that's all that counts. I do an hour on the elliptical and call it a day. I'm ahead in the Fitbit workweek hustle challenge, but my friend is literally a marathon runner. If he goes on a run today, I'll be way behind. I turn up the Beyoncé and put in that work.
7:50 a.m. — All showered and ready for work. I stop by Starbucks to pick up my mobile order. I still have money in my account, but I'll have to reload tomorrow ($5.70).
8:30 a.m. — I get to work, log in, and head to the kitchen to heat up my breakfast. I haven't had time to cook lately, so I just have some leftover marinated tempeh, half an avocado, and a tortilla with cheese. I eat it as I catch up on emails and run some reports. After my miscarriage, my husband and I thought it would be a good idea to have one of us work in Long Island instead of us both in Manhattan, since we have no family in the city. I was hoping to be pregnant by now.
1:10 p.m. — I finally get enough done that I feel okay stepping away for lunch. I have some leftover Daiya mac and cheese from the other night and an Asian cabbage salad that I bought from Costco over the weekend. I buy it in bulk and eat it throughout the week. So delicious! I pair it with a kombucha (also bought in bulk from Costco).
3:30 p.m. — The day is sort of dragging, but I was invited to dinner with some of my coworkers tonight. It's nice to be included and get a chance to interact with them outside of the office.
3:40 p.m. — I get a call from my OBGYN. Last week, L. and I had a bunch of fertility test done because it's been over a year and we can't seem to get pregnant. All the test come back positive! My doctor tells me to stock up on some ovulation kits and ramp up on the sex. Finally some good news! I have a quick happy cry in the stairwell and call L. with the good news! The only bad part is that L. is going away this weekend when I'm projected to be ovulating, but at least the pressure is off and we don't have it in the back of our minds that there's something wrong with us. It may not seem like much, but with a year of disappointment in the baby-making field, this feels like a win. God is so good!
5 p.m. — I head out and drive to the Chili's near our office. I order the black been and veggie fajitas and a water with lemon. Their old manager picks up the bill, and the rest of us chip in for the tip. $4
8:20 p.m. — On the way home I notice my tank is getting low, so I stop to fill up on gas. $28.28
8:40 p.m. — L. and I spend the rest of the night relaxing and watching TV, riding the wave of good news we got earlier in the day. I make some tea and sit with him as he eats McDonald's and tells me he's going to go on a diet after his trip. Yeah, okay. We watch some TV for a bit before calling it a night and cuddling in bed with our pups. I'm asleep by 9:50.
Daily Total: $32.28
Day Four
5:20 a.m. — I crawl out of bed. It's so cold that not even the dogs want to get up. Only one of them follows me downstairs. I do some random dishes and pack my breakfast and lunch for the day, making sure to pack a couple waters. I put food in the dog bowls and head upstairs to get changed for the gym. Then the other dog decides he wants to get out of bed. I take them out again and give them a treat to bribe them back to bed with L. I give L. a kiss goodbye and head out.
6:25 a.m. — I hate being this late to the gym because I won't get my full hour in. I check my Fitbit and I'm behind on the workweek hustle. Bestie must have gone on a run yesterday. I turn up Chance The Rapper and get to work.
7:50 a.m. — All showered and dressed, I head to Starbucks to pick up my mobile order: an iced venti coconut milk chai, a banana, and a pack of Justin's peanut butter cups (for later). I have a free drink but my card only has a little over a dollar on it, so I refill it using L.'s card ($25). I don't use his card often, but I'm low on funds because of all the doctor copays I had during last week's fertility testing. When I get there, they tell me they're out of bananas and all other fresh fruit, so they swap it with a That's It fruit bar.
8:30 a.m. — I log in to my computer and start answering emails. I have a bunch from last night and one from an angry client. I forward it to my boss. Unfortunately, it's out of my hands and above my pay grade, so he'll have to deal with it and find a resolution. I eat my cereal with cashew milk but make a mental note that I need to cook a batch of tofu scramble because this is not going to cut it for the rest of the week. It's freezing in the office and I kind of regret not getting a hot chai instead, even though it would've probably gotten cold on the drive over. L. texts me that he's working from home today because he didn't get much sleep last night. I did notice that one of the dogs was being a bit of a handful last night. I say a silent prayer of thanks that my husband let me get the little sleep I could. I love him so much.
9:30 a.m. — I get an email from the photographer that my pictures are ready. They came out so great! It's weird having to analyze which ones I like best because I'm so critical, but L. helps me pick out a couple that we send back for touchups. Once that's done, we'll have them printed for headshots.
12:45 p.m. — I grab some grilled veggies, rice, and a slice of Italian bread that a client sent to the office. Not the best, but free food is always good food.
1:25 p.m. — I break for lunch, and since I had some food earlier, I only eat some of the Asian salad I brought with me and none of my homemade tomato soup. I eat in my car while watching Ellen videos. I love her. She makes my heart happy.
2:40 p.m. — I buy a water from the vending machine (since the water machine is broken) to get me through the rest of the day. I snack on the peanut butter cups I bought earlier and try to mentally make the clock move faster. $1.25
3:30 p.m. — Another client sends us some gift baskets full of chocolates and crackers and such. My boss gives me a box of sea salt crackers and roasted garlic and onion jam, since I can't eat anything else. I've never had the jam before, but I'll bring it home for L. and try it out another time.
5:10 p.m. — I head out of work. I didn't preorder my usual from Panera and I don't have enough time to order now, so I head straight to class instead.
6:05 p.m. — Today is the last class before finals! I stop by the vending machines to get an iced tea ($2) and a bag of veggie chips ($1.50). The vending machine eats my change, though, so I head to class less 50 cents. $4
9:40 p.m. — And just like that, the last class of the semester is done! We get to email our final portfolio for this creative writing class, so I don't have to come into school for a final test. On my way out, my professor asks to speak to me. He tells me he would like to nominate me for a creative writing scholarship. If I win, I would get a year of paid tuition and an internship at a publication. YES! I'm just returning back to school and I just switched majors, so this is exactly the kind of validation I needed. I take it as a sign from God that I have chosen the right path in following my creative dreams. I do a happy dance all the way to my car as I tell L. all the details on the phone. I'm not sure how it will all work, but I will make it happen. I'm so happy right now.
10:50 p.m. — After talking to L. about our days and all the interesting tidbits, we head to bed. I fall asleep, like always, cuddling with my puppies and L.
Daily Total: $5.25
Day Five
5:20 a.m. — I linger in bed a bit before getting up with the dogs. We head downstairs where I let them out and fill up their bowls. I wash the dishes, mostly plastic lunch containers, and pack my lunch for the day. I take my vitamins and the dogs and I head back upstairs where I get ready for the gym and they go back to sleep. I kiss L. goodbye and then I'm off. Thank God for remote start, because it's freezing today.
6:20 a.m. — I put in a solid hour of mostly cardio because I notice my bestie is on my heels for the workweek hustle. Here's hoping he's not running today.
7:45 a.m. — I head to Starbucks to pick up my mobile order, an iced venti coconut milk chai and a plain bagel with avocado spread. I charge it to my account and make my way to work ($8.80).
1:23 p.m. — I eat lunch in my car. The last of my salad, an apple, and a miso soup that was left over from takeout we got I don't know how long ago. I didn't have the energy to cook last night and this was all that was left in my fridge. I don't have enough time to eat the apple, so I bring it back to my desk to eat.
2:39 p.m. — I'm lagging. I whip out the Hu crunchy banana dark chocolate bar I brought from home and pray it gives me the energy to finish the day. I pair it with some ginger lemonade kombucha and power through the rest of the work day.
5:07 p.m. — I clock out and head straight to my car. Thanks to remote start, it's nice and warm already, which is great because it's been snowing and raining all day so it's cold and wet out. I have a couple hours before class, so I head to a Target nearby to do some Christmas shopping. I get a classic Nintendo for L., which I pay for ($86.89). I also get two sweaters and a pair of earrings for one of my sisters, a dress and earrings for the other sister, and two $100 Delta gift cards for my brother and his fiancé. I'm hoping they can use them for their honeymoon. I pay with L.'s card ($290.51). $86.89
6:39 p.m. — I stop by the pizza shop next to my acting class. I found the class because I was going to the pizza shop one day after a movie with L. and I noticed that the acting studio had just opened. Life is too short to not at least try to go for your dreams. So I took a free trial class and then signed up for six more classes. Tonight is class #3, and we're working on a monologue I'm using to audition with on Saturday. At the pizza shop, I buy a slice of vegan pizza and a water bottle. It's hard to find a good vegan slice in Long Island that's close by, but this place is a godsend and I take advantage while I'm here, since it's a bit of a drive. As I'm eating, I see on social media that my cousin is having his third child. I forward the post to L. after sending my congratulations. We have a conversation about how happy we are for them and how a couple of months ago, this would've put us over the edge. I'm thankful for the blessings I have in my life, and another baby in the family is always a blessing. $4.26
11 p.m. — Class ends later than usual because almost everyone is auditioning on Saturday for the agent. I call L. and let him know I'm on my way home. He's been staying up waiting for me.
11:45 p.m. — I get home and tell L. all about my class. I got an email from the photographer that my photos are ready, so I put in an order for my headshots at CVS to be picked up tomorrow, and then it's off to bed. L. let's me practice my monologue to him in bed and I'm asleep by 12:30.
Daily Total: $91.15
Day Six
6:35 a.m. — No gym for me today since I got home so late and I really needed some sleep. The dogs and I practically crawl out of bed and head downstairs. I let them out and fill their bowls. I do some dishes that are in the sink and pack my lunch. I realize that I don't really have anything to eat for breakfast, so I quickly cook a pack of vegan black pepper steak and use half for my breakfast. I take a shower, get dressed, and place my Starbucks mobile order. I spend a couple minutes longer than usual saying goodbye to L. because he's leaving for the weekend for a trip with his friends. I'm kind of sad because I feel like I've barely seen him at all this week, but at least starting next week I'll have a much lighter schedule. I still try to guilt him into staying on my way out lol, but it doesn't work.
7:50 a.m. — I leave my house and head straight to Starbucks to pick up my venti iced coconut milk chai, which I charge to my account.
8:35 a.m. — I get to work five minutes late, but whatever it's Friday, I'll make up the time at the end of the day. I clock in and answer a slew of emails before going to the kitchen and heating up my breakfast. Half an avocado, a tortilla with some Daiya cheese, and some of those vegan black pepper steak bites.
1:28 p.m. — I clock out for lunch and head to my car. Today, I brought the left over fajitas from Chili's and an apple. I watch some interviews with Jason Mamoa and fellow Lin Manuel Miranda (who I completely adore and look up to). I lose track of time and clock in two minutes late.
5:10 p.m. — TGIF! Finally! I'm out of work. It's drizzling outside, but I don't mind. I head to CVS to pick up my headshots that I ordered last night.
5:40 p.m. — After getting the headshots, I have to use the bathroom so badly. I rush home, let the dogs out, and finally relieve myself. Now I can relax! I put a load of laundry on and get to work on my final essay due on Monday about the themes in Waiting for Godot. $17.34
6:10 p.m. — My father has been telling me how good the Impossible Burger sliders are at White Castle, and to be honest, they've been on my mind all week. I order four sliders, fries, and a drink through DoorDash. $18
7:14 p.m. — I see that the delivery is pulling up, so I let the dogs out and close the door behind them. My dogs are super friendly and like to jump up and greet people, but I don't want to freak anyone out who doesn't like dogs. Since L. is gone, I have to put them out for a second while I grab the bags but usually I would just hold onto their collars as L. signs for the food. The burgers are amazing, but one has cheese on it even though I requested no cheese. Luckily, three is enough.
8:17 p.m. — I take an essay-writing break to switch laundry loads and make a chai tea. I'm so tired, though, and am considering going to bed early. Tomorrow is a busy day.
10:20 p.m. — I head to bed after making sure to check the locks twice. I hate sleeping in this house alone, and the dogs get jumpy thinking L. is coming home every time they hear a noise. One lies directly on top of me while the other snuggles up to my side. I'm asleep within 20 minutes. Thanks goodness for my fur babies.
Daily Total: $35.34
Day Seven
3:02 a.m. — One dog wakes me up to go out, so all three of us head downstairs and I let them out. I give them a treat for going potty and we all head back to bed. I find it hard to go back to sleep at first, but end up dozing off around 5 a.m.
8 a.m. — And we're up! Now it's the other one's turn to wake us all up. We head downstairs and I let them out and fill their bowls. Then I switch out the laundry, do the dishes in the sink, and make a big batch of tofu scramble. This will be my breakfast for the rest of the week. I'm excited by just the thought of being able to come straight home after work next week because of classes being over. I cook up some onions and garlic, add kale and mushroom, and mix in my tofu and spices. I leave it covered on the stove when I'm done.
9:30 a.m. — After I shower, I put rollers in my hair, head back downstairs, take out the dry clothes from the dryer, and put in another load. Then I serve myself some of the tofu scramble, the rest of the vegan black pepper steak, and some avocado, and some chai tea. I put the hair dryer on (it's a cap connected to my blow dryer) and eat while I fold the laundry and work some more on my essay. The dogs spend their time playing with the giant bear and spreading fluff everywhere.
11:30 a.m. — My hair is naturally very curly, so it takes a bit of effort to get it all straight. I take out the rollers and flat iron the rest. Then I put on some makeup and get dressed for my audition before putting in a Starbucks mobile order (charged to my account). I give the dogs kisses before rushing out the door.
1:15 p.m. — Traffic is especially heavy. I wanted to get to the studio early, but it looks like I might be late. Halfway there, I pass a pretty bad accident. I say a prayer for everyone involved and try to calm down. I got this.
2:05 p.m. — I literally run into the studio, but luckily I'm right on time. I do a quick Q&A with the agent and then we're all sent outside to wait. I'm last on the list of 30 actors, which sucks but it gives me time to run my lines and get ready. But also more time to freak out.
4:15 p.m. — Audition is done and I think I did pretty well! Because it's a workshop and audition, regardless of whether the agency picks me for a callback, I'll get a feedback sheet about my audition. Either way, there is nothing I can do about it now. I head home to let the dogs out before I meet up with the wives club (the wives of all the other men going on the trip with L.) for dinner.
5:45 p.m. — I get to the restaurant, which is at this awesome Greek place. We catch up over dinner and drinks. L. already offered to pay for my dinner, so I put his card in. I only got apps and a glass of wine, but we split the check four ways ($55.91 including tip).
7:30 p.m. — One of the wives leaves, and the remaining three of us decide to get some beer and snacks and head to one of their apartments. As conversations flow, I find out that one of the couples had the same fertility testing that L. and I did, and one of the other women is considering it too. We talk in depth about it and the struggles of trying to get pregnant, and we're all a bit relieved to not be alone in it. We settle in and watch Christmas Wedding Planner on Netflix while we drink and snack and laugh at how ridiculous the movie is. $6
11:45 p.m. — I'm finally home, and the dogs are so excited. We spend a couple of hours playing around and I let them tear up their bear as much as they want. I miss L., but thankfully he'll be home tomorrow. The pups and I head to bed, but one of them spends the next hour and a half jumping up and down and chewing my arm. Eventually we all fall asleep around 3 a.m. while watching Selena.
Daily Total: $6
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If you're a recent graduate, soon-to-be college graduate, or full-time college student and are looking to score an internship at the Happiest Place On Earth, then this article is for you.
Disney's college program has some great offerings and looks great on a resume. But there are a few things you should know before applying.
What is it?
Established in 1981, the Disney College Program is a national internship program run by the Walt Disney Company, based out of the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California.
The program recruits students of all majors for a one-semester paid internship working at one of the aforementioned Disney sites. The program is open to students 18 and over studying in any discipline. Interns are paid by the hour and wages vary.
What do you do during the internship?
The five- to seven-month program is a dream for Disney fans. It's designed to give participants valuable professional experience working in Disney parks and resorts. Interns also participate in university-level coursework, and get to meet, live, and work alongside participants from all around the country and even the world. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to network with leaders, participate in personal and career development classes and workshops, and build numerous skills.
It's important to note that each student is assigned a specific role once they are accepted into the program. Once a student accepts, they are committing to that position for the entire program. For this reason, it's important that applicants are open and honest about their preferences and areas of interest during the application and interview process because, once assigned, the roles can't be changed.
Who can apply?
In order to qualify, applicants must be currently enrolled and taking classes at an accredited institution and have completed at least one semester or have graduated within the last twelve months. Grad students are technically eligible to apply, though the program is designed with undergraduates in mind.
In some cases, students may need to meet extra criteria required by their institution, such as a certain grade or GPA level, for this reason, Disney recommends that students who are interested in applying for the program meet with an advisor first.
Lastly, in order to apply, international students must be currently enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. and has work authorization. Disney also recommends that international students contact an international advisor to go over eligibility requirements for the program.
How much does it cost?
Though the program is paid, there is some cost involved in participation. Specifically, for the Florida program, there is an initial $375 deposit due at the time of acceptation of the offer, which includes a $240 program participation fee and a $135 housing fee.
For the California program, a total of $940 is due upon acceptance of participation in the program, this includes a non-refundable $150 program participation fee, and a refundable $150 security deposit. Beyond this, housing rates are $160 per week. Additionally, there is an ongoing weekly housing payment which ranges between $103 and $200 a week, depending on the size of the participant’s room.
What is the housing situation?
Accommodation is provided through the program, though as you read above it is not free. Apartments and roommates are assigned by gender and apartments may include a maximum of eight residents. All of the apartments abide by Community Codes, including the rule that no overnight guests are permitted on the premises.
More information about housing, specifically room assignments and transportation, is available on Disney’s website.
When can I apply?
Applications are currently closed, as Disney is currently in-between recruiting seasons. But worry not, Disney will start accepting applications for 2019 Fall programs in late January or early February.
If you are interested, you can request to be notified when Disney College Program when the application becomes available. The program is extremely competitive, so if you're thinking of applying, it might be a good idea to start getting your application order and reach out soon!
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From Barbie dolls to baby showers to modern-day millennials to Janelle Monáe videos, the color pink has long had a fan base that's diverse and ever-changing. Right now Hollywood is showing the color some love with stars like Julia Roberts, Kylie Jenner, Amber Rose, and Halsey all dyeing their hair shades like baby, flamingo, and even neon Post-it pink.
Although it seems like a great shade for someone just starting to tinker with hair dye, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're looking to channel your inner Jem. This isn't a shade that can go on just anyone, as hairstylist Lewis Pallett, who just dyed Suki Waterhouse 's hair pink, told us. "Brunettes and dark blondes will get a completely different shade of pink compared to people with light or bleached blonde, and dark brown may not get any difference at all," Pallett says.
And so if you do have darker hair, a brighter, bolder pink would be an easier color to achieve as opposed to a pastel. Also, since it can be hard to get exactly the shade you want, it is vital to pay attention to how long you're keeping that dye on. "When dealing with color, there’s really no set time for how long to leave it on," Chris Appleton, who dyed Kylie Jenner's hair pink in September, says. "You need to watch it, wipe some off the hair to see what’s going on underneath, and keep checking until you get the desired color... Less is more, especially with frosted colors."
To keep your preferred pink shade vibrant, Appleton recommends using a sulfate-free shampoo as well. If you're careful with all these steps, you'll undoubtedly be left with a hair color that makes you look equal parts chic and daring. See how your favorite celebs are rocking this hue, ahead.
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If you live by the "new year, new me" philosophy, you've probably considered taking a fresh stab at your skin-care routine in 2019. (We know we certainly have.) Because after the stress of a jam-packed social calendar, flights to and from your holiday destinations, and the midnight Champagne toasts, your skin tends to need a little extra TLC come January.
So how exactly are we pressing the "reset" button on our skin this season? With the latest restorative treatment from one of our fave skin-care brands: StriVectin 's Skin Reset 4-Week Intensive Rejuvenation System. Made up of four concentrated serums, the potent system works in targeted, sequential order for the most effective (read: oh -so-glowy) results. Week one strengthens the skin barrier by replenishing moisture and locking in hydration; week two enhances skin's elasticity with collagen-boosting hexapeptides; week three balances skin with plant extracts for a radiant, even-toned complexion; and, finally, week four restores skin's resiliency by targeting deep lines. Snag the superpotions at $139 for all four bottles, just below. You — and your skin — can thank us later. (Well, in 28 days, to be exact!)
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If you've ever trolled the internet for Dr. Pimple Popper content — to watch for your own secretive enjoyment, or to show to a co-worker who innocently mentioned she's into medical mysteries — chances are you've pressed play on a blackhead extraction video or three.
Maybe it's the universal nature of the condition (we all have, or have had, those pesky black dots sprinkling our nose), or the fact that it's strangely satisfying to watch a string of pus pop out of such a teeny-tiny, pinhead-sized pore; regardless of the exact reason, there's something people love about blackheads.
To make your life easier, the next time you're looking for your quick fix of satisfying blackhead extractions by the dermatologist extraordinaire herself, we've rounded up the greatest Dr. Pimple Popper blackhead video content of all time. Just be warned: These viral videos are not for the faint of heart (or stomach), so click the play button at your own discretion.
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For the next few months, we'll clock major hours inside: parking it on couches, cooking in kitchens, self-caring in bathrooms, and snuggling atop beds. So, it only makes sense that our homes are in their best shape, from decor to decluttering, to handle our inner recluses. Ahead we've rounded up 15 finds from Target's Home Refresh Sale that will help you to achieve your freshest winter home, starting from dual-purpose organization goods to cozy bedding essentials and everything in between.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Neomi Rao — Trump's nominee for an influential seat on the D.C. Circuit Court and a potential candidate for the U.S. Supreme Court — has a history of writing articles that blame sexual assault survivors for being attacked, disparage people of color and LGBTQ+ people, and deny climate change.
Rao is being nominated for Judge Brett Kavanaugh 's former seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, a powerful position on a court that often decides cases dealing with executive power, and that is often referred to as the second most important court in the U.S. since many view it as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court.
In an October 1994 column in the Yale Herald she wrote as an undergraduate, Rao said that if a woman is drunk when she is sexually assaulted, it is her fault. "A man who rapes a drunk girl should be prosecuted," she writes. "At the same time, a good way to avoid a potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober." Then, she adds, "And if she drinks to the point where she can no longer choose, well, getting to that point was part of her choice. Implying that a drunk woman has no control of her actions, but that a drunk man does strips women of all moral responsibility."
"Neomi Rao’s comments are disqualifying for a judicial nominee or anyone interested in holding public office," Jess Davidson, the executive director of End Rape on Campus, said in a statement to Refinery29. "Her comments condone victim-blaming and perpetuate the rape culture in our schools and society that are dangerous to all individuals. Survivors are not 'responsible' for the violence they experience, and I am disturbed by Rao’s suggestion otherwise."
Davidson pointed out that from her position on the D.C. Circuit Court, Rao will have the opportunity to decide on many issues important to survivors, as many women's rights cases, including on Title IX, could come before the court in the next few years. In her current position as the head of the U.S. Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, she signed off on the Department of Education's new Title IX policies, which advocates say prioritize protecting the accused and institutions instead of survivors.
In another article, in the Yale Free Press from 1993, Rao engages in the classic "blame women for what they're wearing, but never blame the attacker" maneuver that conservatives are so good at. "When playing the modern dating game women have to understand and accept the consequences of their sexuality," she writes. "Some feminists chant that women should be free to wear short skirts or bright lipstick, but true sexual signals lie beyond these blatant signs. Misunderstandings occur from subtle glances, ambiguous words."
These writings are just the tip of the iceberg. Rao has also attacked affirmative action ("Over the past decades, Yale has dedicated itself to a relatively firm meritocracy, which drops its standards only for a few minorities, some legacies and a football player here or there."), called the LGBTQ+ community a "trendy political movement," and suggested that climate change isn't real. In other words, she's Trump's perfect nominee — and one that is poised to wreak even more havoc on women's rights.
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Dry shampoo is the unsung hero of our hair routine. It combines laziness and a good hair day in a can and — really — what more could a girl ask for? But its underrated younger sister, dry conditioner, is equally life-changing, convenient, and dependable.
According to celebrity stylist Danilo, a dry conditioner is a suspension of oils and nutrients in a powder-like aerosol form that delivers care to dry, damaged hair without having to get it wet. Where dry shampoo is meant to soak up excess oils and freshen up unwashed hair, dry conditioner adds shine and smoothes frazzled split ends.
"I enjoy dry conditioners as a finish," he says. "They enhance and texturize while doing good by your hair at the same time. They are also a great way to give lackluster hair a pump up without a full shampoo, condition, and blowout. You can first use dry shampoo and then dry conditioner on clean or dirty hair."
That sounds like a tag team of time-saving products we'd be happy to add to our "too lazy to actually do anything to our hair" routine. Ahead, find the dry conditioner formulas that will make dull hair a thing of the past.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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BeautywithMi, hosted by Refinery29's beauty writerMi-Anne Chan, explores the coolest new trends, treatments, products, and subcultures in thebeautyworld. Never miss an episode by subscribing here.
Thrift store donations are officially on the rise, all thanks to the phenomenon known as the Marie Kondo effect. The author's new show on Netflix has sparked a revolution of wannabe organizers who have taken to their closets and kitchens armed with trash bags and dreams. They all have one mission: to declutter.
I'm not normally one to give myself New Year's resolutions, but this year I joined millions of Americans in tidying up my space. Instead of clearing out my wardrobe or junk drawer, I took to my beauty collection — which is undoubtedly the most out-of-control area of my home. As a beauty writer, my job requires me to bring bags of products home to test, and very rarely do those products end up actually leaving my house. This system has results in bags of serums and creams strewn about my floor, lipsticks stuffed under couches, and makeup brushes jammed into the back of my closet. It doesn't make for an inviting space, I'll tell you that.
So, I decided to declutter the whole lot, sifting through four years worth of beauty products, getting rid of a solid amount, and reorganizing the rest into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. See how it all went down in the video above.
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Adult acne can be devastating — and truly mystifying, too. Just when you think you've bypassed the blackheads, under-the-skin bumps, and angry red spots of your teenage years, they come back with a vengeance, reminding you of their reign of terror at a time when you're finally supposed to have everything together.
"It is definitely a misconception that you only get spots in your teens," says London-based dermatologist Dr. Justine Kluk. "Around 10 to 15% of women develop acne for the first time, or continue to suffer from it, well beyond their teenage years, and adult acne appears to be on the rise." While it's possible to get the same type of breakouts as an adult as when you're a teenager, women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s tend to experience more zits on the lower third of their faces. "The sides of our cheeks and places like our neck and chin often bear the brunt," Dr. Kluk says.
From stress to hormones to your diet, there are numerous factors that can contribute to acne flare-ups in adulthood. "Genes play an important role. We know that a strong family history of acne and onset of acne at an early age can predict a more severe or persistent course. Hormones can also cause acne to flare up, which is why many women have increased breakouts around the time of their period," Dr. Kluk says. "Underlying medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS, which affects approximately 8% of women of reproductive age) also increase the risk of acne." The wrong makeup and skin-care products can also contribute.
From a proper skin-care routine to prescription medication, here's everything Dr. Kluk prescribed one Refinery29 staffer for her acne, a case she describes as comedonal (small, flesh-colored bumps, inflammatory (red and irritated), and nodular (often large and painful) with most breakouts occurring on her chin and lower face. Of course, what works for one person might not work for you, and everyone's skin concerns are different. When in doubt, see a derm —
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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It's not exactly breaking news to say that animal print made one hell of a comeback last year. Where we once sent anything remotely resembling leopard print or snakeskin straight to the discount bins, we now spend our time brainstorming new ways to wear them. Cow print mini bags? Snakeskin trenches? Zebra stripe sweaters? Check, check, check! But if we had to choose just one animal-inspired print to bring with us into the new year, no doubt, it would be crocodile. More specifically, the croc-effect boots that are showing up everywhere.
Since going head-to-toe croc might be a tad much (for now, at least), we're opting instead to dip our toes into this particular trend pool. Thankfully, everyone from Zara and Mango to Miista and By Far are incorporating mock croc into their most recent boot collections. So whether you're looking to dabble with a few low-price options or drop a dime or two on a lifelong pair, there's a wildly popular croc-embossed boot just waiting to jump out at you (pun intended) in the mix ahead.
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Protective styles like box braids and Senegalese twists are well worth the hours in the salon chair — you're basically eliminating your entire hair-care routine for the next few weeks (no more twist-outs or wash-and-gos!). But for those first few days, plaits can feel tight and uncomfortable.
"In many cases, irritation occurs due to the tension that is placed on the follicles," dermatologist Shari Hicks-Graham, MD, tells us. When braiders pull the hair taut, the root can separate from the follicle, causing the scalp to become dry. "The skin of the scalp around the follicles becomes inflamed and as a part of the healing process, the skin can slough more quickly than normal and appear to flake with dandruff." There are some styles, like crochet braids or a weave, that add less tension on the hair because the extensions are sewn on.
Of course, braids loosen over time — but you should still give your stylist a heads up when she's braiding too tightly, Dr. Graham (the founder of LivSo) says. Too much tension can cause inflammation, scarring, and eventually, permanent hair loss, she notes. Although the style may not last as long if it is applied with less tension, ultimately, it's saving the health of your scalp and edges.
Aside from taking precautions on your appointment day, there are also plenty of treatments (at all price points!) to alleviate some of that pain and dryness that comes from wearing a protective style. See our favorites, 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.
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