Love Island USA needs to figure out what it wants to be before returning for Season 8. Sunday night’s finale was proof. Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales’ historic win felt like the best case scenario for an ending featuring a break up (Huda and Chris), a couple brought together by production and audience influence (sorry, Nicolandria truthers), and a couple that seemed to be folks’ least favorite despite getting enough votes to make it to the finale (Iris Kendall and Pepe Garcia).

Season 7 of Peacock’s No. 1 reality dating show was a hot mess, naturally, but it also felt like an identity crisis. And Sunday night’s two-hour season finale was a reflection of a series of questionable production decisions, weird audience engagement tactics, overzealous parasocial relationships, and problematic behavior. None of which are unique to this show, but this season’s record-breaking success played a huge role in both the peaks and pits — as contestant Nic Vansteenberghe would call them — of the stateside franchise.

Let’s review.

Love Island Season 7: There Were Some Peaks.

Amaya and Bryan became the first Latine couple to win Love Island USA. Them winning over fan adoration was a late twist as the two bombshells entered the villa at different points during the season and formed a connection a week prior to the finale. Their victory was largely due to Amaya’s popularity which rose astronomically throughout the season despite her sometimes over-the-top theatrics (LOTS of crying) that in the past have turned audiences off of contestants.

Once the season hit a point where there weren’t many couples with a genuine connection to root for, her authentic energy, bubbly personality and consistent one-liners made it easy to see that she would win it all no matter who she was paired up with. Bryan stepped in to defend her during the tension-filled “Standing on Business” challenge. This set him up to couple up with Amaya.

Season 7 earned record-breaking viewership with it becoming the second most-watched streaming original title, The Wrap reports, with new viewers making up for 39 percent of its audience. The show garnered over 1.2 billion minutes viewed across nine episodes in just its second week, according to Luminate’s streaming data. That was reflected on social media as well with a 232 percent increase in TikTok engagement compared to last season. Its success created waves beyond virtual spaces, too, with numerous watch parties popping up across the country.

Love Island Season 7: The Pits Were Aplenty. 

Out of the gate, it was evident that the show was chasing its own success after the happy accident of casting the perfect set of singles that made Season 6 a cultural phenomenon — so much so that the cast earned a spinoff, Love Island: Beyond The Villa. Many of the Season 8 contestants were content creators with sizable followings before they headed into the villa. Many islanders left social media handlers to take over their accounts while they were on the show, disconnected from the outside world.

The beginning of the six-week experiment felt like any other season packed with attractive singles, steamy conversations, jealousy and challenges that remind you why this show isn’t on cable. But viewers had an unprecedented amount of power this season, dictating which bombshells would break up couples and digging up old videos and posts of contestants —  Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega — using racist language.

Audience influence was partly to blame for a lukewarm finale. None of the original couples from the show’s early days made it to the end. Amaya and Bryan were the only remaining couple who committed to each other. Only three of the eight contestants — Nic, Olandria Carthen, and Huda Mustafa — were islanders who entered on Day 1 with a majority of the finalists being bombshells.

One of the most talked about moments from the episode was Huda and Chris Seely breaking up during their final, hard to watch date. Their 11th hour split was a first for the show — though predictable for the rocky relationship that began after Casa Amor. Chris slept in Soul Ties instead of in the bed with Huda the final night, which may also be a first for the show.

While the drama was entertaining enough, it’s not the direction the show should be headed in. The show is, after all, called LOVE Island and this season lacked the thing the reality series is sold on: singles finding genuine connections and romance. We know most of these couples don’t last, but the final three couples from Season 6 are still going strong and part of the joy of that season was watching their relationships blossom. If producers and the audience had their way last season, who knows if Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi would be together?

What Should Change For Season 8? Less Viewer Intervention

The truth is that Season 7 just did too much. In an attempt to make this season bigger and better, production pulled out all of the stops. They sent the girls to Casa Amor for the first time, which was fine. But bringing everyone back from Casa into the main villa and having 24 people in the villa at the same time was chaotic and nearly impossible for viewers to remember who was who.

What really set off a spiral was producers giving viewers the ability to couple up bombshells with whomever they pleased. This created a canon event that split up Huda and Jeremiah Brown and gave the islanders the unspoken validity of kicking off those lucky enough to find someone they like enough to be with for more than a few days. Love Island became more about exploring everyone possible until the options were depleted (maybe also a reflection of real world dating). And if those decisions were based on strategy, it didn’t work for anyone hoping to make it to the end.

The audience had a lot of say outside of the voting windows as well, which led to only Yulissa and Cierra’s departure despite other contestants posting and reposting derogatory things about other races. There seemed to be a double standard in who was getting punished and who wasn’t.  Moving forward, producers have to do a better job of vetting show candidates while also clearly defining what they find unacceptable. Love Island’s official stance on what moral standard their contestants need to meet isn’t clear since they have never explicitly stated their policy  on racist comments and actions and only left viewers to assume.  Plus, given the show’s history with racial bias — and this season’s edits — their Black singles and other contestants of color have gotten the short end of the stick.

Audiences stereotyped Olandria and Chelley Bissainthe as mean girls based off of editing bias and harmful tropes. Just last week, Buzzfeed Tasty shared an Instagram post stating that they would give Chelley a “knuckle sandwich,” promoting violence against a Black woman. If Love Island is going to stand up against bullying, then they need to be specific and call it what it is with their whole chest: racism.

A big appeal for viewers isn’t just the real-time factor of the show, but that they have a say in what goes on in the villa. And though this may be just a show to those watching at home, there are some real ethical questions it brings up as we’re ultimately playing with these people’s feelings with the click of a button. The producers already have enough of that power. Maybe it’s best to keep the voting process very straight forward in the future.

Amaya and Bryan’s victory — as well as Kordell Beckham and Serena Page’s win in Season 6 — are indicative of what kind of stories win big on Love Island USA. It’s those that are between authentic individuals who have a genuine connection. Though most Love Island couples typically don’t stay together long after, it is, after all, the kind of escapist entertainment that should make us feel more positive emotions than negative, not the other way around.

My hot take is that Love Island USA should take a year off and figure its shit out before coming back. But after its most successful season to date, that’s very unlikely. Besides, the islanders could barely get out of the villa before the Season 8 call to audition was posted.

Like last season, viewers will get a chance to find closure with a Season 7 reunion, airing on Peacock on August 25. It will be hosted by Ariana Madix and Andy Cohen. Hopefully by then, we’ll know a little bit more definitively what the hell we just spent the last six weeks watching.

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To paraphrase Lana Del Rey, there’s something special about hot summer nights in July. Whether it’s sipping a spritz on a sunny balcony with friends or reading in the park after a day at work, the warm nights are here — and we’re cherishing every single one.

The most glamorous place to be enjoying the sun, though, has been Men’s Paris Fashion Week, with hordes of celebrities flocking to the European capital for a slice of summer style inspo. From Jacquemus showing its Spring/Summer 2026 collection in L’Orangerie at the Château de Versailles to Dior borrowing paintings from the Louvre for an art museum-inspired extravaganza for Jonathan Anderson’s creative director debut, the shows have been attended by some of the industry’s most famous faces.

For the latter, the guest list included fashion It couple ASAP Rocky and Rihanna, with the pregnant A-lister styling a mint waistcoat and classic white shirt with pearls, yellow-lensed sunglasses, and a wavy updo. Sabrina Carpenter was also in attendance, opting for a preppy skirt suit set and a side-swept fringe complete with a statement barrette.

But it was perhaps Pharrell’s Louis Vuitton show that caused the biggest stir on the internet, when Beyoncé arrived in a full Cowboy Carter-inspired double denim outfit, accessorized with a big blond blowdry, cowboy hat, Western buckled belt, and feathery brown jacket.

While our invites might have been lost in the post, there’s still plenty of serious fashion and beauty moments to get involved with over the coming month. To take a look at all the best launches coming up this July, click through the slideshow ahead.

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Welcome to New Arrivals, where R29 editors test out the latest pieces from their favorite brands and share their top looks. Whether you’re overwhelmed by the number of places to shop or trying to hone in your personal style, come along as we explore ‘fits, fabrics, styling potential, and more by sorting through the virtual and IRL shelves at our go-to shopping destinations. 

Ever since Damson Madder burst onto the fashion scene, there’s been a “Damson Maddening” at Refinery29, with at least one editor wearing a piece from the brand at the office at all times. Founded by Emma Hill in 2020, with a slower and more ethical approach to fashion, the brand has since become a go-to source for dopamine dressing. After becoming disillusioned with the high-street category, Hill wanted, as she told Refinery29 last year, “to have a dress or blouse with extra things that are exciting. I wanted people to look and say, ‘Oh my God, where did you get that lovely piece?’ [but] I was disappointed by the quality of the product and the lack of responsibility taken.”

Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, and today you can’t go to any buzzing brunch spot, weekend market, or beer garden without seeing the label’s exaggerated collar blouses, quilted vests in funky prints, or milkmaid dresses. Known for its playful and vibrant style, the brand has gained popularity among celebrities, influencer,s and fashion insiders, with Anya Taylor-Joy, Emma Roberts, and Olivia Rodrigo all regularly spotted in Damson looks.

The brand’s summer 2025 collection includes plenty of Damson trademarks — denim, playful prints, bows and bold colorways — updated for the moment. You’ll find trending cherry red, fruit prints, and corset-inspired lacing on the brand’s clothing, with sizes ranging from 6 to 20. Here are our picks for the warmer months ahead. Bonus: Many of the picks are currently on sale.

Damson Madder New Arrivals: Skirts

Depending on your height, the effortlessly cool Charlotte could be a midi or a maxi. (As someone petite, it’s the latter on me, which I am all for; I’m a sucker for a long skirt.) The sky blue version is ultra-feminine but still laid-back (my sweet spot).

Close up, you can see the embroidery-style flower details on the silky fabric, which is a lovely touch. The ruched panel at the waistline offers multiple points to adjust the fit — something all skirts should have — so you can alter the look and feel depending on the day and look. Pair with a simple white tee and sandals, and you’re Aperol-in-the-park ready.

Damson Madder New Arrivals: Pants, Shorts & Skorts

The utilitarian skort that I used to sport back in high school has been given the Damson treatment. While I wasn’t at first sold on the design, the lightweight denim in a pale wash is not only extremely flattering but also fun to wear. With the appearance of a wrap skirt and practicality of hot pant shorts, the Rory is perfect for a park chill, bike rides, and balmy summer evenings.

Damson Madder New Arrivals: Dresses

I, like many of the brand’s fans, fell in love with Damson Madder for its dresses. I have never received so many compliments, been stopped in the street so many times, or felt as comfortable as I have in a Damson Madder dress.

The Angelina midi is my new obsession. Made from 100% organic cotton, it features a fitted, laced bodice and voluminous skirt that creates a satisfying sway with every step. Feminine without feeling saccharine, it includes every girl’s favorite dress feature: pockets. Yes, yes, and yes!

Damson Madder New Arrivals: Swimsuits

If festival season style is anything to go by, bikini tops are now just… tops. In the sweltering heat, why opt for anything other than a swimming top and gym shorts? (We can thank Charli XCX and the Brat Pack for this one.) Made from organic and recycled materials, this bow-adorned bandeau is that kind of bikini top that can be worn as part of a matching swimsuit set or on its own. Structured for support, with a playful design, it begs to be taken to the Italian Riviera — or, in my case, to Spain.

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Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public, and you know what that means: epic deals on designer fashion, chic home decor, and so, so much more. However, it’s my professional belief that the most compelling deals happen to be in the beauty space — not that I’m biased or anything.

Unlike any other beauty event, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is packed with sale-exclusive value sets on makeup, skincare, hair, fragrance, and beyond that you can only 1) find at Nordstrom and 2) shop for the duration of the sale. We’re talking rarely (if ever) discounted brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Dyson, Westman Atelier, and Byredo, among many other treasures. For your haul, we’ve cherry-picked the 29 most stellar (and likely to sell out fast) deals that you’d be remiss not to cart ASAP.

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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

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Summer’s combination of heat, humidity and heavier sun protection creates the perfect storm for clogged pores — which means your cleansing routine needs to work harder, too. Enter: double cleansing, the K-beauty face-washing technique that’s become essential for everyone, but especially those dealing with daily buildup in the hot weather.

Think of double cleansing as giving your skin a fresh start, twice over. The first cleanse, typically with an oil-based cleanser, helps break down sunscreen and makeup, while a second water-based product gently rinses all of that away, alongside excess oil and daily pollutants.

But skincare can be overwhelming, so to help you figure out the perfect double cleansing routine, I’ve tapped dermatologists and beauty professionals to share their recommended product pairings for each skin type. Whether you’re dry, oily, sensitive, or somewhere in between, there’s a combination here that will keep your skin feeling extra clean and refreshed but never stripped.

Double cleansing for dry skin

If your skin often feels tight and looks flaky — especially after washing your face — you’re likely dealing with a dry skin type. Thoroughly cleansing your skin without compromising hydration or the integrity of the skin barrier is key. With that in mind, cleansing balms make a good first step in your face-washing routine, as they’re effective at breaking down stubborn products without being harsh on the skin.

Aesthetic Nurse Emma Wedgwood highly rates the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $69, for dry skin. This beauty editor’s favorite is effective at removing makeup, sunscreen, and the oils that accumulate on your skin throughout the day. “The balm has a rich, luxurious texture that transforms into a silky oil as you massage it in,” she says. “It leaves my skin feeling soft, nourished and hydrated — never tight or stripped.”

For the second step, Wedgwood recommends following up with the CeraVe Acne Control Face Cleanser, $17.99, which works to cleanse deeper into the pores. This gel-to-foam contains 2% salicylic acid, an exfoliating ingredient that helps remove dead skin cells and clears out any buildup in your pores. “Salicylic acid is fantastic for addressing concerns like acne, clogged pores, or uneven texture,” she adds. “It’s gentle enough for regular use since it’s formulated with ceramides and niacinamide, which help maintain and support your skin barrier.”

If your skin is very dry, and you’re not keen on foaming cleansers, consider a cream-based face wash instead. We love the Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser, $28, with moisturizing colloidal oatmeal and avocado oil.

Other cleansing balms we love

Double cleansing for oily skin

Oily skin is pretty unmistakable: excess sebum leaves your face looking shiny, while enlarged pores and frequent breakouts are common concerns. If this sounds like you, a double cleansing routine can be especially beneficial, helping to remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum while keeping the skin balanced and preventing spots.

For oily skin, consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips recommends lightweight micellar water over an oil or balm cleanser. “[Micellar water is] non-comedogenic, meaning it is less likely to clog the pores,” he says. As such, Dr. Phillips suggests starting with Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water, $9.09, which is infused with hyaluronic acid and three different micellar molecules to effortlessly remove makeup while keeping skin hydrated.

Next, follow with a water-based gel or foaming cleanser, says Dr. Phillips, to lift away all traces of oil. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, which helps regulate oil production and soothe inflammation, and salicylic acid, which exfoliates deep inside pores to dissolve buildup and prevent congestion. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid are also great, as they help retain moisture and prevent the skin from becoming dehydrated; this can encourage the skin to produce more oil to compensate.

“CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser, $17.99, is an excellent choice,” Dr. Phillips says. “It contains niacinamide to calm the skin, ceramides to strengthen the natural skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration.”

Other gel cleansers we love

Double cleansing for combination skin

Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like: oily in some areas (typically around the T-zone) and dry or “normal” everywhere else. You might notice shine and occasional breakouts on your forehead, nose, and chin, while your cheeks feel tight or appear flaky. “Double cleansing for combination skin is all about balance,” says Emily West, aesthetic nurse practitioner at Creo Clinic. “It’s about finding products that effectively cleanse without disrupting the delicate balance between oily and dry areas.”

West’s go-to product is a cleanser that contains gently exfoliating enzymes, such as iS Clinical’s Warming Honey Cleanser, $49. “It leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed without over-drying or leaving behind an oily residue,” she adds. “The natural honey and royal jelly extract provide gentle hydration to combat dryness, while papaya enzymes and antioxidants help to dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells.”

As a second step, West chooses a gel or foam cleanser to balance oiliness without aggravating dryness. Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser, $39, is a great option for soothing and brightening the skin, thanks to kale and alfalfa plant, which are rich in antioxidants, as well as calming spinach extract.

Other exfoliating cleansers we love

Double cleansing for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin reacts quickly to new products or environmental changes, leading to frequent stinging, burning or redness. Double cleansing with products that are fragrance-free and specifically formulated for sensitive skin is important, says Dr. Ellie Rashid, consultant dermatologist and pro medical director of Klira.

Dr. Rashid swears by the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, $25.99. “This is a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic product, minimizing the risk of irritation,” she says, “and the creamy texture gently dissolves makeup and sunscreen.” The formula also features glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. Niacinamide further soothes the skin barrier and reduces redness and sensitivity.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $17.99, is Dr. Rashid’s recommended second step. Ingredients include hyaluronic acid, which helps keep moisture under lock and key, while ceramides reinforce the skin barrier. She has another top tip: “People with sensitive skin types should always cleanse with lukewarm water, since hot water can strip the skin of natural oils and dilate blood vessels, leading to inflammation and discomfort,” she adds. Post-cleanse, Dr. Rashid says it’s best to pat your skin dry with a soft towel and to avoid excessive scrubbing, which will only worsen sensitivity.

Other gentle cleansers we love

Double cleansing for “normal” skin

So-called “normal” skin is well-balanced, with an even texture and a strong barrier that rarely gets irritated. Dr. Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist and founder of Joonbyrd thinks that double cleansing is only necessary for those with normal skin if heavy makeup has been applied, especially foundation.

“In these cases, I typically recommend cleansing first with micellar water,” she says. “These products are formulated with special surfactants designed to be gentle to the skin, but effective at removing makeup and dirt.” Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $19.99, is her favorite.

For your second cleanse, consider following with a foaming cleanser such as Natura Bissé’s Oxygen Mousse, $63, featuring hydrating mushroom extract and a refreshing citrus scent. If you prefer a more gentle lather, The Inkey List’s Hydrating Cream To Milk Cleanser, $19, contains 5% rice milk, to soothe and support the skin barrier.

Other foaming cleansers we love

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

Today: an HR comms manager who makes $74,181 per year and who spends some of her money this week on clothes (future her will handle it, with style.)

If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.

Editor’s Note: All prices converted to US dollars using Google and correct at time of writing.

Occupation: HR comms manager
Industry: Consumer products
Age: 42
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Salary: $74,181 + bonus ($17,391.21 this year), plus earnings bonus ($3,563.32 this year)
Assets: HYSA: $12,173; retirement savings: $40,287.
Debt: $0
Paycheck Amount (Monthly): $4,238.14
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing Costs: Rent: $883.24 for a three-bed, three-bath apartment and $101 for a parking spot in a parking garage.
Internet: $46.76
Utilities & Streaming: $25.88 (HBO and Netflix for me, Spanish Atresmedia for my mom).
Cell Phone: $42.08 (family plan for me, my mom and my dad).
Therapy: $110 (approx).
Home Cleaning: $78.11 (approximately $20.83 per day and she comes every Thursday).
Family Spotify: $8.80
Apple Storage: $2.55
Gym App: $130.19
NYT: $8.70
Big Salad Substack: $5.73
Charity: $46.87
Amazon Prime: $46.82 (annually).

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
Totally. Where I’m from, going to college is just what you do if you’re middle class or up, it’s basically non-negotiable. Both of my parents have university degrees, so higher education was always the default plan.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances?
We never really talked about money in my family, it just wasn’t a thing. I knew my dad had a good job, and even though we were upper-middle class, wasting money was a big no-no.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
My first real job was right after college: I worked in the marketing department of a newspaper.

Did you worry about money growing up?
I never really worried about money growing up. Like I mentioned, we were upper-middle class. I went to private school, we had someone who helped around the house, and we traveled abroad at least once a year (plus vacations within the country, too). It was a very comfortable life, and for a long time, I assumed that was just… Normal.

Do you worry about money now?
I definitely worry about money, not so much the day-to-day stuff like food or bills, but more the long-term picture. I had to leave my country years ago due to political, economic, and social chaos, and came to Mexico (legally) so I’m way behind on retirement savings for a person my age. Also, a couple of years ago, the government basically wiped out my parents’ pension: one day it was there, the next it wasn’t. That was their only income, so they moved in with me “temporarily”… And it’s been two years. Then my brother moved in, too. So yeah… I became the main breadwinner. I cover 100% of our rent and household expenses, and my brother helps with food. Why? 1) I haven’t had the guts to ask my brother to contribute more. 2) My parents weren’t renting out an apartment they own in another country that could’ve brought in some income, partly because they were overwhelmed, partly because (if I’m being honest) they were just kind of lazy about it. They finally did it, and it looks like my dad might land a decent business deal soon, so I’m cautiously hopeful that things will shift. But for now it’s me.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
To be honest, up until a few years ago, my parents were still helping me financially. If there was something I really wanted and couldn’t afford, like a trip or a car, they’d step in and cover it, or give me the down payment.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
My parents paid for my entire college education, including housing, which is pretty normal where I’m from. They also gave me my first two cars (the first one was my mom’s, the second one they actually bought for me), and when I moved abroad, they helped with the down payment on the car I got here. Like I mentioned, they’d also pitch in whenever there was something I really wanted but couldn’t afford. I was extremely lucky (and I knew it).

Day 1: Tuesday

6:45 a.m. — I wake up and stay in bed a little longer. Lately, almost all my days are home-office days. I was recently moved to the global team, which sounds fancy, but really means it’s just me and my boss (who is in the U.S.), so I only go to the office once or twice a week to socialize and not because I really need to do any work with the people in the Mexico City office.

7:15 a.m. — I do my morning routine, which includes brushing my teeth and applying The Ordinary Multipeptide + Copper Peptides 1%, EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 41, a little loose powder, blush, and Glossier Balm DotCom. I have many flavors, so I change them according to the mood of the day. Today is Birthday Cake. Since I work from home, I wear my usual uniform: loose pants (or mom jeans sometimes) and a comfy T-shirt, which maximizes comfort and minimizes the effort of thinking about what to wear each day.

7:30 a.m. — I take my thyroid medication, which means I have to wait one hour before eating breakfast. My metabolism doesn’t love me too much: sometimes I feel we are like divorced parents raising my body.

8:30 a.m. — Almost every day, I have the same breakfast: a homemade croissant with turkey breast and Gouda cheese, and juice (today it was pineapple). Something strange is that I don’t drink coffee or alcohol: my only vices are Coca-Cola and pan dulce (sweet bread). And I don’t feel bad about that!

12:30 a.m. — I sneak out for a bit to hit the mall that’s a 10-minute walk from my place to return a large Zara order I placed but didn’t like the fit (I ordered three dresses in two different sizes and two pairs of sandals, but I’m going to return all the dresses and keep only one pair of sandals, so I get $381.74 back).

1 p.m. — I go back home to continue working but on the way I stop at the 7-Eleven to buy drinks for this heat wave: a sparkling lemonade for me, Jamaica water for my mom, an Orange Crush for my dad and some treats for my doggies P. and D. (my two rescues who are really the bosses of the house). $4.34

1:30 p.m. — I break for lunch. Lunch is steak, guasacaca (a Venezuelan guacamole-style salsa, but it’s the rebellious party sister, with more seasoning, cilantro, and vinegar), and yuca (a starchy root with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that tastes delicious with butter and cheese!).

2 p.m. — Back to work all afternoon. Global meetings, communication plans, and me trying to stay engaged on calls, even if I’m only talking to one person.

5 p.m. — I finish work and take a shower because before going to my therapy appointment. I want to stop by a department store that is also close to my house to see if I can find a dress I like.

6:15 p.m. — I have no luck and don’t find any dresses I like, and surprisingly, I leave the store empty-handed! I pay for the parking meter. $0.83

6:30 p.m. — I get to my therapy and talk to my therapist about the shock of meeting my ex-boyfriend’s fiancée (yes, we are friends) via video call and seeing him with her. We lived together for four years (but broke up more than 10 years ago). I always thought of him as the one who got away, but my therapist reminds me that even if he was single and living in the same city as me, we wouldn’t be together, basically because he is a person who complains too much and never sees the bright side of life.

7:30 p.m. — I finish therapy and head straight to dinner with a coworker who just moved to town. We eat delicious and big: kale Caesar salad, Margherita pizza with prosciutto and burrata, and chocolate cake. He pays (which I don’t argue with, as he insists!).

9:30 p.m. — I talk on the phone with my boyfriend: he’s the best person in the world and my favorite, but he lives an hour and a half away, so we don’t spend much time together during the week and mostly see each other on weekends. This setup works very well for us: We stay busy during the week and give each other as much love as possible on the weekends (maybe we have discovered the secret of successful relationships? Only time will tell.). Then I do my nightly routine: cleansing, applying a local treatment for dark spots, and brushing my teeth. Basic, but effective.

Daily Total: $5.17

Day 2: Wednesday

6:45 a.m. — I get out of bed quickly because I have a call with the EMEA and APAC team at 7 a.m. It’s a good thing that today is also a home-office day. I do my morning routine.

8:30 a.m. — Breakfast is the same as yesterday: a croissant with Gouda cheese and turkey breast and juice. Predictable? Yes. Does it work for me, and do I like it? Also, yes.

10 a.m. — One of the advantages of working from home most days is that I can fit beauty appointments in. Today, the lady who does my nails comes to my house and does mani-pedis for both my mom and me (while I work), giving us both a simple manicure and pedicure (no Gelish or nail art). I tip her well. $47.48

1 p.m. — My mom usually cooks lunch, but today, since we got our nails done and the person who helps us with cleaning is coming early this week (she usually comes on Thursdays, but had to switch days), we just order burgers and fries via Uber Eats for my mom, dad, and me. $36.02

2 p.m. — My alarm goes off to take my calcium (I do it every day). A few months ago, a medical checkup flagged low levels, so I take it religiously. I remind our housekeeper of a few things before she gets started, and pay her before I forget. (Just to note: I know it might seem like we don’t pay her much, but the minimum wage in Mexico is 278 pesos a day, and this person earns 500 pesos a day. That means she makes almost 80% more than minimum wage.)

5 p.m. — Sad life update: The two gyms I liked that were very close to my house closed, so I’m taking advantage of a gym-hopping app my job gives us access to, to try different gyms to see if I decide to stay at one but so far I haven’t loved any of them. Today I am going to a restorative yoga class.

7:15 p.m. — I get home and take a shower = my favorite time of the day.

7:30 p.m. — Most days, I have a simple, chill dinner at home with the family. Today, we have pita bread pizzas.

8 p.m. — I talk to my boyfriend for a bit. Truthfully, it sometimes makes me sad that we don’t live closer and don’t see each other as often on the weekdays, but I also enjoy having my weekly routine with friends, exercising, and so on.

9:20 p.m. — Already in bed. I go to sleep early, around 10 p.m.  I need at least eight hours of sleep to function properly and not be the worst person ever.

Daily Total: $83.50

Day 3: Thursday

6:45 a.m. — I wake up and do my morning routine. While doing it I see that my sunscreen is about to run out (panic) so I order two bottles of my go-to: EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 and a third one to try because I see it’s half the price: Heliocare Mineral Tolerance Fluid, plus two lightbulbs for my salt lamp, which has been off for a few weeks. $113.96

8:30 a.m. — Breakfast today consists of yogurt with granola and dried blueberries. Before I head to work, I finish a post for my weekly blog/newsletter. This week, I’ve been inspired, and this is my second post that I’ve finished. I’m weirdly proud of my creative streak.

9 a.m. — I sit down to work, but it’s a chill day. I have several calls with the team and then I prepare for my 1:1 with my boss this afternoon where I’ll tell her that my compensation hasn’t been reviewed in a while (Read: I basically want to ask her for a raise in a classy, non-desperate way).

1:30 p.m. — Lunch break. It’s my mom’s birthday, so the three of us (my mom, dad, and I) go to a nearby Italian spot. I eat lasagne, my mom has pasta al forno, and my dad gets veal Milanese. We share a focaccia to start, and for dessert, we share a peach tart with avocado ice cream (yes, avocado and it actually worked!). I pick up the tab. $78.04

2:30 p.m. — I go back to work. I have the 1:1 with my boss and make my case. I did well, now all that’s left to do is wait.

5 p.m. — I finish work, and I’m still too full from lunch, so I don’t go to the functional class I had booked through the app. The sunscreens I ordered have arrived.

6 p.m. — For my mom’s birthday gathering tonight, I order a combo of tequeños (a Venezuelan snack: wheat flour dough stick stuffed with cheese and fried… They’re perfect) and some focaccias (yes, foccacias again, but this time stuffed) from a place near the house. Everything is delicious. $101

7 p.m. — The four guests arrive (plus my mom, my dad, my brother, and me), and one of my friends brings the birthday cake that I had already ordered and pre-paid for. The bakery is really close to his house, so he kindly picked it up on his way.

8 p.m. — We eat and sing Happy Birthday to my mom, and she is thrilled. I’m exhausted, but it’s one of those days that fills you up emotionally.

10 p.m. — Already in bed, ready to sleep after doing my evening routine.

Daily Total: $294

Day 4: Friday 

6:45 a.m. — The alarm goes off, and I stay in bed with my dogs. It’s really the best way to start the day.

7:30 a.m. — I get up for real and put in a 30-minute workout video from the app (I’m on the seven-day trial). I haven’t really liked any of the new gyms I’ve gone to too much, so I downloaded the app from the studio I was going to and I think I’ll do that at home. Plus it’s significantly cheaper ($31) than what I was paying ($150 for 12 classes) or the app ($129.65). Maybe I’ll invest in a mat and knee cushion,  but I’m overthinking like I’m going to buy a car or something.

8:30 a.m. — I shower and eat my croissant for breakfast (duh) and try the sunscreen I got yesterday (Heliocare). It’s a bit more fluid and greasier than Elta’s. I’m not sure if I love it. I’ll have to try it for more days to see how it performs.

9 a.m. — I sit down to work. It’s another quiet day (I can’t believe this week has been so relaxed. I know it won’t last, so I’m enjoying it while I can).

1:30 p.m. — I break for lunch. We’re in full fridge clean-out mode, so everyone eats something different. I eat a fish fillet (from Costco) and reheated Kraft mac and cheese (pro tip: Don’t reheat Kraft mac and cheese. Just don’t).

4:30 p.m. — I finish work and Sirens on Netflix waiting for my boyfriend to arrive.

6:30 p.m. — My boyfriend arrives and tells me we’re having dinner with his cousin to meet her new boyfriend.

8:30 p.m. — We are lucky! The place she chose is just three blocks from my house. It’s a Spanish restaurant, so we share Spanish tapas (ham croquettes, montaditos, patatas bravas, etc). My boyfriend’s cousin has a negroni, my boyfriend a tinto de verano and a beer, the cousin’s boyfriend has two mezcal sours, and I have a non-alcoholic beer. My boyfriend covers dinner, so I feel pampered and full.

Daily Total: $0

Day 5: Saturday

7 a.m. — I wake up super early because my boyfriend has a medical check-up scheduled. I kiss him goodbye, take my thyroid medicine, and fall back asleep with one of my dogs curled up next to me.

8:30 a.m. — Up for real this time to attend a Pilates class I booked at 9 a.m. at a new studio on the fitness app. I really enjoy it! Although truth be told, sometimes Pilates bores me a bit. I think I may visit this new studio again.

10 a.m. — I go home, take a shower, and ask my dad if he wants to make his famous pancakes. He says yes. Woohoo!!!

11 a.m. — My boyfriend arrives from the check-up, and we have breakfast with my parents and brother. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, and orange juice. Pure weekend vibes.

12 p.m. — I wake up from a post-breakfast nap, which, to be honest, is my favorite kind of nap.

3 p.m. — I tell my mom we should go out for lunch (lunch in Mexico is late) to celebrate Mother’s Day (we were going to have lunch on the actual day, but I got one of those weird 24-hour stomach bugs).

4:30 p.m. — We head to an Argentine steakhouse,  my mom, dad, boyfriend, the dogs, and I. We share grilled meat, pasta, salad, and chorizo. My mom, dad, and boyfriend share a pitcher of Clericot, and I stick to my one true love: Coca-Cola. Then comes “the moment”: I ask the waiter for the bill, who hands it straight to my boyfriend (what the…?), and when I complain, he tells me that he did it for “caballerosidad” (chivalry — ah, Mexico). I pay the bill for everyone, including tip. $146.81 

8 p.m. — My boyfriend, a craft beer enthusiast, asks me if I’ll go with him to a nearby brewery. I love going on those outings with him (even though I don’t drink), so we do. He has two beers and I have a lemonade, and we stay there for hours talking. He pays.

11 p.m. — We arrive at my house. We spend some time together (you know the kind) then go to sleep.

Daily Total: $146.81

Day 6: Sunday

9:30 a.m. — We made brunch plans with friends last night, so my boyfriend and I wake up, get ready, and head out to meet them. I realize halfway there that I forgot to take my thyroid meds (ugh).

11 a.m. — We arrive at the restaurant and have to wait for a bit. After about 15 minutes, they give us a table. My boyfriend gets huevos rotos, while my friend and my friend and I both go for truffled scrambled egg toast with parmesan, and my friend’s husband has toast with barbecue. For dessert, my boyfriend and I share some pancakes, and the others share a chocolate-fried bread that’s more delicious than we’d expected. The check arrives while my boyfriend is in the bathroom, so I cover our portion (including tip). $47.46 

1 p.m. —  I convince my boyfriend to come shopping with me. I’m looking for summer dresses. Although in CDMX it’s only hot about two months of the year, where he lives, it’s hot all year round, and I’m going to visit him more often now. We go to a luxury department store that has sales on, and I end up buying two dresses (a very colorful one from Farm Rio and a minimalist white one from a Spanish brand) and two blouses from Levi’s. Some of the clothes are discounted and I pay with the store’s credit card so I get an additional 10% off. I also put the purchase on a six-month interest-free plan. $492.28 

4 p.m. — My mom has been asking me for days to do a Costco run, and I’ve been ignoring that request out of sheer laziness. I go about every three months because for a household of four it really does make financial sense to shop there every few months. I ask my boyfriend to come with me, and he says yes. While we’re there, I spot a dual-basket air fryer on sale for $85.93. Our current one is used daily and literally has a broken handle. I call my parents to confirm the purchase and add some more essentials to the cart. $291.34 

6 p.m. — Back home, we unload everything and I tell my boyfriend I’m starving. We head to a new vegetarian spot that just opened nearby. The vibe is gorgeous (seriously Instagram-worthy), but the menu is pretty limited. We share a mushroom “paté” and a four-cheese pizza. It’s good, not life-changing, but I’d go back for the ambiance. He pays.

7:30 p.m. — I get home and spend at least 30 minutes on the gym’s app trying to figure out what class to take tomorrow. I book a perreo class for Tuesday, but honestly, none of these gyms are doing it for me. I decide to work out tomorrow using the app from my previous gym, and I end up ordering a yoga mat and knee cushion from Amazon, as I’ll still be working out at home for a while. $37.44

8 p.m. — I eat leftover chocolate cake from my mom’s birthday and watch Sirens on Netflix.

9 p.m. — I brush my teeth and do my evening routine, then fall asleep around 9:30 p.m.

Daily Total: 868.52

Day 7: Monday

6:45 a.m. — The alarm goes off, but I stay in bed for a few more minutes, total Monday mood.

7:30 a.m. — Now I wake up for real, take my thyroid medication, and put on a workout video.

8:30 a.m. — I finish exercising. I’m glad the mat is coming because my hardwood floor is pretty slippery for exercise, and I look like Bambi doing lunges.

9 a.m. — I sit down to work. Today being a holiday in the USA, I predict a quiet day.

1:30 p.m. — Indeed, I was right, today is a very quiet day at work. I take a lunch break and we eat “fish and chips”, which basically consists of breaded fish strips that I bought yesterday at Costco, plus fries. I also make myself an almost frappé lemonade because it’s too hot. I know a lot of people find fish and chips a little MEH, but I love it! It’s one of my favorite foods.

4:30 p.m. — I’m still working, and it’s a pretty standard Monday.

6:30 p.m. — The great thing about the gym app is that, in addition to gyms, it offers other services, such as massages. Today, I booked a 30-minute relaxing massage. I arrive at my massage, which is conveniently located near my house, and I thoroughly enjoy it. It is totally worth it. (The massage is “free” with the app and I tip  $8 to the therapist.) $8

7:30 p.m. — I go back home and have arepas for dinner with my fam (Venezuelan style, of course) that my dad made.

9:30 p.m. — I do my evening routine and get ready for bed. I end up falling asleep around 10:30 p.m.

Daily Total: $8

The Breakdown

Conclusion

“I definitely spent more than usual this week, but honestly, it makes sense: it was my mom’s birthday (so there were meals, snacks, and cake), I treated my parents and my boyfriend a couple of times, and I bought a things I hadn’t planned on. I also finally got a mat and a cushion for my home workouts, did a Costco run, which I only do every few months but always adds up (you always spend too much there even if you don’t want to), and spent A LOT on clothes this week. So yes, it was a high-spending week. But to be honest, I love to spend! Maybe I don’t spend like this every week, but I do spend too much? I don’t know! Maybe I could be saving more, but I’m not in debt, so I feel that’s good? Oh, being a millennial is really difficult! We feel guilty because we don’t own a home, but also I don’t want to live like a monk. This was a full week, with family, good food, and some small upgrades for myself.

“Tracking my spending was eye-opening, though. Seeing it all laid out makes me realize how quickly purchases add up. But when you’re supporting your family and trying to maintain some quality of life, it’s a balancing act. I’m definitely going to be more mindful going forward, but I’m not about to start denying things that make me happy. Life’s too short, and as long as the bills are paid and I’m not going into debt, I think I’m doing okay.”

Money Diaries are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.

The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more Money Diaries, click here.

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Exhaustion day in, day out. Stress, pressure, an ever-growing to-do list. Procrastination caused by the overwhelm of it all. You’re burnt out, and something’s got to give eventually. Burnout is an ongoing part of the work landscape for many employees, it seems. Mental Health UK’s 2025 Burnout Report highlighted that 9 in 10 of us experience high pressure at work. The charity defines burnout as a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often caused by a prolonged period of stress and pressure. As conversations around mental health and wellbeing have slowly become more normalized, so has admitting to being burnt out. Acknowledging you’re burnt out is one thing, but knowing what to do to “heal” that while still working… well, that’s harder to figure out.

As helpful as it would be to step out of work while still paid to recover, that isn’t an option many of us have on the table. The experts say you can still recover from burnout while still at work, but it’s going to require some conscious planning, and knowing where your limits are. The emotional toll of doing this when running on empty is certainly there, but we’ve gone to experts for practical solutions for dealing with your workload.

Prioritize tasks at work

Laura Kingston, founder of Leap Career Coaching, says prioritizing tasks is the most vital first step. It might feel impossible in the moment, so take it slow and allow yourself a breather while figuring this out. “Focus on what must be done that day only. Taking it one day at a time reduces overwhelm. There are different ways to do this, such as utilizing the Eisenhower Matrix which helps you group tasks into levels of urgency and importance.” You can RAG (Red, Amber, Green) status your work, deal with the Reds only and park the Ambers and Greens until you have more energy and headspace for them, Kingston explains. “Another great way to gain clarity on what must be done is via Stakeholder Mapping: Who are your key stakeholders? What workload is a priority to keep them happy? Who can you delegate work to? What work can you deprioritize? How can your team and manager support you? What meetings are you attending where you don’t really need to be present?”

Once you’re clear on these things, do what needs to be done whilst still taking breaks, Kingston adds. Neglecting them isn’t going to help you recover, and it won’t do anyone else around you a favour by skipping lunch. This strategy might be hard to put into place if you always do the opposite, but you deserve to rest, too.

Set boundaries at work

While blasting through as much work as you can might feel like the right fix, if you’re doing it at the expense of your wellbeing, the burnout isn’t going to lift any time soon. Zara Easton, LinkedIn career expert, advises you to focus on yourself personally to beat the uphill battle of burnout. “The key is to implement consistent, protective practices that prioritize your wellbeing,” Easton says. “Start by setting firm boundaries around your work hours and digital availability — truly disconnecting during your off-time is non-negotiable. Ensure you are taking all your breaks, even short ones, to mentally reset.” Again, this might feel unnatural if you aren’t in the habit of taking breaks, so try to remind yourself that you’ve earned them.

Easton believes investing in your mental and physical health is the “smartest career move” you can make. “While these practices won’t resolve deep-seated issues overnight, they are vital for conserving your energy, fostering small wins, and creating the necessary space for recovery within your existing environment,” she says. Kingston adds that getting outside on your lunch break with a walk with your favourite music plugged in isn’t to be underestimated.

Ask for extra support from your manager

We all need an extra helping hand at some point down the road. We’re working for longer than ever before, with retirement ages being pushed back what feels like constantly. It’s only natural that at points in our career journeys more support will be needed.

Kingston says it’s important to chat about expectations with your manager and see if anything can be taken off your plate. It’s good to be honest, but solution focused, she advises. She says it’s worth pondering: Can you reduce your hours? Start work later? Work compressed hours to take off Fridays? Also find out if your company provides therapy, coaching or any other type of employee assistance.

“If burnout is impacting your way of life, you need to seriously consider your options and look after yourself,” Kingston says. “Are you still feeling exhausted after a rest? This is a sign that you may need some time off. Your mental, emotional, and physical health should be your top priority. The earlier you reach out for support and give yourself space to recover, the sooner you’ll start to feel better. Speak to your doctor who can offer you advice, there are also free helplines you can call for mental health support.”
It might also be a case of simply not being in the right job, whether it’s the work itself or the company culture. In which case, set “mini goals” while searching for a new role to keep the energy required for this low but consistent. None of this stuff is easy, but you can do it.

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