Cosmic beings, take a deep breath. You’ve made it. After the emotional exorcism that was the Scorpio full moon, we’re entering a recalibration portal. The week begins with the moon still waning, helping us shed any leftover energetic debris from the past six months. Taurus Season holds us in its earthy arms for just a few more days, reminding us to eat the damn cake, log off early, touch grass, and just be. This final stretch of Taurus Season isn’t about pushing forward. It’s about softening into what is. Trust that there’s power in stillness.

Then, on May 20th, the sun shifts into curious, clever Gemini, and everything gets a little lighter. Gemini Season brings us the gift of perspective. If Taurus taught us to build the foundation, Gemini reminds us that we don’t have to do it alone. Communication becomes our best friend. Words, ideas, and connections come alive — it’s very “bird leaves the nest” energy. Think: wind in your hair, playlist on shuffle, finally ready to tell your story with no shame in your game. It’s a season of creative alignment and mental expansion.

But we’re still holding one last emotional wave. Saturn, the planet of boundaries and maturity, is completing its final week in Pisces after being there since March 7th, 2023. This is huge. Pisces energy had us swimming in our feels these past two years — dissolving illusions, learning deep soul lessons, and confronting our inner martyr. This week, we may feel that vulnerability hangover. But it’s also a powerful threshold moment. Saturn moves into Aries on May 24th for the first time since 1999. A bold new chapter begins.

So let yourself cry and let yourself laugh this week. Reflect on what you’ve outgrown — not with judgment, but with pride. The old version of you got you here. The new version of you? They’re about to soar.

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, you know that feeling when the wind changes direction and suddenly everything smells like possibility? That’s Gemini Season blowing into your communication sector starting May 20th. The first half of the week still has a Taurus vibe — slow and sensual — but by midweek, your inner narrator kicks in loud and clear. This is the time to share your story, pitch that idea, or finally say the thing you’ve been holding in your throat since March. You’re being reminded that your voice is not only valid, it’s powerful. Gemini season wants you to speak boldly, flirt with life, and trust that curiosity leads to connection.

And here’s the big one: Saturn enters your sign on May 24th for the first time since 1999. The final days of Saturn in Pisces are hitting your spirituality sector, stirring up reflections from the past 14 months. What cycles have you released? What truths did you finally stop running from? It’s been quiet work, but it’s laid the groundwork. With Saturn in Aries, the training wheels come off. It’s not about doing it all at once — it’s about taking one aligned step at a time with integrity, courage, and patience. You’ve got this.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

It’s your final week in the spotlight, Taurus, and you deserve a standing ovation. The sun is in your sign until the 20th, inviting you to soak in your growth and honor the ways you’ve been blooming quietly and consistently. Your aura’s still golden. But as the sun shifts into Gemini, your money and values sector lights up. Gemini Season is about owning your worth and your weirdness. Say yes to the bag, the raise, the next level of financial freedom — but say it with playfulness. Abundance flows faster when you’re enjoying the journey.

Meanwhile, Saturn is wrapping up its final week in Pisces, your sector of friendships and community. Since March 2023, you’ve likely learned some major lessons around who gets access to you, and who no longer aligns. Maybe you’ve outgrown certain group dynamics or decided to unplug from performative online spaces. It’s okay to shift how and where you show up. Saturn entering Aries on the 24th moves into your spirituality and healing zone. This isn’t about disappearing — it’s about retreating when needed to hear your own soul again. Your next evolution is internal before it’s external.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Welcome to your solar return, Gemini. The sun moves into your sign on May 20th, ushering in a fresh wave of lightness, movement, and divine downloads after a heavy Scorpio full moon and a grounding, sometimes slow-paced Taurus Season. For the past few weeks, you’ve been processing things behind the scenes — maybe journaling more, maybe lurking instead of posting, maybe even disappearing entirely to reset your nervous system. All of that has been preparing you for the clarity that’s now starting to shine …

Saturn’s final week in Pisces is a big one for you, Gemini — it’s the last leg of a deeply karmic career lesson that’s been unfolding since March 7th, 2023. You’ve probably had to redefine what success means to you. Maybe you let go of a job that looked good on paper but drained your spirit. Or maybe you had to slow down your climb to make sure you were actually going in a direction you wanted. Now, with Saturn entering Aries on the 24th, your community sector lights up. Start thinking about your legacy not just in terms of what you’re known for, but in terms of what you want to be remembered for.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Taurus Season helped you feel a bit more grounded in your friendships and your hopes for the future, Cancer… even if it was a bumpy road getting there. You’ve probably done a lot of emotional housekeeping this past month, especially in terms of who gets access to you and who truly reciprocates your energy. But now, as the sun enters Gemini on May 20th, your spiritual and healing sector is activated. It’s your seasonal cocoon moment. Think: naps that feel like rebirths, music that makes you cry, and a lot of emotional processing of what you’re ready to release before your birthday season begins next month.

Saturn in Pisces has been riding through your expansion and belief systems sector since March 2023, and this is the last full week of that transit. You’ve probably learned a lot about the difference between escapism and faith, and you might’ve had to hit some spiritual walls to figure that out. The next chapter, with Saturn entering Aries on May 24th, will bring a more focused push in your career and long-term goals. This is your final lap of learning how to surrender. Let yourself rest, recharge, and reflect on what it means to trust in the best-case scenario. Because that best case scenario is right around the corner.

Leo Sun & Rising:

The past few weeks under Taurus Season were all about solidifying your career direction, Leo, but you may have felt some friction when it came to the “how.” Now, with Gemini Season arriving on May 20th and lighting up your community, tech, and long-term vision sector, the vibes get airier and more future-forward. This is your time to network, launch passion projects, make connections, and remember that you don’t have to do it alone. You thrive when you’re seen — but only if you’re being seen for your authentic self and not for what others expect you to be. Remember that Mars is in your sign until June 17th, so this is literally your time to let your inner child shine.

Since March 7th, 2023, Saturn in Pisces has been gently (or not so gently) guiding you through the dark corners of your intimacy, sexuality, and trust sector. You’ve had to face some fears about vulnerability, debt (energetic and financial), and emotional entanglements. This is the final stretch of a long karmic chapter that taught you how to own your desires and your shadows. With Saturn about to enter Aries and your sector of expansion, your horizons are about to stretch. Let this final week of Pisces remind you of your inner wealth, because it’s only going to keep growing in exciting ways.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, Taurus Season gave you room to dream bigger, but it may have also left you feeling like you were caught in a bit of an existential fog. Perhaps you’ve been trying to stay grounded while also confronting long-held beliefs about what’s possible for your life, career, or personal freedom. That paradox softens as the sun enters Gemini on May 20th, activating your sector of career, recognition, and legacy. Gemini Season will bring movement in areas that have felt stagnant, helping you see how your voice is key to your rise. Don’t wait for the perfect moment — pitch the thing, post the thing, say the thing. You may be surprised by who’s been quietly rooting for you. The more you own your multifaceted brilliance, the more the universe meets you with affirming opportunities.

Now, let’s talk Saturn. This is your final week with Saturn moving through Pisces, in your relationship and intimacy sector — a transit that’s been on since March 7th, 2023. Over the past year, you’ve likely experienced deep lessons in boundaries, accountability, and self-worth within one-on-one connections. Maybe you’ve grown more selective about who gets close to you. Maybe someone showed you their true colors, and you had to let go. Saturn in Pisces asked you to be honest about what you need in relationships — and what you’re no longer willing to tolerate. When Saturn enters Aries on the 24th, your focus shifts to energetic and financial mergers. Think: collaborations, shared resources, sexual chemistry, and spiritual contracts. It’s a new chapter of empowered discernment, and it starts with you trusting your gut.

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, Taurus Season had you thinking a lot about trust — who earns it, who drains it, and how you share your energy in relationships. Now as the sun enters Gemini on May 20th, you’re in your element again. Air sign to air sign, this shift activates your sector of expansion, travel, and higher knowledge. You’re remembering that you were never meant to stay in one place (physically or mentally). Book the trip. Read the book. Enroll in the class. The more you chase inspiration, the more it lands in your lap. Gemini season is your permission slip to believe in possibilities again — even the ones you shelved back in 2020.

This is also the final full week of Saturn in Pisces activating your sector of wellness and routines. Since March 2023, you’ve likely restructured the way you approach health, work-life balance, and your daily responsibilities. Maybe you’ve slowed down. Maybe you’ve had to face burnout and get real about your limits. Saturn taught you that being consistent doesn’t mean being robotic — it means honoring your capacity. With Saturn heading into Aries next week, relationships are going to demand more clarity and structure. Think of this as the last call to simplify your habits and strengthen your inner foundation.

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, Taurus Season placed the magnifying glass on your relationships — whether romantic, platonic, or professional — and it probably wasn’t subtle. But with the sun entering Gemini on May 20th, your focus shifts from who’s pouring into you to what you’re actually building with the energy you receive. This is your time to merge wisely: Gemini Season activates your sector of intimacy, shared resources, sex, and transformation. The theme? Energy exchange. If someone isn’t meeting you halfway, emotionally, financially, spiritually, that’s your cue to re-evaluate. Keep an eye out for opportunities to collaborate or secure funding; abundance is already circling. You just need to ask, and trust that you’re worthy.

Since March 2023, Saturn in Pisces has been moving through your sector of pleasure, creativity, and true love. You’ve likely gone through some karmic tests around dating, self-expression, and confidence — especially when it comes to inner child healing.

Now that Saturn’s wrapping up this journey, take time to notice how much you’ve matured in your capacity to receive joy and love without fear. When Saturn enters Aries on the 24th, you’ll feel pushed to apply that wisdom toward creating a more sustainable, productive lifestyle. It’s time to show up for your own growth like it’s the main character.

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sag, you’re the zodiac’s freedom fighter, but Taurus Season reminded you that freedom isn’t just about breaking rules, it’s about discipline too. Now as the sun enters Gemini on May 20th, you’ll feel like the fog lifts. Gemini rules your relationship sector, so expect your social life and romantic connections to speed up. People want to talk to you, flirt with you, collaborate with you. Stay open, but don’t lose your discernment. The next four weeks are all about reciprocity — how balanced your bonds really are. If you’ve outgrown a connection, Gemini Season makes it hard to pretend otherwise.

This week also marks the end of Saturn in Pisces’ transit through your home and family sector. Since March 2023, you’ve been working through ancestral healing, boundary setting with loved ones, and maybe even rethinking where or how you want to live. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been necessary. As Saturn moves into Aries on the 24th, joy and pleasure are back on your agenda. You’re about to be reminded that healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. Sometimes it looks like laughing in the sun, finishing a painting, or letting yourself fall in love again.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Taurus Season grounded you in the present, Capricorn, but it also showed you where you’ve been resisting softness. Now as Gemini Season begins on May 20th, the tempo picks up. Your sector of wellness, work, and routine is lit, and so is your desire to reinvent how you get things done. Think of this next chapter as a systems update. You can streamline, simplify, and restructure everything from your sleep schedule to your to-do list. But don’t just optimize for productivity — optimize for peace. Gemini wants you to work smarter, not harder.

You’re also closing out Saturn in Pisces’ journey through your communication sector, a chapter that started in March 2023. You may have learned how to say less, but mean more. Or maybe you found your voice after a period of being misunderstood. Either way, you’ve grown. With Saturn about to enter Aries, your focus shifts to home, roots, and emotional safety. It’s giving “main character builds their sanctuary” energy. Start with one corner of your life and make it sacred.

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, Taurus Season made you face your foundations, your emotional roots, your family dynamics, and what safety even means to you. Now Gemini Season begins on May 20th, and it’s bringing back your spark. Gemini activates your sector of creativity, joy, romance, and pleasure. If you’ve been feeling like life’s beenall grit and no glitter, that’s about to shift. Let yourself flirt with your passions again. This season is about what turns you on — creatively, emotionally, spiritually. What makes you laugh from your belly? What makes you feel seen? Do more of that.

Saturn is also wrapping up its 13-month transit through your sector of finances and self-worth. Since March 2023, you’ve had to get serious about what you value and how you value yourself. Maybe you’ve had money wins, maybe you’ve faced losses — either way, you’ve learned resilience. Now that Saturn’s headed into Aries, your communication style is about to get a glow-up. You’ll find more confidence in how you share your voice, your boundaries, and your brilliance. Stay ready.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, Pisces, Pisces… you’ve been riding Saturn in your sign since March 2023, and it’s been a lot. Identity crises, growing pains, spiritual tests — it’s all been part of your evolution. But you’re at the finish line now. Gemini Season starts May 20th and shifts your focus toward home, emotional safety, and rest. Let yourself retreat. You’re in your nesting era. Redecorate your space, call your people back, allow softness to be your anchor. After everything you’ve released under the Scorpio full moon, this season is about choosing peace on purpose.

As Saturn prepares to leave your sign on the 24th, it’s a powerful time to reflect on the commitments you’ve made to your growth — and the ones you’re still resisting. You’ve learned how to say no. You’ve learned how to say “I’m not ready yet.” You’ve learned that boundaries can be sacred. With Saturn entering Aries, your relationship with money and self-worth will take center stage. Let that next chapter be one where your inner values are mirrored in what you receive. You’re ready.

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It’s been a heavy week online as stories of abuse involving high-profile men and Black women in the public eye have resurfaced and unfolded in real time. On May 13, singer Cassie Ventura took the stand in the federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs, detailing the horrific abuse she experienced during their 10-year relationship. Combs faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking as prosecutors allege that Combs ran a criminal enterprise built on control, coercion, and exploitation. Cassie, who previously filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, is now a key witness in the criminal case. In the same week, news broke that Halle Bailey has been granted a temporary restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, rapper DDG (real name Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.), following allegations of domestic abuse. She’s now been given temporary sole custody of their son, Halo Saint, with images from her police report circulating online. Also, after rapper Tory Lanez was reportedly attacked in prison this week, Megan Thee Stallion’s case resurfaced. In 2022, Tory Lanez was convicted of shooting Megan in the foot after a party in 2020 and is now serving a 10-year sentence, bringing back memories of the years of public scrutiny, victim-blaming, and online abuse she faced in the aftermath.

While the bravery of these women has been widely applauded, much of the online conversation that has followed is deeply triggering, especially for those who have been victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Social media platforms such as X have become forums for some, men in particular, to dismiss, downplay, or even justify the abuse allegations at hand. As a result, many have been confronted with harmful opinions from partners, family members, and friends as these stories of abuse have unfolded. As one X user shared: “Emphasizing to women, especially the young ones, that a basic litmus test for a man you’re considering dating is to ask him his thoughts on Tory, Diddy, R Kelly, DDG, etc.” ​​

The internet has become an increasingly unsafe space for mature, empathetic discussions about the dynamics between an alleged victim and their abusers. When news broke about Halle Bailey’s restraining order against DDG, the response online was full of skepticism and ridicule. One man on X wrote, “She lyin on him, I don’t even believe this shit. DDG don’t even give off women-beater energy.” This wasn’t an isolated comment. Across social media, similar posts pointed to past allegations by DDG’s ex, Rubi Rose, to argue Halle “should have known better.”

The unspoken message here is clear: because she chose to enter a relationship with someone previously accused of abuse, she should have expected — and therefore deserved — any abuse that followed. Victim blaming always shifts accountability away from the alleged abuser and suggests that a woman’s decision to love or trust someone somehow invalidates her right to safety.

Another X user wrote, “I love Halle, but she’s not perfect. She’s constantly using her female privilege over him, and it’s beyond visible at this point.” It’s a telling comment, one that twists concern for a woman’s safety into an accusation of manipulation. “Female privilege” seemingly implies that women can weaponize their victimhood or control the narrative to their advantage. But the reality, as ironically proven by this tweet, is quite the opposite.

These reactions mirror talking points found in the online manosphere, the network of forums, podcasts, and content creators who frame women, especially Black women, as manipulative and deceitful. As we know, these ideas don’t just stay online; they’re echoed in comment sections, barbershops, and group chats, shaping how some men justify abuse.

Another common theme in online reactions this week is the belief that women somehow invite abuse or shame upon themselves because of their choices around sex and relationships. This kind of thinking frames women as sexual deviants who have brought trouble on themselves. We’ve seen the tweets from men questioning whether Cassie’s husband, Alex Fine, should leave her, as if surviving abuse makes her unworthy of love. Others shame Halle for having a child outside of marriage, as though that decision invalidates her right to safety and dignity. These reactions reflect a deeper, insidious belief: that “good” women don’t end up in these situations, and if they do, it’s because they somehow deserve it.

People online are all too excited to score gotcha moments and throw around moral judgments meant to humble women. It’s really just victim-blaming, and a lot of this is reminiscent of red pill ideology, a belief that paints women as using sex and emotions to control men. In this vein, a woman’s right to safety is always up for debate, conditional, and depends largely on how she behaves.

Many of the online responses that have been so disappointing are, unsurprisingly, rooted in misogynoir — a form of misogyny directed specifically at Black women, shaped by both anti-Blackness and sexism. Misogynoir casts Black women as less innocent, more sexually deviant, and ultimately more deserving of harm. These ideas can be traced back to colonial narratives that hypersexualized Black women, stripping them of the femininity, vulnerability, and presumed victimhood that are more readily extended to white women.

Sona Barbosa, Head of Therapeutic Services at Woman’s Trust, says this kind of language online has real-world consequences. She explains how public narratives can fuel longstanding patterns, telling Unbothered: “The language we are observing reflects a long-standing pattern of idolizing successful Black men, while quickly doubting, diminishing, and demonizing women—especially Black women—who stand up for themselves and reclaim their power in the face of violence and abuse.”

She says this situation puts Black survivors at a “double disadvantage”. In abusive relationships, already-complex cultural and economic pressures are compounded by narratives that sow doubt and shame. According to Sona, “this trend poses an even greater threat, as white men observe the responses of Black men and feel empowered to treat Black women in similar ways.”

All of this has reiterated the need to support women and girls, build a society that’s actually safe for us, and make sure victims get justice, because one person’s success should never come at the expense of others in our community.

Back in 2020, I read Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and it opened my eyes to something I’ve since seen for myself; misogyny online don’t just stay hidden in obscure corners of the internet like incel forums, Reddit threads and 4chan. A lot of toxicity has filtered into the mainstream, influencing how the boys and men around us talk in group chats, among themselves, and when commenting on high-profile cases like the ones that have filled our news feeds this week.

What we’re seeing online is making many of us look more closely at the men in our lives; listening carefully, side-eyeing, correcting, and for some, even rethinking a friendship or two. For me, the way the men around me speak about or dismiss abuse tells me where they stand, how safe and supported I really am, and whether I can trust them. So it’s no surprise to see Black women online saying they’re cutting ties when certain friends show who they truly are.

To my fellow Black women, this week has been a lot. It’s okay if you need to step back, log off, and take care of yourself.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 for confidential support.

This article was originally published on Unbothered UK

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Memorial Day is quickly approaching, but the sales are already here. Many of our favorite brands and retailers have launched early MDW deals, and we’ve done the digging so you can shop effortlessly. If you’re in the market for big-ticket items like designer fashion, luxury beauty, and top-rated mattresses, or want to stock up on everyday products, now’s the time to make those purchases for less (and enjoy the long weekend relaxing instead of scrolling).

Read on for your one-stop guide to every worthwhile discount code and markdown from brands from Lululemon and Nordstrom to Wayfair, and many more. We’ll be updating this list as new deals go live — so fill your virtual cart with summer staples while they’re at their lowest.

Best Early Memorial Day Sale Quick Links

Abercrombie & Fitch: 25% off everything with code AFSUMMER
Ann Taylor: 25% off your full-price purchase, plus 30% off suiting
Anthropologie: Up to 30% off select swim, sandals, and beauty
Avocado: Up to 20% off organic mattresses
Awe Inspired: 30% off sitewide
Bellesa: Up to 50% off and a free vibe on $79+ purchases with code FREEAV 
Bloomingdale’s: Earn between a $20 and $1,200 gift card on qualifying purchases of $100 to $4,000
Brooklinen: 25% off sitewide, plus 50% off bundles
Buffalo Jeans: Up to 50% off sitewide
Calpak: 15% off sitewide, and up to 60% off select styles
Calzedonia: Shop select $69 bikini sets, and 50% off select spring/summer collection styles
Castlery: Save up to $500 sitewide and up to 40% off sale picks
Coach: Shop select sale styles
Coach Outlet: An extra 20% off select styles
Color Wow: Take between 20% and 30% off $50-100+ purchases with codes SAVE20, SAVE25, and SAVE30
Cozy Earth: Up to 35% off sitewide with code REFINERY29
Cupshe: Between 10% and 20% off the more you buy
Dolce Vita: 20% off sitewide
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes: Up to 50% off, plus free shipping
DSW: 30% off select sandals, and a free gift with a $75+ purchase
Eby: 25% off sitewide 
Essentia: 25% off sitewide and get free gifts with a mattress purchase 
Farmacy Beauty: 20% off sitewide 
Gap: 40% off sitewide 
Good American: 30% off sitewide with code MAY30 
Gooseberry Intimates: Take $25 off $150+ purchases or $50 off $250+ purchases 
Great Jones: 25% off sitewide with some exclusions
Havaianas: 25% off select styles and 40% off sale styles
HigherDose: 20% off bundles
Hollister: 20% off almost everything
Home Depot: Shop select Memorial Day sales, including up to 30% off select patio and outdoor decor 
IGK Hair: 25% off sitewide
Innisfree: 20% off sitewide, plus loyalty members get an extra 5% off
Intimissimi: 30% off select bras, plus shop seven panties for $35
Jack Black: 20% off sitewide with $100+ purchases
JCPenney: An extra 30% off select women’s apparel 
J.Crew: 40% off all shorts and packing picks
L’Agence: 25% off select styles and all sale items with code MDW25
Lands’ End: 40% off full-price styles with code FROSTING 
Lelo: Up to 50% off and get a free gift 
Lovehoney: Up to 50% off select toys, lingerie, and bondage 
Lo & Sons: Up to 40% off select styles 
Lululemon: Shop sale styles from the We Made Too Much selection
Madewell: 40% off select womenswear
Made In: 25% off select cookware
Merrell: Up to 50% off select styles
MeUndies: 50% off select styles
Miraclesuit: Enjoy 2-day shipping with code 2DAYSHIP
Naadam: Up to 30% off sitewide 
Nectar: Up to 50% off mattresses and 66% off bundles 
Nordstrom: Up to 25% off select beauty 
Nordstrom Rack: Up to 75% off new markdowns 
Nori: 25% off sitewide
Outdoor Voices: 40% off all SolarCool styles with code OVSolarCool 
Parachute: 30% off almost everything, plus up to 75% off sale styles 
Parade: BOGO 50% off all swim
Patchology: 25% off all kits 
Peace Out: 25% off sitewide (excluding bundles and kits)
PinkCherry: Up to 80% off clearance, and 40% off sitewide with code FLASH
Pistola: Up to 70% off sale items 
Purple: Save up to $700 off select mattresses and bases 
Quay: BOGO free sunglasses
Raymour & Flanigan: Up to 30% off sitewide
Ruggable: 20% off sitewide with some exclusions, with code MEMDAY
R+Co: Get a free travel-sized bundle on $65+ purchases with code VACAY
Saatva: Up to $600 off select mattress purchases 
Saks Fifth Avenue: Between $100 and $300 off purchases from $400 to $1,200 with code GETMAYSF 
Saks Off 5th: BOGO 50% off designer sunglasses with code BRIGHT 
Saucony: An extra 25% off select styles with code SUMMER25
Showpo: 30% off select styles
Skims: 30% off sitewide (with some exclusions) 
Society6: Up to 30% off wall art, and 20% off almost everything else
Soma: Shop $29 bras and free shipping 
Stoney Clover Lane: Up to 60% off select styles
Sunday Citizen: 30% off bedding 
Sundays: Up to 30% off sitewide
Supergoop: 20% off sitewide, including new arrivals
Tecovas: An additional 20% off all markdowns, plus an increased 20% military discount
Tempur-Pedic: Save up to $500 on select mattresses and get free accessories 
The North Face: Up to 25% off select styles
Thinx: 20% off sitewide 
True Botanicals: Free full-size Body Butter with $150+ orders
Ulta: BOGO 50% off mix and match suncare, plus get a free gift with select $35+ suncare purchases 
Vera Bradley: Up to 50% off select styles, plus an extra 20% off select rolling luggage and full-price Adair Collection items with code ADAIR20
Wayfair: Up to 70% off select products 
Womanizer: Up to 50% off and get a free toy on $199+ orders 
YSE Beauty: 20% off sitewide
Youth To The People: 25% off sitewide

Best Memorial Day Fashion Sales

Abercrombie & Fitch Sale

Starting May 21, take 25% off almost everything with code AFSUMMER. 

Ann Taylor Sale

From now through May 18, take 25% off your full-price purchase. Plus, through May 16, 30% off suiting.

Anthropologie Sale

For a limited time, take up to 30% off select swim, sandals, and beauty products.

Awe Inspired Sale

From now through May 30, during the Blue Moon Sale, take 30% off sitewide.

Bloomingdale’s Sale

From now through May 18, earn a $20 to $1,200 gift card on qualifying $100 to $4,000 purchases (products labeled “GIFT CARD OFFER”).

Buffalo Jeans Sale

From now through May 28, take up to 50% off sitewide.

Calpak Sale

Starting May 16, take 15% off sitewide and up to 60% off select styles.

Calzedonia Sale

Starting May 22, shop select $69 bikini sets, and 50% off select spring/summer collection styles.

Coach Sale

For a limited time, shop select sale styles.

Coach Outlet Sale

Starting May 21, take an extra 20% off select styles.

Cozy Earth Sale

Starting May 16, take up to 35% off sitewide with a Refinery29-exclusive code REFINERY29.

Cupshe Sale

Starting May 23, take an extra 10% off two pieces, 15% off four pieces, or 20% off six pieces sitewide.

Dolce Vita Sale

Starting May 20, take 20% off sitewide.

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Sale

Starting May 21, take Up to 50% off, plus get free shipping.

DSW Sale

From now through May 18, take 30% off select sandals. Plus, get a free weekender bag with a $75+ purchase with code NAVY.

Eby Sale

Starting May 22, take 25% off sitewide.

Gap Sale

From now through May 16, take 40% off sitewide (with some exclusions).

Good American Sale

From now through May 31, take 30% off sitewide (with some exclusions) with code MAY30.

Gooseberry Intimates Sale

Starting May 24, take $25 off $150+ purchases or $50 off $250+ purchases.

Havaianas Sale

Starting May 23, take 25% off select styles and 40% off sale styles.

Hollister Sale

Starting May 23, take 20% off almost everything.

Intimissimi Sale

Starting May 22, shop 30% off select bras, plus shop seven panties for $35.

JCPenney Sale

From now through May 18, take an extra 30% off select women’s apparel. 

J.Crew Sale

From now through May 19, take 40% off all shorts and packing picks. 

L’Agence Sale

Starting May 20, take an additional 25% off select styles and all sale items with code MDW25.

Lands’ End Sale

From now through May 21, take 40% off full-price styles with code FROSTING.

Lo & Sons Sale

For a limited time, take up to 40% off select styles.

Lululemon Sale

For a limited time, shop sale styles from the We Made Too Much selection.

Madewell Sale

For a limited time, take 40% off select womenswear.

Merrell Sale

From now through May 28, take up to 50% off select styles.

MeUndies Sale

From now through June 2, take 50% off select styles. 

Miraclesuit Sale

From May 18 to May 19, enjoy 2-day shipping to arrive by Memorial Day weekend with code 2DAYSHIP.

Naadam Sale

Starting May 20, take up to 30% off sitewide.

Outdoor Voices Sale

From now through May 26, take 40% off all SolarCool styles with code OVSolarCool.

Nordstrom Rack

For a limited time, take up to 75% off new markdowns.

Parade Sale

Starting May 22, shop BOGO 50% off deals on all swim.

Pistola Sale

Starting May 22, take up to 70% off sale items.

Quay Sale

Starting May 16, shop BOGO free sunglasses deals.

Saks Fifth Avenue Sale

From now through May 16, get $100 to $300 off purchases between $400 and $1,200 with code GETMAYSF.

Saks Off 5th Sale

From now through May 19, shop BOGO 50% off deals on designer sunglasses with code BRIGHT.

Saucony Sale

Starting May 16, take an extra 25% off select styles with code SUMMER25.

Showpo Sale

Starting May 23, take 30% off select styles.

Skims Sale

During the Bi-Annual Sale, take 30% off sitewide (with some exclusions).

Soma Sale

From now through May 19, during the Bra Event, shop $29 bras and enjoy free shipping. 

Stoney Clover Lane Sale

Starting Make 22, take up to 60% off select styles.

Tecovas Sale

Starting May 23, take an additional 20% off all markdowns, plus an increased 20% military discount.

The North Face Sale

From now through May 26, take up to 25% off select styles.

Thinx Sale

Starting May 21, take 20% off sitewide. 

Vera Bradley Sale

Starting May 20, take up to 50% off select styles, plus an extra 20% off select rolling luggage and full-price Adair Collection items with code ADAIR20.

Best Memorial Day Beauty Sales

Color Wow Sale

Starting May 22, take between 20% and 30% off $50-100+ purchases with codes SAVE20, SAVE25, and SAVE30.

Farmacy Beauty Sale

Starting May 23, take 20% off sitewide, and get free gifts the more you spend.

HigherDose Sale

For a limited time, take 20% off bundles.

IGK Hair Sale

From now through May 27, take 25% off sitewide.

Innisfree Sale

Starting May 18, take 20% off sitewide. Plus, loyalty members get an extra 5% off.

Jack Black Sale

Starting May 23, take 20% off sitewide with $100+ purchases.

Nordstrom Sale

From now through May 17, take up to 25% off select beauty products.

Patchology Sale

Starting May 22, take 25% off all kits.

Peace Out Sale

Starting May 22, take 25% off sitewide (excluding bundles and kits).

R+Co Sale

Starting May 19, get a free travel-sized bundle on $65+ purchases with code VACAY.

Supergoop Sale

From now through May 19, take 20% off sitewide, including new arrivals.

True Botanicals Sale

Starting May 22, get a free full-size Body Butter with $150+ orders.

Ulta Sale

Starting May 18, enjoy BOGO 50% off mix and match suncare deals, plus get a free gift with select $35+ suncare purchases.

YSE Beauty Sale

Starting May 23, 20% off sitewide (with some exclusions).

Youth To The People Sale

Starting May 22, take 25% off sitewide.

Best Memorial Day Home & Furniture Sales

Great Jones Sale

Starting May 19, take 25% off sitewide (with some exclusions).

Home Depot Sale

From now through May 28, shop select Memorial Day sales, including up to 30% off select patio and outdoor decor.

Made In Sale

Starting May 16, take 25% off select cookware.

Nori Sale

Starting May 19, take 25% off sitewide.

Raymour & Flanigan Sale

From now through June 2, take up to 30% off almost everything sitewide.

Ruggable Sale

Starting May 19, take 20% off sitewide (with some exclusions) with code MEMDAY.

Society6 Sale

From now through May 27, take up to 30% off wall art, and 20% off almost everything else.

Sundays Sale

From now through May 27, take up to 30% off sitewide.

Wayfair Sale

Starting May 16, take up to 70% off select products.

Best Memorial Day Mattress & Bedding Sales

Avocado Sale

Starting May 19, take up to 20% off organic mattresses.

Brooklinen Sale

From now through May 27, take 25% off sitewide, plus 50% off bundles.

Castlery Sale

From now through May 18, save up to $500 sitewide and 40% off sale picks.. Plus, get an extra $50 off $1,500+ orders with code MDAY25.

Essentia Sale

From now through May 31, take 25% off sitewide, plus get free gifts with every mattress purchase.

Nectar Sale

Through May 16, take up to 50% off mattresses and 66% off bundles.

Parachute Sale

For a limited time, take 30% off almost everything, plus up to 75% off sale styles.

Purple Sale

For a limited time, save up to $700 off select mattresses and bases.

Saatva Sale

For a limited time, save up to $600 on select mattress purchases.

Sunday Citizen Sale

For a limited time, take 30% off bedding.

Tempur-Pedic Sale

From now through June 3, save up to $500 on select mattresses. Plus, through May 19, get $300 worth of free accessories on select mattress purchases.

Best Memorial Day Sex Toy Sales

Bellesa Sale

During May, take up to 50% off sitewide, and get a free AirVibe on $79+ purchases with code FREEAV.

Lelo Sale

From now through May 31, take up to 50% off and get a free Sona 2 Travel vibe with $199+ orders.

Lovehoney Sale

From now through June 22, take up to 50% off select toys, lingerie, and bondage.

PinkCherry Sale

For a limited time, take up to 80% off clearance and 40% off sitewide with code FLASH.

Womanizer Sale

Through May 31, take up to 50% off select products, and get a free Womanizer Toy on $199+ orders.

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Sunglasses might be the hardest-working accessory in your summer wardrobe — and also the most fun. They’re the finishing touch that makes even your laziest outfit feel styled. This season, it’s all about sun protection with a side of nostalgia: think micro oval and colored lenses in every shade of the rainbow, and plenty of personality-forming silhouettes.

Aviator sunglasses remain a staple, but this summer’s versions skew chunkier, with thicker rims and tinted lenses you can easily pull off indoors or after sunset (a vibe we’re here for). Cateye sunglasses continue to deliver cheeky summer energy, whether in bright acetate or softer, less angular shapes like the just-dropped style from Reformation’s new collaboration with Jimmy Fairly.

Rectangular sunglasses are trending hard, too — from sleek, minimal ’90s styles to sporty, futuristic takes — the perfect offset to breezy dresses and cutesy tops when you don’t want to feel too darling. And if you’re suddenly gripped by a metal sunglasses obsession? Same. Slim wireframes, mirrored lenses, and irregular silhouettes are leading the charge, especially when paired with polarized or colored lenses.

From classic black sunglasses and tortoise frames to Y2K ovals, sleek cateyes, and rectangular throwbacks, the sunglasses of summer 2025 lean bolder, cooler, and genuinely joyful to wear. Ahead, shop the most popular sunglasses of the season — from trend-driven picks to tried-and-true shapes with a twist.

2025 Sunglass Trend: Aviator Sunglasses

This summer’s aviator sunglasses lean chunkier and bolder, with thick rims, colorful tints, and even softly sculptural silhouettes that work just as well indoors as they do at golden hour.

2025 Sunglass Trend: Metal Sunglasses 

Slim metal frames are suddenly everywhere. Whether you’re into mirrored sunglasses, sporty bridge details, or barely-there wireframes with a ‘90s bent, metal sunglasses are big-time trending. Bonus points if they’re tinted or polarized.

2025 Sunglass Trend: Cateye Sunglasses 

Cateye sunglasses are summer icons for a reason. The newest crop of the retro-leaning style comes brighter and unexpected, be it a vibrant color or a less angular cut that feels decidedly softer. Don’t overlook white options for a vintage-inspired finish.

2025 Sunglass Trend: Oval Sunglasses 

Oval sunglasses = peak Y2K energy. The shape is having a full-on moment — just see the ultra-popular, fashion editor-beloved Miu Miu pair — especially in colorful or translucent frames with tinted lenses in purple, yellow, or green. Pair with slicked-back hair, a pretty sundress, and easy sandals.

2025 Sunglass Trend: Rectangular Sunglasses 

Minimal, sporty, or a little bit sci-fi, rectangular sunglasses are the shape to get into. From sleek black frames that channel ‘90s minimalism to shield-inspired styles with edge, they’re the perfect way to tone down anything too sweet.

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If you’ve spent even a few minutes watching GRWM TikToks lately, you’ve likely scrolled past at least one creator sporting a bold, inky outline around their lips, as if they’d used a Sharpie. The interesting product in question? Sacheu Beauty’s Stay-N Lip Liner, $12, a viral favorite that has been making waves ever since Billie Eilish casually name-dropped it in her backstage beauty routine.

The concept is pretty straightforward: Unlike your average lip pencil, this liner works like a temporary tattoo. You paint it on, let the liquid sit for a few minutes and change color, then peel off the dried layer to reveal a stain that claims to resist all kinds of smudging and transferring. Anyone who’s tired of redoing their lip combo throughout the day will immediately understand the appeal.

Naturally, we had to see if the hype for the product, which has racked up millions of views on TikTok, was justified. Ahead, our beauty editors tested a handful of Sacheu’s most talked-about lip liner shades, exclusively available at Ulta. Here are our unfiltered thoughts.

Venus Wong, senior writer

She tried: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N (in Noohde), $12

“My lip makeup rarely survives a meal — I’m constantly wiping my mouth with a napkin — so I’m the ideal candidate to test this product. Upon first application, the product felt a little tight and tingly on my lips (like I was wearing a clay mask), but that sensation faded away in a few minutes. For me, just under nine minutes was more than enough to dye the edge of my lips a nudish-pink that looks way more wearable than I expected. I will say that because it’s a stain, the lines are a bit more harsh and defined than a regular lip pencil, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you prefer a more blurred effect.

“Thanks to conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid in the formula, it didn’t leave my lips feeling parched or cracked. Most importantly, the pigment had remarkable staying power and didn’t budge even with my relentless rubbing. My go-to ‘90s-inspired lip combo has been pairing this stain with a shiny nude gloss (I can’t get enough of Laneige’s Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum in Sugar Glaze lately). At $12, it’s a few dollars cheaper than many lip liners on the market. The best part? You’ll get tons of wear from it, since there’s very little reapplication required.”

Vanese Maddix, contributing beauty writer

She tried: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N (in HEY-zel), $12

“My lips can get pretty dry, so I only use liners that are hydrating and moisturising. Right off the bat, I noticed a gluey kind of smell from the formula. The texture also felt slightly sticky as it began to dry down. I left this on for the full 15 minutes, and my lips didn’t feel uncomfortable, tingly, or dry, which was a good sign. It came off in one go rather than in clumps.

“My lips already have a brown hue to them, and I found this stain was just a touch darker than my usual lip shade. I’d hoped it would be much darker, especially since the formula looks really dark. However, HEY-zel is already the darkest available. I found the overall longevity really impressive: it lasted all day and didn’t budge for anything I ate. While this product won’t be replacing my beloved Rhode Peptide Lip Shape or Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat anytime soon, I can definitely see why it’s gone viral and why people keep coming back to it. It looks great with a clear lip balm as a top coat, but I’d like darker shades from Sacheu in the future.”

Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

She tried: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N (in CoReal), $12

“My first experience with peel-off lip stains was with Wonderskin. Despite the many glowing reviews, I didn’t have a great time with it, so I approached Sacheu’s version with a fair bit of scepticism. The application is fairly straightforward, but the product dries quickly — you have to move fast. I struggled to layer it for more intensity; once it set, going back over it didn’t quite work. Using too much is a no-go, too, as it can seep into the lines of your lips in a way that a traditional pencil liner wouldn’t.

“Peeling it off was quick and totally painless, but the pigment clung to my dry patches, creating an uneven finish. I’m not a red lip person, so I might not be the best judge of the shade, but once I added a bit of lip oil, it evened out and looked much better! As a habitual lip licker (and picker), it didn’t last very long on me — just smushing my lips together and eating breakfast was enough to wear most of it, so I ended up removing the rest with a little micellar water on a cotton bud. It’s safe to say, it won’t be replacing my trusty Laura Mercier Perfecting Lip Liner anytime soon, but it is pretty fun.”

Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer

She tried: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N (in getREADy), $12

“I love the idea of red lipstick, but more often than not, I decide against it purely due to the high maintenance of it all. Choosing to rock a red lip means you’re signing up for careful sips and bites, constant touchups and generally avoiding it getting everywhere if you’re as prone to touching your face as I am. Sacheu has solved this problem with its getREADy shade of long-lasting lip liner. I actually like to apply this as both a liner or all-over, and either apply a red lipstick on top for maximum staying power, or a tinted lip balm for a more muted red. I ate and drank as normal after applying this in the morning, and it lasted nearly all day. I refreshed my lipstick throughout the day, but the defined shape from the liner didn’t budge at all. Best of all, it felt comfortable and the undertones are neutral enough that I could wear pretty much any red lipstick, ranging from warm, orange-y ones to my most vivid, blue-toned hues like MAC Ruby Woo.”

She also tried: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N (in MUAH-ve), $12

“This shade is utterly gorgeous. On my olive skin, it’s the perfect ‘my lips, but better’ warm, rosy nude. I’ve almost found these lip liners too pigmented. I leave it on for five minutes tops, and that’s more than enough to achieve a stain that lasts all day. With MUAH-ve, I like to apply it on freshly exfoliated lips (to remove any dry, flaky patches) so that they are soft but not too moisturized that the product won’t adhere properly.

“As you’ve likely seen in countless TikToks, the best part of Sacheu’s lip liner is the peel-and-reveal step, but a pro tip: Make sure you have a tissue nearby since the removal process can be a little messy. Even with a careful, even application, removing the delicate layer of lip stain resulted in me getting it on my fingers and nails. I wear a nude lip almost every day, and my favorite way to wear MUAH-ve is with a tinted balm on top to lock in moisture and pigment. I’ve been pairing it with the Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm in Red Dahlia nonstop ever since recently testing it for another review.”

Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer

She tried: Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-N (in P-Inked), $12

“This lip stain is easy enough to use. It’s quite stiff and sticky in texture, making it simple to shape the lines compared to a more fluid one. After 10 minutes, it peeled off with only a couple of flakes left. The pigment was a bit too strong for my liking, as I prefer my lip liner to look more subtle, but with some lipstick dabbed over top, I liked the final effect a lot more. It did, however, leave my lips feeling irritated for the first hour or two after applying. They didn’t look irritated, but I could feel that my skin wasn’t too happy. Thankfully, this did settle after a while.

“Having eaten a burger and drank a couple of pints, the stain had faded by the end of the night. It was still there, but it was actually how I wished it had looked at the start of the night, like a natural enhancement over an obvious line. If it weren’t for the irritating sensation I experienced, I’d use it again and try a softer application to begin with because it really did look pretty a few hours into my evening (as you can see above).”

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun. 

It’s 2 a.m. and I can’t sleep. There is no breeze coming from the wide-open window next to me, but the air is clawing at the eczema on my neck. It feels like it’s on fire. I’m not scratching it, but it burns. I get up and grab some frozen peas wrapped in a towel; I’m not sure if it’ll help, but I’ll try anything at this point. My leathery-looking, eczema-laden wrists are soaked in steroid cream and wrapped in bandages. I lie there wondering if this is what hell feels like. Dramatic? Perhaps. But a chronic skin condition can make anyone feel this way.

In the grand scheme of things, my eczema isn’t even that “bad” considering I only get it in small patches. So I can understand why plenty of people with more extreme eczema might turn to tanning beds for relief despite their dangerous reputation.

Why do people use tanning beds to treat eczema?

On TikTok, the phrases “eczema and tanning beds” and “sunbeds eczema” have a combined 233.1 million views. There, videos filled with personal testimonies and misinformation are rife, claiming positive results without noting the risks or providing evidence. One user shared a video saying they use a tanning bed for 20 minutes daily before taking a bath. “It’s doing my skin the world of good,” they insist. “I know I look better, and I know it is the sunbed use.” Another user revealed that they were willing to try tanning beds again despite getting second-degree burns in a previous session, all because “someone said, if you go on the sunbeds it helps your skin a little bit”. Others joke about ignoring the risks of melanoma, a type of skin cancer caused by UV radiation. This only appears to enable users in the comments: “Might have a sun bed after watching this,” wrote one.

I was keen to know if people in the “real world” turn to tanning beds in a bid to treat their eczema, and the responses I received were alarming. Ellie, 24, admitted to using tanning beds as an eczema treatment even though she had previously had a cancer scare. “I have loads of moles and actually had a cancerous mole from abusing [tanning beds] too much when I was younger,” she says. “I did use them a few times [after that] to help my skin condition, but I stopped because long term, it isn’t good at all. I won’t touch tanning beds now, even when I have a flare-up.” When asked what changed her mind, Ellie said: “Tanning beds are just quick fixes, and I can’t help but feel like I’m causing further damage — even if it’s helping me feel better in the moment.”

Ellie’s worry makes sense as the scientific research is abundantly clear: The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies tanning beds as a human carcinogen. Tanning bed usage statistically increases your chances of developing various skin cancers, and your risk of cancer becomes higher the more you use them. This is because ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages the DNA in your skin cells. The Skin Cancer Foundation drives home that even one tanning bed session is highly dangerous. In fact, the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (the second most common skin cancer) is at least 67% higher in people who have ever used a tanning bed at any age compared with those who have never used one.

Despite the well-documented risks, Elise Loubatieres-Phan Ngoc, a content creator known for sharing her experience with eczema and hyperthyroidism, says that she has received an abundance of comments over the years, mainly from people recommending tanning beds for her skin condition. Irrespective of the noise, she is steadfast in her decision to avoid tanning beds, telling me that she believes they just replace one problem with another.

Writer Chloe Laws, 29, admits to using tanning beds for her psoriasis in the past. Although psoriasis is not the same as eczema, it too causes inflammation, irritation, and dry patches of skin. As such, Laws says that her reasoning for using tanning beds was similar to those with eczema. While she has now sworn off them completely, she says that she used tanning beds out of “absolute desperation” when she was willing to give anything a try, “even though the logical part of your brain will say not to,” she adds. I can personally relate to this desperation. The impact of eczema on mental health is undeniable: According to the National Eczema Association, adults with eczema have a higher risk of anxiety or depression.

Do tanning beds help with eczema?

With eczema having such a profound, negative impact on quality of life, it’s understandable that people turn to tanning beds. But anecdotal evidence aside, is there any truth in their supposed benefits? It pays to understand what might cause eczema in the first instance.

Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, says that alongside environmental factors (like temperature changes and allergies), a known cause of eczema is an overactive immune system. Some research shows that UV radiation, which tanning beds emit, can weaken the immune system within the skin. This is known as immunosuppression, says Dr. Wedgeworth. In short, some studies suggest that certain wavelengths of UV may relieve eczema symptoms. But it’s not quite so cut and dried.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB/phototherapy light treatments?

While tanning beds do emit UV, research from the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care confirms that they cannot be used to treat eczema. Rather, medical UV treatment for eczema — referred to as phototherapy — is a recommended professional option. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Alia Ahmed explains that phototherapy enlists only one type of UV light: “Something called ‘narrowband UVB’ or ‘NB-UVB’ is used to treat eczema in dermatology departments,” she says. “This type of light therapy has harmful UV rays filtered out for increased safety, and it’s closely monitored by dermatologists.” Here, the UV wavelengths target specific areas of the body affected by eczema. Conversely, tanning beds mostly emit harmful UVA (responsible for a tan), which damages the entire skin.

Dr. Ahmed adds that UVA penetrates deeper into the skin compared to other types of UV radiation. “Every time you tan or burn, you damage the DNA in your skin,” says Dr. Ahmed. “The more you damage your DNA, the greater your risk of getting skin cancer.” Tanning beds and phototherapy are not the same, and the risks of tanning beds remain unequivocal.

Considering the indisputable links to skin cancer, Dr. Wedgeworth says that using tanning beds to treat eczema is a “very high-risk strategy”. But that’s not all. While certain UV rays might improve eczema symptoms when administered by a medical professional, there is a proportion of eczema that is actually worsened by UV light, says Dr. Wedgeworth. This is known as photo-aggravated eczema and is estimated to affect around 1.4% to 16% of people with atopic eczema.

Is sunshine and vitamin D good for eczema?

It’s clear that there are various pervasive myths surrounding tanning beds and eczema, but it would be remiss not to acknowledge sunbathing outdoors, and it is widely believed that vitamin D from sunshine can alleviate eczema symptoms. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, getting enough vitamin D from tanning beds isn’t possible, considering that they mainly emit UVA rays. Sunshine, on the other hand, emits UVB, too, which provides the energy your skin needs to create vitamin D. Dr. Ahmed says that studies have found severe eczema to be associated with lower vitamin D levels. “The reason behind this is not fully understood,” Dr. Ahmed says, “but vitamin D plays a role in skin barrier function and may have anti-inflammatory properties.”

That said, the effects of sunshine itself on eczema aren’t fully understood. “Some people report that the sun helps their skin, while others say it makes it worse. The effect of sunshine on eczema varies between individuals,” says Dr. Ahmed. While many may find their skin feels better in warm weather, Dr. Wedgeworth says this isn’t due to the sun alone. Research shows that it’s often a combination of things (like a warm climate and no drying indoor heating) as well as UV exposure. As for vitamin D supplements, Dr. Wedgeworth agrees that it’s “important to maintain healthy vitamin D levels” but notes that there is a distinct lack of evidence to support the idea that vitamin D supplements improve eczema symptoms.

For all the anecdotal evidence that suggests sunshine can make your eczema feel better, research says that heat and sweat might actually make it worse. Some people might feel itchier when it’s hot and sweaty, as sodium from sweat can dry out the skin and sting or irritate already-inflamed areas, says Dr. Ahmed. Dr. Wedgeworth adds that this can lead to more scratching and exacerbated eczema symptoms.

If you enjoy spending time in the sun and feel your eczema benefits as a result, Dr. Wedgeworth reminds us that we should always take precautions to reduce our chances of skin damage and developing skin cancer. Wear protective clothing, stick to shaded areas, and avoid spending time outside between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its hottest. Dermatologists also recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. According to Dr. Wedgeworth, the best sunscreens for eczema-prone skin tend not to be fragranced, and some people may tolerate mineral sunscreens better than chemical sunscreens. However, the former are more likely to leave behind a white cast on darker skin.

How do you get rid of eczema?

Treating eczema can feel like a constant battle. Instead of self-medicating with tanning beds, which can do more harm than good, consider visiting your doctor. They are likely to start you off with topical emollient creams and soap substitutes, which prevent moisture escaping from the skin and alleviate dry, rough patches. Topical steroid creams can treat the uncomfortable dryness caused by eczema, but they require a prescription, though weaker topical steroids like hydrocortisone (found in Aveeno 1% Hydrocortisone Anti Itch, sold at Walmart) are also available to buy over the counter. Even so, it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional before you go ahead and buy.

If these topical treatments don’t help, ask your doctor to refer you to a dermatologist. Aside from topicals, Loubatieres-Phan Ngoc relies on LED light, namely the Dermalux Flex MD LED Light Therapy Device, to treat her eczema. However, at $2,569.99, it’s expensive, and there isn’t enough research to show that LED can help with eczema symptoms. Despite some anecdotal evidence, “LED is a different wavelength of light to UV radiation,” explains Dr. Wedgeworth, “and probably doesn’t have the same immunosuppressive effects [as phototherapy].”

Where tanning beds are concerned, they are certainly not a cure-all for eczema. Their risks far outweigh any potential positive side effects, and there are much more effective treatment methods available with the help of doctors and dermatologists. If you’re eczema-prone, protecting your already-inflamed skin from harmful UV rays is paramount, and attempting to treat a skin condition without the help of a trained healthcare professional isn’t recommended. As for me? My neck might sometimes feel like it’s had a harsh encounter with a cactus, but having read the research and spoken to the experts, I’ll pass on the tanning beds.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Surprise! The popular Kendra Scott x LoveShackFancy jewelry collection from 2024 has been restocked. The designer brands have released prominent collabs since — with the likes of Dolly Parton and Hunter Boots — but shoppers continue to want more from this partnership. It offers bow accessories (which have shown no sign of slowing down), hearts, florals, and coquette chokers. Last year, it quickly sold out within hours — as expected.

The contemporary jewelry brand, founded by Kendra Scott, and the vintage-inspired fashion label, helmed by Rebecca Hessel Cohen, collaborated on an unabashedly feminine gold jewelry collection. If you weren’t one of the lucky shoppers to cart up the coveted pieces, you can pre-order them between 10 a.m. EST today and 10 a.m. on May 14 — while supplies last — on kendrascott.com. Pre-orders are expected to ship in August.

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A post shared by Kendra Scott (@kendrascott)

From gold-plated pendant necklaces and charm bracelets to statement earrings, each piece is as intricate and whimsical as the next. The collab includes limited-edition versions of Kendra Scott’s best-selling Elisa necklace. Rather than classic gemstones, this style features bow-adorned and LoveShackFancy-inspired floral-patterned pendants. You’ll also find a few bow studs and drop styles in the mix.

Shop full Kendra Scott x LoveShackFancy collaboration at 10 a.m. EST

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You don’t have to search very long to find plenty of TikTok-famous, viral beauty brands that are undoubtedly having a moment. But we would argue that longevity and credibility go much further than a trendy product. (After all, brands achieve heritage status because of their long history, consistency, and ride-or-die customer loyalty.) And when considering tried-and-true skincare brands, one name kept popping up when I polled our British coworkers: No7. The brand is a household name across the pond (it launched in 1935 ), but has been somewhat of a best-kept secret here in the States — until now.

Historically, the brand focused on helping women look and feel their best with products that can be relied on for efficacy and results — without breaking the bank. That message still holds true today (most products clock in under $30, and nothing exceeds $45), and if you ask us, the brand is highly slept on. Looking to change that, we asked our team to share their favorite products from No7, ranging from sfrom serums to moisturizers — plus a mascara that rivals luxury brands. Shop them all below.

Lash Impact Mascara, $9.99

“I’ve been using this product since I was 14, no word of a lie. My friend and I used to go into our local Boots in our small town and go makeup shopping, which consisted of foundation (Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, obviously), concealer (for the lips), and mascara. This mascara is the only product that has stood the test of time in my makeup bag all those years. It’s lengthening and volumising without being clumpy. It’s the closest thing to a Chanel mascara I’ve found on the high street, at only $10.” — Kelly Washington, Social Editor

Derm Solutions Daily Lightweight Moisturiser, $19.99

“As an oily skin girlie, I’ve tested every product with a combination of ‘water,’ ‘gel,’ ‘lightweight,’ — you name it, I’ve tried it. I had a chance to learn more about this particular formula this year at The American Academy of Dermatology  (the largest professional organization of dermatologists in the country) annual conference — aka, the perfect place to celebrate No7’s latest launches that were developed in partnership with dermatologists — and it’s nothing short of outstanding. The texture is silky and rich, but not heavy. It feels incredible on my skin and absorbs instantly, leaving behind a natural, healthy glow. It’s made with a proprietary complex that includes ceramides, niacinamide, and adaptogens to soothe and lock in moisture. It feels so, so luxe, I’d never in a million years guess it’s $20 (currently on sale at Target for $17!) — easily, my new holy grail day moisturizer.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Dual Phase Mask, $14.99

“In the past few years, I’ve discovered the benefits of hydrating masks after dermatologists informed me of my chronically dehydrated skin. Two of my formulas of choice are Laneige’s Water Sleeping Mask and Drunk Elephant’s F-Balm Waterfacial. Both excellent, yes, but pricey at $32 and $54. No7’s HydraLuminous+ Hydrating Dual Phase Mask is like a gallon of water for your face. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to quench skin and maintain clear pores, and has the most decadent serum-like texture that evolves into a gel-cream as you massage it into your skin — that’s the dual-phase formula at work. After 15 minutes, I feel like my complexion looks brighter and feels touchably softer and smoother. (You can also use it as an overnight mask to wake up to beautifully hydrated skin.) And at only $15? I’m sold.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum, $39.99

“At the launch of this serum a few months ago, I was lucky enough to sit next to Dr. Mike Bell — the scientist who tests all of No7’s products before they hit the market — and he told me so much about this formula that I was convinced to try it that very evening. I had an unlabelled lab sample! Even after just one use, my skin looked better the very next morning. Like magic, it appeared plumper, smoother, and brighter. The star ingredients are peptides — proteins that help strengthen the skin — but it also contains moisturising glycerin, oil-balancing niacinamide, and hydrating, soothing panthenol (also known as vitamin B5). Paired with the aforementioned serum, which I concentrate under my eyes, as well as my favorite moisturizer (currently Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb), it’s a brilliant product for softening the appearance of fine lines worsened by dehydration. I also smooth it down my neck and over the backs of my hands.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum, $42.99

“While it works across the entire face, No7’s Line Correcting Booster Serum is hands-down the best serum I’ve ever used for under-eye lines. I first tried it in 2021 — and even wrote  a review for the site, I was that impressed — and it’s been my go-to ever since. The star ingredient is Matrixyl 3000+, a peptide that helps repair and strengthen skin while boosting collagen and elastin — the proteins that keep skin firm and supple. Don’t just take my word for it — the before and after photos speak for themselves. I’ve always had a deep line beneath each eye, but this significantly smoothed them out. That’s down to the Matrixyl, along with ultra-hydrating glycerin and moisture-boosting humectants like butylene glycol and sodium lactate. Whenever someone asks me for an eye cream recommendation, I point them to this. I’ll never stop using it.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director

Future Renew Day Cream SPF 25, $34.99

“A few years ago, I tested out No7’s Future Renew line, along with some of my colleagues. The product that I’ve kept in rotation (and re-bought) is the Future Renew Day Cream. Why? It’s deeply hydrating and leaves my dry skin looking and feeling plump and glowy (all thanks to a combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide — aka a form of vitamin B3); it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and isn’t overly scented; it sinks in quickly; and has SPF 25. Simply put, this is a great day cream for anyone not wanting to shell out an arm and a leg.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer

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A Derm Told Me To Make These Skincare Resolutions

Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun. 

Holly, 28, grew up as a self-proclaimed “sun baby” — the kind that could lie in the heat for hours, emerging glowy and unfazed. True to form, she recently escaped to Spain in search of sun, sand, and cocktails. But on arrival, there were no warm rays — just grey skies and rain on the forecast.

Cue the disappointment: who wants to fly miles just to bring bleak, wet weather with them? “At first I was gutted. I wanted to relax and read my book in the sun. But a small part of me was relieved,” Holly admits. “I imagined the intense [UV] rays I would be exposed to and the kind of damage that would do to my skin. Lately, I carry a lot of guilt and anxiety, worrying about whether my SPF is enough,” she reveals.

Holly isn’t alone in feeling increasingly anxious about sun exposure. As summer approaches, many young people are growing intensely reliant on sunscreen: “I caught myself unzipping my handbag three times before walking to the train station last weekend because I kept feeling like I had forgotten my sunblock,” Fiona, 25, tells me. She has even brought it up with her therapist. Diagnosed with OCD, Fiona says that her fixation often flares up around health-related concerns; in hot weather, it’s usually about staying hydrated and always carrying her spray-on sunscreen.

So is it common to be this concerned? And how important is wearing sunscreen really?

First things first, it’s helpful to understand how the sun affects your skin, starting with UVA rays. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips says these can penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin, and accelerating aging. Besides premature aging, UVA rays are also linked to skin cancers such as melanoma. Then there are UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and can also contribute to skin cancer. With this in mind, Dr. Phillips is clear on the importance of sun protection: “I treat skin cancer and see firsthand the devastation it can cause, so my messaging is very clear — I always tell patients to wear high-factor sunscreen.”

Why are we so obsessed with wearing sunscreen?

Dr. Phillips agrees that public awareness around SPF has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in colder climates, where many people once mistakenly believed that overcast skies offered protection and that sun exposure was only a concern when travelling abroad. But he is quick to add that the growing paranoia around wearing sunscreen can be counterproductive: “We’re living in a world where people are more and more anxious, and while awareness is good, for some people receiving the same message repeatedly on social media can be overwhelming.”

Sure enough, a quick TikTok search for “sunscreen” serves up countless videos — from skincare enthusiasts to dermatologists — extolling the virtues of daily SPF use, but in the same breath, shaming those who skip it. On Instagram, it’s not uncommon for beauty enthusiasts and even experts to share photos of extreme cases of sunburn and deep wrinkles in a bid to scare viewers into using SPF religiously. Here lies the catch-22: sunscreen is beneficial for your skin and overall health, but the way the message is being delivered is starting to take a toll on people’s mental wellbeing.

Head to Reddit, and you’ll find multiple subreddits where users confess to a growing “obsession” with sunscreen. One person, who reapplies every two hours, rain or shine, shared that after a day at the beach, she was stressed for a week, convinced she was “doomed to premature aging.” Interestingly, the common fear underscoring these conversations isn’t skin cancer; this is often an afterthought. The real concern is that sun exposure beckons fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and pigmentation. It’s a worry that many in the digital generation are battling with well before they hit their 40s.

Dr. Zainab Laftah, a consultant dermatologist at HCA Healthcare, has seen this firsthand and reports an uptick in younger patients asking about sunscreen: “I have several Gen Z patients who are particularly anxious about skipping sunscreen due to a strong fear of aging,” she tells me. “One even admitted to wearing SPF while asleep, worried about potential UV exposure when she wakes up.”

Is wearing sunscreen about skin health, or a fear-mongering tactic to prevent aging?

Somewhere along the way, wearing sunscreen went from a gentle PSA to a full-blown fear-mongering tactic. Although seemingly well-intentioned, this messaging not only relies on fear as a motivator but it also reinforces society’s desire to resist all signs of aging. According to intelligence firm Circana, 70% of Gen Z is already using anti-aging serums daily. While popular culture has always been youth-obsessed, it’s clear that in today’s aesthetics-driven virtual world, our grapple with age has become more complicated than ever.

To many, sunscreen boasts the alluring promise of holding back time: “It’s been instilled in me by TikTok’s skincare obsessives that wearing sunscreen every single day is non-negotiable,” Sophie*, 32, tells me. “I went away with a friend recently and felt a genuine wave of panic when I realized I’d forgotten to pack my SPF,” she continued. “I even considered asking her to turn the car around, despite it not being sunny and knowing we wouldn’t be spending much time outdoors.” Sophie says that we’re constantly fed a narrative that aging is something to fight, delay, and fix: “I’ve never been drawn to injectables, but I tell myself that if I just take care of my skin, I’ll reap the benefits later on,” says Sophie. “But that kind of pressure, even when it comes from a place of self-care, can be exhausting.”

This rhetoric is constantly echoed back to us: on one hand, prepubescent children are buying under-eye creams; on the other, AI filters give us a glimpse of how we might look with wrinkles, deepening our collective discomfort with aging. Young people are submitting to sleeping with face masks, mouth tapes, and chin straps to freeze their skin in time, while the booming popularity of “baby” Botox, fox eye lifts, and red light therapy reinforces the message that looking youthful is sacrosanct — and easily achieved if you spend enough money.

Here’s the thing: it’s normal to be nervous about your face and body changing, especially in an era where women are publicly torn down for getting older. It’s hard to fault people for caring about aging when the system feels so rigged against us. It’s no wonder, then, that whether you have a 13-step skincare routine or reject the “beauty girlie” label altogether, SPF has become the bare minimum tool to resist looking older.

Is global warming fuelling our SPF paranoia?

Concerningly, sunscreen paranoia is starting to take over — and disrupt — everyday lives. Fiona decided to skip an upcoming group vacation to Italy because she worried that her UK-friendly sunscreen may not be good enough for the high temperatures. Similarly, on the rare morning when Holly forgets to apply sun protection before going for a run, she says that her exercise feels unproductive and even “dangerous.” Likewise, Sophie says that leaving the house without wearing sunscreen on her face feels “irresponsible.”

People take sunscreen very seriously. In 2024, consumer watchdog Which? claimed that popular Bondi Sands SPF50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion had “failed” its UV protection tests, sparking uproar on social media. Users were outraged at the idea that the product might not live up to its promises and could leave them unprotected. Reassuringly, in the US, SPF products are regulated as over-the-counter drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and while Bondi Sands told Refinery29 it works with compliance experts Delphic HSE, fears around sunscreens not delivering on their promises continue to grow.

This is especially true as the Earth warms up. In 2025, we witnessed the hottest January on record. Sanjana, 29, says climate anxiety contributes to her sunscreen usage: “It sounds shallow, but I wish I could calculate how much faster I am aging being born in an era where global warming is worse,” she says. Sanjana adds that she applies two fingers’ worth of sunscreen every four hours from April to July when UV levels are higher, and has a reminder set on her phone to ensure she never forgets.

But is being diligent with SPF application worth living in panic? Psychotherapist and author Eloise Skinner reminds us that an over-reliance on anything can have a negative impact: “It can reach a point where the anxiety outweighs any benefits from an otherwise positive product like sunscreen,” she tells me. “This might be the case where the feared element (sun exposure, for example) is invisible,” Skinner adds. “The lack of immediate physical evidence can push us to spiral or worry more.”

How should we be wearing sunscreen?

This in no way implies that we should stop using sunscreen; rather, it’s a call to find a healthy middle ground, bringing the sunscreen conversation back from the edge and onto more sensible footing. Dr. Phillips tries to mitigate any concerns and anxiety about sunscreen by laying out a clear plan for each of his patients. While the instructions require more nuance based on your skin type and lifestyle, he shares some general rules of thumb.

“In the summer months, particularly on a sunny day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the UV index is at its highest, you should try to stay in the shade and use SPF,” says Dr. Phillips. “An average adult should be using 30 millilitres of sunscreen with each head-to-toe application,” he stresses, which is almost one-third of a 100 millilitre bottle.

“If you go to the beach, you should reapply sun protection every two hours,” adds Dr. Phillips, and if you’re entering the water, it may get washed off, so you need to apply it again once you’re out.” The rules are the same regardless of your skin tone, says Dr. Phillips. But what about when it isn’t as sunny? Suppose you’re heading to work at 8 a.m. when it’s relatively dark outside, and coming home in the evening well after the sun has set. Is sunscreen necessary then? “When the UV index is low in early mornings, you don’t need to use [sunscreen] as much,” Dr. Phillips explains, especially if you’re wearing more clothes. Dr. Phillips recommends focusing on exposed areas, applying a teaspoon-sized amount of SPF to your face and neck.

The colder months also see less UVB radiation — the rays that primarily cause burns — but UVA is still present and can pass through clouds and windows. In this instance, Dr. Phillips says you don’t need to reapply your sunscreen every two hours as you do in the summer months, but if you’re spending a good while outdoors, he suggests carrying a sunscreen mist and topping up when you can.

Even as a sunscreen enthusiast, Dr. Phillips insists it’s important to uncouple the unhealthy fixation on looking younger from the purpose of sun protection: “We need to reframe the feeling of disgust that comes with aging,” he tells me. “The pendulum has swung too far on one side, where people are scared of wrinkles and fine lines, but these are natural consequences of living,” Dr. Phillips says. The reality is that aging is inevitable, whether you wear sunscreen or not.

For me, every fine line or wrinkle-in-the-making is a little reminder of the many hours spent laughing with my friends or making funny faces at my nephew — some of my favorite moments from the last two decades. Ultimately, we shouldn’t feel gripped by the fear that our sunscreen isn’t doing enough, nor should we dread spending time outdoors because of it. Unless you’re planning to sunbathe for hours in direct sunlight, which isn’t advisable, it’s more important to be practical than perfectionist. Keep some SPF in your bag if it’s sunny or you’ll be outside for a while, and if you forget, don’t panic. There are other simple ways to protect yourself: sit in the shade, put on a hat or a pair of sunglasses. There’s no need to rush home.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Does Tatcha’s $64 Sunscreen Live Up To The Hype?

Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun. 

When I asked my colleagues if they’d be up for a skin scan to check their sun damage, all I got was tumbleweed. I didn’t blame them. No one wants to hear that the days they spent happily and carelessly soaking up the sun could eventually show up on their skin. While I like to think that what you don’t know can’t hurt you, having countless dermatologists just a DM away means I’m also well aware of the very real impact of UV rays.

Take UVA, for example: the main cause of premature aging and skin cancers, including potentially deadly melanoma. UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and windows. Then there are UVB rays, responsible for sunburn, not to mention visible light and infrared rays, all of which can harm your skin’s DNA, leading to sun damage.

One simple, effective way to protect your skin is by wearing a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen — and you don’t need to spend a fortune for it to work. While many of us have seamlessly incorporated SPF into our morning routines, reapplying on hot, sunny days isn’t always top of mind. Nowhere is this more evident than at Refinery29. Before I go further, I want to stress that Sun Blocked is a shame-free zone. I’ll never fault anyone for not wearing sunscreen or being as meticulous as a dermatologist. But a quick survey of the team shows we all have completely different sun habits and skincare approaches. It got me thinking: Would this be reflected in our skin?

To find out, we went to Self London — a skin clinic recently opened by consultant dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto — to undergo a VISIA skin scan with skin and laser therapist Katie Dawson. The advanced VISIA machine uses imaging technology to analyse the skin’s surface and deeper layers. It then produces UV and ‘brown spot’ photos, highlighting where your skin might be sun-damaged, and offers insight into how to take care of it going forward.

Ahead, five Refinery29 staffers, each with a different approach to suncare, share how much sun damage they actually have and what the scan taught them about their sun and skincare habits.

Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

“I haven’t always been diligent about sunscreen. As a child, I used to hide from my parents when they tried to apply it — always on vacation somewhere scorchingly hot. It’s only in the past decade that I’ve become religious about wearing SPF 50 every single day, even when it’s cold or cloudy. UVA rays, after all, can penetrate clouds and glass — and I work by a huge window!

“I’m incredibly sensitive to the sun. Just 10 minutes outside in the heat can leave me feeling dizzy and sick, so I’ve never sunbathed or set foot on a tanning bed. I expected my UV photos to reflect that, and so did the clinician, who predicted they’d be “quite good.” That’s why I was shocked when she pointed out a smattering of dark brown spots across my forehead — sun damage likely picked up when I was younger. The regret!

“Thankfully, the rest of my face showed minimal signs of damage: cheeks? Pretty clear. Nose? Not too bad. Years of daily SPF have certainly paid off, but there are areas I need to watch. Around my nose, we spotted a couple of broken capillaries, likely from sun exposure, since UV can weaken the vessels beneath thin skin. Around my eyes, too, where sunscreen is often missed. My under-eyes and eyelids are already sensitive from using high-strength skincare ingredients like retinol and exfoliating acids, so layering SPF here is non-negotiable. Ultimately, the scan confirmed I’m on the right track. SPF 50 is my BFF.”

The expert’s opinion: “I wouldn’t say there’s too much of an uneven tone, but your forehead looks a little bit darker. Cheeks-wise, looking good. If you’re using strong ointments, make sure you’re wearing your SPF because your skin can become more irritated in the sun.”

Tanyel Mustafa, senior writer

“I’ve never been a sunbather, and as a kid, I fought my brother for the shadiest sunlounger when we’d go on vacation. I was also good at letting my mom slather me in SPF. But I was never good at applying it myself at home because I’ve never been burned in London. Admittedly, I haven’t taken the British sun as seriously, being olive-skinned. I got my first sunburn as an adult in Australia because the sun doesn’t play there!

“Starting my journalism career in beauty made me see the error in my ways, however. Although I’ll admit I don’t stay too true to daily application in the winter, during the summer, I wear SPF50 on my face every day. I don’t usually top up, though, and to be honest, I need to get better at applying SPF to my body. I dread to think how much damage was done at the last two Glastonbury festivals, with five solid days in the sun and virtually no shade.

“The scan was kind of what I was expecting to see. My inflammation was low, which checks out given my skin isn’t too sensitive, and my cheeks had less sun damage than my forehead, which also checks out because they are paler. When I apply foundation, I often aim for a shade between my forehead and cheeks. I was shocked to hear that I should be applying SPF to my eyes! I had eye makeup on, so I couldn’t see if there was damage on the scan. I was also shocked to see the large dark spot on my nose, which is exactly where I recently had a large breakout. The skin expert explained that this is probably some scar tissue that will fade in my next skin cycle.

“The biggest takeaway is to apply more sunscreen on my forehead and nose. Since the scan, I’ve been paying much more attention to these areas.”

The expert’s opinion: “Some areas are darker, like your forehead and the triangle around your nose. You’re taking good care of your cheeks!”

Vanese Maddix, contributing beauty writer

“My early experience with sun exposure is probably similar to that of a lot of Black and brown people in the England. Growing up, my family never went on vacations outside of the UK, so there was no need to dodge the sun in hot countries or worry about sunbeds. Until I was about 22 (when I went abroad for the first time), the only sun I knew was whatever the UK offered, and realistically, that wasn’t anything major.

“As a Black person, I was never really taught the importance of sun protection, and I think that’s because my parents weren’t taught by my grandparents, and so on. I’d often hear (even from non-Black people) that Black people didn’t need sunscreen because it was ‘impossible’ for us to burn. But about five years ago, when I began my career as a freelance beauty and lifestyle journalist, I learned that no matter your skin tone, everyone needs sun protection. Since then, I’ve applied sunscreen religiously. (Okay, when it comes to reapplying, I can be a bit lazy on non-sunny days, but I’m working on it.)

“I’d say I have a pretty good SPF routine now. I usually skip a separate moisturizer in favor of a glowy sunscreen that works as a moisturizer-sunscreen combo. I’ve also become better at reapplying throughout the day, often using an SPF stick because it’s just easier on the go. Thanks to my job, I’ve had a few different types of skin scans before, so I wasn’t too nervous about this one. I knew nothing had been flagged in the past as alarming. When I got my results, I was told I have good skin and minimal UV damage, which I’m still buzzing about! There were one or two areas on my cheek that I was advised to pay more attention to when applying sunscreen, and I’ve been showing those spots a lot of TLC lately.

“Overall, the results confirmed what I had hoped, which was reassuring, and I’m relieved that years without sun protection in my early life didn’t cause any major damage. The only surprise was seeing some congestion on my nose and a bit of redness. With my darker skin tone, inflammation and redness aren’t always obvious, so I actually appreciated the scan making me aware of it. Moving forward, I’ll keep up my daily SPF routine because it really does seem to be working. My main goals now are to get better at reapplying throughout the day and to be extra thorough about not missing spots, especially on my nose and cheeks.”

The expert’s opinion: “The white spots on your cheeks are sun damage that might not be visible on the skin, but they’re very faint. This is a good outcome, and I know you’re very good at wearing your SPF! Your skin is in really good condition.”

Susan Devaney, lifestyle director

“My 13th birthday was memorably miserable. I’d begged for a lilac leather jacket — the ideal gift to enter my teenage years in. But I’d been so badly sunburned the day before at a waterpark (having the time of my life, no less and ignoring my parents’ pleas for me to apply more cream or put on a T-shirt) that the numerous pulsating blisters on both of my shoulders meant the jacket had to stay untouched for days. Bed bound, sipping on water due to sun stroke, too, I lay in a dark room (my mom closed the curtains to avoid further sun damage!) for too many hours. A hard lesson learned; my relationship with the sun changed for good.

“Throughout most of life since then, I’ve opted for shade over sunshine. Having fair skin means I need to be careful. This doesn’t mean I haven’t been burnt since because let me tell you I have. (In my 20s, I lived in the Middle East for two years, and the sun is hot there!) Every time it happens, I guilt-trip myself about it because I wear SPF 50 on my face every day. I know to never wear less than a factor 50. But like most people, sunshine feels good, so when I do sit out in it, I consistently top it up — and I never sit out in the midday sun.

“My cautious approach to sunshine meant I was very curious to see my skin scan. Surely, it couldn’t be that bad? I thought. Thankfully, I think the scan showed my skin is doing okay so far. It’s truly bizarre to see your skin so close up, but equally fascinating. I have very sensitive skin — eczema, acne, and rosacea — so I fully expected to see a lot of inflammation and broken capillaries. I didn’t expect to be told I have a lot of sun damage on my nose, so I’ll be taking extra care with it going forward. I’m going to keep applying SPF 50 every day and embrace my pale skin. A tan means damaged skin if you’re as pale as I am, and it’s simply not something your future self would thank you for.”

The expert’s opinion: “The darker areas that we see on your nose are sun damage, but overall, this is good. There’s a little bit of spotting on the cheeks and forehead, so you want to make sure you’re wearing SPF.”

Kelly Washington, senior social editor

“I said I would take part in this piece as R29’s resident ‘reformed tanner’. The work of our beauty director, Jackie, and the wider team has certainly changed my relationship with the sun. I was a regular sunbather on family vacations (my whole family was, and known to only pack factor 15 — eek!). I also admittedly went on many tanning beds at university. They were so cheap per minute. Growing up in a rainy area certainly played a part. I craved the sun, and I felt I needed a natural tan from beds. I would go on tanning beds two to three times a week at least. Then I started working at a skincare brand and eventually at Refinery29, so my attitude to sun protection changed dramatically. Now I wear SPF 50 on my face every day. In the sun, I also use factor 50, but I can’t say I am always good at topping up.

“I was nervous to see my skin scan results because of my history of being a sun seeker, and I was a bit shocked, I can’t lie. The brown spot one in particular scared me. Thankfully, I am not in any immediate trouble, but I think it’s so different when the facts are shoved in your face — or shown on your face. I was advised by our clinician to continue to wear SPF 50+ and a hat on the beach. She also said that fair-skinned people who tan easily, like me, can be at higher risk of sun damage and skin cancer, since we don’t have as much melanin to protect us.

“Honestly, it confirmed what I suspected. I will definitely be more protective of my face, and there are so many good self-tanning face products on the market now that there isn’t any excuse for me to be burning my cheeks until I’m wearing perma-blush. I’ll certainly be more careful, but what’s done is done. I’ll absolutely pass the sun safety message on to my kids if I have them.”

The expert’s opinion: “Nothing is worrying to look at, but there’s some deeper pigmentation on the top of the forehead, as well as some freckling down the nose and center-face area, where we usually tend to burn. My advice is to be more mindful about wearing your SPF.”

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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