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PSA: The final Mercury retrograde of 2025 is the messiest. The optical illusion, which is caused by Mercury’s slow motion, causes disruption and disorder to earthlings. The disruptive transit affects us so much that it’s become impossible to ignore and part of our modern lexicon. This month, we’ll be drowning in the theatrics — make sure your life preserver is fastened.

At the same time, four other planets are moonwalking in the cosmos: Jupiter (which turns retrograde on November 11), Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Prep for emo interactions with people we’ve long forgotten or resentments to come out into the open. We will not be able to get a hold of our words, resulting in us saying potentially offensive statements that we’ll regret. So, don’t drunk dial, email, text, DM, or lurk your ex’s social media after a few cocktails with friends from November 9 to 29, expecting them to be empathetic or vice versa.

Before November 9, the pre-retrograde began on October 21 in Sagittarius. Look at the dates from October 21 to November 9 to determine the story that will consume the most energy during the retrograde. This is the first time we trace over the degrees. We dive into the retrograde backtracking on these degrees. When the retrograde is over, we move forward and deal with the same degrees one last time from November 29 to December 16, when the planet moves back to the place and sign it was in on October 21. This third moment is referred to as “retroshade” because we are making final decisions based on the discoveries and observations made in the past weeks. Now that Mercury is direct, we can assess matters with a keen eye.

Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius can make us more erratic and demanding. Basically, we’ll have no chill. We may become highly reactive and less reasonable, resulting in irrational exchanges with others. When Mercury backs up into Scorpio, it’ll allow us to understand relationships and our feelings after several hours or days of introspection. Our spy senses are overactive, leading to paranoia. The key to calm is to not crash over a tidbit of gossip. Handle it like a boss and discuss it openly with a heavy heart.

Mercury’s backpedal starts with a conjunction to Mars in Sagittarius on November 12, setting the stage for an argument due to a confrontation over a misunderstanding. Mercury retrograde links up with Pluto in Aquarius on November 17, piling onto the issues from the 12th, a few days later. Matters can reach a fever pitch on the 17th, so tread lightly and don’t let conversations get too out of control. Mercury moves back into Scorpio on November 19, but moments after, Uranus retrograde in Taurus and Neptune retrograde in Pisces reveal secrets. The Sun forms a conjunction to Mercury retrograde on the 20th, a few hours before the New Moon. Saturn retrograde in Pisces and Jupiter retrograde in Cancer try to add structure to the vibe on November 22. However, we will break boundaries on the 24th when Venus and Mercury retrograde in Scorpio come together, forcing us to deal with situations and people from the old days.

Yes, this Mercury retrograde is going to be tough. The best way to thrive is not to gaslight ourselves. Acknowledging our feelings and not compromising our needs could create conflict with those not ready to hear them. We shouldn’t hold back our sentiments to avoid drama and to make others happy. Speaking our truth and being as direct as possible during Mercury retrograde is vital. We must clarify and simplify words several times to get our points across. IKYK miscommunications are rampant, so checking messages before sending for typos is essential. There could also be travel issues, so allotting ourselves an extra half hour to get to a destination helps lessen anxiety and stress.

This Mercurial moonwalk is going to fuel our tempers and emotions. All of the watery planets are making us long for the past. Just because the moment has slipped away doesn’t mean the merit is gone. The universe is giving us another chance to mend fences, heal our hearts, and look back and right our wrongs or attempt to make good on former promises. The Mercurial reckoning is here — are you ready?

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It’s been nearly two years since the action planet Mars has orbited Sagittarius, making this year’s comeback memorable. In the midst of several retrogrades (Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune), we can rely on Mars in Sagittarius to serve as the energetic light we need to get us through the muddiness of fall from November 4 to December 15.

Let’s be real, Mars in Sagittarius can get a little messy. The reason is that Sagittarius is an impulsive sign that is super reactive and doesn’t focus on the consequences of their actions. When the action planet Mars is fired up in Sagittarius, it can create a mountain out of a molehill, as the archer’s energy can push limits and fight to prove a point for the sake of their bravado — even if no one is questioning their abilities and knowledge. We must be careful because we could shoot an arrow from our arsenal without considering where it lands (or others can do this to us). The reckless attitude and behavior can intensify existing matters.

Our weapons of choice will be words. Mars in Sagittarius has a tendency not to think before speaking. The condition is called “putting our foot in our mouths.” As you know, hearing the cold, hard truth can be unpleasant, making shooting from the hip the worst possible way to upset others. Being that Mercury retrograde commences on November 9 and lasts until November 29, we should all take cover from miscommunications and hapless interpretation of sentiments. If we don’t, arguments will intensify since we want to have the last word. PSA: Sometimes we don’t need to send the final zinger to win the battle. There is power and authority in silence when people are popping off.

Debating the past is another core theme of Mars’s current journey in Sagittarius. Our memories are based on our personal feelings, which others might not align with someone else’s — which is okay. We have different experiences as humans and should find a common ground to understand each other. Regardless of how we perceive our past, being around those who nurture our hearts with kindness and aim to understand us is pivotal. So, if anyone begins to gaslight us, we should put them on ice and surround ourselves with loving people. Compassion goes a long way in the next several weeks.

Although the transit of Mars in Sagittarius is a time of action, we may be stuck in the mud. Mars’s interaction with the other planets serves up indecision instead of certainty. The harsh aspect Mars makes to Neptune retrograde in Pisces on December 14 will make us unsure about how we want to proceed in relationships, work projects, and the next steps in our lives. The only way to deal with this energy is to be calm and meditate on our plans — even if we have the urge to power through. Stopping to smell the roses offers perspective to assess what is essential and what we desire. Taking the opposite road is the equivalent of trying to make “fetch” happen — the trend from Mean Girls that never caught on.

If we put our darts aside by finding the right ways to express ourselves and proceed with empathy — not just for others, but for ourselves — we can make the best of the situation. In a world full of chaos, we can choose to be good and tender. Perhaps Neptune retrograde will soften up the fierce energy of Mars in Sagittarius — here’s hoping for that!

Important Dates:

November 4: Mars enters Sagittarius, adding boldness and confidence to our aura.

November 4: Mars in Sagittarius opposes Uranus retrograde in Gemini, bringing breakthroughs to the world and our lives.

November 6: Mars in Sagittarius sextiles Pluto in Aquarius, intensifying matters due to control issues.

November 12: Mars and Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius form a conjunction, making us question the direction we are heading in.

November 24: Mars in Sagittarius squares the Nodes of Destiny, urging us to speak up and take a stand for our beliefs.

December 8: Mars in Sagittarius creates a fraught aspect with Saturn retrograde in Pisces, pushing us to be pragmatic and realistic.

December 14: Mars in Sagittarius connects with Neptune retrograde in Pisces, highlighting our uncertainty and confusion. Our vitality and energy will be low, so take it easy.

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The 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards commenced Monday evening at the American Museum of Natural History to honor some of the fashion industry’s brightest designers across four main award categories. The nominees, all with more talent than one can bear, will be welcomed by a room of colleagues and supporters dressed in many of their invaluable creations that inspire and push the industry forward.

Setting the tone for what is sure to be a fashionable affair, the red carpet with an American black tie dress code brought out our most sartorial savvy faves across industries for a night celebrating craftsmanship and design. Reality starlet Olandria Carthen in custom Brandon Blackwood, Addison Rae in a flirty silhouette, and Luar’s Raul Lopez in feathered trim details — this carpet had it all.

Two of the most anticipated arrivals of the night, fashion power duo Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, graced the venue to relish in Rocky’s Fashion Icon award. With additional honorees such as Jerry Lorenzo, Cynthia Rowley, Andre Walker, Pieter Muller, Donatella Versace, Sarah Moonves, and Ralph Rucci, the ceremony, helmed by CFDA Chairman Thom Browne and CEO and President Steven Kolb, boasts a vast cohort of design creatives across the American fashion sphere and beyond.

As we await the results for this year’s awards, we’re spotlighting some of the most standout red carpet looks as the night unfolds.

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It may be early November, but go to any store and it’s as if the holidays are single-digit days away. And while there are endless beauty blockbuster gifts to peruse, the truth is you don’t need to drop triple digits to snap up some excellent makeup and skincare finds for everyone on your list — including you.

Case in point: Reader-favorite brand e.l.f. Cosmetics, which has made a name for its ridiculously good, ahead-of-the-curve products at accessible prices. From the editor-approved Halo Skin Tint to the viral Glow Reviver Plumping Lip Oils, the brand rarely misses — including when it comes to holiday offerings.

And just in time for gifting season, e.l.f. is dazzling beauty lovers with a suite of holiday sets at every price point. From an under-$100 advent calendar (!) bursting at the seams with full sizes to the cutest stocking stuffer lip balm duos, here’s what’s topping Refinery29 beauty editors’ wish lists this year.

The Glitz is e.l.f.ing Glitzing 24-Day Advent Calendar, $95

No surprises here — this stunning advent calendar is one that anyone would love to see under the tree. Featuring 13 full-size products alongside minis, tools, and more, The Glitz is e.l.f.ing Glitzing 24-Day Advent Calendar is the ultimate gift pick for the beauty lover on your list.

Glossy Lip Stain Shades 4 Days Kit, $24

Get the long-lasting wear of a liquid lip stain with the hydrating, shiny finish of a gloss with e.l.f.’s Glossy Lip Stain Shades 4 Days Kit. Inside, you’ll find four full-size lippies, with two brand-new, exclusive shades you’ll only find in the kit.

Glow Reviver Plumping Lip Oil Kit, $32

Perhaps e.l.f.’s most popular product (so much so that the brand’s iconic Stanley collab even included a holder for your favorite shade), the Glow Reviver Plumping Lip Oil set is the ultimate lip-loving beauty gift. (Pro tip: This is a great set to split up among friends.) Like the Glossy Lip Stain set above, you’ll find two fan-favorite shades — Burst Bubble and Ultraviolet — alongside two brand-new, exclusive ones; first, there’s Heavy Petal, a gorgeous shimmering peach, and next, Talk That Taupe, a sheer chocolatey beige.

Squeeze Me More Lip Balm Duo, $9

These adorable lip balm duos clock in at just $9 for two full sizes, and come in a variety of delicious flavors ranging from fruity (Mango & Watermelon) to festive (think Peppermint Mocha vibes).

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Call it a match in celebrity-founder, reader-beloved brand heaven: Béis is teaming up with Rare Beauty to make taking on the go beauty easier (and chicer) than ever.

The three-piece limited-edition collection debuted at Selena Gomez’s Rare Impact Fund Benefit, and is finally ready to shop now. And if we know anything about buzzy Béis collabs, we don’t expect it to stay in stock for long.

To start, meet The Makeup Brush Pouch (brush set not included), which features an easy-to-clean lining and elastic loops to keep your precious tools safe and secure while en route. Then, there’s The Large Cosmetic Pouch (and existing Béis fave but reimagined in a new hue — more on that in a bit), a roomy yet sleek case inspired by a pro makeup artist kit; in addition to a wipeable lining (because spills happen), this all-in-one organizer has plenty of pockets, dividers, brush slots, and even a removable storage pouch to customize your collection exactly how you want. Last but certainly not least, there’s the highly covetable Blush Case, which combines the aww factor of the bag charm trend with the utility of holding your favorite shade of Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush.

And if all of that isn’t exciting enough, the entire suite of glam travel essentials has been imagined in an iconic Rare shade, Worth. The warm, rosy tone can be found in liquid and powder blush form, as well as a lip oil, and is somewhat of a house signature. (BTW, this holiday set includes all three products for just $36 if you’re keen to try.)

The Béis x Rare Beauty Collection will officially launch online on November 3 at beistravel.com and rarebeauty.com. With holiday travel just around the corner, we recommend setting your alarms so you don’t miss out on getting a piece of the extra-special drop.

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