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.
“They are much safer as the red light has the opposite effect of [UV], it protects your skin.”
I wince as I read this. I’m exchanging emails with 19-year-old Crisiant, who uses a red light tanning bed roughly every six weeks. Last year, she discovered that a tanning salon in her area had two of these beds, and she assumed they would be better for her skin.
These machines‚ also known as collagen-boosting tanning beds, combine ultraviolet (UV) light — which tans the skin — with tubes that emit red light. Even if you’ve never stepped inside one, you’ve probably seen red light before. From LED face masks to full-body treatments that immerse the skin in red light, these devices have become skincare staples, promising to boost collagen, reduce acne, and heal skin.
Collagen [tanning beds] make no logical sense at all. [Beds] that deliver UV radiation are harmful and cause skin cancers, full stop. Cloaking them as something good for your skin health is totally disingenuous.
Dr. Clare Kiely, consultant dermatologist
Later, on the phone, it sounds like Crisiant is well aware of the dangers of regular tanning beds. She first tried one aged 18, but learning more about the risks put her off: “If you [use] one now and then, I didn’t think it’d be too bad, but I didn’t want to do it consistently because I knew how dangerous they were,” she tells me.
To Crisiant, red light tanning beds felt different — a little safer: “It still gives you a tan while doing your skin good,” she says. “I went on it once and noticed [a difference] within the same day. I had a really bad breakout on my face, and it sort of soothed and cleared my skin. It was really strange as [tanning beds] have never done that for me before.” It also made her feel more confident.
It’s not hard to see why Crisiant thinks these machines are a safer, even beneficial alternative to regular tanning beds — and she’s not the only one. But it highlights worrying misconceptions around red light tanning beds and their damage. Head to TikTok or Instagram, and you’ll find countless videos posted by people who are convinced these beds can be used safely and that the risk of burning is lower.
But that’s not true. Combining red light with UV in a tanning bed counteracts any of the potential benefits. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Clare Kiely, cofounder of The Skin Diary, puts it plainly: “Collagen [tanning beds] make no logical sense at all.”
Is red light safe for our skin?
It is important to point out the differences between a red light-only bed and a tanning bed that emits both UV and red light. “Red light therapy without UV is a very different proposition,” confirms consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips. “It is generally considered safe and may help with things like inflammation, wound healing and improving overall skin tone. However, the results do tend to be subtle, and I always remind patients that it’s not a quick fix.” Dr. Beibei Du-Harpur, scientific engagement lead at The Skin Diary, agrees: “More clinical evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness [of red light] as a treatment for the skin, but there have been promising small studies from a skin aging perspective.”
The bottom line? On its own, red light is low-risk. But its popularity in skincare has made some see red light tanning beds as a good thing.
Not only does UV increase your risk of skin cancer, it breaks down collagen — the very thing red light is supposed to help boost — and speeds up the skin’s aging process. In other words, any benefits of red light are immediately cancelled out by the UV.
Are red light tanning beds ‘safer’ to use than regular tanning beds?
The World Health Organisation has classed UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans since 2009. It doesn’t matter if UV comes from a tanning bed that also emits red light; it still causes damage to our DNA. Not only does UV increase your risk of skin cancer, it breaks down collagen — the very thing red light is supposed to help boost — and speeds up the skin’s aging process. In other words, any benefits of red light are immediately cancelled out by the UV.
Dr. Kiely says that those who market machines combining UV with collagen-boosting red lights can’t have a good understanding of how light affects our skin. Why? It just doesn’t make sense: “[Tanning beds] that deliver UV radiation are harmful and cause skin cancers, full stop,” she says. “Cloaking them as something good for your skin health is totally disingenuous.”
Dr. Phillips agrees and sees no evidence that combining red light with UV neutralizes the harm. “If anything, it gives a misleading impression of safety,” he says. “These are still [tanning beds] emitting UV radiation, and they carry all the same risks as traditional tanning beds. From a dermatological perspective, they’re just as concerning.”
Why do people still use tanning beds despite the dangers?
It’s difficult to say how many of these red light and UV machines exist, but IBISWorld, a global industry research platform, reports that there were more than 28,000 tanning salons in the United States in 2024. A quick Google reveals that plenty offer combined UV-red light beds.
The reasons why people use beds like these are complex. Bronzed skin remains a beauty ideal, and among younger people, tanning beds are still seen as trendy. Crisiant hints that this is partly why she first tried one: “You see all the girls getting these [tanning beds] and a nice tan from it,” she says. “I feel like they are that phase that doesn’t end for a lot of people.”
Some credit tanning beds for boosting their mood. Others believe they help them get enough vitamin D — a proven myth. Another misconception is that they can help improve skin conditions like acne or eczema, but prolonged use of tanning beds can actually worsen these conditions and weaken the skin over time, making it more susceptible to infection.
Then there’s the theory that using tanning beds occasionally or for short bursts makes it “safer” — something I thought was true as a teenager. Because sun damage isn’t always visible right away, it’s easy to underestimate the harm. Even those who understand their risks struggle to stop using them, with some describing themselves as feeling “addicted”.
If tanning beds are so dangerous, why aren’t they banned?
While tanning beds remain so widely available, often without clearly displayed warnings, there is always a risk that people may assume that they are somewhat safe, otherwise they’d be banned. Refinery29’s stance is clear: tanning beds should be banned, as they are in Iran, Brazil, and Australia. Just one session before age 35 more than doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma, a skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. Red light doesn’t change that.
That’s why many experts support a tanning bed ban and agree that the growing trend for red light beds is another reason it’s needed: “The messaging of these collagen-boosting [tanning beds] confuses those who may not understand the detrimental effects that [tanning beds] have on our skin,” says Dr. Du-Harpur. She adds this is particularly dangerous given beauty standards around having a “healthy” tan — a phrase that doesn’t make any sense when a tan is our skin’s damage response to UV. Marketing red light tanning beds as collagen-boosting, she adds, “will encourage people to risk their health in the name of beauty and present an illusion that it may be safer or different to a conventional UV-focused [tanning bed].” She stresses, “They aren’t safe — with or without red light therapy.”
When I ask Crisiant if anything might put her off using a red light tanning bed, she says it’s like she has “a devil and an angel on each shoulder.” She might change her mind one day, but she can’t say she’ll stop for now. Crisiant isn’t against a tanning bed ban, though: “Even though I use them, if they were [banned] I don’t think I’d be massively annoyed because I know that the government would be doing it for our benefit,” she says.
Little has changed since Refinery29 reported on what it would take for tanning beds to be banned entirely last May. Sadly, only a handful of US states have a blanket ban. But if we’re serious about tackling rising skin cancer rates, intervention is needed. At the very least, more regulation around any kind of tanning bed use, or better yet, a total ban.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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I love to keep my nails looking pristine. For the past few years, I’ve been obsessed with gel manicures, often choosing a sparkly pink or a standout blue to complement my signature navy mascara. But I discovered that gel chipped easily, and after a removal appointment left my natural nails sore and damaged, I made a vow to restore them to health.
One nail treatment that had helped me in the past was BIAB, aka Builder In A Bottle, and with my trip to New York for my 30th birthday in March, it felt like the perfect occasion to book in. Fast forward to July, and I asked my nail tech about a fresh set of BIAB for my upcoming vacation. She assured me that my nails were fine for one more infill — having the gap between your cuticle and the builder gel filled in. Imagine my surprise, then, while at Disneyland Paris — supposedly the happiest place on Earth — when I noticed my BIAB lifting on one thumb, revealing a patch of swamp-green discoloration.
Fortunately, my mind didn’t jump to the idea that I was turning into an alien. Instead, I realized that my nail had started lifting, and I suspected I was dealing with “nail greenies”.
What exactly are nail greenies or Pseudomonas?
Dr. Alexis Granite, a consultant dermatologist, explains that nail greenies are professionally known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa: “This is an infection of a nail, which is caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria,” she tells me. It’s called “greenies” because it often appears blue-green, dark green or sometimes even a black color, says Dr. Granite. Several things can cause nail greenies, says Dr. Granite. One common reason? “Some kind of nail trauma, commonly the nail separating from the nail bed due to acrylic nails or other types of nail extensions,” she explains.
Dr. Granite notes that greenies are also common in people who have prolonged exposure to moisture, whether from excessive hand washing or working in damp conditions: “Pre-existing nail conditions, a weakened immune system, and poor nail hygiene can also contribute to the bacterial infection,” she says. In my case, the infection was due to my BIAB lifting and moisture becoming trapped underneath.
Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey adds that nail greenies are often mistaken for a fungus: “Nail fungus is not typically green and has different attributes such as thickened, yellowish, brittle nail plates,” she says. Much like fungus, though, nail greenies can multiply and spread. Dr. Granite says that if left untreated, you might notice a handful of symptoms: “You can experience green and yellowish discharge, a swollen nail and tenderness, pain and discomfort, and over time, an infection in the skin,” not just the nailbed.
How do you get rid of nail greenies? And is it safe to keep getting BIAB?
If you suspect you have nail greenies, celebrity manicurist Roxanne Campbell says it’s important to keep the affected nails dry and free from products to allow them to ‘air out’ and eventually grow out naturally. Humprhey says that it could take around two to three months to grow out nail greenies, depending on the placement. Greenies near the cuticle, for example, will take longer.This is why it’s important to gently remove any BIAB or other nail enhancements like soft and hard gels or acrylic. Keeping nails as bare as possible is key, confirms Humphrey, who explains that oxygen helps to kill the bacteria. In most cases, using ‘breathable’ nail polishes, which are water-permeable, is fine.
The time it takes for green discoloration to grow out on nails depends on where it’s located. If it is situated lower down on the nail, it will likely take longer to grow out. In my case, the green discoloration affected two fingers and one thumb. Since it wasn’t too low down, my nail has already grown out most of the green hue, leaving just a small patch behind. It’s been just under a month since I had my BIAB removed, so my nails are growing out quickly.
If you’ve kept your nails bare, clean and dry, but the greenies persist, Dr. Granite suggests contacting your doctor for a nail treatment. “If there’s any question that [the nail is] not responding, topical antibiotic creams, and in more severe cases, an oral antibiotic might be recommended,” she says. If you’re concerned, it’s always best to seek expert advice on the next steps.
@aliciacadotte This is why you DONT wait 5 weeks for a nail fill and glue your lifted nails back down! Greenies (as seen on the thumb), are caused by moisture getting trapped under the artificial nail. Cracks (seen on middle finger) can also be a huge cause for greenies or nail damage on the enhancement and natural nail. Gluing down your nails in a pinch is okay once in a while but please for the sake of your well being, get your nails filled in a timely manner, and always have your nail tech fix your nails. #nailart#nails#nailtech♬ original sound – aliciacadotte
How do you prevent nail greenies?
While the cause of nail greenies isn’t always obvious, Humphrey says that red flags to look out for include lifting, any discoloration and pressure on the nail plate once the nail enhancement has grown out. “If your nails start to look bulky or uneven, it could be time to take a break and refresh the nail set properly,” says Humphrey. Adding, “Numerous infills without assessing the nail underneath can also be a cause for greenies, especially if you are wearing a colored builder gel, as this disguises the nail plate.”
Humphrey believes that proper prep can make all the difference: “Your nail pro should be doing thorough cuticle work, removing surface oils, and applying a clean, even base [before BIAB or gel],” she says. “Over-buffing the natural nail should be avoided, and there should be zero dust or oil on the nail before application.”
During your manicure, also avoid things like putting your hands in your bag, touching your phone, your face, your hair, or eating, says Humphrey. “All of these things can transfer oils, dirt, fluff, and bacteria onto your nails after they’ve been prepped,” she says. “So when your nail tech pleads with you to sit still, it’s not just for vibes — it’s for the longevity of your manicure.”
Campbell says that once the infection has cleared and the nail plate looks clean and healthy, you can apply BIAB or other nail enhancements again. Humphrey also recommends choosing a properly qualified nail technician: “Make sure the [nail station] is fully sanitized and that tools and implements are changed regularly,” she says. “Nail files [should be thrown away] after use to avoid cross-contamination.”
If you’re having BIAB or gel removed, check that your nails look healthy before reapplication: “When in doubt, keep your nails bare and wait a little longer,” says Humphrey. A good nail technician should always let you know when your nails need a break from gel or BIAB.
How can you strengthen nails after greenies?
If your nails are looking and feeling neglected, there’s still time to revive them. Gaelle Lebrat Personnaz, founder and CEO of Manucurist, a nail brand that focuses on nail care and natural nail health, says that once the green discoloration has completely cleared and the nail is healthy again, you can start rebuilding its strength. “After treating a greenie, nails are often left dry, brittle or weakened,” she says. Lebrat Personnaz recommends the brand’s Nail Rescue Kit, $45, a perfect post-recovery routine. “It includes the Huile Verte Cuticle Oil for deep daily nourishment, S.O.S Nail Strengthener to rebuild strength and resilience, and our S.O.S Nail Masque, an intensive treatment mask that deeply hydrates and repairs damaged nails.”
Humphrey also recommends one of my go-to cuticle oils, Essie On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, $15, which is deeply nourishing, great for on-the-go use, and smells amazing. Besides topical treatments, Campbell suggests a diet rich in protein, biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids to support healthier nails.
Lastly, if the green discoloration hasn’t grown out after a few months, or if you notice different side effects, I’d recommend reaching out to a medical professional for further advice.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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There are a plethora of playful nail trends to take your pick from this year, from summer’s sardine nails and guava manicures to polka-dot prints and aurora chrome finishes. Yet amidst this current obsession with color, patterns, and high shine, there’s been something of a resurgence of more classic styles with a contemporary twist. Right now it’s the deep French manicure: a retro revival that’s about to take over as one of the most-requested styles in nail salons.
Celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt — especially her recent set on Kylie Jenner — has no doubt played a major role in the trend’s rapid rise in online searches recently. The style is delightfully retro and characterized by the way that the classic French tips extend even further down the nail bed than usual, meaning the look is sometimes referred to as a “thick French” manicure.
Interested in a modern update on this timeless style? Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Think of the deep French manicure as the glamorous sister to the classic French. “It’s got a really ‘90s, early ‘00s feel and I always think of it as the ultimate mob wife manicure,” explains London-based nail artist and manicurist Mariana Augusto. “Icons like Britney Spears, Missy Elliott, and Pamela Anderson were all papped rocking this look back in the day, and, although it definitely isn’t for everyone, as a nail artist, I am obsessed with it,” she says.
Unlike the traditional thin white line that traces where your nail naturally extends above the nail bed, the deep French features a thicker, curved white band that reaches much further down the nail. This creates much more of a pronounced contrast between the sheer pink or nude base shade and the white of your French tips. “Think of it as clean girl nails but for baddies,” laughs Augusto.
I assumed that if you’ve already nailed a classic French tip, then the deep French can’t be too difficult. However, getting this look right actually involves even more precision. “A deep French tip nail is a lot more complex than a regular or skinny French,” says Augusto. “The attention to symmetry has to be on point; one wrong move and the French can suddenly look totally off and change the dynamic of the entire nail,” she explains.
If you’re a pro like Augusto, or have a real eye for detail, then she recommends free-handing the tip — carefully painting a thick, curved line halfway down the nail bed before filling in the tip. “I flip my client’s hand over to face me straight on to make sure everything is looking even,” she says. However, Augusto also mentions that there are tutorials online where nail artists use grids or specific line placements to help you get that perfect deep French look.
Keeping the color combination classic, nail artist Rina Maloku (aka @glamscape.studio) adds a 2025 twist to this deep French look in the form of an ultra-glossy chrome finish. Try Essie Gel Couture Metallic Glaze Top Coat, $13, to recreate the shine at home.
Combining two of this summer’s hottest trends — beach nails and polka dots — this manicure created by Mariana Augusto (aka @nails.by.mana) is perfectly playful.
A deep French might feel like an edgier alternative to the classic style, but add a few coquettish ribbons and sparkling gems, and you’ll get an altogether cutesier look like this one by @slaynailsandtattoos.
Nail artist Stacey Machin’s cherry red French takes a classic color but gives it a contemporary update with those extended tips — and it works just as well now as it will in fall and winter. Manucurist Nail Polish in Dark Pansy, $14, is the ultimate burgundy shade.
While many deep French nails are being sported on oval or almond nail shapes, nail artist @dovenailsbysharon has gone full-out retro glamour with this perfectly executed stiletto manicure.
Silver nails are hugely popular right now, so it makes perfect sense that nail artist Lucy Brooks would take inspiration from the trending hue for these fun, deep French tips.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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Welcome toMoney Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
Today: an outreach director who makes $109,000 per year and who spends some of her money this week on borscht.
Occupation: Outreach director Industry: Public health Age: 28 Location: Queens, NY Salary: $109,697 Assets: Checking account: $1,446.32; savings account: $2,167.70; HYSA (emergency fund): $20,000; 403(b): $16,843.27; pension: $11,355.02; bonds: $3,348.80; Roth IRA: $7,486.37; brokerage account: $28,631.48. Debt: $0 Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $4,190 (this is before any taxes/deductions are taken out). Pronouns: she/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $1,400 for my room in a two-bedroom. I share the apartment with my roommate, C., but my girlfriend V. and I are planning to move in together next summer. We’ve been together for three and a half years, and currently live in the same neighborhood. Renter’s Insurance: $10 Internet: $35 Utilities: $48 Pension: $500 Health Insurance: $110 403(b): $950 Transit Card: $132 (taken out of my paycheck pre-tax). Spotify: $12.78 iCloud: $2.99 Gym: $31.35 per month + a $62.69 yearly fee (my health insurance is supposed to partially reimburse for this but no word since I submitted the forms months ago… This is reminding me to follow up with them!). Phone Bill: $0 — I am still on my family’s plan. CSA: $40 per month for my half of a farm share split with my partner, V. We split a big box of produce every two weeks from June to November.
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? It was definitely an expectation that I go to college. After college I wanted to pursue grad school, and I debated between law school and a Master of Public Health. I was working at a law firm and not really enjoying it, so decided to get my MPH. My parents and grandparents paid for all of my higher education (both were private universities). I am really lucky and grateful to have had so much financial support for my education.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances? We did not talk about money very much, but I knew we had enough. Both of my parents worked full time until last year. I always go to my mom for financial advice: She is very frugal, and usually advises very secure measures, like opening up CDs.
What was your first job and why did you get it? I babysat in high school and started lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons at the town pool when I was 16. I did this to earn money to buy clothes, go out to eat, etc.
Did you worry about money growing up? No. My mom went through layoffs a few times, but she always found another job. I’m sure my parents had money stress but they didn’t share it with us. We went on vacation every summer and went out to eat regularly.
Do you worry about money now? Not day to day, and I am grateful that my job pays me really well and I don’t have any loans. I definitely feel stressed working in public health in this political climate: So many people in the field are getting laid off due to grant terminations and funding cuts. I worry that if I lose this job it will take me a long time to find another, and I know I will likely have a lower salary wherever I work next, given the reality of public health funding right now.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? When I graduated from my master’s program at 26. I lived at home for a year after college, commuting from my parents’ house to save money. I had part-time jobs throughout college and grad school, but tuition was by far the biggest expense, and my family covered that. My family is definitely my financial safety net, and they still cover me on a family phone bill. I could move back in with my parents if I ever needed to.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. My grandparents passed away within a year of each other, and left me around $7,000 combined.
Day One: Monday
7 a.m. — I wake up and do my usual skincare routine and makeup (Cetaphil face wash, La Roche-Posay moisturizer, Neutrogena sunscreen, Clinique concealer, a NYX jumbo eyeshadow pencil in a pearly color, and Ilia mascara). Then I get dressed (green thrifted trousers and a black Gap sweater) and eat breakfast. I have full-fat plain Greek yogurt with coconut chips, a few dark chocolate chips, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. I also take my probiotic because I’m still trying to heal my stomach after being knocked out by Norovirus a few months ago! I make coffee to go and grab the lunch I made yesterday and some snacks to bring to work. I say hi to my roommate C. before heading out the door.
7:50 a.m. — I leave the apartment and walk five minutes to the subway. I tap to pay with the transit card I get from work (the price of a monthly metro card is deducted from my paycheck so I’m not taxed on it). I start one of my library books — I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman — on the train. My girlfriend V. Venmo-requests me $69 to settle up our fees from our recent trip to Ireland. We almost evened out with what we paid for but this last bit covers the difference from the car rental. $69
8:40 a.m. — I arrive at work and prepare some slides for a meeting tomorrow. Then I meet with my managers briefly and go over plans for the week.
12:30 p.m. — I head to a big conference room where some coworkers from other sites are having a meeting. There is lunch so I can save my packed lunch for tomorrow, yay! The meeting is a little boring but it’s good to catch up in-person with people who I usually only see on video calls.
3 p.m. — I head back to my desk and follow up on emails about upcoming events and pending projects. I start feeling anxious because I didn’t get to leave the building today, which always makes me restless (my cubicle is in a room with fluorescent lights and no windows, lol).
4:45 p.m. — I leave work and start walking to meet my friend T. I call V. on the way. She was supposed to sleep at mine but since I may be out late with T., I offer to come to V.’s apartment afterwards instead. T. meets me at a Polish diner and we catch up. We each get a cup of soup (borscht for me) and split a breaded pork chop with mashed potatoes and cucumber salad. We also each get a soda. Perfect meal alert… We split the check. $22.90
7 p.m. — T. saw that a singer that she likes is having a pop-up show in Soho so we decide to check it out. We take the bus there and it’s all 22-year-olds filming TikToks. We laugh and stay for a bit and meet up with our other friend. The three of us go to a nearby dive bar which is very fun. T. goes on an impassioned rant when she hears I’ve never seen the movie The Dark Knight. I promise to watch it. I get a beer and tip. I kind of want a second one but hold off. $10
9:45 p.m. — I realize it’s getting pretty late for a Monday so I head to the subway. I take the train to V.’s.
10:30 p.m. — When I get to V.’s, I shower, then we debrief our days and fall asleep around 11:30 p.m.
Daily Total: $101.90
Day Two: Tuesday
6:50 a.m. — I wake up at V.’s and regret this scheme to go get my work clothes in the morning. Luckily we live very close. I walk the 10 minutes over to my apartment and do my skincare, get dressed (cropped pants from Loft and a black Muji blouse) and put on makeup. I eat yogurt with coconut flakes and pomegranate molasses and make coffee to go.
7:40 a.m. — I tap with my prepaid card to take the subway.
8:20 a.m. — I do my everyday morning tasks at work but then feel a bit unmotivated. I spend some extra time reading the news and browsing social media before typing up some notes for a meeting at noon. I snack on some Belvita and drink my coffee.
12 p.m. — I have a quick meeting with one of the doctors about a podcast we are going to be on (I work with doctors at this job, which can be intimidating, but luckily she is nice). I take a break for lunch and sit in the very depressing cafeteria instead of going for a walk because it’s raining. I read my book and heat up the lunch I brought yesterday (brown rice with eggplant and red pepper stir-fry). I decide to also get a bag of plantain chips from the vending machine since I don’t have any snacks for the afternoon and I already know I will get hungry. $1.75
1 p.m. — I get a $30 charge from a therapist I tried out a few weeks ago when I was having bad anxiety. She gave me some helpful tips but I’m not sure I want to fully commit to therapy again. I was in it for three years starting in 2020 and it was very helpful, but it’s a big commitment! $30
4:20 p.m. — I leave work and walk to Trader Joe’s. I get a big haul: lemons, oranges, bananas, peaches, an avocado, frozen mango and blueberries, pecans, beans, pasta, frozen Korean rice cakes, yogurt, eggs, bread, harissa, sausages, tofu, and my fave flowers: peonies! I walk to the subway and tap to pay. $77
5:30 p.m. — I head to the first CSA pickup of the season! V. and I split a half-share from a farm that provides a CSA program for our neighborhood. Last year we did a full share and it was too much to keep up with. V. is volunteering at the pick-up spot today, so I stop by to take half of our box and give her a kiss. I take Swiss chard, lemon balm, thyme, a mystery dark green I haven’t tried (update: I think it was gai choy — Chinese mustard greens), onions, potatoes, and carrots from the box. When I get home, I unpack my bounty and stall hard because I do not want to go for a run. I eat a cereal bar and watch some fashion/lifestyle vloggers on YouTube — I love Jenny Bourn, Nina Montagne, and Sarah Gray’s channels.
7 p.m. — I begrudgingly head out for a 4.5-mile run. I am running the NYC marathon this November and I’m intimidated by my training plan! It’s my first marathon so I’m trying to get in the habit of running even when I don’t feel like it. The run becomes more pleasant once I get to a nearby park and see everyone enjoying the summer night.
8 p.m. — I get back to the apartment and I cook up the Swiss chard with chicken sausage and orzo for dinner. I save half of it for lunch tomorrow, then chat with C., shower, and do a Koros face mask.
10:30 p.m. — I get into bed, FaceTime V., then read more of my book. Lights out at 11:30 p.m.
Daily Total: $108.75
Day Three: Wednesday
7 a.m. — I wake up, do my usual skincare/makeup and get dressed (a vintage red blouse and brown Uniqlo pants). I’m sick of my normal breakfast so I decide to make a smoothie (spinach, banana, frozen blueberries/mango, and kefir).
7:45 a.m. — I head out and take the subway to work.
8:30 a.m. — I get to work and spend the morning in a bunch of virtual meetings. At some point, I jump off to go to a surgery training room where we are hoping to host an outreach event later in the summer. It’s very cool to see a fake surgery and I’m excited to host an event here!
12 p.m. — I have more meetings until 1 p.m., then I go sit outside to eat the lunch I brought and keep reading my book. Yay sunshine! I hate being inside the building all day.
4:45 p.m. — This afternoon was spent making sure everything is set for an outreach event I am hosting tomorrow. I’m pretty anxious about it, but hopefully it goes okay. I walk to the subway and tap to pay. I read my book more on the subway and get very close to finishing.
5:30 p.m. — I’m home and I finish reading I Who Have Never Known Men! It was so good, I highly recommend it. I browse Reddit and Goodreads to see what other people thought of it. Then I make a quick dinner: leftover brown rice, a fried egg, and spinach with the mystery CSA greens cooked down in garlic and soy sauce. It does the job for a light pre-workout dinner.
7:10 p.m. — I head out to my workout class. This studio is in between me and V.’s apartments and has good classes, so I got a 10-pack a while ago that I’m still working through. Today’s class is a mix of mat Pilates and strength training, which I love. It’s hard but fun so I reserve a spot in the same class next week.
8:40 p.m. — I head to V.’s and shower. We debrief our various work stressors and go to bed around 10:30 p.m.
Daily Total: $0
Day Four: Thursday
7:30 a.m. — I can go into work a little later today because I’ll be staying late for the event. The change in routine should be great but it’s throwing me off a bit. I have breakfast with V. (Greek yogurt with strawberries she got when she volunteered with the CSA) and get dressed (linen midi skirt from Muji and a black short sleeve button down that I borrowed from V. and swore I would return, lol).
9 a.m. — I get on the subway and head to work.
9:40 a.m. — I arrive at work and I’m still feeling anxious about the event later. I have a meeting and answer some emails.
1 p.m. — I go to a nearby deli for lunch and get a chicken Caesar wrap. I like this place because they include chips and a pickle, plus they give a cash discount. $9.79
1:15 p.m. — I swing by Target to get a liter of soda for tonight’s event. I eat half of my wrap outside before going back in. $3.44
3:30 p.m. — I get everything set up for the event, then I go to pick up the catering down the street. When I get there, I realize I’m woefully unprepared to carry it all on the block back to work, but luckily the guy working there offers to help. I tip him $6, which is unfortunately all the cash I have in my wallet. The food was paid for by one of the groups we are hosting the event with. $6
5 p.m. — Tonight’s event is with two community groups we are trying to partner with more. It goes well, except for the fact everyone is overheating from the lack of AC in this room. I make a mental note not to reserve this room again during the summer months. Overall, I’m happy with how it goes and very relieved it is over!
8 p.m. — I drop the leftover food in our office fridge and head out. Long day! I decide to take the ferry home instead of the subway. It was so hot out today, so I sit outside on the top deck and enjoy the sunset and breeze. I buy a 10-pack of ferry tickets because it brings the cost down to $2.90 each (same price as the subway!). I pay for these with my credit card because I don’t have enough on my work transit card. $29
9 p.m. — I stop at my friend’s apartment to feed her two cats while she is away. She lives close to me and V. so we split the cat-sitting duties. They’re soooo cute so I’m happy to see them. When I walk home, it’s still hot out and I decide to get a vanilla milkshake, which is a delicious treat for my walk home. $7.12
10 p.m. — I get home and shower. I’m in bed by 10:30 p.m. but I don’t fall asleep until 11:30-ish because it’s hot in my room (I desperately need to put in my AC unit).
Daily Total: $26.35
Day Five: Friday
4:45 a.m. — I’m up at this ungodly hour because one of the doctors invited me to join her on a podcast and they record at 6:30 a.m. It’s a cool opportunity and it means I’ll get to leave work early today, so I don’t really mind. I’m not that hungry because it’s so early so I have my probiotic with a banana and make coffee to go. I do my makeup and get a little more dressed up than usual in case we take pictures. I wear a thrifted silk midi skirt, a short sleeve turtleneck from Zara, and my Vagabond Mary Janes.
5:30 a.m. — I do a slightly shorter commute than usual to get to the recording studio.
7 a.m. — The podcast is done, it was fun! I head to my office and wrap up some emails and chat with my coworkers. It’s Friday and clearly no one wants to work. I eat the other half of my chicken Caesar wrap from yesterday at a respectable 10:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m. — I get to leave work super early because of the late night Thursday and the early morning today, yay! I stop at Target to get more toilet paper because we are almost out. $9.03
12:30 p.m. — I get home and am so happy to have some extra time on a weekday. My marathon training plan has a big focus on strength training, so I decide to do one of the workouts from the first week (I officially begin the plan next month). It is an easy 3-mile run and a weight circuit. It feels good but it takes a while to get through the strength training. I’m going to have to really plan out my weeks when marathon training starts. I make a lazy version of a salad Nicoise when I get home. I roast potatoes from the CSA, then mix those with spinach, tuna, and a yummy homemade lemon dressing. I shower and get ready to leave again. I put on comfy jeans and a tank top because I’m feeling lazy.
5 p.m. — I head out to go canvas for a mayoral candidate. I take the subway to the meeting point. V. meets me there and is my canvassing partner. We are both exhausted and it’s a pretty slow day for canvassing, but oh well. We keep each other entertained during the shift. I’m pretty worried about the election so it feels good to do something!
8:30 p.m. — V. and I are beyond exhausted but we have to stop at our friend’s place to feed the kitties. We take the subway back and motivate ourselves by discussing the dumplings and chicken we are going to get from the restaurant near our friend’s place. Tragically, we get there and it’s closed. We perform our cat-sitting duties then afterwards we go to a food cart and each get huge platters. I also get a Gatorade. $15
10:30 p.m. — Back at my place with V. and we both pass out. It feels amazing to lay down after such a long day.
Daily Total: $24.03
Day Six: Saturday
9 a.m. — I get to sleep in a bit later. I make breakfast for me and V. (coffee, avocado toast with fried eggs, leftover potatoes with chicken sausage) and we chat with C. I put on a button down and jeans with my raincoat and Blundstone boots.
10:30 a.m. — V. and I head over to feed the cats and end up hanging at my friend’s apartment for a while playing with them and watching the new season of And Just Like That… It is the worst show ever made but we cannot look away.
1 p.m. — V. and I head to the subway. We are meeting her coworker at the “No Kings” protest. It takes a while to get started and it’s raining a little. I’m feeling a bit pessimistic but it’s nice to be around the older folks and families with kids marching with us.
3:30 p.m. — We take the subway to my friends’ joint birthday party at a beer hall. V. and I are starving when we arrive so we each get burgers with fries. She leaves after a while to go take a nap but I stay and catch up with my friends. I get a beer, then a gin and tonic. $54.91
6 p.m. — I’m having fun hanging with my friends, so I go with them to get ice cream. Tbh this is definitely an unnecessary purchase… My black raspberry chip ice cream is just fine. Then I head back on the subway and go feed the cats. $7.04
8 p.m. — The cats are fed and I head to V.’s. She makes us pasta and we watch The Dark Knight as per T.’s rec earlier in the week. I never watch superhero movies but she was right, it’s good!
11:30 p.m. — V. and I go to sleep.
Daily Total: $61.95
Day Seven: Sunday
9 a.m. — V. and I have cereal at her place, then we go feed and play with the cats.
11 a.m. — I head back to my place and make myself coffee and some oatmeal with peaches and peanut butter. I watch YouTube vlogs and browse new sneakers. I have been a long time Onitsuka Tiger girl when it comes to sneakers, but last night there was a gorgeous pair of Adidas in my dream… I swear this purchase is not fully motivated by the dream, I was already planning to get new sneakers since my Tigers are very beat up. New Onitsuka Tigers are pretty expensive, so instead I find a pair of Adidas that I like on sale at Foot Locker and order them. Hopefully they fit! $78.98
1 p.m. — I head out for a run with the goal of meeting up with V. and some of her friends at a brewery. I am feeling way more energized than on my other runs this week so I add in some hills and do five miles. It feels great!
2:15 p.m. — I arrive at the brewery. I wore my running backpack so I could pack an extra layer to put on. I splash some water on my face and get a beer. $5
4 p.m. — I send V. $25 because the event today is a fundraiser for a local LGBTQ center. People are writing letters to their representatives, as well as donating. V. has organized this type of event a few times and it’s always a big success. I head out because I’m feeling like I desperately need to shower. $25
5 p.m. — I put in two loads of laundry at the laundromat when I get back. My laundromat takes quarters, and today it costs me $7.25. I am dreaming of having in-unit laundry one day. $7.25
6 p.m. — V. comes over when her event is finished. I make us lentils, rice, and roasted veggies. We eat and debrief our weekends with C.
8 p.m. — V. offers to feed the cats on her way home but C. and I decide to go with her to fight the Sunday Scaries. The cats are sooo cute and the perfect way to end the evening.
10:30 p.m. — I am home and in bed. Thanks for spending the week with me!
Daily Total: $116.23
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“I enjoyed keeping track of my spending! I am hoping this diary pushes me to be more mindful about it. I was not surprised to see that the category where I spent the most was food and drink. To be honest, this was a more wholesome/politically engaged week than usual for me, so I am interested to compare this to other weeks to see if there is a significant difference. Since writing this diary, I successfully got my gym membership reimbursed, woo-hoo! I also started officially training for the marathon and it’s ruining my life, lol.”
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Let’s face it: the world is expensive. Rent is a joke that no one’s laughing at, eggs cost more than your last therapy session (we never thought we’d relate to that character in Beauty and the Beast, but six eggs really are too expensive), and don’t even glance at your Uber receipt from last weekend — you can’t afford the emotional fallout.
It’s little wonder, then, that so many people are advising us to cut back, rein it in, and lean into the minimalist aesthetic. But that gospel of fiscal discipline (homemade oat milk, anyone?) often overlooks one key point: we earn our money. We fight for pay rises, juggle side hustles, freelance on the side of our full-time jobs, and work hard — sometimes too hard — for the lives we want.
Still, guilt is baked into the equation, especially for women. We’re taught to save, not splurge. To be practical, selfless, responsible. The unspoken rule? You’re allowed luxury if it’s disguised as self-care or backed by productivity metrics. But here’s a radical thought: what if joy, comfort, and pleasure were valid enough reasons on their own? What if you could just love your weekly blowout, your ever-expanding TBR pile, your takeaway phở, and not feel bad about it?
Because why the hell shouldn’t we spend a little of our hard-won cash on something that makes us feel human? Or hot? Or just marginally more capable of facing another 87 unread emails?
Small luxuries aren’t always about showing off or keeping up. Sometimes, they’re about reclaiming a sliver of control. Warding off the gloom of existential dread. Creating moments of softness in a world that increasingly feels like a flaming trash bag. Refusing to shrink every decision down to cost-per-wear logic. Acknowledging that sometimes, the value of something is in how it makes you feel.
And so, with that in mind, we asked 17 women across the U.S. to share the one luxury expense they could technically give up, but absolutely won’t. From manicures to high-end olive oil, here’s what they’re proudly, unapologetically spending on — and why.
(Spoiler: not one of them regrets it.)
Ashley, 42, Government Contractor
Every other Friday, our home gets a reset and feels fresh again. That’s thanks to the luxury of a biweekly housekeeper, and honestly, I could never go without it. It’s more than just a clean house. It’s a deep clean — the kind I rarely have time (or energy) to do myself. But the biggest benefit? Less stress. I don’t have to constantly remind my husband or kids to tidy up. The usual tension over chores disappears.
Yes, it’s a luxury, but it brings peace, balance, and breathing room to our family life. And for me, that’s worth every last cent.
Mahaneela, Filmmaker & Creative Director (age withheld)
One little luxury I’d never give up is getting my nails done. It’s one of those rare moments that forces me to slow down. You can’t be on your phone, can’t do anything else — you’re just there, fully present. I love how creative it is too. Choosing colours, trying new designs. It feels like a quiet little ritual of care and self expression for me.
Tessa, 31, Lab Technician
Some people might think it’s pointless for a STEM girlie, but I get my nails done every three weeks. I can’t have them too long or they could rip my gloves, and nobody can see them when I’m working, but knowing they’re there makes me feel cute — so the $25 I might have spent on vanilla lattes that week is worth every dime!
Grace, 29, Healthcare Professional
While I love Walgreens or CBS own-brand make up products, and while I like to treat myself to jewellery from Patricia Marie Fine Jewellery in Nashville, my ultimate “can’t give up, won’t give up” luxury is a slice of sweet potato cake from Greenville’s Brick Street Cafe. It’s cozy and delicious and soothes my soul whenever I bite into it! And yes, I could probably save money by making my own, but I’m working shifts so time is of the essence — and $9 is nothing if it makes me feel like a little kid in my grandma’s kitchen again.
Lauren, 25, PR
The little luxury I can’t live without is my visits to the hair salon. It can be over $200 per visit, so I try to only go twice or three times a year. Going to the salon is a luxury that makes me feel refreshed and confident, and ultimately feels worth it if I only go a few times a year. Recently, lots of stylists have been working with their clients to come up with budget-friendly solutions, given how expensive everything has gotten. It’s nice to know that there are ways to be flexible and bring down the cost! I’d definitely save more if I stopped going, but there’s just something about fresh highlights that makes me feel great about myself. That feeling, to me, is worth the price.
Sarah, 40, Equestrian Manager & Trainer
The one (not so) guilty pleasure that I can’t give up is my flight training. Yes, I could own my own home on the money it costs me, but to me it is beyond worth it, especially knowing that, as physical as a job working with horses is, I can’t do it professionally forever. Flying is the equivalent of spa days, expensive clothing, and therapy all wrapped into one! For me it is worth every penny to have that happiness, peace, and education, as well as aerobatics 6,000 feet above the ground is a pretty incredible rush.
George, 27, Marketing VP
Quality olive oil makes everything taste delicious, helps with digestion and is the key to a long and happy life. It also makes me feel like I’m living the Dolce Vita every time I’m generously drizzling. Doesn’t get more luxurious than that!
Irene, 38, Theatre Practitioner & Educator
A luxury that I will no longer skimp on is swapping from standard to organic food when an option is available. As someone who has lived with an autoimmune illness for over a decade, these seemingly small swaps result in major health improvements. When I’m eating well, I experience more restful sleep, clearer skin, brighter focus, less inflammation, and more sustainable energy.
When my income lulls, I still swap where I can as these changes have additionally enabled me to taper off of multiple medications. These changes positively impact not only my physical health, but also my mental wellness, my ability to socialize, to take-on creative projects, and to meaningfully contribute to the important relationships in my life.
Jay-Ann, CEO, Black Girl Gamers (age withheld)
A little luxury I’d never give up is gaming. This may come as news to some but gaming can be a luxury, it’s an expensive hobby. I really enjoy it because it allows me to escape, disconnect and unwind (when gaming solo), or catch up with friends across timezones. Cozy games and simulation games are great for the times when I’m in a low mood and need time to myself.
Lucy, 37, Publishing Exec
Since I moved to NYC, the main thing I won’t scrimp on, ever, is getting a cab late at night. I know I could take the subway, but it is absolutely terrifying (even during daylight hours). That feeling of safety will never not be worth it.
Shireen, 44, Garden Designer
I can’t give up my weekly cleaning help; it’s the one luxury that keeps my creative work routine flowing. It frees up mental space, keeps my home calm, and lets me focus fully on design. No cheaper alternative offers the same peace of mind or time-saving value.
Ava, 30, Beauty Editor & Model
A little luxury that I couldn’t live without is the humble bath. I’ve never lived in a place without one (and have missed out on amazing homes as a result!), because after a week my body is in such dire need of a good soak. It calms my nervous system, makes me feel nurtured and cocooned, and is the site where I do all my best thinking. So many ancient cultures honour bathing rituals, so even if you don’t love them, baths are doing so much for your body and mind behind the scenes. Be sure to add salts, oils, huge herbal bath teabags — the works!
Ashleigh, 38, Senior Director
I have had my Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote for about 18 years, just shy of half of my life. It’s more than just a bag; it’s been with me through my most formative seasons in life, holding things that marked both who I was and who I was becoming. One year it could be an overheating MacBook circa 2008 and the next it could be fresh produce sourced from the farmer’s market. The imperfections in the leather along with each and every flaw tells its own story which is why I highly doubt that I would ever get it professionally repaired. That bag has taken a beating with me, and I do not believe that anything else could even come close.
Domonique, 28, Social Media Strategist
The luxury I can’t give up? My morning movement ritual. A sunrise hike, Pilates flow, or stretch session with a good playlist jump-starts my energy for the day. It clears my head, keeps my body in shape, and melts away stress. It’s self-care I’m genuinely grateful to carve out time for every morning.
Makeena, Actor, Model & Social Worker (age withheld)
My one luxury that I could give up, but won’t, is a steam room moment. When I am sitting in the fog of a spa’s steam room it feels like I’m getting the ultimate detox. Gently rolling my shoulders and stretching my body means that every time I walk out, my body feels much looser. Gotta love a good destress.
Becca, 39, Attorney
A luxury bidet transforms your bathroom routine. With a heated seat, custom water sprays, and a built-in dryer, it offers unmatched comfort and cleanliness. You’ll feel fresher, use less toilet paper, and wonder how you ever lived without it. After experiencing this upgrade, a regular toilet simply won’t do.
Katherine, 36, Patient Coordinator
A luxury that I *could give up, but won’t give up is getting my nails done. I previously worked at Starbucks for 15 years and we weren’t allowed to wear nail polish per dress code policy. Now I am a manicure QUEEN. If you think about it, throughout the day you look at your hands more than you look at your face. It is an aesthetic reminder that this is one thing I do entirely for myself.
K.C, 54, Advertising
When it comes to the luxury I could give up but never ever will, my housekeeper is the answer! The reason for this is because it gives me free time. I used to spend hours on the weekend cleaning. And it cut into my life, and I felt like I could never get that time back. In order to enjoy the benefits of my work, I decided to get a housekeeper every two weeks so I could really enjoy the life I build for myself.
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We’re entering the final days of Leo Season, and the stars are dimming the lights on the cosmic party. The first half of this week still carries the bold, passionate pulse of Leo’s fire, encouraging us to play, shine, and express ourselves unapologetically. But by Thursday, August 22nd at 4:34 p.m. EST, the sun shifts into Virgo, reminding us that after the dance comes the cool-down, after the roar comes the reflection. Virgo Season is the zodiac’s version of “wrap it up, y’all.” Summer’s not quite over — but it’s time to start preparing for what’s next.
The Virgo New Moon arrives in the early hours of Friday, August 23rd at 2:06 a.m. EST, anchoring this transition with the energy of a reset. It’s giving back-to-school, clean-slate, let’s-get-our-life-together energy. If Leo was about expressive fire, Virgo is about disciplined earth — structure, systems, and sustainable healing. Some signs (especially Fire and Air signs) may resist the shift at first. But Earth and Water signs may find themselves breathing a little easier, as Virgo’s grounded nature brings some much- needed rhythm after a highly stimulating Leo Season (especially with Mercury having recently shifted direct).
On a collective level, Virgo Season is here to ask us: “What’s the small action you can consistently take that contributes to collective healing?” Last week’s awakening Aquarius Full Moon likely exposed broken systems and illuminated long-standing imbalances. Now Virgo whispers: what’s one thing you can personally commit to — one conversation, one divestment, one habit — that could ripple outward into real change? Virgo rules the power of the everyday, the activism rooted in ritual, the progress built not through sweeping revolution, but through unwavering commitment. Remember cosmic beings: we all have the power of choice, and sometimes the most important choice you can make has to do with what you choose to say no to.
In the second half of the week, particularly as we approach the Virgo New Moon, we enter the dark of the moon period, a time when doubt, self-judgment, or imposter syndrome may rise. Virgo energy, when unbalanced, can turn critical — not just of others, but especially toward the self. If this happens, pause and ask: Whose voice is this? Where did I first learn to be this hard on myself?
The New Moon on the 23rd is your portal to reprogram. Set intentions not for a perfect life, but for a simpler, more intentional, more nurturing one. Choose a few focused shifts you’re ready to commit to — daily practices that align with who you’re becoming. Like a 5-class streak that becomes 10, then 100, remember that progress multiplies when you simply begin. This week, begin crafting a life your inner child will be proud of.
Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.
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Aries Sun & Rising:
Your fire’s been flickering, Aries… but this week it steadies. The final days of Leo Season still activate your joy zone, helping you reconnect with play, pleasure, and your inner child. Mercury is no longer retrograde in that area, so misunderstandings around romance or creativity are finally clearing up. Maybe the retrograde helped you realize you were taking things too personally, or maybe it showed you where you weren’t asking for enough. Either way, you’re stepping into this week with more awareness and less ego.
By Thursday, the sun moves into Virgo, and on Friday the Virgo New Moon sparks a refresh in your routines and rituals. This is your cosmic chance to get organized — not in a perfectionist way, but in a grounded, body-honoring way. How can you support your nervous system more consistently? It’s time to romanticize the small stuff: fresh sheets, clean inboxes, meal prepping with music on. Start small. The seeds you plant now in your day-to-day life will blossom into bigger transformations over the next six months.
Taurus Sun & Rising:
You’re finding your footing again, Taurus… one slow breath at a time. Leo Season has been stirring things up at home, and with Mercury now direct in that part of your chart, you’re starting to make sense of it all. Maybe a family dynamic came to light or a truth you’d been avoiding finally surfaced. This week is about anchoring, so sit with what’s been revealed and burn what needs to be released. Spend time making your space feel like a sanctuary again — even if it starts with re-organizing one shelf.
When Virgo Season begins on Thursday, followed by the Virgo New Moon, your vibe softens into play, romance, and self-expression. You’re being reminded that joy is a birthright, not a luxury. This is a potent time to return to a hobby you’ve neglected or to share your heart more vulnerably, especially if you’ve been holding back out of fear of rejection. Virgo energy wants quality, not quantity. So give your love, your art, and your attention to what feels real.This is your soft reawakening.
Gemini Sun & Rising:
You’re back in your flow, Gemini… and it shows. Mercury Retrograde shook up your communication sector, so if the past few weeks felt like a glitchy group chat or a game of emotional telephone, you weren’t imagining things. But now Mercury’s direct, and so is your voice. The first half of the week is great for revisiting conversations that went left — or reconnecting with people you ghosted when your battery hit 2%. Take your time, but don’t overthink it. You’re allowed to change your mind and circle back.
Once Virgo Season begins, the Virgo New Moon brings your focus to your foundations: home, family, and emotional security. This is your green light to refresh your living space or set boundaries that protect your peace. You’ve been operating on high- frequency vibes for a while, and now it’s time to ground. Ask yourself: what do I need to feel rooted, safe, and nourished? You don’t have to solve everything this week. Just plant the intention. Virgo’s gift is in the details, and you’re being invited to notice what matters.
Cancer Sun & Rising:
The fog is lifting, Cancer, especially around money and self-worth. The first half of the week still carries that Leo Season heat in your values zone, and now that Mercury’s direct, you may be having some important money talks or internal realizations about your finances. What are you ready to invest in more? What are you done tolerating? You’ve been learning to separate your worth from your productivity. And now you’re being called to trust that value is innate, even before the check clears.
Once the sun and moon enter Virgo, your mental wheels start spinning. The Virgo New Moon on Friday activates your communication zone, making this a perfect week for scripting, journaling, or writing down your six-month goals. What do you reallywant to say — to yourself, to someone else, to the world? Virgo energy helps you get precise and intentional. This is also a great time to set new boundaries around your screen time and attention span. Protect your focus. Your mind is a sacred garden, so treat it accordingly.
Leo Sun & Rising:
The sun’s still in your sign until Thursday, Leo, so you better keep shining. You may feel like you’re playing catch-up this week, especially if Mercury Retrograde had you doubting your worth or delaying your birthday plans. But it’s not too late to indulge, treat yourself, and celebrate your solar return. Book the spa day. Throw the last-minute dinner. Say yes to pleasure and soft joy. Even if it’s been a quieter (or more dramatic) season than usual, you’re being reminded that you deserve softness and self- prioritization. Focus on how you want to feel internally… not just on how things look externally.
Once Virgo Season begins on Thursday, followed by the New Moon in Virgo on Friday, your focus shifts from pleasure to sustainability. Your sector of income and self-worth is getting a fresh start, and so is your relationship with money. Instead of overworking or overspending, you’re invited to ground yourself in simplicity: what do you truly need to feel safe, secure, and free? Mercury, the new moon’s ruler, is now direct in your sign, so confidence is back online. Set small, tangible goals and let them compound over time. You’re not chasing wealth; you’re becoming the version of you who attracts, multiplies, and sustains it.
Virgo Sun & Rising:
You’re almost there, Virgo… but first, it’s time to cocoon. The first half of the week finds you in that liminal space: the retrograde shadow is still lingering, the moon is waning, and your birthday season is so close you can taste it. But instead of rushing the glow-up, you’re being asked to slow down, rest, and reflect. You’ve been through a lot spiritually this year, and your energy is sacred. Spend the beginning of the week journaling, deleting, unplugging — whatever helps you cleanse your internal slate. Your rebirth begins soon.
And when it does? It begins with a bang. The sun enters your sign on Thursday, and within 24 hours, the Virgo New Moon rises in your sign. This is one of the most powerful moments of your entire year. You’re not just setting new intentions, you’re planting seeds for an entirely new version of yourself. But because Mercury, your ruler, is still in your closure sector, you’ll feel more selective about who you share your dreams with. Keep your circle tight. Envision yourself six months from now — thriving, rested, and aligned. Then start showing up for that version of you now.
Libra Sun & Rising:
You’re over the drama, Libra, and you’re not afraid to admit it. The first half of the week has you reflecting on your friendships, especially any connections that left you drained during Leo Season. With Mercury now direct in your friendship sector, you’re seeing things clearly, especially your own patterns of overextending or sugarcoating your boundaries. What do you really want from your community? More joy? More depth? More space? Whatever it is, this is your moment to stop settling for vibes and start curating your circle.
Once Virgo Season begins on Thursday, the mood shifts inward. The next day, the Virgo New Moon activates your healing, closure, and solitude sector, making you more introspective than usual — and that’s a good thing. Venus, your ruler, is still in sensitive Cancer, reminding you that not everyone deserves full access to your heart. Spend time solo this weekend. Write. Cry. Dream. This is your prep season: your spiritual reset before your own birthday arrives in a few weeks. Plant seeds for peace, forgiveness, and softness. Let this period of quiet fuel your power.
Scorpio Sun & Rising:
Let’s be real, Scorpio… you’re ready to log off. The first half of the week finds you deep in your thoughts about success, career, and your relationship with work. Mercury retrograde had you questioning everything in that department, and even though it’s now direct, you’re still feeling the ripple effects. Are you climbing the right ladder? Are you even on the right mountain? The pressure to constantly “level up” is exhausting — and you’re realizing that doing lessmay actually be your next power move. You don’t need a five-year plan right now. You just need to remember why you started.
Once Virgo Season begins on the 22nd, things start to shift, slowly but intentionally. The next day, the Virgo New Moon lights up your community and networking sector, making this a potent time to ask for help. This isn’t about pride… it’s about practicality and purpose. Mercury is now direct in your career zone, and you can finally see who’s able and willing to support your growth. Whether you’re launching something or simply trying to lighten your load, this is your sign to put it out there. The right collaborators are waiting, so don’t suffer in silence — say what you need, and let yourself receive.
Sagittarius Sun & Rising:
Sag, the first half of the week is about remembering your “why.” Leo Season has been activating your sector of purpose, expansion, and adventure, but it might’ve also overwhelmed you with options. With Mercury now direct in this part of your chart, you’re finally gaining clarity about where you want to focus your energy moving forward. Whether it’s a trip, a creative project, or a spiritual shift — pick the thing that excites your cells. The retrograde taught you what isn’t working. Now you’re free to say yes to what is.
The energy shifts on Thursday as Virgo Season begins, followed by the Virgo New Moon in your career sector. It’s time to get your strategy in order. Where do you want to be by the end of 2025, and what’s one small step you can take this week to get there? This isn’t about pushing or performing. It’s about building something sustainable and soul-aligned. You have the fire, but now you need the framework. Let this Virgo lunation remind you: dreams don’t work unless you do. But when you do? They fly.
Capricorn Sun & Rising:
You’re unlearning survival mode, Capricorn… and it’s a process. The first half of the week invites you to reflect on your emotional patterns, especially when it comes to intimacy, vulnerability, and trust. Leo Season has been poking at your shadow side, and now, as Mercury is direct, you can finally process what it’s been trying to teach you. What relationships make you feel safe to exhale? Where are you still clinging to control out of fear? Let yourself unravel. You don’t always have to be the strong one.
Once Virgo Season starts, followed by the Virgo New Moon in your sector of expansion, you’re ready to shift gears. This is your fresh start in how you seek truth — through study, travel, mentorship, or spiritual practice. You’re craving freedom. But not the chaotic kind, the kind that comes from being deeply rooted in your values. Set intentions this week around what you want to explore next and what fears you’re ready to leave behind. A new chapter of purpose is beginning. Let curiosity be your compass.
Aquarius Sun & Rising:
You’re not asking for too much… you’re asking for alignment, Aquarius. Leo Season has been spotlighting your partnerships, and the first half of the week has you reviewing what balance really looks like in your life. With Mercury now direct in your relationship zone, the fog is lifting. Some people showed their true colors during the retrograde, and some surprised you in beautiful ways. Whatever the case, you now know what you need moving forward. And you’re not afraid to name it.
As the sun and moon enter Virgo later this week, your attention turns inward. The Virgo New Moon activates your sector of intimacy, secrets, and transformation — meaning this is a full-body reboot. Where have you been hiding parts of yourself to keep the peace? Where have you been shrinking? This lunation invites you to strip away the performance and get real. Whether it’s with your lover, your therapist, or your mirror, the truth wants to be seen. And once it is, you’ll feel more whole than ever.
Pisces Sun & Rising:
You’re not lazy, Pisces… you’re just healing. The first half of the week may feel like a gentle crash from the energy of Leo Season. With Mercury now direct in your wellness zone, you’re getting clarity on what routines actually support you and which ones are draining you. This isn’t the time to force a 6 a.m. workout if you’ve been running on empty. It’s about softness, balance, and daily practices that feel like care, not punishment. Let rest be your ritual.
The Virgo New Moon on Friday brings a relationship reset. With both the sun and moon in your partnership sector, you’re being invited to get intentional about how you show up in love, and how you allow yourself to be loved in return. Virgo energy wants you to get real: are your standards supporting your growth, or are they hiding your fear of intimacy? This is a powerful time to write a love letter, even if it’s to yourself. Start the new cycle with honesty. Your heart deserves nothing less.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Welcome toMoney Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.
Today: a rural medical doctor who makes $18,897 per year and who spends some of her money this week on online submission for a short story (she enjoyed writing it so much she might do it again next month!).
Editor’s Note: All prices converted to US dollars using Google and correct at time of writing.
Occupation: Rural medical doctor Industry: Healthcare Age: 24 Location: Ecuador Salary: $18,897.36 Assets: Savings: $7,562.52; retirement funds: $5,040.44; medical residency savings: $2,522.08 (I’m saving to apply in 2027). I am the shareholder of a company that my father cofounded when I was little. When he passed away, I inherited a small percentage of his shares, and they were worth approximately $75,000 at the beginning of this year. They might be worth more now as the company has grown significantly, but we won’t know their value until the end of 2025. Besides that, my mom gave me a car for college that I still own and that is worth around $10,000 (I might sell it once I start applying for residency). Debt: $7,500 from student loans. Paycheck Amount (Monthly): $1,116.21 + $458.57 (from my company shares). Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $100 (including electricity, internet and water services). Because of the location of my job, I work on a special schedule: I work for 18 consecutive days and get 12 resting days. While in my community, I rent an apartment with a rural dentist, who also works with me. I live with my mom for the rest of the month for free (and my mom pays for most of the groceries and gas during my stay as well). Loan Payments: $458.57 Gym membership: $81 Running Training Program: $85 Cell Phone: $0 (I’m in the company phone program for shareholders). Disney+ & Spotify: $0 (paid for by my mom). Health & Retirement Insurance: $95.15 taken automatically from my paycheck (this is a combined service our government offers to every citizen, so you can contribute monthly for public healthcare services but also for your retirement). Monthly Psychology Appointment: $40 Savings: $590. I transfer $500 to my residency savings account and save the rest to indulge in small luxuries such as clothing or short trips every once in a while.
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? Education has been a priority in my family for decades, so no one ever thought of me not going to college. Being the daughter of doctors inspired me to attend medical school in my hometown when I was 18. In Ecuador, the degree lasts six years, and you can go straight into it after high school. My mom and grandparents have been very supportive regarding my education and paid for most of my degree until my little sister got into college as well. Having two daughters in private universities on her own (since my dad passed away when I was 12) was too expensive for my mom, so I had to take out a loan for my last two years of school.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances? My mom taught me about finances from when I was a teen. While in high school, she would give me a monthly allowance based on a budget I had to present to her in a spreadsheet. Besides that, most of the conversations we had were about the importance of saving and planning. She was always recommending books and courses on personal finances that I never took seriously, but now that I am starting to make my own money, I wish I used the resources she offered me when I had more free time.
What was your first job and why did you get it? During my last year of medical school, as part of my degree, I did an intern year where I worked at a hospital, supporting residents and attendings on anything they need. I got paid around $500 monthly, and I used this money to pay for all my personal expenses besides housing and basic needs that my mom still covered for me. I also saved some money that I later spent on traveling abroad with my friends as a graduation gift from myself.
Did you worry about money growing up? I think the most I worried about money growing up was after my father passed away. For the first couple of years, I saw my mom struggling to pay loans and medical bills from my dad’s disease (he had cancer) while being the head of the household, and that made me worry as well. As the company my dad cofounded began to do well and my mom educated herself on personal finances, we eventually began living a very comfortable life. Although I almost stopped worrying about money after that, to see my mom stressed so much those first years definitely impacted me, and it became a reminder that life can change drastically when you least expect it and you have to be aware of that, but you also have to trust you can be resilient enough to overcome whatever life throws at you.
Do you worry about money now? As I am planning to apply for residency in two years, I definitely worry about money now. I want to become a specialist abroad, which means I have to save a certain amount of money for traveling and studying, and I keep that in mind every time I feel like spending a little extra money on things like concerts, expensive dining or clothes. However, my mom has offered to help me so I can fully focus on this objective in 2026. This means I won’t work for a year until I get into the program I want. While I am so lucky my mom is willing to support me and I am going to contribute with more than half of the expected expenses for this process, I still feel guilty about it.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? To pursue a medical career means that there is a big chance that you won’t acquire complete financial independence until your early thirties (or later). Although I began paying for all of my personal expenses last year, I feel like this is the first year I am financially responsible for myself (though I live with my mom for some days of the month). I am very grateful for having my mom and grandparents as I know that they could help me financially if I need some help, especially for the next few years. I also know I could sell my car or my company shares in extreme, emergency situations.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. When my father passed away, I inherited some things, including part of a house that we eventually sold to buy a house in a nicer neighborhood, and the company shares that I still own. The money I receive from them monthly has always been used for educational purposes (including exchanges and summer programs in other countries that have definitely been life-changing). As previously mentioned, when I started college, my mom bought me a car so I could go anywhere on my own while she spent more time with my little sister without worrying too much about me. My grandparents also gift me around $500 each year for my birthday and Christmas that I mostly use for more costly personal expenses (such as running gear or traveling), and whenever they are in town they offer to pay for my groceries. Finally, my mom contributed monthly to a retirement fund for me when I started medical school. Once I began contributing for it during intern year, she stepped out, but I am so grateful for her amazing support on this (and everything else).
Day One: Sunday
5:10 a.m. — Rise and shine! I text my coworker J. to let him know I am awake and getting ready for our run. I am currently training for a 30km trail running race, and J. has been my training buddy since March. Today we have to run for 90 minutes, so I take two squares of dulce de guayaba and fill a flask with coconut water to bring with me.
5:40 a.m. — We start running towards a nearby community. Although cloudy, the weather is perfect, and we encounter different animals throughout our route. From cattle to birds to lots of dogs that run with us, time flies and we are having fun!
7:10 a.m. — I am back home ready to start the day. I decide to treat myself to breakfast since I successfully completed all of my workouts of the week — I buy an empanada and some chocolate milk to eat with eggs and ham. I also indulge in a Gatorade that I drink while doing some stretching exercises before hitting the shower. $1.35
12:30 p.m. — After attending to a couple of patients at the Centro de Salud where I work, which kept me busier than expected, it is lunchtime, and my coworkers and I decide to eat out today. We walk to our favorite place — a family-owned BBQ restaurant that sells the best ribs I have ever tasted. We order some ribs and sausages, fried potatoes and salad, and guanabana juice. They serve us big portions and we leave the place very satisfied. We never regret coming here. $4
5 p.m. — We close the center and go home. Our community is so small, we can go anywhere by walking. We discuss if we should get doughnuts or not, but we finally decide we can eat them another day. As A., my roommate, and I arrive home, we realize the bakery ran out of doughnuts today. I guess faith did not want us to have dessert after all.
5:15 p.m. — I snack on dark chocolate-covered rice cakes dipped in vanilla Greek yogurt before doing some chores. I go to the roof to check on the clothes I washed a couple of days ago and find them a bit humid. We don’t have any laundry machines here, so we have to wash everything manually and then let them dry by hanging them on the rooftop of our building (is it a building, though? There are only two floors). I decide to let my clothes dry for one more day and go downstairs to deep clean my room and bathroom while watching Once Upon a Time (I have been obsessed lately).
7 p.m. — I make some fish and salad for dinner. Though I am not hungry, I know I have to fuel my body properly during these intense training days, so I try to make it a priority. I eat while I chat with my sister, who is studying in Mexico, about her graduation next year. I will definitely travel to this event and am already excited!
8 p.m. — I start writing this diary while eating some tortilla chips. I take my time to carefully check my assets and expenses while listening to the F1 movie soundtrack on Spotify. I can’t wait to go back to the city to watch it at the cinema.
10 p.m. — I take some magnesium, brush my teeth, wash and moisturize my face, and apply a leave-on conditioner on my hair before going to sleep. I scroll on social media before finally closing my eyes.
Daily Total: $5.35
Day Two: Monday
6:55 a.m. — It is a rest day today, so I sleep in a little longer. I get ready for work before cooking one of my favorite breakfasts: a Greek yogurt bowl with apples, raw oats, and peanut butter. I eat a fried egg on the side to add some extra protein.
11:30 a.m. — I take a quick break from work to go buy a snack at the grocery store. I buy Rollitos ($0.25 — my favorite snack since I was a kid) and some toothpaste ($1.25). $1.50
1:30 p.m. — I take my lunch break a little later and am starving. I decide to make a homemade burger with fries on the side and salad with all of the vegetables I find in my mini fridge. Thanks to my air fryer, it takes me 15 minutes to get it done, and I enjoy it slowly for the rest of the hour.
6 p.m. — After a nice and long nap, I wake up to revise respiratory anatomy and pharmacology. Since I am going to start studying for residency exams in September, I have been trying to check the diseases we see the most here to adapt myself into studying again. Every time I study while working, I wonder how on earth I was able to study for more than eight hours, go to classes, train, and have a social life while in medical school.
7:30 p.m. — I take a break from studying to make some oatmeal pancakes for dinner. I add lots of syrup, bananas, and peanut butter as toppings. I love breakfast for dinner.
8:30 p.m. — After two intense study hours, I decide it’s time to rest. I do my night time routine while watching an episode of Once Upon a Time. When it is over, I immediately fall asleep.
Daily Total: $1.50
Day Three: Tuesday
5:40 a.m. — I wake up and get ready for the hour-long run I have to do today. This run is a splendid one. Living in the middle of the forest means listening to different animals and rivers throughout the way, and it makes me feel very connected to nature.
7:30 a.m. — I eat two scrambled eggs and bacon with instant oatmeal, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and blueberries for breakfast. I also drink a big cup of coffee and coconut water to hydrate from my run before heading to work.
12 p.m. — It is lunchtime and I am RELIEVED. Many patients came in the morning and I didn’t even have time to drink water. I arrive home and let some whole wheat fusilli cook before going upstairs to soak my clothes in detergent. I have to do my laundry in the afternoon and want to have it ready to rinse. Once the pasta is done, I assemble a tuna salad with it.
1 p.m. — I text K., who lives close to me, to let her know I am leaving home. She takes the same lunch hour as me and we like to walk together to work. We stop to get some ice cream on the way — this is the hottest day we have had since arriving, and it feels like the perfect excuse for a sweet treat. $0.25
5 p.m. — After taking care of some patients and doing half of a mock test for residency, it is time to close the Centro de Salud. Today, we decide we should get some dessert and head to the ice cream shop. A., K. and J. get chocolate cake and ice cream while I get a donut from the bakery. We chat for a while with some people from the community as we enjoy our treats. $0.50
7:15 p.m. — I finally finish doing my laundry. I do a quick leg workout before getting a shower and making dinner. Today, I make homemade nachos, and they are amazing. I use my last can of chili beans, so I add them to my grocery list for next month. The village I work in is considered “difficult access”, which means that very few cars, buses, and trucks arrive due to the distance from any big city and the state of the unpaved road. When it rains, it is impossible for any vehicle to arrive. This also means that there is not a lot of variety in stores, so I bring almost 80% of what I eat from my hometown. Every time I come here, you can tell which are my bags since they are always massive and super heavy from all the food and cleaning supplies I bring!
9:30 p.m. — I have some tea before falling asleep. This was a productive but tiring day.
Daily Total: $0.75
Day Four: Wednesday
5:55 a.m. — I am out of the house ready for my run. I have to do a very specific zone-two workout but struggle to keep my heart rate low, so I walk a lot in between. J. does a tempo run, and I time his fastest kilometer — he wants to join the army and running is a part of the physical test he has to take. From the results we have been getting, I think he will nail it.
7:30 a.m. — I make banana oatmeal with two scrambled eggs and ham for breakfast. I only had a few Moritas (blackberry-shaped gummies) for my workout this morning and am starving. A. and I take the trash out before going to work.
11 a.m. — J. and I decide to take a coffee break and get mochaccinos. There are no cafeterias in the village, so we choose some packaged ones from the grocery store. They taste like dessert, and we drink them slowly while checking on the requirements he has to fulfill to join the army. Moments like this are what make life good. $1
12:30 p.m. — I am about to go to lunch when I realize I left the keys of my room inside of it. I panic. I go talk to the woman who is in charge of the building when our landlady is away to ask her if she has a copy of it. She is not sure if the landlady took them away with her and we won’t know until around 7 p.m. I panic more. I go eat leftover chili beans and sautéed potatoes while thinking what to do. If there are no keys, I might have to change the whole lock set. I go to the hardware store to check on prices and find someone who can help me to change it if needed. After that, I feel better and go back to work. I have a solid Plan B now that hopefully won’t be too expensive to execute.
3:30 p.m. — I attend to the last patient of the day and finish the test I started yesterday. I make a list of topics to revise tonight from the questions I failed. K. asks her boyfriend if he knows how to open doors without keys and he says he can give it a try. We agree on meeting him after work in case our landlady doesn’t keep the keys here. I am hungry, but I skip the grocery store and decide to eat at home instead — I might have to buy a lock set today after all.
5:20 p.m. — Today is my lucky day: They had the keys here and my room is open! I sigh in relief and apologize to everyone involved for the inconvenience. K. decides to go home, and I thank her and her boyfriend for their support and willingness to break my door if required. I snack on some ham and Moritas while updating my family about it.
7 p.m. — I eat lunch leftovers from yesterday while checking the topics from my mock test. I am struggling to focus and don’t know if I will be done by tonight. I give myself some grace and take a break to catch up with friends and family via WhatsApp. After all, I am still months away from starting to formally study. I snack on some tortilla chips and realize I have been snacking more than usual. I definitely need to increase my nutritional intake since I have been running more, so I start to think about healthy snack ideas to prep for next month.
9 p.m. — I finish my study session and start checking for grammar mistakes in this diary. To write more is one of my main 2025 resolutions: It is an activity I have loved since high school, but I stopped doing it at some point. I had a creative block last month and didn’t write anything, so I have been enjoying this exercise a lot. It has even inspired me to write some stories once I finish this!
11:11 p.m. — I felt so inspired I just wrote a short story based on a trip I took years ago (I found a writing prompt online and decided to give it a try). I send it to my sister and mom to get their feedback before going to sleep.
Daily Total: $1
Day Five: Thursday
7 a.m. — I wake up and start getting ready for the day! I feel tired yet excited about the story I wrote last night. I head downstairs to get some bread at the bakery and buy a recently baked cacho (the Ecuadorian version of croissants) to eat with scrambled eggs and Jamoneta. $0.20
12 p.m. — After a slow morning, I go buy potatoes and mayonnaise for lunch. I am not sure what I will be cooking but my stomach is feeling like getting potatoes today. I also get some fried pork meat. $0.60
2:30 p.m. — My coworkers and I realize we just got paid! Since there are no scheduled patients in the afternoon, I start organizing my monthly expenses. I add $500 to my savings account immediately and pay rent and my fitness memberships for next month. I also place the money for my therapy appointment next week and for groceries in a separate account so I won’t spend it until I need to. The satisfaction I get from this is unbeatable.
6 p.m. — After scrolling on TikTok for an hour, I do a 50-minute leg workout from YouTube that my running coach sent me. I don’t use any weights but my legs are burning. Shoutout to Caroline Girvan for such an amazing routine!
7:30 p.m. — My friends and I meet to get dinner. We buy salchipapas, corviches, and ice cream for dessert. We start discussing all things food and almost all of us agree the coastal region has the best Ecuadorian cuisine (K. disagrees though — she loves hornado too much). $2.65
9 p.m. — I call my mom and sister on our group chat and talk for an hour. I also chat with my best friend from school who is working in the Amazon jungle. Then I immediately fall asleep.
Daily Total: $3.45
Day Six: Friday
5:35 a.m. — I wake up feeling tired and still full from last night’s dinner. Still, I text J., get ready, and eat an apple before meeting him to go running.
5:55 a.m. — J. is not only tired, but exhausted from last night. Apparently, he couldn’t fall asleep and took a pill that is making him feel dizzy today. We decide to not force ourselves by running and go on a short hike instead.
7 a.m. — I feel better and more energized to go to work now. I play a Juan Luis Guerra playlist on Spotify while getting ready to feel more motivated and it works immediately! Of course, I start by listening to my favorite song of his, “Como Yo”. I eat my usual breakfast: eggs with ham and oatmeal with Greek yogurt.
12 p.m. — I finish editing the short story I wrote a few days ago and love it. Reminiscing about this one trip from when I was younger was a beautiful experience. Going to India helped me become the person I am now in many different ways, so I get very emotional whenever I navigate towards my memories of it. My mom and sister encourage me to submit it for a chance to get it published in a magazine, and after seeing the application fee is not that expensive, I decide to give it a go. $5
1 p.m. — I go to the grocery store to buy avocados but unfortunately they are not ready to eat yet. Instead, I get cream cheese, dulce de leche, and Grillé wholewheat toasts. I am transitioning into the time of the month when my groceries start running out, so I start to improvise my meals using whatever is available here. I realize they have one bottle of natural (not Greek) yogurt and buy it immediately. This is the first time I have seen one of those in the village! $4.60
5:10 p.m. — After a stressful day, I get home and put on my pajamas. I feel like resting this afternoon, so I plan on watching a marathon of Once Upon a Time. I make an early dinner of papihuevo and toast with cream cheese and dulce de leche. I also drink some electrolytes that taste like pink lemonade. It really is about the small things in life.
7:45 p.m. — K. calls me to let me know there is an emergency in the Centro de Salud. Part of our special schedule includes attending any urgent situations with patients outside of our normal schedule (which rarely happens). A. and I walk there, and after the initial assessment, I realize it is not really an emergency. I prescribe the patient pain medication and tell her to come back tomorrow morning for a full assessment. I am glad it is not severe. After it, my friends decide to go have dinner in another community, but I choose to go home instead. I am also transitioning into the time of the month when I start to feel very tired from working so many consecutive days, therefore I want to recover properly today. After another episode of Once Upon a Time, I fall asleep.
Daily Total: $9.60
Day Seven: Saturday
6 a.m. — I wake up early to do the last batch of laundry of the month before going back to the city. I am doing half of it today and then the rest tomorrow morning. Once I am downstairs, I go get ready and make myself a yogurt bowl and scrambled eggs for breakfast.
8 a.m. — We will not see any patients for the next few hours, in order to do inventory. We revise all of the medications, tests, and medical equipment and make a list that includes expiration dates of everything to make sure we use everything safely. I enjoy doing different activities every once in a while, and it is a perfect excuse to rest for a bit while still being productive in my workplace.
10:30 a.m. — I buy some Doritos at the grocery store although I am not really hungry. I was really craving some and they are really good. #NoRegrets. $0.60
1 p.m. — I don’t feel like cooking, so today I am going to eat lunch in one of the “comedores” of the village. I get a complete lunch for $3 that includes soup, main course, and juice. I choose to eat yawarlukru and ribs, and it is truly phenomenal. I leave home for a quick nap before going back to work. $3
3 p.m. — K. preordered tres leches from the bakery and it is dessert time! It is perfect. No more comments. $1.50
5:15 p.m. — It is workout time. Today, I have to run for 90 minutes before doing some exercises for knee stability. I take some electrolytes and a square of dulce de guayaba with me, as well as a flashlight in case it gets dark. Before going out the unbelievable, yet predictable, occurs: the zipper from my running belt breaks! I improvise a belt by placing everything in a bag as fast as possible. I will have to try to get it fixed once I am back in my hometown (ps: by predictable, I mean PREDICTABLE: My belt is more than five years old, and I knew it was a matter of time before it started falling apart).
7:30 p.m. — Even though the run was tough, I felt very strong from the beginning. The weather was beautiful, and I cannot emphasize enough on how beautiful the landscapes are here. I am truly obsessed and feel blessed to experience living in such a special area (I am surrounded by different national parks and reserves), regardless of the burdens that come from being in a place of difficult access. I arrive home to do the exercises my trainer sent me and some stretches before hopping in the shower.
8 p.m. — I feel so tired I have to force myself to leave my room and get dinner. I go to the grocery store to buy some bottled water, Gatorade, and two apples for tomorrow. I eat some pasta tuna salad I had in the fridge and start rehydrating until I feel I am coming back to life. $2.25
8:30 p.m. — I read a few chapters of Animal Farm by George Orwell. I read it in high school and thought it would be interesting to reread it now that I am older, but I regret bringing such a small book here: I read more than half of it the first night I came, and, as you can imagine, there are no libraries or bookstores here, so I can’t acquire more reading material once I finish it (and reading on my computer is not an option — I am a paperback girlie). Last month, I brought Sunrise on the Reaping and it was long enough to read it from start to finish here. I get distracted by thinking about what to read next, based on my current experience.
9 p.m. — I am too tired to do anything besides sleeping. I do my night routine and lights are out. I guess Animal Farm can wait one more day!
Daily Total: $7.35
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“I think this was a very average spending week for me when I am in my village. When I’m at home, my expenses are similar in quantity but I spend more money on entertainment, dining, clothes, and beauty rather than on everyday needs. Since I am saving as much money as possible for residency, I have been intentionally budgeting since I started this job. Therefore, I have a very solid perspective on my expenses, but writing them in this format was really informative as I could see where I could plan better, especially with food. After writing this diary, I started buying healthier snack options in my hometown to have here and my spending on sweet treats has dropped a lot. I even feel less bloated and more energized! It has been a win-win from all perspectives. I also thought of this as a gratitude exercise since I usually compare myself with other friends my age and sometimes feel frustrated about my current situation (the rural year I am doing is mandatory for all healthcare graduates in order to legally practice medicine in Ecuador). By writing this diary, I realized I actually like my job and life a lot.
“I think it is very important to let everyone know that my assets and lifestyle (even in my village) are not a reflection of the majority of Ecuadorians. I come from an educated, very supportive, upper middle class family — a privilege that less than 10% of the population has. Especially in areas like where I am now, people live with less than a dollar a day, and at least half of the patients I attend do not finish high school (and I have not attended one patient with higher education yet). Before coming here, I always thought that there might be a way to make things better for all of us, but now that I am so close to the life conditions of the majority of our population, I am not sure about that. For now, I try to focus on how I can continue my education to help as many people as possible while preserving my mental health. My frustration not only comes from feeling stuck in the long pathway of becoming a doctor, but also from seeing pain and suffering daily with limited resources to help out.
“On happier news, the short story I wrote was actually chosen to be published! Best investment I have made this year so far.”
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Face mists have come a long way. Once thought of as fancy water in a spray bottle (that doesn’t do much beyond making your skin feel nice), they’ve enjoyed quite the renaissance in recent years. That’s all thanks to innovative formulas armed with efficacious ingredients you’d find in a hydrating serum or moisturizer, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Beyond providing an instantly refreshing sensation, the face mists of today also promise to replenish moisture, soothe irritation, and even cast a long-lasting dewy finish over makeup.
Misting is also an effective step to prepare your face for better skincare absorption. “A lot of people immediately pat their faces dry with a towel after their cleansing routine, so using a face mist puts that moisture back into your skin,” says medical and cosmetic doctor Ewoma Ukeleghe. “You’re starting with a hydrated base again, which creates better grip for products [in the rest of your routine].” If you struggle with dry or sensitive skin, face mists are a great way to add lightweight hydration without using your hands — and risking further irritation.
Without further ado, read ahead for our tried-and-tested lineup of face mists that deliver real skin benefits alongside a cooling spritz, starting at $12.
This product has been hyped to the max — TikToks of Rhode muse Harris Dickinson and that gigantic silicone face mist holder were everywhere for a while — and I’m happy to report that all the buzz is justified. Out of all the mists I’ve tried, this one hits the nail on the mark with an airy, non-greasy texture that also feels substantially moisturizing. It contains a laundry list of skincare ingredients I always look for in my serums, including ectoin (which binds moisture to the surface of the skin), a trio of ceramides (they strengthen the skin barrier), and vitamin B5 (which amplifies the moisturizing benefits of the other ingredients). My skin feels immediately quenched, and the effects of this lasts long after the mist evaporates. The applicator gets a 10/10 from me, as it evenly moistens the skin without any wet patches. It’s an all-arounder that can be used before and after makeup, and is my favourite by far.
I have combination skin and this facial spray is what I’ve relied on for years to keep my breakouts in check. It stars hypochlorous acid, a naturally occurring antibacterial ingredient that helps calm redness and soothes inflammation. I spray this on very hot days or after a workout, after I’ve been sweating buckets and a breakout might be on the horizon. This might be TMI, but the spray has also come in clutch when I’ve had a minor infection on my eyelid, as the anti-inflammatory properties of the spray help lessen the irritation. Since hypochlorous acid is pretty much the only ingredient, I’d say that it’s not quite as moisturizing as the others, but I’d highly recommend it for acne-prone skin.
Face mists can feel quite fleeting, but not this newcomer from Chanel. It’s a bi-phase formula, meaning it’s half-oil, half-water (make sure to give the egg-shaped bottle a good shake before use), and releases an ultra-fine veil of moisture that leaves my skin looking dewy for hours without feeling sticky. I credit this to red camellia extract, an antioxidant that soothes and defends the skin barrier against environmental pollutants. Out of all the mists I’ve tried, the hydrating benefits of this one feel the most long-lasting. I can see myself using this well into the winter. A little bit also goes a long way, too; the nozzle has a pretty strong projection, so two pumps is enough to coat my entire face.
I like to think of this one as a tall glass of water for my skin. I’m quite happy to spot glycerin — a humectant that draws moisture to the surface of the skin — in the list of ingredients. It also features refreshing cucumber water and mineral-rich seawater, which further boosts hydration. My skin feels firm and bouncy after a couple of sprays, and out of all the mists I’ve tried, this one feels the least sticky. The affordable price point means you won’t feel bad about spritzing it all over the face and body. The only reasons this didn’t claim the winning spot? The nozzle spray disperses a lot of product at once, so it can get a bit messy if you already have makeup or SPF on. There’s also a faint plastic-y scent but it’s not noticeable enough to be annoying.
This is, in my opinion, one of Aesop’s most underrated (and affordable) offerings. First things first: the rose and bergamot scent reminds me of aromatherapy products you’d get in a luxury spa. Fittingly, the mist does contain hydrating rose petals, invigorating bergamot peel and calming chamomile buds. The texture sits somewhere between a mist and a serum, leaving my skin immediately looking softer and dewier. It’s the perfect little treat to perk my skin up, especially when it’s looking a bit dull thanks to “office air”.
I’ll start with what I liked about this new toning mist: the applicator does an excellent job at misting the skin thoroughly; I feel like I’m stepping into a moisture cloud every time I give this a spritz. The unique selling point is the brand’s proprietary padina pavonica algae, which prevents moisture loss in the skin barrier, alongside marine ferment, which helps reduce shine and minimize the appearance of large pores. Finally, gluconolactone gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells. I do notice less oil production when I’ve used this mist on a hot day. The catch? The finish leans a bit tacky for my taste and there is a faint yeasty scent (probably due to the marine ferment).
If you’ve tried Laneige’s Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner, $36, you’ll very much enjoy this mist; it’s pretty much the same product repackaged in a tiny spray bottle. It leaves my skin feeling like it’s just taken a hydrating milk bath, thanks to a mix of peptides and ceramides that work overtime to increase firmness and promote collagen production. Since the bottle is so tiny and portable, this has been my go-to for long plane journeys as a final step to prevent my skin from feeling parched after applying sunscreen. (Wearing sunscreen on a flight is a non-negotiable for me.)
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This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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I know exactly when my hair is overdue for a trim. As if inflated by an imaginary air pump, the ends puff up post-wash — made even more noticeable by my layers. It’s like a halo of frizz, except it’s not; it’s just my split ends begging for a chop. I know I’m not the only one with this hair conundrum. This summer, with relentless heatwaves and high humidity, “puffy hair” and “how to stop puffy hair” have been popular Google searches. But what if there were one product that could stop it from happening and give you more time between trims, helping you grow longer, stronger hair?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll probably know Color Wow’s hair care repertoire. Dream Coat, $28, is world-famous for a reason (frizz who?) and, in my opinion, the Texas Hold ‘Em Stronghold Hairspray, $30, is worth its weight in gold. But Dreaming is the latest addition to the growing collection — and it has replaced every single conditioner in my shower.
As the name suggests, the aim is to repair and resurface hair. When it comes to hair masks, repairing is a given, but resurfacing? I’d only heard of this in the context of skincare, namely exfoliating acids like glycolic and lactic acid, which make skin smoother and brighter. While this mask doesn’t exfoliate your scalp or strands, it uses ingredients like moisturizing squalane, softening rice bran oil, protein-packed quinoa, and natural polymers, which form an undetectable film around hair strands. This protective layer smooths the cuticle — the surface layer of the hair strand — resulting in softer, shinier, more resilient hair — and less puffiness. Sure enough, several studies highlight the benefits of these ingredients — especially polymers — for smoothing, protecting, and conditioning hair. Besides these, the mask is packed with nourishing glycerin and panthenol (aka vitamin B5), which is known to improve elasticity and prevent breakage over time.
Texture-wise, Dreaming looks and feels like a body butter rather than a mask or a conditioner. Compared to the brand’s Money Masque, $45, (a hair-reviving mask I’ve got my friends and family hooked on), it’s much thicker — but don’t let that put you off. Just a small scoop is enough to coat all my hair (and I have a lot of it), giving a comfortable slip that lets me untangle knots as easily as a hot knife through butter. Because you need so little, rinsing it out after the recommended five minutes is easy. With masks, though, I’d suggest rinsing for an extra 30 seconds beyond what you’d do with conditioner, just to be sure it’s all gone.
I thought Money Masque was excellent for parched hair in need of a trim, but Dreaming is on another level. My hair feels ultra-soft — no, transformed — even as I’m rinsing it out in the shower, but the real magic happens once it’s dry.
Since my keratin treatment has worn off, it takes more passes with the straighteners to achieve the once-effortless sleekness I used to get after a quick rough-dry. Using this mask is the next best thing to a glassy finish — and a snip of the price of a professional hair service. When I use it, the puffiness disappears, yet my hair doesn’t feel greasy, weighed down, or look stringy. While split ends can’t actually be repaired (only chopping them off gets rid), I’m convinced the shine helps disguise their usual dry appearance, too.
As for its humidity-shielding promises? The ultimate test was a hot, humid day in London, where even a minute outside can conjure frizz, but my hair stayed almost flyaway-free, with only the slightest drop in my waves.
You might be wondering what sets Dreaming apart from Dream Coat. Aside from the texture — and that this one’s meant to be used in the shower — it works in pretty much the same way: Simply apply it every two to three shampoos (Dream Coat is every three to four). You might also be curious whether it’s packed with silicones. While I don’t think silicones are the enemy (in fact, I believe they can make hair look and feel its absolute best), this treatment is silicone-free, with the aforementioned natural polymers doing all the heavy lifting (or smoothing).
At $45, Color Wow’s Dreaming Advanced Repair and Resurfacing Treatment Mask isn’t cheap, but in my experience, a little goes a long way. If you really want to get your money’s worth, try it as a post-styling hair cream. It’s thick enough to smooth flyaways and frizz, but light enough to avoid making your roots look oily. While it’s not intended for this use (it’s meant for wet hair), I can confidently say that it works a treat. So much so, I’ve already got my hands on a second tub.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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Back-to-school season is nigh, but nothing brightens the end of the summer like a major discount from one of our favorite brands, especially when said brandonly occasionally holds sales. We’re of course talking about Reformation — our go-to destination for modern, sustainably-sourced styles, top-quality denim, enviable wedding guest looks, linen basics, trendy plus-sized pieces, and more. (And we’re not alone — Ref has an impressive celebrity fanbase. Most recently, we’ve seen Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Zendaya, and Nicola Coughlan donning the brand.)
Whether you’re shopping for a late-summer getaway or looking ahead to fall, you’ll find plenty to add to your cart. The sale kicks off today with up to 30% off hundreds of styles and runs for a limited time only (or while supplies last). We recommend having your credit cards at the ready if you want to snag some of the best deals. Read on for our top picks.
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Reformation Summer Sale: Dresses
Still looking to add a new dress to your wardrobe? You’re in luck — the Reformation sale is chock-full of options. Honestly, the choices are staggering, from lightweight linen minis and flowy maxis for last-minute getaways or destination weddings to slinky slips for date nights and versatile milkmaid styles for transitional dressing.
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Reformation Summer Sale: Denim
If there’s one thing that Reformation has perfected, it’s denim. From your classic baby-blue jeans to the trend-forward styles (think relaxed jorts, corset tops, and slim-fit midi dresses), you’ll find them all at the Reformation end-of-summer sale.
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Reformation Summer Sale: Plus Size
ICYMI, Reformation is one of the top destinations for chic, well-cut plus-size fashion. We’re very excited to see so many incredible pieces make it to the sale.
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Reformation Summer Sale: Petite Size
Calling all our 5’3″ and under friends — Reformation also has you covered with specially tailored petite designs, many of which are also discounted right now.
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Reformation Summer Sale: Tops & Sweaters
What better time to upgrade your transitional and early-fall wardrobe than with a standout top or cozy new knit? (Or two, or three, or four, or… The world is your Reformation-sale-shaped oyster!)
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Reformation Summer Sale: Matching Sets
When in doubt, let a matching set do all the heavy fashion lifting for you. Reformation is well known for its stunning selection, including easy, breezy linen numbers, office-ready vest-and-pants combinations, and versatile skirt co-ords that can be dressed up or down.
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Reformation Summer Sale: Coats & Jackets
It might feel strange to think about the colder months amid hot, humid August, but they’ll be here before you know it. Now’s the time to save on a gorgeous new coat or jacket in preparation.
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Reformation Summer Sale: Shoes & Handbags
We’re also on the verge of statement accessory season. Come fall and winter, you’ll be able to show off your favorites from the sale while bundling up — we’re talking croc-textured knee-high boots, slouchy suede totes, and leopard print.
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