There has never been a better time to shop for a skin tint. A slew of new options have hit the shelves recently, each promising to impart a natural, “your skin, but better” finish without any streakiness. Some feature buzzy ingredients with skincare benefits (MILK Makeup Hydro Grip Gel Tint, which contains brightening niacinamide, comes to mind). Others, like Merit’s The Uniform, pull double duty by offering SPF protection, guarding the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The latest to join this ever-expanding product category? e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Halo Glow Skin Tint SPF 50, $18.
“Sound the klaxon! I think I’ve found the best skin tint for girlies with light olive skin. Most shades lean too yellow or too pink for me, but 6 Light Cool is just right. It makes me look fresh and alive. Texture-wise, it applies more like a light-coverage foundation than a typical tint, which in my experience tends to be a bit more watery. This one’s got more substance; it easily covers breakouts and acne scars, yet still feels like minimal makeup. I blend it in with a fluffy brush in seconds, and my skin just drinks it up. So much so, I actually look forward to using it every morning. I love the finish too: matte and glowy in all the right places. I’m always pleasantly surprised when I check my makeup in the lift mirror at the end of the day — it’s still perfectly intact, with hardly any movement or creasing. I already know I’m going to use this down to the last drop. In fact, I’ve shelved or given away every other tint in my makeup bag. This is the one.”
“I now have a lovely collection of skin tints, after years of not quite trusting the shade match of many tints on the market. They’ve now replaced my foundations as the makeup I wear daily, so e.l.f. Cosmetics’ new skin tint had a lot to live up to. This is a very light formula but with buildable coverage. It’s sheer enough to feel lightweight on the skin but helps to even out the skin tone. My skin tone is gradually shifting to its summer shade, so if you’re my ‘shade twin’, I would pick a few shades darker. The result isn’t my perfect match — but close — and I feel good that there were plenty of other options for me in the shade range, from ‘tan’ to ‘deep’ with options of cool, neutral and warm undertones (this amount of choice is always a win for an affordable brand). The formula is sheer enough to blend into my skin and look undetectable. It feels just like skin. All in all, this is a great skin tint at an accessible price point — and a handy one to pack in your hand luggage for your next holiday.”
“Let’s start with the positives: I’m very impressed by the formula, which melts right into the skin and casts a healthy, glowy filter. I wore shade 8 Medium Neutral to a party and got non-stop compliments about how lovely my skin looked. I attribute this to niacinamide, an ingredient that helps brighten the skin and reduce oil production. The coverage is sufficient enough to blur some of the spots around my temples and even out patches of discoloration without feeling like an oil slick, which is always a bonus when I barely feel like wearing makeup in the summer. It has a slightly thick texture, so the application looked far more natural when I stippled the product with a foundation brush, compared to just using my fingers (this is worth keeping in mind if you prefer using your hands). The one letdown for me has to do with the shade: For some reason, Light Cool was far too fair on my skin, while Medium Neutral appeared almost orange. I’ve seen creators like Golloria and The Lipstick Lesbians discuss their struggles with the shade range, saying that the product can oxidize and appear more orange on the skin. Medium Neutral looked great after I mixed it with my go-to highlighter drops (Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Hue Drops in Rosy Glow), but I definitely think the brand can benefit from a shade expansion.”
“Many skin tints and foundations claim to have a skin-like finish, but e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Skin Tint has exceeded my expectations with flying colors. It’s truly undetectable on skin, even when I build up coverage. While anything with ‘glow’ in the product name tends to read as greasy on my oily skin, this stuff miraculously looks incredible. It has a filter-like finish that blurs imperfections but looks like I don’t have any makeup on. I mix shades 5 and 7 to get a perfect match, but I could definitely use either one alone based on the time of year and how tanned I am. The fact that it has SPF 50 protection (it’s mineral, but doesn’t appear ashy on my skin) easily makes this my new go-to complexion product for summer. If it came in a Costco-sized jug, I’d be the first in line to buy.”
This article was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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The “locking in” side of TikTok is unrelenting. Early morning alarm clocks followed by a montage of to-do lists, meal-prepped oats, and speed typing on the latest MacBook Pro. Sound bites from motivational speaker Mel Robbins play in the background. “The bottom line is, no one is coming,” she says. “Unless you understand that you’ve got to push yourself, you’re not gonna make your dreams come true.” If you’re familiar with the above, you’ve seen how people swear by “locking in”.
Locking in, for the uninitiated, is a trend which sees TikTokers pursue discipline, cut out distractions, and chase long-term goals with near-military focus, be it in their professional lives, academic careers, or simply their workout routines. From dopamine detoxes to grind playlists, locking in marks a sharp pivot from the “soft life” trend that once dominated feeds. Soothing videos promoting slow mornings and self-care are now completely outnumbered, with all-time figures showing there’s just over 460 thousand posts using the soft life hashtag on TikTok compared to millions using locked in and locking in. The question is, what triggered this collective switch?
“I think a big part of this shift is economic reality finally catching up with softness,” says Hali, a 22-year-old from Minnesota. “Rent is up, [school] tuition is wild, and social mobility feels like it’s shrinking, so naturally there’s this urgency, especially among young people, to do something about it.” For Hali, who’s built a following of over 130,000 followers on TikTok by sharing career, lifestyle, and personal development videos, locking in means aligning her actions with the life she wants. “It’s not just about working,” she tells me, “it’s about reclaiming power in a system that often leaves us feeling powerless.”
Although she’s always been productive, Hali “amplified” this nine months ago. With a growing list of responsibilities (see: school studies, running a new business, and creating social content), she realized that “coasting was not productive” and there was more “potential” to be unlocked. “I live by my Google Calendar,” she says of how she applies herself to achieve this. “I time-block everything – from classes to content editing to deep work on my projects. I wake up early, plan my weeks, and treat my goals like they’re due tomorrow.”
Hali isn’t alone in that thinking or way of life. “With the unending uncertainty of the world, economically, politically, and culturally, I believe people are turning inward and focusing on what they can control: their mindset, their habits, and their goals,” says Chloe, a 26-year-old from Los Angeles who locked in two years ago – well before the trend made it to our TikTok feeds. After a series of job swaps and a failed business venture, Chloe reached a “turning point” and took a “hard, honest look” at her situation. “I knew I had to change the way I was living – starting with my mindset and daily habits.”
Fast forward to 2025 and things are totally different for Chloe, who’s now a qualified personal trainer and founder of a start-up. “I’ve been deeply committed to personal growth,” she says, pointing to the “transformative” practices – like meditating, journaling, working out, and meal-prepping – that help her be “a little kinder, hotter, smarter, and richer, and more radiant every single day.”
“In periods of scarcity or instability, we often react by narrowing our focus and over-indexing on behaviours we can influence, like budgeting, working harder, or hyper-planning our futures,” explains Samantha Rosenberg, behavioural economist and co-founder of wealth-tech platform, Belong. “This urgency is also driven by anticipatory regret: the fear of looking back and wishing you’d done more, earlier.”
“Self-discipline becomes a kind of psychological safety net,” she adds. “It’s why we’re seeing a shift from ‘treat yourself’ to ‘train yourself’. It feels safer.” With that in mind, it makes sense that so many people are resonating with this stricter approach to life, and a quick look at Google Trends backs this up. Over the past three months, searches for “locked in” have shown a steady increase globally, particularly in the UK (with a growth of over 30%) and the US. Meanwhile, searches for soft life have plateaued.
“The ‘soft life’ was about rest and protecting peace, but I think a lot of us realized that soft living isn’t sustainable long-term without some structure or achievement to back it,” says 23-year-old Samia, a London-based student. The soft life doesn’t lend itself goals that require some level of grit to achieve. “Eventually, I felt stuck,” agrees Weirong, a 25-year-old communication expert and podcaster who swapped the ‘soft life’ for one that’s ‘locked in’. “The pause that once felt like healing started to feel like avoidance,” she continues. “I noticed myself delaying goals in the name of ‘alignment,’ when really I was afraid of failing.”
“‘Locking in’ became my way of honouring the growth from the ‘soft life’ while re-engaging with the world, this time with clarity and purpose,” Weirong adds of this lifestyle transition. “I show up with consistency even when it’s uncomfortable – I wake up earlier to journal, prioritize deep work, say no to distractions. It’s about combining self-awareness with strategy.”
Since ‘locking in’, all four women say they’ve noticed financial and professional improvements. Hali tells me of her business’ growth and the brand deals she’s secured, Samia points to the quality of her academic performance, Weirong is celebrating new projects and a podcast while Chloe says she’s found “true purpose” in her start-up. This sounds great, but has it come at a cost to other areas of their lives?
Dr Audrey Tang, a psychologist specializing in resilience, burnout, and performance culture, tells me ‘locking in’ can be positive when it means “listening to what your body needs and feeding your soul in a healthy way,” but that’s not always the case. She explains that when behaviours become “performative” and “inauthentic”, we see instances of burnout.
This idea of performance ties directly into the online worlds we occupy, where our behaviours are increasingly shaped by what we see and how we want to be seen. “We’re constantly exposed to curated versions of success, which can trigger what we call ‘relative deprivation’ and fuel an internal race to catch up,” adds Rosenberg. “Our brains aren’t wired for this kind of always-on comparison. Even rest becomes performative – so these social platforms amplify both the extremes of self-care and hustle culture.”
Chloe admits she’s felt this at times. “I started locking in to build a life I was proud of, one where I didn’t have to work myself to total exhaustion. But I’ve experienced burnout from being too locked in,” she says, explaining this caused her to “miss out on joy, peace, and time with loved ones.” Now, Chloe makes an effort to carve out time for the things she enjoys day-to-day, as well as long-term. “I make it a goal to do at least 20 minutes of something I thoroughly enjoy every day,” she points out. “Even when my schedule is packed, I do my best to stay consistent, and lately I’ve been more intentional about making plans, taking trips, and allowing myself to feel excitement.”
Similarly, Samia says locking in too much triggers feelings of guilt. “You feel like you’re falling behind if you’re not productive every minute,” she says. “I’ve been there and I’m still trying to find my way around it, but I’ve learnt to build flexibility into my schedule and to reframe rest as part of the process, not a sign of weakness.”
“Being self-aware is important,” advises Dr Tang. “If you find your reaction to missing a workout (or whatever your routine is) is out of proportion to the event itself, then you would do well to engage in self-reflection to see if ‘motivation’ has turned into overly rigid discipline, which may not be healthy.”
“The key is knowing when to push and when to pause,” adds Samia, “Rest isn’t a reward but a requirement,” adds Weirong, who points to the soft life lessons she still holds on to. “Locking in, for me, is soft life with purpose – it includes rest, but also requires discipline. It’s the integration of stillness and structure.” To that end, here’s a reminder that purpose doesn’t have to be punishing, and peace doesn’t mean giving up. Yes, your career might skyrocket during a season of locking in – but if it comes at the cost of your mental health, relationships, or happiness, it’s worth asking: success by whose definition?
The pursuit of success is seemingly driving the collective shift toward structure, however that looks for individuals). “When people sense that long-term opportunities – like home ownership or financial freedom – are slipping out of reach, doubling down on discipline offers a sense of agency,” Rosenberg reminds us, adding that by focussing on “immediate actions” we feel like we can “shift the long game.”
Both the soft life and locking in trends offer that illusion of control, and these social media-friendly frameworks promise fulfilment, even if by different routes. But they risk becoming performative obligations than actual choices. Perhaps, then, we needn’t choose a side, but step back from the cycle altogether and accept that a successful life doesn’t have to be optimized, aesthetic, or For You Page-approved. A successful life is whatever you make it.
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The first New Moon of the summer is going to be energetically exhausting. The lunation — which occurs on June 25th — is going to rock us to the core, leaving us needing a vacation from life to repair and mend our hearts. Let’s jump into the messiness, shall we? Remember: The only way out is through.
Being that the New Moon in Cancer (which occurred last summer) often highlights security, relationships, and emotions, it’s safe to say that these will be major focuses of our attention during this lunation. Chipping away at the protective shell and armor we have on isn’t a simple task. Trust must be earned and proven. Rushing matters and feelings could blow up, since we have to work on creating meaningful relationships — especially the one we have with ourselves.
Jupiter in Cancer delivers expansion and a worldly philosophical view that results in a sense of freedom. The caveat is that Saturn in Aries restricts us from transforming and flourishing. Mars in Virgo invigorates stamina, pushing us toward change even though Saturn is encouraging us to stand still. Neptune in Aries illuminates our fears — even making us somewhat delulu in our ways of thinking.
During this new moon, there will be pushback from others and we might not want to see the truth. We’ll take matters into our own hands, which could lead to arguments. Tempers are at a fever pitch, so don’t poke people or engage in drama. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s in your best interests.
The day before the New Moon, during the Waning Crescent Moon, Jupiter connects with the sun in Cancer, while both planets share a minor frustration with Pluto in Aquarius. This might make you feel powerful, strong, and able to take on the world. Conversely, it can lead to situations that evoke jealousy and fury. Choose your battles wisely. Not partaking in potentially stressful matters is an option, even if it means having an ego hit. Mercury in Cancer aspects the centaur Chiron in Aries, which can help us heal from the day. Going into the New Moon with this energy is useful because it can allow us to start afresh with others and ourselves.
The day after the New Moon, during the Waxing Crescent Moon, Mercury in Cancer and Uranus in Taurus offer a fresh perspective. The Cancer sun and Mars in Virgo energize our auras. Venus in Taurus links up with the Nodes of Destiny, offering us a choice in how we want to partner. Also, Mercury enters Leo, making communication heartfelt and intense. Something to note is that Mercury begins its pre-retrograde shadow in Leo on June 30th, with the retrograde beginning on July 18th. If you manifest this week, make sure to do so before the pre-retrograde zone begins to ensure that they stick. Knowing these aspects is key because we are bringing in information insight. This New Moon will be tough, but remember you will be gaining control and confidence the following day.
Although it may be challenging to comprehend the takeaway from the New Moon in Cancer immediately, the goal is to live and let live. Because only time will tell how people choose to behave in the future, we can only give them (and ourselves) the chance to begin again. Most importantly, we must allow ourselves to transcend, grow, and evolve from the knowledge and wisdom the New Moon gives us. Forgetting is hard, but forgiving ourselves and others is vital. Don’t look back in anger.
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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: a law student who is not currently earning a salary and who spends some of her money this week on a mint stracciatella gelato.
If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.
Editor’s Note: This is a follow-up diary. You can read the original diary here.
Occupation: Law student Age: 28 Location: Los Angeles Salary: Currently $0, but with an expected income of ~$40,000 from a summer job. Joint Income & Financial Setup: I live with my boyfriend, K., and we split expected expenses like rent, utilities, and pet costs equally. We do cover things for one another occasionally, him more often than me, since I don’t have a steady income. Assets: Investment accounts: $211,400; Roth IRA: $36,800; 401(k): $64;000; checking: $6,300; HYSA/savings: $9,750; crypto: $4,000; HSA: $2,600, car: ~$38,000 (this is how much I’ve paid toward it, but the value is actually less since it’s depreciated since I bought it). Debt: Car loan: $4,400; student loans: ~$40,000. Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $1,150 (split rent with my boyfriend, K.). Loan Payments: $405.62 (car loan). Car Insurance: $126 Apple iCloud: $2.99 Spotify: $5.99 Internet: $20 Water/Power: ~$60 Gas: ~$18 Capital One Member Fee: $95 (annually).
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? Yes! I grew up in a town where going to college after high school was the path for the overwhelming majority. I got an undergraduate degree and am currently in law school after working for four-ish years after college. My parents paid for my undergrad experience, including both tuition and living expenses, which I am very grateful for. I’m paying for law school myself with a combination of scholarships, savings, and loans.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? Growing up, I saw my parents fight about their different views on spending and saving, so I definitely understood that stress surrounds money for a lot of adults. However, I was never aware of any financial strain growing up, as I did club sports, traveled, etc. I definitely know my upbringing was privileged. Beyond the importance of saving, I didn’t learn much from my parents — I gained most of my financial knowledge in early adulthood from coworkers and my own research online.
What was your first job and why did you get it? I was a (very bad, probably) math tutor in high school, which I think I did because a friend offered me the job when she was no longer able to do it. My first official job was on campus in college at an organization that sends students into the community to tutor kids.
Did you worry about money growing up? Other than seeing my parents argue about it, no.
Do you worry about money now? Not too much since I think I’m in a pretty good situation financially, but eventually buying a house in LA and raising children is definitely something I think about often now that I’m 28.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? At 26, when I moved out of my parents’ house to attend law school. My family or my boyfriend K. would be my financial safety net if something happened.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. As mentioned earlier, my parents paid for my college experience and let me live at their house rent-free for about four years after I graduated. They also bought me a used car in college that I sold for $10,000, which went toward the down payment on my current car.
Day One: Wednesday
8:30 a.m. — No class today! My boyfriend, K., already fed the cats, so I get out of bed, write my to-dos, and make avocado and cottage cheese toast with an egg on the side. I’m a recent cottage cheese convert. I follow breakfast with an Earl Grey matcha, one of my favorite daily rituals.
9:35 a.m. — Clean up emails and do “computer stuff” like filling out a survey from my law school. Most of the cleaning up is just deleting emails, so it only takes 15 minutes.
12 p.m. — I finish listing a bunch of old and unwanted clothes on Depop and Poshmark. It always takes me forever, since I model each item and try to be ultra-descriptive to avoid unhappy buyers, so I’ve been putting it off. Secondhand platforms are one of my side hustles during the school year. I don’t make that much, but it’s a nice way to counteract my spending and keep the clutter at bay (especially in light of my small shared closet and thrifting addiction).
12:42 p.m. — Lunch is a gorgeous bowl of soup made by K.’s mom and zucchini made by me. His mom gives us tupperwares full of homemade food pretty often, and I’m so grateful for her.
3 p.m. — Video call with a prospective law student! She was so sweet and had great questions. As a first-generation law student, I love talking about my experience and making honest information about the field more accessible. I connect her with a few law friends as well.
4 p.m. — K. recently took my body lotion to the kitchen sink to act as hand cream, so I head to Marshall’s in search of actual hand cream (and cat treats). I find just what I need and can’t resist getting some cat toys, too. Marshall’s is my favorite for when I need stuff but am not specific about what brands they are. When I get home, I promptly move the body lotion back to its rightful place in our medicine cabinet. $17.52
6 p.m. — I cave to my guiltiest pleasure and ask K. to pick up Wingstop on his way home: they have a good tender deal right now. Wingstop always makes me feel gross after, but the joy I feel eating it is unfortunately unparalleled. It’s $17 for the two of us, but K pays.
6:40 p.m. — Two of the items I listed for sale today sold! I immediately pack them up. I made $10 on an Artizia shirt and $32 on a pair of Vuori leggings.
11 p.m. — After spending way too much time browsing wedding guest dresses (Club L London, Meshki, Revolve, and Selfie Leslie) and cycling between my usual rotation of TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram, I do my readings for school and get ready for bed. I’m very committed to doing my assigned readings because I prefer to “study” by being prepared for class rather than cram new material during finals. Goodnight!
Daily Total: $17.52
Day Two: Thursday
6:55 a.m. — Rise and shine. I get ready, make a to-go matcha, grab my lunch, and head out the door to campus.
12 p.m. — Two classes down. I have a lunch break before my next class, so I eat (short rib, japchae, and a Korean pancake) while I parse through a classmate’s research paper. I have to provide comments on it in my next class, which I didn’t realize I had to do until this morning… And it’s 37 pages.
2 p.m. — In the middle of my last class and after surviving my own paper’s critique, I remember an email I got from Wikipedia this morning asking for a donation. I appreciate that Wikipedia doesn’t have ads or a paywall, so I donate a very law student-y amount ($10.40). I also make $24 selling an Artizia hoodie on Depop, so I make a mental note to pack that up when I get home.
4:30 p.m. — I get home and productively couch rot by running the laundry while I lay down. I get munchy around 7 p.m., but for some reason have no interest in eating a real meal, so I eat the weirdest combination for dinner: a leftover vegetable smoothie K. made, a Greek yogurt bowl, and instant ramen (yes, in this order). Not my best work, but the heart wants what it wants.
8 p.m. — K. comes home with a boba for me (my love for boba has not changed since my last diary). We watch an episode of Severance before going to bed around midnight.
Daily Total: $10.40
Day Three: Friday
9 a.m. — I habitually wake up at 7 a.m. to feed the cats, but I go back to sleep until 9 a.m. since I don’t have class today. Once I’m up, I eat the same breakfast as on Wednesday.
12:45 p.m. — Make it to the gym! I do lower body and some light cardio on the treadmill. I wasn’t feeling the best mentally on the way here, but the endorphins help some. I charge my car on the way home and try to stop at a thrift store nearby but find it closed. I’ll take that as fate! $8.99
4 p.m. — I eat a small bowl of short rib and rice, then do my full shower-hair-makeup routine in time for a dinner reservation with K. and our friends at 7 p.m. I’m finally starting to get better at blowing my hair out with my Shark.
11 p.m. — Dinner is amazing! We go to K.’s friend’s restaurant, which I can best describe as Japanese-influenced fine dining. They always give us extra dishes and discount the bill, which is so kind and not expected. K. and one of his friends cover the bill for the table.
12 a.m. — We meet some more friends at a bar nearby in Chinatown. I agree to drive everyone home, so I don’t get any drinks, but it’s a great time nonetheless. After we leave the bar, I give my friends some cash to get themselves water and street dogs. $15
Daily Total: $23.99
Day Four: Saturday
11 a.m. — I once again get up at 7 a.m. to feed the cats, but promptly go back to sleep afterwards, since it was a late night. Brunch is rice and the rest of the soup from Wednesday.
3 p.m. — I binge some YouTube, chill, and nap for a majority of the afternoon. I typically feel pretty lazy after nights out, even if I don’t drink. I think the sheer extroversion exhausts me. I do sell two more items (Aerie leggings and a random corset top) for $30, which I pack up to ship on Monday.
5 p.m. — I finally mobilize myself and get ready to visit my parents with K. I’m so grateful I chose to go to law school near my family; I see them at least once a week, and it’s one of the best parts of each week. I bring shawarma for everyone and, despite my protests, my mom insists on venmoing me the $70 it cost.
7:30 p.m. — I take us out to a new gelato place nearby and finally get to treat everyone. A mint stracciatella gelato hates to see me coming. $33.88
Daily Total: $33.88
Day Five: Sunday
9 a.m. — Good morning! I pack up another item (Sanctuary linen pants, $14) and eat — you guessed it — an avocado and cottage cheese toast with an egg. This diary is making me realize I’m quite a creature of habit.
11 a.m. — I do one of my two readings for tomorrow’s classes. I typically procrastinate my readings until nighttime, so this is an accomplishment for me.
12:50 p.m. — Meet up with my sister and mom to grab tempura for lunch. My mom pays. We get matcha and coffee drinks after, which I cover. We originally wanted to go thrifting today, but all the thrift stores are closed for Easter. The universe is really against me thrifting this week! $24
3:30 p.m. — I get home and pack another few items (Aritzia pants, $14; earrings, $4). This is a particularly good week for sales. I wonder if the tariffs are encouraging people to buy secondhand? Anyway, I fully intend to start my last reading before K. gets back from a day trip to Santa Barbara, but the consumerism demons summon me. I browse Mango and heavily contemplate buying the Anja glasses from Gigi Studios on Farfetch, but ultimately add the sunglasses to my summer wishlist when I see that shipping is $24. (Update: I ended up getting the sunnies at the start of my summer job. They were a bit of a treat, considering they were around $240 after shipping charges, and I really like them!)
6:30 p.m. — Okay, now I’m doing my reading. I finish by 7:45 p.m. (though not without distractions).
8:30 p.m. — K.’s back! We get ready for bed, then settle in to watch some YouTube on the couch. We get hungry when we see someone in a YouTube video eating a PB&J, so K. makes us mini grilled cheeses and PB&Js. They absolutely hit the spot. We’re in bed by 11:15 p.m.
Daily Total: $24
Day Six: Monday
6:45 a.m. — After a night of super weird dreams, I get up slightly earlier than usual to dedicate a bit more time to get ready since I have a school event tonight. Make it out the door, matcha and Depop packages in hand, with just enough time to get to class.
11 a.m. — I realize in my second class that I forgot about an Emi Jay sample sale I intended to check out at 9 a.m. By the time I notice, all the clips I might have wanted are sold out. I’m disappointed because they were selling clips that were actively on the Emi Jay site. Even at half off, $18 for one claw clip is crazy, but I’ve heard they really do hold — and I have fine hair, so I was eager to try them out. Oh well.
12:40 p.m. — Back at home after dropping my packages at the post office. I eat short rib, rice, and a Korean pancake again for lunch. I can’t tell if it tastes old or my mind is playing tricks on me, since I know it’s been in the fridge for a while.
5 p.m. — I end up doing nothing I’m supposed to do (two readings for class tomorrow) before it’s time to leave for a pregame for the event tonight. I feel guilty for slacking on school stuff, but I rush over and a group of us collectively trek out to the event venue.
10 p.m. — The event ends up being a lot of fun! My friends and I are all hungry after, so we split off between Panda Express and McDonald’s. I go for Panda, which is delicious until my stomach starts to feel uneasy. Evidently orange chicken and the Beatbox already swirling around my stomach is not a good combination. $11.63
11:15 p.m. — I get home and go straight to sleep after getting ready for bed.
Daily Total: $11.63
Day Seven: Tuesday
6 a.m. — I get up extra early to do one of the readings I didn’t get to yesterday. I choose to do this one instead of the other (that I also skipped yesterday) because the professor in this class cold calls. So much for always doing all my readings…
8:20 a.m. — Out the door and off to charge my car. I’m really paying the price for not using my time wisely yesterday. I charge just what I need and get to class five minutes late. $4.17
12 p.m. — Two classes down, and I’m starving! I didn’t bring lunch from home today, so I grab a buffalo chicken wrap and Kettle Chips from the school store to eat during my break before my last class. It’s finally warming up in LA and eating outside with my friends is lovely, albeit a little bit sweaty. $9.48
6:30 p.m. — Home and chilling for the inevitable future. I’m always burnt out after three-class days. I snack on watermelon, then have beef and radish soup, shredded rotisserie chicken, and rice for dinner.
9:30 p.m. — I finish Gone Girls on Netflix and promptly get up to make sure my doors are locked. I used to be obsessed with true crime until I realized it gave me anxiety and that it kind of sucks to make entertainment out of real-life victims, but alas, I still indulge once in a while.
10 p.m. — K. gets home and we’re both super tired, so we’re in bed by 11 p.m. Goodnight!
Daily Total: $13.65
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“I definitely watch my spending when I’m in school and unemployed, but this still felt like an unusually inexpensive week for me — I think because I went grocery shopping the week before the diary and somehow avoided any online shopping. Plus, my mom paid for two of my meals out. Since starting law school and living off my savings (versus living at home rent-free while I was employed), my spending has definitely tightened up, but it’s been a great financial exercise for me and has made me way better at resisting impulse purchases. I’m definitely looking forward to getting paid this summer though. My life has changed so much since my last diary; I’m glad I did this again!”
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Every time I board a plane and the person sitting next to me is a stranger, I notice them clock the noughties relic in my palm: my iPod Classic. Yes, I still have the same one from over 15 years ago, and I still have my even older Nano too. They both work and they both house a collection of my favourite music from way back when. Some songs are cringeworthy to scroll past using the click-wheel (does anyone remember watching “Britannia High”? Well, I have the soundtrack), others are a nice trip down memory lane, and some are surprises — apparently I was already into Oasis and The xx while still listening to Hilary Duff and Jamelia. Who knew?
It’s not just me; there’s a lot of people with an appetite to press rewind when it comes to our tech. Gen Z has brought back the digi camera from my youth; brick phones are cool; and there’s increasingly been discourse around owning media again instead of renting or streaming it, so DVDs are no longer defunct. As for iPods, my colleague Esther Newman has purchased a secondhand one so she doesn’t have to worry about seeing texts or emails come in while connecting with nature on walks and listening to The Last Dinner Party. Gadgets like iPods gave us freedom to carry lots of the music we loved around with us. The iPod is the perfect spot in history: not so far back that you have to carry bulky CDs and a Walkman, but just far enough that texts, calls and emails won’t interrupt your listening. Years’ worth of bangers (and memories) all on one small device — magic. Old tech is helping us disconnect from the always-on bombardment of the present, while reconnecting with our younger selves and less overwhelming pasts.
I love my iPod for this reason too. It doesn’t rely on the internet, I don’t need to frantically download stuff for a long flight, and the cool feeling of the stainless steel in my hand is oddly comforting. Essentially it gives me a deep sense of who I was as a child. It’s a reminder of a time when my biggest concern was which albums to spend my pocket money on; building a wishlist on iTunes I slowly worked through. Lady Gaga’s Telephone music video? Bought it. Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun? A gateway to the dad rock I’d be hooked on for the next decade. None of the jazz-adjacent genres I listen to now feature, but my iPod is a sweet reminder of how much my tastes have evolved with my personality.
When there’s so much to digest and absorb constantly — be it through social media, search engines, news alerts and seemingly endless notifications — it’s a luxury to be able to turn it all off for a moment. Maybe old devices are an antidote to some of the mental health problems connected with modern tech. The BBC reported that people had turned to dumbphones to lower their screentime and be more present, which contributes to improved mental health, relationships, sleep quality, and general wellbeing. Having written about how hard reducing your screen time can be with a smartphone, I can only imagine how much less stressed and time-rich I would be if I made the switch to an old-school phone. On Reddit, people have discussed how swapping has helped them enjoy activities more, like going on a hike without the internet featuring.
Nostalgia helps with our wellbeing. Research from 2023, conducted by the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute, found that 84% of people use nostalgia to help them remember what’s important in their lives, and 60% said nostalgic memories offer guidance when they feel stuck in life. “After studying this topic for more than 20 years, I’ve discovered that nostalgia actually helps people move forward,” said social psychologist Clay Routledge, PhD, vice president of research and director of the Human Flourishing Lab, to the American Psychological Association. “It makes people more optimistic about the future, it boosts wellbeing, it reduces anxiety, it increases positive mood and self-esteem and meaning in life. But more than that, it makes people thankful, and it energizes them.”
Using old tech isn’t a meaningless decision, or a trend for trend’s sake. Whether we realize it or not, we can benefit from both the nostalgia it brings and the remedy it delivers when modern tech feels too much. When I use my iPod, I get to have the decisions about what to listen to made by my younger self for present day me. I can hit “shuffle” and avoid incoming notifications on other devices. It’s just me, the music, and the inevitable memories that appear as each song begins to play. It’s the soundtrack of my early teens.
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We’ve made it to the last full week of June, and with it comes the first full week of Cancer Season: a time of emotional reset, intuitive deepening, and sacred softness. The previous week may have felt turbulent due to Jupiter squaring both Saturn and Neptune, and the aftershocks are still rippling through our psyches. But this week, things quiet down just enough for us to reflect, repair, and reset. Cancer energy invites us to come home to ourselves, to slow our pace, listen more intently, and tend to what really matters.
We’re now entering the dark-of-the-moon phase, as we approach the Cancer New Moon on June 25th at 6:31 a.m. EST. These days leading up to the New Moon may feel heavy or emotionally intense, not because something is wrong, but because our shadows are surfacing, asking to be seen. Especially in the United States which is a Cancer Sun nation (born July 4th), this lunar phase activates collective emotional memory and national reckoning. Whether it’s unhealed ancestral wounds, environmental trauma, or systemic injustice, the Cancer New Moon doesn’t let us look away, but it does remind us we can choose to care more deeply, and act more intentionally.
Cancer’s wisdom is this: you can heal what you’re willing to feel. So as the New Moon arrives, give yourself permission to rest, to cry, to dream. Tune out the distractions and tune into your inner knowing. What are you craving emotionally? What would help you feel more safe, more seen, more whole? The 10 days following the New Moon are ideal for setting intentions: not just for yourself, but for the world. Whether it’s through prayer, protest, meditation, or boundaries, this lunation asks us to practice mutual care with each other and the Earth. With Uranus in the final degrees of Taurus, the Earth is speaking to us loud and clear: give back to what has always given to you.
Then, on June 26th at 3:09 p.m. EST, Mercury, the planet of communication, enters fiery Leo, sparking bolder conversations and unapologetic expression. This energy, coming right after the tender Cancer New Moon, gives us the courage to say what needs to be said, whether it’s to a loved one, to an audience, or to ourselves. Mercury in Leo is dramatic, yes, but it’s also brave. Just be mindful not to speak over others in the process. All zodiac signs will feel more passionate, more ready to stand for something: just remember to stay open to listening, too. The medicine of this week is gentle truth-telling. Tell the truth with tenderness, and let it liberate you.
Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.
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Aries Sun & Rising:
Aries, this week asks you to slow down and tend to your inner world. The Cancer Sun is lighting up your home, roots, and emotional foundation, and with the New Moon in this sector on June 25th, it’s time to consider what “home” really means to you. Have you been craving a deeper sense of safety or belonging? Maybe it’s time to clear your physical space, set firmer emotional boundaries, or even imagine new chapters of where and how you want to live. The days before the New Moon may stir up old family dynamics or unresolved emotional patterns. Rather than pushing through, pause and nurture what’s asking to be healed. This is a beautiful week to write intentions for what kind of family, chosen or biological, you want to build and sustain in the next six months.
Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your creativity and passion come roaring back online. This transit activates your sector of fun, romance, and fertility, so don’t be surprised if you feel more flirtatious, inspired, or ready to share your talents with the world. Mercury in Leo brings bold ideas and outspoken joy, especially after such an introspective New Moon. You may find yourself making declarations of love, launching a creative project, or simply reminding yourself that life is meant to be enjoyed. Just make sure you’re not seeking external validation too heavily — the real gold comes when your joy radiates from within. This week, balancing your inner peace with expressive passion is your magic key.
Taurus Sun & Rising:
Taurus, the Cancer Sun is activating your sector of communication, curiosity, and learning, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is here to help you refine your inner and outer voice. The days leading up to the New Moon may feel foggy or introverted — that’s the dark-of-the-moon phase working its shadow magic. Use this time to reflect on what kinds of conversations you’re no longer interested in having, and which messages or ideas you want to give more energy to moving forward. After the New Moon strikes, you’ll feel clearer and more intentional. This is a great week to begin journaling again, pitch an idea you’ve been sitting on, or reconnect with your writing practice in a more soulful and structured way.
Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your attention shifts to home and emotional security. This part of your chart rules your relationship with comfort, family, and ancestry, and Mercury here may bring both powerful realizations and important conversations with loved ones. You might feel called to express what you need to feel safe, whether it’s physical space, emotional honesty, or simply a reset in your routine. Leo energy adds fire and flair to your inner life, so don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly inspired to redecorate your home or initiate a vulnerable but healing family dialogue. Just be mindful not to bulldoze others with your perspective… the loudest voice isn’t always the most grounded. Speak from the heart, not from the ego.
Gemini Sun & Rising:
Gemini, the Cancer Sun is activating your sector of income, values, and self-worth, making this the perfect time to recenter your relationship with money and stability. The Cancer New Moon on the 25th helps you gently but powerfully rewrite your money story. Before the new moon strikes, the dark-of-the-moon phase could bring up insecurities about how you’ve been managing your finances or your sense of value in relationships and career. Use this time to pause, reflect, and reset. Post-new moon, you’ll feel energized to cultivate sustainable habits, whether it’s finally setting that budget, asking for the rate you deserve, or launching a product or offer aligned with your gifts. Slow and steady wins this financial race.
Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your sector of communication lights up with flair and boldness. You may find yourself speaking your mind with greater conviction — and charm. Whether you’re promoting a new idea, defending a cause, or simply flirting your way through summer, your words will have magnetism. Just make sure your need to be understood doesn’t overshadow your ability to listen. Mercury in Leo wants the mic, but true confidence is quiet. Share your truth, and be just as curious about others’ truths too.
Cancer Sun & Rising:
Cancer, this is your week to come home to yourself. The Sun is now in your sign, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is your cosmic rebirth moment. In the days leading up to it, the shadows of self-doubt or emotional overwhelm might surface, especially if you’ve been overextending yourself. But this is just the cocoon phase before your next butterfly moment. New moons are cosmic reset buttons, and this one is urging you to prioritize rest, nourishment, and radical self-love. Cancel that call. Book the massage. Cry if you need to. You’re shedding skins and remembering your power. The second half of 2025 will mirror how intentionally you treat yourself now.
Once Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your attention may shift toward money and security. You might suddenly feel more motivated to monetize your ideas, share your talents more boldly, or raise your rates. Mercury in Leo in your sector of income wants you to think big and shine bright. You don’t have to play it small to stay safe. Just be sure your spending matches your intentions, because it’s easy to impulse splurge under this influence. Let confidence, not comparison, guide your financial choices.
Leo Sun & Rising:
Leo, the Cancer Sun is now in your spirituality and healing sector, and the Cancer New Moon on the 25th is encouraging you to slow all the way down and tend to your inner world. This is your annual “soul bath”, a time to take inventory of what you’ve been suppressing or avoiding emotionally. The days leading up to the new moon may feel raw, dreamy, and a little nostalgic. Let it all flow. You don’t need to solve everything; you just need to feel it. Once the new moon hits, give yourself permission to start a new emotional cycle, one where peace, softness, and divine trust take the lead. Prioritize alone time and listen to the whispers of your spirit.
Then, it’s showtime: Mercury enters your sign on the 26th (for an extended stay due to Mercury’s upcoming retrograde), and your voice becomes even more magnetic. This is your cue to speak your truth, like fellow Leo Doechii, who recently took the mic at the BET Awards to call out oppression and uplift collective liberation. You may feel inspired to do the same in your way, whether it’s through art, conversation, or activism. Your throat chakra is wide open now, so don’t hold back. Just make sure your fire is guided by purpose, not ego. When Leo speaks with heart, the world listens.
Virgo Sun & Rising:
Virgo, Cancer Season soothes your community and future vision sector, and the New Moon in Cancer on June 25th invites you to reimagine what kind of support system and collaborative spaces you want to build. In the days leading up to the new moon, you may feel more introverted or emotionally reflective, even if you’re usually the one checking in on others. Let yourself retreat and pour into your own cup. Once the new moon strikes, it’s time to set intentions around community care, social activism, digital presence, and long-term goals. Who are you becoming, and who do you want beside you as you evolve? Choose your collaborators with intention.
When Mercury enters Leo on the 26th, your spiritual and subconscious realm lights up until September. This is a transit that can bring clarity through journaling, dreams, and solitude. You may feel more comfortable being vulnerable and expressing what’s usually hidden — like grief, fear, or longing. Mercury in Leo says it’s safe to let your healing be seen, and even celebrated. You’re allowed to ask for help and still be strong. This is a powerful week to begin therapy, confide in a trusted friend, or start a reflective creative project. Honor your progress, and trust that your vulnerability is your brilliance.
Libra Sun & Rising:
Libra, the Sun’s presence in Cancer activates your career and public reputation zone, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is your annual invitation to reset your relationship with ambition. Before the new moon, you may feel emotional or uncertain about your path — and that’s okay. You’re releasing past definitions of success that no longer resonate. The new moon encourages you to clarify what success feels like to you now, not what the world told you to want. This is a potent week to start fresh with a new work project, launch a brand, or simply affirm your worth without needing external validation. You’ve already earned your seat at the table.
Then on the 26th, Mercury enters Leo, lighting up your friendship and community zone. Your inbox might light up, invitations may roll in, and your voice will carry extra influence in your group chats and social platforms. This is a great time to pitch ideas, host events, or share a message with the collective. Just be mindful not to overtalk or overshare, as Mercury in Leo can get dramatic. Lead with sincerity, and others will naturally gravitate toward your vibe. You’re becoming a louder (and prouder) version of your future self.
Scorpio Sun & Rising:
Scorpio, Cancer Season is now activating your expansion, travel, and higher learning sector, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th is a beautiful portal for planting new seeds when it comes to your education, travel or publishing goals, or spiritual growth. The days before the new moon might feel heavy or filled with questions about the state of the world — and your place in it. Trust that those feelings are preparing you to shed outdated philosophies and limiting beliefs. This is a wonderful week to plan a future trip, take a leap with a big idea, or apply to something that’s been calling your name. Let faith and curiosity lead.
When Mercury enters Leo on June 26th, it activates your career and legacy sector, giving you the green light to speak up and be seen. If you’ve been hesitant about putting yourself out there, whether online or IRL, this is your cosmic push to take the stage. You’re done dimming your shine. Mercury in Leo helps you craft your message with flair; just make sure it’s rooted in authenticity. You don’t have to perform to be respected. Show up as you are, and you’ll attract the opportunities that match your truth.
Sagittarius Sun & Rising:
Sagittarius, Cancer Season is here to help you deepen intimacy and heal emotionally. The New Moon in Cancer on June 25th activates your soulmate, merging, and transformation sector, making this one of the most potent times of the year to release fear, face emotional truths, and open yourself to deeper love. In the days leading up to the new moon, you might feel extra sensitive… let it all flow. It’s your soul shedding armor that’s no longer needed. Set intentions around the type of intimacy, sexual healing, and soul-merging partnerships you want to attract or cultivate these next six months. And don’t forget: merging with someone else doesn’t mean losing yourself.
When Mercury enters your fellow Fire sign of Leo on June 26th, it lights up your expansion and travel zone. This is your sign to speak more boldly about your beliefs, write the book, teach the course, or book the flight. You’ll feel like telling your story with more fire — and people will listen. Mercury in Leo boosts your confidence, but just make sure you’re also listening. The best kind of leadership now is reciprocal and heart-centered. Share what lights you up and be open to perspectives that challenge and inspire your evolution.
Capricorn Sun & Rising:
Capricorn, Cancer Season shines a light on your partnership and relationship zone, and the Cancer New Moon on June 25th offers you a sweet reset in how you connect with others. Before the new moon, you may feel uncertain or nostalgic about past dynamics… this is natural. Use this introspective time to examine what you’re truly craving in your connections. Once the new moon hits, you’ll feel ready to plant new seeds, whether it’s reigniting intimacy in your current relationship or calling in a new one rooted in safety and emotional availability. Let your vulnerability lead the way.
Then, on June 26th, Mercury enters Leo, activating your intimacy and transformation sector. Conversations around sex, trust, shared finances, and emotional truths may surface — and that’s a good thing. Mercury in Leo wants you to be honest about your needs, even the ones you’ve felt were “too much” in the past. This is also a powerful time for diving into a new creative project that feels spiritually aligned or sensually charged. What matters most now is that you’re not settling: you’re owning your power and letting others rise to meet it.
Aquarius Sun & Rising:
Aquarius, welcome to your annual wellness and routine reboot. The Cancer New Moon on June 25th highlights your health, work, and lifestyle sector, encouraging you to make sustainable changes that bring more flow and gentleness into your day-to-day life. Before the new moon, you may notice where you’ve been overextending or running on empty. This is your cue to rest. Post-new moon, take small but intentional steps: revamp your sleep habits, drink more water, reorganize your workspace, or say no to draining obligations. It’s the little shifts that change your life the most now.
When Mercury enters Leo on June 26th, your partnership sector lights up. This is a great week to speak your truth in relationships, both romantic and platonic, and be clear about your expectations and desires. Mercury in Leo can bring bold declarations of love or new levels of clarity in your connections. It’s not about drama, though. It’s about taking up space with your voice and inviting others to meet you in your fullness. You’re ready to co-create something powerful… just be willing to listen as much as you speak.
Pisces Sun & Rising:
Pisces, the main energy of this week is the Cancer New Moon on June 25th, which opens a dreamy, nurturing portal in your creativity, joy, and true love zone. The days leading up to the new moon may feel emotional or creatively blocked, but that’s just a sign that your soul is prepping for a soft reset. Use this lunation to set intentions around pleasure, romance, play, and creative expression. Let yourself feel giddy about life again. Whether you want to start a new relationship, a new art piece, or a new baby (literally or metaphorically), the cosmos say: it’s time.
Then on June 26th, Mercury, the planet of communication, enters Leo, activating your wellness and work sector. You’ll start to feel more focused on optimizing your daily rituals and communicating your needs more effectively. This is a great time to advocate for yourself at work, rework your schedule to reflect your natural energy cycles, or get more vocal about the support you need. Just be mindful not to take on too much at once… Mercury in Leo can make you feel invincible, but pacing yourself will serve you better in the long run. Your power this week is in doing less, but with more intention.
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If you’ve spent any amount of time lurking on BeautyTok, you’ll be familiar with the legend that is Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, $25. This sheer, universally flattering cherry lipstick has more or less achieved icon status, beloved by beauty editors and celebrity makeup artists alike. Black Honey’s appeal is pretty easy to sum up: Thanks to a mix of warm and cool pigments in the formula, the tinted lip balm imbues a natural berry-like color that somehow looks different, but lovely, on every skin tone.
So when word got out that Clinique is growing the Almost Lipstick family with the launch of Nude Honey, $25, we could barely contain our excitement. This latest shade expansion promises to be equally wearable, but with a neutral twist. Given the internet’s ongoing fascination with all things Black Honey, we’re confident that Nude Honey will be charting the same path to cult status as its older sibling.
Here are our thoughts on why it’s shaping up to be the next viral beauty hit this summer.
“Like many beauty editors, Black Honey sits at the top of my makeup rotation. I turn to it whenever I want a just-bitten wash of color on my lips. Fresh from the tube, Nude Honey actually looks strikingly similar to its predecessor, but the magic happens once you swipe it on: unlike some of the nude and light brown lip stains and tints I’ve tried, it didn’t make me look like I’ve just had an espresso and had forgotten to wipe my lips. Instead, Nude Honey adds a dewy apricot-pink coat. As someone with cool and neutral undertones, I often struggle to find lip colors that don’t skew too warm. Not Nude Honey, though. The formula contains both warm and cool pigments, and the lip color was a natural fit. I’ll be turning to this lipstick on the days I want to look understated but put together.”
“I have a confession to make: I’m not huge on Black Honey — mainly because it skews too pink on my light olive skin — but Nude Honey is just right. The phrase ‘my lips but better’ is an overused cliché in beauty, but it’s the only way to describe this shade. Looking back at my selfies wearing it, it suits me down to a T, don’t you think? There’s something about the peachy nude that pulls the rest of my makeup together, making everything look more polished and uniform. Beyond the spot-on color, I love how deeply moisturizing it is. When I apply it in the morning, my lips stay soft and hydrated right through to lunchtime. Like its berry-tinged counterpart, the staying power is more like a glossy balm, and you’ll need to reapply it throughout the day, but I don’t mind. The thin tube is sleek enough to slip into even the tiniest handbag.”
“As a fan of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, I was pleasantly surprised by the Nude Honey launch. The brand describes it as ‘a surprisingly flexible nude that looks different on every lip,’ and I’d say that’s pretty spot on. Nude Honey enhanced my lips beautifully, with a subtle warmth that brings out my natural lip color. Is the pigment buildable, though? Not quite. The more you apply, the shinier it gets, but the color payoff remains about the same. This isn’t a bad thing, but just something to keep in mind. What I really love is how nourishing it feels on the lips, no doubt thanks to its 95% conditioning formula [think castor oil and plant-based waxes]. It’s the kind of product I reach for on days when I’m not wearing much makeup but still want something on my lips. The best part? It makes my lips look super smoochable. I’ll take 14 of these, please!”
“I don’t think I could’ve created a better dream lipstick than Clinique’s Nude Honey if I tried. I’m not much of a lipstick girl because I don’t love the feeling of having something heavy on my lips, but this texture feels like a gorgeous lip balm with a hint of tint. I’m a fan of Black Honey, but it can sometimes be a little plummy on me for a casual daytime look. Nude Honey, however, is the perfect warm-toned neutral with a hint of muted red that makes my olive skin glow. It’s become my new go-to for an easy, effortless lip, and I love how compact the sleek tube is. I almost never finish a lipstick simply because I don’t use them all that often, but I have a feeling I’ll be restocking this one soon, the way things are headed.”
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 research manager who has a $282,000 household income and who spends some of her money this week on drain snakes.
If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.
Occupation: Research manager Industry: Government Age: 32 Location: Boston, MA Salary: $102,000 Joint Income & Financial Setup: ~$282,000. This includes my and my husband K.’s W2 incomes, rent from a rental property (which basically just covers the mortgage), and rent from a close friend who lives with us (she was away for most of the week that I kept this diary, but we all love spending time together). We also resell some clothes and furniture, which is inconsistent so we don’t count it as income. K. and I have joint checking and savings accounts, as well as individual checking and savings accounts. Given our similar incomes, we contribute the same amount to all our joint accounts. Assets: We have joint and personal checking accounts (totaling $1,805) and joint and personal HYSAs (totaling $13,120). My additional personal accounts are: traditional IRA: $67,295; 457(b): $42,000; taxable brokerage: $29,227; Roth IRA: $21,078; and ~$35,000 in a pension account that I don’t have access to yet. K. has ~$180,000 across his 401(k) and Roth IRA. We also own two homes together (~$900,000 each), a car (~$34,000 value), and a motorcycle (~$15,000 value). We have mortgages/loans on all but the motorcycle. We also have a 529 plan for our toddler ($2,380), but do not count this toward our assets. Debt: $1,244,000 — this is mostly mortgages, plus a $33,000 car loan, ~$70,000 in student loans, and ~$1,000 in hospital payment plans. Paycheck Amount (Biweekly): $4,940 (our salaries, minus retirement and health insurance). We also receive $4,900 in rent monthly. Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $3,700 for mortgage plus HOA for a four-bed/three-bath home (increasing soon to $4,050, due to an escrow shortage — proof that your mortgage amount can fluctuate!). Loan Payments: Home #2 mortgage: $3,300; student loans: $480; car payment: $1,000. Child Care: $500 (we are lucky to have child care support from a family member, Z.). Gas & Electric: ~$130 Phones: $95 (we also pay for Z.). Internet: $113 Pet Insurance: $88 Dog Food: $70 529 Plan: $50 Compost: $20 Subscriptions: $45 (Netflix, Disney Plus, dog chip, Apple storage, misc.) My Pension Contribution: $820 My 457(b) Contribution: $500 K.’s 401(k) Contribution: $732.92 Health/Dental/Vision Insurance: $800 for health (for the three of us; comes out of K.’s paycheck); dental/vision is $12. Medical Payment Plans: $120 My Gym: $60 (K. pays for his gym yearly in a lump sum). Donations: $52.50 (I pay for this). Support For Family Member: $10 (K. pays for this).
Yearly Expenses
Car Insurance: $1800 Motorcycle Insurance: $225 (K. pays for this). Water Heater Maintenance: $250 Amazon Prime: $69 Engagement Ring Insurance: $123 (I pay for this). Credit Card: $95 Costco Membership: $60
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? To be honest, I didn’t realize there was another option. My parents both have degrees from their home country so they talked about the importance of education, and I always did well in school, so it felt like a natural path for me. I went to an expensive private university and received significant financial aid along with a lot of local and national scholarships, which covered almost all of my tuition, room, and board. I don’t remember exactly but think I may have left college with $10,000-$15,000 in loans, which I paid off as quickly as possible. I also received my master’s for free while working as a research assistant and receiving a stipend.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? We shopped at secondhand stores, bought mostly sale items, and always used coupons at grocery stores. I think our conversations were mostly about the need to work hard, not overspend, and look for discounts. We didn’t talk about investing until I was in grad school (when I prompted my parents about it) and as a result I ended up putting my savings in CDs for about five years — I wish I had known to invest it in index funds instead! Looking back, I was so naïve about money growing up. I assumed anyone who had a full-time job was able to pay for their necessities and that people picked careers based on their talents and interests rather than the income potential. I was very anti-money, anti-spending until sometime in my mid to late 20s. I don’t know why it took so long for reality to hit.
What was your first job and why did you get it? My parents wanted me to focus on academics growing up, so I wasn’t allowed to work during high school. My first job outside of occasional babysitting was at a YMCA camp the summer before college.
Did you worry about money growing up? My parents tried to give my siblings and me everything we needed and most of what we wanted, and we had a great middle-class life. But I’m sure some of the priorities they had for us — like regular travel, enrolling us in sports and other activities, and giving us generous gifts for birthdays and Christmas — brought on financial stress. My parents also have different money habits and earnings, and we experienced the tension of this. I knew they were frequently stressed about money, so I always tried to add as little financial stress as possible. This manifested as me trying to be fiercely self-sufficient, not asking for extras like attending school-organized trips, spending my senior year of high school applying to every possible college scholarship I was eligible for, and compulsively saving even through my mid 20s (doing things like going to restaurants with friends and getting only water, which I now understand were quite extreme habits that made others uncomfortable).
Do you worry about money now? Recovering from a scarcity mindset and lifelong cheapness, I actively remind myself that although my frugality served me well earlier in my life and I’m proud of it, I no longer need to live that way. With that said, I worry in some ways. My husband K. and I have an income and net worth that look great on paper, but we live in a high cost of living area, don’t have a lot of wiggle room in our expenses at the moment, need to do some major home renovations, and expect to financially have to provide for one or both sets of our parents as they get older. In addition, we want money to be a tool rather than a stressor, in contrast to how we both grew up. All of the above leads us to want higher-paying jobs, but this is complicated by today’s job market and figuring out if it makes sense to give up our current flexibility for more demanding jobs (while we have young kids). I’m also interested in pursuing FIRE (financial independence retire early) to relieve ourselves of financial stress and get to make choices like taking a sabbatical from work and working part-time before traditional retirement age, but I know this requires more income.
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? I was financially responsible for myself when I graduated college in that I paid for all my expenses myself (besides staying on my parents’ health insurance until age 26). However, I lived with family for eight months when I struggled to find a job after grad school. Since finding that first post-grad job at age 24, I’ve been entirely financially responsible for myself. K. and I are both financial safety nets for our families, and we are each other’s.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. My parents unexpectedly gifted us $10,000 for our wedding, which covered the cost of our wedding.
Day One: Saturday
5:30 a.m. — My 1.5-year-old toddler, Q., wakes up crying. Guess it’s an early day, so we play, have breakfast of over-medium eggs with hummus and toast, and get ready for the day.
9:30 a.m. — Walk to the park with my husband (K.), Q., and our dog and stop at Dunkin’ on the way. K. gets a sandwich-hash-brown-coffee combo and I get a chai latte. I’m not sure why I thought this was a decent choice, but the almond milk and chai syrup combination was not doing it for me. I generally try hard not to be wasteful, but after a few sips I had to dump this out. In my defense, we rarely order from here! $10.47
10 a.m. — Q. has been on a one-nap schedule for a few weeks but she falls asleep in the stroller during our walk. A perfect sunny day for an outdoor nap! We alternate throwing a tennis ball for our dog and playing on the playground with Q. once she wakes up, then head home.
1 p.m. — Have lunch and put Q. down for another nap, then cuddle and nap with K. Much-needed naps for everyone!
6 p.m. — Head to a concert with a friend while husband puts Q. to bed. Venmo my friend for my ticket. $50
9:30 p.m. — The concert is fantastic! I head back home when it finishes and am finally in bed at 11:30 p.m. after a great day. I haven’t done many evening activities with friends since Q. was born, so tonight feels extra special.
Daily Total: $60.47
Day Two: Sunday
6:30 a.m. — I meet a friend and her toddler at a café, and we catch up while our kids play, messily (but happily) drink smoothies, and wave to strangers. We get smoothies and matcha. $20
10:30 a.m. — Q. takes a surprise nap in the car so I drive around and head to the hardware store, sitting in the car until she wakes up. When she’s awake we go in to pick up paint. $25.49
12 p.m. — Eat lunch with Q. (lentil stew with rice) and walk with her to a new playground. Later in the afternoon, I put Q. down for a nap, clean up the house, and do an online Pilates class.
5 p.m. — Feed Q. dinner. Today it’s a quinoa and beef meatball, broccoli and carrot soup, and strawberries. I like to batch prep and freeze various meals and snacks, so meals are easy to put together (things like turkey meatballs with spinach, rice with beans and beef, chicken soup, noodles with a mixed vegetable sauce, oatmeal bars, veggie and cheese muffins).
6:30 p.m. — Start the bedtime routine, giggling with Q. about belly buttons and funny sounds. Put Q. to bed while K. picks up Mediterranean plates (one falafel, one meat) for us from a local restaurant, za’atar, spinach boreka, and baklava. We hang out for the rest of the night in between cleaning up from the day and taking our dog out. $59.94
Daily Total: $105.43
Day Three: Monday
6:30 a.m. — Got to sleep in today, thanks to Q.’s wake-up time! Hang out in bed with K., Q., and Q.’s requested pre-breakfast snack (bread). An hour later, Q. and I make a smoothie using cottage cheese, strawberries, kiwi, and pear. She munches on a bit of everything and puts things in the blender. She loves doing this recently, which makes me happy because I really want to make cooking fun for our kids! We have our smoothie with pancakes for breakfast.
8:30 a.m. — Log in for work when our family member, Z., arrives to help with child care. We’re grateful to have Z.’s support on weekdays while we work full time. Work a bit, then take our dog out for a quick walk.
10:30 a.m. — Take a rare couple of hours off during the day and head to a 90-minute massage with foot reflexology! K. had found this fantastic place on Groupon that has a more relaxing, upscale vibe than my usual favorite in Chinatown. Get a prenatal massage (my first!) and feel pleasantly surprised at the good pressure my massage therapist uses. The Groupon was previously paid for, so I add tip. $26
2 p.m. — Back home for lunch and another couple hours of work updating interview guides, designing study protocols, and planning focus groups. K. buys something on Amazon. $7.49
5:30 p.m. — Log off and quickly prep Q.’s dinner. K. feeds her while I take our dog out and put away laundry. Then K. heads to the gym, I give Q. a bath, we play as she learns to give kisses and thinks it’s the funniest thing ever, and we read books and sing songs. She falls asleep at 7:15 p.m. K. stops at the grocery store to buy sliced cheese, tomatoes, cookie dough, bananas, and clementines. $33.26
8 p.m. — Scroll on my phone for too long but eventually mobilize for an online Pilates class. I’m loving Move with Nicole and Pregnancy and Postpartum TV on YouTube lately!
9 p.m. — Prep Impossible Burgers and salad with K. and eat together while chatting about friendships we’ve built across different phases of our lives, and how special it is to have friends from childhood who’ve been part of our most awkward times. Sleep at 10:30 p.m.
Daily Total: $66.75
Day Four: Tuesday
6 a.m. — Q. cries and calls for us but stays laying down. This has been new for the past week as she adjusts to her new one-nap schedule. We get her at 6:20 a.m. and she eats a banana and tangerine in our bed, and we all play together, read, and listen to music. There’s a whole lot of “Wheels on the Bus” and “Baby Shark” in our lives lately!
7:30 a.m. — Prep tomato scrambled eggs with cheese in a tortilla for our breakfast while Q. munches on an apple in her kitchen tower next to me. We eat together then get ready for the day (lotion, get dressed, brush teeth and hair). Z. arrives at 8:30 a.m. so I get dressed, log in for work, and clean up the kitchen from breakfast.
9 a.m. — Handyman arrives to fix some things in our bathroom; I spend a couple hours working. $200
11 a.m. — Take our dog for a walk while listening to the Financial Feminist podcast — one of my favorites! When I get back I chat with K. about HELOCs. We are planning on taking one out for needed home repairs on our rental property but aren’t looking forward to the extra payments. I love the idea of a cash-out refinance to cover renovations, but we have a great mortgage interest rate right now and changing that unfortunately wouldn’t make financial sense.
12 p.m. — Have a few meetings, and after a few hours take an unexpected nap. Unusual for me but much-needed during pregnancy! I’m right at the end of my first trimester, and the trend in my pregnancies seems to be major exhaustion in the first trimester.
5:30 p.m. — Prep Q.’s dinner and feed her (turkey meatballs, English muffin, tabbouleh, shredded carrots), then head to the gym! I was in a workout rut postpartum (motivated but uninspired, which led to unstructured workouts) but became focused and energized once I committed to sprint triathlon training. I did that for about three months before getting pregnant again (and endlessly tired and bloated), so my workouts are triathlon-lite. I run a few miles, getting a random nosebleed partway, then finish my workout with some weights.
8 p.m. — Stop at the grocery store on my way home to buy strawberries, zucchini, cabbage, beef patties, potato chips, and cheese. When I arrive home K. and I make burgers with salad and hang out. I plan most of our meals and aim to mix up what we eat for variety of nutrients and flavors, but we’re having the same dinner as yesterday because it was good, easy, and healthy enough. $36.07
10 p.m. — Take our dog out and shower while K. cleans up, and we head to bed at 10:30 p.m.
Daily Total: $236.07
Day Five: Wednesday
5 a.m. — Q. cries and we watch her on the monitor hoping she’ll fall back asleep. She finally falls back to sleep around 5:45 a.m. We get her at 6:30 a.m. and she hangs in bed with us while reading and eating a banana.
7 a.m. — Get ready to head into the office, struggling to find clothes that don’t show I’m pregnant. This is especially hard in my second pregnancy, as I’m showing much earlier than in my first.
8 a.m. — Have breakfast with Q. (a smoothie with strawberries, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and chia seeds) with peanut butter toast. K. finds a new leak in our basement from the tankless water heater (we had the yearly maintenance done last week), so we’ll have to re-contact our plumber.
8:45 a.m. — Head to work on the bus then the T (Boston’s subway). This trip costs $2.40, but I use my pre-loaded Charlie card (Boston’s commuter card).
9:30 a.m. — Arrive at work, grab a seltzer, and crank out some work for a few hours. I munch on TJ’s dark chocolate-topped rice cakes while working.
12 p.m. — Pizza at work!
1 p.m. — Add some money to my Charlie card and take the T to my ultrasound and OB appointment; K. drives to meet me there. $20
2:30 p.m. — We have a long ultrasound in which the tech had a lot of challenges finding what they needed, followed by a meeting with the OB. We got some inconclusive news: a high nuchal translucency (NT) result which could indicate potential genetic “abnormalities”. I remind myself that the result could easily have been due to human error or the baby being in a strange position, and that we don’t know anything for sure yet. We pay for parking. $8
4:30 p.m. — Stop at the store for drain snakes, a kids’ birthday card, and two boxes of Perfect bars. $33.97
5 p.m. — Play with Q., do another half-hour of work, and prep Q.’s dinner. Our roommate arrives back from a trip so we all sit with Q. as she eats, listening to music and trying to keep her from throwing food and dumping out milk. K. and I usually switch off going to the gym while the other starts the dinner and bedtime routine with Q, but neither of us is in the mood to work out after our weird news so we agree to take it easy and get takeout.
7:30 p.m. — Shower while K. picks up our food (bibimbap and taro boba for us to share). We eat while watching a bit of a Korean drama. $40.94
9:30 p.m. — Take our dog out while K. does the nightly clean-up of the house. Before bed, I write a message to my OB requesting a repeat ultrasound.
Daily Total: $102.91
Day Six: Thursday
6:40 a.m. — Q. sleeps in so we do too! My cute fam plays while I get ready for work.
7:15 a.m. — Play with Q., teach her how to beat an egg for the French toast we’re having this morning (with yogurt, peanut butter, and kiwi), and eat together. I head to work after Z. arrives, taking the bus and T.
11 a.m. — Have some meetings and schedule follow-up prenatal care. My OB agreed to a repeat ultrasound but suggested we meet with a genetic counselor anyway.
1 p.m. — I break for lunch, eating the quickest meal I could come up with this morning after not prepping a lunch last night: a cheese sandwich, Chobani yogurt, and banana. Go to a meeting and work on a bunch of collaborative documents.
3:30 p.m. — Leave work to finish out the day at home, first stopping at Trader Joe’s to buy crackers, cheese, tulips, chickpea pasta, vegan ground beef, pasta sauce, potatoes, dill, cottage cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, salmon, firm tofu, unsalted sardines (so stinky but Q. loves these), and a lemony arugula salad. $74.50
4:45 p.m. — Get home, hug Q., and have fun unloading groceries with her help. K. gets home a half-hour later from the gym after stopping at a store on the way home for oat milk, cheese, and crackers. He takes Q. on a walk while I prep dinner: baked marinated salmon, potatoes with dill, and salad, then Q. has her dinner. $21.36
6:30 p.m. — K. registers us for a 5k next month and starts the bedtime routine with Q. while I clean up the kitchen. $80
7:30 p.m. — I take our dog for a walk and do a short Pilates class. It’s a lower-impact workout than I usually lean towards, but I’m okay with that. We have dinner around 8:30 p.m. while watching Reacher, then shower and head to bed.
Daily Total: $175.86
Day Seven: Friday
5:30 a.m. — Q. wakes up crying. We wait to see if she settles herself. She doesn’t, so K. spends time with her until 6 a.m. while I sleep in, then they join me in bed with an apple.
7:30 a.m. — Q. and I have a breakfast of eggs scrambled with onion and butter, along with toast and grapes.
8:30 a.m. — Z. arrives and I get started with work. I have a few meetings, drink coffee, and walk our dog while talking to my OB about how they have confidence in the results of the initial ultrasound and don’t expect a different result in a repeat ultrasound — but that we are welcome to do it regardless.
12:30 p.m. — Take a break to chat with K., eat a quick lunch, schedule a few medical appointments, and have therapy. I meet every other week with my therapist and spend a lot of today talking about family relationships and the weight of expectations that leave me feeling like I’m both doing things wrong, and unsure of what I genuinely want for myself. $50
2 p.m. — K. and I meet with a genetic counselor and have a better understanding of what the ultrasound results mean, the high probability that everything is “normal” despite the higher NT, and the options of procedures that can give a definitive result. Return to work.
5 p.m. — I cook a Korean stew (soondooboo using The Korean Vegan’s recipe) with rice for dinner while K. and Q. go for a walk. When they return, I sit with Q. while she eats then give her a bath.
7 p.m. — K. puts Q. to bed while I go for a run. It’s still light out and that makes me so happy!
8:30 p.m. — We have dinner, then I write a check for our friends’ child’s first birthday that we’ll gift along with a cute aquarium toy we had purchased a few weeks ago. $30
10 p.m. — Order flowers for my grandma’s birthday in a couple weeks. This cost will be split three ways, but I cover it for now. $90
Daily Total: $170
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“This diary is a pretty standard representation of a week for our family, with reasonable and unsurprising expenses. It’s not every week we sign up for races, go to concerts, or buy birthday gifts, but the bulk of our day-to-day expenses tend to be pretty basic: groceries, things for our home, some takeout. Although our weekly spending didn’t surprise me much, the tallying up of assets and debts was new for me, as I have only ever done that on an individual level. Looking at our recurring expenses in this format was interesting, too; I’d love to cut down on those to have more flexibility day-to-day and in planning for our future, but I’m conscious of not returning to my ultra-frugal ways and creating unnecessary strictness in our spending!
“As a quick update on the pregnancy pieces of this diary, we’re grateful that all turned out normal after our genetic testing!”
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Ever wondered what Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer smells like? Consider the mystery solved. As the new ambassador for Angel Stellar — the latest addition to Mugler’s growing fragrance dynasty — her aura is vibrant (thanks to bergamot), complex (that’ll be the pistachio), and bold (courtesy of heady patchouli). Not entirely unlike her iconic character, Jules Vaughn.
Of course, it’s Schafer herself who logs onto our Zoom call, and besides being the best-dressed celebrity I’ve ever interviewed (think hooded halter top and plenty of sparkle), she’s also probably the most enthusiastic about perfume. As a self-confessed fraghead, I loved diving deeper into what fragrance means to Schafer — and we also talked tired beauty standards, injectables, and Euphoria’s unmatched impact on makeup trends.
Read on for her thoughts on scent, self-expression, and shaking up norms.
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Huge congrats on your new role with Mugler! If you could make any smell into a perfume, what would it be and why?
A candy is always fun — the child part of me wants that! I would say like a gummy bear — I’m a big sucker for gummy bears. Also, my favorite nut is pistachio, which is a huge note in the new Mugler Angel Stellar. The fun thing about fragrance is that it’s all about feeling; orienting and elevating yourself in the way that you want to feel — it’s nostalgic. I do think there’s a lot of poetry that lies in using material resources to create a feeling. What I’m always going for is a radiant femininity or a soft power. This definitely lives in Mugler Angel Stellar.
What’s your magic number of sprays for that signature soft power?
I never want to overdo it, but a nice distribution is always what I go for. I love doing the wrists because I love the glamor of [pressing them together] and then under the neck. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra fun, I’ll do a spray in my hair. I like to concentrate [on] those more powerful areas. Everyone has their way of applying it. I have this vision in my head sometimes of walking past someone I want to make an impression on, and my hair leaves a little waft of a fragrance.
Do you ever use perfume to spark joy or shift your energy?
Sometimes I equate it to what I aim to do with fashion or the clothes I’m wearing. A good analogy is how you feel when you put on a pair of high heels, and it changes the way you walk. I think fragrance has a lot of those same sort of superpowers. Whether you want to lean into something that’s more sultry and sexy or something more sophisticated and daytime [appropriate], the fun thing about fragrance is that it’s emotional and ultimately rooted in feeling, so that can really help boost [my] mood.
Is there a smell or a fragrance that’s forever tied to a memory?
I always think of my mom’s perfume and how sweet it was when I was younger. I get little flashbacks of childhood. The sweetness in Mugler Angel Stellar is grounded in more powdery and creamy pistachio, as well as punchy moments with the bergamot and wood. It’s fun because you can find those accents, like a sweet fragrance you remember from childhood, in something new and exciting.
Is perfume part of your process when stepping into an acting role?
You know, I’ve heard some actors use fragrance to help them get into character. It’s not something I’ve tried personally for work, but when it helps evoke a feeling or stepping into some kind of power, there’s something about fragrance that helps us play characters in our day-to-day lives. [It’s about] being able to jump between more powerful or soft versions of ourselves.
Now for some makeup.I noticed thatEuphoria season two marked a sharp shift in hair and makeup, from dreamy whimsy to graphic edges. What inspired the change, and how did it reflect your character’s evolution?
That’s the fun part of makeup, and the show’s approach elevates the more surreal factors. We always talk about playing with a level of emotional reality on the show, and in some ways, season two was a lot more dark and raw — although the show overall is relatively dark and raw! But at least for my character, it reflected her headspace. [We thought] about subtle ways to be able to tell that story without saying it in words or actions. Makeup is always an exciting opportunity for storytelling.
Which makeup tricks from the show’s MUAs, Donni Davy or Alexandra French, have made it into your routine?
I definitely learned a lot about glitter! That’s something that I have a lot of fun with. Everyone knows we love to do that on Euphoria. It’s interesting because it evolves every season, and I’m always learning new things about makeup in the makeup trailer. The first season was more playful and more illustrious. There was a certain sensibility. Season two was darker and more geometric. [Season three] is really interesting — we’re filming it right now and fleshing out this new space for Jules.
Do you ever do your own makeup for scenes?
In the first season, I was really hands-on. One of my favorite looks is the clouds that Jules has around her eyes. That was something me and Donni [Davy] came up with together, and I helped draw out the clouds. These days, I like to be a little more hands-off just because the character has [evolved]. She’s not quite the same parallel that I really felt in the first season. Jules was one step away from who I was. Now she’s a few more steps away from me, so I let [the makeup artists] take the reins more often.
Which outdated beauty rule do you think it’s time to retire for good?
Beauty is such a fun space because at its core, it’s about exploring and feeling good about yourself, but I do think maybe these days, there can be an overemphasis on perfection. Anyone who participates in beauty can recognize that to some degree. I hope that’s something we can keep an eye on as a culture. Obviously, we love to go for “perfect” looks sometimes, but I think perfection can also be sort of restraining as an idea, and potentially boring! There’s so much beauty in imperfection and awkwardness. Those are things to embrace, just as much as ideals or perfectionism.
For me, it’s the whole anti-aging narrative — it’s tired…
Some of my favorite style icons are people who are quite a few years older than me. I love looking to people who have been around much longer than me for inspiration. We should be excited about getting older. As far as I can tell, I’m liking life more as I grow older. We should embrace aging.
Do you think experience comes with age? I used to get Botox, but now I’m over it.
Yeah! It’s really interesting because it’s like okay, we start this anti-aging beauty journey — I am a fan of some things, I’m not saying [they’re bad] — but it is something to be mindful of because at what point do you stop and start to embrace signs of aging or whatnot?
Watching Aimee Lou Wood in The White Lotus, I found her real, unfiltered facial reactions so refreshing!
At least while I’m an actress, I want my face muscles to work, so that’s something I want to avoid at least for the time being. Everyone has their own approach to it, but it’s important to be able to emote. There’s so much beauty in that, and it’s something I don’t want to lose in the sort of beauty race for not aging.
This interview was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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Breakouts can be common — and frustrating — during the summer. The combination of heat, sweat, and pollution can wreak havoc on our skin, especially on parts of our bodies that are more exposed to the elements. That’s why Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, $32, has become my go-to recently, helping to keep my skin smooth and clear for the warmer days ahead.
For those yet to discover Paula’s Choice, the brand has long been the gold standard for treating breakouts on the face using gentle but effective exfoliating acids. Its 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner, which enlists salicylic acid, has garnered acclaim from beauty editors and dermatologists alike. When I found out that the brand also offers an exfoliating body lotion with salicylic acid, I couldn’t resist giving it a go.
What is salicylic acid and what are the skin benefits?
Salicylic acid is a BHA or beta hydroxy acid that gently dissolves the compacted mix of dead skin and oil, which leads to clogged pores and eventually breakouts. Besides exfoliating salicylic acid, this lotion boasts a handful of soothing, moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and chamomile flower extract, too. With festival season in full swing and summer adventures calling, I tested this lotion to see if it’d help keep body breakouts at bay — and I’m impressed.
Before diving into my review, I asked the experts to help me understand the science behind the key ingredients. According to aesthetic doctor Dr Mehri Pourkand, chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid are always preferable over a physical scrub for a few reasons: First, they tend to go much deeper into the pores, making them more effective. Second, unlike scrubs, they are less likely to cause micro-tears in the skin due to friction.
Salicylic acid is probably the most famous BHA out there, and for good reason: “BHAs are oil-soluble, which means they can dive right into your pores to clear out all the built-up sebum and dead skin,” Dr Pourkand explains. “Salicylic acid is especially great if you’re dealing with blackheads, breakouts, or congestion; it also helps smooth rough texture and refine the look of large pores over time.” If you deal with keratosis pilaris (also referred to as KP or “chicken skin” thanks to its bumpy texture), this lotion can help smooth these rough, red bumps with consistent use.
Salicylic acid does more than exfoliate and treat congested pores. “It also has calming, anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr Pourkand adds, “so it doesn’t just treat breakouts, it soothes them, too.”
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Unlike many of the exfoliating body products I’ve previously tried, which tend to be heavier in texture, Paula’s Choice’s version feels more similar to a lightweight lotion. But don’t underestimate it. While it absorbs in seconds, allowing you to pull on clothes quickly and easily, it’s substantially moisturizing thanks to nourishing vitamin E, as well as allantoin and the emollient dimethiconol. I will say that the formula carries a natural, slightly yeasty fragrance, but it disappears within a few seconds.
This lotion is excellent at evening out skin tone and smoothing bumpy skin texture. Before using this, I had hyperpigmentation on my legs as a result of mosquito bites, and it started to fade after two weeks of consistent use. My previously rough knees and elbows felt a lot softer, too. My skin gets easily irritated during periods of frequent travelling, and I often get back acne after taking a long-haul flight, but this lotion quickly calmed any spots that started appearing on my back, even after a 16-hour journey to Asia.
One glance at the product’s glowing review section proves that I’m not the only one who is impressed. One reviewer says that this product single-handedly cleared up the back acne they had had for four years: “I’ve tried many products, including prescription antibiotic cream, but this lotion was the only one that worked,” they wrote, adding, “I use it every morning after showering and now have completely clear skin on my back.”
Whenever I had tried body care products that contain active ingredients like exfoliating acids, my skin has suffered from purging — redness, itchiness and irritation. I’m very happy to report that this lotion, which contains an effective 2% salicylic acid, didn’t cause any reaction. I asked Dr Emma Cunningham, aesthetic doctor and founder of Dr Emma Clinics, to shine more light on why that might be the case: “Green tea and chamomile are both packed with antioxidants and have calming, skin-soothing properties,” she told me. “While the salicylic acid is doing the heavy lifting on the exfoliation side, these ingredients help reduce redness and keep everything balanced.”
For people new to acids or those with sensitive skin, Dr Cunningham recommends using the lotion two or three times a week and observing how your skin responds. The lotion can be used in the morning or the evening, but if you’re using it in the daytime, applying a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas of your body before venturing into the sun is always a good idea, since exfoliating acids can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA has earned a permanent spot in my summer travel bag after doing a great job at keeping my back spots at bay. I also noticed improved overall smoothness on my arms and legs. Given its speed at clearing my body acne, I feel much more confident about wearing my tank tops and backless dresses this summer. The weightless consistency made it a joy to use when travelling around. Trust me: this is a must-have for anyone looking to target body breakouts, all without the irritation.
Shop our favorite Paula’s Choice products
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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