In our seriesSalary Stories, women with long-term career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions, and job loss, with the hope it will give young women more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.
Been in the workforce for at least eight years and interested in contributing your salary story?Submit your information here.
Age: 31 Current Location: Houston, TX Current Industry & Title: Behavioral Health, Lead Behavioral Health Consultant Starting Salary: $40,875 Current Salary: $75,000 Number Of Years Employed: 8 Biggest Salary Jump: $12,500 ($62,500 to $75,000) Biggest Salary Drop: Thankfully, no salary drops since I've been employed.
Biggest Salary Negotiation Regret: "Not negotiating for my first job. I moved from Florida to Texas on a whim after grad school and was pretty desperate for a job in my field. I had been doing phone interviews and bombing, so when I finally landed a job (side note: I actually showed up one hour late for the interview because I was super lost; I had driven from Florida to Texas for a face-to-face interview), I jumped at the first salary they offered without asking for anything. It was a government job, so once I was in the position, I was able to look up other people's salaries in the same role and same experience level, and of course I found out that I could have asked for $5-$7K more. Lesson learned."
Best Salary-Related Advice: "Be brave and go for it when negotiating; don't let the fear of seeming ungrateful or greedy cloud your decision. If you are worth the money, ask for it!"
"This was a bachelor-level position, and at the time I had two graduate degrees, one year of related experience (I had to work full-time while in grad school), and one national certification. With all of this, though, ya girl could not land a job that paid more than $35K, which was not going to work for me. So when I got this job offer at a university, I thought, "Less work and $40k — I guess I can do this for a little.
"This was a university that was contracted by the state to provide medical and mental health care. In this role, I had a caseload of about 75-90 offenders, all of whom had a serious mental illness (bipolar, MDD, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder). I would follow up with them monthly to monitor for any signs of decompensation or report any medication side effects to our psychiatric nurse practitioner. I would also run weekly psycho-educational groups, a substance-abuse recovery group, and a process group.""This was a promotion at my job about six months after I started. I worked in corrections, and once I got adjusted to getting searched before entering the unit and hearing the gates lock behind me, I kind of got used to all of the craziness that went on. Thankfully, I did not see much violence — a few fights here and there but nothing super serious. The craziest things I saw were often related to offenders who had a psychotic break or who maybe took some kind of illicit substance along with their psych meds.
"Once I got acclimated to the position, it didn't take long for me to get a little bored with the role, so I started doing more work while there as a way to keep myself from being frustrated. We had no internet, no phones, no nothing (the horror!!), so doing extra work was really all I could do to stay awake.My bosses took notice, and boom, promotion. Over the years there, I was able to get about two raises, thanks to Texas state legislation; my final salary there was $47,625.""I left my old job after getting fully licensed in Texas. This was my new employer's starting salary for a licensed healing arts therapist, which I thought was pretty good for this industry, so I didn't negotiate. Looking back, I probably should have, because this job was HELL and my boss was a micromanaging nightmare. I literally had to do three to four jobs sometimes, all while driving all over to see clients.
"This was a field-based position, so when I was hired, I was told that I would get kids in a specific zone and I would provide school-based or home-based cognitive behavioral therapy. This was not the case. I was assigned kids all over the county, which was larger than the state of Rhode Island. So in addition to driving all over the place to do therapy, I would also have to attend school special education/504 meetings, provide parenting classes to parents, and be my own case manger finding resources for patients and their parents." "I found my current job, at another university, on Indeed. Surprisingly, the supervisor at the time actually pushed HR for me to be started at this salary, as opposed to the $59K HR wanted to give me. Honestly, though, at this point my previous job was such a damn nightmare — and had triggered a depressive episode with severe anxiety — that I was willing to take a $10K pay cut to escape. It really was that bad. I was thrilled that I didn't have to take a pay cut, and my new boss cared about me as a person and my mental health, as opposed to meeting ridiculous quotas.
"This new job entailed providing brief solution-focused consults to patients who came in with medical issues and could benefit from behavioral strategies to help manage their medical issues. For example, assisting patients with diabetes management or smoking cessation." "This was a promotion about 14 months after starting. At this company, I thrived!! It's amazing what a healthy environment can do for a person. In my previous role, I would occasionally help out with organizing things, creating simplified workflows, doing presentations (despite my fear of public speaking), volunteering for other projects, etc. As a result, when my supervisor decided to leave for another opportunity, she approached me about taking the team lead position. I was actually apprehensive about it, as I had other coworkers with more years of experience, this was a Ph.D-level position (totes don't have one of these), and I was the youngest person on my team. But she really encouraged me, so I went for it.
"When it came time to talk salary, she told me what the range should be; with that info I went in with the big guns and asked for $10K over the range, knowing that we would settle at the top of the original range. I was so nervous when negotiating, but I had a script that I practiced over and over before my meeting, and it worked!
"The work I do now is exactly what I did in my previous role, providing behavioral health consults, brief interventions, and occasionally psychotherapy. As the lead, I have the additional responsibility of attending management meetings, and conceptualizing and executing plans for expansion of behavioral health services within our agency. Going into management has given me some growing pains, as I am a perfectionist and have dealt with imposter syndrome (again, being the youngest person and a minority in the room), but overall I do love what I do. I think all of my previous crazy/bad experiences have made me so much more thankful and appreciative of working at a place where I feel like I am making a difference and I am valued."
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K-beauty fans, get ready for your day to be officially made. Soko Glam just announced its 2019 Best of K-Beauty award winners (they’re all really good, BTW) and now they’re gracing us with a sale on those winning products.
“The Soko Glam Best of K-beauty awards is a true testament to our highly curated skin care products and our commitment to our community in everything we do,” co-founder Charlotte Cho told Refinery29. Well, the fans have spoken, and the top ten skin care gems from the entire site’s worth of next-level masks, ampoules, moisturizers, and more are here: Winners include the beloved CosRx Pimple Master Patches, and the brightening Acwell Licorice Toner, plus a PHA-infused cleansing oil among others.
Best of all, Soko Glam is knocking 15% off on all the 2019 top ten products from now until October 16 — and nothing is over $25, making it a relatively affordable way to treat yourself to some K-beauty. All you need to do is use code BEST15 at checkout to save on the eligible items. (Plus, for a limited time, you can snag a free Mediheal sheet mask set on orders of $125+.
Check out all the winners below, and get ready for your dewiest fall yet.
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Ultra-skinny brows, frosted lipstick, greasy tendrils: There are some beauty trends the ’90s can keep. But it seems that chunky blonde highlights have clawed their way back onto our radar — and they’re definitely not the worst thing to make a 2019 comeback.
Like all the biggest hair trends of the year, the rebirth of the chunky highlight took place on Instagram. We’ve seen some colorists move away from the seamless blending techniques synonymous with flowing balayage and gravitate toward a style that’s a lot more… obvious. No, this isn’t Nick Carter’s seriously stripy curtain bangs or Buffy’s streaky layers. This time around, chunky highlights have undergone a handful of modern twists: The color isn’t brassy, dyed sections are no smaller than finger width, nothing is too close to the root or zebra-esque, and hair is all one blunt length.
Lots of colorists are taking a leaf out of Kardashian-favorite hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons‘ book and mixing up hues with biscuit and caramel undertones, leaving negative space in between and stopping a few inches short of the root. Others are winging it with much brighter blonde tones, but with one important rule in mind: the bulkier, the better. And the cut of choice? A long, shoulder-skimming bob.
“Previously, color has been about making hair look natural, but this doesn’t support a haircut,” says Adir Abergel, hairstylist and creative director of Virtue. “The reason we’re seeing all of these highlights and chunky color placements is to prop up a blunt cut. We saw this in the ’90s with the supermodels like Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, and Naomi Campbell. When they swooped their hair over, you could really see the movement.”
Luckily, I already had a blunt lob (the result of lazily skipping trims to keep my very high-maintenance bob in check), and I figured highlights would be the best way to ease my virgin hair into the color club. Interestingly, friends and family tried to deter me from touching my natural chocolate-brown color. “You’ll really have to keep on top of maintenance,” warned one friend. Another said: “Don’t you think those highlights are a bit… severe?”
Of course, I didn’t listen to any of them (what kind of beauty editor would I be if I didn’t put my own hair on the line?), and on a recommendation I booked in for half a head of highlights with Shannon Gallacher at Nicola Clarke at John Frieda in London. First, Gallacher mixed my color up with a dose of Virtue Colorkick, a protein treatment that uses a patented form of human keratin to prevent breakage. Then she backcombed my hair at the root to better blend each section, and used her hands to paint on the color before wrapping each chunk of hair in a large sheet of foil.
Despite initial fears that I’d be sitting in the salon chair for hours on end, the dyeing process only took around two. “Virgin hair will lift fairly quickly,” said Abergel, who also advises asking for a low-peroxide dye, so that you aren’t blowing up the cuticle too much.
The initial result was bright, brassy yellow. Naturally, I panicked: The effect was more bumblebee than ’90s cool. But 30 minutes slathered in toner dialed it down to a noticeable, but not too in-your-face blonde — and I’m feeling it! I opted for a dead-straight blow-dry to continue the ’90s theme, as anything tousled would look a bit old-school.
When it comes to maintaining ’90s chunky highlights, Abergel says it’s not as involved as you might think. “You may have to go back in a month or so, as the color could become lighter than you want or even a little bit brassy,” he told me. “For this reason, I’d suggest booking in for a toner, which is a 30-minute process, every three weeks to a month.”
Before you commit to nostalgic chunky highlights, there’s one important thing Abergel wants you to know. “As you can see specifically where the placement of the highlights are, you have to commit to where you’re going to part your hair,” he said. “Otherwise, the finished result could look odd and unsymmetrical.” I’m unadventurous and stick with a center parting, so that was easy — but if you like to switch up your style or wear your hair in a bun or ponytail, this is definitely something to consider.
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Camila Mendes isn’t a household name just yet, but thanks to her breakout role on Riverdale, she’s well on her way. She may still be new to the spotlight, but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t established herself as a budding beauty icon in the process. In fact, she’s a mainstay on the red carpet, rocking the kind of can’t-miss beauty looks that could compete with Hollywood veterans.
Since Mendes spends most of her time as Riverdale‘s Veronica Lodge — a character who never changes her hair, makeup, or nails — she gets to flex her beauty muscle when she’s at an all-eyes-on-me event, like, for example, the 2019 Met Gala. Needless to say, Mendes has built an impressive portfolio of beauty looks we couldn’t help but channel for our latest episode of Beauty Evolution.
Press play above to check out some of Mendes’ unforgettable looks — and how you can copy them, too.
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If you're already on the hunt for a new pair of boots for the season, we’d like to encourage you to follow your animal instincts and embrace the snakeskin trend.
The main thing we love about this scaled print is that it actually functions as a neutral. Yes, at first glance, the reptile-inspired motif does seem busy with its harmony of hues and textured appeal. But when you have subdued colorways like black and white or a mix of grays, the striking pattern can pretty much be mixed and matched with anything. Which brings us to item number two: If you're going for the bold, there are other iterations of the print featuring more vibrant colors like orange and red that instead make for major statement moment. You can even find snakeskin boots with architectural silhouettes or heels to combine two major trends into one stand-out shoe. The opportunities are endless.
So for a fiercer take on your favorite seasonal classics like Chelsea boots, lace-ups, and over-the-knee styles, we suggest slithering your way into something new this fall. Go on and take a walk on the wild side with any of the 16 serpent-like pieces ahead.
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ASOS DESIGN Reed Heeled Ankle Boots, $, available at ASOS
Dolce Vita Snakeprint Booties, $, available at Zappos
Schutz Abbey Snake-Printed Tall Boots, $, available at Anthropologie
Urban Outfitters Alana Snakeskin Boot, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Raye Snakeskin Embossed Booties, $, available at Revolve
Sam Edelman Elana Fashion Boot, $, available at Amazon
Violeta By Mango Snake-Effect Ankle Boots, $, available at Mango
Raise your hand if you've ever used your partner's parents' HBO Go log-in. Or Netflix, maybe? And then — keep your hand raised if you've kept that username/password combo logged into your computer for long after your breakup. Breaking up is hard to do, and harder still when you share an Amazon Prime account.
So we wanted to know: Do you still use an ex's log-in info? How 'bout an ex's dad's new wife's daughter's? Read on for 13 firsthand accounts of the messiness that can ensue when Netflix and chill becomes Netflix...alone. And if you have a story of your own, submit it here for a chance to be featured on our site. Name: Haley Location: New York, NY Account: My ex-husband's Hulu
I've been using it for the year and a half since my ex and I split. It wasn't until two months ago that he realized I was still on the account. His new (and trashy) girlfriend made her own profile underneath mine, using the nickname I made for her. So they obviously had a conversation about it and instead of simply changing the password or deleting my account, they decided to take a jab at me. I don't care though. He's still paying for my Hulu, as well he should. The guy owes me.Name: Siobhan Location: Wellington, New Zealand Account: An old friend in the States who I haven't spoken to in years' ex-boyfriend's family plan!
She put me on it, but definitely her ex-boyfriend doesn't know.Name: Kalie Location: Nashville, TN Account: My ex-boyfriend’s Spotify
In the time immediately after our (very messy) breakup, his account was still logged into my Amazon Alexa. I was cleaning the apartment after he moved out and put on some feel good jams to distract me. They kept stopping halfway through and switching to really sad breakup songs, or worse — ones that were “our” songs. I was so confused, but I finally put two and two together and texted him asking what was up. Turns out, he had been changing them from his computer on purpose to mess with me. I eventually got even with him about six months later when he was installing smart lights that were somehow still connected to the Alexa. I turned every light red and turned them on and off for about five minutes until I finally texted him innocently: “Hey, are you still logged into my Alexa account?” The future is here.
After this incident, I stopped using it.Name: Jane Location: Cheshire, England Account: My married lover's Netflix account
I think his wife found out, as my daughter and husband used it whilst on holiday abroad over the summer — whoops! Name: Grace Location: North Carolina Account: A friend's fraternity brother's mother's HBO account
We had a friend give us the login for his fraternity brother's mother's HBO account, but then shortly after we started using it, we had a falling out with said friend. We had never met our former friend's fraternity brother or his mom, so the owner of the HBO account doesn't know we are on it, but the former friend may know we are on it.
I imagine there are a lot of different people on this account, so I don't know what this woman thinks of her suggested shows, but we did have a little drama when Big Little Lies came out. My husband and I started watching the show as it aired on Sundays, but one Sunday we came to watch it and were told that we couldn't because someone else was watching the same episode on the same account. We wound up watching the next day, but then the next week when we went to watch again, we saw that someone had already started the episode before us and was about 20 minutes in. We tried watching it and it allowed us, so whoever was watching must have paused it. We rewound to the start of the episode and watched it through, and I just hope that we didn't boot the actual owner of the account off when she went to the bathroom! Name: Natalie Location: Fort Collins, CO Account: My ex’s parent’s HBO account and also their cable
The last time I talked to my ex was during the Game of Thrones finale. We hadn’t talked in over a year. He messaged me saying that he knows I still use the account, and to get off so his family could watch. Little does he know, I wasn’t watching the finale that night but it could have been any of the multiple people I’ve given the account info to. I’ve even given it to a few strangers. Name: Liz Location: Denver, CO Account: My friend’s ex-boyfriend, HBO Go
In a nutshell, my friend dated a guy for about three months and he’d given her his HBO Go password. She ended up sharing it with about six other friends. I overheard her giving it to a buddy one day at a BBQ and basically chastised her into handing it over. We used it for over THREE years, but when Game of Thrones started heating up we’d periodically get a message around 7 p.m. on Sunday that there were too many devices streaming. Sadly it all came to an end this year. Booztec57 if you’re out there, thanks for the memories. Name: Sarah Location: Boston, MA Account: Ex-boyfriend, Amazon Prime I accidentally ended my 5+-year relationship via Amazon Prime! We were "on a break" and were meeting back up after a month apart to discuss how we were feeling. I knew I wanted to break up, so I decided to try to cut any ties before that meeting — logging out of his Netflix, etc. Last stop was Amazon Prime, where I was a member of his household. I chose the option to remove myself from his household, and immediately got an email notifying me of the change. The wording of that email made me freak out that he received a similar email...and true enough, I got a text from my ex a few minutes later about the email. He saw the writing on the wall and I broke it off with him over the phone that night. Word to the wise — maybe wait to disconnect yourself until AFTER you talk to the person!Name: Laura Location: Sydney, Australia Account: My ex's Netflix
I use my ex's account from three years ago. I don't know if he still knows, but he's changed the name of the account from mine to Kate, so I'm not sure if someone called Kate is also using it and doesn't realize I am too. The mystery person has their own 'my list' of shows, which does screw my algorithm sometimes, and I'm tempted to finish stuff they've been watching just to mess with him. Name: Anupreet Location: Detroit, MI Account: My best friend's ex-boyfriend's dad/brother's account
I've been using it for the past six years and they have no idea. I always wonder who they think is getting to episodes of Insecure before they are...Name: Amanda Location: Nashville, TN Account: Ex-boyfriend's Amazon Prime for Prime Video
My ex knew I used it, but my current boyfriend found out about it. He did not like the idea and told me I'm an adult and I should just get my own. I refuse to pay Amazon that much when I hardly use it (just a couple shows every now and then). Randomly one day my ex decided to change the password on me. I told my current boyfriend about it and he finally broke down and shared his account with me. So I'm still not paying for it, just like I wanted. Still not sure what happened with my ex changing his password though. Name: Amanda Location: San Francisco, CA Account: My ex boyfriend's parents' HBO GO
I used my ex boyfriend's parents' HBO GO account for at least six years after we broke up. I'm not sure whether or not they noticed, but the password stopped working right before the last season of Game Of Thrones.Name: Allison Location: New York, NY Account: My ex’s baby momma’s Netflix account
No, I don’t know how either of them haven't realized yet, and it’s been a year.
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It's fall y'all. Besides lighting up campfire-scented candles, breaking out the full-bodied reds, and brushing up on PSL-ordering lingo, you can also catch us inside swaddled in our cozy cloaks: AKA, bathrobes.
Keep your fuzzy socks and fleecy throws, because all we want for autumn is a cozy robe. These part-bed, part-bath pieces are the ultimate comfy-luxe home attire. Like an incredible pajama-towel hybrid, the robe's leisure potential knows no bounds. We can wear it while wet or dry, snoozing in bed or cooking in the kitchen, and with or without the company of others. Plus, they also make solid gifting material (for all you holiday pre-pre-planners).
Scroll ahead to shop our top-rated picks for the best bathrobes to get the cozy-cloak job done this season — from plush terry-cloth types with pockets to premium waffle-weaves with hoods.
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Crafted with a piped collar, cuffed sleeves, and deep pockets — out of the same long-staple Turkish cotton as the brand’s bestselling towels — this “Super-Plush” robe cloaks your body in a luxurious 380-GSM weight.
Reviews on it range from a simple, "Best robe ever," to an extreme, "Do not get this if you have a job/lifestyle where you need to put on real clothes. You will never want to get out of this. It is so soft. So warm. So comfy! I have taken up showering 2x plus daily just so I have an excuse to get into it. I love it."
Brooklinen Super-Plush Robe, $, available at Brooklinen
Soft colors, 100% organic cotton, and a breathable waffle weave come together in perfect cozy harmony to create this classic spa-style robe that’s pre-tumbled for optimal softness.
Comforted reviewers claim everything from, "This robe feels like a soft towel. So perfect now that it is getting cold," to "I was very happy with the quality of this robe! Lightweight but warm and so comfortable, feels like being at a spa, I would recommend this for sure!"
Coyuchi Unisex Organic Waffle Robe, $, available at Coyuchi
Riley Home’s top-rated, cotton-waffle robe gets set apart from the rest with its cropped length, hood addition, and terrycloth interior. The company also produces OEKO-TEX® certified robes — meaning that all materials are tested in order to meet environmentally friendly standards.
"Wow. Gorgeous robe, really blown away, better than hotel quality. Runs small so order up." and "Couldn't be happier with this robe! The fit is good, nice length, good quality. Love the hood, which towel-dries my hair easily when I put it on."
Riley Home Hooded Waffle Robe, $, available at Riley Home
Yes, you can get your hands on a luxe-looking and feeling 100%-cotton terrycloth robe for under $30 — and this top-rated, Amazon-brand steal in a beautiful blue hue proves it.
One cozied up customer praised: “Love this robe. Liked it so much I gave it to a friend and he loves it as much as I do. It is soft and warm perfect for relaxing after coming home cold and tired."
Pinzon Terry Bathrobe 100% Cotton, $, available at Amazon
If the brand name doesn't say it all — this machine-washable robe is crafted for lounging longevity from a super soft and cushy microfiber that won't shrink or pill.
One reviewer calls it the, "Most comfortable robe ever," declaring: "I’m so glad I bought this robe. It’s incredibly soft and cozy. It is thick fabric without being heavy or hot. Totally a year-round robe."
BAREFOOT DREAMS® CozyChic Robe, $, available at Nordstrom
Pretty In Pink, A Bathrobe Story — this kimono-style robe boasts a lightweight waffle weave that's double-stitched for supremely durable comfort.
And, as one reviewer put it, "This robe is AMAZING. The waffle weave is pretty, the color is vibrant, and it is absorbent and soft. The material isn't too heavy, but is heavy enough to make you feel comfortable wearing it to the mailbox in a pinch. The pockets are a great size, and the sizing listed here was spot on."
TowelSelections Kimono Waffle Spa Bathrobe, $, available at Amazon
Wondering what type of activities you can partake in while wearing your new luxurious robe? Well, drinking wine is just the tip of that iceberg. Snowe Home's classic-style bathrobe is crafted from the plushest air-woven terry cotton to mimic a high-end hotel spa feel.
"As I had read from previous reviewers, my new white robe is the fluffiest. I can’t wait to shower and slip into it each night to relax and feel wrapped in luxury. Well done Snowe!" and "Like a warm, encompassing hug and there is a moment of all is good," one robed lounger raved.
Parachute Classic Bathrobe, $, available at Parachute
Described as "plush" and "super-springy," this waffle-weave robe is crafted from super absorbent materials that are perfect for swaddling your bod in post-shower (or bubble bath).
One reviewer calls it, "Superb in every way- yummy soft texture, washes beautifully, sized properly. I’m lovin’ it!"
Boll And Branch Waffle Robe, $, available at Boll And Branch
This bathrobe is like wearing a teddy bear (but, like a luxury-loving, spa-going teddy bear) — it's crafted from 270-GSM velveteen fleece that will not fail to keep you cozied-up on any cold evening ahead.
One customer cooed: "This is the most lightweight, warmest, softest robe I have ever owned." and "GORGEOUS. Simply lush, plush, soft...can I get a bed made of this, please?"
Alexander Del Rossa Plush Fleece Robe, $, available at Amazon
A top-rated combo material combo of two-ply gauze and premium 100% long-staple Turkish cotton make this relaxed-fit bathrobe feel lightweight but still luxurious — oh, and we're loving the soft blush hue.
Reviews start at, "I first purchased this robe for myself in the pink I loved it so much, I got a second one for my mother for her birthday and she loves it too. The robe is soft and the colors are so beautiful!" and don't end with, "So soft. First of all, I'm the owner of many Parachute products, and probably keep on adding more. I love this robe, it's So soft! I'm writing a review as I'm lounging in it with my morning cup of joe."
Parachute Home Cloud Cotton Robe, $, available at Parachute
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R29 beauty director Cat Quinn has a lot of hair. In fact, it’s so long and thick that most days, rather than commit to the process of blowing it dry, she just pulls it back into a bun.
So for this episode of Try This, we challenged Cat to spend one month caring for her hair in new and exciting ways as she works towards her best hair yet for her wedding, just a few weeks away. “When my hair looks good, I really feel like I can take on the world,” she says. And that’s why we supplied her with a Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer — which allows her to blowdry her hair without spending hours in the bathroom each morning and prevents extreme heat damage.
At the end of the month, Cat heads to her bridal shower feeling confident, her hair looking fabulous. “I could just walk into that room with my head held high,” she says, “and [Dyson] made it easy in the midst of a really stressful time.”
Check out the video above to see Cat’s pre-wedding hair regimen.
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When fall rolls around, we find ourselves eyeing a lot of different types of boots with the goal of settling on a pair (or two) for the season. Visions of ankle-hugging footwear constantly dance in our heads: colorful block-heeled boots, sturdy lace-up clompers, heavy-duty hikers, pointy-toed styles with miniature heels to match. Suffice it to say, the boot bucket list goes on and on. (And on.)
While it may sound like our mile-long wish list will require many visits — be they of the browser or brick-and-mortar variety — to lots of different shops, such is not necessarily the case. Thanks to the one great big juggernaut of a store that we all know as Amazon, our boot-browsing (and buying!) needs can be met within a single dot-com destination. Click through to see the 29 styles we dug up — and you’d better believe we barely scratched the surface.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Jeffrey Campbell Carsin Booties, $, available at Amazon
Find Block Heel Square Toe, Ankle boots, $, available at Amazon
Finding a good facialist is kind of like finding a good partner: Most of us have to shop around a little before we settle on "the one." And, much like bad relationships, bad facials can leave us unhappy, dissatisfied, and maybe a little emotionally scarred from the experience.
For that reason, personal recommendation is easily the most desired way to book a facial: You want to make sure you’re in trusted, capable hands — you know, the kind that can extract without breaking the skin, that will leave you pleasantly pink (not beet red!) after a good peel, or give you the glow you want all year round.
Ahead, a few beauty-obsessed New Yorkers share who they trust with their flawless faces.
Inderma Studio
Founded by aesthetician Nichelle Temple in 2017, Inderma specializes in all the trendy treatments you're probably dying to try, including dermaplaning, high frequency, LED therapy, microcurrent therapy, and even gua sha, the facial massage technique that's all over Instagram. With six years of experience providing facials, Temple creates custom experiences for each client and offers extractions that won't make your eyes water. Tucked into a quaint, candle-lit studio that's cozy and comfortable, check out this spot if you're looking for an instantly lifted, glowing visage.
Inderma Studio, 25 W 26th St, Suite 415; (929) 260-3158.Photo: Inderma Studio.
JECT
As the name suggests, the most popular treatments on the menu at this posh West Village spa are the injectables, namely Botox. The intimate space is quaint and minimalist by design, to create a light, cool, non-stuffy environment for quick and effective medical-grade skin treatments. Obviously, the syringe isn't for everyone, but if you’re looking to treat yourself to a damn-good chemical peel, hydrating facial, or microneedling with PRP, this is a great spot. Most regulars cocktail the signature Ject Infusion Facial with routine Botox, but some just opt for the former; either way, you'll walk out glowing.
If you live in New York, Rescue Spa might've been the first place you ever experienced Biologique Recherche, the iconic French brand known for making science-heavy skin care kind of sexy (and making an exfoliating liquid that smells like years-old vinegar a must-have for every in-the-know beauty enthusiast). You'll walk out of this massive Union Square location with glowing skin that's better than any filter. And with a service menu several pages deep, every single option will leave you feeling like you just got a bespoke treatment... even when you didn't.
A romantic space in The Carlyle hotel makes for a sensational experience. The main attraction? The Phyto-Aromatic facials, a series that uses some of the Parisian brand's top-rated products. Or opt for a massage, wax, or full body treatment (we recommend the Zen Harmony for ultimate relaxation).
The Sisley-Paris Spa, 35 East 76th Street (3rd Floor at The Carlyle); (212) 660-7560.
Natura Bissē
If you go here, be sure to ask for the novel treatment-inside-a-bubble concept made for both face and body. Why? It's all about pure air. Jump inside this isolated space free of polluting particles, viral, bacterial, and allergen agents for the Natura Bissē Bubble Pure air Diamond Experience Facial. The goal is to treat your lungs and your skin to quality air and promote maximized efficacy of the tailored skin-care treatment with the brand's Diamond Extreme line (or whatever your skin needs). Think: Bubble Boy, but a hell of a lot more glamorous.
If you're trying this out for the first time, here's a taste of what might go down: a hydrating cleanse, a customized treatment from your aesthetician, rejuvenating eye treatment, perfecting mask and exfoliating massage, and a color-adapt treatment (a CC cream to leave you protected and even).
Natura Bissē, Shibui Spa, 377 Greenwich Street (The Greenwich Hotel); (646) 203-0045.
Haven Spa
If you're looking for a variety of facials, look no further than Haven Spa in NoHo. This pretty spot boasts a long list of creative treatments for your face and body with a bevy of add-ons — including a vitamin C infusion mask that boosts skin's radiance.
But don't stop at your face. One of our editors went to Haven for their Peach Smoothie treatment — which is basically a facial for your vulva. Hey, don't knock it 'til you try it.
Haven Spa, 250 Mercer Street (at East 4th St); (212) 343-3515.Photo: Courtesy of Haven Spa.
Sadick Dermatology
For celebrity makeup artist Beau Nelson, good skin is an integral part of the job. After all, it’s what his A-list clients (like Kristen Stewart and Nicole Richie) are inspecting while he’s getting up close and personal with them in the chair.
Nelson regularly visits Luzinete at Sadick Dermatology on the Upper East Side. “I get the deep-cleansing facial and the AHA treatment,” he says. “Luzinete is gentle and efficient, and the service leaves my skin clean and glowing for weeks,” which is crucial, considering he’s constantly hopping between coasts for work. “She also introduced me to [topical gel] Epiduo," he adds, "which I use once or twice a week to keep my skin totally clear.”
Sadick Dermatology, 911 Park Avenue (at East 80th Street); (212) 772-7242.Photo: Courtesy of Sadick Dermatology.
L’appartement Caudalie
Makeup artist Brigitte Reiss-Andersen works with some of the most legendary fashion photographers of our time. So it’s no surprise that all of the images she’s helped create have one common thread: perfect, luminous skin.
The artist herself has an immaculate complexion sans foundation, due in part to her diligent facial routine — but also thanks to where she gets her facials done. “I love Caudalie spa...in New York City,” she says. “I get a facial there called Vinosculpt, which involves a low-electric-current massage to give the face a visible lift. It really works!”
Felicia Walker Benson is the editor-in-chief behind ThisThatBeauty, so therefore it's her job to be in-the-know about where exactly to go and what exactly to get done. “I’m currently defying all signs of aging with Red Door Spa’s Advanced Brightening Facial," she says. "Rachel, at their Garden City location, is my ‘glow-to’ girl. With just one session, my skin is visibly brighter and infinitely more radiant. Like, angels actually appear afterwards! It’s packed with loads of vitamins and antioxidants, so it’s awesome for targeting hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tones.”
Makeup legend Rose-Marie Swift, founder of cult brand RMS Beauty, is known for being very particular about what she puts on her face. (Hence why her line is filled with delicious ingredients like coconut and jojoba oils, rosemary extract, and beeswax.) So whoever's touching her face on a regular basis must be up to her high standards.
“I see Ildi Pekar for her Refine Facial and Creative Fitness Sessions for body,” Swift says. “She also has an organic skin-care line that she worked on for years that she uses during her procedures." And if you're into funky treatments you'd most likely hear about from a celeb's Instagram, this is the spot to go. See: Pekar's magnetic-cupping facial.
Ildi Pekar Skin Care, 20 East 49th Street; (212) 682-6080.Photo: Courtesy of Ildi Pekar.
Joanna Vargas
Vargas may have a slew of clients across the country, like Hollywood mainstays Julianne Moore and Naomi Watts, but she's garnered a cult-like following from New York celebs like super-stylist Kate Young and fitness guru Taryn Toomey. “I go to see Joanna as often as I can," Young says. "I totally relax when I'm with her, and it makes an incredible difference in my skin. People really notice — it’s totally effective.”
“Joanna has a gift,” Toomey adds. “She non-invasively lifts and revives layers of your face you didn’t know you had lost.”
Her signature treatment, the Triple Crown Facial, rings in at $550 for an hour (with Vargas herself; $250 for another esthetician). It’s a microcurrent facial, segmented into three steps, that literally enhances the contours of your face, reducing puffiness and enhancing elasticity.
British aesthetician Georgia Louise is an East Coast favorite among beauty insiders (Gucci Westman is a client) and actresses alike — and we understand why. Her signature Microcurrent Lift facial helps to do just that, and all of her treatments are geared toward naturally lifting cheekbones and brows, de-puffing and brightening the face, and softening fine lines through deep-tissue massage, microcurrent treatments, and more. And by more we mean her celeb-favorite penis facial, the treatment Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock credit for their youthful glow.
Georgia Louise, 114 East 71st Street (near Park Avenue), #1E; (212) 472-1400.Photo: Courtesy of Georgia Louise.
Heyday
If you're looking to take the hassle and expense out of choosing, booking, and committing to a two-hour monthly facial, Heyday is your godsend. The menu offers up three facial options (one 30-minutes, one 50, and the other 75), to help avoid the anxiety that comes with picking from a never-ending treatment list, one can only assume.
Heyday, 67 West 71st Street; (212) 796-7796.Photo: Courtesy of Heyday.
SB Skin
Sally Hansen global color ambassador Madeline Poole is one of the coolest girls in the beauty biz. And considering she’s worked with just about every beauty editor, stylist, makeup artist, and hair guru in New York City, it comes as no surprise that her facialist is the kind of cult favorite you only hear about through word of mouth. “I go to Shamara Bondaroff,” Poole says. “Everything is as natural as it can be, her creams smell amazing, and she uses rosewater and homemade tinctures. Her facials are so relaxing, I can fall asleep.”
In Bondaroff’s bed, Poole gets microcurrent facials, “a non-invasive rejuvenation of the muscles in the face. I’m not sure if I’m unlucky or if it’s because I squint all day looking at tiny fingernails, but I’ve developed some premature wrinkles. This is the best and most holistic way to soften the tension.”
If we had to guess, we'd say it was the Triple Oxygen Facial that cemented Bliss as a skin hot spot. The treatment involves a targeted peel, an energizing enzyme pack, three different forms of oxygen, and an oxygen spray to awaken your complexion and leave your skin brighter than when you walked in. Refreshing? To say the very least.
If you feel like your skin is at the point of no return, go straight to Daphne. It's a cozy space that feels like it was plucked from a Parisian street and offers heavy-hitting, transformative treatments like microcurrent and micro-needling, plus superb (but gentle) extractions.
With waxing, sugaring, and microblading services also on the menu, this location is truly a one-stop shop. It even exclusively carries products from Biologique Recherche.
Daphne, 375 Broome Street; (347) 382-8807.Photo: Courtesy of Daphne.
Organic Pharmacy
While the majority of the brand's spas are located in the UK, the New York shop is loaded with all the luxe treatments that exclusively use the brand's organic formulas.
We prefer the exfoliating treatments, like the Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial and Hdrya Diamond Exfoliation services. But if you're in the market for some good ol' youth-rejuvenating treatments, this is your spot, too. Several of the treatments include microcurrent tools to lift, firm, and hydrate, so you'll leave — after an hour of relaxation — looking completely refreshed.
If you ever pay a visit to this uptown spa, go for the MDNA Skin Signature Facial with leading aesthetician Edyta Jarosz. Or stay for the entire menu of top-notch facials and other services, like chemical peels and a comprehensive purifying facial featuring extractions and oxygen LED lights.
If you're looking for a crazy-luxe spa experience, check out the La Prairie Spa inside New York's storied Ritz Carlton Hotel. The spa itself is small, but the services are top-notch.
The treatments are variations on the traditional facial use products from La Prairie, of course. Head on over if you're looking for an excellent extraction session that'll leave your pores free of debris and without any residual marks. Check out one of the spa's most expensive treatments in this video.
The New York Dermatology Group (led by Dr. David Colbert) offers city dwellers the full experience of a Susanne Kaufmann facial without having to book a flight to Bregenzerwald, Austria. Although the upscale wellness space offers other health therapies, like IVs and cryotherapy, it's the menu's Kaufmann offerings that have us hooked. Perhaps it's because the products are so good (each collection includes a specific recipe of botanical ingredients fit for certain skin concerns) or that the treatments are the sort of rejuvenating refresh our faces need when the season change, but either way, it's worth the splurge (and we mean splurge — the Transformative Facial is $475).
Inside the swanky Life Time Athletic gym is an equally swanky spa where you can get a facial after yoga (or just because). The upscale location features a variety of services, but if you're going to get a treatment done, try the HydraFacial, which uses a unique cleansing tool to remove dead skin and exfoliate all while pumping antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and serums back into your face.
When celebrities like Rihanna and Anne Hathaway need to get their skin in tip-top shape, they flock to this cult 5th Avenue spot founded by celebrity facialist Tracie Martyn and holistic nutritionist Marius Morariu. With a focus on microcurrent, natural ingredients, LED, and the gentlest, can-barely-feel-them extractions, it’s the kind of facial that leaves your skin looking better when you come out, rather than red or blotchy. After three monthly treatments, our beauty director Cat Quinn says her typically oily and acne-prone skin looked so much firmer, smoother, and glowier that her fiancé started going before the wedding, too.
Ruth Glenn says strangers often try to change the subject when she tells them what she does for a living. “It’s such an unpleasant topic and they get uncomfortable,” explains Glenn, the CEO and president of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. A survivor herself, Glenn understands the reaction, but says it’s something that people should take the time to understand. Each year, more than 12 million women and men — 24 people per minute, on average — are victims of rape, physical violence, or staking by an intimate partner in the U.S., according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. It’s more prevalent than you’d think, and could someday impact you or someone you know. It’s worth taking the time to understand it, and the many forms it can take.
“When you say ‘domestic violence,’ there’s the expectation that there’s been some physical harm to someone,” Glenn explains. “In fact, that’s not always the case. Domestic violence can and does take many forms.” The kinds of altercations you see in shows like Big Little Lies that involve hitting, kicking, and pushing are just one facet of what it can look like. Glenn says it’s important for people to understand this, so they can identify when they’re being mistreated in a relationship or when their loved ones are in trouble. Just in time forDomestic Violence Awareness Month, here are different forms abuse can take to be mindful of.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotlineat 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 for confidential support.
Emotional
Glenn says that emotional abuse is one of the most damaging forms — and one of the hardest to recognize. “It involves putting the victim down and crazy-making,” Glenn says. “Telling them they’re not worth anything, or ‘go ahead and leave, no one else will take you.’ It might mean threatening to take their children away.” Glenn says that it’s “torture” to be manipulated in this way. “It takes away a survivor’s autonomy by tearing them down,” she says. It can come in the form of insults, criticism, gaslighting, ignoring, or even forcing a victim to take drugs or alcohol, according to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence.
If you think this could be happening to someone close to you, Glenn says you might subtly help them recognize the abuse by asking them questions such as: “You used to be so energetic, what’s going on?” Or: “Is something going on? When you’re ready to talk I’m here.” You can do this gentle prompt with other forms of abuse, too.
Sexual
Glenn explains that this could come in the form of partner or marital rape, or forcing sex on another person who did not give consent. It also could take the form of a perpetrator tricking or forcing someone into getting pregnant.
According to ACESDV, it could also involve using guilt, manipulation, or forcing someone to have specific sexual experiences that they don’t want.
Financial
This can take a few different forms, Glenn explains. The abuser might direct deposit the survivor’s paycheck into an account they never see, or not allow them to work at all. “A victim could also be given an allowance, or a certain amount to spend on themselves and the children per week,” Glenn explains. “The perpetrator might have run up the victim’s credit so she has a harder time leaving. We’ve even seen cases where they forge signatures on important financial documents.”
Maria Veltre, Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, Santander Bank, explains that this kind of abuse makes it “difficult, if not impossible, to ‘just leave.’”
Financial abuse is tricky to identify and remedy, Glenn explains. However, there are resources. NNEDV offers financial literacy programs women can take via webinar to try to get out of their situation. And, Santander Bank has partnered with them to fund a micro-loan program, which allows survivors to establish and, in many cases, repair their credit score.
Physical
This is easier to identify, but still hard to come to terms with. It could be physically aggressive behavior, the withholding of physical needs, or indirect harmful behavior, according to the ACESDV. That can mean anything from slapping to withholding food to injuring someone’s child or pet to trapping someone in a room.
Control
Glenn says that domestic abuse is often about a perpetrator wanting to have control over their partner. This can take the form of some of the things already on this list, but it can also mean stalking them, or keeping tabs on their whereabouts. They might measure their gas tank, and make the victim answer questions about where they’ve been. They could put spyware on their phone, so they can see who they’re talking to. It also could mean isolating a survivor from their friends and family, Glenn says.
“When we talk about abuse, we can’t do that without talking about power and control,” Glenn says.
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It may sound odd, but hair color is like nail polish in a lot of ways. It looks fresh and shiny when you walk out of the salon, but dulls fast, leaving you jonesing for a refresh after just a few weeks. There's only one problem: Salon appointments are pricey and time-consuming. You can (and probably should) opt for the recommended Olaplex treatments and fancy color-safe shampoos, but there's an underappreciated way to live in the fresh color space for a lot longer. Enter: DIY hair gloss.
Most salons offer quick glossing treatments, which are amazing for rebooting the vibrancy of your dingy highlights or all-over color, but that requires time and extra cash. Luckily, in talking to a few hair experts, we discovered that that an at-home hair gloss can be just as effective at extending the life of your color. Think of it like a top coat nail polish for your hair.
The pros break down the best hair glosses on the market, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
"I always recommend Christophe Robin's Shade Variation Care glossing masks to my clients," says Elisabeth Lovell, the co-founder of Brooklyn's Whiteroom Salon. "Every shade offering — from warm chestnut to chic red to baby blonde — is rich in tone and will keep your hair color looking fresh and warm, effectively keeping those hollow, brassy strands at bay."
Good For: Any color and texture, but best for those with blonde hair looking to ward off brassy tones.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Nutritive Mask, $, available at Sephora
To keep hair color vibrant, NYC-based colorist Brian K recommends clients commit to regular in-salon glossing treatments. At home, he says it's important to use a shampoo that's free of sulfates, to always rinse with cold water in the shower, and to grab this gloss by Schwarzkopf. It instantly amps up shine on all hair types, and it's especially gentle on curls.
Good For: Curly, color-treated hair. It comes in a few different shades, so make sure you get the tone closest to your color.
Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance Clear 0-00 500Ml, $, available at Amazon
To extend the lifespan and vibrancy of her clients' color, Rita Hazan (who's worked with Beyoncé, NBD) formulated her own gloss. "Use this foam gloss in-between shampoo and conditioner, focusing on the ends, and you'll see a vast improvement in the lifespan of your color and your shine," Hazan explains. "It's works on every hair color because the base shades are neutral, meaning it won't ever look orange-y or brassy." The best part about this one is there's no wait time, it activates right away, so you're not standing soaking wet for 5 minutes waiting to wash it out.
Good For: All hair textures and colors, but the trick is to find the right shade for your tone. This one comes in clear (which anyone can use), Blonde (to revive highlights), Breaking Brass (which directly combats brassiness), Brown (for brunettes), and Red (to enhance red tones). Whichever you chose, use it as often as you shampoo.
Rita Hazan Ultimate Shine Gloss, $, available at Sephora
Color expert Chelsea Scott swears by this mousse gloss by TruHair. "It's a great option if you're feeling like your hair color needs a quick reboot," she explains. "It works to both tone your color and boost volume, so it's a godsend between salon visits."
Good For: Fine hair that needs a boost of shine and a little volume. This one is also colored, so you should chose the shade that best matches the tone of your hair.
truhair Revive & Style - Instant & Temporary Color Mousse, $, available at truhair
Stephanie Brown, the NYC-based colorist who turned us onto "cold-brew" hair color, also loves a good hair gloss. For at-home treatments, she recommends this one by dpHue, which adds shine and a hint of fresh color when your's starts to fade.
Good For: Any color and texture, but works especially well with boosting the vibrancy of blonde highlights. Longer processing time is recommended for darker hair color.
This is a liquid glossing treatment that actually transforms into a creamy consistency when you rub it in — and Scott says it's a real game changer for color treated hair. "In just 10 seconds it restores split ends and completely eliminates frizz," she explains. "After your color appointment, apply this after your shampoo, each time you shower, to restore the hair protein and make your color last longer."
Good For: Dry, over-processed hair. This gloss is infused with keratin protein, which means that it helps rehab breakage. Those with oily scalps might not find much success with this heavier formula.
moremo Water Treatment Miracle 10, $, available at Amazon
Alexis Antonellis, colorist at Eddie Arthur Salon in New York City believes in a glaze mask, which is essentially a hair gloss/deep conditioner hybrid. "This both nourishes your hair and protects the color," she says. "Especially coming out of summer, now is a great time to add this to your regimen and continue using it once a week throughout winter."
Good For: Any hair color or texture looking for extra softness and shine. This one is colorless, so it can work for everyone. On finer hair, it should be used as a weekly treatment, while thicker hair types benefit from daily application in lieu of conditioner.
Shu Uemura Color Lustre Brilliant Glaze Treatment, $, available at Sephora
A slightly cheaper option, this color gloss by Bumble & bumble is one that Antonellis recommends to those who want to invest in the health and longevity of their color, but don't have $70 to spend on a fancy glaze mask.
Good For: Those on a budget. For $34 you can boost your color with any of the tones in this line: Clear, Cool Blonde, Brunette, Warm Blonde, and Red.
Bumble and bumble Bb. Color Gloss, $, available at Sephora
"John Frieda's Color Refreshing gloss both hydrates the hair and extends the life of the color," Antonellis says (adding that the brand's color-focused shampoo and conditioner are also great). Plus, this bad boy's just $12 at Ulta.
Good For: Those on a drugstore budget. This one can be used weekly, just leave it on the hair for 3-5 minutes. Pro tip: Focus on the mid-shafts and ends, then rinse it out and follow with routine shampoo and conditioner.
John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss, $, available at Amazon
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When it comes to sales, few have the capacity to make our hearts flutter with excitement — and inspire us to whip out our wallets. However, aside from the big dogs (ahem, Amazon Prime Day, Nordstrom Anniversary), it's not every day that we experience an emotional, gotta-have-it response to any ol' sale. But that was before we came upon Urban Outfitters' Beauty Event sale, where some of the best makeup, hair, and skin care brands are being discounted up to 30% off.
From price-cuts on Sunday Riley Good Genes (!) to our favorite Slip Silk Pillowcase (marked down from $85 to a slightly more palatable $59), Urban Outfitters' beauty sale is your chance to snap up luxe buys on the cheap. (And if you look closely, there are even a couple R29 editor favorites, like the head-to-toe body cream our Fashion Market Writer can't get enough of.) You have from now until October 7 to take advantage of the deals, so we suggest you run, not walk since these on-sale cult favorites are bound to sell out fast. And if you need help deciding which products are most worthy of your hard-earned cash, we went ahead and picked out a few we've personally used and like.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum, $, available at Urban Outfitters
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 22: Kim Kardashian behind the scenes during the 71ST PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS airing live from the Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 22 (8:00-11:00 PM ET live/5:00-8:00 PM PT live) on FOX. (Photo by FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)
Lately, keeping up with the Kardashian’s and their hair changes has felt like a never-ending sprint. A few weeks ago, Kendall Jenner went blonde, then brunette again. Then, Khloé Kardashian went “cloud blonde” for a hot minute. Kylie Jenner, well, she rocks a different wig nearly every day. Then there’s Kim Kardashian-West, who’s bounced between a bob and lengthier strands as of late. She’s also dabbled with a few different hair colors (with the help of her expansive wig collection, of course).
Kardashian-West’s stylist Chris Appleton shared a snap of his client rocking what he dubs “cool chocolate brown” on Instagram. In the photo, the KKW-founder posed in waist-length brunette hair dyed with cool-toned highlights. This isn’t the first time the mogul has tested the ash-brown color. Back in July, Appleton gave her a similar frosty hue, but on shorter shoulder-length hair.
This cool-brown shade has been a popular request in the trendiest L.A. and New York salons. Unlike warmer browns, which may have more golden or red tones, this one is more muted with taupe undertones. It’s the perfect in-between color for darker brunettes who want to go lighter, but don’t want to cross over to full-on blonde balayage just yet.
While her new look is most likely the work of an expertly dyed wig, it doesn’t make it any less stunning. We hope this new color sticks around, but given Kardashian’s hair history, there will probably be a new color to keep up with next.
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Stress. Isn’t it an interesting little monster? When you first hear the word, it sounds benign and ordinary But it’s more than just the anxious feeling you get when a big deadline is approaching. It can actually wreak havoc on your skin, your health, and, yes, even your menstrual cycle.
Dr. Mary Jacobson, an OB/GYN and Alpha Medical’s chief medical officer, says that stressors, both physical and mental, can affect your flow, often causing a delay. (We know — a late period is the last thing you need on top of your other problems.)
How does stress delay your period?
Jacobson explains that when stress causes an unpunctual period, it has to do with hormones. Specifically the communications between your brain, adrenal glands (which produces the “stress hormone” cortisol), and your ovaries.
Scientists have had a hard time studying the exact mechanisms because stress is such a complex thing, explains James Greene, MD, medical director for women’s health at Kaiser Permanente in Washington. But here’s the gist of what’s happening in the body: “We presume there is some suppression in the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain [when you’re stressed],” Greene says. “These glands work in tandem to control our endocrine system that includes the ovaries and adrenal glands.” This then influences your ovarian hormone function and ovulation, or the releasing of the egg, he explains. Because it hasn’t been studied as much, doctors still do know how the degree of stress or length of exposure to it causes the period to slow down.
How will I know if it’s stress or something else?
Any woman with cycle changes should be seen by their primary care provider or her OB/GYN, Greene says.
“By taking a careful history, physical exam, and specified lab work, we can rule out several causes,” he says. “If no abnormalities are found, and the history fits, we could determine that stress is the issue. Because many possible causes are treatable, it’s best to not assume it’s a stress reaction on your own.”
Still, you might be hesitant to book an appointment at the first sign of change in your cycle. But Jacobson says if you’re late for three months or more, you should definitely look to the experts. At that point, the lack of menstruation is classified as amenorrhea, which can be caused by stress — or hormonal changes, low body weight, medication, or other even more serious factors. Of course, that’s if you’ve already ruled out pregnancy, breast-feeding, and menopause as the cause for delay.
For the record, a period should occur every 21 to 35 days, according to Jacobson, so be mindful of that timeframe when you think you’re “late.”
How else can stress affect menstruation?
“Stress can cause all types of abnormal bleeding, from more frequent episodes to longer intervals between periods,” Greene says. “Anytime the normal ovulatory cycle is disrupted, bleeding patterns can be abnormal.”
Greene adds that it can help to identify the source of your tension first. “Certainly making sure you are getting adequate rest, regular exercise, and eating a well-balanced diet is key. Specific types of exercise may be better than others, such as yoga or swimming, but usually any type of low impact movement is good.” All that is a great start, but it’s also important to recognize when it’s time to get help through counseling.
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While the shiny, lauded food scenes in cities like Portland, Austin, and L.A. continue to inflate, another, quieter culinary movement also thrives, likely unbeknownst to you. That movement lives in Florida.
Beyond the scenic beaches, the Miami-bound bachelor parties, and the hordes of families fraternizing with life-size versions of their favorite cartoon characters, new, eclectic kitchens and classic haunts across the state are expanding the scope of Florida’s reputation.
With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic on the other, fresh seafood in Florida is a given — but landscape aside, the real reason for the state’s culinary prominence lies with its people. One in every five Florida residents is an immigrant, the vast majority of whom hail from Cuba, Haiti, Mexico, and Colombia, bringing with them rich culture, history, and of course, flavor. The state’s population continues to grow larger and more eclectic by the day — and as a result, so too does its food scene.
Florida has always had a pretty impressive roster of iconic, staple dishes: stone crab, key-lime pie, fried gator. And perhaps most prolific among them is the Cuban sandwich — a delicacy that is, counterintuitively, native to Florida rather than Cuba. The riff on your classic ham and cheese has been popular since the mid 1800s, when they were crafted en masse to feed Cuban workers in Key West and Ybor City, Tampa — two of Florida’s largest Cuban immigrant communities. There are a number of variations, but the classic is a sub sandwich, grilled and stuffed with melted Swiss cheese, sliced ham, roast pork, mustard, and pickles.
All across the state, beloved old-school haunts sling authentic Cuban fare — like Versaille, a local institution since 1971 in Miami’s Little Havana. By day, La Ventanita, the restaurant’s narrow take-out window, serves charred guava pastelitos and cafecitos — a popular order amongst regular patrons. Come evening, the eccentric, 275-seat dining room fills instantly: While popular among tourists, the place remains a community gathering space — an “unofficial town square” — for Cuban immigrants. At the same time, Florida’s Cuban food scene is not stagnant. New, experimental kitchens are constantly looking for contemporary, innovative ways to build on classic Cuban flavors — like Finka, where the menu is derived from a mélange of Peruvian, Korean, and Cuban influences.
While Florida is indisputably Southern in the geographic sense, it may not be the first spot that comes to mind when you think of classic Southern eats. That said, chefs across the state are bringing culinary influence from their Southern hometowns, and in the process, rethinking what Southern cooking even means. First, consider Cask & Larder, labeled one of the “best new restaurants in America” upon opening in Winter Park. From husband and wife duo James and Julie Petrakis — the recipients of many a James Beard Award nomination — the restaurant slings updates on classic Southern fare with dishes like fresh Key West shrimp in a spiced pepper relish with stone-ground grits, or corn fritters served with smoked honey aioli and micro cilantro.
Following suit, Soco is yet another venue with a distinctly Southern accent. Located in Thornton Park, Orlando, the restaurant is helmed by exec chef Greg Richie, who cut his teeth cooking for two major celeb chefs, and here, serves dishes like chicken-fried cauliflower steak in vine-ripe tomato gravy, lobster dumplings with chicken breast and soy butter, and fried green tomatoes loaded with thin-cut country ham and drizzled in a horseradish remoulade.
This new wave of Floridian cooking is not all about the South, though. Miami in particular is also home to some wildly innovative, globally inspired, and locally sourced restaurants, like Ghee. Here, the creative Indian venue’s chef, NivenPatel, draws the majority of the menu’s ingredients from his own two-acre farm, Rancho Patel, located just south in the town of Homestead. “His Gujarati background penetrates through all of the flavors,” says Diana Garcia, the restaurant’s GM. “Dining here is sort of a culturally enriched experience.” From an open kitchen, the restaurant serves bold and eclectic dishes, utilizing the best of Florida’s local offerings — namely: Gulf Coast catch of the day, marinated in turmeric and served with coconut, fennel, and curry leaves.
Rooster & The Till, stationed in Tampa Heights, comes from another chef of note: Ferrell Alvarez, who was born to a Colombian immigrant father and a Long Island Italian mother — the influence of which can certainly be seen in his cooking. Alvarez was among 2017’s James Beard Foundation semi-finalists for Best Chef: South, and the restaurant itself has twice earned the top slot in the Tampa Bay Times’ restaurant rankings — along with the numerous mentions across notable food magazines highlighting the place for its innovative American cooking (think: foie gras with sous vide pear, house-made cashew butter, and local huckleberry).
Alvarez and his team are long-time local residents — and rather than adhere to long-standing culinary tradition, they’ve made it a priority to maintain a kitchen far more focused on evolving along with Florida’s population. “We love this city,” says Rooster & The Till general manager Myles Gallagher, “and we’re so proud of our growing neighborhood.” Within the past year, the team has opened two other Tampa spots: a sprawling, fast casual venue with shuffleboard courts and room for bocce ball called Nebraska Mini-Mart, and a take on the classic taqueria called Gallito. And Gallagher says he doesn’t expect that growth to stop anytime soon — as the state’s lively, varied population expands, the food scene does too.
Finally, beyond the influx of newer craft kitchens, the state is still home to a number of what you might call “classically Florida” venues: Unassuming, old-school seafood spots, all of which have been dishing out fresh fish to Floridians for several decades. You’ve got The Back Porch in Destin, Stewby’s Seafood Shanty in Fort Walton Beach, Schooners Seafood House in St. Augustine, and perhaps most notably, Miami Beach’s Joe’s Stone Crab — a legendary local crustacean institution since 1913. Your order here is obvious: stone crab. Native to the area, it will arrive alongside a wedge of lime, hash browns, and creamed spinach. Naturally, this will be the best stone crab you’ve ever had.
As with its population, there is no one thing — or person, for that matter — that defines the Florida food scene. “The culinary scene in Florida is a perfect representation of the people that are here,” says Bradley Kilgore, foreman at Kilgore Culinary Group, one of the largest and most notable dining groups in South Florida. “It’s eclectic and electric, there is so much going on. The rapid growth of our culinary scene reflects the growth of the state, which keeps our company inspired.”
It’s not theCuban sandwiches or the fresh fish or the swath ofold-school haunts that make Florida’s dining scene so unique. It’s not the new, exciting roster of experimental kitchens. Instead, it’s the compound of everything at once: the ever-changing, ever-growing amalgam of cultural influences and advancements blending together in service of some truly remarkable plates of food.
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Photo by Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Cheryl Horner McDonough wanted to make a different type of documentary about Parkland. Not one about the tragedy that transpired at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, on February 14, 2018, but a film focused on the young people and activism that grew out of it: the March for Our Lives movement. Inspired by how swiftly young people like Emma González and Jaclyn Corin moved to act after the shooting that took 17 lives in their high school, McDonough wanted to focus on the grassroots activism that emerged in the weeks after.
For her film Parkland Rising, McDonough, a two-time Emmy Award winner for MTV’s True Life series, tapped award-winning journalist Katie Couric and Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am as executive producers, and assembled a largely female team of editors and producers. Parkland Rising premiers at the Woodstock Film Festival on Friday, October 4, and there are more screenings in the works this weekend and later this fall.
Ahead, McDonough and Couric talk to Refinery29 about the inspirations and challenges of making Parkland Rising. (Also, watch an exclusive clip from the film below.)
What was your initial inspiration for this film?
Cheryl McDonough: “What motivated me to drop everything and create a documentary was witnessing the way these students and survivors responded after the tragedy. They responded immediately; they were out talking to the news media the next day. I thought they really got everyone’s attention and changed the conversation, and I wanted to spotlight what they were doing.”
Katie Couric: “Cheryl and I worked together on a National Geographic series called America Inside Out,and we were both so distraught when Parkland happened we wanted to figure out a way we could address the issue through chronicling the lives of these remarkable students. I care deeply about reducing gun violence in this country, probably because I’ve had to cover so many shootings throughout my career. Until we have more sensible gun laws, I will do what I can to contribute to the dialogue that should be going on.”
Cheryl, did you have an initial idea of what the direction of the project was before filming? Or was it more that it came together as you went along?
CM: “I always had an idea for what I wanted to do, and the purpose was to amplify the activists’ voices and to make sure their stories were being told long after the news crews had left. I know in a situation like this, you’re only going to get so many news hits for so long, and then the world moves on. But I wanted to be the first in and the last out, and to tell the bigger, deeper story. I also very much wanted it to be from the young people’s point of view. I listened to them, and let them say what they wanted to say. That’s what I’ve tried to do with every documentary I’ve made. I try to listen and let people tell their own stories.”
What about the timeline?
CM: “We started filming it about a week before the March for Our Lives in D.C., and ended at the midterm election. My assessment was that ending at the midterms was best. I remember watching the midterm results come in at a restaurant in Parkland with all of the founders of March for Our Lives — it was an incredible place to be. The last interview, with Jaclyn Corin, was the next day, and I thought that was a good way to bookend things.”
What do you think makes Parkland Rising different from other films and media coverage about this tragedy?
CM: “Two things differentiate it from anything else that’s been done: One, it focuses on the activism. The focus is not the tragedy itself; it’s the grassroots political movement led by teenagers that grew out of this. I hope that, ultimately, it’s inspiring and hopeful. Two, I’ve seen more Parkland-related stories than most people and I’ve never seen anything that covers this much of their story and journey, and includes the people that really started this — all of the cofounders of March for Our Lives working alongside the families of the victims, like Manuel and Patricia Oliver, the parents of Joaquin Oliver, and Fred Guttenberg, the father of Jaime Guttenberg.”
KC: “In this day and age, it’s very hard for people to really do a deep dive into important issues because the news cycle moves so quickly and right now, understandably, President Trump, the impeachment inquiry, and the Democratic candidates are sucking most of the oxygen out of the airwaves. This film takes people on a journey and helps them understand what it feels like to be on the inside of a movement, spawned by unimaginable tragedy and trauma. It takes time to unfold, and you can’t watch it without becoming emotionally invested.”
I wanted to be the first in and the last out, and to tell the bigger, deeper story.
cheryl mcdonough
What did you learn throughout the process? What were some of the biggest surprises as you worked on this?
CM: “One of the takeaways for me was that going to some of these events, these rallies, you start to see that the people who come out in favor of gun reform greatly outnumber the people on the other side of the argument. The people on the other side are very loud, intimidating, vocal, and sometimes carry guns — but they’re a small minority. That’s something I think people should know. It’s not 50-50.”
KC: “For me, it was the resilience and brilliance of these kids. They restored my faith in a generation that’s seen too much and isn’t willing to accept the status quo. And I think everyone will be surprised that despite the increase of mass shootings and everyday violence, committed citizens are doing the quiet, unglamorous work behind the scenes and changing the landscape.”
Cheryl, what was the biggest challenge of making this film?
CM: “There were a couple of challenging parts. One was, early on, trying to get access and differentiate ourselves, trying to get through to say we’re different and we’re going to be there in the end. Second, raising the money. With a film like this, it had to be completely independent for us to do it the right way. So there are zero corporate sponsors — this was all funded by individuals, families, and people who donated time or services or did things at a discounted rate to help. I think that because of that, I was able to make exactly the film I wanted to make without compromising the message to appease advertisers or corporate sponsors.”
Katie, what type of impact do you believe Parkland Rising will have on drawing awareness to the need for gun reform?
KC: “I think anytime you can immerse yourself in deeply personal experiences and be a fly on the wall, you can’t help but be moved and inspired, if you’re receptive and open-minded. That’s the tricky part, though: So many people have made up their minds about this issue. There are, however, a lot of folks who are fed up and feel like something has to be done. These are the people who need to take this issue even more seriously, by getting involved in organizations that are aligned with their views and supporting candidates who, if elected, will make this a top priority.”
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Every once in a while, a celebrity comes along who, well, doesn't really care about being a celebrity — so much so that the paparazzi only ever manage to catch them doing mundane errands around town, like getting groceries at Whole Foods or hiking at Runyon Canyon. Dakota Johnson is one perfect example.
Despite Johnson's low-key lifestyle, there still exists a level of fascination around the Suspiria actress; she recently, albeit temporarily, closed her tooth gap, and the reception could only be described as pure chaos. The only thing fans tend to fixate on more than Johnson's teeth and her all-but-confirmed relationship with Chris Martin is her tattoo collection.
Turns out, Johnson has at least 10 tattoos, most of which she's kept on the DL, incidentally adding to the intrigue. So, we decided to hunt down every single design — and their potential meanings.
“Acta Non Verba"
One of Johnson's most noticeable tattoos can be found on the inside of her left arm: "Acta Non Verba," a Latin phrase that means "Deeds Not Words." It's also the motto of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.Photo: Andreas Rentz/GC Images.
"Amor"
The majority of Johnson's tattoos are located on the back side of her body, including this neck tattoo that reads "amor" — or "love" in Spanish.Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images.
Birds
The trio of birds on the back of her right shoulder is one huge reason why the actress was covered in head-to-toe body makeup while filming her BDSM scenes in Fifty Shades Darker. We don't know why Johnson got this tattoo, but some fans think the bird motif is a tribute to her grandmother, Tippi Hedren, who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images.
"Look At The Moon"
Ariana Grande isn't the only celebrity with a starry tattoo on her foot — Johnson has one, too. A quote tattoo that reads "Look at the Moon" anchors the tinier designs around it.Photo: Juan Naharro Gimenez/WireImage.
Ear Tattoo
The thick ink is hard to decipher to the naked eye, but nonetheless, Johnson has an ear tattoo — and fans are still trying to figure out what it means.Photo: Alessio Botticelli/GC Images.
"Tender"
At some point in the last couple of years, Johnson added her favorite word, "tender," to her right arm. The fine-lined design is so faint, it's actually hard to notice.Photo: Dominique Charriau/Getty Images.
Flower
In 2017, Johnson added a flower tattoo to the outside of her right forearm. While the wilting daisy was created by L.A. tattoo artist Dr. Woo, it was inspired by Egon Schiele, the Austrian painter who was crucial to the Expressionist movement of the 20th century.Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty Images.
Lightly, My Darling
Johnson seems to have a thing for delicate tattoos, so it makes a lot of sense that, as a follow-up to her "tender" ink, she got "lightly, my darling" tattooed on her opposite arm soon after. The tattoo is a direct quote from Aldous Huxley's novel Island.Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis/Getty Images.
Infinity Symbol
Johnson and Martin never verbally confirmed their relationship, but when fans spotted matching tattoos — faint infinity symbols — below the stars' elbows, they knew this love was legit. Apparently, it's one both Johnson and Martin plan on lasting forever. Photo: Andrew Toth/Getty Images.
"I love you"
Not long after that couple tattoo was spotted, eagle-eyed fans caught a tiny "I love you" inked on the back of Johnson's right arm. Could it be another matching tattoo with Martin? We don't doubt it. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images.
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Do you have a bottle of Thayers Witch Hazel Toner in your bathroom cabinet? How about Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Soap? If so, you’re probably a Whole Foods shopper, which means you’re also well aware that the store’s personal care section carries everything you could need — and often with a certified-natural ingredient list.
Ready for the news? This weekend, to celebrate the start of fall, Whole Foods Market is dropping an unprecedented deal: A 25%-off discount on all beauty, bath, and body products, plus an additional 10% off for Amazon Prime members.
The big beauty sale kicks off today, October 4, and will last all weekend long, ending Sunday, October 6. There’s no special discount or promo code required to cash in, and the offer isn’t exclusive to the major metropolitan hubs either. Every Whole Foods Market store will be giving shoppers 25% off their beauty or personal-care purchase (plus an extra 10% off discount if you have a Prime account) — that includes the Whole Foods closest to your apartment, gym, or on your walk home from work.
Whether you’re making a trip specifically to save on your favorite soap, or you’re going to be grocery shopping anyways, this is the weekend to hit the Whole Foods beauty aisle — hard.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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When Ashton Kutcher told me to text him, I did. Last week, he tweeted the innocuous yet intriguing: “For truth text me,” followed by a phone number beginning with the area code 319, which a quick Google search told me belonged to Iowa City. Of one thing I was certain: Ashton was, to an extent I could not yet know, punking me. But I texted him anyway.
My “Hey Ashton what’s up” was met instantaneously with a link to a website called Community.com and the following autotext, apparently from Ashton himself: “Ashton here. This is an autotext to let you know I got your message, the rest will be from me. Click the link so I can respond to you. I likely can’t respond to everything but I’ll try to be in touch. Dream bigger.”
Despite my knowledge that this was, in fact, a ruse I should not fall for, in the name of celebrity gossip and Ashton’s directive to dream bigger, I did it, on the off chance I might learn Ashton’s side of the drama unearthed in his ex Demi Moore’s new memoir. (Kutcher’s open Twitter invitation to text him came only minutes after he subtweeted his ex-wife and alluded to snark he could have shared in response to her cheating allegations. So… the implication was that there was tea to be spilled. And I didn’t mind if my shirt got stained.
Unfortunately, I learned no tea, as evidenced by the pictured text exchange. Except now, my cell number is on a list on a website called Community, and now I have a contact in my phone named Ashton Kutcher that came auto-populated with a black-and-white headshot of Ashton for the contact photo.
Kutcher is no stranger to tweeting out his digits. He tweeted the same number for the first time in January, citing a desire for “real connection w/ real people,” as well as in July with the decree: “Just text me it’s easier.” Each time, fans were led to the same familiar Community link. Community’s website describes the platform as a place that “enables direct, meaningful communication between community leaders and their community members.” So in essence, it’s like a mailing list over text message, where celebrities can access and communicate with their fanbases through SMS instead of email. And Kutcher has skin in the game — he and his venture capital partner Guy Oseary apparently helped launch Community in 2018.
Since Kutcher, tons of other celebs have jumped on the bandwagon, including Jennifer Lopez and Kerry Washington. Lopez recently used the tool in promotion of her new film Hustlers, and Washington encouraged fans to text her with questions for her to ask Gwyneth Paltrow on Paltrow’s Goop podcast. I texted her to no avail — it appears I missed the short window of time where she was taking questions.
Yesterday, Diddy entered the Community universe with the simple tweet: “Hey. Text me.” In response to a fan who sent him the incredulous, “This can’t be Diddy,” Diddy replied with the most iconic response he could have possibly send. And there’s proof that it was, in fact, he who wielded the proverbial pen.
As depicted in this video shared to Twitter, he dictated into his phone the following to said fan: “This is Diddy, this is me. You know, a.k.a Love. I hope you’re having a beautiful day. Stay tuned, I’m gonna be sending you a lot of special content to inspire you, to uplift you. I’m gonna be sending you information that the government doesn’t want you to know. I’m gonna start leaking government files that we need to know as a people. Okay? Stay tuned.”
Whether Diddy was joking about the government stuff is unclear — his countenance in the video betrays no trace of laughter. But at least let this be confirmation that sometimes on the other end of the Community number it isn’t just a chatbot — sometimes, there’s an actual celebrity standing in their master bathroom talking into their phone.
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