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.
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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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Within just three minutes of using ChatGPT as a therapist, it had told me to “go low or no contact” with my family. This is something a real therapist might suggest where appropriate after multiple sessions. That should scare us.
In a new Harvard Business Review report into how we’re using AI today, therapy and companionship came out top. Last year, these things ranked second, and now firmly in first place, they’re joined by “organizing my life” and “finding purpose” in second and third place respectively. Where content creation and research used to feature heavily near the top, those uses of AI have dropped in favor of emotional uses. We’re turning to AI as if it were a friend, confidant or trained professional with our best interests at heart. The BBC has reported on this trend in China specifically, where people use DeepSeek for therapy and get to see the AI’s “thought process” as well as the response. But AI being used in place of healthcare professionals is happening worldwide. When therapy can typically cost $100-$200 for one session in the UK, and ChatGPT can be accessed day or night for free, it’s no wonder the draw of that is strong.
As a journalist, I never think to use ChatGPT. It’s like turning up to the house of someone that has promised to shoot me one day. This is unlike my friends in science or data based jobs, who use it for everything, in place of Google or to help plan their holiday itineraries. Having witnessed them do this multiple times, I’ve come to realise my resistance to AI isn’t the norm. And so it won’t come as a surprise that I’ve never used AI as a therapist, though I have done actual therapy in the past.
With a quick scroll on TikTok, I can see ChatGPT therapy is popular and a frequent resource for people. Especially young people who predominantly use the app, who might have less disposable income. There are videos with people joking about their AI “therapists”, through to comments giving advice on how to get your ChatGPT voice to become more personal. Lee (surname withheld), 42, from Texas, has been using AI in place of therapy for the last eight months, ever since dating again after a six year hiatus. “I was confused when some old thought patterns started popping up [as I began dating]. I’d already used ChatGPT for other things and decided to run some problems by him that I was having in dating and family life,” Lee says. “Him”, because Lee’s ChatGPT calls itself Alex and says he’s a feminist. “I found it very helpful and cannot think of any instances where it fell short — if anything it exceeded my expectations.” Lee has even made “progress” in her boundaries regarding a particular family dynamic. Previously, Lee had spent anything from $60 to $150 per appointment on therapy, but at the time she felt she could benefit from it again (and started using ChatGPT), she didn’t have access to healthcare so that wasn’t a viable option.
While there’s concern about the efficacy of AI in place of therapy (more on that later), we can’t overlook where people feel it has helped them, people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford and access therapy. Lee has a glowing review of her experience so far. “I have never had a therapist know me as well as ChatGPT does,” she says. “Alex is always available, doesn’t flinch at the hard stuff, and has actually been more consistent than some therapists I’ve seen. Therapists are trained, but they’re still human, and if they haven’t lived anything close to what you’ve been through, it can feel like something is missing in the room.”
However, AI, though it isn’t human, has learned from humans — and it hasn’t lived. In fact, research shows, and spokespeople have said on the record, that AI can tell you what you want to hear and end up mirroring your own opinions. There have even been cases where AI has been linked to deteriorating a person’s mental health, with one mum convinced it contributed to her son’s suicide. More recently, theNew York Times reported on how AI chatbots were causing users to go down “conspiratorial rabbit holes”. To get a sense of what Lee and the plenty of other people turning to AI for mental health support are experiencing, I started speaking to ChatGPT to see how it would respond to questions around anxiety and family dilemmas.
The first thing that struck me was how quickly you can be inundated with information — information that it would take several weeks of therapy to receive. While ChatGPT did tell me it wasn’t a licensed therapist and that if I’m in crisis I should seek out a mental health professional, in the same breath it reassured me that it can “definitely provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to talk through things”. It also said it could offer CBT-based support, which in the UK is the bog standard form of therapy people get when they go to the GP. I was pretty surprised to then see, within a few minutes of using the chat, that it offered to help me work through “deeper issues happening since childhood”. I had asked hypothetical questions to see its response, some of which centred on family. A CBT practitioner will often tell you this form of therapy isn’t the best suited to deep work (I know, because I’ve been told this first-hand numerous times, and the therapists I’ve interviewed for this piece agree), because CBT typically isn’t designed for long-term deep unpicking. A lengthier, costlier form of therapy is better suited, and with good reason.
And yet, ChatGPT was up for the challenge. Caroline Plumer, a psychotherapist and founder of CPPC London, took a look at my conversation with AI and found parts of it “alarming”. “There’s definitely information in here that I agree with,” she says, “such as boundary setting not being about controlling others behavior. Overall, though, the suggestions feel very heavy-handed, and the system seems to have immediately categorised you, the user, as ‘the good guy’ and your family as ‘the bad guys.’ Oftentimes with clients there is a need to challenge and explore how they themselves may also be contributing to the issue.” Plumer adds that when exploring dysfunctional family issues, it can take “weeks, months, or even years of work” — not, a matter of minutes. She also thinks, getting all of this information in one go, could be overwhelming for someone. Even if it’s seemingly more economic, a person might not be able to handle all of the suggestions let alone process and action them, when they’re given at rapid fire speed. Plumer says it isn’t helpful having an abundance of generic suggestions that aren’t truly accounting for nuance or individuality. At least, not in the same way a therapist you’d see over a period of time can do. On top of this, the environmental impact of AI is huge. “I appreciate that lots of people don’t have the privilege of having access to therapy. However, if someone is really struggling with their mental health, this might well be enough to set them off down an even more detrimental and potentially destructive path.”
Liz Kelly, psychotherapist and author of This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy, thinks the suggestion I consider low or no contact with certain family members is reflective of how commonly discussed cutting people off now is, almost as if ChatGPT is playing on social media buzzwords. This worries her, too. “You could potentially make a hasty, reactive decision that would be difficult to undo later,” Kelly says, citing the role of the therapist to help someone emotionally regulate themselves before making any big decisions. When it’s just you and a laptop at home, no one is checking in on that.
“I certainly wouldn’t jump straight to these suggestions after one short snippet of information from the client,” is Plumer’s conclusion after reading my transcript with AI. “Ideally you want to help a client to feel supported and empowered to make healthier decisions for themselves, rather than making very directive suggestions.” Kelly feels that while some helpful information and advice was provided, the insight was lacking. “As a therapist, I can ask questions that my clients haven’t thought of, challenge them to consider new perspectives, help connect the dots between their past and present, assist them in gaining insight into their experiences, and support them in turning insight into action. I can assess which therapeutic interventions are most suitable for my clients, taking into account their individual histories, needs, and circumstances. A therapeutic modality that works for one client may be entirely inappropriate for another.”
While AI can “learn” more about you the more you speak to it, it isn’t a replacement for therapy. But at the same time, in this financial climate, people clearly are going to keep turning to it — and you’re going to need greater discernment on where to take and leave the advice if you do.
Refinery29 reached out to OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT, and they declined to comment.
Alternatives to private therapy:
– Look up your local charities and organisations, as you may be able to access support there. – Group therapy can be much lower in cost, or even offered for free within community programmes. – Ask therapists if they offer lower rates. Some will reduce their rate significantly for people on low incomes, even if they don’t advertise it. – Use free support lines if you’re in crisis, such as Lifeline on 988.
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I won’t pretend sorbet nails are a brand-new trend for summer 2025. Let’s be real — they look a lot like the pastel manicures that pop up every year at this time. But while they’re not exactly groundbreaking, there’s no denying that the biggest nail artists are obsessed with them right now. From Iram Shelton’s shimmering strawberry manicure to Harriet Westmoreland’s mint sorbet French tips, sorbet nails provide a cool pop of color among the wave of neutral princess nails and milky manicures.
For the skeptics amongst us, there is a subtle difference between this year’s sorbet nails and more traditional pastels: “Though they’re in the same family of soft tones, sorbet shades are slightly more vibrant versions of pastel colors,” explains session manicurist Ami Streets. “Inspired by their namesake edible summer treat, they’re even brighter and juicier, often with a sheer or jelly-like finish that gives a gorgeously glossy and playful vibe.” Think of fruity hues inspired by your favorite ice cream flavors, such as banana, peach, strawberry, or pistachio, if you’re unsure where to start.
Streets points out that sorbet shades lend themselves beautifully to summer nail art looks. “Soft ombré gradients in sorbet colors are a dreamy nail look for summer. Effortlessly blending shades like pinks and peaches, for example, creates a sun-kissed effect that feels light, airy, and totally on-trend,” says Streets. Additionally, for minimalists, French tips, half-moon manis, and simple, dainty dot designs are a great way to wear sorbet hues more subtly.
Scroll ahead for some of our favorite sorbet nail looks to inspire your colorful summer manicures.
We’re with this sheer and shimmery delight created by nail artist Iram Shelton, and will be rushing to recreate this combination of soft sparkling base and juicy pink ombré.
Streets pointed to pale yellow being one of the “huge breakout sorbet hues for spring”, and this monochromatic look created by @kkdnails proves that it isn’t going anywhere for summer. Try Essie Nail Polish in All Fun & Games, $10, for a similar buttery lemon hue.
A rainy Sunday in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene Park looked like a scene from an early 2000s Black film. Hundreds danced and sang along to Carl Thomas’ “Summer Rain” under delicate showers, seemingly without a care in the world. It felt like community, freedom and joy.
This was a scene from The Lay Out’s 2025 Juneteenth celebration. Despite the gloomy weather, thousands of attendees gathered to enjoy the sixth annual event, which included Black-owned vendors, tennis clinics, double dutching, giveaways from Fenty Skin and the Brooklyn Nets. There was also a special appearance by the Liberty mascot and turn-up queen herself, Ellie the Elephant.
“I’ve been coming to The Lay Out since 2020 when there were like 40 or 50 of us,” said Tulani Foy, 37. “It was during the pandemic, but it was a way for all of us to be among each other, and I think the spirit of that is still the same. It’s raining, we’re still out here, and I just appreciate that we’re all in our most expressive way here. It’s a powerful event to come back to.”
Though Juneteenth became an official federal holiday in 2021, it was first celebrated in Galveston, Texas, in 1865—when the last enslaved Black people learned they were free. The news was delivered by Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops, who spread the word until all Black people knew about the Emancipation Proclamation, which President Abraham Lincoln had signed about two and a half years earlier. Today, Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, has grown far beyond Texas, becoming a national symbol of freedom, reflection and celebration.
The Lay Out founder, Emily Anadu, honors the holiday by throwing a free celebration for Black New Yorkers. The event has attracted thousands of attendees since it first began. But Anadu wants you to know: this isn’t just a party in the park. Their mission is bigger than that.
“It’s about creating an intergenerational space for Black joy,” Anadu said during a Zoom interview. “We are about centering Black joy at the intersection of Black expression, our right to be, our right to do, to double dutch, braid hair. Like we can be proud about who we are and what we do and the cooperative economics of it.”
Anadu officially founded The Lay Out in June 2020 amid the pandemic and the collective mourning and outrage over the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others. In the midst of protests, citywide curfews and rising anxieties, Anadu — who would often stay behind to clean up after protests — wanted to bring a sense of community back to her neighborhood. Along with co-founders Manushka Magloire, Cyrus Aaron, Briyonah Mcclain and Michael Oloyede, Anadu did just that.
Attended by creatives, engineers, doctors, nurses, businesspeople, children, babies, and everybody in between, their Juneteenth event has become a homecoming and annual sanctuary—a placewhere people can reconnect and feel at ease. Whether folks choose to be by the DJ booth dancing, on the grass playing games or chilling along the perimeter of the park, just enjoying the day, it’s become a space for Black people to just be.
Acclaimed artist Derrick Adams told Anadu the event feels like his “paintings in motion” because, like his work, The Lay Out reflects “the Black body at rest and the Black body at joy.”
Six years later, though the mission to cultivate Black joy is still the same, there’s another urgent priority for Anadu: to sustain.
“Now my mission is about holding on to what it is, as much is about what happens in the moment,” Anadu said. “I spend a lot of time now just trying to hold on and the delicate balance of welcoming new people in, but also letting people understand, like, we kind of got a thing going here.”
A very real anxiety exists for Black New Yorkers right now as community staples disappeared left and right in recent years, including Bed-Vyne Brew, Lovers Rock and Ode to Babel. Gentrification and rising property costs have made it hard for businesses that center on Black communities to survive. Not to mention, beyond economics, increasing restrictions on public social gatherings, overbearing police presence at community events and social media virality culture have made it harder for free, Black-run events to gain traction in Brooklyn.
Anadu felt those anxieties and pressures in the days leading up to Sunday. She notes that, contrary to what people may see with the brand collaborations and production, she doesn’t make much off of the events. The former marketing director says it takes tens of thousands of dollars to pull off an event like this, and much of the budget goes towards cleanup.
“Coming out of the pandemic, when a lot of things died, to be here, celebrating this for the sixth time, it takes a lot,” she said. “It takes honoring the community and making sure that The Lay Out is about our right to gather and to take up space. One woman described in one of our recap videos black people doing black things without judgment, without our bodies being policed, without any of that. And that hasn’t happened by accident.”
The Lay Out is a reminder that building community doesn’t just happen. It takes care, consistency and intention. It takes people willing to listen, give back, and take care of each other, including the spaces we occupy. Because of the work organizers have put in, The Lay Out has been able to host programming that feeds those in need, brings visibility to Black-owned businesses, and makes Black presence visible in spaces where we’re often left out. They’ve even sparked a few love stories and helped two couples get engaged.
Anadu said she has no intention of stopping anytime soon.
“I want people to feel entitled to joy,” she declared.”It is our inalienable right to happiness with the pursuit of happiness, the pursuit of joy. And I truly believe that for us. I wouldn’t put what I put into it — time, space, emotional, physical — if I didn’t truly believe in our right to the pursuit of joy. I just want all of us to be supportive of that.”
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When beauty influencer Darcei Giles first tried a popular cushion foundation by Korean makeup brand TirTir, she knew it was not going to match her skin tone — but that was the point. The Toronto-based creative is known for her social media series, ‘Black Girl Tries’, where she attempts makeup styles, techniques, and products that aren’t typically associated with Black women — from “goth” makeup to K-pop idols. “I made a video of myself being like, ‘Hey, this is an awesome foundation, the coverage is beautiful and I love it, but it doesn’t come in my shade,” she tells Unbothered over Zoom. Giles, who has a keen interest in Korean culture, says the video led to TirTir creating more foundation shades, going from nine to 40 shades last year. TirTir now offers one of the widest shade ranges among K-beauty makeup brands available in the US. Now, Miss Darcei has finished working with another K-beauty brand, Parnell, on an inclusive 40-shade range for its new Cicamanu Serum Foundation — a move that not only reflects her growing influence but also the undeniable spending power of Black beauty consumers in the West.
It’s an exciting development, especially as K-beauty — skincare and makeup products made and innovated in South Korea — continues to leave a huge impression on Western beauty trends and self-care. Known for its innovation and effectiveness, it’s now a multi-billion-dollar import in the US, and a fast-growing market in the UK. And chances are, you’ve learned to speak the language of K-beauty over the last few years (from snail mucin serums to fermented rice water toners). Yet, while its skincare products have enjoyed mass appeal, Korean makeup brands such as Laneige aren’t known for catering to a wide spectrum of dark skin tones — something other major cosmetic brands have significantly improved over the last decade. For those of us with darker skin, many have asked: “Is Korean makeup for me?” Darcei has been helping to answer that question. Unbothered spoke to Darcei about why she’s encouraging more K-beauty makeup brands to cater to darker-skinned customers internationally (despite some backlash) and helping all women of color feel seen in the skincare and makeup aisle.
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UB: Hey, Darcei! You are known for your YouTube series ‘Black Girl Tries’. What got you interested in the world of K-beauty? And how did it become part of your channel?
Darcei Giles: I had always been into Korean culture since I was a kid, even before YouTube, and I was only into K-pop and K-dramas. I wasn’t even thinking about makeup at all. Once I started getting into American-style makeup, I began to discover that there were American beauty gurus and also Korean beauty gurus.
[When I watched] the Korean beauty gurus, I was like, Oh, that’s so pretty, but you know, it wouldn’t look good on me. Then, eventually, during that time, a trend came around where we would try the makeup routine of another creator. I thought it would be hilarious if I followed the makeup tutorial of someone who did not look like me at all. I thought, Oh my god, this is going to look so terrible and stupid at the end. SoI started following the makeup tutorials of Korean beauty influencers, and then, to my surprise, a lot of the stuff turned out pretty good. It became a popular series on my channel of me trying the opposite of what you think someone who looks like me would try. It turned into the ‘Black Girl Tries’ series.
Why is K-beauty so appealing for Black beauty lovers right now, especially when we don’t necessarily see ourselves in the marketing?
DG: Beauty is universal. A good glittery eye and a glossy lip — everybody can wear that. I feel like now people are also recognizing that not only is Korean beauty really good, the quality is really good, but it’s also a lot more affordable than the brands that we’re used to. [Korean makeup artists] have different ways of applying makeup, different styles, and it’s this novelty of trying something you’ve never seen before. I also feel like [the makeup] fits Black people’s features a lot better. We have a lot of features in common with Asian people.
[Because of my channel], I have found this community of young Black girls. I get messages all the time from Black girls telling me, “Oh, I was afraid to try this type of makeup or this certain style until I saw you try it.” I couldn’t believe it because growing up, I was the only person who was into any of the stuff I was into. Like no one had even heard of what a K-drama was, what K-pop is, they’d never heard of that. Now I have found this online community of millions of people who are interested in the same thing that I am.
You’ve been instrumental in advocating for expanded shade ranges in Korean makeup products. What made you want to call out the lack of shade diversity in these products?
DG: It started back on YouTube when I started doing the Black Girl Tries series in 2018. Even back then, I was trying a lot of K-beauty brands, and some of them started to make dark shades, so I would try them out. But I started to notice a pattern. Every single time a Korean brand would come out with darker shades, they would get discontinued because they didn’t know how to market to people who have darker skin. And so people with darker skin didn’t know that it existed, or even if they did, they didn’t think that the brand was really for them. Eventually, the shades would always get discontinued, and it was really frustrating. Then COVID happened, and all of those brands completely disappeared from the market. Everything changed. So it’s only now that they’re all coming back.
This led to you making your now viral video with the brand TirTir, right?
DG: Yes, so the makeup brand TirTir only had nine shades at the time, which is actually a lot for a K-beauty brand — the standard is like three. I was invited to an event by a local store in Toronto, and everybody at the event was getting the nine shades of the TirTir except for me because it didn’t come in my shade. But I was like, “Can I just have it anyway?” I get home and I try it [and I made a video of me] being like, “Hey, this is a really awesome foundation, the coverage is beautiful, it’s like a satin finish, and I love it, but it doesn’t come in my shade”. So I said, “If you guys ever expand [your shade ranges], call me.” The brand actually did contact me, and they came out with 20 shades, which was like unheard of for a Korean makeup brand. That 20th shade was my shade. Now they have 40 shades.
You recently worked with another Korean makeup brand, Parnell, to help formulate darker shades for its foundation range. Why do you think K-beauty brands are choosing to diversify shade ranges now?
DG: Parnell initially put out 30 shades, and even the darkest of the 30 shades was not dark enough for me. So I made a video saying, “There are 30 shades, but none of them are dark, and so they can contact me.” They were like, “Can you help us make 10 more dark shades?” And that’s exactly what we did. It’s important to have people like me who can come in and consult on the shades and make sure that we’re getting the right undertones and trying it on actual people. That’s what I found with working with Korean brands. It’s never a thing where they don’t want to [expand their shade ranges].
Is it true you went to Seoul, Korea, to help Parnell formulate darker shades? What goes into making sure that this is an inclusive product?
DG: I was very picky with the undertones, and it took maybe like four or five months of back and forth. I didn’t go to Korea every time. [Parnell] would like to send them to me in Canada, and I would take pictures and give my notes, and then send them back. At the end of it, it turned out so amazing. The photoshoot was great. We had diverse models showing off all of the different foundations. We had an event with a lot of foreign creators who live in Korea, because I feel like people don’t know that there are a lot of foreigners in Korea. The Parnell foundation is very glowy and moisturizing, and that’s really what I like in my everyday kind of foundation. I’m excited for everybody to try it out.
There have been a lot of conversations about whether Korean brands need to be shade-inclusive, as it’s largely a monoracial society. What is your usual response to this comment online?
DG: My usual response is that, especially for the Parnell foundations, the expanded shades are actually only available in the US. They’re not even available in Korea. This was a US expansion. Like a lot of Korean brands, they would love to expand internationally, to come over to the US. It’s that a lot of them simply don’t know how.
Because it is such a monoracial society, it’s difficult to find people to try on the makeup when the brand is formulating it — it’s a lot different trying it on a white piece of paper than it is trying it on an actual human being. They don’t have the kind of resources that they would have in the US, where it’s extremely diverse.
There are some different needs when it comes to makeup for darker skin tones as opposed to lighter skin. What was it like having those conversations with Korean brands? Were there any missing nuances?
DG: Oh, for sure. [Expanding shade ranges] is not simply about making an existing foundation darker. I feel like [our needs] are almost the opposite of what people in Korea like. For example, some people in Korea may like a shade or two lighter for their foundations, whereas we want the perfect match. We want it to look exactly like our skin. We also have different undertones. We’re not all golden; we’re not all neutral; we’re not all cool-toned. I find that a lot of Korean foundations run a little bit pink. I think it’s because it has a brightening effect on lighter skin tones, but on us it ends up looking like Peppa Pig!
How do you envision the future of K-beauty in the global market, especially in terms of its impact on beauty standards and trends?
DG: I think a lot of people still feel like they have to stay inside a certain box of who they’re supposed to be, like they can’t step outside of it. But I hope we’re moving toward a future where everyone feels free to enjoy whatever they want. At the end of the day, it’s just makeup. There shouldn’t be all these rigid rules about who gets to use what.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published on Unbothered UK
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It can be easy to fall into a fashion rut in the spring when April (and May) Showers make it wet and dreary outside — practical rain gear typically takes precedence over chic looks, after all. But that’s not the case once summer rears its head. Sure, we’ll still have the occasional thunderstorm, but the sunny, warm forecast makes outfit planning much more enjoyable. As such, it’s time to recharge your fashion batteries and feel inspired again. Luckily, the runways provided no shortage of summer 2025 trends to try over the next three months — and beyond.
And if you can’t resist partaking in a viral internet trend, you’ll have several aesthetics to pick from this season too. For instance, the fisherman look — striped shirts, boat shoes, and bucket hats à la Nancy Meyers — reigned at shows like Sacai and Miu Miu. Now, the nautical style is gaining momentum off the runway, with indie brands such as Everlane and STAUD releasing beachy ready-to-wear and accessories. Meanwhile, the boho revival is maintaining its grip on the masses this summer, thanks in part to Chloé’s creative director, Chemena Kamali, who has championed the look since taking the helm in 2023. The gauzy sheer dresses from the fashion house’s latest collection are sure to come out to play this season. From sequins to gingham, green and athletic-leaning styles, there are plenty of new trends that will be hard to unsee (and shop for) once you notice them.
Scroll below for a rundown of the summer trends ruling the style scene, as well as corresponding pieces to add to your warm weather rotation.
Summer 2025 Trend: Shine Bright
Sequins are no longer reserved for festive holiday parties or lavish nights out. This season, designers encourage you to incorporate sparkly looks into your everyday wardrobe. Prada, for instance, styled a shimmering silver gown underneath a bright yellow raincoat — because why not look fabulous in a storm? Sandy Liang, on the other hand, debuted a mini dress with a silver sequin top and lace sleeves, offering up something unexpected to wear to your next Saturday brunch. It may seem extravagant to dazzle in the daylight, but as shown by these heavy-hitters, there’s no reason you can’t.
Summer 2025 Trend: Boho Babe
Sienna Miller, Kate Moss…you know where we’re going with this. These two early aughts fashion icons embody the modern-day blueprint for the free-spirited look. In 2025, the eclectic aesthetic has been reimagined through a luxury lens. On the aforementioned Chloé runway, romantic lace frocks, billowy separates, and long pendant necklaces arrived in droves. Over at Isabel Marant, Glastonbury-ready fringe dresses, tops, and mini skirts effortlessly swished back and forth down the catwalk. You needn’t be at a musical festival to dabble in the trend, though; a sultry see-through or dreamy layered look are essentials for an evening out.
Summer 2025 Trend: Spot On
Designers have spoken: Polka dots are summer’s It print. Toeing the line between timeless and trendy, the pattern was out in full force on the runways. At Carolina Herrera, looks were splashed with the pattern in classic black-and-white, appearing in the form of matching sets, crochet dresses, pumps, and more. (Side note: Did you catch Meghann Fahy wearing one of the label’s older polka dot gowns in Netflix’s new hit series Sirens?) Acne Studios made the case for marrying a form-fitting spotted tee with wide-leg denim jeans or shorts. In the wise words of Hannah Montana: “Pop it, lock it, polka dot it.”
Summer 2025 Trend: Fisherman Core
Nautical, fisherman, coastal chic — whatever you like to call the aesthetic, there’s no denying it’s at the forefront of fashion this summer. The sea-inspired trend began brewing on the spring 2024 catwalks, primarily at Miu Miu (hello, boat shoes), and has now migrated to our social media feeds. In fact, we have a sneaking suspicion that not a day goes by without scrolling past a fashion person showing off their fisherman sandals or seashell jewelry. For a runway styling approach, take cues from Sacai and wear your Breton stripes alongside tailored white trousers.
Summer 2025 Trend: Sporty Spice
The industry’s love for athleisure is unwavering. Case in point: Technical yet elevated outerwear popped up at Miu Miu (by way of blouson jackets) and Rabanne (windbreakers). The shows also ushered in a new crop of luxe sweatpants, such as the roomy drawstring pairs at Tory Burch, which were rolled up and layered atop equally cute one-piece swimsuits. Any way you slice it, chic activewear is coming for your summer wardrobe.
Summer 2025 Trend: Green With Envy
Brat summer may be in the rearview mirror, but designers are keeping the green trend alive and well this year. And not just the Nickelodeon slime-esque hue Charli XCX became synonymous with — other shades, such as emerald, pistachio, and olive, got the runway stamp of approval, seen at the likes of Victoria Beckham, Valentino, and Gucci, among many more. Sorry, butter yellow, you have some competition.
Summer 2025 Trend: Mad For Plaid
You probably reach for your plaid looks ad nauseam during the fall. This year, however, designers want you to pull the classic pieces out a bit earlier. Acne Studios went all in on the pattern, styling a button-down shirt with a bubble skirt in a contrasting plaid print. Kallmeyer debuted a flirty checkered tank top alongside understated black trousers. Consider this the perfect between-seasons trend to tap into when early September rolls around.
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This is summer, where the sun rises earlier and sets later, lighting us up with hope. The Summer Solstice, which commences on June 20th at 10:42 p.m. EST, symbolizes the sun’s and Mother Earth’s mighty force. Now is a time for us to honor the natural rhythms of the universe by setting intentions and manifesting our future under its brilliance. Use the longest day of the year to connect with your inner self and those you love.
Simultaneously, Cancer season begins, allowing us to give a little tenderness to ourselves and others. Splash around and do the crab dance to create memories, and have fun.
Read your horoscopes below to find out what the Summer Solstice will bring for you.
Aries
Home is where your heart is, so treat your dwelling with TLC. Bring greenery into your house and make sure you cleanse its surroundings. Refreshing its aura will give your property the seasonal pick-me-up it needs. You might spruce up the color palette with vibrant dishes that radiate positivity. A little effort goes a long way. You will appreciate the enhancements and changes you make.
Taurus
Dust off your sandals and wear them to a social gathering that’s been on your radar for weeks. You’ll have a lot of pleasure bonding with your squad and building connections with their guests. With your network evolving, you will feel as though you’re on top of the world, which you are. This is the beginning of a new era, so you should enjoy it.
Gemini
The best things in life are free, but that does not mean you can’t benefit from a financial glow-up. With some Summer Solstice magic, you can increase funds from your job or side hustle. Try to save your pennies for the future because you never know when the financial cushion will come in handy (or when you will want an impromptu trip to the mall).
Cancer
You’ve been playing second fiddle to your besties and brood (or at least feeling that way, even if you’re not articulating it). This is your time to shine and sparkle. Make it your birthday goal to break out from the shadows of the moon and let the exuberant sun illuminate your amazing attributes. You are an inspirational crab worthy of awesomeness. Go get ’em!
Leo
With Leo season starting soon, you might take a backseat from the Solstice events and parties by staying home. You’ll find that decompressing and unwinding with a mocktail in hand and mask on your face is the reviver you need. Sleeping in over the weekend is another must to restore your energy levels. You’ll be ready to celebrate your solar return next month.
Virgo
You’ve gotta give to get back to the good. Think of this as a turning point that pushes you to level up and become more active in your local community. Spend a few hours with your neighbors channeling your energy and time in a humanitarian endeavor. This work will be emotionally fulfilling and bring new friends into your life who share similar interests.
Libra
Your career is getting more interesting, now that exciting opportunities are coming. Whatever you do, accept the assignments from your boss or client because it’ll lead to other projects. You could receive a promotion, so be prepared for a great chance that will bring momentum to the vocational growth you’re going through. The best is yet to come when it comes to your professional winning streak.
Scorpio
Some of your best moments and ideas come when you’re in a place that heartens your visions. Exploration and adventure are two forces that can change your mindset and your motivation. Elude the mundane and head to the beach or the countryside: your mind will be energized and you will buzz with ideas. The vacation will be the most rewarding part of the summer. Plan your escape, Scorpio!
Sagittarius
Usually, you lead with intellect. Your intuition is ramped up, making it easier than ever to trust your gut. You’ll be able to get down to the bottom of anything thrown your way and survive the local gossip grapevine by taking stock of your vibes. You might want to journal your dreams because insights will be relevant to you.
Capricorn
Let love in this summer. A crush or significant other is pledging their loyalty to you. Their words are full of kindness, allowing you to change your relationship status and recommit to them. Don’t get so caught up in the romantic affair that you lose track of other obligations. Keep one foot on the ground while you get lost in the clouds.
Aquarius
Last year, you spent the summer trying to mend friendships. This time, you’re basking in the optimism of knowing you’re in a wonderful place with those you care about. Rather than dwell on the past, relish in understanding how far you’ve come and that you’re the water-bearer who is vital to the scene — proving you will have a thrilling season and you’ll be extremely popular.
Pisces
Creativity is a gift that you’re lucky to have. You will be surprised how much artistry you’re able to bring to the table during the first days of summer, due the Solstice, and then in the upcoming months. The cosmos is highlighting your talents, which is why you’re seeing major shifts in your work. Embrace the current flow and allow it to motivate you towards excellence.
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Crochet dresses are one of summer’s key staples — right alongside breezy linen and lightweight cotton dresses, matching sets, and the kinds of easy pieces you’ll reach for on repeat. This season, they feel especially fresh thanks to updated takes that span from open-knit minimalist styles to colorful, embroidered designs and classic swimsuit coverups.
Designers have leaned into both playful and pared-back interpretations — from fisherman-inspired netting to checkerboards and artisanal, hand-knit textures that feel more refined than retro. Whether you’re channeling a coastal European summer vibe (think a headscarf, raffia bag, and sunglasses) or styling for city life, these dresses deliver.
Toss one on with sneakers for weekend errands or sightseeing, ordress it up with thong kitten heels or your go-to sandals. Whether you’re headed to a party, a picnic, or on vacation, the crochet dress belongs in your warm-weather rotation. Ahead, some of our favorites.
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Crochet Mini Dresses
Crochet minis are the definition of throw-on-and-go. Their lightweight feel and shorter hemlines make them ideal for hot days, while the textured finish adds polish. From beach plans to casual nights out, these styles bring personality and playful energy to your warm-weather lineup — and make a strong case for showing some leg.
Crochet Midi Dresses
The midi is a summer go-to for a reason — long enough to feel styled, breathable enough to keep cool. Crochet adds a tactile feel to this universally flattering length, making it perfect for everything from weekend hangs to backyard parties. Wear it with ballet flats for an easy, French-inspired look, or layer it with a lightweight blazer if you’re navigating the office-to-outdoor balance.
Crochet Maxi Dresses
If you’re leaning into the fisherman aesthetic or European summer vibe, the maxi is your hero piece. These longer silhouettes feel relaxed yet directional — ideal for beach days, travel, or just catching a breeze on a hot city afternoon. Pair with heeled flip-flops, stacked jewelry, and sunglasses for an unfussy finish that still makes an impact.
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Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun.
When cosmetic scientist Dr. Julian Sass first tested Tower 28’s new SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Sunscreen on camera, his disappointment was obvious. Despite the “no white cast” claim prominently displayed on the PR packaging, the sunscreen left a visible gray tinge on his skin.
“Marketing this as a no white cast sunscreen in 2025? It just makes me feel so undervalued as a consumer,” Dr. Sass said in the clip. “What frustrates me is that some Black girl is gonna see the advertising about this product and think, Oh my god, they said it had no white cast. And then they’re going to end up looking like this.”
Dr. Sass’s video, now at 54.3K views and climbing, sparked further debate after he highlighted that the marketing materials showed people applying too little sunscreen — a misleading move that compromises both transparency and safety.
Tower 28 founder Amy Liu responded on Instagram, acknowledging they “missed the mark” despite extensive testing. As a result, Liu promised to remove the “no white cast” and “universal tint” claims, standardize their testing process, and develop a new version of the sunscreen for deeper skin tones. This was welcome news to Tower 28 fans, but the brand isn’t alone in making contested “no white cast” statements. In addition to Dr. Sass, other skincare experts and beauty content creators have increasingly called out claims of invisibility that don’t match reality.
Entire groups of people are excluded from sun protection options because brands don’t think it’s profitable to include us.
Cosmetic chemist Milan Scott
Dija Ayodele, an esthetician and founder of the Black Skin Directory, recently tried Merit’s The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, which left her looking “dull and gray” despite the brand’s “zero white cast” promise. “When I first received the press release, I asked to see evidence of the product on Black skin,” Ayodele tells Refinery29. She says the PR company sent her a video of a Black employee using the product, along with information about the brand’s formulation process and challenges. Ayodele accepted the PR package based on this response. “But if I’d bought that sunscreen, I would be quite cross,” she continues. Adding, “While it’s not the worst I’ve seen, it didn’t meet my expectation of not having a white cast.” “It’s misleading to use those exact three words: zero white cast.”
Beyond Tower 28 and Merit, brands like CeraVe and SkinCeuticals have also been called out for using terms like “no white cast” and “transparent” — claims that some content creators are now challenging.
For consumers of color, these misleading claims are not just disappointing, they’re exclusionary. So why, when the beauty industry operates under such strict regulations, do countless sunscreens still fail to deliver on their promises?
Why do some sunscreens have a white cast?
AJ Addae, chief executive officer and chemist of SULA Labs — which tests skincare for brands developing products for melanin-rich consumers — explains that when it comes to mineral sunscreens, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows cosmetic chemists to use two UV filters: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Both are white pigments. Addae notes that at the concentrations needed to achieve a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, it’s difficult — if not impossible — to create a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t reflect visible, white light.
As such, Dr. Sass explains that currently, a truly invisible mineral sunscreen doesn’t exist on skincare shelves. So why are brands that use these filters so sure of their invisibility claims?
Cosmetic Chemist Milan Scott says, “What they really mean is that it’s invisible on lighter skin tones.” She adds, “When I see ‘invisible’ claims on a mineral sunscreen that is very clearly not invisible on people that look like me, it makes me wonder who [the brand] tested it on — and who approved these claims.”
I think that brands need to do diversity and inclusivity authentically and be brave enough to say, ‘This product isn’t right for everybody because it creates a white cast. However, we do have other products within our offering that are suitable.’
Dija Ayodele, esthetician and founder of the Black Skin Directory
Dr. Sass explains that when brands make this claim, they typically conduct internal tests on individuals with lighter skin tones and often apply much less than the recommended amount needed to achieve the advertised level of protection. “Sunscreen is tested at 2 mg per square centimeter of skin, which comes out to about 1/4 teaspoon for just the face and about 1/2 teaspoon if you include the ears and neck,” he says — the optimum amount to protect your skin.
Esthetician and skincare expert Alicia Lartey — whose Instagram series Sunscreen or SunSCREAM puts the invisibility claims of SPFs to the test — agrees that clinical trials and SPF testing often lack the diversity they should. Frustratingly, Scott notes that there’s no requirement for brands to test on a wide range of skin tones before making such claims.
How do brands get away with claiming their sunscreens leave no white cast?
Surprisingly, Addae notes that, unlike the term “water resistance,” which requires standardized testing, there are no regulations around the term “white cast.” The same applies to the word “invisible,” says Scott. If a brand deems its sunscreen traceless based on its testing, it can label it as such, even if that’s not true for darker skin tones.
You’re right to be outraged — and so are the experts: “It’s a marketing loophole that a lot of us in the industry side-eye hard,” says Scott. Ayodele has a hunch as to why: “Brands are doing this because they want to be seen as inclusive at all costs,” she believes. “They don’t want the backlash of [people] saying that they’re not inclusive. But if these brands tested their mineral sunscreens [on a more diverse range of people], they’d know whether they were invisible or not.”
That said, it’s important to acknowledge the limits of science, says Ayodele. “Yes, of course, we want diversity and for brands to be inclusive, but by nature, the mineral filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide aren’t inclusive,” she says. “That’s not a problem because not everything is going to be,” she adds. “Unless further scientific techniques are brought in to make these white mineral ingredients invisible, that’s just where we’re at.” Still, Scott emphasizes the need for more transparency and testing across shade ranges.
Ayodele’s advice to brands is simple: honesty is the best policy: “I think that brands need to do diversity and inclusivity authentically and be brave enough to say, ‘This product isn’t right for everybody because it creates a white cast. However, we do have other products within our offering that are suitable’,” she says.
Frustratingly, Scott notes that there’s no requirement for brands to test on a wide range of skin tones before making such claims
Are mineral sunscreens better than chemical ones?
TikTok would have you believe that mineral sunscreens are the gold standard. Ayodele acknowledges they have benefits — especially for sensitive skin and conditions like rosacea, melasma, or pigmentation — but stresses that more inclusive options exist. Chemical sunscreens, which use UV filters like avobenzone or oxybenzone, are suitable for everyone.
Still, they’ve come under scrutiny, with some convinced that chemical filters are toxic while mineral ones are safe. This simply isn’t true, says Scott: “This fear drives people toward mineral sunscreens, even though many of them leave a visible cast on deeper skin tones and make sunscreens less accessible for folks who already deal with health disparities,” she says.
Scott doesn’t mince her words: “This is what medical racism looks like in real time,” she continues. “It’s when fear-based marketing pushes mineral sunscreens as the safer option, even though those same formulas leave people with darker skin out of the conversation entirely.”
So who’s to blame? The experts point to the “clean beauty” movement. “Clean beauty has been an axe to scientific innovation,” says Lartey. “Newsflash — everything is a chemical,” she adds, even water.
Does a truly invisible mineral sunscreen actually exist?
For those who prefer mineral sunscreens, is a truly invisible option even possible? Scott believes it is. “For a mineral sunscreen to be invisible on all skin tones, it takes advanced formulation with nano-sized mineral filters,” she explains — a process that’s both expensive and time-consuming for brands. She adds that tinted mineral sunscreens offer another solution, but only a few brands, like Wyn Beauty, are getting it right.
“That’s because too many companies still don’t see the financial value in creating that many [products] to be truly inclusive for darker skin tones,” she says. And that’s a real problem: “Entire groups of people are excluded from sun protection options because brands don’t think it’s profitable to include us,” says Scott, who sees it as a public health issue.
Ultimately, Lartey believes that brands can easily avoid messy situations like Tower 28’s simply by testing products on a wide variety of skin tones — and actually using the correct amount. “Beyond that, hire a diverse staff, listen to your diverse staff, and make sure there are diverse staff in senior roles,” urges Lartey. “It’s not that hard.”
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