Finding the perfect skin tint takes a lot of trial and error. A good one should offer lightweight coverage and a natural finish that subtly enhances your skin, without sitting heavy or erasing your features. Add reliable SPF protection (which can complicate the texture of the formulation) to the list of requirements, and the search gets even more challenging. So when Merit Beauty unveiled The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $38, a tinted mineral sunscreen that offers both sheer and buildable coverage, not to mention broad spectrum UV protection, we were quick to take notice.
This new launch is a labor of love from the brand by all accounts. It took two years of development and more than 50 formulation attempts to get the consistency and finish just right. The sun protection comes from zinc oxide, a mineral filter that shields against UV rays by scattering and reflecting them away from the skin’s surface. Also featured in the ingredient lists are moisturizing plant-derived emollients (in place of heavy silicones) and ultra-fine natural powders for a weightless and even application.
We got our hands on this highly anticipated launch and have been wearing it as our go-to SPF over the past month. Read ahead for our honest thoughts on why it deserves a top spot in your summer beauty routine.
“I don’t say this lightly: this is hands down the best tinted sunscreen I’ve ever tried. It’s replaced my foundation — and even my concealer. The texture is like a lightweight lotion, and whether I use my fingers or a brush, it melts into my skin easily, offering medium coverage that blurs dark circles and the marks left behind by breakouts. The finish sits in a cozy space between dewy and matte, so I don’t need to powder over the top, and the staying power is excellent. I can go a full day at work — in office air, no less — and come home to more or less immaculate coverage.
“On my hand, shade 24 skews a little pink, so I was apprehensive it wouldn’t suit my green undertones. But once on my face, it blends seamlessly into my light olive complexion, giving it a more uniform appearance without erasing my features. If I wanted to wear this on its own without blush or bronzer, I absolutely could, and it wouldn’t look like I was wearing a mask. One thing to note: it’s important to use a dedicated sunscreen first. Yes, this contains SPF 45, but it’s well known that we rarely apply enough SPF makeup (a teaspoon or two finger-lengths for face and neck) to properly protect ourselves from UV damage. So I layer it over my trusty sunscreen — it’s like insurance for my skin.”
“To me, the hallmark of a truly great sunscreen will always be whether I’m willing to wear it on an unbearably hot day. Anything that feels too heavy and icky breaks me out and will promptly get the boot. I took The Uniform out for a whirl on my recent travels around Asia, where temperatures hovered around 90°F with super high humidity, and I’m happy to report that it passed with flying colors. Out of all the sunscreens I’ve tried, this one has one of the most imperceptible textures. The carefully calibrated formula has definitely made a difference here; it feels very light and powdery and spreads evenly across the skin. There were days I almost forgot I’d put this on, if not for the flattering glow it imparts. For me, shade 22 provides the ideal level of coverage: just enough to neutralize redness and blur blemishes while maintaining a genuine skin finish. When it gets really hot this summer, I feel comfortable ditching all my other makeup and just wearing a layer of this tint, with my trusty Dr. Jart+ SPF stick as the final touch.”
“I’m not the easiest to please when it comes to skin tints with sunscreen. With a medium-deep skin tone and a golden to neutral undertone, some skin tints tend to leave me with a grey-ish, dull finish — a familiar story for anyone with brown skin. This is not the case with Merit’s tinted sunscreen. This formula blends with my skin beautifully, slightly evening out my skin tone and leaving a fresh glow. It’s barely perceptible and doesn’t look like I’m wearing any makeup, but that’s the point. It is very lightweight and perfect for everyday wear — I’ve even been wearing it to the gym. However, I still need to go in with a concealer as it doesn’t blur my dark undereyes and blemishes.
“This is not for the full coverage-loving girlies. I wear other skin tints that offer me more coverage, such as Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $38 (shade 18 for my shade twins!), and Beauty Pie’s Luminous Mineral Skin Tint with SPF 40. Still, I love that Merit’s tinted sunscreen offers some of the highest sun protection and is a great shade match. I also have a darker shade of the skin tint on deck for my upcoming travels; I get significantly darker within five minutes of being in the sun and love that the tint contains SPF 45 and can help me prevent pigmentation issues. I typically wear a full-coverage foundation or no foundation at all, so this gives me a nice, reliable in-between option.”
“The Uniform has quickly become a staple in my routine. The formula is lightweight and blends effortlessly into the skin. As someone who prefers her skin tints and foundations to sit on the lighter side, this ticks all my boxes. While I typically dislike when brands describe their shade ranges as ‘flexible’, I was pleasantly surprised to find I could actually switch between shades 6, 8, and 10, depending on the look I wanted. I also appreciate that the deeper shades are numbered first (a thoughtful detail that didn’t go unnoticed, and one I wish more brands would adopt).
“My only critique is the packaging: The tube has a gray-ish tint, which makes it harder to see the true shade without swatching. The cap also falls off quite easily. It’s worth noting that the brand has created a shade range that corresponds with The Minimalist, its bestselling complexion stick, so finding your perfect match is a lot easier when you happen to own the latter. This product has shot straight to the top of my makeup bag thanks to its lovely finish and genuine lightweight feel. I wouldn’t rely on it alone to meet my recommended SPF protection, but it has become my go-to for layering over a trusted sunscreen.”
“Let’s start with the positives. This is a lovely formula. The tint gives just the right amount of coverage, and it dries down on skin while still appearing hydrated and fresh. I love how easy it is to apply with fingers. Where this product falls down for me, though, is in the very pink-leaning shade range. As a yellow-olive girlie, I found all of the shades I could make work too pink. Even the shade that corresponds to the Merit foundation stick I have (which I’ve used for years) is more pink. With this new product being a tint, the off-undertone shade isn’t a dealbreaker. Once it’s blended out with the rest of my makeup, it looks fine. But I wish I could apply this more confidently and without other makeup to offset the wrong undertone. Merit team, if you’re reading this: The yellow-olive girlies would love a shade expansion!”
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Year in and year out, the most popular summer nail colors have one thing in common — they’re bold. I get it. The arrival of sunshine season means that from our mood to our outfit choices, everything tends to get a whole lot brighter. When the chances to get our toes out are few and far between, it makes sense to opt for a pleasingly vibrant pedicure color.
But for summer 2025, it seems like the tides are turning. Sure, there are still some eye-catching brights and more unexpected tones that are set to prove popular for the season ahead, but the dominating feel is a whole lot more subtle.
From milky finishes to barely-there blushes, all of the nail experts that I spoke to seemed to point to a preference for calm, clean, and quiet shades that make for a pleasingly versatile base for both glamorous beach getaways and chilled summer afternoons in the city.
Scroll on for their favorite pedicure colors this summer.
A fresh and playful twist on the classic French, pedicure master Milly Mason predicts that switching white tips for pastel hues will be huge this summer. “It’s so fun but chic at the same time,” says Mason. Opt for shades like mint, lilac, and baby blue like Mason’s sorbet-inspired pedicure here.
Creamy whites and translucent neutrals — think almond milk — are dominating for summer. “Milky pedicures are my go-to and I’m seeing them everywhere on my feed for summer ‘25,” explains global manicurist and Bio Sculpture nail technician Julia Diogo. To recreate something like this polished pedi by Elim UK, Diogo suggests seeking out a “sheer, creamy white as opposed to a harsh one”, like Bio Sculpture’s Seafoam Polish, $14.50.
Pastels are reigning supreme ahead of summer, but this delicate and dreamy shade of purple is going to be especially popular. “Soft shades like lavender always complement sun-kissed skin and really capture the fresh, playful energy of the season while still looking contemporary,” says session manicurist Ami Streets. This glazed pedi by manicurist @nailsxbymilena is the perfect example.
Much like the white T-shirt of pedicure colors, a soft pink is effortless and looks good on everyone. “Something like Essie Ballet Slippers, $10, is so soft and elegant and works perfectly for those who like a minimalist look,” says nail artist Iram Shelton.
Consider this the wild card color for summer. While matcha and pistachio greens have been huge for spring, things are getting punchier for the season ahead. Aquamarine, cyan blue, and turquoise will be making a splash on toes, like this statement pedi by The Nail Atelier.
Black might sound like an unexpected choice for summer, but trust me, it’s the coolest pedicure of the season. “An ultra-glossy black pedicure pairs perfectly with a colorful sandal and is a year-round favorite of mine,” says Mason. Recreate her stylish color block pedicure at home using OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx, $11.99.
“You can’t escape summer without a vibrant red on your toes,” says Shelton, and tomato red is the shade of the season. “It’s bold, fiery, and looks incredible against sun-kissed skin.” Recreate this crimson pedi by Bombnailz Bay Area at home using a high-shine shade like Essie Gel Couture in Rock The Runway, $13.
Soft shimmers, opalescent finishes, and pearly chromes are having a moment for summer — and we can’t get enough. “They give a luminous, barely-there glow that catches the light beautifully and makes a great choice for those who prefer a more low-key pedicure,” explains Streets. Manucurist Active Plump, $19, adds a pearlescent sheen to nails while hydrating and plumping.
Light, bright, and instantly cheerful, butter yellow is like sunshine in a bottle. If you want to dip your toe into a colorful pedi, but aren’t a fan of summer neons, then this makes a great alternative. Try Gucci Nail Polish in 218 Cecilia Ivory, $33, to recreate the subtle golden warmth of this pedicure by Alisa.In_.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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Welcome to Money 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 speech language pathologist (assistant director) who has a $270,000 household income and who spends some of her money this week on oversized luggage.
If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.
Editor’s Note: This is a follow-up diary. You can read the original diary here.
Occupation: Speech language pathologist — assistant director Industry: Nonprofit Age: 35 Location: Jersey City, NJ Salary: $93,500 plus about $15,000 from private clients (but this number varies). Household Income/Finances Setup: $270,000. My fiancé E. and I live together, but finances are separate. We split rent evenly and he pays for weekly groceries and more daily expenses. He makes about $50,000 more than me (for the purposes of this diary I’ve used a ballpark household income). Assets: Checking: $8,583; HYSA: $17,137; CDs: $44,356; various investment/brokerage accounts: $20,300; pension from an old job: $68,000; IRA: $25,679; 401(k) from current job: $7,699; HSA: $965. Debt: Credit card: $3,212 (higher than usual due to a recent trip — I will pay it off this week). Paycheck Amount (2x/month): $2,244.18, plus about $425 from private clients (though this varies). Pronouns: She/her
Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: My half of $3,550 rent. Loan Payments: $0 Verizon: $85 (split with E.). PSEG: ~$120 (split with E.). Hulu & Spotify: $21 E-ZPass: ~$250 Simple Practice: $49 401(k): I contribute 15% per paycheck, with a 3% match from my employer. I also max out an IRA annually. Dog Food: $75 (every six weeks).
Other Expenses
Car Insurance: $443 every six months. Website & Domain: ~$115 for private practice (annually). Liability Insurance: $75 (annually). ASHA Membership: $250 (annually). Healthcare: This is fully covered via my employer, a perk of my job.
Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it? Yes, but I was an eager student. I went to a private undergrad college for two years and transferred to a public state school that had a speech pathology program for two and a half years. My parents paid about $20,000 and I took out loans for the rest. I went to grad school at a CUNY school. I paid as I went and had a small amount of grad school loans that I paid off quickly. Most of my loans were from the two years taking gen ed classes at the private school. Live and learn.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? My mom was very open with me about money, and her perceived lack of it. She always showed me the bills from my ballet classes, because they couldn’t really afford them. In college, she helped me fill out the FAFSA and applications for loans, but just to show me how to do it and how much they were able to help with financially. It felt like she was shaming me at the time, but I think she meant to equip me with more than she knew. I recently learned that she did not do this with my younger brother, which is strange.
What was your first job and why did you get it? I worked at a camp every summer when I was about 14. I started assisting ballet classes to help towards tuition when I was about 15. I babysat my whole block through high school. I always felt like I wanted to hustle to try to have spending money.
Did you worry about money growing up? Very much. My mom handled the finances and my parents fought about money constantly. I was the oldest, and my mom would often complain to me that my (dyslexic) dad refused to go back to college after he finished his associate’s degree, or that he didn’t have the drive to get a better paying job. In retrospect, that wasn’t appropriate of her to say to her child. She made more money than him, but he worked very hard, too. We lived in a very wealthy area, so I thought we were downright poor. In reality, we were very much middle class. When I transferred to the state school, I finally realized how lucky I was to have what I did growing up.
Do you worry about money now? Yes. I want children soon and we live in a VHCOL area. I am proud of myself for what I’ve saved, and so happy with the life I’ve created, but I know I’m behind many financial benchmarks. My salary has fluctuated as I’ve switched between settings. Working for a nonprofit means I’m making less than I would in other settings in NY/NJ at this point in my career, so I offset it with my private clients. Since I love my job so much, it feels more than worth it for quality of life (but… Talk to me when I’m nearing retirement, and we will see if I still feel that way).
At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? I lived at home in grad school, so probably when I moved out at age 24. When I was in grad school, my mom started showing early signs of dementia. Even though I was financially dependent on them, I became a young caregiver while living at home. My parents have relied on me for many things since I was about 22, and we have helped each other out in different ways. For example, she abruptly stopped buying groceries reliably while I was living there, so I took over that role and expense. My dad would gladly take me in if I needed somewhere to stay, though he has fairly tight finances himself. My fiancé E. and I are each other’s safety net as well. (Of note: This is a different partner from my prior Money Diary. I was also engaged in the last diary, but we called it off before the wedding after he was caught cheating for the second time. I couldn’t be happier with E. Thank goodness I got out of the last situation relatively unscathed, trust issues notwithstanding).
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. My parents gave me their old car my junior year of college. They contributed $20,000 towards college. When my grandparents died, I received $5,000 which also went towards college.
Day One: Sunday
9:45 a.m. — I wake up on the couch after a rotten night’s sleep. E. is sick, and since I gave the cold to him and he slept on the couch while I was sick, I figured it was my turn.
10 a.m. — Hop in the shower, walk the dog, tiptoe into the bedroom but still wake E. I get dressed while we chat; he still feels like garbage, woof.
10:30 a.m. — Head out for the hour drive up to my mom’s nursing home. I eat a banana that I threw in my bag. It costs $26.56 in tolls (covered by my E-ZPass) and this is going AROUND the route that would include congestion pricing, which would increase the total by another $27, round trip. Let us not forget that congestion pricing is really just a toll on New Jersey.
11:30 a.m. — Meet up with my mom’s friend who is joining for the visit. Mom has had dementia for 12 years; we placed her in a nursing home in August and it has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. She was tired today but we had a decent visit.
3 p.m. — On my way home I go to the grocery store to grab some items for the week. This is usually E.’s weekly task but again, I am a martyr. I grab toilet paper, salmon, lemons, cumin, pretzel sticks, asparagus, coffee creamer, cheese, and a few other things. $76.34
4:30 p.m. — Home and ready to crash out for a bit and have a sandwich. But first, a dog walk. I chat on the phone with my dad — he is a few months post radiation/chemo for cancer in the base of his tongue. He has a terrible ulcer and is in a lot of pain, but this weekend has seemed to be feeling a bit better.
7 p.m. — Make dinner and hang from afar with E. in hopes he joins the world of the living soon.
9 p.m. — Throw in laundry.
11p.m. — Realize I have forgotten aforementioned laundry. Run to the basement and grab it.
11:30 p.m. — Asleep on the other couch, not the one I slept on last night. We call this the dog couch — it is smellier but softer!
Daily Total: $76.34
Day Two: Monday
6:50 a.m. — Awake and better rested. Dog couch > human couch for night time. Morning routine of CeraVe face wash, vitamin C lotion and SPF, some concealer, blush and mascara.
8:30 a.m. — Get into work, make oatmeal, and chat with some coworkers as I’m gearing up for the day. I have the unicorn dream job and I feel so lucky to be working where I do. As a speech language pathologist, so many jobs are just about billing insurance so that your employer can make money on your back. Our intervention model is different from 1:1 speech therapy, but I still get to use my skills. I work with adults who have a very specific type of communication disorder and I don’t want to dox myself, so we will leave it at that.
10 a.m. — I get the news that my brother matched for his residency! He finds out where on Friday. As the elder daughter who basically taught him to read, I feel so proud. Salad and pretzels from home for lunch, plus dipping into the office chocolate stash.
4:00 p.m. — I usually head out around this time twice a week to see two clients, but my first one canceled. I use the time to vacuum my car with a new car vacuum. It is a gift from a client and I have been so excited to play with the attachments. I speak with my dad on the drive, and try to encourage him/remind him to time his meds around his meals. I also grab gas. $27
5:30 p.m. — Client session. My private practice is all pediatrics. I have a terrific set of clients, I currently only see four per week.
7 p.m. — Desperate search for parking, finally home. E is feeling way better and cooks! Here’s hoping any germs die in the oven.
9 p.m. — I walk the dog, exercise in my room, and finally chill out a bit.
11 p.m. — In bed. E and I are sharing a bed for the first time in a while since we have both been sick, and it’s comforting that the band’s back together.
Daily Total: $27
Day Three: Tuesday
6:45 a.m. — Wake up feeling groggy. My dog awaits me on the couch for cuddles and coffee. I get my butt into gear and do my morning routine, quickly kiss E. and head out the door.
8:30 a.m. — Oatmeal for breakfast. Very busy day at work today. We have an intake/tour with a woman and her husband — the woman reminds me a lot of my mom and it leaves me in a weird headspace. I don’t have a moment to process it because my day is pretty hectic, so it just sort of lingers in my brain.
12:30 p.m. — Leftovers and salad for lunch.
5:45 p.m. — I speak to my dad on the drive home. Feeling cautiously optimistic about his status. I rush home, and I’m just there long enough to change. E. got us tickets to a wine class for beginners.
6:30 p.m. — Swipe on the PATH train (my Metrocard is prepaid). We make it on time and the class is awesome. The teacher explained all of the things to smell for and taste for when you’re trying a new wine, and introduced the concept of how to select food and wine pairings. We taste based on things like salt and butter, we tried wines with different flavors. I feel like I learned more from this than any other wine tasting I’ve been to. We even get to take notes! We get one of the bottles of wine on the way out and I pay. $14.80
8:30 p.m. — We head to a ramen spot in the West Village and I eat until I’m uncomfortable, but luckily the walk to the PATH station makes me feel better. E pays.
10:30 p.m. — I tend to do the dog’s night walks and now that E. is better our normal routine is resumed. Shower, bedtime routine, and pass out hard after a very busy, jam packed day. I see that my monthly charge for my electronic medical record (that I use for the private practice) went through which went up considerably recently. It is now $49 instead of the usual $29. I contemplate getting rid of it, but I appreciate how much easier it makes my life so that will be tabled for another time.
Daily Total: $14.80
Day Four: Wednesday
6:45 a.m. — This morning I woke up feeling much more well rested; it sounds like E. did not have such luck. Dog cuddles, coffee, etc.
8:30 a.m. — Productive day at work: We hold an education program for people who are new to having the communication disorder that we treat. A big chunk of today was preparing for that, and even though it’s a lot of administrative stuff, there’s some nice satisfaction in checking that off the list.
12:30 p.m. — Lunch is random produce from home cut up, and turkey slices. A coworker always yells at me about my lack of protein and she usually isn’t wrong. When I say random produce, I mean I’m the lady who brings a full cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper into the office and cut it up throughout the week to force veggies on myself.
4:00 p.m. — Leave work — my first client canceled. It’s the same one who canceled on Monday. They’re having some health issues in the family so I end up with a free hour, and I sit at a park and do a little bit of life admin, like checking emails, which is made way better by doing it in the sun on a park bench.
5:30 p.m. — Head to my client. Oh no, the mom forgot to warn her kid that I was coming! I walk into a precarious situation with a cranky 7-year-old. We muster through with lots of choices and reinforcers (aka games), I’m not above it when the going gets tough.
6:40 p.m. — I meet up with a coworker friend. She is thinking of moving to my old neighborhood so we are working our way through all the good bars/restaurants, so she can make an informed decision. We stumble upon trivia night and decide to go for it. After fighting for our lives, we end up fourth out of eight teams and I feel proud. I get two beers and we split some apps. $36
9:45 p.m. — Home and chat with E. I take the dog out, shower, and collapse to bed.
Daily Total: $36
Day Five: Thursday
6:45 a.m. — Up and at ’em. Why am I always running late — how does this happen? Turkey sandwich for breakfast.
8:30 a.m. — Another busy day at work today: a new client intake process, run my sessions and a big team meeting at the end of the day. Lunch was some more random produce and leftovers. I head out an hour early for a doctor’s appointment.
5 p.m. — I head to a specialist — my obgyn wants me to see someone who specializes in higher risk pregnancies since I have hypertension. (We had a family planning appointment a few weeks ago.) This guy is… Something. He tells me it’s “sexy” that I’m a speech therapist, fist bumps me multiple times, and taps his watch when telling me that I need to get moving on having a baby since I’m 35. I promise you don’t need to remind me, I am super aware doc, thanks. Didn’t love that. He recommends changing a med I’m on and sends me to get an echo with a cardiologist. How fun. No copay, but I’ll get a bill in the mail.
6:45 p.m. — Home and tell E. all about the doctor and his strange behavior. I throw together a dinner of things in the pantry — cauliflower, frozen shrimp, pasta and pesto.
9 p.m. — Call my dad. He’s doing okay but still not eating solid food. I attempt a dog walk but it is pouring and the gal is not having it. She’s giving, “I hope we aren’t out here on my account.” I relax the rest of the night and head to bed around 11 p.m.
Daily Total: $0
Day Six: Friday
8:15 a.m. — I wake up to four texts and two frantic emails from my dad. We go on a family trip to Cancun tomorrow — my brother, his wife, my dad, me and E. It was supposed to be a celebration of dad’s cancer recovery, but it’s bittersweet that things aren’t where we would have hoped and he will be bringing a suitcase of Boost instead of enjoying the food. He is an anxious guy at baseline and hasn’t traveled much recently since he was caring for my mom for the last 12 years. Dude needs this trip, and maybe a sedative.
8:25 p.m. — WFH Friday means sleeping until the last possible moment! This is an amazing perk of my job. SLPs are never able to work from home unless they provide remote services (which isn’t fun, imo). However because my role is more administrative, I have one day that I don’t see any patients, and it can be remote, depending on the tasks at hand. Walk the dog, drink some coffee and jump into the work day.
11:30 a.m. — I finally pause to eat some leftovers from last night.
12:00 p.m. — My brother just found out he matched with his top choice for residency!!! I’m so proud of him! He went back to school many years after graduating and made some huge sacrifices, and worked his tail off! Proud older sister! I chat with my boss over the phone about a few things. Then I take a quick break to pack a bit.
1 p.m. — Back to work for a few more hours.
5:15 p.m. — Wrap up and take the dog for a long stroll. We stop to get a six pack of IPAs. $18.66
6:30 p.m. — I continue packing and prepping with a beer. E. gets home and we begin to get pumped for the trip. Leftovers for dinner to try and clear out the fridge.
10 p.m. — Watch TV and unwind while E. finishes packing. I watch Interior Design Masters on Netflix, a charming British competition. With both of my parents having health issues, my media intake is usually mindless and conflict free these days. I read some of my book (Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray) and head to bed around 11:15 p.m.
Daily Total: $18.66
Day Seven: Saturday
8:15 a.m. — I wake up and get ready to go! Take out the dog and make sure all her stuff is set for the dog walker who will be picking her up to stay over for the week (the dog walker will be $85 per night paid at the end of the trip).
9:05 a.m. — We head out to make the journey to JFK: PATH to LIRR to bus (air train isn’t running from Jamaica) to air train to terminal. Woof. I buy the tickets on LIRR for us both, everything else was prepaid Metrocards. $16.50
10:45 a.m. — We make it, just to find out that our giant shared bag we intended to check is 16 pounds overweight. Not even close! $150 fee — I cover it, just because I whipped out my card faster than E. $150
11:30 a.m. — Through TSA pre-check and unite with my family at the gate (my anxious dad has been there for a while). Our flight is delayed about an hour so we hang out. I get an açaí bowl and coffee. $18.71
1:00 p.m. — Boarding begins! I get a glass of wine and E. gets whiskey on the flight (E. pays). I read for most of the flight. My dad is in a lot of discomfort with all the travel. Hoping he can relax when we arrive.
6 p.m. — It took us a while to get off the runway; we make it in about two and a half hours late, go through customs, wait for our bags and head to the transport shuttle to the resort. (The flight was $405 per person and our room was about $3000. This was all pre-paid and split between me and E.) It’s all inclusive and a splurge in honor of dad. I’ve done all inclusive once before in my 20s, but it wasn’t nearly this nice. Shuttle to the hotel is $75 but covered by my dad.
7 p.m. — We get to the resort to learn that my dad booked the wrong hotel building within the resort, so we get a shuttle to all unite and get his room moved to the right building. Check in takes forever and I am hangry. I feel myself becoming the villain.
9:00 p.m. — Finally settled into the room, and head out to get food from the hotel bar. It’s a gorgeous building; we walk around the pool and smell the salty air. Music is playing and I morph back from a hangry villain into a grateful muggle. We have a drink with my brother and his wife but we are all wiped out. Up to the room. E. and I hang on the porch for a little, and I collapse into bed.
Daily Total: $185.21
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“In my last diary, I remember seeing so many comments about how much I overfilled my schedule. (One person commented that ‘something’s going to give’ if I kept myself so busy, and it ended up being my relationship — I don’t regret ending that relationship, but that commenter was ultimately correct.) After tracking everything for a week, my biggest takeaway is that I very much continue to overfill my schedule, five years later! It was a hectic week, but I can’t say this isn’t a typical week in most ways. I think it was much more family focused than most weeks, between my brother’s residency and the family trip. My parents’ health tends to consume all of my free headspace most weeks, but this was a particularly family-heavy week, for better or worse. I worry it is misleading that the trip to Mexico was prepaid, but it is what it is. Otherwise, it was a pretty normal spending week. Transportation is always such a huge part of my spending — mainly because of tolls, but since I spend so much time in my car around the NYC Metro Area, I guess that’s to be expected.”
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The last New Moon of spring is going to rock our worlds amazingly. For the first time in a while, we’ll be able to flourish with the Moon’s phases and begin anew. The possibilities to grow beyond our current range will be enormous and exciting. This lunation pushes us to think beyond ourselves and to give TLC to others who need our support. We are interconnected beings who require compassion and love. Isn’t that special?
May 26th’s New Moon in Gemini emphasizes self-expression, curiosity, and learning. At this moment in time, we can reflect upon the past to see where we’re going while offering ourselves a fresh start. The positive side of this lunation is that it allows us to discover and reinvent ourselves as we progress into our most valid form of being. The duality of the New Moon in Gemini urges us to shed the facade we show to the public by letting them see our unique and unfiltered qualities. There is beauty in being raw and pure. Allowing people to get deep with us will be a fantastic experience and adventure.
Communication planet Mercury in Gemini, responsible Saturn in Aries, visionary Neptune in Aries, and transformative Pluto in Aquarius all meet up with the New Moon. This promises to be a lunation that can change our being — for the better. We need to find a way to stop overthinking in the present and be in the moment. The moment we start feeling as though we are in alignment with the flow and rhythm of the universe is when we connect to our true selves. There is no more hiding behind the version of ourselves that we want others to see. The mask we’ve been wearing is coming off. The energy and persona we embody will be acknowledged and loved.
Around the same time as the New Moon, Mercury in Gemini harmonizes with Neptune in Aries. This magical transition will push us to dream big and assert our visions in the world. Mercury and Neptune are giving us the strength to do so. The caveat is that we may not be clear about our intentions, so it’s best to write them down ahead of time and think them through clearly. Then, we can easily assert our hopes and aspirations into the universe and allow them to take flight. Pretty soon, they’ll come true. We can attain our desires as long as we believe in our goals and give them the energy to come true in the physical world.
The fixed star Hyadum II gives the overall sentiment a zest of fierceness. Hyadum II is said to embody the characteristics of the action planet Mars, “Great Awakener” Uranus, and inspirational Neptune. These energies can elevate our spirit and make us want to take a humanitarian stand. Regarding our personal lives, it’ll be complicated to understand what we’re fighting for and looking to bring in before gaining clarity — which we will find once the fog clears. The only foreseeable consequence of Hyadum II is that we might get a little power-hungry and selfish if we don’t consider helping others along our journey.
We’ll feel a sense of confidence resulting from the celestial vibe. Looking forward allows us to walk on the “right” side of the street. As we’ll soon notice, there is no better avenue to hang out on since every path is coming up roses. Even if we choose to explore the trails, they’ll lead to the same road, guaranteeing a destined ending (we can thank Neptune and Pluto for this). Since we are guaranteed personal success, we should pay it forward by trying to make a difference in the lives of others. Once we comprehend these soulful passions, it’ll be hard to keep quiet when speaking on behalf of others. After all, what good is having a voice if we don’t intend to make some noise?
As we embrace the lunar vibes of the New Moon in Gemini, it’s important to savor the day. Bask in the joy and glory that you may feel. Enjoy the rush of optimism and good emotions that are brought to our consciousness and the world at large.
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A low-back one-piece swimsuit is one of those classic silhouettes that cues confidence. It’s unfussy but has just the right amount of visual impact — and this season’s best versions come with trend-forward updates that make the staple feel fresh again. From sculptural hardware and subtle metallics to Hunza G-inspired crinkle textures, these suits add interest without sacrificing ease.
Retro references are also making waves: high halter necklines, gingham prints, and dainty florals deliver charm, while tile and toile motifs bring that coveted European summer energy. Even mariner stripes are getting reimagined with a modern, fisherman-inspired twist that feels more sea-swept chic than preppy throwback.
Whether you’re scooping one up from Anthropologie, Free People, Nordstrom,or Zara, this season’s low-back one-pieces strike the ideal balance between functional and cool. They stay put when you dive in, but still give you that breezy, back-baring drama. Basically? They’re the swimsuits you’ll want to wear on repeat. Ahead, our favorite styles.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
free-est Lani One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Free People
Hutch Souly Belted One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Anthropologie
Shade & Shore Pucker Textured Cross Back High Leg One Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Target
It’s been a heavy week online as stories of abuse involving high-profile men and Black women in the public eye have resurfaced and unfolded in real time. On May 13, singer Cassie Ventura took the stand in the federal trial against Sean “Diddy” Combs, detailing the horrific abuse she experienced during their 10-year relationship. Combs faces charges of racketeering and sex trafficking as prosecutors allege that Combs ran a criminal enterprise built on control, coercion, and exploitation. Cassie, who previously filed a civil lawsuit against Combs in November 2023, is now a key witness in the criminal case. In the same week, news broke that Halle Bailey has been granted a temporary restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, rapper DDG (real name Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr.), following allegations of domestic abuse. She’s now been given temporary sole custody of their son, Halo Saint, with images from her police report circulating online. Also, after rapper Tory Lanez was reportedly attacked in prison this week, Megan Thee Stallion’s case resurfaced. In 2022, Tory Lanez was convicted of shooting Megan in the foot after a party in 2020 and is now serving a 10-year sentence, bringing back memories of the years of public scrutiny, victim-blaming, and online abuse she faced in the aftermath.
While the bravery of these women has been widely applauded, much of the online conversation that has followed is deeply triggering, especially for those who have been victims of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Social media platforms such as X have become forums for some, men in particular, to dismiss, downplay, or even justify the abuse allegations at hand. As a result, many have been confronted with harmful opinions from partners, family members, and friends as these stories of abuse have unfolded. As one X user shared: “Emphasizing to women, especially the young ones, that a basic litmus test for a man you’re considering dating is to ask him his thoughts on Tory, Diddy, R Kelly, DDG, etc.”
The internet has become an increasingly unsafe space for mature, empathetic discussions about the dynamics between an alleged victim and their abusers. When news broke about Halle Bailey’s restraining order against DDG, the response online was full of skepticism and ridicule. One man on X wrote, “She lyin on him, I don’t even believe this shit. DDG don’t even give off women-beater energy.” This wasn’t an isolated comment. Across social media, similar posts pointed to past allegations by DDG’s ex, Rubi Rose, to argue Halle “should have known better.”
The unspoken message here is clear: because she chose to enter a relationship with someone previously accused of abuse, she should have expected — and therefore deserved — any abuse that followed. Victim blaming always shifts accountability away from the alleged abuser and suggests that a woman’s decision to love or trust someone somehow invalidates her right to safety.
Another X user wrote, “I love Halle, but she’s not perfect. She’s constantly using her female privilege over him, and it’s beyond visible at this point.” It’s a telling comment, one that twists concern for a woman’s safety into an accusation of manipulation. “Female privilege” seemingly implies that women can weaponize their victimhood or control the narrative to their advantage. But the reality, as ironically proven by this tweet, is quite the opposite.
These reactions mirror talking points found in the online manosphere, the network of forums, podcasts, and content creators who frame women, especially Black women, as manipulative and deceitful. As we know, these ideas don’t just stay online; they’re echoed in comment sections, barbershops, and group chats, shaping how some men justify abuse.
These reactions [online] reflect a deeper, insidious belief: that “good” women don’t end up in these situations, and if they do, it’s because they somehow deserve it.
Another common theme in online reactions this week is the belief that women somehow invite abuse or shame upon themselves because of their choices around sex and relationships. This kind of thinking frames women as sexual deviants who have brought trouble on themselves. We’ve seen the tweets from men questioning whether Cassie’s husband, Alex Fine, should leave her, as if surviving abuse makes her unworthy of love. Others shame Halle for having a child outside of marriage, as though that decision invalidates her right to safety and dignity. These reactions reflect a deeper, insidious belief: that “good” women don’t end up in these situations, and if they do, it’s because they somehow deserve it.
People online are all too excited to score gotcha moments and throw around moral judgments meant to humble women. It’s really just victim-blaming, and a lot of this is reminiscent of red pill ideology, a belief that paints women as using sex and emotions to control men. In this vein, a woman’s right to safety is always up for debate, conditional, and depends largely on how she behaves.
Many of the online responses that have been so disappointing are, unsurprisingly, rooted in misogynoir — a form of misogyny directed specifically at Black women, shaped by both anti-Blackness and sexism. Misogynoir casts Black women as less innocent, more sexually deviant, and ultimately more deserving of harm. These ideas can be traced back to colonial narratives that hypersexualized Black women, stripping them of the femininity, vulnerability, and presumed victimhood that are more readily extended to white women.
Sona Barbosa, Head of Therapeutic Services at Woman’s Trust, says this kind of language online has real-world consequences. She explains how public narratives can fuel longstanding patterns, telling Unbothered: “The language we are observing reflects a long-standing pattern of idolizing successful Black men, while quickly doubting, diminishing, and demonizing women—especially Black women—who stand up for themselves and reclaim their power in the face of violence and abuse.”
She says this situation puts Black survivors at a “double disadvantage”. In abusive relationships, already-complex cultural and economic pressures are compounded by narratives that sow doubt and shame. According to Sona, “this trend poses an even greater threat, as white men observe the responses of Black men and feel empowered to treat Black women in similar ways.”
All of this has reiterated the need to support women and girls, build a society that’s actually safe for us, and make sure victims get justice, because one person’s success should never come at the expense of others in our community.
Back in 2020, I read Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates and it opened my eyes to something I’ve since seen for myself; misogyny online don’t just stay hidden in obscure corners of the internet like incel forums, Reddit threads and 4chan. A lot of toxicity has filtered into the mainstream, influencing how the boys and men around us talk in group chats, among themselves, and when commenting on high-profile cases like the ones that have filled our news feeds this week.
What we’re seeing online is making many of us look more closely at the men in our lives; listening carefully, side-eyeing, correcting, and for some, even rethinking a friendship or two. For me, the way the men around me speak about or dismiss abuse tells me where they stand, how safe and supported I really am, and whether I can trust them. So it’s no surprise to see Black women online saying they’re cutting ties when certain friends show who they truly are.
To my fellow Black women, this week has been a lot. It’s okay if you need to step back, log off, and take care of yourself.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224 for confidential support.
This article was originally published on Unbothered UK
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Sunglasses might be the hardest-working accessory in your summer wardrobe — and also the most fun. They’re the finishing touch that makes even your laziest outfit feel styled. This season, it’s all about sun protection with a side of nostalgia: think micro oval and colored lenses in every shade of the rainbow, and plenty of personality-forming silhouettes.
Aviator sunglasses remain a staple, but this summer’s versions skew chunkier, with thicker rims and tinted lenses you can easily pull off indoors or after sunset (a vibe we’re here for). Cateye sunglasses continue to deliver cheeky summer energy, whether in bright acetate or softer, less angular shapes like the just-dropped style from Reformation’s new collaboration with Jimmy Fairly.
Rectangular sunglasses are trending hard, too — from sleek, minimal ’90s styles to sporty, futuristic takes — the perfect offset to breezy dresses and cutesy tops when you don’t want to feel too darling. And if you’re suddenly gripped by a metal sunglasses obsession? Same. Slim wireframes, mirrored lenses, and irregular silhouettes are leading the charge, especially when paired with polarized or colored lenses.
From classic black sunglasses and tortoise frames to Y2K ovals, sleek cateyes, and rectangular throwbacks, the sunglasses of summer 2025 lean bolder, cooler, and genuinely joyful to wear. Ahead, shop the most popular sunglasses of the season — from trend-driven picks to tried-and-true shapes with a twist.
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2025 Sunglass Trend: Aviator Sunglasses
This summer’s aviator sunglasses lean chunkier and bolder, with thick rims, colorful tints, and even softly sculptural silhouettes that work just as well indoors as they do at golden hour.
2025 Sunglass Trend:Metal Sunglasses
Slim metal frames are suddenly everywhere. Whether you’re into mirrored sunglasses, sporty bridge details, or barely-there wireframes with a ‘90s bent, metal sunglasses are big-time trending. Bonus points if they’re tinted or polarized.
2025 Sunglass Trend:Cateye Sunglasses
Cateye sunglasses are summer icons for a reason. The newest crop of the retro-leaning style comes brighter and unexpected, be it a vibrant color or a less angular cut that feels decidedly softer. Don’t overlook white options for a vintage-inspired finish.
2025 Sunglass Trend:Oval Sunglasses
Oval sunglasses = peak Y2K energy. The shape is having a full-on moment — just see the ultra-popular, fashion editor-beloved Miu Miu pair — especially in colorful or translucent frames with tinted lenses in purple, yellow, or green. Pair with slicked-back hair, a pretty sundress, and easy sandals.
2025 Sunglass Trend:Rectangular Sunglasses
Minimal, sporty, or a little bit sci-fi, rectangular sunglasses are the shape to get into. From sleek black frames that channel ‘90s minimalism to shield-inspired styles with edge, they’re the perfect way to tone down anything too sweet.
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If you’ve spent even a few minutes watching GRWM TikToks lately, you’ve likely scrolled past at least one creator sporting a bold, inky outline around their lips, as if they’d used a Sharpie. The interesting product in question? Sacheu Beauty’s Stay-N Lip Liner, $12, a viral favorite that has been making waves ever since Billie Eilish casually name-dropped it in her backstage beauty routine.
The concept is pretty straightforward: Unlike your average lip pencil, this liner works like a temporary tattoo. You paint it on, let the liquid sit for a few minutes and change color, then peel off the dried layer to reveal a stain that claims to resist all kinds of smudging and transferring. Anyone who’s tired of redoing their lip combo throughout the day will immediately understand the appeal.
Naturally, we had to see if the hype for the product, which has racked up millions of views on TikTok, was justified. Ahead, our beauty editors tested a handful of Sacheu’s most talked-about lip liner shades, exclusively available at Ulta. Here are our unfiltered thoughts.
“My lip makeup rarely survives a meal — I’m constantly wiping my mouth with a napkin — so I’m the ideal candidate to test this product. Upon first application, the product felt a little tight and tingly on my lips (like I was wearing a clay mask), but that sensation faded away in a few minutes. For me, just under nine minutes was more than enough to dye the edge of my lips a nudish-pink that looks way more wearable than I expected. I will say that because it’s a stain, the lines are a bit more harsh and defined than a regular lip pencil, so it’s worth keeping that in mind if you prefer a more blurred effect.
“Thanks to conditioning ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid in the formula, it didn’t leave my lips feeling parched or cracked. Most importantly, the pigment had remarkable staying power and didn’t budge even with my relentless rubbing. My go-to ‘90s-inspired lip combo has been pairing this stain with a shiny nude gloss (I can’t get enough of Laneige’s Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum in Sugar Glaze lately). At $12, it’s a few dollars cheaper than many lip liners on the market. The best part? You’ll get tons of wear from it, since there’s very little reapplication required.”
“My lips can get pretty dry, so I only use liners that are hydrating and moisturising. Right off the bat, I noticed a gluey kind of smell from the formula. The texture also felt slightly sticky as it began to dry down. I left this on for the full 15 minutes, and my lips didn’t feel uncomfortable, tingly, or dry, which was a good sign. It came off in one go rather than in clumps.
“My lips already have a brown hue to them, and I found this stain was just a touch darker than my usual lip shade. I’d hoped it would be much darker, especially since the formula looks really dark. However, HEY-zel is already the darkest available. I found the overall longevity really impressive: it lasted all day and didn’t budge for anything I ate. While this product won’t be replacing my beloved Rhode Peptide Lip Shape or Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat anytime soon, I can definitely see why it’s gone viral and why people keep coming back to it. It looks great with a clear lip balm as a top coat, but I’d like darker shades from Sacheu in the future.”
“My first experience with peel-off lip stains was with Wonderskin. Despite the many glowing reviews, I didn’t have a great time with it, so I approached Sacheu’s version with a fair bit of scepticism. The application is fairly straightforward, but the product dries quickly — you have to move fast. I struggled to layer it for more intensity; once it set, going back over it didn’t quite work. Using too much is a no-go, too, as it can seep into the lines of your lips in a way that a traditional pencil liner wouldn’t.
“Peeling it off was quick and totally painless, but the pigment clung to my dry patches, creating an uneven finish. I’m not a red lip person, so I might not be the best judge of the shade, but once I added a bit of lip oil, it evened out and looked much better! As a habitual lip licker (and picker), it didn’t last very long on me — just smushing my lips together and eating breakfast was enough to wear most of it, so I ended up removing the rest with a little micellar water on a cotton bud. It’s safe to say, it won’t be replacing my trusty Laura Mercier Perfecting Lip Liner anytime soon, but it is pretty fun.”
“I love the idea of red lipstick, but more often than not, I decide against it purely due to the high maintenance of it all. Choosing to rock a red lip means you’re signing up for careful sips and bites, constant touchups and generally avoiding it getting everywhere if you’re as prone to touching your face as I am. Sacheu has solved this problem with its getREADy shade of long-lasting lip liner. I actually like to apply this as both a liner or all-over, and either apply a red lipstick on top for maximum staying power, or a tinted lip balm for a more muted red. I ate and drank as normal after applying this in the morning, and it lasted nearly all day. I refreshed my lipstick throughout the day, but the defined shape from the liner didn’t budge at all. Best of all, it felt comfortable and the undertones are neutral enough that I could wear pretty much any red lipstick, ranging from warm, orange-y ones to my most vivid, blue-toned hues like MAC Ruby Woo.”
“This shade is utterly gorgeous. On my olive skin, it’s the perfect ‘my lips, but better’ warm, rosy nude. I’ve almost found these lip liners too pigmented. I leave it on for five minutes tops, and that’s more than enough to achieve a stain that lasts all day. With MUAH-ve, I like to apply it on freshly exfoliated lips (to remove any dry, flaky patches) so that they are soft but not too moisturized that the product won’t adhere properly.
“As you’ve likely seen in countless TikToks, the best part of Sacheu’s lip liner is the peel-and-reveal step, but a pro tip: Make sure you have a tissue nearby since the removal process can be a little messy. Even with a careful, even application, removing the delicate layer of lip stain resulted in me getting it on my fingers and nails. I wear a nude lip almost every day, and my favorite way to wear MUAH-ve is with a tinted balm on top to lock in moisture and pigment. I’ve been pairing it with the Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm in Red Dahlia nonstop ever since recently testing it for another review.”
“This lip stain is easy enough to use. It’s quite stiff and sticky in texture, making it simple to shape the lines compared to a more fluid one. After 10 minutes, it peeled off with only a couple of flakes left. The pigment was a bit too strong for my liking, as I prefer my lip liner to look more subtle, but with some lipstick dabbed over top, I liked the final effect a lot more. It did, however, leave my lips feeling irritated for the first hour or two after applying. They didn’t look irritated, but I could feel that my skin wasn’t too happy. Thankfully, this did settle after a while.
“Having eaten a burger and drank a couple of pints, the stain had faded by the end of the night. It was still there, but it was actually how I wished it had looked at the start of the night, like a natural enhancement over an obvious line. If it weren’t for the irritating sensation I experienced, I’d use it again and try a softer application to begin with because it really did look pretty a few hours into my evening (as you can see above).”
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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Whatever your taste in manicures, summer’s nail trends always involve dialling up the shine a little, and the latest nail look taking over is no exception. In fact, this manicure gleams so brightly, you might want to keep a pair of sunglasses handy.
Enter: Aurora nails.
Iridescent, ethereal, and undeniably shiny, this multidimensional manicure is like having the Northern Lights at your fingertips — and it’s set to take over nail salons this summer.
“Aurora nails are a multidimensional nail art look that has a beautiful iridescence,” explains session manicurist Ami Streets, much like this creation by licensed nail technician Jaimielynn. “It’s called this because it emulates the mesmerizing effect and rainbow-like glow of the Aurora Borealis.”
But between glazed doughnut manicures, cat-eye gels, and chrome finishes, you might be wondering how aurora nails differ. Their appeal? They take shine to the next level.
“Yes, the aurora nail effect is similar to chrome, cat eye, and glazed nails, but the term really describes the finish of the manicure — an iridescent chrome,” explains celebrity nail artist Loi Lien. “The base color can be any shade, but the top coat has to have that iridescent finish.” Think soap nails on steroids and you’re halfway there.
Experts have no doubts that it’s this trademark sheen that makes aurora nails so perfect for summer. “Their light-reflective finish looks stunning in natural sunlight, and the ethereal effect offers a high-impact look with minimal effort,” explains Streets, like these nails by licensed nail technician Cathy.
According to Lien there are a couple of different ways that a nail artist will achieve an aurora manicure — either using an opalescent chrome powder or by incorporating finely cut pieces of Mylar, which is a reflective film that adds multidimensional shine: “This material comes in a variety of shades and can reflect one, two or even three colors depending on the angle you look at it,” explains Lien. The result is an ultra-glossy and glowing manicure that shifts with every movement.
While the whole process may take between one and two hours in the salon, there is a shortcut if you want to pay homage to the look at home: “While the best effects and longest-wearing designs are created using gels and chrome powders, layering pearlescent or iridescent top coats over a color of your choice can add dimension,” says Streets.
Lien says that the base color of your aurora manicure can be switched up depending on your personal taste, and this playful purple color used by nail artist Erika is so fresh and fun.
Why pick one base color when you can have every color of the rainbow? Literally. This bright and beautiful manicure by Tokyo salon 111 Nail is so joyful.
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 lead designer working who has a $169,000 household income and who spends some of her money this week on zucchini relish for her mother-in-law’s birthday. If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.
Editor’s Note: All amounts are in Canadian dollars.
Occupation: Lead designer Industry: Architecture/design Age: 36 Location: Toronto Salary: $79,000.00 Household Income/Finances Setup: $169,000.00 ($79,000 + $90,000). My partner M. and I aren’t married (yet), but we share a house and have a two-year-old child together. We have a joint account which we both put money in to cover our fixed shared monthly expenses (mortgage, property taxes, utilities, daycare, etc.) but we both still have our own separate bank accounts as well. We’re not very strict on who covers what for some of the things that fluctuate a bit more (groceries, household items, diapers, etc.) but I think in general it usually ends up being pretty even between us. Assets: House: $510,000; joint savings: $3,000; personal savings: $6,600 (includes savings account, TFSA, and RRSP); personal investments: $2,300. Debt: Personal debt: $9,700; mortgage: $470,000. Paycheck Amount (per month): $4,800 Pronouns: She/her
Shared Monthly Expenses
Housing Costs: $2,046 (mortgage payment; M. and I split this). Property Taxes: $279.76 Electricity: $168 Water: $68 (we pay $204 quarterly). Home Insurance: $131.35 Daycare: $440 RESP Contribution: $100
Personal Monthly Expenses
Life Insurance: $32.40 Car Insurance: $156.67 Gas: Averages around $100 (but ranges from $31 to $203 depending on the time of year). Phone Bill: $70.48 RRSP contributions: $100 Debt Payments: $675 (I’ve been paying down my personal line of credit as much as I can; this payment fluctuates slightly month to month, but this is around the average).
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? I always knew I wanted to go to university; I think from the time I was around 12 years old I decided I wanted to be an architect. I was incredibly fortunate that my parents covered the cost of my higher education — they paid for my undergrad tuition and living costs, as well as my graduate tuition. I took out a government loan for my master’s degree so that I did not have to work while I was attending university. Between that money, my savings, and working over the summers I was able to cover my living expenses.
Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s)/guardian(s) educate you about finances? My parents were fairly open about money; they both worked and had good paying jobs so we never really had to worry about anything money related growing up. We got a weekly allowance for doing our chores which started when we were quite young. My mom would write us each a check (I have two sisters) for $3 each week and would take us to the bank to deposit it. Beyond setting us up to “save money”, they let us learn about it on our own. We were aware of the cost of things, like going to the movies or buying new clothes, but they never hesitated to give us the things we wanted or asked for.
What was your first job and why did you get it? My first job was a line cook at Papa John’s Pizza. I got it because my sister worked there and they were looking to hire. I was 14, so I was excited about earning my own money. Did you worry about money growing up? My dad was an engineer in the oil industry so his employment did depend on the boom and bust periods. I distinctly remember them having a conversation with me and my sisters one time when my dad was laid off from work: They sat us down and told us we’d only be able to buy the essentials for a while. I’m not sure if it was my age (I was maybe around 8 or 9?) but that gave me a lot of anxiety around money and I had this feeling of stress around spending too much money on things. Even after my dad found new work and things generally went back to normal, I had this fear that we were “over spending”, even though I don’t think I had much of a reference point for what things cost versus what we could afford.
Do you worry about money now? I worry about the debt I’m currently carrying: It’s the first time in my life that I’ve had personal debt that’s not tied to an asset (like my car or the house). When I collected employment insurance while I was on maternity leave it wasn’t quite enough to cover our expenses, so I ended up using some money from my line of credit to make ends meet. It’s not an overwhelming amount, and I know I will get it paid off. In the end, I know we’re very fortunate that both my partner R. and I have incredibly supportive families. If we were ever in serious financial trouble, we definitely have a safety net that would help us out in any way they could. At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net? I became fully financially responsible for myself at age 26 when I graduated from my master’s program. M. and I are both fortunate to have families that would step in financially if we lost our housing or if either of us lost our source of income and we weren’t able to make ends meet.
Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain. No.
Day One: Sunday
9 a.m. — My partner M. and I trade off getting up early with our son, F., on the weekends; today was my day to sleep in. I wake up, shower, and make a coffee to go with my bagel and cream cheese. I usually get to eat about half the breakfast I make; F. is two years old and always wants bites of whatever we’re having (even though he already ate his own breakfast).
10 a.m. — I only get to drink half my coffee before F. decides it’s time for a walk. We head out while my husband gets some extra sleep after waking up at 5:30 a.m. We end up at our local coffee shop; since I didn’t get to finish my first coffee, I stop to grab a chai latte and a scone for F. His favorite thing now is any kind of treat while we’re out. $11.70
10:10 a.m. — There’s a little market attached to the coffee shop so we talk a walk through there. I found someone selling zucchini relish. My mother-in-law has been searching high and low for it so I grab two jars because her birthday is coming up. $14.69
2:15 p.m. — I heat up some leftovers for lunch; M. made short ribs with mashed potatoes and carrots last night and they make excellent leftovers. He made the effort to go to the butcher for the meat instead of just the grocery store like we usually do, so I don’t want any of it to go to waste.
6:30 p.m. — It’s Sunday and we did our “fancy” recipe last night, so for dinner we see what’s in the pantry and the fridge and decide to make mac and cheese with hot dogs. My son is happy with any kind of noodles so we throw that together with some cherry tomatoes.
Daily Total: $26.39
Day Two: Monday
6:30 a.m. — M. leaves for work at 6:20 a.m.; since my work schedule is the more flexible one, I take care of getting F. up and off to daycare for the day. For the longest time he was waking up at 5:30 a.m. — I’m grateful for the extra hour of sleep he’s giving me in the mornings lately. We get up; F. always has half a bagel and some of whatever fruit we have in the fridge. I make an egg sandwich for myself (or mostly for myself — F. will always have a few bites with ketchup). I’ve been seeing a naturopath to try to get my energy levels back up and she suggested increasing my protein intake at breakfast (but part of me knows this is just my new life with a toddler and no amount of protein will help…).
7:20 a.m. — I usually manage to get F. dropped off at daycare between 7:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., depending on how long it takes us to get dressed and out of the house. It’s only a 10-minute drive from our place, so I drop him off and head back to work from home for the day.
12:30 p.m. — I heat up more of the short ribs and potatoes for lunch. M. is not a big fan of leftovers so I always feel like it’s on me to use them up before they go bad. I don’t mind though, when I’m working from home I don’t want to run out just to grab lunch.
2:45 p.m. — I usually try to wrap up what I’m doing by 3 p.m. so I can go pick F. up. I realize I’m very low on gas so I make a note to stop on the way back home.
3:05 p.m. — I need to commute for work in the morning so I can’t put off getting gas any longer. I make sure to stop at the gas station where I get 3 cents off/litre through a promo deal with my bank. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I do freelance work for a designer that’s about 30 minutes away from my house. I know I’m lucky I get to work from home most of the time, but I still don’t enjoy the commute two days a week. $81.92
5 p.m. — I didn’t stop at the grocery store, but I check the freezer and we have a tourtière we can cook for dinner along with a bag of salad that we didn’t eat over the weekend that won’t last much longer anyway. I throw the tourtière in the oven because it takes an hour to cook and F. will be hungry soon.
6:15 p.m. — M. got a promotion in January and his work hours were adjusted so he can leave an hour before he used to. It’s been nice being able to eat dinner together. When he was getting home later I would usually have to cook one dinner for F. and then M. and I would end up eating our dinner after he went to bed, but luckily now we all eat dinner and then F. gets to play for an hour before bedtime.
Daily Total: $81.92
Day Three: Tuesday
6:30 a.m. — We do our usual morning routine — breakfast, get dressed and packed for daycare, load everything and everyone into the car. We make it there for 7:15 a.m. today which is nice because I have a bit of extra work to catch up on before I head to my freelance job for the day.
9:30 a.m. — I work part time for a development company and supplement that income with my freelance work, so I wrap up what I’ve been doing and head to my second job for the rest of the day.
1:15 p.m. — Sometimes the lady I work for will put together a lunch for us. Today she brought down a plate of hummus, pita bread, peppers, olives and pickled turnips. It’s all delicious and I’m grateful not to be eating leftovers again for lunch.
2:15 p.m. — I head out to pick up F. from daycare. I’m a half an hour farther away than I would be if I was working from home so I have to end my work day a little earlier.
3:15 p.m. — I always take F. with me when I go grocery shopping. He loves the store so it’s like free entertainment (well, free except for the price of the groceries) that keeps him occupied for half an hour. We grab stuff to make tacos, a pasta dish with alfredo and salmon, asparagus, and some other staples that we’re out of (mustard, coffee cream, bagels, and yogurt). F. talks me into getting a new flavor of bear paws for his afternoon snacks as well. $61.67
4 p.m. — F. and I get home and unpack the groceries. He decides he wants to go for a walk to the park so we bundle up and head out. He’s walking further and not using the stroller as much, so we’re gone for almost an hour and half.
6 p.m. — We decide to make the tacos for dinner — they’re always quicker to make than I think they will be. M. gets home and we all eat dinner together. After F. goes to bed we do our usual routine picking something to watch and scrolling through our phones. We’re trying not to fall behind on all our shows, so we put on an episode of Severance.
Daily Total: $61.67
Day Four: Wednesday
6:15 a.m. — Even though I wake up at 6:15 a.m., F. decides to sleep in longer than usual and I don’t get him out of his crib until 6:45 a.m. I try to rush through breakfast a little bit and we manage to get to daycare by 7:45 a.m.
8 a.m. — It’s another work from home day today. I do freelance work for a second designer as well, but her workload is fairly light right now so I haven’t had to dedicate as many hours for her as I usually do. It’s been a lot of work mentally to juggle schedules for essentially three jobs, but I’ve felt the difference with the extra income so it’s definitely been worth it in the end. Today is a bit of a slow day, but I’ve learned to enjoy those whenever they come around.
12 p.m. — I finish off the last of our short rib leftovers (I don’t think they were going to be edible for much longer anyway). They’re still delicious but I’m glad they’ll be gone after today.
2:15 p.m. — Since I don’t have an overwhelming amount of work to keep on top of at the moment, I end my work day a little earlier. I’ve been watching The Newsroom; it’s one of the few shows M. and I aren’t watching together so I can put on an episode without him and not feel guilty about it. I watch an episode and fold some laundry so I can still feel like I’m accomplishing something. I always find it hard to just relax in the middle of a work day even when I don’t have anything I need to get done.
3:15 p.m. — I pick F. up from daycare and we entertain ourselves at home until it’s time to cook dinner. We opt for the pasta dish with salmon for dinner; I mix in some frozen broccoli to round out the meal.
8 p.m. — After getting F. to bed for the night we put on an episode of Reacher. We know it’s not the best television out there, but it’s easy to watch and keeps us entertained.
Daily Total: $0
Day Five: Thursday
5:30 a.m. — F. wakes up early today — he must’ve heard M. getting up for his shower. I manage to convince him to go back to sleep (with the help of his pacifier, even though we’ve been trying to get rid of it completely), but there’s no hope of me falling back asleep so I get up for the day. The pacifier keeps him asleep until his usual wake up around 6:30 a.m., we get organized for the day and make it to daycare at 7:15 a.m.
7:30 a.m. — I get organized for the day and answer a few emails before I head out at 9:30 a.m.
2:15 p.m. — We worked through lunch today, so I stop at Wendy’s on my way to pick up F. from daycare. I try not to buy lunch too often but I love a fast food burger every once in a while — I get fries and a root beer to go with it. $12.63
2:30 p.m. — I’m commuting for a meeting with a client tomorrow, and I have to print out our proposal package because Staples won’t be open when I head out in the morning. I print three copies and then go pick F. up from daycare. $7.66
6 p.m. — I ate lunch late so I’m not hungry for dinner at all. I heat up leftover noodles and peas for F. and convince M. to order takeout for ourselves after he goes to bed.
8 p.m. — After F. goes to bed, we order from a local pub through Uber Eats. We’ve been trying to cut back on the amount of takeout we do, but we still usually end up ordering dinner at least once a week. I get a buffalo chicken wrap with a side salad; M. is allergic to chicken so whenever we do take out I usually get it, since it’s not something I cook regularly just for myself. He gets a steak sandwich with fries (I had fries for lunch so I didn’t want to have them again, but as soon as I see M.’s fries I regret my decision). Luckily he lets me eat a few. $46.04
Daily Total: $66.33
Day Six: Friday
6:30 a.m. — After a few days slightly off schedule, F. is back to his regular wakeup time. We get up, eat breakfast, and get dressed. After I drop him off I’ll just head straight to my meeting, so I pack up all my work stuff as well. I never know what traffic is going to be like so I like to leave extra time for the commute (it’s usually just under two hours).
10 a.m. — There’s an accident on my route which slows me down, but I get there with lots of time to spare. We’re meeting our client at a coffee shop so I grab a coffee when I get there. Since I’m early, I get a piece of banana bread to eat before everyone else arrives. $13.13
1:30 p.m. — Our meeting goes well and I stay a little longer to review a few other things in person with my colleague. I end up leaving around 1:30 p.m.; I haven’t eaten lunch yet but traffic on the way back isn’t great either and I don’t want to be too late picking up F. I also hate when I don’t plan well enough and have to buy lunch two days in a row, so even though I know I’ll be hungry, I skip getting anything for lunch.
3:30 p.m. — I’m a little late picking up F. from daycare, but at least it’s Friday so we can just head home and relax for the weekend. He wants a snack when we get home (and I’m starving), so we share some hummus with veggie straws.
6 p.m. — F. has a bath and then we get dinner ready. I didn’t grab anything fresh so we pull out a frozen lasagne and luckily we still have the asparagus from our grocery shopping earlier in the week. I immediately regret doing F.’s bath before dinner when he ends up with lasagne from ear to ear. But we get him cleaned up and have time to relax for an hour before getting him off to bed.
8:30 p.m. — Bedtime has been slowly taking longer and longer but F. finally falls asleep and we make it downstairs around 8:30 p.m. There’s a hockey game on tonight that M. wants to watch, so we put that on and I mostly scroll through my phone until I feel like I’ve stayed up late enough for an adult bedtime.
Daily Total: $13.13
Day Seven: Saturday
6:30 a.m. — It’s Saturday, and my weekend day to get up with F. After I’m unsuccessful at convincing him to sleep a bit extra in our bed, I finally cave and we go downstairs for breakfast while my partner sleeps in.
9 a.m. — F. and I hang out in the living room until M. wakes up around 9 a.m. Usually I would try to get a bit more sleep in, but I’m meeting a friend for lunch so I forgo my usual morning nap so that I have enough time to get ready. M. and F. head out for a morning walk and I’m grateful to have the house to myself while I get ready.
12 p.m. — I meet my friend for lunch at a Mexican restaurant that’s halfway between our houses. We both have toddlers so it feels like it takes us months to arrange any sort of get together. We have so much to catch up on that we’re there for almost three hours. We share a bunch of appetizers and split the bill. $75.26
6 p.m. — I ate lunch late and M. said he was snacking all day, so neither of us was hungry for a big dinner. F. is happy with leftover lasagne and frozen peas so he eats, and decides he wants to do a bath again before bed.
Daily Total: $75.26
The Breakdown
Conclusion
“Food and drink is generally our largest spending category on an average week, so looking over the figures, they’re not surprising. We’re lucky that we’re able to walk through the grocery store and buy what we like without having to worry too much about the cost each week. I feel like the area we can cut back on right now would be the amount we eat out — and when we have food at home that we enjoy, it always makes that decision an easier one. I started tracking our monthly expenses about two years ago so that I could set up a realistic budget for myself. It’s been a good way for me to feel more in control of our money and start to intentionally save for some of the things we want to do in the future without having to sacrifice the things we enjoy on a more day-to-day basis.”
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