Plastics are everywhere in food packaging, clothing, carpeting, personal care products, appliances, cars, and electronics….
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Earth911 Podcast: The Carbon Removal XPrize Winners
As the world confronts the urgent challenge of removing billions of tons of carbon dioxide…
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How Climate Change Will Impact Your Retirement Plans—2025 Update
Planning for retirement becomes more complex as the impacts of climate change transform our environment….
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These Black Women Authors Are Reclaiming Romance—One Page At A Time
Word on the street is that folks believe that romance and yearning are dead. But those of us who read Black romance novels know that both are alive and well in the pages of our favorite books.
As more Black women join book clubs and profess their love for romance novels on social media, it has become very clear that the demand for literature that depicts Black women as desirable, autonomous and fulfilled in their romantic lives is sky-high. That’s partly due to the still unfortunately limited representation of Black love stories we see today and social media chatter that often disparages Black women. Not to mention the trash dating pool many have to navigate today.
With romance novels, there’s a needed level of escape — and hope — that Black women authors, in particular, are providing readers. And ahead of summer 2025, authors are turning up the heat with spicy reads that give Black women the happily ever after their heart desires — and no two endings look the same.
If you’re a lover girl, new and forthcoming releases, including Kennedy Ryan’s Can’t Get Enough, Tia Williams’ debut young adult (YA) novel Audre & Bash are Just Friends, Regina Black’s August Lane and Danielle Allen’s Plus Size Player, are sure to be on your summer reading list.
We asked these authors about their latest Black romance novels, self-love, the importance of fantasy and the message they have for Black women navigating love and romance today.
Kennedy Ryan, author of Can’t Get Enough
On Can’t Get Enough:
“I wanted plus size women to see someone who is completely confident in her body and has an expectation of being desirable,” Ryan said at Amazon’s Book Sale Event in New York in April.
“I think there’s something really powerful about the expectation of the presumption of attraction, which I don’t know that we always see with plus-size women in fiction. [Hendrix] is a woman who [knows she’s] not ‘beautiful to be big,’ or ‘beautiful to be brown’ but just beautiful period.”
On centering self-love with her characters:
“It’s really important for women to know ourselves, preferably before we commit to a lifetime partner. If you don’t have a strong sense of self, it’s very easy to be shaped into what your partner expects. And that’s why a lot of my heroines are older. Hendrix, in this book, is 40 years old. She’s never been married. She doesn’t want children. And [she doesn’t] want a man for the sake of him just being in [her] life. I think the foundation of a romantic relationship starts with self-love. That’s why in Soledad’s book (This Could Be Us), All About Love, was a book that she really leaned into. If you don’t have that foundation of loving yourself when you get into a relationship, all those emotions can pull you into a shape that fits the person you’re with.”
On what she wants Black women reading her books to know:
“Not to settle. That’s easier said than done because we get lonely. And the temptation is to take whatever feels as close to what we’re looking for as possible, even if it might hurt us. Love where you are loved. I do think that waiting for the right thing is great, and if you can find somebody who is only for now and get some of those yearnings and desires satisfied, do that. But when you are in the market for something that’s permanent, it’s a different criteria.”
Tia Williams, author of Audre & Bash are Just Friends
On Audre & Bash Are Just Friends:
“Audre became a huge fan favorite in Seven Days in June,” Williams said via a Zoom interview. “She was the 12-year-old daughter of my female protagonist. She’s just like this wise-cracking, hilarious little lady, wise beyond her years. I would get all sorts of texts and emails and DMs like, ‘Where’s Audre’s story?’ So I decided to age her up four years and have her be a teenager and experience first love during one balmy Brooklyn summer.”
On the importance of romance novels:
“I think now more than ever, we really need escapism. We need to dream. We need to raise the bar and aim high. And read about women that are being outrageously loved. If you spend too much time in the wrong [social media] comment thread or listening to the wrong podcast, you would sort of start to feel that you’re—as a Black woman—not being appreciated or loved. We need to know that it’s real and worth fighting for and know why it’s important not to settle.”
On what message she wants Black women and girls to get from her work:
“Audre is a very rigid girl. She has goals and ambitions. But she hasn’t really slowed down enough to live her life and learn about what she wants and doesn’t want socially or romantically. This is her summer, where she’s learning how to live. And sometimes, you get the most important life lessons through play. I think that girls and women can kind of get the same takeaway that being on the path to success is a great thing. But you may be missing the best parts. Slowing down and allowing yourself to be seen and loved is a wonderful thing.”
Danielle Allen, author of Plus Size Player
On Plus Size Player:
“[Our protagonist] Nina has a roster of four men she is navigating, not putting the expectation on one man to fulfill all of her qualities. You get to see her navigating her life as a content creator while she juggles these men and the twists and turns of life. It’s also about setting your boundaries and not letting people disrespect them, as well as being clear in your communication. Even though it’s Plus Size Player, she’s not playing these men. She’s very honest about what she wants, who she is, and that she’s dating other people.”
On fantasy in Black romance:
“It isn’t a fantasy to be treated well, to be loved, well, to be respected. And, unfortunately, those things start to feel like a fantasy world. There’s a disconnect somewhere because those things that we are looking for are not ridiculous. It gets lost, and if you aren’t seeing it, then that’s when it becomes a fantasy because you feel like, ‘I’m asking for too much.’ But you are disconnecting yourself from that very real desire to be seen, heard, loved and cared for in the right way.”
On what she wants Black women reading her books to know:
“You are deserving of love and romance, no matter what it is that the media tries to imply. Everybody’s idea of romance looks different. Know who you are and what you want, and then ask for it. In my experience, Black women don’t ask for what they want in romance because it’s always presented to us as if we already don’t deserve it. So when we get a little crumb, we’re supposed to be thankful as opposed to us saying, ‘I’d like my meal, please.’ I want women to ask for what they want, to stand firm in who they are and know that they are worthy of love.”
Regina Black, author of August Lane
On August Lane:
“I very intentionally wrote a Black romance set in the South in a small town because I wanted to write about my experience,” Black said during a Zoom interview. “A lot of the content in the book, the experience August has, is based on my life. And it just so happened that Beyoncé released Cowboy Carter. Everybody has started talking about these things that I have been researching, reading and writing about all this time. And so I’m very excited [about it].”
On fantasy in Black romance:
“I do think it’s important to buy into fantasies. I think it conveys the message that it’s okay to pursue love, particularly for Black women. Many of the messages we receive focus on our strength or perseverance. But we don’t get as many messages about vulnerability or softness. But vulnerability is also a strength. Connection is also a strength. And this is what it looks like in this context. And this is what it should feel like when that happens. “
On what she wants Black women reading her books to know:
“The primary love in my books is self-love. Loving yourself is the key to loving someone else. All of the characters in my books go through this journey of forgiving themselves, loving themselves, getting to know themselves and that love story is the way they do it. They are seen by this other person in a way that allows them to heal. The message I always want to convey with my books is that this could be you, and the pathway, the map I’m drawing to that joy and that happy ending is self-love.”
Can’t Get Enough and Audre & Bash are Just Friends are out now. Plus Size Player and August Lane hit bookshelves on June 10 and July 29, respectively.
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The Black Woman Behind Romance 'The Idea Of You'
Blurring Is The New Matte — & It’s Summer’s Softest Makeup Trend
It doesn’t seem like that long ago that our feeds were flooded with images of hyper-glowy skin that looked fresh (but never sweaty), with a healthy sheen. (Dewy makeup got so big, it even permeated pop culture; “my skin is gleamin,’” whisper-sang Ariana Grande in 2019’s “7 rings.”) Glow was the antithesis of the “Instaglam” look that predated it in the mid-2010s; think heavy highlight and contour, a full-coverage base, and bold, matte lipstick.
But if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that trends come, go…and find a way of coming back again. And sure enough, one word has been popping up everywhere in beauty launches lately: Blur. It’s not quite matte, but not quite glowy either. The blurred makeup trend occupies an interesting place between dualities that seems to be striking a chord these days. It delivers all the luminosity of dewy makeup with the diffused velvetiness of ultra-matte glam.
“The trend seems to be gaining momentum in response to the sharp makeup looks that have dominated social media for years,” makeup artist and Sephora Beauty Director David Razzano tells Refinery29. “Bold black cat eyeliner, graphic eyeshadow, intense contouring, and ultra-defined lip lines are beginning to feel a bit dated and overdone.” In comparison, ‘blurred’ makeup has a “fresh, effortless vibe,” per Razzano, that lends the skin a “filtered,” poreless effect. (I never thought I’d say this, but was Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse…ahead of its time?)
The more I thought about it, the less surprising the trend was. After all, digitally airbrushed skin via social media filters had given way to products like e.l.f.’s Poreless Putty Primer and Milk Makeup’s (sadly discontinued) Blur Stick. But the 2025 version of blurred-finish products isn’t just about poreless, diffused skin. Instead of bottling blur in primers and touchup products, the soft-focus effect has made its way into lipstick, blush, eyeshadows, and more.
Ahead, get the scoop on how to wear blurred makeup from lids to lips — and the pro-approved products to get the look this summer and beyond.
Eyes
When it comes to eyes, there are several ways to achieve a soft, diffused wash of color. I personally find cream-to-powder eyeshadows like Glossier Skywash or Merit’s new Solo Shadow the quickest, most foolproof way to get a blurred finish. “The Sephora Collection PRO Eyeshadow Brush #18 is my go-to ‘blurring brush’ for both eyes and lips,” says Razzano. “It has a small domed tip, which can be used to blur eyeliner or lipstick out – just gently sweep on the edge of any area.”
Skin
When I hear “blurred makeup,” I first think of a soft, creamy complexion resembling something from a Vermeer portrait. Foundations like R29’s Beauty Innovator Award-winning Huda Beauty’s Easy Blur and Covergirl’s new (and already sold out) Clean Fresh Blurring Skin Tint SPF 30 are great options for one-and-done coverage with a petal-soft finish.
You can also achieve a beautiful, blurred effect with your finishing products. Razzano loves Kosas’ Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder for lending a soft veil that reduces shine, not glow. “I’m obsessed with this powder! It sets your makeup in place while delivering an ultra-soft blurring effect, all while maintaining a natural, radiant finish,” he says. “This powder works particularly well when it comes to setting concealer — it blurs out fine lines and wrinkles, without creating dryness under the eyes.”
Cheeks
The blush craze shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and the latest launches all seem to have blur as a priority. There’s the Dua Lipa-fronted YSL Beauty’s new Make Me Blush, which comes in eight candy-colored shades and contains squalane to lend an optical blurring effect on skin. Some of Razzano’s go-to’s include Lawless’ Pinch My Cheeks Soft-Blur Cream Blush, which our editors also loved for its longwear properties and beautiful pigmentation. Another fave comes in the form of Danessa Myricks’ Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder, which also happens to be among my most-used products as well. “This formula is nothing short of pure brilliant beauty innovation,” Razzano declares. “Danessa created a hydrating balm-to-powder that instantly blurs the skin, while maintaining a hyper-natural look and feel. Plus, she has carried this formula into blushes and highlighters – so you can blur and add glow simultaneously.”
On the bronzer side of things, Makeup By Mario’s SoftSculpt Blurring Bronzer offers the same sun-kissed glow you’d get from a bronzing powder with ingredients like spherical powders that provide an optical blurring effect.
Lips
Make it a summer of blurred kisses with products that have a soft, romantic finish that’s never dry or flat. “Refy’s Blur Liner boasts a domed tip, creating a natural, soft, and blurred look — an easy step in your routine,” Razzano explains. He also loves Prada Beauty’s Monochrome Soft Matte Blur Lipstick, which has the creamy texture of your favorite lippie but with a velvet finish. “No need to perfectly line your lips, since it softly blurs itself,” he says. “A few taps of your finger will blend it to perfection.” We also love Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape crayons, which come in a variety of beautiful neutral tones with a soft matte finish.
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One Day Of Rugby Taught Me To Stop Chasing Perfection & Start Showing Up
I remember growing up when the most popular high school sports for girls were track and field, volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, cheerleading and cross-country. But Rugby? It was never even part of the conversation.
So when I was asked by Quest Nutrition to participate in an Olympic training experience with the United States women’s national rugby sevens team, I didn’t hesitate. I was all in.
Admittedly, I was nervous. However, that changed the moment I received the roster and recognized not one but two women who looked like me. Two Black women, smiling from ear to ear, standing tall as part of an Olympic history-making team. My anxiousness gave way to curiosity and pride.
Rugby has long been perceived as a predominately white sport. A 2020 report by The Guardian found that fewer than 8% of players identified as Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic background. And if you isolate that figure to solely Black athletes? The percentage drops even lower.
With representation so limited, the challenge isn’t just physical—it’s mental. It’s knowing you’re one of the few. It’s pushing your body to its limits while also carrying the invisible weight of visibility. But it’s also a gift to compete, to create space and to reshape the narrative in real time.
As two-time Olympian and Bronze medalist Ariana Ramsey reminded me after training, “Great and hard work shapes you into the athlete you’re meant to be. Your willingness to go to practice every day and be consistent is a life skill you’ll always need and use.”
Those words stuck with me because, as a Black woman athlete, or in my case, a journalist, showing up is only half the battle. It’s never just about the game or profession; it’s about rewriting what’s possible, even when the narrative was never written with us—Black women and many others from historically marginalized backgrounds—in mind. Is it about being seen? Yes, absolutely, but it’s also more than that; the older I get, the more I realize it’s about making sure the next little brown girl sees herself, too.
Being in the center of it all at Chula Vista Elite Training Center, one of the top Olympic training campuses in the country, the game itself challenged every physical limit I thought I knew.
It was exciting, yes, but it also sparked something deeper. It created an internal shift from imposter syndrome to embodied power. I began to understand that true strength in all forms isn’t just about physical ability. I missed a few kicks. My athleticism definitely didn’t kick in the way I hoped. And when it was time to race, did I come in first place? Absolutely not. (laughs)
But the real win had nothing to do with numbers. It was in letting go of the mental chains, silencing the inner critic and quieting the outside noise that sometimes held me back (and at times continues to do so) in my everyday life. The silent whispers of discouragement, defeat or doubt. The lingering question of “What if I’m not enough?” What if things don’t go as I planned? “What if I’m not ready or live up to the expectation?”
That day, I didn’t just show up on the field. I pushed through the noise. And not only did I show up for Dontaira K. Terrell in her full entirety—I proved something to myself and no one else. Even if I didn’t make the field goal, land the tackle or run my fastest race—I laughed through it all. No pressure. I was present. I enjoyed the moment. I took what I couldn’t do and turned it into a lesson, not a curveball.
When everyone else seems to be gaining momentum, racking up wins or living their so-called best lives, it can leave you crashing out and wondering, “What about me?”
It took time to get here. For so long, I carried the weight of trying to be perfect. To be a winner. To overachieve, no matter the cost. That pressure has caused me more harm than good. But letting go of those limiting beliefs? That was the freedom. Who cared if I didn’t catch on as quickly as the person next to me? That was the push I didn’t know I needed.
If I’m honest, I grew up in a household of excellence. College-educated parents. High-achieving siblings. World travelers. Trophy winners. My older sisters aren’t just entrepreneurs and businesswomen—two are attorneys, and one is an audiologist (in fact, the first Black woman to receive a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree in the Midwest). So, as you can imagine, anything less than my best never felt like an option.
“Growing up, I worked really hard but didn’t immediately see the payout, so it kind of made me feel like what I was doing wasn’t worth it,” American rugby union player Nia Toliver said, reflecting on the advice she’d give to her younger self. “But when I think about where I am now, it’s because of the work I put in. It was a long-term gain—not immediate success.”
Talk about words that resonated.
In today’s society—from television to TikTok, Instagram and everything in between it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind. When everyone else seems to be gaining momentum, racking up wins or living their so-called best lives, it can leave you crashing out and wondering, “What about me?”
We’re in a microwavable culture. Everything looks instant. But real success? Real alignment? It takes time. And that’s why I’ve had to learn to separate the two to put things into perspective. Just as Maya Angelou reminded us: “All great achievements require time.”
That’s also why I’m adamant about celebrating the small wins. They’re the proof of grit, grind and perseverance behind closed doors. The effort you’re putting in when no one is watching. When the applause is quiet. When the likes on the ‘Gram are few and far between. I know firsthand that those moments are the hardest.
It’s about reframing the narrative: you don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to keep going and keep showing up. After spending the day with the team, when it came time to leave the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, another realization struck me. The roles of coaches, sports psychologists, team nutritionists, personal trainers and the list goes on in rugby mirrored something I’ve come to understand in my own life: your support system matters just as much as your skill set.
If you want to win at anything on the field or in real life, let me tell you, that foundation has to be solid. That encouragement, that accountability, that belief in you when you’re doubting yourself? That kind of support is top-tier because no matter how gifted you are, you can’t do it alone. To win in this thing called life, both on and off the playing field, you need people who help you stay in the game, even when life is doing the absolute most.
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A Black Girl's Guide To The Austin F1 Grand Prix
7 Black-Owned Summer Scents That Give Main Character Energy
“To all the ladies in the place with style and grace,” this one is for you! Summer’s here, and we’re not just outside; we’re showing up, showing out and smelling like a whole vibe. Not only are we trying to look good, we’re trying to smell good too.
But let’s be real—perfume isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your signature scent should match your energy. I’m talking scents that still linger in the room long after you leave, giving off that main character energy that’ll have heads turning and your presence unforgettable. Is it soft and sweet? Bold and spicy? Warm and woody with a little intrigue?
Either way, that’s why we pulled together this list of handpicked must-have perfumes that are, of course, made for us, by us. Ready to smell like your higher self? Get your wallets ready, and let’s get into it.
Maya Njie Les Fleurs Eau de Parfum 50ml, $, available at Liberty London
Ourside Dusk Eau de Parfum, 1.7 oz., $, available at Bergdorf Goodman
Harlem Candle Co The Harlem Perfume Josephine Eau de Parfum, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
Octavia Morgan Los Angeles LEGENDARY EDP, $, available at Octavia Morgan Los Angeles
MAIR Women’s Peony Silk Eau De Parfum Spray, 3.4 Oz, $, available at Macy’s
MOODEAUX Worthy IntenScenual Eau De Parfum, $, available at Credo Beauty
Brown Girl Jane Casablanca Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
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What To Buy From Nordstrom's Fragrance Sale
The 22 Best Matching Sweatsuit & Lounge Sets To Live In Year-Round
As much as we love diving headfirst into the latest fashion trends, there’s no denying the magnetic pull of a matching sweatsuit or lounge set. They’re cozy, they’re comfy, they’re cute — and, when made with quality and care, they’re built to last. Plus, the versatility. Toeing the line between sporty athleisure and polished co-ords, sweatsuits are the ultimate shortcut to looking casual yet put-together.
Throw one on when you can’t be bothered to style an outfit. Or default to your favorite when tackling a week’s worth of chores in a few hours. Working remotely and need to feel slightly more “dressed” than your pajamas? Problem solved. And on travel days? Sweat sets are an MVP for curling up on chilly flights. Bonus: You can break up a set and wear each piece separately, unlocking endless mix-and-match potential for those moments when you actually want to plan an outfit.
If you’re ready to retire those ratty, holey sweats that have seen you through college and countless days under your duvet (no judgment — we’ve all got that pair), consider yourself covered. Ahead, discover 22 top-quality, stylish sweatsuit sets from retailers we love and trust. Whether you’re looking for lightweight short sets and breathable cotton co-ords for warm weather or weighty and more structured layers for indoor hibernation mode, you’ll find your new go-to right here.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Edikted
Girly bows and butter yellow? We couldn’t click “add to cart” fast enough.
edikted Bonney Bow Oversize Hoodie, $, available at Nordstrom
edikted Bonney Bow Detail Sweatpants, $, available at Nordstrom
Aerie
Add Bermuda shorts to your loungewear rotation with this ultra-airy summer set.
Aerie OFFLINE Keep It 100 Terry Full Zip Hoodie, $, available at Aerie
Aerie OFFLINE Keep It 100 Terry Foldover Long Short, $, available at Aerie
H&M
You just can’t beat a melange gray sweatsuit in rotation, any time of year.
H&M 2-piece Sweatsuit, $, available at H&M
Aritzia
Of course, everyone’s favorite shop for wardrobe basics has hoodies that “hoodie” better than most in existence. The Cozy Fleece fabric is like wearing a cloud, and this sun-faded pink? Summer perfection.
Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Mega Zip Hoodie, $, available at Aritzia
Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Perfect Hi-rise Mini Short, $, available at Aritzia
Lululemon
A Lululemon set for travel just makes sense. The plush fleece, roomy fit, and pockets make it practical yet undeniably cozy on early-morning flights — no wonder these are an internet sensation. Plus, the pants come in short, regular, and tall sizes, making the set even more versatile.
Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger Regular, $, available at Lululemon
Lululemon Scuba Oversized Full-Zip Hoodie, $, available at Lululemon
Rhone
Another dreamy-soft fabric that’s somehow both crazy lightweight and warm — seriously, how?
Rhone DreamGlow Half Zip, $, available at Nordstrom
Rhone DreamGlow Joggers, $, available at Nordstrom
Everlane
Greenify your sweatsuit situation for spring in these bright coordinates from Everlane, crafted from lightweight cotton jersey.
Everlane The Off-Duty Long-Sleeve Tee, $, available at Everlane
Everlane The Off-Duty Short, $, available at Everlane
Free-est
We’re long-time fans of Free People’s lounge and activewear offerings (especially FP Movement and Free-est), and this sweater knit set is a standout. Available in 12 colors, from easy neutrals to rich jewel tones, it’s perfect for everything from at-home happy hour to beach days.
free-est Solar Sweater Set, $, available at Free People
Zara
Bring the bubble-hem trend to your downtime with this red-hot hoodie and mini-skirt set.
Zara Oversized Lapel Cropped Sweatshirt, $, available at Zara
Zara Balloon Mini Skirt, $, available at Zara
Splendid
Found: your ultimate set for seaside days.
Splendid Zip Up Stripe Hoodie, $, available at Shopbop
Splendid Stripe Terry Shorts, $, available at Shopbop
Negative
If you haven’t tried Negative’s ready-to-wear, it’s time. Their layering tees are perfection, but when it comes to matching sweats, this ballet pink waffle set is choice. It even comes with a coordinating bra.
Negative Waffle Knit Pullover, $, available at Nordstrom
Negative Waffle Knit Jogger, $, available at Nordstrom
Negative Waffle Knit Lounge Bralette, $, available at Nordtrom
Dressed In Lala
Wear your emotions on your matching sleeves… literally.
Dressed In LaLa Lots of Feelings Checkerboard Sweater & Pants Set, $, available at Nordstrom
Daily Practice by Anthropologie
Anthropologie’s label Daily Practice delivers casual loungewear with an elevated, everyday feel. This set caught our eye for its eyelet and mesh details — playful touches that also make it feel extra breathable for hot days.
Daily Practice Rhythmic Lace Mesh Hooded Sweatshirt, $, available at Anthropologie
Daily Practice Rhythmic Lace Mesh Sweatpants, $, available at Anthropologie
Petal & Pup
Consider this your ultimate plane-to-poolside set.
Petal and Pup Sunny Knit Shirt & Shorts Set, $, available at Nordstrom
Gap
Readers have been loving Gap’s sweats of late, and these coordinates in coral-y pink make everything from WFH sessions to grocery runs and travel days a little brighter.
Gap French Terry Wide-Leg Rolled-Hem Sweatpants, $, available at Gap
Gap French Terry Oversized Crop Hoodie, $, available at Gap
Alo
Alo is best for its fashion-forward range of yoga attire and workout sets, but the sweatsuits are equally on point. Refinery 29 fashion director Irina Grechko swears by this set (which she has in gray and white) for peak cozy vibes. This new mint green is next on her list for summer.
Alo Accolade Crew Neck Pullover, $, available at Alo
Alo Accolade Short, $, available at Alo
Aviator Nation
We love a summer stripe, especially in zippy neon.
Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Relaxed Zip Hoodie, $, available at Shopbop
Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Sweatpants, $, available at Shopbop
Abercrombie & Fitch
Everyone loves Abercrombie’s jeans, but its activewear and loungewear deserve a shoutout. This boatneck sweatshirt is just the thing for your next hot girl walk when paired with the coordinated joggers.
Abercrombie and Fitch Sunday Slash Top, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Abercrombie and Fitch Essential Sunday Sweatpant, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
Mango
Channel those Y2K vibes with this pretty sea green velour set — ideal for summer.
Mango Velour Sweatshirt with Soft Touch, $, available at Mango
Mango Soft-Touch Velour Pants, $, available at Mango
Old Navy
This aqua shorts set is screaming beachside lounging, whether that’s your reality or a daydream.
Old Navy SoComfy Graphic Sweatshirt, $, available at Old Navy
Old Navy Extra High-Waisted SoComfy Sweat Shorts, $, available at Old Navy
Pangaia
Pangaia brings bold colors and sustainable materials to your downtime style. If you’re a color lover, this peachy set is a so-fun and eco-friendly take on loungewear.
Pangaia 365 Midweight Hoodie, $, available at Pangaia
Pangaia 365 Midweight Track Pants, $, available at Pangaia
Spanx
Slip into this classic navy sweatsuit, where the ultra-soft and airy fabric feels like a gentle cloud against your skin.
SPANX AirEssentials Half Zip, $, available at SPANX
SPANX AirEssentials Wide Leg Pant, $, available at SPANX
Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne — a.k.a. everyone’s favorite luxury knitwear designer — brings the same softness to the label’s matching sweat sets. This one is the definition of low-key luxury.
Jenni Kayne Saturday Sweatshirt, $, available at Jenni Kayne
Jenni Kayne Saturday Sweatpant, $, available at Jenni Kayne
PerfectDD
This one’s for the full-busted girls. Alice Kim launched PerfectDD after struggling to find pieces that fit her petite frame and size 32DD breasts. The designs are tailored with extra room at the bust only — no tent-like fits here (IYKYK). Sizes accommodate DD to M cups.
Perfectdd Charisse L/S Sweatshirt, $, available at Perfectdd
Perfectdd Sweat Shorts, $, available at Perfectdd
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14 Comfy Sweatpants R29 Editors & Readers Swear By
6 Food-Inspired Beauty Trends That’ll Have You Serving Looks
Glazed donut nails, tiramisu makeup, cinnamon cookie butter hair… Food-inspired beauty trends are giving new meaning to the term “serving looks,” and not unlike patisserie day on my favorite baking show, new options stay coming in hot by the second.
The inspo for your next look isn’t just on your feed — it’s in your fridge. Think sugared pink and red tones with a slight glossy sheen, mimicking the dewy glow of that viral $19 strawberry (you know the one), or decadent toffee hues that give your look equal parts warmth and sweetness. Scrolling through #BeautyTok feels like making that weekly grocery run, and honestly? Yes, chef.
The trend goes beyond indulgent aesthetic choices, too. With the launch of the new Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balms, e.l.f. Cosmetics is taking food-inspired beauty trends to the next level. These buttery soft, nourishing lip balms combine hues that pay homage to gummy candies, strawberry shortcake, and toffee among other delicious treats, with coordinating scent and flavor profiles for that 360 experience deserving of a Michelin star.
Keep reading to learn more about six food-inspired beauty trends we’re loving for summer, and how to easily create each look.
Strawberry Girl
What’s sweet, ripe for the season, and can be spotted in abundance at Erewhon? It’s not just the most recent harvest of summer strawberries — when the warmer weather returns, so does the strawberry girl makeup trend.
Try your hand at the effect with the e.l.f. Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in Strawberry Shortcake, a soft, strawberry-scented pink tone that looks good on everyone, then pick up the Sheer For It Blush Tint in Pink Positive to create a juicy flush. Blend the hue along your cheeks, and add the smallest touch onto the bridge of your nose to create a sun-kissed appearance. Finish by decorating your complexion in faux freckles. Use the Holy Strokes Micro-Fine Brow Pen to add pinpoint dots over your cheeks and nose.
Y2K Candy
It’s the first day of summer in the year 2000. You’re snacking on a pouch of grape gummy sour straws as you pore over the latest issue of your favorite magazine, as the twinkly intro of “Candy” plays on MTV in the background. Life is good. Time travel may not be possible (yet), but luckily, an equally-sweet aesthetic is.
Swipe the candy-scented Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in Yummy Gummy onto your lips to give a nod to your grape sour straws, then use the H2O Proof Inkwell Eyeliner in Lavender Daze to trace your upper lash line, winging it out at the end. Keep the Y2K vibes going by incorporating a touch of tasteful iridescence over your cheekbones. The Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand in IRL Angel is perfect for the effect, dipping a toe into the frosted makeup trends of years past without going full ice bath.
Espresso-core
No matter how you take your coffee in the morning, the espresso-core trend is one that looks great on everyone. Like the latte makeup trend, espresso-core is a blend of warm neutrals, but with a shot of extra depth — think darker, richer tones, and sultry vibes.
Start first with the lip combo to set the tone. Use the e.l.f. Cream Glide Lip Liner in Espresso Martini to trace the shape of your lips, then fill in your pout 50% of the way with the creamy formula, leaving some empty space at the center of your top and bottom lip to let your natural color peek through. Build up the intensity as you see fit, then swipe the coffee-flavored Glow Reviver Melting Balm in Java Chip over the top. Press your lips together to blend the colors and set the combo in place, then pick up the Bite-Size Eyeshadow Palette in Love You a Latte to bring a jolt of color to your eyes. Pat the deepest brown shade onto your lids, concentrating most of the hue along the upper lash line, then dip a blending brush into the warm terracotta tone to blend out the shade, diffusing the color as you reach your crease.
Blackberry Grunge
Whether you’re using the actual fruit as your muse, or the rich stain left behind after polishing off the tiny container you picked up on your grocery run, there’s something just so appropriately ‘90s about a rich blackberry hue. Use that as your inspiration for a grunge-era look that would do the lead singers of your favorite ’90s girl rock band proud.
Sweep the blackberry-scented Glow Reviver Melting Balm in Blackberry Sorbet across your lips. Pick up the Instant Lift Brow Pencil in a shade that matches your natural hair color to give your arches a full, fluffy appearance, using the spoolie to evenly distribute the formula. Finish by lining your eyes with the Smoky Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in Black Velvet, smudging the color out with your finger for perfectly imperfect authenticity.
Cherry Punk
For those about to rock, we salute you. Throw “Cherry Bomb” on in the background and channel your inner rock goddess with the cherry punk aesthetic.
Start by swiping the Glow Reviver Melting Balm in Wild Cherry — a saturated, buttery red with a patent leather shine and a cherry flavor — across your pout, then mirror that energy on your cheeks with the Putty Blush in Caribbean. Pro tip: For an authentic punk look, take a page out of the ‘80s-era blush placement and blend the color across your cheekbones, directing the formula upwards. To finish, pick up the Intense Ink Eyeliner and draw on a cat-eye with an extended wing sharp enough to cut anyone who comes too close.
Sticky Toffee Chic
Have you ever been downright mesmerized by that sticky toffee sauce poured over a freshly baked sponge cake? Warm, golden, and so shiny it almost glows on its descent. Incorporate all that decadence into your look by reaching for warm, rich metallics.
Sweep the e.l.f. Liquid Metallic Eyeshadow in Meteor, a molten bronze hue, over your lids, then use your finger or an eyeshadow brush to diffuse the color as you reach your crease. Then, pick up the Halo Glow Highlight Beauty Wand in Holographic Honey and swipe it over the high points of your face — across your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and onto the top of your cupid’s bow — to impart a luminous glow. Just like that warm, indulgent toffee sauce, a layer of the vanilla-flavored Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm in Vanilla Toffee serves as the finishing (yet ever essential) touch.
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The 12 Best Weekender Bags For Long-Weekend Travel
Lengthy trips call for breaking out our best rolling luggage, but for a quick two- to three-day getaway, we need a travel bag that lets us sail smoothly through various micro-jaunts — whether they’re via plane, train, or automobile — without getting in the way or weighing us down. This is where the weekender bag shines.
Weekenders run the gamut in terms of size and shape, so what’s right for you depends on your personal packing preferences: There are durable duffles ripe for overstuffing, large canvas totes perfect for folding in an extra outfit or two, and structured bags that sit neatly on your suitcase handle. No matter which one you choose, rest assured you’ll be able to flutter to and from all your adventures with ease by slinging one over your shoulder.
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Béis The Weekender
We love this Béis weekender, made with sleek waterproof canvas, ample storage space, and a multitude of zip pockets — one even converts to a sleeve, so you can easily slide it over a suitcase handle for your next journey.
Béis The Weekender, $, available at Béis
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Weekender
What do we want? Compartments! Where do we want them? In our weekender bags! Quince’s Italian leather style has just enough space that you can throw stuff in one of the three zippered pockets, but not too much that you’ll overpack.
Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Weekender, $, available at Quince
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48
For a chic office-to-airport option, Coach’s soft leather design is at the top of our list. It’s just big enough to fit your laptop, an outfit or two, a book, and a wash bag — all without being so big it annoys your fellow train commuters.
Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag 48, $, available at Coach
Stoney Clover Lane Duffle Bag
No need to sacrifice space for style. In a trendy animal print, this structured, denim duffle will hold all your weekend necessities and more. Made with cotton, it can easily be popped into the washing machine to erase all weekend spills.
Stoney Clover Lane Duffle Bag, $, available at Anthropologie
Samsonite Better than Basic Weekender
Perfect for the frequent work travelers, this weekender bag will keep you looking professional and organized, thanks to a spacious top compartment with a laptop sleeve, plus a separate drop bottom compartment for shoes.
Samsonite Better than Basic Weekender, $, available at Samsonite
Vera Bradley Large Miramar Weekender
Like a real-life Mary Poppins bag, this weekender tote is surprisingly roomy, featuring a zippered laptop compartment, internal and external pockets, a trolley sleeve, and more. Plus it’s available in an array of bold, bright patterns and vibrant colors.
Vera Bradley Large Miramar Weekender, $, available at Vera Bradley
Rains Hilo Weekend Bag
Traveling somewhere rainy? This cool sea blue duffle is made from 100% waterproof fabric and features a water-resistant zipper to keep all of your valuables safe and dry.
Rains Hilo Weekend Bag, $, available at Rains
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffle Backpack
Whether you’re going on a short weekend getaway to the next town over or a new state, the Terra backpack duffle will ensure you only pack what you can carry. Created with an eco-friendly recycled ripstop polyester, this durable piece can fit what you need.
Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack, $, available at Calpak
Herschel Novel Recycled Polyester Carry-On Duffle Bag
Longer weekends away call for a duffle bag with ample space for rolling and slotting all your travel necessities. This compact option blends utility with style to cover multiple days away, including your laptop (with its own pocket).
Herschel Supply Co. Novel Recycled Polyester Carry-On Duffle Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
FP Movement Quilted Duffle
The FP Movement Quilted Carryall is one of Free People’s bestsellers, loved by R29 readers and editors alike for its versatility. Now say hello to its latest iteration: a weekend-ready duffle made in the same water-resistant, puffer-style quilting. It also comes with travel features, such as a shoe pocket, a suitcase strap, an adjustable and removable shoulder strap, and lots of internal pockets.
FP Movement Quilted Duffle, $, available at Free People
Baggu Cloud Carry-On
The best part about this bag? Just how big and boxy it is — perfectly suited to filling with packing cubes and pouches without losing its shape, which then makes it easier to perch on top of a suitcase. The two large pockets on the front are also great for slipping in easy-to-reach travel essentials like a water bottle or book.
Baggu Cloud Carry-On, $, available at Baggu
Away The Everywhere Bag
This sleek duffle is a standard-sized version of R29-approved brand Away’s best-seller, designed to go everywhere with you. It’s made of water-resistant nylon material and has an assortment of compartments, including a padded laptop pocket and a trolley sleeve to carry it on your wheeled suitcase.
Away The Everywhere Bag, $, available at Away
Lululemon Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 19.5L
With ergonomic, adjustable straps for crossbody wear, zippered pockets (both internal and external), and tons of storage space, this straight-to-business tote makes it easy to pack all your stuff for a quick getaway. We especially love the detachable zippered pocket for carrying your passport and the front D-ring to clip on things like hand sanitizer. It’s crafted out of water-repellent fabric, too, so it’s easy to wipe clean and great for the wet, rainy months.
Lululemon Multi-Pocket Tote Bag 19.5L, $, available at Lululemon
By Anthropologie Weekender Bag
No need to sacrifice space for style: Covered in a beautiful botanical print, Anthro’s padded duffle is great for throwing all your weekend necessities. Made with cotton, this carry-all can easily be popped into the washing machine to erase all weekend spills.
By Anthropologie Weekender Bag, $, available at Anthropologie
Tumi Contine Weekender
We love the luxurious look of Tumi’s travel goods. Check out this nylon-and-leather weekender, equipped with all the compartments you’ll ever need, including a quick-access phone pocket, laptop sleeve, zippered bottom compartment, and more.
TUMI Contine Weekender, $, available at Anthropologie
Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender
This under-$100 option from Everlane is just the right (carry-on) size for a weekend business trip. It’s made from 100% recycled fabric and includes a padded laptop sleeve, two water bottle holders, an exterior zip pocket, and a convenient luggage handle pass-through.
Everlane The ReNew Transit Weekender, $, available at Everlane
Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote
Some people are overpackers, and some can just grab and go. If you’re in the latter party, this is the perfect bag for you: a chic leather tote large enough to fit all the necessities without getting bogged down with, well, stuff. Better yet, it zips up so nothing will spill in the overhead space.
Madewell The Zip-Top Medium Transport Tote, $, available at Madewell
Fjällräven Kånken Weekender
From the Swedish makers of the adorable Kånken backpack comes its older sibling that can carry much larger loads. The Weekender looks like a bigger version of the backpack, and can be carried as such. (It’s also equipped with a shoulder strap.) This pastel lavender color is precious, but you can choose from seven other earthy tones.
Fjällräven Kånken Weekender, $, available at Fjällräven
MZ Wallace Nik Bag
This style has tons of organized space in the form of interior pockets, compartments, and detachable bags. The exterior is equipped with even more organizational pockets.
MZ WALLACE Nik, $, available at MZ Wallace
Halfday Travel The Garment Duffel 45L
The carry-on-sized duffel unfolds flat to store hanging clothes. Meaning: You can put a few dresses or suits in the hanging compartment, roll that up, then fit all the rest of your travel necessities in the regular compartment, just like a traditional duffel. The bag also features two shoe pockets, as well as a back trolley sleeve.
Halfday Travel The Garment Duffel 45L, $, available at Halfday Travel
Leatherology Kessler Medium Duffel
For weekend travel, the Kessler duffle is a personal favorite of R29’s senior director of editorial Carli Whitwell. Made of buttery soft, full-grain leather, it features six pockets ripe for the filling — with options to personalize starting at $35.
Leatherology Kessler Medium Duffle, $, available at Leatherology
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
A more compact duffle than most, Dagne Dover’s Landon Carryall boasts multiple interior compartments and an expandable design that’s ideal for travelers looking to maintain a short packing list. This is also one of the best carryalls for women if you’re looking for a set of travel bags and accessories in the same color — and especially unique shades like this (Brat green luggage anyone?).
Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag, $, available at Dagne Dover
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe
There’s nothing worse than having to shove your dirty, sandy shoes in with all your clothes, toiletries, and travel essentials. That’s why the Catalina Deluxe, with its separate shoe compartment, is one of our top contenders. Plus this rich color.
Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe, $, available at Lo & Sons
Paravel Weekender
A monogrammed weekender bag is incredibly chic, and the ones from Paravel are second to none. Constructed from the brand’s signature Ecocraft canvas, which is made from upcycled water bottles, and vegan leather trim, it can be personalized with hand-painting or embroidery. It’s not just about looks, though — this bag is designed to fit in airplane overhead compartments, can slip over and attach to your suitcase trolley, and comes with an adjustable crossbody strap.
Paravel Weekender, $, available at Paravel
Cuyana Weekender Bag
Made with recycled plastic material, this sturdy travel bag features three large internal and external compartments for all your needs, a crossbody strap and a handle for carrying, and a luggage sleeve for those weekend travelers who don’t want to sacrifice space for aesthetics.
Cuyana Weekender Bag (Recycled Knit), $, available at Cuyana
Antler Icon Overnight Bag
The curved silhouette and dark forest green shade set this weekender apart. It’s designed to abide by underseat airline restrictions, and is all about easy but secure access to your essentials, with a hidden back pocket and a magnetic flap section at the front.
antler Icon Bag Overnight Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
Universal Thread Easy Go Weekender Bag
Not only does this cotton- and leather-look design appear way more expensive than its $45 price tag suggests, it’s also a practical choice — with multiple pockets, compartments, and convertible straps for super streamlined travels.
Universal Thread Easy Go Weekender Bag, $, available at Target
United Colors of Benetton x Delsey Paris Softside Carry-On Duffle
We love a good baby blue moment, especially in a bag as functional as this one, a collab between United Colors of Benetton and Delsey Paris. Made of water-resistant material, this tiny tote has great storage space, with a large main compartment and a smaller external zippered one.
United Colors of Benetton x Delsey Paris Softside Carry-On Duffle, $, available at Delsey Paris
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