Peptides are, without a doubt, the most talked-about skincare ingredient at the moment, racking up 2.6 million Google searches in the past month alone. These skin-strengthening proteins are popping up in everything from moisturisers to lip liners, thanks to their ability to improve skin elasticity and signal the brain to boost collagen production. Paula’s Choice is the latest brand to add to the hype with its newest launch, the Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser, £49.

Known for its 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — a favourite in beauty editor circles — Paula’s Choice specialises in results-driven skincare. Its new moisturiser features a tri-peptide complex that claims to enhance the skin’s firmness and resilience, in addition to providing long-lasting hydration. Ahead, we put this fresh launch to the test, and share our honest thoughts on whether this lightweight product is worth your investment.

What are pro-collagen peptides and what are their skincare benefits?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers for your skin to stimulate collagen and elastin, which keeps your skin firm, smooth and hydrated. They also help strengthen the skin barrier, improve moisture retention and protect your skin against environmental damage.

Paula’s Choice’s new moisturiser brings together three types of pro-collagen peptides: hexapeptide-5, oligopeptide-1 and tridecapeptide-1. According to Dr Olha Vorodukhina, aesthetics trainer and founder of Angels Twelve Clinic, these refer to the number of amino acids in the chain (“hexapeptide” correlates six, for example).

Dr Magnus Lynch, Harley Street consultant dermatologist and surgeon, says “There has been some evidence that pro-collagen peptides may help to boost collagen synthesis and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, [which] helps the skin retain moisture [even] more effectively, leading to improved hydration, elasticity and resilience.”

Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser, £49

I’m personally elated to see a winter skincare launch that’s lightweight for a change. My combination-sensitive skin has been breaking out from all the rich, nourishing face oils and creams I’ve been slathering on all season. I’ve been eager to switch to a moisturiser that doesn’t overwhelm and clog my pores but still delivers all the hydration my skin desperately requires at this time of year. This one, with its gel-like texture, felt plumping and calming on my face right out of the gate.

Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29’s beauty director, is also a fan of the texture: “The consistency of this moisturiser — a lightweight gel cream that absorbs quickly — is perfect for my combination, acne-prone skin. It’s substantially hydrating and nixes that tight, uncomfortable feeling you get after cleansing almost immediately.”

Is the Paula’s Choice peptide moisturiser any good?

My skin barrier is typically quite vulnerable to cold and dry weather; I often have to top up my moisturiser throughout the day to quell that uncomfortable feeling of tightness and dehydration. This peptide one, however, leaves my skin hydrated for hours on end without feeling oily. Because of its fast-absorbing nature, I often forget that I’m wearing it; at the same time, my skin stays bouncy, plump and smooth all day — no reapplication required.

Paula’s Choice claims that this peptide moisturiser can provide hydration for up to 24 hours, and while I haven’t tested that for myself, I’m inclined to believe it. The moisturising qualities can be attributed to the peptide trio, each working overtime to promote water retention: Hexapeptide-5 binds moisture to the skin, while oligopeptide-1 signals your brain to produce more collagen and tridecapeptide-1 helps with plumping fine lines.

Kilikita has the perfect anecdote to back this up: “Since using it, I’m convinced that my forehead has become much smoother; the lines underneath my eyes have also filled out slightly,” she says. “At a blowdry recently, my hairstylist would not stop complimenting me on how illuminated and healthy my skin looked. As someone who’s sworn off Botox, this is a welcome surprise and proves that topical solutions can make a visible difference.”

Both of us find that this moisturiser creates a lovely, seamless base for makeup: I’ve been able to apply my foundation over it without any pilling and creasing, and my base makeup has a smoother, more naturally “airbrushed” look. This product also sits very nicely under sunscreen. In fact, sunscreen is a given when you’re using a peptide product. “While peptides are generally well tolerated, they work best in combination with sun protection, as UV exposure can break down collagen,” Dr Lynch says. The Paula’s Choice Resist Hydrating Fluid SPF 50, £33.15, is my go-to for dry weather.

The pump mechanism is also super convenient, since you can get the product out without dunking your fingers in (and polluting it with bacteria in the process). “While my bathroom shelf is overflowing with moisturisers, I’ve been using this one consistently — and I will do so right down to the last drop,” Kilikita says. I’m 100% right there with her.

Shop our favourite Paula’s Choice skincare

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

A Derm Told Me To Make These Skincare Resolutions

I Tried Every Clinique Black Honey Makeup Product

The Ordinary's New Serum Ended My Botox Obsession

There was no bang at the start of 2025 but now we are beginning to bring excitement and joy into our lives. We’ll be up for releasing resentment and emotions in the weeks before the new moon in Pisces, but right now we are seeking heightened emotional states. The new moon on February 27 is an ideal day to ignite the spark within and watch it glow in the coming months.

New moons mark the beginning of the month-long lunar cycle so they have an air of freshness to them. Incentives are promised, ideas take hold and our fancies consume our lives. Even if we are lusting after things that are in our imagination, they could become as real and as perfect as anything else. Everything starts with inspiration. Be delulu now and it’ll pay off in the future. 

What makes this particular lunation stand out is that it is bringing prosperity our way. We have a lot of room to grow and swim any way we choose as we have all this space in which to develop. The new moon is the foundation of what’s to come. This is when we are planting the seeds or, in this case, diving deep into the ocean. And since this new moon urges us to escape the mundane, there is no looking back. 

On the day of the new moon, Mercury in Pisces harmonises with Uranus in Taurus. When Mercury and Uranus come together, they create an eccentric and electric bond. The rebelliousness of Uranus gives Mercury a rare chance to advance and change. This translates to us being allowed to march to the beat of our drum. We won’t be worried about other people’s thoughts; we will only be worried about what we choose to do. Uranus is supplying us the courage and incentive to evolve and grow, while Mercury is lending us the capacity and energy to do so. Our mission is to embrace the most authentic versions of ourselves and our objectives. 

The planetary ruler of Pisces is Jupiter. Currently, Jupiter is in the air sign Gemini. When they come together, a square aspect forms (this happens when the signs are 90 degrees apart). In astrology, a square aspect means that action is taking place and further things are percolating. This aspect makes the new moon a fun and wonderful time that motivates us to gamble on ourselves rather than others. 

With Mercury and Jupiter in mutual reception (an astrological aspect when two planets are in the sign of the other’s rulership, crafting a dynamic relationship between them), we can express ourselves as bigger, louder and better than before. Jupiter aims to expand the communication Mercury is speaking, allowing us to fully comprehend the scope of our fantasies, passions and needs. If we are unsure or unable to grasp what we want, the planets will do their best to help us understand and attain perspective. Conversely, we’ll be able to hear what others are saying so we’ll know whether we should pursue matters. 

The caveat is that we may allow our fears to get the better of us. Since the light of the moon is invisible, we might have insecurities or question our goals. If they seem out of reach or unobtainable, we can still attain them but we must work harder to achieve our hopes and aspirations. If we keep moving toward the endgame and striving for greatness, our intentions can manifest and become reality. To defeat the limiting voices in our heads, we must consider whether success or love scares us and how we can navigate the challenges to bring our desires into our lives. We are stronger, wiser and more agile than we know.

The new moon in Pisces is a magical and fortunate time to lean into our visions. With the lunar energy urging us to embrace our creative minds and romantic hearts (among other sentiments), we will let the cosmos inspire us to move toward greatness and transcend with the flow of the universe. Have faith and believe in what can happen. Nothing is standing in our way! This is a moment when anything and everything seems possible and attainable — because it is. So reach for the stars and dream big. Don’t allow doubt to hold you back. The sky’s the limit! 

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Full Moon In Leo Is Bringing All The Drama

The New Moon In Aquarius Will Be Messy But Amazing

The First Full Moon Of 2025 Is Here

Along with the gloomy weather, the transitional period between winter and early spring brings forth myriad skincare challenges. Think dry skin, dullness, and chapped lips, to name a few. Some products just don’t cut it in when the air is cold and dry, as they are either not hydrating enough or too harsh on already-compromised skin.

I speak to dermatologists and beauty experts for a living, and one piece of advice I hear time and again is to make subtle tweaks to your skincare routines around different times of year to adapt to your skin’s changing needs. So which products are they phasing out for the season, and which ones are they using instead? I’ve made it my mission to find out.

Ahead, I spoke to a handful of dermatologists and skincare experts to find out the formulas they tend to sideline between winter and spring — and more importantly, the replacements they are bringing back into the fold. From swapping out foaming cleansers for gentler alternatives to ditching certain ingredients in favour of others, their recommendations will help keep your skin watered, balanced and glowing through February and beyond.

The following quotes have been edited for clarity and length.

Skip: Your foaming cleanser

Use instead: Uriage Xémose Cleansing Oil, £10.99

“I tend to skip foaming cleansers because they often contain harsher surfactants that can strip the skin of its natural oils — and the colder weather already dries out my skin. During the winter and months leading up to spring, the skin needs extra hydration and protection so I prefer to use more hydrating, gentle cleansers that help maintain my skin’s barrier. Consider an oil-based option like the Uriage Xémose Cleansing Oil, £10.99. Oil-based cleansers help remove impurities and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier while being gentle — without stripping essential oils, which is crucial during harsher winter months. Additionally, their nourishing properties help keep my skin soft and hydrated.” — Dr Derrick Phillips, consultant dermatologist

Shop our favourite cleansing oils

Skip: Your face oil

Use instead: Chanel No. 1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum, £128

“I’ve invested more time in my gua sha routine during the colder months, as it noticeably improves my skin’s firmness. While I used to rely on sunflower seed oil for its emollient benefits, my skin has become more sensitive, leading to breakouts. I’ve since moved on to the No. 1 De Chanel Revitalizing Serum, £128. Its lightweight formula — packed with moisturising glycerin — lends enough slip for my gua sha tool without tugging and dragging at my skin, or clogging my pores. The star ingredient is red camellia extract, an antioxidant that boosts the skin’s radiance and firmness. I pair it with the No. 1 De Chanel Massage Accessory, £55, a tool that boasts 85% bio-based materials and features a ridged side for gentle exfoliation. Together, they keep my skin glowy and plump. When I finish the routine with a dose of No. 1 De Chanel Red Camellia Cream, £98, my hydration levels are even more enhanced.” — Venus Wong, Refinery29 senior writer

Shop our favourite serums

Skip: Your exfoliating scrub

Use instead: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore Moisturiser, £150

“The colder weather makes skin dry, and abrasive scrubs with rough, physical exfoliants can irritate or strip away too much of the skin’s natural oils. Instead, look for [milder cleansers] with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, aloe, or ceramides. These ingredients help maintain moisture balance while still effectively cleansing. I’ve found that [such] cleansers leave skin feeling soft, fresh and nourished, without the dry, tight sensation that harsher exfoliants can cause.

“This is [also] a time when skin needs extra hydration and protection. [Besides a mild cleanser] I’d recommend a richer, cream-based moisturiser to keep skin hydrated and prevent moisture loss. One of my top picks is SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore, £150. Not only is it hydrating, but it also helps replenish the skin’s natural lipids, which are often depleted in colder weather. It’s rich without being too heavy or greasy, leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished.” — Dr Edel Woods, consultant dermatologist and founder of ORA Skin Clinic

Shop our favourite rich moisturisers

Skip: Your lightweight body lotion

Use instead: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M, £25

“I tend to skip lightweight body lotions in the colder months, as the formulation feels too light. My legs get particularly dry and wearing tights worsens this. I replace my body lotion with La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+M, £25. I don’t like anything that feels too heavy or sticky, and this one still melts into my skin, which feels better hydrated. It combines humectants (like glycerin, which draws in moisture), with emollients (such as shea butter) to soften the skin. There are also prebiotics to balance the microbiome of the skin barrier [the outermost layer of skin] so that it hydrates my body effectively.” — Dr Ellie Rashid, consultant dermatologist and pro medical director of Klira

Shop our favourite moisturising body balms

Skip: Your lip balm

Use instead: The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner, £7.70

“My lips always bear the brunt of the changing weather. You might instinctively reach for lip balm, but I need something a little stronger to tackle flaky skin — otherwise, I’ll end up picking at it. Enter: glycolic acid. This potent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is an excellent exfoliator, effortlessly sweeping away dry, peeling skin. I recently had the chance to try dermatologist Dr. Idriss’ Barrier Baste Lip Peel, which harnesses the power of glycolic acid.

“Unfortunately, it’s not yet available in the UK, but I’ve found an effective alternative. In the past, I’ve used The Ordinary 7% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner, £7.70, on a cotton swab, followed by a rich moisturiser — something substantial like La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, £10.90, — and the results have been impressive. Dr Idriss calls this method “lip basting”, and it’s a simple yet game-changing way to step up your lip care routine during transitional weather.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29 beauty director

Shop our favourite glycolic acid treatments

Skip: Your sulphate face wash

Use instead: Avène Tolerance Control Extremely Gentle Cleanser, £15.95

“Foaming cleansers, especially those with sulphates like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), can be too harsh in the colder months. While they effectively remove oil and debris, they also strip away essential lipids, leaving the skin dry, tight and more prone to irritation — especially when the skin barrier is already compromised. For my patients with more sensitive skin types, I recommend the Avène Tolerance Control Extremely Gentle Cleanser, £15.95. This ultra-mild, creamy cleanser is soap-free, fragrance-free and formulated with minimal ingredients to support the skin’s natural barrier. It relies on Avène’s signature thermal spring water and a milky, lotion-like texture to cleanse without disrupting hydration. It’s perfect for winter and early spring, especially for dry, sensitive or reactive skin.” — Dr Ashley Magovern, consultant dermatologist and Dermstore medical advisory board member

Alternatively, use: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, £48

“I recommend the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, £48, to patients with oily or acne-prone skin. This gel-based cleanser is gentle but deeply cleans the skin without disrupting its natural moisture balance. It contains antioxidants and mild resurfacing ingredients, such as white willow bark (a natural form of salicylic acid), which help with congestion without overdrying. This cleanser works well for all skin types, including sensitive skin.” — Dr Ashley Magovern, consultant dermatologist and Dermstore medical advisory board member

Shop our favourite gentle cleansers

Skip: Your petroleum jelly ointment

Use instead: A hand cream with ceramides and urea, like Eucerin Urea Repair Plus 5% Hand Cream, £8.48

“I wouldn’t recommend applying just petroleum jelly on the hands, since it’s an occlusive [an ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin but isn’t particularly moisturising when used on its own]. If your hands are very dry, you ideally need to have a moisturiser with ceramides to hydrate the skin from within. [Ceramides are lipids, or fat molecules, that make up your skin’s natural barrier and help retain moisture, keeping the skin smooth, plump and hydrated.] I’d also suggest looking for a hand cream with urea, which helps remove the dead skin cell build-up and further draws water into the skin for hydration.” — Dr Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist & British Skin Foundation spokesperson

Based on Dr Laftah’s advice, we recommend trying Eucerin Urea Repair Plus 5% Hand Cream, £8.48. It’s rich in both urea and ceramides and is adored for its ability to alleviate cracks and flakiness on the hands, especially for people with contact dermatitis. If you really want to lock that moisture in, that’s when sealing your hand cream with a top layer of a petroleum jelly product, like Vaseline, can come in: This technique is also known as ‘hand slugging’.

Shop our favourite hand creams

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Ordinary's New Serum Ended My Botox Obsession

I Tried Every Clinique Black Honey Makeup Product

I Tried £137 Worth Of Hand Creams To Find The Best

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Fashion Must-Haves Editors Are Wearing For Winter

Spring Wedding Guest Dresses For Every Dress Code

How Editors Style Never Fully Dressed's Mesh Dress

Following New York, on the second stop of the Fashion Month tour, designers took to the venues of London to showcase their autumn/winter 2025 offerings. Bookended by Harris Reed and Burberry (which both took place at Tate Britain), London Fashion Week saw a whole spectrum of aesthetics, ranging from ladylike — at brands like Emilia Wickstead, who was inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 classic The Birds, and Richard Quinn, where models modelled exquisite gowns as snow cascaded down them — to punk-cool — at Dilara Findikoglu and Sinead Gorey, who took over a club venue and an underground parking lot, respectively, to present their cooler-than-cool collections.

While London’s most established designers like Simone Rocha always deliver a standout show (this season saw Alexa Chung, Bel Powley, Fiona Shaw, and Andrea Riseborough walking the catwalk!), the city’s NewGen (emerging fashion talent) designers were not be missed, either. Following this year’s LVMH Prize nominations, Sinead O’Dwyer once again enlisted the most inclusive lineup of models seen all season while Tolu Coker brought attendees inside the brand’s atelier using an immersive studio presentation format in lieu of a catwalk.

With over 50 catwalk shows and presentations on the official British Fashion Council schedule, there were plenty of looks to note. We parsed through them all to present the standouts. Ahead, the trends that will be everywhere come autumn, according to London Fashion Week.

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Nostalgic Pants

Retro-leaning pant silhouettes were all over the autumn/winter 2025 catwalks — re-imagined in more elegant ways than those from our youth. S.S.Daley (one of the season’s highlight collections!) doubled down on the popularity of the capri pants, with minimal over-the-knee pairs (seen on both women and men) worn with outerwear. (Conner Ives and Keburia showed more cutesy frilly and ruffle-adorned styles.) The brand also made a case for Bermuda shorts that look fit for the workplace, a style that was also seen at Mithridate where they were matched with collared shirts and shirts. The trifecta was established when the most elegant version of stirrups appeared at Toga where they were shown worn over sheer tights and bow-adorned flats.

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Corpcore

Call it the Severance effect, but officewear silhouettes marked this season, with several designers showing tailored suits, tuxedo-inspired detailing, and accessories like ties. While there were plenty of literal workwear designs, we loved the more rebellious takes on dress codes. Shown at the TB Tower, “a space synonymous with communication and hyper-connectivity,” SRVC’s collection looked at “how we navigate a world that constantly demands too much,” the show notes read: “Menswear tropes are once again dismantled and reconstructed into something entirely new.” This translated to office sirens walking in knits with cut-outs, slashed shirting, and slacks that had boxers peeking over the waistline, proving that business will not be as usual come autumn — and that’s a good thing.

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Pastels

While the catwalks saw plenty of crimson reds, moody greys, and chocolate browns, the appearance of Easter-approved pastels like pink, blues, greens, and yellows added a touch of unexpected lightness to the usual gamut of autumn-appropriate shades. Inspired by The Birds actor Tippi Hedren, Emilia Wickstead showed a matching set, complete with a pillbox hat, in a shade of green that referenced Hedren’s character in the film. Meanwhile, Richard Quinn sent out yellow frocks that looked made for Bridgerton in an indoor London winter wonderland set that the hit Netflix show should consider borrowing for their next season, and Erdem commissioned artist Kaye Donachie to adorn its feminine dresses with aura-like portraits of women. 

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Statement Skirts

The reign of the bubble skirt will continue, if we are to believe the London designers. The frilly silhouette, last popular in the 2010s before its recent resurgence, got a dramatic couture update at the hands of Harris Reed with a larger-than-life asymmetrical ballgown skirt. S.S.Daley also presented a more-is-more approach, with equally voluminous midi versions of the silhouette that wouldn’t look out of place on a red carpet. On the other end of the hemline spectrum, Toga and Keburia showed architectural minis, and Sinead O’Dwyer and Chopova Lowena (who didn’t host a catwalk show this season but presented a lookbook instead) offered more wearable versions of the look.

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Brooches

Following in the footsteps of the catwalks of New York, London’s accessory of the moment was a brooch. The retro ornament, which ranged from florals and bows to more surrealist motifs, added a touch of whimsy to plenty of outerwear and monochrome looks. For those who don’t love the idea of an additional accessory, many designers showed shirting with embellished and graphic designs, numerals, and insignias on the chest for a slightly younger take on the grandmother-chic look.

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Buckles Galore

Buckles were a major theme at London Fashion Week. They appeared in the form of traditional belts wrapped around the waist or embellishing leather jackets — but also adorned handbags and made up one covetable harness at Simone Rocha. Buckle detailing also added edge to pant legs at SRVC and held together a strapless dress that conjured the costumes of Clueless at Sinead Gorey.

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Double Bottoms

If you don’t believe that the 2010s are back, look no further than the last few seasons that saw the resurgence of the pants-over-skirts look. While this hybrid remained popular this season, you would think you were seeing double at Jawara Alleyne and Charlie Constantinou, who showed shirts and pants layered over… more pants, and Bora Aksu and Toga, who sent out models wearing two tiers of skirts.

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Undergarments

Undergarments got a chance at the spotlight at the autumn/winter showcases. While the boxer shorts trend and bras-as-tops look were plenty prevalent (as in seasons past), the more unexpected look came via hosiery. Sinead O’Dwyer’s perforated stockings (held together by a visible garter belt) complemented the short looks shown on the catwalk, DiPetsa’s intricate lace-detailed stockings sweetly contrasted the sexiness of the collection, and patterned tights were as statement-making as the bra-and-coat look that they were paired with at Sinead Gorey, whose collection was inspired by “a way of dressing that only surfaces during the wee hours — a time when the club has closed, the sun is rising and the first train back awaits.”

London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025 Trend: Lacing

Delicate strands of fabric and ties added beautiful detailing to the catwalks of London. Bow-adorned arm wraps provided an ultra-feminine alternative to the popular opera gloves look at Pauline Dujancourt, silky red ribbon beautifully contrasted a midi black dress at Simone Rocha that will be on my must-buy list in the autumn, and front lacing shoes — created in collaboration with Grounds and nodding to traditional Irish dancing — completed the looks at Sinead O’ Dwyer. Meanwhile, lacing in the form of corsetry added a sweet touch to shirting at Tolu Coker and a tough edge to the tied-up looks at Dilara Findikoglu.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Super Sale Alert: Get 20% off Typebea using our exclusive promo code Refinery29TYPEBEA, now until 18th May.

Forget hair tools for a moment. A top hairstylist once told me that your hairstyle is only as good as the products you use, and after testing hundreds of serums, air-dry creams and blowdry sprays over the years, I have to agree — none of them are created equal.

Some provide heat protection, while others impart shine, yet they all seem to fall short when it comes to holding my waves or curls in place. No matter how much time I spend perfecting soft, effortlessly tousled bends with my straighteners, they tend to come loose after just a few hours.

But if any brand is going to persuade me to give styling my hair another shot, it’s Typebea. If you’re a Refinery29 regular, you might have seen me wax lyrical about its hair growth products, specifically the Overnight Boosting Peptide Serum and the Strength and Length Shampoo and Conditioner, which I’m convinced make my hair grow faster than I ever thought possible. 

This month, the brand has expanded its hair care repertoire with two new styling products: the Ultimate Styling Serum, £23, and the Sea Salt Texture Mist, £23. As a big fan of the brand, I couldn’t resist putting them through their paces — and I think I might’ve found my new styling essentials.

Typebea Ultimate Styling Serum, £23

First up, the Ultimate Styling Serum. The brand describes this as an “all-in-one” serum thanks to the star ingredient — plant-based keratin — which shields hair against drying, colour-zapping UV rays and heat from styling tools up to 230°C. Not only does it claim to reduce frizz by 29% after one application, but it promises faster drying time (a selling point considering I’m impatient — and I have a lot of hair). 

The texture is a lightweight cream, rather than a typical serum, which is usually more watery, but I pull two pumps through towel-dried hair and it absorbs into my mid-lengths and ends instantly without leaving behind a single trace of residue on my hands. Impressively, I’ve found that it does help speed up drying time. Blow-drying my hair (using a paddle brush to smooth things out) would typically take over 15 minutes, but I timed myself on the first go — and got the job done in nine. 

Is Typebea’s Ultimate Styling Serum any good?

The result was softer, smoother, and shinier hair — no greasy or stringy strands, which often occur when I guess or misjudge the amount of a new product. In fact, the sleek finish made light work of styling my hair later. I like to create waves using my straighteners, and the plates glide through my lengths with ease, never snagging on my drier ends. Actually, I’m convinced that this serum minimises the appearance of split ends (helpful considering I haven’t had a haircut since last summer). I can use my hairdryer and straighteners safely in the knowledge that my hair is protected and doesn’t need an additional veil of sticky heat protector spray. 

The real test came during London Fashion Week, which coincided with the warmest and wettest weekend of the year so far. Would my waves hold up? I got my answer from one of the industry’s top hairstylists, who interrupted our backstage interview to compliment my perfect balance of tousled waves — not too ‘done,’ just right. I’d styled my hair at 10 a.m., and by 8 p.m., it still looked good. It works wonders on my thick, wavy hair, but the brand claims that it’s suitable for every hair type.

Typebea Sea Salt Texture Mist, £23

Next, the Sea Salt Texture Mist, which is also suitable for all hair types. This offers heat protection up to 230°C, too, but unlike other texture mists that can leave hair feeling like straw, its plant-based keratin and ethylhexylglycerin — derived from glycerin and used as a conditioner — ensure your hair stays soft. Instead, it provides hold, not crunch. Think of how your hair looks better a day or two after washing; this mist encapsulates that in a bottle.

Is Typebea’s Sea Salt Texture Mist any good?

Even hairstylists are sold on the benefits of texture mists. Recently, during a salon blowdry, my stylist chose to prep my damp lengths with a texture mist over a cream or serum. When I asked why, he explained that, like Typebea’s, many now offer heat protection. A texture mist would also enhance my wavy hair by adding volume and structure without weighing it down. If I know I’ll be out all day and I really want my hair to last, I’ll spritz in the mist from root to tip, rough-dry my hair and then style it. The result? Mega hold. 

Although I haven’t tried air-drying my hair yet (it’s still too cold for that!), I use this mist to refresh my second- and third-day hair. When I don’t have time to style, I spritz it onto dry hair, scrunch, and go. It adds shape and volume, and I know my strands appreciate the break from heat. It’s also worth highlighting the advanced spray nozzle, which distributes a delicate and even plume of product over my hair.

You can buy both products separately for £23 each or together as part of the Effortless Styling Kit, which is a little cheaper at £41.40. While the Ultimate Styling Serum has become my go-to most days, I have no doubt the Sea Salt Texture Mist will become a staple in my summer hair care routine, too. 

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

This £9 Shampoo Gave Me The Dreamiest “Glass Hair”

I Thought Hair Growth Products A Scam Until These

Why Does My Hair Look Oily Right After I Wash It?

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Money Diary: A Project Officer On £36,550

Money Diary: A Flight Attendant On €40,000

Money Diary: A HR Manager On £66,000

Once strictly office attire, black dress trousers have fully entered their cool-girl era. With a tee and trainers, they bring polish to casual dressing. Swap in a feminine blouse or sleek knit, and suddenly, they’re ready for a night out. Top it off with a blazer, and you’ve got a look that means business — whether you’re actually heading to a big meeting or just craving a slick, confident vibe over espresso martinis.

The best pairs don’t just look good — they fit like a glove and are comfy enough for hours-long wear (including after you’ve kicked off your shoes). No weird gaping, no awkward sagging; just sharp, versatile silhouettes that work for any scenario. Whether you’re into wide-leg wool trousers, pleated styles, cropped and flared fits, or luxe silk and velvet options, we’ve culled the strongest picks from R29-reader-favourite retailers and brands.

Ahead, the best black dress trousers worth adding to your rotation right now.

Dôen Glenne Pant

A little ‘60s sailor, a little Parisian cool — these ultra-high-waist wool trousers are pure French-girl vibes.

COS Wool-Blend Wide-Leg Trousers

A modern take on the classic black trouser, with subtle barrel legs and sharp pleats that bring just the right amount of drama.

Massimo Dutti Relaxed Fit Cool Wool Trousers

Minimalist suiting at its best, these fluid wool trousers make a statement whether styled as a three-piece set or paired with a tee and ballet flats.

Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Trousers

A bestseller for a reason — this magic-stretch wide leg is available in every fit, from standard to petite, plus, tall, and adaptive, proving great trousers should be for everybody. And now, available in a spring-ready linen blend for warmer days ahead.

Babaton Leeway Pant

Soft, slinky and sourced from Japan, this high-rise, wide-leg trouser drapes like a dream with an effortless, flowy fit.

Reformation Sora Velvet Pant

Luxe yet lounge-worthy — these plush velvet trousers bring a decadent touch to dressed-up or dressed-down moments.

Abercrombie Curve Love Sloane High Rise Tailored Wide Leg Pant

The viral fit for a reason — this high-rise wide-leg trouser hugs curves with no waist gap and delivers a menswear-inspired polish.

Tuckernuck Black Feather Compression Knit Ashford Pants

Fanciful, feathered and made for a night out — these party-ready trousers bring the drama in the best way.

Madewell Plus Slouchy Straight Pants

Easygoing but polished — these drapey twill trousers effortlessly flex between casual and dressy.

Sézane Loulou Trousers

With effortless drape and Parisian charm, these flowy, pleated trousers make an understated statement with every step.

Everlane The Draper Pleated Pant

The ultimate workweek-to-weekend black trousers. Buttery soft with perfect pleats and a slouchy wide-leg fit, they’re polished enough for meetings yet relaxed enough for off-duty plans.

Favorite Daughter The Shortie Favorite Pants

Finally, the perfect wide-leg trousers for petites. A flowy, pleated fit that proves great tailoring shouldn’t require a trip to the tailor.

J.Crew Wide-Leg Stretch Ponte Pant

Stretchy yet structured, these ponte trousers sculpt and smooth while pintuck detailing offers a leg-lengthening effect. 

Lioness La Quinta Pants

A £50 find that looks way more expensive. The lightweight linen blend and pleated waist make them a go-to for warm days and polished outfits alike.

ELOQUII x Kate Spade New York Tailored Wide Leg Trouser

A tuxedo-inspired take on wide-leg trousers made for dressier moments. Tailored to perfection with front pleats and a sleek high rise.

Spanx Ponte Barrel Leg Pant

With a tapered barrel shape, pull-on fit and stretch, these trousers deliver all-day polish without the fuss.

Norma Kamali Pleat Pants

As swishy as they come, these ultra-stretchy, pyjama-soft trousers bring maximum movement with a drapey wide-leg silhouette.

Ann Taylor The Grace Straight Pant

A tailored take on nautical. With sharp button details and a straight-leg fit, these sailor-inspired trousers balance timeless charm with modern polish.

Good American Scuba Boss Straight Trouser

Sculpted and sleek, this high-rise trouser snatches the waist, smooths the silhouette and brings power-dressing energy to any outfit.

Veronica Beard Renzo Pant

Polished, but not stuffy, this slim-leg trouser keeps things sharp with gold-button details and a curve-hugging fit.

Anine Bing Carrie Pant

The definition of relaxed tailoring, this wide-leg is crafted from an airy linen blend with a subtle sheen for easy spring sophistication.

Theory Slim Fit Stretch Wool Trousers

As classic as it gets, these slim-fit wool trousers are a grounding base for everything from crisp shirting to soft knits and flowy tops.

New Balance Boylston Twill Trouser

The definition of slouchy cool. With a straight leg and soft pleat, these twill trousers bring polished ease to any outfit.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Best Work Trousers: Work Hard, Dress Smarter

The 10 Key Pieces For Your Winter Office Wardrobe

28 Work Bags For Women — From Totes To Backpacks

A flawless makeup look isn’t just about application — it’s about longevity, too. That’s where primers come in. Any professional makeup artist will agree that a primer is the difference between your makeup sticking around for the long haul or slipping off your face after a few hours. Happily, there seems to be an endless supply of them — and each one serves a distinct purpose.

There are hydrating formulas, which make applying foundation over dry patches a seamless experience, mattifying ones that help minimise the appearance of pores without pilling, and glow-boosting options that lend makeup a dewy finish. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

To separate the truly exceptional from the less-than-average, our team of editors — representing a range of skin types from dry to oily — road-tested 14 primers across a broad spectrum of price points. To keep things consistent, we used the same foundations and setting sprays across the batch of products we trialled, with detailed before and after shots to show you what our makeup looked like after a long day of wear.

Read ahead for a detailed breakdown of the best makeup primers that actually deliver on their promises.

Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer, £40

Tested By: Vanese Maddix, contributing beauty writer

Skin type: “Normal”, dry

“Having tried most skincare and makeup products from Charlotte Tilbury, I’m surprised it took me so long to try the Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer, £40. I was slightly wary before my first application: The product had a pale hue, so I was worried it might leave a beige tint or white cast on my skin. To my surprise, the moisturiser sank right into my skin with no white cast in sight. My skin instantly felt hydrated and I found this primer worked even better when layered over the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream.

“My skin looked glowy and my makeup layered beautifully over it without any dryness [thanks to a mix of skin-conditioning ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, peptides and camellia oil]. I didn’t find that this primer helped my makeup last longer, but it did create a nice and smooth base for further makeup application. This was an instant hit for me and has become a staple in my daily routine. I also love that it has SPF 50 broad spectrum protection, guarding my skin against UV damage.”

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer, £35

Tested By: Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer

Skin type: Oily, acne-prone

“I’ve been so lazy when it comes to primer, and truly can’t remember the last time I used it in my makeup routine, but applying this stuff was like reconnecting with an old friend. I remembered why it was one of the few primers I loved; the texture isn’t silicone-y and dry like other primers I’ve tried — it almost feels like nothing on your skin, and certainly doesn’t make my face feel drier than before I applied it. It’s gentle and has no noticeable fragrance. As the name suggests, I feel like it does help ‘grip’ my foundation and concealer well.

“For my everyday makeup, I keep things simple: A little foundation/concealer where needed, a touch of blush, curled lashes, brushed up brows, and that’s about it. Here, I applied a light coverage foundation and noticed my application was smoother. You can still see some texture and breakouts, though, (which I do not mind, by the way) but it spackled the micro textures I tend to notice most on my cheeks and forehead. This was not my favourite in terms of extending wear, but that is likely because I have oily skin and I live in a warm, humid climate. That being said, for a quick face beat, I can’t fault it given how hydrating and comfortable it is to wear. (TL;DR: If skin tints are the ‘no-makeup makeup’, then Milk’s Hydro Grip is a ‘no-primer primer.’”)

Saie Super Glowy Gel in Roseglow, £22

Tested By: Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

Skin type: Combination, acne-prone

“Saie’s Glowy Super Gel boasts a wet, liquid texture, so it absorbs very quickly, but it stays tacky for just long enough that my foundation clings to it. While it makes for a great initial base, I prefer to combine it with my foundation so that the iridescent particles aren’t completely covered up. That way, they pop on my cheekbones and brow bones like a subtle highlighter.

“Honestly, I don’t notice any change in the longevity of my makeup when I use this, but it does lend a beautiful dewy effect. However, I think it’s better suited to those with dry skin considering that the formula contains a handful of nourishing oils. As someone who is acne-prone, I don’t tend to reach for this every day.”

Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Primer, £57

Tested By: Venus Wong, senior writer

Skin type: Sensitive, combination

“Hourglass Cosmetics and I go way back: one of my first-ever beauty purchases was the Veil Primer. I was living in Asia at the time and it was a holy grail for helping my makeup stay put in the hot and humid weather. Since my skin has matured and tends to get oilier around my T-zone, I’ve made the switch to the lesser-known Vanish Primer, a silicone-based product that promises to blur over blemishes and lines to create an airbrushed effect for your makeup.

“The product has a more gel-like texture compared to the Veil, but it spreads out super easily — creating no residue on the skin whatsoever — and forms a silky-smooth, almost undetectable layer over the skin. When I layer this under my skin tint it creates a blurring effect over my pores that still very much looks natural, while sweeping away some of my shine. I notice that my base makeup is less prone to rubbing off when I wear this primer, and it’s also excellent at extending the wear time of my eye makeup. This primer gets top scores from me; it deserves to be just as popular as the Veil Primer.”

NYX Plump Right Back Primer + Serum, £15

“I’ve tried this serum before and it remains one of my favourite primers. It instantly plumps my skin and unveils a dewy glow like no other. Packed with skin-loving ingredients including vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, the transparent formula leaves my skin feeling deeply hydrated.

“While the formula isn’t sticky, it has a pleasant tacky finish that helps my makeup layer nicely on top. I like that it doesn’t dry down, no matter how long it takes to apply makeup over it. As a serum-primer hybrid, it feels similar to applying skincare. My skin stayed incredibly glowy from morning to night without makeup running off, no touch-ups needed. No notes from me — this one’s a sure winner.” — Vanese Maddix, contributing beauty writer

Rare Beauty Always An Optimist Pore Diffusing Primer, £27

“As an oily skin girlie who constantly blots unwanted shine, this product is an absolute game-changer. It really does create a filtered, poreless finish, even before a drop of makeup touches my skin. As I was testing this, I literally said out loud, ‘Where did my pores go?’

“The texture of the primer is silky and creates a soft matte finish, but doesn’t dry out my skin like other mattifying primers I’ve used in the past. It absorbs oil spectacularly well and my makeup looks flawless even without setting it with a loose powder. Best of all, it’s the one primer that I feel made my makeup last all day, all without a hint of creasing. If you’re looking for a filter in a bottle, you’ve found it in Rare Beauty’s primer.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer

Clé de Peau Beauté Correcting Cream Veil, £60

“I get a lot of my makeup and skincare knowledge from RedNote, a Chinese social media app that has blown up in the West since the TikTok ban, and the girlies over there are enamored with this primer from Clé de Peau. They claim it’s a must-have for more luminescent, glass-like skin, and after giving this a try, I can see the hype. The product looks very milky straight out of the tube, but you have to trust the process. Once you blend it out, it lends a very natural radiance that creates a more uniform, radiant look.

“Since the product also contains SPF 21 broad spectrum protection against UV rays, many people wear this on its own, but I recommend pairing this with your preferred base makeup since the primer lends a smoothing effect that helps your skin look flawless, with a soft-focus effect. I can’t stop touching my face when I have this on; it lends such a silky, lovely finish. I reach for this product whenever I need to look good in front of a camera. With this high price tag, it’s a ‘special occasion’ kind of makeup primer for me.” — Venus Wong, senior writer

Rimmel Multi-Tasker Better Than Filters Primer in 003 Light, £12.99

“If you’re a fan of Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter, you’ll be intrigued by this Rimmel primer. Like its luxury counterpart, the formula is housed in a tall glass bottle with a doe foot applicator — but it’s not exactly the same. Rimmel’s version is more fluid, and to ensure that the silver illuminating particles don’t gather on the tip of the applicator, you have to give it a good shake first. A celebrity makeup artist once told me to mix primers like this with my foundation instead of applying them in separate layers, so that’s what I’ve been doing. It takes foundation (which can appear flat and erase my features) and breathes life into it. I’ve received countless compliments on my glowing skin since using it.

“I do tend to get very oily during the day, though, and it seems to exacerbate my forehead grease, but it’s great for masking dry, flaky skin. I enjoy using it, and some days I wear it alone with a dab of concealer. My main pain point is the neck of the bottle, where the product seems to collect and become messy. I’d recommend standing this upright rather than carelessly throwing it into your makeup bag as I did!” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

ONE/SIZE Secure The Blur Makeup Magnet Primer, £34

“As my skin type fluctuates between normal and dry, I steer clear of products that promise blurring and mattifying effects, so I didn’t expect this primer to work for me. Surprisingly, during my first test, I found the texture to be quite moisturising, which I believe could be due to the inclusion of niacinamide in the formula. It didn’t feel bad on my skin or dry it out, but it also didn’t deliver the level of moisture and glow I usually look for in a primer.

“While my makeup sat well over it, I could tell that my usual hydration levels were missing. This isn’t a primer I’d personally reach for again, but I think it could work well for anyone with combination skin. For me, ONE/SIZE’s Secure the Glow Tacky Hydrating Primer, feels more aligned with my preferences.” — Vanese Maddix, beauty contributing writer

REFY Glow and Sculpt Face Primer, £24

“I’ll try any product that claims to make my skin appear more toned and glowy, so I was excited to get my hands on REFY’s primer, which purportedly does both. The facial roller applicator is meant to reduce puffiness, but it didn’t do much for me. You have to give the tube a real hard squeeze so that the product oozes out from the crevices of the roller, and it’s a bit messy. The roller itself was made from plastic and felt scratchy against my skin. I much prefer the applicator design on the brand’s Face Sculpt moisturiser, with its cooling metal roller ball tip.

“The primer did deliver the other half of its promises: Thanks to hydrating ingredients like glycerin and vitamin B5, the formula had a watery, serum-like texture and kept my skin moisturised and glossy all day. It also contains niacinamide, which calmed down some of my redness. I wouldn’t say that this is the ideal primer for making your makeup last longer — you can actually spot some eyeliner fall out in the after shot — but I’m more than impressed by how it left my skin plump and bouncy, and for that, my base makeup settled in much nicer.” — Venus Wong, senior writer

e.l.f. Cosmetics Power Grip Primer, £10

“I discovered this primer after interviewing Joey King, who was announced as the face of an e.l.f. campaign at the end of last year. This stuff is not just good for its price point — it’s good, period. When they say ‘grip they mean it. The lightweight gel texture looks similar to Milk’s Hydro Grip but has a tacky texture that almost acts like glue to anything that touches it. That might be a dealbreaker to some, but I don’t mind it. I mean, ‘grip’ is literally in the name! In terms of longevity, I’m honestly so impressed by this primer.

“Even when I prep and set my makeup, my foundation loves to pull a disappearing act by the end of the day, but not when Power Grip is in the mix. I applied this in the morning, had a full day of meetings, and my glam still looked fresh in the afternoon. It has a slightly dewy finish, so I did have to blot excess oil around lunchtime, but all in all, I have to say this is one of my new go-to’s for when I need my makeup to last — no matter what.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior writer

Armani Luminous Silk Hydrating Primer, £39 £31.20

“Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation is beloved by makeup artists and beauty editors alike, so I was intrigued to try the brand’s corresponding primer. At first squeeze, it’s just like a serum: lightweight and absorbs into the skin very quickly. While it contains far fewer light-reflecting particles in comparison to the others I tried here, it makes skin appear just as dewy and fresh. In fact, I love how this made my makeup look the most! My foundation glided on with ease, blended quickly, and stuck around for much longer than usual.

“I was taken aback when I checked my face in the mirror hours later, as usually, my makeup separates on my oily nose and forehead. But not this time. While it didn’t do anything to quell said shine (nor does it claim to) there are other skincare benefits thanks to moisturising shea butter and glycerin. I’ll use this down to the last drop!” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

IL MAKIAGE No Filter Poreless Base Smoothing Primer, £42

“If you’re looking for a primer that helps your makeup stick around without budging, this is a winner. It comes in a clear, slippery silicone-based gel and has a lovely consistency that feels weightless on the skin. It smooths over my pores and helps blur out the fine lines around my mouth when I apply my skin tint.

“The lasting power is impressive: I’ve experimented with glitter eye shadow and some of my more smudge-prone eyeliner, and this product has made a noticeable difference in helping them stick around for longer. One critique is that it does pill on my skin when I’m more dehydrated. Unless I’ve been moisturised to the hilt, the primer forms little annoying clumps on my face, making my base makeup look flaky. For that reason, I’ve mostly used this as a primer for my eye makeup, and have made sure I’ve slathered on eye cream before doing so.” — Venus Wong, senior writer

Vieve Skin Nova Radiant Makeup Primer, £31

“Vieve’s Skin Nova is perhaps the worst kept secret among beauty editors (my peers love it so much, they sing its praises at every opportunity). The much-adored primer can be worn on its own so that it lends skin a subtle gleam, or underneath makeup to make foundation appear more skin-like and natural. I tried it both ways.

“I used my foundation brush to apply two pumps to just-moisturised skin and followed with one pump of my foundation (Shiseido Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation). The addition of Skin Nova made my skin look plump and glossy, rather than flat, and every time I caught myself in the mirror, I was surprised by how healthy my skin looked! That’s all down to hydrating beta glucan, moisturising glycerin and the tiniest of light-reflecting particles.

“My one gripe is that the tacky finish didn’t wear off, which meant my hair got stuck to my face all day. As such, I kept having to touch my skin, but I have to say that this primer acted like Velcro for my foundation; it didn’t budge an inch! However, I much prefer to wear this on its own on no-makeup days. I love the soft-focus effect that it lends to my bare skin. It makes me look good — and I don’t even have to try.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

I Tried Every Clinique Black Honey Makeup Product

R29 Editors Try Rhode's New Lip Pencils

I Got The Kicked Bob & Found My Own Personal Style

Ever wondered what you’d say to a therapist, given the chance? We asked Dr Sheri Jacobson, a retired psychotherapist with over 17 years’ clinical experience and the co-founder of Harley Therapy Platform (UK Online Therapists), for advice on the things we worry about in private.

Have a question for a therapist? Submit yours for Sheri.

Question:

I’ve been single for a while now. A lot of the time I’m fine with it, and sometimes even happy to be single: I am free to define my life and date who I want and focus solely on my own happiness. I keep seeing articles and posts on social media that emphasise how being a single woman is something to be empowered by instead of constantly seeking a partner for the sake of it. I want to be fully empowered all the time too.

But I’m just not. It doesn’t help that all my close friends are in relationships and it can’t help but make me feel lonely, especially around events like last New Year’s Eve, which I spent alone. I try to talk to my friends about feeling lonely but they just feel sorry for me, which makes me feel patronised. So I have these intense bouts of real loneliness and then feel ashamed to feel this way. I know my happiness isn’t defined by another person but that doesn’t mean I want to be alone.

How can I learn to embrace all these feelings now without just rushing into another relationship?

– Katya, 27

Answer:

It’s important to remember that the past few years have made loneliness worse: chiefly because of the physical isolation and the lack of contact with people, which is really important to our wellbeing. The pause on a lot of activities and seeing other people really compounded this feeling of isolation. And while people who live together or are in relationships may have bonded closer in the pandemic, it’s hard to feel that you have missed out on that.

There is no shame in feeling loneliness, it is just a feeling. As far as possible, be non-judgmental of your emotions: there’s no good emotions, there’s no bad emotions, things are as they are. Loneliness, like anything, is just an emotional state. These emotions will come and they will go and the more work that we can do on 1) allowing those feelings to be and 2) being compassionate towards ourselves, ironically, the less negative we will feel.

It’s often hard to say this negative feeling is actually a positive one or a neutral one. If you’re boiling with anger, for example, it feels so uncomfortable that it might well be a negative feeling. But the fact is, the more that we can tolerate feelings like loneliness, the less power that it has over us and the easier it is to diffuse. The more that we can be tolerant and accepting of the hardships or difficulties of life, the more it is likely that it won’t disturb us as much.

One of the ways that people often read into their negative feelings and thoughts is by engaging in them with rumination. You might spend a lot of time trying to work out: Why do I feel this way? Should I be single? Should I not be? Why am I feeling bad about it? Is it bad that I’m feeling bad? We can get ourselves into a real tangle. There’s a couple of techniques, aside from working on the acceptance, for when you get stuck ruminating. One is distraction, but it’s not a distraction by way of avoidance: it’s more diversion. It’s doing something healthy in place of ruminating, which could be doing something that you enjoy. The other is breathing techniques. So if you’re feeling negative thoughts and emotions rising, and you’ve got yourself into a mental tangle, how can you get out? Often just resetting, by focusing internally on basic things like the breath or bodily sensations, can help some people get out of that negative loop.

Other than managing your relationship to your emotions, there are practical steps to combat loneliness. I would start with filtering through your relationships and deciding who it is that you feel good spending time with. Do they enhance your wellbeing? We often feel better after spending time with some people and worse after spending time with others. It’s about identifying how you feel after spending some time, even online, with someone and recognising who those good quality connections are with.

With that in mind, make time to nurture those relationships. You do that by investing time and energy with the grand old skill of listening. The more that we can make time for someone and listen to them, and the other person does the same with you, the less lonely we feel. As we all know, we can be very lonely in a busy crowd, often because we don’t have that emotional connection with someone which is facilitated by good listening, good sharing and good support of one another.

This article was originally published in January 2022 and has since been updated.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

There’s Nowhere To Hang Out For Free Anymore

Dating Is Important But My Recovery Is My Priority

The Joy Of Focusing On Nothing As A Single Person

I’ve never been that maternal when it comes to children. Maternal towards some friends perhaps, playing the “mum” role at university when drunken nights out went too far, but I struggle to picture myself as an actual, real, mother. Beyond playing with my much younger cousins in the countryside, reuniting a lost child with her parent once, and volunteering as a teaching assistant at a youth theatre in my late teens, I have limited experience with children, and I’d like to keep it that way. That presents its own internal conflict: Now I’m approaching an age where friends are considering becoming parents — one ONS report says 50% of women born in 1990 in England and Wales became parents by their 30th birthday — I’m wondering if I should flag to those I get romantically involved with from here on out that I probably don’t want kids.

Here’s what I think I want my future to look like: a long–term life partner, who I may marry in a small ceremony, who will take a sabbatical to travel with me in our late 30s, and who will also want a cat. I already have my cat name picked out, and no, I’m not telling you because it’s original and mine. When friends have children someday, I’ll be the “cool aunt”  who babysits on occasion — then goes back to writing, with upcoming flights booked for a long weekend away somewhere with good food and art. That sounds like a pretty nice life to me.

At school, when friends would talk about how many children they wanted and what their names would be — even though they themselves were still children — along with the wedding that would come first to a man they’d met six months prior, I’d find it baffling. “Six months?! I wouldn’t marry someone without having known them for at least four years. That’s only four birthdays you’ll have celebrated with them. You’d hardly know them.” I was 11. Ever the realist. And as for the make–believe “future children” games, I don’t have any memories of playing those, maybe because it never appealed. The fact girls were using their lunch breaks to discuss and daydream about these things shows how early on the idea of becoming a mother is instilled in people, and how a maternal instinct is expected. One study found that toy preferences among children become gendered as early as three to eight months old. 

Now, at nearly 28 years old, I feel the same as I did back then: disillusioned and uninspired by the idea of being a parent. I don’t like the idea of all aspects of my life being dictated by a child, and I hate how common it is for women to lose their own identities, absorbed instead into the role of mother (while dads regularly continue to still be Harry-down-the-pub-after-footie). I’d also worry about how I’d affect a child, because we all have baggage from our parents. Having said that, I’m not 100% committed to the idea of not being a parent. I find “gentle parenting” an interesting style of raising children (which avoids leading by consequence and punishment, instead promoting boundaries and understanding); I know if I was a mother that helping my child build self-esteem would be high on my agenda; and I’m very pro-adoption and fostering. Occasionally, I can see myself fostering teenagers in my 40s, when I’m (hopefully) financially secure and ready to give more of myself to support others. That feels better to me, than to insist on having my own “flesh and blood” when there are children that need love and care already here, waiting.

The trouble is, recently I’ve been thinking about how and when to tell the men I date all of this, especially as I always date men older than me, who are usually in their early 30s. It’s an age in which a lot of people find themselves at a crossroads of decision making, and I don’t want to deprive anyone of a future centred on a traditional family unit. I realise that what I want by comparison is unconventional and unexpected, but I also know I’m not the only one questioning the model presented to us as young girls with our dolls and toy houses. The same ONS study that reported that 50% of women born in 1990 were mums by 30 also notes this is the first time since records began that the other 50% of women were childless at 30. Historically, the statistics have been weighted towards those entering motherhood.

There are so many things we do as humans that, because they’re normalised, we kind of get wrapped up in them before really considering whether this is an authentic desire of our own, or someone else’s dream. Last year, on a first date with a 33-year-old at the back of an Uber, I mentioned I probably didn’t want children. He didn’t seem to mind and continued dating me. In honesty, I was relieved to be able to share this, even if it felt like a buzzkill to bring up. It felt almost confessional, like I’d let a taboo loose, and as though I’d warned this man from the off so he couldn’t later ask why I never said anything. I’m aware this is my own fear of being confronted about not wanting to be a mum projecting itself, but it still felt important to say. 

The other issue is that I’m simply not sure. I’ve changed and grown in the last five years, so while my views on children haven’t shifted, I can’t promise they won’t ever. I don’t want to be locked into a definite, which is also why I hesitate to tell dates about it. People love to say “I told you you’d change your mind” to women who were once ambivalent about motherhood, who then later become mothers. Actress Jodie Cromer recently said on BBC Women’s Hour when speaking of her latest film The End We Start From, “Before going into this [role as a mother], I didn’t really feel like I had a maternal instinct.” She explains how, through acting, she found herself softening to the idea. Life isn’t set in stone, and I don’t want people to see any child I may one day have as an admission that I was “wrong” or that I didn’t know myself well enough. Isn’t one of the key pillars of feminism that we have choices?

Choosing to not be a mum feels radical in patriarchal society. On Instagram, I follow an account called We Are Childfree. It documents the reasoning women have given in their decision to remain childfree and is designed to empower. Though I find it sad that women in this camp often are called on to justify themselves, it’s comforting to see social spaces like this emerge. I don’t have any childfree role models — all of the women in my family have become mothers, and many of my friends either aspire to it, or are where I’m at.

The biological clock isn’t the same for men as it is for women, so I know that in dating men rather than women, I’m not on the same knife edge when it comes to making firm decisions. Having said that, infertility is seldom considered in men and global figures suggest that sperm counts have been declining for a long time. There is still time for me, and (hopefully) for the men I date — I’m not holding anyone back. But I’d like to tell these men my stance, because this is part of getting to know me.

As for how early it needs to be said, I’m still at a loss. If a man tells me he’s set on being a dad, obviously I’d say where I stand. But when neither party brings it up, dancing around serious topics in the early stages of dating in favour of lighthearted fun, do I even need to broach the subject? Twenty-seven is young, but it’s approaching a decade full of expectations, one of which is getting pregnant. Right now, I’m still figuring it all out.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Does Height Really Matter When You're Dating?

Should We Bring Children Into Our Dying World?

How To Have A Conversation About Not Wanting Kids

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

I Wrote A Money Diary While Working On A Yacht

Money Diary: A University Teacher On £52,815

Money Diary: A Secondary School Teacher On £43,000

A couple weeks ago I was sifting through my drawers, looking for a full gym top. Not a crop top, not a lone sports bra, and not a flimsy pair of sleeves that cuts off at the literal shoulders (i.e. clothes I’ve previously worn to the gym without batting an eye). But after several months away from working out, and growing through grief and mental illness, I have found a steady routine again. What I haven’t found is my old desire to wear my tightest clothes possible to the gym. And, consequentially, the right gym top.

Of the countless micro-trends perpetuated by algorithms and brand marketing, the “gym girl” aesthetic has had a vice grip on us for years. Though the pandemic welcomed a shift towards comfortable fashion, spaces like TikTok have bred more rigid aesthetic rules. What was once an activewear trend has morphed into an aspirational lifestyle driven by consumerism — rather than the actual activities we partake in. We are inundated with “BBL jackets” (zip-up cardigans with cinched waists), controversial (but still popular) waist trainers, layers advertised as “gravity defying” and £60 workout sets to accompany our already pricey gym memberships. 

As a fashion editor, it is my job to let you know what’s trending, suggest brands to shop, and at times, be an unofficial middlewoman between the market and your wardrobe. But I can’t ignore what we’ve all been witnessing, which is an endless cycle towards overconsumption and pressure-fuelled spending. As January comes to a close and the “new year, new you” messaging continues to roll on, I have a not-so-subtle PSA: We simply do not need new clothes in order to work out. And the clothes we wear do not have to be skin-tight.

In that embarrassing moment when I couldn’t find a normal length top for my workout (the two I do have were dirty, okay), I ended up pulling out a regular old T-shirt from a different drawer. It had no sweat-wicking properties, but was equipped with two sleeves and a torso. As it turns out, I did not spontaneously combust, nor was I repulsed by my reflection. I got a good workout in, cleared my mind and proudly displayed my hard-earned sweat stains.

This reminded me of gym classes as a kid, where I was perfectly content in my basketball shorts and baggy tees and there was no required aesthetic aside from comfortable clothes and trainers you could run in. I then distinctly remembered how that changed in high school, when us girls started cinching T-shirts with hair ties and rolling waistbands to shorten hemlines. That suffocating feeling, of wanting to fit in but not really knowing why, is the same one that crops up for me with this pressure to be a certain kind of “gym girl”. The further I’ve gotten into adulthood, the more I’ve understood that clothing is often marketed with bodies rather than people in mind.

In a recent episode of her podcast Say Your Mind, author and activist Kelechi Okafor announced that she is no longer wearing tight leggings and crop tops to the gym. “If I’m perfectly honest, I feel shit when I wear them. I hate them. It doesn’t compliment my physique, I’m not curvy in that way, I’m rather straight in terms of my body shape,” she said in conversation with fashion psychologist Shakaila Forbes-Bell. “I like things to feel soft on me. And [with] the general exercises that I do at the gym I don’t need to wear tight up, tight up things.” Okafor went on to say that she is now choosing to wear soft joggers and loose tank tops instead.

Actress Jameela Jamil has also regularly admonished this pressure to look a certain way while working out, as founder of the podcast and mental health movement I Weigh. In an Instagram post earlier this month, Jamil referenced the typical January fitness content and its explicit links to shame, exclusion and diet culture. “Exercise should be accessible, fun and a daily maintenance practice just like brushing our teeth. But that’s so hard with all the pressure surrounding it. The culture has become so toxic,” she wrote.

Body image and fashion have always been linked, so it’s important to acknowledge how uncompromising aesthetics can negatively affect consumers when they don’t, or can’t, adhere. This especially includes people who are differently abled and need clothes that accommodate their needs, or wear specific religious or cultural dress like hijabs or burkas. It’s similar to the outdated concept of the aspirational “bikini body”. We all have bodies to move, so why must there be a certain way for them to look while we do so?

Anti-trends are also just as common, whether that’s through understated shifts like “normcore”; embracing the mundane side of fashion; or the rise of de-influencing. But regardless of whether a trend encourages us to spend money or not (and let’s face it, all trends are rooted in capitalism by nature) it’s really only up to us to choose the clothes that make us feel good. When we’re figuring out what to wear for the gym, the simplest solution may just be to follow comfort and confidence.

Christina Okenla, a London-based fitness trainer and content creator, tells Refinery29 that confidence is most important when it comes to exercising. “There may be more pressure to dress a certain way when working out [but] I would hate to think that this could be another reason to put someone off of exercising and getting started on their fitness journey,” she says. “On the other hand, if treating yourself to some new gym wear that makes you feel confident and motivates you to go, then that’s great.”

When training new clients or in group sessions (which I attended for a period during the pandemic), Okenla notices that sometimes when clients start off wearing dark, baggy sets, they tend to venture out into brighter colours and new styles as their confidence and strength grows.

As for what she recommends for the technical side of working out, she says a proper sports bra is the most important item. “Something that properly supports your breast tissue, especially if you like to do a lot of high-impact workouts,” she says. “A good sports bra will usually come with adjustable arm and back straps, will have some cushioning and contouring under the breast area.” 

“Appropriate footwear is also very important. A lot of fashion trainers, especially those with high platforms, aren’t suitable for running or lifting, so I always recommend my clients get a pair of trainers just for the gym.” 

So, yes, there are certain technical clothes that will aid you in working out but as Okenla demonstrates, it is far from necessary to buy a whole new workout wardrobe — especially if you’re just getting back to the gym. Perhaps you can embrace a clean slate like me, whether I’m feeling confident in my tight leggings sets, or in my dad’s old baggy T-shirt and a mind that’s ready to clear.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Why I’m Embracing My Boring Outfits Era

How To Unlearn The Stigma Of Outfit Repeating

I Can't Be The Only One Exhausted By Aesthetics

This story was originally published by our partners at The Conversation.

Period symptoms are frustrating no matter the time of year. But some women and people with uteruses might feel like certain symptoms are worse during the winter months, when the weather is gloomy, the days are short and cold and flu seems to always be lurking. This phenomenon has even been dubbed “winter period fatigue syndrome”.

Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that such a thing as winter period fatigue syndrome exists. There’s also no good evidence to suggest changes in the seasons can worsen period symptoms. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a scientific explanation for why you might feel some of your period symptoms are worse during the colder months.

Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, poor concentration and a weaker immune system may in fact be pointing to the more obvious cause of iron deficiency.

The body needs iron in order to function. Iron helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. But many people don’t get enough iron in their diet. In fact, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. 

Alongside the symptoms that iron deficiency can cause, low iron can also lead to anaemia — a fall in red blood cell count. While the symptoms of anaemia can be very similar to those caused by iron deficiency (including fatigue, tiredness, and cold hands and feet), symptoms can be more severe, too — leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath and even loss of consciousness. 

Menstruation is a leading cause of both iron deficiency and anaemia. People with heavy or prolonged periods are particularly at risk as they regularly lose more blood each month than their body can replace. Some studies even estimate that in women who experience heavy periods, 90% are iron deficient and 60% are anaemic.

People who normally have heavy periods might not realise that this could actually be the cause of their fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. This is because so many women who have heavy periods just assume their blood loss is normal. But left unchecked, heavy periods can leave women and people with uteruses trapped in a vicious cycle of progressive blood loss and iron loss, leading to anaemia, which can be difficult to break. 

And even though many clinical guidelines for managing heavy menstrual bleeding recognise the importance of treating iron deficiency and anaemia caused by excessive blood loss, these conditions are still often missed — despite how treatable they are. 

Symptoms In Winter

Many of the symptoms of iron deficiency and anaemia overlap with other health conditions. This is why it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as symptoms start to make sure you’re getting the right treatment. For example, fatigue, lethargy and changes in mood can also be symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. This is a type of depression that affects some people only in the autumn and winter. 

So if you find your symptoms began when the shorter days and colder weather arrived, exercise, self-care (such as resting if you need to and getting plenty of sleep each night) and a balanced diet that contains plenty of fibre, cards and protein may help somewhat. Your GP may also recommend talking therapy. 

Certain symptoms of iron deficiency may also seem worse during the winter months. Since iron deficiency affects how well your immune system functions, this could explain why you may feel you suffer from more seasonal illnesses during the colder weather. 

But if you find you have such symptoms all year round — and suffer from heavy or prolonged periods — this may be a sign you have iron deficiency. This will require a trip to the GP to be diagnosed, as well as taking an iron replacement if your doctor recommends it. This should significantly improve your quality of life and symptoms. 

While symptoms of tiredness and fatigue brought on by the cold weather should improve when spring arrives, if your symptoms are caused by chronic iron deficiency these will only improve with proper treatment. This is why you should not attribute fatigue, lethargy and poor concentration to the change in season.

Authors:

Jahnavi Daru, specialist registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology, doctoral research fellow, Queen Mary University of London

Ewelina Rogozinska, research fellow in the Meta-Analysis Research Group, UCL

Varsha Jain, clinical research fellow in the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

"It's Dark For 3 Months": SAD In The Extreme North

Yep, Greasy Period Hair Is Actually A Thing

I’m A Black Girl With Iron-Deficiency Anemia

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

From the countless takes on the classic French tip to intricate painting techniques of the Russian, Ukrainian and Italian manicures, it’s safe to say that we’re hooked on nails. While nothing beats a salon experience (and it’s always good to support nail technicians) rising costs means that lots of us are going down the DIY route.

Some products are invaluable to your at-home nail routine; think base coats to prevent nail polish stains and cuticle oil to moisturise your skin and nails, promoting better growth in the long run. Others, however, you can take or leave.

If you’ve ever wondered whether nail hardener actually works, or if you can use any UV nail lamp to cure your gel polish, read ahead. We asked a couple of nail experts to share the viral nail products that simply aren’t all they’re cracked up to be — and their answers might surprise you.

Nail hardener

It’s tempting to pick off gel polish but doing so can weaken the nail. It makes sense that you might gravitate to a nail hardener, thinking that it’ll help reinforce your nails in some way. While “strengthening” formulas tend to contain ingredients which are reparative and beneficial to overall nail health, promoting flexibility and resilience, “hardeners” work by aiming to make the natural nail harder, says session manicurist Ami Streets. “This can impede flexibility, something our nails need to withstand wear and tear.” This, adds Streets, can end up being counter productive and may leave you vulnerable to breakage. “In my opinion the best product to help with strength, length and nail health is cuticle oil,” she says. “Not only does it penetrate to a deeper level to nourish and hydrate nails, but applying this daily with a massaging motion helps stimulate circulation and promote growth, too.”

R29 rates Mii Nourish & Nurture Cuticle Oil, £15.50, Mavala Cuticle Massage Oil, £9.10, and Nails Inc. Vit C Please Cuticle Oil, £8.90. Also try OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum, £29.90, which acts like scaffolding for brittle nails without making them hard.  

Nail polish dryers

Whether you’re impatient or just super busy, nail artists understand the allure of investing in a portable nail polish dryer, but they’re a waste of valuable space. According to Streets, using quick dry products like drops or sprays are much more effective when it comes to speeding up drying time. essie Nail Care Quick Drying Drops Nail Polish Treatment, £8.99, Barry M Drop & Dry Quick Dry Drops, £4.99, and OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops, £16.60, are all great options, as is Mavala Mavadry Nail Polish Dryer Spray, £15, if you find dropper bottles a little too fiddly to use with freshly painted nails.

“Clean” nail polish

Streets has seen a steady increase in the demand for natural formulations in all aspects of beauty, especially when it comes to nail health and manicures. Enter the trend for “toxin-free” or more commonly “clean” nail polish. Streets associates the latter with being “free from certain chemicals and non-toxic ingredients”. She believes such products offer gentler formulas. This could be beneficial if your nails are very thin (for example, you regularly peel off your gel polish or get hardcore manicures) and tend to become sensitised by nail polish. 

Here’s the thing, though: The word “clean” in regard to beauty is unregulated. In other words, it has no official meaning and there are no laws, regulations or rules. In theory, anyone can use the phrase to describe nail products. When it comes to our fear around certain chemicals, experts agree that it’s the dose that makes the poison. Before a product comes to market, it must have a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), which studies all of the ingredients inside. This report looks at how frequently you might use the product, and examines the exposure site and levels of the ingredients. In fact, the law states that the UK must adhere to very strict cosmetic safety regulations, and formulas are studied by qualified toxicologists. Put simply, you can rest assured that nail polish sold at reputable retailers is safe to use. 

Ridge-filling base coat

Lots of things can result in bumpy and ridged nails, like manicure technique (for example, using nail drills), vitamin deficiencies (like protein, vitamin A, zinc and calcium), hormonal changes and potentially even picking your cuticles. If ridges are bothering you, you might consider investing in a ridge-filling base coat to create a smoother surface for nail polish, but nail artist and content creator Sadie Jordan thinks that their effectiveness depends on how severe the ridges are. “If you have shallow or very minimal ridges, these base coats can easily fill them in and provide you with a smooth, even base before you apply colour,” says Jordan, but if your ridges are a bit deeper, a base coat like this might not cut it. Instead, Jordan suggests opting for a higher viscosity product such as builder gel (BIAB) to resurface the nail plate and enhance your natural nails.

Streets finds ridge-filling base coats to be of a much thicker consistency than regular bases, which in her opinion makes layering nail colour a much longer process. “It can also impede dry time and mean the longevity of the manicure is affected,” says Streets. “This is because densely painted layers of polish are more prone to chipping.” Instead of a ridge-filling base coat, Ami says that gently buffing the natural nail plate is a much more effective way of smoothing the surface texture to ensure an even base for painting. “I would only recommend ridge-filling base coats as an option to clients who may have particularly thin or sensitive nails when buffing isn’t a viable or suitable option,” says Streets, “for example, following chemotherapy treatment or while taking medication.”

This is not to say that a traditional base coat is redundant. “I’d recommend the use of a base coat,” says Streets, “not only for added protection when using strongly pigmented colours, but to get the best, long-lasting and most professional-looking finish from your manicure.”

Nail whitener

Jordan says that nail whitener — a product typically used to reduce staining on nails — is controversial among nail experts and manicure enthusiasts. Streets suggests this is because some formulas can contain harsh astringents. As a result, prolonged wear time or over use could dehydrate nails or lead to damage, says Streets. To that end, “it’s important to choose as mild a formulation as possible or even use a more natural solution such as lemon juice mixed with water,” adds Streets. She says that soaking your nails in this way can help with any staining, but if you’re feeling impatient, discolouration can be removed effectively by lightly buffing the surface of the nail. “Just ensure a gentle touch and follow up with cuticle oil to nourish and moisturise the nail plate,” says Streets.  

“Universal” UV nail lamps

When it comes to gel nail lamps, each one has a specific wattage that determines the strength of the UV or LED bulbs it hosts, says Jordan. But she adds that lamps that are labelled “universal”, which suggests they can cure most gel polishes, can be very misleading. There are many different products out there and each one has a different requirement. If the gel polish isn’t cured properly and comes into contact with your skin, there is a risk of developing an allergic reaction, which could loosen nails, and cause a red, itchy rash, not just on your hands but anywhere else you might have touched with wet gel nail polish. 

Streets advises using a complete nail system of products with a gel nail lamp that corresponds to the brand of polish you like. “Gel products are specifically tested and created for use with certain strengths of LED or UV lighting to ensure instructions on cure time are correct,” says Streets. “Following guidelines closely and using proper application and removal techniques will minimise the risk of heat spikes, allergic reactions and sensitivities to gel manicures.” Her top tip is to always go to a reputable qualified nail technician, as doing your own gel manicure at home is more likely to leave you open to complications. 

Metal nail files

There’s a common misconception that metal nail files and other nail tools are more effective than others. While they might be more durable than emery boards and wooden cuticle pushers, Streets thinks they’re outdated and “super damaging for natural nails.” She adds, “Most of the tools in these kits are not of a great standard or sharpness, either, meaning they’re not particularly effective for a great manicure.” Try a glass or crystal nail file instead, like Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File, £13, Margaret Dabbs London Crystal Nail File, £15, or Boots Glass Nail File, £4, if you’d rather spend less.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Do You Have “Nail Privilege”?

The 9 Nail Colours That Go With Everything

“Gel Strip” Nails Are Replacing Salon Gels

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Taking An £18k Pay Cut Was The Best Thing I Did

Threat Of Redundancy Made Me Bounce Back

Best Career Advice From R29’s Salary Stories

Content warning: This article includes references to nonconsensual image abuse. 

This week, X (formerly known as Twitter) was inundated with disturbing AI-generated images of Taylor Swift. At the time of writing, the origins of the images aren’t entirely clear, but what is clear is that the creation of deepfake pornography is incredibly psychologically damaging, abusive and controlling of women. And that it’s time the law catches up with the times.

It’s not the first time something like this has happened, too. Only a few weeks ago, Xochitl Gomez, the reigning Dancing With The Stars champ who plays America Chavez in the Marvel universe, spoke out after discovering sexually explicit deepfake images of her on Twitter, which she tried to have taken down to no avail. She is just 17 years old. “This has nothing to do with me. And yet it’s on here with my face,” Gomez said on a podcast about the incident. “Why is it so hard to take down? That was my whole thought on it, was, ‘Why is this allowed?’”

The rise in deepfake technology is problematic, especially for women: One report from Sensity AI found that 96% of deepfakes were sexually explicit, while 99% of them feature women. While the internet and rise in technology has always felt particularly loaded for women with the rise of online sexual harassment or distribution of revenge porn, the deepfake arena seems like it’s been built on one thing — to rip women of their sexual and bodily autonomy.

While much of the deepfake discourse has focused on “fake news”, hoaxes, or cheating at school, the reality is that the unregulated use of the technology is incredibly concerning, especially for women. It’s essentially a virtual assault on women, who now realise that by even uploading a photo of themselves on Instagram, they might be subjected to an online attack where their face is the weapon.

NBC News found that nonconsensual deepfake pornographic images were among the first shown when searching for celebrity names and the term “deepfakes”. But it’s not just celebrities who are victims. There have been multiple reports of men creating AI-generated pornographic images of women they know in real life and, in some instances, boys circulating AI-generated images of their female classmates. It’s a new way to deploy gender-based and sexual violence — this time, from people’s own homes.

Most states have banned revenge porn and its distribution, but when it comes to AI-created pornographic images, people are seemingly on their own. There are no current federal laws that tackle deepfake porn, which means the ability to bring criminal or civil charges is extremely difficult, especially considering the breadth, reach, and anonymity of the internet. Despite the psychological and emotional effects the technology has on women, there is nothing that actually prohibits the act, and perpetrators are still free to generate — and distribute — whatever deepfakes they like.

X’s policies ban the sharing of “synthetic, manipulated or out-of-context media that may deceive or confuse people and lead to harm,” but the images of Swift were viewed millions of times before they were finally removed — and some might argue that they wouldn’t have removed them if it weren’t for one group.

While legislation and social media platform moderation have failed us, women have simultaneously proven that the only way they can protect themselves from deepfake video distribution is by uniting themselves. In the hours after the images began circulating on X, Swifties were quick to create their own campaign — #ProtectTaylorSwift — and flood the platform with positive images of the singer. It was here that they began a mass-reporting campaign — and only then were the images taken down. In a statement posted on its platform, X said it was “actively removing all identified images and taking appropriate actions against the accounts responsible for posting them… We’re committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all users.”

The incident has sparked renewed calls for legislation banning the creation and distribution of deepfake porn, and reportedly Swift may consider legal action. But what’s clear from these images is that if one of the most powerful women in the world can be subjected to sexual harassment and abuse via deepfake technology, what hope do the rest of us have? Women’s faces can being manipulated in images and superimposed into porn videos, but they don’t have rights the way the laws stand now. Someone flashing their nipples on social media will be immediately taken down, but sadly, disgusting AI-created images with real women’s faces on them won’t be until real action takes place.

If you have experienced sexual violence and are in need of crisis support, please call the RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Atrioc Deepfake Porn Scandal: What Happens Legally

No, Revenge Porn Is Absolutely Not "Free Speech"

Paris Hilton's Sex Tape Has Caused Lasting Trauma

As we enter the week, Uranus, the Planet of Surprise, is spending its first full week direct in the sign of Taurus. Uranus will still be in its post-retrograde shadow period for the next several weeks, but we’ll collectively feel less anxious this week, especially as the energy from the Leo full moon begins to wane. 

This week is ideal for confronting the disruptions and changes we’ve been experiencing ever since Pluto entered Aquarius on the 20th. Be honest about what you like and don’t like about your current life path, and be courageous enough to make the necessary adjustments. The moon spends time in Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio this week, so the collective themes have to do with adding structure, balance and emotional sensitivity to our lives. You’ll end the month of January on a reflective and love-oriented note, and you’ll begin February feeling supercharged with dynamic energy as the Scorpio moon harmonises with Mercury and Mars in Capricorn.

Read your horoscopes for your sun and rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, now that the Leo full moon’s energy is waning, you’re reflecting on ways to add more fun and spontaneity into your life. If you had a serious mindset for most of January — especially since your ruler Mars is currently in Capricorn — give yourself the chance to break out of your typical routine as January comes to an end and February begins. Go on an impromptu road trip, play hooky from work, send that risky text to your crush. Aquarius Season wants you to remember that life is meant to be lived to the fullest. 

This is also Uranus’ first week direct in Taurus, activating your sector of money and self-esteem. You’re in the mood to create greater financial stability in your life, which means slowing down enough to track your spending and saving habits, and making adjustments as needed. With Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, currently in this sector of your chart too, you have four more months to prioritise your financial growth, so make this a fun part of your daily experience rather than viewing it as a burdensome responsibility.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, now that Uranus has ended its retrograde in your sign, you’re going to feel more confident, capable, and loved than you have these past five months, when both Uranus and Jupiter were retrograde. This is your period of re-emergence, and if there’s anything that last week’s Leo full moon taught you, it’s to boss up and take your life journey seriously, because the Universe wants to see you succeed. Spend time this week mapping out a game plan for what you’ll be focusing on in February — no planets will be retrograde that month, allowing you to move full speed ahead on your passion projects. 

The Moon’s transits through Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio this week highlights your sectors of creativity, health, and relationships, so these are likely to be the main themes in your life as January comes to an end and February begins. You’d benefit from allowing your imagination to run wild without expectation, and also from committing to a wellness regimen, perhaps with an accountability buddy by your side. You’re motivated to improve every aspect of yourself, inside and out — make sure to pace yourself in the process.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, last week’s Leo full moon activated your communication sector and awakened you to moments when overthinking got the best of you. It’s time to break free from self-perceived limitations, and this is the week to do so. If you have a presentation to pitch or a cause to defend, get on your soapbox and let the world hear what you have to say. With your planetary ruler Mercury currently in Capricorn, you’re speaking with authority and confidence, and this will help you get ahead. 

This is Uranus’ first full week direct in the sign of Taurus, which highlights your sector of spirituality and healing. This is your sign to let go of any grudges you may be consciously or unconsciously holding on to, even if you thought you had previously released them. The energy of the full moon will continue to be felt this week, making this process of release easier and softer for you, especially since Pluto, the Planet of Transformation, is in your fellow air sign of Aquarius. Let go breath by breath.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, now that the Leo full moon has taken place in your sector of money and security, you’re entering this week with a more abundant and strategic mindset. Forgive yourself for past money mistakes you may have made, and have the courage to start over with a clean slate, especially now that Pluto, the Planet of Transformation, is in Aquarius, highlighting your sector of outside resources and merging. This is an ideal week to create a financial roadmap that you’d like to follow this year, and commit to sticking to it. 

With Uranus, the Planet of Surprise, spending its first week direct in Taurus, you’ll be in the mood to fine-tune your friendships as well as your relationship to social media. If you’ve dealt with frenemies lately, it’s important to not resort to passive-aggressive behaviour, but to set firm yet loving boundaries so that you can protect your peace and your energy. Let go of so-so relationships so you can call in enriching ones. 

Leo Sun & Rising:

Embrace this new era you’re stepping into, Leo. Now that your annual full moon has taken place, you’re feeling like a caterpillar that’s morphed into a butterfly. But what to do with your new set of wings? That’s what you’ll be reflecting on this week. You have a blank canvas on which to paint your dream life, and it’s up to you to allow yourself to go after what you really want — even if the Moon-Pluto opposition that recently occurred may have prompted you to feel more indecisive or moody than usual. 

Fortunately, now that Uranus, the Planet of Change, is direct in your fellow fixed sign of Taurus, you’ll notice that feelings of restlessness or indecision start to wane in the coming weeks. The key is to ride the waves of change — especially now that Pluto is in Aquarius, another fixed sign — rather than resisting them. Accept the fact that you’re no longer the same person you were six months ago, Leo. You’re evolving beautifully.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, Uranus’ shift direct in your fellow earth sign of Taurus has felt soothing for your nervous system, especially since your planetary ruler Mercury is currently in Capricorn until 5th February. We may be entering a period where the element of air is taking over, but having Uranus, Venus, Mars, and Mercury all currently in earth signs is helping stabilise your mind, allowing you to think long term. If you can, take a break from your usual work routine as the month of January ends, and go on an escapade somewhere to clear your mind and truly evaluate your most pressing priorities. 

The energy of the Leo full moon still lingers through the cosmos and through your subconscious mind this week. Your spirituality sector was activated by this lunation, so you may still be finding it hard to let go of what you know is no longer meant for you. Give yourself grace as February begins, especially since you’ll have another opportunity to practice letting go when the full moon takes place in your sign at the end of February. Trust that everything is operating on divine timing, and be your own best friend right now. 

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, as the week begins you’re still taking in the cosmic downloads from last week’s Leo full moon, which stimulated your sector of friendship and tech. You may have called out anyone in your life who seemed to be opportunistic, and you also checked yourself to make sure you weren’t judging others if you yourself were displaying similar traits. Self-honesty is essential right now, especially since your planetary ruler Venus is in Capricorn, a sign that’s all about living in accordance with one’s values. End the month of January re-aligning yourself with your core values, and making sure your actions are following suit. 

Uranus spends its first week direct in your fellow Venus-ruled sign of Taurus, meaning that you may decide to look at your life from a more practical and passionate perspective as we near the start of February. If you were living in la-la land and ignoring your key responsibilities lately, Uranus’ shift direct will reorient you toward what’s most essential. Your sector of depth and outside resources is activated by this transit, so these next seven months are ideal for forging meaningful collaborations and financial partnerships with people who want to invest in you and contribute to your growth. 

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, no one knows how much you’ve been going through these past few weeks, because you’re so good at hiding it. Last week’s Leo full moon may have also led to you unconsciously putting on a mask and avoiding vulnerability in order to remain “strong”. But deep down, all you want is cuddles and love… And in order to receive what you want, you have to let down those tough walls you tend to place around your heart, as a self-protective measure. You have to allow yourself to be vulnerable. You have to make sure you’re not using work or productivity as an escape from facing your deepest feelings, especially now that Pluto, one of your planetary rulers, is squaring off (creating astrological friction) with your natal Scorpio sun. Face yourself and your life fully. 

The good news is that Uranus, the Planet of Surprise, spends its first week direct in Taurus, which activates your sector of partnership and marriage. If you’ve been going through a rollercoaster emotionally when it comes to love, dating, romance, and healing from past wounds, things are about to start to feel more stable and positive in the coming weeks, as Uranus makes its way out of its post-shadow period. The key is to get clear about what you really want from love, and be honest with yourself about if you’re willing to put in the work to receive what you claim you want. 

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sag, as the week begins you’re taking in the fiery energy from last week’s Leo full moon, which activated your sector of expansion, media, and long journeys. Anything that has to do with being public-facing and sharing your ideas via a large platform is encouraged for you to take part in this week. You’re feeling enlightened by Pluto’s newfound presence in Aquarius, activating your sector of communication and helping you speak your truth without fear or limitation. 

Now that Uranus is spending its first full week direct in Taurus, your sector of wellness and service is activated for the next seven months, making this an ideal time to start a new fitness routine or pick an old one back up. The key is to remain consistent and disciplined, and since Mars, the Planet of Action, is currently in Capricorn (along with Mercury and Venus) in your sector of self-esteem, you’ll have the drive and motivation to commit to feeling great physically and internally.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, as the week begins you’re feeling the influence of the Leo full moon, which occurred in your sector of outside merging. This week you may receive an opportunity to collaborate with someone on a passion project that matters a lot to you. Check in with how your body feels in response to this news — if you feel energised and excited, then it’s a sign to go for it. But if you feel strong sensations of doubt or skepticism, it’s a sign to slow down and read the fine print to make sure this isn’t too good to be true. With Mercury, Venus, and Mars all in your sign right now, you have the clarity it takes to make a solid and mature decision. 

Now that Uranus, the Planet of Surprise, is direct in your fellow earth sign of Taurus for the next seven months, you’re in the mood to express yourself creatively and stop taking life too seriously. This may be easier said than done, as the Capricorn energy in the cosmos could lead to you putting more pressure on yourself to get your life together. But Uranus’ shift direct is here to remind you that life is about more than just work… At the end of your life, will people remember the countless promotions you received, or will they remember the way you decided to let your inner child lead and make life a work of art? It’s up to you to decide how to allocate your time so that you’re feeling balanced. 

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Your birthday season keeps going strong, Aquarius. Now that the energy from the Leo full moon is waning, you’re likely to want to spend time with people who have been your ride-or-dies. Last week’s Leo full moon revealed the people who didn’t have your best interests at heart, and you may have had to cut the cord with them (this process may still be ongoing, so be patient with yourself if you haven’t fully released unhealthy relationship dynamics). The space that you cleared out last week is leading to the right people and opportunities entering your life this week and in coming weeks. 

You’ll also feel greater momentum in your daily affairs due to Uranus, one of your planetary rulers, now being direct in Taurus — a fellow fixed sign. Your more bossy and temperamental side may emerge this week, but it’s likely because you’ll have an inspiring idea for how to revolutionise your life and your career path, and you’ll want to get started on it asap. With no planets retrograde for all of February and March, you have the green light to take leaps of faith and bring your dreams to life, just make sure to pace yourself in the process or else you may suffer from burnout.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, you’ve made it through the Leo full moon in your sector of health and wellness. This week you’ll be paying attention to the messages and signals you’re receiving from your body. If you’ve been overworking yourself or allowing stress to get to you, spend time indulging in self-care as much as you can. Book yourself a massage, take a mental health break, indulge in your favourite herbal remedies. You’ve been experiencing quite a number of shifts lately, and it’s essential for you to process the change that you’re going through without succumbing to distraction or escapism. 

This is an ideal week for letting yourself create works of art, just for the sake of it. Uranus is direct in Taurus in your sector of communication, and this harmonises with your Pisces nature, allowing you to ground yourself in tangible activities such as pottery, gardening, drawing, songwriting, and dancing. The more you allow yourself to let loose without restraining yourself, the more free and fulfilled you’ll feel emotionally and spiritually. 

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Your Horoscope This Week: January 21 to 27

Your 2024 Career Horoscope Is Here

Your 2024 Love & Sex Horoscope Is Here

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Reality Of Working With Your Best Friend

How To Deal With Being 'Left Behind' At Work

Why “Being Professional” Can Feel So Humiliating

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

16 Cosy Loungewear Styles For 24-Hour Comfort

The Best Sustainable Loungewear Brands For Spring

7 Comfy & Stylish Travel Outfit Ideas