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This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides here.
Black women deserve gifts that feel real, intentional, and actually useful — not stuff that ends up in the back of a closet. When it comes to gifting us, skip the default candles and bath sets. We want things that make our lives easier, elevate our look, or fund our next soft-life chapter. No matter what our love language, here are the gifts that the Black women in your life will love. You’re welcome.
All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Hair So Chic
For the friend whose life revolves around installs, silk presses and sew-ins. Bundles aren’t just a treat, they’re a strategy. It’s giving confidence, convenience, and a fresh mood for the next two to four weeks. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Hair So Chic Raw Indian Wavy, $, available at Hair So Chic
Delta Gift Card
For the friend who’s always ready to book a trip, a flight fund is the ultimate blessing. Whether she’s planning a girls’ getaway or a spontaneous reset, this gift literally opens the door to outside. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Some people might not put romance novels in the “necessity” category when it comes to gift giving but that person ain’t me. Books are always a great gift and if you’ve got a friend whose love language is physical touch but they haven’t exactly cuffed this cuffing season yet, I’ve got the steamy literature that’s going to keep them warm. These two books by Nigerian-British author Bolu Babalola are hot and spicy and go together like fried yam, plantain and eggs (Nigerian fam, did I get that food combo, right?). Both novels follow the on-again, off-again love story of Kiki and Malakai. - Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Sr. Content Director of Entertainment
Rep Club Honey & Spice and Sweet Heat, $, available at Rep Club
Yellow Picnic Meal Prep Subscription
Because cooking after a long day? Yeah… sometimes the answer is absolutely not. A Yellow Picnic meal prep subscription is the perfect life support system. Fresh, flavorful meals delivered right to her door so she can stop pretending she’s going to “meal prep on Sunday. Give her one less thing to worry about. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Yellow Picnic Yellow Picnic Meals, $, available at Yellow Picnic
Shark FlexStyle® Air Styling & Drying System with Storage Case Bundle
A blowdryer and flat iron in ONE?! This product has single-handedly saved my wash days. I get the most effortless blowouts with it, perfect for braid-outs or right before I get my knotless braids done. The flat iron attachment is the perfect follow-up for the best silk press of my life. However, even though this tool claims to be “heat-damage free,” I’ve definitely noticed my curls loosen if I don’t apply enough heat protectant, so proceed with caution. - Jessika Hardy, Social Video Producer
SharkNinja Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $, available at Shark
Spotify Premium Gift Membership
Music is therapy, mood-setting, and a daily ritual. A Spotify Premium membership is the gift that truly upgrades her entire life. No ads interrupting her deep-condition-and-clean-up playlist. And let’s be serious, Spotify Wrapped is basically our personal Super Bowl. I look forward to it every year, and this year their celebration event had Clipse performing live. If that isn’t a sign to give someone a Premium subscription, I don’t know what is. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Who doesn’t need a new designer handbag? This is for the stylish woman in your life who likes to show up and out to the function, without sacrificing quality and practicality. Brandon Blackwood bags are affordable, durable and can go with just about anything. It’s the brand’s 10-year anniversary so they’ve got even more styles (and sales!) to satisfy even the pickiest fashionista. - Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Sr. Content Director of Entertainment
Brandon Blackwood Brandon Blackwood Bag, $, available at Brandon Blackwood
Gwen Beloti Jewelry Set
Jewelry is the universal “I get you” gift and Gwen Beloti makes pieces that feel luxe without trying too hard. Think everyday gold, clean lines, and instant heirloom energy. It’s the kind of gift she wears daily and tells everyone you gave her. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Gwen Beloti Everyday Linked Necklace, $, available at Nordstom
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (Gen 2)
These glasses are for the girl who stays capturing a moment. This gift will make her feel like she’s low-key in her tech era. They’re stylish, futuristic, and let her live her life without constantly holding her phone in the air like she’s filming a documentary. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Meta, RAY BAN Ray-Ban | Meta Headliner, $, available at Ray Ban
Pattern Body Juicy Hydration Duo
Will all my Amber Musk girls please rise?! Pattern’s Juicy Hydration Duo is essential for all of my date nights/girls night outs. Not only is it incredibly hydrating, but the notes of amber make me feel grown and sexy! - Jessika Hardy, Social Video Producer
Pattern Beauty, Pattern By Tracee Ellis Ross Pattern Juicy Hydration Duo, $, available at Pattern Beauty
PrettyLittleThing Gift Card
Instead of guessing her size or style, give her the freedom to build the look herself. PLT has everything from loungewear, date-night dresses, brunch looks & vacation slays. Let her build the wardrobe her soft-life era deserves. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Let’s be honest, our entire lives live on our phones. Content, group chats, travel plans, voice notes, reminders we ignore. The iPhone 17 Pro is the ultimate upgrade gift. Better camera, better storage, better everything. If you're like me a just have to have every new upgrade, this is the perfect gift. - Sandy Pierre, Branded Partnerships Lead
Apple https://ift.tt/YBjl7Hf, $, available at Apple
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It’s a Sunday afternoon. I’m sitting in a quiet Queens cafe, stirring my coffee across from the man I love when he says, calmly and rehearsed, “I’ve never truly loved you. And I don’t think I ever will.”
Ouch. Safe to say, blueberry pancakes will never taste the same again.
What followed was every stage of heartbreak you can imagine. Remorse, regret, rumination. I was moving through the world carrying the weight of loving someone who, if I’m being honest, didn’t even like me most days. Crying on the subway became a routine and Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving became my lifeline.
Just when I thought the world had shrunk to the size of my grief, life threw me a bone — a random, unexpected invitation to Club Med in the Dominican Republic. I didn’t know it yet, but this was the plot twist my heart so desperately needed.
A few days later, I was on a plane to the DR with five nights ahead at the all-inclusive Club Med Punta Cana and Club Med Michès. I’d never been to the Dominican, but after hours of Googling, I was convinced I’d found the perfect escape. After all, nothing heals a heartbreak faster than an open bar, right?
Not quite.
To no one’s surprise, I spent the first few nights at the resort broken. As Black women, we don’t always feel held in our relationships. The breakup felt like a generational curse. Most days, I felt like I was screaming into the void to be truly seen, accepting half-hearted apologies, and enduring comments meant to make me feel small. Somebody call Madea and tell her to get the grits ready!
Then it clicked. Black women deserve luxury. We deserve softness. And dammit, we deserve an all-inclusive resort! So, I would become my ancestors’ wildest dreams. I was going to have a love story worth writing, even if the prince charming was me.
So the next day, I dragged myself out of bed, threw on my swimsuit, and decided I was going to become the best boyfriend I ever had.
Spa Time: Luxury Lifts The Soul
My first few days were spent at Club Med Spa: Punta Cana, where I discovered just how much luxury can lift the soul. Mornings started with an Aperol Spritz overlooking the Atlantic from the Buena Vista Lounge. The sun wrapped around me, giving me the warmth I’d been craving for weeks. The lounge also offered a buffet selection from every corner of the globe, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, you name it. And did I mention I’m an emotional eater? I shut that buffet down.
Every evening, I attended one of Club Med’s classic parties. Their iconic all-white party gave me the perfect excuse to put on heels and feel like myself again. Live bands and circus shows pulled me out of my head and I ended up meeting women who spanned across multiple generations each sharing their own chaotic stories about men. And suddenly, I didn’t feel so alone.
Self-care As The Ultimate Breakup Cure
Of course, the self-care didn’t stop there. I dove into Club Med’s Wellness Fusion program, attending yoga classes and guided meditation led by resident experts. I realized reclaiming my peace of mind wasn’t just about escaping heartbreak. It was about actively choosing to nurture myself in every way possible.
The last couple of days were spent at Club Med Michès, and let me tell you, this resort was a dream. The two resorts aren’t close to each other, Michès is about a two-hour drive east, tucked away in the El Seibo province, surrounded by lush palm groves, rugged mountains, and secluded beaches. The property stretches across 93 acres, offering everything from treetop yoga to Zen pools, making it feel like its own private world.
The buffet at Michès felt gourmet and fresh and I happily sampled everything, for research purposes, of course.
Dancing It Out & Letting The Sun Set On Heartbreak
And then there was Miches’ all-white party. I drank with new friends from all over the globe, screamed Justin Bieber’s “Baby” at the top of my lungs. It was a moment of pure, chaotic joy and a reminder of how big the world really is.
And last but not least, the beach. This was my favorite part. The sun danced across the turquoise waves and to no one’s surprise, I cried. Not from sadness, but appreciation for being alive. To be able to love and to feel. Honestly, I could have stayed there forever.
With sunsets on horseback, spa treatments, and yoga flows as part of Club Med’s Wellness Fusion program, I realized Michès wasn’t just a vacation, it was a masterclass in reclaiming peace, indulgence, and joy.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
Listen, men suck. And they have since the beginning of time. The trip didn’t completely erase my heartbreak, but it reminded me there’s so much more to life than one person’s opinion. There’s joy, connection, and peace waiting to be found. You don’t need an all-inclusive resort to heal, but sometimes it helps to step away, tend to your spirit, and let the world slow down. As I continue this journey of self-discovery, I hope to carry this sense of wonder and ease wherever I go.
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As a major fan of the original The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, I was hesitant but eager to see what its reboot Bel Air would bring to the characters I hold very dear to my heart. In 2022 when the show premiered, I loved it instantly. Recently, we’ve seen so many reboots come and go, but Peacock’s Bel Air has succeeded where others have failed . By taking a beloved 30-minute sitcom and turning it into a compelling & layered one-hour drama, Bel-Air brought something fresh and exciting to the Fresh Prince franchise. The storylines and character arcs were so detailed and nuanced that it felt similar but brand new. While the show is indeed a drama that gets the heart pumping — looking at you, Geoffrey — it still has the warm feeling of a family truly showing what it means to show up for one another. For three seasons, I’ve laughed and even cried while watching Bel Air, and trust me, Season 4 will continue to take us on a rollercoaster of emotions. I was heartbroken when it was announced that this would be Bel-Air’s last season,
What started as a concept on YouTube six years ago by Morgan Cooper has since flourished into Peacock’s longest running and most streamed original series. The execution of this show from start to finish is a testament to Black ingenuity and a reminder that art is for all of us. As Cassandra Freeman, who plays Aunt Viv told me over Zoom, “Your vision is not trite, it is worthy.” She continued: “The greatest artistic expression is [that] you were born to change other people’s lives with your vision..” A word.
Ahead of the Season 4 premiere, I was able to share some laughs and get insight from Bel-Air’s cast on how they feel about the series’ final season, the growth of their characters, and the legacy they think Bel Air will leave.
Refinery29: Congrats on the final season! How do you feel about the growth of your characters over four seasons?
Coco Jones(Hilary Banks): I feel pretty satisfied with my growth. I think that Hilary started off [more] surface. She’s this influencer, this cute girl with sickening outfits. It was very lighthearted at the beginning and then you get to unravel the plights that she goes through and it’s real life. [Now, she’s] feeling like she doesn’t have a seat at the table and wanting to be the chef and people wanting to downplay her recipes, like they’re too spicy. This girl comes from this zip code, this net worth, but it didn’t buy her this easy life. It doesn’t buy her self-discovery. She still has to go through the highs and lows to figure out who she is. I’ve enjoyed really playing her, her arcs and her peaks and valleys.
Akira Akbar (Ashley Banks): I feel really satisfied with Ashley’s growth among these seasons. We really got to see a teenage girl and what she goes through. When I was a younger teenager, I fully didn’t know who I was. I was still trying to figure out myself. I was exactly like Ashley. I think the writers really did a great job of portraying that on screen.
BEL-AIR — “Soulmates” Episode 407 — Pictured: (l-r) Akira Akbar as Ashley, Coco Jones as Hilary — (Photo by: Anne Marie Fox/PEACOCK)
Cassandra Freeman (Aunt Viv): [Viv] started off as a politician’s wife, and by the end of this, she becomes a self-expressed artist. It’s been an amazing journey to play her. She’s trying to figure out how to speak her truth and take care of other people and [she] realizes the best way to take care of other people is to take care of yourself first. Take care of your passions first. Tell people the truth first. It’s been an honor to play her storyline.
Olly Sholotan (Carlton Banks): I’ve never been happier. I think that the beautiful thing that these writers have done is they’ve taken such good care of our characters’ journeys, and I just know that by the time you get to the very end, fans are gonna be so proud of Carlton’s growth.
Jabari Banks (Will Smith): I was gonna say proud. Proud of the people that our characters have become. Proud of their journeys and proud of where they’re going next.
Jimmy Akingbola (Geoffrey Thompson): We started very gentle with Geoffrey. It was a lot of sitting in a mystery and not resting on the wave of nostalgia. I’m an actor that loves to get my hands dirty. [I’ll roll] up my sleeves, gimme the ball, let me play. So I was very happy when we got into Season 3, where we got to see behind the layers of Geoffrey. I think Season 4 is the perfect way to sort of wrap things up because again, his past comes through the door. My key word for this season for Geoffrey is fracture. He fractures everything that he built with the Banks family. And I think it teaches you that there are consequences to every action you do in life. And this is the first time that Geoffrey is not in control… He’s under pressure.
Jordan L. Jones (Jazz): Just the growth of my character in general has just been a blessing because when we first get the roles, it’s like you’re just cool with whatever. I’m playing Jazz. I’m not a part of the family, but my character has layers and layers and layers and layers. Coming up to Season 4, I think one of the main themes is about Jazz’s evolution [and] unconditional love. And just being strong enough to tell your significant other, or the person that you love, how you actually feel no matter what the circumstances are. As men too, we need to do that more often instead of trying to be hard all the time. That’s one thing that my character definitely has taught me. Some of the things that sound weak or feel weak or seem like what you shouldn’t do, [aren’t like that at all]. It feels like don’t express your feelings this way, but no, actually, instead of thinking that’s weak, I think that it actually takes a very strong person to do that.
Adrian Holmes [Uncle Phil]: Philip Banks started out being that pillar for the family and over time, we start to see cracks in that pillar and just how life has weighed on him and the pressures of being perfect. I think that the theme for him is legacy and building legacy is not what we leave behind for the next generation. It’s what we leave within the next generation — the impact, the lives we change, you know. I think that Philip has done a great job over the arc of this series in just empowering Will, empowering Carlton, and the family, and just letting them know that they are enough and they have all the tools they need and just really building them up to be the best versions of themselves. Also just embracing the simple things in life and inner peace. I think he’s just been so busy outside, looking outside that he hasn’t been able to really focus on the inside and over the time where we see him in this season, he starts to really look within more and appreciate the little things.
What mark or message do you think Bel Airwill leave once it is over?
Coco: If I had to say it would be to stay close to the people who love you back. You know, at the end of the day, they will be your support system. And you can have great accomplishments, but don’t forget the people who love you back and who really, truly know you because there’s always seasons and things change. And you wanna have the people that will always support you as close to you as possible.
Cassandra: Titles change, positions fade, great successes get forgotten. But family is why they say charity starts at home.That’s the first one. And then the second thing is outside of the show, just the birth of it. I hope people realize if you have a great idea, you too can be Morgan Cooper and drop your thesis for an idea on YouTube. And your platform is how many people agree with you. And you not only will change your life, you’ll change everyone else’s life. That’s the greatest artistic expression. You were born to change other people’s lives with your vision. Your vision is not trite, it is worthy.
Akira: I think the biggest takeaway from Bel Air is family over everything. You can have all the friends in the world. They can come and go, but your family is always there
BEL-AIR — “The Maybes” Episode 401 — Pictured: (l-r) Adrian Holmes as Philip, Cassandra Freeman as Vivian — (Photo by: Anne Marie Fox/PEACOCK)
Simone Jones: I feel like it’s the ability to reinvent yourself and love yourself while you do it. And, also to really take care of your community because we’re gonna mess up. I feel like relationships now have become very temporary and very fragile. And so to watch,even just as a cast, we go through like our teens together in LA and something you’ve never seen before, and watching these characters kind of mirror a similar turbulent time. I think I want people to leave with, like, your community is really important to yourself and also everybody else.
Olly: Man, Simone really took the words just kind of right outta my mouth. So everything she said, but put it in a slightly deeper voice.
Jabari: She said something that really stuck me there too. The reinvention, uh, you know, reinvention and, not being afraid to reinvent yourself. Not being afraid to reinvent in general. You know we’ve shown the world that just ’cause you know, you reinvent something doesn’t mean that it has to be corny or it doesn’t mean that it has to, you know what I’m saying? It can be a totally different thing, you know? We are the living proof of that.
Jordan: I think for me, I think for our theme has been constant throughout four seasons, where like we’re just showing, all aspects of the Black experience. What I love about our show is that each one of our characters is going through a different black experience. We got me like the hustler. That’s like, I’m not broke, but I ain’t, I ain’t Uncle Phil, you know? Uncle Phil’s like the leader of the household. And then we, then we got Geoffery, who’s black 007. We got Will fish outta water. We got Carlton, who is very privileged. So it’s like I can, I can go down the line, but we’re showing that the black experience,
Adrian: We’re not a monolith.
Jordan: The black experience is not just one experience, like, come over here we’re black this is what we do. It’s not like that, you know?
Adrian: Absolutely. We’re not defined by our trauma or our struggle. You know, our joy is something to be celebrated. Our joy is our superpower. It’s our fuel, and that’s what keeps us resilient. I always say, we can bend, but don’t break. Our black joy is what prevents us from, from breaking and always surviving no matter how difficult the situations are. The issue is we always find a way to prevail. Our show, Bel Air has done a fantastic job of really showcasing that, you know?. We’re not a monolith. We are redefining what the black experience looks like on television.We need more of that narrative moving forward. And hopefully there’s not a huge void after our show.
All right, we’re going to end on a game called Bothered or Unbothered. I’m gonna throw you some rapid-fires questions and your answer is either Bothered or Unbothered.
Keeping family secrets. Bothered or Unbothered?
Coco: Hmm. Bothered. I [like to] get everything out in the open. I really love therapy and I can’t with a secret. It’s like mold. It’s just going to get everywhere. Plus, I can’t remember everything I done said. Now I gotta keep up with the lies. I don’t know what I just said to you.
Cassandra: I’m kind of unbothered because I’m starting to realize that if I am interested in what you’re cooking up all the time and in your pot, it just steals my joy. You can live your whole life knowing everybody’s secrets and never even deal with your own. So if it’s my secrets, I’m bothered. I’m gonna get it out. If it ain’t bothering me in my house, listen, you go over there. I ain’t got time for that. It’s too much, I’m unbothered.
Akira: My secret, I feel like I’ll be bothered and I’ll be like, I need to tell somebody, but someone else’s I don’t care.
Jordan: Unbothered by that.
Jimmy: Unbothered!
Adrian: Unbothered.
Jordan: Everybody don’t have to know what your family is going through.
Jabari: It depends on the secret.
Olly: Yeah. Like keeping family [secrets] in the family? Bothered. But I’m OK with keeping family secrets from outside people. I ain’t trying to tell our business.
Jabari: Sometimes you gotta keep a little secret. Sometimes you have to. It’s best for the family. Mom don’t need to know that. Mom don’t need to know what Cuzzo did when we went out. Mom don’t need to know that. Keep it secret.
Olly: I think what’s in the dark will always come to the light, so I don’t know about this one.
Simone: Oh no. I feel I’m a big fan of everybody having all the information and then doing what you will with it.
BEL-AIR — “What Are You Doing For Thanksgiving?” Episode 403 — Pictured: (l-r) Adrian Holmes as Philip, Cassandra Freeman as Vivan, Jabari Banks as Will, Olly Sholotan as Carlton, Akira Akbar as Ashley — (Photo by: Anne Marie Fox/PEACOCK)
You can watch all seasons of Bel Air on Peacock. The series finale premieres on Dec 8th.
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As a beauty director for 10 years, I’ve tried enough Charlotte Tilbury products to conclude that if all makeup production stopped and it were the only brand left, I’d be perfectly happy. I’m not the only one — my beauty editor peers and fellow R29 staffers praise the brand for its inclusive foundation shades and campaigns featuring people of all skin tones and ages, Instagram-worthy packaging, dreamy textures, top-notch quality, and that you’re never left wanting. From blush to skincare and even fragrance, there isn’t a product that Charlotte Tilbury hasn’t put her name on.
But with so many in the range, how do you know which ones are worth your hard-earned money? Luckily, I’ve been wearing a full face of Charlotte Tilbury for months, putting everything through its paces at weddings, during workouts, and at work. Here’s everything I’d recommend if you’re looking to expand your makeup collection.
So many brands use the word “airbrush” to describe their products, but few actually live up to the hype. This one does. I vividly remember applying it for the first time and being blown away by how well it blurred my large pores, hid leftover acne marks, and minimized my dark circles — and that was just one pump. It’s so packed with pigment that one pump is really all you need to cover your entire face. Unlike Charlotte’s Beautiful Skin Foundation, which has a dewy finish, this one is matte, but it eliminates the need for powder. I’m always impressed by how well it lasts without sliding off or settling into creases, and even with its impressive staying power, it still feels comfortable and skin-like. That’s thanks to the clever “Aircool” technology, which the brand says helps it withstand sweat and humidity. Even better, it’s non-comedogenic, so it’s unlikely to cause breakouts. Here, I’m wearing shade 5 Cool, but there are 44 shades to choose from.
As you can tell, I use this setting spray religiously. Even on days when I’m just wearing a tap of blush and a tinted moisturizer, it keeps everything in place for so much longer — and I’m constantly touching my face. Other setting sprays make my face and brows feel rock-hard, like my skin might crack, but not this one. It lets your face move and doesn’t leave behind any chalky residue. I also love that the nozzle is wide, so it covers your whole face in one or two spritzes — no waiting around for droplets to dry. It keeps my makeup looking and feeling fresh all day, but if you have very oily skin, you might prefer upgrading to the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Matte.
This is the only matte lipstick that doesn’t leave my lips parched — and trust me, I’ve tried my fair share. Instead, it’s comfortably creamy without skimping on pigment. One swipe on my bottom lip, then pressing my lips together, is enough for me. The square-shaped bullet makes application so crisp and precise you could skip lip liner altogether. The nude shades don’t last as long as the bolder reds, obviously, but they still hold up surprisingly well. I can drink multiple cups of tea, eat a full meal, and still find it hanging on. Here, I’m wearing Pillow Talk Original, but the Pillow Talk collection is also available in shades Medium, Deep, and Fair.
This might be one of the pricier lip pencils out there, but I can honestly say it’s the best. I’ve never known one to last as long as this does. Often, my lipstick disappears by the end of the day, but the ghost of this liner is still visible. I love that the texture is equal parts creamy and waxy — you can blur it with your fingers, yet it won’t budge once you’re done.
This is the best mascara in Charlotte Tilbury’s collection, easily trumping Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes and Legendary Lashes. It’s all thanks to the exceptionally large, curved brush, which beefs up even the tiniest lashes in the inner and outer corners. Though it’s bigger than your average brush, it’s surprisingly easy to maneuver. I’m always pleasantly surprised by how much volume I get from just one coat, and I’ve never received so many compliments. Even better, it doesn’t smudge or run — and I have very oily skin, so that’s usually a given for me. And when it’s time to take it off, it melts away with a cream cleanser. No scrubbing required.
While there are a handful of palettes in Charlotte’s collection, I’m not exactly a dab hand with eyeshadow — but this quad makes building an eye look from scratch ridiculously easy. In fact, it’s the palette Charlotte’s bridal makeup artists always reach for because it’s so foolproof. Two mattes, one shimmer, and one extra-metallic shade make up the foursome, and each quad (there are 16 of them, by the way) is color-coded so you don’t have to stress about what goes with what. Want a smoky eye? Sweep the darkest shade through your crease and tap the metallic shade onto the center of your lid. I like using my fingers for the shimmers and metallics, and every shade blends together beautifully. It’s my go-to for nights out and weddings.
Allow me to introduce you to my favorite blush right now — it’s been in my makeup bag since it launched earlier this year. This stick makes application effortless thanks to its ultra-creamy base (a dream to blend) and buildable pigment. A couple of swipes bring my light olive skin to life, giving it a rosy sheen with ultra-fine shimmer flecks. It really does make your skin look like it’s glowing from the inside out. Some days, I even skip foundation and tap this onto my cheekbones and nose to pep up my complexion. Since it’s a cream, the staying power isn’t as long as Charlotte’s powder blushes, but it’s simple to top up on the go with your fingers. Here, I’m wearing Pinky Glow, but it’s available in five more shades to suit all skin tones.
This unassuming eyeshadow pot is my secret weapon for creating a compliment-worthy eye look in seconds. The cream-to-powder formula is like an oyster shell of metallics and shimmers that catch the light from every angle, giving the effect of a painstaking, multi-step eyeshadow routine. I just swipe it on with my ring finger and blend the edges with a soft brush. It grips even my oily eyelids without creasing or separating — and a little goes a very long way. Here, I’m wearing Rose Gold, but there are nine others to choose from.
I love the thin doe-foot applicator on this concealer — you can be really precise with placement rather than wiping out your features by going overboard. I have dry under-eyes, but this feels nicely moisturizing, which means it’s far less likely to settle obviously into fine lines and accentuate them. It also has brightening powers thanks to tiny, natural mica-based pearls that disperse across the skin and act like a built-in ring light for dark circles. And it’s not just a concealer: hydrating niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, skin-strengthening peptides, and antioxidant vitamin C make it basically skincare in disguise.
I’m not usually a fan of plumping glosses, but this one is built differently. First off, it doesn’t make my lips feel like they’re on fire. Instead, it has a cooling effect thanks to methyl diisopropyl propionamide, which I’m sure gets my blood pumping to the surface. If that doesn’t give your lips a lift, the light-reflecting pigments will. Like crushed diamonds, they create a 3D effect, giving the illusion of fuller, rounder lips. On top of that, it feels more like a comfortable lip oil than a sticky, hair-trapping gloss, so I actually want to keep applying it. A Charlotte Tilbury makeup artist recommended lining my lips, applying Pillow Talk lipstick, and then slicking this on top for a wedding-ready look.
I much prefer Charlotte’s Glowgasm wands — essentially highlighter-blush hybrids — over the matte blushes because they add dimension and make my makeup look effortless, like I haven’t even tried. I always reach for Pinkgasm, though there are several shades to suit all skin tones. That gorgeous glow you see all over the brand’s Instagram? It’s almost always thanks to these. The formula melts into the skin, and the shimmer looks like a natural gloss rather than chunky glitter. Just make sure to twist the cap to “off” when closing the applicator, or be prepared for a messy spill.
I was gutted to hear that the brand’s Airbrush Bronzer is being discontinued, but this is the next best thing — and I think it lasts even longer on the skin than powder bronzers. One dot is all I need to define my cheekbones and add warmth to my complexion, and unlike other cream bronzers, it never looks muddy or gets stuck in my hairline. It blends effortlessly thanks to moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and skin-smoothing dimethicone. Again, be sure to turn the cap to “off” before putting it back inside your makeup bag.
Brow Lift is a bit too chunky for my liking, but Brow Cheat is just right. The angled nib is smaller, letting you mimic fine brow hairs, and the pencil is creamy enough to fill in sparse patches quickly. It never fades or smudges on me, and I love the spoolie on the end for feathering out the pigment and creating natural-looking brows. I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest fan of the brand’s ultra-thin Brow Fix brow gel for my wiry brows — but if your brow hairs are finer, you’ll probably love it, as it’s totally inconspicuous.
Move over, Victoria Beckham Beauty. This is, in my opinion, the best eyeliner pencil out there right now. It’s creamy enough to create a smudgy, smoky eye, yet long-lasting enough for a sharp, block-winged look. I trick I’ve learned is to use the edge of my nail to sharpen things up, and I’m always so impressed with how well it lasts at the end of a night out.
I recently replaced all my tired, scratchy makeup brushes with Charlotte Tilbury’s complete set, and I won’t go back. I’ve never used brushes this soft, but don’t underestimate them. They’re plush and dense, making blending cream and powder products an absolute dream. My most-used brush is the Complexion Brush, which I reach for with foundation, blush, and concealer. If you struggle with eyeshadow going everywhere, the Eye Blender Brush is a must. It makes me feel like a professional makeup artist — exactly what Charlotte intended when designing these. 10/10, no notes.
Charlotte’s bridal makeup artists always start with a Magic Cream canvas, and having attended a masterclass recently, I can confirm it makes a huge difference to skin texture. Foundation glides on smoothly, and makeup stays put for longer. If you want to try it without committing to a full-size product, consider the Iconic Magic Mini Skin Set for Christmas. It includes a mini pot of the Magic Cream, Magic Serum for lightweight hydration under makeup, and a gua sha tool so you can practice your own DIY facial massage.
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There are several reasons why finding the right dry shampoo is a tricky feat. For starters, it’s not guaranteed that it will actually help your hair feel cleaner and absorb excess oil — and that’s not even taking into consideration whether or not it’ll leave a chalky cast in its wake. And if there’s one person who feels uniquely primed to put the stuff through its paces, it’s Chloe Kim.
The Olympic snowboarder — who the world met in the 2018 Winter Games as a bleached blonde — has recently returned to her brunette roots. Given that her job requires more time in a snug, sweat-trapping helmet than the average person, when she says she swears by Batiste to keep her roots feeling and looking fresh, I — a fellow dark brunette — am inclined to believe her.
“I remember using Batiste for the first time and being like, oh my gosh, this works,” she tells Refinery29, days before going to intensive training ahead of the upcoming 2026 Olympics in Italy. “Especially with my travel and training, it’s one of those necessities that I need on the go.” Her favorite formula? The Zen Matcha Light Dry Shampoo, which uses rice starch to mop up excess oil and has a refreshing chamomile, green tea, and sandalwood scent.
Keep reading as Kim divulges her Olympics hair routine, the K-beauty find she’s currently obsessed with, and more.
On her favorite skincare of the moment
“My skincare routine these days consists of Medicube,” Kim tells me — and it makes total sense considering the brand’s toner pads have become a cult staple among K-beauty obsessives and R29 staffers alike. “I love their toner pads and face masks, especially the collagen masks,” adds Kim. For her, that reliability becomes essential when she’s travelling: “When I’m on the road, especially for snowboarding, where I’m in very dry climates, it’s all about moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.” We love Medicube’s Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream for its glass skin-bestowing ingredients like collagen, squalane, and niacinamide.
On returning to her brunette roots
While Kim might be known for her incredible hair today, the journey getting there wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. “Bleaching was rough for my hair, I’m not going to lie. I had to chop it when it was bleached, which was sad, but when I went back to brunette, I was able to grow it out, and I started caring more about my hair when I saw that it was growing back very healthy.” Kim says that it’s about having a consistent routine, but mainly, taking care of your scalp. “My scalp was always so oily and congested, and I would wash it all the time. And then that’s when I discovered Batiste dry shampoo,” she says. The Zen Matcha Light Dry Shampoo buys you more time between washes — ideal if you’re as busy as Kim — thanks to oil-absorbing rice starch. It’s also packed with moisturizing glycerin and calming plant extracts to keep your scalp healthy and comfortable.
On her Olympics hair routine
Kim’s secret to excellent hair is practice — and then some. “Honestly, it’s like muscle memory at this point. I just know where to pull from,” she says of her accidentally perfect strands. “I will say when I sleep with heatless curls in, I get a really cute wave. So when I pull my strands out, they’re perfect.” To make the most of your beauty sleep, try Kitsch’s Satin Heatless Curling Set, which cuts down on frizz and breakage while delivering bouncy, defined ringlets.
Kim laughs as she thinks back to her early snowboarding days, when bigger always felt better. “I used to like [my waves] really thick,” she adds, “so I’d pull out a pretty big chunk, but then it started obstructing my vision when I was doing tricks, so I had to tone it back a bit.”
On her experimenting with beauty
Looking back on her beauty routine throughout the years, Kim — whose signature look is a matte nude lip and feathered brows — says she’s switched things up so many times. “I got into makeup when I was young, and then hair came shortly after. I wanted to dye it all these crazy colors and do all of that fun stuff — I’m all about it. When I first started doing makeup, I always had to have eyeliner, usually a little wing. I also loved mascara and got into BB cushions too.” (One of her go-to’s is the Laneige Neo Cushion, which packs hydrating properties and sheer coverage in a light-as-air formula].
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This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides here.
Gifting fragrance can be a tricky game, but it’s not impossible. Sure, you could always head over to your department store counter or bestseller wall, but if you’re looking for a fragrance gift to really impress this season? Let’s just say we have a couple ones in mind.
Whatever their scent style, we're here to help steer you towards the most unique, joy-sparking perfumes to dazzle anyone and everyone on your list. Whether you’re looking to transport someone to the beaches of Brazil or make them the best-smelling person in the room, keep clicking to find 12 editor-approved fragrance gifts sure to delight the senses.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Sol de Janeiro Spritz the Season Mini Cheirosa Perfume Mist Set
You’ve seen them all over your FYP, but if you’re yet to smell Sol de Janeiro’s iconic Cheirosa mists, this value set is the perfect introduction. Inside, your lucky recipient will discover five bestselling mini scents ranging from fruity gourmands to warm florals, perfect for mixing and matching.
Sol de Janeiro Spritz the Season Mini Cheirosa Perfume Mist Set, $, available at Sol de Janeiro
Charlotte Tilbury Star Confidence Perfume Gift Set
For the unapologetically glam giftee on your list, we love the newest addition to Charlotte Tilbury’s glitzy perfume wardrobe. (A fitting choice, given that the singular Céline Dion is the campaign’s celebrity face.) The warm floral has notes of blackcurrant, jasmine sambac absolute, and patchouli for an olfactory experience that’s utterly unique and captivating.
Charlotte Tilbury STAR CONFIDENCE PERFUME GIFT SET, $, available at Charlotte Tilbury
Miu Miu Miutine Eau de Parfum Perfume Gift Set
Miu Miu’s newest fragrance launch is perfect for the fragrance snob on your list. Featuring sparkling notes of strawberry, gardenia, brown sugar, and vanilla, it’s an energetic interpretation of a classic gourmand — a flawless choice for the ultimate trendsetter in the group chat.
Miu Miu Miutine Eau de Parfum Perfume Gift Set, $, available at Sephora
Glossier You Fleur Duo
We all know someone who collects Glossier scents like Infinity Stones, and the newest addition to the You Cinematic Universe is one ripe for gifting. (And not just because it’s giving major garden soirée vibes.) With its bright notes of osmanthus, ylang ylang, and apricot skin, not to mention You’s signature ambrose and ambrette base, You Fleur is without a doubt the most romantic scent choice this holiday season.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Vanille Couture Limited Edition Perfume
Leave it to YSL to make a modern classic even more intoxicating with the addition of everyone’s favorite gourmand note: vanilla. Libre Vanilla Couture is not only a must-buy for any packaging snob (the opaque gold flacon is more like an objet d’art than a perfume bottle) but it’s a great fall-winter alternative to the brighter, orange blossom-forward profile of the original Libre.
Yves Saint Laurent Libre Vanille Couture Limited Edition Perfume, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Sabrina Carpenter Bite Sized Coffret Eau de Parfum
If you or someone you know is still mourning the end of Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour (no more Juno positions?), this fragrance quartet is a perfect consolation gift. Inside, you’ll find mini bottles of Carpenter’s delectable scents — ranging from fruity Cherry Baby to the aptly-named Me Espresso — each more delectable than the previous. (Petition for her next one to be a nod to “Sugar Talking” from Man’s Best Friend?)
Sabrina Carpenter Bite Sized Coffret Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Kayali Freedom Musk Santal 34
Kayali’s founder, Mona Kattan, is a master of highly covetable fragrances, and the editor-approved Freedom Musk Santal is no exception. With notes of airy freesia, skin-like musk, and creamy sandalwood, it’s a complex and warm scent that’s the olfactive equivalent of a hug from your favorite person.
Kayali FREEDOM MUSK SANTAL | 34 Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Rare Beauty Rare Eau de Parfum
Selena Gomez’s debut fragrance for Rare Beauty is a no-brainer choice for the Sephora girl on your list. With its warm, gourmand base featuring notes of caramel and sandalwood, it’s a modern classic in the making, and if you really want to knock their socks off, include one or two of the brand’s fragrance layering balms for a personalized touch.
Rare Beauty Rare Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
Parfums de Marly Delina 3-Piece Fragrance Gift Set
Parfums de Marly’s Delina is one of those fragrances that sounds almost too saccharine on paper, but once it meets skin? The result is a soft, sweet scent — thanks to notes of cashmeran, musk, lychee, and vanilla — that’s the perfect choice for the ultimate romantic in your life. No wonder she’s made it big on TikTok.
Parfums de Marly Delina 3-Piece Fragrance Gift Set, $, available at Nordstrom
Marc Jacobs Daisy Fragrance Set
If you know someone (or are that someone) who’s dreamed of frolicking in a field of wildflowers ever since first seeing Marc Jacobs’ Daisy ads, this festive set is a steal at under $100 — not that your recipient would ever guess. Inside, your lucky giftee will discover a mini garden of different varieties encased in Christmas cracker-inspired packaging.
Marc Jacobs Daisy Fragrance Set, $, available at Nordstrom
Noyz Only Human Solid + Chrome Bag Charm
Reader-favorite brand Noyz unveiled its latest concoction earlier this year, and this solid version of the vanilla-forward blend is the ideal stocking stuffer fragrance gift. The sleek metal charm means you’ll also be giving them the gift of never being without their signature scent.
Noyz ONLY HUMAN SOLID + CHROME BAG CHARM, $, available at Noyz
Victoria's Secret Bombshell Soirée Eau de Parfum
When it comes to sexy, date-night scents, no one does it better than Victoria’s Secret. (It’s a scientific fact, we don’t make the rules.) The iconic brand’s latest interpretation of its legendary Bombshell scent features notes of fresh pear and peony alongside the signature warm floral base.
Victoria's Secret Bombshell Soirée Eau de Parfum 3.4 oz, $, available at Victoria's Secret
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December opens a prophetic window for us. It is a transitional pause and an opportunity to integrate all the lessons we’ve gathered throughout the year and lock it in before moving onto the new year portal. Here we get to rest, recalibrate our energies, and focus on setting intentions for the new year. It is a moment between endings and beginnings, and if we are silent enough, we can hear Spirit’s whispers on what’s next.
This month’s tarotscopes reveal the frequency you’ll be walking into in 2026: the blessings you’ve earned, the lessons that are wrapping up, and the energy that will define your next chapter. You are always the energetic architect of your present and future. Now allow these tarotscopes to guide you toward alignment.
Capricorn: 3 of Pentacles
It’s time to level up your foundation and your standard in every area of your life. If 2025 has taught you anything, it’s that you deserve it all, but you have to embody it and start making choices that reflect that reality. Review your foundations in all areas of your life: spirituality, health, relationships, finances, career, beauty, and more. Evaluate what worked versus what didn’t, and what is the next level for you in these areas of your life. You’re no stranger to effective work and dedication. Everything that you’ve been applying yourself in 2025 will blossom in 2026. The 3 of Pentacles reminds you that collaboration is your currency, so don’t hesitate to ask for help or resources. You don’t have to do a whole rehaul of your life alone. Let Source do the heavy lifting for you and bring you the right people, places, and opportunities. Let your excellence be seen. This is your year to master your craft and be rewarded for it.Aquarius: 2 of Wands
This is your year to push your limits in terms of being seen and allowing your brilliance and genius to shine. The coming year will encourage you to expand in every area of your life; you must be fearless and confident with your momentum. In 2026, you will find yourself in new territory that requires a more regulated nervous system. You are worthy and capable of having and maintaining all of your desires. Nothing you encounter will be familiar, but it will be elevated. Your task is to not fall back into old patterns. Instead, decide and commit that you will raise your vibration as the new standard. It is time to move differently because you’ve outgrown so much in your life and you’re now ready for what you deserve. The world is literally opening up for you, and now is the time that you take advantage of all the inner work and effort you’ve done. It is all up to you. You get to choose your path and adventure. Pisces: 3 of Swords The new year requires that you continue to release and cleanse from inside out. It is the karmic release that brings sweet blessings and makes space for the life you truly deserve to live, but it cannot pour in if you are subconsciously or even consciously still holding on to energies that you’ve inherited ancestrally or baggage that weighs you down. What is being cleared from your life will free you to focus on your purpose and projects that have been brought to your attention. This is purification, not punishment. Cut emotional cords and ties to old stories, people, places, past lives, habits, and even obligations that you’ve outgrown. Update your life with immense clarity. You know what you don’t want, and this can help give you insight on what you do. Focus on that and fine-tune the details on what that looks and feels like in every area. Don’t bind yourself to things that no longer bring pleasure or require labor in a way that doesn’t expand you. Update the way you do things and the way you frame your life. You must live your truth by all means necessary. Aries: King of Swords
This is the year of implementing a great strategy and upgrading your education and knowledge. Investing in yourself will be key to your growth and success. This coming year calls for clarity, precision, and mastery over your mind. Your words will carry profound weight, so this is the time to speak things into existence or create a journal practice where you can script things into existence or release emotions through the process. If you’ve failed to advocate for yourself, you will be bolder, sharper, more direct, clearer, and confident when negotiating in all areas of your life and discerning what you truly deserve versus what is being presented to you. Do not settle. Honesty is key this year. It’s best to stick to what you have decided to commit to and not stray off the path. In 2026, you will not be reactive but responding from your power and ability to see into the future. Refine your voice and leadership abilities. Trust that you know what is best for you, and the world will follow your direction. Leave the ego behind and leverage your superpowers.Taurus: Queen of Wands
This is a year of radical independence, sexual energy, and potent power. The Queen of Wands is your reminder that confidence is a currency and the more you flaunt it, the more your desires will gravitate to you. This is an unstoppable time when your spirit is finally aligned with an elevated identity. There’s nothing that you cannot have, be, or do. Your magnetism and charm require that you delegate and make your life simple, so that the “work” you do is more easeful and impactful. Stop playing small with your gifts and allow your free spirit to lead. You no longer need permission to be the fullest version of yourself. In this timeline, you are safe and abundant — trust that. Expect radical expansion in your business or career, finances, sex life, confidence, spiritual journey, and femininity. You will inspire many others to take up space. Gemini: Page of Swords
This is the year you invoke more curiosity and play. You will be reinventing yourself in ways that will shock others. Your ingenuity and ability to not only adapt to the time but shift it for the better is memorable and will forever change your life. You are not here to follow. Instead, you are here to lead and be an example for so many that want to break free from their limitations but need “permission” to do so. Your ability to flip the script and explore what now suits you versus what no longer applies will create a new identity for you that generates more wisdom and abundance and expands on your legacy. You are invited to stay teachable, lead with intellect and discernment, and use your innate spiritual technology that lives within you to reinvent ways of living that are efficient and needed. Great expansion lies in entrepreneurship and possibly the writing industry. Fresh ideas will come fast, so capture them before they fade. Just be mindful not to overthink. Learn as you go. Spirit’s saying: Your voice is evolving, so let it. What you study, share, and speak this year becomes the foundation of a new identity.Cancer: 9 of Pentacles
Cancer, 2026 is your soft life era, fully earned and fully embodied. The 9 of Pentacles confirms that your discipline and devotion are paying off. You can finally rest and let things come to you energetically rather than working toward a greater legacy. Everything you’ve built and worked on will manifest tenfold this year, so prepare to be in total overflow. This is the time to invest in upleveling your beauty, inner confidence, and luxury overall. Invest in yourself by pouring into you in ways that you were hesitant before. The luxury you will claim is rooted in self-worth, not validation from others. Your connection to the Divine is so unshakable that you have no doubt where your Source lies. Everything you touch will bloom. There is no limit to your magic and expansion.Leo: 8 of Cups
Leo, 2026 is your walk-away year, a period where you continuously choose yourself until that energy is locked into your DNA and you act from a space of Royal Sovereignty and opulence. This means that you are in a continual space of releasing not only that which you’ve outgrown but also what no longer resonates with you. You’ve found the secret of rapid quantum leaping, and it will seem like you’re jumping from one timeline to the next. This constant leap of transition marks that you are expanding your soul and are increasing your capacity to have more in every area of your life. The theme of 2026 is do not settle. You will have it all and more, and then you’ll realize that you deserve even more than what you initially thought. Flow with the momentum your inner Source and GPS is leading you on. You are not in perpetual cleansing and releasing but rather in perpetual becoming. You are no longer loyal and committed to things you did not choose for yourself. You are no longer holding space for energies and patterns you’ve inherited but have had no say on. Drop the struggle and the load. The journey ahead is about becoming light and sustaining it.Virgo: Judgement
Your spiritual glow up and understanding of where your own inner Source is leading you to are undeniable. You have no choice but to step ahead, regardless of your own irrational fears. Your higher calling is presenting itself to you and it is divine time that you answered. The Judgement card marks a rebirth: You’re shedding old versions of yourself, stepping into full purpose, and hearing Spirit loud and clear, as a lifestyle. Everything that felt confusing in 2025 suddenly aligns, and the rewards come through because you’re ready to live in truth and not illusion. Your ancestors are calling you into greater service in so many ways, to lead, to heal, to teach, and to transmit your wisdom. You will not have the space to second-guess yourself, and you won’t even think of it because your connection to Source will be so undeniable that you will let Source take the wheel and do the heavy lifting. This is your awakening year, and the miracles will overflow.Libra: Queen of Cups
This is the year when you soften further and rest in your divine feminine energy. It is a year of ease, peace, comfort, and radical self-trust. The Queen of Cups invites emotional mastery, not through control but rather through surrender. You will have the resources to process any emotion skillfully and also activate your psychic and intuitive gifts on a new level. This is a non-negotiable. You’re learning that sensitivity is strength and that your intuition is your most reliable currency. Allow it to speak to you in ways it hasn’t before and use it more actively. This year, your healing, creativity, and compassion become magnetic forces that open new doors in love and purpose. Spirit’s asking you to pour from a full cup, not a fractured one. Where you once overgave, that stream is now closed for your own use. Spirit will be speaking to you loudly, and the more you indulge in your own sweetness and softness, the more things will flow in your favor. Scorpio: The Emperor
Scorpio, 2026 is all about embodying authority and creating the systems, routines, and discipline that will take you to the next level. The Emperor shows that you’re no longer playing with your potential; you are utilizing your masculine energy to build a structure that is the epitome of long-lasting wealth. It is a year when every area of your life is about to massively expand, but this comes with you enforcing strong boundaries and getting very clear on what it is you want. You won’t have time to entertain anything that isn’t for you or is underneath you. Own your power and claim the spotlight. You will have to become the leader that you’re seeking. There is no blueprint for your life; you are creating it along the way. Manifest your empire through organization and clarity. You’ve done enough dreaming.Sagittarius: 5 of Swords
Sagittarius, 2026 will pull you into radical honesty and will reveal all of your energetic leakages — or rather where you are being drained energetically in all areas of your life. Prepare to rid yourself of people, ways of being, and potential trajectories you thought you’d be on, and embark the journey of uncertainty. This year asks that you allow Spirit to take the wheel and provide the next steps and resources for you. This requires that you surrender and have faith in the journey unfolding. Don’t battle yourself. Preserve your energy for things that enhance and excite it. Playing small, over-explaining yourself, entertaining energetic vampires, and engaging in drama will no longer play a vital role in your life. You are clearing out old wounds and acting from a space of deliberate intention. Peace over everything — that’s how your blessings unfold.
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