Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.

Summer is officially here — but you could already tell that based on our order histories from the past month. In other words: It’s time for a fresh edition of R29 Loves, our monthly roundup of the fashion and beauty finds editors can’t stop talking about. 

Our latest edit of what’s new and now reveals several warm-weather must-haves that we have a feeling you’ll love, too. Think: breezy wardrobe staples, luxe moisturizers, makeup that holds its own against heat and humidity, and little luxuries that make summer feel that much sweeter. This month’s favorites include everything from a surprisingly chic sneaker-stiletto hybrid and a garden-inspired fragrance to a brow product that changed the way one editor thinks about tinted gels. You’ll also find skincare upgrades, transitional travel staples, and even a few impulse purchases that quickly earned permanent spots in our routines. 

Consider this your R29-approved shopping list for June. Ahead, the fashion and beauty finds that made our month — and just might make your summer.

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.

Free-est Swept Away Maxi Skirt

"It’s officially white maxi skirt season. I’m obsessed with how dreamy yet comfortable this flowy design is. I plan on wearing it with sneakers while sightseeing during my summer travels as well as dressing it up with my go-to kitten heels for fancier moments. If you’re looking for a versatile piece to add to your summer wardrobe a white maxi skirt like this one will work wonders for every activity on the calendar." — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

free-est, Vanish Swept Away Maxi Skirt, $, available at Free People

Melissa x Ganni Kitten Heel Thong

"These limited-edition Melissa x Ganni jelly heels were my first experience trying both brands, and I couldn’t be more obsessed with how fun and comfortable they are. I opted for the teal blue, which are surprisingly versatile. I wore them all throughout Miami Swim Week paired with blue outfits, black maxi dresses, and white linen pants, and they were the perfect pop that gained me a ton of compliments." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

Melissa x Ganni Kitten Heel Thong, $, available at Melissa

Jones Road Your Skin Foundation Stick

"I’ll admit that Jones Road’s What The Foundation isn’t quite right for my oily skin, but the stick version — Your Skin Foundation Stick — is right up my alley. I swipe it on and blend it out with a fluffy brush, and it takes the effort out of my makeup routine, even doubling as a concealer. It’s a lifesaver for dry, dehydrated skin thanks to ceramides, which act like glue between skin cells to keep skin soft and smooth, and squalane, a moisturizing ingredient the skin naturally produces but gradually loses over time, leading to dryness. Better yet, it’s non-comedogenic, so it’s less likely to clog pores or trigger breakouts, and it comes in 30 shades." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

Jones Road Your Skin Foundation Stick, $, available at Jones Road

Benefit Dream Sheen Waterproof Tinted Brow Glaze Gel

"Just when I thought Benefit had exhausted every possible brow formula and finish, it launched Dream Sheen. It's not your typical brow gel but rather a brow glaze. Many tinted brow gels have a dry, matte texture that doesn't actually mimic real hair, which has dimension and a natural-looking sheen. Dream Sheen delivers sheer color payoff that can be layered over a brow pencil (if you have sparse areas) or worn alone if, like me, you're already working with relatively full brows. It's noticeably wetter than most gels I've tried, but that's exactly what makes it so good: It sets with a flexible, satin finish that subtly enhances your brows while still adding all-day hold and shape." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Benefit Cosmetics Dream Sheen Waterproof Tinted Brow Glaze Gel, $, available at Sephora

Jo Malone Scarlet Beetroot Cologne

"I'll always have a soft spot for fruity-floral fragrances thanks to my teenage obsession with them, but I've finally found a version that feels decidedly more grown-up: Jo Malone's new Scarlet Beetroot Cologne. It's warm and comforting, with jammy blackcurrant and spicy patchouli at its core, while sweet, earthy beetroot keeps it feeling bright and unexpected. (The scent is meant to evoke a lush, flourishing vegetable garden, and I’d say it definitely delivers.) It also has impressive staying power on both clothes and hair, making it an easy reach for summer days when you want something fresh yet sophisticated." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Jo Malone London Scarlet Beetroot Cologne, $, available at Nordstrom

Sandy Liang x Baggu Baby Bow Baggu

"While this bag is not technically mine yet, this Sandy Liang x Baggu collab comes out Wednesday, June 3, and it’s at the top of my must-buy list. I missed out on the designer’s sold-out collection last year, and making it my mission to grab it this go around, especially in the iconic Market print. Reusable bags are everywhere, but I love Baggu’s fun designs, and these bags are super durable. I’ve tested it many times, schlepping a heavy Trader Joe’s haul five blocks to my apartment." — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director

Baggu Baby Bow Baggu, $, available at Baggu

Lioness Elements Mini Dress

"I’ve been looking for a mini dress that feels as fun as the energy of the summer. This mighty mini checks all the boxes for me. I must admit, I was influenced by the forever stylish Veneda Carter. She paired this one with sneakers, proving it’s the versatile must-have that can be worn in more than one way. I plan on wearing it during a chic bike ride in Copenhagen this summer. And I can’t wait." — Alexis Bennett Parker, Director of Shopping Partnerships

Lioness Elements Mini Dress, $, available at Shopbop

JVN Air Dry Volumizing Wave Spray

"Jonathan Van Ness themselves gave me a tutorial on how to use this air-dry wave spray, and it’s so good that it’s encouraged me to embrace my waves in all their voluminous, frizzy glory. Unlike salt sprays, which can leave lengths feeling crispy and parched while emphasizing split ends, this formula uses sugar cane extract in a moisturizing base — including smoothing hemisqualane, a great alternative to heavier silicones — along with oat kernel extract to define waves and curls without the crunch. JVN taught me to spritz it through towel-dried hair, scrunch, and either air-dry or use a diffuser to speed things up. It’s set to become my go-to hair product all summer." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

JVN Air Dry Volumizing Wave Spray, $, available at Ulta Beauty

e.l.f. Thirst Burst Lip Treatment

"I have dozens of lip products in my bag at any given time, but this is the one I’ve reached for most lately. The 1% peptide complex — essentially skin-strengthening proteins — has been a godsend for my chronically dry lips, helping heal and protect them from hot, drying weather and my own fingers (I’m a chronic lip picker). Alongside peptides, there’s deeply nourishing cocoa seed butter and smoothing plant oils that give it a glossy finish without any stickiness. My favorite shade is Sheer Guava, which adds just the right hint of pink to my lips." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

e.l.f. Cosmetics Thirst Burst Lip Treatment Plump + Quench, $, available at Ulta Beauty

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Cream

"I’ve been using SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Serum for months and can happily report that it’s made a world of difference to the fine lines on my forehead (I’ve sworn off Botox after a bad experience) and under my eyes. But I always had to follow it with a rich moisturizer, especially at night, because my skin tends to get quite dry. So I was pleased to discover P-TIOX Cream, which is packed with peptides — short chains of amino acids that help support collagen and elastin production, keeping skin smooth and supple — alongside hydrating niacinamide and the star ingredient: 10% Myrixin, which takes inspiration from neurotoxins like Botox to help minimize the appearance of lines and uneven texture. Because I like a one-and-done skincare routine, I’ll be swapping the serum for this cream ASAP." — Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director  

SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Cream, $, available at Dermstore

Bubble x American Eagle Cherry Picnic Lip Balm

"I’m a big Bubble skincare fan because it’s one of a few brands that keeps my sensitive skin happy. I constantly have the brand’s lip balm in my bag, and now, the new American Eagle-edition cherry formula will be my go-to. It still offers a clear gloss, but has a fruity scent that’s perfect for the summer." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

AE x Bubble Cherry Picnic Lip Balm & Charms Set, $, available at Bubble

Jenny Bird Double Amalfi Anklet

"At this point, I have over five Jenny Bird anklets. I love to wear them during the summer for some extra shimmer and can keep them on in the shower, pool, and ocean thanks to the water-resistant materials. And this dangly two-tone design is the latest in my collection. It matches my jewelry no matter if I’m opting for gold or silver, and has yet to leave my ankle since getting it." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer

Jenny Bird Double Amalfi Anklet, $, available at Jenny Bird

J.Crew Featherweight Cashmere Pointelle Cardigan

"This cardigan sweater became the hero piece of my wardrobe on a recent trip to Denver for a wedding. Layering was the trick to tackling Mile High City’s weird fluctuating temps from sunny and warm to chilly and cool. I wore this J.Crew cardigan pretty much all weekend long. It’s super light and thin but a soft, cozy cashmere that still kept me warm. Easy to throw on over my fancy dress or my T-shirt and jeans." — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director

J.Crew Featherweight cashmere pointelle cardigan, $, available at J.Crew

Sneex The Ballerina

"World, I'm officially a Sneex girl. At first, the sneaker-stiletto hybrid seemed ridiculous, but after trying on a sleek all-white pair that belonged to a friend (thanks, Emma!), I immediately understood the hype. The combination of an athletic sneaker and a high heel shouldn't work, yet somehow it does — and honestly, I'm obsessed. They instantly make any outfit feel cooler, but even more impressively, they're among the most comfortable heels I've ever worn. (Shoutout to founder Sarah Blakely, who also created Spanx.)

Sneex is undeniably pricey — each pair is made in Italy — but the quality feels on par with my most expensive designer shoes. My current favorite is the Ballerina style, which features lace-up details and sheer mesh accents. I picked mine up in a milky beige shade that's incredibly chic: think balletcore with a little edge." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer

Sneex The Ballerina, $, available at Sneex

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After more than a decade as a beauty editor, I’ve gotten pretty good at identifying common skin concerns. Am I a dermatologist? Absolutely not. But after years of interviewing experts and reporting on the latest treatments, I’d like to think I know more than the average person. 

That’s why I was surprised when a casual conversation at dinner during the American Academy of Dermatology’s annual meeting in Denver left me stumped. While chatting with New York-based dermatologist Dr. Victoria Humphrey, I pointed out a cluster of spots on my cheekbones and asked what she thought they were. When I first noticed them a few years ago, I assumed they were acne marks, despite not remembering any major breakouts in that area. Later, I wondered if they might be sun spots from my years living in Miami. As it turns out, they were neither. Dr. Humphrey quickly identified them as dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN), a common benign skin condition sometimes nicknamed “Black girl freckles.”

As a mixed-race woman (Japanese and Puerto Rican), the diagnosis caught me off guard. While DPN is most commonly associated with Black skin, it can also affect people of Asian, Hispanic, and other ethnicities. My spots are a lighter brown than what’s often seen on Black skin, but they fit the classic description: clustered in pattern, slightly raised, and unresponsive to every brightening serum I’d tried, including my beloved SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. 

Ahead, here’s everything I learned about DPN, from what causes it to the treatment options worth considering.

What is DPN, and how does it differ from skin tags, moles, or other hyperpigmentation? 

DPN is a benign skin condition that typically begins appearing in your late 20s or early 30s as small, raised spots that cluster together. While they’re most commonly found on the cheeks, eyelids, and temples, they can also pop up on the neck, chest, shoulders, and upper back. If you’re still not sure what DPN looks like, there’s a good chance you’ve seen it before: “Morgan Freeman is probably the most recognizable celebrity with DPN, which is why people often search for the condition online as ‘Morgan Freeman moles,’” says Dr. Humphrey.

This is the point in the conversation where I was shocked at how much of this was new information — but one reason DPN often flies under the radar is because it’s easy to mistake for other common skin concerns, especially hyperpigmentation, moles, or skin tags. 

Here’s how Dr. Humphrey explains the difference: “Skin tags are soft, fleshy, and usually found in folds like the neck or underarms,” she says, adding, “Warts have a rough, cauliflower-like texture and can appear anywhere on the body, from the face to the feet.” Then there’s moles: “These can be flat or raised, they grow from deeper layers of the skin and often appear singly or scattered randomly across the body,” she says. And finally, DPN: “By comparison, DPN spots are dark, consistently pigmented, and almost always found in clusters. They sit on the surface of the skin and follow a characteristic pattern on the face.” 

What causes DPN? 

For years, I was convinced my smattering of brown spots were age- and sun-related. As it turns out, they appeared around the same time DPN commonly begins to develop — though I’ll probably never know whether my years spent living in sunny Florida influenced how many showed up. What dermatologists do know is that genetics plays the biggest role. “If your parents or grandparents have it, there is a high likelihood you will too,” Dr. Humphrey explains. 

As for my own case? UV exposure may not be completely off the table. “Sun exposure likely plays a role in how many spots develop and how quickly, but it doesn’t cause DPN on its own,” says Dr. Humphrey. Good to know — and an important reminder to never sleep on sun safety. 

How do you treat DPN? 

I’d made the grave error years ago trying to scrape and pick them off; learn from my mistakes and don’t try this at home! Unfortunately, DPN doesn’t respond to topical treatments like vitamin C, exfoliating acids, or retinoids, so if you’re interested in removal, an in-office procedure is your best bet. 

According to Dr. Humphrey, treatment options include electrodesiccation (using a tiny electric needle to zap each spot), curettage (gently scraping them away), laser treatments, cryotherapy (freezing the spots with liquid nitrogen), or simple snip removal with surgical scissors. “Of these, the electric needle method and certain lasers tend to work best for darker skin tones because they allow the most precision with minimal trauma to surrounding skin,” she explains. 

@dr.ugonabo Stitch with @terruhashi explaining DPNs. In short, harmless but they do bother some people so we can remove them. #dpns #dpnremoval #dermatosispapulosanigra #dermatologist #moleremoval ♬ original sound – Dr. Ugonabo – Dermatologist

As with most cosmetic dermatology procedures, DPN removal isn’t cheap, and since it’s considered a cosmetic procedure, it’s not typically covered by insurance. Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $1,000 per session, depending on the number of spots being treated and your provider. 

Are there any risks to DPN removal? 

Any of the professional removal methods listed above are generally very safe, but there are a few rare risks to keep in mind, especially for darker skin tones. 

Per Dr. Humphrey, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the most common complication she sees in patients. “The skin responds to irritation by producing extra pigment, [sometimes] leaving a dark mark where the spot was removed,” she says. In some cases, the opposite can happen, where the treated area loses pigment and looks lighter than the surrounding skin. 

People with deeper skin tones may also have a higher risk of scarring or keloids — raised, thickened scar tissue that can form at the treatment site. (Keloids are also commonly seen with certain body piercings.) None of this should discourage anyone from seeking treatment for DPN, though, if you want to. “These risks are real, but a skilled provider who regularly treats patients with melanated skin will know how to minimize them,” Dr. Humphrey says. 

@drjennyliu Your wisdom spots!! I love electrocautry treatment for skin of color to avoid PIH #dermatology #dermatosispapulosanigra #skintag #skintageremoval #warts #skincaretiktok #dermatologist #skintok #dermtok ♬ New Flame (but I promise you) (feat. Usher & Rick Ross) – Chris Brown

One last thing to know: treatment removes the spots you already have, but new ones can still develop over time. “There’s no way to prevent that, and it’s not a sign that anything went wrong — it’s just how DPN works,” Dr. Humphrey says. “Think of it less as a one-time fix and more as ongoing maintenance, similar to how you might manage other skin concerns over time.” 

As with moles and birthmarks, any changes in shape, size, or color are a good reason to book an appointment with a trusted dermatologist. “DPN is completely harmless from a medical standpoint, but there are situations where you should get a spot checked by a board-certified dermatologist,” Dr. Humphrey says. Those include if a spot bleeds without being scratched or irritated, or if it looks noticeably different from other spots on your body. 

Final Thoughts 

DPN isn’t something I necessarily thought about every day, but learning what it actually is has definitely shifted how I see my skin. What once felt like a mystery at best and a stubborn game of Whack-A-Mole at worst — is just a common condition in skin of color, like mine. I’m also aware that my DPNs are relatively small and mostly confined to my temples and back — but it was still something that stood out every time I looked at my skin in the mirror. And like so many beauty concerns, the choice to treat it or not ultimately comes down to personal preference, not medical necessity. 

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When Apple Airpods debuted ten years ago, I doubted the wireless headphone trend would catch on. It wasn’t just the appearance of the silly little ear tubes that made me hesitant; I truly wasn’t convinced by the underlying notion that such seamless, constant connection to our phones would be necessary. It implied a need to multitask to the highest degree, to integrate the virtual world — already so present back then — even more into our daily lives. Fast forward a decade, and not only has around-the-clock digital connection become the lifeblood of modern society, but the use of headphones (wired or not) is now integral to the way we survive, thrive, and optimize our lives.

Like everyone else, I too became as attached to my Airpods as I was to my phone. At peak distraction post-pandemic, my headphones were as essential to my days as hard-soled shoes: I wouldn’t leave my apartment without them on. I latched on to all the new podcasts that caught my attention, delighted by the endless niches tailored to my interests, and allowed streaming algorithms to sway me towards curated playlists and suggested listening. An eclectic music taste started to find me, as did the music commentaries, the cultural interviews, and the pairs of funny, chatty women who felt like my own friends keeping me company. I ditched my earlier judgment that listening to audiobooks didn’t count as reading, because the reality was too hard to deny: there simply wasn’t enough time to do it all. The downside of it all? I started to erase the quiet moments once reserved for deep thinking and reflection, and closed myself off from the social interactions, however miniscule, that so often provided a sense of community. I siloed myself in a bubble that felt expansive when really it was numbing, and ultimately, I stopped being present. 

The audio-fication of modern media unlocked a whole new level of digital access and also, as a result, an all-too-common habit of being always on. Today, being ‘chronically online’ can either be a tongue-in-cheek brag, or a semi-concerning prognosis. Not only are we inundated with audio-based media, but the barrage of short-form video content shows no sign of slowing, and with AI continuing to expand its reach (see: Spotify’s new AI-generated podcasts) there’s no real knowing what our online lives will look like even a month from now. Last year, a study by Nielsen and Edison Research indicated that Americans listened to around four hours of media a day, while Ofcom reported that over a fifth of UK adults listened to at least one podcast a week. At the moment there isn’t much stopping us from replacing our thoughts with easy entertainment and distraction; continuously increasing our productivity and our awareness of the world; and relying on tools for focusing, calming down, or even falling asleep. 

It wasn’t until this past year, after quitting my full-time job (at Refinery29) and moving to a new city to write a book, that I became reacquainted with the stream of my own consciousness. In an attempt to reconnect with myself and my creativity, and to be more present in my new environment, I slowly began to leave the headphones at home or tucked away in my bag. The little moments of magic happened in spurts. In a local cafe last summer, I ended up chatting with the woman sitting beside me rather than isolating myself with my earbuds. I learned we were randomly from the same hometown and we soon became friends. On my daily walks that I’d normally fill with lengthy podcasts, my thoughts have continuously surprised me, resulting in the creation of many of my novel’s plot points, and even the idea for this article.

But I also understand that silence isn’t always comfortable, and headphones can provide a tangible reprieve from the chaos and overwork of modern life. Whether you’re neurodivergent and benefit from a barrier from overstimulating surroundings, or you’re socially anxious and find comfort in a safe, accessible bubble, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to keep your headphones on — especially in public. But as with any habit that may involve extremes, learning how and when to apply moderation is the key to balance. “When it comes to technology use, it’s not all good or all bad, but it is important to be mindful of how you choose to use it, rather than being on autopilot,” neuroscientist Julie Fratantoni tells Refinery29. Fratantoni, who writes about cognitive wellness in her newsletter Better Brain, acknowledges that constant stimulation can be a form of stress on the nervous system (it can also disrupt your hormones) and emphasizes the importance of conscious disconnection.

“Little pockets of boredom allow the default mode network — also called the imagination network, where creative ideas flow from — to come online,” Fratantoni says. “It also creates opportunities for social interaction. In an increasingly lonely society, simply making eye contact, a smile, or a wave can be nourishing to the brain. If you’re wearing headphones and distracted, you miss out on these microdoses of connection.”

This less streamlined approach has been at the centre of a recent trend dubbed “friction-maxxing,” which, ironically, is one of the many viral, gamified “maxxing” movements poised towards self-optimization. The trend highlights social friction (i.e, natural inconveniences that make life a little less smooth and remove instant gratification) as a way to heal our attention spans and allow us to be more present. Tactics for friction-maxxing include: writing by hand rather than keyboard, reading physical books, and not using ChatGPT for every personal dilemma. This growing interest in the analogue lifestyle (especially among younger adults) potentially points to deeper concerns about the ways we interact with technology… and why. 

“It’s super political to be able to tolerate friction and tolerate difference,” says Anouchka Grose, a psychoanalyst and author of the new book The Revolution Will be Internalized. “[It’s] really important for people to recognize that there are limits: there are limits to your own ego, and there are limits to your own will, and managing all of that in relation to others.” Grose’s work revolves around the fact that change — both inner and outer— starts inside our minds, and given the nature of our increasingly digital lives and, more importantly, futures, there’s never been a more pertinent time to contemplate how our habits — both online and offline — shape the space we take up in the world.

When I asked Grose what she thought about the connection between removing my headphones and this deeper sense of reclaiming something much bigger, she said that all these inconveniences and awkward silences and discomforts that we are trying to numb are, in truth, the real excitements of life.  “If you have an AI partner, and you do all your shopping online, and live your life through social media, and don’t actually meet people, besides whatever the terrible risks are at the end of the spectrum, it just won’t be fun,” she says.

And I couldn’t agree more. Because, in the process of opening myself back up to my own thoughts and the world around me — as messy and unpredictable as it can be, but at the same time eye-opening and beautiful — it’s as if I’ve suddenly been reacquainted with all the best parts about being human.

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Camila Mendes has moved into her blockbuster era. The Riverdale star’s latest role is as Eternia’s hero Teela in Masters of the Universe, alongside Nicholas Galitzine, Alison Brie, Idris Elba and Jared Leto. Her character is bad-ass and is tasked with looking after the men in her life who have yet to find their inner strength. To us, she’s the real hero of the story.

For her role as Teela, Mendes had to spend months bulking up and training to achieve the physicality required. I spoke to her about why she loved feeling strong, if she sees Masters of the Universe becoming a big franchise, and her one fear when it came to portraying such an outwardly strong character.

Refinery29: This film was so fun and campy! It was so cool to see a badass female character like Teela. How did it feel to portray such a pillar of strength?

Camila Mendes: Honestly, it was a bit daunting because I always worry whenever you’re playing a character that’s so outwardly strong that the audience is going to have trouble connecting to her, but I think Travis did such a beautiful job with his vision of the film and making Teela have a lot of heart, and you can like feel that there’s this deeper empathy and sensitivity underneath that tough outer shell. I feel like I loved playing her strength, but really, I just wanted to make sure that this more human quality of hers was coming through.

It’s different to see a woman who’s so strong, as well.

CM: It was so cool, because obviously I knew I was going to have to train a lot for this film, and I love that, because I’m somebody who loves to work out. I love fitness, but I’ve never had such specific goals, especially the goal of gaining muscle and bulking up, so to have a goal like that for a project, it’s like a great excuse to be able to do that. And it made me realise just how I feel like women are sometimes so afraid of putting on muscle and weight training, because they think they’re going to get super big, but it’s actually one of the best feelings ever. I couldn’t stop touching my muscles during this project, I kept flexing for everyone I met. I lost it now, but trust me, during that movie I was strong,

I did also love that it’s a female character that doesn’t need to be saved. She can save herself.

CM: Yes, and not just save herself, but save the others around her, because she’s dealing with Duncan, who’s sort of lost touch with himself and he’s disconnected from his own strength, and then you have Adam, who still hasn’t really connected to his inner strength at all. She’s the one who’s really holding their hands through it until they’re they sort of are on their feet, ready to fight for themselves.

I couldn’t stop touching my muscles during this project, I kept flexing for everyone I met.

Camila Mendes on her Masters of the universe transformation

Who is the real hero of the film? I’m a big Teela fan.

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CM: I think they’re all heroes, that’s the whole point. I think it’s a group of heroes that are all helping each other, and they couldn’t have done it alone.

How did you prepare for the fight scenes, did you do your own stunts?

CM: I had to train for months leading up to the film. Those stunts, the few seconds of screen time that you see, took months and months of training to get down,

Do you hope that it becomes a franchise?

CM: Oh, of course, that’s the dream, you know. I would love to get another crack at this and be able to dig deeper into the characters.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Masters of the Universe hits theaters on June 5, 2026.

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Until recently, my feet were in a sorry state. Months of back-to-back nail polish, overheating in fluffy socks, and being shoved into chunky boots had left my heels parched and my toenails stained and mottled. A regular salon pedicure just wouldn’t cut it. Apparently, my algorithm agreed. Suddenly, I was being served weirdly hypnotic videos of medical pedicures, a treatment that nail experts (and those guilty of neglecting their soles) are calling a savior for summer feet.

Also known as a medi-pedi, the medical pedicure has flooded TikTok ahead of sandal season — but it isn’t merely aesthetic. While nail polish can be a nice addition, the focus is primarily on the health of your skin and nails, with some key differences between this treatment and a standard salon pedicure.

Of course, I had to try one myself first, and as expected, my feet felt brand new. So much so, it almost felt criminal to slip my sandals back on and trudge all the way home. 

Here’s everything you need to know about medical pedicures before booking in for yours.

What’s the difference between a medical pedicure and a salon pedicure?

Session manicurist and pedicurist Ami Streets says that medical pedicures use podiatry-grade tools such as scalpels, diamond burrs, and electric files, which are designed for precision and the deeper treatment of foot issues like calluses (thickened, hard skin), thickened nails, and cracked heels. 

“Medical pedicures are more corrective, addressing underlying problems while still delivering a groomed finish,” adds Streets. They are performed by a qualified podiatrist in a podiatry clinic. In contrast, she says salon pedicures typically use cosmetic tools like pumice stones, nail clippers, and foot files, which are aimed at surface-level grooming. In other words, a medical pedicure is a lot more thorough.

Beyond the tools, medical pedicures also follow stricter hygiene protocols compared to salon pedicures, says Streets. “Medi-pedi services require that all tools are fully sterilized in a hospital-grade autoclave, and many items are single-use, especially anything that comes into contact with skin or nails.” She adds that treatments are carried out in a clinical or semi-clinical setting, with the practitioner wearing gloves and a mask, and using medical-grade disinfectants throughout. 

What is a medical-grade pedicure?

You might also have heard of “medical-grade” pedicures, which are slightly different. Brands like Footlogix offer similar treatments with qualified nail experts, often including the option of nail polish to finish, though the practitioners aren’t always podiatrists. One medical-grade pedicure brand, Elim, is taking over social media — and it’s beauty editor-approved.

Elim’s medical-grade pedicure enlists a handful of topical products with active ingredients to break down tough calluses and deeply moisturize cracked feet, explains Faye Layton-McCann, director of education on behalf of Elim. One key product is the MediHeel Callus Tonic, which contains keratolytic alkaline to dissolve protein bonds, making it easier to remove hard, dead skin from the heels and toes. In fact, the “Elim scrape” — gently removing dissolved skin with a heel scraper — has gained fame on social media thanks to its oddly satisfying results.

Pedicurist Faye Dennis — a fan and trained user of Elim — adds that exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic and lactic acid, are also used to tackle dry heels and flaky skin. “These gently dissolve dry skin rather than using traditionally harsh, ablative methods, which can trigger faster skin cell re-growth — the exact opposite of what we’re trying to achieve,” says Dennis. Think of it as a clinically effective chemical peel for your feet, says Layton-McCann. Adding, “We’re actively changing the pH of the skin to treat the feet, not just improve physical appearance.” 

Besides active ingredients, a clear sign that a pedicure is medical grade is that it’s performed by someone with specialized training to ensure these potent products are used safely and professionally, says Layton-McCann. In the case of Elim, each treatment is tailored to the client’s individual needs: “That could be severely dry, callused heels or specific conditions like foot odour, or fungal infections,” says Dennis. “Foot health is always our priority, so there is always a prescriptive, targeted approach that delivers both immediate and lasting results.”

What are the benefits of a medical-grade pedicure?

In addition to removing dry skin, medical and medical-grade pedicures give special attention to the toenails, which can become dull, stained, and dehydrated, especially if you’re not removing polish as often as recommended: every two to four weeks for gel and every one to two weeks for regular polish. (That’s pretty much most of us.)

I recently booked an Elim medical-grade pedicure myself. Post-peel, the practitioner used a small e-file and nail brush to buff away remnants of old polish and the white, chalky patches that had built up on my nails due to dehydration. She followed with a nourishing foot mask and generous lashings of cuticle oil to moisturize my parched toenails, before applying Biosculpture gel polish — an optional extra for summer. It’s these finishing touches that elevate medical and medical-grade pedicures from a chore to a luxury, says Streets.

Talking of toenails — during a medical-grade pedicure, fungal nail conditions can also be treated. With Elim, the brand’s Fungal Force serum and antibacterial foot soak, Spa Additive, are rich in antiseptic properties to fight bacteria, explains Layton-McCann. “Elim isn’t just for those with a bit of dry skin,” she says.

Who is a medical-grade pedicure suitable for?

Medical and medical-grade pedicures are suitable for everyone, says Streets: “Even those who regularly maintain their feet at home, or have pedicure treatments in a salon, would find one beneficial.” Streets herself likes to book in for an annual medical pedicure, complete with a deep clean and thorough filing, ahead of sandal season. “The treatment is ideal for anyone wanting elevated and more specialist foot care — even without any visible issues, as the service is great for prevention, not just treatment,” says Streets.

Where Elim is concerned, Layton-McCann says that each treatment is prescriptive and differs for each client: “It allows you to adapt and offer bespoke treatments,” she says. “If someone came to me with a chronic condition and heavily chapped feet, we might start with weekly or bi-weekly appointments to restore the skin and get the feet to a good, manageable state.” Elim is and should always be long-lasting, says Layton-McCann: “This is so you can see and feel the difference after one sitting.” 

Does a medical-grade pedicure hurt?

Medical and medical-grade pedicures are generally painless. Only qualified podiatrists should be removing ingrown toenails, though, which can cause some discomfort. The area is usually numbed with a local anesthetic beforehand.

How much does a medical-grade pedicure cost?

Medical and medical-grade pedicures vary in price depending on location. In New York, a medical pedicure typically ranges from $100 to $200, but can cost more thanks to add-ons like gel polish. In the US, an Elim medical-grade pedicure typically starts at $70, with prices increasing based on the level of service — such as express, deluxe, or luxury — and any polish add-ons. You can find your nearest salon here.

Are medical and medical-grade pedicures worth it for summer?

Once you’ve had a medical-grade pedicure, it’s hard to go back. The attention to detail, the focus on foot health — not just how your feet look — puts every other pedicure to shame. I’ve already booked in for my second Elim treatment. It’s that good.

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Cosmic beings, the first week of June begins with us still very much feeling the aftermath of the Sagittarius full moon that took place May 31st. Something in your life has now become clearer, and a version of yourself you had outgrown became harder to keep performing. The mood this week is still expansive, but now the question becomes: what do you do with that awareness?

On June 1st, Mercury leaves Gemini and enters Cancer, shifting the collective mental climate pretty noticeably. Conversations become more emotional, memories sharper, and our intuition gets louder. People may communicate less like debate teams and more like human beings carrying twenty years of emotional context into a text message.

For the next few weeks, use Mercury in Cancer strategically: have the family conversation, journal the dream before it disappears, organize your home, and check in with your nervous system before agreeing to things out of guilt or nostalgia. And because Mercury will eventually retrograde in Cancer later this month, this direct period is actually useful for getting ahead of emotional admin — clarify boundaries, back up documents, handle housing matters, and define what emotional safety means to you.

Then on June 5th, Juno stations retrograde in Aquarius. Quick explainer: Juno is an asteroid associated with commitment, long-term partnership dynamics, agreements, loyalty, and the question of what we believe partnership is supposed to look like. In Aquarius, those themes become more experimental, friendship-oriented, unconventional, and freedom-conscious. During this retrograde, especially in the middle of Gemini Season, many of us may reevaluate where healthy detachment ends and emotional avoidance begins.

Some people will need more space or will realize they’ve confused independence with intimacy-proofing themselves. Others may quietly redefine what commitment means entirely. Healthy detachment this week looks like pausing before reacting, letting people be complex without immediately trying to fix, save, decode, or merge with them, and remembering that emotional clarity often arrives faster when you stop forcing immediate answers.

Read your horoscopes for your Sun and Rising signs for the most in-depth forecast.

Aries Sun & Rising:

Aries, June begins with momentum. The Sag full moon lights up your expansion, travel, learning, and adventure sector, so you may enter the week feeling clearer about where you want your life to grow next. Use this energy concretely: pitch the idea, book the meeting, or start researching the move, the program, the trip, the skill you want to develop. The full moon is reminding you that growth requires participation. Just be mindful of overcommitting in the excitement of possibility. Focus on one or two bold moves that genuinely expand your world instead of scattering your energy across ten directions.

Then Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st, pulling your attention toward home, family, emotional security, and the parts of your life that support you privately. You may become more reflective about your living situation, boundaries with relatives, or what actually helps you feel grounded after a busy stretch.

By the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins asking quieter questions about friendships, community, technology, and long-term collaborations. Which connections still feel reciprocal? Which group dynamics drain more energy than they give? This first week of June has an interesting balance to it: outward growth is calling, but so is the need to strengthen your foundation and become more intentional about who you’re building your future with.

Taurus Sun & Rising:

Taurus, June begins with the Sag full moon still energizing your depth, intimacy, and shared resources sector, so you’re entering the month thinking less about surface goals and more about what actually creates security. You may be looking closely at finances, debt, investments, emotional reciprocity, or the dynamics where your time, energy, or money are intertwined with others. This is strong energy for cleaning up financial loose ends, renegotiating agreements, or getting honest about where you’re overgiving or undercharging. The full moon is asking for courage around trust and boundaries, not just optimism.

Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st and softens your communication style considerably. Your thoughts become more intuitive, reflective, and emotionally precise. This is a useful week for writing, difficult conversations, creative brainstorming, reconnecting with siblings or neighbors, or simply saying what you mean with less defensiveness attached to it.

Then on the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins stirring your career and reputation sector. Questions around leadership, ambition, loyalty in professional settings, or the future of certain collaborations may surface. You don’t need immediate answers, but you do need honesty about which commitments still reflect the person you’re becoming professionally.

Gemini Sun & Rising:

Gemini, June starts with relationship themes impossible to ignore. The Sag full moon that peaked on May 31st is still activating your partnership sector, so you’re entering the week hyper-aware of who you’re building with, who challenges you, who supports you, and which connections need clearer expectations attached to them. Some Geminis may feel ready to deepen a commitment. Others may recognize where more freedom, honesty, or space is necessary. The key is to communicate directly — making assumptions will waste everyone’s time.

Then on the 1st, Mercury, your ruling planet, enters Cancer and shifts your focus toward money, self-worth, and stability. Your attention naturally turns toward budgeting, pricing your work appropriately, spending habits, or defining what abundance actually looks like for you emotionally and materially.

By the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins moving through your expansion sector, bringing quiet reevaluations around travel, education, belief systems, publishing, teaching, or long-term visions for your life. You may find yourself reconsidering goals you once thought were fixed. Give yourself permission to update the dream instead of staying loyal to an old blueprint out of habit.

Cancer Sun & Rising:

Cancer, June begins with the Sag full moon still moving through your work, wellness, and routine sector, so you may enter the week feeling highly aware of your habits, workload, energy levels, and the systems that either support or sabotage your well-being. Use this momentum for reorganizing your schedule, improving sleep, tightening boundaries around work, or addressing health goals realistically instead of all-or-nothing. The full moon is helping you see where small daily choices are shaping your bigger quality of life.

Then Mercury enters your sign on the 1st, and you immediately feel the shift. Your intuition sharpens, and your emotional intelligence increases during this transit. This is an excellent period to advocate for yourself, refresh your personal goals, journal, initiate important conversations, or simply trust your instincts more openly. By the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins activating your depth, intimacy, and shared resources sector. Questions around trust, emotional reciprocity, finances, long-term commitment, or power dynamics in close relationships may start quietly unfolding. The invitation this week is not to retreat from complexity, but to approach it with clarity, emotional maturity, and stronger awareness of what you actually need from the people closest to you.

Leo Sun & Rising:

Leo, June begins with the Sag full moon still energizing your creativity, romance, and self-expression sector, so you’re entering the week remembering what makes you feel alive. You may feel more confident, flirtatious, artistic, playful, or simply less willing to postpone joy until everything on your to-do list is perfect. This is useful energy for creating, dating, performing, launching passion projects, spending time with children, or reconnecting with hobbies you’ve neglected. The main lesson of this full moon is not to overcomplicate what genuinely lights you up.

Then Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st and shifts your attention inward. Your thoughts become more private, reflective, and intuitive. You may need more alone time, more sleep, or more space to process emotions before reacting outwardly.

On the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius activates your relationship zone, bringing subtle reassessments around commitment, reciprocity, collaboration, and what partnership means to you now. Some Leos may revisit old relationship patterns, while others may realize they need more individuality inside their closest connections. This first week of June asks you to balance visibility with introspection and remember that strong relationships still need room to evolve.

Virgo Sun & Rising:

Virgo, June begins with the energy of the Sag full moon still moving through your home, family, and emotional foundation sector, so the week starts with a strong awareness of what is happening behind the scenes of your life. You may be thinking about your living situation, family dynamics, emotional boundaries, or how supported you actually feel in your private world. This is productive energy for reorganizing your space, having overdue conversations with relatives, or making practical changes that improve your sense of stability. Focus on creating an environment that actually helps you function and feel well.

Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st and brings a welcome social softness. Your friendship, community, and long-term goals sector becomes more emotionally engaged, making this a strong period for collaboration, networking, reconnecting with supportive people, or revisiting future plans that still matter to you emotionally.

Then on the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins activating your routines, work, and wellness sector. You may quietly reevaluate commitments connected to workload, productivity, team dynamics, or the systems structuring your daily life. Use this transit to check in on whether your current commitments are sustainable, reciprocal, and aligned with the life you’re trying to build.

Libra Sun & Rising:

Libra, June begins with the Sag full moon still energizing your communication, learning, and mindset sector, so you’re entering the week mentally activated and ready to connect dots. Conversations, writing, creativity, and the way you frame your thoughts all matter more than usual. You may feel pulled toward studying something new, pitching an idea, traveling locally, reconnecting with siblings or neighbors, or finally speaking more openly about what you’ve been processing internally. The full moon is helping you clarify your voice. Use it.

Then Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st and shifts your attention toward career, visibility, and long-term ambitions. Your mind turns toward professional goals, leadership decisions, reputation management, or how you want to be perceived publicly. This is a useful few weeks for strategic conversations, updating professional materials, reaching out to mentors, or becoming clearer about what success actually means to you emotionally.

On the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins stirring your creativity, romance, and self-expression sector. Questions around dating, artistic projects, pleasure, or long-term emotional compatibility may begin evolving quietly in the background. This first week of June asks you to stay intellectually open while also protecting space for the parts of your life that can’t be optimized into a spreadsheet.

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

Scorpio, June begins with the Sag full moon still moving through your money, self-worth, and security sector, so you’re entering the week thinking very concretely about your value, your time, your pricing, your spending habits, and the emotional stories you attach to abundance. This is useful energy for tightening a budget, renegotiating rates, asking for what you deserve, or getting clearer about what actually makes you feel secure versus what simply looks secure on paper. The full moon wants you making decisions from self-respect rather than scarcity or emotional impulse.

With Mercury entering your fellow Water sign Cancer on the 1st, your perspective widens your perspective. Your expansion, travel, education, and big-picture sector lights up, making this a strong week for planning trips, studying, teaching, publishing, spiritual work, or simply getting out of mental loops by exposing yourself to new ideas.

On the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins activating your home and roots sector. Questions around family roles, emotional labor, domestic partnerships, or what commitment looks like may start surfacing. Some Scorpios may rethink how much they give to family systems versus themselves, while others may quietly redefine what “home” needs to feel like moving forward. This first full week of June is asking you to focus on feeling secure within yourself first and foremost instead of seeking external validation.

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

Sagittarius, June begins with your full moon still very much alive in your system, so you’re entering the week with heightened clarity around identity, direction, and what chapter you’re actually ready to step into next. You may feel energized, visible, emotional, impatient, and inspired… all at once. This is excellent energy for taking initiative, making a decision you’ve been circling, updating your personal goals, or simply acting like you believe in your own future again. The key is channeling this momentum intentionally rather than saying yes to every exciting possibility that crosses your path.

Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st and immediately shifts your focus toward intimacy, finances, vulnerability, trust, and the parts of life that require emotional honesty rather than optimism alone. This is a productive period for handling taxes, debt, contracts, shared resources, or having conversations that strengthen emotional and financial clarity in close relationships.

Then on the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins activating your communication and mindset sector. You may revisit how you handle commitment in conversations, friendships, dating dynamics, or everyday interactions. Are you expressing what you actually mean, or assuming people should interpret the subtext correctly? This first week of June asks you to slow your thinking down just enough to let your words reflect your real intentions.

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

Capricorn, June begins with the Sag full moon still moving through your solitude, healing, and subconscious sector, so you may enter the week quieter than usual, more reflective, and much more aware of what your nervous system has been carrying. Rest is productive right now. So is therapy, journaling, spiritual practice, deleting the app that keeps draining your attention, or finally admitting you need a slower pace in one area of your life. The full moon is helping you release emotional clutter before your season of visibility picks back up. Use the clarity without turning it into another project you need to optimize.

Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st and immediately redirects your attention toward relationships, collaboration, and emotional communication with others. You’re thinking more about partnership dynamics, contracts, reciprocity, and what it actually means to build something with another person instead of carrying everything independently.

Then on the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins activating your money and self-worth sector. Questions around financial agreements, loyalty in professional arrangements, pricing, or what you truly value may begin evolving in the background. This is a useful week to examine whether your commitments still reflect your worth or simply your tolerance level.

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

Aquarius, June begins with the Sag full moon still energizing your friendship, community, and future vision sector, so you’re entering the week focused on where your life is headed and who’s genuinely growing alongside you. This is strong energy for networking, collaborating, reconnecting with inspiring people, refining long-term goals, or stepping back from social dynamics that feel performative or stagnant. The full moon wants you thinking bigger about your future, but also more selectively about the company you keep while building it.

Mercury enters Cancer on the 1st and shifts your attention toward work, routines, wellness, and the mechanics of daily life. You may spend the next few weeks reorganizing schedules, adjusting health habits, improving workflows, or communicating more clearly around boundaries and workload.

Then on the 5th, Juno retrograde begins in your sign, making this one of the more personally significant transits of the week for you. Commitment, identity, independence, and relationship expectations all come under review. You may rethink what partnership means without abandoning your need for freedom. Healthy detachment becomes less about disappearing emotionally and more about staying connected to the right people without losing your individuality.

Pisces Sun & Rising:

Pisces, June begins with the Sag full moon still activating your career, visibility, and long-term ambition sector, so the week starts with strong awareness around direction, reputation, and what you’re actually working toward. Some Pisces may feel recognized for something they’ve been building quietly, while others may realize a professional goal needs recalibrating. This is excellent energy for making leadership moves, updating your strategy, applying for exciting new opportunities, or getting more honest about what success needs to look like for you now instead of five versions of yourself ago.

Mercury enters your fellow Water sign Cancer on the 1st and brings immediate relief. Your creativity, romance, pleasure, and self-expression sector lights up, making the next few weeks softer, more playful, and emotionally expressive. You may feel more inspired creatively, more flirtatious, more connected to your inner child, or simply more willing to prioritize joy alongside responsibility.

Then on the 5th, Juno retrograde in Aquarius begins activating your solitude and spirituality sector. Relationship patterns, subconscious expectations around loyalty, or unresolved emotional attachments may quietly surface for review. This isn’t a week for forcing clarity prematurely. Give yourself space to observe what your intuition has been trying to tell you once the noise settles.

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The long-awaited Blue Moon in Sagittarius is finally here! Its fiery energy is going to shake life up. May 31st brings the first monthly Blue Moon since August 31st, 2023, and the last one until December 31st, 2028 (a total lunar eclipse). There will be a few seasonal Blue Moons before 2028, but none like this current lunation — it’s a big splash to mark the last days of spring.

This rare lunation is what astronomers and stargazers call a “calendar-month Blue Moon” because it is the second Full Moon in May. The first one occurred on May 1st, known as the Full Flower Moon in Scorpio. Lucky for us, we have a second chance to manifest our desires, let the moon’s illumination bring us clarity, and connect to the universe — or, in this case, shoot from the hip, as well as speak passionately about our worldly aspirations and hopes. Even though it is a micromoon, meaning its apogee is farther from earth than usual, we’ll still feel the effects of the plenilune [a completely full moon]. The moon will still light up the sky and offer us guidance in our personal journeys.

The resourceful and foundational planet Saturn, which is acting passionately in Aries, and transformative Pluto, are motivating us to progress in Aquarius, and gently connect with the Blue Moon. These celestial bodies amplify intuition and offer resilience, confidence, and determination. Visionary Neptune in Aries is in close range, making us feel lofty and idealistic about our beliefs. Basically, it’ll be hard for us to get off our high horses and the need to sway others to our views if they clash with ours. No one will back down from a debate, which can lead to intense arguments that might inflame delicate relationships if we’re not careful, deliberate, or respectful. The warning is not to take matters to the point of no return. 

The asteroids Pallas in Aries and Juno in Aquarius add flavor to the Blue Moon. Pallas is the warrior archetype and extra sparky in Aries. Our impulses urge us to act without thinking or knowing the implications. Juno is loyal until betrayed. In the sign of Aquarius, we can experience it as unconventionality and freedom in partnerships. The flip side is that we may detach from the drama to maintain our peace of being. The two asteroids push us to prioritize our autonomy and value our choices. Rather than listen to everyone’s opinions, honing in on our voice and mindset is vital. 

Watch out: Mercury is in the last degrees of Gemini. This creates a frenetic, immediate need to speak before we put our musings together. Yes, we may put our foot in our mouths and say inappropriate things that could ruffle many feathers — a sentiment the moon in Sagittarius echoes. It’s important to keep track of our ideas and concepts; jumping from A to B can happen in seconds within a conversation or thought process, making it hard to focus on a single point. 

While two beliefs can be true at the same time, we should be aware of our behavior (especially before we generate conflict) to ensure we maintain our composure when the heat rises due to the minor aspect shared with Mercury and Pluto. The following day, Mercury enters Cancer, bringing calm, serene feelings. 

The silver lining is that Mercury harmonizes with the centaur Chiron in Aries, helping us mend fences and heal wounds that surface. There is a fine line between being oppressive and kind. If we listen closely, we’ll hear that everyone is on the same side, just speaking over each other. Therefore, we must be cognizant and conscious of how we come across. 

Fighting for the sake of being controversial and relevant is going to make things messier. The Blue Moon is a curator of chaos, but we don’t have to let it. We can willfully switch to the vibe by agreeing not to agree, nobly walking away from disputes, building bridges toward resolution, or simply allowing others to express their sentiments and acknowledging them with an open mind and heart.

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