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Growing up, sunscreen felt like a chore. I’d run as fast as my legs could carry me to get away from my mom, dodging that inevitable sticky, chalky slathering. These days, though, my skin — and makeup — routine isn’t complete without it. Not only has skincare come a long way, leaving those suffocating formulas behind, but we’ve also had our eyes opened to just how important sun protection really is.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, an estimated 234,680 cases of melanoma — a serious form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body — will be diagnosed in the US this year. The good news is that applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, alongside wearing sun-protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses, can significantly reduce your risk.
If you’re an R29 regular, you’ll know we’re incredibly passionate about sunscreen. In 2024, we won the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Media Impact Award for our advocacy work to ban teen tanning bed use and promote sun safety through our Sun Blocked series — so it’s fair to say we’re well-versed in the very best formulas out there.
Without further ado, here’s every sunscreen we think deserves its flowers — from face SPFs that disappear instantly into skin to tinted bases that never leave a white cast behind.
“I look forward to using this sunscreen every morning, it feels that good on the skin. It boasts SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against UVA (responsible for premature aging and skin cancer) and UVB (which causes sunburn). Beyond sun protection, the formula is packed with moisturizing skincare ingredients like ectoin and vitamin E. It’s so quenching, even on my chronically dry cheeks, that I often skip moisturizer altogether and use this in its place. That’s not to say it’s unsuitable for oily or combination skin. I have a mix of both, and the lightweight, milky texture dries down to sit somewhere between matte and dewy, so skin feels comfortably hydrated, not greasy. I recommend this to anyone looking for a featherlight sunscreen that doesn’t compromise on hydration or protection.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“As one of NYC’s most sought-after estheticians, Sofie Pavitt has heard endless complaints about sunscreen — mostly, that they break people out — so she decided to launch her own. Screentime, the latest addition to her eponymous skincare brand, delivers SPF 30 protection in a formula that’s hydrating without feeling heavy. The texture is silky and indulgent, making it a step I genuinely look forward to every morning. Even better, it’s infused with ectoin and niacinamide (two of my favorite ingredients) to support a healthy skin barrier and help balance excess oil.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“Korean sunscreen is considered to be in a league of its own, and I understand why when I use this milky SPF. If you’re a fan of belif’s Aqua Bomb Hydrating Moisturizer like I am, you’ll adore this. It’s equally light and quick to absorb (in fact, I’d liken it to a serum-like texture), and it feels like you’ve got nothing on your skin at all. The hundreds of 5-star reviews are further proof that it deserves its flowers, with users praising its naturally radiant finish, hydrating feel without clogging or making skin oily, and sleek packaging that slips easily into bags and pockets.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“When it comes to an accessible SPF that I can walk into a store and purchase, Dr. Idriss’ Major Fade Disco is the easy answer. It checks every box, no cast, no eye stinging, no greasy texture. It is perfect; the formula is a cloud-like moisturizing lotion without being too thick and heavy, so I can wear it in place of a moisturizer. This lies perfectly under makeup, never pills, and, most importantly, keeps my face protected.” — Sophia Dennis, head of programming and brand strategy for Refinery29 Beautycon.
“The countless five-star reviews speak for themselves: this is comfortable, invisible (meaning no white cast whatsoever), and worth every single cent. The sun protection comes from a handful of chemical filters, namely avobenzone and homosalate, which allow it to be inconspicuous on all skin tones. It looks and feels like a makeup primer, absorbing in record speed and leaving a softly mattified finish, but it’s packed with UVA and UVB protection that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. If you’re a sunscreen aficionado, it’s a lot like Allies of Skin’s The One SPF 50 — but a fraction of the price.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“Out of all the SPF products in Supergoop!’s lineup (and there are many), this one is my holy grail. I’ve gone through multiple jars at this point, and I can confidently say it’s my all-time favorite daytime moisturizer. The formula is loaded with ectoin, ceramides, and algae extracts, so my skin consistently looks softer, smoother, and more plump when I use it daily. It also delivers SPF 40 protection thanks to a blend of chemical filters like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene. I have acne-prone skin, and this has yet to break me out, even when worn underneath an additional sunscreen for good measure.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“This is glass skin in a bottle; whenever people ask me how my skin looks so good and glowy, I know that it’s because of this product. This is lightweight and thin, so it layers on top of your moisturizer. I reach for this in the warmer months as it absorbs incredibly quickly and supports summer skin in a perfect way. The packaging is also much different than any other skincare product I have tried. It comes in a paper-like tube, so when the product is almost finished, you can rip the tube to get the last drops.” — Sophia Dennis, head of programming and brand strategy for Refinery29 Beautycon.
“This sunscreen stick was a godsend on my last vacation for two reasons: 1) It prevented my hair part from getting burned. If this has never happened to you, consider yourself lucky, because it’s incredibly painful. I was able to swipe this invisible stick down the center of my part without disturbing my slicked bun or making my hair crispy, flaky, or white. It dried down completely without residue. 2) It makes reapplying sunscreen over makeup so quick and easy. It’s even great on the lips. My beach bag wasn’t complete without it, and I love that while it features SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection, it doesn’t leave any sign of application — no white cast, no greasy finish. It’s genius.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“I didn’t think anything could sway me from my trusty Anthelios Ultra Light Face Fluid, but UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen has swiftly taken its place in my morning routine. Thanks to the chemical UVA and UVB filters, it feels more like a milky serum than a sunscreen, and it takes just moments to work into the skin. This is why I love using it for reapplication, even over makeup, as tapping it in never disturbs my foundation base — if anything, it makes my skin glow. The bottle is also compact enough to slip into even the tightest pockets and tiniest bags, making top-ups a no-brainer. I love the precise application tip, which makes it easy to measure out three fingers’ worth of product.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“I put this sunscreen to the test on a recent ski trip and was seriously impressed — both by how hydrating it is and how good it makes my skin look. For a mineral formula, there’s zero chalky cast (thanks to three tinted shade options), and the subtle, shimmery glow reads radiant, not sweaty. It’s infused with vitamin C, plus ectoin, squalane, and peptides, which I swear leave my skin looking more supple and lit-from-within over time. I also love how it wears under makeup — think healthy, glowing skin with the added bonus of SPF 43 protection.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“HaruHaru Wonder makes some wonderful K-Beauty products, and its Black Rice line is one of my favorites. This sunscreen has a velvety and somewhat fluffy texture, making it feel reparative on the skin. It also protects against blue light if you’re concerned about that. It’s perfect for the days I’m at my window-facing desk, on back-to-back calls. This also has a crowd-pleasing finish, not incredibly glowy or matte — just your skin but better.” — Sophia Dennis, head of programming and brand strategy for Refinery29 Beautycon.
“I’ve been through three tubes of Merit’s tinted sunscreen already, and I’m just about to open another ahead of spring, when I prefer a little less coverage. The SPF filter is mineral, but the added tint dials down any ashiness, with reviewers praising how easily it applies, sinks into the skin, and the distinct lack of white cast. One pump is enough to cover my entire face and neck, softening the look of past breakouts and blurring my dark under-eye circles. I’m always impressed by how well it lasts, even on warmer days, and would say it wears more like a lightweight foundation with added SPF.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“This silky primer is basically spackle for uneven texture — it smooths everything out while gripping onto foundation and concealer and never letting go. It also offers SPF 30 via 10% zinc oxide, and on my skin, it doesn’t leave a noticeable white cast (likely because I’m not applying as much as I would with a standalone sunscreen, so it’s always important to layer up). That said, if you have deeper skin, the Radiant Bronze shade is worth trying for a truly undetectable finish. Overall, I found it really helps extend the wear and look of my makeup — and as a primer alone, it’s among the best I’ve tried; the sunscreen is almost a bonus, if it weren’t the whole point!” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“You’d never guess there was sunscreen in this foundation — it’s that lightweight and imperceptible on the skin. Since a small squeeze goes a long way, I like to apply it over my dedicated sunscreen, knowing my skin is extra protected. Thanks to glycerin and dimethicone, it’s moisturizing and applies like a dream, blurring texture and lingering marks left behind by breakouts. And the staying power? Excellent. At the end of the day, I always enjoy catching my reflection in my apartment elevator mirror and seeing my makeup still perfectly intact.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“This is a product I use at all hours of the day, all times of the year, whether it’s the dead of winter or the hottest day of summer. Actually, it makes my list of favorite products in general. The shade match is perfect; the finish is so natural and skin-like while covering hyperpigmentation and dark circles. While I don’t have many skin concerns, I know that people with acne- and eczema-prone skin who rave over this foundation, as it’s one of the few that doesn’t break them out or irritate their skin. The SPF 30 in this is really just the cherry on top.” — Sophia Dennis, head of programming and brand strategy for Refinery29 Beautycon.
“The skin on our lips is delicate and needs protection against the elements, but most SPF lip balms I’ve tried taste bitter and make the back of my throat itch. None is created quite like Naturium’s. Not only is this one of the most deeply moisturizing lip balms in my growing collection (that’ll be the nourishing shea butter and smoothing squalane), but it also features broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection, shielding against UVA and UVB, all without the wince-inducing taste. In fact, there’s nothing but a subtle hint of minty vanilla. My favorite shade is Getaway, a soft peach that pairs beautifully with a neutral lip liner and makes my lips gleam sans stickiness.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“I didn’t think it was possible to love ONE/SIZE’s bestselling setting spray any more than I already did — and then the brand dropped an SPF version. I could cry tears of joy, which would probably be fine because that’s how good this stuff works to lock in my makeup. It feels virtually identical to the original On ’Til Dawn, but with the added bonus of SPF 28. As someone with oily skin who’s used to watching foundation and concealer disappear within hours, I can confirm that this stuff truly locks everything in place all day. Obsessed is an understatement.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“Ciele is the brand of SPF makeup. I’ve tried quite a few products from its collection, and my favorite is the Blush and Protect SPF50+. I use the shades Giselle and Berri. This is also marketed as an “acne-safe” blush, so I really enjoy using it on the days that I ditch complexion products. I love the look of a fresh face with a subtle flush, and it’s so great to achieve that with the added benefit of SPF 50 protection.” — Sophia Dennis, head of programming and brand strategy for Refinery29 Beautycon.
“Dior’s new Forever Skin Glow foundation really is beautiful — and a strong contender for one of my all-time favorites. Not only does it glide on seamlessly, but it melts into the skin to provide a sheer veil of coverage that adds dimension and glow, rather than erasing my features. As a result, any makeup I apply on top — think blush and bronzer — is minimal, because I love how alive it makes my skin look, while subtly blurring leftover acne marks. Even better? The added SPF gives extra UV protection, but on a dermatologist’s recommendation, I always layer it over a dedicated SPF 50+.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“SPF lip balms are notoriously hard to get right texture-wise, but Caliray’s gloss nails it. (Not entirely surprising, considering the brand is based in sunny SoCal, and founder Wende Zomnir surfs in her free time.) The formula is plush, hydrating, and comes in several shades. My go-to is Big Sur, a gorgeous rosy brown, but there are also options ranging from bright pink to peachy coral. Since lip skin is especially thin and prone to sun damage and sunburn, daily UV protection is a must. This hybrid formula delivers with UV filters zinc oxide and octisalate to get the job done.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“Another mineral sunscreen lotion? Yawn! Or so I thought. This one by Australian brand Blue Lizard genuinely surprised me. The texture is as gentle and hydrating as your favorite body lotion, yet it delivers SPF 50 protection with up to 80 minutes of water resistance, making it a go-to for beach days. The real standout is the packaging: the cap shifts from clear to blue when exposed to UV rays, serving as a built-in reminder to reapply. (It’s also very cool?!) And the price is right in line with what you’d expect from a comparable drugstore pick, making it a no-brainer choice.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“After a terrible sunburn one summer, I had to up my sunscreen game. Last year, just before I left for vacation, I picked up two bottles of this, and now I won’t travel without it. Not only is it a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen that defends against UVA and UVB, but it’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and packed with moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E (an antioxidant that provides extra protection against UV). It feels more like a lightweight body lotion than a sunscreen, sinking in fast so you can pull on your swimsuit or beach clothes without getting stuck. My partner usually hates sunscreen but doesn’t mind using this, which is a testament to just how good it is.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“An effective yet fun product will always have a hold on me, and this whipped sunscreen is the best. While I never go a day without wearing sunscreen on my face, I’m not great at keeping up with my body, so when I spotted Body Whip, I knew it would be a game-changer for me. This cream comes out of its canister like whipped cream. I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid, half the draw of whipped cream was the fun texture. Vacation has taken this childhood memory and made it into a product I don’t mind using daily, making it so much easier to stay on top of wearing SPF from my head to my toes.” — Sophia Dennis, head of programming and brand strategy for Refinery29 Beautycon.
“For years, I’ve recommended La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range to anyone who will listen. The formulas are some of the most lightweight and elegant out there — an ideal gateway for anyone who thinks they hate sunscreen. (And by hate, I mean they just haven’t found the right one yet.) You really can’t go wrong with anything in the lineup, but my GOAT is the Melt-In Milk for Face and Body. True to its name, the oil-free, milky texture sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue. It doesn’t clog my pores, and thanks to chemical UV filters, it goes on with no white cast in sight.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“This is another sunscreen I can’t imagine hot vacations without. It’s light yet deeply moisturizing, can be used on both the face and body, and doesn’t take an age to rub in or absorb. The broad-spectrum SPF 60+ protection is higher than most, and it features licorice root extract, which is said to soothe acne-prone skin. I get back and chest acne, but I never break out while using this, which, for me, makes it worth its weight in gold. As if that weren’t impressive enough, the brand’s patented SynchroShieldRepair technology means protection is strengthened on contact with heat and water, so you can swim and explore safe in the knowledge that you’re protected until it’s time to reapply.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“I find it hard to stay consistent with sunscreen unless it’s for my face. Once I’m out of the shower, I tend to lose interest in body care altogether, so an easy-to-apply SPF is important to me. I love a spray; that way, I can apply it quickly without getting my hands messy. This Supergoop! Body Mist is especially great because I can reach my back without having to phone a friend to help keep me protected.” — Sophia Dennis, head of programming and brand strategy for Refinery29 Beautycon.
“I’m always pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to use this sunscreen mist, especially because it dries down completely without a trace. I consider it insurance over a dedicated layer of sunscreen, giving me extra protection when I’m out in the elements and feel my skin getting a little too hot, for example, at the beach or on a hike. I simply mist it on, massage it in, and go about my day. Unlike other sprays, it’s not uncomfortably greasy, nor does it run out quickly. It lasted me two weeks on vacation once, even though everyone wanted to borrow it.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
“This is the sunscreen spray that finally convinced my husband to wear SPF daily — so yes, it gets all the flowers from me. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer line is a classic for a reason: it’s affordable, reliable, and no-fuss. I used to be skeptical of sprays (it’s hard to tell if you’re applying enough!), but with SPF 70, I feel a little more secure between reapplications — which are easy to stay on top of, since it takes about 30 seconds to mist my whole body. I’ll sometimes rub it in to speed up absorption, but the spray is so fine you don’t really have to. It’s also a chemical formula, so it goes on completely invisible — a win-win all around.” — Karina Hoshikawa, senior beauty writer.
“I love the ease of a milky spray sunscreen, and they don’t get much better than Clarins’ SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum Lotion. I packed this on vacation last year and, one day at the beach, I was genuinely sad to reach the end of it. The nozzle doesn’t spit like other sprays; instead, it delivers a wide mist of sunscreen across the skin, taking the chore out of application. It smells great without being too strong, and it takes just a few seconds to rub in, so I found myself reaching for it far more often. Reapplication is key to staying safe in the sun.” — Jacqueline Kilikita, beauty director.
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I spend a lot of time thinking about what actually makes a trend stick. Is it the sheer ubiquity of it on our feeds, or is it the moment a high-street powerhouse manages to bottle up a specific moment and make it feel attainable and wearable?
Looking at Hailey Bieber’s new Summer 2026 campaign for Mango, it’s clear we’ve hit the latter. While the internet will inevitably spiral over the micro-shorts — and listen, as someone who respects a borderline inappropriate trend, I see the vision — the real value for those of us building a functional, high-low wardrobe isn’t in the controversial hemlines. It’s in the intentionality of the layers.
The campaign is a masterclass in what I call the “Big Top Rule.” It’s a study in contrast: heavy, technical outerwear and structured blazers paired with soft, itsy-bitsy, summer-ready basics. It’s a vibe that feels as at home on a crisp morning in NYC as it does on the coast in California. If you’re opting for micro-tiny shorts this summer, pairing them with an oversized polo, a structured quarter-zip, or a crisp button-down is the polished, sophisticated way to nail the leg-baring trend. Life is about balance, after all. To get the full look just right, you need the volume up top to ground the mini shorts.
Thanks to Bieber and Mango, we now have a blueprint for outfits that nail the proportions. Whether you’re going full-Hailey or just grabbing the hero layers, shop the best of the drop here.
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It takes a lot to break through the noise in a saturated market, but some collections manage to grab our attention. So when a beloved fashion retailer and a viral beauty brand decide to collaborate, our shopping Spidey-senses activate. Today, American Eagle announced its partnership with Bubble, and there couldn’t be a more perfect collection to shop. (And as a self-identifying Zillennial who solely uses Bubble skincare for my sensitive skin and whose younger Gen Z sister solely spends her money at American Eagle, we’re excited to add these playful pieces to our collection.)
The fashion and beauty collaboration, available on both brands’ websites and in select American Eagle stores, is a celebratory entry into summertime. According to a press release: “The collab is rooted in a shared commitment to self-expression, individuality, and community — bringing together style and skincare in a way that feels natural and lived in.”
From a range of colorful loungewear — including graphic hoodies and terrycloth floral shorts — along with pajama sets and denim jackets, the collection has comfy styles you’ll want to wear for girls’ nights in… and for coffee runs… and for beach sunrises with your best friends! The keychains, necklaces, and platform slippers also promise to bring joy to your summer ‘fits.
The collection also has a limited-edition Bubble skincare bundle in a checkered cosmetics case featuring some of the brand’s bestsellers (including my personal favorites). We’re particularly excited about the new cherry lip balm, which comes in a set with summer charms. Beauty accessories like the terry headband and wristband sets plus terry makeup pouches also promise to brighten up your skincare and makeup routines.
Ranging between $9 and $85, the limited-edition collection is bound to sell out fast, so be sure to cart up your favorites ASAP.
The film everybody’s talking about, The Sheep Detectives, sounds downright outrageous. Based on the novel Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann, it follows a flock of sheep who must solve the murder of their shepherd, played by Hugh Jackman. But at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s one of Jackman’s most critically acclaimed films. So what is it about The Sheep Detectives that has audiences in tears (us included), and ruminating over how to cope with grief?
It’s easy to dismiss this fluffy, half-animated, half-live action film as just for kids, but this murder mystery is intriguing, touching and teaches us so much about community and dealing with emotion. If you’re a fan of Paddington 2, Babe or Knives Out, you should probably add it to your watchlist. Plus, the cast is stacked. The live-action characters include Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Tosin Cole, and Emma Thompson. The flock of sheep are voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Rhys Darby and Brett Goldstein.
Below, entertainment writers Angeline Barion and Rachel Choy delve into what makes The Sheep Detectives tick, why we cried over Sebastian and Winter Lamb, and whether or not this film is the best of the year. Mild spoilers follow.
Rachel Choy: I saw someone describe The Sheep Detectives as Babe meets Knives Out. And I kind of love that. It has all the emotional bits, there’s a true murder mystery — but the murder mystery isn’t the main takeaway.
Angeline Barion: I was like, why are there tears in my eyes? I’m really, really confused by the fact that there’s tears in my eyes over a sheep.
RC: That’s what everyone is saying! The sheep being able to choose whether or not they can wipe their memories so they don’t remember anything bad, that’s so real.
AB: That’s such a kid thing to do. Compartmentalize. It’s fine.
RC: If you had the choice to wipe everything bad that’s ever happened to you, would you do it?
AB: I don’t know. I feel I wouldn’t be the same person if I did do that. I think it’d be okay if I could pick and choose exactly what it would be. But I feel there’s a butterfly effect to thoughts, and how they branch out into different things. I wouldn’t be the same person if I chose to wipe my memory.
RC: It’s also telling that everything you overcome, everything has taught us a lesson. So we might be really stupid if we never learned from our mistakes. But I did love seeing the characters realize that you do need to face these hard and heartbreaking moments in life. So it’s a weird thing about grief. It would be great to get rid of your grief, but at the same time, you wouldn’t be able to remember the important moments. Your grief makes your better moments shine.
AB: Have you ever seen that quote, “In order for you to feel grief, it means that you felt an extreme amount of love?” You wouldn’t have one without the other. Despite grief being such a heavy thing that we all get to experience at some point in our lives, I think it’s also important to know what that feels like, so you can feel the good parts of it to its full extremity.
RC: I love that. Did you think the film was a bit dark for kids?
AB: I think maybe it was a good way to teach them about loss in a relatable way. I think putting it in a term — animals — that they understand helps them grasp those conversations. It also gives parents or anyone a starting point to talk to a child about that type of stuff.
RC: I don’t know if really little kids would understand everything, but I guess they can just be entertained by the animals.
AB: We all want a talking animal.
I’m really, really confused by the fact that there’s tears in my eyes over a sheep.
Angeline Barion on The Sheep Detectives
RC: But that scene where the ram Sebastian got attacked, it was giving me Mufasa flashbacks from The Lion King.
AB: I was sitting with Bernice when we were watching it, and we audibly gasped. It was just so awful. It was like in Guardians Of The Galaxy when they were showing Rocket’s backstory. It’s one of those things that will just stick with you,
RC: I can’t wipe that from my memory. The other thing was, I wanted to die every time they shunned Winter Lamb.
AB: I was like, oh my god, please just leave this poor lamb alone. This is so upsetting. He just wants to have a friend. He’s so small.
RC: He’s so small. And everyone online is like, we would die for Winter Lamb. And did you watch Project Hail Mary? Same thing for Rocky.
AB: I would die for Rocky.
RC: I feel that’s maybe what the film does so well, it really plays on your emotions. And there’s such deep messages I was not expecting from a movie about sheep. It’s about the importance of community, staying curious and learning, and not excluding anyone. And then also, how humans can be so evil when it comes to greed, it’s a lot.
AB: I love the way that they set up each of the different moments, how they would lay out very clearly all of the different personality types for the sheep. And then also in the scene where they’re reading the will, reading out all of those archetypes for each of the people as well. It leaves you questioning, but also lets you know that there’s a future resolution to things. Sometimes, especially for a kids’ movie, I hate finding out later that someone was meant to be evil out of the blue, and it’s hard for me to process.
RC: I also hate in murder mysteries when there’s no real way to figure out, for example, they put in a random twist at the end. But this is a proper murder mystery with clues, and you can see everyone that’s involved, and come to a conclusion.
There’s such deep messages I was not expecting from a movie about sheep. It’s about the importance of community, staying curious and learning, and not excluding anyone.
Rachel Choy On The Sheep Detectives
AB: It doesn’t leave too much to the imagination at the end.
RC: Even my husband got teary, and he never does this. He was thinking that this could be the best film of the year.
AB: We were obviously walking in and expecting that it was going to be a really fun movie, like a light-hearted version of Knives Out. But the fact that it goes so deeply into all of these different complex and very heavy topics was just so surprising. He’s right to say it would be one of the best movies of this year.
RC: And they got such a stacked cast, they would have all read the script and signed on. That’s so many people believing in it, not only just in the voice cast, but also the live-action cast as well.
AB: I think they have such a good dynamic. Nicholas Braun really carried it. His ability to play the character that’s very clueless, but then somehow works it out in the end.
RC: Even Emma Thompson in her tiny little moments, stole the show.
AB: It felt like a really nice family movie, one of those ones that you would chuck up on the TV on a Friday, eating popcorn at home.
RC: For me it’s up there with Paddington 2, it has that same vibe.
AB: And Mulan, The Little Mermaid… those types of movies that you can watch over and over again, despite knowing what the twist is. And I don’t mind telling all my friends about it.
RC: I’ve already told people they have to watch it. I said, “You need to watch this. I think you’re gonna resonate really well with this message.” Is there anything else you want to say about the film?
AB: I always wonder how the sheep understand English.
RC: They’re bilingual. They’re baa-lingual.
This conversation has been condensed for clarity. The Sheep Detectives is in theaters now.
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Even if you consider yourself a skincare aficionado, I’m willing to bet you haven’t given your feet a second thought all year. Until now, that is. With sandal season in full swing, it makes sense that we’re on the lookout for the one foot lotion that does it all: preventing cracks before they form, banishing ashiness and smoothing away flaky skin. And with a heatwave underway, it’s little wonder that searches for “best foot cream for hard skin” are spiking on Google. (Is there anything more shudder-inducing than the feeling of dry toes catching on your bedsheets?)
You might be wondering how a foot cream differs from your usual body lotion. In my experience, the latter just doesn’t cut it. A proper foot cream is usually much thicker in texture and loaded with heavy-duty ingredients like ultra-moisturizing urea and exfoliating salicylic acid, so you can put the scary cheese grater-style foot file down.
With that in mind, I tried $200 worth of foot creams, rating each one based on how my feet felt right after applying and after consistent use. Here are my honest thoughts.
I’m a huge fan of L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream, but because it’s packed with moisturizing butters and oils, it can leave a little residue. Happily, the foot cream version is just as effective on dry, cracked skin but sinks in quickly without any stickiness, so you can slip on socks or shoes right away. My favorite thing about it is the soothing lavender scent — it’s the ultimate bedtime ritual, and I’m convinced it helps me fall asleep faster. I also know it’s a staple in many luxury pedicurists’ kits…
I’ve used this on and off for years and still can’t get over the affordable price tag. Why? It does the most. The star ingredient is urea, a keratolytic agent that breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells, helping them shed quickly. It’s excellent for very dry, cracked feet with calluses. Moisturizing glycerin and allantoin leave feet feeling instantly brand new, and the softening results last until the next morning. If you’re not into the minty finish of most foot creams, this one’s lightly floral and sweet. It’s my number one on this list.
Sol de Janeiro’s Foot Fetish Cream comes with a smoothing board, so you can slough away rough skin and replenish dry feet in one fell swoop. Honestly, the two-step system makes a real difference. While I wouldn’t recommend filing every day, the cream is so fast-absorbing that I actually look forward to using it after each shower. The ingredients are substantial — think rich cupuaçu butter, shea butter, and glycerin — yet the cream disappears in seconds. As an impatient person, I appreciate not slipping and sliding around the bathroom. Much like the hand cream, it works wonders to alleviate dryness and smells incredible. A well-deserved second place.
I’ve squeezed many of The Body Shop’s Invigorating Foot Creams to the very last drop, even investing in a tube-squeezing key to get every last bit out — it’s that good. It features a handful of deeply nourishing butters like shea and cocoa, as well as moisturizing glycerin, plant oils, and waxes to make rough skin feel soft again. I love applying this before bed. It’s so smoothing, that I challenge anyone not to rub their feet together in joy. The name suggests that it’s cooling, but besides the peppermint scent, it doesn’t quite live up to the “invigorating” label, though the moisturizing benefits certainly make up for the lack of minty tingle. This comes in at a respectable third place.
This foot cream reflects its higher price tag. Luxuriously thick but not greasy, it has a relaxing, herby eucalyptus scent and leaves feet feeling satisfyingly soft. It’s another one that makes me want to rub my feet together gleefully in bed. Olive and shea butter give it a whipped consistency, while their fatty acids work instantly and over time to repair a dry, damaged skin barrier. There’s also vitamin B5 to lock in moisture and allantoin to soothe cracked skin.
This is a megamix of gently exfoliating fruit enzymes plus jojoba and castor oils, so it not only lifts away dry, flaky skin but also replenishes moisture in parched feet. Because the exfoliants are quite mild, regular use makes it worth the higher spend. I love the addition of soothing, refreshing tea tree. When I use it in the morning, it leaves my feet feeling fresh and prepped for sandals on super hot days.
If you want something that sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave a trace of residue, consider this your new go-to. But after giving it a good go last year, I found it wasn’t substantial enough for my very dry soles or calluses, even with a dose of exfoliating salicylic acid. I kept my foot file close. I much prefer the brand’s Moisturizing Cream, $19.99, for feet. It’s much bigger, so I don’t feel guilty slathering it on, and it boasts the same skin-rejuvenating ceramides, which act like glue between cells to keep skin soft and supple.
This is great if you don’t mind a bit of initial stickiness. The Amazon reviews don’t lie: it smells amazing and instantly smooths the look of superficial dry lines, but if you have painful cracks, I’d suggest steering clear due to the handful of essential oils, which could irritate broken skin. It’s instantly refreshing, making it ideal for swollen summer feet. Just give it a shake or a squeeze before use, as the olive oil tends to pool at the tube’s opening.
Margaret Dabbs’ Miracle Foot Cream is miles ahead of the brand’s Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion, which I found far too thin to make a difference to my parched soles. However, its main ingredient is petrolatum (aka petroleum jelly), so it’s thick, slow to absorb and leaves a greasy residue on toes and hands. It’s a before-bed-with-socks kind of product, rather than one to slather on before slipping into sandals. What really sets it apart from other foot creams, though, is its focus on foot and toenail hygiene, thanks to a generous dose of antifungal and antibacterial tea tree oil (no wonder so many pedicurists I know keep it in their kits). It also contains exfoliating salicylic acid, which does the work of a foot file without the risk of overdoing it — great if you can get past the slippery feel.
This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.
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