Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend the...

Welcome to Money Diaries where we are tackling the ever-present taboo that is money. We’re asking real people how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we’re tracking every last dollar.

This week: A project manager working in housing who makes $90,395 per year and spends some of it on a first-ever purchase of a raw, whole chicken!

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This Money Diary was written at the start of 2026.

Occupation: Project manager
Industry: Housing
Age: 31
Location: New York, NY
Salary: $90,395
Joint Income/Financial Setup: I live with my partner, E., whose income is $87,000. Our expenses are mostly separate, but we have a joint account that we contribute to monthly for our rent and a few other shared expenses. We use Splitwise to track our spending and settle up with each other each month.
Assets:
401(k): $78,134 (including current job and all previous jobs)
Roth IRA: $11,973
NYC Employee Pension: $11,151 (more on this later)
High-Yield Savings Account: $394. (This was hovering around $30,000 for the past several years, and the majority of it recently went to my share of a down payment for the apartment my partner and I are working toward purchasing! We’re in contract and hoping to close on it any day now.)
Debt: $0
Paycheck Amount (every two weeks): $2,140 (This is after deductions for union dues, FSA plan, tax and retirement savings).
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing Costs: I contribute $1,925 to our shared account each month. This covers my share of our rent, utilities, internet, our shared subscription to a local news source, and a small ‘slush fund’ for other shared expenses.
Loan Payments: $0
Other monthly expenses:
Tidal music streaming: $10
iCloud storage: $2.99
Contribution to my local public radio station: $5
Contribution to my goal of donating 10% of my salary to charity each year: $75
Other reoccurring expenses:
Chewy order of food and litter for our cat: $114 (every seven weeks)
Annual Citibike membership: $240 (reimbursed by my healthcare!)

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
Yes, my parents both attended college and worked hard for my brother and me to attend it at no cost to us. I qualified for financial aid and held a work-study job throughout college. I can’t overstate my gratitude for graduating debt-free and hope to provide the same for my kids one day, though that seems to be getting much harder to achieve in today’s economy! I went back to school for a Master’s degree, which I paid for myself with savings, scholarships, part-time work during school, and a loan that I have now paid off. I feel proud of myself for accomplishing that on my own.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances?
We didn’t talk much about money, and I wish we had done so more! However, I do remember learning from my parents how to write checks and balance checkbooks as a kid, how to save over time for bigger expenses, and how to establish a good credit score after I graduated college and got my first credit card.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I worked at a snack shack at a local country club the summer after my senior year of high school. It paid minimum wage and helped me to build up some savings for things like books, laundry, and fun activities as I started college. I borrowed my mom’s car to get to and from the job.

Did you worry about money growing up?
No, and I recognize the enormous privilege that comes with that. My parents settled in the city where they both grew up, which has a very low cost of living. They’ve told me they struggled with money before I was born and when I was young, between IVF treatments, fixing up their old house, paying for our Catholic elementary school and activities, etc., but their earnings had increased substantially by the time I went to college. I had the privilege of attending an independent private school on a half-tuition scholarship for middle and high school.

Do you worry about money now?
Yes! New York City is SO expensive. I use my partner’s subscription to the software You Need A Budget (YNAB), which helps me keep track of everything. It will be a huge win and relief for us to — hopefully! — close on this apartment soon, which we are only able to afford because it is regulated by the City essentially as ‘affordable housing for the middle class.’ But it will be a substantial increase to our monthly housing costs, the apartment needs work, and I worry about how we will pay for things like a wedding and childcare in the future.

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
I started renting my own apartment (with my dad’s co-signature) at 22, and got my own healthcare plan at 26. My parents still pay for my cell phone plan, and I’m lucky to know they would support me if I absolutely needed it, but I prefer to be financially independent.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
No.

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Day One: Thursday

9 a.m. — My partner, E., and I wake up groggily from our friend’s birthday-slash-NYE party last night, which was awesome and involved a long subway ride from Brooklyn back home to Manhattan in the wee hours. But we have to rally, because it’s time for our annual New Year’s Day hike in the Hudson Valley with our friends M. and C.

E. makes us coffee and puts it in our thermoses (we have our home coffee system down to a science, delicious and it saves us a fortune). I feed our beloved rescue cat, and we head to the subway (covered by my pre-tax transit benefit card that I contribute $66 to every two weeks).

10:30 a.m. — We make it to Grand Central on time, thanks to some very lucky train timing and a bit of running (how does this always happen to us?). We stop at our favorite bakery in the station, and E. grabs us each a croissant sandwich for breakfast. $9

11 a.m. — E. buys our tickets for the train to the Hudson Valley, and I’ll buy our tickets back home. We find our friends and grab seats. It’s super cold out, but always beautiful to ride along the river up to a cute town. When we get there and walk uphill through the town to the trailhead, E. buys us a couple of hiking snacks (I choose an apple and a Clif Bar). I assume those will make their way to Splitwise eventually.

3:30 p.m. — Yikes, that hike was rough! Usually, we climb a small mountain and get a great view from a fire tower at the summit. This year, the whole trail was covered in ice, and we were woefully unprepared. We make it about a quarter of the way up and half tiptoe, half slide on our butts back down. Morale is low during the hike, but we make our way to our traditional Thai place to defrost and start to find some humor in our misadventure. We share a couple of apps, and I get Massaman curry with chicken and a Thai beer. E. puts his card down and charges my $47.66 to Splitwise. $47.66

5 p.m. — Feeling much better, though still freezing, we make our way back to the train. I charge the $35.50 for our two tickets to my prepaid transit card, which has some leftover funds in it since we were out of town for Christmas. We take the subway back home from Grand Central (another charge to my transit card), do some cleaning, watch Gilmore Girls with popcorn, and pass out.

Daily Total: $56.66

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Day Two: Friday

9:30 a.m. — It’s a work-from-home day for me, and it feels slow and weird after we had yesterday off. I enjoy lounging in bed for a while before logging on. E. makes coffee and heads to his office. I feed the cat and play with him, then settle in with my laptop, taking some breaks for much-needed vacuuming. I make a late breakfast with leftover chicken, kale, and garlic sauce from a dinner out earlier this week, and scramble an egg into it to make it feel breakfast-y. It’s also payday(!) so I assign a chunk of my earnings to our upcoming closing costs for the apartment and put the rest toward other line items in YNAB.

12:30 p.m. — I head out into the freezing cold for a short run and some errands on my lunch break. I signed up for my first half-marathon in nine years(!), and today’s plan is three miles at an easy pace. I turn on Strava and meander my way through Central Park, winding up at my fabulous local pharmacy to pick up my prescription. They are a small business run by sweet people who really know their stuff and care about me personally — what a concept compared with Duane Reade or CVS! I love them so much that, when they told me the copay on my SSRI prescription wasn’t enough to cover their costs, I bumped up my payment by a couple of dollars so that I could keep getting it from them. It’ll be reimbursed later by my FSA plan that I pay into annually through work. I joke with the staff about our epic icy fail of a hike yesterday and wish them a Happy New Year. $10

1 p.m. — I’m SO COLD, but I power through to Trader Joe’s since it’s right across the street. Since it was closed yesterday, it’s craaaazy crowded. I get an avocado, a bag of butter lettuce and radicchio, and flowers that I know are cat-safe. I grab cinnamon rolls for both of us to make for breakfast sometime soon, and get E. a couple of packs of frozen gnocchi with sauce and chicken tikka masala for quick lunches, and a couple of bottles of his probiotics. The total comes to $52.70, but most of that was E.’s stuff, so I charge him $40.69 in Splitwise. $12.01

2 p.m. — Back home and time to warm up! I get back into work mode and pause to make salmon patties for lunch while listening to a podcast. They’re made of canned salmon, onions, peppers, crushed-up crackers, an egg, mayo, and spices. They don’t stick together super well, but at least they taste great when I fry them up. I eat them on a bed of the butter lettuce and avocado I just bought and put sweet chili sauce on top, plus a big glass of water and some salty dark chocolate. Not shabby!

6:30 p.m. — I put on a sweater-dress and my usual look: fun earrings, watch, face lotion, mascara, Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm, and a touch of RMS Beauty coverup. I’m running a little late but catch some lucky subways (transit card again) and make it to our 7 p.m. reservation at a Dim Sum place in Chinatown. It’s our friend D.’s birthday! We try all sorts of dumplings, buns, noodles, meats, and greens, plus a bunch of interesting desserts and some BYOB wine. D. and his wife E. live in our neighborhood, and we’ve become great friends with them after meeting through mutual friends last year. It’s nice to get to know a bunch of their friends who we haven’t met before as we pass around all the different bites. E. and I. each Venmo them $45 for our share of the feast. $45

9:30 p.m. — We wander to the Lower East Side in search of a chill bar, and find one at last with enough room for us all. I get a great cocktail with gin and lemongrass, and we chat with everyone some more in the back corner. We head for the subway home (transit card once more) a little before 11 p.m. and head to bed when we get home. $18

Daily Total: $85.01

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Day Three: Saturday

10 a.m. — It’s so nice to have no plans ’til this evening! We have a slow morning, hanging out in bed and then making the cinnamon rolls I got at Trader Joe’s yesterday. E. makes coffee, and we enjoy it with orange juice (and for me, some persimmon) while listening to podcasts and records on the couch. We spend the afternoon relaxing and catching up on chores, and E. does some work for one of his many volunteering gigs while I start research for a trip we’re hoping to take to Quebec this winter.

1:30 p.m. — My good friend, C. had a family member pass away unexpectedly this holiday season, and her family has generously offered to help her loved ones afford a trip to the Midwest to join her for the celebration of life later this month. I make arrangements to stay with my cousin, who lives in the area, then book my flight. C. reimburses me the $237 on Venmo. It’s not a trip I had expected and that feels a little overwhelming, but it means a lot to me to support my friend through this and it’s so generous of her family to make that financially possible.

3:30 p.m. — The breakfast of carbs and caffeine is catching up to me, so I warm up more of the salmon patties (in the oven, so as not to be evil and stink up the microwave!) and have them over more of the butter lettuce, avocado, and sweet chili sauce. I snack on Dot’s Pretzels and have more dark chocolate and water. Chocolate after lunch is the key to life, in my opinion.

4:30 p.m. — Our friends K. and I. are coming over for dinner and a movie tonight, and I head out to the nearby Whole Foods to grab what we need for the recipe we decided on. I buy canned tomatoes, a lemon, an onion, kale, sausage, and Parmesan cheese, plus some chicken from the hot bar and another frozen gnocchi for E. I split the $33.41 bill when I get home, and my share comes out to $9.96. $9.96

6:30 p.m. — K. and I. come over with wine, cheese (I warm up some frozen mini baguettes to pair with it), and tortellini and basil to finish off the recipe. I ask I. to brown the sausage while I prep everything else, and we sit down to a lovely creamy tomato tortellini soup. It’s hard to squeeze in a dinner party in our little apartment, but it always feels nice. We decide to run back out to grab some dessert and snacks for our movie — K. and I. buy some Sumo Citrus, and E. and I. split a tub of vanilla ice cream from Target to go with the brownie mix we have at home. The movie is an intense documentary, so the dessert and the antics of our cat bring some much-needed levity! Our friends head home around midnight, and we clean up and get ready for bed. $2.80

Daily Total: $12.76

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Day Four: Sunday

11 a.m. — Winter hibernation is real! I roll out of bed and start to mentally prepare for today’s run: six and a half miles, the farthest I’ve gone in years. I feel a little nervous as I sip on the coffee E. made me before heading out, and have a slice of toast with peanut butter and some fancy jelly a friend brought to our holiday party a few weeks prior. I stretch a little, get dressed, and head out. It ends up feeling great, and it’s finally sunny out! I end up way uptown and take the subway back home (using my transit card).

2:45 p.m. — I ravenously eat the Clif Bar I didn’t need on our failed hike, a brownie, water, and the rest of my coffee before I take a nice hot shower. E. and I have offered to stop by the birthday party at friends D. and E.’s apartment in the neighborhood, to clip their cat’s nails before the birthday boy heads back to his current job out-of-state. We have become cat nail pros in our first six months of cat parenthood and are eager to spread the love. We arrive and get the task done (with some squirming and scratching), then hang out for a few hours, play with the cat, and enjoy D.’s birthday cake leftovers with tea and milk.

7:00 p.m. — I catch up with my childhood friend on FaceTime for a while, and then we have to decide what to do for dinner. Neither of us is feeling very motivated — I think with the holidays over, seasonal affective disorder is starting to hit. I rally for yet another quick grocery trip (perks of living two to three blocks away from several stores!) and get chicken, prosciutto, arborio rice, an onion, and tortellini to supplement the leftover broth from yesterday’s soup. It comes to $27.34, split evenly between me and E. I put on a podcast and make our favorite risotto recipe, which keeps really well for leftovers to bring for office lunches. We watch a show about the history of jazz for a while, then head off to sleep. $13.67

Daily Total: $13.67

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Day Five: Monday

8:30 a.m. — It’s another work-from-home day for me, whereas Tuesday through Thursday I’ll be going into the office. E. makes coffee as usual before heading to his office, and I feed the cat and settle into work. I have some yogurt and granola, one of my favorite breakfasts, though this time the granola was made by E.’s mom and brought home from our Christmas visit instead of being made by me. I catch up on emails and take a couple of meetings in my cozy sweater and fleece pants.

1:30 p.m. — At lunchtime, I grab four tickets for myself, E., and our friends A. and me to go ice skating on Sunday! I’m obsessed with ice skating, like the born-and-raised Upstate New Yorker that I am. I pay the $50 for four passes and one pair of rental skates (E. is the only one who doesn’t have his own), and everyone pays me back. I’m so glad we’re going to the brand new rink that has opened in the northern part of Central Park. $10

2:oo p.m. — I’m getting bored with my salmon patties and decide to reinvent them a bit for today’s lunch. I fry up a package of Trader Joe’s Thai Wheat Noodles — a major pantry staple for me — using soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili crisp, garlic, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup. Then I toss in the salmon patty mixture. Much more interesting than the same thing for a third time!

7:00 p.m. — E. gets home, and we get ready to meet our friend, A. for dinner in the neighborhood. She’s from Germany and now that she’s back from a long visit home for the holidays, we are belatedly taking her out as a thank-you for watching our cat while we went on a short trip this past fall. We meet up at a French place where I reserved us a table, but we learn that they’re closing early tonight and decide to walk over to a Mexican restaurant instead. It’s great catching each other up on the past few months of life over chips and salsa, tacos, and enchiladas, and E. and I each get a margarita with Tajin. A. tries to contribute when it’s time to pay, but we insist that we’re glad to treat her and part ways on the corner. Then E. and I bring physical books/magazines to bed for a change — I would love to do more of this and less scrolling, we’ll see how we do — and we fall asleep early. $68.40

Daily Total: $78.40

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Day Six: Tuesday

8:00 a.m. — Our alarm goes off, in tandem with a light gradually turning on and the local public radio station playing classical music (this elaborate setup was E.’s doing, and I’d say I’m a fan). I get up a bit groggily, since the cat decided to choose chaos and be whiny last night. I do my usual routine of washing my face, cleaning my retainers, and taking my SSRI before getting dressed for the office. E. makes coffee in a thermos for me and I pack it up with some granola with milk and a leftover Sumo Citrus that our friends bought at Whole Foods for breakfast, and more of my salmon noodle concoction for lunch.

10:00 a.m. — I walk to the express subway and swipe in (using my transit card). I head to my office and get to work.

2:00 p.m. — I eat my packed lunch at the office, then head out for my usual lunch break walk. Then back to work I go.

8:00 p.m. — I stay at work til about 6 p.m., then hop on the subway home (transit card). It felt nice to get back to the office, but I’m glad to have some introvert time at home now while E. is grabbing dinner out with a friend. I put Yoga with Adriene on the TV and move along with her while trying to dissuade the cat from his mischief. Then I simmer the tortellini into the leftover soup broth and enjoy it with some boxed red wine and an old John Oliver episode.

Daily Total: $0

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Day Seven: Wednesday

7:30 a.m. — I actually get up with my alarm for once, rather than lounging for a while, because I’m on a mission to run before work! I get ready and eat a bit of peanut butter, then head out to Central Park. Today, I’m tackling some hills, which is rough but good preparation for the hilly half-marathon course that awaits me next month. I make my way up and down for 25 minutes or so, then head back home to shower and get ready for work.

9:30 a.m. — I remember I froze a banana a while back, and make a smoothie with it in my immersion blender along with milk, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. I pack that along with the rest of my tortellini, an apple, and E.’s coffee. I swipe my transit card and head downtown.

1:00 p.m. — I heat up my tortellini — still great! — and eat it at my desk. Later, I head out for my beloved lunchtime walk again. The unusual warmth today is doing my soul good, for sure.

6:00 p.m. — My original plan was to go to the diner near my office with my work bestie for grilled cheese, but she’s out sick today. I pivot to yet more grocery shopping and swipe my transit card to head to Wegmans. Having grown up in Upstate NY, Wegmans is life! I stock up on a whole bunch of things: oat milk, shredded cheese, yogurt, ice cream, chili crisp, miso, Better than Bouillon, French fried onions (E. is obsessed with these), cooking wine, a chicken, ground beef, floss for E., apples, onions, potatoes, and a couple of the cookies we always buy when we shop here. It comes to $101.49, and my share is $44.24. $44.24

7:30 p.m. — Argh, the item we needed most desperately (soap) was out of stock at Wegmans! I have a rough transit journey home, involving a local train, an express train, a bus across town, and a walk. I’m eager to put my bags down, but I have to head back out to Target. Thankfully, it’s two blocks away and has the soap we need, so I buy a bunch and head right back home. $16.97

9:00 p.m. — While I cook a French onion skillet meal from the wonderful Jenn Eats Goood site, I call my cousin, whom I often talk to while we’re both cooking (how sweet is that?). I’m really happy with how the recipe comes out and enjoy it while watching more John Oliver reruns. After cleaning up, E. comes home while I’m talking to my friend K. about our hopeful apartment purchase! We both tell her all about it — the stress of being in contract but not sure yet if it’ll all work out, the upcoming co-op board interview, and all the rules and regulations involved. She and her partner own a home in the Pacific Northwest, and she is very confused by all these New York-specific rules! We watch another episode of Gilmore Girls and head to sleep.

Daily Total: $61.21

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The Breakdown

Conclusion:
I’m happy with all the cooking I did this week, though we still had plenty of fun seeing friends and going out now and then. I’ve been joking that we need to be “in our scrimping era” while we attempt to purchase this apartment, and we’re doing what we can to live up to that.

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You’ve nodded along to words you didn’t fully understand: in the exam room, in the group chat, halfway down a search ...

You’ve nodded along to words you didn’t fully understand: in the exam room, in the group chat, halfway down a search results page. Body Language is here to change that. Sometimes that means decoding one health term at a time, cultural context included. Sometimes it means telling the truth about what it actually feels like to live in a body — ours and yours. 

I’m almost forty. I’ve been breaking out since I was seventeen, and last winter I finally went looking for answers that didn’t involve microdosing Accutane. That search led me to lactoferrin. 

Surface work 

A skin research rabbit hole led me to Dr. Dray, a dermatologist on YouTube, who explained how short contact therapy can give people with sensitive skin the benefits of topical actives without the typical fallout: redness, dryness, the irritation that makes most people quit. 

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most effective topical treatments against acne-causing bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). It’s also famously irritating, which is why most people abandon it within weeks. Short contact works around that: apply for a few minutes, then rinse. You get the antibacterial action without the inflammatory damage. That’s the protocol I committed to, one to three minutes a day, every day, using Sofie Pavitt Face’s Reset 5% benzoyl peroxide mask. Within a month, my breakouts dropped by half. 

But I kept pulling the thread. If benzoyl peroxide addresses  C. acnes on the surface of the skin, what could support my skin from the inside out?  

That question led me to lactoferrin. 

So what is it, exactly? 

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein found in colostrum, saliva, tears, and breast milk. It’s one of the most extensively studied bioactive proteins in nutrition research. The science exists. It’s just been sitting quietly in the background while collagen and creatine have dominated the convo, but lactoferrin is doing something entirely different  for women’s health. 

Bacteria need iron to survive, just like we do. But they can’t touch the iron locked inside your red blood cells or stored in your liver – that’s all escorted, accounted for, inaccessible. What they can access is free iron, the unbound iron floating around in your bloodstream and tissues. C. acnes thrives on it. Lactoferrin binds that free iron and locks it away, cutting off the key fuel source that iron-dependent bacteria rely on to replicate. Scientists call this nutritional immunity, and it predates modern medicine by a few billion years. Lactobacillus, a key  beneficial bacteria in your gut, evolved to thrive without free iron, so it’s  largely unaffected. Lactoferrin can selectively limits the bad actors that depend on it. 

The research on lactoferrin and acne is small but striking. A 2017 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the International Journal of Dermatology gave 164 adults with mild to moderate acne either lactoferrin (combined with vitamin E and zinc) or a placebo, twice daily, for three months. The lactoferrin group saw a 28.5 percent reduction in total lesions, a 32.5 percent reduction in comedones, and a 44 percent reduction in inflammatory lesions, compared to placebo. A 2010 trial out of Korea found similar numbers using lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk: a 38.6 percent drop in inflammatory lesion count over twelve weeks. 

I started taking 300 milligrams a day. Within a month, between the topical protocol and the oral dose, my skin had completely cleared. But the moment I knew it was really working was when my skin stayed clear through two menstrual cycles. For the first time in years. 

I tried it before. I didn’t stick with it. 

Years earlier, in the middle of a year I spent dealing with fibroids and the brutally heavy periods that came with them, my ferritin had bottomed out, and lactoferrin was already on my radar. 

Ferritin is your iron savings account, the iron your body has banked in tissue for when you need it. Standard labs measure hemoglobin, the iron actively circulating in your blood, but they often miss ferritin entirely. This is why women can have “normal” iron labs and still feel exhausted, foggy, and cold. The reserves are gone; the day-to-day supply is just barely keeping the lights on. 

I didn’t give it a proper run then. Too much was competing for my attention, and I wasn’t ready to be consistent with something new. I came back to it this time with more context and a clearer reason. 

And this time, something else happened. The background bloat I’d come to consider normal, the post-meal heaviness, quietly eased. Research suggests lactoferrin may support beneficial gut bacteria and intestinal barrier function The literature is still developing,  the directional evidence is present. 

What my routine looks like now 

It’s been six months and I still take lactoferrin daily. Research suggests efficacy plateaus around 200 milligrams, so I’ve settled on that dose. I still keep up the short contact benzoyl peroxide protocol once a day. I get my ferritin checked twice a year and still get IV iron infusions when I need them. 

I rotate between two products: Lactoferrin 95+ from Lactoferrin Co., and Perelel’s Daily Resilience Complex, which pairs 250 milligrams of lactoferrin with ten grams of collagen peptides in an unflavored powder that dissolves in coffee or a smoothie without issue. Great if you’re not a pill person, even better if you like taking collagen.  

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The data, for once, includes us 

The research on lactoferrin has largely been conducted in women, in the contexts of pregnancy, anemia, gut health, and inflammatory skin conditions. It is, for once, a supplement with scientific literature that actually includes us. Lactoferrin isn’t a miracle supplement. It’s a less well-known tool with documented evidence behind it, and it’s overdue for its cultural moment. 

Consider this the first signal. 

This essay reflects personal experience and reviewed research. It is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a chronic condition. 
Studies referenced: Chan et al. (International Journal of Dermatology, 2017); Kim et al. (Nutrition, 2010); Zhao et al.(Nutrients, 2022); Kruzel et al. (Frontiers in Immunology, 2017); Núñez et al. (Journal of Immunology, 2018).

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After more than 10 years in beauty, I’m usually the go-to for  skincare recommendations  in my friendship circle. But...

After more than 10 years in beauty, I’m usually the go-to for skincare recommendations in my friendship circle. But if the past few months are anything to go by, they’ve been the ones schooling me, because lately, there’s only one brand on their lips — and it’s Medicube. 

Skincare enthusiasts — or anyone whose thumbs are never far from their TikTok feed — probably already know (and love) the Korean skincare brand, which launched in South Korea in 2017. But it’s managed to cut through the noise (read: the tens of other brilliant Korean brands that have also made their way into Ulta Beauty and on Amazon) to become one of the most talked-about and exciting names in the space. No, really. At a recent Medicube event, I’ve never seen my fellow editors more intrigued by a brand — specifically the LED Booster. (They didn’t care that they were wearing makeup; the handy red-light tool went straight on their faces.) 

With spring right around the corner, my skincare routine was in need of a complete overhaul, so I swapped everything out for a full collection from Medicube. Here are all the products I’d recommend. 

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Medicube Zero Pore Pad, $21 

This is one of Medicube’s top-reviewed products at Ulta and the one I was most excited to try. First off, I love that it comes with a handy pair of tweezers, which makes light work of picking up each pad — a very helpful addition if you have long nails like I do. The pads themselves — 70 of them, by the way — are soaked in two exfoliating acids. 

First up, 4.5% lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the top layer of skin. This gentle acid makes skin smoother and brighter over time by chipping away at dead skin cells and fading hyperpigmentation. Besides exfoliating, it also boosts hydration. Then there’s 0.45% salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). While also gentle, it seeps deeper into pores, breaking up the paste-like mix of oil and dead skin that contributes to pimples. One side of the pad is smooth, while the other is slightly rougher for manual exfoliation.

Happily, because the acids are relatively low in concentration, the pads don’t sting, even on my reactive skin, and they can be used daily. I’ve been using them for over three weeks at night, and I realized they really worked magic on my skin when I caught myself in my apartment mirror one evening and saw my skin literally glinting under the warm light. It’s a lot clearer and smoother, too. One thing I’m not sold on is the name. Pores are completely normal — you can’t shrink them or get rid of them. 

Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Mask, $19.90 

These masks spotlight one of K-beauty’s most promising ingredients: PDRN. Without turning this into a biology lesson, it stands for polydeoxyribonucleotide — essentially DNA derived from salmon. Research suggests PDRN can help regenerate skin tissue, promoting healing, reducing inflammation, and increasing collagen, the protein that keeps skin strong and supple. 

I’ve been using one mask a week for a month, and the main difference I’ve noticed is how much more hydrated and juicy my skin looks afterwards — so much so that I don’t feel the need to follow with any other skincare. If you’re after that “glass” effect, this will definitely help you get there. I also love watching the mask shift from pink to transparent, a sign that your skin has drunk up all the goodness. Beyond the hydration boost, it’s simply a nice, relaxing ritual. 

Medicube Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream, $22 

This is my new favorite AM and PM moisturizer. As for the texture, the clue is in the name — it’s a transparent jelly rather than a gel-cream. I underestimated it, convinced it wouldn’t be enough to quench my thirsty cheeks and occasionally flaky forehead, plus keep pimples at bay, but my skin always feels smooth, hydrated, and comfortable. 

It takes a second to stop feeling tacky, but the finish is matte, and it makes the perfect makeup primer. While I don’t necessarily believe topical collagen can boost your own supply, I do know it’s a fantastic hydrator — especially alongside moisturizing squalane and oil-reducing niacinamide. 

I use this everywhere: under my eyes like eye cream, down my neck, and on the backs of my hands. I’m also really impressed by how much you get for the price. The tub houses an impressive 110ml of product. 

Medicube Zero Pore SA Clear Capsule Facial Deep Cleanser, $16.90 

I’ve gone through two of these cleansers in recent months, and I’m almost certain my skin is clearer because of it. Like the Zero Pore Pads, it contains exfoliating acids — salicylic and mandelic — both of which help unclog pores and gradually fade post-acne marks. While it also contains tiny exfoliating particles, they’re very soft, and I barely notice them.

Happily, the second ingredient on the list is glycerin, a deeply moisturizing humectant, so it doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. Since it’s a foaming face wash, I only use it in the evening after removing makeup with micellar water. In the morning, I prefer something creamy and gentle to avoid stripping my skin. 

Medicube PDRN Pink Peptide Serum, $21 

If you really want to maximize the benefits of PDRN, this gentle daily serum is your best bet over a one-and-done face mask (though the mask is undeniably fun). Alongside PDRN, it contains no fewer than five peptides — short chains of amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin, which keep skin bouncy. 

The inclusion of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 is what makes it stand out. Together, they’re often dubbed “Botox in a bottle” and can help smooth skin texture over time. Since slotting it into my routine, I’m convinced my forehead lines look less obvious — at least to my eye. The matte finish helps, too, and means makeup glides on like a dream. 

Medicube Booster Pro, $220 

This tool has all my beauty editor peers talking. There are four modes in total. First up, Booster Mode, which gently vibrates to help your skin better absorb your chosen moisturizer or serum. Second, MC Mode, which uses low-level microcurrent technology to stimulate facial muscles, giving skin a temporary “lift.” Third, Derma Shot Mode, which uses red LED light to encourage healing and support elasticity. Lastly, Air Shot Mode is designed to refine texture and pores. Personally, I don’t think it’s strong enough to actually exfoliate, but it does feel like a refreshing cool shot — especially nice if your skin gets inflamed or red after cleansing. 

The catch? Consistency is key. You’ll only see results if you stick with it. I like to use the red and blue light modes for five to 10 minutes at a time when I have large hormonal pimples. I’m convinced it helps reduce their size and ease the soreness. 

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

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 dermatologis...

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.

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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.” 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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 appearanc...

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 th...

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.

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 sh...

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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