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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Cosmic beings, the first week of June begins with us still very much feeling the aftermath of the Sagittarius full moon that ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Aries Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Taurus Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Gemini Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Cancer Sun & Rising:

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

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

Leo Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Virgo Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Libra Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Scorpio Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Sagittarius Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Capricorn Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Aquarius Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

Pisces Sun & Rising:

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

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

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

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The long-awaited Blue Moon in Sagittarius is finally here! Its fiery energy is going to shake life up. May 31st brings the fi...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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I have a complicated history with supplements. Most of them are, in my experience, elaborate placebos in attractive pa...

I have a complicated history with supplements. Most of them are, in my experience, elaborate placebos in attractive packaging. And don’t even get me started on gummy vitamins. So when I kept hearing NMN come up in the longevity space — from The Skinny Confidential crowd to Bryan Johnson’s entire public existence — I did what any reasonable skeptic does. I filed it away and kept scrolling. 

Then I actually listened to David Sinclair on Diary of a CEO, and the science was too loud to ignore. 

I wasn’t looking for a 30-day transformation. I’m in my thirties, I feel good, and I take my health seriously enough to think about who I want to be at ninety, not just next summer. NMN appealed to me as a long game: a cellular investment, the kind of thing you start before you need it. I bought my first bottle at Erewhon more on that tax later and committed to a full 30 days before forming any opinion. 

I did not expect what came next, especially this fast. 

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The Product

Novos Boost (NMN) is a warning: really big word incoming nicotinamide mononucleotide supplement built on one core premise: that aging is not inevitable, it’s biological (and biology can be influenced). NMN works by replenishing NAD+, a coenzyme that powers cellular energy production and declines with age. Less NAD+ means less cellular repair, slower metabolism, duller skin, and that creeping fatigue that starts feeling normal in your thirties. 

I’ll be honest. I’d heard the term third-party tested before and filed it away without fully understanding why it mattered. It wasn’t until I heard Dr. Rhonda Patrick break it down on Diary of a CEO that it actually clicked. Here’s the thing that blew my mind: Supplement brands can legally put almost anything on a label, including ingredients that might not actually be inside the supplement. Dr. Patrick used creatine gummies as an example. Most of them contain little to no creatine. Which is exactly why I wasn’t just going to hand over $44 to just any brand.

Third-party testing is my holy grail metric because an external company that has no skin in the game, independently verifies what’s actually in the supplement. I scanned a few options and bought the Novos brand because of the unbiased stamp of approval. Not one, but two accredited third-party labs (Anresco and Micro Quality) confirmed a 100%+ purity and no mercury detected. 

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How I Used It

I took two capsules daily with my first meal, which for me lands around noon. I stacked it with a basic women’s multivitamin from Whole Foods nothing elaborate, nothing that would complicate the picture. I completed a full 30 consecutive days, which the brand recommends as the minimum window before drawing any conclusions. On the two days I forgot and took it before bed instead of with food, I still fell asleep without any issue. No racing thoughts, no disrupted sleep, no adjustment period to speak of. The protocol is low-lift, which matters when you’re committing to something long-term.

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What I noticed

I want to be clear that I didn’t start taking NMN for a 30-day transformation. I started taking it because I follow the longevity space closely — Sinclair’s explanation was the nudge that finally got me to pull the trigger and I wanted to be building toward the version of myself that’s still sharp, energetic, and vibrant at ninety. I was not expecting to feel anything significant in the first month. That’s not how cellular health works, and I knew that going in. 

Which is exactly why what happened next surprised me. 

The napping stopped. I’m a dedicated weekend napper, the kind who schedules around it. Somewhere in the first two weeks, I just… didn’t need it anymore. The afternoon wall that I’d accepted as part of my life quietly disappeared. The energy shift wasn’t caffeinated or jittery. There was no sudden jolt, no artificial alertness. I just stopped running out of fuel before the day was over. 

Then came the skin comments. I was traveling, which meant my skincare routine had been stripped to the bare minimum, a travel-size PCA Facial Wash Gentle Cleanser and a Youth To The People serum. No elaborate multi-step routine, no new products, nothing to credit. A woman at my nephew’s lacrosse game stopped me to ask what I was doing for my skin. When I told her it was just makeup, she pointed to my neck and said there was no makeup there, and it was glowing anyway. I went home and looked in the mirror more carefully than I had in months. The dullness I’d gotten used to was gone. Something underneath looked different — brighter, more alive. 

Another noticeable difference: my nails. I haven’t seen NMN marketed for nail growth, and I hadn’t heard anyone in the longevity space mention it as a benefit, but somehow in these 30 days, my natural nails got undeniably longer than ever. No polish, no gel, no change to my routine. Just quietly, consistently growing. I can’t say with certainty it was the NMN, but I can say it was the only variable. See for yourself. 

Edited with PrettyUp
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The Price

At $44 for a 30-day supply, Novos Boost NMN sits in the mid-range of the supplement market, more than your average vitamin, less than most of the serums in your bathroom cabinet. I’ll be honest: I bought my first bottle at Erewhon, alongside a vegan pizza and a Hailey Bieber skin glow smoothie. Standing at that register watching the total climb was, truly, a hard pill to swallow — no pun intended. But that’s the thing about Erewhon. It has a way of making you confront exactly how much you’re willing to spend on your wellness era, and apparently my answer is: quite a bit.

My honest wish is that Novos would offer a 60-day bottle at a better per-pill price point, because this is not a one-month experiment. This is a long-term investment in your biology, and the math adds up to over $500 a year. That said, I’ve spent more than $44 on moisturizers that did considerably less. When you reframe it as cellular infrastructure rather than a wellness add-on, the price starts to make sense. You’re either paying now or paying later, the longevity community has been saying this for years, and at this point, the evidence is clear.

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Would I Buy It Myself

I’m already on bottle two. I ran out while traveling and can’t wait to get home and back on my routine. That’s not something I’ve ever said about a supplement before — historically I’ve been skeptical of the entire category, gummy vitamins included. The fact that I’m actively anticipating my dose tells you everything about where I landed. 

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Who It’s For

I’m not a doctor and I’m not going to pretend to be one (please talk to yours before adding anything new to your routine, especially if you’re managing medications or existing health conditions). What I can tell you is who this feels right for based on my own experience. If you’re like me, someone who has been loyal to her basic women’s multivitamin for years and is starting to wonder if it’s time to level up, this is the natural next step in your big girl glow-up supplement routine. It’s for the woman who is already doing the work and wants to start investing at the cellular level. Not for a quick fix. For the long game. 

If you’re looking for something you’ll feel dramatically by day three, this isn’t your supplement. NMN works on a timeline measured in months and years, not days. NMN interacts with cellular pathways, so it’s always worth making sure your full regimen is working together, not against itself. 

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The Verdict

Worth it. When I first opened the bottle and saw how small the capsules were, my immediate reaction was that I had just wasted $44 on very expensive nothing. They are comically, almost insultingly tiny. I stood there holding the bottle thinking about every supplement I’d ever bought that did exactly nothing and wondering if I’d done it again. I hadn’t. But I guess that old cliché about good things coming in small packages actually holds some weight. Thirty days later, I have more energy, visibly better skin, and a second bottle already ordered. My only real critique is the price-to-supply ratio — at $44 for 30 days, the annual commitment is real, and a larger bottle at a lower per-dose price would make suggesting this to everyone significantly easier. But I’m recommending it anyway, price and all. Some investments you make for who you’re going to be in sixty years. This is one of them. 

Skip it if you want fast, visible results. NMN works on a timeline measured in months and years, not days. If that’s not your timeline, this isn’t your supplement. 

About the writer.

Alexis Bennett Parker is the Director of Shopping Partnerships at Refinery29. Strategic consumption is her Olympic sport. And her nine to five.

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There’s something about a summer haircut that feels transformative — a chance to shed the heaviness of seasons past and emer...

There’s something about a summer haircut that feels transformative — a chance to shed the heaviness of seasons past and emerge feeling lighter, brighter, and fresher. But when trends are a dime a dozen, where do you even start?

We’re willing to bet you’ve already pinned a bob — or several iterations of it — to your inspiration board. Then there’s the shag, back in all its mussed-up glory, not to mention the ’90s-inspired layered haircuts currently taking over Instagram.

To help narrow down the options, we asked leading hairstylists from London to Los Angeles to identify the 12 haircut trends they predict will be everywhere this summer and beyond. If you’re struggling to decide, consider this your starting point.

The Soft Flick Bob

Celebrity hairstylist Lorraine Dublin cites Raye as the ultimate inspiration behind this retro bob, which is rapidly making its way into salons. “This is a shoulder-length bob with soft, flicked-out ends and subtle layering,” explains Dublin, adding, “it’s going to be huge this summer because it feels polished but still effortless.” Ask for a chin or collarbone-length bob (if you don’t want to go too short) with soft movement and face-framing shape, suggests Dublin. This cut on fashion and beauty content creator Grandy is beautiful.

The Shattered Midi Cut

Neale Rodger, style director at STIL salon, says that mid-length cuts don’t have to be boring — especially when layers are involved. “This mid-length cut is characterized by airy layers and soft face-framing, inspired by ‘90s supermodel hair,” says Rodger, who has noticed a major return to volume, bounce, and healthy-looking movement after years dominated by flatter, sleeker styles. “This cut is perfect for clients who want to keep their length while adding shape, softness, and more styling versatility,” adds Rodger.

To get the look, he recommends asking your stylist for grown-out, “shattered layers” around the face, “soft graduation” through the lengths, and plenty of movement throughout — all without sacrificing too much density. This cut by Yuri Ponte Cabeleireiro Em Sobral is perfect.

The Riviera Bob

Both STIL salon’s Rodger and Nick Stenson, brand founder and CEO of Nick Stenson Beauty, are championing the Riviera bob this season. “This is a soft, relaxed bob that sits somewhere between the jawline and collarbone with natural texture and movement,” says Rodger. Think of it as the Italian bob’s more laid-back cousin: still featuring chunky ends and subtle layers, but with an even more effortless feel. At its core, it’s a softly layered bob with plenty of choppy movement through the ends, and both Rodger and Stenson believe it taps into the easy European summer aesthetic we’re all craving right now.

Rodger reports that the cut works particularly well on naturally wavy or textured hair, and Stenson says it’s beautiful on fine to medium hair textures. “This is because the cut creates fullness and bounce without feeling heavy,” he adds. Styling is key for a je ne sais quoi finish. Rather than reaching for a blow-dryer, both Rodger and Stenson recommend letting hair air-dry. “The glamour comes from the confident ‘undoneness’ of the cut,” Rodger says. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting something low-maintenance yet still chic and fashion-forward.” This cut on makeup artist Lydia Fowler is stunning.

The Modern Shag

The choppy, mussed-up shag will always have its appeal, but the modern version is a little more polished than its rock-chick predecessor, like this cut on Liv Bowsky. “The shag is evolving into an everyday, less edgy look with airy layers and soft volume,” says Stenson. “It boasts effortless texture and movement while working with natural hair patterns, making it ideal for those with medium to thick hair or anyone who wants volume without constant styling.”

We also love this curly shag on Shaynis.ksu. For the cut itself, Stenson recommends asking for long, feathered layers with curtain bangs and soft texture around the crown. Styling is just as important: “Finish with a texture spray to further elevate this look and to perfect that lived-in texture,” says Stenson. For a similar effect, try Nick Stenson’s Texture Finishing Spray, which is buildable yet easy to brush out.

See-Through Layers

Celebrity hairstylist and colorist Dimitris Giannetos predicts that “see-through layers” — which add subtle movement, rather than a step-like effect — are set to become one of the biggest trends of the summer. We’re obsessed with this cut by @beautyby.mirandaa on Instagram.

“Ask your stylist for ultra-fine, wispy razor-cut layers sitting throughout the perimeter of the hair with soft face-framing pieces throughout,” says Giannetos, adding, “The effect adds airy texture, dimension, and movement while maintaining the overall fullness and length of the hair.” To keep your layers in place, he suggests finishing off with a generous veil of L’Oréal Paris’ Elnett Hairspray.

The Luxe Crop

The luxe crop is the polished evolution of the pixie cut. “A sleek short crop is becoming really popular because people want styles that feel bold, clean, and low-maintenance for summer,” says Dublin, who pinpoints Olandria as inspiration. “Opt for a wig if you don’t want to commit to a chop,” she suggests. “It’s perfect for anyone wanting a dramatic refresh without a lot of styling time.” 

For those ready to brave the scissors, Dublin recommends asking your hairstylist for a soft, cropped cut with texture and shape. The result is a versatile style that can be worn sleek and blown out or left natural for an easy wash-and-go finish. 

Ultra-Long Lengths 

Stenson has noticed a major resurgence of long — but, crucially, healthy-looking — hair for summer. “We’ve already started seeing this look in action, most notably with the ultra-long blonde extensions Nicole Kidman debuted at the Met Gala,” he says. 

The key is movement, like this cut by Tampa-based hairstylist Sophie. “It consists of long, blended ‘invisible layers’ with dense, blunt ends to achieve the look,” says Stenson, adding, “It’s great for anyone who already has naturally long hair and wants movement without sacrificing thickness, or those looking to experiment with extensions.” 

To keep the style looking polished, invest in a good smoothing crème and concentrate it through the mid-lengths and ends. “This will help to maintain that glossy, milky shine,” says Stenson. 

The C-Curl 

This cut is defined by a subtle inward bend at the ends, says Giannetos, created by cutting the hair at an angle. “It gives hair a polished blowout effect while still feeling effortless and airy,” he says. To get the look, Giannetos recommends asking for a feathery, mid-length blunt cut (Ryenne Snow always nails them). “Style using a round brush with extra focus on curving the ends inward to emphasize the signature ‘C’ shape,” he says. For added length, Giannetos looks to Great Lengths’ Tape-In Extensions.

The Layered Press

“A shoulder-length layered silk press is trending because it gives movement and versatility while still feeling elegant and easy to maintain,” says Dublin, who adds that it’s ideal for those who switch between straight styles and their natural texture. It’s all in the face-framing: “Ask for long layers with shape around the face that still works beautifully with natural curls or an afro,” suggests Dublin. We love this look on Michaela Coel.  

The Grown-Out Bixie 

The bixie has become a firm fixture in salons — especially at STIL — but this summer’s iteration feels a little more lived-in, like this cut by Naoki Sakon. “This is a modern mix between a pixie and a bob, with softer edges and grown-out texture,” says Rodger, who has noticed a renewed appetite for shorter hair as the weather warms up. “That said, clients still want softness and versatility rather than sharp, severe crops, so this look is great for those who like a statement haircut that feels wearable and feminine,” he says. 

Rodger recommends asking your stylist for a “textured pixie shape” with longer layers through the crown and bangs. “This will keep the finish soft, piece-y, and easy to style,” he adds. “Just make sure that the perimeter of the shape has enough length to keep it soft, and that it’s easy to play with and tuck behind the ears.” 

The De-Marilyn Bob 

“The de-Marilyn bob is a voluminous, sexy cut that delivers old-Hollywood glamour — but with a modern finish,” says Giannetos, who adds that it’s all about soft body, bouncy movement, and brushed-out texture. “It’s inspired by iconic bombshell hair, but updated for 2026 with a lighter, effortless feel for summer.” We love this cut by Suzi.

It starts with a mid-length chop. “Ask your stylist for a rounded, shoulder-length cut with long bangs and minimal layers,” says Giannetos. To finish the look, he always recommends Kerastase Elixir Ultime Serum (also an R29-favorite) for added shine. 

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