Chloe Cherry is “extremely tired” of being asked about sex work. But it’s hard to get around the topic when it’s a focal point of Euphor...

Chloe Cherry is “extremely tired” of being asked about sex work. But it’s hard to get around the topic when it’s a focal point of Euphoria Season 3, and she stars in the controversial HBO series. Cherry plays Faye, a deadpan, deceptively observant drug smuggler working with Zendaya’s Rue and a drug addict herself. As the show leans harder into shock value this season, Cherry is one of the few cast members willing to interrogate what the Sam Levinson series is actually saying. Since she’s no stranger to the realities of sex work herself, it’s understandable that she has become a voice of critique. But it’s also fair that Cherry doesn’t want to be positioned as a spokesperson for an industry she only dabbled in. As Euphoria asks if sex work is empowering or just a means to an end, Cherry has insights that are completely unexpected. Like her character, she’s become one of the show’s quiet truth-tellers, mixing bluntness and vulnerability into every answer. 

Nearly every major character in this season of Euphoria is, in some way, entangled in transactional intimacy, blurring the line between survival, choice, and spectacle. TV’s most polarizing series has doubled down on sex work as a central plot device. Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) wants a quick payout to fund her extravagant wedding to Nate (Jacob Elordi) so she turns to OnlyFans, despite already living in luxury. Maddy (Alexa Demie) is a model manager (including OnlyFans models) and Jules (Hunter Schafer) is a sugar baby. Rue is also working at a strip club.

As Euphoria Season 3 storylines spiral into increasingly sensational territory, Cherry has thoughts and they are razor sharp. In conversation with Refinery29’s Taylor Loren, Cherry talks about her now famous Gen-Z pout, the control she had over Faye’s look, and her real thoughts on OnlyFans and that controversial Cassie storyline. 

@refinery29 Episode 2 of #Euphoria just dropped and @Chloe Cherry ♬ original sound – Refinery29

How much input did you have into how your character Faye looks and presents herself on screen?

Chloe Cherry: For Season 3, I actually did have a lot of input in how Faye looks and presents herself on screen, because of the fact that Sam and I worked together so much to create who Faye was in Season 2 that for Season 3, they really trusted my input on what I felt like Faye would be wearing. We did this long wardrobe test, where we tried on so many things. And as soon as they would put something on me, I would just know. I’d be, like, “Faye wouldn’t wear this. Faye would wear this.” I just knew what Faye would have access to based off of how she lives versus not.

The thing that’s really trending on the internet right now is the Gen Z pout, and lots of people credit you as one of the people who made that so popular. What are your thoughts on the Gen Z pout?

CC: It’s not like a pout, it’s just my natural resting face. It’s when I rest all the muscles in my face. And my whole life, I’ve been told that I have Resting Bitch Face, and I would always think That’s so unfair. This is literally just what my face naturally looks like when it’s resting. Why do I have to be smiling at all times for you to be comfortable near me? I just never could understand why that term “Resting Bitch Face” even existed and why people had been saying it to me since I was, like, 15 years old. To the point that I was like I’m never fucking smiling again! And I’m gonna convince the whole next generation to also stop smiling. There you fucking go.

I just can’t stand this whole thing: “Oh, you’re so pretty. You should smile more.” I’m just at the grocery store. Why would I just be smiling at all times? When I’m just feeling normal and content, my face is just like that. I’d look like a weirdo if I was just smiling.

I’m never fucking smiling again! And I’m gonna convince the whole next generation to also stop smiling. There you fucking go.

Chloe cherry on the gen-z pout

I want to talk to you about some of the themes in the show around sex work and power. I think you’re a very qualified person on the cast to talk about that, but at the same time, I’m also aware that that’s probably something that a lot of people lead with. Do you ever get tired of those questions? 

CC: I do get extremely tired of people asking me about sex work. One is because I actually wasn’t a very successful sex worker. Two is because I barely spent any time in that industry at all. Again, because I was not that successful. Three, it’s because there’s about 100 people that were astronomically more successful than me in that industry, that are still working at industry today, that did way more in that industry than I ever did or never am going to do, and know way more about the industry than I am ever going to know, and have way more experience in it than I do.

OnlyFans and sex work have become more normalized, but it’s literally only because of capitalism and the economy getting worse. It has nothing to do with empowerment or power or anything.

chloe cherry

I always just say, like, “if you want to have a conversation about porn, why do you have me on?” There’s so many actual porn stars that are doing it today that you could interview instead if you want to talk about that. I never understood why everybody wants to talk to me about it when I actually wasn’t super unsuccessful in it and not popular at all. I wasn’t popular in the industry at all until I was on Euphoria. When I was actively working as a porn star, not a single person interviewed me.

You did an interview recently where you were talking about how you didn’t think that you would be able to in Hollywood [with your past in sex work]. In Episode 2, we see that Maddie has to give up a client because of the stigma that was attached to OnlyFans. But she’s saying “no, the norms are changing. There’s this transition.” Do you feel like that’s true?

CC: I do think that it’s true. OnlyFans and sex work have become more normalized, but it’s literally only because of capitalism and the economy getting worse. It has nothing to do with empowerment or power or anything. What it actually 100% has to do with is just the fact that we live under capitalism and the economy is horrible. That’s why people are turning to it.

It just feels crazy as fuck to see somebody living like Cassie turn to sex work. It’s like, holy shit, that’s where we’re at in society? I really think that OnlyFans is a crazy, weird phenomenon of the 2020s that we will look back on and be very confused by. 

chloe cherry

Cassie says Only Fans means that she would be the one in charge. Do you think that that’s true if you look like Cassie? 

CC: People have, like, the weirdest, like, ideas and like fantasies of sex work, like being like, so empowering and like, we’ve seen all these news stories where they’re like, oh, only fans. Model makes $700 billion in a month, and everyone’s like, whoa and like, I literally just think that these things are a bit of smoke and mirrors, actually, and I don’t know it’s just, I. I don’t even really understand, like, what it means to be on only fans. Honestly, I don’t even really know what people are doing on there. It’s really hard to say if it would give her any power. Obviously Cassie is extremely attractive, so it probably would lead to her making a lot of money. But it just feels crazy as fuck to see somebody living like Cassie turn to sex work. It’s like, holy shit, that’s where we’re at in society? I really think that OnlyFans is a crazy, weird phenomenon of the 2020s that we will look back on and be very confused by. 

What does it feel like to be part of the center of the Euphoria universe? 

CC: It’s the best thing I’ve ever felt in my entire life. I’m not even kidding. I love being an actor. I love being a part of an ensemble, especially an ensemble of incredibly talented actors that I very much respect and I’m very honored to work with. Yes, I am so grateful that I got to be a lead. It was an amazing experience shooting the show. It was super fun. All the things that I got to do, all things that I got to learn and experience, all the people I got to meet. It was so fun. I just fell even more in love with acting, and I just really hope people like watching the show. 

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Euphoria Season 3 is airing now on HBO. 

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For as long as I can remember, 10,000 steps has been the gold standard of walking — at least, walking that’s tracked. It’s what we’re mea...

For as long as I can remember, 10,000 steps has been the gold standard of walking — at least, walking that’s tracked. It’s what we’re meant to aspire to achieve each and every day in order to attain an (alleged) optimal level of health. It’s become the default goal in the majority of our step trackers and the (sometimes unreachable) finish line to our days. And while we’ve all collectively decided that 10,000 is the ideal daily number to hit, where did it even come from? Who decided this was the number we needed to strive towards? More importantly, what if it’s a myth entirely?

As it turns out, the thought that we need to take 10,000 steps — or walk around five miles — a day was an accident. It came from the need to market a product. I-Min Lee, MD, a professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and researcher of physical activity, tells Refinery29 that in the 1960s, a Japanese company created a pedometer called “Manpo-kei” that translates to “10,000 steps meter.” “10,000 steps is a really catchy number,” she says. And so, it caught on. “It pretty much was in use without people questioning too much about it,” she says.

Eventually, 10,000 became the global baseline for many step counters and pedometers from Fitbits to Apple Watches, leading consumers to believe that the very number was the end-all-be-all for walking goals. And while we’ve been following this recommendation for decades now (or, at least, just acknowledging it) Dr. Lee says it’s not all that useful as a baseline for being healthy.

A 2021 study published in JAMA Network Open followed 2,110 adults for over 10 years, tracking their step counts along the way. The researchers found that those who took at least 7,000 steps a day — not 10,000 — had a lower risk of premature death than those who didn’t. In 2019, Dr. Lee and her colleagues published a study in JAMA Internal Medicine that found similar results. They also found that after 7,500 steps, the benefits of walking tend to taper off depending on the person, although their research mainly focused on older women ages 62 to 101. For those that are younger, Dr. Lee says a higher step count is probably better.

There is a psychological component to this all, too. Some people may look at 10,000 as a daunting number, which can be discouraging. Some may become more obsessive and have anxious thoughts if they’re not hitting that number during their daily movement. It’s possible to become fixated on hitting numbers and metrics, which can, overall, hurt your health rather than help it.

“I think number targets are fantastic for some people and awful for others, whether it’s numbers on a scale or steps on a pedometer,” says Jill Grimes, MD, author of The Ultimate College Student Handbook. She adds that in our pursuit of being healthier, we need to focus on what’s really motivating us to move. “For young adults, that might be feeling fit enough to enjoy a first ski trip or simply to be able to walk across campus without feeling exhausted,” says Dr. Grimes. “Focusing on the why is key.”

The good news, Dr. Lee says, is that all steps count — whether there’s 10,000 of them or 7,000 of them or 2,000. If 10,000 seems like a far off number for you to hit, Dr. Lee says a reasonable target would be to add 2,000 more steps to your daily average. And, for those who aren’t physically able to walk as much, doing daily strength exercises with body weight or added weights is also a good idea.

When in doubt, any kind of movement is better than none at all — and while 10,000 gives us a concrete goal to aspire to, it’s nothing to sweat over.

This article was originally published in January 2024 and has since been updated.

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This year, April 25th will bring the juiciest part of the season to us. Uranus is moving back into Gemini, which is going to be a fantast...

This year, April 25th will bring the juiciest part of the season to us. Uranus is moving back into Gemini, which is going to be a fantastic moment in which we see paradigms shift. Mark your calendars because this spring is about to get lit — especially as responsible Saturn, idealistic Neptune, and transformational Pluto alchemize with Uranus, bringing extreme makeovers to many aspects of our lives and to the world at large. Are you ready? Here we go…

For the second time in 84 years (counting last year, when Uranus moved into Gemini from July 7th to November 7th), Uranus is re-entering Gemini. During this transit, we’ve seen a lot of ups and downs in the stock market, in our personal relationships, and in our bank accounts. There has been a different approach to how we resource and grow food, encouraging us to have better practices. As the wild card planet moves into the air sign Gemini, it’ll give us the motivation to disrupt the world through communication. We will be cosmically encouraged to use our words to protest and assert our power, proving that the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

Since we’ve been undergoing financial highs and lows during Uranus’s stint in Taurus, we will feel as though things are shaping up quickly when Uranus enters Gemini. We might even see an uptake in the stock market and workforce, particularly when it comes to journalism. This could be an excellent time for growth in all industries so stay open and aware of all of the opportunities that may come. Update your LinkedIn regularly and keep in touch with former colleagues. New jobs can come from these sources. Coworkers will want to give us a leg up and encouragement to become great. 

The US will start its Uranus return this year, fulfilling the cycle in 2029. At that time, Uranus will align with the degree that it was at the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. This means that we will see a lot of change in the country’s foundation. It could be a time of autonomy, allowing us more power in the freedom of speech. We won’t hold back in stating our views. Our voices give us strength and resolve, so we must assert ourselves loudly. There could also be innovations in social media, smartphones could get smarter, and AI could evolve to new heights.

Lately, there has been a lot of controversy around the use of AI in media reporting and writing. Since Gemini is the sign of communication and Uranus is the planet of revolution, we are going to see many contrasting views on the matter. This transit will mark how we use social media, as Uranus also represents connectivity on the internet. No method of aligning with others may take flight, proving that old-school meet ups and the use of landline phones will be trendy because they oppose the norm — that is how Uranus operates: it rebels against convention. 

The rebellion is coming when Uranus moves through spirited Gemini — so stay tuned and be cognizant of all the world events that are happening and transpiring. You may find that committing to a cause that speaks to your soul and heart gives you a reason to become a humanitarian. As long as you believe in your ideals and are impassioned by them, you’ll be able to make your visions come true. Ignite your dreams!

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If 2025 was the  year of the bob , then 2026 is the year that the  pixie cut  steals the spotlight back.   Some might say that last year...

If 2025 was the year of the bob, then 2026 is the year that the pixie cut steals the spotlight back.  

Some might say that last year’s jaw-grazing cuts were just leading up to this moment—and they’d probably be right. We can’t scroll through Instagram without spotting a meticulously carved pixie crop, whether on a celebrity like Teyana Taylor or an influencer like Yesly Dimate. 

There isn’t a pixie cut that David Boardman — a hairstylist located at Cutler Salon in New York — hasn’t mastered, and he has a sense of why it’s making a huge comeback in 2026: “It’s all about individuality and boldness,” Boardman tells R29. “It’s a style that blends softness and ease, allowing you to play with volume and texture.”  

Boardman says that you can “slim” it down for a sleek, tapered look or add fullness for a more dynamic shape. “Ultimately, the pixie cut accentuates your best features and brings out your personality in the most authentic way,” he says.  

Spoiled for choice? We’ve done the hard work for you. Our edit of the best pixie cuts is all the inspiration you need to show your stylist. 

The Blunt Pixie

Content creator Sia proves that a pixie cut can be chic with this straight-across style. The chopped-in fringe adds a subtle edge, taking it from bowl-like to modern. To achieve that bitty, separated finish at the front, your stylist will cut vertically into the strands as a final touch. 

The Soft Pixie

Hairstylist Stefano Colì proves that the pixie cut is something of an art form. Here, the layers are blended so seamlessly that it gives the overall look a softer feel. We love the chiseled sideburn. 

The French Pixie

Viju Salon has worked with this client’s natural waves to create a softly textured pixie cut that enhances, rather than hides, them.

The Shixie

This cut sits in a cozy space between a pixie and a shag. While it’s shorter at the back and sides, hairstylist Justė Sidabraitė has left plenty of length on top so the curls can be scrunched and mussed up using a texturizing product for added volume. 

The Finger Wave Pixie

London-based pixie specialist Paula Cummings has absolutely nailed this tapered cut with finger waves. She leaves more length on top for defined curls. 

The ’90s Pixie

There’s something very Liv Tyler–inspired about this haircut by hairstylist @kitsadasha; the choppy feathering and ultra-micro bangs make it.

The Micro Bang Pixie

Symone Holliday proves that curls and pixie cuts are a match made in heaven. We especially love how the longer curls fall forward, creating the illusion of micro bangs. 

The Sculpted Pixie

The way hairstylist David Boardman has cut this pixie on Elizah Grace Hill makes her hair look sculpted, almost as if it’s been carved. It’s all in the subtle short layers, the face-framing pieces, and the softer, longer sides. 

The Tinker Bell Pixie

There’s something whimsical — almost Tinker Bell-esque — about this pixie cut by hairstylist Andrea Firriolo. We think it’s down to the long, sweeping layers that frame the face so beautifully. 

The Tucked Pixie

This pixie cut on Ava Black is short, but the front pieces are long enough to style into a slick side part and tuck behind the ears. 

The Choppy Pixie

This choppy, sliced pixie cut by Motohashi is defined by the sharp points and angles that frame the face, but it still looks soft thanks to a texturizing product. 

The Punky Pixie

Iris Law’s choppy, wet-look pixie with longer tendrils at the back, finished in bleach blonde, channels ’90s punk vibes. 

The Mixie

We’re a little obsessed with this pixie-and-“mini mullet” combo by hair designer, wig maker, and colorist Tyla Thomas. It’s the perfect cut if you don’t want to lose too much length or find growing out your hair challenging. 

The Feathered Pixie

Hairstylist Yama has cut these long layers at different angles, lending this pixie a feathery effect that we can’t take our eyes away from.  

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One of my 2026 resolutions was to take better care of my body — not just in terms of what I put into it or how often I exercise, but how ...

One of my 2026 resolutions was to take better care of my body — not just in terms of what I put into it or how often I exercise, but how I treat the skin all over. Famously your largest organ, the skin requires just as much attention below the neck as it does above it — something I’ve admittedly neglected for years. While I’ve gotten better about applying body lotion on a regular basis (please clap!), it wasn’t until I added one extra step that my routine really leveled up. Ever since I started incorporating body scrubs into my everything shower, my skin has felt noticeably softer, smoother, and more radiant overall.  

I have keratosis pilaris (those tiny, rough bumps caused by excess keratin clogging hair follicles) on my upper arms, and consistent exfoliation has been a genuine game-changer. But even if you’re not trying to smooth texture or treat specific concerns, body scrubs are a worthwhile addition for several reasons — and not all formulas are created equal. 

What are the benefits of a body scrub?

At their most basic, body scrubs physically slough away dead skin cells, helping to prevent ingrown hairs, body breakouts, and buildup that can make skin look dull or feel rough. But the new wave of formulas goes well beyond that, often incorporating ingredients you’re more used to seeing in your facial routine. Think glycolic and lactic acids for chemical exfoliation, alongside hydrators like glycerin and squalane to soften and support the skin barrier.

And it’s not a coincidence. Dr. Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Remedy Skin, attributes this trend to the fact that we’re all a little more savvy about ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids. “For years, body care was almost an afterthought — a loofah, a generic body wash, maybe a basic lotion,” he says. “Now we’re asking: ‘Why isn’t my body wash doing what my serum does?’” 

The skin on your body deals with the same concerns as the face, adds Dr. Shah: “Think texture, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. It makes complete sense that the ingredient innovation we’ve seen in facial care is now making its way into body care.  

With that in mind, discover the formulas that I think truly go above and beyond for treating bumps, pigmentation, ingrown hairs, and more. 

Best for KP: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA 

If I had to commit to just one body scrub for the rest of my life — and what a sad fate to imagine! — it would be this one. It’s easily my most repurchased body product, and the first formula I recommend to anyone dealing with KP. The pumice stone granules are ultra-fine, so it never feels overly abrasive or scratchy on the skin, while the addition of 10% glycolic acid does the heavy lifting when it comes to smoothing texture and reducing ingrown hairs. I don’t personally notice any tingling even as I massage it in and leave it on for a minute or two. That said, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to work your way up to more consistent use. Over the past few years of use, I’ve noticed a visible reduction in my upper arm bumps — and, just as importantly, it helps keep them from coming back. 

Best body scrub for gentle exfoliation: Dove Rice Milk & Velvet Açai Body Scrub

I’d wear this body scrub as a fragrance — that’s how good it smells. The light, fruity-floral scent feels tailor-made for spring, lingering just enough on the skin without veering into overpowering territory. Beyond the sensorial appeal, it delivers gentle exfoliation paired with a dose of hydration via glycerin, leaving skin noticeably softer and smoother post-shower. The sugar-based formula is infused with a moisturizing, rice-derived milk blend, so it buffs away dullness without stripping or irritating. 

Best body scrub for dry skin: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub 

Yes, dry skin types can absolutely benefit from a body scrub — the key is choosing a formula that balances exfoliation with plenty of moisture. This one delivers on both fronts, thanks to a hefty 20% concentration of glycerin alongside linoleic-rich oils like coconut, rosehip, and jojoba seed. The result is skin that feels polished, not parched. “Dry skin can absolutely use a scrub,” echoes Dr. Shah. “Just follow it immediately with a moisturizer while skin is still damp.” (Right now, I’m using Salt & Stone’s Santal & Vetiver Hydrating Body Lotion, which feels luxurious but not heavy or greasy.) 

Best body scrub for ingrown hairs: Soft Services Buffing Bar

Soft Services’ Buffing Bar combines the convenience of a solid bar with the exfoliating power of a scrub. Consider this your most advanced option for powerful exfoliation: The mineral microcrystals effortlessly slough off dead skin, making it noticeably more intense than your average gentle exfoliator. I tend to reserve it for areas that can handle a little extra grit — like my ingrown-prone legs or the back of my thighs — where it helps smooth texture and keep bumps (including buttne) in check. 

Best body scrub for sensitive skin: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator

On days when I want something gentler, I reach for Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator. I’m partial to the eucalyptus scent, but it also comes in santal, vetiver, and a fragrance-free option. The ultra-fine bamboo charcoal granules offer a softer polish that won’t irritate sensitive skin, while the elevated scent profile is giving fancy hotel spa. 

Best body scrub for hyperpigmentation: Cyklar Lactic Acid Foaming Body Polish and Wash

The saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is exactly what this exfoliating body wash is. I like to squeeze it onto a damp washcloth, work it into a lather, and rub it all over for an easy, low-lift way to keep skin smooth. A blend of lactic and phytic acids (a mild, plant-derived AHA) (exfoliates on contact, helping to even out tone and refine texture over time. The end result is skin that looks clearer, brighter, and more uniformly healthy — without the need for a separate scrub step. 

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​​Warning: This article discusses eating disorders . Food has played an interesting role in my beauty regimen over the years. In my late t...

​​Warning: This article discusses eating disorders.

Food has played an interesting role in my beauty regimen over the years. In my late teens, I applied lemon juice to my hair, which both lightened the ends and gave it the consistency of straw. My friends and I combined avocados, oats, and honey to make face masks at high-school sleepovers — yes, the texture was horrifying. More recently, on the precipice of my 30s, I became obsessed with salmon. Partly because it’s delicious, and partly because I believed it would make my hair shiny and my skin glow. Turns out, I’m not alone in my delusion. 

My TikTok feed is inundated with gorgeous, clear-skinned young women eating salmon skin with their hands, shaving carrots into mounds of edible ribbon, and whipping up “Botox salads.” They suggest that by building a meal with specific ingredients, you can “eat your skincare.” Want to banish under-eye circles? Skip the eye cream and eat some spinach. Add bell peppers to your meal; they’ll help control those pesky breakouts! Don’t spend hundreds of dollars on medical-grade retinol; get it through the vitamin A in carrots!

When you digest food, the nutrients are broken down and distributed systemically throughout your entire body according to vital organ priority, not magically directed to your under-eye area or a pimple on your chin

Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto

While there’s nothing inherently harmful about encouraging people to eat an array of fruits and vegetables, it’s a little far-fetched to propose that perfect skin is just a salad away. Dr. Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London, agrees: “There is zero scientific basis to the claim that eating specific foods can target specific aesthetic concerns on different parts of your face,” she tells me. Dr. Mahto adds, “When you digest food, the nutrients are broken down and distributed systemically throughout your entire body according to vital organ priority, not magically directed to your under-eye area or a pimple on your chin.” 

Dr. Mahto emphasizes that eating a balanced diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants promotes global skin health; it is our largest organ after all. But that doesn’t mean you can replace your skincare routine with a trip to the grocery store. When asked if eating carrots offered the same dermatological benefits as applying vitamin A (the active ingredient in retinoids) topically, Dr. Mahto was skeptical: “Your liver tightly regulates how much vitamin A is released into your bloodstream, meaning only a fraction ever naturally reaches the skin,” she says. Instead, applying a retinoid topically delivers the active ingredient directly to the cellular receptors in the epidermis — the outer layer of the skin, says Dr. Mahto. “This is where it is needed to stimulate collagen and clear pores,” she adds.

What about those of us with chronic skin conditions who might benefit from dietary adjustments? Anecdotally, I was diagnosed with celiac disease a few years ago and noticed that my rosacea significantly improved once I cut out gluten. Doesn’t that prove that you can diet your way to better skin? Well, yes and no. Dr. Mahto notes that eating a balanced diet is rarely a standalone cure for clinical dermatological conditions. “For example, while avoiding high-glycaemic foods or whey protein can reduce acne flares, and cutting out spicy foods can prevent rosacea flushing, the underlying genetic or hormonal drivers of these will remain.” She says that while diet can be an excellent way to support symptom management and reduce inflammation, it’s important to note that chronic conditions “will almost always require targeted medical intervention alongside lifestyle changes.”

Nutrient-dense food is great for your body — skin included — but swapping your pasta for a celery stalk is unlikely to give you the complexion of a twenty-something influencer. At what point does our pursuit of perfection verge into obsession? 

We’re encouraged to believe that meeting conventional beauty standards is the result of healthy choices, rather than genetics, money, or access to a tasteful injector.

Like many beauty and wellness trends on TikTok, the dubious scientific claims behind the “eat your skincare” phenomenon can shepherd viewers down the path of disordered eating behaviours. Intentionally or not, by conflating the consumption of preordained “safe” foods with beauty, creators are encouraging compulsive eating habits. Echoing concerns about the unrealistic expectations set by online beauty culture, Lola Biggs, dietitian at Together Health, says, “When influencers present flawless skin as the direct result of eating specific foods […] they’re setting up an impossible standard.” Biggs adds, “When someone follows the advice and doesn’t see the promised transformation, the natural response is to eat even more rigidly, cut out more foods, and become increasingly anxious about every meal.” This, she says, is the pathway towards orthorexic thinking.

Orthorexia nervosa is a condition wherein individuals have a rigid obsession with eating healthily, fixating on ‘good’ foods and omitting ‘bad’ foods. Rene Torres, a nutritionist director of wellness at Osmosis, explains, “For people who struggle with orthorexia, it’s not really about the food, it’s about control,” adding, “Even good intentions — like eating whole, nourishing foods — can turn into obsession and self-worth becomes tied to perfection.” Therein lies the problem.  

Because this trend predicates on the idea that you can achieve perfect skin “naturally” by eating specific foods, creators are not only selling us a lie, but promoting the idea that ‘good skin’ is a reflection of ‘good’ habits. We’re encouraged to believe that meeting conventional beauty standards is the result of healthy choices, rather than genetics, money, or access to a tasteful injector. As Biggs points out, “Yes, eating well can genuinely support skin appearance and how you age. But, and this is the crucial part, it’s one factor among many,” adding, “No diet, however perfect, will override chronic sun damage or genetic predisposition.” Biggs says that it’s essential to set realistic expectations: “Eating a nutritious diet is about providing your body with the best foundation, not about achieving the kind of age-defying results these videos imply.”

To ensure that I wasn’t simply ‘deeping’ an otherwise benign TikTok trend, I spoke to some young women to get their thoughts on “eating your skincare” and its potential impacts on body image. “I think linking two topics — food and beauty — to ‘guilt’ women is a cunning marketing tactic,” says Abbie, 27. “Brands and content creators will continue to discuss these topics interchangeably because it plays on women’s insecurities and emotions, therefore boosting sales and views. It’s seriously a capitalist hellscape.” It’s not lost on Abbie that carrots are the cheapest thing in the fruit and vegetable aisle. “Botox, on the other hand, can set you back thousands every year.” 

Olivia, 32, is equally as frustrated by this message: “I definitely think it’s harmful,” she tells me. “On the surface, it promotes a healthy lifestyle, but I think it feeds young women the idea that they’re inadequate — that they must eat these ingredients to achieve beauty.” As a result, Olivia thinks there’s guilt around eating foods that aren’t listed as ‘beauty’ ingredients. “It’s on par with those terrible ‘what I eat in a day’ videos,” she says.

Tailoring your diet to meet your individual health requirements and goals is one thing; it is another to obsessively design your shopping list around what will or will not “fix” a perceived flaw on your face. Regardless of their intent, creators must be mindful of how young women digest this content. With the rise of GLP-1s and a resurgence of thinness as the dominant aesthetic on social media, it seems we’re slipping back into a familiar — but no less unsettling — narrative where slimness is once again considered desirable. Any content that furthers the idea that what we put in our mouths reflects our beauty and goodness is inherently harmful.  

We don’t need to subsist on a diet of salmon skin and carrots to be beautiful; we need to eat what makes us feel good. Incorporate your pantry into your skincare if you must. But I, for one, will use the odd food ingredient the way God intended: to fry my hair and make questionable face masks.

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As a beauty editor, it’s my job to test beauty treatments, but there are only a handful that I’m really obsessed with. Sure, there are to...

As a beauty editor, it’s my job to test beauty treatments, but there are only a handful that I’m really obsessed with. Sure, there are tons of interesting options out there, like LED facials and injectable moisturizer, but few are genuinely innovative and game-changing (in my opinion, the single most overused phrase in the beauty industry).  

Without a doubt, one of those innovations and my can’t-live-without product is builder in a bottle, which you may also know as BIAB nails. I’ll even bet money on you trying it and loving it. Here’s everything you need to know about the new nail treatment sweeping salons everywhere. 

What are BIAB nails?  

BIAB (also known as builder gel) was developed by the brand The Gel Bottle. Creative nail expert and content creator, Sadie Jordan, always uses BIAB on her clients: “It’s a [curable] gel nail enhancement designed to add strength and structure to your natural nails, helping them to grow out without breaking as easily,” says Jordan. She adds that BIAB is more viscous than gel polish. “It allows you to build an apex — the highest part of a nail enhancement, most visible from the side angle — which is what makes your nail more durable.”  

BIAB is layered on top of your natural nail (whatever the length) to lend strength and prevent breakage. BIAB comes in a range of different colors, but the most popular tends to be clear or neutral pink. It can be used as a base coat (with gel polish layered over the top, including nail art) or applied on its own.  

What are the benefits of BIAB nails?  

The main benefit of BIAB is the ability to grow your natural nails underneath. Even long-term nail-biters, or those whose nails are prone to breakage, tend to have success with growth. What’s more, countless BIAB nail looks can be achieved without glue or plastic tips, says Jordan. This means you can have long-lasting manicures with a similar removal process to regular gel by simply filing away the top layer and soaking off the product with acetone. 

Another benefit of BIAB is that it can be used alongside nail forms (a paper or foil tip) to repair chipped corners. 

What’s the difference between BIAB nails, traditional gel, Gel-X nails, and acrylics?  

It can be hard to tell, but there are differences between BIAB, traditional gel, Gel-X, and acrylics.

Gel nail polish was developed by CND under the brand name Shellac and is a liquid polish that is cured and hardened under a UV lamp. Curing makes gel polish chip-resistant and gives it a longer wear.  

BIAB is a form of gel polish that has a stronger base — this is why it assists growth. An upside of BIAB is that it can be soaked off just like gel polish. Both gel polish and BIAB give that incredible, long-lasting shine that regular nail polish can’t achieve. 

Gel-X is a gel nail extension system developed by Aprés Nails, where full-cover tips are bonded to the natural nail with gel and cured under a UV lamp, then shaped to your preference. BIAB doesn’t require tips. Instead, it’s applied onto the natural nail.  

Acrylics are created using liquid monomer and powder polymer, which should be mixed carefully by your nail tech. Acrylics don’t need curing under a lamp and harden within a few minutes. If you’re someone who loves really long nails, acrylics tend to be a sturdier option. One similarity between BIAB and acrylics is that once the nail starts to grow out, you can get an infill (where product is applied to the nail growth area).  

So what’s the best technique? It all depends on your budget, what your nail tech offers, the outcome and length you’re looking for, as well as your activity level, or how much you use your hands. 

How long do BIAB nails last? 

Luxury nail artist and beauty professional Charlotte Emily explains that most of her clients come in every three weeks to maintain their BIAB nails. But she notes that if there’s proper nail prep, a BIAB set can last for much longer. That said, keeping BIAB nails on for longer than four weeks isn’t recommended, as lifting can allow water to get trapped beneath the gel and encourage bacterial growth. After three or four weeks, BIAB nails can either be infilled or soaked off.  

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have BIAB nails? 

Both Emily and Jordan note that those with extremely damaged nails (for example, very thin, extremely brittle, and lifting away from the nail bed) shouldn’t get BIAB nails. In some cases, those with conditions like psoriasis may also want to avoid BIAB nails. “Applying BIAB directly to a severely damaged nail bed can cause heat spikes — a stinging sensation on the nail bed — and the product should not come into contact with skin,” says Jordan.  

A qualified nail tech will let you know whether you’re a suitable candidate for BIAB and can create a treatment plan that’s best suited to your nails. Happily, Emily said she’s never had to turn anyone away from BIAB nails.  

Are there any downsides to BIAB nails? 

“BIAB does take a little longer to soak off compared to gel polish,” says Jordan, but as long as the top coat is filed and broken down, this isn’t a major issue. “It can also make your nails grow out very fast,” she adds, “so you may need to have manicures more frequently if you don’t like the look of regrowth.”  

At present, BIAB has no downsides for Emily. “My clients and I are happy with the results, and it has created a low-maintenance manicure which is great for a busy lifestyle,” she says.   

Where can you get BIAB nails, and how much do BIAB nails cost?  

Today, BIAB is just as widely available as gel polish — if you’re unsure, simply call your local nail salon and ask specifically for the treatment.  

The cost of nails always depends on where you live, with cities being the most expensive. In New York and LA, for example, a typical price range for basic BIAB is between $40 to $80. 

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