SAVAş is a modern woman's destination for how to live a stylish, well-rounded life. Read on for breaking entertainment news, fashion tips, health, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
London-based pixie specialist Paula Cummings has absolutely nailed this tapered cut with finger waves. She leaves more length on top for defined curls.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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.
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.
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.
“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.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Every time someone asks me for a show to watch, I instantly suggest the Tubi originalseries, Big Mood. An underrated gem! When I discovered Big Mood, I fell in love with its dark comedy, whimsy, and its unique way of talking about mental health and healing. The first season of Big Mood made me laugh, cry, and say “WTF” very loudly at my TV. The second season of the hit comedy Big Mood is written and created by Camilla Whitehill and stars Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West as best friends, Maggie (Coughlan) and Eddie (West).
When we left the two best friends in the final episode of Season 1, Maggie had just experienced a very awful case of lithium poisoning that left her unable to be there for Eddie in her time of need. Eddie, who had just sold her beloved father’s bar, wanted to get away to LA. When the two are finally face-to-face, Eddie suitcase in hand and Maggie unable to find the words to apologize, we are left wondering what will happen next to this dynamic and very co-dependent duo. After constantly checking Tubi for months for the arrival of Season 2, it is finally here, and I couldn’t wait to hit play.
This season kicks off with a shocking twist: Maggie and Eddie have not spoken in a year! Before I had time to process this plot point, the show takes us on a darkly comedic, uniquely absurd ride, starting with a wacky shenanigan-filled wedding episode. Since this is what I love about this series, I was strapped in and ready to go. Spoiler alert: to Maggie’s shock, Eddie does return. She shows up with a new best friend, an American light healer influencer named Whitney (Hannah Onslow). This really shakes Maggie’s confidence in getting Eddie back into her life and their friendship. The season then dives deep into how much Eddie’s friendship means to Maggie and the lengths she goes to save it as it slowly slips away, possibly for good this time.
While this season focuses on Eddie’s struggles rather than Maggie’s, it still centers on healing and friendship, which are two major themes that tie the series together. I was able to talk to creator Camilla Whitehall and stars Coughlan and West about Big Mood Season 2, their thoughts on healing, and the woo-woo scams that we all fall for.
Refinery29:Last season, we focused on Maggie’s mental health and her struggles. Why did you choose this specific struggle for Eddie?
Camilla Whitehall: We kind of queue it up right in the first season. I think Eddie is someone who does not like to face her own feelings or her own weaknesses. She’s someone who likes to seem strong and be the strong one. I think that’s a big part of her perceived identity. But in the background, always is this grief for her dad that she doesn’t speak about often. I think it would be easy to do another season where Maggie’s in a crisis and Eddie has to help, but that’s not life, is it? And that’s not friendship.
I’ve always been quite an anxious person… Feeling where the anxiety is in your body and breathing into that is incredibly, incredibly helpful.
nicola coughlan
I think that when you are friends with someone long enough, it comes and goes, ebbs and flows. You can be the one in charge, or then you are, then you’re the baby, then you’re mummy, then you’re the baby. Eddie’s life reached a critical mass. She lost the bar that belonged to her dad. I wanted to look at how she responded to that. And my instinct was that she wouldn’t respond well to it because she’s not good at dealing with her own problems; she’s great at dealing with someone else’s, but she doesn’t want to look at her own. I wanted to look at how we recover from something. I always wanted the series to be about healing and what is real recovery, and what is commodified healing, and what we’re sold and told that we can pay for.
I really like the road you took there, and Eddie wants a quick fix. I think it was very interesting to see that play out. So, the girls don’t talk to each other for a whole year. Could you not speak to your own best friend for a whole year?
Lydia West: No, no, I couldn’t.
Nicola Coughlan: No. That would rip me to shreds. I don’t have a load of people that I’m very close to. And if one of those people is even a bit off with me, if I think they’re a bit pissed off, I’m like, “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” [laughs] I just need to address it head-on. I couldn’t, no. Not for a year. Jesus.
So, ghosting your best friend for a year is an unforgivable offense?
NC: No, but I mean, it can go [differently]. Some of my closest friends are back in Ireland, and we’ll go ages just without talking. There’s no weight behind it. Everyone’s busy.
LW: Yeah. I think there’s a difference. Having distance from someone naturally is very different from knowing there’s been conflict without any resolution, and it changes your patterns or behavior. For Eddie and Maggie, it’s not normal for them not to talk for that long when they are very, very codependent. And it’s a shock to the system for Maggie not knowing whether Eddie is going to attend this wedding or come back into her life. Because she hasn’t just disappeared from her life, she’s disappeared from social media. She proclaims that she’s out of the matrix. She has no cell phone. She’s completely unreachable. Which, in this day and age, is very scary and hard to imagine. I think when Eddie comes back in Season 2, and we see that introduction, it is a huge shock to see. Who is this person? Is she brainwashed? Something’s not right. Something’s not right in their friendship, but what is it? And then as the season goes on, we learn what that is.
CW: I think that would be awful. I can’t imagine not speaking to someone for a year and then coming back together. Maggie has probably felt very lonely. It was important for me to try to get that across. It’s been a lonely year for her. Just trying to get better, and I don’t think Eddie can be lonely. Not speaking for a year, that’s very intense. When you’re not speaking to someone, everything builds up in your head. You rehearse the conversations you’re going to have and what you’re going to say. Then, when it comes down to it, you don’t say any of it.
A year! Oh my God. I’d pass out. Why was it important to expand Maggie and Eddie’s world with their friends?
CW: The arc of last season was a lot about Maggie’s mental health and about how she was in crisis. That season was built around that. You also have to set up a whole world. You have to set up all these characters. You just don’t have as much time for fun. What I found really enjoyable about writing the second season was having a bit more space for that. Let’s just have fun, see what happens with them, and have that little bit of extra time to flesh them out a bit more. It’s why I was so hopeful to get a second season because I was like, there are a lot of characters that we’ve barely met, that I have so much more I want to do with, and that I think are really fun to write. But you need the time, so it’s good to have it this time.
I was interested in the ways we are sold wellness and healing. It makes you feel like you’re constantly less than. It preys on people who just want to feel better quickly, which is very understandable.
‘big mood’ creator Camilla Whitehall
And it was fantastic. So, both characters are on their own self-care ritual journeys. What is your mantra when you’re going through a hard time?
LW: I do tapping. I’ve done tapping therapy.
NC: Oh, wow.
LW: And I tap and I say, you are safe in your body. And I tell myself, I’m safe here. The whole thing when I’m going through a hard time is I feel fundamentally unsafe. The second I tap and get into my body and tell myself I’m safe, I then begin to realize that things externally can’t affect me.
NC: That’s so interesting. I have a way more rudimentary form. I’ve always been quite an anxious person. But yeah, it’s about finding [the anxiety] and trying not to rationalize it. I always think if I can rationalize my way out of anything, I’ll be fine. But [it’s important] to know that sometimes the things that you’re feeling are not rational, it’s a nervous system thing. So feeling where the anxiety is in your body and breathing into that is incredibly, incredibly helpful.
CW: I think it’s always good to remember that everything changes all the time, so the way you feel isn’t permanent. The way that things are playing out isn’t permanent, even when you’re stuck in a situation that feels really unfixable. Things shift and change, and people shift and change, and time does heal. I think you also have to give yourself grace and let yourself rest. It’s a big thing I’ve learned: I don’t buy into the propaganda that we should all be sprinting around, working 24/7. It’s all nonsense. We are on our one life, and you need to look after yourself. Let’s just all try and look after each other and ourselves, because if you are not looking after yourself, how the hell are you gonna look after someone else? To misquote RuPaul. [laughs]
Yes. As RuPaul once said! Do you think that you put some of that into the characters this season?
CW: Sure. I think this season was really about healing for me in different ways. I think when Maggie is on a more authentic route to recovery, and Eddie is trying to kind of buy her way to recovery, Eddie doesn’t want to really look at herself. I think she finds that almost impossible and painful. I was interested in the ways we are sold wellness and healing. It makes you feel like you’re constantly less than. It preys on people who just want to feel better quickly, which is a very understandable feeling. There’s nothing you can buy that’s gonna make you happy. There’s no like path to happiness. You just have to try and reckon with yourself.
Well, now I need to ask you what modern woo-woo wellness scam have you fallen for?
NC: I did oil pulling for a while. [laughs]
LW: What’s that?
NC: You put coconut oil in your mouth and you like swell it between your teeth for ages to get rid of the bacteria from your mouth and to, like whiten your teeth. I don’t know. [laughs]
LW: That sounds gorgeous.
NC: But also, it’s kind of gross ’cause you can’t spit it down the drain ’cause it’s oil. So you have to spit it into another receptacle. It’s kind of gross. That was a long time ago. I haven’t thought about it in ages.
LW: How long did you do it for?
NC: I did it for like a while. I was pretty much a very unsuccessful, unemployed actor for most of my 20s. [laughs] I didn’t have a lot of money and had a lot of time.
CW: I’m not a big faller for things. I love to argue. I’m not a big buyer into stuff. That having been said, the amount of money I’ve spent on skincare products should be studied, like the mask with the lights on it. What does that do? Why did I spend 350 pounds on it? Does it do anything? Or am I just wearing a mask with lights in it? I will fall for that. I’ll fall for something that’s like, “this is gonna give you perfect skin.” [laughs]. I’ll be like, “Great, I’m in.”
Gimme 12 right now!
CW: I know that there’s nothing you can buy or nothing you can sell me that’s gonna give perfect mental health forever. So, I think I’m beyond that, but I think it’s really easy to believe that, especially if you haven’t had a lot of therapy or if you haven’t figured things out. It’s very easy to believe that there’s a little route that you can take.
That is true. There’s always space for a Whitney to come into all our lives.[laughs]
CW: If they meet you at a particularly vulnerable moment, when you need that quick fix, anyone can fall for it.
All six episodes of Big Mood Season 2 are streaming now on Tubi.
These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Follow Us
Were this world an endless plain, and by sailing eastward we could for ever reach new distances