Beauty is what you buy

We’re fully embracing summer… and all the seasonal sales (from Prime Day to Lululemon’s Summer Scores event), so of course we’re ready to jump on Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale. The reader-favorite retailer’s annual sale officially starts on July 12 — but Nordy Club members get early access now — featuring covetable styles at major discounts (and they don’t stay in stock for long).

Now’s your chance to preview Refinery29 editors’ favorite picks to help you build a wishlist and add said favorites to cart ASAP. To help you focus on truly killer summer fashion finds, we’ve curated the best summer dresses from Nordstrom’s sale section.

This year, Nordstrom’s dress sale has you covered for every occasion — from casual days and vacations to work and beach weddings — with styles as low as $34. Expect denim dresses, wedding-ready looks, shirtdresses, sweet milkmaid silhouettes, and summer-to-fall options that do the most (in a good way).

Alongside Nordstrom’s own brands like Zella and Open Edit, you’ll find other favorites like Madewell, Paige, and Frame in the mix. Dive in and refresh your summer wardrobe with these can’t-miss deals and bestsellers from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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I’m no stranger to a lash lift. Anything that saves me from wrestling with my almost-rusty lash curlers every morning gets my attention — and I find them especially brilliant in summer, when mascara tends to end up halfway down my face by lunchtime. When my lashes look that perky, I tend not to reach for it. My TikTok algorithm knows this about me, which is why it constantly serves up mesmerizing before-and-after videos. Lately, though, a new style of lash lift has been taking over my feed.

Enter: the Korean lash lift.

@angelssbeautyyx OBSESSED…😱 Korean lash lifting #forupage #stepbystep #tutorial #korean #lvl #lashlifting #locallashes #insporation #beforeandafter ♬ original sound – Mick Willow

What is the Korean lash lift & what makes it different from a standard lash lift?

The Korean lash lift takes a more health-conscious approach to curling and lifting lashes. Rather than using harsh, drying glue to fix lashes to a silicone pad, it typically relies on a cysteamine hydrochloride lotion to gently soften the hairs, making them easier to shape and lift. In addition to the gentler solution, the service takes inspiration from thorough Korean skincare routines. It includes various hydrating and protective serums containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, leaving lashes soft and strong instead of dry and brittle.

I booked the service easily through Fresha, the salon app I use for all my beauty appointments. I opted for BIYU Lash in London and added a lash tint to maximize the results, but there are plenty of salons offering similar services here in the US.

What happens during a Korean lash lift & what are the benefits?

Make no mistake — the Korean lash lift is infinitely more relaxing than the traditional lash lifts I’ve had before. It also feels more thoughtful. My lash technician, Krista, began by applying a satisfyingly cool gel pad under each eye, followed by a few strips of tape to further protect my skin from the softening formula, curling solution, and later, the dark lash tint. Before applying the softening solution, my lashes were gently cleansed with a lash shampoo, which was rinsed off using purified water.

Krista began by gently pulling my eyelids taut using a Japanese sensitive-skin tape, then applied a cooling silicone pad to each eyelid to prevent the softening solution from transferring. Next, she used a waxy balm to brush my lashes upwards, ready for the solution, which she pulled through my lashes with a soft, angled brush.

At the tips, Krista applied another serum to boost moisture in my delicate lash hairs, then covered my eyes with plastic wrap. “The heat and minimal air contact encourage the solution to work,” she told me. “I also like to place an eye mask over the covered lashes, allowing the heat from your skin to process the softening solution.” This usually takes 12 minutes, but for stronger lashes like mine, an extra five minutes might be needed to ensure they’re soft enough for curling.

Once the softening solution had taken effect and been removed, Krista applied a pH-balancing lotion to neutralize the acidity, preventing my lashes from becoming too soft or overprocessed. It also prepped them for the main event — the curling solution. Before that, though, she talked me through the different curl options.

Krista explained that in Korea, there are close to 20 versions of lash pad, depending on whether you want your lashes to curl dramatically upwards, look more natural, or sit flicked slightly downwards for that “puppy eyes” finish — a look that Krista tells me is super popular in Korea and Japan. I opted for something between the first two, and my newly softened lashes were painted onto the silicone strip to take shape.

Again, Krista drenched the tips in the same moisturizing serum she’d been using throughout to counteract dryness. “The ends of our lashes are always very delicate, so I always apply more serum when I put the second solution on,” she told me. Once the curling lotion had worked its magic and been removed, Krista applied the tint, which sat for around 10 more minutes.

After the dye was wiped away, I was instructed not to get my lashes wet for the next 24 hours and was sent home with a small vial of nourishing oil to help counteract any dryness. Honestly, though, I felt that I didn’t really need it — my lashes have never felt softer. Since Krista brushed them into place, the initial result was much like a strip lash, appearing a little spaced out and doll-like. So cute!

When I got home and showed my partner — who didn’t know where I’d been — he complimented the way I’d done my mascara. When I told him I wasn’t wearing any, he didn’t believe me. The strip lash effect didn’t last long, but the final results, after finally washing my face 24 hours later, were fuller and fluffier, rather than spread out. Most days, I forget to apply mascara (usually the last step in my makeup routine), but when I do, the result is something major: thick, perky, and impossibly long lashes that don’t drop all day. I’ve lost count of the number of compliments from friends and colleagues!

How much does a Korean lash lift cost & how long does it last? Is there any aftercare for a Korean lash lift?

A Korean lash lift and tint usually takes around 90 minutes and can cost between $75 and $150, though prices may vary depending on location and add-ons. The curled results typically last six to eight weeks, based on how well you care for your lashes, while the tint usually fades after about three weeks. Regular maintenance, like oiling your lashes, can help prolong the results. Unlike lash extensions, which tend to grow out unevenly, a lash lift fades gradually as new, straighter lashes grow in, replacing the curled ones. It’s a pretty seamless transition.

Where can I get a Korean lash lift in the US?

The Korean lash lift is becoming increasingly popular, and finding a technician who offers the service is easy with a salon booking app like Fresha. In New York’s Koreatown, for example, there are lots of salons offering similar services, but Fresha lets you search for treatments wherever you are.

While it’s not the cheapest option, I can’t recommend a Korean lash lift over a traditional one enough — not just because the results are more striking, but because my lashes feel healthy, not parched. To me, that makes it well worth it.

This story was originally published on Refinery29 UK.

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Super Sale Alert: Products in this story may be marked down for Amazon Prime Day. Shop our full coverage of the event here — or, dive directly into the deals here.

There’s always a seemingly endless number of deals to shop during Amazon Prime Day, which runs between July 8 to 11 this year. But in this roundup, we’re unveiling something that’s a little closer to our own carts: Refinery29 readers’ most wanted Amazon products that are, of course, on super sale.

After digging into an entire year’s worth of anonymous shopping data from our most popular stories, we were able to whittle down a product list that includes only the top Amazon favorites R29 readers have eagerly scooped up. Peep all the noteworthy and unexpected deals that just may have been carted by you or your closest friends and family, from beauty hidden gems to vacation-ready travel best sellers. Read ahead for a piping-hot selection of Amazon deals.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

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

Today: a grant officer who makes $139,967 per year and who spends some of her money this week on egg freezing medication.

If you’d like to submit your own Money Diary, you can do so via our online form. We pay $150 for each published diary. Apologies but we’re not able to reply to every email.

Content warning: This diary details fertility struggles.

Occupation: Grant officer
Industry: Federal government
Age: 35
Location: Seattle, WA
Salary: $139,967 (government job) and up to $7,200 (side hustle #1) and then also up to $67,200 (side hustle #2). Both of these side hustles are new, I got them to help me weather impending unemployment. (Just a quick note about my salary and why I’ve only listed my main income: The side hustle amounts are the maximum amounts afforded through my contracts, but payout depends on how many hours I work, which is rarely the full amount each week. Basically, for the purposes of this diary, I don’t want to inflate my salary too much. I’m also going to be dropping side hustle #2 soon.)

Assets: Checking account: enough to cover monthly credit card bills; HYSA (3.75% APY): $14,796; retirement: $212,905 ($196,329 in my Thrift Savings Plan, the retirement plan for federal employees, which is a combination of Roth and traditional 401(k), and $16,576 in a Roth IRA); car value: $26,000; home value: $940,300.
Debt: Beyond the mortgage that my parents and I share ($486,682 left), I am debt free.
Paycheck Amount (biweekly): $3,123.38 from work; up to $300 from side hustle #1 (depending on hours); up to $4,800 from side hustle #2 (depending on hours).
Pronouns: She/her

Monthly Expenses

Housing Costs: My parents and I co-own a house. I pay $2,750 of our $3,760 a month mortgage. Our arrangement is this: My parents paid a hefty down payment to get the monthly mortgage low enough to be within reach for me to pay. I pay as much as the mortgage as I can, and they cover the rest. We meticulously track what we each put into the house, and will break out any proceeds from a future sale proportionately. For them, it’s a way to grow their own money (and have a place to crash when they visit) while helping me build wealth. I hope to be able to cover the full monthly mortgage payment someday soon, whether through Airbnb income once we finish the basement, joint income through marriage, or making more money in my next gig… Whichever comes first 😉

Loan Payments: $0
Retirement: $472 (in anticipation of being laid off, I lowered my contribution to meet my agency’s 5% match criteria and no more; this used to be $1500).
Health Insurance: $174
Dental Insurance: $28
Cell Phone: $40
Water/Sewage/Trash: $110
Electricity: $100
Wifi: $55
Spotify: $13.23
Google Storage: $2.11
iCloud: $3.17
NYT Subscription: $4.09
Egg-Freezing Storage: $70
Ridwell: $18
Union Dues: $34
Strength-Training App: $20
Charitable Contributions: $500 (combination of church, local food bank, and my parents’ non-profit)
Savings: $800
Car Insurance: $953 (every six months).

Annual Expenses

Home Insurance: $786 (my parents pay this).
Prime Subscription: $139
Alaska Airlines Credit Card: $95
State Park Pass: $30
National Park Pass: $80
Vehicle Tax/Registration: $458

Was there an expectation for you to attend higher education? Did you participate in any form of higher education? If yes, how did you pay for it?
There was definitely an unspoken expectation. Doing well in school was always given a high value in my family, and I embraced that value. I was a very studious kid and put a lot of pressure on myself to excel in school. For college, I got a full-ride community service scholarship at what would have otherwise been a very expensive private university. I also received a full-ride scholarship through my local Rotary Club to attend grad school abroad. For both, my parents covered housing, books, food, and any other needs I had while in school.

Growing up, what kind of conversations did you have about money? Did your parent(s) educate you about finances?
I cannot remember explicit money conversations growing up, but I can see now as an adult that my own philosophy around money certainly flows from my parents’. We were upper middle class, had everything we needed, but my parents were never flashy with the money they had in the way that some people in our area were. They were frugal in funny ways. For instance, my dad is famous for his “uniform”: white polo and khakis. He has a few pairs of both but otherwise doesn’t wear anything else. And my mom will sit patiently on the phone for hours to navigate things like erroneous health care bills just to save a few bucks. On the flip side, they were also very generous. My dad always kept cash on hand to give to anyone who asked; they often treated our friends to meals or experiences; they hosted big, abundant meals for family; and, on top of their full-time day jobs, they started a non-profit that does solar energy projects for hospitals and schools around the world. If they spent big money — like to purchase one of the early hybrid-technology cars in the early 2000s — it was for something that flowed from their values, like environmentalism or education, or on experiences that enhanced our quality time as a family.

What was your first job and why did you get it?
I started babysitting for neighbors around 12, but I got my first hourly job at 14 scooping custard at a Midwest burger chain. The job was less about financial relief for my parents and more about my getting workforce experience and staying occupied in the summer.

Did you worry about money growing up?
I wouldn’t say I worried about money growing up; my parents provided us everything we needed and more. But I was aware that we didn’t have as much as other people in our social circles. My brothers and I attended Catholic school K-12, which is not cheap, and so many of our friends were kids whose parents could also afford to send them to private school. My two best friends in grade school lived in legit mansions and had multiple vacation homes. I have a diary from 6th grade with multiple entries that toggle between jealousy for what my friends have and gratitude for what I have. So while I was never worried about my family’s financial security, the question of “What is enough?” bounced around in my head at a young age. Knowing more now about my parents’ finances, I can see that my parents could have afforded more luxury and convenience, but chose to be relatively thrifty, generous, and values-driven with their resources. I admire this approach and try to practice it in my own life.

Do you worry about money now?
I do, especially with the level of job insecurity in the federal government right now (more on that in my diary below). After the November election, I started to dial back expenses, lower my retirement contributions, track my monthly budget more closely, and seek a side hustle, anticipating the layoffs to come. Even outside of these unpredictable times, I’m always worried that I’m not saving as much as I should (for retirement, for emergencies, etc.).

At what age did you become financially responsible for yourself and do you have a financial safety net?
At 23, when I moved to DC after grad school for my first job. If I ever got in a bind, my parents would definitely be able and willing to help out, but I don’t ever want to get to the point that I need to ask.

Do you or have you ever received passive or inherited income? If yes, please explain.
When I moved to DC, my parents gifted me a car that they had been wanting to get rid of. They also bought me the car I have now a couple years ago (which cost $30,000). This past year, my mom gifted me close to $30,000 to cover three egg freezing treatments. Apart from really wanting me to give her a grandchild some day, she went through IVF back in the 1980s to get pregnant with me, so is very invested in this journey for me. And as I mentioned above, my parents and I co-own a house that I would’ve never been able to afford on my own. I’m incredibly grateful for my parents’ generosity and know I’m super lucky.

Day One: Monday

7 a.m. — I wake up to my alarm and when I un-silence my phone, I see that I have over 100 text messages from East Coast colleagues. About a month ago, DOGE cut a lot of positions at my agency (including mine) and terminated many of our grants overnight. These developments happened so quickly and chaotically that it has been hard to get reliable information on what’s happening, and our text thread provides some clarity and solidarity.

7:30 a.m. — After morning skincare routine (plain water rinse, Honest Beauty Vitamin C serum, Purito Seoul face lotion, and Trader Joe’s face sunscreen), I make some breakfast (Bob’s Red Mill protein oats, a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, cashews, chia seeds, diced Granny Smith apples, cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkling of flaky sea salt), take my morning supplements, and give myself my morning shots. I’m on my second week of stimulation meds, preparing for egg retrieval and freezing next week. This is my third cycle, so I can mix the meds and poke myself on autopilot at this point.

8 a.m. — While I’m eating breakfast, I check email and see that the consulting job I’m about to start (side hustle #2) has agreed to the hourly rate I requested, which is much higher than they originally offered. This was my first experiment in “asking for what I’m worth” and I am blown away it worked! I’m on paid leave from my government job for two months before my position is eliminated. I will receive some severance and annual leave payout, but it won’t last me long. Having what could functionally be a 40 hour a week temp gig if I need it is a huge relief.

8:45 a.m. — Drive to my monitoring appointment with my fertility doctor. The clinic is in a suburb of Seattle and the drive takes 45 minutes with traffic, so I’m grateful for the flexibility in my schedule at the moment. My doc is pleased with the interval growth (i.e., the rate at which my follicles are growing) she sees on the ultrasound. I only have about 11 follicles that look like they will be big enough for retrieval, which is on par with my last two cycles. I have relatively low AMH for my age, so my body doesn’t have as many follicles to recruit. In my last two cycles, only eight of the dozen-ish follicles had eggs that were retrievable, and seven of the eight eggs retrieved were mature enough to freeze, so I have 14 eggs on ice at this point. The stats say that you want about 20 to have a strong chance of having one baby in the future, so here I am, on cycle #3, trying for that magic number.

10 a.m. — I get home and listen to Ezra Klein talk about our country’s constitutional crisis while I walk around the neighborhood. I am not allowed to vigorously exercise while on stim meds, which is hard for a gal whose mental health depends on running. Long podcast walks in an unusual spate of Seattle sunshine have been a saving grace.

10:30 a.m. — My boss (who still has a job) calls to check in on my job hunt and shares how bleak it feels to be one of the only ones left in the crater of the bomb DOGE set off.

11 a.m. — I take stock of my inventory of jobs to apply for this week and send LinkedIn messages to a few old acquaintances. Government people don’t really use LinkedIn much, so my networking skills are rusty, but I’m trying.

12:30 p.m. — I eat a delicious mix of leftover potato salad from the Easter feast I attended yesterday, chicken salad, arugula salad, a clementine, and a handful of my kryptonite, Trader Joe’s chocolate pretzels. While I’m eating, I see that based on today’s lab results, my doctor wants me to order more meds. I submit a payment to the pharmacy (my mom is paying for half of my medication costs this round, which she has already covered, so this one’s on me). I take my lunchtime supplements and struggle through the daily NYT games. $894

1:30 p.m. — I pack up some snacks and head to the office of my church a few blocks away. After the election in November, I saw the writing on the wall and took a job as an operations coordinator at my church (side hustle #1). This comes with the perk of getting to use their beautiful light-filled office space whenever I want. I’m much more disciplined at the job hunt in this environment than at home. I complete three job applications and get a call from a job connection I made a couple weeks ago at a construction company where my friend works. This connection and I really hit it off, and he tells me that he will soon have a position opening that might be a good fit for me. I’m excited at the sound of it, but also… Construction?! Not at all aligned with my public sector/non-profit do-gooder career thus far. I have a minor identity crisis after the call.

5 p.m. — Go to my acupuncture appointment. I’ve been doing fertility acupuncture to increase blood flow to my ovaries to hopefully improve the quality of the eggs retrieved. During the session, I have a delightful nap on the table. I pay my copay; insurance covers the rest. $25

6 p.m. — Stop by Trader Joe’s ($6.57) and Safeway ($10.28) across the street to pick up some odds and ends I forgot on my weekend shopping run (chocolate pudding, whipped cream cheese, microgreens, pita crackers). $16.85

7 p.m. — Cook one of my staple soups: coconut-ginger lentil soup with spinach. While that’s simmering, I food prep some turkey burgers and roast some broccoli for the week.

8:30 p.m. — Finally sit down to eat a bowl of soup with toasted bread, adding a dollop of sour cream and microgreens on top to feel fancy. I nearly choke on my food because I am bawling my eyes out during the finale of From Scratch.

9 p.m. — Administer evening shots, put compost bin and Ridwell items out for pickup tomorrow, and water my house plants.

9:30 p.m. — I do my nighttime skincare routine (La Roche-Posay face wash and Cocokind retinol and moisturizer), read Leif Enger’s So Brave, Young and Handsome, and fall asleep by 10:15 p.m.

Daily Total: $935.85

Day Two: Tuesday

7 a.m. — Wake up and listen to a morning meditation designed for people going through IVF, but it works just as well for egg freezing. This morning I visualize welcoming the hormones in as strange but friendly gardeners who tend to and prune my eggies for optimal growth.

7:30 a.m. — Turn on NPR on my kitchen radio while I do some morning chores: washing sheets, unloading the dishwasher, administering morning shots, taking supplements. I eat breakfast (carbon copy of yesterday) and read the latest issue of Bon Appetit magazine, earmarking a pork stir-fry I want to try. I then go on a short “sensory walk”; something that a pop psychologist I like recommended to help decrease anxiety and regulate my nervous system. I am not allowed to “think” on my walk, only notice as many things about the natural world as possible. This morning I notice that the lady across the street is selling succulents from her garden again and I break the “no-thinking” rule to make a mental note to find her later and purchase something.

9 a.m. — Work on some tasks for my church job for a couple hours, mostly scheduling volunteers and purchasing things we’re low on (all paid for with my work credit card).

11 a.m. — Break for lunch (more leftover potato salad, turkey burger, arugula salad, grapes, and chocolate pretzels), take mid-day supplements, play NYT games. My medication shipment arrives and I inspect and refrigerate the meds.

12 p.m. — Walk to the office space at church and hunker down for more job apps.

2:30 p.m. — Take a break to follow up with a plumbing company about lining my sewer. I live in a house built in the 1940s with an aging concrete sewer pipe that needs to be lined with plastic piping (a more expensive job than it seems like it should be) before it collapses on itself (an even more expensive job to repair). I snack on a protein bar and a clementine while I contemplate whether it’s worth it to be a homeowner.

4:30 p.m. — As I leave the office, I get a notice that the audiobook Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is ready to borrow from the library. I start listening on my walk home.

5 p.m. — I list a bunch of stuff on Marketplace, including a dresser I found on the side of the road and zhuzhed up a bit with round oversized drawer pulls. Someone messages immediately and agrees to buy it for $300, which makes me wonder whether furniture flipping could be side hustle #3?? I also see that someone responded to a post I made on my neighborhood’s community blog asking for (free) help repairing a bluetooth speaker. I’ve had this dinky speaker for 10 years and it died out of nowhere last week. I figured there’d be a neighbor out there who might want to tinker with it!

6 p.m. — Eat a quick dinner (leftover soup, Trader Joe’s crackers with guac, and a pudding with some peanut butter mixed in), take evening supplements, and head to the local beachfront park to meet up with a friend, A., and her baby, J.

7:15 p.m. — Another friend, L., joins. Hilariously, L. is wearing her wetsuit because she misinterpreted my text. I asked her to watch the sunset with me, she thought I asked her to swim at sunset with her. We both got into open-water swimming in the Puget Sound this winter, so this miscommunication is not totally out of the blue. We hang out until the sun sets behind the Olympic Mountains (the Pacific Northwest is freaking majestic, if you’ve never been). She does a plunge and I head home.

8:30 p.m. — Administer evening shots, do bedtime skincare routine, read, lights out by 10 p.m.

Daily Total: $0

Day Three: Wednesday

6:15 a.m. — Wake up, make my usual breakfast, administer morning shots, take my supplements, and pack up my skis. I learned how to ski this winter and rented gear instead of buying to make sure I liked it. The rental shop is 30 minutes further than my doctor’s appointment, so I decide to make the trip after my appointment this morning.

7:30 a.m. — Arrive at appt. Ultrasound is normal. Get my blood drawn by my favorite angel nurse.

8:30 a.m. — I fill up with just enough gas to get me out and back from North Bend. There’s a gas station near my house that has the cheapest gas I’ve been able to find in town, so I don’t want to overpay for a full tank. I listen to Breath while driving. So far, I’m learning that mouth breathing is really bad for you. I concentrate on breathing through my nose the rest of the drive. $8.73

9 a.m. — I arrive at the coffee shop that is attached to the ski rental place. The shop doesn’t open until 10 a.m., so I order a decaf cortado and start responding to an intense family text thread to coordinate a trip with my parents and brothers and their kids to my SIL’s family’s lakehouse in Arkansas. I send my résumé to an old college friend so he can do an internal referral for a job I’ve been eyeballing. $5.09

11 a.m. — I return my skis and drive an hour home. I chat on the phone with a colleague who still has her job the whole drive.

12 p.m. — Eat lunch (dregs of potato salad, turkey burger, broccoli, microgreens, crackers and guac, and a glass of Trader Joe’s orange-peach-mango juice), take lunchtime supplements, and play NYT games.

12:30 p.m. — Go on a sensory walk.

1 p.m. — Do an intense session of personal grocery planning for next week and for a church event on Sunday. I’m in charge of building a massive charcuterie table to feed 150 adults and kids. I already have most of the materials, but will need to do one last Costco run tomorrow.

2 p.m. — Chat with someone who I found on LinkedIn who has the same role at a company at which I applied for a job. She gives me super helpful insight into the role (and as she does, I feel the energy drain from me… Something my career coach told me to pay attention to!) and offers to recommend me to the hiring manager.

3 p.m. — Spend an hour preparing a cover letter and résumé for a job app, only to find out that it isn’t posted anymore. I send a message to a random recruiter at the company who I found on LinkedIn to see if there’s any chance I could still submit. Shoot your shot.

4 p.m. — Give my car a much needed vacuum, spray down my mats in the backyard, and chat with two neighbors who are also dinking around outside.

5:45 p.m. — Meet up with my partner, M., to head to our biweekly couple’s counseling session. M. and I have been dating for two years and are starting to have more serious conversations about the future. We started going to counseling a couple of months ago for some help with specific dynamics and communication patterns that we both want to be smoother before we decide to take the next step. I order salads for both of us through my Sweetgreen app on the way so they’re ready for pickup when we get there. M. venmos me for what he thinks is half, $15, even though these salads cost an obscene $17 each. I swallow the $2 extra. I love you, Sweetgreen, but damn.  $20.19

6:30 p.m. — We eat our salads and head to our appt.

7 p.m. — We meet with our therapist and work on rehearsing a recent interaction in a more productive way. My therapist charges me for our session, since my insurance allows me to submit for reimbursement. We’ve been receiving roughly $150 back for every $250 we spend per session. But until I get my reimbursement check in the mail, I pay the full amount and M. venmos me for his half. $125

8 p.m. — We drive back from our session, chatting about what was helpful from the session and what wasn’t. We’re both still undecided about whether we jive with our therapist, but want to give her a fair shake.

9 p.m. — I fill up with gas at my cheap(er) gas station, administer evening shots, shower, nighttime skincare, and am asleep by 10:15 p.m. $62.81

Daily Total: $221.82

Day Four: Thursday

6:15 a.m. — Wake up an hour before my alarm. Listen to another IVF meditation. This time I visualize my follicles vibrating and glowing with energy.

7 a.m. — Turn on NPR to catch me up on the day’s news, make my usual breakfast, take morning supplements, administer shots, and pack up a cooler to haul groceries throughout the day.

8 a.m. — Head toward my fertility acupuncture appt. I’m going to a different acupuncturist today because my regular acupuncturist is visiting family in China. The new acupuncturist’s office is right next to one of the better budget grocery stores in Seattle. My neighborhood doesn’t have one, so I always take advantage when I’m close. Next week, I’m planning to take a meal to a friend who is solo-parenting while her husband is abroad and to host my next-door neighbor so we can talk cost/logistics of dealing with the shared portion of our sewer line, so I’m going to make one big throwback pot of (wait for it…) homemade beef stroganoff for both. I get egg noodles, ranch seasoning, and sour cream for the stroganoff, and other staples (tuna packets, brown rice, arugula, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumbers, apples, clementines). $26.92

9 a.m. — Have my acupuncture appt. It’s so interesting to see how different acupuncturists practice. This one leads me in a guided meditation while I’m on the table. It’s pleasant. I pay my copay. $25

10:30 a.m. — Drop off some jeans at Madewell so they can fix a broken zipper (I am always popping zippers, not sure why!). Thankfully this service is free. While I’m there, I try on some things. I am perpetually on the hunt for an everyday jean short, and I find it in their new summer line. They’re perfect for my lanky legs and big booty, but $90 is pricey for jean shorts. I ask the store associate if there are any sales coming up — she says no, so I ask if federal employees get discounts. She feels bad for my/our situation and offers 15% off. I also use a store credit from a return long ago, bringing the price down to a more reasonable amount. $41.25

11:30 a.m. — I need to post up somewhere to have a call with my career coach. When I found out I was getting laid off, I searched Google for “free career coaching for Feds” and found so many people on LinkedIn offering pro bono services. I’m blown away by the kindness and solidarity. I land at a bagel sandwich spot with a great patio to soak up the sun. I get an everything bagel with salmon lox, veggie cream cheese, salmon roe, and pea shoots. The price tag makes me SO sad. You’d think that seafood would be cheaper in Seattle since we’re so close to the source. $17.66

12 p.m. — My career coach cancels last minute, which I’d normally be annoyed by, but it’s free, so I can’t complain! I repurpose my time by ordering a decaf iced latte from the bakery that shares this patio and doing some research for an upcoming weekend away with M. A friend is lending us her family’s cabin near Leavenworth, a quirky German town in the southern Cascade Mountains. I make a restaurant reservation, research trail runs, and find an outdoor spa that has hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunge pools. M. and I went to Japan last year and got very into public bath culture, and take advantage of anything resembling it in the States.  $6.62

2 p.m. — I make a Costco run for the remaining charcuterie items for my church event (purchased on work credit card), and pick up some chicken meatballs for myself while I’m there. $14.99

3:30 p.m. — Unpack groceries at home and call my parents to discuss the sewer lining project. We decide that they will foot the $15,000 bill up front and I will reimburse them for half once I have a next job. For home maintenance things like this, we aspire to split costs in this way.

6 p.m. — Get ready and head to a fundraiser for a local non-profit that friends of M. and me are involved with. We chow down on a fajita bar and then bingo starts. The prize is a $500 gift card to one of the most untouchable restaurants in Seattle. I’ve always wanted to go, so I purchase more bingo cards than I was intending. We don’t win, but our friends who just had a baby do, so we’re happy they get to treat themselves to date night. $50

9 p.m. — Head home, administer evening shots, take nighttime supplements, read a page of my book before crashing at 10 p.m.

Daily Total: $182.44

Day Five: Friday

6:15 a.m. — Wake up to my alarm and do a fertility meditation.

7 a.m. — Meet with Career Coach #2 (I’m open to all the free help I can get!).

8 a.m. — Administer shots, take vitamins, prepare my usual breakfast (but make it to-go) and hop in the car for an ultrasound/bloodwork appt. One of my toxic traits is eating meals while driving. Every New Year’s, I commit to building more margin in between daily transitions, especially for meals, but I haven’t cracked the code yet. It’s not that I lose track of time, it’s that I think I can get more done in the time allotted than is actually feasible. One friend calls me a “time optimist”.

8:30 a.m. — See my doctor. Everything is still progressing as expected, with 11 or so follicles still looking viable.

9:45 a.m. — Get home, clean the house a bit, and do some lunch prep. My friend L. and her two-year-old A. are coming over for lunch. I make Mediterranean bowls for us, with white rice, chicken meatballs from Costco, a cucumber-red pepper-red onion medley, and TJ’s tzatziki sauce.

11 a.m. — It’s super nice outside, so we eat on my sunny patio. This is a new friend; we met through mutual friends who connected us because we’re both from the same hometown. She feels homey and we have a lot to talk about, and get some pretty decent adult conversation in before her kid needs some attention. We float in and out of chatting about meaningful things and helping him count the number of rocks his dump truck unloads.

1:45 p.m. — My friend leaves, I clean up, and my energy zaps. The hormone meds are really taking it out of me. The theme of this week is give the body what it needs, so I lay down for a snooze.

3:30 p.m. — I walk to church to print songbooks for this week, and do several church admin tasks while I’m there.

6:30 p.m. — Printing done. I walk home, eat another soup dinner, administer shots and take supplements, and do some life admin. I book a haircut and regular maintenance for my car next week. Maintenance will be free because I bought a three-year maintenance package when I got my car in 2022. I thank my past self for her foresight. I also book a sauna and cold plunge session for after my procedure next week, which my naturopath recommended to help my body shed the extra hormones. There’s a wood-fired barrel sauna on wheels that parks itself on a beach near my house so patrons can cycle in and out of the sauna and cold-plunging in the Puget Sound. I utilized this service HEAVILY during the winter, and it worked wonders to fend off the winter blues. I text a friend to see if she wants to join. I also sign up for a free trial at a local gym. I won’t be able to run right after my procedure, but I’ll be able to start doing gentle cardio, so just need access to an elliptical for about a week.

8:30 p.m. — I start watching Normal People. I have been very drawn to English and Irish dramas lately (Bad Sisters, Adolescence), so I’m hoping this will continue to scratch the itch. It does not disappoint.

10:30 p.m. — After a couple episodes, I do my nighttime routine and put myself to bed.

Daily Total: $0

Day Six: Saturday

7:30 a.m. — I wake up to my alarm, do a fertility meditation, have my usual breakfast, congratulate myself for eating breakfast at my kitchen table, and hop in the car to go to my appointment.

9 a.m. — My follicles look good, but doc is a tad worried about my bloodwork. My LH (ovulation hormone) is spiking so she wants me to administer a medication that will keep me from ovulating prematurely. She decides we should retrieve on Monday.

9:45 a.m. — I pick up the ovulation blocker meds at a pharmacy around the corner. $48

10:15 a.m. — I drive back to Seattle. Mount Rainier comes into view as I drive over Lake Washington and it is pure magic. I have some time to kill before a shop I need to go to opens at 11 p.m. I call a friend, S., who lives nearby and see if she’s home. She is, and tells me to come over. She makes tea and I get to hear about her and her family’s recent trip to Bend, OR. I make a mental note to add Bend to my list of places to explore out here in the PNW.

11 a.m. — I go to a store in my neighborhood that sells bulk home goods by weight. You can bring your own containers or buy them in the store. Shopping here is part of my journey to reduce the amount of single-use plastics in my life. I need body lotion, and have the option of normal lotion or a lotion bar. I’ve never tried the bar, so I decide to give it a shot. $17.66

12 p.m. — I get home and make a lunch of arugula, farro and parm salad with a turkey burger on top. I administer my new meds and start an application for passport renewal. Mine expired last month, and M. and I have been talking about taking advantage of my funemployment to go somewhere, so I want to be ready.

2:30 p.m. — M. comes over and helps me stage my passport photo. We then head to my local waterfront park and go on a one-mile walk (about all my body can handle at this point) and talk and nap and snuggle in the sunshine at the beach.

6 p.m. — M. leaves and I head to my friend A.’s house for our weekly Sabbath meal. Sabbath is a new practice to me as of last fall, and it has been really lovely. I’m learning to see it as an invitation to slow down, refrain from work and engagement with technology and commerce, reflect on God’s presence throughout my week, and delight in things that bring me joy. I try to practice it Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, but even setting aside just Saturday evening has been a nice habit shift. The friend I do it with is single-momming by choice, so I’m in charge of making dinner at her place while she gets baby J. ready for bed. Tonight will be easy, because I’m feeding us leftover charity event fajitas. They both cheer me on as I administer my “trigger” shot — the shot that will prepare my eggs for retrieval. My friend went through many rounds of IVF before J. came along, so she has been a wonderful companion throughout this process.

8 p.m. — We pray and eat and talk about our weeks and lives.

10 p.m. — I head home, do my bedtime routine, and crash.

Daily Total: $65.66

Day Seven: Sunday

7:30 a.m. — I wake up, do meditation, make some licorice tea, and read in bed for an hour.

8 a.m. — I take my last shot, woohoo! I decide to celebrate by making Kodiak cake blueberry pancakes with chicken sausage and mango-peach-orange juice. It hits the spot.

10 a.m. — I drive to a coffee shop around the corner to conduct some business. I sell an alarm clock to someone on Facebook marketplace and drop off my broken speaker to the neighbor who has agreed to fix it. I love the informal and sharing economies.

11 a.m. — Back at home, I start to prep materials for the charcuterie board at church. I cut veggies, wash fruit, and slice cheese.

1:30 p.m. — I head to church to start to set up. I’ve never done this before, and perhaps ambitiously think that I can after watching a few YouTube videos. What I pull together turns out way better than I expected; humbly, it is a work of art.

4 p.m. — Church service. M. joins.

5:30 p.m. — After the service, folks graze and I get lots of compliments (and even a request to do this for pay at a baby shower!). Before M. leaves, we game-plan the transportation plan for my appointment, as he is my post-anesthesia designated driver.

7 p.m. — Come home, clean the kitchen, write some thank yous to my doctors and nurses for retrieval day tomorrow, and watch an episode of Normal People.

9 p.m. — I get hungry; the cheese board didn’t quite cut it for dinner. I’m feeling protein-deprived, so I fry up a weird nightcap of chicken meatballs.

10 p.m. — I do my nighttime routine and settle in for bed. I set multiple alarms on multiple devices because I do not want to miss my wake-up for my procedure. I also remove my water bottle from my bedside table so I’m not tempted to drink it in the middle of the night and violate the empty-stomach surgery requirements. I fall asleep saying a little prayer that tomorrow goes well… Wish me luck!

Daily Total: $0

The Breakdown

Conclusion

“This was an abnormally spendy week due to the egg-freezing medication. My wallet and my schedule will appreciate the coming relief from egg freezing costs (medication, acupuncture, supplements, gas for appts). I’m noticing that I’m drinking coffee and eating out a bit more than I normally would, given the flexibility of my days while I’m on paid leave. As a budget foodie, I normally prefer to save restaurant money for a restaurant I really want to go to, not for casual food to eat on the go. Depending on how long my unemployment lasts, I may need to rein that in a bit. Otherwise, my spending this week was pretty normal.”

And an update…

“Since I wrote this diary, a lot of life has happened! I had my egg retrieval, and the outcome was not good. My doc was only able to retrieve four eggs, which was incredibly disappointing for both of us. Her theory is that it might take my body more time than ‘average’ for the egg to release from the follicle wall in order to be retrieved, hence why I had so many ‘blank’ follicles. She felt so bad that she offered me a fourth cycle completely free, which, as you’ve seen from the price tag, is so generous! I’ve already completed that fourth cycle, and we were able to get eight eggs this time, so I now have 26 eggies in the freezer and I’m content with that 🙂 I also got a full-time job offer from that construction company (starting salary of $160,000 and a $5,000 signing bonus), and I decided to take it. I’m scared about what such a hard, weird pivot in my career will mean, and whether I’ll ever be able to find my way back to public sector work, but I’m trusting that it’ll be ok. Because I’ll have a full-time job, I’m planning to drop side hustle #2 soon. I was able to negotiate a start date in the fall, which means I’ll get to have a mini sabbatical this summer to rest and travel, and I couldn’t be more pumped. Thanks for following along!”

Money Diaries are meant to reflect an individual’s experience and do not necessarily reflect Refinery29’s point of view. Refinery29 in no way encourages illegal activity or harmful behavior.

The first step to getting your financial life in order is tracking what you spend — to try on your own, check out our guide to managing your money every day. For more Money Diaries, click here.

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KiKi Layne was ready to rock a braided wig over her locs for her latest project, The Old Guard 2.

In the first film, released in July 2020, the 33-year-old actor wore cornrows. Since then, however, she’s decided to loc her hair after hesitating on the decision for years, fearing it might limit her from getting work. However, the pandemic shifted her mindset, making her realize that life is too short not to do what she wants. After learning about the sequel, Layne told co-star Charlize Theron that she planned to cover up her locs during filming. Theron convinced her otherwise.

“She just looked at me like, ‘What? No, wear your hair like that. It’s gorgeous,’” Layne recalled during a Zoom interview. “I’m grateful to her for being an advocate for me in a moment where I didn’t even realize that I needed an advocate, that I didn’t even realize that I was trying to hide some part of myself. And I’m grateful to have been able to do that [in this film.]”

The Cincinnati native’s locs feel aligned with her character’s journey in this sequel. Six months after learning she’s immortal, Nile Freeman, played by Layne, steps up to lead and protect both her team and humanity. She fights alongside a team of fellow warriors, led by Andy (Theron), as they gain a deeper understanding of where exactly their special powers come from, while a larger threat looms with Discord (Uma Thurman).

In the sequel, which premiered on Netflix on July 2, Nile is more confident, badass, and daring. We see her doing more stunts — many of which Layne performed herself — and wielding swords this time around. On the surface, taking on a thrilling action role like this is really cool. But the significance of being an immortal Black woman in a film like this isn’t lost on Layne.

“I think it’s important for us to be able to watch any genre and see ourselves represented in ways that feel real and meaningful,” she said. “Yes, she’s a warrior, but there still is a vulnerability there. We see the strong Black woman [trope] in film and TV, but Nile is a bit more complex than that, even though she has this really special ability.”

Layne has been intentional about the roles she takes on. When your debut feature is starring in Barry Jenkins’ film adaptation of James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk, being selective feels on par for the journey. Since then, Layne has starred in Don’t Worry Darling, Native Son and Dandelion. When Chadwick Boseman passed away in 2020, Layne applauded his dedication to “representing us and opening doors for us to be seen in ways that this industry often ignores” in an Instagram tribute post.

She hopes to do the same. While filming Coming 2 America, Wesley Snipes asked Layne to name five Black female action stars. She couldn’t.

“He said, ‘You could be that. I see your skill. I see you can actually do this if you take it seriously,’” she recalled. The veteran’s words stuck with her.

“I knew that it was something more meaningful in terms of how I can represent for dark skinned Black women, [in] representing wearing my locs out. All of these things are super intentional for me,” she said. “I grew up watching these movies, and there were only so many types of stories and genres that we saw ourselves being represented consistently. [I get to] now have two films under my belt where I get to contribute to filling that gap a bit.”

That’s been her focal point in an industry where work can be inconsistent and rejections are plentiful. In turn, she’s had to be more selective. “How are Black women going to feel when they see this?” has become a sort of litmus test for her. After her first Oscars afterparty the year If Beale Street Could Talk was nominated, the then-newbee was over it and headed out the door when a young woman approached her. She tearfully expressed gratitude for seeing Layne, a woman with natural hair who looked like her, lead a film “filled with so much love and tenderness.”

“It was literally a moment where I’m looking around and I’m like, ‘I’m tired of this shit.’ And I was immediately reminded that it’s not about me,” she said. “When I show up fully, in my gifts, when I show up despite being tired, despite all of the things that’s telling me that there’s no space for me, when I still show up, it means something to so many people, because they get to see themselves.”

Layne used that to fuel Nile’s story in Old Guard 2. On their quest to save humanity, the immortals continually wrestle with the concept of purpose as they learn more about their gift, which allows them to live for centuries. They experience time in an unimaginable way as a result. Just as Layne has poured her own experiences into this character, Nile has offered lessons in return.

“I have to connect to the belief that this is bigger than me, for me to continue to do this. This is a crazy industry. There’s so many ups and downs. It breaks your heart more than it fills you with joy,” she said candidly. “It really is a tough time right now, and so that’s the thing that I have to hold on to is that it’s not about me, I perform, and obviously it feels good inside, but a performance is for an audience.”

Layne isn’t stopping at making waves in the action genre. She desires to keep pushing her own boundaries in acting with “something that’s messier and darker.” And of course, she’s holding out hope for The Old Guard 3, reasonably so after the sequel’s cliffhanger.

“When people see me and my films, I want them to feel my love of our community,” she stated. “And I hope that that love resonates in some way for them to love themselves more fully and to see their beauty, to see their power, to see their vulnerability. We don’t have to run from these things.”

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The global beauty industry is a multi-billion-dollar machine, and can you guess who is the driving force behind it? Black consumers contribute more than $9 billion in spending, according to a 2023 study. But for us, beauty isn’t just surface-level.

For Black women in particular, beauty is layered. It’s self-care. It’s self-expression. And it’s self-identity. Whether we’re buying edge control, red lipstick, skin supplements, or a luxury serum, our beauty rituals are deeply personal and often tied to empowerment, confidence and even community — from kitchen hair salons to group skincare nights. It’s communal. It connects us.

That’s why it’s essential to highlight brands that have created space in the industry, an industry that has spent centuries defining beauty through a narrow, Eurocentric lens. So, if you’re ready to treat yourself to a few beauty buys that actually live up to the hype, keep reading.

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Early access for Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is officially on, and you know what that means: epic deals on designer fashion, chic home decor, and so, so much more. (Don’t worry if you’re not a cardholder – the sale opens to the public on July 12.) However, it’s my professional belief that the most compelling deals happen to be in the beauty space — not that I’m biased or anything.

Unlike any other beauty event, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is packed with sale-exclusive value sets on makeup, skincare, hair, fragrance, and beyond that you can only 1) find at Nordstrom and 2) shop for the duration of the sale. We’re talking rarely (if ever) discounted brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Dyson, Westman Atelier, and Byredo, among many other treasures. For your haul, we’ve cherry-picked the 29 most stellar (and likely to sell out fast) deals that you’d be remiss not to cart ASAP.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

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Summer is in full swing in Seoul, and the heat and humidity feel like they’re at an all-time high. Rather than fight it, I’ve decided to pare down my beauty routine and focus on the only part that’s 100% weatherproof: My nails.

Just ahead of my next appointment, I’ve been looking to my fellow subway commuters and their freshly painted tips for some inspiration, which is how I noticed that fruit motifs are everywhere. Think crisp watermelon slices, sparkly strawberries, and 3D peaches that almost look good enough to eat. Whether you’re into whimsical designs or crave a more minimal take on the trend, there’s a juicy fruit nail set for everyone. Peruse the seven examples below and get ready for your most delicious manicure yet.

Apple Peel Nails

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For a twist on the classic summer red mani, we love this crimson gradient with slices of golden yellow. The understated effect mimics the texture of an apple peel, without being too fruit-forward.

Fruit Salad

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With its candy-coated colors, cartoonishly rotund shapes, and glossy, syrupy glaze, this three-dimensional take on fruity nails feels perfect for summer, especially when paired with crisp white linen.

Sparkly Strawberries

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If you want to highlight your favorite fruit, may we suggest this dazzling strawberry set? Painted over a neutral base and topped with metallic green stars, these are as sweet as it gets.

Mix & Match Fruit

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If 3D glitter strawberries aren’t your jam (pun intended), try a slightly less flashy — but no less fun — take with a daintier 3D fruit for a party on your nails. If you want to level up, mix and match your tips to include some solid colors and softer gradients among your fruit accent nails.

Fruit Marbling

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Figs, grapes, peaches, and plums: There’s so much beauty right on the surface of these fruits, which is captured brilliantly in these artistic designs. Through a masterful combination of marbling techniques and meticulous speckling, these subtle nuances make for a truly unique mani moment.

Grape Expectations

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Another fruity option that may appeal to mani minimalists is this reflective, wine-colored set, which shines in more ways than one. This design would also be a great option to save as a transition manicure between summer and fall.

Speckled Watermelons

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Watermelons go hand in hand with summer, so naturally, this list wouldn’t be complete without a playful nod to the season’s freshest fruit. In a sea of standard watermelon slices and rind-striped designs, this abstract rendering offers a refreshing alternative.

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