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9 New Natural Hair Products To Try This Summer

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One huge perk of spring cleaning is the space that it leaves to buy more new stuff. Okay, it might be a little counterproductive to think of it this way, but how else will we make space for the new shampoos, conditioners, masks, and treatments that deserve a spot in our showers?

As a naturalista, I can say that we are some of the biggest product hoarders out there — we're talking about men and women who can have four different curl types on one head. However, we'd like to plead the case for the six new launches ahead. Not only do they promote healthy hair growth, moisture, and definition, but they're dirt cheap, too. Gives you a reason to grab that Dirt Devil, eh?

Need your curls to bounce back? The wheat protein and castor oil in this conditioner promotes growth and shine.

Kreyol Essence, $20, available at Kreyol Essence

Drinking a green juice is always good for your health. And putting those same ingredients on your hair – kale and apple — is even better, as they help revive dull color and hydrate dry curls.

Briogeo Superfoods Shampoo & Conditioner Hair Pack, $48, available at Sephora.

Spring is a time of awakening — which means that now is the right time to try Dark and Lovely's Damage Slayer five-step system. Each product (a pre-shampoo treatment, shampoo, conditioner, leave-in spray, and steam conditioning mask) features the brand's signature Texture Bond Technology (very similar to Olaplex) that fuses weak strands back together to prevent breakage. I've used the system myself and was amazed at how my tumbleweed-dry 'fro bounced back to life after one wash.

Dark and Lovely, $5.99, available at Target

Cantu is usually one of the first brands that new naturals turn to because it's affordable and gives you some damn good results. Now, the brand is helping us to cut down on option overload with its targeted Txtr collection. It contains products specifically for curls, waves, coils, and color-treated hair, along with products that treat all textures. We're especially excited about the Scalp Saver, which has vitamin D for growth and vitamin K for strength. Bonus: The tipped applicator is thin enough to apply product between the rows of your box braids, twists, and tracks, too.

Txtr. By Cantu, $9.99, available at Ulta Beauty

Sit back, relax, and let this honey, coconut oil, and shea butter blend saturate your dehydrated curls. Unlike other masks, this one has a much lighter consistency, while still managing to deliver moisture.

Creme of Nature, $7.99, available at Sally Beauty

If your 'fro falls flat, just spritz a bit of this volume spray on your roots. Either use it after shampooing and conditioning, or utilize it as a mid-week refresher for your twist-out.

Carol's Daughter, $11, available at Carol's Daughter

Type 4 friends, this one's for you. The Mane Choice's Hair Type 4 Leaf Clover collection with flax seed oil, aloe vera, and clove oil contains all the necessary ingredients to sink into tighter curl patterns, which tend to err on the drier side. But the launch we're most excited about is the Freezing Gel, which should hold up beautifully on even the hottest and sweatiest festival days.

The Mane Choice, $10.99, available at Sally Beauty

It’s the same Pantene Gold Series shampoo you love, but without the sulfates. (Note: This launch is only available in drugstores for now.)

Cashmere and caviar is a combo we'd take any season, especially now. According to Curls, the Champagne fruit extract in its range has antioxidants that are at least 50 times more potent than both vitamins C and E. With the use of this system, your hair is protected from sun and heat damage... and it gets so moisturized, too.

CURLS, $19.98, available at Target

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The Best Quick-Fix Spot Treatments To Clear Up Pimples — Starting At $5

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Imagine, for a second, that you could have a superpower — any superpower. What would you choose? Flying would be pretty righteous, provided you’re not afraid of heights; telekinesis means never having to get up off the couch mid-episode of The Crown to refill your wine glass ever again. Invisibility could save you a lot of embarrassment, the perfect escape tactic for those moments when the person who takes your ticket at the movie theater tells you to enjoy the film and you say, "You too!"

But the most super of all possible superpowers — the one thing that would make it worth a life newly devoted to saving the world while putting your safety, and the safety of your loved ones, at unfathomable risk — might just be the ability to snap your fingers and watch your breakouts vanish. Sure, it doesn't have quite the same sparkle as being able to shapeshift or read minds, but when it comes down to it, what wouldn't you do to be able to clear your skin instantly?

But back to earth: Superpowers aren't real, you can't buy an invisibility cloak at Zara, and there's no known incantation one can mutter to erase all their zits just like that. But in the absence of magic or molecular manipulation, these fast-acting breakout-fighters are the next best thing. And whether you're willing to pay $95 for a supposed miracle tonic or want to keep your budget around $5, there's a super-powered spot treatment perfect for you, ahead...

The price isn't a typo: This concentrated blemish-fighting formula is as potent as anything else you'll find on the market, and it's one of the absolute cheapest, too. With a strong dose of 2% salicylic acid to keep pores clear, and a special form of gentle, alcohol-free witch hazel, you can use this one to nix existing zits or use all-over for maintenance.

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, $5.30, available at Sephora.

Everything you could ever need to stop a breakout in its tracks is hiding in this tiny-but-mighty tube, which incorporates salicylic acid, vitamin B3, azelaic acid, caffeine, and skin-soothing extracts of cucumber and clove in a vegan, cruelty-free formula that even helps cut down on redness and hyperpigmentation.

Tarte Blemish Bully Acne Spot Treatment, $16, available at Tarte.

Esthetician Renée Rouleau has a cult-like following of celebrity clients, beauty editors, and armchair skin-care enthusiasts alike — and this revolutionary anti-acne serum is one of her biggest hits. Unlike most other topical treatments, it actually delves deep into pores to reduce redness and inflammation associated with large, painful underground cysts that take forever to heal.

Renée Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment, $45.50, available at Renée Rouleau.

To "put a band-aid on" a problem is usually a euphemism for covering something up without actually solving the root of the issue, but these waterproof patches do both. Stick one on a particularly nasty zit before bed and the hydrocolloid bandage will absorb gunk from pores and reduce inflammation overnight, all while protecting your skin from further irritation.

CosRx Acne Pimple Master Patch, $6, available at Ulta.

Why use one type of technology to fight acne when you can use three, all of which have their own unique way of doing it? Encapsulated salicylic acid penetrates pores without overdrying, active probiotics kill the bacteria that causes breakouts in the first place, and silver ions act as a natural antiseptic — all while camphor, zinc, and sulfur heal damaged tissue to help skin recover faster.

Sonya Dakar Blemish Buster, $29, available at Sonya Dakar.

It goes without saying that, if you're going to call something a "miracle," it better be good. Fortunately for fans of this powerful concoction, from the eponymous skin-care line of one of London's top facialists, it delivers on all fronts, using salicylic acid to clarify and a blend of soothing mint and rosemary to soothe and heal — not to mention how very, very chic it'll look in your bathroom cabinet.

Amanda Lacey Miracle Tonic, $95, available at Net-a-Porter.

You already know and love acne-spot patches — now meet the next greatest innovation in the world of things you can stick on your face. These detoxifying strips use the same hydrocolloid technology to absorb oil, debris, and impurities from clogged pores while zapping blackheads and refining skin texture with vitamin A, and unlike other "pore strips," they peel away gently and easily so you don't tear your first layer of skin off into the process.

Peace Out Peace Out Pores, $19, available at Sephora.

The champagne taste on a beer budget-version of pimple patches, these $8 detox dots are formulated with salicylic acid, charcoal, and exfoliating tomato extract to lift the gunk out of your pores. Available in your choice of black or red stickers, they're not subtle or remotely flattering — but they get the job done.

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Zit Zapping Dots Facial Treatment, $8, available at Target.

This unassuming tube looks like something you'd spot on the pharmacy shelf through the pickup window while you're waiting for your prescription — clinical, generic, not cute. But what's inside is a multitasking acne treatment that reads like a laundry list of everything you could ever need to fight a breakout: pore-purifying sulfur, clarifying Chinese skullcap, soothing vitamin E, brightening licorice, replenishing aloe vera, antioxidant-rich green tea...

DHC Acne Spot Therapy, $19.50, available at DHC.

Yes, the first thing that stands out about this hard-working spot treatment is the absurd price tag — but that sticker shock won't hurt quite so badly once you see what's inside. Formulated with a handful of ingredients you've already heard of (salicylic acid, willow bark extract, sodium hyaluronate, colloidal sulfur) and a few you probably haven't (horse chestnut extract, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, colloidal silver, kojic acid), the formula works in three phases, taking care of pre-, post-, and presently broken out skin while hydrating, too. Pat it onto blemishes straight or mix a couple drops in with your moisturizer; either way, $160 is a comparatively reasonable price to pay for clear, healthy skin.

111SKIN 3 Phase Anti-Blemish Booster, $160, available at Nordstrom.

Resist the urge to shake, shake, shake this cute little bottle, and just dip a cotton swab into the charcoal sediment on the bottom instead. It's a lot less entertaining than watching it all swirl around, sure, but the potent combination of calamine, zinc, colloidal sulfur, willow herb extract, salicylic acid, and — yes — activated charcoal nixes blemishes practically overnight. (Which, by the way, is when you'll want to use it.)

Boscia Charcoal Spot Corrector, $28, available at Sephora.

Has there ever been an easier way to "take care of" breakouts Tony Soprano-style than with this handy rollerball, which contains zit-zapping salicylic acid and tea tree and nourishing rosehip and vitamin E all in one bottle? No. There has not.

The Better Skin Co. Better Skin Zit No More, $18, available at Ulta.

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The Best Plus-Size Clothing You Can Find On Sale

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Few things are as gratifying as having a valid excuse to do some marathon shopping. This week has been front loaded with tempting sales, from the monstrous Prime Day to Target and Old Navy 's surprise flash sales. Time to apologize to any important purchases you were planning on saving up for, because we're rounding out your week with one more.

Nordstrom's beloved, and wallet desecrating, anniversary sale officially launches today. The annual event, which often flaunts hundreds of pages of discounted goods, is always a sure bet for finding an eclectic mix of summer and fall fashion at prices too good to pass up. While we love Nordstrom for a myriad of reasons, its varied assortment of plus-size options for women that puts it a league above the rest — and its anniversary sale is no different.

This year you'll find buttery leather jackets, summer dresses you can still wear for a few more months, and even a couple of cute crop tops in the mix. End this epic week of discounts with a bang with our favorite plus-size picks from the sale ahead.

There’s a lot of product out there, some would say too much. No doubt this has left you with an overwhelming set of questions about the latest must-haves. Luckily we’ve got answers. At Refinery29 we are here to help you navigate this epic world of stuff. All of our editorial market is independently selected and curated by the team. But if you buy something we link to on our site Refinery29 may earn commission.

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What Ivanka Did This Week: "Hire American" (& Distract Us From Russia)

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What Ivanka Did This Week is a weekly column that explores what Ivanka Trump, first daughter and adviser to President Donald Trump, does all day. Ivanka's schedule has not been made public, so each week, we will do our best to cover the public events and forums she attends, the meetings she has with lawmakers and government officials, and her social media presence.

Tuesday, July 17

• Ivanka visited a kids' cybersecurity camp to promote STEM and vocational education. She also linked to a new White House Council of Economic Advisers report that outlines the importance of "reskilling America's workers for the jobs of the future."

Wednesday, July 18

• Ivanka joined a Bipartisan Policy Center panel on paid family leave.

• After promoting one of her father's "hire American" initiatives, Ivanka was widely criticized because her brand's clothing is made overseas.

The Democratic National Committee issued a strong statement, calling her a hypocrite: "While Ivanka Trump is busy writing op-eds calling on American companies to 'create more jobs, strengthen our economy, and restore hopeful futures to countless families,' workers in countries like Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India are busy too — working in conditions below industry standards to manufacture clothing and shoes for the first daughter’s namesake brand."

• In a cabinet meeting, President Trump complained that Ivanka doesn't get enough credit for her work because she's his daughter. "Wow. So if that were Ivanka 'Smith,' the press would say that was totally brilliant," he said, according to a pool report. "As Ivanka Trump, they'll say, 'Oh, she was okay.'"

Thursday, July 19

• With Ivanka's support, the president signed an executive order creating the National Council for the American Worker, with the goal "to prioritize and expand workforce development so that we can create and fill American jobs with American workers."

• Ivanka went on CNBC to promote jobs development.

Friday, July 20

• Ivanka appeared on Fox News to discuss the executive order.

• BuzzFeed News noted that Ivanka has "managed to stay far away from anything related to Russia," amid a heated news week that included Trump's press conference with Putin on Monday.

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Where To Get The Best Lobster Roll In NYC This Summer

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We may as well dub lobster rolls "summer rolls," because the seafood specialty truly is the stuff of the season. From noshing barefoot at a beachside shack to dropping a pretty penny at finer dining destinations, these rolls are made to fit any summertime occasion. You can order them up hot with melted butter, or chilled with a mayonnaise-chive coating. Like yours on a toasted hotdog bun? How about a buttery brioche roll? You got it. Did we mention they often come complete with a side of crunchy fries, fresh cole slaw, or even just some dressed up greens? The options are endless.

Ahead we've rounded up some of the best spots to grab a roll right here in the Big Apple (and neighboring boroughs). From fancier menus in Manhattan's West Village to far out delicious Brooklyn joints, we've got the options to keep you lobster rolling all summer long.

Ed's Lobster Bar
If you're looking to enjoy your NYC lobster roll with a side of Soho-style, stop by Ed's — the rolls are served in sleek modern digs with a touch of mayo, a side of fries, and a few sliced pickles for good measure.

Ed's Lobster Bar, 222 Lafayette Street (between Broome and Spring Street); 212-343-3236.

Kittery
The lobster rolls at Kittery in Carroll Gardens are served on a buttery-griddled brioche bun that's topped with coleslaw, served with a side of pickles and your choice of chips, fries, tots, or salad — so, the works.

Kittery, 305 Smith Street (at Union Street) in Brooklyn; 718-643-3293.

The Clam
Stop by The Clam in Manhattan's West Village for the fried clam and lobster sliders on a pair of buttery griddled buns.

The Clam, 420 Hudson Street (at Leroy Street); 212-242-7420.

Lobster Joint
Try the Joint's New England roll with celery and herb mayo or Connecticut-style with served with some warm butter — both come complete with griddled buns, pickles, and your choice of chips, fries, or a salad (choose wisely).

Lobster Joint, 1073 Manhattan Avenue (between Eagle and Dupont Street) in Brooklyn; 718-389-8990.

Pearl Oyster Bar
The rolls at Pearl Oyster in the West Village are served with a generous coating of mayo and an ample side of shoestring fries.

Pearl Oyster Bar, 18 Cornelia Street (between Bleecker and W. 4th Street); 212-691-8211.

Red Hook Lobster Pound
Maine lobster brought right to Red Hook Brooklyn — grab yours Maine-style tossed with homemade mayo, paprika, and scallions, or Connecticut-style with warm butter and lemon.

Red Hook Lobster Pound, 284 Van Brunt Street (between Verona and Pioneer Street) in Brooklyn; 718-858-7650.

Mary's Fish Camp
Mary's take comes coated with mayo and chives on a hot dog bun, Mary's Greenwich Village roll is served with your choice of French fries, greens, or cole slaw.

Mary's Fish Camp, 64 Charles Street (between W. 4th and Bleecker Street); 646-486-2185.

Jordan's Lobster Dock
Jordan's rolls are no muss, no fuss, just fresh lobster chunks on a bun — that's all! Grab your mayo and or tartar sauce for the side.

Jordan's Lobster Dock, 3165 Harkness Avenue (at Plumb 2nd Street) in Brooklyn; 718-934-6300.

Littleneck
This cash-only BK seafood spot serves up hot Maine rolls with a side of Old Bay-seasoned fries.

Littleneck, 288 3rd Avenue (at Carroll Street) in Brooklyn; 718-522-1921.

Greenpoint Fish & Lobster
This casual Brooklyn eatery serves up their summer rolls with a savory mix of celery, lemon, tarragon, sea salt, and just a hint of mayo — plus, a side of fries, citrus slaw, and pickles to top it all off.

Greenpoint Fish & Lobster, 114 Nassau Avenue (at Eckford Street) in Brooklyn; 718-349-0400.

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Here’s Exactly What We’re Buying At The Nordstrom One-Of-A-Kind Anniversary Sale

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There's a major adrenaline rush that ensues with any great sale (and rightfully so). Think about it: Who wouldn't get giddy if the pastel-tinted sunglasses or white-leather mules they'd been eyeing for months were finally marked down? Or, better yet, if that highlighter palette popping up all over social suddenly felt more accessible? But, as thrilling as a sale can be, it can be just as stressful. To help you navigate one of the biggest sales of the year — the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale — with ease, we’ve rounded up the 10 warm-weather (and wallet-friendly) buys we can't live without. Swipe right below to check them out, and snag your favorites before they go back to full price on August 6.

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How To Return What You Buy While Mercury Is In Retrograde

How To Return What You Buy While Mercury Is In Retrograde

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The next Mercury retrograde is coming! And while many have warned us to be "responsible" during the reoccurring three-and-a-half week period, we're only human. We’ve learned a few lessons the hard way from the Mercury's out of whack orbit, which is why we’ve decided to try and prep ourselves in advance. Disclaimer: We can’t stop you from making the poor decision to text your ex or sign a loan on a house you can't afford, but we can help ease the pain of any regrettable purchases you make during the period.

Shopping while Mercury is in retrograde is akin to drunk shopping: You know you shouldn't do it, but some other force convinces you to anyway. As long as you're smart about holding onto return labels and tags, though, it's still possible to recoup. To prove not all hope is lost thanks to regrettable purchases of mini cake pop makers, a zebra print leather jacket, or something else you're otherwise non-Mercury-affected personality would never buy, we've rounded the stores with some up the best return policies out there. From the anecdotes that Zara will allegedly take anything, at any time, in just about any condition, to Nordstrom 's generous lack of a time limit on returns and exchanges, these may just save your sanity.

Nordstrom
According to its return FAQ, Nordstrom has a phenomenal "no time limits for returns or exchanges" rule. There is an asterisk stating that occasionally they won't be able to accommodate a return, but unless you're trying to exchange an unworn dress from the early 2000s, we'd imagine almost anything goes. An extra fun fact: If you don't have your receipt, they'll go the extra mile to find how you purchased your item. And if they still can't find proof of sale, they'll give you a Nordstrom's Gift Card with the equivalent price of the piece.

Ganni, $315, available at Nordstrom

Revolve
Revolve's blanket return policy is pretty ordinary. Any item returned within 30 days of purchase is eligible for a full refund. However, the website will allow you up to 60 days after purchase to exchange for anything else on the website.

Raye, $178, available at Revolve

Everlane
We bow down at the altar of Everlane for many reasons: great basics, great prices, great quality. But, it looks like we're adding 'great return policy' to the list, too. As long as your items are unworn, unwashed, and undamaged, you have up to 90 days (three months!) to decide whether you want (or need) to make a return.

Everlane, $145, available at Everlane

Zara
Zara is one of those places where they say one thing, but we've all experiences where they do another. While technically all returns or exchanges must be made within 30 days of purchase or shipment confirmation, we've personally gotten away with pushing the boundaries of that time slot. Don't even get us started on how convenient it is when they don't fight the fact that you've already taken a tag off of something. Love you forever, Zara, no matter what your official corporate policy says.

Zara, $69.9, available at Zara

Anthropologie
There's a lot of detail involved in Anthropologie's return policy, but general babble aside, one rule that sticks out amongst them all: Items that aren't furniture, shoes, or something from its wedding line, BHLDN, can be returned within 60 days of the delivery date for a full refund. But if you're forgetful, and love Anthro, you're in luck, because items returned after 60 days are still eligible for merchandise credit. So feel free to use that credit on whatever new arrivals they have that you actually want, Mercury's influence be damned.

Mara Hoffman, $275, available at Anthropologie

Nike
When we sourced out answers for this story, some were more explanatory than others. But this response needs no edits, so we'll just leave it here: "30 days, dirt and all, no questions asked on all product." Looks like Nike's a fan of letting you properly test run your workout gear.

Nike, $90, available at Nike

Universal Standard
Most Universal Standard products forfeit a full refund after the 30 day window, but US make's a special exemption for its UFL (Universal Fit Liberty) collection. Any UFL size replacements will be honored within one year (yes, you read that right) of the original purchase date.

Universal Standard, $130, available at Universal Standard

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The “Anchor Bob” Is Signing Off — Meet The Women Redefining Newscaster Hair

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Growing up, Jazmin Bailey would wake up at 5 a.m. every morning to watch Danita Harris deliver the local news in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. “Without fail, I knew what Danita wore every day, what she talked about… everything,” Bailey, a morning anchor and reporter at Orlando, Florida’s NBC affiliate station, says. “Everything she was, I wanted to be."

Bailey, now 29, remembers what Harris’ hair looked like, too: shiny and stick-straight, coiffed to perfection. “To be completely honest, I don’t remember watching any newscasters without relaxed hair while growing up,” she says. “Maybe you’d see some tease or a little bend, but no natural curl.” It’s what Jacque Reid, co-host of WNBC's New York Live, calls the “anchor bob” — never too long or too straight. “For Black women, there were those who had long hair or short hair, but for the most part, it was relaxed,” she describes. “It had body in it, but it couldn’t be too curly.”

Jacque Reid chooses to wear her hair short and relaxed.Photo courtesy of Jacque Reid.

Consistency is a big part of television, and especially in entertainment, Reid says, which is how a bob became the industry standard. “You don't want to show up with red hair one day, blue hair the next, or a Mohawk after that," Reid says. "You become the center of attention. And while you want to put your best foot forward and be presentable, I don't think you want to be a distraction."

In a space where Black women are already the minority ( a 2018 study found that only 12.6% of local TV news staff are women of color), it’s not surprising that they feel a pressure to conform. Natural hair has long been discriminated against in the workplace — from the military to the mall — but it takes on another layer of scrutiny for public-facing newscasters.

“I remember going to the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference early in my career, and my friends and I would go to these workshops for how to style your hair for on camera, how to wear your makeup, how to dress, the whole image,” Reid says. “We were told to stay away from natural hair — that it just was not accepted and it wasn't seen as professional in television news.”

"We were told to stay away from natural hair — that it just was not accepted and it wasn't seen as professional in television news.”

Comedian Paul Mooney said it best in Good Hair, a 2009 documentary: “When your hair is relaxed, white people are relaxed. If your hair is nappy, they’re not happy.” Broadcast journalism is already a competitive field — the jobs are few and far between, and don’t come easy. Many aspiring on-air journalists know that going in, and are willing to change their image to pursue their dreams — a suggestion that some receive as early as journalism school.

“I went to an HBCU and I was surrounded by professors who would accept however we wore our hair when we turned in broadcast reports,” Aja Johnson, a broadcast journalism graduate of Howard University’s School of Communications, says. “But it was always met with a comment like, ‘When you graduate and become a reporter, you can’t have your hair like this.’" Even though Johnson's goal was to be a producer in the control room — behind the camera — she wasn’t exempt from criticism. "I had an internship at a news organization and decided to cut my hair really short, and I was met with backlash from colleagues. When I finally decided to grow my hair out for personal reasons, I had someone tell me, ‘ Now you look professional.’”

While the advice came from their advisors and professors — many of whom were former reporters and producers themselves — Johnson and her classmates couldn’t help but feel offended by it. “I didn’t like the idea of someone telling me what to do with anything that belonged to me,” she says. “If I’m producing quality content and a very accurate report, why does it matter if I have a Deva cut or locs or whatever I chose to have on top of my head?” Johnson notes that some of her classmates went on to stay in the journalism field, and ended up conforming to the standards that their employers requested, whether it was weight loss or a new hairstyle. “I think it goes to show that Black people have to bend and break ourselves just to fulfill our dreams,” she says.

Demetria Obilor wears her curls proudly.Photo courtesy of Demetria Obilor.

The fear of backlash, or a lukewarm reception from upper management, keeps many journalists from speaking up; nobody wants to lose their job, especially in a competitive field where newscasters don’t get paid much to begin with. (Demetria Obilor, now a traffic anchor at Dallas, Texas’ ABC affiliate station, says she made $20,000 at her first gig, compared to the millions that seasoned morning show anchors make.) She says change has to come from the top. “Who’s the LeBron James of the news world, who doesn’t have to worry about losing their whole damn livelihood?” Obilor says.

But even as they moved up the ranks — and even as natural hair became more visible in entertainment and on the red carpet — Reid and Bailey continued to feel pressure from upper management. “I became friends with a morning executive producer who’s a Black woman," says Bailey. "She looked at my reel and told me to keep my hair the way it was: pin straight, with a side part or one down the middle. ‘Keep it straight and shining.’”

Then, when Bailey moved down to Virginia for a new job, on-air image consultants advised her to cut her straight hair into an anchor bob, and she happily obliged. “I said I was a serious anchor, and that I needed to have that style,” she says. It wasn’t until her move to Orlando that she considered wearing her natural texture. Right before the 2017 NABJ conference, Bailey met with a new consultant who planted the idea in her head.

"There are still so many girls who've been told by their news directors they can't wear their hair a certain way. At the same rate, you don’t want to be forced to meet someone else’s diversity requirement.”

Just days prior to the event in New Orleans, she had a frank conversation with the consultant, a white woman. Bailey had been using heat on her natural hair every day, which led to shedding and, ultimately, a small bald spot. Fed up, she opted for a wig that her consultant didn’t like. “She asked me why I didn’t wear my natural hair. Initially, I kind of fought her on it because I didn’t want to ruffle any feathers or stand out too much,” Bailey says. “She warned me that I’d look like every other Black girl on TV. I was offended, but when I stepped into the hotel [for NABJ], it was a sea of weaves and bobs, and light, loose curls. I walked through all the floors and only counted a few people with natural hair and said, 'You know what, she’s right.'" It didn’t take long for Bailey to start wearing her curls on camera.

And she’s not the only one who’s shedding the newscaster bob for something that better reflects her. When Tamron Hall wore her cropped curls on The Today Show in 2014, she did so because she didn't have time to blow dry and flatiron it the night before — but fans went wild for the moment of representation. In 2008, breast cancer survivor Robin Roberts shed her wig on Good Morning America, with a five-word declaration: “I am not my hair.”

These days, "newscaster hair" is starting to expand beyond its once-limited definition. Reid rocks a relaxed pixie cut, Bailey has perfected her wash-and-go, and Obilor wears her curls in a variety of styles. But even though their hairstyles are now more accepted in the newsroom, that doesn't necessarily mean viewers are caught up — which is something Obilor knows first hand.

After experimenting with the anchor bob, Jazmin Bailey now wears her curls on camera.Photo courtesy of Jazmin Bailey.

She’s been criticized for her curves and her curls, and her exchanges with the haters often go viral. It’s a taste of the national and international criticism that reporters like Hall and Roberts receive, with one caveat: Their bigger budget salaries and titles typically allow the luxury of a handler to deal with social media trolls. Obilor gets the hate sent directly to her inbox.

“When I was working in Las Vegas, a viewer said that every time they see my segment, they have to fast forward. [They said] ‘I can't believe hair like that could be properly cleaned, so it must smell bad,’” she recalls. “And even in Dallas, too. I just moved out here in October, and shortly after, I got a notification on Facebook from a viewer saying, ‘I don't care what your religion or your culture is: You must do something about that hair.’" Though it’s difficult, Obilor tries to correct the ignorance. “If anything, I want somebody to learn from the exchange and see that their behavior is racist, unacceptable, and we ain't here for it,” she says.

But for every negative comment, the anchors say that they receive an outpouring of love and support from people all over the country — especially from young girls. Bailey watched Danita Harris growing up, and now there are people watching her. “I still remember the first message I got from this woman on Twitter,” she says. “Her little girl was watching TV that morning and was like, ‘Oh my god, her hair is fluffy like mine!’ I was just blown away, because you’re not thinking every day that you go into your station that you are that woman.”

"I still remember the first message I got from this woman on Twitter. Her little girl was watching TV that morning and was like, ‘Oh my god, her hair is fluffy like mine!’"

All three newscasters believe that a more inclusive future of TV news is on the horizon, but it takes courageous leaders to change the status quo. “There are still so many girls who've been told by their news directors they can't wear their hair a certain way, and I know this for a fact,” Obilor says, stressing that the future isn’t just about wearing curls, but having the freedom to wear your hair the way you want to. “You don’t want to be forced to wear your hair natural to meet someone else’s diversity requirement," says Obilor. "I’m not going to play a role for you to make you feel better.”

In the end, Obilor, Bailey, and Reid hope the shift represents both a change in their industry and beyond. "We have these little girls and these little boys who need to know that they're okay just the way they are, and they have every opportunity that everybody else does," says Obilor. “If you’re in the position to help and do the right thing, you will rise and do it."

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The Best Tanks To Buy With Not-A-Lot Of Money

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Some may say a $50 or $100 dollar bill can't even get you very far these days. But, we've got proof to the contrary: You could land yourself a trusty summer essential — the kind you wear over and over and only remove for laundering (we'd hope). So, we hunted down the best summertime, beach-ready tank tops you could possibly buy — without compromising your savings account.

You see, just as turtlenecks are to fall, tank tops are to spring and summer. Sooner rather than later, you're not going to want a thing even near your armpit area (for reasons we won't go into detail with here). Yup, things are about to get sweaty, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice a show-off worthy outfit. Stock up on these affordable options, and you'll have a stash of cute (sleeveless!) tops for even the hottest of days to come. Click on to scope out our picks — and while you're at it, maybe donate those faded, stained go-to's from last year.

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New Music This Week: Lera Lynn Is Old School, Sophia Black Is Not, & More

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Lera Lynn & Nicole Atkins "In Another Life"

Lera Lynn dropped a duets album that is worth obsessing over. If you clicked play and thought her lilting alto sounds familiar, you may have heard (or seen) her on season 2 of True Detective. Or, it might just be that her particular brand of roots music feels so damn familiar. To me, this track just screams Roy Orbison: classic with his syncopation of delivery and that lifting vocal he was famous for.

Sophia Black "fire"

Self-confidence in a relationship is a rarity, or maybe that's a statement that's way too revealing of my personal life. Either way, this Sophia Black track makes me want to try harder to be the fire. Also, I'm obsessed with the switch beats on the chorus. There are so many different kinds of digital drumbeats in this song that I practically need an index to keep them straight. And it works, shockingly well. Let the bass bottom you out while Black's lyrics raise you up.

AYANIS "F.I.Y.T."

Major '90s R&B vibes on this track, like if TLC ever got really mad and lit a dude up. I enjoy how Ayanis can make saying "the fuck is you thinkin'?" feel like an intimate whisper while she's backed up by some absolutely brutal synths that bring the edge in. It reminds me of Janet Jackson's sweet and vicious mix on tracks like "Black Cat." There's also an element of the post- Lemonade landscape here (er, not just because she's wearing a yellow jumpsuit); Bey made it okay to let your anger out again for WOC working in rhythmic and pop. This track is what she hath wrought.

Rose Villain "Funeral Party"

Just gonna dedicate this to all my haters and everyone who leaves a comment on my articles that starts with "Actually..." Peace, see you at your funeral party. Wait, before I go a note: This is the best chorus clearly not written by an English speaking native (probably a Swede, let's not kid around) since DNCE's "Cake By the Ocean."

Lala Lala "Destroyer"

Lala Lala is a project of Lillie West and this song, with its mumbled lyrics and barely moving guitar chord progressions, is a gorgeous throwback to the lo-fi indie rock of the '90s and '00s. As a fan of the aesthetic, I am glad to hear it coming back and doubly so to see it coming from so many female acts. You know, since they were pretty well boxed out the first time around. This song is infused with something that makes me feel vaguely paranoid and anxious, which is exactly what the high pitched tone of the repeating "yoooooou" in the chorus is designed to do. It's going to be very interesting to see where Lala Lala takes the vibe that is building with this track.

After my first job at MTV working as a music programmer, I can't stop trying to matchmake people with music they might like. So, I wrote a book calledRecord Collecting for Girls and started interviewing musicians. The Music Concierge is a column where I share music I'm listening to that you might enjoy, with a little context. Follow me on Twitter or Facebook, or leave me a comment below and tell me what you're listening to this week.

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A Week In Ocean County, NJ, On $10/Hour

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Welcome toMoney Diaries , where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.

Today: an intern and food service worker who makes $10/hour and spends some of her money this week on a new razor.

Occupation: Intern/Restaurant Worker
Industry: Law/Food Service
Age: 23
Location: Ocean County, NJ
Income: $10/hour, plus $3,000 one-time payment for the internship.
Paycheck Amount: $130/week

Monthly Expenses
Rent: It was $900, but I'm living at home temporarily for the summer until I move in with three of my friends from law school, where my rent will be $525.
Student Loan Payment: $0 (deferred until after I graduate)
Hulu/Spotify: $5.87 (student account)
Netflix: $0 (My mom pays.)
Dollar Shave Club: $9 (I have this paused until September because I have an excess of razors — but this company is amazing!)
Phone Bill: $40 (But I pay my mom for six months at a time.)
Car Payment: $210 (Covered by a bank account that has been collecting the money I've gotten for my birthdays since I was born.)
Amazon Prime: $0 (I use my mom's account.)
Gym Membership: Free with my school

Day One

6 a.m. — My alarm goes off after a nonstop weekend of wedding dress and bridesmaid's dress shopping for my best friend's wedding next year. I am more than happy to snooze for as long as I can. I get up at 6:30 and only have time to throw on a basic outfit of slacks, a blouse, a thin blazer, and flats. I pull my hair up in a half pony, stop in the kitchen to talk to my mom about the wedding weekend, and run out the door at 6:45. I'm living at home for the summer while I am doing an amazing legal internship, but this also means I have to drive an hour and fifteen minutes each way to get there. Oh well, these sacrifices will pay off in the long run!

8:15 a.m. — Arrive at work about 15 minutes early and have just enough time to put on mascara and brows in my car. I quickly run my ColourPop brow pencil through my brows, curl my lashes, and put on mascara before getting out of my car and running into my office. I stop at the Dunkin' Donuts on the bottom level of the building and pay for a coffee and breakfast sandwich with money that is already preloaded on my app.

1:20 p.m. — I microwave chicken with rice that I brought from home and lock myself in my office to eat for 30 minutes. During this time, I call my local library about reserving a few books online, and read a blog post on Spire & Co.

3:15 p.m. — It's the first day of my period, so I run to grab a second cupcake from the break room. #NoJudgement. I leave work around 5 p.m. for the trek home, listening to Wine and Crime to pass the time.

6:30 p.m. — My period feels get the best of me, so I call into my favorite local sushi place on my way home. I eat it all within 10 minutes while watching an episode of The Staircase. $24

7 p.m. — I told my soon-to-be roommates I'd set up the renter's insurance for our new digs, so I log on and get us the one that will cost us the least because we're #ballinonabudget. They'll reimburse me for their contribution later ($223). While I'm online, I order a pack of toothbrush heads for my electric toothbrush, which I put on my mom's credit card because she said I could. $223

8 p.m. — I meal prep my chicken rice bowls for the week and box everything up. Then I bring in water from the garage so it's cool when I bring it to work tomorrow, watch the first episode of Season 3 of Rick and Morty, and pass out around 9 p.m.

Daily Total: $247

Day Two

6 a.m. — My alarm goes off at 6 a.m., but I don't get up until 6:30. I put my dogs outside to do their business, wash my face, slap on some mascara, brows, and concealer, and get dressed in my regular business clothes. I quickly make an iced coffee at home and grab my meal prep lunch before running out of the house around 7. I listen to the Wine and Crime podcast on my way to work.

8 a.m. — Get to work by 8, scroll through social media, and eat a chocolate chip Clif Bar while waiting for the other interns to show up. At around 9:30, I go to the break room to make a coffee with a K-Cup.

11:50 a.m. — I'm feeling hungry, but I don't want to take my lunch break so early. I find Ferrero chocolate in my desk and munch while I continue my work.

1 p.m. — Eat my lunch on one of the couches outside of my office. I left my key card inside my office, so I have to wait for another intern to come back from lunch to let me in.

3 p.m. — Period cravings strike again! I run to the Dunkin' on the bottom floor to get two donuts, using the money left on my app.

5 p.m. — I leave work to hang out with two friends. One is living in South America and only comes to visit twice a year, so I am extra excited to see her. We go to the pizza place where I work to get a free dinner of pizza, soda, and fries.

8:45 p.m. — I drop my friend off at home, but end up talking to her parents for a few hours. I am exhausted, but I haven't seen them in forever, so I stick it out. It's amazing how going to high school and growing up together basically gives you a second family! I leave around 11:45 p.m., dreading my early wakeup for tomorrow.

Daily Total: $0

Day Three

3 a.m. — I wake up with a migraine that is essentially blinding me. I doze in and out for a few hours before texting the other interns in the office around 6 a.m. to tell them I won't be making it in today.

8:30 a.m. — I'm feeling sick, but a little more alive, so I throw a load of laundry in. I make toast and get comfy in my bed to watch Golden Girls. The butt of the migraine is gone, but this headache is not going away anytime soon.

11:30 a.m. — I snack on apples and peanut butter, and then clean my bathroom a bit. The headache is still ongoing, which is lovely!! I attempt to nap throughout the day, but my aging beagle comes into my room and snores for hours. I eventually kick him out so I can get at least a few hours of sleep.

4:15 p.m. — I wake up from my nap and hang up my laundry that's sitting in the machine. Then I crawl back into bed to watch Friends. At around 5 p.m., I take a shower, but notice that my razor handle is completely broken, so I quickly order a new one online ($11). After washing my hair and shaving my legs, I put on my PJs and put on Friends. $11

6 p.m. — I fry little pierogies for dinner and sit in my bed watching Friends until I fall asleep at around 8:30 p.m. The headache never really goes away.

Daily Total: $11

Day Four

6 a.m. — I wake up around 6 a.m. with no headache! I get up and dressed and am in my office parking lot by 8:15. I take my free few minutes to pay my credit card bill for the month (ouch).

10:30 a.m. — I eat a Clif Bar while I continue my legal research. Then I hide out in my office at around 1 p.m. with the same lunch I brought the other day.

2:30 p.m. — I'm craving a donut. I use the rest of the money I have on my Dunkin' app and pay for the rest of it in pennies. $0.12

4:30 p.m. — I leave work at 4:30 p.m. because it's THIRSTY THURSDAY!! My friend, N., wants to go out on the Island, and I am so down. I get home around 6 p.m. to quickly pack a bag and head over to her parents' house. I stop to get us both coffees on my way. $12

8:50 p.m. — We watch the RuPaul's Drag Race season 10 reunion while getting ready, and grab the shuttle that runs on the Island to take us to the bar. $2

10:15 p.m. — Arrive at the bar and pay the $10 cover to get in. It's a slow start, but soon the place is packed and N. and I start dancing when they play Cardi! $10

11:30 p.m. — $2 beers and $1 shots call for a fun night! N. and I run into one of her friends from school, as well as a few girls I played volleyball with in high school. We all hang out, dance, drink, and party! $21

2 a.m. — Our fave after-party spot is closed, so N., her friend, and I Uber to Wawa. (Her friend pays for the Uber.) I buy us all food because my friend is letting us crash at her place for the night. $17

2:30 a.m. — I call an Uber to her house. Once we're there, we eat, drink a ton of water, and pass out. $14

Daily Total: $76.12

Day Five

7 a.m. — I wake up to the sounds of my friend's parents moving around the house. I quickly chug water and fall back asleep. We get up around 8:30. I'm glad I stayed on the Island last night, as I have work later on the South End, and Friday traffic is known to be brutal.

10:15 a.m. — We get to a diner and I order two cups of coffee and an omelette with bacon and potatoes in it, as well as potatoes and toast on the side. I give my friend $7 in cash, and Venmo her the rest because the restaurant is cash only and I only have seven bucks. $17

12 p.m. — We attempt to watch the RuPaul's Drag Race finale, but Comcast keeps shorting out, so we never get to watch it. We sleep our hangovers off. I leave at around 3:15 p.m. to head to work and stop at Wawa to get coffee and a sandwich on the way. I drink a lot of water because it's an open-air takeout style place and there are lots of ovens and no air conditioning. $7

10 p.m. — After being verbally assaulted by many customers (you would think that being on vacay would make people nice and patient, but you would be wrong!), it slows down enough for me to eat my sandwich. I inhale it while prepping the store for tomorrow. I leave around 11 p.m., get home around 11:30, and instantly fall asleep.

Daily Total: $24

Day Six

8:30 a.m. — My alarm goes off, but my lazy ass snoozes until 9. After I get up, I quickly get dressed in a flowy sundress and sandals, toast a bagel, and make coffee. Then I talk to my mom and brother, who is also staying at the house for the summer, about how I can get my car payments to be cheaper. I make iced coffee and go to work with my mother at her store.

10 a.m. — Get to work and am instantly bombarded with customers so the day goes by quickly. I'm working here to save money for my friend's wedding. At around 1, I stop to eat a chicken salad sandwich that my mother made me, and continue to help customers.

4 p.m. — I leave work to go to the restaurant! I stop for gas on the way ($30) and arrive at 5 p.m. $30

11 p.m. — I leave work. It was a lot calmer than yesterday but still busy, so I was able to make a good amount of tips. I'm saving my tips to get my nails done, which I can hopefully afford next week (acrylics are expensive, but so worth it IMO). I get home around 11:30 p.m. and pass out.

Daily Total: $30

Day Seven

7:30 a.m. — My goal was to sleep in on my only day off, but my dogs are going nuts because my mom left to go to her store. I give up on sleeping at around 8 a.m. and let them outside. Then I make myself coffee and toast a bagel. When my mom gets home, I help her reorganize the garage, which has become the home to both mine and my brother's school stuff. I find a book that I can bring to the beach with me later.

11:30 a.m. — Arrive at the beach with my mother to meet up with family friends. A driver cuts me off and then decides to stop moving in the middle of the street, so I yell at him. I hate shoobies. I last about two hours under the umbrella with my book and sunblock before calling it quits and going home.

5 p.m. — My boyfriend, B., calls and asks if I can order him Domino's to arrive when he is back from his weekend away at our friend's place. I order and pay with his credit card. No more than two minutes later, my mother informs me that our house's air conditioning is broken, so I quickly pack a bag for work tomorrow to stay at B.'s instead. This was unplanned, but now I can spend time with him AND get pizza! When it arrives, I hand him $3 for the tip to the delivery driver. $3

7 p.m. — B. and I spend the rest of the night watching YouTube videos. I also apply to be a Wag dog walker and an Instashopper online to see if I can make a little extra cash during the upcoming school year. Lights out at 10 p.m. for the start of the 4th of July week!

Daily Total: $3

Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women's experiences 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.

Have a Money Diary you'd like to share? Right now, in addition to our ongoing diaries, we're looking for potential diarists along the following theme:

Your Spending In Your State: We want to run one Money Diary from a different state each week. Want to rep your state? Submit here!

Have questions about how to submit or our publishing process? Read our Money Diaries FAQ doc here: r29.co/mdfaqs

In addition to our Money Diaries, we're looking for people who want to talk to us about the following topics for other stories on Refinery29:

1. Have you ever been in a job you couldn’t stand but couldn’t quit? Did you write an elaborate quitting fantasy in your mind to pass the time? Maybe you’d finally tell your boss your honest opinion. Perhaps, you daydreamed of finally calling out your co-worker who takes credit for your ideas. If this is you, we want to hear from you! Email us here to share your most elaborate quitting fantasy and how you actually quit.

2. If you decided a spur of the moment trip the court house was more your vibe than a traditional wedding, we want to hear your story. More specifically, how much did eloping cost you? We all know that today’s weddings can range from a sweet, backyard ceremony all the way to costing than a law degree. Tell us why you chose to elope for a chance to be featured on the site.

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Every Beauty Product That Will Make This Retrograde Storm Bearable

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Astrology enthusiasts will tell you that this summer is a doozy for just about everyone. With four planets already in a backspin (Mars, Saturn, Neptune, and Pluto), and Mercury joining within the next week, it's a stark understatement to say shit just got very real for all of us on planet earth. That is, if you believe in that kind of thing.

One question you might be asking yourself now? How do you stay grounded during a planetary storm of retrogrades? Sure, some people will amp up their journaling, maybe light some sage, or go on a technology detox, but we're doing something a bit different: We're buying makeup. Okay, okay, this won't necessarily make our worlds feel more still, but it can keep us focused on the day-to-day stuff we shouldn't sweat, like getting up and ready for work, or going on that date we've had scheduled for weeks and refuse to cancel on account of Saturn going into retrograde for seven months. Instead, we'd rather learn to live with it, carry on, and treat ourselves to some astro-inspired makeup.

Feeling out of sorts? Indulge in these zodiac beauty products to take the edge off.

There is a lot of product out there — some would say too much. 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, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Wet n Wild recently dropped an entire makeup collection inspired by the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The lip glosses are shinier than any star in the sky, but we'd still pass those up for these highlighting bars. Why? With some of the best formulas at the drugstore, scoring an entire block of the good stuff for under $10 sounds pretty damn lucky to us.

Wet n Wild, $6.99, available at Wet n Wild

Since January, Bite Beauty has released a new lipstick based on each zodiac sign every month. With August on the horizon, we're at Leo: The Gryffindor of all 12 signs, this one is possibly the flashiest, bravest color of 'em all. That's right, it's a sparkling gold. It's dramatic, charming, and the perfect nod to the sign's golden mane.

Astrology by BITE Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Leo, $26, available July 23 at Bite Beauty.

We all have a zodiac sign, but we don't just have one. Ever heard of your rising sign? Your sun sign? Your moon sign? Yep, we got a lot — so BH Cosmetics made it so you can pay homage to them all with this 24-shade eyeshadow palette.

BH Cosmetics, $22, available at Urban Outfitters

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Google Came Up A New Version Of Its Viral Art Selfies — & It Involves Dancing

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This past January, a strange phenomenon briefly overtook Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: Post after post showed selfies of friends and celebrities juxtaposed with artistic doppelgängers. Behind these matches was Google’s Arts & Culture app, which let users take playful advantage of machine learning tools to find which framed masterpiece or sculpture resembled them best. Some of the comparisons were spot on. Others were, well, very rough approximations.

Although the virality of art selfies faded after just a few days of fame, it’s clear that Google took note of their popularity. The company is back with a different — and, arguably, more fun — version of the art selfie, this time called Move Mirror. Developed by another team at Google, Move Mirror is meant to show how machine learning can “be used in more playful ways”.

"We wondered, what fun experiences could we create with people moving in front of their webcam?" Jane Friedhoff and Irene Alvarado, both creative technologists at Google's Creative Lab, told Refinery 29 over email. "How could we find weird, serendipitous connections across the breadth of human movement — from martial arts to cooking to skiing to babies taking their first steps?"

As its name implies, Move Mirror does not use a static selfie. Instead, it works to match your dance movements with those in a library of over 80,000 images, pulled from videos licensed from YouTube and Shutterstock in addition to original footage.

Here’s how it works: Open Chrome and head to the Move Mirror site. Turn on your computer’s web cam and make sure you’re the only person in the frame. (Google says that no webcam images on Move Mirror are ever sent to a server — everything remains on-device.) Stand further back to get more of your body in the shot. When you’re ready to get your groove on, tap "start recording" and a five-second countdown will begin. You’ll see the photo matches appear alongside your dance video, and can even choose to make the resulting compilation into a share-able Gif. The experience is an addictive one: You will want to record yourself over and over again to see new matches.

According to Google’s Blog, Move Mirror is powered by PoseNet, a machine learning model that can figure out where “key body joints” are in real-time and use that information to find companion images. You might see yourself next to a yoga instructor or a ballerina in another country.

"We wanted to work with a dataset that is representative of the diversity that exists all over the world," said Friedhoff and Alvarado. "To be clear, the pose estimation technology we’re using, PoseNet, does not take into account race, gender, height, body type, physical ability, or any other individual characteristic."

Depending on what moves you bust out, the result can feel a bit like your own take on comedian Judson Laipply's viral YouTube video, Evolution of Dance. Move Mirror hasn't made the social rounds yet, but it's only a matter of time before it's as a big as a photo of you next to a crotchety old lady from the sixteenth century.

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"Jelly Nails" Are Trending On Instagram — & They're Perfect For Summer

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Nails have long been used as a form of self expression. Thanks to their commitment-free nature, you can decorate your fingertips according to any given mood or moment — and nail artists like WAH, Madeline Poole and Imarni are leading the way in intricate and statement-making designs. We thought we’d seen everything — from pierced tips to surrealist scribbles — but a new micro-trend has emerged on our Insta feed: #jellynails.

With 4,000 tagged photos on Instagram – including Kylie Jenner's pink jelly nails, which have a Nike swoosh on the pinky and over 4 million likes – the look might just bring some sweet nostalgia to your beauty routine. Reminiscent of the jelly sandals we wore back in the ‘90s (such a look), we're seeing the translucent acrylics in a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes.

"The trend is also known as glass nails," manicurist Michelle Humphrey tells Refinery29 UK. "Although it’s trending now, it’s actually been around for some time with OPI bringing out a Sheer Tint range back in 2014."

So how can we create the look? WAH Nails ’ senior nail tech Holli Anna says, "Jelly nails are made by translucent colored acrylic being sculpted onto your nail. You place a foil under the nail and we apply the acrylic on top to the shape and length you want." Explaining that you can also mix glitters or encapsulate sequins in the color, she adds, "It’s really fun, Instagram-friendly, and the light shines through like crazy," making it all the better for summer.

While Michelle says you can recreate jelly nails at home by mixing a clear polish with a color and painting it on as usual, she advises that it's best left to a pro nail technician. Ahead, some of the best inspo picks to take to the salon today.

Because you're already making a texture statement, try one color on one hand, and a completely different shade on the other. Bright green and fuchsia are dueling tones that are both inherently '90s.

@nail.lord

A more subtle take would be to keep your jelly coat clear or blush-toned, jazzing it up with a glitter overlay.

Nail artist Jessica Washick says she drew her inspiration from Jolly Ranchers and lip gloss, adding that this retro look is easy to DIY. "For the color, all you do is mix some top coat with a few drops of your favorite polish and voila: candy coated nails," she says, explaining that she applied clear tips and an extra layer of clear topcoat to complete the look.

We can't think of anything that goes better with glossy, '90s nails than distressed denim.

@beautythiccc

The jelly finish and highlighter-bright color add playfulness to pointy acrylics.

@thenailtender

Like glitter lipgloss, a designer emblem feels so '90s.

@dollfacedidit

To make the trend modern for summer 2018, try half-dipping your jelly polish.

@matsui.e

You don't need to add acrylics or extensions to try jellies, the subtly translucent technicolor rainbow looks just as cool on shorter nails.

@paintedbykerib

Use a glittery jelly nail as a fun accent against an all-matte mani.

@luv_all_ova

Ariana Grande 's manicurist has been inundated with requests for clear, lucite nails, so you know it's on-trend.

@nail_swag

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A Week In Shanghai, China, On A $36,000 Salary

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Welcome toMoney Diaries , where we're tackling what might be the last taboo facing modern working women: money. We're asking millennials how they spend their hard-earned money during a seven-day period — and we're tracking every last dollar.

Today: a copywriter working in beauty who makes $36,000 per year and spends some of her money this week on watermelon. Editor's note: All prices have been converted to U.S. dollars.

Occupation: Copywriter
Industry: Beauty
Age: 25
Location: Shanghai, China
Salary: $36,000
Paycheck Amount (Monthly): $2,497.95

Monthly Expenses
Rent: My fiance's job covers $1,300 of our rent per month, and then I pay the remaining $448.
Student Loan Payment: $0 (Thank you, Mom and Dad!)
Netflix: $0 (Thanks, Mom and Dad.)
House Cleaner: $47 (my monthly share for six hour of cleaning per week)
Savings: I am trying to save $500/month in hopes of buying a home next year

Additional Expenses
Phone: $14, paid every three months
Gym: $897 for a year (paid in full)

Day One

6:30 a.m. — Wake up extremely tired, but force myself to go to the gym before work. My wedding is in exactly 38 days, so I am finally at the finish line of a very long year of getting my ass into shape for the big day.

8 a.m. — Make my post-gym workout tonic of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and water, and then hop in the shower and start getting ready for work. I make myself a slice of whole wheat toast with almond butter and banana on top (my favorite), and pour a Nespresso-brewed coffee into my thermos before hopping on my scooter to work.

9:30 a.m. — After a short five-minute commute, I arrive at my office armed with caffeine and feeling ready. We're launching a bunch of new products in Q3 and Q4 this year, so I have lots of research and brainstorming to do today.

12:30 p.m. — I ride home for lunch and eat leftover salad in the fridge. I find myself riding to my apartment to eat lunch more and more lately, since it's a nice way to get out of the office for an hour, relax, and save money. I make a can of pumpkin soup to eat, too. (Is it weird that I am eating pumpkin soup in the summer? It sounds pretty weird to me. ) Then I head back to work.

6:30 p.m. — Ride my scooter home and order a chicken salad from one of my favorite Western delivery shops. I'm meeting friends for drinks at a newly renovated bar tonight, so I don't have time to cook dinner. $11

7:30 p.m. — Meet my friend outside my apartment and we grab Mobikes (ride-sharing bikes) for $0.14 and attempt to ride over to the bars. Unfortunately, with my poor sense of direction we get completely lost and end up just paying for a taxi ($2.99). Once there, we order a bread and dip platter to share and a cocktail while we wait for our other two friends. $3.13

8:30 p.m. — Once our friends arrive, we head over to another bar in the area for aperol spritzes (my favorite summer drink). $11

10:30 p.m. — We chat for a while and then decide to ride our bikes home, since it's only a 15-minute ride (assuming we don't get lost). My friend leads the way this time. I really love Shanghai in the summer — it's so easy to get around by bike, and with bike-sharing companies such as Ofo and Mobike, it's very affordable. Plus, I get to discover restaurants when I ride down new streets. $0.14

11:30 p.m. — Do my nightly skincare routine which consists of cleansing my skin, using my glow tonic toner, and then hydrating with eye cream and moisturizer. I turn on an episode of Queer Eye and then pass out.

Daily Total: $25.27

Day Two

8:30 a.m. — It's FRI-YAY. I have a busy day ahead at work, which always makes me happy because it means the day will go by faster. I skip my morning workout today because I've already gone four days in a row and I'm trying to listen to my body more and give it some rest when it needs it. I make myself scrambled eggs with smoked salmon on top for breakfast.

9:20 a.m. — Head outside to grab my scooter, only to realize someone cut all the alarms wires and tried to steal it last night while I was sleeping. The bike lock, ignition, and bike seat are all broken — but luckily they weren't able to steal the bike, and the battery inside is still intact. I run to ask my security guard for help in my broken Mandarin, but he says the security cameras outside our building are broken...so that's not very helpful. I grab a Mobike and head to work in a panic. I just got my scooter a few months ago and it cost $400, so this definitely puts a damper on my mood. $0.14

10 a.m. — Get to work and immediately start looking for a company who will come to my apartment to fix my scooter. Since the thief broke the keyhole on the bike lock, I can't move the bike. My coworker orders us Americanos from the coffee shop downstairs so we don't have to drink shitty work coffee today, and I pay her back. $3.59

10:30 a.m. — Call my fiance, S., and ask him for advice. He suggests calling the guy who sold me the scooter (it's second hand) and asking him if he knows a repairman. I have nothing to lose at this point, so I shoot him a text, and five minutes later I have the cell phone number of a repairman who is willing to come to my apartment and fix everything on the spot.

12:30 p.m. — Ride a Mobike home ($0.14) to meet the guy, and in one hour flat he fixes my bike seat, saws off the bike lock with a chainsaw and gives me a brand new one, replaces all the wires in the bike, and fixes the ignition. I pull up my translator app to search for the word "hero," and then tell this seemingly 17-year-old Shanghainese boy that he's my hero! He charges me $74 and I ride back to work on my scooter, loving life. Only in China can you get this kind of service... $74.14

2 p.m. — Was so frazzled this morning that I forgot to eat lunch, so I order myself a chicken and avocado salad from my usual delivery place. $11.97

5 p.m. — Today the HR department throws our office a magnificent midsummer party filled with flower crowns, fruity drinks, and lots of delicious treats. I enjoy two grapefruit vodka cocktails and then head home to hang out with S. It's one of our last nights alone before he heads home for a few weeks to visit his family before the wedding. (He's from London, and I'm from New York). We order in protein bowls for dinner (his treat) and watch a few episodes of Queer Eye. (I swear he enjoys watching it more than I do. He's already sporting a French tuck on the reg.)

Daily Total: $89.84

Day Three

8:30 a.m. — S. and I head off to the gym to get a solid workout in before our busy weekend ahead. It's a tough one, but I feel great afterwards.

11 a.m. — S. and I get ready and head off to a cute restaurant in the French Concession for a boozy brunch with friends. I order eggs benedict to start and cookies and milk for dessert (random — but I saw it on the menu and felt like I deserved it), plus a cocktail. $53.90

2 p.m. — The brunch ends, but our day has just begun. We head over to another bar for a gym mixer. They had a workout challenge for the last eight weeks that just ended, so we go to support our fellow workout mates. Plus, they have a $3.75 cocktail deal and we are feeling very social. S. buys me drinks.

8 p.m. — After indulging in far too many cocktails, we head off to a goodbye party at a rooftop bar for some of S.'s work colleagues. Since we live abroad, there are always so many people coming and going. I probably shouldn't be allowed to socialize at this point based on the number of cocktails I've consumed.

1 a.m. — I run up to S. in a panic at the bar screaming, “HELP ME I NEED PIZZA.” He decides it's time for us to go home. But not before I order us two large pizzas. $35.90

Daily Total: $89.80

Day Four

7 a.m. — Wake up with the worst hangover of my life, not surprisingly. Meanwhile, S. is getting ready to go to the gym...I will never understand how he is able to drink so much and make it to the gym the next morning. We order groceries to be delivered to our place, which will arrive at 9:30 a.m. — three almond milks, chicken breast, baby spinach, whole wheat bread, tomatoes, ham, turkey breast, smoked salmon, cottage cheese, salad mix, eggs, rolled oats, and bananas. We split the bill. $52.39

10 a.m. — I booked an acupuncture appointment for this morning, so I grab a protein bar from my kitchen, hop in a taxi, and make my way over to the appointment, secretly praying I don't throw up when I get there (or in the taxi, for that matter.) I've never done acupuncture before, but I've always wanted to try it, and my back has been feeling sore lately from all the resistance training I've been doing the past few months. $4.50

10:30 a.m. — After the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) doctor applies the needles into my back, she asks if I want to do cupping (another TCM remedy where they suction glass on your back to remove toxins from the body), but before I can answer, she already starts doing it. It feels weird — definitely not relaxing. $22.40

12 p.m. — After I take a taxi back home ($4.50), I look in the mirror and see 10 baseball-sized bruises along my back. My wedding is in four weeks, and the back of my wedding dress is completely sheer, so fingers crossed that these spots fade. No, seriously, I am freaking out, but there's really nothing I can do at this point, so I make myself a hangover cure of ham and cheese on whole wheat toast that I find in the fridge for lunch. $4.50

12:30 p.m. — S.'s mom has just flown in from London to visit us for the week, so we excitedly await her arrival at our apartment. We have a two-bedroom apartment, so she'll be staying in our guest room. After she arrives, she and S. head to the Shanghai Eyeglasses market to get her a few pairs of custom glasses, which are extremely cheap in China compared to the West. I stay home and curl up in bed, as my hangover is still going strong.

3 p.m. — S. texts me to meet him and his mom for food at a Cuban restaurant down the street. I feel bad that I didn't go to the glasses market with them and I'm still hungry, so I walk five minutes down the road to meet them. We catch up and order Cuban sandwiches. S. treats us all!

6 p.m. — After relaxing in the apartment for a few hours, we grab a taxi and head to meet a bunch of friends to watch the World Cup at a bar with a massive screen. England is playing Panama, so naturally S. and his mom are very excited to watch. $4.50

9 p.m. — After seeing England score five goals, it starts pouring raining, and I just don't have the energy to make it to the end of the game after running on such little sleep from Saturday night. I tell S. and his mom that I will meet them at home and grab a taxi. $4.50

Daily Total: $92.79

Day Five

8:30 a.m. — Can't face the gym this morning, so I let myself sleep in. Get up and make myself a spinach banana smoothie with chia seeds, vanilla whey protein powder, and almond milk.

9:10 a.m. — Hop on my scooter and ride to work. I get there a bit early, so I run across the street to grab an iced coffee from Starbucks. S. is a teacher and he recently got $300 worth of Starbucks vouchers from one of the parents of his students. Being the generous man that he is, he gave me half, so I have been treating myself to Starbucks regularly now.

12:30 p.m. — Ride home to meet S.'s mom for lunch. She isn't hungry, so I make myself a quick salad with chicken and peppers. We decide to head across the street to grab a coffee together at a cute new coffee shop near my apartment during the remainder of my lunch break. She orders a latte and I opt for a sparkling water. My treat! $12.57

4 p.m. — Feel my stomach growling, so I munch on an apple that I bought last week from a fruit vendor on the street.

6:30 p.m. — Have a relatively quiet day at work today. Head off on time and stop by a nail salon on my way home. The gel on a few of my nails has peeled off, and it's driving me crazy. I ask the woman in the salon how much it would cost to remove the gel, and she says $4.50. I get annoyed because I feel like that's way too expensive for putting acetone on my nails, so I bargain down to $2.99. We end up chatting a bit in Mandarin and she files and cuts my nails for free. $2.99

7:30 p.m. — Head to a burger joint to meet S. and his mom for dinner. They split a BOGO burger deal and milkshakes, and I order a salmon salad. S. treats.

9 p.m. — Ride my scooter home from the restaurant, since I rode it there to meet them, while S. and his mom take the metro.

Daily Total: $15.56

Day Six

6:30 a.m. — Up and ready for the gym. Today is a resistance-based workout, which I prefer over cardio-based, so I am in a good mood.

8 a.m. — Ride my scooter back from the gym and start my morning routine, which consists of taking a shot of apple cider vinegar with lemon, showering, blow-drying my hair, drinking a protein shake with spinach and banana and almond milk, and then getting dressed. After I get dressed I put on moisturizer infused with SPF, concealer under my eyes, brow gel, cream blush, and nude lipstick, and I am on my way with coffee from my Nespresso.

9:30 a.m. — Arrive at work.

12:30 p.m. — Make myself another boring chicken salad with organic pesto dressing for lunch and eat it at my desk. I go for a walk down the street to see if I can find a new coffee mug at Miniso, which is basically a very classy Japanese version of the dollar store in Asia. However, no such luck. I stop by a fruit stand on my way back to the office and grab watermelon and blueberries to have as a snack later. $2.99

7 p.m. — Go home, freshen up, and head off to dinner with S., his mom, and two of our friends we met in Shanghai. We head to a Sichuanese restaurant that serves up delicious spicy food and order a bunch of different meats, vegetables, and rice to share. S. pays for me and his mom.

9 p.m. — Head to another rooftop bar down the road for beers. Everyone orders something to try, while I opt for water...I'm trying to limit my midweek drinking.

Daily Total: $2.99

Day Seven

6:30 a.m. — Alarms goes off and 10 minutes later I am out the door on the way to the gym. Today's cardio session is killer.

8 a.m. — Proceed with my morning routine. Make myself rolled oats with raspberries for breakfast.

9:30 a.m. — Off to work with a coffee from home in hand while I ride on my scooter. Today is going to be a busy day, I can feel it.

12:30 p.m. — Ride my scooter home for lunch again to meet S.'s mom. I eat a boring salad with tomato, avocado, chicken, and spinach for lunch. Then we head to the same coffee shop again (since she liked it so much), where she gets a latte and I get a sparkling water. I treat again. $12.56

3 p.m. — Starting to feel a bit sick, but I power through the day. S. and his mom are going out for dinner and then to the largest Starbucks in the world (it just opened here recently), but I can't meet them in time, so I just tell them I will meet them at home later.

4 p.m. — Get bored at work so I start online shopping, which is never a good idea, especially with how easily accessible and cheap everything is in China. I end up buying a black slip dress to go under a few of my sheer summer dresses ($4.72), two sheer white blouses ($10.34), a jade roller because I hear they're all the rage and I want to see what the fuss is about ($2.95), and a popsicle mold tray ($2.81) because I saw a recipe for healthy popsicles online today and I want to test it out. $20.82

6:30 p.m. — Head home on my scooter with a horrible stomachache. I'm too lazy to cook dinner, so I order a Mexican power bowl with chicken, tomato, avocado, corn, and brown rice. $11.97

8 p.m. — Decide to make protein cookies while I wait for S. and his mom to get home. I take rolled oats, two egg whites, vanilla whey protein powder, blueberries, dried coconut, almond milk, and almond butter, mix it together, and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. They don't really look like typical cookies, but they taste great for what they are!

10 p.m. — Try to fall asleep, but end up spending most of the night awake.

Daily Total: $45.53

Money Diaries are meant to reflect individual women's experiences 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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Have questions about how to submit or our publishing process? Read our Money Diaries FAQ doc here: r29.co/mdfaqs

In addition to our Money Diaries, we're looking for people who want to talk to us about the following topics for other stories on Refinery29:

1. Have you ever been in a job you couldn’t stand but couldn’t quit? Did you write an elaborate quitting fantasy in your mind to pass the time? Maybe you’d finally tell your boss your honest opinion. Perhaps, you daydreamed of finally calling out your co-worker who takes credit for your ideas. If this is you, we want to hear from you! Email us here to share your most elaborate quitting fantasy and how you actually quit.

2. If you decided a spur of the moment trip the court house was more your vibe than a traditional wedding, we want to hear your story. More specifically, how much did eloping cost you? We all know that today’s weddings can range from a sweet, backyard ceremony all the way to costing than a law degree. Tell us why you chose to elope for a chance to be featured on the site.

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Here's How To Knock Out Your Holiday Shopping Now At Nordstrom's Blowout Sale

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PSA: There are more than 100 days until the holiday season. Which, for most people, seems like a reasonable amount of time to not think about gifts yet — but most, my friends, is not all. Not everyone leaves their holiday shopping to the very last minute, and for those forward-thinking individuals, now is the time to make your first moves.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale sets are some of the best gifts around right now. After all, wouldn't mom appreciate a La Mer set? What about your best friend — wouldn't she enjoy a value pack of sheet masks (so she can stop using yours)?

It might be July, but we've rounded up the best holiday gifts to shop right now, ahead.

There is a lot of product out there — some would say too much. 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, but if you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For that one friend who still can't figure out how to use a curling iron. This one will do all the work for her — it twists around your hair with just the press of a button — and she'll still get to work on time.

The Beachwaver Co., $133, available at Nordstrom

If a luxe pillowcase feels unnecessary, then you probably haven't tried one yet. Yes, they quickly elevate your bedding to look less Target and more West Elm, but what's even better is that they keep your hairstyle lasting days longer, whether it's air-dried curls or a bouncy blowout. Trust us, they pay for themselves in time and styling.

Slip, $110, available at Nordstrom

Four sheet masks for your bestie so the next time you have a girls' night in, she can bring the supplies.

Dermovia, $35, available at Nordstrom

We'd say one jar of Crème de la Mer is enough for anyone's stocking, but throw in a full La Mer skin-care routine (The Eye Concentrate, The Lifting Eye Serum, The Treatment Lotion, and The Renewal Oil) and you're this holiday's MVP.

La Mer, $330, available at Nordstrom

When your bestie's new year's resolution includes quitting her job, moving out of her apartment, and hopping a flight straight to god-knows-where, this 20-piece kit will come in handy before she starts to miss Sephora.

Trish McEvoy, $225, available at Nordstrom

Ever bought your mother a spa gift card that she never used? Since it continues to sit at the bottom of her purse, present her with this at-home option instead. This way, she gets the LED light treatment she read about without having to leave the house. Bonus: It comes with two sheet masks to sweeten the deal.

Skin Inc, $175, available at Nordstrom

When your aunt swears not even fillers could repair her dark circles, offer her this eye-care set featuring an overnight eye serum, two eye brightening treatments, and a sleep mask. She'll thank you by the next morning.

Erno Laszlo, $80, available at Nordstrom

For the travel buddy who always asks, "Do you have tweezers?"

Skinny Dip, $23, available at Nordstrom

Catch Tracee Ellis Ross on Instagram and you'll spot her slowly rolling this tool up and down her face. Why? The technology helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles in an instant.

Raffaele Ruberto, $83.75, available at Nordstrom

Imagine how volatile your best friend is with Bumble matches. Now imagine how indecisive she is when it comes to choosing — and sticking to — a fragrance. This set may not repair her fickle heart, but it will give her every option she needs to smell good while doing it.

Aerin, $115, available at Nordstrom

Five Diptyque candles for $55? Just try not to keep them all for yourself.

Diptyque, $55, available at Nordstrom

Any skin-care addict who scans Reddit late into the evening deserves this five-piece set of Kiehl's best-selling products, like the Midnight Recovery Concentrate and Ultra Facial Cream.

Kiehl's, $69, available at Nordstrom

Mascara, mascara, and more mascara — this is for anyone who wants to quit their extensions, but needs a cushion to fall back on once their fluttery lashes are gone.

Lancôme, $59.5, available at Nordstrom

Rarely is there a chance to get your hands on not one, but three, discounted products from La Prairie. While this might be the biggest splurge of your holiday, it's well worth it once you — or whoever you get this for — looks in the mirror.

La Prairie, $350, available at Nordstrom

It's rare to find a makeup wipe that will actually remove 100% of your perfectly smoked-out eyeshadow — but these cotton wipes will.

Makeup Eraser, $25, available at Nordstrom

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Offset Arrested & Facing Felony Weapon Charges Days After Cardi B Gave Birth

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Migos rapper Offset was arrested on Friday in Jonesboro, Georgia, 10 days after wife Cardi B gave birth to their daughter, Kulture Kiari Cephus. Now, he’s facing two felony weapon charges.

Offset has been charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime. He’s also facing charges of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and an improper lane change.

According to a press release from the Clayton County Police Department, the rapper — whose legal name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus — was pulled over for an improper lane change. The officer detected the smell of marijuana, and upon searching his vehicle, discovered three handguns, less than an ounce of marijuana, and more than $107,000 in cash. Offset and his bodyguard, Senay Gezahgn, were both arrested.

Gezahgn has been charged with the possession of less than an ounce of marijuana and possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime.

Other outlets have report that Offset is still serving a five-year probation from a 2015 weapon and drug possession, but his attorney, Drew Findling, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the rapper had his probation terminated early.

In a statement to Refinery29, Findling said that Offset’s main concern right now is Cardi B and their newborn, and denied that Offset had broken the law.

“We are going to pursue this aggressively,” Findling told Refinery29. “This arrest never should have happened.”

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Black Women & WOC Deserve More Than A Buffy The Vampire Slayer Reboot

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Reboot culture has struck again: A new Buffy: The Vampire Slayer series is in development. From the information available so far, Joss Whedon will return to executive produce, while producer and writer Monica Owusu-Breen ( Midnight, Texas, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Fringe) will be working on writing the script. But the most exciting part of this news is perhaps that along with Owusu-Breen taking part in the scriptwriting, a Black woman will be featured as the lead of the show.

The news brought me a wave of conflicting feelings. Buffy was such an important part of my childhood, and in a lot of ways my first introduction to fandom culture. But part of loving the show meant reckoning with its imperfections. Like many other forms of media at the time, even touted feminist examples, marginalized people were afterthoughts. As reboots gain popularity and are dominate popular culture, I’m apprehensive that a rebooted Buffy is the solution to the demand for more stories to reflect the fantasy settings.

Buffy was an important part of my homelife. Some of my oldest memories include my mother, who was largely disinterested in anything connected to science fiction or horror, carving out time every Sunday to watch the latest episode of Buffy. Sometimes she would play the show while she braided my hair for the upcoming week, making sure to keep my eyes averted from the screen as to not give her impressionable child nightmares from the overtly ‘90s special effects. Though I didn’t watch the show itself until I was in college, I have always been attached to the fondness that my mother had for it.

Watching the entire series on my own once I reached adulthood was an incredible experience, almost like re-introducing yourself to a long-lost friend. I fell in love with Buffy and her longing to be a normal girl while carrying the isolating and unfair weight of being the only Slayer. And in many ways, I connected to Buffy and the struggles she faced, because they were sometimes the closest examples to what I was going through as a young Black woman, carrying multiple burdens. I felt conflicted by my love of the show’s charm in spite of my frustration at its treatment of the few Black female character that were featured on-screen during the show’s run. There was Kendra Young, a Slayer chosen after Buffy’s temporary death, only to meet her own end by season two; Nikki Wood, a Slayer during the 1970s who was Sunnydale principal Robin Wood’s mother and later killed by Spike; Olivia Williams, an old friend and romantic interest of Giles’ that gets a few fleeting moments of screen time during season four; and the Sineya, the First Slayer.

There’s also ample criticism of the legitimacy of a franchise still claiming to have feminist roots with a white male showrunner. Whedon, the creator and lead writer for the original Buffy, has had his role as a feminist called into question in recent years. His work on projects such as Avengers: Age of Ultron and the upcoming Batgirl film also faced criticism, because the portrayals of female characters were less developed and nuanced, hunging on tired tropes of femininity and womanhood. At the same time, many have rightfully called into question why attaching Whedon to a project has been more of a priority than hiring more female writers, directors, and showrunners.

Owusu-Breen’s involvement does address this, as does her history of working on successful sci-fi TV shows. Her role in the Buffy reboot reiterates the necessity of having marginalized people involved in all parts of creating a show to ensure the authenticity of addressing identity. But, the issue remains: a reboot of a completed franchise may not be the best solution to the desire for more media led by people of color.

There’s no doubt that science fiction and fantasy are still desperately lacking stories within popular media that are inclusive from their origins. But to solely reboot franchises that have already been done reinforces the false idea that reboots are the only option. There are incredible novels, graphic novels, and other forms of original media being created by marginalized creators with stories that are just as captivating and important as Buffy. But to push them aside in favor of retelling a story that fans are already familiar with only sends the message that these stories are somehow less than. New stories have no guarantee of success, and perhaps there is monetary safety for studios in rebooting a series with a strong fan base; but in doing so, there’s the risk of denying fans the joy of falling in love with new stories and squandering any success a new series could have. And with so much time having passed since Buffy aired its final episode, it’s high time that we give new ideas with the inclusive leads that we’ve been waiting for a chance to succeed instead.

Buffy is an important part of feminist media and, despite its many imperfections, will always remain so. People of color, especially Black people who are already erased in sci-fi and fantasy, are not afterthoughts and deserve their own mythology. Doing a reboot instead of taking a chance on a new series is not the answer to calls to be more inclusive.

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A New Netflix Documentary Is Changing Birth Control Policies Before Its Release

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A Netflix documentary is being credited with helping to get Essure, a form of birth contro l many people say has caused them serious harm, pulled from the United States market — even though the documentary hasn’t actually been released yet.

The film, The Bleeding Edge, documents the forces that control the medical industry and the patients and advocates fighting for safer medications and devices. It comes from the directing and producing team behind The Hunting Ground and The Invisible War, Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering.

Bayer, the device’s distributor, said in a statement on Friday that Essure will no longer be available in the United States after December 31, and that pulling the device was a “business decision” based on declining sales.

The birth control device, Essure, is a small metal coil that gets inserted into the fallopian tubes, causing sperm-blocking scar tissue to form, and marketed as the only non-surgical permanent infertilization device. The United States is the only place the device is still sold, according to the Washington Post.

Many people who have used Essure have claimed to experience devastating side effects, such as perforated uteruses and fallopian tubes. Several deaths have also been attributed to the device, according to the New York Times.

Essure’s many potential damages are outlined in the trailer for T he Bleeding Edge — in it, a woman who used the device, Angie Firmalino, tells a nurse, "I had a medical device that broke, that set off a connective tissue disorder, that started deteriorating my joints."

To this the nurse responds, “Holy crap!”

According to Vulture, Dick and Ziering voiced their approval for Bayer’s decision through a statement issued via Netflix.

“This is exactly why we do this work,” Dick said. “This film has already changed policies and changed history.”

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Woman Who Anonymously Gave Millions To Female Artists Is Now Using Her Voice

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Not all superheros wear capes. One anonymous woman has been fighting gender inequality in the art world for decades by doling out over $5.5 million in grants to women artists. Now, 77-year-old photographic artist Susan Unterberg is revealing her secret identity so she can put her mouth where her money is.

The grant program is strategically named Anonymous Was A Woman, an homage to Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own, where she wrote about how women felt compelled to sign their work as Anonymous so their feminine nomenclatures won’t negatively affect their work’s reception. Unterbeg herself kept her identity as the grant’s sole patron anonymous out of fear that it would affect the reception of her work as she built a name in the contemporary art world.

Twenty-two years later, Unterberg has decided to reveal herself to use her platform for good. “It’s a great time for women to speak up,” Unterberg told The New York Times. “I feel I can be a better advocate having my own voice.” Unterberg once met her grant’s requirements: a middle-aged female artist undervalued by the art world, at a crossroads in her work. But now her work hangs on the walls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art.

Gender parity in the art world has a long way to go. According to the National Endowment for the Arts, a 51% majority of visual artists are women, but they make on average 81 cents to the dollar as their male peers. Work by female artists makes up just 1-3% of major permanent museum collections in the United States and Europe.

Inequality drips from the top to the bottom: according to the Association of Art Museum Directors, of museums with significant budgets of at least $15 million, only 30% of directors are women, and they earn 25% less than male directors. When decision-makers are disproportionately men, it’s very difficult for women artists to garner equal attention. As 2014 grant winner Carrie Mae Weems explained to The New York Times, “The work is not taken as seriously, and men are still running the game. Men in power support men in power, and they want to see men in power.”

With her voice newly unveiled, Unterberg hopes to call attention to the obstacles barring parity in the art world and the vital importance of women supporting each other. Though Unterberg’s grant has always helped fight inequality by giving individual women a helping hand, now she wants to advocate for change in a more public sphere. Following on the heels of the Time’s Up movement’s success in Hollywood, there’s reason to believe that the first step in fixing gender inequality is to get loud about calling it out. But you can’t pick up a megaphone if you’re anonymous.

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