Every era comes and goes, and eventually creates a disposable trend that we love for a second. However, time always tells what we need or what we actually want to be. After years full of clean girls, quiet luxury, and mob wives, we are suddenly turning one cigarette upside down in the pack again, reminding ourselves who we used to be: Tumblr girls.

With messy eyeliner, Brandy Melville basics, flash photography, skinny scarves, black fishnet tights, and a Crystal Castle song trending again, we are so back. It was an era that might have faded, stumbled, and silenced under years of algorithmic perfection, but it never fully died.

As someone born in the ‘90s (technically, it’s 1999), I witnessed Tumblr happening in real time. And let me tell you, it wasn’t all cigarettes, chokers, Arctic Monkeys lyrics, and blurry party photos. Underneath the coolness was a generation deeply obsessed with melancholy. The Tumblr era was born from nostalgia and shaped by music and fashion.

In 2014, Tumblr acted as the zeitgeist of moody girls, shaping many of the tastes and aesthetics we still carry today while constantly introducing us to the right references ahead of their time. Grainy pictures of Sky Ferreira or Effy Stonem from Skins, American Apparel ads, and GIFs that we wanted to recreate with a Lana Del Rey song in the background. What we now call “moodboards” were, back then, actual representations of personality and identity.

In an analysis on technology and nostalgia by Wired back in 2017, Southampton University researcher Tim Wildschut explained that nostalgia gives people a “sense of social connectedness,” especially during periods of loneliness and uncertainty, which makes sense. Nostalgia today is no longer just an aesthetic trend; it has become a psychological comfort mechanism operating within the digital exhaustion of constantly performing online.

The pressure to look perfect has been one of the strongest emotions social media has imposed on us for years. That’s exactly why the longing for more secure and emotionally familiar times keeps transporting us back to 2014. So everything we do without social media whispering trends, aesthetics, and expectations into our ears suddenly feels more authentic. And maybe that’s exactly what the return of Tumblr is about. Pushed by nostalgia, we are digging out a version of ourselves that never truly disappeared, only buried underneath years of distractions and algorithms.  

For Tumblr girls, nostalgia means putting on smudged eyeliner and listening to The Neighbourhood’s “Sweater Weather” on repeat. At least for me, it is.

Fashion was and still is at the center of Tumblr girls. Oversized shirts, skinny scarves, low rise jeans, and fishnet tights were never questioned, acting as an unspoken uniform. The aesthetic always existed between two extremes: the chaotic nightlife coolness of Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent girl and the melancholic dark romanticism of Ann Demeulemeester.  To sum it up, Tumblr-coded fashion was a sense of freedom mixed with soft grunge aesthetics under a VSCO T1 filter.

Celine’s Fall 2023 runway carried that same Tumblr girl energy that we adore, with tight leather pants, graphic tees, long necklaces, oversized black sunglasses (worn indoors) and models styled like they had just left the coolest afterparty at 4AM. Even recent runways like 7 For All Mankind’s Fall 2026 show carried traces of the same Tumblr energy a little too strongly to ignore, with messy layering, skinny silhouettes, dark eye makeup, and an undone coolness that felt like a modern version of Jenny Humphrey’s season 4 Gossip Girl wardrobe walking into an event. 

This comeback of the Tumblr girl aesthetic has become impossible to ignore, especially thanks to the power of social media and a whole new generation discovering the platform through TikTok. We are being reminded of everything that once made these It girls iconic through new Tumblr-coded icons like Gabbriette. 2014 me also would have definitely reposted Addison Rae on Tumblr.

Being a Tumblr girl was never really about following a pattern or rules. It was about looking like you had somewhere to be, someone to miss, and a curated playlist constantly playing in the background. 

Even as Tumblr girls have recently begun resurfacing through a more modern wave, they still haven’t forgotten their roots. They still carry the same messy, cool girl energy: old Doc Martens combat boots worn with knee-high black socks, a low-rise mini skirt, a faded band tee tucked carelessly underneath, and an oversized studded leather jacket slipping off the shoulder with songs like Julia Wolf’s “In My Room” on repeat like the modern version of a Tumblr diary entry written at 2AM.

This new era has everything we once had, just more of it: a black Balenciaga Le City bag hanging off the shoulder, wired headphones tangled under an oversized leather jacket, and a digital camera filled with intentionally blurry flash photos. 

Let’s face it, Tumblr girls will always be the coolest because they never really cared. Being a Tumblr girl means creating your own dramatic reality to live in. Their new era doesn’t necessarily smoke cigarettes (she’s more self-aware) or reblog black and white GIFs anymore, but she still romanticizes emotional chaos through fashion and music. Maybe that’s exactly why they continue to feel relevant no matter what year we’re in.

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I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of Taylor Swift’s outfit choices. But there’s no denying she had one of the best looks during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Not because of how she styled the look, but because of its 10-outta-10 creative ingenuity.

Instead of wearing a predictable New York Knicks jersey or official merch, Swift sat courtside in a custom tee by Alana Haim. The blue shirt was adorned simply with the words Stevie Knicks, a nod to the legendary singer and songwriter.

The fun didn’t stop there. Mariska Hargitay matched Swift, while Alana and Este Haim added to the fun with Knickleback and Knickole Kidman tees.

Naturally, we’re dying to recreate Swift’s look for game five. From the cutout jeans to the DIY shirt essentials, we’re gathering an easy-to-follow shopping list ahead. Whether you’re heading to the stadium or watching from a bar, here’s everything you need to copy the creative sporty look for your next game-day outing.

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There is nothing quite like New York City when the Knicks are winning, and last night’s historic, heart-stopping comeback proved that the Garden faithful are completely unmatched. Rallying back from a massive 29-point deficit to defeat the San Antonio Spurs, the city is officially vibrating on a higher frequency.

With the orange and blue now just one win away from securing their first championship title since 1973, fans are bringing that same high-stakes energy straight to their outfits. From the steps of Penn Station to the streets of Midtown, the game-day style is a masterclass in sports couture dressing, mixing classic jersey tops with authentic New York edge.

Last night, we hit the sidewalks outside Madison Square Garden to capture the definitive blueprint of modern basketball style.

The New York Classics

Putting a refreshing spin on traditional game-day attire, this street style star paired her Jalen Brunson jersey with a playful denim skirt. Grounding the silhouette with classic tan Timberland mid boots and crisp white socks, this is the outfit that effortlessly channels the allure of the Y2K era. “I’ve been a Knicks fan all my life,” Mia tells Refinery29. “Born and bred in the Bronx.” 

The Cozy Chic Moment

Leaning into textural contrast and nostalgic graphic design, here’s an outfit that takes a graphic T-shirt and marries it with an ultra-comfy pair of jeans. Add contrast with a black-and-white pair of sneakers that will keep you on your feet all night long. “I was always a Knicks fan,” Diana tells Refinery29 “But now I’m an even more diehard fan.”

The On-Trend Scarf Top

Fashion girlies are in love with the carefree spirit of a bandana top. You can turn the classic piece into a shirt by folding it into a triangle and tying it in a knot behind your back. Or invest in a fancy version that effortlessly drapes over the body. Don’t forget to pair it with white jeans and kitten heels for a polished touch.

Baggy cargo pants are a no-brainer for game day. Those voluminous trousers make any T-shirt look instantly cooler. Don’t forget to use your hair accessories to show your team spirit, even if you are a newcomer. When asked how long she’s been a Knicks fan, Eliza had the most relatable answer: “About a week now.”

You can never go wrong with a pair of really good jeans, whether they are Bermudas or baggy. Keep the denim moment going strong with a handbag that fits right into the look. “I just have on my brother’s jersey,” Sanai tells Refinery29, “And I made this denim bag.”

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This isn’t what most people think of when they hear the words “Florida” and “lesbian.” The south is often seen as hostile territory for the LGBTQ+ community — not wholly without cause. The historic rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and targeted attacks on public education, trans youth and reproductive rights all compound in the region to make queer life precarious. But for the queer and trans people who call the south home, there’s power in loving one another during unlovable times.

This Pride month, Refinery29 wanted to hear about the deep and shimmering ways people in the south love one another. Below, I asked three southerners to tell me their love stories in their own words.

Rene and Angel

Rene is a femme lesbian who was born in Mississippi and grew up in South Korea before moving to Arkansas for high school. Rene’s butch girlfriend, Angel, was born in Chile and immigrated to Arkansas at seven. Currently, Rene and Angel are incarcerated in different prisons. I asked Rene how they keep in touch.

There are blackbirds everywhere at the prison camp in Alabama. They build nests in the awnings and every week the courtyard orderlies knock them down with mop handles. I wonder if those blackbirds migrate. I wonder if they would go as far as Texas, where my Angel is locked up. I wonder if they would pass over Arkansas, where I fell in love with her, where we built a home.

The portrait of our queer southern life had so many colors. [I remember] cruising through Little Rock, slamming screen doors, the smell of something spicy on the stove, mosquito bites. The way we were all housing-insecure but opened up our homes. When Little Rock’s nonprofit for LGBT youth suddenly closed its only shelter, Angel and I found ourselves taking in several former residents in our own homes. 

Southern queer life is intimate by nature, out of necessity — because if we don’t got each other, who does?

The first time I spoke to Angel was at her house. A group of us [were making] signs for a protest and writing letters to incarcerated queer people. We talked about everything — about how Leslie Feinberg, Minnie Bruce Pratt and Stone Butch Blues changed our lives, our love of books, our faraway motherlands, our immigrant family members, our desires for the movement. Angel became my steel-covered velvet and I became her velvet-covered steel. 

In the summer of 2020, the whole country burned for George Floyd. While we were marching, we spotted cops roughing up a man in an alley. Recklessly, we ran towards them. The cops shoved my face into the concrete. That was the first time I went to jail with Angel. Then, six months later we were both arrested for federal arson, conspiracy and possession of a destructive device, charges also related to protest. Almost exactly three years later, Angel and I were finally sentenced to 18 months in federal prison in the historic Little Rock Nine courtroom.

The other day, I gushed about Angel to my friends in the rec room. A girl named Mimi said, “Is she Spanish? Transgender? Cleans all the time? I think she was my neighbor at the transfer center!”

It’s got to be her. I grabbed my photo album. 

“Oh yeah, that’s her,” Mimi laughed. “Girl, she would not shut up about you. All she would talk about all day was wanting to get to Alabama to be with her girl. One time, her cellie started talking about her own boyfriend, and Angel cut her off to start talkin’ about you!” 

As I write this, I hear the blackbirds’ strange, mournful chirps outside the window. Their nests are back up again.

JV and Carlos

JV met their best friend, Carlos, during college in Texas, where they are both from, and quickly became close. JV now lives in Colorado and Carlos is still in Texas. When I asked about their relationship, JV described Carlos as the greatest support system they’ve ever had — more than a best friend, really, and more like a chosen brother. 

Carlos and I met during our freshman year in the library of our university during finals week. We laughed, shared music and snacks, and did very little work. That night started a nine-year friendship. We’ve seen each other through teary conversations about platonic and romantic love, graduations, couch co-rotting, playing Fortnite from states away, resume reviews and job searches, family events and holidays. 

I’ve been on T [testosterone] for one year and the process was intimidating for me. At the time I needed a person who’d just listen and be along for the experience. Carlos was there to hold my hand virtually. I have bared my soul to Carlos and he has never, ever made me feel ashamed. He has always empowered me to do the things I’ve set my sights on. 

Love in the south, in general, is based around family. But family can be chosen. The love [Carlos and I] share carries me through the hardest times of my life, and has lasted through 900 miles. 

Anuva and their community

Anuva is a South Asian (Indian-American) community builder and artist living in Austin, Texas. Along with cofounder Alex Guerra, Anuva founded and launched Mutual Love, a community space and haven for queer and trans people, families and allies of all ages to experience joy, rest and play. I asked Anuva about his community work — which he calls beautiful, hard and hopeful — and how Mutual Love has shaped him.

When I couldn’t see myself in the outside world when I was coming of age, I found glimmers of my own possibility in queer community spaces. These sanctuaries helped me hold a future for myself, especially during the 10-year wait for lifesaving gender-affirming medicine and surgery. As a trans man, my journey in self-validation and self-love has been the most challenging and rewarding emotional and spiritual experience of my life. Community is lifesaving, especially in places like Texas where autonomy is under attack and the validation of youth agency and wellbeing has been stripped away.

When I think about queer and trans love in Texas, I’m reminded of the collective effort behind every Mutual Love Rest Fest [a free and annual all-ages community festival]. Every Fest takes the coordination of tons of people and organizations working together in good faith to create a safe, smooth and joyful experience. Many hands and hearts. 

[This] demonstrates what it means to actually show up for each other — to provide safety and support while fearlessly embracing expression and joy. Every Fest is a portal. And the smiles speak for themselves.

I’ve learned so much about love from my friendships, my family, from the queer and trans community. Love is my greatest teacher, offering texture in all its shapes and flavors — pain, grief, connection, joy, rest and everything in between.  

In my lineage, my ancestors were able to keep our language and cultural practices alive despite genocide, [colonization] and forced migration because of community resiliency. I am on the shoulders of fiercely optimistic and pragmatic dreamers who held steadfast to visions of love and hope.

Interviews have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.

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

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We can’t get enough of men yearning, and Abigail Cowen knows it. In her latest TV show Every Year After, there’s no shortage. For over a decade, Sam Florek (Matt Cornett) yearns for Persephone ‘Percy’ Fraser (Sadie Soverall) while Jordie Lin (Joseph Chiu) pines for Delilah Mason (Abigail Cowen). It’s a crushing story about what happens when your first love is your soulmate, but mistakes made as a teenager cause everything to crumble. Cue angst, heartbreak, fights and tears. What more could you ask for when it comes to a classic YA Prime Video adaptation?

I sat down with Cowen to dissect what makes Every Year After so intriguing (hint: the strong female gaze plays a big part), why we love seeing men yearn, and whether we will be blessed with Every Year After Season 2. Oh, and I also asked her if Charlie owns a shirt (IYKYK).

Refinery29: I inhaled this series, I binged it all. We’re in an era of book-to-screen adaptations, why do you think people are so obsessed with them right now?

Abigail Cowen: I remember growing up and being a fan of book series. I think that there’s this creativity behind it when you read, you create your own character. Everyone pictures the character differently. Making an adaptation is just so fun to have something that people can see. Plus, the community, like BookTok!I think that it’s so fun to see everyone’s reactions.

Did you read Every Summer After before you auditioned?

AC: I had heard about it. So many people I knew were reading it, but the funny thing is that when I got the audition, it was under a code name, so I had no idea what I was auditioning for. When I found out what the project was, and that I was gonna go in and read with everyone for the role, I started reading the book.

There’s this moment near the end (spoiler alert), where Delilah is making out with a woman. Were you excited to add queer representation to the series?

AC: Of course, yeah! I think that would be a really cool path for Delilah. I think she’s in this place of just finding herself and taking care of herself for the first time, probably in her life and putting herself first. I think she’s on this route of self discovery. I am so down for that storyline. I think that would be great, but I also just really want to see who she is. If there is a second season, I want to see who she is after putting herself first and truly confronting the things that she’s been running from for a really long time.

Will there be a second season?

AC: I hope. I hope you know it really just depends on the fans. I think if we get viewership and people love it as much as we do, then hopefully. I don’t have any information on that, but I’m manifesting.

And there might be some comparisons to The Summer I Turned Pretty because there’s a lake, two brothers and a dead mum called Sue. What do you think of those comparisons?

AC: I love that it’s compared to it, because it brings in the theme of nostalgia and young love, and rekindling and forgiveness, things that we don’t always get in life. I think that it should be compared in a way. But you know, we do have differences in the show. I love that we go kind of deeper into younger storylines, and we get to see these characters throughout their years grow, and you get to really find out why they’re making the decisions that they’re making.

The other show that Prime Video just released is Off Campus. Do you think Every Year After will reach the same levels of success?

AC: I love seeing their success. I think they were filming the same time we were filming, and I actually read that script, and immediately, I was like, people are gonna love this. But yeah, one can only hope. I hope that people, you know, love it as much as we do.

I also have to ask about the ice cream scene. What was that like to film?

AC: Bizarre! We couldn’t not laugh, because we had to kind of walk the line of not making it too weird. But it was cute. I love how they ended up portraying it, and you feel that sense of, will they, won’t they? But while we were filming it, we were dying laughing. Also, we had to keep eating the ice cream too, so we all had like a sugar high, and then crashed later on, because you do the scene over and over.

And obviously, it’s full of yearning. Do we need to see more men yearn for women?

AC: Yes, of course! Bring yearning back! That’s what I’ve been saying. Sometimes we focus on the woman yearning for the man. I love seeing the opposite. I think it’s great to see the vulnerability, and the tension, and I think it’s a really beautiful aspect to it.

Also, Carley Fortune was an executive producer on the show, what was it like working with her?

AC: I don’t know how she did it. I have so much respect for her. This is her baby, it was inspired by her teenage diaries, which I relate to. I opened up mine the other day, and I was like, it’s crazy. If I were in her position, I would be a helicopter mum, making sure that everything is perfect, but she entrusted Amy, our showrunner, to put her spin on it. She was just so supportive and amazing. She would come to set and just be encouraging, which is like all you can ask for, especially when doing an adaptation. Getting her thumbs up was the best day of our lives. I adore her. I feel really lucky to be in a female-centred arena.

It’s so important to have love stories told by women, don’t you think?

AC: The female gaze!

It’s a different perspective, isn’t it?

AC: Yeah, it is. And you can tell. I watching it and I said, I can tell that there were women behind this, and I think that’s it’s such a cool thing to be a part of, and to see.

Just a silly question to finish off with. Does Charlie not own a shirt?

AC: Does he not own a shirt? Honestly, I asked the same question! There were moments, although, I think fans aren’t gonna complain, you know. But yeah, I asked the same question. I was like, why did he need to be shirtless for this? I think if we get a Season 2, we’re gonna raise that question of does Charlie own a shirt?

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Every Year After Season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video.

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From June 13th to July 9th, Venus enters Leo, so hang tight. Why? Because Venus insists we are the main characters in the amorous show we are all players in. The thirst for attention and affection leads us to take on roles we might not otherwise take on. This can resort to lovebombing or declaring grand gestures — some of which we probably cannot uphold due to our personal circumstances and setbacks. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t talk the talk, even though we cannot walk the walk. 

Venus’s stint in Leo is typically a moment of celebration and joy. This year, Venus takes on a different tone. The vibe is more rock and roll than rhythm and blues, with a few tracks of power ballads. For starters, the pre-retrograde shadow of Mercury’s backspin in Cancer begins on June 13th, the same day that Venus enters Leo. It means that Venus’s journey in the fire sign is met with nostalgia, sentimentality — and yes, ambiguity about welcoming exes back into our lives. Mercury’s moonwalk commences on June 29th, lasting until July 23rd, and confusion sets in. Journaling and meditation are two techniques that can aid in our decision-making and in executing our ventures with precision.

A sudden attraction might hit us like lightning, forging a connection with someone who isn’t our type when Uranus in Gemini faces off with Venus in Leo on June 15th. It’ll feel as though the chemistry is instantaneous and electric. If we are in a commitment separate from this flirtation, the temptation to cultivate a relationship with the other person could lead us to contemplate matters. Uranus wants us to be free and embrace our curiosities. When it links up with the planet of love, Venus, we find ourselves drawn to unusual situations and partnerships that rival those of the past. 

The following day, on June 16th, Venus in Leo harmonizes with Neptune in Aries. The planetary alliance offers us the chance to explore our whimsical visions. Getting lost in a fantasy might make us feel like we are floating on a cloud, but reality clashes hard with the daydream, serving up an intense wake-up call. Finding our footing on earth will require grounding exercises, as our passions are profound. The caveat is that we might be overly paranoid about what others are secretly doing or thinking because we are living in our daydreams, hiding our true desires. Projecting emotions onto those we care about won’t solve the dilemma, which is why we shouldn’t make assumptions at this time.

Tensions reach a high on June 17th, when Pluto retrograde in Aquarius opposes Venus in Leo. This cosmic polarity creates a magnetic pull among three people (Pluto loves triangulation), causing us to lash out at those who do not see eye to eye with our beliefs. Keep in mind that the third party could be something of a surprise, such as work or a family situation. Therefore, it’s important to keep an open mind and space for ourselves and others. We may revolt against paradoxical dynamics, as we yearn for real-life friendships. The objective is to heal the predicament that exists to cultivate a stronger foundation — not without drama, tears, and frustrations. To survive and thrive, it’s imperative to relinquish the need to control and dominate. 

The karmic planet Saturn, which is in Aries, teaches Venus in Leo a few lessons about affairs of the heart on June 25th. Complications arise when we fight for causes that do not reflect our values. Sticking to our beliefs and ideology at all costs is vital to ensure others properly see us and to represent ourselves. If the person we are crushing on urges us to compromise our core principles, it is a sign that they aren’t the one for us. Being accepted for our individuality and uniqueness is important for Venus in Leo, which is why the hindrance Saturn in Aries brings is problematic, unless we set clear boundaries.

Yes, Venus in Leo will bring challenges, but we will get through these difficult periods and junctures by staying true to who we are. Rather than focusing on what our partners or friends need, give yourself TLC. We deserve to be happy — especially in the face of romantic adversity. 

You can read your June horoscope here.

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I may own more blush than I could ever apply to my cheeks in one lifetime, but that hasn’t stopped me from hoarding more powders, creams, and sticks to test out in the name of beauty journalism. My latest addition? Violette_FR’s Plume Blush, the makeup artist’s follow-up to the bestselling Bisou Blush sticks and an extension of the Plume range of cream-to-powder formulas. (She debuted Plume Eyeshadow less than two months ago.)

While blush launches are hardly in short supply these days, few have managed to pique my interest quite like this one. Between the airy texture, soft-focus finish, and thoughtfully curated shades, Plume Blush feels distinctly different from the dewy balms and ultra-pigmented liquids currently dominating the category.

Ahead, I break down everything you need to know about Plume Blush — including why I’m already calling it my blush of the summer.

What is Violette_FR’s Plume Blush, and what are the benefits?

Plume Blush is a cream-to-powder formula that applies and blends with remarkable ease, then sets down like a powder for a long-wearing, softly blurred flush. The texture combines the silky glide of a cream with the color payoff and velvety finish of a powder, resulting in a wash of color that feels both romantic and modern. It’s really light and airy on the skin, and has a soft, cocoa-like scent that I personally can’t get enough of. (The blush contains ethyl vanillin — a synthetic vanilla extract — and as someone with occasionally sensitive skin, it didn’t irritate me at all.)

Then there are the shades, which, given Violette’s background as an artist, feel not only beautiful but genuinely unique. The thoughtfully edited lineup of five spans classic (but never boring) blush territory, from Latte Praline, a warm rosy brown, and Rose Fumé, a medium petal pink, to more editorial (yet surprisingly wearable) options. Among them are Souvenir de Volubilis, a striking cool-toned purple, and En Feu, a vivid fire-engine red that looks like something Marie Antoinette might have dabbed onto her cheeks centuries ago.

What makes Violette_FR’s Plume Blush special?

As I hinted at the beginning, I own a veritable surplus of blush, which makes it all the more notable that Plume Blush has quickly earned a spot among my favorites. I suspect part of what sets it apart is how deeply it’s rooted in Violette’s background in fine art. “Since my art school days, I’ve always been fascinated by how the Renaissance masters created true-to-life skin,” she said via a press release. “With Plume Blush, I drew inspiration from the velatura painting technique, where thin veils of semi-opaque color create light through depth.”

The comparison feels particularly apt once the blush is on the skin. Much like underpainting, the formula relies on sheer layers of pigment that allow your natural skin tone — and any makeup underneath — to subtly show through. The result is a flush that looks less like makeup sitting atop the skin and more like color emanating from within.

What to know about Violette_FR’s Plume Blush:

• Available in five elevated shades.
• Formulated in a cream-to-powder finish.
• Contains peach kernel oil, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to moisturize and soften skin.

How do you use Violette_FR’s Plume Blush, and is it worth it?

I’ve tried countless products that promise a blurred, soft-focus finish — from primers and powders to foundations and lipsticks — and Plume Blush is among the few that truly delivers. I found that it created an airbrushed, soft-matte effect without emphasizing enlarged pores and uneven texture or looking flat, and it’s remarkably easy to work with.

My preferred method is applying it with a medium fluffy brush. I reached for Makeup By Mario’s F4 Brush, using the flat side to stamp color exactly where I wanted it before blending it out with the opposite end. (The brand also suggests tapping fingers directly into the pan and dabbing the product onto the cheeks, but I found that method took longer and produced a less even wash of color.)

Texture-wise, it reminds me of Glossier’s Cloud Paint Plush Blush. Both strike a balance between cream and powder, feeling solid in the pan yet surprisingly malleable to the touch. That said, Plume Blush offers slightly more pigment and a noticeably stronger blurring effect. The generously sized compact doesn’t hurt, either.: Because a little goes a long way, I expect this to last months, if not a full year, even with regular use.

Final Thoughts

As someone who tests blushes for a living, it takes a lot for a new formula to earn a permanent spot in my makeup bag. But weeks after first trying Plume Blush, I still find myself squealing with joy in the mirror upon application. I feel like an artist’s muse wearing it; my skin soft and flushed, and even for a beauty editor with blush blindness (me), it never feels heavy or “done.” I almost covet it in more shades (only because the formula is that good!), but then I rein it in and remember that its intentional curation is part of its beauty.

Where can you get Violette_FR’s Plume Blush?

Plume Blush retails for $34 and is available on Violette_FR’s website and Sephora.

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

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

What are the benefits of a body scrub?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best overall body scrub: Remedy For Body Bumps KP Exfoliating Body Scrub

“A scrub like our KP Exfoliating Body Scrub will really work for any texture on the body, although we did formulate it specifically for KP,” says Dr. Shah. “It works well on razor bumps, darkened/thickened elbows and knees, callouses on the hands, and ichthyosis vulgaris.”

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

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

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

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

Best body scrub for ingrown hairs: Soft Services Buffing Bar

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

Best body scrub for sensitive skin: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator

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

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

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

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I’m A Derm & I Self-Diagnosed My Skin Cancer

Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29’s global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there’s no such thing as safe sun. 

Holly, 28, grew up as a self-proclaimed “sun baby” — the kind that could lie in the heat for hours, emerging glowy and unfazed. True to form, she recently escaped to Spain in search of sun, sand, and cocktails. But on arrival, there were no warm rays — just grey skies and rain on the forecast. 

Cue the disappointment: who wants to fly miles just to bring bleak, wet weather with them? “At first I was gutted. I wanted to relax and read my book in the sun. But a small part of me was relieved,” Holly admits. “I imagined the intense [UV] rays I would be exposed to and the kind of damage that would do to my skin. Lately, I carry a lot of guilt and anxiety, worrying about whether my SPF is enough,” she reveals.  

Holly isn’t alone in feeling increasingly anxious about sun exposure. As summer approaches, many young people are growing intensely reliant on sunscreen: “I caught myself unzipping my handbag three times before walking to the train station last weekend because I kept feeling like I had forgotten my sunblock,” Fiona, 25, tells me. She has even brought it up with her therapist. Diagnosed with OCD, Fiona says that her fixation often flares up around health-related concerns; in hot weather, it’s usually about staying hydrated and always carrying her spray-on sunscreen. 

So is it common to be this concerned? And how important is wearing sunscreen really?  

First things first, it’s helpful to understand how the sun affects your skin, starting with UVA rays. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips says these can penetrate deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin, and accelerating aging. Besides premature aging, UVA rays are also linked to skin cancers such as melanoma. Then there are UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and can also contribute to skin cancer. With this in mind, Dr. Phillips is clear on the importance of sun protection: “I treat skin cancer and see firsthand the devastation it can cause, so my messaging is very clear — I always tell patients to wear high-factor sunscreen.”

Why are we so obsessed with wearing sunscreen?

Dr. Phillips agrees that public awareness around SPF has grown significantly in recent years, particularly in colder climates, where many people once mistakenly believed that overcast skies offered protection and that sun exposure was only a concern when travelling abroad. But he is quick to add that the growing paranoia around wearing sunscreen can be counterproductive: “We’re living in a world where people are more and more anxious, and while awareness is good, for some people receiving the same message repeatedly on social media can be overwhelming.” 

Sure enough, a quick TikTok search for “sunscreen” serves up countless videos — from skincare enthusiasts to dermatologists — extolling the virtues of daily SPF use, but in the same breath, shaming those who skip it. On Instagram, it’s not uncommon for beauty enthusiasts and even experts to share photos of extreme cases of sunburn and deep wrinkles in a bid to scare viewers into using SPF religiously. Here lies the catch-22: sunscreen is beneficial for your skin and overall health, but the way the message is being delivered is starting to take a toll on people’s mental well-being. 

Head to Reddit, and you’ll find multiple subreddits where users confess to a growing “obsession” with sunscreen. One person, who reapplies every two hours, rain or shine, shared that after a day at the beach, she was stressed for a week, convinced she was “doomed to premature aging.” Interestingly, the common fear underscoring these conversations isn’t skin cancer; this is often an afterthought. The real concern is that sun exposure beckons fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and pigmentation. It’s a worry that many in the digital generation are battling with well before they hit their 40s. 

Dr. Zainab Laftah, a consultant dermatologist at HCA Healthcare, has seen this firsthand and reports an uptick in younger patients asking about sunscreen: “I have several Gen Z patients who are particularly anxious about skipping sunscreen due to a strong fear of aging,” she tells me. “One even admitted to wearing SPF while asleep, worried about potential UV exposure when she wakes up.” 

Is wearing sunscreen about skin health, or a fear-mongering tactic to prevent aging?

Somewhere along the way, wearing sunscreen went from a gentle PSA to a full-blown fear-mongering tactic. Although seemingly well-intentioned, this messaging not only relies on fear as a motivator, but it also reinforces society’s desire to resist all signs of aging. According to intelligence firm Circana, 70% of Gen Z is already using anti-aging serums daily. While popular culture has always been youth-obsessed, it’s clear that in today’s aesthetics-driven virtual world, our grapple with age has become more complicated than ever. 

To many, sunscreen boasts the alluring promise of holding back time: “It’s been instilled in me by TikTok’s skincare obsessives that wearing sunscreen every single day is non-negotiable,” Sophie*, 32, tells me. “I went away with a friend recently and felt a genuine wave of panic when I realized I’d forgotten to pack my SPF,” she continued. “I even considered asking her to turn the car around, despite it not being sunny and knowing we wouldn’t be spending much time outdoors.” Sophie says that we’re constantly fed a narrative that aging is something to fight, delay, and fix: “I’ve never been drawn to injectables, but I tell myself that if I just take care of my skin, I’ll reap the benefits later on,” says Sophie. “But that kind of pressure, even when it comes from a place of self-care, can be exhausting.” 

This rhetoric is constantly echoed back to us: on one hand, prepubescent children are buying under-eye creams; on the other, AI filters give us a glimpse of how we might look with wrinkles, deepening our collective discomfort with aging. Young people are submitting to sleeping with face masks, mouth tapes, and chin straps to freeze their skin in time, while the booming popularity of “baby” Botox, fox eye lifts, and red light therapy reinforces the message that looking youthful is sacrosanct — and easily achieved if you spend enough money. 

Here’s the thing: it’s normal to be nervous about your face and body changing, especially in an era where women are publicly torn down for getting older. It’s hard to fault people for caring about aging when the system feels so rigged against us. It’s no wonder, then, that whether you have a 13-step skincare routine or reject the “beauty girlie” label altogether, SPF has become the bare minimum tool to resist looking older. 

Is global warming fueling our SPF paranoia?

Concerningly, sunscreen paranoia is starting to take over — and disrupt — everyday lives. Fiona decided to skip an upcoming group vacation to Italy because she worried that the usual sunscreen she wears at home in cooler climes may not be good enough for the high temperatures. Similarly, on the rare morning when Holly forgets to apply sun protection before going for a run, she says that her exercise feels unproductive and even “dangerous.” Likewise, Sophie says that leaving the house without wearing sunscreen on her face feels “irresponsible.”

People take sunscreen very seriously. In 2024, consumer watchdog Which? claimed that popular Bondi Sands SPF50+ Face Sunscreen Lotion had “failed” its UV protection tests, sparking uproar on social media. Users were outraged at the idea that the product might not live up to its promises and could leave them unprotected. Reassuringly, in the US, SPF products are regulated as over-the-counter drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and while Bondi Sands told Refinery29 it works with compliance experts Delphic HSE, fears around sunscreens not delivering on their promises continue to grow.

This is especially true as the Earth warms up. Sanjana, 29, says climate anxiety contributes to her sunscreen usage: “It sounds shallow, but I wish I could calculate how much faster I am aging being born in an era where global warming is worse,” she says. Sanjana adds that she applies two fingers’ worth of sunscreen every four hours from April to July when UV levels are higher, and has a reminder set on her phone to ensure she never forgets.  

But is being diligent with SPF application worth living in panic? Psychotherapist and author Eloise Skinner reminds us that an over-reliance on anything can have a negative impact: “It can reach a point where the anxiety outweighs any benefits from an otherwise positive product like sunscreen,” she tells me. “This might be the case where the feared element (sun exposure, for example) is invisible,” Skinner adds. “The lack of immediate physical evidence can push us to spiral or worry more.”

How should we be wearing sunscreen?

This in no way implies that we should stop using sunscreen; rather, it’s a call to find a healthy middle ground, bringing the sunscreen conversation back from the edge and onto a more sensible footing. Dr. Phillips tries to mitigate any concerns and anxiety about sunscreen by laying out a clear plan for each of his patients. While the instructions require more nuance based on your skin type and lifestyle, he shares some general rules of thumb. 

“In the summer months, particularly on a sunny day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the UV index is at its highest, you should try to stay in the shade and use SPF,” says Dr. Phillips. “An average adult should be using 30 millilitres of sunscreen with each head-to-toe application,” he stresses, which is almost one-third of a 100 millilitre bottle.

“If you go to the beach, you should reapply sun protection every two hours,” adds Dr. Phillips, and if you’re entering the water, it may get washed off, so you need to apply it again once you’re out.” The rules are the same regardless of your skin tone, says Dr. Phillips. But what about when it isn’t as sunny? Suppose you’re heading to work at 8 a.m. when it’s relatively dark outside, and coming home in the evening well after the sun has set. Is sunscreen necessary then? “When the UV index is low in early mornings, you don’t need to use [sunscreen] as much,” Dr. Phillips explains, especially if you’re wearing more clothes. Dr. Phillips recommends focusing on exposed areas, applying a teaspoon-sized amount of SPF to your face and neck.

The colder months also see less UVB radiation — the rays that primarily cause burns — but UVA is still present and can pass through clouds and windows. In this instance, Dr. Phillips says you don’t need to reapply your sunscreen every two hours as you do in the summer months, but if you’re spending a good while outdoors, he suggests carrying a sunscreen mist and topping up when you can. 

Even as a sunscreen enthusiast, Dr. Phillips insists it’s important to uncouple the unhealthy fixation on looking younger from the purpose of sun protection: “We need to reframe the feeling of disgust that comes with aging,” he tells me. “The pendulum has swung too far on one side, where people are scared of wrinkles and fine lines, but these are natural consequences of living,” Dr. Phillips says. The reality is that aging is inevitable, whether you wear sunscreen or not.

For me, every fine line or wrinkle-in-the-making is a little reminder of the many hours spent laughing with my friends or making funny faces at my nephew — some of my favorite moments from the last two decades. Ultimately, we shouldn’t feel gripped by the fear that our sunscreen isn’t doing enough, nor should we dread spending time outdoors because of it. Unless you’re planning to sunbathe for hours in direct sunlight, which isn’t advisable, it’s more important to be practical than perfectionist. Keep some SPF in your bag if it’s sunny or you’ll be outside for a while, and if you forget, don’t panic. There are other simple ways to protect yourself: sit in the shade, put on a hat, or a pair of sunglasses. There’s no need to rush home. 

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