POPSUGAR

The Best Under-$25 Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale, According to a Budget Shopper

Haley Lyndes — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 05:00:02 -0700

If you've been craving a little retail therapy, we have good news - Amazon's first big blowout sale of the year is here: Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Even better? It's packed with deals under $25, so you can treat yourself without breaking the bank. Whether you're stocking up on the ever-popular, editor-loved Laneige Glowy Lip Balm, leveling up your workouts with resistance bands, or indulging in a little self-care, this sale has something for everyone.

The best part? You don't have to rush. The six-day shopping event runs through March 31, giving you plenty of time to browse and snag the best finds. From fashion and fitness to home, beauty, and seasonal décor, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is filled with editor-approved steals you won't want to miss.

Our Favorite Amazon Big Spring Sale Deals to Shop

A skincare essential that will rejuvenate your skin: Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence at $16, originally $25
Say goodbye to your clunky iron: HiLIFE Steamer at $24, originally $46
For the zen master in the making: Ozaiic Yoga Socks for Women Non-Slip Grips & Strap at $13, originally $26
Because we all need our eight hours: Lemme Sleep Gummies at $23, originally $30

Keep scrolling to shop our top picks. While you're at it, be sure to check out PS's ultimate guide to the best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals and subscribe to our newsletter for even more budget-friendly shopping finds.

Allison Holker Shares First Dance Videos Since tWitch's Death: "Felt So Good to Dance Again"

Eden Arielle Gordon — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:40:02 -0700

Image Source: Getty / Vivien Killilea / Stringer

Allison Holker is finally returning to the dance floor. On Aug. 23, Holker shared the first clips of herself dancing since her husband Stephen "tWitch" Boss's death in 2022, posting a clip of herself dancing to a remix of "My Heart Will Go On" from "Titanic" on TikTok. Her 15-year-old daughter, Weslie, joined her in the video.

"When your life is a mess but you just trying to vibe," Holker wrote in the caption. In the comments, Weslie replied, "Lol we're funny," and her mom responded, "Hahahha . . . love you."

@allisonholkerboss ♬ Lights, Camera, Action! - Remix - Instrumental - Mr.Cheeks

Then, on Aug. 26, Holker shared another TikTok video of herself and friend Brittany Russell dancing to Missy Elliott's "Bomb Intro / Pass That Dutch." "Excited to be back," Holker wrote in the caption. She also shared the video on Instagram. "Truly felt so good to dance again," she wrote in the caption. "I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. I was both scared and excited. But dance has always been there for me . . . even now and I am so grateful for that. And thank you @bperryrussell for making it so fun and making me feel safe!"

Holker used to frequently share dance videos with tWitch, who died in December 2022. The pair share 7-year-old Maddox and 3-year-old Zaia. In March, Holker shared a family photo for the first time since tWitch's death. "We will stand strong together as a unit, and find the courage to hold each other up," she wrote in the caption. In May, the family stepped out at the "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" premiere.

In the wake of tWitch's death, Holker told People that returning to dance would be a significant milestone in her grieving process. "That's gonna be a big step for me," she told the outlet in May. "But I know that I'll get there. He's guiding me on this path."

From the Disgusting Brothers to Stewy's Future, 8 "Succession" Spinoffs We'd Love to See

Bryan Brandom — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 07:00:03 -0700

"Succession" arrived at its complicated, backstabby conclusion on Sunday, with Tom Wambsgans atop the GoJo-acquired Waystar Royco rubble, eager to eat platefuls of Lukas Matsson's bad press for a ludicrously lucrative living. And while Jesse Armstrong's decision to end the HBO hit on a high after just four seasons stings like a stitch-opening hug, the creator offered a balm back in February, hinting at the slightest possibility of a "Succession" spinoff.

"I have caveated the end of the show, when I've talked to some of my collaborators," the three-time (and counting?) Emmy winner told The New Yorker, "like: Maybe there's another part of this world we could come back to, if there was an appetite? Maybe there's something else that could be done, that harnessed what's been good about the way we've worked on this."

Although HBO content CEO Casey Bloys and drama head Francesca Orsi took turns pouring lemon LaCroix all over the dream of a "Disgusting Brothers" spinoff during season four ("[A]t this stage, there is no intention of spinning any one character off," Orsi told Deadline days before the finale; "It doesn't seem like a natural thing to me," her boss told Variety in February), they both dropped the "never say never" line. And Bloys, who oversaw the creation of "Game of Thrones" spinoff "House of the Dragon," suggested an expansion of the Waystar-verse would be up to the show's creator: "if [Armstrong] said I want to do this, then I would follow Jesse's lead."

Far be it from me to tell the man who penned, "Lip-balm Tom Wamb, lubing up his lips to kiss my butt," what to write next, but if Armstrong's looking for inspiration, here are eight "Succession" spinoff ideas we'd love to see.

15 Last-Minute Mother's Day Gifts You Can Buy on Amazon

Marisa Petrarca — Fri, 12 May 2023 14:15:04 -0700

It's no secret that holidays have a habit of creeping up on us, and Mother's Day is no different. But fear not if you still need a gift; Amazon famously has your back when it comes to last-minute purchases. Even with time running out, there's still time to place an order to make sure your mom feels special this year. Whether you check out the website's chic fashion items like a modern lunch box that doubles as a high-end handbag to must-have home products like the TikTok-famous Ninja Cream Ice Cream Maker, you're sure to find something she'll love.

To help you narrow down your search, we've compiled a list of 15 thoughtful and stylish Mother's Day gifts she'll adore. From cozy pajamas and slippers to the latest tech gadgets like a temperature-controlled smart mug and tracking devices perfect for travel, there's something for every type of mom and budget. Plus, these gifts ship fast with Amazon Prime, so you can relax knowing your present will arrive on time. Keep scrolling to shop our top Mother's Day picks and make this year one to remember.

This Face Serum Is So Good, My Partner Stole It

Cynthia Puleo — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0700

I was introduced to Vertly last year when I was offered a chance to try some of its CBD products. Its CBD spray absolutely changed the game for me when it came to my post-workout recovery, but I also ended up loving its Glowing Face Serum ($50-$99). I began using it in my daily skin-care regiments - that is until my partner discovered it on our bathroom countertop and tried to steal it from me. Now, we both use it every day.

About the Vertly Glowing Face Serum

It fights stress, damage from free radicals, and signs of aging.
It's made with a blend of 24 nutrient-rich botanicals, including nettles, calendula, green coffee, gotu kola, and apricot kernel.
The formula is handcrafted in small batches, taking three weeks to produce.
It's vegan and suitable for all skin types.

What I Like About the Vertly Glowing Face Serum

I adore Vertly's commitment to using all-natural herbs and botanicals to create its products. The fragrance of the Glowing Face Serum is subtle enough that it doesn't give me a headache (which happens with anything overly potent), but also pleasant and calming. The formula is lightweight and never feels greasy or tacky on the skin like some serums I've used. It also boasts green coffee and hemp to fight inflammation, gotu kola to help stimulate collagen, and apricot kernel for maximum hydration.

How to Use the Vertly Glowing Face Serum

I've been using the Glowing Face Serum in my routine every day, both morning and night, after first washing my face. It absorbs effortlessly into my skin and provides me with hydration that lasts all day. With it, I don't experience any of the dry patches that typically show up for me when a moisturizer is too light in texture.

What to Consider Before Trying the Vertly Glowing Face Serum

The least expensive size option for this face serum is $50, which isn't cheap. On the bright side, I don't have to use very much to treat my skin - a tiny bit goes a long way. It's super hydrating, even on the harshest of winter days, so a small bottle should last you a while.

Where Is the Vertly Glowing Face Serum Available?

The Vertly Glowing Face Serum is available at VertlyBalm.com, Credo Beauty, Macy's, and Bloomingdale's.

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I'm a Tea Snob, and These Functional Herbal Blends Are My New Go-To

Cynthia Puleo — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:45:03 -0700

I've been a tea drinker for as long as I can remember. I truly love coffee, but I can't have it for health reasons, so this has turned me into a bit of a tea snob (if there is such a thing). What always surprises me is how many additives companies put into tea, including artificial sweeteners and colorings, for what reason I know not. So when I got the chance to try Ora teas, I started by doing some research. I found out that they have no additives and serve all kinds of purposes, from acting as an immunity booster to helping with digestion. In addition, they're gluten-free and made from sustainably sourced and organic ingredients. And once I tried them, I was hooked.

Sound like a lot of fuss over tea? Let me convince you why these are worth a buy.

What I Like About Ora Teas

Ora is a New York City-based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) studio that offers acupuncture, facials, and massage. At its locations, it also offers teas and tonics that you can enjoy before or after your session - or, if you're not in the NYC area, you can purchase its teas to enjoy at home. Each blend is meant to help you feel balanced and calm and has been formulated by an acupuncturist with blends based on TCM principles.

First, the packaging is a treat. I loved the black tins that the teas come in, each with a description of the tea as well as a note about whether or not it contains caffeine. I was eager to try Your Best Defense, Inner Vitality, and The Best Digest. Upon opening each tin, all of the teas emitted a lovely aroma with subtle notes of everything from hibiscus to clove, rose petals, and organic ginger root. The teas come in delicate netted bags, perfect to drop into boiling water for a soothing cup.

Each tea is helpfully labeled based on its benefits. Your Best Defense ($18) - which tastes citrusy and slightly sweet - is supposed to help improve immunity with the help of red rooibos, hibiscus, hawthorn berry, rosehips, orange peel, and cinnamon. Rosehips is said to strengthen the kidneys, urinary bladder, and large intestines, per Ora, while orange peel may help with bloating, nausea, or belching, and cinnamon promotes circulation.

Inner Vitality ($18) - with a spicy-sweet flavor - is designed to help you find your focus, fight fatigue, and improve energy and metabolism. This is thanks to green rooibos, alfalfa, clove, cinnamon, gotu kola, red rose petal, and stinging-nettle leaf. Ora says gotu kola improves circulation, which can help with pain, while red rose petal helps balance stress and stinging nettle acts as a diuretic.

The Best Digest ($18) - which tastes earthy, spicy, and citrusy - is ideal for alleviating constipation or bloating, with pu'erh leaf, orange peel, hawthorn berry, peach kernel, and ginger. The last three ingredients act as antioxidants, reduce food stagnation, and promote movement in the large intestine, according to Ora.

I adore them all, but Inner Vitality has to be my favorite, thanks to the energizing cinnamon flavor. Though the Food and Drug Administration doesn't evaluate and back up the benefit claims made by tea or supplement brands like Ora, I personally felt that each of the teas I tried helped with the described ailments. I've experienced both digestive issues and illness this winter, and I felt the teas were super helpful in keeping my GI system in order and helping me avoid contracting any major sniffles. Now, my partner and I like to pick from the selection daily based on how we're feeling.

What's Worth Noting About Ora Teas

If you're avoiding caffeine, The Best Digest isn't for you, as pu'erh leaf contains caffeine, but Your Best Defense and Inner Vitality are both herbals perfect for morning or evening. I'd caution anyone with sensitivities or allergies to any specific herbs - including alfalfa, nettle leaf, hawthorn berry, or blue cornflower - to read the ingredient list carefully and chat with their doctor if needed before trying these teas. (In general, the FDA recommends you talk to your doctor before using any new supplements because they can potentially interfere with health conditions and medications.)

Who Are Ora Teas Best For?

Ora teas are best for anyone looking for an elevated, soothing tea-drinking experience at home. Anyone who needs a little help with digestion or who wants an immune boost might enjoy these teas, but the beautiful packaging and complex flavors are enjoyable even if you leave the purported benefits aside.

Are Ora Teas Worth the Splurge?

At $18 for a tin of 15 tea bags, Ora teas are by no means like picking up a box of Lipton at the supermarket. That said, I will drop $3.15 on a single tea bag in water at Starbucks, so this seems like an exceptional deal for what you're getting. The brand also is committed to using the absolute best ingredients, which, for me, makes it worth the cost.

Additional Details

In addition to the three teas I tried, Ora also has a Calming Chai blend and a Relieve and Recover blend.

Where Are Ora Teas Available?

Ora teas are available on the brand's site and are also sold through Equinox, which has a bundle of all five teas for $90.

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Glow Recipe's Avocado Ceramide Cleanser and Recovery Serum Are Worth the Hype

Chiara Nicole Gero — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 10:20:02 -0800

I was fortunate enough to meet the founders of Glow Recipe recently and was sent home with the Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum ($44), which has since become a staple in my short but sweet daily skin-care routine. So, when the brand finally dropped the Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser ($28), I knew I had to try it. I wanted to see if it was just as good as the serum, but also, I was in desperate need after my runway-model sibling accosted me for only using water to wash my face (I know, I know).

I wanted something that would remove my makeup without drying my skin out, and this ceramide-packed face wash from Glow Recipe ended up being just the thing. Ahead, learn why I'm loving it in my simple skin-care regimen.

About the Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Cleanser and Recovery Serum

These products support a healthy moisture barrier, reduce redness, and soothe skin.
They're formulated with nourishing ingredients like ceramides, avocado butter and oil, and colloidal oatmeal.
The avocado extract is processed in a way that helps conserve energy and water, lowering its environmental impact.
They're safe for all skin types.
The bottles and jars are partially made of recycled glass and are 100 percent recyclable.

What I Like About the Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Cleanser and Recovery Serum

Both of these Glow Recipe products aim to support a healthy moisture barrier. They contain a blend of avocado extract and butter and five skin-identical ceramides to improve skin's resiliency and prevent water loss. In the Recovery Serum, allantoin (a skin protectant that moisturizes and smooths skin) and rice milk hydrate and target redness from dehydration to soothe skin. I took it with me to Tulum, Mexico, because I knew I would need them after spending a lot of time in the sun, and it helped so much.

The Avocado Ceramide Cleanser dissolves oil, makeup, and sunscreen, and is formulated for all skin types. It contains ceramides, post- and prebiotics, colloidal oatmeal, avocado oil, and gentle makeup-removing agents (the packaging states they use the same cleansing ingredients as baby washes). The face wash doesn't feel harsh on my skin, and it isn't too thick for my liking - it actually almost spills out of the bottle when I open it. It also suds up quickly but doesn't travel down my neck or get messy, which is sometimes a struggle with other cleansers I've used.

I use the serum immediately after washing my face, and it feels like it's restoring moisture to my skin. I also just love aesthetically pleasing bottles, and the serum specifically feels nice to hold and look at.

How to Use the Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Cleanser and Recovery Serum

The cleanser can be used morning and night. All you need is a pea-size drop to wash your face (I usually suds my neck, as well). The serum should be used before your moisturizer by dispensing one to two pumps onto a slightly damp face and neck. You can apply it daily, both in the morning and at night.

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Keke Palmer and Amelia Dimoldenberg Bond Over Drake Being "Obsessed" With Them

Joely Chilcott — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 11:27:23 -0700

While we've long been fans of Amelia Dimoldenberg's "Chicken Shop Date" series, her latest outing with "Nope" star Keke Palmer is truly a meeting of minds. And it's not just a love of chicken nuggets and off-the-wall conversation they have in common. Instead, they realize that the singer Drake is actually obsessed with them both.

Dimoldenberg asks if Palmer believes in love at first sight, saying, "I think that's going to happen when I meet Drake." The 27-year-old presenter regularly hails him as her dream date and has previously told fans the rapper slid into her DMs to ask to be on the show. Suddenly, she recalls the lyrics to "In My Feelings" and asks, "'Kiki, do you love me?' Is that about you? . . . If he said that to you, what would you say?"

Palmer laughs as she says she would say she loves him back, but she adds she doesn't think the song is actually about her, to which Dimoldenberg replies: "He's obsessed with you. And me." And as their date continues, it's clear to see why anyone would be.

Palmer's infectious personality is impossible to dislike as she explains: "One of my biggest love languages is watching movies." But any partner who chooses to race ahead on a TV show without her blessing would be out in a flash. She hates cool guys, likes tall men, and prefers her boyfriend to have hair.

When asked what talent she wishes she could have, Palmer replies immediately with, "I would love to bust out some ballet." She's got the hip-hop moves down, so this would really make her untouchable. We already know Palmer is into astrology, having been teaching her costar Daniel Kaluuya about star signs, and she pulls out her party trick, guessing Dimoldenberg is an Aquarius after just three questions.

As the date wraps up, Dimoldenberg asks when Palmer has been most proud of herself. "At the end of every day, I'm like, 'You did it,'" she says. "Because as everybody knows, with some of these days, you could just call it quits, honey. So anytime I make it to the end of my day I'm just like, 'You did it, girl, you made it through another day.'"

Here's to another day with Palmer and Dimoldenberg bringing us all the laughs. Watch their epic "Chicken Shop Date" above.

Grab a Seasonal Latte, and Join Grace and Mamrie For a Holiday Rom-Com on Discovery+

Kat Malinowska — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:59:57 -0800

Looking to narrow down your list of holiday rom-coms as winter break kicks off? We're here to assist with episode one of Kicking and Streaming With Hart and Helbig, a fun new watch-along-with-us show on Discovery+'s YouTube channel. In each episode, hosts Grace Helbig and Mamrie Hart dive into Discovery+'s massive catalog and share highlights and hilarious commentary on both classic content and Discovery+ Originals. There'll be themed cocktails, seasonal crafts, and, of course, tasteful holiday decor.

Episode one takes us into the snowy, cheery, gingerbread-y world of holiday rom-coms from the Discovery+ movie collection. Sit back and boot up Candy Coated Christmas, The Christmas Calendar, Holly's Holiday, and more.

Shop the Gifts From Best-Kept Secrets, POPSUGAR's Holiday Gift-Guide Show

Melissa Hayes — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 14:30:18 -0800

Our POPSUGAR editors and special celebrity guests are sharing all their best-kept gifting secrets on Best-Kept Secrets, POPSUGAR's Holiday Gift-Guide Show. Watch the show, then shop all the gift picks! From gift ideas for the whole family to #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, find the perfect present for everyone on your list.

LIVE Now: Join POPSUGAR in Celebrating Inclusivity on Special Olympics Live!

Kat Malinowska — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:02:02 -0700

July is an important month for Special Olympics: to honor their commitment to ending discrimination against people with disabilities, the organization is continuing an important campaign called "The Revolution is Inclusion." Special Olympics is urging people to add their names to the Inclusion Pledge, a promise to celebrate and include people of all abilities.

POPSUGAR is joining forces with Special Olympics to help spread the word. On Friday, July 19, beginning at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET, POPSUGAR News and Culture Director Lindsay Miller and Max Carver will cohost a four-hour live show dedicated to celebrating togetherness alongside athletes, actors, hosts, and partners. The show will air on specialolympics.org/live and encourage viewers to sign the organization's empowering Inclusion Pledge.

Tune in Friday to help us celebrate this important cause, and read up on the campaign at jointherevolution.org.

60+ Editor-Approved Picks That Will Help You Hit the Refresh Button For Spring

Krista Jones — Sat, 04 May 2019 09:05:07 -0700

These days I'll use pretty much any excuse to shop, and the start of Spring sounds like a good one to me. Whether your vice is dresses, face creams, or home decor items, now's the time to give yourself a seasonal refresh by adding a few new things to your life.

Our editors spend their days reviewing and shopping the best of the best, so I enlisted the help of our in-house experts to dish on what's in their carts and on their wish lists. From organizing products to tie-dye swimsuits, these picks will inspire you to get ready for all your upcoming adventures. Keep reading to shop our top picks of the season.

Cover Story: Pretty Little Perfectionists

Maggie Panos — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 14:40:05 -0700

March 14, 2019

by Maggie Panos

"I have a secret," says Janel Parrish.

Parrish is well-versed in keeping secrets. She starred as Mona on the hit show Pretty Little Liars and is now reprising that role for Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists, a spinoff premiering March 20. Both shows interrogate the secrets that lie beneath otherwise perfect facades.

Parrish's secret isn't sinister, but it is poignant: "I don't read comments." Parrish has a public-facing Instagram account and a personal Facebook account just for friends and family. She knows she has to strike a balance between what she shares with fans and what she keeps private. "I don't want to feel like somebody's comments are going to affect who I am."

When the hit show Pretty Little Liars premiered in June 2010, Instagram didn't exist, and Snapchat wasn't even in development. Nearly nine years later on the eve of The Perfectionists' premiere, Twitter is practically a contractual requirement for actors; Instagram has ballooned to nearly 1 billion monthly users; and if you don't know how to use a Snapchat filter, you're ancient.

The five young stars of The Perfectionists have amassed a collective 28 million followers on Instagram alone. When I ask about the role of social media in their lives today, they are impressively candid.

"Things can always look glossy and glamorous on the outside, but you never really know what somebody is dealing with on the inside," Parrish says.

Sofia Carson didn't even have social media until she got her first acting job. "My sister opened my Twitter and Instagram under 'Sofia Carson' handles around the time that I got Descendants," she says, spitting her gum into a napkin and placing it gingerly on a desk. "She was like, 'Welcome to the real world.'"

Carson became a household name - in middle schools across America, at least - with Descendants. The Disney Channel original movie became a ratings juggernaut, spawning two sequels (one due out later this year) and captivating tweens across America. Although the original was released just four years ago, the DCOM phenomenon sparked Carson's meteoric rise within the circles of young Hollywood.

This month, Carson takes on the role of Ava in The Perfectionists, where she'll meet an entirely new audience champing at the bit to see how two original cast members - Alison (Sasha Pieterse) and Mona (Parrish) - are faring after their turbulent days in Rosewood have come to a close. Ava is the queen bee, a social media maven whose schoolwork often takes a backseat to her career as an influencer.

Carson is one of three new leads joining the franchise as college students, along with actors Sydney Park and Eli Brown. All five actors are on the Portland, OR, set today - rotating through hair and makeup, snapping candid photos of each other, and chatting with me in a quiet corner of the Frank Manor House on the sprawling Lewis & Clark College campus. It's so foggy outside the historic brick mansion that if a legion of Descendants fans were standing 10 yards away from Carson, they likely wouldn't recognize her.

"Social media is a beautiful responsibility that we have as actors," Carson continues. "It's almost like a superpower to be able to connect with so many people at once, and to have such an impact. I think it's incredibly important to take it seriously."

For an actor who commands the camera with such authority - she mean-mugged like a pro during a group shot - she's remarkably gentle one-on-one. She leans into me with every word; her voice is soft, and she laughs when asked about meeting Jennifer Lopez. She is wearing stark-white dad sneakers.

Carson's Instagram is studded with behind-the-scenes shots from The Perfectionists, red carpet photos from the Golden Globe Awards, and selfies with the blue wig that her character Evie sports in Descendants ("I love it so much," she says). Her feed is professional without looking too polished, perhaps because she still runs her Instagram account herself - all the show's stars do. The platform is a way to connect with fans, but Carson is quick to assert that it only represents her public self.

"'Sofia Carson' is who I am to the world, but behind closed doors, I am a version of Sofia Carson [that's] different than what you see," she says. "And I want to keep that private. I want to keep that to myself. There are certain things, especially career moments, that I want to share with the world. I pick and choose as I go, but I like to keep my romantic life and my family life private."

It's a completely understandable sentiment, but in a world where paparazzi park outside Starbucks and fan culture suggests that celebrities owe complete transparency, how realistic is it to keep up appearances and maintain a real sense of privacy?

Social media fame is a double-edged sword that Sasha Pieterse knows all too well. On Pretty Little Liars, she played the one and only Alison, whose alleged murder kicked off the plot of the entire series. On The Perfectionists, Alison returns as a professor at the fictional Beacon University. In the pilot episode, a character notably describes her transformation as one "from mean girl to mentor." While Pieterse spent years playing the "mean girl" on screen, she strives to be the latter to her fans.

"Society puts this mask on, and social media has given such a perfect outlet for that," she says. "It's very frustrating at times because everything is documented, whether it's good or bad. You have to choose what you want to be and what you want to put out there."

During her post-PLL stint on Dancing With the Stars, Pieterse put something very personal "out there": her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, a chronic hormonal disorder that can lead to female infertility. The condition affects up to five million women of reproductive age in the US alone and can contribute to the development of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, acne, and rapid weight gain.

While this was the first time she revealed her diagnosis publicly, Pieterse, who had gained 70 pounds, was open about her years-long struggle with weight fluctuations due to a hormonal imbalance. In 2015, she posted an Instagram saying that she was "under construction" and thanked fans for their support. But by the following year, the body-shaming comments on her social media profiles had become so cruel that she penned an emotional letter. In it, she detailed that not only had people assumed she was pregnant during the throes of her weight gain, but even after she went public with the news of her hormonal disorder, she was disturbed at the number of women who tore her down.

"When I finally figured out what was happening, I felt like I had to say something," she says, looking every bit a life-size porcelain doll in a pink lace dress with dark lips and flawless skin. "Not just for myself, but for awareness. So many women have PCOS and they don't even know. There are so many women that have it and don't talk about it. It's sad that it's taboo."

Though Pieterse wasn't initially a key player as one of the four main stars of Pretty Little Liars, her role grew when it turned out - spoiler alert - her character wasn't actually in the ubiquitous casket. Alison clawed her way out of her burial plot in season four, becoming a series regular until the final episode aired after seven twisty seasons.

The show was wildly successful out the gate, due in part to the rabid fanbase for Sara Shepard's book series of the same name. The YA boom was beginning to fade out on the big screen as the final Harry Potter movie was released and the penultimate Twilight took its bow, but Shepard's whodunnit story, filled with cliffhangers, lent itself to the small screen. The series snagged 4.2 million viewers for season one's Winter premiere - an immense win for Freeform (then ABC Family), and an even bigger win for Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Ashley Benson, and Shay Mitchell, the show's leads.

While viewership remained steady in the two to three million range for years, live viewership had dropped considerably by the grand finale in 2017 - but curiously, social media engagement had not. The series's swan song generated 1.7 million tweets, becoming one of the year's most talked-about episodes of television. The social media success was due in part to the stars, who would live-tweet episodes for the fans, hash out theories with critics, and share precious behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram.

Shepard released the first book in the Perfectionists series while PLL was still on-air in 2015. The two book series stand alone, but Freeform has chosen to weave in characters from PLL in hopes that it can again capture lightning in a bottle. The spinoff has the potential to be another blockbuster for the network, and the five leads again face questions of how to balance fame, reality, and an ever-growing fan appetite for social media content.

Young stars appeal to young audiences, and while adults may know the difference between reality and perception, kids and teens may not. If young celebrities choose to promote perfection, are they doing a disservice to fans? Do they owe it to young followers to come clean about their flaws?

"You never know what someone's going through," Pieterse continues. "Assumptions are really scary - not just with PCOS or the way that I look, but the way we perceive and judge everybody before knowing what's going on in their lives. I don't think it's always negative to want to be better and want people to experience the good parts of you. That makes sense to me, but I think we've gone too far, whether it's editing your photos in Photoshop or making your life look a certain way when it may not be as perfect as you're projecting."

Joining Sasha in the "old guard" is Janel Parrish, whose character has also undergone a transformation since the early days of PLL. Mona, once a social climber hungry for status, is now a counselor at the college. While Parrish is 30 to Pieterse's 23, both exude a quiet confidence that comes with years of juggling personal life with the demands of a successful TV show. Both got married last year, and both revealed exclusive wedding photos in high-profile magazines.

Parrish embraces her big sister role among the cast and feels very protective of the other actors, who she calls her "littles." But while she is the oldest cast member, she denies being the wisest: "Sasha's not much younger than me, but I always go to her for life advice because she's one of the wisest, most mature people I've ever met."

On the day of our interview, Parrish is energetic and eager to make eye contact. She hasn't gone through hair and makeup yet, and her beautiful bare skin indicates she's been blessed with great genes and a natural glow.

When I ask her about how the image of fame contrasts with reality, she draws parallels between the perils of social media and the plot of her show. "Hollywood can look like - and sometimes is - a very glamorous business and a very glamorous world," Parrish says. "But people don't always see the things underneath, like the really long hours or shooting in the rain and being freezing, and pretending that it's Summer."

Being an actor requires some amount of make-believe, and that theme extends to the themes of the show. "These perfectionists, they look so beautiful and perfect - perfect grades, the perfect couple - but there's all this darkness and struggle underneath. Trying to be a perfectionist can kind of drive you mad at times."

Darkness, indeed. The Perfectionists follows a similar story arc as PLL: a group of students in a small, idyllic town unite to unravel an all-consuming murder. In many ways it will feel familiar to fans, but the story has graduated to a new level - and not just because it takes place on a college campus. There are far more sinister things going on among the characters, and they're hinted at throughout the first episode.

"It is this seemingly perfect world on the exterior, and then once you crack the surface, you find imperfections and lies and darkness that we all have inside of each of us," says Carson. "I think the darkness gets heightened in our search for perfection. I think that's kind of infiltrated into everyone's world now through social media. Our world consumed by this strife for this unattainable perfection. That is harmful."

The tone of the show is ominous, but on this day, the set is filled with laughter. Some of the girls are singing along to The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" in the hair and makeup area, dreaming aloud about macaroni salad (the kind with pineapple in it), and Eli Brown is scrolling through Instagram. His female costars have an obvious doting affection for the Hollywood newcomer, but he's still the odd man out on a set lined up with 44 pairs of heels and filled with dreamy pastel blouses. He's also not a candidate for the girls' night scheduled for that evening.

Just as they do on the show, each member of the cast takes on a different role within the group when the camera stops rolling. Carson is as quiet as a mouse on set (everywhere but in front of the camera), Pieterse and Parrish are chatty over prepackaged snacks, and Sydney Park is the life of the party. Her laugh can be heard from around the palatial mansion where we're shooting today. After completing her solo photo shoot to the tune of Rihanna's "Work," she's free to devour some dried mango while spitballing ideas for tonight's girls' night ritual.

"Trader Joe's is selling mini waffle sandwiches with caramel and ice cream," says Parrish, excited by an article on her phone.

"We could get those tonight," Pieterse says.

When I ask Park for her take on perfectionism, she's succinct, a trait likely sharpened by years of interacting with the press. While her name recognition may not be as high as that of her costars, she's been in Hollywood since 2006, when she scored a recurring role on That's So Raven at age 9. Since then, she's appeared on numerous TV series from Nickelodeon fare like Instant Mom to AMC's long-running hit The Walking Dead.

"You find yourself comparing yourself a lot to other people and their highlight reel - what you're seeing," she says. "We all do it. I'm not going to show the worst parts of me. I'm not going to show my bad days on Instagram. Some people do, but at least for what my job is, I have to keep this image, and it's a lot of pressure."

It's surprising to hear a wholly different take from her costars. Park recognizes the importance of seeming polished in her industry, and she's here for it.

"It's tough trying to maintain an image, whether that's being polished, or edgy, or sexy. Or, are you sexy enough? Are you pretty enough? Are you skinny enough? Are you thick enough? People are not really that forgiving out here. They always say Hollywood can just chew you up and spit you back out, and I definitely think that is an underlying theme in The Perfectionists as well. What will you do to get ahead? What will it take? And in Hollywood, you're constantly asking yourself those questions because of the insecurities that it breeds."

The Perfectionists sees Park playing Caitlin, a buttoned-up student who unwittingly stumbles onto an absolute mess of a murder. As is protocol for Sara Shepard's characters, it's clear from the get-go that Caitlin has her own trove of secrets. In contrast, Park lives her life out loud. The unrestrained actress swears like a sailor between shoots and belts out the lyrics to "Drunk in Love" during the group shoot.

"I don't really get a lot of hate, but obviously as you become more popular and people have more opinions, it's just a matter of turning your comments off. Post what you want to post, and don't worry about what everyone else says. It's not for them, really. I mean, if they have something negative to say, then that's on them."

If Park is the wild card, unabashed and unafraid, Eli Brown is the unsuspecting new kid on the block.

The 19-year-old actor, who plays the character of Dylan, was plucked out of Eugene, OR, for his first-ever onscreen role, which resulted from his first-ever audition, a fact that makes the hustling females on the cast groan in disbelief. Despite his lack of a résumé, Brown already has upwards of 35,000 followers on Instagram, where he posts a lot of black-and-white photos of idols Jeff Buckley and Jim Morrison.

When I ask him if he's alarmed that droves of new fans have already descended upon his comments, he replies, "It's kind of crazy, and the show's not even out. It comes with a lot of attention. And I don't like being the center of attention." He says this as he's twisted himself into a pretzel in his chair, his worn gray Fender t-shirt now obscured by a tangle of limbs. When I point this out, he smiles and unfurls his slender frame. Unlike the women of the cast, Brown isn't accustomed to press yet. He doesn't have long, thoughtful answers, and he projects a sense of apathy about how he's perceived. He's currently reading a Led Zeppelin biography - an actual paperback that may or may not be from his local library. When asked whose career he'd like his own to emulate, he says Meryl Streep (Park later laughs at this fact). The last show he watched was Entourage, which he's seen "from start to finish several times." His least favorite part of the job is the long hours he spends waiting for something to do. While a "hurry up and wait" pace is common on TV and movie sets, that reality leaves plenty of time for Eli to read a book while his costars happily kill time on their phones.

The whole "I don't care what you think of me" schtick isn't a late teens defense mechanism. He seems genuinely content to be disconnected from current pop culture. When I mention This Is Us, he asks, doe-eyed, "What's This Is Us?" It seems his costars call him "Grandpa Eli" for a reason.

No one understands the pressure these young stars will be under better than showrunner I. Marlene King. The driving force behind both PLL and The Perfectionists, King is a self-professed "mama bear" to her casts.

"We promote an on- and off-set environment where people feel like they can come to me and confide in me and just be truthful and honest," she tells me via a phone interview after the photo shoot. "We're all very supportive of each other. We call ourselves the PLL family, and we take care of each other like a family - it's not just a word we use."

I ask if it's difficult to see her TV kids cope with personal struggles in the public eye, as Pieterse did with her PCOS diagnosis.

"It's not easy," she admits. "People can be very cruel on social media, and I say just ignore the negative. It's hard sometimes, but don't react to it. Ignore it. Because you don't want to give those online bullies a platform to have a dialog with you."

She's right: no matter how much a celebrity shows off their life on social media, we can't purport to know them, not fully. There's a line between the Instagram fantasy and reality, albeit a blurry one (just ask Pieterse, who spoke with surprising fondness of a man in Germany who has a tattoo of her face). So what, if anything, is an actor's responsibility to their fans? What responsibility do any of us have to make the not-so-perfect details of our private lives, public?

"I think it's to be honest," says Carson. "To be 100 percent myself and to start conversations, and to be open about topics that I think are important. I believe that true beauty lies in imperfections and in our quirks. And what makes us different and what makes us beautiful lies in being imperfect."

Editorial
Editors: Nancy Einhart, Lisa Sugar Copy Editor: Chris Roney Talent Booker: Kristin Harris
Creative
Photographer: Evaan Creative Direction: Jenny Anna Ung Wardrobe Styling: Dana Avidan Cohn Makeup: Luce Cousineau Hair: Autumn Sanders Design: Joslin Lee, Jae Payne Production: Sarah Rudoy, Jonathan Rinkerman Video Editing: Jesse Spellman Site Development: Shilpa Shetty, Yilong Li, Sarabjot Kohli, Patrick McDougle, Sabrina Eldredge

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