An experience that rivals that of the salons you once frequented pre-pandemic begins with the right products — nail polish notwithstanding. Inspired by skin-care, OPI’s derm-approved ProSpa line is just the thing to transform what would have ordinarily been a simple "nail polish to nail" act into a delightful, luxurious treat. Start with the micro-exfoliating hand polish to slough off dead skin cells, massage in a triple butter-blend hand cream after, and follow up with the protective hand serum, all of which are laced with special ingredients like nourishing cupuaçu butter and restorative peptides (perfect for upping your skin’s barrier and protecting your hands in the cooler months).
And once you've applied your color of choice, protect your hard work with OPI’s RapiDry Spray — the same stuff that’s used in professional nail salons — for an instant smudge-proof finish. So, light up some candles (top notes like bergamot and lavender promote relaxation), cue up classic spa soundscapes (we recommend rainforest sound effects or Enya), and luxuriate in a leisurely self-pampering process that’s just about as close to the real thing as you can get without having to leave your home.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover
Remove all traces of leftover polish with this professional remover that gets the job done without leaving nails feeling dry or brittle.
OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover, $, available at Ulta Beauty
OPI ProSpa Micro-Exfoliating Hand Polish
The gentlest way to polish and brighten dull, dry skin: this exfoliator with micro grains that's formulated with vitamin C and cupuaçu butter to condition and soften hands.
OPI Pro Spa Micro-exfoliating Hand Polish, $, available at Ulta Beauty
OPI ProSpa Moisture Whip Massage Cream
Give yourself a hand or foot massage with this cream that delivers unparalleled hydration with its cupuaçu, shea, and coconut butter blend and collagen-building peptides. Prefer a lighter formula? Try this protective hand cream, instead.
OPI Pro Spa Moisture Whip Massage Cream, $, available at Amazon
OPI ProSpa Protective Hand Serum
Much like serums for your face, this one — a concentration of daisy flower extract, vitamin C, and peptides to brighten, plump, protect, and fight free radicals — delivers a shot of hydration in an instant.
OPI Pro Spa Protective Hand Serum, $, available at Amazon
OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil
A powerful cuticle-conditioning medley of grape seed, sesame, kukui, sunflower, and cupuaçu oils that's as lightweight and fast-absorbing as it is rich.
OPI Pro Spa Nail & Cuticle Oil, $, available at Ulta Beauty
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
A best-seller for a reason, this nail treatment strengthens and hardens weak, damaged nails with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium.
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener Original Formula, $, available at Ulta Beauty
OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops
Fact: The nail-drying process is the worst. After you've applied your color (we recommend these for fall 2020), speed things up with these drying drops — just one or two drops per nail should suffice — so you can uncork your favorite red to match your newly painted Bordeaux-colored nails and cap off your night.
OPI Drip Dry Lacquer Drying Drops, $, available at Ulta Beauty
OPI RapiDry Spray Nail Polish Dryer
Another option for an even faster finish: this spray that gives nails a smooth, smudge-proof finish in minutes. (It's so good, the pros use it backstage at fashion week shows.)
OPI RapiDry Spray Nail Polish Dryer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
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Hospitals, like most excessively air-conditioned workplaces, seem to be perpetually set to “freezing.” But unlike those of us who (used to) work in an office space, healthcare professionals don’t always have the luxury of keeping a second-favorite cardigan draped on the back of their chairs. Instead, they rely on layers, worn under their scrubs, for warmth. Susanna Mannix, RN BSN (and full disclosure: mom to R29 casting director Emily Mannix), confirms this. A nurse for 46 years, Mannix has worked in hospitals — mostly critical care — that require her to wear scrubs.
“I come to work in my own clothes, change into hospital scrubs, and leave in my own clothes — it can be quite chilly, but I’m allowed to wear ‘long johns’ under my scrubs in either white or black,” says Mannix, who prefers to wear Cuddl Duds, after having discovered the brand when she was shopping for base layers for cross-country skiing. “I’ll wear a Cuddl Duds layer under my scrub top to keep warm — plus, they’re not bulky underneath.”
Which brings us to Cuddl Duds’ big news that’ll make Mannix and all healthcare workers rejoice: The comfort clothing brand is bringing its beloved layers to the medical world with a line of scrubs and underscrubs — just in time for National Scrubs Day (October 9). Crafted from the softest, stretchiest anti-microbial poly-rayon-spandex blend fabric, Cuddl Duds’ men’s and women’s scrubs come in various styles thoughtfully designed with side vents, loops for ID badges, and chest or side pockets with pencil slots. Bottoms, too, promise comfort with wide-knit waistbands and adjustable drawstrings in either wide-leg or jogger silhouettes (so, in other words, pants as easy to wear as your sweats).
For streamlined comfort, there are underscrubs — an iteration of Cuddl Duds’ famous base layers, except done in an anti-microbial, sweat-wicking material with a close-to-the-body fit. Colorways for both scrubs and underscrubs include black, white, charcoal heather, navy, blue, and pink; sizes range from XS to 3X.
The Pantone Color Institute announced its top colors for Fall/Winter 2020 in February, and, one month later, a pandemic abruptly upended everything about life as we knew it — down to even the most minor aspects, like how we dress. For the first several months of lockdown, all I wore were somber colors (black, navy, and gray) that matched my mood amidst all the uncertainty. But once temperatures warmed up and the curve began to flatten in NYC, my wardrobe did a complete 180 (lime green, candy apple red, soft lilac, and buttery marigold yellow). Now, rounding the corner into fall neither dark neutrals nor cheery brights feel quite right for the unusual season ahead. This brings us back to Pantone’s Autumn '20/Winter '21 color report, and one subtle (like I'll see you in the comments section subtle) yet absolutely sumptuous color that stood out among the rest: Almond Oil.
Conceived to highlight a “desire for versatile, timeless color” along with a “less is more mindset,” Pantone's Fall/Winter 2020 palette is full of louder hues (radiant orange, acidic yellow-green, and rich scarlet) that would have ordinarily dominated the trend scene. But instead, it was the unassumingly beautiful warm, off-white hue called “Almond Oil,” that caught our eye. A palate cleanser of sorts, this creamy shade feels soothing like a sense of safety with a touch of optimism. Think almond-milk-colored clouds in clothing form: off-white soft knits, French terry sweats, and chunky sweaters perfect for cocooning yourself in at home. And when combined with crisp lines or delicate fabrics? Almond Oil radiates sophistication, too.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Bec and Bridge Eden Rib Midi Skirt, $, available at Verishop
& Other Stories Cropped Cardigan, $, available at & Other Stories
Only Curve poplin mini smock dress with puff sleeves in beige, $, available at ASOS
Free People So Low So High Cashmere Sweater, $, available at Free People
The Grace Made Beloved Dress, $, available at The Grace Made
Caracilia Open Front Knit Cardigan with Pockets, $, available at Amazon
& Other Stories Smocked Mini Shirt Dress, $, available at & Other Stories
In the fantasy version of registering for wedding gifts, it's you, your S.O., and a blissfully carefree experience (cue: movie montage scenes of couples swanning around and beeping products at whim). But in real life, it's more like being struck with decision paralysis, compounded by an inexplicable sense of urgency and fear of possible judgment, resulting in a haphazardly slapped-together list of random items you probably don't need — especially if you already live with your significant other — or won't ever use.
So what should you be looking for? Investment items that you'll not only cherish forever but which will actually last forever. In other words, faultlessly designed products crafted from materials of the highest quality that promise to take up permanent residence in your life — and Bloomingdale's has an inventory of such items. There are eternally timeless white porcelain dinner plates by Bernardaud. There's a 10-piece stainless-steel cookware set from All-Clad that's superior to anything else on the market. And there's a marble cheeseboard from Michael Aram that will serve as the most ideal backdrop to all your future charcuterie endeavors.
If you're still waffling, Bloomingdale's also has registry consultants who can guide you every step of the way (as well as a couple other features worth noting: a registry perks card for 20% off dresses, suiting, intimates, and fine jewelry; and honeymoon planning services with the store's travel concierge). But back to the potential gifts at hand: Click through to find the 10 items that are actually worth registering for.
You know you're an adult when you have a complete 10-piece cookware set, as opposed to a random saucepan here and a nonstick skillet there. And this one, with its tri-ply, industrial-style polished stainless steel construction, means business. It promises even heat distribution, stick resistance, and easy-to-grip handles — essentially, all the makings of excellent cookware.
Rimowa Original Cabin, $, available at Bloomingdale'sThis is your year to be a cheese influencer (it's a thing, trust), and the title is yours to clinch with this stunning marble cheeseboard decorated with orchid details. Display your carefully curated charcuterie spread — strategically placed stuffed olives, a dollop of artisanal peach jam, a tiny mound of almonds, a fan of thinly sliced prosciutto, and an offering of Brie, Manchego, Vacherin Mont d'Or — with pride.
Michael Aram White Orchid Cheese Board with Knife, $, available at Bloomingdale'sPlain, simple, impossibly elegant, these frills-free white porcelain plates — popular among high-end restaurants across Europe — are so timeless that the demand for them prompted their French maker, Bernardaud, to produce them for the masses, making them perfect for all occasions.
Bernardaud Origine Dinner Plate, $, available at Bloomingdale'sSpun from the finest cotton, these super-plush yet surprisingly lightweight towels from Matouk will make you want to streamline all your towels (aka finally get rid of the faded, bleach-stained ones you've had for years).
Matouk Milagro Bath Towel, $, available at Bloomingdale'sAsk any culinarian and they'll name Le Creuset as the quintessential brand for cast-iron cookware. And this dutch oven in particular is worth a special shoutout because it's extra deep to rein in rogue splatters, it's not too heavy, and it takes up minimal stove space (read the reviews if you don't believe us).
Le Creuset 5.25-Quart Deep Round Oven, $, available at Bloomingdale'sElevate your whiskey-drinking experience with these beautiful crystal glasses that lovingly feature iconic Waterford heritage cuts. They pair perfectly with top-shelf Scotch.
Waterford Heritage Straight Whiskey Glasses, Set of 6, $, available at Bloomingdale'sBrace yourself for the best knife you'll ever wield: this premier handcrafted blade by Shun that took at least 100 steps to create using a trademarked "super-steel" material layered with Damascus steel for support and precision. And for the finishing touch: a hand-hammered "tsuchime" texture to reduce dragging or resistance when cutting.
Shun Premier 8" Chef's Knife, $, available at Bloomingdale'sIf you've hand-mixed everything all your life, obstinately refusing for whatever reason to invest in a mixer, then, well, it's time. It's time to make your life easier (life is hard enough as it is). And this one by KitchenAid is heralded as the best out there, with a 325-watt motor, a 10-speed slide control, a tilt-head design, and 10 optional hub-powered attachments.
KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Stainless St, $, available at Bloomingdale's
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Dermatologists recommend them. Celebrities swear by them. Scientific research has backed them. Retinoids — a class of vitamin A derivatives, with some, like retinoic acid, that are so potent, you can’t get your hands on it without a doctor’s prescription — have proven to be nothing short of a miracle for speeding up the skin’s cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, resulting in a smoother complexion and visibly reduced lines and wrinkles.
Unfortunately, for all of their benefits, there are also considerable drawbacks. If used aggressively, especially on sensitive skin, retinoids can inflict serious damage, with side effects that include redness, dryness, scaling, swelling, blistering, sun sensitivity, and stinging.
It’s for these reasons that some have steered clear of traditional retinols altogether. But gentler options that are as effective — and most importantly, safer — are virtually nonexistent. Until now, thanks to Josie Maran. The model turned entrepreneur, who built her namesake natural beauty brand on delivering argan oil in its purest form, set out to harness the power of beta-retinoid to concoct a clean formula completely stripped free of retinol derivatives and synthetics without compromising efficacy. In other words, a product so gentle there’s no breaking-in period, no irritation, and no side effects (in a clinical study, 100% users surveyed agreed that it was gentle enough for daily use).
Maran’s Argan Beta-Retinoid Pink Algae Serum is based on the benefits of three key ingredients: beta-carotene-rich pink algae (a natural form of vitamin A), quercetin (a powerful antioxidant), and, of course, organic argan oil (for all of its antioxidants, vitamin E, and omega essential fatty acids). With daily use, the serum is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles within just one week — along with correcting UV damage, uneven skin tone, and dullness — without any irritation at all, making this a huge win for, well, everyone.
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