Latest news with #Refinery29
Refinery29
2 days ago
- Politics
- Refinery29
Abortion Has Now Been Decriminalised — But Our Fight Is Not Over Yet
'I'm just going to leave you for a moment to process your thoughts and feelings,' my partner said to me after he'd gleefully waved at the news on his phone. 'Let's pop some fizz!' The breaking news: On Tuesday evening, MPs had voted — 379 votes to 137 — to decriminalise abortion in England and Wales. MP Tonia Antoniazzi proposed amendment NC1 to the Criminal Justice Bill. In short: women can no longer be prosecuted at any stage for having an abortion. I needed a moment, just like many other women and people with uteruses across the country. A moment to feel the exhaustion of fighting for our reproductive rights lift slightly. A moment to feel in charge of our own bodies, finally. Until this week, abortion was still technically a criminal offence under a Victorian law called the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. Although, in practice, termination is allowed under the Abortion Act 1967. Access to abortion involves the requirement of two doctors' signatures and carried out within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. This will remain the same and doctors who act outside of the law will still face the threat of prosecution but now, thanks to this law change, women will not. It marks the biggest step forward in reproductive rights in nearly 60 years. But it's not over yet. Labour MP Stella Creasy had proposed a different change which if passed instead would've meant abortion in England and Wales, just like in Northern Ireland, would be a human right. It would've meant protection to all of those involved. It would've protected access for all and in every form. It would've meant full decriminalisation under amendment NC20. Back in 2019, Refinery29 journalists — Vicky Spratt, Natalie Gil and Gillian Orr, to name but a few — started an I'm A Criminal campaign, pushing for decriminalisation. Since then, we've seen prosecutions increase tenfold. Up until 2022, only three women had ever been convicted of having an illegal abortion. In the last four years, six women had been called up to court accused of ending their pregnancy. According to data obtained by The Guardian from the Crown Prosecution Service, 13 people were called to court charged with abortion-related offences in 2022, compared with four people in 2019 and three in both 2020 and 2021. Some known cases haven't been included in this data. But the most recent high profile case that had women up in arms was cleared by a jury only a few weeks ago: Nicola Parker was found not guilty after nearly five years of facing the threat of prison. Like Nicola Parker, these women faced scrutiny that should never have happened. Some faced intrusive personal questions on the stand like a criminal. Some faced the paparazzi snapping them outside of court like a criminal. Their lives were completely upended by a choice they made about their own bodies. We can only imagine how unbelievably difficult and traumatic it must've been for them then and now. So here's to all the women across England and Wales who, this week, no longer feel like criminals. Since 2019, we've seen reproductive rights being rolled back across Europe — in Poland abortion has been banned since 2020 and in Hungary women who seek an abortion must listen to the foetal heartbeat first. And we've watched from afar the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the States, and subsequently state by state remove access to abortions or make it increasingly difficult to get one. These removals have only happened in the space of a couple of years, what will the next couple bring? Complacency is not an option for us. Action can mean success. Remember when women and men across Ireland pushed to Repeal the 8th in 2018? The referendum successfully resulted in the majority of Irish citizens voting to repeal the Eighth Amendment, so abortion is now legal. So Scotland, here's looking at you now. My beloved home country needs to pass a similar amendment through Holyrood in Edinburgh. Currently, we still follow the same requirements under the Abortion Act 1967. Women can still be called a criminal for having an abortion. Let's change that. The time is now. I've now processed my thoughts and feelings on it, and the fight for our reproductive rights isn't over yet. In truth, it never will be because we know that a person's right to bodily autonomy can never be taken for granted. We also know that you can never be complacent about the right not to be pregnant.
Refinery29
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Tatcha's Dewy Milk Moisturizer Is Our New Go-To For Glowy Summer Skin
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. If a brand is lucky, it will launch a product that manages to go viral and make the company a household name. Tatcha, a rare exception, has had nearly too many to count. From The Water Cream to The Silk Canvas to The Kissu Lip Mask, the brand has established itself as a modern-day luxury brand with decadent, effective products to back up the hype. And while we don't want to jinx anything, something tells us that Tatcha's latest launch will be another notch in its belt of bestsellers. Meet The Dewy Milk Moisturizer — Tatcha's newest hydrator and our current summer beauty obsession. Joining Tatcha's Dewy collection of products (which includes The Dewy Skin Cream, The Dewy Serum, and Luminous Dewy Skin Mist), Dewy Milk Moisturizer is a lightweight hydrator that turns up the glow, not grease, in your skin. (Call it the Skipper to Dewy Skin Cream's Barbie.) The Dewy Milk Moisturizer, $64 As the name suggests, Dewy Milk has a fluid-like texture that quenches skin but absorbs readily. 'We heard from so many people in our community — including my clients — that while the original Dewy Skin Cream is a favorite, it can feel a bit rich for some skin types,' celebrity makeup artist and Tatcha's Global Director of Artistry, Daniel Martin, tells Refinery29. 'The brand created Dewy Milk Moisturizer as a lighter option, giving you that signature glow in a more breathable, milky texture.' Milk has become somewhat of a beauty buzzword as of late, with products ranging from toners to lip gloss to cleansers drawing inspiration from the dairy product. But don't just take my word for it; Dewy Milk has become the talk of R29's beauty editor Slack channel, with rave reviews pouring in: ' Tatcha's The Dewy Skin Cream was the only product I bought on my first-ever trip to New York — you couldn't get the brand in the UK at the time — and I instantly fell in love with its cushiony texture and radiant finish,' says our London-based Beauty Director Jacqueline Kilikita. 'But as someone prone to breakouts, it didn't always agree with my skin on oilier days. It seems the Tatcha gods were listening, though, because the brand's new Dewy Milk Moisturizer takes everything I loved about the original and transforms it into a lighter lotion that my skin drinks up in seconds, and doesn't break me out or leave behind a film.' ' I'm convinced my skin looks noticeably better since I started using it. jacqueline kilikita ' And if that's not enough, even fans of the OG have had their heads turned by Dewy Milk. 'I genuinely didn't think anything could top the original, but the new Dewy Milk Moisturizer might just be my new go-to, especially for daytime, specifically during these warmer months,' shares Global Beauty Director Sara Tan. 'It feels like a serum-meets-moisturizer: it's impossibly lightweight, glides on like silk, and delivers serious hydration without ever feeling heavy.' Thanks to ingredients like Japanese purple rice (which lends a natural, lilac hue to the stuff), green tea extract, and zinc hyaluronate (the salt derivative of hyaluronic acid, which combines the hydrating prowess of HA with anti-inflammatory benefits of zinc) to promote soft, supple skin that's balanced and radiant. 'There's no pilling and no stickiness — just bouncy skin that's perfectly prepped for sunscreen and makeup,' says Tan. If all that isn't enough, Tatcha also enlisted a friend of the brand, Olympic gymnast (and R29 Powerhouse) Suni Lee to front this extra-special launch. 'I've been a fan of Tatcha for a long time,' she exclusively tells R29. 'I started using the Dewy Skin Cream during my training days because my skin would get super dry from long hours in the gym. [Dewy Milk Moisturizer] is so lightweight but also so nourishing, and that's what really stands out to me. It's like a glass of water for my face.' Hydrated, happy summer skin in a bottle? Sign us up.
Refinery29
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Your Horoscope This Week: 15th To 21st June
Cosmic beings, if you've been following my work for a while, you've probably heard me talk about the 2020 ascension, especially in my article for Refinery29 back in 2020 about what the world could look like by 2032. Now here we are, five years later, and the astrology is catching up to the prophecy. Pluto, the planet of transformation and revolution, officially entered Aquarius in January 2025, where it will remain until 2044. This is major. Aquarius rules revolution, community, rebellion, and systems designed to benefit the people: think of Bob Marley, Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis, and Alicia Keys. The age of illusions is dissolving and the age of awakening is upon us. We're also feeling the rumblings of another generational shift: Uranus, planet of disruption and innovation, is at 28° Taurus, preparing to enter Gemini on 7th July after seven years of shaking up our relationships with money, land, food, and ownership. The final degrees of any Uranus transit bring chaotic revelations — buried truths coming to the surface. This week, expect that energy to intensify. Whether we're talking about the U.S. government, the humanitarian crisis in Congo or gentrification and housing crises in cities like Los Angeles. This is global, and it's astrological. The system is revealing itself (and it's crumbling). Will we look away or lean in? On 15th June, Jupiter in Cancer forms a tense square to Saturn in Aries, bringing tension between our desire for care, community, and safety (Cancer) and the need to uphold boundaries, structures, and discipline (Aries). It's giving 'protect the people at all costs' energy. Jupiter wants to expand love and nurture, and Saturn demands we get serious about how we do it. Whether it's family drama, government repression, or collective exhaustion, this square asks us: What are you willing to stand for? And what systems do we need to dismantle or rebuild to protect what truly matters? Then, on 18th June, Jupiter squares Neptune in Aries, creating fog and confusion, but also a deep spiritual reckoning. It's like the rose-colored glasses finally fall off and the grief sets in, but so does the resolve. We may feel emotionally raw, even disillusioned, but that doesn't mean we're powerless. On the contrary, this square is here to help us get clear about what's worth fighting for, and what delusions or distractions we must release to live more aligned lives. Luckily, Mars enters Virgo on 17th June, just in time to bring some much- needed grounding. After weeks of pride-fuelled theatrics with Mars in Leo, Mars in Virgo wants us to clean house, quite literally. All signs will be feeling a desire to organise, declutter, simplify, and start fresh. But beware: Mars in Virgo can bring out our inner perfectionist. Don't get stuck trying to do everything 'right.' Do it with intention. Start where you are, and let progress be the new perfection. Finally, we wrap the week with the Summer Solstice on 20th June, when the Sun enters Cancer. The longest day of the year brings a moment of pause and celebration. Cancer Season is a time of emotional nourishment, family reunions, and ancestral remembrance. We're being asked to return home: not just physically, but spiritually. What does safety feel like in your body? What communities make you feel loved? This solstice, let your answers guide your next chapter. This week, Aries, the tension between your inner and outer world becomes impossible to ignore. With Jupiter now in Cancer, activating your sector of home, roots, and emotional security, you may feel a deep urge to create more nurturing and stable foundations. But on 15th June, Jupiter squares Saturn in your sign, which is activating your sector of identity, self-worth, and autonomy. It's a cosmic tug-of-war: your desire to care for or be cared for clashes with your need to assert your independence. Whether it's family, roommates, ancestral ties, or even the concept of 'home' itself, this transit asks: where are you overextending emotionally, and what boundaries do you need to fortify? Then on the 18th, Jupiter squares Neptune (also in your sign), making it easy to spiral into self-doubt or guilt. You may wonder, 'Am I doing enough?' But this square is not here to shame you, it's here to help you forgive yourself, soften your inner voice, and reimagine what it means to belong. Luckily, Mars, your planetary ruler, enters Virgo on 17th June, helping you find focus through functionality. This transit activates your sector of health, work, and daily routines. After the ego-saturated drama of Mars in Leo, you're ready to tune out the noise and return to the rituals that keep you grounded. It's giving 'clean the house, drink the water, mind your business' energy — not out of avoidance, but as an act of self-respect. If you've been avoiding a conversation, a doctor's visit, or a commitment to your body's needs, now's the time to create a plan you'll actually stick to. Start small and stay consistent. By the time the sun enters Cancer on 20th June, you'll feel an emotional softening. Cancer Season activates your sector of roots and family even further, making this solstice a turning point in how you relate to care — both giving and receiving it. There's power in learning to mother or reparent yourself. There's power in telling your family what you need, or in creating chosen family where your truth is safe. This solstice, come home to yourself. Taurus Sun & Rising: Taurus, this week's astrology hits your soul like a plot twist you felt coming but still weren't fully prepared for. Jupiter is now in Cancer, activating your communication sector, and on 15th June, it squares Saturn in Aries, which is in your sector of healing, surrender, and the subconscious. This transit may stir up hidden fears or blockages that have lingered unspoken. Maybe a truth you've been holding in out of fear of judgment or rejection now wants to be released. Then, Jupiter squares Neptune in Aries on the 18th, making your dreams feel extra vivid or your intuition eerily on point. But be mindful: this isn't about spiraling into worst-case scenarios or over-explaining yourself to be understood. It's about trusting that your voice has power, even when it trembles. When Mars enters Virgo on 17th June, you'll get a confidence boost in your sector of creativity, romance, and play. If Mars in Leo had you stressing over what others think, Mars in Virgo says: 'Cool story, but how do you feel?' Use this transit to reconnect with your inner child. Make art that's messy and sacred. Say what you mean in love, even if it's awkward. This Mars transit can help you heal self-doubt that's kept you playing it safe, especially when it comes to pursuing joy just for joy's sake. The solstice arrives 20th June, and Cancer Season officially begins. For you, Taurus, it's a cosmic green light to express yourself more freely. Let this be a season of softness and connection — with your audience, your friends, your loved ones, your ancestors. You've been listening closely to the universe. Now it's your turn to respond. Gemini Sun & Rising: Gemini, this is the week you'll realise that your worth isn't up for debate. With Jupiter now in Cancer lighting up your money and self-esteem zone, you're being asked to slow down and take stock of what (and who) you give your energy to. The squares to Saturn and Neptune in your career sector may feel like a reality check… maybe that gig you thought would take off is dragging, or maybe you're realising you've outgrown your own expectations. Instead of spiralling or overworking yourself to 'fix' everything, ask: what actually feels nourishing right now? Your values are evolving, and so is your relationship to success. Let your worthiness lead the way. Mars enters Virgo on the 17th, charging up your home and family sector for the next six weeks. You might suddenly feel the urge to deep-clean, redecorate, or set stronger boundaries in your personal space. Try not to project your perfectionism onto the people you live with — this Mars transit is more about finding inner order than forcing outer control. Be patient with what needs to shift slowly. By the time the solstice hits on 20th June, the Sun joins Jupiter in your sector of values and income, officially kicking off Cancer Season. This is your cosmic green light to stop downplaying what you bring to the table. Get clear on your financial goals, but also your emotional ones. You don't have to grind to prove your worth — what's already inside of you is enough. Cancer Sun & Rising: Cancer, can you feel that? You're getting the cosmic memo to vibe and thrive. With Jupiter newly in your sign, your self-worth is bubbling up. But this week's squares to Saturn and Neptune in your romance and creativity sectors may feel like they're raining on your parade… maybe you're second-guessing your latest pitch or doubting if that passion project will land right. Instead of spiralling, breathe into it: these growing pains are expanding your creative integrity. You're learning that even the most authentic ideas can take time to bloom. This is a week to be radically honest with yourself about where fear of failure or rejection may be holding you back from glowing fully. You don't have to water yourself down to be accepted. You just have to keep showing up. Mars enters Virgo on 17th June, activating your communication sector. For the next six weeks, the universe is giving you homework: refine the way you speak to yourself. Catch your inner critic mid-sentence and choose compassion instead. You'll also be more discerning in how and with whom you share your thoughts. This is your season of building mental discipline, whether that's journaling, working on a manuscript, or finally sending the email you've been avoiding. As Cancer Season begins on 20th June with the solstice, it's time to take the throne. You're entering your solar return with a fresh dose of divine authority. Celebrate the journey you've been on and get clear about what kind of story you want to write in this next chapter. You're not who you were last year. Let that be your power. Leo Sun & Rising: Leo, this is the part of your story where you realise your legacy starts with your inner world. Jupiter in Cancer has entered your sector of rest, healing, and closure, urging you to slow way down. But this week's squares to Saturn and Neptune in Aries — in your sectors of travel and expansion — might have you feeling major FOMO or restlessness. Maybe plans get delayed, or your desire to 'do more' clashes with your soul's craving to simply be. Instead of pushing past your limits, what if you honoured your need to unplug and recalibrate? You're not lazy… you're integrating. You're releasing timelines and embracing divine timing. Meanwhile, Mars makes its shift out of your sign on the 17th and enters Virgo for the next six weeks, activating your money sector. This earthy transit helps ground you in your worth. Financial discipline gets easier when you're focused on why you're doing what you do. Set clearer intentions around your hustle. And if you've been afraid to raise your rates or launch something that truly reflects your value — now's the time. As the solstice arrives on 20th June and Cancer Season begins, your emotional awareness gets supercharged. You may feel more nostalgic than usual, or find yourself reflecting on what (and who) you're willing to leave behind. The more you create space for spiritual cleansing, the brighter your solar return season will be next month. Meanwhile, Mars enters your sign on 17th June, and that's big news. For the next six weeks, the Universe is putting you front and centre. This transit is about embodied action: the version of you who shows up boldly, unapologetically, and with precision. Just don't let perfectionism paralyse you. Consistent progress over polish, always. As the week comes to a close, Cancer Season and the 20th June solstice invite you to soften into connection. You're being asked to lead with your heart, not just your to-do list. Share your wins, celebrate your people, and let yourself be poured into. You've got nothing to prove, just everything to be. Libra, this is the week your inner compass says: pivot. Jupiter in Cancer is elevating your career sector, and big blessings are on their way. But with Jupiter squaring off with Saturn and Neptune squaring in your health and routine zones, the first thing you may feel is tired. These transits are your cosmic red flag: your body is asking for a new strategy. You don't need to burn out to succeed. In fact, the more you trust your rhythms and rest intentionally, the clearer your path to purpose becomes. On the 17th, Mars in Virgo begins its six-week journey through your spirituality and subconscious sector. Expect your dreams (both literal and metaphorical) to become more active. You may want to deepen your rituals or spend more time in solitude. This is your chance to rewire your inner beliefs and dismantle limiting self-talk that's been on loop for too long. By the time the solstice arrives and Cancer Season begins on 20th June, you'll be more aware of what's worth your energy and what's just a distraction. Give yourself permission to climb your own ladder — not the one society built for you. Your success story is already being written… make sure it has your name on it. Scorpio, this is the week you realise expansion doesn't always look like more — sometimes it looks like truth. With Jupiter now in Cancer, your sector of wisdom, publishing, and long-term vision is activated for the next 13 months. This week, however, Jupiter squares Saturn and Neptune in Aries, which govern your health, work, and wellness. You may feel torn between a deep desire to pursue big dreams and the sobering realisation that your daily habits and energy levels don't yet support them. Instead of spiralling, use this friction as motivation to redesign your systems. You're not stuck, you're being recalibrated. Your planetary ruler Mars enters Virgo on 17th June and activates your community sector, helping you call in more aligned collaborators and friends these next six weeks. But with Mars in this detail-focused earth sign, you'll also become much more discerning about who and what gets your time. No more fake support systems or draining group chats … this transit empowers you to say no without guilt. The week ends with the 20th June solstice and start of Cancer Season, which anchor you in spiritual softness. You'll find yourself reflecting more deeply on your role in the world and how your voice or story could help others. Whether through writing, mentoring, or traveling somewhere you've long dreamed of, let your heart guide you into the second half of the year. Sagittarius, this is the week you realise your heart has its own timeline, and you're finally catching up to it. Jupiter in Cancer is activating your sector of intimacy, soulmates, and deep emotional transformation. This can feel exhilarating and unsettling — especially with Jupiter forming tense squares to both Saturn and Neptune in your sector of romance, fate, and creativity. You may feel torn between surrendering to a magnetic connection or playing it safe out of fear of disappointment. Childhood wounds or past heartbreaks may resurface, asking to be acknowledged. But this isn't a test; it's a reminder that your heart is wiser now. Let it lead with discernment, not defence. Mars in Virgo begins a six-week activation of your career and legacy sector starting 17th June. This is your time to sharpen your focus and refine your vision for what long- term success looks like. Don't get caught up in comparisons. Every little step you take now matters more than you know. Cancer Season begins on 20th June, activating your sector of depth, merging, and outside resources. You're being pulled inward this season — into healing, pleasure, and release. Let the solstice mark the shedding of self-sabotage and the welcoming of emotional reciprocity. Capricorn, this is the week you realise commitment is more than showing up… it's being seen. Jupiter in Cancer is spotlighting your relationship sector, and the squares it forms to Saturn and Neptune in your sector of home and roots might bring up generational wounds or family patterns you've outgrown. You may be grappling with where your loyalty lies, with who you've been, or with who you're becoming. If you're partnered, conversations around safety, space, and emotional labor could arise. If you're single, this is about breaking free from unconscious scripts about who you should love versus who truly feels like home. Mars in Virgo enters your travel and exploration sector on 17th June, bringing six weeks of clarity about what lights your fire. You're craving more meaning right now… not just in your career, but in your everyday experiences. Let curiosity gently guide you. With the sun entering Cancer on 20th June, relationship energy deepens even further. Whether you're calling in new love or recommitting to yourself, this solstice is about emotional integrity. No more performing, Capricorn. Focus on cultivating presence. Aquarius Sun & Rising: Aquarius, this is the week you realise burnout is not a badge of honor — it's a sign to pause. Jupiter is in Cancer now, supercharging your sector of health, work, and daily rhythms. But this week, it forms two sharp squares to both Saturn and Neptune in your sector of communication, information, and tech. You might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of messages, tasks, or mental chatter. It's time to unplug from the chaos and refocus on the essentials. Don't believe every critical thought your mind throws at you, especially if it's rooted in scarcity or urgency. Prioritise your mental peace. On 17th June, Mars enters Virgo, activating your sector of emotional depth, sex, and transformation. This six-week period invites you to take your power back — not through force, but through strategic boundaries and honest self-inquiry. If it's not growing you, it's draining you. Cancer Season begins on 20th June, encouraging you to build new routines that support your nervous system. This solstice reminds you that caring for your body is spiritual work. Slow it all the way down as the week comes to a close, and be intentional about what you'd like the second half of 2025 to look and feel like. Pisces Sun & Rising: Pisces, this is the week you realise that your worth is not up for negotiation, no matter who's watching. With your ruler Jupiter now in Cancer lighting up your sector of joy, creativity, and romance, you're being asked to let yourself shine, even when it feels vulnerable. But Jupiter's squares to Saturn and Neptune in your sector of money, security, and values may stir up insecurities around being 'too much' or not enough. You might be reevaluating how you price your work, how you advocate for your needs, or how you speak about your talents. This tension isn't here to break you — it's here to help you claim your space louder and prouder. Mars enters your opposite sign of Virgo on 17th June, sparking six weeks of energy in your relationship sector. You'll crave more clarity and structure in your partnerships — whether business or personal. It's a good time to co-create something beautiful, but only if it's mutual, and if you allow yourself to pace yourself instead of rushing into it. The solstice on 20th June opens the door to even more heart-centred expression as Cancer Season begins. As the week comes to and end, make room for more play, more softness, more joy, Pisces. You don't have to earn your happiness — you just have to consistently let it in without trying to make it last forever.
Refinery29
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Your Horoscope This Week: June 15 To 21
Cosmic beings, if you've been following my work for a while, you've probably heard me talk about the 2020 ascension, especially in my article for Refinery29 back in 2020 about what the world could look like by 2032. Now here we are, five years later, and the astrology is catching up to the prophecy. Pluto, the planet of transformation and revolution, officially entered Aquarius in January 2025, where it will remain until 2044. This is major. Aquarius rules revolution, community, rebellion, and systems designed to benefit the people: think of Bob Marley, Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis, and Alicia Keys. The age of illusions is dissolving and the age of awakening is upon us. We're also feeling the rumblings of another generational shift: Uranus, planet of disruption and innovation, is at 28° Taurus, preparing to enter Gemini on July 7th after seven years of shaking up our relationships with money, land, food, and ownership. The final degrees of any Uranus transit bring chaotic revelations — buried truths coming to the surface. This week, expect that energy to intensify. Whether we're talking about the U.S. government, the humanitarian crisis in Congo or gentrification and housing crises in cities like Los Angeles. This is global, and it's astrological. The system is revealing itself (and it's crumbling). Will we look away or lean in? On June 15th at 10:36am EST, Jupiter in Cancer forms a tense square to Saturn in Aries, bringing tension between our desire for care, community, and safety (Cancer) and the need to uphold boundaries, structures, and discipline (Aries). It's giving 'protect the people at all costs' energy. Jupiter wants to expand love and nurture, and Saturn demands we get serious about how we do it. Whether it's family drama, government repression, or collective exhaustion, this square asks us: What are you willing to stand for? And what systems do we need to dismantle or rebuild to protect what truly matters? Then, on June 18th at 11:16 p.m. EST, Jupiter squares Neptune in Aries, creating fog and confusion, but also a deep spiritual reckoning. It's like the rose-colored glasses finally fall off and the grief sets in, but so does the resolve. We may feel emotionally raw, even disillusioned, but that doesn't mean we're powerless. On the contrary, this square is here to help us get clear about what's worth fighting for, and what delusions or distractions we must release to live more aligned lives. Luckily, Mars enters Virgo on June 17th at 4:31 a.m. EST, just in time to bring some much- needed grounding. After weeks of pride-fueled theatrics with Mars in Leo, Mars in Virgo wants us to clean house, quite literally. All signs will be feeling a desire to organize, declutter, simplify, and start fresh. But beware: Mars in Virgo can bring out our inner perfectionist. Don't get stuck trying to do everything 'right.' Do it with intention. Start where you are, and let progress be the new perfection. Finally, we wrap the week with the Summer Solstice on June 20th at 10:42 p.m. EST, when the Sun enters Cancer. The longest day of the year brings a moment of pause and celebration. Cancer Season is a time of emotional nourishment, family reunions, and ancestral remembrance. We're being asked to return home: not just physically, but spiritually. What does safety feel like in your body? What communities make you feel loved? This solstice, let your answers guide your next chapter. This week, Aries, the tension between your inner and outer world becomes impossible to ignore. With Jupiter now in Cancer, activating your sector of home, roots, and emotional security, you may feel a deep urge to create more nurturing and stable foundations. But on June 15th, Jupiter squares Saturn in your sign, which is activating your sector of identity, self-worth, and autonomy. It's a cosmic tug-of-war: your desire to care for or be cared for clashes with your need to assert your independence. Whether it's family, roommates, ancestral ties, or even the concept of 'home' itself, this transit asks: where are you overextending emotionally, and what boundaries do you need to fortify? Then on the 18th, Jupiter squares Neptune (also in your sign), making it easy to spiral into self-doubt or guilt. You may wonder, 'Am I doing enough?' But this square is not here to shame you, it's here to help you forgive yourself, soften your inner voice, and reimagine what it means to belong. Luckily, Mars, your planetary ruler, enters Virgo on June 17th, helping you find focus through functionality. This transit activates your sector of health, work, and daily routines. After the ego-saturated drama of Mars in Leo, you're ready to tune out the noise and return to the rituals that keep you grounded. It's giving 'clean the house, drink the water, mind your business' energy — not out of avoidance, but as an act of self-respect. If you've been avoiding a conversation, a doctor's visit, or a commitment to your body's needs, now's the time to create a plan you'll actually stick to. Start small and stay consistent. By the time the sun enters Cancer on June 20th, you'll feel an emotional softening. Cancer Season activates your sector of roots and family even further, making this solstice a turning point in how you relate to care — both giving and receiving it. There's power in learning to mother or reparent yourself. There's power in telling your family what you need, or in creating chosen family where your truth is safe. This solstice, come home to yourself. Taurus Sun & Rising: Taurus, this week's astrology hits your soul like a plot twist you felt coming but still weren't fully prepared for. Jupiter is now in Cancer, activating your communication sector, and on June 15th, it squares Saturn in Aries, which is in your sector of healing, surrender, and the subconscious. This transit may stir up hidden fears or blockages that have lingered unspoken. Maybe a truth you've been holding in out of fear of judgment or rejection now wants to be released. Then, Jupiter squares Neptune in Aries on the 18th, making your dreams feel extra vivid or your intuition eerily on point. But be mindful: this isn't about spiraling into worst-case scenarios or over-explaining yourself to be understood. It's about trusting that your voice has power, even when it trembles. When Mars enters Virgo on June 17th, you'll get a confidence boost in your sector of creativity, romance, and play. If Mars in Leo had you stressing over what others think, Mars in Virgo says: 'Cool story, but how do you feel?' Use this transit to reconnect with your inner child. Make art that's messy and sacred. Say what you mean in love, even if it's awkward. This Mars transit can help you heal self-doubt that's kept you playing it safe, especially when it comes to pursuing joy just for joy's sake. The solstice arrives June 20th, and Cancer Season officially begins. For you, Taurus, it's a cosmic green light to express yourself more freely. Let this be a season of softness and connection — with your audience, your friends, your loved ones, your ancestors. You've been listening closely to the universe. Now it's your turn to respond. Gemini Sun & Rising: Gemini, this is the week you'll realize that your worth isn't up for debate. With Jupiter now in Cancer lighting up your money and self-esteem zone, you're being asked to slow down and take stock of what (and who) you give your energy to. The squares to Saturn and Neptune in your career sector may feel like a reality check… maybe that gig you thought would take off is dragging, or maybe you're realizing you've outgrown your own expectations. Instead of spiraling or overworking yourself to 'fix' everything, ask: what actually feels nourishing right now? Your values are evolving, and so is your relationship to success. Let your worthiness lead the way. Mars enters Virgo on the 17th, charging up your home and family sector for the next six weeks. You might suddenly feel the urge to deep-clean, redecorate, or set stronger boundaries in your personal space. Try not to project your perfectionism onto the people you live with — this Mars transit is more about finding inner order than forcing outer control. Be patient with what needs to shift slowly. By the time the solstice hits on June 20th, the Sun joins Jupiter in your sector of values and income, officially kicking off Cancer Season. This is your cosmic green light to stop downplaying what you bring to the table. Get clear on your financial goals, but also your emotional ones. You don't have to grind to prove your worth — what's already inside of you is enough. Cancer Sun & Rising: Cancer, can you feel that? You're getting the cosmic memo to vibe and thrive. With Jupiter newly in your sign, your self-worth is bubbling up. But this week's squares to Saturn and Neptune in your romance and creativity sectors may feel like they're raining on your parade… maybe you're second-guessing your latest pitch or doubting if that passion project will land right. Instead of spiraling, breathe into it: these growing pains are expanding your creative integrity. You're learning that even the most authentic ideas can take time to bloom. This is a week to be radically honest with yourself about where fear of failure or rejection may be holding you back from glowing fully. You don't have to water yourself down to be accepted. You just have to keep showing up. Mars enters Virgo on June 17th, activating your communication sector. For the next six weeks, the universe is giving you homework: refine the way you speak to yourself. Catch your inner critic mid-sentence and choose compassion instead. You'll also be more discerning in how and with whom you share your thoughts. This is your season of building mental discipline, whether that's journaling, working on a manuscript, or finally sending the email you've been avoiding. As Cancer Season begins on June 20th with the solstice, it's time to take the throne. You're entering your solar return with a fresh dose of divine authority. Celebrate the journey you've been on and get clear about what kind of story you want to write in this next chapter. You're not who you were last year. Let that be your power. Leo Sun & Rising: Leo, this is the part of your story where you realize your legacy starts with your inner world. Jupiter in Cancer has entered your sector of rest, healing, and closure, urging you to slow way down. But this week's squares to Saturn and Neptune in Aries — in your sectors of travel and expansion — might have you feeling major FOMO or restlessness. Maybe plans get delayed, or your desire to 'do more' clashes with your soul's craving to simply be. Instead of pushing past your limits, what if you honored your need to unplug and recalibrate? You're not lazy… you're integrating. You're releasing timelines and embracing divine timing. Meanwhile, Mars makes its shift out of your sign on the 17th and enters Virgo for the next six weeks, activating your money sector. This earthy transit helps ground you in your worth. Financial discipline gets easier when you're focused on why you're doing what you do. Set clearer intentions around your hustle. And if you've been afraid to raise your rates or launch something that truly reflects your value — now's the time. As the solstice arrives on June 20th and Cancer Season begins, your emotional awareness gets supercharged. You may feel more nostalgic than usual, or find yourself reflecting on what (and who) you're willing to leave behind. The more you create space for spiritual cleansing, the brighter your solar return season will be next month. Meanwhile, Mars enters your sign on June 17th, and that's big news. For the next six weeks, the Universe is putting you front and center. This transit is about embodied action: the version of you who shows up boldly, unapologetically, and with precision. Just don't let perfectionism paralyze you. Consistent progress over polish, always. As the week comes to a close, Cancer Season and the June 20th solstice invite you to soften into connection. You're being asked to lead with your heart, not just your to-do list. Share your wins, celebrate your people, and let yourself be poured into. You've got nothing to prove, just everything to be. Libra, this is the week your inner compass says: pivot. Jupiter in Cancer is elevating your career sector, and big blessings are on their way. But with Jupiter squaring off with Saturn and Neptune squaring in your health and routine zones, the first thing you may feel is tired. These transits are your cosmic red flag: your body is asking for a new strategy. You don't need to burn out to succeed. In fact, the more you trust your rhythms and rest intentionally, the clearer your path to purpose becomes. On the 17th, Mars in Virgo begins its six-week journey through your spirituality and subconscious sector. Expect your dreams (both literal and metaphorical) to become more active. You may want to deepen your rituals or spend more time in solitude. This is your chance to rewire your inner beliefs and dismantle limiting self-talk that's been on loop for too long. By the time the solstice arrives and Cancer Season begins on June 20th, you'll be more aware of what's worth your energy and what's just a distraction. Give yourself permission to climb your own ladder — not the one society built for you. Your success story is already being written… make sure it has your name on it. Scorpio, this is the week you realize expansion doesn't always look like more — sometimes it looks like truth. With Jupiter now in Cancer, your sector of wisdom, publishing, and long-term vision is activated for the next 13 months. This week, however, Jupiter squares Saturn and Neptune in Aries, which govern your health, work, and wellness. You may feel torn between a deep desire to pursue big dreams and the sobering realization that your daily habits and energy levels don't yet support them. Instead of spiraling, use this friction as motivation to redesign your systems. You're not stuck, you're being recalibrated. Your planetary ruler Mars enters Virgo on June 17th and activates your community sector, helping you call in more aligned collaborators and friends these next six weeks. But with Mars in this detail-focused earth sign, you'll also become much more discerning about who and what gets your time. No more fake support systems or draining group chats … this transit empowers you to say no without guilt. The week ends with the June 20th solstice and start of Cancer Season, which anchor you in spiritual softness. You'll find yourself reflecting more deeply on your role in the world and how your voice or story could help others. Whether through writing, mentoring, or traveling somewhere you've long dreamed of, let your heart guide you into the second half of the year. Sagittarius Sun & Rising: Sagittarius, this is the week you realize your heart has its own timeline, and you're finally catching up to it. Jupiter in Cancer is activating your sector of intimacy, soulmates, and deep emotional transformation. This can feel exhilarating and unsettling — especially with Jupiter forming tense squares to both Saturn and Neptune in your sector of romance, fate, and creativity. You may feel torn between surrendering to a magnetic connection or playing it safe out of fear of disappointment. Childhood wounds or past heartbreaks may resurface, asking to be acknowledged. But this isn't a test; it's a reminder that your heart is wiser now. Let it lead with discernment, not defense. Mars in Virgo begins a six-week activation of your career and legacy sector starting June 17th. This is your time to sharpen your focus and refine your vision for what long- term success looks like. Don't get caught up in comparisons. Every little step you take now matters more than you know. Cancer Season begins on June 20th, activating your sector of depth, merging, and outside resources. You're being pulled inward this season — into healing, pleasure, and release. Let the solstice mark the shedding of self-sabotage and the welcoming of emotional reciprocity. Capricorn, this is the week you realize commitment is more than showing up… it's being seen. Jupiter in Cancer is spotlighting your relationship sector, and the squares it forms to Saturn and Neptune in your sector of home and roots might bring up generational wounds or family patterns you've outgrown. You may be grappling with where your loyalty lies, with who you've been, or with who you're becoming. If you're partnered, conversations around safety, space, and emotional labor could arise. If you're single, this is about breaking free from unconscious scripts about who you should love versus who truly feels like home. Mars in Virgo enters your travel and exploration sector on June 17th, bringing six weeks of clarity about what lights your fire. You're craving more meaning right now… not just in your career, but in your everyday experiences. Let curiosity gently guide you. With the sun entering Cancer on June 20th, relationship energy deepens even further. Whether you're calling in new love or recommitting to yourself, this solstice is about emotional integrity. No more performing, Capricorn. Focus on cultivating presence. Aquarius, this is the week you realize burnout is not a badge of honor — it's a sign to pause. Jupiter is in Cancer now, supercharging your sector of health, work, and daily rhythms. But this week, it forms two sharp squares to both Saturn and Neptune in your sector of communication, information, and tech. You might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of messages, tasks, or mental chatter. It's time to unplug from the chaos and refocus on the essentials. Don't believe every critical thought your mind throws at you, especially if it's rooted in scarcity or urgency. Prioritize your mental peace. On June 17th, Mars enters Virgo, activating your sector of emotional depth, sex, and transformation. This six-week period invites you to take your power back — not through force, but through strategic boundaries and honest self-inquiry. If it's not growing you, it's draining you. Cancer Season begins on June 20th, encouraging you to build new routines that support your nervous system. This solstice reminds you that caring for your body is spiritual work. Slow it all the way down as the week comes to a close, and be intentional about what you'd like the second half of 2025 to look and feel like. Pisces Sun & Rising: Pisces, this is the week you realize that your worth is not up for negotiation, no matter who's watching. With your ruler Jupiter now in Cancer lighting up your sector of joy, creativity, and romance, you're being asked to let yourself shine, even when it feels vulnerable. But Jupiter's squares to Saturn and Neptune in your sector of money, security, and values may stir up insecurities around being 'too much' or not enough. You might be reevaluating how you price your work, how you advocate for your needs, or how you speak about your talents. This tension isn't here to break you — it's here to help you claim your space louder and prouder. Mars enters your opposite sign of Virgo on June 17th, sparking six weeks of energy in your relationship sector. You'll crave more clarity and structure in your partnerships — whether business or personal. It's a good time to co-create something beautiful, but only if it's mutual, and if you allow yourself to pace yourself instead of rushing into it. The solstice on June 20th opens the door to even more heart-centered expression as Cancer Season begins. As the week comes to and end, make room for more play, more softness, more joy, Pisces. You don't have to earn your happiness — you just have to consistently let it in without trying to make it last forever.
Refinery29
13-06-2025
- Health
- Refinery29
Why Can't Sunscreen Brands Be Honest About White Casts?
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. When cosmetic scientist Dr. Julian Sass first tested Tower 28's new SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 Sunscreen on camera, his disappointment was obvious. Despite the 'no white cast' claim prominently displayed on the PR packaging, the sunscreen left a visible gray tinge on his skin. 'Marketing this as a no white cast sunscreen in 2025? It just makes me feel so undervalued as a consumer,' Dr. Sass said in the clip. 'What frustrates me is that some Black girl is gonna see the advertising about this product and think, Oh my god, they said it had no white cast. And then they're going to end up looking like this.' Dr. Sass's video, now at 54.3K views and climbing, sparked further debate after he highlighted that the marketing materials showed people applying too little sunscreen — a misleading move that compromises both transparency and safety. Tower 28 founder Amy Liu responded on Instagram, acknowledging they 'missed the mark' despite extensive testing. As a result, Liu promised to remove the 'no white cast' and 'universal tint' claims, standardize their testing process, and develop a new version of the sunscreen for deeper skin tones. This was welcome news to Tower 28 fans, but the brand isn't alone in making contested 'no white cast' statements. In addition to Dr. Sass, other skincare experts and beauty content creators have increasingly called out claims of invisibility that don't match reality. ' Entire groups of people are excluded from sun protection options because brands don't think it's profitable to include us. Cosmetic chemist Milan Scott ' Dija Ayodele, an esthetician and founder of the Black Skin Directory, recently tried Merit's The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, which left her looking 'dull and gray' despite the brand's ' zero white cast ' promise. 'When I first received the press release, I asked to see evidence of the product on Black skin,' Ayodele tells Refinery29. She says the PR company sent her a video of a Black employee using the product, along with information about the brand's formulation process and challenges. Ayodele accepted the PR package based on this response. 'But if I'd bought that sunscreen, I would be quite cross,' she continues. Adding, 'While it's not the worst I've seen, it didn't meet my expectation of not having a white cast.' 'It's misleading to use those exact three words: zero white cast.' Beyond Tower 28 and Merit, brands like CeraVe and SkinCeuticals have also been called out for using terms like 'no white cast' and 'transparent' — claims that some content creators are now challenging. For consumers of color, these misleading claims are not just disappointing, they're exclusionary. So why, when the beauty industry operates under such strict regulations, do countless sunscreens still fail to deliver on their promises? Why do some sunscreens have a white cast? AJ Addae, chief executive officer and chemist of SULA Labs — which tests skincare for brands developing products for melanin-rich consumers — explains that when it comes to mineral sunscreens, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows cosmetic chemists to use two UV filters: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Both are white pigments. Addae notes that at the concentrations needed to achieve a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, it's difficult — if not impossible — to create a mineral sunscreen that doesn't reflect visible, white light. As such, Dr. Sass explains that currently, a truly invisible mineral sunscreen doesn't exist on skincare shelves. So why are brands that use these filters so sure of their invisibility claims? Cosmetic Chemist Milan Scott says, 'What they really mean is that it's invisible on lighter skin tones.' She adds, 'When I see 'invisible' claims on a mineral sunscreen that is very clearly not invisible on people that look like me, it makes me wonder who [the brand] tested it on — and who approved these claims.' ' I think that brands need to do diversity and inclusivity authentically and be brave enough to say, 'This product isn't right for everybody because it creates a white cast. However, we do have other products within our offering that are suitable.' Dija Ayodele, esthetician and founder of the Black Skin Directory ' Dr. Sass explains that when brands make this claim, they typically conduct internal tests on individuals with lighter skin tones and often apply much less than the recommended amount needed to achieve the advertised level of protection. 'Sunscreen is tested at 2 mg per square centimeter of skin, which comes out to about 1/4 teaspoon for just the face and about 1/2 teaspoon if you include the ears and neck,' he says — the optimum amount to protect your skin. Esthetician and skincare expert Alicia Lartey — whose Instagram series Sunscreen or SunSCREAM puts the invisibility claims of SPFs to the test — agrees that clinical trials and SPF testing often lack the diversity they should. Frustratingly, Scott notes that there's no requirement for brands to test on a wide range of skin tones before making such claims. How do brands get away with claiming their sunscreens leave no white cast? Surprisingly, Addae notes that, unlike the term 'water resistance,' which requires standardized testing, there are no regulations around the term 'white cast.' The same applies to the word 'invisible,' says Scott. If a brand deems its sunscreen traceless based on its testing, it can label it as such, even if that's not true for darker skin tones. You're right to be outraged — and so are the experts: 'It's a marketing loophole that a lot of us in the industry side-eye hard,' says Scott. Ayodele has a hunch as to why: 'Brands are doing this because they want to be seen as inclusive at all costs,' she believes. 'They don't want the backlash of [people] saying that they're not inclusive. But if these brands tested their mineral sunscreens [on a more diverse range of people], they'd know whether they were invisible or not.' That said, it's important to acknowledge the limits of science, says Ayodele. 'Yes, of course, we want diversity and for brands to be inclusive, but by nature, the mineral filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide aren't inclusive,' she says. 'That's not a problem because not everything is going to be,' she adds. 'Unless further scientific techniques are brought in to make these white mineral ingredients invisible, that's just where we're at.' Still, Scott emphasizes the need for more transparency and testing across shade ranges. Ayodele's advice to brands is simple: honesty is the best policy: 'I think that brands need to do diversity and inclusivity authentically and be brave enough to say, 'This product isn't right for everybody because it creates a white cast. However, we do have other products within our offering that are suitable',' she says. ' Frustratingly, Scott notes that there's no requirement for brands to test on a wide range of skin tones before making such claims ' TikTok would have you believe that mineral sunscreens are the gold standard. Ayodele acknowledges they have benefits — especially for sensitive skin and conditions like rosacea, melasma, or pigmentation — but stresses that more inclusive options exist. Chemical sunscreens, which use UV filters like avobenzone or oxybenzone, are suitable for everyone. Still, they've come under scrutiny, with some convinced that chemical filters are toxic while mineral ones are safe. This simply isn't true, says Scott: 'This fear drives people toward mineral sunscreens, even though many of them leave a visible cast on deeper skin tones and make sunscreens less accessible for folks who already deal with health disparities,' she says. Scott doesn't mince her words: 'This is what medical racism looks like in real time,' she continues. 'It's when fear-based marketing pushes mineral sunscreens as the safer option, even though those same formulas leave people with darker skin out of the conversation entirely.' So who's to blame? The experts point to the 'clean beauty' movement. 'Clean beauty has been an axe to scientific innovation,' says Lartey. 'Newsflash — everything is a chemical,' she adds, even water. In reality, chemical sunscreens are often more cosmetically elegant than mineral ones, making them a better option for people with darker skin tones seeking to avoid a white cast. R29 favorites include Glossier Invisible Shield SPF50, $32, The Ordinary UV Filters SPF45, $19, and Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day™ Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40, $30, to name just a few. Does a truly invisible mineral sunscreen actually exist? For those who prefer mineral sunscreens, is a truly invisible option even possible? Scott believes it is. 'For a mineral sunscreen to be invisible on all skin tones, it takes advanced formulation with nano-sized mineral filters,' she explains — a process that's both expensive and time-consuming for brands. She adds that tinted mineral sunscreens offer another solution, but only a few brands, like Wyn Beauty, are getting it right. 'That's because too many companies still don't see the financial value in creating that many [products] to be truly inclusive for darker skin tones,' she says. And that's a real problem: 'Entire groups of people are excluded from sun protection options because brands don't think it's profitable to include us,' says Scott, who sees it as a public health issue. Ultimately, Lartey believes that brands can easily avoid messy situations like Tower 28's simply by testing products on a wide variety of skin tones — and actually using the correct amount. 'Beyond that, hire a diverse staff, listen to your diverse staff, and make sure there are diverse staff in senior roles,' urges Lartey. 'It's not that hard.'
