The first episode of 'controversial' new reality show Naked Beach aired on Thursday night. I’ve put controversial in inverted commas because Greggs' sausage rolls have caused more fuss than this flogged-to-death format is likely to generate.

So what’s it all about then? I could say it’s Love Island with love handles, Big Brother with baps, or maybe just Oglebox (apologies) but that would be doing the makers of Naked Beach a disservice because it’s actually a very serious show – nay, a noble 'quest' to make us all feel better about our bodies.

A serious show requires serious people and that's where the fully clothed (boo!) social psychologist Dr Keon West of Goldsmiths University comes in. Dr West's genuinely interesting and insightful studies (including "Naked and Unashamed: Investigations and Applications of the Effects of Naturist Activities on Body Image, Self Esteem and Life Satisfaction " ) show that people’s body image, self-esteem and life satisfaction could be vastly improved by seeing more "normal, naked bodies and spending more time with our own naked bodies". Naked Beach puts this to the test with the ambitious aim to "help fix the nation’s body confidence issues".

Another genuine and serious person is mental health expert and body image campaigner Natasha Devon MBE, who tells us that basically, Britain's body image is in our boots. She cites more studies that found over 75% of women are unhappy with how they look, 45% of men don’t like what they see in the mirror and now, because we're such a bunch of idiots, our kids aren’t happy with their bodies either. Devon says this is a global health issue that affects our mental health and has links to depression.

And so the premise is this: Each week, three 'guests' whose body confidence is painfully low are sent off to a self-esteem bootcamp (or should I say, BOOTY camp) at a luxury villa in Greece, to spend time with some naked people who love their bodies.

These naked 'hosts' are a diverse range of shapes and sizes and skin colours, and each one was selected because they are part of the body confidence movement, which I cannot and will not be flippant about.

And yet despite its serious goals, the show gets very, very silly. In episode one, guests Elysia, Darrell and Kaye are cajoled into nude wheelbarrow races, hula hooping and life drawing lessons on the lawn, before stripping off each night in front of their rigged-up mirrors and telling us how they feel about themselves. At the end of each episode, a titillating finale looms: will they choose to bare all?

If you’ve watched any reality TV before (yes you have, you liar) then Naked Beach is bound to feel familiar – from the earnest voiceover to the diary cam confessions, exuberant hosts and silly challenges. Were it not for our serious science boffin doing pieces to camera you'd be forgiven for forgetting you're watching a serious effort to transform the nation for the better and not just some shameless excuse to ogle a few naked millennials while you wait for your Dr. Oetker pizza to cook.

If I sound cynical it's because I am. I didn’t hate this show – the hosts and guests seem warm and lovely – but parts feel forced and insincere, and I kept asking myself what the end goal is here. Are we willing people to get naked for their self-esteem or is it just a cheap payoff for the viewer?

Yet I truly rooted for the cast of episode one because they all seem like beautiful, shy souls, and regardless of the show’s simulated sincerity, there is no doubting their cripplingly low self-confidence is real. Darrell talks about convincing himself he doesn’t care anymore – a defence mechanism to which I think many, many people can relate. Twenty-seven-year-old Kaye from Preston works in a fish and chip shop and hates everything about her body except for her toes. She's funny, but her story is genuinely troubling: she’s been with her adoring partner for 10 years but won’t get married because she can't face the thought of shopping for a a wedding dress. Elysia has had a kid and says her self-consciousness impacts her life every day.

And now to the elephant in the room: no one in Naked Beach is actually naked. In fact they're all wearing more than I did getting my last Brazilian (2010, thanks for asking).

The very brief explanation offered at the beginning of the show is that the nylon codpieces are to help ease our very body-conscious subjects into the process but that didn't seem credible to me, so I asked a spokesperson for the show to explain. Was it a watershed thing? Did the hosts not want to strip completely? Did the producers think the nation’s heads would explode if faced with full-on front bottom shots?

Here's what they had to say: " Naked Beach is about body image not genitalia or gratuitous nudity. Both [Devon and Dr West] agree that people with very low body image usually also really struggle with nudity and so, given the details of the four-day process were initially concealed from the guests, the experts felt that meeting a group of entirely naked hosts from the get-go may be unnecessarily confronting and so body paint and modesty covers were introduced."

Fine, but maybe don't call the show Naked Beach then? Oh and all that body paint is going to be a nightmare to clean out of the swimming pool filter.

Despite my reservations about the show's worthy intentions, there are takeaways here. I’m not going to whip my bra and knickers off when I’m walking home and fling them onto the windscreens of oncoming cars while singing Cheryl Lynn's "Got To Be Real" at the top of my voice, but I do buy Dr Keon's logic – seeing a more representative range of bodies more often works. We need more of that, everywhere, every day.

And if I haven't made this clear, I believe body issues should be taken very seriously. I grew up in a home where the only thing enforced more strictly than the Bible was the Weight Watchers points system. (My mum and her mates used to carpool to their WW weigh-ins once a week in what they called "the fattybus".) All through my teens and 20s I have been tortured by body confidence issues, done more dumb crash diets than I care to recall and often skipped social engagements because I felt like Kaye does about her wedding dress. So I get it, but you'll have to pardon me if I happen to think that painting sunflowers on our tits isn’t going to solve the problem.

Naked Beach is on Thursdays at 8pm, Channel 4 and on All 4.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Where Is Arya Going Next & Who Will She Kill?

"The Truth Doesn't Care": Chernobyl Shows How Devastating The Nuclear Accident Really Was

The Society Review: Netflix’s Riverdale Meets Lord Of The Flies Drama Needs More Chaos

Faux locs are the unsung hero of protective hairstyles. Typically it takes months to loc hair and years until the locs reach shoulder length. But with a few hours and packs of Marley hair, you can get the same effect. And like many other protective styles, you won't have to worry about styling for a month — at least.

One of our favourite takes on faux locs is the "goddess" style, which was created by Dr. Kari Williams. Williams previously told Refinery29 that goddess locs use various types of human hair to create a lightweight, lived-in finish. And in particular, it's the wavy ends that distinguish goddess locs from the classic faux-loc look. Your stylist can also integrate loose, wavy hair throughout your locs using the waterfall method, which requires pulling pieces of wavy hair out of each loc as you go. This results in sporadic curls throughout your entire head.

Before you go on vacation or hit up the grounds at Coachella, we rounded up some of our favourite takes on goddess locs to inspire your spring protective style.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

I Chopped Off 10 Inches Of My Hair To Reclaim My Curls

9 Cool Hairstyles To Add To Your Festival Mood Board

Everything You Need To Know Before Getting Balayage

Braiding is an important part of Black beauty culture. And for many Black women, the experience of getting your hair braided — whether in cornrows or for protective styles — begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. In the latest episode of Go Off Sis, four ladies reflect on their braiding memories and answer the question: Can you braid?

"I have such a love-hate relationship with those memories of getting my hair braided," Sojourner Elleby says. "My butt would get tired, I would be sore, and I didn't want to sit there for hours." Jessica Cruel paints a similar picture of her childhood braiding sessions. "Every summer my mom would say, 'It’s time for braids,' and I’d sit between her legs. She'd put on The Lion King and braid my hair for hours." While not always the most glamorous experience, braiding served as a bonding time for many people and their parents (or other family members).

But not all the ladies in the video know how to braid themselves. "You can revoke my Black-girl card. I can't cornrow. I just can't," says Elleby, but she's planning to learn before becoming a mother. "Braiding and Black motherhood go hand in hand, which is exactly why before I have any babies of my own," Elleby says. "I need to have my child in between my legs to braid their hair. I have to." However, Ryen Williams has another point of view: "I don't think you have to know how to braid in order to be a Black mother," she says. "Girl, if you can't braid, you can still be fly."

Press play to hear more of what these women had to say, and tell us about your braiding experiences in the comments section below.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

From Parabens To Sulphates: Are Chemicals In Skincare Products Really That Bad?

I Chopped Off 10 Inches Of My Hair To Reclaim My Curls

9 Cool Hairstyles To Add To Your Festival Mood Board

We're here for hair candy of all kinds. Claw clips? Fun! Scrunchies? We'll take one in every color. Gemstone bobby pins? Stack 'em up. But of all the '90s-throwback hair accessories that have seen trend revivals recently, the humble headband is perhaps the most stylishly spring-ready of them all.

This season, everyone from red-carpet regulars (like Elle Fanning and Nicole Richie) to Instagram's mega-influencers (like Julie Sariñana and Camila Coelho) has been topping their hair with a perfectly-placed band across the crown — and it's giving us all kinds of easy up-do inspiration. Padded, wrapped, studded with pearls, however you take your headband, there's a cool-girl way to style it that can take you from your next black-tie wedding to Saturday's boozy brunch, and every spring occasion in between.

Click ahead to see the hairstyles we're loving for spring for all the motivation you need to dust off your long-neglected headband collection... or find a shiny, new, possibly leopard-printed one to add to your vanity.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

I Chopped Off 10 Inches Of My Hair To Reclaim My Curls

9 Cool Hairstyles To Add To Your Festival Mood Board

Everything You Need To Know Before Getting Balayage

What can I tell you about horror films? They make you jump, they’ll stop you from sleeping and, if you’re really lucky, they’ll terrify you so deeply that even the memory of watching the movie will make you twinge with discomfort. Fun, right? Unfortunately, there’s another symptom that has long pervaded the genre until pretty recently – black people tend not to feature and, if they are, they’ll probably be dead in the first few minutes.

It’s a cliché that the black community has long poked fun at. "Don’t leave the house, black kid! That zombie’s definitely going to kill you first!" How funny! How predictable! How in on the joke we are! But if you'll allow me to spoil the fun for a second, in reality we’ve spent years subscribing to the ideology that black people don’t fit into fictional horror stories. It’s not our space and if we step into it, we’ll be killed, ridiculed or caricatured at the earliest opportunity. Dig a little deeper into the psychology of the whole thing and it's even more grim. We have to consider that perhaps it's because our real-life trauma – the race-specific experience of things like slavery, poverty and gang violence that Hollywood has long preferred to capitalise on – is terrifying enough. We've been assigned our narratives and cinema has expected us to stick to them. To me, that's far more daunting than a menacing shadow lurking on the other side of the shower curtain.

So where does it end? Barry Jenkins' Best Picture-winning coming-of-age drama Moonlight was a landmark film, exploring masculinity in a way we've never seen before. Jordan Peele has been a game-changer, of course. His Oscar-winning Get Out explored the black experience in a way that high-grossing blockbusters hadn’t seen outside of the historical drama canon. But how far did it push? Within the scary film family, his 2019 follow-up Us starring Lupita N’yongo gave the 'black dies, white survives' trope the middle finger in a huge way. Up next this year is Ma, a new horror from The Help director Tate Taylor. He reunites with actress Octavia Spencer, who now plays Su Ann, the sinister woman who invites a group of teenagers from the local high school to party in her basement.

It's a welcome genre-switch for Octavia. Save perhaps for Hidden Figures, where she starred as one of three unsung African-American women who launched astronaut John Glenn into orbit, her most familiar performances have been as the literal 'help'. "The archetypes that they really want to see a – woman of zaftig stature and a cute, little Cheshire cat grin – is the nurturer, or the sassy whatever," Octavia told Dev Patel in Variety 's Actors on Actors interview back in 2016. "And right after I did The Help I was all excited about the possibilities that would come, and 90% of the roles [offered were] a maid. And I'm thinking, I just played the best damn maid role written. I don't have a problem with playing a maid again but it has to top this one – and none of them did."

She's just one of many black women who have continuously been typecast as characters with little more backstory than the generalised struggle that's attached to blackness: pain, hardship and dependancy. In Ma there's clearly more to unpick. Though the trailer hints that Su Ann's motivations might be loosely related to an underlying race conflict, it's not clear whether it'll be a key plot device in the film. That said, the fact that my first instinct was to make this presumption about a film with a black lead and a majority white cast says a lot about what I've come to expect from contemporary cinema – not very much, apparently.

I don't think it's a coincidence that many black actors have found their entry into big money, blockbuster roles via films that follow a stereotypical, largely American narrative of black history. If we take it back just to 2010, we have Mo'Nique winning the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Precious. Fast-forward two years and it's Octavia Spencer's turn to take home the same accolade for her defining role as Minny in The Help. Then comes Lupita, who was awarded her career-launching role in 12 Years a Slave. The trend seems to continue every couple of years, with Viola Davis taking home the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role after starring in Fences in 2017. This year it was taken by Regina King for her outstanding performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. Can you spot the common denominator?

These, some of the most highly acclaimed films of recent years, which are about the black experience, are rooted in a history of pain. That's not to overshadow the fact that each of the aforementioned films is, indeed, exceptional. They gave due attention to both the talent starring in them and the stories that would otherwise be overlooked by people unfamiliar with the uncomfortable reality that we all share. But it almost feels as if black trauma continues to be, if not a trend, then a genre that tactically resurfaces to be applauded by Academy boards that remain predominantly white.

It's a lot to consume and it's difficult to articulate. Personally, I had to stop at If Beale Street Could Talk. I was moved by the love story at the heart of Barry Jenkins' wonderful adaptation of James Baldwin's novel and crushed by the race-fuelled prejudice and injustice that clouded around it. It was poignant, powerful and very close to home – purposefully so. I'm yet to watch this year's buzzy black pain films BlacKkKlansman and Green Book, purely because I didn't feel emotionally prepared to take on or relive painful stories that I'm personally familiar with. To put the sentiment in writing feels selfish of me, almost as if I'm getting in the way of sincerely important narratives that I do truly care about being shared. But there's a heavy weight that rests on my chest as a black woman observing a barrage of 'blacks beaten down by whites, blacks saved by whites' stories. It's a generalisation, for sure. But it's one that is incredibly difficult to unsee.

There are amazing films that come along to break the trend of course, and through them we're slowly starting to prove that black culture is richer than the experiences the big screen seems committed to showcasing. Look at the success of Black Panther and Girls Trip. Films starring black characters, with stories that aren't just about the black struggle, are seeping through the cracks. But we're a little way from celebratory black narratives outweighing or even equalling those that focus on a culture of trauma which in many ways remains prevalent in the world today. And it's just as crucial to see black-led stories about our community's successes, inspiration and celebration brought to life as it is the painful narratives that are sometimes harder to talk about off screen.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Awkwafina's New Film The Farewell Looks Both Brilliant & Heartbreaking

After Endgame, Will Marvel Feature LGBTQ+ Representation In Its Next Franchise?

Set It Up Is Getting Something Better Than A Sequel

Thanks to the much-needed noise around period poverty in recent years, we're increasingly aware of the fact that, for many women, sanitary products aren't readily available. They're expensive, and being unable to afford them is a source of shame and stress for many women. The UK government finally took a crucial step to end period poverty by announcing it would provide sanitary products for free at all secondary schools in England from September.

But millions of women and girls around the world use other methods of managing their menstrual cycles each month, whether that's because they're unable to afford sanitary products or for environmental, health or disposal reasons. A new photo series from the charity WaterAid showcases the myriad surprising and inventive ways in which women manage their periods around the world. From Australia to Zambia, women and girls are fashioning their own sanitary pads and menstruation skirts from unexpected materials – and while they might not be women's ideal solution, they do the job.

"Women shouldn’t have to worry about where they might go, how they might manage their periods, or whether the appropriate facilities including running water and adequate disposal will be available," says Louisa Gosling, WaterAid's quality programmes manager. The charity is calling on governments to prioritise access to sanitary products and appropriate sanitation, among other things, "to ensure that women are not excluded from society once a month as a result of a natural process."

From a menstrual cup to cloth, a menstruation skirt and homemade sanitary pads, there are many ways in which women make do, while battling the stigma that continues to surround periods.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Why Is There So Little Help For Women With Sexual Dysfunction (But Plenty For Men)?

Nurse Denied Marathon World Record For Ridiculous Sexist Reason

Calls Grow For Digital Strip Search In Rape Cases To Be Scrapped

Surely one of the most memorable fashion moments of the last six months was Slick Woods going into labour while she was modelling at Rihanna's Savage x Fenty show last September during New York Fashion Week. Looking incredible in thigh-high stockings, nipple pasties, and a harness, the 22-year-old model continued to pose, despite being 2 cm dilated. What a badass.

But then Slick Woods is the ultimate original. Since being discovered by the model Ash Stymest at a LA bus stop in 2015, Woods has come to be known as one of the coolest models in the game. Outspoken and free spirited, her gap-toothed smile is now known the world over. On the eve of Coachella festival, we caught up with Slick at the UGG + Desert X party in Palm Springs to talk about festival style, motherhood and finally beating Gigi and Bella to a modelling award.

Hi Slick, so Coachella is this weekend, talk to me about your festival style. Do you spend much time working out your outfits?

Nah I just pack my uniform, put it in a backpack, then mix and match on the day. I was gonna wear overalls today but my makeup artist told me not to!

Who are you looking forward to seeing play at Coachella?

I don’t even know who’s playing yet! Music at Coachella is usually a little too mainstream for me. I like trap music. Future, Gucci Mane, things like that.

What’s your food and drink of choice at a festival?

Tacos and Jameson whisky. I was at Ireland airport one time and someone made me try Jameson. I love it.

You’re out here in Palm Springs working with UGG. How’s that?

I feel like this new UGG collection has gone to a new level. I wear these slides and I feel like a Korean rapper. You can wear the furry ones, Le Fluff, and go to the club.

UGG have collaborated with Desert X to produce original artwork around the desert, are you much of an art person?

I love my friend Cory Wash’s work, she’s super dope. She does everything with a Sharpie. I keep all her art in my house. Everything she makes, I buy it. Malik Roberts is dope. I like street style art.

It’s Mother’s Day in the US next month, the first since you gave birth last September. Are you going to do anything?

I mean I don’t know if my son's gonna say “Happy Mother’s Day” that soon but we’ll see! He’ll just want food and I’ll be all, “Yes master!”

How are you finding being a parent?

It’s good, I have fun, he’s a fun kid. He doesn’t really cry, he’s just a happy-go-lucky guy. He wakes up, looks around and is like, “How the fuck did I get here?” and I’m like “I carried you!”

I read that last year at Coachella you were pregnant but you hadn’t realised it yet?

Well before it I kept throwing up so we went to two different doctors and they both said I had the stomach flu and gave me medication. Then I came to Coachella and my agent was like, ‘You don’t have abs anymore’ and I was like ‘What does that mean?’ Turns out I was pregnant at the time. It was crazy. Saphir’s a wild baby.

Do you think the fashion industry is doing enough to ensure diversity?

I don’t know if it’s getting better or worse because I feel like sometimes people fetishise us instead of using us because they actually want to be inclusive, you know?

What's been your proudest moment in your career to date?

I won Model of the Year [at the Fashion Los Angeles Awards] like two or three weeks ago and I was like ‘Wow! Me?! Not Bella and Gigi again?’ The Pirelli calendar was a big thing for me too. And being the face of Fenty for so long was amazing, I loved that.

Are you over being asked about going into labour at the Fenty show?

No, I never get bored of talking about my son! Never. My son is my pride and joy.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Bestselling Pieces In 2019 We Know You Can't Get Enough Of

Surf's Up! This Season, We're Channelling Our Inner Beach Bum

A Grown-Up Look At Why Millennials Are Dressing Like Children

When you have conversations with people, few will admit that they think a woman president is a bad idea, in theory. In fact, many will enthusiastically say "it's time" for a woman in the White House. According to a recent study, 52% of Americans, including 60% of women and 45% of men, say they would feel "very comfortable" having a female president. A 2008 article, however, said "some polls indicate that 81% of Americans would personally vote for a qualified woman candidate from their party."

Neither of these numbers are as high as they should be. But when you look at them next to how much the male candidates are out-polling and out-fundraising female ones for the 2020 presidential race, it's obvious that people really aren't talking the talk. Look no further than South Bend, IN, Mayor Pete Buttigieg pulling ahead of Sen. Elizabeth Warren in Iowa, in third place behind former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders. He has also outearned Warren, bringing in $7 million in the first quarter of 2019 while she brought in $6 million. A late-March Quinnipiac poll shows him tied for fifth place with Warren nationally.

Why are some voters choosing Buttigieg over a policy heavyweight who has brought more exciting and well thought-out ideas to the table than any candidate so far? Like the senator from Massachusetts, he's a capitalist who wants to tax the rich and get big money out of politics. Like Warren, he's also open to abolishing both the Senate filibuster and the Electoral College so Democrats can actually make their proposals happen. But unlike her, he doesn't have a ton of specific details on his plans or experience bringing them to life. "I really like Pete Buttigieg. He is intelligent. He is decent. He is curious," tweeted commentator Jill Filipovic. "But when he says, 'I think that policy matters, I’m a policy guy,' but all of his policies are basically Warren's (except less specific and less progressive), I wonder why he's not working for her." Good question.

A lot of this comes down to Democrats thinking that playing it male means playing it safe, having watched Hillary Clinton lose in 2016 (although that she won the popular vote, in a country that supposedly isn't ready for a woman president, is less discussed). In the above-mentioned 2008 article, called "Subtle Sexism? Examining Vote Preferences When Women Run Against Men for the Presidency," authors David Paul and Jessi L. Smith note that people's perceptions of others' biases tend to colour their own voting preferences. Some polls "imply that nearly one-third of Americans believe their 'neighbours' are unwilling to vote for a woman," they write. In other words, as Kate Manne, an assistant professor at Cornell University interpreted it, " I’m not biased, but they might be, so I ought to vote for a man."

This risk-averseness is compounded by mainstream media, which reflects the internalised misogyny of the public. Not only does cable news pay an outsized amount of attention to the white, male candidates — ensuring they stay high in the polls — but print and digital media reporters, a recent study found, tend to describe them more positively.

The Northeastern University School of Journalism analysed 200 articles, focusing on the five most-read news websites according to Amazon's Alexa: The Washington Post, The New York Times, HuffPo, CNN, and Fox News. Researchers looked at the percentage of positive words used to describe 2020 presidential candidates. The candidates by media sentiment from highest to lowest, were: Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Cory Booker, Beto O'Rourke, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Kamala Harris, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. Notice a pattern here?

Words used to describe the female candidates more frequently have to do with their requisite "scandals" — which might not have been such huge "scandals" if they were men. The most egregious example of this is that the top words for Gillibrand are "sexual," "harassment," and "Franken," echoing the misogynistic refrain that she somehow threw former Sen. Al Franken "under the bus" when she called for him to resign. As a reminder, Franken had eight credible accusations of sexual harassment against him, there were other senators calling for his resignation, and he chose to resign himself.

The misogyny in political coverage is made worse by the fact that 70% of political coverage overall and 74% of election news at online news outlets is done by men, according to a new report from the Women's Media Center. It's made even worse when you consider that they seem to exist within an echo chamber: Male political reporters retweet other men three times more than their female colleagues. It's all but guaranteed that most people who tweet this article will be women, when it's the male reporters who need to read it most.

So, why is it that so many people would be happy with a female president but are unwilling to do the legwork? The answer lies somewhere between media bros, internalised misogyny, and "risk-averseness." But now that all of these factors are out in the open, we have no excuse but to address them head-on and, ultimately, do better than we did in 2016.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Inside The World Of The #KHive, Kamala Harris' Biggest Fans

Where Are The Women From Knock Down The House Now?

American Women Don't Have Equal Rights. Congress Is Finally Addressing That.

I don't know a woman alive who doesn't love pockets. Along with "It was half off in the sale!", "It has pockets!" is the best thing you can hear after complimenting a friend's new outfit; cue them doubling down with a demonstration of said pockets, naturally.

In 2019, humans have managed to grow plants on the moon (no, really), yet women's clothing often remains pocketless. While our male friends and partners can get up and go – keys, phone and wallet tucked safely in their back pockets – we must content ourselves with that meagre coin pocket on our jeans (or worse, fake pockets).

No time are you more likely to find yourself needing to carry a small suitcase worth of items than on your wedding day: your vows, a packet of tissues, lipstick for touch-ups, a flask for Dutch courage, a list of your other half's obscure family members... In January, this tweet about a bride and her bridesmaids whose dresses had pockets went viral, causing women across the globe to consider the possibilities of a brave new pocketed world.

In the same boat? Then look no further, we've rounded up 11 of our favourite wedding dresses with pockets.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Bye-Bye Micro Shades, These Are 2019's Best Oversized Sunglasses

The Urban Outfitters & Laura Ashley Dreamy Prairie Capsule Is Here

The Coolest Swimwear Made From Recycled Fishing Nets & Plastic Bottles

When Glossier Play burst onto the scene earlier this year, it wasn't the velvety formulas, Instagram-worthy shades and impressive pigment payoff which caught the attention of makeup lovers on Instagram. It was the packaging and materials used. Products were enveloped in material reminiscent of shiny plastic sweet wrappers and stuffed into cardboard boxes, and if you bought their cool new eyeshadow, Glitter Gelée, you were getting non-biodegradable glitter, essentially microplastic, which experts now argue has a profoundly negative environmental impact.

Thankfully, Glossier Play has been letting their fanbase know that they will be phasing out the foils over the next six months, and regarding Glitter Gelée, are actively exploring reformulating the product with bio-glitter, but the comments are still coming in thick and fast on Instagram. "At a time when sustainability is at the forefront of customers' minds it's pretty sad that this isn't biodegradable," wrote one follower, while another said, "Do you know what’s aesthetic? A clean planet. All this packaging is sooo unnecessary." Glossier isn't the only brand to face the wrath of the beauty eco-warriors. Pat McGrath Labs has also been called out for their unscrupulous use of packaging, such as plastic bags and sequins, with anonymous beauty collective Estée Laundry leading the fight.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Glossier Play (@glossierplay) on Mar 7, 2019 at 2:07pm PST

So with more and more of us putting environmental impact at the forefront of our purchases, why are beauty brands continuing to ignore consumer demand? "It does seem that despite the fact that people are swaying towards eco-friendly products, most of the big corporations simply do not seem to care," explained Vicky Lyons, founder of Lyonsleaf, a natural, 100% recyclable beauty brand which has just gone completely plastic-free. "Any business has to make money, so there is a motivation to produce a product that sells – and shiny plastic does sell. As well as this, big brands have an infrastructure set up for certain types of packaging and it’s not that simple to change overnight. Small brands are more nifty and can adapt more easily, but it's also up to us to make positive changes and to invest our money into ethical companies who really care."

This is something Rowena Bird, cofounder of LUSH, which has just opened its first ever 'naked shop ' (that's zero packaging whatsoever), seconds. She suggests that while it's hard not to become disillusioned when it looks like hardly any difference is being made in the beauty industry, it's important to continue to speak up. "Write to companies demanding they make a difference and be mindful of what you’re buying. You don’t have to give up your way of life entirely, but small adjustments can make a huge difference. This includes reusing as well as recycling, because single-use items are the worst offenders."

An R29 experiment concluded that it's difficult to make your entire beauty routine plastic-free at the moment but that beauty brands, such as Kjaer Weis, Le Labo, Rituals and more are getting on board with refillable initiatives, preserving packaging and saving you money in the long run. In fact, Beauty Kitchen recently launched their 'return, refill, repeat' programme, beauty's first large-scale, zero-waste initiative. Brand founder, Jo Chidley told R29 that since going live with the scheme, other beauty brands have contacted her to enquire about collecting, washing and returning their packaging for them. According to Jo, this will be phase two of their programme and will hopefully encourage bigger brands to factor in sustainability.

Upcycling – enlisting jars, bottles and tubs for other uses around the home, like potting plants, flower vases, or storage for kitchen ingredients and jewellery – is also something brands are into. Isla Apothecary, By Sarah London and Haeckels (whose packaging is mainly recyclable glass) are just a few companies championing the movement. Even better, Haeckels has begun experiments with growing their own packaging from environmentally friendly materials which achieve the same effect of plastic but are actually made out of biodegradable elements like mushrooms and sea algae.

Then there's Instagram-worthy BYBI, whose packaging looks like plastic but is actually sugarcane (entirely biodegradable), Soaper Duper, whose packaging is made of 100% post-consumer recycled plastic (the reason why the bottles are green is because the majority comes from semi-skimmed milk carton lids), and fragrance brand Floral Street, which ditches cellophane wraps and printed labels for 100% recyclable, compostable and biodegradable boxes.

In fact, there are hundreds of burgeoning beauty brands who are doing eco-friendly beauty right, but just aren't as big yet. Take We Are Paradoxx, for example. The recently launched haircare company ditches plastic and glass for aluminium, which, despite being a little more expensive, can be recycled on an infinite loop. "Plastic can only be recycled a limited number of times and is down-cycled each time," explains founder, Yolanda Cooper. "Eventually it will be used to create fabric and end up in landfill. This is not solving the problem, just delaying it for future generations." Yolanda reveals that she also looked into glass and although it is considerably better than plastic, it weighs more, which increases the carbon emissions, requires additional packaging to protect it from breaking in transit and can be dangerous in the shower. "Aluminium is not only infinitely recyclable, but has a lower transportation carbon emission than glass or plastic," adds Yolanda, "with 55% of aluminium cans currently being recycled correctly compared to 34% of glass containers."

Recycling properly is a great start, especially if you aren't willing to give up your affordable shampoo multipack just yet, but it's clear our approach to how we deal with beauty waste needs to change. "Get a recycling bin for your bathroom," adds Yolanda. "We know that 90% of us recycle regularly in the kitchen but only 52% of us recycle in the bathroom, so beauty and personal care products are contributing heavily to the plastics issue." And it's important to realise just how much control you have as a consumer. "One of the best ways to help the environment is to stop investing in brands with no eco-friendly credentials altogether," says Vicky, something Jo seconds. "The sheer power of your money, and where you choose to spend or not spend it, will make any brand sit up and listen."

While Glossier has yet to find an alternative for their plastic glitter, they have just discontinued sending sticker sheets with every shipment and also updated their shipping boxes to be made out of 100% recycled materials, as sustainability becomes a larger priority for both them and their customers. It does seem as though there is a long way to go for other big name brands, but with a spotlight on using social media to call out unnecessary packaging, investing in refillable schemes, environmentally friendly brands and taking small steps to better recycling, the future looks hopeful.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

From Parabens To Sulphates: Are Chemicals In Skincare Products Really That Bad?

I Chopped Off 10 Inches Of My Hair To Reclaim My Curls

9 Cool Hairstyles To Add To Your Festival Mood Board

Thando Hapo just made history. Fronting the new issue of Vogue Portugal, the 30-year-old South African model is the first person with albinism to appear on a Vogue cover — and it's a dream come true. Hapo shared her excitement on Instagram, writing "I once said to a close friend that it would really be lovely to see a woman with albinism on a Vogue cover, I would not have imagined that that woman would be me."

View this post on Instagram

I once said to a close friend that it would really be lovely to see a woman with albinism on a Vogue Cover, I would not have imagined that that woman would be me. "We are the ones we have been waiting for." I'm emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative. I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that wherever I go, my existence, the way it is, has always and will always be enough. Thank you for allowing me to make a footnote in history @vogueportugal Thank you to the people who advised, supported and contributed significantly to this journey, who harnessed the essence of representation and inclusion. @gertjohancoetzee @melshaw001 @asandasizani @lynetteb_ Dr Precious Motsepe @unalbinism @audisouthafrica @asifhoosen @khanyi_matla @phindiv @pirelli Tim Walker @bbcafrica @bbc @motsepefoundation @afi_sa @glamour_sa @marieclairesa @foschinisa @pridemm @fashion_friend1 @staceylhanmer @kirsten___goss @beautyrevolution_za @samhopa @wokeproject @mimiinblue @adwoaaboa @infra_red_99 Not to mention I worked with an amazing team, it was one of the most unique and refreshing experiences I've ever had. Produced by @imi_oztas Features editor @patriciatrdomingues Editor in chief @sofia.slucas Photographer:@rhysframpton Styling @sallyannebolton Make up:@suuad_jeppe Journalist @joanapem P,S thank you to @shaundross for sending so much love my way and @diandraforrest for the shout out. thandohopa#photograpy#activist#activism#fashion#writer#diversity#inclusion#representaion#feminist#feminism#art#albinism#blackgirlmagic#model#actress#southafrica#afro#kinkyhair#naturalhair#authenticity#thoughtleader#narratives#change#storyteller#body#representationmatters#voguecover

A post shared by Thando Hopa (@thandohopa) on Apr 2, 2019 at 2:21am PDT

She continued: "'We are the ones we have been waiting for.' I'm emotional, because I see progress and get to form part of a progressive story and narrative. I got to a place in my career where I appreciate every specimen of my body and knowing that wherever I go, my existence, the way it is, has always and will always be enough." She ended her Instagram caption by thanking Vogue Portugal for the landmark opportunity.

In the accompanying cover story, Hapo spoke about whether or not she thinks inclusion in the fashion industry is just a trend. “I do not think that human bodies should ever be called 'trends.' I have a serious problem with people who say albinism is a trend, or vitiligo is a trend. Or people who say ‘It is so cool to be black right now,’” Hopa said. “Human bodies are not disposable.”

Vogue's international counterparts seem to be getting it right when it comes to diversity and inclusion (save for a Kardashian cover here or there). Last year, Naomi Campbell vocalised her belief that there needs to be a bigger platform for the African diaspora on a global scale. “There should be a Vogue Africa. We just had Vogue Arabia — it is the next progression."

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Bestselling Pieces In 2019 We Know You Can't Get Enough Of

Surf's Up! This Season, We're Channelling Our Inner Beach Bum

A Grown-Up Look At Why Millennials Are Dressing Like Children

All women accessing abortion services in England should be able to choose between a medical or surgical termination, the NHS's official advisory body has said.

All women should also be able to access abortion services without the need for a referral from a GP, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended in its first ever guidance on abortion.

NICE said that the guidance, which it has developed with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), is designed to "improve the organisation of termination of pregnancy services, and make it easier for women to access them".

NICE said that women in England currently face a lack of consistency: while most abortion services allow women to self-refer, some hospitals still require a referral from a GP.

In its draft guidance, NICE advises that GP referrals should be phased out entirely because it can be difficult for women to get prompt appointments.

In addition, NICE says there is evidence that "women may face negative attitudes from healthcare professionals" which "makes it harder to get referrals for termination of pregnancy".

NICE also recommends that NHS clinical commissioners should consider introducing upfront funding for women who may not be able to afford to travel to abortion services.

Paul Chrisp, director of the Centre for Guidelines at NICE, said in a news release: “Choosing to terminate a pregnancy is an important part of reproductive health for many women, which is why it’s essential that providers are able to offer consistent support and advice.

“Integrating and streamlining services should help improve access for all women, leading to shorter waiting times and allowing earlier terminations. This provides multiple benefits to the woman, including being able to have a medical termination at home.”

Professor Lesley Regan, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, added: “These guidelines will help to address significant barriers that women experience across the country, by reducing waiting times and making it easier for them to access services. It’s also absolutely vital that more healthcare professionals are trained in this key area of women’s healthcare to ensure services are sustainable in the long-term.”

The draft guidelines have been welcomed by abortion services charity Marie Stopes, which said that the new proposals "will help to improve services and address some of the barriers women face accessing abortion care".

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

If You Got Your First Period At School, Then This Short Film Will Take You Back

7 Reasons Why You Should Be Sleeping Naked

Why Women Are Sharing Photos Of Themselves Eating Food On Instagram

Besides boho crop tops, denim cutoffs, and Ariana Grande-packed playlists, festival goers at this year's Coachella music festival are on the same page when it comes to glam. Last year, Queen Bey brought out 90's-influenced buns and bubble ponytails, while dewy skin and glowy cheekbones got in formation.

This year, things are looking a little different because glitter is everywhere — and not just on the eyelids. Attendees are getting creative and pairing chunky shimmer with rhinestones, sequins, and jewels to create otherworldly looks fitting for the weekend's over-the-top events.

Global Beauty Director for YSL Beauty, Tom Pecheux says that glitter is the way to go for festivals because it will look good no matter your skill level. "I really love glitter because it makes you think of joy and happiness," he tells Refinery29. "You don't need to be an expert to wear it. It's easy to put on — could be a nightmare to take off — but it's so worth it," Pecheux says.

For festivals that take place in the scorching heat, Pecheux says it's the one thing that won't fail you. "When layering on foundation and other complexion products in the heat, there's always a chance that it will melt off with heat and sweat," he says. "Wearing glitter does the job because it makes you look cool but it won't wear off."

Pecheux recommends playing up your favourite features with glitter and gems while keeping the rest of your makeup muted. This year, festival attendees focused the sparkly stuff mainly on the cheekbones, eyelids, and inner corners. If you're attending weekend two of the festival and still don't know what makeup to pair with your outfit, browse through the blinged-out beauty looks ahead for inspo.

Travel and accommodations were provided by YSL Beauty for the purpose of writing this story.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

12 Festival Makeup Looks That Are Worthy Of Stage Time

10 Foundations That Actually Work For Acne-Prone Skin

Why You Should Use Lip Liner On Your Eyes & 4 Other Makeup Hacks

A woman studying at the University of the West of England (UWE) has used £100 of her student loan to provide free tampons for her fellow students.

Daisy Wakefield, who's studying for a degree in Drawing and Print, said she felt compelled to spend her own money on the sanitary products because the Bristol university had failed to act.

Announcing the scheme on Instagram, Wakefield told followers: "After many emails saying 'I’ll get back to you' or 'I’m not sure', I’m tired of @uwebristol not addressing the crisis that is period poverty in the UK. Therefore, I, Daisy Wakefield have been forced to take matters into my own hands by supplying FREE sanitary products on all @uwebristol campuses."

Wakefield has designed custom packaging for 4o boxes of free tampons, and distributed them in bathrooms around the UWE campus.

View this post on Instagram

FREE SANITARY PRODUCTS FOR ALL!!! After many emails saying “I’ll get back to you” or “I’m not sure” I’m tired of @uwebristol not addressing the crisis that is period poverty in the UK. Therefore, I, Daisy Wakefield have been forced to take matters into my own hands by supplying FREE sanitary products on all @uwebristol campuses. (Due to funding this with my student loan there is limited supply, so head to your nearest UWE bathroom soon if you are in need).

A post shared by Daisy Wakefield (@daisy_wakefield) on Apr 9, 2019 at 5:35am PDT

In a follow-up post, Wakefield wrote: "If one student using their student loan can provide, hand make and assemble 40 sanitary boxes, UWE most definitely can."

The university said in response: "Period poverty is a global issue and we're pleased UWE Bristol students are passionately advocating for change. The university does not currently supply free sanitary products on campus, though we would be pleased to meet with students to understand if there is an emerging need for this."

Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced in March that free sanitary products will be made available in all secondary schools in England from September.

Dawn Butler, the shadow minister for women and equalities, called the new scheme in English secondary schools "a victory for all those who have campaigned for an end to period poverty".

"It's a disgrace that period poverty exists in the sixth richest country in the world," she added.

It was announced earlier today that a similar scheme to provide free sanitary products in Welsh secondary schools will also be rolled out, the BBC reports.

Scotland announced its own scheme making sanitary products available free to school pupils to help "banish the scourge of period poverty" in August 2018.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Busy Philipps Gets Candid About Her Abortion In Face Of Controversial New Law

9 Foolproof Ways To Make Moving In With A Partner Not A Disaster

The "Serial Killer Gene" On Riverdale, Explained

At the start of the first episode of Specia l, a new Netflix series, the sun is shining, there’s music playing, and a man is walking down the street. Then, he falls. It’s a common enough occurrence, but it’s from there we get our first introduction to the show’s protagonist, 28-year-old Ryan, who walks a little differently from people we’re used to seeing on TV.

“Do you need help?,” a kid asks. “I’m fine,” Ryan says, and goes on to explain his physical disability to the questioning kid and to viewers. This “Do you need help...I’m fine” refrain is an all-too-familiar exchange for me, because like Ryan, I am a 20-something with cerebral palsy. It’s a common call and response, whether I’m climbing up the steps of the subway or simply walking through a doorway.

From the moment it begins, Special, premiering April 12, lets you know you’re in for something different. The show is the streaming service’s first foray into 15-minute episodic comedy and was created and written by comedian Ryan O’Connell. O’Connell also stars in the series, which is inspired by his 2015 memoir I'm Special: And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves. Over the course of eight episodes, the show explores Ryan’s sexuality, independence, and what it means to come to terms with his disability.

Cerebral palsy manifests itself differently in everyone. I do not have the same dexterity issues as Ryan; he is able to walk unassisted, whereas I use forearm crutches for support. I have written dozens of stories for this publication and others, but almost none have mentioned my disability until now. There was no need to. My disability has little to no bearing on my ability to do my job — or so I’d like to think. As Ryan says in Special, “Writing about your own personal shit is scary.” The editor who asked me to write about the show didn’t tell me why she was asking me specifically. She didn’t have to.

“My whole life, CP has been the main course, when really it just needs to be an appetizer — or better yet, taken off the menu altogether.”

One in four adults in America live with a disabilit y, but GLAAD’s Where We Are on TV ’18-’19 report found only 2.1 percent of primetime broadcast TV series regulars — a total of 18 characters — have disabilities. A 2017 study from the USC Annenberg School For Communication and Journalism found that of the 100 top-grossing movies of 2016, only 2.7 percent of characters were depicted with a disability.

The entertainment industry’s portrayal of disability is flawed. The way journalists write about disability is flawed. Neither Special nor this article can provide a complete fix to either of those things, but both can start to try.

Still, the irony of writing this piece is not lost on me: In Special Ryan takes an internship at EggWoke, an online publication that is shifting from producing listicles to asking writers to exploit their own personal experiences for pageviews. Comedian Punam Patel stars as Ryan’s co-worker and friend, a plus-size brown woman with a love for expensive fashion who is asked to write articles about “loving her curves” all while being as insecure as any woman in her twenties is about almost everything.

The experiences at EggWoke are likely a satirical take on O’Connell’s own experiences as a writer at Vice and Thought Catalog, an early adopter of sensationalised first-person narratives. But Ryan’s decision to lie about the origins of his disability (he tells his coworkers that his physical differences stem from a car accident) makes perfect sense. It’s the same reason why the girl from my high school who was wheelchair-bound for a few months after a sudden illness received news coverage, but when the reporters wrote about her using the school’s single old elevator, they never thought to ask for input from the one other student who had been using it every day for three years.

It’s not newsworthy to say: “I was born with this thing. I’ve had it my entire life. It’s not going to get ‘better’ or ‘worse,’ and I don’t really care what you have to say about it.” It certainly doesn’t endear you to the general public.

Special doesn’t try to be endearing. It’s not afraid to explore the reality of dating and sex, disability or not. In episode 3, Ryan loses his virginity to a male sex worker. The scene is physical and not afraid to show the mechanics, complete with an extra moment before sex for Ryan to open his legs, which often tighten up. It’s awkward, yet fulfilling, much like sex can be.

In episode 7, Ryan’s boss, Olivia (Marla Mindelle) sets him up on a blind date with her cousin, who — unbeknownst to Ryan — is deaf, in the hopes that they might have something in common. They don’t. Ryan later tells Olivia: “I can do better than a deaf guy.” It’s harsh, but the idea behind it is true: People with a disability might want to (and are perfectly entitled to) date an able-bodied person. It’s also true that some able-bodied people may hesitate to date someone with a disability. That’s just reality.

We don’t need to talk about it all the time, but to deny the effects of disability on any one person, those they love, or those around them would be disingenuous. It’s not all good, or bad or fair — it’s just reality.

Despite all that I appreciate about Special, there are a few worrying messages being sent to younger viewers with disabilities. Though in his late 20s, Ryan appears to have no real friends prior to the ones he meets at the start of the series.The emotional implications of the fact that Ryan’s first sexual experience is with a paid sex worker (though he is remarkably gentle and kind) also go unexplored, as does the concept of disability settlement money —which people can receive if they sue doctors or hospitals after the birth of a child. The show contains passing reference to the fact that Ryan has this money, but the complicated realities, both emotional and otherwise, are not discussed.

If the show gets a second season, O'Connell has already said he would prefer it have half-hour episodes. I would hope they tackle more of the micro-difficulties that individuals with disabilities can experience: The constant barrage of well-meaning people saying “Are you sure you don’t need help?” or “You’re such an inspiration,” and the difficulties of doing little things like buying milk at the grocery store, because if you buy it you have to carry it. These experiences are ripe for translation onto television screens.

But overall, the show is a step in the right direction — an honest and flawed show is better than any attempt at a “perfect representation” of disability. It doesn’t shy away from difficult and complex topics, from Ryan’s co-dependence on his mother to the toll of being a caretaker. At the end of the final episode, Ryan’s mother admits that she does blame him for the fact that she doesn’t have much of a life. It’s a horrible thing to say, but there are elements of truth.

In an interview with Vulture, O’Connell said he wants people without cerebral palsy to relate to his story. As anyone who has ever come to terms with being remotely “different” from what society deems “normal” will tell you, no one wants a difference to define them. They don’t want to be tokenised.

In the first episode of Special, Ryan tells his mother (played by Jessica Hecht), “My whole life, CP has been the main course, when really it just needs to be an appetiser — or better yet, taken off the menu altogether.” The line struck a chord for me because it spoke to my own desire to “blend in.” Still, we don’t need to talk about it all the time, but to deny the effects of disability on any one person, those they love, or those around them would be disingenuous. It’s not all good, or bad or fair — it’s just reality.

Special shows what’s real for its cast of characters. They are vulnerable, flawed, and funny. And like all of us, they’re just trying to figure out how to tell the world who they really are, and what makes them special.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

We Finally Know When Season 2 Of Mindhunter Is Coming To Netflix

This New GoT Photo Totally Smashes All Of Your Mad Queen Daenerys Theories

The Proof Of Other Dragons In Westeros May Be In The Game of Thrones Opening Credits

The week starts on a bright note as the sun trines a retrograde Jupiter on Sunday. Be open to blessings as this movement passes over. The weekend ends on a high note when the moon waxes in Leo until 9.38pm on Sunday evening. We’re ready for a break when the moon goes void-of-course until the next day at 6.13am in practical Virgo. Our words gain confidence on Tuesday when communicative Mercury moves into bold Aries. The moon leaves Virgo on Wednesday at 12.29am, entering a second well-timed void-of-course period ending at 7.22am in Libra. We approach our full moon on Friday at 7.12am, encouraging us to connect, share, and enjoy each other’s company. If you made a goal during the new moon of the 5th, reflect on how you grew your idea and gave it life. The moon wanes in strategic Scorpio at 8.40am, helping us to plan out our next steps. Sweet Venus joins Mercury in Aries on Saturday, giving us an edge in our approach to love and aesthetics. Use this newfound confidence to try out a new trend, and put yourself out there. The sun enters Taurus on Saturday, changing our focus from creating new beginnings to living in the here and now.

Get R29 Horoscopes direct to your calendar, every week with two simple steps!

1. Click this link to download to: Apple / iOSGoogle / Android

2. Make sure you're notified about new horoscopes by switching on event alerts! Apple/iOS: Switch on 'Events' notifications under 'Alerts' in 'Preferences'. Google: 'Add Notification' under 'Event Notifications' in R29 Horoscopes calendar settings. Is there a webcal/iCal feed I can use to subscribe directly? Yes! Here

I subscribed to the calendar on my iPhone but it isn’t showing up on my computer or tablet. How do I fix that? You will need to add an iCloud Calendar subscription. Use the webcal link mentioned above.

Can I subscribe if I use Outlook? Yes. Using the webcal link above, you can add the calendar to Outlook.com or an Outlook desktop client.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Busy Philipps Gets Candid About Her Abortion In Face Of Controversial New Law

9 Foolproof Ways To Make Moving In With A Partner Not A Disaster

The "Serial Killer Gene" On Riverdale, Explained

From skin cancer to burns, fine lines to pigmentation, we're all aware of the damaging effects UV rays have on skin, so for many of us, buying a day moisturiser that also contains SPF is a total no-brainer. Hydrated skin and sun protection – tick.

But a new study presented at the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) 's annual meeting in Edinburgh found that the SPF in our trusty pot of moisturiser, whatever the factor, might not be offering us the UV protection we think it is.

The study concluded that "moisturisers with sun protection factor (SPF) provide less sun protection than the equivalent strength sunscreen in real-world scenarios," in other words, compared to a regular, targeted sun cream with no add-ons like face cream or foundation.

During the study, researchers from the University of Liverpool enlisted the help of a specially modified camera that captures UV light in order to look at the ways in which participants applied regular SPF and moisturiser containing SPF – and the results were very different.

After assessing the pictures, researchers found that when an area of skin is covered efficiently by SPF, it appears black. When they looked at the pictures of the people who had applied SPF moisturiser, their faces were comparatively lighter, which suggests SPF absorption was less successful and therefore less effective.

"We expected the area of face covered with moisturiser to be greater than sunscreen, in particular the eyelids because of the perception that moisturiser stings the eyes less than sunscreen," said Mr Austin McCormick, a consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon, and one of the researchers. "In fact we found the opposite: the area of the face covered effectively was greater with sunscreen than moisturiser. In addition, where it was applied, the moisturiser provided less UV protection than sunscreen."

But that's not to say moisturiser with SPF doesn't provide sun protection – just a little less.

"Although skin moisturiser with SPF does provide sun protection, our research suggests that it’s not to the same degree as sunscreen," continued McCormick. "We do recommend moisturisers and makeup that contain UV protection – it is better than no protection at all, but for prolonged periods in the sun we recommend the application of sunscreen with high SPF."

The study also found that people are more likely to miss out certain areas of their face when applying SPF moisturiser, in particular, eyelids. According to BAD, this is a huge cause for concern, as "the eyelid area is a common site for skin cancers".

In addition, how you apply SPF is important, too, and it seems we aren't slathering on the moisturiser as thickly as a regular SPF. In fact the study concluded that people missed 16% of their face on average, compared to sunscreen, at 11%. Matthew Gass, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "A good way to prevent this from becoming an issue is to wear sunglasses and reapply sunscreen regularly. This should help protect the bits you miss from being exposed to excessive sun."

He concluded: "Unfortunately, moisturiser with SPF just doesn’t perform particularly well in real world situations compared to sunscreen. Although it may say factor 30 on the box, this study is just further evidence that lab testing conditions for these products don’t reflect how they are used."

The solution? Investing in a separate SPF to apply over your moisturiser. Sure, it might be a little bit of a faff in the morning, but it's definitely worth it.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Dear Daniela: Will A Retinol Lip Treatment Make My Lips Soft, Smooth & Plump?

Rihanna Just Ushered In Summer's Biggest Nail-Art Trend

This Celeb Trick Makes Dark Lipstick Look So Much Better

Us Brits supposedly have over 100 words for rain – hardly surprising, given that ours is one of the wettest countries in the world. And since April is living up to its rainy reputation, it's time to round up the best raincoats for a damp spring day.

These are not the bland and shapeless raincoats that your mum forced you to pack for your Duke of Edinburgh expedition. SS19's offerings are a riot of colour (pink at Emilia Wickstead, sky blue at Alexachung, pillar-box red at Burberry and sunshine yellow at Marc Jacobs) and sport everything from plaid and iridescent shimmer to oversized pockets and neon snake print.

Working with Icelandic heritage and outdoor wear brand 66°North, Ganni offers some of the coolest (and most durable) raincoats, which are also lightweight enough for layering. Rains is a new, more budget-friendly favourite, with jackets in pastels, holographics and slick black.

Check out our pick of April showers-ready raincoats. You never know, you might even find yourself longing for a rainy day...

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Peplum Is Back & It's All Grown Up

Reformation Is Officially Making Footwear — & We Want Every Pair

Bye-Bye Micro Shades, These Are 2019's Best Oversized Sunglasses

Despite proven, dermatologist-rated ingredients for acne such as retinol, salicylic acid and glycolic acid, as well as medication like Roaccutane and spironolactone, it seems acne patches are huge in skincare right now. Take cult favourite Mighty Patch. The stickers were designed to be placed onto whiteheads with the aim of drawing out the gunk and grime, saving you from popping and the inevitable skin staining left behind. This year, however, we've spotted a number of new-gen acne products on the market and at the top of the list are microneedling stickers.

They may sound scary (and probably the last thing you want to put near a raging, pus-filled zit) but these little patches consist of virtually invisible points made of acne-fighting ingredients, like salicylic acid and tea tree, to bring down inflammation and prevent spots from erupting.

So how exactly do they work? Some patches, like Aussie-born ZitSticka, come with a cleansing towelette to sterilise the area. Note that it's worth getting rid of any whiteheads and cleansing the area before placing on a patch for best results. Once skin is dry, the patch should be peeled from its case, placed on to the spot and pressed on. Korean brand Vice Reversa 's patches come without a steriliser, but are housed in vacuum-packed pouches and have similar 'needles'. Once on, these little darts then melt into the skin within two hours and (supposedly) work their magic.

But do microneedling acne patches really do anything or are they just another skincare gimmick? Ahead, four R29 staffers put them to the test...

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Dear Daniela: Will A Retinol Lip Treatment Make My Lips Soft, Smooth & Plump?

Rihanna Just Ushered In Summer's Biggest Nail-Art Trend

This Celeb Trick Makes Dark Lipstick Look So Much Better

If you're anything like us, you love a good throwback photo. There's nothing better than scrolling back through your Instagram feed and seeing all the tragic outfit mistakes you've made throughout the years. After all, those fashion mishaps made your style what it is today. Well, that's essentially the case with Coachella fashion. For years, hoards of millennials have flown out to Indio, California to listen to Beyoncé and maybe catch a glimpse of Vanessa Hudgens, but the main event has always been the clothes.

And boy, were some of the outfits bad. But over the last few festival seasons, we've seen Coachella style take a move in the right direction, a.k.a. away from flower crowns, denim cut offs, and barely-there crop tops. From head-to-toe tie-dye to monochrome two-piece sets, we can actually see ourselves wearing these looks far past Ariana Grande 's last bop of Weekend 2.

To prove it, we're scouring Indio this weekend and the next and rounding up the best and brightest celebrity fashion looks of Coachella in the mix ahead.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

The Street Style Looks From Coachella That We Actually Want To Wear

26 Outfits To Copy This April

These Japanese Chicanas May Challenge What You Think About Cultural Appropriation