POPSUGAR

10 Halloween Makeup Must Haves, From Sparkly-Face Gems to Holographic Highlighter

Adelaide Giesey — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:00:02 -0700

With Halloween just around the corner, it is officially time to lock in your costume ideas. It's a holiday that gives us all the perfect excuse to dress up as iconic characters or channel a spooky, haunted aesthetic. Even our favorite celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Alix Earle, and Cardi B historically go all out for the night. My friends have even already started taking bets on what Heidi Klum will morph herself into for her iconic party.

But if there's one thing we can learn from the stars, it's that it's all in the makeup. You can have the perfect Halloween costume in your closet, but to create a next-level look, your makeup has to live up to the same standards. After all, the glam is half the fun! To set you up for success, we found the top 10 makeup products that can be used to transform your look. From the perfect bold red lipstick to holographic highlighter that feels otherworldly, any of these makeup products will get you in the running for the best look of the night.

The Best Makeup Products For Halloween

A multipurpose stick for drawing: Wet n Wild Color Icon Multi-Stick at $5
The perfect costume-ready lash: Ardell 3D Faux Mink False Eyelashes Spiky 867 at $8
A subtle yet impactful pop of color: ColourPop BFF Mascara at $10
Create fake freckles in a flash: Sancheu Brow & Freckle Stay-N Pen at $14
Every costume needs a face gem: Half Magic Self-Adhesive Face Gems at $15
A precise and pigmented liquid liner: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner at $22
The quintessential bold red lipstick: MAC Matte Lipstick at $24
Set your look with a veil of silver glitter: One/Size On 'Til Dawn Diamond Icing Glitter Waterproof Setting Spray at $36
A holographic highlighter: Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter at $40
This palette gives you endless possibilities: Blend Bunny Cosmetics Blends Palette at $54

I Transformed My 1-Bedroom Apartment With These 13 Items

Lena Felton — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:50:03 -0700

When my partner, cat, and I moved into our one-bedroom San Francisco apartment a year ago, we started off strong: we put up a gallery wall and chose a statement couch to be the center of our living room. But soon after we got the decorating basics under our belts, our momentum stalled. We put off hanging up all our art and figured we'd eventually replace all that furniture from our early 20s.

Now, a year later, San Francisco's skyrocketing rents have made us realize that we should plan to stay in our rent-controlled apartment for as long as we possibly can. That's partly what inspired my motivation to complete our decorating project. While we love our apartment, I knew we could do more to make it feel truly like ours.

So, in the past couple of months, we've been selecting long-term investment pieces and affordable, quirky touches to finalize our space. And what I've learned is that a few additions really can transform your home - especially when you only have about 800 square feet of it.

Keep reading for all the ways we upgraded every corner of our apartment, and take it from me: there's no better investment than making a rental apartment feel like yours.

How Women Food Creators Find Joy at Every Meal

Chandler Plante — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:00:02 -0700

At a time when everyone seems obsessed with getting smaller, loving food feels kind of radical. As women, many of us learn from the TV we watch, the magazines we read, or the social media we consume that eating is something you control rather than enjoy. Where were you when you heard "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" for the first time? How many times were you told to "work it off" in the gym or encouraged to buy a "guilt-free" snack? This story of fatphobia and restriction certainly isn't new. But with diet culture once again rearing its ugly head, it's refreshing to see women food creators operating from a place of joy - not judgment.

Over on TikTok, Karissa Dumbacher (@karissaeats) documents her mouth-watering eats to over five million followers. Think: cream-filled mochi in Japan, truffle mac n' cheese burgers in New York City, and spicy pad thai in Bangkok. You can tell from her detailed descriptions that she genuinely enjoys the food she's eating, and according to her, that's a gift that comes quite naturally. "I've always been the biggest foodie ever," Dumbacher tells Popsugar. She credits this, in part, to her parents promoting a love for food - particularly as an extension of culture. "My dad used to live in China [and] my mom has traveled all over the world as a doctor, so they were always introducing me to new foods growing up," Dumbacher says.

Image Source: Getty

To her, food is not just fuel, it's something to be explored (and her content does just that). "It's culture, it's the way we pass down heritage, it's so much of your nostalgia, your childhood, your past . . . and at this point, with how creative people are, it's becoming an art form," Dumbacher says.

"As long as you feel good, that's all that matters."

Beyond her food content, Dumbacher also gives occasional insights into her fitness routine, sharing her unique perspective as someone who eats for a living. Her most recent regimen includes weight training, high-energy HIIT sessions, walks around New York City, and outdoor runs. But although she's clearly passionate about fitness, Dumbacher's approach to wellness centers more around balance and consistency - not total perfection. Of course, that doesn't mean she's totally immune from societal pressure.

"It's been harder with the Ozempidemic of it all to not slip into that mindset of, 'Well, why don't I look like that?'" Dumbacher says. "It's like, no, you're healthy, you're strong. As long as you feel good, that's all that matters."

Image Source: Courtesy of Cailee Fischer

Cailee Fischer (@caileeeeats) got into food content creation after being diagnosed with insulin-resistant PCOS (now referred to as PMOS). "I needed to learn how to cook for myself and make meals that supported my body and hopefully helped manage some of my symptoms," Fischer tells Popsugar. But while her research provided plenty examples of what not to eat, she rarely found meal ideas that would both support her health and taste good.

"Balance isn't about being perfect."

In 2021, Fischer decided to post her own 30 days of PCOS-friendly dinners, and as her content started to take off, her relationship with food started to evolve. She grew tired of only hearing about what foods she had to cut out. So instead of hyper-fixating on what she couldn't have, she decided to focus on what she could add to fuel her body and balance her blood sugar. "Does that mean every meal I eat is perfectly balanced? Absolutely not," Fischer says. "Balance isn't about being perfect. It's about having habits that support my health while still leaving plenty of room to enjoy my life."

These days, Fischer's meals might include juicy balsamic steak bites, cozy brown butter pumpkin pasta, or a flavorful summer sausage skillet. "PCOS is something I'll manage for the rest of my life, so whatever I do has to be sustainable," she says. "I want to take care of my body, but I also want to cook, travel, go out to dinner, and genuinely enjoy food."

Image Source: Courtesy of Jjanga Weir

We talk a lot about food in relation to physical health, but Jjanga Weir (@thetofumom) also shines a light on how it affects our mental health. "What I eat and do as a tofu mom to feel better on a recharge day," she captions a September TikTok highlighting her feel-good eats. In another video, Weir shows what she eats before getting tattooed, holding up a bowl that looks less like a meal and more like a work of art. Some standout morsels include juicy fig and mangosteen, sea snail, and hamachi sushi topped with bae (Korean pear) and wasabi mayo on a bed of seared dubu (Korean soybean curd).

Weir's social media handle "The Tofu Mom" serves as a foil to the viral (and famously restrictive) "almond mom" trope so many of us have come across in real life or in pop culture. "People were sharing how to eat a certain way so they could stay a certain size," Weir tells Popsugar. "I created Tofu Mom to counteract that - to allow women to see the balance that we can have."

"How can I make this fun again?"

Like the creators before her, Weir agrees that balance plays a key role in her mental and physical health. That means following people that make her feel good, allowing herself to indulge from time to time, and finding more ways to make food joyful. "For a while, it was so overwhelming, and I was like, 'I can't keep this as a stressor in my life. How can I make this fun again?'" Weir says.

"I thought it was important, especially for women, to have a place where we see food, not just as something to get us by, not as something to keep us a certain size . . . but more as an experience," she says. "It's not just about nourishing yourself. The biggest message I want to send is how to actually love yourself."

Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.

19 Iconic Halloween Costumes to Inspire Your Plans - Starting at $5

Sarah Wasilak — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:00:02 -0700

The most iconic Halloween costumes from films, TV, and pop culture have also become increasingly stylish over the years, oftentimes even projecting onto more modern trends. Elle Woods's well-known looks in "Legally Blonde" would now easily pass for the Barbiecore aesthetic; >Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid from "Clueless" has trickled into our everyday wardrobes; and Blair and Serena's schoolgirl uniforms in "Gossip Girl" are pretty much the epitome of academia.

But these outfits also persevere as the greatest because people from all over the world have recreated them Halloween after Halloween. The best part about all 19 of the costumes gathered here is that they are easy to recreate using clothing you probably already own. Sure, you may need to pick up one or two added accessories, such as the proper striped sweater for Bert and Ernie or a red sequined dress for Jessica Rabbit, but for the most part, you won't need to break the bank.

Ahead, find 19 iconic characters you can channel with just as much cultural significance on Halloween night.

I Put Kylie Jenner’s Meta Glasses to the Test and I Have Thoughts

Adelaide Giesey — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 11:20:01 -0700

Ever since I was a kid, I've always been fascinated by the latest tech gadgets. My dad, who would take desktop computers apart and put them back together again for fun, instilled a curiosity that has stuck with me through the years. Every Christmas he would indulge me with some form of a technology-forward toy or device, whether it was my first iPod Nano 3 (in dark maroon of course) or a Nintendo Wii console. I would sit there for hours and wonder how these things worked.

Fast forward to my adult life and I still try to tap into that same kid-like curiosity when determining whether the latest tech launch actually deserves a spot in my daily life. Like most people nowadays, I have dabbled in wearable tech - the Oura Ring and I had a nice year-long relationship and my Apple Watch regularly comes out of retirement during a fitness kick. But my latest find has already earned a more permanent spot in my routine: my new Meta Starfire Kylie Edition AI Glasses ($399).

The concept is so simple that it's kind of genius - take an item people already wear daily (glasses) and add some of the most advanced AI technology to make the user's life easier. As someone who is always running out the door, I was drawn to the idea that if I left my headphones at home my day wouldn't be ruined.

Out of the dozens of styles to choose from, I ordered this silhouette because they boast slim, oval-shaped frames and they're designed in collaboration with Kylie Jenner, who included a little note inside the package (pictured below). After putting my latest device to the test, I'm ready to share all the nitty-gritty details. Ahead, find more about what the Starfire Meta Glasses have to offer and my honest thoughts on whether they're worth the splurge.

About the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition AI Glasses

Measurements: Hinge to hinge length 5", lens height 1.25", lens width 1.88"
Color Combinations: There are currently four color variations of the Starfire Kylie Edition style: classic black frames with black lenses, classic black frames with transitional lenses, ivory frames with black lenses, or dark tortoise frames with chocolate lenses.
Features: Within the frame, there are two cameras on either side, six microphones, an open-ear speaker, and a long slim button on the upper right temple.
Battery Life: The glasses have eight hours of battery life and the chargeable case can store up to 40 hours of additional battery.
Tech Features: Meta AI lets you ask questions or prompts based on your surroundings. For example, ask Meta to play music that matches the environment you're in or get real-time weather updates. You can also accept phone or video calls, capture photo or video, or access real-time language translation.
Bonus: You can add prescription lenses to any of the frames.

What I Like About the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition AI Glasses

Starting with the overall look, the Starfire glasses perfectly match my go-to sunglasses aesthetic - sleek but simple. I usually have a hard time finding glasses that fit my wide head, but to my surprise these felt super comfortable and flattering. Opting for the brown tortoise shade made the frames complement my brown hair seamlessly and added a bit of warmth to my daily look. The slim oval shape gives a sleek, almost cat-eye effect that fills out my face nicely. Even on my first wear, I received several compliments.

Now for the tech. I wont lie, at first I did feel like Juni Cortez from "Spy Kids" with his high-tech glasses (a very elevated version of him of course), but still, hearing the sound of Bluetooth connecting when you first put them on does make you feel like you're sporting spyware from the movies. It took me a few tries to pair the app with my glasses but once I had it set I was ready to go. The voice commands are very simple to pick up and can be used to do practically anything from prompting a weather report to taking photos or videos to controlling music.

There is understandably a small adjustment period when it comes to comfortably speaking out loud to your glasses in public, but you don't really need to project for the device to pick up your voice. All this is to say that the Starfire Kylie Edition AI Glasses have quickly became a go-to accessory on morning walks and afternoon errands, acting as a replacement for my headphones, which I often forget when running out the door.

Who Are the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition AI Glasses Best For?

If you're someone who loves to keep up with the latest wearable tech or prefer an all-in-one experience with your devices, then Meta glasses will be right up your alley. They combine the power of your phone - including calls, music, location services, etc. - with a portable camera and AI technology to rapidly adapt and respond to your specific requests and needs. I imagine anyone who loves to constantly gather and track as much personal data as possible would consider Meta glasses to be a very valuable asset. While the price is definitely classified as a splurge, I would consider it a perfect big-ticket item for birthday or holiday presents.

Where Are the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition AI Glasses Available?

You can shop the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition AI Glasses at Meta or Best Buy.

Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.

The Best Halloween Decor For the Spookiest Home on the Block - Starting at $5

Anvita Reddy — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:45:02 -0700

Deck the halls with skeletons, ghosts, and jack-o-lanterns galore. It's spooky season and we're ready to transform our homes into the coolest haunted houses on the block. There's nothing we love more than Halloween, from the creative costumes to the spooktacular movies. But the eerie decor takes the cake. Whether you're going for a spooky-but-playful vibe or something gothic and elegant, our favorite retailers have plenty of awesome decor picks to unleash your ghoulish creativity. We rounded up the best Halloween decor on the market for every design aesthetic. We found stylish picks from Grandin Road, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Target, and so much more.

Fill your home with eerie black wreaths, textured pumpkins and skulls, gothic lanterns, and candy bowls galore. Are you hosting a gothic dinner party that rivals that of Morticia Addams? Add some elegant dinnerware pieces like the skeleton drinkware collection from Pottery Barn or a cauldron-shaped serving bowl from Crate & Barrel. Want to impress the neighbors? Level up your yard with oversize inflatables and decor from Home Depot that will welcome trick-or-treaters with ghoulish glee. No matter what tricks you have up your sleeve, these decor ideas will be an added treat.

The Best Halloween Decor Ideas

A spooky lantern that resembles a haunted house: Hyde and EEK! Boutique Small Lit Metal Tall House at $5
The perfect Halloween string lights: Hyde and EEK! Boutique 20ct Halloween LED Plastic Pumpkin Novelty String Light at $10
Easy and reusable tree decor: Joyfy 2 Pcs 53" Halloween Bendable Tree Wrap Ghost Outdoor Decoration at $16, originally $27
To make your own witch's brew: Crate & Barrel Large Cauldron Halloween Ceramic Serving Bowl at $23, originally $40
A gothic yet subtle home accent: Threshold 11" Woven Rattan Lit Halloween Pumpkin at $25
The ultimate eerie centerpiece: West Elm Skull Luminaries Candleholders at $25, originally $35
Tap into the playful side of fall decor: Grandin Road Charmed Pumpkin at $28, originally $89
To instantly transform your entryway: Joyward Witches & Eyes 22" Wreath at $30
For making any beverage feel festive: Pottery Barn Skeleton Drinkware Collection at $30-$33
Seasonal glassware that feels like art: West Elm Halloween Antics Double Old Fashioned Glass Set at $36, originally $60
Snacks may or may not be more yummy in this dish: Pottery Barn Gus the Ghost Stoneware Multi-Condiment Server at $47, originally $59
An abstract yet effective accent: West Elm Halloween Frankenstein Eye Bowl Fill (Set of 3) at $55
Neighbors will be jealous of your yard: Costway 12 ft. Halloween Inflatable Blow Up Ghost at $55
Yes, we do need a Halloween tree: Pottery Barn Twisted Twinkling Tree at $99
The perfect excuse to redecorate your home: Rugs.com Black and Gold Vogue Geo Rug at $99, originally $269

I Tested This Viral Luxury Fashion Rental App and It's a Wardrobe Game-Changer

Jessica Andrews — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:50:02 -0700

As a fashion lover since as long as I can remember, my closet has evolved with me over the years. I went from shopping incessantly until my bag, shoe, and clothing collection quite literally overflowed and I had to buy a storage unit, to curating a capsule wardrobe and embracing circular fashion for trendier items. I was an early adaptor of the rental fashion economy, which is expected to grow to $2.33 billion by 2030. Not only does it keep my condo from turning into an episode of "Hoarders," it's better for the environment with less clothing ending up in a landfill when discarded. And for someone who majors in event dressing, it just makes sense to rent an outfit for one particular occassion and send it right back once the wedding/party/vacation/red-carpet event is over. Now, I've taken that love of rental clothing to a new level and started lending items myself. I know, I know, the very idea of parting with my beloved pieces - even for a week's time - seems like it'd be too traumatic for me to endure, except on the new luxury fashion app I discovered: Louvelle. This is rental fashion elevated: you have to be invited to join and the lenders and renters treat their pieces like heirlooms, handling the process with the utmost care.

This is rental fashion elevated: you have to be invited to join and the lenders and renters treat their pieces like heirlooms, handling the process with the utmost care.

Given the distinction, I feel comfortable renting my most treasured finds, including a Bottega Veneta Cassette and Jodie bag I bought years ago and don't carry nearly enough. It's genius really because my closet is now working for me in the background while I discover new items. And let's talk about the discovery of it all: Louvelle is a literal treasure trove, with rare, highly-curated finds like the Dior Rasta saddle bag I was looking to wear to our Aughts cover party, a Loewe red body print dress I wanted for last year's Met Gala, the Olympia Le-Tan Burn Book clutch I would've carried for Lindsay Lohan's "Mean Girls" event, and a Georgia Hardinge dress I was hoping to wear to my milestone birthday dinner in Arizona - can you tell I wish I had the Louvelle app in my life earlier? It features over 300+ established and emerging luxury designers, from Chanel to Coperni. I was so transfixed that I tapped the entire team to try the peer-to-peer app for New York and Paris Fashion Weeks. From the rental and return process, to the covetable selection, here are our honest thoughts.

10 Meta Glasses That Combine AI and Fashion, Including My New Favorite Pair

Adelaide Giesey — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 07:00:03 -0700

Truthfully, I have always had a hard time justifying spending more than $50 on a pair of sunglasses. No matter what situation I'm in, they're inevitably thrown into a purse, tucked into a shirt, or used as a makeshift headband. It's even more rare that I'd even remember to grab them, along with my headphones and my phone, on the way out the door. But if all those things were combined into one - enter Meta glasses - I think it would be that much more of a game-changer that I would make the splurge.

Since launch, Meta has curated a robust collection (including over 25 options) of AI glasses, including traditional shades to transitional frames. From capturing content on the go, listening to music, or even answering phone calls, the functions go above and beyond your typical pair of sunnies. Available in timeless shapes like the Wayfarer or Clubmaster, to celebrity collaborations such as the Kylie Jenner-approved Starfire, the high tech is designed to seamlessly fit into your wardrobe and digital routine. Ahead, I did the hard work for you and gathered the top 10 styles from Meta. Whether you want a trendy silhouette or something that veers more classic, there is something to fit your personal routine.

The Bestselling Meta Glasses

The perfect round frames: Meta Nova at $299
The cat-eye reimagined: Meta Capri at $299
Add audio to your prescription glasses: Ray-Ban Meta Burbank at $349
For a classic but chic look: Ray-Ban Meta Headliner (Gen 2) at $379
One editor's go-to trendy style: Meta Starfire Kylie Edition at $399
To upgrade your everyday glasses: Ray-Ban Meta Clubmaster at $429
For the designer-sunglasses lover: Ray-Ban Meta Zena (Gen 3) at $449
The perfect companion for sporty activities: Okaley Meta HSTN at $449
The number one bestseller: Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer (Gen 3) at $449
For a timeless finish: Ray-Ban Meta Aviator (Gen 3) at $529

Cozy, Modern Cat Trees That Will Elevate Your Space, We Promise

Kyley Warren — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:10:00 -0700

As most cat owners know all too well, cat trees don't always scream "chic" - they scream "eyesore in the middle of your nicely curated living room." But alas, having a modern cat tree is truly a necessity for any growing feline. The pet product is great for keeping your furry friend occupied, and it prevents them from leaving claw marks all over your stylish (and pet-friendly) furniture. Fortunately, thanks to retailers like Amazon and so many other direct-to-consumer furniture brands, we've discovered a bevy of minimalist cat trees and condos that are so aesthetic, you actually won't mind having them set up in your home.

While these beautiful pieces of cat-chitecture (we couldn't help ourselves) will cost you more than a regular old cat tree, rest assured they're well worth the investment thanks to their modern and fashionable design. Whether you want a cat tower that's the height of your wall, a cat mansion that features multiple cubbies and perches, or an aesthetic cat tree that'll double as the perfect gift for the cat-lover in your life, you're bound to find a stylish cat tree that'll suit your home - and your kitten's high-end preferences. We've even included several affordable cat trees from Amazon, Chewy, and Wayfair, so you can still find the best model for your home - even if you're on a tight budget.

Hurry and snag one of these practical cat trees for your home before they sell out - you and your kitty will thank us later.

Stylish Cat Trees That Work With Home Decor

Perfect for 2 cats who like to stay nearby while they relax: Bedsure Large Cat Cave For Pet Cat House With Fluffy Ball Hanging and Scratch Pad at $28, originally $30
Fosters good scratching while they play: Mecool 34-Inch Tall Cat Scratching Post at $29
A space-saving option for smaller apartments: Amazon Basics Cat Tower with Hammock at $30
If your furry friend is on the smaller side: MECOOL 4in1 Small Cat Tree at $34
The cactus-inspired shape is quirky and stylish: Petepela Cactus Cat Tree at $50
Ideal for entertaining multiple cats: Yaheetech Multi-Level Plush Cat Tree at $54, originally $80
Condos and hammocks for luxurious lounging: Hey-brother Large Multi-Level Cat Tree Condo at $80
Incorporate a pop of color into your space: Vetreska Multi-Level Cat Tree at $140
A bowl-shaped lounge and plush pillow for small cats: PetPals Handwoven Cat Tree With Perches Scratching Post at $150, originally $169
Dual-scratching posts, feather-teasing toys, and more: PetPals 49" Cat Condo at $199

Taylor Swift Halloween Costumes For Every Era, From "Fearless" to "TLOAS"

Kelsie Gibson — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 07:35:00 -0700

Taylor Swift is fully embracing her "The Life of a Showgirl" era. Though her Eras Tour is far in the rearview, Swift's tour outfits, or even her football season 'fits, are perfect for any die-hard Swiftie looking to dress like her this Halloween. And if you're really a Swift devotee, you'll even incorporate her famous posture-correcting sports bra into the mix. Hey, the details make the costume!

Starting with "The Fate of Ophelia," Swift's iconic music video outfits make for the perfect Halloween costume inspiration. Just team these looks with her signature red lipstick and a blonde wig and you're good to go. And bonus points if you find a friend or partner to dress up as Travis Kelce. Ahead, check out Taylor Swift costume ideas based on her music video outfits.

Taylor Swift Music Video Costume Ideas

A red showgirl dripping in feathers for "The Fate of Ophelia": Mrotrida Sequins Feather Headpiece at $9
"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" calls for flannel PJs and a red lip: e.l.f. O Face Satin Lipstick at $9, originally $10
To channel Swift in "Bad Blood," pull out leather shorts and a crop top: Sampeel Crop Tops at $8, originally $9
"Me" just needs a yellow suit you can repurpose: Tahari ASL One-Button Blazer at $159

Nail "Shake It Off" with a turtleneck, flats, and a microphone: Emma New York Round Toe Comfort Elastic Flats at $14
Invest in a full-on band uniform for "You Belong With Me": Performance Attire Marching Band Outfit at $46

This Punta Cana Resort Taught Me You're Never Too Old to Play Mermaids

Emily Zirimis — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 13:21:49 -0700

I've always been a water baby: quite literally an Aquarius sun and rising, so consider it cosmically kismet. It is for this same reason that the dreamy cenote-style pool at Lopesan Caoba Lagoon Resort Spa & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic has remained in my mind since I first experienced the property this past August.

Much like the temperatures I experienced in Los Cabos, Mexico this past July, the real-feel temperatures in Punta Cana during the month of August are hot and humid, making it the perfect environment for spending (literally) every day at the pool, which is exactly what I did on this trip.

About Lopesan Caoba Lagoon Resort Spa & Casino

The resort features 554 accommodations.
The property has a buffet, in addition to seven à-la-carte restaurants, offering flavors from Brazil to Asia, Italy, and Mexico.
Anchoring the complex is The Boulevard, a walkable open-air promenade lined with dining, entertainment, and leisure options, connecting guests staying at Lopesan Caoba Lagoon, Lopesan Serenity Bay, Lopesan Splash Cove, and Lopesan Costa Bávaro.
The Boulevard also boasts a 820-seat theater, nightclub, casino, 16,000-square-foot spa, and fitness facility.
Most memorably, the resort has their own signature Lagoon Pool and cenote-style pools, ten waterfalls, and complimentary access to the Aquatica Waterpark.

What I Liked About Lopesan Caoba Lagoon Resort Spa & Casino

Upon entry at the Lopesan Caoba Lagoon location, I felt immediately transported via the moody color palette and large artificial trees hand carved by artisans meant to evoke the feeling of a tropical forest canopy. "This space feels like an elevated Rainforest Cafe," is specifically what I said to our host on our first day, which I meant in earnest, in the best way.

Down the main staircase adjacent to the entry was the Aura bar, where we had our first group drinks, and took in the space that continued the rainforest feel with various faux botanical installations that extended to the very top of the tall ceilings.

Overall, I really enjoyed the elevated, thoughtful interiors that felt magically transportative throughout the property.

The Pools

As mentioned, the property contained several pools – most notably, their lagoon pool, as well as three connecting cenote-style pools that featured waterfalls, the Om Spa pool, a wave pool and Aquatica water park, just to name a few.

The most magical of the bunch were the cenotes, with a surface area of 2,850 meters and a maximum depth of 4.4-5 feet, making it a pool unlike any other I have ever experienced before, and taking "playing mermaids" to a whole new level for both children and adults alike.

As I swam through the gigantic pool, reminiscent of a water park ride in its own right, I was also reminded of swimming in my best friend's backyard pool for hours when we were younger, our fingertips wrinkled to oblivion from prolonged water exposure, our cheeks sun-kissed while blissfully living through the fictional mermaid storyline and underwater dramas we had created for ourselves many summers ago.

I spent most of the trip swimming through these cenotes, under the waterfalls, and through the various artificial (but incredibly life-like) cave structures, imagining how much fun I would have had as a kid, and arguably was still having as an adult. The sheer size of the pool also allowed you to feel like you were in your own oasis, never feeling overcrowded or overwhelmed amongst other resort guests.

Dining

This all-inclusive resort offers The Pavillion buffet for daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, closing between each meal time to prepare for the following service. On two occasions, we ordered room service via the Lopesan app directly to our room, which I really enjoyed, and do recommend ordering early if you can. The fresh fruit was unreal!

The dining experiences for dinner on the property were incredibly unique, as there are several a la carte restaurants to choose from that bring flavors, inspiration and even chefs from all around the world to provide culinary experiences for guests. The restaurants are a part of the all-inclusive, but reservations must be made in advance, just to note.

Our first dinner was at Sotto Terra (Italian) followed by Lima (Peruvian), Brassa Nova (Brazilian), and ended at Indra (Indian) on the last night of our stay, and it was arguably my favorite meal of the trip, including chicken tikka masala and cheesy garlic naan. My favorite beverage of the trip was a frozen banana mama: rum, coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine and banana.

In addition to the food, the interior design of each restaurant had decor pieces sourced from each country of origin that the restaurant was meant to depict, which continued the theme of transporting guests to other worlds in a memorable way.

The Spa

We were treated to a hydrotherapy session at the Om Spa which felt very private, and relaxing, and made for a great recovery day from the lively white party at Bavaro beach the evening before. The Om Spa, located at the very end of the Boulevard, also includes: 31 treatment rooms, a full-service gym, pickleball courts, and various signature wellness programs.

Final Thoughts

The lovely Lopesan Caoba property is ideal for both solo trips and families, as there are endless amounts of activities and experiences for all ages, and what better way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month than with a trip to the Dominican Republic? But truthfully, any time of year would be a great time to escape to this multifaceted property.

I personally left the trip feeling revived from all of the swimming that I had done, and hope to someday have a pool of my very own at home, perhaps not as extravagant as a cenote, but a girl can dream!

Emily Zirimis is the associate creative director at Popsugar. Before joining the PS team, she worked as Creative Design Director at Teen Vogue for nearly six years. She holds a BFA in Communications Design with a minor in Art History from Pratt Institute and has been working in the digital media space since 2014.

13 Weekend Sales I'm Shopping - Up to 50% Off West Elm, Apple, and More

Haley Lyndes — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 10:45:02 -0700

Scouting out the internet's best products and prices is what I do, and trust me, I've seen a lot of standout deals. Whether it's the jeans you'll fall in love with, or a robe you need for fall (we found one marked down from Brooklinen), I like to take a mental note - if not for me, then at least for the group chat (and definitely for our readers). There's just something about a good sale that makes you stop in your tracks - and let's be real, the double dopamine hit of getting something new and getting it on sale feels pretty stellar, doesn't it?

To help you zoom in on this weekend's best sales, I curated a guide to every deal actually worth shopping. From editor-loved skin care and steep discounts on furniture to practical fashion finds, there's something for everyone - no matter your preferences or your budget. Keep scrolling to shop the best weekend sales.

15 Beauty Launches Our Editors Can't Get Enough Of This Month

Renee Rodriguez — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 09:40:03 -0700

For some people, the beginning of October marks the official countdown to Halloween. If you're a beauty aficionado, however, it also means the kick-off to a new slate of fall beauty launches. Maybe it's the budding anticipation for holiday releases or the extra time you're probably starting to spend indoors, but regardless, one thing most of us can agree on is that this season of beauty-product drops just hits differently.

With the colder months hovering just right around the corner, a common theme we're looking at can be summed up in one word: rich. From decadent skin-care, floral fragrances, and hydrating hair products, there's something comforting about refreshing your beauty routine and cabinet this season. Should you also be an early bird, you can even get a head start on your holiday shopping and beat the crowds. A win-win.

To help make the narrowing-down process easier, Popsugar beauty editors have tried dozens (if not hundreds) of new product launches in order to recommend you the absolute best of the best. If you're looking for a starting point, or a way to revamp your products for fall you can use this list to kick off your October beauty shopping. Keep reading ahead for the best new beauty launches this month.

Cancer Patients Are Finding Joy in Treatment, Thanks to "Chemo Hobbies"

Chandler Plante — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 12:45:03 -0700

No two days of chemotherapy are the same. Upon arrival at the infusion center, patients wait for their medications to arrive, get prepped for treatment (which sometimes means pre-infusion blood work or pre-chemo meds), and spend the rest of the day in a gray recliner, watching the medicine drip-drip-drip through a port or IV. Depending on the specific treatment, a single chemo session can last over eight hours, leaving patients to pass the time on their own. To say it's not a particularly cheery process would be a massive understatement . . . but cancer patients are still finding ways to cultivate joy through it all. Kate Middleton, for one, relies on coloring during chemotherapy sessions.

"I didn't have the ability to read or really focus on anything," she said in a video shared on X. "[Coloring] was my way of exploring interesting things and being able to do something that did not require an end product." Intrigued by the concept of a "chemo hobby," we spoke with two other cancer survivors and thrivers to see how they kept their spirits high (and their stress down) in the midst of an especially tumultuous medical journey. From low-stakes creativity to full-on artwork, here are some of the chemo hobbies that have helped patients find comfort during chemo.

Chemo Hobbies in Action

After receiving her lymphoma diagnosis, 28-year-old Virginia Gelli already had an idea of what she wanted to do during treatment. "I've been crocheting for years, so I knew it was the one hobby that could keep both my mind and hands busy without making me too tired," she tells Popsugar. "It also gave me a way to stay creative at a time when so much of my life felt very uncreative and out of my control." During her chemo treatments she made small bags, stuffed animals, and small accessories for herself and friends.

Beyond just passing the time, crocheting is what gave Gelli a sense of purpose throughout an unpredictable chapter of life. "There was something really comforting about being able to sit down and make something with my hands, especially on the harder days," she explains. "Even if I only managed a few rows, I still felt like I was creating something."

Image Source: Courtesy of Virginia Gelli

"There was something really comforting about being able to sit down and make something."

24-year-old Allie Reece can relate to the power of creative hobbies. Her chemo hobby of choice was embroidery, which she initially discovered on social media and decided to learn during cancer treatment. She remembers organizing all her supplies in a bag to take with her wherever she went - from the infusion center to her endless doctors' appointments. "The personalization was what really drew me in. I love the care that goes into personalizing a gift for friends and family," Reece tells Popsugar. "During chemo, my projects were mainly putting my initials on my pajamas. I was pretty much living in them, and would always wear the button-up sets to chemotherapy for easy port access."

Although Reece happily rocked some finished projects herself, she also embroidered a plane for her pilot friend, a monogrammed pair of PJs for her oncologist, and several pieces for her childhood friend's baby girl. Embroidery demanded enough attention to keep Reece focused on something other than chemo, but it also helped her retain some sense of normalcy and control. "During a time when my body didn't even feel like my own, the least I could do was stake a claim over my pajamas," Reece says. "It brought me so much joy to be able to be able to make gifts for my friends, while also making things for myself that made my days a little brighter."

Image Source: Courtesy of Allie Reece

Chemo Hobbies Takeaways

As Middleton described, the best chemo hobbies are the ones that provide a sense of relief - whatever that may look like for you. Maybe it's the joy you feel from customizing your own PJs, or maybe it's the satisfaction you feel after finishing a project. Whatever the case may be, chemo hobbies aren't just about staying busy . . . they're about giving yourself something to focus on beyond the illness.

"Everyone should have a hobby to use as an outlet during chemo," Reece says. "It's so easy to get caught up in your thoughts during such a scary and uncertain time, so keeping my hands and mind busy was a HUGE help." Start with an activity you're already interested in, or a skill you've always wanted to try, Reece suggests. "You might be surprised at how creative you can be."

This is certainly something Gelli discovered about herself while crocheting during chemo. "For me, being creative was especially important because it gave me something that was completely separate from cancer - something I could make, enjoy and feel proud of, even on the days when I didn't feel like myself," she says. "There was something really nice about seeing a little project slowly come together while everything else in my life felt so difficult."

Prime Day Deals You Can Still Shop - Get Up to 50% off Beats, Medicube, and Shark

Balim Tezel — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:25:04 -0700

Amazon's October Prime Big Deal Days have officially ended, but we have some good news - there are still dozens of bargains still available to shop! Everything from editor-approved beauty products to celebrity-loved skin care, plus tech deals that are hard to come by. We tracked the top items still on sale so you don't have to waste any time.

Want to save 50 percent on a pair of Beats headphones or over 40 percent off a Shark FlexStyle? Trust us when we say there are plenty of major discounts ready to be added to your cart. Ahead, we rounded up the best picks still available, starting at $8. These deals might disappear after today, so make sure to act fast to take advantage of savings.

In This Post:

Amazon Prime Day Under-$25 Deals
Amazon Prime Day Celebrity Deals
Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals
Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals
Amazon Prime Day Fitness and Wellness Deals
Amazon Prime Day Sex Deals
Amazon Prime Day Home Deals
Amazon Prime Day Fashion Deals

The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals

A bold and long-lasting lipstick: Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Lip Tint at $10, originally $13
This cult-favorite beauty product is on major sale: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion at $16, originally $25
A bestselling lingerie set for less than $20: Lilosy Sexy Floral Embroidered Mesh Sheer Underwire Lingerie Set at $18, originally $20
Fan-favorite biker shorts loved by many: Baleaf Women's Biker Shorts at $20, originally $27
Stock up on the TikTok-famous under eye patches: Medicube Hydrogel Eye Patches at $39, originally $44
Noise-canceling headphones for 50 percent off: Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear Headphones at $150, originally $300
An avid reader's dream: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 32GB at $170, originally $250

Looking for even more sales? Subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Plus, make sure you sign up for Amazon Prime so that you don't miss a moment of the sale.

Update on October 8, 2026 at 11:30 AM ET: I made sure all of our Amazon Prime Day picks are in stock and still on sale and added the TikTok-viral Medicube under eye patches, the bestselling Magic Wand vibrator, and a popular Lilosy Lingerie set.

31 Prime Day Fitness Deals Still in Stock, From the Oura Ring to 40% Off Peloton

Balim Tezel — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:00:04 -0700

Fitness is one of my favorite categories to shop during Prime Day because it's a good excuse to refresh the gear I use all the time. I switch between at-home mat and strength workouts, walks outside or on the treadmill, and heated classes, so my gear gets a lot of use - and eventually starts to wear out. Call it girl math, but finding replacements on sale feels like saving money. I rounded up the best Prime Day fitness deals, from celebrity-loved workout gear to fitness tech and an at-home walking pad. These are picks I know and love, plus a few new finds worth checking out during Prime Day. Hurry, you've only got a few hours left to score these deals!

In This Post:

Best Amazon Prime Day Celebrity Fitness Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Under-$25 Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Wellness Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Workout Equipment Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Tech Deals

Our Favorite Amazon Prime Day Fitness and Wellness Deals to Shop

A simple yet reliable legging: Satina High Waisted Leggings With Pockets at $13, originally $16
The perfect quick-drying workout top: PS Short Sleeve Athletic Top at $15, originally $25
An editor-loved pair of super-stretchy biker shorts: Baleaf Biker Shorts at $15, originally $27
A TikTok-viral weighted vest perfect for long walks: Zelus Weighted Vest at $23, originally $37
Coco Gauff's go-to travel headphones: Bose QuietComfort Headphones at $169, originally $359
More than 10 percent off the fitness tracker everyone wants: Oura Ring 4 at $349, originally $399

Looking for even more sales? Shop more of Popsugar's editor-curated Amazon Prime Day Sale picks and subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Plus, make sure you sign up for Amazon Prime so that you don't miss a moment of the sale.

Update on October 7, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET: I made sure all of our Amazon Prime Day fitness picks are in stock and still on sale. Plus, enjoy new additions from Brooks, Beats, Core Power, and more.

We Partied With Florence Pugh at the Jaguar Type 01 World Premiere

Lena Felton — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:16:43 -0700

New York City is nothing if not the center of culture, so it made sense that Jaguar debuted their brand-new Type 01 luxury electric four-door GT in the heart of Manhattan on Oct. 6. The fete was fit for the stars; Florence Pugh, Sienna Spiro, and Jordyn Woods-Towns made appearances throughout the reveal party.

I had a front seat to all the action - Jaguar hosted a group of media and influencers in the city to be part of the milestone moment. We certainly received the A list treatment: we stayed at the iconic The New York Edition, right on Madison Square Park; were shuttled around the city in sporty, cushy Range Rovers; and ate a very indulgent dinner at the celeb-loved Budakkan the night before the big reveal.

And, of course, we got an up close look at Jaguar Type 01, which is a gorgeous car - and the most aerodynamic model the luxury brand has ever made, with 1,000 horsepower to boot. It puts design front and center, and I anticipate that many celebrities will be chomping at the bit to purchase one of their own when they're available to order (likely in January).

While I enjoyed getting a first look at the instantly iconic car, I also, of course, enjoyed stealing glimpses of the stars in attendance. Pugh wore a gorgeous plunging tuxedo gown, and her micro bangs were the star of the show alongside an elegant updo and dark lip. Woods-Towns spent the night side-by-side with husband Karl-Anthony Towns, and you could tell the couple is New York royalty; they took photos with fans the whole night. Renowned chef Roze Traore was serving up fare as guests mingled and danced.

The crowd hushed when Sienna Spiro, who just won best new artist at the VMAs, took to the stage. In her signature retro look, she played some of her most popular songs. I especially loved her live rendition of "Great Expectation."

Stepping back into the night, the stars were twinkling above us and the crowd sparkled, too. Another quintessentially New York City night in the books.

Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior director of special projects at PS, where she oversees sponsored packages, tentpole projects, and editorial partnerships. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.

A Sex Editor’s Top Prime Day Deals From Lube to Lingerie - Starting at $5

Balim Tezel — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 10:30:03 -0700

You might not expect to find great sex deals during Prime Day, but here we are. Whether you're shopping for yourself, looking to spice things up with a partner, or refreshing your lingerie collection, there are plenty of worthwhile finds on sale for the next few hours. I've rounded up products I've tried, editor-tested favorites, and bestsellers, including a Katy Perry-approved vibrator and a romantic bra. I've covered Prime Day deals for years, so I know how overwhelming the endless scrolling can be. Every pick here is at least 20 percent off and worth a closer look. Don't wait too long - these deals won't last.

In This Post:

Prime Day Sex Toy Deals
Prime Day Condom Deals
Prime Day Lube and Serum Deals
Prime Day Lingerie Deals

Our Favorite Prime Day Sex Deals

A fun little gift: Sex Checks at $8, originally $10
A lacy romantic bra: Lilosy Sexy Floral Embroidered Mesh Sheer Underwire Lingerie Set at $18, originally $20
An ultra-thin yet durable condom: Lelo Hex Organic Ultra Thin Condoms at $25, originally $30
A sexy lingerie moment for every day: Hanky Panky Signature Lace Original Rise Thongs at $56, originally $72
A toy for you and your partner: Dame Hug Vibrating Penis Ring for Couples at $63, originally $79
A viral rabbit-style vibrator: Lelo Soraya 2 at $155, originally $186
A cult-favorite vibrator: Womanizer Next 3D Pleasure Air Clit Sucker & Pjur Aqua Lube Bundle at $201, originally $245

Looking for even more sales? Shop more of Popsugar's editor-curated Amazon Prime Day picks and subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Plus, make sure you sign up for Amazon Prime so that you don't miss a moment of the sale.

Update on October 7, 2026 at 1:30 PM ET: I made sure all of our Amazon Prime Day sex picks are in stock and still on sale. Plus, I added a cheeky bundle from Spanx x Olay.

Don’t Miss These Prime Day Beauty Deals With Over 30% Off Biodance, Hero, and Shark

Balim Tezel — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:15:04 -0700

As we start to enter the final hours of Prime Big Deal Days I keep coming back to what I need to refresh my vanity. Beauty has always been my favorite category to shop because I love discovering new products and finding just the right additions to my hair- and skin-care routines. Prime Day makes it even more exciting with all the tried-and-true favorites marked down. I rounded up major deals on editor-loved makeup, skin care, and more from brands like Shark, Dyson, Medicube, and Biodance. Whether you're restocking a cult classic like AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion or finally trying the Laneige Lip Mask that's been in your TikTok cart, these picks are worth a look. With so many offers to scroll through (and so little time left to shop), it can be tough to know what's actually worth buying. As a beauty editor and writer who's tracked beauty deals for years, I've narrowed them down for you. Shop the best beauty deals before they're gone!

In This Post:

Best Amazon Prime Day K-Beauty Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Skin-Care Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Makeup Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Oral-Care Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Body-Care Deals
Best Amazon Prime Day Hair-Care Deals

Our Favorite Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals to Shop:

A power lip that lasts 12 hours: Maybelline Super Stay Teddy Lip Tint at $10, originally $13
The TikTok-viral overnight face mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask at $13, originally $19
An editor-loved juicy lip balm: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm at $13, originally $19
No-fuss tanning drops: + Lux Unfiltered N12 Bronzing Face Drops at $36, originally $42
A TikTok-viral thermal blowout brush: BondiBoost Infrared Thermal Brush at $88, originally $125
$140 off a hair tool from Shark: Shark FlexStyle Air Drying & Styling System at $229, originally $370
The viral Dyson Airwrap at 30 percent off: Dyson Airwrap i.d.™ Multi-Styler at $500, originally $710

Update on October 7, 2026 at 11:15 AM ET: I made sure all of our Amazon Prime Day beauty picks are in stock and still on sale. As a bonus, I added the perfect skin-care starter kit from Yes Day, a whimsical Conair hair dryer, and the viral Medicube toner pads.

Last-Minute Prime Day Deals Up to 60% Off - Including Apple, Dyson, and More

Balim Tezel — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:05:03 -0700

October's Amazon Prime Big Deal Days end in just a few hours, and these discounts won't get this steep again for a while. As a shopping editor, I spent hours scrolling to find the offers most worth your time and money, including savings of up to 60 percent. I focused on products our team has tested, bestsellers shoppers are loving, standout picks with great reviews, and a few personal favorites. Scroll through the deals still live - and shop before the sale ends.

In This Post:

Last-Minute Prime Day Under-$25 Deals
Last-Minute Prime Day Celebrity Deals
Last-Minute Prime Day Tech Deals
Last-Minute Prime Day Beauty Deals
Last-Minute Prime Day Fitness and Wellness Deals
Last-Minute Prime Day Sex Deals
Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals
Last-Minute Prime Day Home Deals

My Favorite Last-Minute Prime Day Deals 2026

An editor-loved silky lip balm: Laniege Lip Glowy Balm at $13, originally $19
The perfect active short: Baleaf Women's Biker Shorts at $15, originally $27
The ultimate travel hack: Apple AirTag at $24, originally $29
Jennifer Aniston's daily supplement: Vital Protein Collagen Peptides Powder at $36, originally $43
Spice up your wardrobe essential: Hanky Panky Signature Lace Original Rise Thongs at $57, originally $72
Added security at your doorstep is 50 percent off: Ring Battery Doorbell 2K Plus at $90, originally $180
Coco Gauff's favorite noise-canceling headphones are over half off: Bose QuietComfort Headphones at $169, originally $359
Issa Rae's favorite Apple earbuds: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds at $179, originally $249

Looking for even more sales? Subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Plus, make sure you sign up for Amazon Prime so that you don't miss a moment of the sale.

Update on October 7, 2026 at 10:05 AM ET: I made sure all of our Amazon Prime Day picks are in stock and still on sale, and I added more deals selling fast - including the Ring doorbell, which is currently $90 off.

I Took a "Coastal Grandma" Trip as a Coastal Granddaughter

Chandler Plante — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:05:19 -0700

Everyone wants to be a coastal grandmother, but for all the wrong reasons. On social media, the coastal grandmother shops at local farmer's markets, vacations in Cape Cod, and eats lobster at every meal. She's Emily Gilmore hosting Friday night dinners in her Connecticut mansion - a purely aspirational aesthetic. But this viral ideal is one that would have my actual coastal grandmother calling BS.

As a young girl, my family of five stayed with my coastal grandmother in the same three-bed one-bath home my father grew up in. "If there's floor room, there's sleeping room!" Grammy liked to proclaim. We spent summers together on a blow-up mattress in a converted garage, shopped at Walmart, chased after fireflies, and explored the rocky beaches of Kittery, Maine. (Grammy called the 60°F water "refreshing.") It was simple, and it was perfect.

The coastal grandmother I grew up with didn't care about Instagrammable routines or luxury living. She'd sooner splurge on fresh scallops than a designer bag, and the only thing she wanted for Christmas was a restock of her favorite Dunkin' K-Cups. So when I got the opportunity to return to Maine for a coastal wellness retreat, I wanted to experience it from the perspective of an actual coastal grandmother. No complicated routines or viral trends, just back to basics. Here's everything I learned (and everything the internet gets wrong) about coastal wellness - coming from a coastal granddaughter.

My Coastal Wellness Experience

My coastal wellness trip started as all great things do: with coffee and lobster. I could practically see Grammy rolling her eyes at my oat milk and maple sea salt latte, but my younger sister and I needed the energy for our three-hour drive from Portland to Acadia. After finishing our food, the GMC team handed us the keys to a brand new Yukon Denali SUV - ours for the weekend. With chair warmers on, a carefully curated autumn playlist on full blast, and massaging car seats activated, we were ready to embark on our mini road trip in style. "I don't know how we're going to top this," my sister said as we drove through the impossibly vibrant autumn leaves.

We stayed in a tent at Under Canvas Acadia, which felt pretty on par with the no-frills ethos of a true coastal grandmother. Of course, most tents don't have a working shower, scenic oceanside view, or plush king-size bed. But to our credit, my sister and I still went the entire retreat without any WiFi or electricity, using lanterns and flashlights to see at night. We even built a fire for heat (and yes, triggered the fire alarm shortly afterwards).

After pulling into camp, we set our alarms for 3 a.m. so we could drive up to Cadillac Mountain and be among the first people to witness the sun rise over the eastern seaboard. Huddled next to each other for warmth, we stared at the horizon until the sun finally lifted its orange head above the sea, bathing the crowd of onlookers in an amber haze. It was like a scene from a movie: so beautiful it was hard to believe we were really there witnessing it in real life. But coastal wellness challenges us to breathe it all in and soak up the present moment.

Later that afternoon, my sister and I stole away for a hike in Acadia National Park and found ourselves completely lost - no parking, no visible trailheads, no signal. It was tempting to get frustrated and call the rest of the day a wash. Instead, we pulled over and asked for help.

"You can always turn the day around," my sister told me as we finally made our way to the Sieur de Monts Nature Center. We ended up hiking Jesup Path and followed a long wooden boardwalk through the middle of Acadia's white birch forest. We stopped to touch the peeling tree trunks and marveled at the great meadow - tall grasses blowing in the wind and leaves singed different shades of red and orange.

On the way back to Portland, we drank iced lattes and listed our favorite memories from the retreat. I glanced down at the GPS and wished I could freeze these final moments in time, extending our coastal wellness for hours and hours.

My Coastal Wellness Takeaways

Coastal wellness doesn't have to end the moment you leave New England. In fact, science says you can practice it practically anywhere. A 2022 study published in the Association for Psychological Sciences calls the kind of awe we experienced on our trip "a pathway to better mental and physical health." Simply put, when we're able to reduce our self-importance and increase our sense of meaning, oxytocin goes up and inflammation goes down. You can experience it yourself by waking up early enough to see the sunrise, hiking outdoors, or just watching the leaves fall on your next roadtrip. The best part is, it doesn't cost a thing.

Too often we reduce wellness to strict diets, pricey equipment, and disciplined fitness regimens. But if my childhood summers in Maine taught me anything, it's that wellness should be simple. It's not all about expensive red light chambers or full-body scans - it's about driving through Maine's misty fall foliage and gossiping with your sister. It's about pulling over for a particularly gorgeous patch of scarlet leaves because you never get to slow down in your normal life. It's about leaving your comfort zone, asking for help, and giving yourself permission to be awestruck more often. If you can do that, then congratulations! You're well on your way to becoming an actual coastal grandmother.

The Hydration Obsession Is Real - but Is It Warranted?

Andi Breitowich — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:20:03 -0700

Name your favorite water bottle in 3, 2, 1. Did you think about the OG Stanley Quencher or maybe a colorful Owala? Was it the Hydroflask that came to mind or maybe the Takeya? In recent years, the bottle you drink from has become just as important as the purpose of the the product: hydration. You'd think that with all the reusable water bottles we have today, that society would be sufficiently quenched. But 75 percent of adult Americans are chronically dehydrated, so sipping H2O is a non-negotiable that most of us could still be better about.

After all, there are some serious health benefits of drinking water. For years, we've heard mixed feedback on how many water bottles you need to drink a day, and more recently, we've even seen reports about overhydration. To help clear the air, PS talked with experts about exactly how much water you should drink a day, including factors that may require you to drink more or less.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Kim Shapira, RD, is a registered dietitian and founder of the Kim Shapira Method.

Alexandra Kharazi, MD, is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon and author of "The Heart of Fear".

Benefits of Drinking Water

The primary benefit of drinking water is that it maintains bodily functions, says Kim Shapira, RD, a registered dietitian and founder of the Kim Shapira Method. "Water regulates your temperature, supports your skin health, lubricates your joints, and helps with digestion and energy," she explains. It also facilitates nutrient absorption, helps maintain cellular structure, and flushes out toxins from every cell in the body, she adds.

On top of that, water is key for supporting proper organ function, says Alexandra Kharazi, MD, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon and author of "The Heart of Fear." In fact, if you're dehydrated, the lack of water can lead to kidney insufficiency and even kidney failure in extreme cases, she adds.

In the same vein, adequate fluids are crucial for cognitive functioning and brain health to support learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, and problem solving, Dr. Kharazi says. That's why if you don't drink enough water, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, confused, and/or tired.

Another perk? Water is necessary for maintaining proper digestion and optimal gut health, Dr. Kharazi says. Not only does it promote the absorption of nutrients and dissolution of your food, but it also facilitates waste removal through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, adds Shapira.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

While there are general guidelines for how much water you should drink as an adult, your daily needs may change depending on a variety of factors.

How Much Water Should You Drink Daily?

A glass of water is generally considered eight ounces, and the official recommendation is to drink six to eight glasses of water per day (around 64 ounces), or just under two liters, says Dr. Kharazi.

That said, this is a general guideline and daily needs may vary depending on your body composition, activity level, and overall health (more on that soon!), notes Dr. Kharazi. Men may also require slightly more water than women, but everyone's specific hydration needs vary, she explains. "There's no one-size-fits-all approach."

How Many Water Bottles Should You Drink a Day?

As for how many bottles of water you should drink, there isn't a standard guideline since every bottle is different, says Shapira. Instead, your best bet is to aim for at least eight glasses or 64 ounces of water a day, she adds.

And yes, sparkling water does count toward your water goals, says Dr. Kharazi. Just be sure to check the label and avoid drinks with hidden calories, artificial sweeteners, and other derivatives, she explains. Too much sparkling water may also cause digestive upset and lead to burping or bloating, adds Shapira.

If you don't like the taste of water, Dr. Kharazi recommends infusing your H2O with fruit such as lemons, limes, or oranges. Shapira also suggests leveling-up your hydration game and finding cute glasses, straws, or water bottles that motivate you to keep sipping.

What Impacts Your Water Goals?

People who rigorously exercise generally need more water than the standard 64-ounce recommendation, since they're likely sweating and losing more fluids, says Shapira. If you exercise in extreme heat, make sure you're especially cognizant of your water intake since there's a higher susceptibility to dehydration in these environments, Dr. Kharazi adds.

Additionally, those who live in hot or dry climates require more water than those who live in cold, wet climates, since there's an increased risk of dehydration, says Shapira. In fact, if you spend a lot of time outdoors and are active for more than two hours, you'll need to drink more and may want to consider adding electrolytes to ensure the absorption of water, she explains.

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding you'll also have an increased need for water, says Shapira. Thanks to the plethora of changes a pregnant person's body undergoes pre- and post-natal, extra water is needed due to increased blood volume, amniotic fluid, and fetal circulation, she explains. Water will also help prevent constipation and urinary tract infections, she adds.

Lastly, those with chronic health conditions should always talk with their doctor to understand their individual hydration needs, says Dr. Kharazi. In particular, people with congestive heart failure will have decreased fluid intake requirements due to the inability of the heart to handle the extra volume of water, she explains. "It's a good idea to bring up your water intake at your next doctor's appointment, and they can help guide you in the right direction."

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women's Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.

Wait, So Why Are We All Taking Electrolytes Again?

Korin Miller — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:15:03 -0700

Electrolytes: We've all heard they're good for us. But does anyone actually know what they are - or when we need them? In all honesty, the word itself has been thrown around so often and for so long that many of us skipped the vocabulary lesson entirely. While these essential minerals are touted in energy drinks, bars, and supplement drops, it's easy to be hazy on what electrolytes are and when you need to replenish.

For starters, electrolytes are more than a marketing buzzword. They can influence how well your body works and how you ultimately feel, says Jessica Cording, MS, RD, author of "The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety." With that in mind, we're breaking down the ins and outs of electrolytes with help from registered dietitians. Ahead, here's everything you need to know about electrolytes, including what they are in your body, in food, and in sports drinks; why electrolytes are good for you; what happens when you're low on electrolytes; and how to get more when you're depleted.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Jessica Cording, MS, RD, is a dietitian, health coach, and author of "The Little Book of Game-Changers: 50 Healthy Habits For Managing Stress & Anxiety."

Beth Warren, RDN, is a registered dietitian and founder of Nourished By Beth.

What Are Electrolytes in the Body?

Electrolytes are minerals in the body that carry an electric charge - they're either naturally positive or naturally negative, explains Beth Warren, RD, founder of Nourished By Beth. "Electrolytes in the body are essential for proper nerve and muscle function," Warren says.

Your body is about 60 percent water and, as a result, nearly every cell in your body contains electrolytes, Cording says.

There are a lot of different electrolytes in your body, per Cording and the National Library of Medicine. Those include:

Bicarbonate. This helps to maintain your body's pH and moves carbon dioxide through the bloodstream.
Calcium. This mineral helps make bones and teeth, and keep them strong.
Chloride. This electrolyte helps to control the amount of fluid in the body and helps to regulate blood pressure.
Magnesium. Magnesium helps your muscles, nerves, and heart work properly, and plays a role in blood pressure and blood sugar control.
Phosphate. This electrolyte also helps build strong bones and teeth.
Potassium. This helps your cells, heart, and muscles work correctly.
Sodium. This electrolyte helps control the amount of fluid in the body and helps nerves and muscles work properly.

What Are Electrolytes in Food?

Electrolytes can be found in food, too. "Electrolytes in food are natural sources of these minerals found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts," Warren says. Of course, they can also be infused into things like energy drinks, supplements, and bars. Eating electrolytes through food helps continue to supply them in your body, Cording explains.

"The body does inherently work to correct electrolyte imbalances, but sometimes we need to supplement or be mindful of food sources that may be providing too much of certain electrolytes and not enough of others," Cording says.

What Are the Electrolytes in Sports Drinks?

Electrolytes are often put into sports drinks to try to help restore electrolyte levels and balance fluid levels after particularly hard workouts, Cording says. The exact electrolytes in each sports drink "varies from brand to brand," she says.

However, Cording says that "typically you'll find sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in there."

What Are Electrolytes Good For?

Electrolytes have a role in a wide range of processes in your body, Cording says. "They help our body regulate chemical reactions and play a role in fluid reactions," she says.

Cording also lists off these things that electrolytes do:

Keep fluid levels in your body balanced
Balance your body's pH
Keep bones and teeth healthy
Escort nutrients into your cells
Move waste out of your cells
Support healthy muscle and nerve function
Keep your heart rate and rhythm steady
Maintain stable blood pressure

What Happens When Your Body Is Low on Electrolytes?

There are a few different things that can happen when your body doesn't have enough electrolytes. Experts say you might experience these symptoms if you're running low:

Muscle cramps
Fatigue
Dizziness
Irregular heartbeat
Headaches
Swelling
Muscle and eye twitching
Weakness

What's the Best Source of Electrolytes?

Your body relies on a range of electrolytes to function properly. With that, Warren recommends eating well to try to get in plenty of electrolytes. "The best source of electrolytes is a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds," she says.

Salt provides a good balance of electrolytes, too, Cording says. And some electrolyte-rich foods are better for handling certain symptoms than others. "If someone is having regular headaches, I'll recommend that they eat watermelon because they'll get electrolytes plus water," Cording says. But electrolyte-infused sports drinks can play a role in helping to replenish these, too, "especially if you sweat a lot during exercise," Cording says.

How to Get More Electrolytes

If you eat a varied diet, you're probably OK on electrolytes, Cording says. "A lot of people think they're automatically deficient in electrolytes and need to supplement," she says. "But there's a difference between having suboptimal levels of electrolytes and needing to supplement."

If you're concerned that your electrolyte levels are off, Cording recommends consulting with a doctor or registered dietitian about having your levels checked. (This can be done with a blood test.)

But if you just want to make sure your electrolyte levels are good after a particularly intense workout, Cording says it's "totally reasonable" to sip on a sports drink as needed.

Korin Miller is a writer specializing in general wellness, health, and lifestyle trends. Her work has appeared in Women's Health, Self, Health, Forbes, and more.

October Prime Day Is Here - Shop Our Favorite Early Deals

Haley Lyndes — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:00:04 -0700

Image Source: PS Photography / Naomi Parris and Shelcy Joseph

If, like us, you can never resist a major discount, listen up: Amazon's October Prime Big Deal Days event kicks off on October 6, 2026, and it's shaping up to be one of the most epic shopping events of the year with 48 hours full of savings running through October 7. With the fall season officially here, October Prime Day is reminding us to get a head start on holiday shopping - and with these savings, some we've seen up to 56 percent off, we're not complaining. Whether you are getting ready to host family or promised yourself last year that you'd cross off wish lists early, there is no better time to stock up (or splurge) on all the essentials while they're on serious sale.

The best part? Deals span over 35 major categories - fashion, beauty, home, fitness, and beyond - so virtually nothing is off limits. Below, we break down everything you need to know about October 2026 Prime Day: the dates, the standout early deals, and how to make sure you're ready to shop.

What Is Prime Day?

In short: October Prime Day is one of Amazon's biggest sales. The flagship fall sale is widely considered to offer some of the best deals of the year. The global savings event takes place over a two-day period and encompasses some of Amazon's biggest deals of the season on a variety of bestselling products - like the editor-loved Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds ($179, originally $249) and Shark FlexStyle Air Multi-Styler ($199, originally $350) to name a couple.

When Is October Prime Day 2026?

Amazon's October Prime Day 2026 is happening October 6 through October 7, with the event starting at 12:01 AM PT on October 6.

When Does Prime Day End?

October Prime Day officially ends on October 7 at 11:59 PM PT, which is 3:01 AM ET for people on the East Coast. But the deals aren't completely over at that time. Some markdowns continue hours or even days after the retail holiday passes, so be sure to check our list of deals to see which products you can still score at a deep discount.

How Much Is an Amazon Prime Membership?

With an Amazon Prime membership, members can get access to exclusive deals come October Prime Big Deal Days 2026, as well as perks like free shipping. As of right now, an Amazon Prime Membership ($15) is less than $20 per month, and the retailer also offers a seven day trial ($2) for new users. For full guidance, check out our story on how to sign up for Amazon Prime to get the best deals during this massive sale.

What Deals Can You Expect During October Prime Day 2026?

Three times a day, Amazon will release "Today's Big Deals" themed drops featuring some of the hottest offers of Prime Big Deal Days, exclusively for Prime members. These limited-time steals include steep discounts on major brands like Shark and Princess Polly, and will launch at 12:00 AM, 8:00 AM, and 1:00 PM PT each day during the event. With new deals constantly popping up, it's worth checking in frequently to catch the best of what's being offered before it's gone.

Deals You Can Shop During October Prime Day 2026

We're seeing can't-miss markdowns on items that span a range of categories.

Shop our full list of Amazon Prime Day deals here and some of our faves below.

Sex Checks ($8, originally $10)
Amlactin Daily Nourish Body Lotion ($16, originally $25)
PS Short Sleeve Athletic Top ($15, originally $25)
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Micropoint XL Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches ($18, originally $24)
Apple AirTag ($24, originally $29)
HiLife Portable Steamer ($25, originally $30)
STANLEY Quencher H2.0 Flow State Tumbler ($37, originally $45)
Wolford Individual 10 Control Top Tights ($48, originally $55)
Amazon Fire HD 10 Tablet ($73, originally $155)

- Additional reporting by Kyley Warren, Balim Tezel, and Adelaide Giesey

Haley Lyndes is a former shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covered everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.

Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer and editor with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She previously worked as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. Before joining PS, Kyley worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.

Balim Tezel (she/her) is a PS contributor and the founder of Maison des Nus, a New York-based affordable luxury brand. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Calling All Cat Ladies! Shop Purrfect Gifts According to Cat Owners

Kyley Warren — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:40:00 -0700

Being a cat lady is one of life's greatest joys - in fact, it's a label that myself and many Popsugar editors wear with great pride. The life of a cat owner is a simple, wholesome one: we prefer to spend evenings at home with our cats (when they'll allow it), snuggle up together on the couch (again, when they'll allow it), and shower them with treats and cat toys galore - which we'll typically use as bait in order to achieve the former. It's a beautiful, complicated relationship between a cat parent and their fur baby, but it's one we wouldn't trade for the world.

As dedicated cat parents, one of the most thoughtful gifts we can receive is something that celebrates our cats and all that they add to our lives. With that in mind, we've created a gift guide exclusively for fellow cat-lovers, complete with practical cat products and cat gifts that are endlessly unique - just like your relationship with your kitty. From a cat backpack to rival Taylor Swift's to a multilevel cat tree and a cat grass plant that'll help improve digestive health (and mitigate hairballs), these are the best gifts for cat-lovers - regardless of your cat's breed or age. Keep reading to shop our purr-fect picks.

The Best Gifts For Cat Lovers

Unique, compact, and provides endless hours of fun: SmartyKat Instincts Tricky Tea Catnip Toys at $7
My cat loves munching on it all day: Pet Greens Wheatgrass Live Cat Grass at $10
Feels like a massage and inspires plenty of purring: Aumuca Cat Brush at $13, originally $15
My cats love the plush fabric, scratching posts, and toys on the side: Frisco Faux-Fur Cat Tree at $25
For any cat that's into wet treats: Inaba Churu Cat Treats at $26, originally $27
Comfy and spacious enough for 2 cats to peacefully coexist: Bedsure Cat Bed at $28, originally $30
Delicious meal ideas to embrace the cat-lady lifestyle: "Cooking For Two: Your Cat & You" Cookbook at $32
100 percent of proceeds help provide service dogs: Rawz Dehydrated Chicken Cat Food at $33
The cleanest, most spacious, and convenient litter box: Modkat Flip Litter Box at $100
Alerts you when your cat comes by for a feeding: Petkit Automatic Cat Feeder at $110, originally $140
A Taylor-Swift-approved way to carry your cats around: "The Fat Cat" Cat Backpack at $119
The splurge that looks gorgeous anywhere you put it: The Luna Pet Bed at $649