Every now and then, you realize just how lucky we are to live in the 21st century. Take, for example, the simple task of teeth whitening.

Back in ancient Egypt, some 4,000 years ago, people concocted whitening paste made of ground pumice stone and wine vinegar. In ancient Rome, they swished urine (yes, urine) around in their mouths to brighten their teeth a few shades. In the 17th century, barbers were responsible for filing people's teeth down, then brushing on acid to give them a whiter appearance.

Now though? It's as easy as swinging by Target, popping a couple whitening strips in your mouth, and kicking back for an episode of Fleabag.

Still, even with all the modern innovations now readily available, there is still a lot of confusion around the best and safest methods for getting a whiter smile. So, we asked top dentists for their no-B.S. answers to our burning teeth-whitening questions. From the most effective kitchen ingredients to what you can expect from an in-office treatment, check out their pro advice, ahead.

Can you whiten your teeth naturally?

Yes, but there's a catch. As cosmetic dentist Matt Nejad, DDS, who's based in Beverly Hills, California, says, there are two degrees of teeth whitening. One is removing stains from the surface, caused by things like coffee and red wine. That can easily be achieved with natural products. "Coconut oil is decent at removing stains from the surface, as are strawberries," Dr. Nejad says. "Clay in toothpaste is also great because it's really good at sticking to things on the surface and then removing them."

However, none of those natural ingredients are actually capable of whitening your teeth beyond just scrubbing away surface stains. "Unless you had white teeth last month, and they just got discolored with coffee, none of these are whitening your teeth," Dr. Nejad says. "It’s like going back to your natural tint."

To actually whiten teeth, New York City and Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist Victoria Veytsman, DDS, looks to one particular ingredient. "The only thing that can fully whiten your teeth is hydrogen peroxide," Dr. Veytsman says, adding that it's the active compound most commonly found in whitening strips and gels.

Does charcoal really whiten teeth?

For someone who is looking to naturally remove stains from their teeth, you're likely going to come across a wide variety of charcoal-packed products. But according to dentists, natural doesn't always mean safe. "Charcoal is good at removing stains on the surface, but it can be too abrasive," warns Dr. Nejad. "If the product's got the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, then it’s safe, but many charcoal products are not well-regulated."

According to New York City-based cosmetic dentist Andi-Jean Miro, DDS, of the Apa Rosenthal Group, a harsh charcoal product can seriously damage teeth in the long term. "Charcoal and charcoal toothpastes contain abrasive particles that can wear away the enamel on your tooth," Dr. Miro says. "Once the enamel is gone, the tooth can become weaker and more prone to demineralization and sensitivity."

Can you whiten teeth with baking soda?

Baking soda is a much safer natural solution, according to these dentists. "It's not too abrasive," Dr. Nejad says. "A lot of toothpastes use baking soda, and they do remove surface stains. It's just not to the point where it’s shocking."

Even still, Dr. Miro says that you still want to be careful when using this ingredient. "While short-term, your teeth may appear whiter, in the long-term, teeth may become more sensitive and enamel structure may become weaker," she says.

Bottom line: If you're using any abrasive dental-care products, be sure to monitor your sensitivity and continue to visit your dentist twice a year to ensure you're not damaging your teeth beyond repair. Because once that enamel is gone, it's gone for good.

How can I get rid of yellow teeth?

Before you even reach for strips or trays, you want to ensure your overall dental health is excellent — which might mean booking that cleaning you've been putting off for months. "To cover all bases, make sure your oral hygiene is immaculate," Dr. Nejad says. "One way people have yellow teeth is because of plaque buildup, which should be broken down twice a year at your dentist."

The next step is to use a really good toothpaste and toothbrush daily. Dr. Veytsman loves Phillips Sonicare toothbrushes because they removes stains much better than a manual toothbrush. She also recommends Crest 3D White Radiant Mint toothpaste, which she says works to prevent surface stains from developing in the first place.

How long does it take to whiten teeth?

How fast you see results is completely dependent on the method you choose. For those seeking instant gratification, there's Zoom, an in-office procedure that uses both lasers and 25% hydrogen peroxide gel (the strongest percentage available to dentists) to whiten teeth. After you spend an hour in the dentist's chair — and fork over anywhere from $300 to $700 — your teeth can look up to eight shades whiter. "You're going to see immediate results," says Dr. Veytsman.

Then there's custom whitening trays that you can get from your dentist, which come with prescription hydrogen peroxide gel that you squeeze into the trays yourself. You wear them overnight, which means around eight hours of straight whitening. "One night of that makes a difference," Dr. Nejad says. "If you’re doing that method, the average person is looking at 10 to 20 nights of whitening."

According to these dentists, if you prefer an over-the-counter product, like Crest Whitestrips, they're also very effective — it's just going to take a little longer to see results. "The strips work really well to remove stains on the surface, but just don't expect your teeth to immediately get 10 shades whiter after a handful of uses," says Dr. Nejad.

You'll also want to keep in mind that some whitening strips don't always extend to the very far back of your mouth, which could leave a few of your back teeth bare. If you have a wide smile, you might notice that your molars aren't as white as your canines. That's why all of the dentists we spoke to prefer custom trays that mold to the teeth, and then turn to whitening strips for maintenance throughout the year.

Whatever your preference and budget, we do know one thing: It's all better than ground pumice stone or urine.

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Designers can't just decide their clothing is couture. The term itself is regulated by French law. The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, the governing body in French fashion's official Couture Week calendar, only counts 32 designers. And what they present is luxury at the highest level both in terms of craftsmanship and decadence.

But couture is evolving. Originally, the idea was to see fashion in its truest sense, without the lens of needing to be commercial or functional. But at a time when the fashion industry is becoming more inclusive, thoughtful, and socially responsible in its approach, some designers are starting to re-examine what modern luxury looks like.

At Chanel, Virginie Viard debuted her first solo collection for the French fashion house since Karl Lagerfeld died earlier this year. Her luxurious basics — roomy tweed coats, breezy wide leg trousers, and dressy flats — marked a shift toward accessible luxury. Maria Grazia Chiuri asked 'are clothes modern?' for Christian Dior's offering, a simplistic take on couture where the models wore flat sandals with culotte pants.

Earlier this year, Valentino's creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli took it a step forward, reimagining high society to be inclusive of Black women. "Couture is a dream. Although it celebrates uniqueness, which is a synonym for diversity, it has always meant to be for white people," he wrote under a photo of him embracing Naomi Campbell after his couture show in January.

Victor & Rolf, scheduled to show on Wednesday, will likely throw convention out of the window, instead opting for the social media capital that lives on in shares and retweets. Their last collection of campy meme gowns was especially popular with millennial shoppers, who Forbes predicts will make up 50% of spending in the personal luxury market by 2050.

There's still a place for fluff. Iris van Herpen quite literally made sculptural art, and Schiaparelli's new creative director Daniel Roseberry evoked what Vogue called "the Surrealists’ obsession with Freudian dreamscapes" in beautiful gowns that made the model look like she traveling in her own personal eco-system. Giambattista Valli's Instagram post of his tulle dresses on view at the Costume Institute’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion” exhibition was his 'most liked' post of all time, so it isn't surprising that he revisited his beautiful silhouette for couture week.

Let's scroll through our favorite couture looks so far.

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When Brianna Mason, a 23-year-old Nashville native and Murfreesboro grade-school teacher, was crowned Miss Tennessee on Saturday night, she became the first Black woman in the statewide pageant's 80-year history to own the title. It was a history-making moment to be sure, and this wasn't the first time she competed for the title. "I've attempted to win this competition four times," she told Refinery29 in an interview. "The amazing career and scholarship opportunities gave me the drive to keep trying." In the end, her perseverance led her to the crown and a place in the Tennessee history books.

Mason's history-making win is one of many "firsts" in the pageant world this year. For the first time, the reigning Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss America are all Black women. The trifecta marks a massive shift in the pageant world, where non-Black women often dominate competitions. "When those women were crowned I was over the moon," Mason tells R29. "I immediately set a drawing of all three winners as my phone screensaver because it gave me so much motivation," she says. "It's about time Black women get the recognition they deserve in this industry."

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A post shared by Miss Tennessee (@missamericatn) on Jun 29, 2019 at 8:16pm PDT

The newly-crowned Miss Tennessee also considers her title a victory for representation. "To be able to be a positive representation of Black women and for young Black girls is so powerful and special to me," she says. "The Miss Tennessee winners who have come before me are all amazing, talented women, but none of them look like me, and representation in today's society is so important."

Mason's experience as one of the few Black women competing in Tennessee echoes the trials many other Black women have in professional environments. "I've always been one of a few," she says. "Even this year, only one other Black woman was competing for the title." Mason acknowledges that the lack of diversity in the pageant world can feel isolating, but she uses that as motivation to keep advancing. "Always being the minority can feel alienating, but being able to break the glass ceiling and open up doors for other Black women makes it a positive and rewarding experience."

Mason is taking that positive attitude to the Miss America stage, where she will represent the state of Tennessee on Sunday, September 9. There, she's most excited about the opportunity to learn from her fellow contestants. "Being around other young women who are all hard-working and tough is so exciting. It's the opportunity of a lifetime."

As she plans for the nationwide competition, Mason is practicing regularly on the piano for the talent segment and sticking to a simple skin-care regimen. "I usually do my hair and makeup for any pageant, so when I am not competing, my main focus is my skin," she says. "If your base isn't taken care of, everything can be thrown off."

The pageant-winner turns to regular dermaplaning, an exfoliating procedure that uses a medical-grade blade to remove dead skin and peach fuzz from the face, to keep her skin smooth for makeup. "In between, I use African Black Soap and Pixi Glow Tonic, which helps me with hyperpigmentation and acne that I get on my chin and T-zone," she says. Mason also credits Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch concealer and Maybelline's Fit Me range for her flawless complexion during competitions and photo shoots.

While the recent wins for Black women, like Mason, mark changing times in the cookie-cutter pageant world, there is still room for growth in the international system, which pushes extreme ideals of beauty (leading some contestants to plastic surgery) and still lacks diversity overall. However, achievements like Mason's are an important step towards a more inclusive pageant space, where Black women can thrive. "I want other Black women like me to know that even though you're in a room with people who don't look like you, don't let that create doubt in your mind," she says. "Use that to fuel your fire."

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Update: On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the CROWN Act into law alongside State Sen. Holly Mitchell, making California the first state to officially ban racial discrimination against people wearing certain natural hairstyles. The bill focuses on banning discrimination both in the workplace and in K-12 public and charter schools, places where dress codes have often limited women's ability to wear their natural hair as they please.

"My choice of how I choose to wear my hair shouldn't impact my ability to get a job, keep a job, or be promoted," Sen. Mitchell, who first introduced the bill, told the San Francisco Chronicle. "It’s about Black women or men being empowered to choose."

This post was originally published on June 30, 2019.

The California State Assembly has voted unanimously to pass a bill that will ban racial discrimination against people wearing certain natural hairstyles, the New York Times reports. While other states have introduced updated definitions of racial discrimination to include a broader range of hair textures or styles, California is set to be the first state to outright ban discrimination based on it.

The CROWN Act — which stands for “Create a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair ” — is expected to be signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “This is a fundamental issue of personal dignity and personal rights,” said State Sen. Holly Mitchell, who introduced the measure co-founded by Dove, to the New York Times. “This bill has truly struck a deeply personal chord with people because there is something so deeply personally offensive when you are told that your hair, in its natural state, is not acceptable in the workplace.”

The bill redefines old terminologies of race to be inclusive of hair textures and hairstyles that have historically been associated with race. Black women are 50% more likely to be sent home or to know a Black woman who has been sent home from work because of her hair, according to a study conducted by Dove. Now, insisting that a natural hair texture or style such as dreadlocks, cornrows, twists, or braids is not acceptable in the workplace will be prohibited.

One of the goals of the CROWN Act is to be able to ban employers and schools from enforcing what they claim to be race neutral grooming policies that disproportionately affect people of color. Often, the hairstyles that constitute a professional appearance skew very Eurocentric. “In a society in which hair has historically been one of many determining factors of a person’s race, and whether they were a second-class citizen, hair today remains a proxy for race,” the bill reads. “Therefore, hair discrimination targeting hairstyles associated with race is racial discrimination.”

Other states, such as New Jersey and New York, are in the process of introducing similar legislation. Earlier this year, New York City updated a law codifying definitions of racial discrimination to include hairstyles. This week, New Jersey introduced a proposal to do the same in the workplace, housing, and in public schools.

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Ayoola Ajayi, the man charged in connection with the disappearance and murder of 23-year-old University of Utah student Mackenzie Lueck, allegedly has a history of violence against women. Ajayi allegedly sexually assaulted a coworker in 2014, although she declined to press charges, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

The woman claimed she visited Ajayi's home and "one thing led to another," but when she told him that she didn't want to have sex, he didn't stop. She then went to the police to report the incident "in case he did the same thing to someone else."

His estranged wife Tenisha Ajayi has said that he was controlling and abusive throughout their marriage. "If I wouldn’t do what he told me to do, he got real aggressive," she told KUTV. "He was like, 'I’ll have someone come kidnap you and kill you.'"

Last week, Ajayi was charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and desecration of a body. The Salt Lake City police said it was able to link him to the murder by tracking Lueck’s cell phone data around the time she was last seen. Ajayi allegedly burned Lueck's body, which led to the discovery of DNA evidence in his backyard.

According to a report by BuzzFeed News, two characters in Ajayi's self-published book Forge Identity were burned to death. The 31-year-old has no previous criminal history in Utah, apart from a few minor traffic violations.

Lueck disappeared the night of June 17 after taking a Lyft from the airport to Hatch Park in North Salt Lake. Police have yet to disclose the motive behind her murder, or how Lueck and Ajayi were associated prior to their contact the night of her disappearance and death.

Earlier this week, Barstool Sports writer Francis Ellis was fired after writing a blog post about Lueck's disappearance that mocked her for being active on "sugar baby " dating websites and otherwise made light of her situation, despite the fact that she had been missing for over 10 days.

Lueck, who was studying kinesiology and pre-nursing, was expected to graduate from the University of Utah in 2020.

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Unless you're a Dr. Pimple Popper super-fan — you know, you're fully caught up on all nine episodes of season two, a YouTube subscriber, and the proud owner of an "I'd Rather Be Watching Dr. Pimple Popper " bumper sticker — you're probably unfamiliar with pimple-popping jargon. Regulars will tell you there's a lot of hard-to-pronounce dermatological lingo tossed around on the show, but there's one important word all popping newbies should familiarize themselves with: lipoma.

Sandra Lee, M.D., ( the Dr. Pimple Popper) defines a lipoma as "a slow-growing, benign growth of fat cells contained in a thin, fibrous capsule and found right under the skin." In non-medical speak, a lipoma is a non-cancerous, squishy ball that pops out from under the skin with a small incision and a little pressure under local anesthesia. Unlike cysts, blackheads, or whiteheads, lipomas don't ooze or spew pus. Instead, there's a squeeze that leads to a big, fatty sack on the surgical table — which is wildly satisfying to watch.

If you're intrigued by basketball-sized balloons on the back and free-floating lumps on the arm, you're going to love this introduction to Dr. Pimple Popper's lipoma practice. Ahead, she shares the craziest cases she's ever seen. Consider this a pro guide to the wild world of lipoma pops — or a fun review before season 3 starts.

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We unfortunately live in a world where six in 10 women will experience mommy shaming in their lifetime, and it's safe to say that celebrities in the public eye receive some of the worst of it. In April, Busy Philipps' Instagram page was flooded with judgmental comments over her new foot tattoo and its featured expletive. A month later, Amy Schumer received criticism for booking a stand-up gig two weeks after giving birth. Now, Hilary Duff is dealing with backlash for getting her daughter's ears pierced.

The controversy started earlier this week when Duff posted a photo to her Instagram Story that showed off her eight-month-old daughter, Banks, and her sparkly new lobe piercings. "Oh and yes we pierced her ears," she captioned the post.

Although the Story eventually expired after 24 hours, mommy-shamers continued to flock to her Instagram feed to share their unsolicited criticism. One post in particular — a black-and-white photo of Duff and Banks laughing — is a current hot spot for haters.

"I can’t fathom why you would you think it’s okay to have your daughter's ears pierced. Causing her a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort." wrote one commenter. "Just won an unfollow after seeing you pierced her ears, poor baby. Bye!" added another. Others classified the act of piercing her child's ears as "abuse" because Duff presumably did not receive her consent. It's a topic fraught with controversy, as evidenced by an incident at Claire's earlier this year.

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Mama and 🍓 📷 @matthewkoma

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Despite the condemnation, many of Duff's fans are coming to her defense. For every negative comment, there are at least five positive ones that follow — most of which note how happy and adorable Banks looks. Others were quick to point out the longstanding tradition of piercing babies' ears in many cultures. And more asserted that Duff doesn't need anyone's approval or validation when making decisions regarding her child.

Curious what Duff thinks about all of this? So far she hasn't responded to the backlash, but it's likely her silence speaks for itself.

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For many of us, July 4th is a much-needed midsummer break. The long Memorial Day weekend is already a distant memory, and we still have miles to go before the respite of Labor Day. So this coming holiday weekend, we’re pulling out all the stops: grills will be out, sprinklers will be on, and our outfits will be R, W, and B (Ready to be Worn with Bathing suits). But you may find yourself in need of some staples to enjoy the holiday to its fullest: something in the vein of a new bathing suit, sturdy weekender bag, or artisan leather mules.

You’re in luck: many of your favorite retailers are pulling out all the stops, too — in other words, offering serious discounts as they clear house for those way-too-soon fall deliveries. And where there’s a sale, there’s an intrepid R29 shopping editor, ready to report back on the best of what’s out there. So if you decide to take a break from eating hot dogs, roasting s’mores, and taking pool-float selfies, click through our slideshow to scope out the best 4th of July sales out there. And check back often — we’ll be updating this story in real time, anytime we catch wind of a new sale.

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If we’ve learned anything from fashion's whole “stick of butter” phenomenon, it’s that everyone loves a good palette. Color is personal — it’s fundamental to our aesthetic sensibilities. But far more difficult than crafting a sartorial palette each morning, is building a semipermanent one for your home.

For the most part, a “palette” simply refers to the full range of colors in use within any one space. At this moment, your outfit has a palette of its own. So does your bedroom. So does the New York City subway system. But when purchasing curtains, or painting a room, how do you ensure that all the elements in your palette work together? Yes, we all know which hues speak to us. The hard part is discerning, in turn, which colors complement them.

Unfortunately, there’s no go-to template — color theory can be tricky. So in the interest of sparing you an arduous lesson in studio art, we studied up on the basics to help you craft the perfect palette for your home. Below, select the paint color that most calls to you, and let us show you how best to complement it.

Then, if you weren’t already looking to redo your living room, consider a change of plans.

For The Minimalist: Nano White

The minimalist has no junk drawer, no patchwork throw pillows, and certainly no desire to oversaturate a living space with patterns. Instead, they want subtle furniture, clean corners, and ample light. Nothing overcrowded, nothing distracting. In fact, they likely purge their closets of all extraneous items on a regular basis for pleasure.

That’s why we’re suggesting they start off with a base shade of satin like Behr's Nano White. The hue is clean and classic — but the added warmth offers more freedom than a more clinical white when it comes to pairings. To add some texture without interrupting the austerity of the space, we recommend a deep, glossy berry red, a subtle beige, a spirited orange, and a layered and earthy green.

For The Maximalist: Night Watch

The maximalist is that much more unabashed in the color realm. She's unafraid of clash — or overstimulation — on the design front. She likely has an impressive collection of abstract marble sculptures. Our baseline color here is a bold green, bright enough to call attention to itself but deep enough to steer clear of primary territory. It’s a sophisticated shade — as discerning as it is unapologetic.

In the home, maximalism is not merely loudness for the sake of being loud — it’s a much more curated approach. As far as palettes go, to complement this thoroughly botanic green, we’re suggesting a bouncy pink, a warm gold tone, an electric blue, and a fiery schoolhouse red — all of which feel dramatic when paired together, without appearing excessive.

For The Traditionalist: Dark Ash

Don’t call it boring — traditional is not the same as uninspired. The traditionalist has a romantic edge — a certain eye for vintage kitsch. These folks have endless patience for flea markets and probably a tendency to drink sherry in the evenings.

For a base color, we’ve opted for a classic, moody gray. To pair, we’re thinking a sandy shade of nude, a milkier latte-esque brown, a textured gray, and a loud, floral red. Put together, they’re imaginative while still leaning “antique.”

For The Eccentric: Paradise Landscape

On the opposite end of the design spectrum, we have the eccentric. Unlike the maximalist, who prefers elevated, intentional color, the eccentric is in it for the shock value. We’re talking loud, poppy colors, theatrical decor, and an utter devotion to the power clash. This is the sort of person who might have taxidermy on display beside a set of Pop Art prints.

As far as colors go, the eccentric is best suited to an aquatic blue-green. Building from there, we advise a raven black, a friendly pale brown, a delicate ecru white, and more standard eggshell. They’ll complement one another without “matching” per se, which is precisely the sort of contrast the eccentric is looking for.

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Marshae Jones — the Alabama woman who was charged with manslaughter after another woman shot her, causing Jones to lose her 5-month-old fetus — will not be prosecuted, officials announced on Wednesday.

“The issue before us is whether it’s appropriate to try to hold someone legally culpable for the actions that led to the death of the unborn child,’’ Jefferson County District Attorney Lynneice Washington said at a press conference. “There are no winners, only losers, in this sad ordeal.”

She added: "After reviewing the facts of this case and the applicable state law, I have determined that it is not in the best interest of justice to pursue prosecution of Ms. Jones on the manslaughter charge for which she was indicted by the grand jury. Therefore, I am hereby dismissing this case, and no further legal action will be taken against Ms. Jones in this matter.”

Jones was indicted in April and arrested last month. According to authorities, she had a physical altercation with 23-year-old Ebony Jemison outside of a retail store in Pleasant Grove, AL. Jemison shot Jones, which led her to lose her pregnancy. The case against Jemison was dropped after the grand jury failed to indict her, arguing that she had shot Jones in self-defense and it was Jones who should be held responsible for the loss of the fetus.

Jones' indictment sparked outrage among reproductive rights advocates, particularly because Alabama recently passed a law criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, with no exceptions for cases of rape or incest. The ensuing legal battle became a central part of the discussion around the fetal “personhood ” movement — which seeks to define fertilized eggs, zygotes, embryos, and fetuses as people with equal (or more) protections under the law — and how far it is willing to go, regardless of the impact on pregnant people's lives.

"No one deserves to be punished for losing a pregnancy," Nia Martin-Robinson, director of Black leadership and engagement of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said in a statement provided to Refinery29. "We must ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Prosecuting someone for being the victim of a violent crime is not only alarming — it signals an intent to target and criminalize Black pregnant women."

In a statement, Jones' attorneys said: "We are gratified the District Attorney evaluated the matter and chose not to proceed with a case that was neither reasonable nor just. The District Attorney’s decision will help Marshae continue to heal from this tragic event and work to rebuild her life in a positive and productive way. She moves forward with enormous gratitude for the support she and her family have received during this challenging time."

Jones has a 6-year-old daughter and reportedly recently also lost her job and her house, which burned down. “If you look at the five top stress factors that humans can experience, she may be the only person we’ve encountered that got all five simultaneously,” her attorney Mark White told The New York Times.

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A Nebraska couple, Aubrey Trail, 52, and Bailey Boswell, 25, face the death penalty if convicted for the 2017 murder and dismemberment of Sydney Loofe, a 24-year-old store clerk. New testimonies from Trail’s trial, which was disrupted last week when he slashed his own neck in court, paint a bizarre picture of a sex cult leader who called himself a “vampire” and “daddy” to a dozen “witches,” whom he told they would gain powers if they tortured and killed, the Omaha World-Herald reported.

Loofe disappeared on November 16, 2017, after meeting Boswell on Tinder. The victim’s mother told HuffPost she last heard from her daughter the day before, when she was preparing for a second date with a woman she had met online. Boswell and Trail were arrested on November 30, 2017, in Branson, MO, and Loofe’s remains were found a week later, wrapped in black plastic trash bags and scattered along rural roads near Edgar, NE.

Trail pleaded guilty to one of the three charges he is facing — improper disposal of human remains — and pleaded not guilty to the two other charges: first-degree murder, which can be punishable by the death penalty in Nebraska, and conspiracy to commit murder. Trail claims Loofe’s death was accidental; that he unintentionally asphyxiated her during a "sexual fantasy" that also involved two unidentified women. During his (self-inflicted) violent outburst in court last week, Trail shouted, “Bailey is innocent, and I curse you all.”

Three young women, ordered by the judge to remain anonymous, shared their testimonies on Monday and Tuesday, bringing this story to an even darker place. One of them, a 22-year-old, said she met Boswell on Tinder during the summer of 2017 and was convinced to start traveling with the couple, after Trail bought her clothing and manicures and began giving her a $200 weekly allowance.

The woman testified that Trail invited her to join his “cult,” members of which he called his “witches,” which entailed engaging in group sex and helping him steal and sell antiques. She said she called Trail “daddy,” and he referred to himself as the “vampire.” Trail claimed he had supernatural powers, like mind-reading, the ability to fly, and to put Boswell in a trance. The con man also told the woman that she had to torture and kill someone to join, claiming that she would gain more “powers” if the victim were tortured for hours.

“He said there was 12 (other girls) and I could be the 13th,” the woman said in court. “That’s when he explained that they were witches and everyone had their own roles to play in the cult.” FBI Agent Mike Maseth said a list of around a dozen women’s names was found in Boswell’s bag listing “special powers” for each woman, like “healer” and “see danger.” Boswell was the “queen witch” and was called “mommy.” The couple appeared to target young women who enjoyed submissive sexual relationships or had other kinks.

The 22-year-old woman testified that she had group sex with the couple on more than one occasion, at both their Wilber, NE, apartment and on a trip to Branson, MO. She said Trail told her that killing should “turn you on sexually.” Trail, the woman said, suggested two potential victims for her, a short, blond-haired woman he and Boswell met on Tinder, and another “witch” in the group, who he said “cared too much” and “didn’t have the evil in her.”

She was told ritualistic killings were meant to be conducted in the woods at a certain moon stage. The woman testified that she never saw the couple murder anyone during her time in the group, although Trail once threatened to kill her family if she revealed the group’s activities, bragging that he had killed several people before.

The woman left the group in September 2017 before Loofe, who was short with blond hair, was killed. The woman said she made the decision while on a shopping trip in Lincoln, NE, to buy bags for Trail to use to steal items on an upcoming trip to Pennsylvania: “I didn’t recognize the person in the mirror. I told Bailey I wanted out.” She moved back home, but said she kept in touch with Trail, who continued to send her money.

All three women who testified said they first met Boswell on Tinder, like Loofe, and were later introduced to her boyfriend and “sugar daddy” Trail. The women would typically meet up with the couple individually and were each given an allowance between $150 and $200 a week. The payments came with requirements, including participating in group sex and punishments like whippings. (One woman fantasized about being a cat, and said she was humiliated when she was made to eat cat food.)

During Tuesday’s testimonies, one woman revealed that Boswell enjoyed masochistic sex, and wanted her to detail acts of torture during sex with her. The woman said Boswell also talked about breaking fingers and dismembering a body. According to one of the women, Boswell and Trail wanted her to torture and kill someone on videotape, so they could sell it. “They said they would make $1 million to do it, then split it and go separate ways,” the woman said.

One of the women who testified on Tuesday said she got a “weird vibe” from the couple when they picked her up in Omaha on November 17, 2017, the day after Loofe disappeared. Also revealed during the testimonies was that Trail was in possession of what he called a “kill bag,” containing pliers, a hammer, and a plastic sauna suit. A similar suit was found with Loofe’s remains.

The woman who met up with the couple on November 17, after Loofe’s slaying, said the trio checked into the Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs, IA, where they stayed until November 19. They told the woman they were going on a “cocaine run” to Grand Island, NE, that would make them $25,000, a story that the woman said made “absolutely zero sense.” But she said she went along with it to be obedient. The drugs never came, but three days later, Trail and Boswell began talking about finding a victim “who would not be missed” to torture and kill in a town a mile away. She said Trail wanted to watch the two women commit the crimes.

She said she accompanied the couple to the next destination, but left after seeing a message on her cell phone from the Lincoln Police Department. “I freaked out,” she said. The woman said Trail and Boswell claimed they were getting blamed in the disappearance of Boswell’s ex, after which they dropped off the woman back in Omaha. “For the first time, I was super-scared,” she said. By late November, the Lincoln Police Department had identified the couple as persons of interest.

Before Loofe’s remains were found, her family and friends held a candlelight vigil in her honor on November 22, 2017. Shortly after her disappearance, her family started a Facebook page to keep community members up-to-date. On the “Celebrating Sydney Loofe” page, people have been sharing updates on the investigation and trial. One comment reads: “One of the most wonderful people I've ever had the joy of knowing! She seemed to always be able to make an okay day into a great day with just a smile.”

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Getting ready for a beach weekend involves a special kind of packing. It’s different from filling a suitcase in preparation for traveling abroad — passports! Walking shoes! A dress that’s sophisticated enough for dinner in Paris! — and it’s certainly nothing like winter-holiday travel, which necessitates luggage full of sweaters, wrapped presents, and cookie-packed Tupperwares. No, your beach baggage is anything but. That sand-bound duffle should be as light as your carefree, summertime soul, and contain as few articles of clothing as possible — you’ll be spending most of your time catching rays in naught but your top-shelf swimsuit anyway.

But despite your best and most minimal intentions, that weekender has a way of reaching capacity with alarming speed. Once you add that third pair of shoes and just one more breezy sundress, suddenly there's barely enough room for even the teeniest of bikinis. Well, this summer is going to be different — this time, we have a plan. We’ve isolated the 12 items that will constitute your beach capsule wardrobe, and will take you from the dunes to dinner without having to do the sandy quick-change in the backseat of the car. (We even color-coordinated them for easy mixing and matching.) With our packing list, there will be plenty of room left over in your tote for shells and souvenirs.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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If we had to write a recipe for the perfect shade of summer hair, it would read like this: Blonde, but not too yellow or too platinum. Kinda brunette, but not too dark. Smoky, but not too gray. It sounds like an impossible request, but all of our hair color demands are answered in the latest trending color: mushroom blonde.

The moody shade is currently up 308% in search on Pinterest compared to other popular hues like platinum, rose gold, and ombré — and for good reason. Unlike settling for one super-light or super-dark shade, mushroom blonde sits right in the middle. It's where blonde meets dusty silver and a tinge of brunette. So, yes, you can have it all.

According to Redken pros, the ashy color is ideal for dark-haired people wanting to go lighter or blondes who want a tinge of darkness, which explains why the smoky tone has been in high demand lately. Professional colorists have been putting their spin on the mushroom blonde look, creating sexy shades that scream summer but will still look stunning as fall approaches.

Ahead, find inspiration to screenshot and take to your next color appointment.

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While we still have to wait until September 24th for the return of our favorite Tuesday-night drama, This Is Us, we already have some juicy details about the season 4 cast list: As she confirmed on Instagram in June, Once Upon a Time star Jennifer Morrison is being welcomed into the family next season.

The details of Morrison's role are still under wraps, but when she makes her first appearance on the NBC small-screen, there will be at least one big shocker: her hair color. The typically bright-blonde actress just dyed her hair a much deeper shade, and is now fully incognito as a brunette.

The first clue that the dramatic dye job is for her new role? Alongside the photo shared on her Instagram of her new rich-chocolate waves, Morrison credited her talented stylists and tagged NBC's This Is Us. "@riawna and @nikkilee901 worked their magic once again!! #newlook @nbcthisisus," she wrote in the caption.

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A post shared by jenmorrisonlive (@jenmorrisonlive) on Jul 2, 2019 at 10:30pm PDT

Morrison's colorist, Riawna Capri of L.A.'s trendy Nine Zero One Salon, also posted a shot of the This Is Us newbie — and, according to her, the glossy brown color is actually Morrison's natural shade, or at least closer to it than her formerly bright highlights. "@jenmorrisonlive is back to her roots, literally," Capri captioned her own profile shot of the star.

Clearly, the fresh color looks incredible on Morrison. The only downside is that waiting a few more months for the show's premiere just got a little harder, as we anxiously await to discover how the tear-jerking storyline will unfold to include the newly-brunette brunette beauty.

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Every nail art -loving person among us has their own pre-vacation polish ritual. For you, it might be a standing salon appointment the night before you leave, running out during your lunch break the day of, or, at the very least, popping a few nail art stickers over a coat of clear on your way to the airport. Either way, nothing says 'get me to the beach' like freshly-adorned fingers and toes.

Since we're already in the thick of vacation season, and you're probably planning a trip to the beach, lake, or pool sometime in the next few weeks, we've put together this handy guide to the perfect manicures to punctuate your journey. Whether you're into the turquoise glitter of a mermaid-inspired look, a trending scalloped design, or prefer a softer take on shimmer, we have the nail art you'll want to pair with your blue and white-striped towel, ahead.

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As a woman who is training for a marathon and who has D-cup boobs, I can tell you that running shoes are not my first priority. For me, it’s all about the heavy-duty sports bra. I would rather run barefoot than in a flimsy brassiere. I would take a sock’s worth of blisters over the intolerable feeling of my boobs flopping around like an off-kilter windmill.

And so, over the years, I’ve been on a quest for a high-impact sports bra that could contain my run-away breasts. For a long time, I thought it was hopeless. I would buy a size down, and wear two sports bras at a time to keep things in place (and to create a nifty pocket for my phone and keys). It's a good hack, but there are downsides. You have to wash your bras twice as often, and it’s annoying to have to pull two bras on and off when you're covered in sweat.

Luckily, there are many companies out there trying to find a solution for bustier women who want to participate in high-impact activities. Here are a few of the best high impact sports bras on the market.

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A federal judge has stopped Ohio’s controversial six-week abortion ban from taking effect, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer. U.S. District Judge Michael Barrett, who is based in Cincinnati, issued a 12-page order to halt implementation of the law, noting the burden it places on those seeking the procedure.

“This court concludes that SB 23 places an ‘undue burden’ on a woman’s right to choose a pre-viability abortion, and...plaintiffs are certain to succeed on the merits of their claim,” wrote Barrett in his injunction order. “The law is well settled that women possess a fundamental constitutional right of access to abortion.”

Ohio law SB 23, which bans abortions after six weeks, is one of many similar laws around the country. It was passed in April, after successfully making it through the state’s Republican-majority General Assembly; it was signed the next day by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine. Doctors who performed abortions would be subject to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine; there are no exceptions for rape or incest, though the procedure would be legal to save the mother’s life.

Barrett noted that many women do not even know they are pregnant at six weeks. “A woman with irregular periods likely will be denied the opportunity to seek an abortion altogether because she will not realize that she is pregnant in time to choose her fate,” reported the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

The decision was lauded by NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio ’s deputy director, Jaime Miracle. In a statement, she said, “The most important thing that Ohioans need to know is that abortion access is available in Ohio. When a person has decided to have an abortion, they should be able to access that care safely, affordably, in their community, with support and respect, not shame or pressure,” reports the Columbus Dispatch.

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With a reported 23 million accounts having seen When They See Us, the Ava DuVernay-directed Netflix series about the Central Park Five has already made an impact, causing former prosecutors Linda Fairstein and Elizabeth Lederer to face widespread public scrutiny and step down from their current positions of power.

But our collective focus on the condemnation of these two women should not alleviate us or distract us from actually addressing the systemic issues enabling racism in our criminal justice system.

When They See Us does a powerful and searing job of showing all the different bars that make up the cage of mass incarceration. And these same bars are still in place today. There are boys just like Yusef, Kevin, Antron, Korey, and Raymond facing the same system as the exonerated five.

Ahead, we’ve picked out some key moments from the series that illustrate these elements, and paired them with tangible steps of education and action.

Christie Marchese is the CEO and founder of Picture Motion. Lillie Fleshler is the impact distribution coordinator of Picture Motion. The views expressed here are their own.

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Ever since Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas got hitched in Vegas last month without so much as a pre-wedding text our way, we've been waiting not-so-patiently to see all the pics. Sure, Diplo streamed their Vegas wedding via Instagram stories, but between you and me, his camera skills could use some serious work. So, when the newlyweds announced that they'd be having a second wedding in France this summer, we weren't about to miss a single moment.

While we're fully invested in every detail of their wedding night, from the venue (Le Château de Tourreau in Provence, France) to the guest list, there's only one aspect of the ceremony that matters most: Sophie Turner's dress. For their first round at the altar, the Game of Thrones star went the chic, understated route in a Bevza jumpsuit and gold Loeffler Randall mules. But after sneaking a very blurry peak at her Paris gown, her second look was not at all what we were expecting.

The Louis Vuitton dress, which featured cap sleeves, a full skirt, and a floor-length veil, was much more traditional than the jumpsuit she wore while posing atop a Barbie car following her last wedding. But given the fact that the couple is known for throwing us curve balls, we should've known she'd do the same with her dress. One thing we're not surprised about? The gown's presumed designer: Louis Vuitton. Given that the new bride is the face of the luxury fashion house, we can't think of any reason why she wouldn't seek out Nicolas Ghesquière to dress her head to toe. Of course, we won't know more until the top secret bridal details are publicly released, but in the meantime, get a glimpse at her perfect wedding gown below.

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Absolut beauty @sophiet

A post shared by 🆖 (@nicolasghesquiere) on Jul 3, 2019 at 6:55pm PDT

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Mr and Mrs Jonas Photo by @corbingurkin

A post shared by Sophie Turner (@sophiet) on Jul 3, 2019 at 8:34pm PDT

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Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’s “real” wedding was every bit as beautiful as expected, right down to her fairytale Louis Vuitton wedding gown and floor-length veil. The veil was pinned onto the back of her head, showing off her stunning wavy bridal hair. Turner has always been a fan of keeping her look on the casual side, and her effortless wedding beauty suits her vibe perfectly. If you’re wondering how to get those perfect summer hair waves, Turner’s celeb stylist, Christian Wood, shared the details for getting the look.

After shampooing and conditioning, Wood recommends working an anti-frizz heat-protectant through the mid-lengths and down to the ends. To get some nice lift, Wood mists volumizing spray into the roots, and brushes it gently through the hair to encourage volume.

After creating a central part, Wood recommends blow drying the hair in the direction where you wanted it to fall. In the photo, you can Turner’s waves falling easily over her shoulder. To create the waves, Wood twists the hair vertically at 380 degrees (this is the secret!) and pins it to the neck, before hitting it again with the blow dryer. For the finishing touch, he smooths on a glossy serum for serious shine, and brushes the hair into shape. A blast of hairspray keeps things in place all night.

Turner’s choice to wear her hair in waves keeps with her ulta-chill French girl beauty routine. And like her two most notable characters, Sansa Stark and Jean Grey, Turner enjoys wearing her hair down. For the 2019 Met Gala, she wore her hair down and slicked back, with a flash of glitter. She even rocked a simple hairstyle at Kit Harington and Rose Leslie’s wedding.

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Mr and Mrs Jonas Photo by @corbingurkin

A post shared by Sophie Turner (@sophiet) on Jul 3, 2019 at 8:34pm PDT

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