Lily Collins Is Starring In Lena Dunham's Polly Pocket Movie

Lily Collins at 2023 Met Gala polly pocket movie

Mattel is running full steam ahead to unlock more childhood memories after the success of Barbie. Shining a spotlight on '90s toys, Lena Dunham is teaming up with the mega brand to write and direct a movie about Polly Pocket.

The most exciting part about this is she's tapped Lily Collins to star as Polly P! She's spectacular in Emily in Paris so we can only imagine how she'll bring the tiny heroine to life. Good thing we won't have to imagine for long.

As part of Mattel's film lineup, the Polly Pocket movie is being written and directed by Lena Dunham. This means viewers can expect to see witty banter with a thought-provoking underlying message — and we can't wait! If you're just as excited as we are, keep reading for all the details about the upcoming Polly Pocket movie.

Is there a Polly Pocket movie?

Yes! Mattell is bringing another toy to life with the Polly Pocket movie.Varietyfirst shared the big news in 2021. Feel free to watch the PollyWorld cartoon while you wait for the new feature film.

What do we know about the plot?

So far we know the movie will revolve around the friendship that develops between Polly Pocket and a young girl.

“Polly Pocket was responsible for countless hours of childhood escapism for me,” writer and director Lena Dunham told Variety. Us too!

Who's in the Polly Pocket movie cast?

Right now, the only casting news we have is Lily Collins as the title character. Collins will also serve as one of the producers alongside names like Robbie Brenner and Kevin McKeon of Mattel Film.

What have Lily and Lena said about the movie?

Lily and Lena are ecstatic about bringing Polly Pocket to the big screen. In a statement to Variety, Lena made it clear she wants to create a film that resonates with young women.

She said "I’m so thrilled to bring to bear both my love of this historic property and also my deep-seated belief that young women need smart playful films that speak to them without condescension.”

For Lily, this film is "a real dream come true" and we couldn't agree more.

Is there a release date?

Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, a definitive release date hasn't been announced. We're happy to report that produce Robbie Brenner is loving the script so far.

She told Variety, "It's been an amazing collaboration" and she hopes they can make an announcement "in the future."

We're crossing our fingers and hoping more news will come soon!

While we wait for more news, start digging around in your attics for your Polly Pocket trinkets. (Just maybe don't chew on the shoes if they're 20 years old). We'll find ours too so we can have them with us when the movie premieres in theaters!

Are you excited about the Polly Pocket movie? Let us know in the comments and follow along on Facebook.

Header image via Dimitrios Kambouris / Staff

Fans of complex world building and sweeping drama like what we've seen in The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars definitely need to check out Dune. Even if you still haven't seen the 2021 movie (starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya), it's better late then never with the sequel that is one of our most-anticipated spring movies. Dune 2 builds upon the world we fell in love with in the first movie and brings an added nuance, complexity, and depth that makes the sequel even stronger. Plus, this second installment has more romance and more drama. Here's everything you need to know about the movie!

When does Dune 2 come out?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune 2 will be available to stream on Max May 21, 2024! was originally scheduled for November 3, 2023, but because of the writers' strike and SAG-AFTRA actors' strikeover the summer, the movie officially hit theaters March 1, 2024.

What is Dune 2 about?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune 2 covers the second half of the original 1960 Dune novel. After Paul (Chalamet) joins the Fremen, a group of nomads that includes Chani (Zendaya), he must choose between love and fate of the universe. Still reeling from losing his family, Paul tries to avoid the future he sees in visions.

Who's in the Dune 2 cast?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and Charlotte Rampling all return to their roles from the first Dune film.

They're joined by Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan, Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, Lea Seydoux as Lady Margot, and Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam IV.

At the New York City premiere of Dune 2 (see our TikTok coverage here!), when Florence was told Timothée Chalamet called her a "superpower star," Florence talked about how much she loved working with her cast mates — and even got a little emotional.

"I've had the luxury of getting to work with that man [Timothée], who I knew as a boy, and every time I meet him and work with him, I get to fall in love with him more and more," she tells ET. "I get to watch my friend become not only just the most amazing actor but lead sets. Like, lead how it's supposed to be led. And I think we just all have the utmost respect for each other...It's just been a total love fest this press tour."

Will there be a Dune 3?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

Yes, director Denis Villeneuve wants to make a Dune 3! "The screenplay's in progress," he tells Vanity Fair. "I'm very happy where it's going, but it's not finished."

“I want to make sure that if we go back there a third time that it'll be worth it, and that it would make something even better than Part Two,” he continues. “It needs to be different. I don't want to fall into dogmas. I don't want to fall into a vocabulary that has been pre-defined by the two first movies.”

He also revealed during a South Korean press conference for Dune 2 that a Dune 3 is already in pre-production! “[Dune Messiah] is being written right now,” he says in the interview. “The screenplay is almost finished, but it’s not finished. It will take a little time.”

As far as the Dune 3 plot, he also shares that a third movie will Paul Atreides as he makes his way through “the end of [his] journey.” I could watch ten Dune films so I am more than on board for Dune 3!

Is Anya Taylor-Joy in Dune 2?

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures

Anya Taylor-Joy surprised the world when she showed up to to the Dune 2 premiere in London. In fact, I audibly said "Why is Anya Taylor-Joy there?" before realizing it's because she's in the movie. Anya plays a grown-up version of Alia Atreides, Paul's unborn sister in Dune 2.

Alia is a small child at the end of the first Dune book, but her family quickly learns that she has the ability to communicate telepathically — and that she might just become more powerful than Paul himself.

The "Dune 2" Popcorn Buckets Are...Interesting

Image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

When Warner Bros. designed the new promotional popcorn buckets for the release of Dune 2, I'm sure they meant them to look a little creepy. I'm not convinced, however, that they realized just how NSFW they look — but the internet is definitely making it known. "Some intern on the DUNE 2 marketing team is getting fired for this popcorn bucket," one X user jokes.

"They should have used the box from the Gom Jabbar test," another user says. "You're at least supposed to put your hand in that." Now that's a popcorn bucket I'd buy. SNL season 49 even did a hilarious sketch about the buckets during Ayo Edebiri's episode on February 3, 2024.

Watch The Brand New Trailer For "Dune 2"

Image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

The stakes have never been higher for Paul (Chalamet) and Chani (Zendaya) as they continue their fight against the Harkonnens. We also have a better look at Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Austin Butler), which are two characters I cannot wait to see!

Watch The Trailer For "Dune 2" Here

Image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

In the trailer, which was first shown during the Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon, we see Paul desire revenge after the death of his father — and ride a giant sand worm — while Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh) wonders if Paul is still alive.

Check Out The Official "Dune 2" Poster!

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

I love the action and intensity of this poster because it shows Chani (Zendaya) and Paul (Timothée Chalamet) on equal footing. It really translates the idea of family and partnership that we've already seen in the first movie — the idea that they're not afraid to fight, and they're going to be at each other's side the whole time.

Check out our TikTok and Twitter for more pop culture news, and subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest news on Dune 2.

Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc

This post has been updated.

As if surprise dropping an extra 15 songs for The Tortured Poets Departmentwasn't enough, Taylor Swift fans are getting another new song this summer thanks to Gracie Abrams' new album The Secret of Us. The Eras Tour opener revealed the collaboration when she dropped her album track list May 13, and needless to say, the internet went crazy. The song will be released with the full album on June 21, 2024.

Image via Gracie Abrams/Instagram

"Us. Feat @taylorswift," Gracie Abrams said in an Instagram story. "All I can tell you for now is that some of the most fun I've ever had in my whole entire life was writing this song together. Hands down. I am currently smiling and sweating thinking about it and I'll never get over the shock of seeing this one on the tracklist. You know how I feel."

Taylor Swift has been teasing "Us" since the release of TTPD thanks to a notebook with "Us" written across it — both at the library installation and in the "Fortnight" music video.

Gracie Abrams has talked about how much she loves Taylor Swift throughout her entire career, and the two quickly became friends! Gracie showed up to Taylor's birthday, and even got to sing her hit song "I Miss You, I'm Sorry" with Taylor during the Eras Tour after her opening set got canceled during the July 1 show in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“My set was canceled for safety reasons,” Gracie says on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. “Then Taylor texted me being like, ‘Hey, come out with me and do ‘I Miss You, I’m Sorry?” We ran it one time in her room and then did it there. I blacked out.”

“It’s a real masterclass to watch her do what she does,” she continues. “I felt like I was at college for this job. I watched every single one of her shows that I was lucky enough to open. I watched from every place possible in each stadium, just trying to pick up on how she’s able to do what she does.”

Are you excited for the new Gracie Abrams x Taylor Swift collab? I love Gracie's new song "Risk" so I can't wait to hear "Us"!

Lead image via Gracie Abrams/Instagram

There are plenty of celebrity couples that are able to balance cool yet relatable, and the coolest of all might just be Justin and Hailey Bieber. The couple is everywhere right now, thanks to Hailey Bieber's Rhode skincare and Justin Bieber's stint as an honorary celebrity co-captain at the 2024 NHL all-star game. Amid reports that the couple has had some serious issues this year, a People source promises "they are very, very happy.” Whew! Here's a full look back on their relationship.

How long have Justin and Hailey Bieber been married?

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Justin and Hailey Bieber have been married for almost six years! They tied the knot in 2018 after they were seen walking into a courthouse, but the larger ceremony that had was filled with their closest loved ones.

They looked so stunning that I'm sure Hailey Bieber's look made it to our list of celebrity wedding dresses we can't get enough of.

How far along is Hailey Bieber?

Image via Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Ever since the couple shared their sweet baby announcement yesterday, fans have been wondering how far along Hailey Beiber is. People confirmed that she's six months and even shared some cryptic clues about her pregnancy despite not fully being ready to share the happy news with the public.

Justin And Hailey Bieber's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Ethan Miller/Getty Images

November 2009 — Justin Bieber And Hailey Bieber Meet At The Today Show

Justin and Hailey Bieber first met in 2009, when he was 15 and she was 12, when he performed "Baby" at the Today show. According to People, the friendship between Hailey's dad Stephen Baldwin and Justin's mom Pattie Mallette led to the introduction.

Image via Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

February 2, 2011 — Hailey Bieber Attends The Premiere Of Justin Bieber: Never Say Never

Justin Bieber's Never Say Never documentary thrilled Justin Bieber fans (called Beliebers) — but even though Hailey was excited to be at the NYC premiere, she told Vogue in 2019 she didn't consider herself a superfan.

"It was never that crazed, screaming thing," she says. "I didn't think about it in any kind of way except for the fact that he was cute. Everybody had a crush on him. But for the first few years we had a weird age gap."

Image via Angela Weiss/Getty Images for Variety

November 10, 2014 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Reconnect

In late 2014, Justin and Hailey Bieber were joined by Kendall Jenner at a Hillsong New York service. "One day Justin walked into Hillsong and was like, 'Hey, you got older,'" Hailey tells Vogue. "Over time he became my best guy friend. I was running around with him as his homie, but we weren't hanging out [romantically].""

Images via Jason Merritt/Getty Images/Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for EJAF

February 11, 2016 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Are Officially An Item...Kind Of

After sharing a passionate New Year's Eve kiss, Justin Bieber seemingly confirmed his relationship with Hailey right before Valentine's Day. "[She's] someone I really love. We spend a lot of time together," he tells GQ. However, he doesn't call her his girlfriend.

"I don’t want to put anyone in a position where they feel like I’m only theirs, only to be hurt in the end," he continues. "In the past I’ve hurt people and said things that I didn’t mean to make them happy in the moment. So now I’m just more so looking at the future, making sure I’m not damaging them. What if Hailey ends up being the girl I’m gonna marry, right?...I just don’t want to hurt her."Hailey went on to tell E! News that same day they were "not an exclusive couple."

Images via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images/Ethan Miller/Getty Images for New Era

Spring 2016 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Break Up

After the February 2016 GQ story went live, Justing and Hailey Bieber split. But, according to Hailey, it felt much more intense than that. "'Fizzled' would not be the right word — it was more like a very dramatic excommunication," she tells Vogue. "There was a period where if I walked into a room, he would walk out."

Image via Justin Bieber/Instagram

July 7, 2018 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Get Engaged

Justin and Hailey Bieber reconnected at a Miami conference from pastor Rich Wilkerson Jr., and by then, Hailey says, they were past the drama. Things fell into place quickly, and TMZ announced the couple's engagement in July.

"He was the first person I ever had real feelings for," Hailey later says in an episode of Justin Bieber: Seasons. "When things kind of went south for a little bit and we went our separate ways, I just knew that no matter what the outcome was going to be, he was going to be somebody that I loved for the rest of my life."

"Hailey I am soooo in love with everything about you!" Justin says in his official Instagram announcement. "So committed to spending my life getting to know every single part of you loving you patiently and kindLY. I promise to lead our family with honor and integrity letting Jesus through his Holy Spirit guide us in everything we do and every decision we make. My heart is COMPLETELY and FULLY YOURS and I will ALWAYS put you first! You are the love of my life Hailey Baldwin and I wouldn’t want to spend it with anybody else."

Image via Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows

September 2018 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Get Married

After moving in together, the couple was seen walking into a courthouse in the fall (via TMZ)! Since slipping wedding bands on each other's fingers, both Justin and Hailey Bieber have admitted their relationship has taken a ton of work.

"I remember when I first got married, I hit a little bit of an emotional breakdown because I thought marriage was going to fix all my problems and it didn't," Justin says in an interview with Apple Music 1's Ebro Darden (via Billboard). "You want your wife to do something that you're not doing and it's like, it's hard sometimes to look in the mirror and really have to realize, man, maybe you're not the person that you necessarily thought that you were."

"There's a reason they say 'for better or for worse.' Like, that's for real!" Hailey tells Harper's Bazaar. "I might fly somewhere and go do a job, but I can't wait to come back and hang out. And I feel like that's because of the effort that's been put in on both sides. At the end of the day, like, he's my best friend, but it still does take a lot of work to make it work."

Image via Omar Rawlings/Getty Images

February 7, 2019 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Have Their First Photoshoot Together

For Vogue's February 2019 issue, Justin and Hailey Bieber go deep into their relationship (the photos for the issue are beautiful, with the couple in shades of cream and white, with bejeweled details).
“I just feel like I care so much and I want things to be so good and I want people to like me," Justin says. "Hailey’s very logical and structured, which I need. I’ve always wanted security...with the lifestyle I live, everything is so uncertain. I need one thing that’s certain."
"I’m fighting to do this the right way, to build a healthy relationship,” Hailey says. “I’m not going to sit here and lie and say it’s all a magical fantasy. It’s always going to be hard. It’s a choice. You don’t feel it every single day...But there’s something beautiful about it anyway — about wanting to fight for something, commit to building with someone."
"We’re committed to growing together and supporting each other in those changes," she continues. "That’s how I look at it. At the end of the day, too, he’s my best friend. I never get sick of him.”

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

January 27, 2020 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Attend The Premiere Of Justin Bieber: Seasons

For a date night at the beginning of 2020, Justin and Hailey Bieber attended the LA premiere of his YouTube Original Justin Bieber: Seasons. Ahead of the screening at the Regency Bruin Theatre, the couple hit the red carpet. Justin wore pink pants and a white sweater, while Hailey looked chic in a sequined black dress.

Image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

September 13, 2021 — Justin Bieber And Hailey Bieber Attend The 2021 Met Gala

To celebrate the Met's America: A Lexicon Of Fashion exhibit at the end of 2021, Justin and Hailey Bieber went old school glam for the Met Gala red carpet, with chic outfits and statement jewelry. Unfortunately, their appearance went viral for a different reason when fans of Justin's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez started changing *her* name during Hailey's time on the carpet.

“It was disrespectful," Hailey says during an episode of Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast. "To me, to my relationship. It just was. Period. The end.”

While some fans think a feud has existed between Selena Gomez and Hailey Bieber for years, Hailey says "there's no drama, personally."

"I can say, period, point blank, I was never with him when he was in a relationship with anybody — that's the end of it," she adds.

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

March 10, 2022 — Hailey Bieber Suffers A Mini Stroke

During the spring of 2022, Justin and Hailey Bieber were eating breakfast together when the model "started having stroke-like symptoms and was taken to the hospital," she wrote in an Instagram story (via ABC News). In a YouTube video sharing her story, Hailey explains that she was diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale (or PFO), which is a hole between your heart's left and right upper chambers.

On March 16, during Justin Bieber's concert in Denver, the singer confirmed Hailey had been doing better. "She's okay, she's good. It's been scary, you know, it's been really scary but I know for a fact that God has her in the palm of his hands."

The couple later walked the Grammys red carpet in Las Vegas on April 3.

Image via Justin Bieber/Instagram

September 13, 2022 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Celebrate Their Four Year Anniversary

Both Justin and Hailey Bieber posted about their fourth wedding anniversary in honor of the special day! "Happy anniversary to my best friend and wifey," Justin posted. "thank u for making me better in every way."

"4 years married to you," Hailey says on Instagram. "the most beautiful human I’ve ever known... love of my life. Thank God for you."

Image via Justin Bieber/Instagram

November 21, 2022 — Justin Bieber Celebrates Hailey Bieber's Birthday

Hailey Bieber turned 26 while the couple was on a trip to Japan, which meant Justin's Instagram post was 14 hours earlier for all their friends and family in North America!

"HAPPY BIRFDAY TO MY FAVORITE HUMAN BEING, XOXO," Justin says in the post. "YOU MAKE LIFE MAGIC 😭 OBSESSED WITH EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU. LOVE YOU BUM BUM."

Image via Monica Schipper/Getty Images

May 14, 2023 — Hailey Bieber Is Ready For Kids

"I want kids so bad but I get scared," Hailey Bieber tells The Sunday Times. "It's enough that people say things about my husband or my friends. I can't imagine having to confront people saying things about a child."

And in an interview with GQ Hype later that year, Hailey says that while she looks forward to motherhood, she won't be in a rush to tell the world when she does get pregnant: "When there comes a day that that is true, you, you as in the internet, will be the last to know."

Image via Hailey Bieber/Instagram

March 1, 2024 — Hailey Bieber Celebrates Justin Bieber's 30th

Justin Bieber finally joined the thirty, flirty, and thriving club in 2024 and Hailey was over the moon. "30!!!!!!!????!!????!!!!" she says on Instagram. "that was fast. words could never truly describe the beauty of who you are. Happy Birthday to you… love of my life, for life."

Image via Hailey Bieber/Instagram

April 3, 2024 — Justin And Hailey Bieber Are "Very, Very Happy"

After rumors began circulating that Justin and Hailey Bieber were having some serious issues, a source tells People the couple is “doing really well."

“There’s no divorce and no truth to that whatsoever,” the source says. “They are very, very happy.”

Hailey Bieber herself weighed in on the rumors in March, when she posted the above message on her Instagram story. "Just FYI the stories and constant ‘blind items’ I see on TikTok are 100% of the time wrong. Made out of thin air," she says. “So I know it may be fun feeding into these stories but just know they’re always false xx sorry to spoil it."

April 15, 2024 — Justin Bieber Celebrates His "Soulmate"

Following the first weekend of Coachella, Justin Bieber shared a video (originally posted to a fan account) that shows him standing with Hailey during a show. The fan account captioned the video, "JUSTIN AND HAILEY ARE SOULMATES IDC WHAT ANYONE SAYS," and TBH I totally agree. The video shows Justin and Hailey Bieber swaying to a song, and Justin kissing her on the forehead.

Image via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

May 2024 — Justin and Hailey Announce They're Expecting Their First Baby

After mentioning she was ready for kids a year ago, Hailey Bieber's pregnant! So far, Hailey Bieber's pregnancy announcement carousel on Instagram has almost 10 million likes and tons of praise! Revolve even left this sweet comment: "couldn’t be happier for you guys🥹🤍."

But, the best praise came from Justin and Hailey Bieber's families. Justin's mom, Patti Mallette, took to Instagram to share her thoughts in a reel on Instagram that captured her excitement about becoming a grandma. She squealed, "Oh my gosh, I'm gonna be a grandmom! Oh my goodness!"

She also left a happy message on Stephen Baldwin's Instagramthat made some fans question if she was revealing if Justin and Hailey Bieber are having twins. She initially wrote, "Congratulations Grandpa! WE ARE GONNA HAVE THE CUTEST GRAND-BABIES EVER!" but circled back to let people know, "No not twins lol I wish. I just mean in general. Hopefully they will have more than one eventually. They will make beautiful babies whenever they have them. One is enough for now 😂"

What's your favorite moment from Justin and Hailey Bieber's relationship? Follow us on Facebook for more news on your fave celeb couples!

Lead image via Theo Wargo/Getty Images

POV: It's a hot, summer day and you're enjoying it laying out on the beach. So, just as you normally would, you reapply your sunscreen to make sure you're looking out for your skin in the midst of the high UV rays. But a couple minutes later, you catch a clips of your appearance in a mirror and realize your whole face looks like it's covered in white paint — that's called a white cast, and yes...it's extremely annoying.

Enter in our dilemma: why does sunscreen always leave a white cast? It seems like no matter how much we re-apply, it always leave a white-ish gray shadow on our skin. Instead of agonizing over this all summer, we've asked the skincare experts which sunscreen to grab and how to avoid this pesky problem! Keep reading for the scoop on the best sunscreens without white cast for your everyday use!

What is white cast?

Photo by RF._.studio/PEXELS

White cast is the annoying grayish, white color that some sunscreens leave behind after you've applied them. And sometimes no matter how much you rub them in or blend them, it simply will not go away. Tosin Eyikogbe, MSN and skin expert gave us the full explanation on this. She says, "The active ingredients in mineral sunscreen, zinc and titanium oxide, are large rough, white particles. Because of this, when applied to the skin, traditional mineral sunscreen tend to leave an unwanted, ashy, white or grayish appearance."

Dr. Praveen Guntipalli also weighed in on this topic by saying, "These ingredients are effective at blocking UV radiation but can leave a visible white residue on the skin, especially if the particles are not finely milled or if the formulation lacks certain tinting additives that help the product blend into various skin tones." So, essentially, these sunscreens are working, but they end up leaving particles behind on the skin, ultimately causing a white cast to appear.

How can I avoid white cast?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

There are a few ways to avoid this problem. You can try a different formula, stay away from certain ingredients, or just try to blend it in as much as possible. A different formula or type of sunscreen will definitely help with this, as mineral sunscreens are more likely to cause the white cast, whereas chemical sunscreens don't. Eyikogbe says, "Chemical sunscreens, which contain organic compounds that are absorbed by the skin then convert UV rays to heat that is released, are offered in a variety of formats and are often paired with moisturizers to increase a light weight feel."

We love the sound of that! She adds, "These formulas typically don’t leave a white cast, however chemical sunscreens aren’t ideal for all skin types, as they can clog pores and irritate the skin, and compounds including oxybezone and octinoxate are harmful to marine animals and can damage fragile coral reef ecosystems."

What ingredients should you look for in your sunscreen to avoid white cast?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

If you have sensitive skin like me, then you know you always have to double check labels and look into ingredients lists before buying products; especially when it comes to sun care. I'm very sensitive to certain ingredients and perfumes so I have to look carefully. We asked skincare experts what their thoughts were on what ingredients to keep an eye out for and this is what they had to say!

Eyikogbe says,"Mineral sunscreens, which typically contain inorganic compounds, titanium or zinc dioxide, can traditionally leave the notorious 'white cast' due to the reflection of the metal oxides on the skin. But there are newer formulas that have eradicated the old-school white cast and provide excellent mineral protection without a white cast."

Board certified dermatoligst Dr. Divya Sachdev says, "I highly recommend tinted zinc oxide-based pure mineral sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher. These sunscreens are not only effective at protecting against UV rays but also include antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, and raspberry seed oil that help combat free radicals from oxidative damage caused by sunlight."

What are some helpful tips for sunscreen?

Photo by Mikhail Nilov/PEXELS

If you're looking for something that will blend in seamlessly into your skin, and easily go into your daily routine then I'd really recommend tinted moisturizer with SPF or a CC cream. One of my favorites is the Tatcha SPF which really blends into the skin for a nice glow. I'd recommend using this daily!

Dr. Sachdev says, "Remember, it’s crucial to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours when spending time in the sun, wear sun-protective clothing such as wide-brim hats and sunglasses, and maintain a diet rich in antioxidants to enhance your skin's defense against sun damage." Duly noted, doctor!

Best Sunscreens Without White Cast To Shop Right Now

Photo via Sephora​

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

The Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen gives your skin the nicest glow, and it's the perfect base for your makeup. It's definitely a crowd favorite for good reason!

Blendability: 5/5 Doesn't pill and blends so nicely!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 It's glowy perfection!

Protection: 4/5 It's lower in SPF, but still does the job!

EltaMD UV Elements

Dr. Divya Sachdev, "Favorites of mine include EltaMD UV Elements and Suntegrity 5-in-1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen, which avoid any white cast. These tinted formulations also contain iron oxides that provide additional protection against UV damage and blue light exposure." I'm a big fan of the EltaMd sunscreen, and feel like it always makes my skin feel light and not too heavy with products!

Blendability: 5/5 I love how creamy it is!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Feels like a moisturizer!

Protection: 4/5 A higher SPF is always better, but this is still great!

Photo via Sephora

Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen

Another sunscreen that I looove is the Summer Fridays SPF Milk Sunscreen. Every time I let one of my friends use it, I never get it back because it is that good. Genuinely is so milky and smooth, and it looks amazing underneath makeup or other skincare products!

Blendability: 5/5 Blends beautifully!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Doesn't feel and works as a primer!

Protection: 3/5 It isn't as high in SPF as I would like, but it works nonetheless!

Innisfree Daily SPF Broad Specturm SPF 36

My personal favorite is the Innisfree Daily SPF, which blends in like moisturizer! It's genuinely so thin and creamy!

Blendability: 5/5 Blends into your skin within seconds.

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Genuinely could be a primer for how well it sits.

Protection: 3/5 Wish it was higher SPF, but it's so thin, so it makes sense!

ColorScience Sunforgetabble Face Shield

We asked Tosin Eyikogbe, and she says, "My personal favorite at the moment is ColorScience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex SPF 50, which contains all mineral active ingredients and comes in four shades that cover a wide range of skin tones. It has a light weight feel and provides a luminous and even skin tone. A lot of patients have told me it has replaced their need for foundation!"

Blendability: 5/5 Melts into the skin!

Underneath Makeup: 5/5 Blends in with your foundation and base great!

Protection: 5/5 It's high in SPF so definitely a winner!

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Last month I chatted Amanda Montell by mentioning the glaring loneliness epidemic that's taken over lately. While we had a great conversation about overcoming our overthinking, it really got me wondering: how did we get here?

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, the pandemic and our increased reliance on technology seems to be the source of the collective social decline we’re experiencing. In 2022 — two years out from the 2020 lockdowns — only 39% of adults reported feeling emotionally close to others. For those of us who consider ourselves to be introverts, this may feel par for the social course — but it really isn't.

There's potential for greater health concerns here, both mentally and physically. Dr. Murthy discovered that a prolonged decline in social connection with others “...can increase your risk of heart disease by 29% and risk of stroke by 32%.” That’s no laughing matter, especially if heart disease runs in your family like it does in mine.

It’s something Eric Liu, CEO of Citizen University elaborated on during an episode of NPR’sMorning Edition podcast last year. He said, “When you are alone and disconnected, there’s more stress, there’s more inflammation, there’s more anxiety.” And while some of us prefer our own company, statistics show that's not always the healthiest choice for us in the long run.

To understand all this even more, I spoke with Licensed Perinatal Mental Health & Trauma Therapist Becca Reed, LCSW, PMH-C. Together, we broke down how we can combat the loneliness epidemic and positively affect our health at the same time. Here's what I learned!

How prevalent is the loneliness epidemic actually?

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I've joked with my sister that there seems to be a change in the way people interact with each other since the pandemic, but there's some truth to it. Reed says, "Since the pandemic began, I've observed a marked increase in feelings of loneliness across various age groups. What’s particularly interesting is the depth of loneliness people have expressed, even after moving back into engaging in normal activities."

Think about the last time you went to the grocery store — did it seem like some people exist in their own worlds without apparent regard for others? It could very well be a symptom of this very epidemic. "Many of my clients have reported feeling disconnected not just from others, but also from parts of themselves. The pandemic disrupted our regular social habits and created a void that many are still learning how to fill," explains Reed.

Does social media play a role in the way we perceive introversion and loneliness?

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I can't completely shun social media because it's introduced me to different brands, people, and even my career as a journalist. However, I've also wondered if social media has a major influence on the way we think and interact with the world around us — especially in regards to introversion and loneliness. Reed believes there's more to it than that.

"Our lifestyles and societal values greatly influence how we view introversion and loneliness. For instance, highly individualistic cultures, like in the U.S., often celebrate extroversion," she says before adding, "This celebration can make quieter, introverted ways of engaging with the world seem less valuable."

This may pose an issue for those who are always busy and aren't actively interacting with others beyond a surface level. Reed says, "Additionally, our busy modern lifestyles are filled with long work hours and personal commitments. This can leave little room for deep, sustained social interactions. As a result, those who may not reach out actively can feel further isolated."

What are some signs that someone is experiencing loneliness?

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Dr. Murthy also told NPR, “Some people react to loneliness by withdrawing and getting quiet. Others react to loneliness by becoming irritable and angry, and they may lash out more” before adding “...sometimes we need somebody else to tell us, ‘Hey, you’ve been withdrawing more’ to help us understand we might actually be dealing with loneliness.”

This is something that Reed also reiterated. She says, "Signs of loneliness frequently include significant changes in mood and behavior. This might look like increased irritability, persistent sadness, or withdrawal from usual activities" while "Physically, loneliness might manifest through disrupted sleep patterns or a change in appetite."

From personal experience, I've been known to dissociate if I'm feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or upset so I'm very familiar with exacerbating any loneliness I've felt by withdrawing. This also resulted in spending a lot of days in my early 20s sleeping when I wasn't working or remaining in my room with the door locked.

"If you notice a loved one seeming unusually quiet, canceling plans more frequently, or expressing feelings of emptiness, they might be experiencing loneliness," warns Reed.

How can we combat the loneliness epidemic in our daily interactions?

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If you've noticed that you're being affected by the loneliness epidemic, there are different ways to combat it. Reed says, "Small daily interactions can be very impactful to combating loneliness. Simply making eye contact, sharing a smile with a stranger, or having a quick chat with a neighbor can foster a sense of connection." This sounds so Starbucks and Bookstore-coded for those of us who don't want to feel overwhelmed by anything grand.

At the same time, Reed says there are things we can do in our personal relationships to help us start feeling a sense of community again. "Reaching out regularly to friends and family through calls, messages, and face-to-face interactions is essential. Building a community around shared interests, can also help bridge the isolation gap," she shares.

Is the loneliness epidemic going to be a prolonged problem, or is it possible to turn around?

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Like other things, it can seem like the loneliness epidemic won't get any better. But, Reed wants you to have hope. "While it's possible the impact of the pandemic on social interactions could be a prolonged issue, humans are inherently driven to connect." Though she says, "The pandemic has intensified social anxieties and shifted communication habits."

This can look like people finding it difficult to interact with others the way they used to (hi social anxiety). Still, that doesn't mean we have to approach things as if there's nothing to look forward to in terms of interacting with others. Reed says, "People are finding new ways to engage with each other as we be come more aware of the impacts of loneliness and actively work towards building stronger, more resilient community networks. This adaptability is a positive sign that we're moving towards more interaction again, despite the challenges."

All we can do is turn lemons into lemonade as we continue to find new normals that support our lifestyles, communication, and connection needs.

Has the loneliness epidemic impacted you? Let us know in the comments and follow the conversation on Facebook.

Lead image via Tiana/Pexels