Blog Posts by Refinery29

By Gabriel Bell, Refinery29

From a purely economic standpoint, this could be good news. Just hear us out; according to a study conducted by a cognitive psychologist at Northern Kentucky University, "Alcohol, consumed with a diet mixer, results in higher (BrAC) Breath Alcohol Concentrations as compared to the same amount of alcohol consumed with a sugar-sweetened mixer." Translation: Mixing your rum with Diet Coke gets you to sloppytown faster than stirring it up with the original formula. As we said, great for cheap thrills, but potentially very bad if you want to imbibe responsibly.

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Now, you ask, what sort of spell has been cast on diet soda to transform it into a magical alcohol-enhancing elixir? Well, none. Since diet soda lacks the added sugar (or high-fructose corn syrup) of the regular variety, you'd be metabolizing only the alcohol in your drink. Basically there's nothing else in your cocktail to slow down its punch. Notice how a

By Leila Brillson, Refinery29

Though always well-assembled, Jennifer Aniston has never been a risk taker with her 'do. Caramel highlights, sure, perhaps even bangs. But there have been no major cuts or color changes since the dawn of time (i.e. when Friends launched). So, when she was photographed with wildly blonde (Gwen Stefani-esque) hair, immediately we thought: This has got to be a wig.

Related: Fresh Cuts: New Hair Ideas To Rock In 2013

According to People, Jen's major transformation is probably an impermanent one, but she covered up any tell-tale signs or obvious roots with a jaunty beret in this latest pap snap. Though the Christina Applegate-y dye job is most likely fake, how cool would it be if it wasn't? Aniston is known for polish and poise, not peroxide, so it would be fun if she rocked our expectations.

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By Tara Rasmus, Refinery29

Do you really need more hair products? Well, probably not, but nonetheless, we're so excited about the multitude of spring launches hitting stores right now that we just had to share. The big news for spring '13? Major diversification: Rather than your typical volumizing/smoothing/color care lines, we're seeing an assortment of products designed for more specific hair types (such as dyed red locks or fine-yet-dry hair).

Related: Fresh Cuts: New Hair Ideas To Rock In 2013

No matter what your hair type or styling woes may be, there's likely a new product that has been designed for your specific needs (and that will probably put your current hair routine to shame). Here are our spring product picks that are definitely worth a look - and, come to think of it, we actually might need them, too.

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By Lexi Nisita, Refinery29

Living in NYC, you get a lot of unsolicited commentary about how it's the most expensive city in the world. Of course, we know that's not true - Tokyo, for one, comes to mind - but we thought our humble town would at least make the top 20! No luck for New York, though, or any other North American city. Japan's capital (and the largest metro area on earth) has held the top spot for years since the early '90s, but the rest of this year's list, compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit, had us floored.

Japan gets a second mention with Osaka in the number two spot, followed by Sydney, Oslo, and Melbourne. (Staggeringly, only 10 years ago, there wasn't a single Australian city on this list.) Standard players like Singapore, Paris, and Zurich made it on as well, joined by lesser-known pricey spots like Caracas, Venezuela. New York and L.A., on the other hand, were tied for 27th place. At least we know we've got something in common with our West Coast brethren!

By Tara Rasmus, Refinery29

You'll have to forgive us. The last time we talked self-help, we may have gotten a little bit snarky about a few dating books that we found somewhat ridiculous insulting. Calling our bluff, you guys (rightfully so) asked us to name the self-help books that we would recommend. Not wanting to disappoint, we rounded up our staff picks for the smartest, wittiest, and most profound self-help books that have helped us through some darker times, encouraged us to get in touch with our emotions, and even kick our relationship problems to the curb.

The self-help section may have a negative rap (and yes, there are some flat-out bad picks out there), but there are also some smart works that we'd never boot off our bookshelves. No matter what ails you, there's a book out there to ease your mind, warm your heart, and even inspire you to achieve your biggest goals. Move over, Chicken Soup - these are the self-help books for now.

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By Lexi Nisita, Refinery29

.For reasons of both science and ethics, the world is still debating whether or not animal testing is necessary for cosmetics. For the most part, international governments have been pretty wishy-washy on the issue (aside from China, where it's actually required). But now, the European Union is taking a strong stance and banning the import or sale of cosmetics that have been tested on animals. The ban also extends to ingredients themselves, and though the legislation will certainly take time to settle and a new infrastructure to enforce, this is undoubtedly a big step forward for animal-rights activists (or just people who love bunnies) the world over.

EU health commissioner Tonio Borg wrote of the ban, "This decision…means that we need to step up our efforts in the development, validation and acceptance of alternative methods, as well as in the international recognition of these methods." Animal-rights organizations are already praising this bold action,

By Rebecca Taras, Refinery29

Shoes are one of those items a gal just can't get enough of…except, of course, when the cash flow is low. So, to ensure you can indulge a little, right now - and still have enough money left in the piggy bank for some new footwear come springtime, we pulled together 15 cheap-yet-chic pairs - all $50 or less.

Related: Here They Are: The 25 Most Expensive Stores In America

We've got all of your bases covered - from casual Friday-appropriate flats to sexy steppers suitable for a night out. The perfect remedy for the winter blahs? Certainly. But we'd go so far as to say a great deal is satisfying year-round.

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By Emma Neville, Refinery29

Confession: We may have what some would call a less-than-impressive working knowledge of football. But, we can honestly say that we make up for it in hardcore, home-team pride - plus, we're pretty spot-on when it comes to party planning. So, die-hard 49ers and snack fans alike can rejoice, because we've put together what we think is one badass lineup of Super Bowl supplies, just in time for Sunday's main event.

Related: Punch Up Your Party With 3 Quick & Healthy Dip Recipes

Covering everyone from the guy or gal who just wants to sit back with a cold brew and concentrate on the game to the rest of us who want to nosh on artisanal snacks and play drinking games all day long, this guide has all the goods. No matter who wins or loses the big game (Side note: Go Niners! And Beyoncé!), no one's going to have a bad time if there's plenty of peanut-bacon brittle to be had - at least that's our mantra.

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