I’ve never been able to achieve the “baddie makeup” aesthetic. Between expectations of glamorous, bright under-eyes, carved-to-perfection contouring, and a matte, filter-like finish, I’ve always been intimidated and opted for easy, no-makeup-makeup instead. This foundation has permanently elevated my makeup game for the better. I applied a few drops on the back of my hand and went in with a sturdy brush. A little went a long way. The coverage is immediately blurring. Poof! No pores. Poof! No pigmentation marks. The smooth, airbrush-like result is so satisfying — Benefit really meant poreless. Friends and family said my skin looked “filtered” when I had this on.

When it comes to travel, our editors know the value of wearing activewear that moves with us—whether we’re on a long flight, hiking through the mountains, or casually strolling around a new town. Unlike loungewear, which leans toward cozy comfort, our favorite activewear pieces are designed to support a range of activities, from quick workouts to all-day wear. And as editors who are constantly on the go, we’ve learned that athleisure, especially for women, needs to be adaptable—working just as well for a Pilates class as it does for the airport lounge or a coffee run.

From breathable leggings and supportive sports bras to versatile tanks and performance jackets, we’ve found well-made activewear that is just as functional as it is fashionable. Our go-to athletic pieces are designed by top-rated brands we love and trust—to name a few, Athleta, Lululemon, and Vuori—and deliver ultimate comfort without compromising style. Below we’ve gathered the travel-ready athleisure our editors pack on every trip, whether we’re headed on a cross-country flight or a weekend getaway.

Tees and tanks

Outerwear

Leggings and yoga pants

Exercise dresses and skirts

Sports bras

Accessories

The simple framework that makes everything feel sharper, easier, and more like you.

I’ve never considered Primer a “fashion” site. It’s a guide to showing up for yourself and others in a way that feels thoughtful and unforced. Personal style is both who you are and how you enter rooms.

I’ve used the term dressing intentionally, plainly and often, because it signals something deeper: how you show up, how you carry yourself, how you decide what matters. It gets to the root of what personal style is actually all about.

Personal style is one part personal expression of who you are and where you came from and one part a social exercise equivalent to manners and etiquette.

Do you shake someone’s hand and look them in the eye while you smile and introduce yourself? Why? Because we’ve been instructed, as a social exercise, this is what we’re to do.

Do you make an effort to stay off your phone while standing in a group conversation at a networking event? Why? Because we’ve been told we would appear rude if we did.

Our clothing choices are the same kind of social exercise. We wear what we wear to job interviews, weddings, first dates, dive bars, shooting ranges, golf courses, mother’s day dinners, piano recitals, pitch meetings, and jury duty because we’ve all acquired an innate understanding that there are social expectations attached to how we present ourselves in different situations. Whether we want to admit it or not, clothing is cultural fluency. It’s context-aware communication.

And when we avoid that communication, when we shut down and reach for the same three pieces every time not because they’re a uniform, but because we’re stressed, bored, or don’t want to think about it, we’re no longer choosing our message. We’re reacting to the pressure.

Dressing intentionally isn’t about overthinking or obsessing. It’s about thinking at all. Just 90 seconds of consideration, asking a few quick questions before you default to autopilot.

That’s all it takes. This piece breaks down the simple framework I use to do that every day.

Consider where you’re going.

The first step to dressing with purpose is knowing the context. Most of what you’ll wear hinges on practical details:

Are you eating outdoors at a restaurant?

You’ll want a light layer and sunglasses.

Going to a business event?

You might need a blazer, or maybe something more casual, depending on your industry or if it’s a mixer of young professionals.

Heading to a movie theater that’s cold and then dinner afterward?

That might influence your desire to have layers.

My point isn’t just about temperature, it’s about the context.

Once you understand the context, it becomes easier to answer the next question: What kind of impression do you want to make in that setting?

Consider how you want to be perceived.

Personal style is visual communication.

As I’ve said, it’s as much a social exercise as it is a form of personal expression.

Do you want to be perceived as chill and artsy? Refined and elegant? Carefree and bohemian? Rugged and no-nonsense? Playful and attractive?

All of these things can shift, not just based on your personality or general style, but also based on where you’re going and who you’ll be around. I wear all of these archetypes as a part of my own personal style, but it depends on the scenario.

I don’t wear a flowy open shirt with a necklace when I’m visiting my fiancée’s parents, and I don’t wear a tech polo to a birthday party at a poolside bar in August in Los Angeles, but I wear both of those looks in different contexts.

One of the most liberating realizations in personal style is that even if you’re maintaining some consistent aesthetics, you can still choose who you want to be perceived as based on where you’re going.

That freedom actually supports what you feel like wearing rather than restricting it.

Consider how dressy you want to be.

You’ve thought about where you’re going. You’ve considered what you’re doing. You’ve decided how you want to be perceived. Now, within that context, choose how dressed up you want to be.

The setting gives you the range. You pick your spot within it.

It’s a small choice that locks everything else into place

For example, I’ve been to many conferences full of guys in blazers, and there’s always at least one guy wearing a leather jacket with a dress shirt. He’s not out of place, but he is making a statement. His combination of an edgy element with business casual is an intentional choice about how he wants to be seen.

Similarly, I’m often overdressed when I visit my fiancée’s parents because I want to convey competency and respect.

If you’re going on a first date, your personal style becomes a tool: If you’re a buttoned-up office guy, you get to decide if you want to lean into that or intentionally lean away from it to signal something different. Even on casual dates, how put-together you are can communicate social fluency, polish, or intentional nonchalance.

Understanding the context of the event and then tweaking the dressiness level to align with what you want to communicate is essential.

Consider what’s comfortable today.

Then everything starts to fall into place.

Some days, I wear penny loafers when I don’t have to because of what it adds visually.

Other days, I feel like sneakers for comfort even if loafers would be more appropriate, and then adjust the rest of the outfit accordingly. It’s a push-and-pull equation.

You’re balancing variables. Swap a hoodie for a chore coat to elevate it. Swap a dress shirt for a t-shirt under your shawl collar sweater to make it more casual. Swap in chinos for jeans to add classic polish without overdressing.

Comfort isn’t just physical. Sometimes an outfit technically fits but doesn’t feel like you today. If you’re fidgeting or second-guessing a piece all day, that’s useful data. Feeling confident in what you’re wearing is part of being comfortable too.

You’re not stuck choosing between dressing well and feeling comfortable. You get to have both when you understand how to swap in certain pieces to balance the look. That’s the real power of dressing intentionally: it gives you options instead of tradeoffs.

Dressing intentionally means you’ve considered the variables. And this framework helps you know what those variables even are. That’s what gives you freedom, not restriction.

After years of formulating and testing, Phillips’ makeup line, m.ph, will launch at Sephora in August. The collection includes an underpainting palette, cream blush, lip liner, tinted lip balm, and brushes. When Phillips pitched the concept of m.ph to Sephora, she says, they signed on immediately: “At our first meeting with them, they interrupted us and were like, ‘Yes, we want this.'”

Just 120 miles north of Manhattan, the Catskills offer a dreamy escape where nature, history, and artistic soul collide. Rolling farmland, dome-shaped peaks, and postcard-worthy towns set the stage for a region rich in both history and creativity. Scenic hikes lead to hidden swimming holes, roadside farm stands spill over with local produce, and the coziest diners serve up hearty, seasonal fare. In winter, slopes at Windham and Hunter lure skiers in; whereas summer plans call for exploring streams and trails, inviting lazy afternoons and wildflower walks.

From Woodstock to Phoenicia, each town offers its own flavor, with colorful streets, farm-to-table restaurants, and a laid-back but cheerful vibe. Long a magnet for artists and free spirits—Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, and Mark Twain, to name a few—the region still buzzes with a creative pull (now, of course, just more contemporary). The dynamic blend of creative urban transplants and nature lovers has amped up the region’s ever-growing innovation. And today, chic lodges, hotels, and Airbnbs nestle into colorfully restored villages, while boutique shops and contemporary galleries showcase a vibrant presence of local talent. The Catskills’ charm is undeniable, with its mix of culture, adventure, and natural wonder. Read on for where to eat, stay, and play when you’re headed this way.

FAQ:

Where to eat

The Catskills’ culinary revolution has unfolded over the past decade, marked by innovative pairings between local farmers and restaurateurs that result in vibrant and delicious dining. In Livingston Manor, this partnership is exemplified at Kaatskeller, where wood-fired pizzas feature locally sourced ingredients amidst a lively garden atmosphere. Milkweed offers sustainable vegan gelato, showcasing the region’s commitment to ethical dining practices and farm-to-table freshness. The Walk-In embodies this revolution with its casual, locally inspired dishes, celebrating the close-knit community of farmers and chefs. Meanwhile, The DeBruce in Livingston Manor blends James Beard acclaim with a menu that highlights the best of Catskills produce. Near Hunter Mountain, the iconic, old-school Phoenicia Diner is a staple from the early 80s that offers mouthwatering comfort food.

Hotels, too, carry the region’s tradition with hearty fare crafted from locally sourced ingredients: Tannersville’s Hotel Lilien reflects the region’s commitment to sustainable, delicious, and vibe-y dining experiences. In Callicoon, the Seminary Hill (and especially its Tasting Room) features a seasonal menu that showcases the bounty of the Delaware River Valley, inviting diners to savor flavors deeply rooted in the Catskills’ agricultural heritage.

Kenoza Hall

Lawrence Braun

Where to stay

The region’s reimagined historic hotels meet the creative spirit of artists, with purpose-driven design bringing each space to life alongside sweeping nature. Whether you want to be nestled in the lush green mountains or situated just outside one of the Catskills’ charming towns, you can truly bask within (and take advantage of) the ultimate upstate getaway in these local hotels—or, of course, you can also camp (say, along the Esopus Creek), or explore many of the fabulous Airbnbs in the area (below, a few for your inspiration).

In the up-and-coming town of Narrowsburg, Blue Fox Motel is a mom-and-pop-owned gem that combines rustic cabin charm with groovy tunes and swanky cocktails in a unique dining and bar area. For a romantic stay with gazebos and themed dinners, Kenoza Hall is a historic gabled Victorian in Sullivan County on the quieter grounds in the western Catskills. Nearby, the Chatwal Lodge and Chapin Estate sit not far from the Monticello Raceway, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, and the site of the original Woodstock festival. (It’s a dream for family stays.) As for upscale cabins with thoughtful service and a top-tier Mexican restaurant, Camptown in Leeds is a destination in and of itself.

For design-forward hotel lovers, seek out Inness for a rich marriage of Scandinavian-chic and rustic Americana. The property is on a gentle hill up a quiet country road—located just outside of Accord. Or, in Tannersville, you mustn’t miss a stay at the colorful and rustic Hotel Lilien. With modern touches juxtaposed by Victorian charm, the inn-like property offers a cozy yet trendy cocktail bar and proximity to Hunter Mountain, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure. If you’re looking for a quintessential lodge stay, head to Scribner’s Catskill Lodge right across the highway from Hunter.

Recommended listening: “Nuevayol.” La Disquera once served as the San Juan office for Fania Records, the pioneering salsa label founded in New York City—the city Bad Bunny sings about in the namesake song (with a fabulous sample of salsa hit “Un Verano en Nueva York”). At El Choli, keep an eye open for a pop-up of Toñitas, the iconic Boricua bar in Brooklyn that he name checks in the song.

La Factoría cocktail bar

A day tour of Old San Juan is practically mandatory for any first-time visitor; but stay a little while after dark to see it come alive. La Factoría is famed for its crafty cocktails, as well as the labyrinthine setup of the space. There are multiple rooms to peruse, each with its own style of music and dance; in the largest, you’ll find locals and visitors mingling on the dance floor to salsa, merengue, and bachata, while other rooms offer electronic music and reggaetón on the weekends. There’s even a special enclave for the lovers and the introverts, who may appreciate the intimacy of a low-lit and low-volume space.

Recommending listening: “Baile Inolvidable.” There are no salsa dance classes to be found here—just feel the rhythm and find your own way.

Lala restaurant

Trip to the mall, anyone? Beyond the Nordstrom and Tiffany’s, inside the ritzy Mall of San Juan is an upscale Puerto Rican dining experience worth the hype. Partially owned by Bad Bunny and his manager, Noah Assad, the picturesque restaurant boasts a globetrotting experience encapsulated in its menu. It’s ideal for those traveling in groups with conflicting palettes; at Lala, one friend’s craving for pan-fried gyoza and hamachi can peacefully co-exist with another’s hankering for sweet corn agnolotti.

Recommended listening: “Perfumito Nuevo.” Be like Bad Bunny’s co-star RaiNao—get dressy, try out that new perfume you just bought.

Manzana de Java restaurant

“We believe that Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, have more in common with Southeast Asia than people think,” says Juan Camilo Becerra, manager of Manzana de Java: an Antillean-meets-Asian fusion kitchen, located two blocks south of the Playa del Pueblo. Repurposed from an old ramen shop, this one-of-a-kind restaurant fashions tapas from the intersections of two tropical regions. Highlights from the menu include ceviche served in a cacao pod, lionfish chicharrones served with a green curry aioli, and a goat meat fricasse with tamarind and cashews.

Recommended listening: “Voy a Llevarte a PR.” Much like the song, which Bad Bunny dedicates to a faraway love interest, Manzana de Java is both sweet and spicy.

La Placita de Santurce

What appears to be a farmer’s market during the week transforms into a full-on bacchanal on the weekends. Nestled in the neighborhood of Santurce, this plaza is lined with bars blasting reggaetón—and the people spilling out of them to dance in the cobblestone streets. Start your night with Caribbean snacks at Jungle Bird and roam as you wish. On one block, you’ll find whole families singing karaoke outdoors; around the corner, you’ll see old men drinking beer, playing dominoes, and watching salsa videos on a big-screen TV. There’s also an abundance of murals to take drunken photos with, including a special Bad Bunny portrait celebrating his role in Puerto Rican music and culture.

Recommended listening: “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” This is Puerto Rico at its best; in music, food and community.

There’s something about the combination of pink and red that’ll always stand out, and this manicure is no different. Each nail on this manicure, created by Hadley Dunn, has an epic amount of detail with a tiny chrome sardine tin, blooming gel flower, and blue striped detail. The best part is that, alongside the sardines, you’ll find perhaps the cutest shrimp and lobster we’ve ever seen. 

When you picture an American tourist in Europe, a certain cliché is bound to spring to mind. Perhaps you envision a loud, bumbling traveler in a large tour group, who doesn’t attempt to adhere to cultural customs or speak the local language, and who is impatient at tourist attractions and restaurants.

But do these stereotypes actually have any truth to them? Or are they outdated tropes that don’t represent the majority of US travelers? A new study is shedding light on the matter.

To get to the bottom of how Europeans really see American travelers, Upgraded Points surveyed more than 2,200 people across 22 European countries on their general view of US tourists. The travel credit card advice site also asked Europeans whether recent political events impacted their opinions. For comparison, they also surveyed 1,000 American travelers on their views of the typical US tourist.

How Europeans really see American tourists

On the whole, Americans actually had a much harsher view of themselves as tourists than the European respondents did. “Americans often assume the worst about how they come off, while Europeans see a more balanced, though definitely still loud, picture,” the study said.

Indeed, the one matter on which both groups agreed was that American travelers can be loud: 70% of Europeans said loudness was a typical trait of US tourists, while 69% of Americans agreed.

But volume aside, Europeans had quite a favorable view of US tourists, with 64% of European respondents saying US travelers are friendly (compared to just 44% of Americans who agreed), and 46% saying US tourists are curious (with only 31% of Americans saying the same thing about themselves).

When it came to less endearing qualities, American respondents were much more likely to view themselves in a negative light than Europeans. More than half of Americans said that US tourists are arrogant (53%) compared to just 27% of Europeans. Likewise, 40% of Americans said that US travelers are rude, while only 12% of Europeans agreed.

When it comes to some of those aforementioned stereotypes, some Europeans do believe at least a few to be true. For example, 61% said US tourists think everyone in Europe speaks English, while 30% said Americans often ignore local customs.

Where do Americans annoy European locals the most?

The survey also identified the European countries that are most and least annoyed with American tourists. Among the most annoyed countries are Portugal (with 18.8% of respondents saying they’re annoyed by US travelers), Belgium (18.3%), Ireland (17.4%), Netherlands (14.9%), and Denmark (14.8%).

The countries where respondents said they are the least annoyed by American tourists include Poland, where just 7% of survey participants said they found American tourists annoying, Spain (7.8%), the UK (8.8%), Greece (8.8%), and Latvia (9.6%).

The European countries that welcome Americans

The report also examined which European countries saw themselves as most and least welcoming to US travelers. Belgium was named the most welcoming country for Americans, with just 1.9% of participants saying that their nation is unwelcoming to American tourists. Belgium’s warm hospitality was closely followed by Italy (2%), Estonia (3%), Netherlands (3%), Finland (3%), and Poland (3%).

From easy upgrades to refined essentials, these sale picks punch well above their price without looking like you raided the clearance rack.

There are three summer sales going on right now and they each offer a shot at picking up some higher-price-point items at a relatively deep discount. Some of these are premium pieces at a much lower relative price than you’d usually find them, others are staple items that come in around your typical Gap non-sale price. Both are smart ways to improve the quality of your wardrobe through sales.

I’ve pulled together some standout pieces worth checking out, along with quick thoughts on why each one hits. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of refinement to your weekend rotation or want one great piece that does a lot of heavy lifting, there’s something here worth a spot in your closet.

Huckberry

Annual summer sale

Linen Jam Pant, $49 $80

Currently has all sizes available and is available in a tan and olive green color. Very much like the pair that I recently picked up from Gap, which is just like a loose linen cotton blend pant with a drawstring, and I’ve been wearing mine non-stop. I love it for casual outfits. It’s so easy to dress up and these aren’t like joggers. You can absolutely wear a camp collar polo or button up with it and look super cool in the summer. They’re very breezy.

Relaxed Knit Polo, $49 $70

It’s 100% cotton and has a retro vibe to it, but in a very subtle, nondescript way that doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a costume.

Block Print Camp Collar Shirt, $73 $98

I actually picked this up a couple weeks ago on Amazon, which you can get there on sale also. It is a block print shirt made by hand, so every shirt has its own unique pattern and inconsistencies. It’s made of 100% cotton in India using traditional craftsmanship, and I just like the pattern on it. It’s both retro, kind of bohemian, and modern. I’ve worn it a lot.

The Fatigue Pant, $166 $238

We’ve talked a lot about the OG 107 pants, which are military fatigue pants from the mid-20th century, pre the introduction of camo. They’re characterized by textured cotton fabric and externally sewn patch pockets on the front and back. I like them because they’re super comfortable and easy to wear and pair with any kind of style, and practically speaking, they read more casual than chinos. It’s a great alternative to throw into your wardrobe. Best yet, these are made in USA

Todd Snyder

Barbour Highfield Waxed Jacket, $359.20 $590

Barbour jackets are legendary; they really set the name for waxed jackets. They’re one of the originals, and this one is no different. This style is a little shorter than traditional offerings, so that may be more approachable for some readers.

Barbour OS Peached Bedale Jacket, $319.20 $529

$130 off and has an extra 20% off, so it’s quite a good deal. The Bedale is one of the go-to’s for people that love Barbour. It’s more of the traditional style of their jacket. This one is made from peached cotton and then waxed, which gives it a “peach-like” texture. The Bedale was first released in 1980, and in the navy color with tartan interior, it represents a true classic outerwear option.

Barbour Transport Jacket, $239.20 $380

It is a waist-length take with a cropped fit, and there are modern touches like a hidden pocket in the placket. The Transport is designed to be a warmer weather version of Barber’s iconic jackets.

7″ Cotton Linen Hudson Short, $59.20 $148

I love an extended tab waist and a button coin pocket on chinos and shorts. I just think it’s two little details that elevate these items into a more refined territory. When paired with your normal casual items or more dressy items, it allows you to have this dressed up appearance without being dressed up. These have a 59% cotton, 41% linen blend, so you’ll get that great summer texture, but the cotton will keep them from being wrinkle nightmares.

Italian Seersucker Trouser, $67.20 $268

These are incredibly cheap for what they are. If they had my size, I would get these. These are Italian seersucker and feature an extended tab waist. These are great summer dress pants from an expensive brand. Essentially dress pants made from an Italian mill and made in Portugal. Great find.

Straight Fit Tab Chino, $75.20 $198

I am really struggling not pulling the trigger on these. These are a straight fit and they have that extended waist tab…and it’s very extended, which is the only reason I’m personally not buying them. If you’re looking to get a very Italian or European style trouser for almost next to nothing compared to what they cost originally, these are an amazing buy. Sort of kicking myself for not getting them.

Cropped Silk Cotton Sweater Polo, $115.20 $298

It’s in a black stripe and feels both retro and contemporary. The crazy part is that it’s 55% silk and 45% cotton, so this is very soft and luxurious and will drape really nicely. It will easily be your new favorite shirt in summer. Especially if you’re looking for something that’s a little casual but still kind of put together for going out or wearing under a blazer.

J.Crew

Johnny Collar Sweater Polo, $41.99 $98

This has a thick, almost overly exaggerated pique polo texture, and with the buttonless Johnny collar and it’s relaxed fit, it feels wonderfully from a different time and completely current. You wear it with a pair of light wash jeans like the model is and you’re good to go.

Pier Pant, $44.50 $118

Very similar to the other pants from Huckberry that I mentioned and the Gap pair that I picked up that are out of stock now. These are available in all sizes currently and are only $45. So it’s such an easy buy. You can see in the product photo he’s wearing them with dressier loafers and it works.

7″ linen short, $24.29 $89.50

It’s got the similar coin pocket like the Todd Snyder’s but with a normal button waist and it features a subtle blue-gray striped pattern, which is great to pair with other summer minimalist staples to get just a little bit of texture into your outfit and visual interest. These are 70% off right now and available in a lot of sizes. Pretty crazy.

Textured Hooded Sweater, $32.99 $69.50

I’ve previously featured sweater hoodies as kind of an easy way of upgrading a hoodie outfit. This one’s basically free right now.

Textured Hooded Sweater, $32.99 $69.50

Just begging to be worn with shorts to a beach bonfire.

Wallace & Barnes Lightweight Canvas Work Jacket, $104.99 $218

An awesome pull for a lightweight layer. Feels very classic workwear and I’ve always liked the Wallace and Barnes line, a little higher quality than mainline J.Crew.

NuBuck Leather Flip Flops, $18.59 $69

Available in a few sizes but they are 70% off right now, so if you need some for vacation, now’s your chance.

6″ Swim Trunk, $19.19 $79.50

Such a cool vintage inspired swim option that you can wear with a shirt out to dinner, no problem. Just a very cool looking pair of shorts that belong on the coast somewhere.