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If you’re chronically online, you’ve probably heard of “dark showers”. If not, they’re exactly what they sound like: showering with the overhead lights off or dimmed. Using just one soft, moody light source has drawn considerable talk online as a way to boost mood and lower stress while showering—the perfect ending to a long day.
It sounds pretty straightforward, but what do experts think of the trend? “If a dark shower helps someone relax and reduce stress levels, that can support healthier skin over time. This may translate to fewer stress-related flares, improved barrier function, and better overall skin resilience,” explains New York-based dermatologistDr. Brianna Olamiju, MD. “While the lighting itself isn’t therapeutic, the stress reduction component absolutely matters in dermatology.” She notes that stress is a well-established trigger for many skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and chronic hives. “Elevated stress increases cortisol and inflammatory signaling in the body, which can worsen breakouts, delay barrier repair, and provoke flares,” she adds.
But while the time in the tub can be calming to the nervous system, dermatologists do make a subtle warning to showerers.
“In very low light or darkness, people may be more likely to miss areas when cleansing (such as the back, underarms, or behind the ears) or to exfoliate unevenly or too aggressively without visual cues. This can be relevant for individuals with acne-prone skin, folliculitis, or conditions like keratosis pilaris,” says Dr. Olamiju. She also notes that dim showers may make noticing skin changes, like new rashes or signs of infection, a bit harder (and thus may make these discoveries easier to overlook until symptoms worsen).
“I generally advise patients that if they enjoy dark showers for relaxation, they should balance that with practical skin care habits: avoid overly hot water, keep showers short, cleanse gently, moisturize immediately afterward, and do periodic full-body skin checks in good lighting,” says Dr. Olamiju. In other words, think of dark showers as a wellness ritual—not a replacement for attentive skin care.
Dying to hop in the tub and put this whole dark shower trend to the test? Ahead, find some of the best products for your new, buzzy wellness routine.
Native Body Wash in Cashmere and Rain
Native’s Cashmere and Rain body wash
is a cozy-clean crowd-pleaser, with a soft, comforting scent that feels especially soothing in a low-light, wind-down shower. The gentle, sulfate-free formula lathers well without needing bright lights or mirrors—perfect for an intentional, sensory-first rinse.
Salt & Stone Body Lotion in Bergamot & Hinoki
Salt & Stone’s Bergamot & Hinoki body lotion
pairs fast-absorbing hydration with a serene, spa-like scent of citrus and wood that feels especially indulgent after a low-light shower. Infused with seaweed extracts, niacinamide, and plant-derived oils to help soothe and strengthen your skin’s barrier, it dries down silky soft without feeling heavy.
Method Pure Peace Body Wash Bar (2 bars)
On Sale 42% off
Method’s Pure Peace body wash bar
brings a soft, floral escape with notes of water and peonies, perfect for unwinding in a dimly lit shower. Its gentle formula cleanses without stripping, allowing your skin to feel calm and nourished even in low light.
Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub
The subtle geranium and citrus scent of Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Scrub
turns even a dark shower into a mindful, spa-like moment. It pairs fine pumice and sugar crystals with botanicals for an exfoliating ritual that’s both tactile and aromatic.
Rael Collagen + PDRN Mask
Rael’s Collagen + PDRN Mask
delivers a boost of hydration and plumping power to stressed skin, and it’s the perfect post-shower self-care ritual step. The face mask’s hydrogel texture clings gently, letting your complexion soak in the glow.
CYKLAR Vitamin C Body Oil in Vanilla Verve
It’s more than just a viral body oil—CYKLAR’s Vitamin C Body Oil in Vanilla Verve
works and smells great. The oil combines brightening, antioxidant-rich vitamin C with nourishing oils for silky-soft skin. Its warm, vanilla scent enhances a calm, dim-shower mood while locking in moisture.
Summer Fridays Lip Balm in Vanilla
Summer Fridays’ Vanilla Lip Balm
is a rich, hydrating treat for lips that can get neglected in the dark. With a buttery texture and subtle scent, it’s an amazing finishing touch to a low-light shower routine.
PHLUR Father Figure Natural Deodorant
PHLUR’s Father Figure deodorant
blends natural ingredients with a soft vanilla-wood scent that’s understated yet comforting. Its clean, effective formula keeps you fresh without needing bright lights to double-check coverage.
Gillette Venus ComfortGlide
On Sale 6% off
Don’t mess with a classic. Gillette Venus ComfortGlide razors
make quick work of shaving in low light, thanks to their smooth, pivoting blades. The moisture strip ensures a glide that feels soft and protected even without full visibility or shaving cream.
Oribe Gold Lust Shampoo and Conditioner
Oribe’s Gold Lust duo
transforms shower hair care into a luxurious, aromatic experience, even in the faintest light. Rich botanicals and silk proteins repair and restore while enveloping hair in the brand’s signature, soothing scent.
Editor’s Note: “I just started using these two products together, and wow, my locks have never felt softer (that’s saying a lot since I’ve tested quite a few shampoos and conditioners over the years). I also love the fragrance—it smells like it’s straight from the salon. The ingredients and scent make me feel like I’m truly treating my hair to all the good stuff.”—Katie Decker-Jacoby, Commerce Editor
TikTok’s music influence hit an all-time high in 2025. All year long, a steady stream of new tracks exploded into viral trends, defining the sound of a generation. Fresh releases found second lives as dance challenges, meme soundtracks, and emotional anthems for millions of people.
It was a year where a single catchy hook or heartfelt lyric could spark a global movement overnight. From tear-jerking ballads to high-energy bops, TikTok’s community turned songs into cultural moments. The platform’s trends shaped what we listened to, proving once again that the For You page doubles as 2025’s hottest music chart!
1. ‘Ordinary’ — Alex Warren
The not-so-ordinary love anthem of 2025.
It’s ironic how a song called ‘Ordinary’ became the year’s most extraordinary viral hit. Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ started as a tender love ballad he wrote for his wife, but TikTok sent it stratospheric. The track’s earnest lyrics about everyday romance struck a chord in countless relationship montages across the app. By summer, you couldn’t scroll your feed without hitting a heartfelt video of couples, friends, or even pets set to Warren’s soaring chorus. The song’s universality, “the angels up in the clouds are jealous,” he croons made it the perfect soundtrack for love in 2025.
Its popularity was unparalleled: ‘Ordinary’ topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten straight weeks, fueled by millions of TikToks using its chorus as an audio backdrop. Warren, a former content creator himself, clearly understood TikTok’s pulse. We embraced him as 2025’s patron saint of sappy romance, while skeptics jokingly wondered how a YouTuber-turned-singer quietly dominated the charts. Love it or not, ‘Ordinary’ became the defining sound of young love this year: a wedding-worthy earworm that turned our feeds into one giant lovefest!
The soulful slow-burn that TikTok turned into a global cry-fest.
Leave it to TikTok to catapult an R&B sleeper hit into the spotlight. Ravyn Lenae’s ‘Love Me Not’ dropped with a dreamy blend of retro-pop and indie vibes, but it truly caught fire when a creative TikToker mashed it up with Solange’s ‘Losing You.’ That unexpected mash-up became pure viral gold. Suddenly, ‘Love Me Not’ was the soundtrack to thousands of bittersweet montages: late-night drives, rain-soaked selfies, and “will they/won’t they” romance memes galore. The song’s chorus, an emotional tug-of-war of love and longing, had a way of making even silly videos feel touching.
TikTok’s Gen Z users turned Lenae’s heartfelt lyrics into a communal outpouring of feels, spawning a trend where creators shared stories of almost-relationships and unrequited crushes with the song swelling in the background. The emotional resonance was real: by mid-year, ‘Love Me Not’ had earned Lenae her first-ever spot on the Billboard Hot 100, cracking the top 25. Culturally, it hit that sweet spot between nostalgia and now. Here was a young R&B artist channeling vintage soul, and a new generation was crying and vibing in unison. In 2025, ‘Love Me Not’ proved that a TikTok trend can transform a slow-burn song into a worldwide cathartic sing-along.
TikTok has seen its share of dance trends, but this year, a handshake trend stole the show, all thanks to PinkPantheress’s ‘Illegal.’ The UK alt-pop sensation dropped ‘Illegal’ as a quirky, electronic-infused single, and it quickly fueled the global “Is this illegal?” handshake challenge. Besties everywhere learned the syncopated secret handshake (set perfectly to PinkPantheress’s hypnotic beat) and flooded TikTok with videos showing off their newfound duo skills. The trend’s wholesome twist, celebrating friendship and borderline mischief, resonated across cultures. From high school hallways in the US to friend groups in Tokyo, everyone was bonding over this track!
With over 3.7 million TikTok creations and counting, ‘Illegal’ became the friendship anthem of 2025. It even earned PinkPantheress her second appearance on the Hot 100, proving the song’s impact beyond the app. Emotionally, ‘Illegal’ struck a chord by tapping into that giddy, rebellious energy of doing something silly with your BFF. In a year when online trends often felt divisive, this one brought people together… one elaborate handshake at a time. PinkPantheress’s airy vocals and the track’s tongue-in-cheek title made it irresistibly memeable. ‘Illegal’ wasn’t just a viral song; it became a secret handshake that united everyone around the world (even celebrities).
The DIY glow-up jam that had everyone transforming.
Emerging Atlanta rapper BunnaB unleashed pure TikTok lightning with ‘Mad Again,’ a high-energy track that went from underground to unavoidable. How did it blow up? Two words: transformation videos. Creators on TikTok seized ‘Mad Again’ as the go-to soundtrack for their before-and-after glow-ups; think makeup transitions, room makeovers, and dramatic hair-dye reveals synced to the beat drop. The result? An explosion of ultra-satisfying content, each clip more addictive than the last. The song’s bold, confident hook also inspired a surprise secondary trend: a sign language challenge. Creators who are deaf and allies translated ‘Mad Again’ into expressive ASL performances, showcasing inclusivity in a way TikTok hadn’t seen before!
This one-two punch of visual trends launched ‘Mad Again’ into the viral stratosphere. By summertime, millions of TikToks featured the track, and BunnaB found herself with a breakout hit on her hands. The cultural resonance was big: here was a fierce female rapper (yep, BunnaB’s a woman killing it in a male-dominated scene) whose song empowered people to show off their transformations and personal growth. The track’s pounding bass and sassy lyrics became synonymous with confidence and change in 2025. If you flipped your look or your outlook this year, chances are ‘Mad Again’ was playing in the background, hyping you up for that reveal.
The K-Pop fantasy banger that blurred fiction and reality.
When a fictional K-Pop band from an animated film scores a real-life hit, you know TikTok is involved. ‘Golden’ by HUNTR/X, a glossy K-Pop/R&B hybrid track from the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, transcended the screen and took on a life of its own. TikTok users globally couldn’t resist its charm. Multiple dance trends popped up, inspired by the movie’s choreography and the song’s impossible-not-to-dance hook. From teens showing off K-Pop moves to dads and kids dancing together after family movie night, ‘Golden’ turned into a cross-generational phenomenon. The track’s signature high note became a viral challenge in itself, with singers (and plenty of non-singers) attempting to nail it on camera.
Within days of the film’s release, ‘Golden’ was dominating not just TikTok but also Spotify and YouTube charts! A collaboration featuring real artists Audrey Nuna and EJAE, the song blurred the line between fiction and reality… and we ate it up. Creators used it for everything from outfit glow-up videos to celebratory montages, because its uplifting vibe instantly boosted any content. Emotionally, ‘Golden’ hit that feel-good spot; it’s joyous, inclusive, and just meta enough (a fictional band trending in real life!) to feel like a moment in pop culture history. By year’s end, HUNTR/X’s debut bop proved that in 2025, even cartoon pop stars can top the charts with a little help from TikTok.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT K-POP DEMON HUNTERS: INSTAGRAM
6. ‘DtMF’ — Bad Bunny
The Puerto Rican heartbreak anthem that had TikTok in tears.
In a year full of bops, Bad Bunny reminded everyone that a soft, nostalgic ballad can still rule TikTok. ‘DtMF,’ shorthand for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I should’ve taken more photos”), emerged as the most unexpectedly emotional viral trend of 2025. The song’s lyrics, where Bad Bunny laments not capturing enough memories with a lost loved one, struck a universal nerve. TikTokers began using ‘DtMF’ to soundtrack tribute videos, sharing personal montages of grandparents, parents, pets, and friends they’d lost. Suddenly, our feeds were filled with cherished snapshots and clips, each one more heart-tugging than the last. The trend became a communal space to grieve and celebrate life: a rare, tender moment on the internet.
Even Bad Bunny himself couldn’t stay dry-eyed: he posted a TikTok reacting to fans’ tributes, tears streaming as he watched their stories. That raw connection fueled ‘DtMF’ to juggernaut status. It quickly became the most-streamed song off his new album and climbed into TikTok’s top sounds. Culturally, the impact was huge! At a time when social media often feels shallow, this trend had millions openly discussing love and loss. Users commented about calling their abuela or saving more pictures; proof of music turning reflection into action. By blending Bad Bunny’s star power with genuine fan storytelling, ‘DtMF’ turned TikTok into a platform for healing in 2025. Grab the tissues…this one will be remembered as the song that made the internet collectively cry (in a good way).
The cheeky pop blockbuster that had everyone knocking on wood.
Leave it to Taylor Swift to drop a song so provocatively fun that TikTok couldn’t help but blush… and dance. ‘Wood,’ a standout track from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, is arguably Taylor’s most ahem adult song to date. Fueled by innuendo about her beau’s “new heights of manhood” and a tongue-in-cheek “I ain’t got to knock on wood” hook, the song set the internet abuzz from day one. TikTokers wasted no time spinning it into a viral knock-on-wood dance challenge, complete with a playful tap-tap gesture on the lyric cue. Suddenly, everyone from college kids to actual carpenters (seriously) were posting videos, playfully knocking on tables, doors, and yes, wooden boards in sync with Taylor’s sultry chorus.
The trend’s humor and boldness felt so 2025: a celebration of owning one’s sexuality and having a laugh about it. Culturally, ‘Wood’ resonated as part of the Taylor-Travis Kelce love story that pop culture obsessively followed. Fans gushed that Swift seemed happier and more empowered than ever, and they channeled that energy into TikTok skits quoting her spicy lyrics. Swifties turned cheeky lines into captions (cue the magic wand jokes) and shared their shock-and-delight reactions to Taylor’s bold new era. By dominating conversation and spawning countless memes, ‘Wood’ proved that a well-crafted pop song can be both a chart-topper and a TikTok trendsetter! Taylor gave 2025 a song equal parts sexy and playful, and we said amen.
Gen Z’s existential pop mood, wrapped in a TikTok trend.
Jessie Murph delivered a late-year viral gem with ‘Certain Kind of Love,’ a song that turned one candid lyric into a TikTok catchphrase. The track’s pop-rock energy is amazing on its own, but it was the line “I don’t see a world where I turn 25” that set off a firestorm. Young TikTokers seized on those words, half-joking and half-emoting about the classic quarter-life crisis feels. In a trend equal parts dark humor and heartfelt yearning, creators would lip-sync that lyric and showcase their wildest dreams or chaotic life plans before the dreaded 25th birthday. Others made vision board-style videos, proclaiming they will see 25, complete with images of future goals, as Jessie’s anthem blared in the background.
The dual interpretations made the trend fascinating: some played it for laughs (“YOLO, who needs 26?”) while others found motivation in it. Either way, Murph’s raw, youthful vocals became the sound of Gen Z’s hopes and fears in 2025. The song itself, with its sparkling production and emo-pop vibe, resonated emotionally because it encapsulates that in-between feeling of being young and uncertain about the future. Culturally, ‘Certain Kind of Love’ gave voice to a generation’s anxiety, and did it in a way that was oddly uplifting. As the song climbed streaming charts (buoyed by TikTok exposure), it proved that sometimes one powerful lyric is all it takes to spark a movement. Jessie Murph went from a rising singer to the patron saint of “live in the moment” youth, and we couldn’t stop humming along!
The animated movie’s OST that had everyone doing the Shakira shimmy.
If you thought soundtracks were safe from TikTok’s grasp, think again. Shakira’s ‘Zoo,’ from Disney’s Zootopia 2, pounced onto the scene and immediately took over TikTok. With its signature Shakira bounce and irresistible rhythm, ‘Zoo’ has that universal appeal that makes people nod along…or better yet, jump up to mimic her moves. As the film hit cinemas, TikTok was flooded with clips of fans attempting the ‘Zoo’ dance. From expertly choreographed renditions to adorably clumsy first tries, creators worldwide got in on the fun. One day you’d see a Colombian dance crew nailing Shakira’s hip drops; the next, a suburban dad giving it his best shot in the living room. The hashtag #ZooDance trended in multiple countries as Shakira’s track united all ages in a celebratory shimmy.
Culturally, this song’s virality was a real full-circle moment: Shakira had given us a TikTok smash back in 2016 with ‘Try Everything,’ and here she was again, reminding us she’s still the queen of soundtrack pop. The emotional uplift of ‘Zoo’ was impossible to resist; it’s pure joy in musical form, arriving just when 2025 needed it. TikTok users used the song not only for dance challenges but to soundtrack zoo outings (of course), fitness routines, and any content needing a jolt of fun energy. Shakira even interacted with fans doing the challenge, further fueling the hype. By year’s end, ‘Zoo’ wasn’t just a song from a movie; it was a global TikTok party. When Shakira yells “Come on, get on up” in the chorus, you best believe millions are dancing like animated animals set free!
The hype rap bop that brought mosh-pit energy to our feeds.
Every year needs a no-holds-barred banger, and in 2025, it was ‘Whim Whamiee.’ This collab between rappers Pluto & YK Niece came out of left field and promptly took over TikTok with its chaotic, high-octane vibe. The track itself is two minutes of pure adrenaline, and TikTokers treated it like a rallying cry. Dance crews, gym rats, and party-goers all jumped on a trend of showcasing insane energy whenever ‘Whim Whamiee’ played. We’re talking college students turning dorm halls into impromptu mosh pits and choreographers bringing full-out hip-hop routines to the app. The song’s rapid-fire lyrics turned into a lip-sync challenge only the bold (or breathless) would attempt, while its bass drops fueled countless “hype me up” memes.
By mid-summer, ‘Whim Whamiee’ had the whole platform on its feet (literally). The frenzy propelled the song to #5 on TikTok’s own summer chart in the US, and its popularity spilled over to streaming services. Perhaps the biggest sign of its impact? Two of music’s heavy hitters, Lizzo and Sexyy Red, jumped on official remixes, dropping their own verses to ride the wave. We went wild at the co-sign: seeing A-listers vibing to a TikTok-made hit felt like vindication for internet culture. ‘Whim Whamiee’ resonated because it was pure fun: a little unhinged, a lot catchy, and totally participatory! In a year where many viral songs tugged at our heartstrings, this one was all about letting loose. It turned TikTok into a virtual nightclub where anyone could be the life of the party. And if you ask us, Pluto and YK Niece won 2025’s award for the most insane glow-up; from obscurity to everybody’s hype soundtrack, no VIP pass needed!
Who says you have to wait until the new year to make a resolution or change in habits?The latest social media trend on TikTok and Instagram, dubbed the “Great Lock In,” kicked off September 1 and is all about finishing out the year strong by becoming laser-focused on a personal goal now.That goal could be financial, health-related, a possible big move or something else entirely.And if tightening up your fitness or wellness regime before the holidays is on your to-do list, experts say it’s not too late to start.The phrase Great Lock In is a nod to Gen Z slang, which uses the term “lock in” or “locked in” to indicate certainty or commitment to whatever the cause may be.For Hannah M. Le, 27, seeing the trend go viral on TikTok was the impetus for deciding to increase her cardio and strength training goals for the rest of the year. The founder of Buckle Scrunchies who lives in New York City said she started her Great Lock In on September 8 with a goal of adding more reps to her strength training routine every week as well as increasing her pace on runs.Le said she’s never been fond of adhering to rules but has so far found the Great Lock In useful in meeting her goals.”What’s helping me with the Great Lock In is my friends who are either joining me or interested in hearing more about my journey,” she said. “I consider them to be my accountability partners, and I tell them my workout schedule throughout the week as a commitment device.”Locking inThe trend’s social component is a big part of what’s driving people to try the Great Lock In, said Katy Milkman, the James G. Dinan Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and author of “How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.”People sometimes need a bit of extra motivation to get focused when it comes to kick-starting healthy habits, said Milkman, who is partnering with CNN on a 30-day wellness challenge that gives readers the option to participate in a daily quiz to gather research about such habits.”‘Everybody else is doing it’ is one of the most motivating ways to get people to change their behavior,” Milkman said. “They look around and say, ‘It’s a trend, I don’t want to miss out.’”New Year’s resolutions work in the same way as the Great Lock In. Both motivate people with a temporal marker, she added, but motivation on its own is not enough to meet goals.”When you have a goal, you can’t just be like, ‘I’m going do it. There it is, and then I’ll push myself through,’” she said.Research shows it’s much more effective if you use different strategies that have been proven to work. “Everything from breaking down big goals into component parts, having someone else who you’re pursuing your goals with in tandem and finding ways to make it fun to pursue your goals so that you enjoy the process instead of dreading it,” Milkman said.Le has a tactic she said works for her — putting less pressure on herself to make her goals and reminding herself instead of why it’s important to do so.”I tell myself, ‘I don’t have to do anything, but I get to do everything,’” she said. “Getting stronger and faster is a way for me to continue doing the activities I want to do for the rest of my life, especially as ski season comes around.”There’s no time like nowOne of the good things about the Great Lock In, wellness speaker Mona Sharma said, is that it’s a way for people to commit that feels very personalized.”We’ve had a really volatile few years, and people want agency and structures that they can do at home,” Sharma said. “And a three- to four-month window feels really, really doable and motivating, instead of the pressure of January.”Cooler weather this time of year combined with people naturally spending more time at home might also help serve as motivation to reach a goal, she said.”The Great Lock In is about turning that natural slowdown into a season of, really, self-investment,” Sharma said.People who will have success with the Great Lock In will focus on the value of what they’re doing, Sharma said, rather than obsessing over things such as numbers on a scale.But she warned that the Great Lock In should be approached with an air of caution — especially for those who are under stress or tend to be hypervigilant, as it might be an opportunity to hide behind being busy instead of feeling balanced.”If you’re somebody who’s already living in isolation, somebody who has so many all-or-nothing rules, somebody who’s living with chronic anxiety, who’s already not sleeping well, somebody who’s going to step into this mode of doing … that could be also a great setback,” she said.People attempting the Great Lock In should focus on what makes their goals enjoyable so they’re not dreading the process, Milkman said. And they should also take advice that arrives via social media with a healthy dose of skepticism.”Try to actually look for some of the evidence-based strategies that help people achieve success, as opposed to just whatever person pops up on your TikTok feed and what they’re saying,” she said. “Most of that is one person’s advice based on their life experience, rather than scientifically validated.”And while the social media challenge might have started September 1, it’s never too late to try the Great Lock In — or try making any change, for that matter — if you think it could help you reach your goals.Just be sure you’re being realistic about them, Milkman said.”Make sure it’s a reasonable, bite-sized, daily or weekly goal that sums up to an outcome you’ll be proud of,” she said. “There’s plenty of time to do all sorts of wonderful things, and it’s good to use the motivation of whatever trends pop up, because often we need a little extra push to motivate ourselves to make a change.”
CNN —
Who says you have to wait until the new year to make a resolution or change in habits?
The latest social media trend on TikTok and Instagram, dubbed the “Great Lock In,” kicked off September 1 and is all about finishing out the year strong by becoming laser-focused on a personal goal now.
That goal could be financial, health-related, a possible big move or something else entirely.
And if tightening up your fitness or wellness regime before the holidays is on your to-do list, experts say it’s not too late to start.
The phrase Great Lock In is a nod to Gen Z slang, which uses the term “lock in” or “locked in” to indicate certainty or commitment to whatever the cause may be.
For Hannah M. Le, 27, seeing the trend go viral on TikTok was the impetus for deciding to increase her cardio and strength training goals for the rest of the year. The founder of Buckle Scrunchies who lives in New York City said she started her Great Lock In on September 8 with a goal of adding more reps to her strength training routine every week as well as increasing her pace on runs.
Le said she’s never been fond of adhering to rules but has so far found the Great Lock In useful in meeting her goals.
“What’s helping me with the Great Lock In is my friends who are either joining me or interested in hearing more about my journey,” she said. “I consider them to be my accountability partners, and I tell them my workout schedule throughout the week as a commitment device.”
Locking in
The trend’s social component is a big part of what’s driving people to try the Great Lock In, said Katy Milkman, the James G. Dinan Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and author of “How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.”
People sometimes need a bit of extra motivation to get focused when it comes to kick-starting healthy habits, said Milkman, who is partnering with CNN on a 30-day wellness challenge that gives readers the option to participate in a daily quiz to gather research about such habits.
“‘Everybody else is doing it’ is one of the most motivating ways to get people to change their behavior,” Milkman said. “They look around and say, ‘It’s a trend, I don’t want to miss out.’”
New Year’s resolutions work in the same way as the Great Lock In. Both motivate people with a temporal marker, she added, but motivation on its own is not enough to meet goals.
“When you have a goal, you can’t just be like, ‘I’m going do it. There it is, and then I’ll push myself through,’” she said.
Research shows it’s much more effective if you use different strategies that have been proven to work. “Everything from breaking down big goals into component parts, having someone else who you’re pursuing your goals with in tandem and finding ways to make it fun to pursue your goals so that you enjoy the process instead of dreading it,” Milkman said.
Le has a tactic she said works for her — putting less pressure on herself to make her goals and reminding herself instead of why it’s important to do so.
“I tell myself, ‘I don’t have to do anything, but I get to do everything,’” she said. “Getting stronger and faster is a way for me to continue doing the activities I want to do for the rest of my life, especially as ski season comes around.”
There’s no time like now
One of the good things about the Great Lock In, wellness speaker Mona Sharma said, is that it’s a way for people to commit that feels very personalized.
“We’ve had a really volatile few years, and people want agency and structures that they can do at home,” Sharma said. “And a three- to four-month window feels really, really doable and motivating, instead of the pressure of January.”
Cooler weather this time of year combined with people naturally spending more time at home might also help serve as motivation to reach a goal, she said.
“The Great Lock In is about turning that natural slowdown into a season of, really, self-investment,” Sharma said.
People who will have success with the Great Lock In will focus on the value of what they’re doing, Sharma said, rather than obsessing over things such as numbers on a scale.
But she warned that the Great Lock In should be approached with an air of caution — especially for those who are under stress or tend to be hypervigilant, as it might be an opportunity to hide behind being busy instead of feeling balanced.
“If you’re somebody who’s already living in isolation, somebody who has so many all-or-nothing rules, somebody who’s living with chronic anxiety, who’s already not sleeping well, somebody who’s going to step into this mode of doing … that could be also a great setback,” she said.
People attempting the Great Lock In should focus on what makes their goals enjoyable so they’re not dreading the process, Milkman said. And they should also take advice that arrives via social media with a healthy dose of skepticism.
“Try to actually look for some of the evidence-based strategies that help people achieve success, as opposed to just whatever person pops up on your TikTok feed and what they’re saying,” she said. “Most of that is one person’s advice based on their life experience, rather than scientifically validated.”
And while the social media challenge might have started September 1, it’s never too late to try the Great Lock In — or try making any change, for that matter — if you think it could help you reach your goals.
Just be sure you’re being realistic about them, Milkman said.
“Make sure it’s a reasonable, bite-sized, daily or weekly goal that sums up to an outcome you’ll be proud of,” she said. “There’s plenty of time to do all sorts of wonderful things, and it’s good to use the motivation of whatever trends pop up, because often we need a little extra push to motivate ourselves to make a change.”
Echoes of TikTok’s “Very demure, very mindful,” trend took over the internet so fast that I fear many people missed the joke. August 2 will forever go down in history as the day TikToker Jools Lebron (@joolieannie) posted a video titled “How to be demure at work” about her now-famous approach to life. “See how I come to work?” she said. “Very demure.”
The original video has over 7M views — which is a level of viral people and PR agents dream about. However, her follow-up video went even more viral, with over 21M views. The most viral has 36M. That’s close to three times the population of New York City. So, no wonder none of us can deny Jools’s impact.
In this follow-up video she expanded the vocabulary of the demure cinematic universe, saying she was: “very approachable, very considerate, very mindful.” Other words that have become part of Lebron’s lore are “modest,” “cutesy” and the portmanteau of “demuretsy.”
While both videos were instantly iconic and became trending audios for other creators instantly, some people began to notice one important factor: what was considered demure one day wasn’t so mindful the next.
In her first video, Lebron said that showing her “chichis” was “very demure” — as long as you show up to the job how you showed up to the interview. Yet, video two was all about the importance of wearing a high-cut shirt.
I hate to explain a joke — it takes half of the fun out of it — but Lebron knew exactly what she was doing with that. And slowly, viewers started to catch on, too. “We need a demure rule book that gets more convoluted and inconsistent as you add rules for us!!” said one comment — to which Lebron replied: “YOU GET IT.”
A video titled “How to be demure when you order your food” is one of the most illustrative of this tongue-and-cheek flexibility. “I’m not like you other girls, I don’t go out and eat Wingstop after work, I get a nice salad.” Cut to, a clip of Miss Demure’s plate, laden with salmon, loaded potatoes, mac and cheese, shrimp, and more from Longhorn Steakhouse. “Very demure,” she affirms to the camera. This is a core part of the joke. Anything can be demure if you will it — and anything can be a salad if you call it that.
If anything can be demure, is anything really demure?
The demure saga expanded exponentially, fast. It was the masterclass on living that I never knew I needed. Wear “ very short, very simple” nails, Lebron preached while wearing sparkly acrylics. She also gave tips on how to be demure in citations that aren’t so cutesy. “How to pick up your ID you left at the gay bar,” for example. Or even how to make “Apple,” the song of BRAT summer, more demure when your friends want to do the TikTok dance. (This one has Charli’s stamp of approval after she commented, “very cutesy!!!” on this demure devotional.)
Demure is a state of mind. Demure is a lifestyle. And many creators have taken that to heart, adopting the tongue-in-cheek nature of the videos to justify literally any of their whims.
However, TikTok’s penchant for isolating sounds, and now individual words, from their individual contexts has added some problematic layers to the discourse. Imagine if Nara Smith started giving out tips on how to be demure. Or, god forbid, the Ballerina Farm mother, Hannah Neelman. This sound would take a very different tone.
That’s why, divorced from its original, cutesy context, people are starting to wonder, is being demure regressive? While some creators reveled in the trend and declared it a demure fall, others made videos and posts about how they weren’t demure. Honestly, they could’ve shared the same sentiments while claiming to be demure about it, and it would’ve been a whole lot more fun.
On one hand, I get it. Many of the people complaining about everybody integrating the TikTok “very demure, very mindful” trend into their lives have been marginalized in some way by the tyranny of compulsory femininity with hereteronormative paradigms. When taken at face value, being “demure” is something they’ve likely fought against.
But that’s where the trend gets misunderstood. As a trans woman, Lebron’s commentary on feminity isn’t just tongue-in-cheek because of her hilarious juxtapositions. It’s inherently subversive — and that’s the point.
The inherent queerness of the demure trend
As the TikTok “very demure, very mindful” trend took off, some people had no idea where it came from. Quickly, some well-meaning videos amassed comments like “You don’t know what demure means” or “This feels very MAGA.”
Meanwhile, some people who discovered Lebron’s content and took it seriously didn’t take her seriously. Cue the transphobia. Predictably, because the internet is a hellscape, these trolls couldn’t fathom why a trans woman would ever speak on femininity. Comments flooded Lebron’s videos.
She responded to one that said, “A man giving advice to women on their appearance is crazy,” with the perfect rebuttal to transphobes (okay, maybe second to that one guy at the DNC).
“I’m very mindful on the internet,” she said. “I take jokey jokes and I hang out with the girly girls … I don’t get mad and dissolve into transphobia.”
But the demure trend isn’t just queer because Lebron is queer. In fact, just because everyone has started using the TikTok “very demure, very mindful” trend in their lives doesn’t mean it’s new.
Internet sensation Devin Halbal has been making videos about “keeping it demure” for months. Meanwhile, the “mindfulness” part of the trend might be a play on last summer’s “be mindful of why you were invited” trend where people jokingly encouraged being … there’s no other word for it: demure.
And what’s more queer than being playful about gender norms? Lebron’s identity is transgressive and, in acknowledging her deviation from expected gender expression as a non-passing trans woman, she claims ideas of feminity that are weaponized against her by asserting everything about her, and her life, is feminine, cutesy, demure.
Lebron is following a legacy. In an August 13 video to credit the “many demura divas” who have “paved the way” for her, including trans sisters like artist and content creator Selyna Brillare or ballroom icon Venus Xtravaganza. “Demure is just a way of life for the girls, for the dolls like me,” Lebron said, adding, “Who’s the original demure? Well, all of us. Being demure is thanking the people who have come before you while you pave the path for the people who will come after you.”
And while trans people, especially trans people of color, have historically been erased from subcultures they influenced and created, something very different is happening here. Lebron has posted multiple times about how her new fame has “changed [her] life.” She recently reported that she can even finance the rest of her transition thanks to her virality.
That’s the most cutesy thing of all. As we bask in her influence and use the TikTok “very demure, very mindful” trend to inspire our social media posts: “Let’s not forget to be demure, divas.”
And check out Jools Lebron (@joolieannie)’s most demure tête-à-tête with the fabulous RuPaul – Guest Host forJimmy Kimmel Live on the 2nd night of the DNC.
Do you remember the last time you saw a beauty trend and you were like “should I try that?” I know what you’re thinking: “ most predictable intro ever,” right?
Well, here’s the thing: I actually try the beauty trend.
Call it FOMO or the inability to be a free-thinker, but I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn’t want to hop on every TikTok beauty trend I’ve seen just to see if it works. If nothing else, I’m a product of the corporate machine and fall into any marketing scam thrown onto my socials. But, hey, if it changes my life…great! If it doesn’t, I can’t say I didn’t try.
Blame content creators on TikTok, who post their flawless makeup routines and create looks that the rest of us can only dream of imitating. And, reader, I dare to dream. If someone with flawless skin is going to share their routine, then I’m going to try some of their products. It’s the ultimate recommendation.
However, I’ve learned the hard way that no one’s skin is identical. So, even if some products make one person’s skin glow, they may irritate yours. And don’t get me started on the brands that pay creators to say good things about their products, just to convince viewers to buy their products.
So, yes, there can be scams and there can be wastes of time…but such is life. Either way, I like to experience the result of a product or trend for myself and make my own decisions. Which is how I’ve come to write this article.
I’ve spent years now falling for trends and trying out the newest, hottest products on the market as they cycle through. All so you can learn from my fatal mistakes and steal my successes. Here’s what worked for me and what didn’t.
Snail Mucin
After damaging my skin barrier during a weekend ski trip, I went feral trying to find some sort of remedy. This was right around the time that the K-beauty “slugging” trend launched into America, and I was desperate…even if it meant throwing snail secretion on my face in a Hail Mary attempt.
There are plenty of benefits for using snail mucin besides ultra-moisturization. It brightens up dark spots from acne marks and sun damage, reverses signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating collagen production, and contains antioxidants like zinc and vitamins A and E.
I didn’t want to love it, but I did. While this may be a dated trend in K-beauty standards, it’s one product I’ve used in its entirety and will be purchasing again. It successfully restored my dry, flaky skin and gives me a glow like no other serum. There’s nothing like this product right now, I’m sticking with it.
Bright Pink Blushes
The makeup industry lost its mind when the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush went viral. The bright, almost bubblegum pink was all the rage…and while I was fine missing out, a few too many brands duped it until I was forced to try.
It was during the time where “Cold Girl Makeup” was trending…that look of pink flush on your cheeks you get after you play in the snow. And since blush is the new contour, why not invest all of my money into the brightest pink I’ve ever seen?
I chose the Patrick Starrr ONE/SIZE Blush Trio because it came with a pink highlight as well, which is perfect for a sunkissed look in the summer. The trio has both a cream and powder blush, but I found myself only needing the powder to achieve the pop of color I wanted. It’s great, but definitely not for your everyday look.
Brow Products
I live by the mantra that you shouldn’t be spending a lot of money on brow products…I’ve seen no difference in a set of eyebrows that use the Refy products from those who use NYX. Honestly, I see the brow makeup industry as one of the biggest scams on the market.
It’s almost impossible to get your brows to stay in place all day without lamination, so most products that advertise “staying all day” are lying. It’s just not that easy. I’ve even seen people have better luck with drugstore hairspray making their brows stay than most luxury products.
If you think about it, everyone loves the NYX brow freeze…but you see an equal amount of people telling you to “save your money” on a brow product from Sephora. So don’t fall for the gimmicks of buying “separate brow brushes” (buy spoolies on Amazon if you must) and pay $6 for a tube of brow gel instead.
Pink Setting Powders
While I agree that translucent setting powders can leave a white cast or give flashback in photographs, I was always loyal to my DermaBlend Powder. It kept my makeup in place and gave me a poreless look while taking away unwanted shine. But, I wanted to see if I could get rid of that ghastly pale shadow it would sometimes leave on my face if left on for too long.
Sure, we all know the “baking” trend with setting powder…and I’m a habitual participant. But, baking for too long can mitigate my tan and make me look a little sick. So, I tried the Huda Beauty Setting Powder in Cherry Blossom. Since pinks cancel out the heavy bags under my eyes, I figured it’s worth a shot.
To be honest, I don’t see that big of a difference between the translucent Dermablend and the pink Huda Beauty powders. Yes, they’re both great setting powders. However, the pink doesn’t make a significant eough difference to use one over the other.
Trends move quickly on TikTok, and fashion has always been cyclical. What’s old or uncool is almost always new and “in” again. Case in point: the video app’s newest tastemakers: the impeccably dressed, coiffed women of New York City’s Upper East Side. Accounts like @LadiesofMadisonAve, @ThePurseBlog, and @NYCFashionGal showcase daily looks from the sartorial set whose elevated street style is currently racking up thousands of likes, comments, and followers who praise their sartorial elegance, discreet designer baubles, and styling constraint. From outerwear to footwear choices, their aesthetic remains refined, prioritizing substance over fleeting trends and innate personal style over influence.
While a fascination with the aspirational aesthetic of the upper echelons of society is hardly new, the sudden interest from younger generations can be credited to fast fashion fatigue and the “quiet luxury” trend currently dominating social media feeds.
The look stems from haute-minimalist fall 2023 collections and impactful pop culture references that romanticize status, privilege, and inherent wealth. Think: timeless wardrobe essentials, subtle signature detailing, a muted palette, and investment pieces that serve as status symbols to those in the know—as evidenced in the buzz surrounding Gwyneth Paltrow’s simple-yet-covetable court wardrobe, or the understated, stealth-wealth uniform worn by the powerful Roy clan on Succession.
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While the previous examples exhibit the “less is more” approach, for the sophisticated uptown set, luxury doesn’t necessarily equate to minimalism. While their style is hardly considered muted, it speaks to the essence of the trend: functionality and quality. Their wardrobe choices are an authentic reflection of their glamorous existence that serve as the blueprint for escapism shows like Gossip Girl. They don’t have to prove their immense wealth; they simply embody it. Therefore, the approach to fashion is more expressive—prioritizing wearability, premium fabrics and fit, and mixing in distinct add-ons like family heirlooms, designer vintage finds, unexpected hues or textures, and modern touches from contemporary brands.
While their lifestyles (and closets) may be unattainable, their ability to fuse luxury and individualism is undeniable. This is probably what makes Upper East Siders so charismatic and approachable, explains Joshua Kamei, creator of the TikTok account @LadiesOfMadisonAvenue, which currently boasts nearly 60k followers. Kamei, who often interviews his subjects, typically ranging from their 40s to 80s, about their polished look of the day, notes, “These ladies understand a good investment and value practicality over price.” Their typical looks could be described as a mix of “elegance, confidence, color sensibility, proportion, glamour…and a deep-rooted relationship with their hair stylist.”
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In a recent video with over 300 comments, Kamei chats with the statuesque Elizabeth during her midday stroll. She’s returning home, after lunching with a friend at the upscale Armani Ristorante on 5th Avenue, wearing a red wool hat she purchased 40 years ago from Bergdorf Goodman, a silk Versace neck scarf, a structured fur coat, and classic Bottega Venetta woven leather gloves. Describing her sartorial choices, she explains, “I always dress for myself…[never] to please anyone else [or] worry about coordinating because I have enough things that I’ve collected in my lifetime…I always find the right thing.”
Ferragamo Floral-Print Silk-Twill Scarf
Now 35% Off
Tory Burch Metallic Leather Coat
DeMellier London Nano Montreal
This self-assured style ethos is common among the women Kamei interviews. He explains, “They share a sense of pride in putting themselves together in the way they want to be viewed and to show respect to the places and people they patron.” When it comes to getting dressed, the goal is “paying attention to detail that appears effortless and accessorizing masterfully.”
There is also a common theme of chic sensibility. In one of Kamei’s most popular videos, he spots one of his most popular subjects, Nadine, running errands in a sleek, reversible Prada raincoat. The black jacket is layered over a grey crewneck, cargo trousers, and chunky leather ankle boots by The Row. To personalize the utilitarian look, Nadine layered on vintage Yves Saint Laurent necklaces from her personal archive, a dainty Chanel pearl AirPods chain, and a slim Hermès Collier de Chien bracelet while carrying a hefty tan Birkin.
Valentino Garavani VLOGO leather bracelet
Theory Oaklane Trench Coat in Admiral Crepe
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Other than the subtle Prada triangle and tiny Chanel Cs, there isn’t a flashy logo in sight. Whether viewers can afford her look or not, her modern ensemble prioritizes comfort while staying true to her personal taste, which is universally appealing. Comments on the video include, “She is my favorite! So personable and stylish”, “AirPods on a Chanel chain…I LOVE her”, “The confidence on her is inspiring!”, and “I want to be Nadine when I grow up.”
For Brooklyn-based photographer Olivia Joan Galli, who has shot editorials for Architectural Digest and Vogue, wearing designer vintage pieces is a source of pride and connection to family. In the past two years, she has amassed a following of over 150k on TikTok, with fans who are enchanted by her closet of heirlooms she inherited from her grandmother, the late Joan Johnson, who co-founded the successful cosmetics company Johnson Products in 1954, which then became the first Black-owned business to be listed on the American Stock Exchange.
As an international businesswoman, Johnson boasted an impressive couture collection thanks to her penchant for timeless silhouettes, high-end fabrics, and logo-free details from her favorite labels including Chanel, Manolo Blahnik, Gucci, and Givenchy. Her keen eye for versatility, range, and craftsmanship is truly a lesson in power dressing. Galli notes, “If we think about what it must have been like to be a successful Black woman in business in that era, her style reflected her stature, and she used it to portray her tone. When I wear her clothes, I try and channel that energy.”
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On TikTok, Galli documents the process of incorporating the vintage pieces into her everyday looks, and it’s evident that she shares her grandmother’s creativity and instinct for fashion. On one occasion, she layered an oversized, sequined Bob Mackie blazer over a cropped tank and jeans. On low-key days, she’ll wear her grandmother’s Chanel leather loafers and sweaters with a distressed moto jacket or a pleated Burberry skirt with an oversized Tom Ford knit and leather platform ankle boots. The pairings are unexpected, but they feel relevant and edgy—and always luxurious. Her fresh take on styling and ability to make vintage feel current has helped her rack up nearly three million likes (and counting) thus far.
Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafer
Aritzia Agency Linen Blazer
Kate Spade New York Adventure Stripe Sequin Bucket Hat
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Regardless of the borough, the new crop of street style stars represents a welcome reprieve from overconsumption, the importance of preserving the past, and a celebrated return to the classics—at a certain price tag, of course.
With #tovfurniture having more than 25.7 million views on TikTok, including a collaboration with Alix Earle, as well as a strong following on Instagram, it’s fair to say Tov is the furniture brand taking over social media. It’s easy to understand why. Every piece is beautifully and thoughtfully designed, yet on-trend. Still, many pieces have a timeless quality to them. Although most of this mid-priced line ships quickly, the is quality higher than what consumers see with typical “fast furniture.”
Tov also doesn’t take itself too seriously. From bright colors to boxes stamped with its motto “Don’t be boring,” this female-founded brand, which has been established for a decade is also very much inspired by social media and creating what consumers want when they want it.
Timeless design from Tov
Tov
It’s also almost entirely female-driven. With over 200 employees worldwide, 80 percent of Tov’s employees are women. So it’s not a surprise there has been a 20 to 40 percent growth rate per year and more than 1500 different products at any given time.
I recently spoke with co-founder and lead designer Chaya Krinsky about her unique business model, trends for 2023, and how social media shapes the brand.
Amanda Lauren: What is the difference between fast furniture and quick furniture?
Chaya Krinsky: I think the main difference between fast furniture and quick furniture is that fast furniture has the reputation of being fast to be obtained but also fast to be thrown out.
Burl wood is making a comeback in 2023
Tov
I think of Tov under the quick furniture umbrella because we do have a very quick supply chain and production system that allows us to offer customers new pieces within a very quick turnaround time. While we pay attention to popular trends and like to speak to the consumer’s current interest, we hope they enjoy our pieces for years to come, rather than just quickly tire of them and replace them.
Lauren: How quickly do pieces go from being an idea to available on the site?
Krinsky: We try our hardest to get pieces in our warehouse, ready to be shipped, within six months of design. For reference, some of our competitors take 2 or more years to get their furniture ready for sale. So we are really proud of our speed capabilities.
Lauren: How are your designs influenced by TikTok?
Krinsky: I am heavily influenced by TikTok, I love how global it is and how you are constantly being pushed by new content from new creators, it isn’t just the people you follow like Instagram is. I think the video format is very engaging and allows the creators to tell a story rather than just share imagery.
Social media, in general, can be a great level playing field for anyone to interact and be heard, which I appreciate. It isn’t just the uber-wealthy or Hollywood celebrities—it can be anyone and everyone around you at any time.
Lauren: How does Instagram influence Tov?
Krinsky: Instagram will continue to be influential to me, even with the rise of TikTok. I love how intentional it is. People put great effort into the images they are sharing, knowing that they will stay on their profile forever. It revivals print magazines in some capacity, I am constantly looking back to posts I’ve saved and see what has stood out to me.
I would say, overall Instagram is less theatrical, which can be refreshing if that is the creative mood I am in. I can be influenced by anything when it comes to design and Instagram has quite literally anything and everything.
Lauren: What is the difference between a trend and a micro trend?
Krinsky: I see micro trends as being more niche movements in society. They can be interesting because not everyone has bought into them like a bigger trend. Some people may be obsessed with a micro trend and feel that it fits their personality perfectly and then on the other end some consumers may hate it and not understand it at all. I see trends being more overarching and telling less of a specific story.
An art deco style nightstand
Tov
Lauren: What are the biggest interior design trends right now?
Krinsky: I’ve been seeing a huge push for art deco styles and homages to past decades. For example, bold floral fabrics that were popular in the 60s and 70s are very popular and will continue to be. We’ve seen boucle come back in a major way and I think that will stay popular this spring, as well.
Bright colors and geometric patterns [are also big trends]. Even in styling, you see a lot more accessories being used, minimalism is becoming less popular.
There’s also a very big trend going on now with very dramatic accents that are both cozy and soft. Oversize velvet pillows, oversize, boucle, ottomans, or just some of the things that I’m seeing a lot of all really making the home feel comfortable and fun.
Lauren: What are the the most important current microtrends?
Krinsky: Fluting is big, whether it is on accent furniture or lighting.
I also think grandmillennial and coastal grandmother will continue as microtrends. I love the nostalgia of both of these microtrends, they really exude a poetic pleasant feel to a room and one done correctly just gives such a crazy style.
Barbiecore was a fun microtrend a couple of weeks ago that I think might pop back up as we get close to the launch of the actual Barbie movie.
Biophilic design has also become a microtrend. Some want to fully bring in as much greenery and natural plants into their homes as possible and others are just dipping their toes in with using more natural materials, like bamboo.
Curved furniture from Tov
Tov
Lauren: How does Tov balance producing trendy pieces that are designed to be affordable and cool yet not disposable?
Krinsky: I think a lot of this goes back to the intention that we put into the pieces we produce and the Tov brand in general. We pride ourselves on the quality of our pieces, first and foremost, we hold ourselves to even a higher standard than even our most loyal customers. While Tov is a relatively new brand—we are intentional about designing our pieces so that pieces across seasons (and years) can be easily mixed and matched. Our goal is that customers can easily add to their collection of Tov pieces over the years as they need new and different pieces, this is why we aim to design our pieces to be versatile for many stages of our customers’ lives.
Lauren: What is it like being a woman in the future industry right now?
Krinsky: I feel like it is a lot of responsibility. The furniture industry, like so many other ones, is male-dominated, which is very interesting considering the demographic of interior designers and home decor customers skews heavily female.
The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
