Daily Skimm

Quote of the Day

"Maybe."

— Maybelline updated its famous tagline to remove the “ambiguity” of whether she’s born with it or it’s the makeup. And maybe. The period is killing the grammar geek in us.

Making a Legacy

On Her Terms

Skimm’d by: Aryanna Prasad Bhullar and Maria Corpus

What’s going on: First Lady Melania Trump has been known for her fashion and for keeping a low profile (sometimes both at the same time). But lately, Melania’s spearheading new initiatives and executive orders and brokering global peace deals. This week, The New York Times detailed her work with Imperia, a networking forum she launched that’s been described as a “Davos for women.” In October, she pushed for an executive order prioritizing women’s health research. And most recently, she’s become a “dark horse diplomat” in the war between Ukraine and Russia, securing a short-term ceasefire and advocating for thousands of Ukrainian children in Russia to be returned home. Her efforts culminated in a rare White House meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials that she hosted last week. It’s quite a different picture than late-night hosts usually paint.

Leaving her mark: Critics point out that some of Melania’s political efforts, especially in recent months, may contradict her husband’s policies. Many say Imperia directly conflicts with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI policy, something department officials and Melania herself have refuted. The New York Times reports the admin has sued companies like Coca-Cola for hosting similar woman-focused networking initiatives. Still, the first lady’s political influence has been limited and largely bipartisan — see her Be Best campaign and the Take It Down Act. As she takes a growing public approach to her role, she’s giving people a behind-the-scenes look of sorts with Melania, the Series — a follow-up to a documentary that one New York Times reviewer called an “outwardly apolitical portrait.”

The News in 6

🗞️ Scott Colom narrowly won Mississippi’s Senate race, becoming the state’s first Democratic senator in over 40 years and its first Black senator since the Reconstruction era.

🗞️ The US could lose its measles elimination status as soon as this week, with more than 5,400 cases confirmed in 2026 so far.

🗞️ Authorities in South Carolina found a missing 11-month-old baby boy buried alive in a dog crate about a foot underground. The baby's father is being held on several charges, including attempted murder.

🗞️ Video captured the moment an Army sentinel guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier reprimanded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his staff during a visit, asking them to maintain “silence and respect” after they were heard talking and laughing.

🗞️ Millions participated in a general strike in Spain on Wednesday, with thousands marching in Barcelona and Madrid, as part of ongoing protests over rising housing costs.

🗞️ A new meta-analysis found Lexapro, Cymblata, and Thymanax are the most effective at treating people with depression over the long term.

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In Our Rotation

Care is one of the biggest costs families face, and one of the hardest to plan for. Here’s how to help shape what comes next — in just five minutes. You’re not alone.*^†

20/20 vision doesn’t guarantee healthy eyes. A comprehensive in-person eye exam can reveal signs of glaucoma, diabetes, and high blood pressure that quick vision tests may miss. Learn why.*

Feeling the squeeze? Here are 19 things to cut when money gets tight. Psst…most people ignore number 11.*

Keep scrolling... more recs below

Neverending Campaign

Who's the (Congressional) Boss?

Skimm’d by: Stephanie Gallman and Samantha Darby

What's going on: The midterm election was last week (some states are still counting ballots), but Congress now needs leaders. On Tuesday, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) was voted his party’s minority leader in the House. Labeled a “fighter,” Jordan has engaged in combative exchanges as head of the Judiciary Committee and is an outspoken ally of President Donald Trump. His win contrasts sharply with the reelection of an “old school,” institutional politician like Sen. John Thune (R-SD) to lead Senate Republicans. While Democrats clean up the confetti from their midterm wins, the battle for leadership hangs in the balance. The assumption that current minority leaders Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) would remain in their respective chamber roles is up in the air (and even got the Saturday Night Live treatment).

What do these jobs even do?: Besides being the most visible spokespeople for their parties, congressional leaders for the majority largely articulate the agenda for sessions. They keep voting tabs for their party, and when necessary, act as lead negotiators to get legislation over the line. In the House, the speaker presides over votes and is second in line to the presidency. Jeffries feels like he’s made his case for the job — he pushed Republican-gerrymandered districts to go blue and helped raise $826 million for candidates. Schumer was a frontrunner, but some progressive Democrats oppose his appointment. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced Tuesday he won’t support him, and that the midterms are proof it’s time for generational change in the party.

Related: This Is the New Face of the Progressive Left (Politico)

Who Needs Caviar?

The “Luxification of Pie” Is Here

Skimm’d by: Erika W. Smith

What’s going on: Whether you prefer pecan, pumpkin, or sweet potato, the best part of Thanksgiving is the pie. I look forward to my mom’s multi-year journey through the Sister Pie cookbook, but if you’re going store-bought, some prices are the opposite of humble. Earlier this month, New York Magazine declared that the best pie to order for the holiday comes from Queens bakery Mishie’s and costs up to $150 for a 12-inch version. It features a Cinnamon Toast Crunch crust (yes, the cereal) filled with custard and apple-cider caramel, and it's topped with gold leaf-flecked sour cream rosettes. As The New York Times puts it, “The luxification of pie is not just a big-city phenomenon.” While you can find them in San Francisco, Houston, and NYC, they're also in Kimmswick, Missouri. We know the tablescapers are already on this trend.

Who wants whipped cream?: Like pretty much everything else, the pie economy is K-shaped, experts say. This means that the wealthy increasingly seek out pricey pies while lower-income Americans are looking for deals, like Costco’s popular $5.99 pumpkin pie, which feeds 12 people — and sold nine million in 2024. Others see the dessert as a small luxury that can make the holiday feel special: “There are people who might be, like, I can’t afford a car, but I have $135 so I’ll go buy this fancy pie,” Commercial Baking editor-in-chief Joanie Spencer told The NYT. The good news: If you’re not trying to splurge on dessert, you don’t have to. Store-bought pumpkin pie prices are only 2.5% higher on average than last year, and if you’re going homemade, flour and sugar are slightly cheaper. And remember: Making more than you need means you can have pie for breakfast the next day.

Related: How To Make a Thanksgiving Meal for Under $40 for 10 People (Business Insider)

What I’m Buying for the Guys in My Life

Caroline, Senior Commerce Editor, here. Somehow, I find men the hardest people to buy gifts for. Their tastes are just…mysterious to me. For that reason, I’m getting a head start on shopping with these as-foolproof-as-possible options:

A bottle of the body wash my boyfriend keeps stealing from me (plus a refill)
This tee for my Knicks-obsessed brother-in-law…and a complementary toddler sweatshirt for my nephew
An app-controlled paper airplane my dad will get a kick out of
And more gifts for guys, handpicked by an actual guy

PS: Want more options? Check out our gift guides here.

Quick Hits

❄️ A psychologist has the best tips for making it through — and enjoying — the winter months. You’re going to need some new candles.

👁️ People under 35 now represent the fastest-growing group of patients receiving blepharoplasty, an eyelid surgery that removes excess skin or fat. What happened to using eyeshadow as contour?

🎵 Coachella’s 2027 lineup just dropped, and whoever got Dua Lipa and SZA to headline deserves a raise. Don’t snooze on the rest of the list, either.

👏 From the Muppets to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, we are completely OK with corporate commercials pandering to our millennial nostalgia. Our biggest question is… Bueller?

🎨 Thirteen-year-old Prince George illustrated a kingfisher bird for a Prince William-edited issue of Country Life, and the kid’s got skills. He and George W. should do a collab.

🎶 Brandy and Monica are teaming up for a ten-show “The Boy Is Mine” Las Vegas residency. Xillennials, this is your moment.

😬 Journalists have to stand out on the red carpet, too, which is why this one gave Leslie Knope — sorry, Amy Poehler — a dry waffle. She hit him with a Leslie Nope.

On Our Calendar

Thursday, November 12

🎤 New episode of Well Played drops

Caroline and Blake are not OK after the WNBA’s biggest breakup announcement. The only thing keeping their hope alive: a rumor that one star player is secretly married. (Hint: It involves a newly minted MVP.) Plus, why one mom ran 100 miles… in Antarctica. Find out on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

🍿 The Good Daughter premieres on Peacock

Crime novelist Karin Slaughter adapted her own bestseller for the small screen, and it’s as dark as you’d hope. Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy play sisters with a violent past and a hometown full of secrets. Maybe watch with the lights on?

🍊 The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County premieres

In this spinoff, podcaster Bobbi Althoff leads a new crew of influencer moms (plus one OG) — and they’re already throwing shade at the Utah cast. Welcome to the OC, indeed.

Psst... See what else is happening this week so you never miss a moment.

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In Our Rotation

Until November 17, buy one pair of Skechers and get another for 50% off. Did you know they're in the loafer game now?

Sign up for a subscription of your daily multivitamin, and you'll receive 40% off. Taking care of yourself has never been so easy.

This hydrating lip stain lasts throughout meetings, meals, and many cups of coffee.

Psst… love our recs? Follow @skimmshopping on Instagram for more products, gifts, and services that are actually worth the hype (and the price tag).

Settle this for us: Which Skimm says it best?

A photo of an investor looking nonchalant in France

A. “Blindly optimistic about everything on my to-do list.” — Michelle M., Philadelphia, PA

B. “Millennials, pretending our reading glasses are for fashion.” — Jamie S., Santiago, Chile

C. “What I mean when I say I’m facing my problems head on.” — Tori K., Chicago, IL

Turn a word search into your favorite strategy game with Spelltower. Clear the board.

Together with

Quote of the Day

"Maybe."

Making a Legacy

On Her Terms

The News in 6

✴︎

In Our Rotation

Neverending Campaign

Who's the (Congressional) Boss?

Who Needs Caviar?

The “Luxification of Pie” Is Here

What I’m Buying for the Guys in My Life

Quick Hits

On Our Calendar

Thursday, November 12

🎤 New episode of Well Played drops

🍿 The Good Daughter premieres on Peacock

🍊 The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County premieres

✴︎

In Our Rotation

Settle this for us: Which Skimm says it best?

Maybe. We’re confused.