POPSUGAR - Beauty

Your Complete Guide to the Best Blushes of All Time

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 14:25:02 GMT

Sifting through blush at your go-to beauty retailer can feel similar to using a dating app at college or in a major city: the options are seemingly endless. Like dating, in order to find your perfect match when it comes to this category of makeup, you have to test the waters to figure out what shades, textures, and finishes you prefer.

To whittle down the dizzying amount of blushes you might be considering, we've curated some of the best ones in powder, liquid, gel, and cream form that will give your skin a natural-looking flush. Whether you want a silky matte powder that buffs into your skin for a pop of color or a formula that doubles as a highlighter, you're bound to find what you're looking for on this list.

Check out our picks for the best blushes of all time, ahead.

80 of the Most Popular Tattoo Designs That Will Never Go Out of Style

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 17:00:04 GMT

One scroll through the tattoo section of Pinterest, and it's easy to pick out some of the most popular designs. Between classics like hearts and roman numerals to contemporary favorites like infinity signs and arrows, there are some designs that have been tattooed at virtually every shop on Earth. Or, at least, that's how it seems. But just because they're popular doesn't mean they should automatically be off-limits. After all, these ideas are commonly requested for a reason.

These tattoos can be expressive, symbolic, and meaningful - especially when done in a unique, fashion-forward way that puts a modern spin on a classic design. In the words of tattooist Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy, who's worked with everyone from Rihanna to Hailey Bieber: "As tattoos become more acceptable, people will be less apprehensive to tattoo more of their body."

To prove our point, we've put together the 80 staple tattoo designs that prove "popular" doesn't need to mean "cliche." See them all, ahead.

- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes

18 Spooky Halloween Tattoos That Will Put You in the Spooky Spirit All Year Long

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 14:15:03 GMT

Halloween is a true beauty enthusiast's holiday. You get to be creative with your makeup and nail art, and get the chance to break out the glitter. But anyone who loves the holiday doesn't have to wait all year to get their Halloween high. Instead, they can profess their wicked love with a spooky tattoo.

In fact, according to Pinterest's latest trend report, spooky Halloween tattoos are up 88 percent in searches - and it's easy to understand why. Keep scrolling ahead for a few of our favorite ink ideas on Instagram.

Sephora Has All the Skin Care We're Searching For in 2020

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 00:05:03 GMT

Self-care, for us, means paying attention to our complexion with the best skincare products. We've only got one face and we want it to look as radiant as possible. Plus, shopping for skin care is a blast! We love trying new products, and switching it up is important so your skin doesn't get too used to certain formulas. If you're a beauty-lover, you know the selection at Sephora is just too good to pass up, and the "What's New" section is our absolute favorite.

Right now, we're focused on taking care of our skin, and we're starting by stocking up on products that do it all (think: nourishing sleeping masks, potent serums, and luxurious moisturizers). These epic multitaskers are available at Sephora, so rack up those beauty insider points with the skincare launches we'll be talking about well into 2020.

Jonathan Van Ness Just Got a Lob Haircut, and in the Words of Tan France, "Looks Gorg"

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 21:05:03 GMT

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A post shared by Jonathan Van Ness (@jvn) on Aug 7, 2020 at 10:00am PDT

Even Jonathan Van Ness, the talented hairstylist from Queer Eye, needs the help of another professional now and again. For his latest haircut, he visited New York City-based hairstylist and barber Sherene, whom he used to work with at Arté Salon NYC.

Van Ness's new hairstyle is a shoulder-skimming lob with long layers to add body and movement. While his hair is still long, it's much shorter than the style he's been sporting for the last few months. To show off his finished look, he posted a series of after snapshots with Sherene - both safely wearing face masks, we might add - and got the Tan France stamp of approval with a comment that reads, "LOOKS GORG, JACKAAAY."

Van Ness isn't the only Queer Eye star to have a big hair transformation post stay-at-home orders. Antoni Porowski went for a more extreme change and got a buzz cut on July 26. Now, we're just waiting to see who's next.

Not All Heroes Wear Capes, but These Essential Workers Sure Can Pull Off Bold Eye Makeup

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 20:20:03 GMT

As the pandemic continues into its sixth month, many of us have found comfort in pampering ourselves and really leaning into our beauty routines. Last month, our editors shared how they've been livening up their eye makeup when only the upper halves of our faces are visible with graphic eyeliner, shimmery eyeshadows, winged liner, and more. But we're not the only ones - essential workers and healthcare employees have also been using this time to create some statement-making eye looks to wear on the frontlines.

Self-care and beauty often go hand-in-hand, and sometimes getting glammed up can lift your mood in a matter of minutes. So while saving lives will always be the number one priority for anyone on the frontline, it's nice to see these everyday heroes taking time for themselves and having a little fun, too. Read ahead to see how a handful of essential workers are choosing to wear bright and bold eye makeup looks.

Netflix’s Skin Decision Is the Modern "Makeover” Show That We Need On TV

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 20:05:07 GMT

I vividly remember coming home from high school, making a snack, and sitting on the couch to watch Botched. I've always enjoyed those crazy plastic surgery shows and watching the transformation process from start to finish, even though the messaging behind them wasn't always the best. (Not that I realized it then.)

Now, as a beauty editor, it's become more clear to me just how problematic these shows were. They pushed the narrative that plastic surgery could easily "fix" something that's "ugly" or less-than-perfect and that without it, there was something wrong with your appearance. When I first saw the trailer for Netflix's new show Skin Decision, I assumed that it would be more of the same: a show that follows peoples' plastic surgery journey that's limited to your typical lip fillers, boob jobs, and liposuction treatments, and only further pushes the narrative that there are things that need to be corrected. But I couldn't be more wrong.

After watching the first episode of the new series, it became very clear to me that Skin Decision is the more modern "makeover" show that we need on TV. The stereotypical procedures that come to mind when you hear the words "plastic surgery" barely scratch the surface of the vast and sensitive medical concerns that can be addressed, and this show brings that to life.

Megan Thee Stallion May Love a Shimmery Eye Look, but She Also Loves a No-Makeup Moment

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:25:03 GMT

If there's anything Megan Thee Stallion loves, it's makeup (and, OK, music). It's become known throughout her rise to fame throughout the last year that the rapper frequently does her own glam for most of her photo shoots, red carpet appearances, and performances, which is why her being announced as the newest face of Revlon this month should come as a surprise to no one.

Still, even though she can pull off a bold cut crease or shimmery eye makeup look like few others, it seems she also appreciates stripping down to her bare skin in a no-makeup selfie. The rapper frequently shares photos and videos of herself when she's not in full glam, usually when she's hanging out at home on her off days. Check out a few of our favorite times Megan Thee Stallion proudly shared a no-makeup moment via social media below.

Emma Chamberlain Doesn't Really Care What You Think About Her Acne

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 18:15:05 GMT

If there's one thing you should know about Emma Chamberlain, it's that she doesn't really care what you think. The 19-year-old content creator who's managed to become a household name on YouTube in just three years may embody the unapologetic nature of her generation, but when standing side by side with her social media counterparts and colleagues, Chamberlain is a bit of a unicorn. Sure, like many viral YouTube creators, Chamberlain lives in LA, she has an aesthetically pleasing Instagram that often features iced coffee, and is known to spark cool-girl fashion trends (even if she doesn't totally mean to), but there's a fearless quality about her that's rare and palpable, even if only through the phone.

I'm far from the first person to ever call Chamblerain unfiltered and unapologetic, but after just a 15-minute conversation discussing her latest partnership with Bliss, the claims presented by so many others before me were true beyond a reasonable doubt. What you see is what you get with Chamberlain, and what you get is pretty inspiring.

Kylie Jenner Just Debuted a Short Blunt Bob Hairstyle, and Now We Want a Blunt Bob

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 17:15:15 GMT

Just in case you needed any more inspiration to push you in the direction of a post-stay-at-home orders chop, Kylie Jenner just debuted a blunt bob hairstyle at her early birthday dinner with friends.

Though Jenner's birthday isn't until Aug. 10, she posted snaps of an early celebration on her Instagram Stories on Aug. 6. In the photos, she's sitting in front of a lavish pink rose birthday cake. Her straight, light brown wig is curled under, giving us major '90s vibes. It's a shorter version of the Christie Turlington-inspired '90s lob that Chris Appleton gave her older sister Kim Kardashian in the past.

Jenner went with the chocolate brown hair color back in July, but this is the first time in a while that she's sported such a short style. Even though Jenner's blunt bob isn't a permanent cut, bobs and lob haircuts are two of the biggest hair trends right now. Many people are opting for a shorter hairstyle to transition them from summer into fall.

See more pictures of Jenner's brown, blunt bob hairstyle, below.

The Best Hair Hacks on TikTok We Keep Watching on Repeat

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 16:55:09 GMT

Contrary to what you might think, boredom can be a beautiful thing. Without it, we wouldn't be able to discover new, creative ways to fill our time - like searching "hair hacks" on TikTok and trying the best ones at home.

You can find some hidden gems on the social media platform, like ways to fit natural hair into a baseball cap, instructions on how to make a DIY hair mask, tips on mastering complicated hairstyles in a manner of minutes, or inventive ways to mask your dirty hair. Plus, many of these videos were made when stay-home orders were in place, which just goes to show that doing your hair is always the solution to everything.

Grab your scrunchies, elastics, hairspray, comb, brush, scarves, wraps, hats, clips, or any other accessory you desire, and get ready to watch some of our favorite hair hacks on TikTok. Don't forget to hit record on your results to show off your new look. Boredom? Never heard of it.

This Black-Owned Beauty Brand Is a Breath of Fresh Air For My Dry, Lifeless Curls

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 15:15:05 GMT

I love a face mask. No, I don't mean a protective mask (though I've got quite the collection there, too). I mean the face mask that would come to anyone's mind if those two words were spoken before March. These skin-care treats - along with CBD baths - have been my primary form of beauty self-care while staying at home, but there's a new player in town: a deep-conditioning hair mask I recently tried and now wholeheartedly love.

You see, with a continued closure of blow-dry bars, I've been trying pretty much anything I can get my hands on to naturally style my hair at home. My number one complaint when air-drying is that my curls turn very frizzy at the ends if I don't put product in, but many gels, creams, and even conditioners weigh them down so they're limp and lifeless instead. As the icing on my sad cake, I also have a mild relaxer along with single-process color, so to say my hair is "dry" is as much of an understatement as calling 2020 "mildly disappointing" would be.

However, when I heard about Bread Beauty Supply, a Black-owned brand newly stocked at Sephora, I was intrigued by the line and what it meant for people like me with 3a-4c hair types. It turns out, not only did I love the aforementioned deep-conditioning mask for not making my waves look as lackluster as my mood, but I actually applied its hair oil three times in one day. (Yup, it's that good.) Learn why - and see my reviews of all the Bread products I tested - ahead.

Cardi B and Megan The Stallion's "WAP" Music Video Features 7 Incredible Hair Changes ...

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 11:55:00 GMT

Cardi B has dropped her latest single "WAP", featuring Megan Thee Stallion, and damn, we were not ready to witness such iconic beauty moments in the music video. We're not surprised, though. As POPSUGAR entertainment editor, Mekishana Pierre, put it "'WAP' has all the ingredients of a Cardi B classic", and Card - as well as Megan - have always embraced beauty and experimented with their hair, makeup, and nails.

The video itself features an assortment of trippy rooms filled with leopards, snakes, and a pool - as well a few surprising celebrity cameos. The visuals are a total spectacle with each rapper's beauty looks (and ensembles) coordinating not only with one another, but also with the often decadent backdrop for each scene.

Megan and Cardi both brought in their trusted team of beauty experts for the video. Each of Cardi's hairstyles - including the breathtaking chain-linked ponytail and acid green-and-purple bob were created by hair master, Tokyo Stylez. Kellon Deryck, on the other hand, was responsible for Megan's stunning waist-length, white tiger-striped wig and two-toned periwinkle lob.

The makeup also corresponded perfectly with each scene. Cardi switched up her eyeshadow from pink to green with the help of longtime makeup artist Erika La' Pearl. And in a surprising move, Megan did her own makeup - which she also did for the single's cover artwork - consisting of expertly-blended eye shadow and fluffy lashes embellished with crystals.

Last (but by no means least) were each artist's nails - which were perhaps the most impressive of the entire video. Of course, they were longer than we thought was physically possible. Cardi's longtime manicurist, Jenny Bui, created a total of five sets of nails for her, ranging from baby-pink Swarovski stones to leopard-print stiletto tips - each more over-the-top than the next. Whilst manicurist Coca Michelle was the brains behind Megan's sunshine yellow french manicure and iridescent lipstick-shaped nails.

Ahead, feast your eyes on each and every beauty moment, then watch the entire music video to watch all of the magic in action.

What Exactly Is Coral-Reef-Safe Sunscreen, and Why Should You Be Using It?

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 00:01:03 GMT

I am obsessed with all things Rihanna, and when I learned that the sunscreen in her new Hydra Vizor Moisturizer ($35) was coral-reef safe, my first thought was, "cool." My second thought was, what does that mean? If you're curious too, we're breaking it down for you. Basically, there are certain chemicals formulated in sunscreens that contribute to the destruction and decay of coral reefs, which nobody wants. If you're interested in protecting both yourself and the oceans, we found 12 good options.

Whether you want a spray sunscreen or something light for your face, these products will keep you protected fun the sun and help keep the oceans that much safer. Every little thing we can do to help keep our planet healthy is a yes from us, and, spoiler alert, some of your tried and true favorite sunscreens are on this list. Keep on reading to shop our picks.

The Emmy-Nominated Black-ish Episode "Hair Day" Is Important For So Many Reasons

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 22:55:03 GMT

The ABC series Black-ish has been nominated for an Emmy in the outstanding contemporary hairstyling category, and there are a lot of reasons why that's big. Hair department head and Tracee Ellis Ross's hairstylist Araxi Lindsey received the nomination for her work in the episode "Hair Day," which follows Marsai Martin's character Diane Johnson on her new beauty journey at the salon with her mom Rainbow Johnson (portrayed by Ross) after expressing she no longer wants to get chemical relaxers in her hair.

"I took reference from my personal journey as a teenage girl in making that transition from wearing a lot of braided hairstyles with beads, then transitioning from that into a relaxer only to find out that chemical process on natural hair isn't the best way to go, especially for young children," Lindsey told POPSUGAR. "I remember going through the process of not wanting the relaxer anymore and then working with my own natural hair, and just how time consuming that can be and how damaging it could be to a young girl's ego."

Aside from being relatable for young Black girls and women, the reason this Black-ish episode in particular and the Emmy nomination for Lindsey are so important is multilayered, and she explained why ahead.

A Hairstylist's Tips on How to Safely Color Your Natural Hair

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 22:45:08 GMT

Like many chemical treatments, dyeing your natural hair requires a little research before taking the plunge. There's figuring out the best stylist to go to or, if you're going the DIY route, looking into the best kinds of products to use to get the job done. More than anything, you should want to know how you can color it safely so it doesn't wind up damaged or overprocessed in the end, especially if your hair is textured.

To learn a bit more about what to keep in mind when undergoing a color change, we got a few tips from Emmy-winning celebrity hairstylist Angela C. Styles. Check them out ahead.

Tip #1: Know How Your Hair Behaves

This goes for applying almost any product to your hair, but for hair color specifically, you should pay attention to its behavior and porosity before trying to lighten or darken it. How well your hair is able to retain moisture typically determines how easy it will be for it to maintain the color you add to it.

"If your hair is lower in porosity, it means that the hair dries fast when it's moisturized, therefore it'll get drier with color," Styles told POPSUGAR. "If the hair is higher in porosity, it'll retain color well and prevent hair from breaking."

Another thing to consider is how your hair has taken to past color treatments. If you've experienced excess damage, for example, it may be best to either reconsider your process, have a professional apply it for you, or refrain from dyeing your hair at all.

Tip #2: You Don't Always Have to Bleach It

Whether or not you'll need bleach or developer to color your hair depends on your natural hair color and how light or dark you want to go. "If you're looking to go honey or darker blond, you can do it without a developer," Styles said. "However, if you're looking to go platinum or strawberry blond, you will need developer."

It's also important to remember that if you're going from a dark hair color to a light one, you may need more than one session to make the change. According to Styles, if you're trying to boost dark hair up to the lightest blond, you'll have to do so in at least two to three sessions.

Tip #3: Nurture Your Hair After Coloring It

You've just put your hair through a pretty harsh process, so it's best to stay away from heat for a while directly after. You should also be sure to follow the color with a deep treatment like Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector ($28) (and continue to deep condition regularly) before sealing it off with argan or jojoba oil.

Your Makeup Won't Come Off on Your Face Mask With These Products; Trust Me, I Tested Them

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 20:45:03 GMT

I'm still adjusting to the new normal that is wearing a face mask every time I leave the house, even though I've been doing it since March. What bothers me most about the whole thing isn't remembering to wear one or even having it on for an extended period of time - it's how it interferes with my makeup.

As we head into month six of the pandemic, I've started wearing more makeup again like I did pre COVID-19 because it makes me feel good. But there's nothing more annoying than pulling off your mask to discover everything from the entire lower half of your face has transferred onto the inside of it.

Sure, I could just not wear makeup on that half and focus the attention on my eyes with fun liner, but with maskne being a thing, I've found myself wanting more coverage than ever when it comes to my foundation and concealer.

The remedy for this mask-makeup fiasco: the best smudge-proof, transfer-proof makeup products I can find in my collection of beauty things - which I put to the ultimate test ahead.

I Just Got a Tattoo, and Here's What the Healing Process Really Looks Like

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 20:05:05 GMT

I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday at a random tattoo shop in upstate New York. No research, no sketch, and no idea what I was planning on getting tattooed permanently on my body. As I pulled up a random design from Pinterest to print, fear washed over me as I realized how unprepared I was. Along with the unfamiliar pain of getting a tattoo, the thought of aftercare resulted in anxieties over infections. When leaving the shop, I quickly googled how to take care of the small tattoo - a step I should have prepared for weeks before the lifelong commitment.

Today, I have four tattoos. Over the past three years, my collection has grown, and so has my knowledge of aftercare. My newest tattoo - a medium-size cherub - came after two months of deliberating tattoo artists, designs, and sizes.

Walking into a tattoo shop can be nerve-racking, so finding a regimen that works for you can relieve some stress. Before getting my cherub tattooed, my consultation included reviewing my sketch, placement, and establishing a perfect tattoo care routine.

When having your ideal tattoo in mind, it's important to consider the steps and materials needed to ensure a quick recovery. My aftercare included staying out of the sun, wearing loose-fitting clothes, and moisturizing. Check what works best for you and your skin. Here's what worked for me.

12 New Makeup Launches at Ulta We're Excited to Play With This August

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 20:00:04 GMT

Our makeup routines have definitely changed in the last few months, but we've been having fun with products recently. Whether we're perfecting our no-makeup makeup look or playing with statement eye looks, there are a few new releases our makeup drawers could definitely use, and we're finding them all at Ulta. The beauty retailer has both high-end and drugstore makeup, so you can grab whatever you could possibly need. This August, try these 12 new launches.

Whether you're looking for lip gloss you can wear every day, your new favorite foundation with skin-care benefits, or a vibrant eyeshadow palette, these are the picks you'll be lusting after. Plus, there are so many cool new mascaras to choose from. Keep reading to shop our picks.

These French Bobs Have Us Reaching For Scissors (or at Least Dialing Our Stylist)

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 19:55:02 GMT

Anyone who's ever gotten a big chop knows: cutting your hair is like hitting a giant reset button on your life. If you are experiencing fatigue (with your hair or otherwise), desperately looking for a change, or wanting to feel inspired, a haircut will do the trick, but sometimes it's hard to know where to begin.

Somewhere between a lob and a pixie cut is the sweet spot we call the bob. It's cool, it's easy, it's low-maintenance. But if the typical blunt-end bob style doesn't suit you, there are more options out there just waiting to be discovered - like the French bob. Unlike the straight ends of a blunt bob, the French bob is more choppy with piecey ends. The style just skims your cheekbones, which also gives them a more pronounced look. It works on curly, straight, and wavy hair textures and instantly gives your look a touch of attitude.

Allow the following street style shots to serve as inspiration and proof that the French bob is the chicest cut around. It makes for a laid-back, perfectly messy style that looks like you just rolled out of bed but also like you're ready to step onto a runway - which pretty much sums up French beauty. As you scroll through these French-bob haircut ideas, it'll take everything in you not to chop off your hair right here and now. (But of course, we advise strongly against that.)