POPSUGAR - Beauty

That Schitt's Creek Beauty Collection Is Back - This Time, With David Rose's Body Milks

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 23:03:03 GMT

David Rose may be notoriously unimpressed and sarcastic in most episodes of Schitt's Creek, but one thing's for sure: he'd be highly enthusiastic about Beekman 1802's latest beauty collection. The lifestyle brand's founders are Schitt's Creek superfans, so they developed yet another line of products inspired by David and Patrick Brewer's general store, Rose Apothecary - just in time for the holiday shopping season.

After initially releasing a not-so-Schitty capsule earlier this year, the brand is dropping a second installment that includes a goat-milk soap bar, body milk ("It's milk . . . for your body!"), lip balm, and votive candle, all of which have a rosy scent and come in minimalist black-and-white packaging that would earn Moira's seal of approval. Oh, and this year, there are also two new gift set options: one contains three of the candles and the other features one of each item. As Alexis would say, "Oh yay, David!"

Considering how quickly the first round of Beekman 1802's Schitt's Creek-inspired items sold out, getting your hands on this second batch of goodies may be a bit tricky. They'll be available on Beekman 1802's website starting on Nov. 12, but the wait list has already amassed more than 28,000 (!) fans and counting. Be sure to sign up here to get an email straight to your inbox as soon as the collection drops. Take an up-close look at each product ahead, and you'll certainly react a little something like this:

Image Source: Pop TV via Giphy

I Let My Hairstylist "Surprise Me" - and Ended Up With the Haircut of My Dreams

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:20:03 GMT

I've always been somewhat of a gambler. In fairness, this is not entirely my fault: I was born in Las Vegas, and thereby entered into this world with an inherent propensity for all things high stakes. In that sense, it doesn't feel too off base that I left my latest haircut up to chance. Let me explain.

After doing absolutely nothing with my hair but allowing it to live, unperturbed, atop my head for nine-plus (!) months, my ends were starting to look long, dry, and drab. Meanwhile, I was reporting on the most-requested hairstyles following salon reopenings amid the coronavirus pandemic - all of which were striking and chic (and the polar opposite of my own look). Itching for change but not a clue what I wanted, I booked an appointment with Robert Sherman, the lead stylist at the Frederic Fekkai Salon in NYC, with an idea: what if I let him, based on his expertise and the season's biggest trends, determine the fate of my next haircut? It would be like letting your partner decide which restaurant to take you to for your birthday. "I don't know, surprise me!"

When I walked into the salon, I laid out all my cards on the table. In an attempt to alleviate any pressure to run through the exhaustive list of haircuts out there, I had narrowed it down to three of the coolest styles I've seen of late for him to choose from: the modern shag, the A-line bob, and the textured clavicut. Each one would require I chop off at least five inches of hair, if not more, but would be easy enough to style according to my low-maintenance lifestyle. Then, it was time to roll the dice.

The cut he would ultimately decide on was merely the luck of the draw.

12 Times Megan Thee Stallion Pulled Out the Most Over-the-Top Nail-Art Looks

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 22:15:23 GMT

If we're ever in need of some inventive nail-art inspiration, we know just who to look to: Megan Thee Stallion. The "Don't Stop" rapper always has the most amazing manicures - not just for the red carpet or her music videos but also in everyday life.

Celebrity manicurist Coca Michelle is responsible for most - if not all - of Megan Thee Stallion's noteworthy manicures. Michelle has an eccentric style that suits the rapper well and keeps the designs interesting. She, along with Cardi B's go-to nail artist Jenny Bui, created all of the manicures in the iconic "WAP" music video.

Angled lipstick-shaped tips, hand-painted designs, and 3D embellishments all make for a classic Megan Thee Stallion nail look, and although her signature style is undeniable, we've never caught her repeating the same acrylic set twice. She's tried everything from painted anime nail art (of which she happens to be a big fan) to translucent crystalline designs.

Ahead, we rounded up some of Megan Thee Stallion's best nail looks to date (some of them you have to swipe for).

Clea and Joanna From The Home Edit Just Launched a Line of Clean Bath Products

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 21:10:09 GMT

The Home Edit debuted on Netflix back in September, and if you've already marathoned through all of the episodes, it's likely that the show's stars, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, have had quite the influence on some of your organizational choices as of late. If that's true, you'll be happy to know that the duo just launched an exciting collection of products you'll be happy to keep on hand in a few storage containers.

After teasing it on social media earlier this month, the duo officially launched a line of personal care and bath products called Rume. According to its description, Rume was created as a way to "reinvent everyday essentials with everyday systems" and to give your bathroom display a minimalistic and overall aesthetically pleasing look.

The brand's initial launch includes hand sanitizing wipes as well as antibacterial hand soap, hand lotion, and hand sanitizer spray that all come in full size bottles and travel sizes. All of the products are plant-based and fragrance-free, and they're made to keep your hand clean without leaving them feeling sticky or weighed down by product.

All of the items are available to purchase separately or in bundles. Shop Rume's selection of products ahead.

There Is a Language Discrepancy Between Makeup For White Skin and Makeup For Dark Skin

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:45:06 GMT

When I was younger, I did a lot of acting. I landed major parts in school plays and commercials and played an extra in a couple well-known films. I loved acting: the challenge of memorizing lines, learning how to emphasize dramatic monologues, and exercising my love of accents - it was great. But one thing that always bothered me was the makeup I'd have to wear from scene to scene.

Fifteen years ago, makeup was not as diverse as it is today. There was no Fenty Beauty, Cover FX, or A.P.D.G. to provide us with authentic color-matching shades. For people of color like myself, our only options were nude, beige, brown, chocolate, and mocha. None of these shades ever matched my slightly fair with brown undertones skin.

Back then, I was too young and naive to complain to the makeup artist or costume director, but I was very conscious of how my onscreen makeup didn't match the color of my neck and body. When I'd make a face after I was all made up, the makeup artist would always say something like, "We added more makeup because of the onstage lights; don't worry, you look fine!"

The majority of the makeup used on me was labeled as "nude" - which was a shade above beige - but it was confusing that "nude" never actually matched my skin tone. The experience my white counterparts had was totally different; their makeup - labeled "porcelain,""ivory," or "rose" - seemed to blend in perfectly with their fair skin, while mine looked uneven and wrong. I quickly realized the makeup industry was aware of the variations of white skin. It provided white customers with numerous options and appeared to be oblivious that Black skin could have such variations as well.

I hated my stage makeup. The transformation never made me feel pretty or myself. My white friends had the option to choose from "rose,""honey," or "ivory" and leave the chair with glowy skin, ready to accept a Tony. The makeup shade names did exactly what they promised: provide a rosy tint or honey glow. I, on the other hand, had to choose between coffee or cream, neither of which fit my skin color. In fact, the entire experience of my acting career turned me off makeup entirely in my personal life. And I'm not alone: people of color have expressed frustration around accurate shades of color and proper naming of these colors for years.

Unfortunately, while shade ranges have expanded in options for darker skin tones, not much has changed in the beauty industry when it comes to the names of these shades. From time to time, I still see "mocha,""butter pecan,""espresso,""hot chocolate," and even "chia" (or my favorite, "Yikes" and "Typo" from a huge cosmetics brand). This degree of naming reinforces the problem that elevating European beauty standards (fair skin, blue eyes, straight hair) is the norm while only tolerating darker complexions. Not to mention chocolate, sugar, and, coffee are all historical products of slave labor. This is hugely problematic and offensive. It makes me, and other Black women I know, feel small and unseen. It makes us feel like an afterthought.

To be clear, "nude" and "espresso" are not inclusive; in fact, they overlook many people of color. Not all Black or brown people have the same skin tone, therefore there should not be a one-color-fits-all solution.

I'm sick of being labeled as a basic brown caffeinated drink. I want to be treated as an equal and see creative names like "maintaining my sand-ity,""tanacious spirit," or "barefoot in Barcelona" that you see on store shelves that are catered to white people. When I see these, it makes me realize how much thought and creativity were put into the product, only to be followed up with "chocolate" or "mocha" for darker skin tones. To be clear, "nude" and "espresso" are not inclusive; in fact, they overlook many people of color. Not all Black or brown people have the same skin tone, therefore there should not be a one-color-fits-all solution. As a consumer, it looks lazy and instantly tells me the brand does not care about its POC customers.

I strongly believe real change will only happen if we build a common language and understanding around these critical conversations. Beauty brands can no longer say they stand with the Black community and not address the language they are using to describe the Black community.

The beauty industry must make it its duty and responsibility to ensure its products are empowering and inclusive - both in their offering and labeling. Words are powerful, and words matter.

4 Ways to Keep Your Curly Hair Extra Healthy in the Winter

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:20:05 GMT

Not everyone is a fan of winter weather for many reasons, one being because of the number it can do on your hair - especially if you have kinky or curly hair. Truth is, curls already have a tendency to dry out faster regardless of the season (you can thank the natural oils from your scalp, which have a harder time traveling down a spiral strand than they do straighter types, for that), so when you pair that with the cold, moisture-sucking air that tends to come in the winter months, you're bound to experience even more dryness than usual.

That said, much like you might tweak your skin-care routine in the winter to make sure your skin is staying hydrated and healthy, there are also a handful of changes you can make to your hair-care regimen to ensure your curls retain as much moisture as possible.

If you're currently looking for ways to winter-proof your curly hair-care routine, read ahead for a few pro tips.

35 Beauty Gifts From Target For Under $25 That'll Keep You Festive All Season Long

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 20:15:03 GMT

Target is the destination for affordable and good-quality beauty products, and it's no surprise it's got us covered for the holiday season. From self-care-inducing bath bombs and skin care to cute makeup and hair accessories sets, Target has got the perfect finds for anyone with a beauty obsession. We curated some of the coolest stocking stuffers, gift sets, and beauty gadgets that will add an extra sparkle to your loved ones' life, all for under $25.

Inner-Lip Tattoo Ideas That Can Be Completely Hidden, Like Kendall Jenner's "Meow" Ink

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 19:35:03 GMT

Inner-lip tattoos started to gain popularity a few years ago with notable stars like Miley Cyrus and Kendall Jenner getting them, but they're not often talked about. Because of the discreet nature of inner-lip tattoos, they can be easy to hide, but like with anything, there are pros and cons to consider.

On the pro side of getting a small tattoo on your inner lip, you have the ability to keep the ink completely concealed - no one has to see it unless you want them to. The hidden location allows for complete freedom when it comes to choosing a design (which is how Jenner ended up with "Meow" on her lip). But that brings us to the number-one downside of trendy inner-lip tattoos - they don't last very long. Due to several factors - friction from your front teeth, saliva, movement when talking and eating - most tattoos in this location fade away within less than a year (depending on how you look at it, that too can be a pro). You also have an increased risk of infection with inner-lip tattoos and the pain factor to consider because the skin here is very thin.

Ahead, we rounded up a few inner-lip tattoo ideas for anyone considering getting the hidden piece of ink.

Breaking Out More Than Normal? Your Pumpkin Spice Latte Might Be to Blame

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 18:30:04 GMT

As much as I'd like to say I start off each morning with a healthy kale smoothie, most days, the first thing on my mind when I emerge from my slumber is coffee. Especially on days when I have hit snooze on my alarm too many times to count and have to rush out the door, I usually prioritize brewing a cup of coffee over anything else (sometimes I even skip washing my face).

After turning to two skin experts, I discovered that this is quite possibly the worst morning routine I could have. Not only because I skip washing my face, but also because I supplement the habit by drinking a cup of coffee with tons of artificially flavored coffee creamer. If you're drinking more coffee than normal during pumpkin spice season and you're breaking out more than normal, too, dermatologist Dr. Julia Laemmerhirt, MD, said your pumpkin spice latte could be to blame. Pumpkin spice lattes enjoyed in moderation don't present much of a risk, but if you're drinking multiple cups a day, every day, it might be wreaking havoc on your skin for three key reasons: caffeine, acidity, and sugar.

What Does Consuming Too Many Pumpkin Spice Lattes Do to Your Body?

Dr. Laemmerhirt described caffeine as a double-edged sword. "Coffee triggers a stress response in the body," she told POPSUGAR. "And actually, this is why we drink coffee, because we want to feel awake and alert. Coffee raises the heartbeat a bit, it wakes our mind up, and we feel ready to tackle the day - but this is a reaction of the sympathetic nervous system, [known as] the flight or fight system." Dr. Laemmerhirt added that if we drink coffee throughout the day, it might help us to work for longer periods, but it doesn't give the body a chance to do its rest and rejuvenation work. In short: it's an abuse of the drink. Even though pumpkin spice lattes are effective in keeping us energized, the caffeine puts our body into overdrive, activating a stress response that increases the levels of cortisol in our body.

What Does Cortisol Have to Do With Acne?

Cortisol is a stress hormone that leads to inflammation - and in the morning, our cortisol levels are already naturally high. "If you wake up nervous or already a little stressed, then drinking coffee will push the button a little bit more . . . which will create more inflammation," Dr. Laemmerhirt said. "And, of course, inflammation is the ground stage where acne occurs." If you're trying to de-stress with a festive fall coffee, pumpkin spice lattes technically have the opposite effect, and that's bad news for your acne.

Does Decaf Coffee Have the Same Effect on Acne Breakouts?

According to Dr. Laemmerhirt, drinking decaf coffee can also negatively impact acne. "Coffee is acidic - in fact, everything roasted is more acidic - and when you have an acidic body, you also have inflammation," she said. "Even if you choose caffeine-free coffee, you still have the acidic part [of the coffee bean]. The other thing is, the process to decaffeinate the coffee beans adds a lot of chemicals into the mix that your body needs to get rid of." According to Dr. Laemmerhirt, a decaf pumpkin spice latte isn't any better for you than a regular one, because you're just replacing one bad thing with another. Even though you don't have to worry about inflammation caused by caffeine, you still have to worry about inflammation caused by coffee's natural acidity and chemical additives.

Since Lattes Are Made With More Creamer Than Coffee, Are They Better For Acne?

Pumpkin spice lattes are typically filled with artificially flavored creamers and sugary syrups, making it no better than drinking a regular coffee. The sugar content of that pumpkin spice creamer you're pouring into your coffee every morning is so high that you might as well be drinking an extralarge milkshake, and Dr. Tanuj Nakra, MD, of TOC Eye and Face explained that's not doing your skin any favors. "Sugar gets broken down into glucose in our bodies, which raises our insulin levels. Insulin spikes are a major trigger for inflammation in our bodies," he said. For an inflammatory skin condition like acne, combining two inflammatory foods (supersugary creamer plus caffeinated coffee) is not ideal. This increase in insulin not only causes inflammation, but it also breaks down collagen and produces pore-clogging testosterone - so Dr. Nakra advises staying away from those sugary syrups and creamers.

Does This Mean You Have to Give Up Pumpkin Spice Lattes Altogether?

Short answer? Not entirely. Dr. Nakra assures us an occasional sweet treat can be a reasonable indulgence. "Truly rare doses of sugar won't cause breakouts," he said. So if you're still craving a pumpkin spice latte, try making one from scratch at home so you can control the amount of sugar that's going into it. Moderation is key, and Dr. Laemmerhirt agreed, saying you can still drink coffee every day, but it's best to enjoy only one in the morning and swap the rest for tea throughout the day. She recommends green tea specifically because it's not acidic. "It's actually the opposite," she said, adding that "it has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects, so you can counterbalance the body's stress response."

Do You Actually Like Pumpkin Spice Lattes, or Are You Just Addicted?

That's the last question you have to ask yourself, because caffeine and sugar addictions are very real. "If you are constantly craving sugar, in the form of candy, chocolate, or Frappuccinos, for example, then it is likely you are addicted," Dr. Nakra said. It's tempting to indulge in as many pumpkin spice lattes as possible before the season is over, but if it's beginning to give you acne, that's definitely a sign you should cut back on them. Pumpkin spice season is one of the best parts of the year, but don't let it be ruined by a bunch of bad breakouts.

11 Times The Crown Nailed the Royal Family's Actual Hair and Makeup Looks

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 17:05:07 GMT

If there's one thing we love about The Crown (although there are many things we love about The Crown) it's how well the series matches the real people and events it followers. From the actors chosen, to the outfits recreated, to the hair and makeup choices made throughout the show, it can feel like actual footage of the royal family at times, rather than a Netflix original drama.

Season four of The Crown hits the streaming service this November, but from what we've seen from the trailer and snapshots of the new episodes, it's going to be another good one for royal beauty looks - and the recreations are spot-on. In this upcoming season, we'll be introduced to Emma Corrin as Princess Diana and see many of her iconic looks throughout her lifetime. And of course, well see more of our old favorites from season three - Olivia Colman as Queen Elizabeth II and Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret.

Ahead, take a peek at the amazingly accurate beauty moments to come in season four of The Crown.

10 Pumpkin Skin-Care Products That Don't Just Smell Good - They Work Wonders

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 16:15:08 GMT

Pumpkin is the unofficial/official mascot of autumn - and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it during the cozy season. You can go pumpkin picking, bake a pumpkin pie, sip on a pumpkin spice latte, or incorporate the gourd into your beauty routine. That's right, in addition to being a delicious-smelling and tasty fruit, it's also a popular ingredient in skin care.

But is the humble pumpkin actually good for our skin? We asked Dr. Catherine Borysiewicz, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic in London, to share exactly what pumpkin is great for. "Pumpkin is more than just a Halloween decoration - the nutrient-dense fruit is full of vital proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is beneficial for our health as nourishing our skin," Borysiewicz said. Pumpkin delivers a whole host of benefits for the skin that include removing dead skin from the surface, brightening the complexion, and fighting against acne flare-ups thanks to the proteins found in pumpkin. "The zinc, enzymes, and alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) in pumpkin help increase the skin cell turnover, soften the skin, and restore the pH balance," Borysiewicz explained.

It's an ingredient that's also packed with antioxidants, which "helps deliver skin radiance and improve elasticity." And its skin-loving properties don't end there. "The beta-carotene contents of pumpkin, which is converted to vitamin A, have antiaging benefits, which helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as UV damage," Borysiewicz said.

Pumpkin is now in such a wide variety of beauty products, so almost everyone can get in on the action to see the benefits. Some of our favorites include Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask, Haeckels Bladderwrack and Pumpkin Body Balm, and many more.

Keep reading to see which other pumpkin beauty products are well worth the hype this season!

The Harry Styles Hair Evolution That No One Asked For but Everyone Desperately Needs

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:45:05 GMT

Harry Styles is known for a lot of things: his beautiful voice, his charming demeanor, and his most recognizable feature - his gorgeous head of hair. His hair has gone from adorable curls back in 2010 to moppy waves held back by headscarves in 2014. His hair hit lengths that as a fan I never expected to see (and sometimes hated - hello, awkward lengths) before the dark day where he chopped it all off, albeit for a good cause.

I have a lot of strong feelings about Styles's hair, and while I love the short look he's currently sporting (though I'm not convinced he knows exactly what to do with it sometimes), I miss the days of long-haired Styles who would totally own a stage in a completely new way while singing his hit "Kiwi."

Relive Styles's most iconic hairstyles in the gallery ahead, then check out his best Gucci moments.

10 Beauty Gifts to Buy a Loved One Who's Obsessed With Frozen

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 14:25:03 GMT

Listen, we would never shame any adult for still being a Disney-lover, especially when their go-to Disney film is Frozen. For the fan who is a beauty-lover alike, the holidays are the perfect time to cash in on your (or someone else's) obsession of the movie by adding a few Frozen-themed beauty products to your wish list. Believe us when we say that there are several of them out there that make great stocking stuffers or stand-alone gifts.

From Elsa-themed eyeshadow palettes to icy blue nail polishes, take a look ahead to find some of the dreamiest beauty products to get for all the Frozen-lovers in your life (even if that's you).

Chika on How PCOS Affected Her Skin and Confidence: "It's Something I Do My Best to ...

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 01:54:02 GMT

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A post shared by CHIKA ???? (@chikalogy) on Oct 20, 2020 at 9:19am PDT

Up to 12 percent of women of reproductive age are affected by polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, according to the CDC. The condition presents a variety of symptoms - such as excess hair growth, oily skin, irregular periods, and insulin resistance - that can take a toll physically and mentally. In an inspiring Instagram post shared to her grid on Tuesday, rapper Chika opened up about her personal experience with PCOS and how it has affected both her skincare routine and her confidence.

"SKIN APPRECIATION POST: so, i often get praise for my skin accompanied by questions about my routine," Chika wrote. "People say, 'your skin is flawless!' and i always feel like i'm being deceptive by showing the good days without the bad. i want my instagram to challenge the norms of social media and how we show our best moments only."

"My skin was at it's worst last year and it's doing a lot better now that i have a routine that works decently for me."

Chika added that it's important to her to show the good and bad skin days. She also mentioned that a symptom of her PCOS is hirsutism, which results in hair growth on the face, chest, and back. Hirsutism can also result in folliculitis, a skin condition that causes breakouts and hyperpigmentation, or darkening of the skin. "It's something i do my best to manage, but it's a daaaaaily struggle," she wrote. "I only take photos when i'm not having a flare up. my makeup routine is very specific because certain products make it worse. but my point in sharing is to let other womxn know they are not alone in this trash ass condition lol."

For Chika, her skin has remained her "biggest pain" and "biggest insecurity," but having a steady skincare routine has helped her to manage her symptoms and feel more confident in herself. "My skin was at it's worst last year and it's doing a lot better now that i have a routine that works decently for me," Chika wrote. "So when you see a clear skin pic, just know i had to work for that and wait months for an opportunity when my skin isn't trying to ruin my life lmao . . . it'll go away eventually. but til then, know that i understand. love y'all."

This Product You've Seen All Over TikTok Straight Up Eliminated My Need For Foundation

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:40:02 GMT

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A post shared by Dr.Jart+ North America (@drjart) on Sep 22, 2017 at 6:26pm PDT

Truth be told, I don't remember where I first heard about the product that would overthrow my daily makeup routine. It may have been on a "best of" list, or talked about among friends, but eventually, I bought a jar of Dr. Jart's Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment ($52). At $52, it was a modest investment in the future of my splotchy skin.

I have combination skin: overall dry, with perpetually large cheek pores and a nose that's prone to becoming oily halfway through the day. Due to a bout of mid-20s cystic acne, my face is uneven in both color and surface texture. (Gotta love acne, eh?) It's not perfect, but I'm OK with that.

What I don't love, however, is that I'm prone to redness. I'm a pale, freckled gal, and my skin's undertone could be compared to the color of Dorothy's ruby slippers. I used to dull the redness with a primer and a hefty dose of foundation, but the Correcting Treatment has eliminated my need for both - I now slather on a bit of the product, follow it up with a touch of powder, and I'm good to go. Here I am two minutes after putting it on (no foundation, no powder):

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Maggie Panos

"But Maggie," you're thinking. "It's just green sunscreen, isn't it?"

No, dear reader, it isn't.

It's a chameleon product that starts as a mossy green, then transforms to fit your skin's shade. The Tiger Grass (an herb) covers inflammation, redness, and blemishes while helping to cure those issues. It's not just a Band-Aid; it's a recovery tool. Because it's naturally hydrating (and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates), it's taken the place of my daily moisturizer, in addition to my sunscreen and foundation. My skin can breathe, because there's only one product coating it.

I've converted more than one friend to Cicapair, because there's nothing better than a product that actually works. No wonder it's been making the round on TikTok lately (oh wait, maybe that's where I first heard about it . . . )

Stock Up: These Beauty Stocking Stuffers Will Fly Off the Shelves

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:15:03 GMT

If you're giving beauty products this holiday season (and you definitely should be), they're ideal stocking stuffers. There's nothing better than getting a pretty lip gloss or a lust-worthy skincare set; they're the items you really want and are so excited to use. This season, we're grabbing as many of these gorgeous gifts as possible, because they really do work for everyone!

Whether you feel like gifting a set of bold lipsticks or hydrating serums, these 23 stocking stuffers will make anyone blush. The only thing that feels better than getting a great gift is giving one, and that's where we come in. These picks are universal crowd-pleasers, and all you have to do is shop!

The Best Eyeshadows to Pick Up From Sephora When You’ve Only Got $20 to Spend

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 22:45:03 GMT

While having a bottomless beauty bag just a pipe dream, picking out new eyeshadow doesn't need to take loads of space . . . or cost like it does. Of course, that's not to say we wouldn't make room for a luxe palette, but sometimes we want to try a new color without a huge monetary commitment.

Luckily, there are dozens of eyeshadow options at Sephora that cost $20 or less - including solo shades, liquid tubes, and even palettes. No matter your textural tastes, there are smooth matte hues, smoky metallics, and plenty of shimmers.

Check out the ones we want to swipe - and swipe on - ahead.

Kristen Bell is a Low-Key Skin and Nail Expert - and Her Salon Name? "There Will Be Blood"

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 21:15:17 GMT

Image Source: NBC Universal

You might imagine Kristen Bell as the kind of celebrity who would gladly show you the doorless bathroom in her attic where husband Dax Shepard records his podcast - not just because she is decidedly the only celebrity living at the home with said attic and husband, but also because she actually did that, midway through our Zoom video call last week. It's one of his odd proclivities, I can now fully attest, of which she explained, "Look, it's none of my business. But there is a lot of poop talk in this house."

What very well could be her business, however (and if you don't count, you know, her actual job of acting and singing and founding a body-care brand with Lord Jones called Happy Dance. . .), is nails. Yes: the Frozen and The Good Place actor has built up quite the prowess and clientele. "I bought a gel machine eight years ago and, yeah, that keeps me busy," she quipped. "I give all my friends manicures. Monica [Padman] from the podcast calls my salon There Will Be Blood. It's not the way I cut the cuticles; she just bleeds really easily. She's a bleeder."

I don't want self-care to be special. I need it to be constant - not a one-time thing that is your monthly manicure, but an applicable mantra all throughout your day whenever you're feeling stressed.

Nails, you see, is one of Bell's many acts of self-care - a term she's redefined to fit her own terms. (Blood not entirely included.) "The semantics around how self-care is defined currently is that it is an event and it is special," she said. "I have a problem with that. I don't want self-care to be special. I need it to be constant - not a one-time thing that is your monthly manicure, but an applicable mantra all throughout your day whenever you're feeling stressed. My self-care is reminding me that I am a priority. It's also defined by my support systems, asking someone to come over for 10 minutes and get my kids out of my face before I scream to the high heavens or anything that involves daily rituals that are easy to do."

That last bit is also one of the driving forces behind her latest venture into the personal-care space, which is comprised of three CBD-spiked products: the Happy Dance Stress Away Bath Bomb ($15), Head-to-Toe Coconut Melt ($25), and All-Over Body Butter ($30). It wasn't just the price point she was adamant about, but also the messaging. Here, she shares exactly what this line means to her - plus the beauty hacks, affordable products, and CBD know-how she's picked up along the way.

On Making Self-Care Affordable Again

One of the biggest points of contention Bell brought to her meeting with Lord Jones is the element of accessibility: in short, she wanted to create products that don't cost a fortune.

"I contacted Lord Jones, which I thought had the best quality CBD out there and I said, 'Can we make something that cuts through all this noise of CBD and at a lower price point?' because it's not fair that rich people get the good stuff. It's just not," she said, adding that the urgency for affordable products is always important. "Now is a more appropriate time for things to be a lower price point because everybody's having to watch their budget with the unemployment rates. But even prior to COVID, I still want people who have to watch their budget to have access to this stuff."

Image Source: Happy Dance

This doesn't only extend to Happy Dance's body-care products, of course: "The perfume I wear is $10 a bottle," Bell said. "It's a perfume oil by Nemat and I've worn it for nine years; it's always in my purse. I'm using the White Musk right now, but I usually use the Amber. I've given the same Amber oil to all my friends and it smells different on every single person. And I love the fact that it's $10 for a little rollerball bottle, but it lasts forever because you just need a tiny dab of oil."

Just A Brilliant Hack to Waterproof-ing Your Eye Makeup

Speaking of affordability, Bell is no stranger to drugstore makeup, either - and is especially a fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Plumping Waterproof Mascara ($14) (she's a spokesperson for the brand).

"I truly don't wear makeup 29 days of the month, but my eyes are so deep set that no matter what I'm doing, the bottoms are getting gooey," she said. "My kids are always like, 'You have gray eyeballs,' because they just see a swipe of mascara under my eyes by the end of the day. So when I do wear mascara, I will sometimes wear the Charlotte Tilbury on my upper lashes, which I really like, and then I apply the Neutrogena waterproof on my bottoms. It's a thin wand that you can coat, coat, coat."

On the Power of CBD

Bell's #1 reason for getting into the (admittedly saturated) CBD space was to bridge the gap between the stoner trope and the clinical framework you tend to see within the category - but also because she personally believes in its benefits.

"I don't have a lot of mirrors in my house because, please, I see myself enough, but also because beauty to me is a feeling, and CBD helps me with that. When I'm using it in any form, including beauty-wise, it makes me feel like the thermostat of my life is set to exactly the right temperature. I feel like the volume on my children is lowered. The [Happy Dance] bath bomb was really important for me to create because, for me, a bath is the only time where I can justifiably lock the door as a mom."

She laughed, "I know that sounds weird, but you can't lock the door if you're peeing or even just using the bathroom during the day because they need you. But when I'm in the bathtub, those are the 15 minutes that are totally mine. I wanted to create something that could bring that same experience of feeling light to everyone else."

See? Even if you're not sitting right there next to her, Kristen Bell finds a way to bring you into her world. What you do with the bathroom door - that's entirely your business.

After Trying These Cleansing Balms, You'll Never Look at Your Makeup Wipes the Same

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 20:35:02 GMT

While many beauty trends come and go, we will forever hold on tightly to the double cleansing skin-care trend and cleansing balms that accompany it.

When it comes to face wash, cleansing balms are the unsung hero. The primary purpose is to dissolve any makeup, sunscreen, and impurities from the surface of your skin while delivering back multiple benefits. Not only are the oils in these balms great for moisturizing the skin, but they also act as an emollient base to literally melt away makeup.

To use a cleansing balm, you first take a dime-size amount of product and massage it onto dry skin in circular motions. When you do this, you'll be able to see your full face of makeup - even stubborn waterproof eye makeup - melt right off. Then, you rinse with water to wash away the oily residue. All skin types can use a cleansing balm, but those with dry skin will really benefit from its hydrating properties.

Ahead, we rounded up the best cleansing balms for you to shop. (Prepare to swear off makeup wipes once and for all.)

16 Skin-Care Products That Have Game-Changing Azelaic Acid as an Ingredient

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 19:40:22 GMT

Niacinamide went viral earlier this year as a do-it-all skin-care ingredient, and rightly so. However, there is another fairly underrated ingredient that is just as versatile and deserves as much of the hype. Meet azelaic acid, the game-changing skin-care ingredient that also does it all! It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and a tyrosinase inhibitor (in other words, it helps diminish hyperpigmentation). Traditionally, azelaic acid is used to treat those with rosacea, but it is truly beneficial for everyone.

This ingredient is a must have for those who have acne-prone, sensitive, or generally reactive skin. If you have stubborn hyperpigmentation, it is as powerful as the controversial ingredient hydroquinone but has none of the side effects. It's pregnancy-safe, plays well with a lot of other ingredients including niacinamide, and can be used by all skin types. Whether you use products with this ingredient day or night, sunscreen is a must! From serums to masks, we curated the best skin-care products that contain azelaic acid.