Like many millennials with jobs, my beauty look is pretty consistent day-to-day, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have 82 tinted moisturizers, 41 mascaras, and about a million different facial mists. I like to mix it up, what can I say? If you, too, are an out-and-proud beauty junkie, welcome. It is my personal belief that the best time to buy beauty products is around Thanksgiving, because not only is everything cheap af, but everything is sold in sets. Yes. Please. Give me a million eyeshadows that have just slightly different undertones. Honestly, I love this holiday so much because we spend the whole day being grateful for all of the sh*t we have, but only until midnight when we’ll fight each other to the f*cking death at Target to get that 30% off KitchenAid mixer. #America, right? So if you fully embrace this holiday as a day of gluttony, scoop up these beauty deals before your friends do.
Ulta
Obviously, I have to start with the DSW of beauty because it just has so much stuff to basically give away this holiday season. Because they have about a thousand different sales going on during Thanksgiving weekend, I’m just going to name the few brands I’d personally recommend. Let’s start with 25% off Macadamia Professional hair masques. If you’ve ever been in a drugstore, you’ve seen this brand’s hair products. I have been using the Deep Repair Masque since high school, and it’s never disappointed me. It’s meant for people with damaged hair, but as a bitch with proudly virgin hair (hold applause), I love it because it takes my hair to the next level in softness. If you think delayed gratification is stupid, you’ll love this masque because you’ll feel its effects immediately.
Macadamia Professional Nourishing Repair Masque
Next is the BECCA Volcano Goddess Eyeshadow Palette, which is 40% off, aka it’s $27, aka it’s free. Honestly, I don’t really wear eyeshadow because I don’t know how to put it on without looking like a toddler in drag, but the colors in this palette are pretty wearable. So if you stan an eyeshadow moment, this palette is for you.
BECCA Volcano Goddess Eyeshadow Palette
And lastly, Ulta is offering 25% off a Chi 1-inch Ceramic Hairstyling Iron. I don’t have the time or the skills to give myself Serena-van-der-Woodsen-circa-season-one waves, so I don’t even try. However, every now and then after sleeping on wet hair for no reason at all, I wake up with a really unfortunate situation on my head, and this little hero can fix it within 10 minutes. I don’t usually curl my whole head, but a few chunks of hair throughout gives me that tousled look that I’m really feeling these days. I know what you’re thinking: wtf are you talking about, this is a hair straightener? To you, I say the most natural-looking waves come from flat irons! Twist your hair around the iron and gently pull the iron down the twist. I’m telling you, it’s never failed me.
Chi Original 1” Ceramic Hairstyling Iron
Glow Recipe
Not going to lie, I discovered Glow Recipe at Urban Outfitters, and have been obsessed ever since. The relatively new brand is offering 20% off every single product on their website, so if you haven’t already added a slew of skin care to your cart, you’re behind, girl. Anyway, if you are the kind of person who can be seduced into buying something simply because the packaging is irresistible, get ready to purchase literally every damn Glow Recipe product. I have the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask and am truly obsessed—mostly because it serves as a skin savior and decor on my dresser. Cute appearance aside, the mask itself is actually really good. It’s really moisturizing, but has a gel-like quality to it, so it doesn’t leave you feeling greasy and oily when you wake up. That ain’t cute.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Tatcha
This Japanese skin care brand is in pretty much every natural or ethical beauty store in the world and from November 28 through December, you can “play for a chance to get either 20% off your $100 purchase, 15% off your $75 purchase, or two free gifts with orders of $50 or more.” All of their products are cute and purple, but one of their products is truly better than the rest. I’m talking about the Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. Before you judge me for spending more than I’d like to admit on what you’d call water, hear me out. It’s made with botanical oils and humectants, which are responsible for the dew, and tbh it smells so damn good that I literally smile when I spray it, and I don’t even smile at puppies walking by.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
Also, I recently learned that your moisturizer absorbs way better when your skin is moist (get over it) than when it’s bone dry. Think about it this way: your skin is like a sponge, and sponges don’t work until they’re damp, right? Another cult favorite from this brand is the Dewy Skin Cream, which I haven’t had the pleasure of trying because I am low on funds, but maybe I’ll hit the jackpot on their annoying Thanksgiving game and be able to afford it!
Kevyn Aucoin
Get ready for the most niche Black Friday sale literally ever: Get 25% off your order and receive a free Exotique Diamond Eye Gloss in “Galaxy” when you spend $75 on November 29. Like, really? Only on November 29? Honestly, I’m sure I’ll get an email on November 30 that says, “We’re so nice and extending our sale!” The only reason I’m down for this annoyingly specific sale is because I’m so in love with my Neo Blush and feel like she needs friends. I’ve been dying to try the Sensual Skin Enhancer Concealer because it’s a really thick cream (as opposed to a solid, like most concealers are) and comes in a cute little pot. Also, I feel like if I have this, I could just dab it where I need it (because it’s thicc af and does its job) and not have to wear foundation or tinted moisturizer.
Stila
Stila is offering 35% off site-wide plus free shipping on all orders of $50 or more from November 29 through December 1 with the promo code BF35. I own one product from Stila that has truly defined my going out look to a T, and it is the Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner. Executing the perfect cat eye is hard, but Stila’s liner is actually really easy to use because it’s just a long tapered pen. So all you have to do is angle it as you draw, so the line gets thinner, and that’s pretty much it. Easy peazy. Anyway, Stila also has a pretty legit price point for a mid-level brand, so I fully support this sale. Another product I had and loved until I broke it by accident was the Aqua Glow Serum Foundation, because it was pretty full coverage but had the consistency of water, so it didn’t feel heavy or caked.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Drybar
I am more in love with my six-year-old Buttercup hair dryer than I am with the guy I’m seeing. Seriously. I have a lot of thick hair, so making sure it dries without going rogue is very important to me, and that’s why I have the Drybar one, the famous Josh Harry one, and, don’t judge me, the Dyson Supersonic. Drybar is shining down on thee and giving you 20% off all products, tools, and kits from November 21 through December 1. The Buttercup was the cheapest and oldest of the three I have, but it’s my OG and I use it every damn day. It weighs like, a pound, is pretty quiet, and does an excellent job. Generally, expensive hair dryers are better than drugstore ones because they use more power than they do heat, so they are less damaging to your hair. Cheaper hairdryers work in the opposite way, using more heat than watts, so you’re essentially frying your hair for longer. I also have the Drybar heat protectant, which smells so good that I leave it on my hands for as long as I can before the New York City subway system forces me to wash them. Luckily, the smell lingers in my hair for the entire day. By the way, Harry Josh is also having a Dermstore sale for 30% all of his products with the promo code DSGIFT from November 28 through December 2. His hair dryer is def cuter than the Buttercup, so if that matters to you, you can get it for a little less this holiday season!
L’Occitane
L’Occitane (pronounced “lox- ee- tahn”—you’re welcome) is giving us 20% off all full-size items with promo code CYBER from December 1 through 4, because they know no one is dragging their hungover asses to a store to buy their favorite hand cream. Speaking of which, I didn’t realize this brand sold anything besides hand cream until my grandmother gave me a beautifully packaged perfume (technically an eau de toilette) that smells so good that I spray it on my pillow before I go to sleep. It’s the Verbena scent, which is generally pretty clean with a hint of green tea. No complaints.
L’Occitane Verbena Eau de Toilette
Images: Ulta; Glow Recipe; Tatcha; Kevyn Acoin; Stila; Drybar’ L’Occitane; Eco Warrior Princess / Unsplash
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link and purchase a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
Is anyone actually surprised that it was America’s own future presidential candidate, Kanye West, who first declared oversized sunglasses out, and tiny sunglasses in? According to an episode of KUWTK that aired earlier this year, Kim says that Kanye emailed her and told her that her signature oversize Kim K sunnies were out, and that tiny sunglasses were the new “it girl” accessory. And well, as I sit here shopping for my own pair of Matrix-esque sunnies, I definitely can’t say Kanye was wrong. In fact, it kind of makes you wonder: which came first, the chicken or the egg? Did tiny sunnies only become a trend because the Kardashians and Jenners wore them? Or were they already becoming a trend so the Kardashians and Jenners wore them? Real brain teaser, I know.
Just look to any of your fav ‘90s Blockbusters (ugh, Blockbuster R.I.P) and you’ll quickly see exactly where and how the tiny sunglasses trend first originated. Our young adolescent selves first saw them in movies like The Matrix, Cruel Intentions and, probably the most iconic of them all, Billboard muther fuckin’ Dad. Like, have the Olsens ALWAYS been this cool? Fuck Kanye, I’m starting a campaign for those two to be president and VP.
So then what sparked the current revival of miniscule sunnies, which seem to be plaguing Urban Outfitters and Barneys alike, today? This ‘90s trend was re-ignited by none other than Demna Gvasalia, Balenciaga’s creative director, who presented a style of tiny shades during his Spring/Summer 2017 show, and then further promoted the trend during his Fall 2017 show.
Of course, it should come as no surprise then that “it girls” such as Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Selena Gomez, and Kendall Jenner all started wearing this trend last May. Yes, as in a full year ago. But, with all things fashion, this trend only recently trickled down to the masses and into your local mall, where you can now get your own pair for only $14 from Icing or wherever. I mean, at this point there’s no need to go blow money on a designer version of these trendy shades—you’re already too late to the trend, so investing in a nice pair would just be stupid. Like, by now the Kardashians are probs already back in their oversize shades with their oversize salads in their oversize clear bowls.
But, since I’m going to safely assume you’re not a celeb since you’re even reading this article (and if you are, then show me some love and hit this article with a retweet) then you might as well bandwagon onto the trend and get yourself a pair of these Insta-worthy sunnies. Pro tip: Wear them on the bridge of your nose to look effortlessly cool, and not like a try-hard, fashion inept loser. Like, don’t try to actually wear them as a means of UV protection. They’re a useless, yet stylish accessory.
Here are a few cheap styles of tiny sunglasses to shop, all inspired by the celebs who made them cool for you to wear in the first place.
1. Cat Eye
This cat eye version of tiny sunnies is definitely my personal fav. This style is easily the most universally flattering and least ridiculous looking. These similar-looking versions won’t break the bank.
From left: Free People sneak peek sunglasses; ASOS small cat eye fashion glasses; Urban Outfitters essential slim cat eye sunglasses.
2. Rectangle
The rectangle style seems to be the go-to choice for the Kardashians and Jenners. This is the style that most resembles those iconic shades from the Matrix. Tiny rectangle shades are definitely the most edgy, and really give off a cool and mysterious vibe.
From left: Quay Australia strange love; Urban Outfitters vintage Jesse slim rectangle sunglasses; Urban Outfitters vintage clueless square sunglasses.
3. Circle/Oval
This style of tiny shades is pretty much owned by Bella Hadid. Like, if Bella isn’t in the most miniature circle shades you’ve ever seen then you should definitely assume something is wrong. Maybe he ditched her weird ass for Selena again. I know I would.
From left: Free People ’90s kid oval sunnies; Quay Australia purple honey; Urban Outfitters slim oval metal sunglasses.
Betches may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. The links are independently placed and do not influence editorial content.
It’s almost spring bitches, so you need to prepare what to put in your beauty arsenal now. Put away those winter dark tones and icy highlighters, I’m here to tell you what the hottest spring makeup trends will be. Some of these are heinous and need to be avoided like a guy who sends “good morning beautiful” texts, some are actually like, really pretty and you should attempt them if you are a skilled professional. Regardless of which spring makeup trends you decide to attempt, these all mean one thing: you have to buy new makeup. You’re welcome.
Spring Makeup Trends To Try
1. Colored Highlighter
Highlighter has been an essential for a few years now, but this spring is all about adding a pop of color to your highlight. All over the runway, models have been wearing both warm and cool toned highlights, with gold being the most popular. Color coordinate your highlighter to the rest of your ~look~ and bring your selfies to the next level.
What to get: Becca Ocean Jewels Highlighter Palette
How to use: Apply your highlight to your cheekbones, eyebrow bone, nose, above your top lip, chin, and inner eyes.
2. Super Short Hair or Super Long Hair
Spring runways showed two basic hairstyles: extremely short and chopped, and long, wild, 90’s hair. If you’re into extremes, go hack your shit off and be super fashion forward. Otherwise, start taking your fish oil pills and gummy vitamins to grow out your mane, which you then need to part down the middle and leave half-styled and greasy. Or there are always extensions.
3. Cat Eye
Cat eyes are always in style, but this spring is taking it to another level. The cat eyes of today are super graphic, so don’t worry if you have no coordination with your liquid eyeliner. The rule here is the thicker the better, so go ahead and mess up and go over it 100x until your eye skin is raw.
What to get: STILA Stay All Day® Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
This is the best, blackest, and longest lasting eyeliner ever.
How to use: Perfect your cat eye by lining your top lash line first. Then, start your wing following the same angle as your BOTTOM lash line. This keeps you from accidentally dipping down and giving you sad basset hound eyes. The wing should go about as wide as the end of your eyebrow. Then just connect in between both lines. Thicken it as needed and line the bottom if you want to be extra bold.
4. Geranium Lip
Red lips are a fashion staple, but this year, for a more orange-red. The exact shade is geranium and it’s a universally flattering shade, as well as one of the hottest spring makeup trends. It’s brighter and more cheerful than your winter plum reds, so it’ll brighten up your sad, hungover face.
What to get: Smashbox Always On Matte Liquid Lipstick in Thrill Seeker
Spring Makeup Trends To Avoid
1. Frosted Blue Eyeshadow
This was suuuuuper fashion forward in 7th grade, and it needs to stay there. Unless you are a stripper, there is no excuse for wearing this shit.
2. White Eyeliner
Why? Why is this a thing? You can use white eyeliner to line the inner corner of your eyes or your waterline, but otherwise, this should be stopped.
3. Too Graphic Eyeliner
Unless you are Lady Gaga, stick to the cat eye (see above) and let sad makeup die.
Even though the winged eyeliner look may be on its way out (deal with it—it had its moment), that doesn’t mean liquid eyeliner is a thing of the past. Nothing will give a betch quite so sexy of an eye than a thick, dark liquid liner accentuating her already stellar mascara/fake lash skills. But getting that line just right and NOT having it resemble a preschool art project is a task in and of itself. Luckily, there are a few liquid eyeliners out there that even a dumbass non-makeup-wearing fugly slut can figure out. What would you do without us?
1. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
The super fine point and dark pigment makes for an idiot-proof eyeliner pen. Plus, it’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and stays all motherfucking day without cracking or ending up on the top of your lid.
2. Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner
Super easy to apply, intense color, and the ability to do fine or thick lines make this a great buy for anyone who is better at rolling out of bed and putting on sweatpants than they are at putting on any semblance of makeup.
3. Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner
If you want to SEE your eyes a lil better without drawing on an Adele-like cat line (enough already), this is your shit. It also won’t dry out after five or six uses, so it’s worth the nearly $20 price tag. And it’s a fav of betchy betch Alexa Chung, so we’ll take it.
4. L’Oréal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim Intense
Gotta love L’Oréal and their arsenal of easy-to-use and CHEAP beauty products that are actually decent quality. This liner is fab for beginners looking to do a cat eye (we assume for Halloween) or just add a bit of definition.
5. NYX The Curve Eyeliner
Do you suck at holding an actually liquid liner, resulting in a smattering of shitty curved lines and dots? This shit is literally shaped for your sausage fingers, allowing you to create a smooth and precise application.
6. Max Factor Masterpiece Glide & Define Liquid Eyeliner
If you’re a diehard fan of regular eyeliner and haven’t jumped on the liquid bandwagon just yet, this is for you. It’s easy to apply and won’t smudge all over your face.
